I don't entertain nearly as often as I would like to because of the mess. We have thessaly and Victor over every once in a while after a whirlwind clean up and knowing they're not the judgmental type.

with an added side of having a dog who produces enough fur to make a new dog every month.

Three shedding little beasts. Everything I own is covered with a fine layer of dust and cat hair. I brush the fluffier ones but they just make more. The cat hair bothers me much less than the disorganized mess I make myself, though.

I prefer my surroundings to be in good order, but living with people, pets, and time constraints, often makes that difficult, or impossible. Thing is, my mother and sisters are pretty much disorganized messes, so I am used to it and it doesn't bother me all that much. If I am on my own, then stuff is in order. If I am in a caring mood I will keep up after the guys and dog, if not then it can wait until I do care. Spoons are limited and sometimes often a book or tv show are more important.

"You guys have a really messy house! You should clean it up."

I've had kids say things like that! I can't even remember my exact response now, but I was amused not upset.

Truly DH#2 cured me of being such a neatnik. (thank you dear one) When we first lived together we would BATTLE over his slovenliness. He would want to dash out to the beach and I would say that I just had to do the dishes first, commence battle. His argument was storm waves, only a couple hours left of light, dishes will still be there later but the opportunity to surf would not. I no longer remember what my argument was because I was clearly wrongheaded. (thank you again dear)

My apartment is reasonably uncluttered right now, but that's because I spent all of last week working on it, because my landlord wants it to be neat when she's showing it to potential new tenants. It did literally take me a week to clean it, though. And it's still not what anyone would call "neat" -- it's just presentable.

The turkey post to add one more BATTLE memory. He had no organization for his clothes. As in no sock drawer or t-shirt drawer. It was all stuffed where it would fit. I argued how could he ever find anything; he argued that no matter what drawer he opened he would find what he needed. Oh Stephen, you were right. (but I still have a sock drawer)

Five Guys has milkshakes now, which I'm a little annoyed at since I always wished they did and I currently can't have one.

I had a Skype interview with a teacher placement firm that works with private schools. I think that went pretty well. Need to do some more paperwork for them.

Also downloaded a Kindle book about teaching statistics, because the place where I'm interviewing in a couple weeks wants someone who can teach intro statistics, and it's been a while since I've really looked at that material, so I figure that getting a teacher's perspective on it will be useful for the interview.

About a week or so ago, I asked Dear NSA if it knew what had happened to the charger for the Fitbit, since I couldn't find it anywhere, and then two days ago I discovered that it was what had made the Roomba stop working. Two weeks ago.

That's right, I am currently failing at even robot based cleaning.

My house is in a state of disarray due to a bathroom remodel (so stuff that is usually found in my bathroom is instead scattered all over the house). And it's not good for me. The way some are used to clutter/mess and (maybe?) have anxiety about clearing it up? I am of the opposite in that I crave order and cleanliness and and am most happy with surfaces being free of stuff and all floors sparkling. So I am feeling quite out of order!

I was raised in a small, gross apartment with literally no seating other than the very large and ugly dining room and chairs set that took up most of the "living room." We did not have any place for any of us to sit comfortably, as that was not a priority. And it was always a near-hoarder level of mess and filth. But my bedroom was usually immaculate and cozy and I would make my friends enter the apartment with their eyes covered and would lead them to my bedroom.

I am pretty sure that disgusting apartment without a couch or comfortable chair or anything else is what directly influences my priorities now. I take joy in offering a clean, comfortable space for my friends to gather. My tendencies to be sentimental and keep everything that reminds me of something lovely is always battling with my need to have clear lines and clean surfaces.

Have any of you read anything by Sara Benincasa? I'm reading "Agorafabulous! Dispatches From My Bedroom" right now. It's not particularly fun to read (even though she writes very humorously) but it's giving me a good window into what folks who suffer through intense anxiety live through. I don't think I had any idea. I have been thinking about some of you while I read it, and wondering if you can relate. I am about 30% through the book.