Can I stop relaxing now?

While Todd is putting the kids to bed (a lengthy process in our house), I have been washing the dishes, picking up toys and books, wiping off tables, folding laundry, etc., and wondering when to stop. The floor still needs sweeped, there's a pot soaking in the sink and some plastic bags to be washed, and once those chores are done, a string of many more awaits.

Reminded me of a funny story so I decided to stop, sit down, and blog.

Last fall, Todd went out of town for a week and a girlfriend of mine came to visit. I thought it would be helpful to have an extra set of hands. It didn't turn out exactly as I expected, as my friend is childless, single, and lives in a hotel where people cook her meals and clean her room. She was far from helpful in the everyday functioning of the home, but I enjoyed the visit and having the company and felt not the least resentful.

Most evenings, after I finally got the kids to bed, I proceeded to do the usual stuff that would normally have been done by the lucky parent that got out of bedtime duty that night. (Just the basics so that 7 am wouldn't roll around with me tripping over toys to get to the coffee, only to find a sinkful of dirty dishes and two kids ready to make another mess. Nothing fancy like cleaning the floor or scrubbing the tub, just enough to keep my sanity.) As I loaded the dishwasher, cleared the tables, and swept up the crumbs, my friend would relax on the couch with a magazine and a glass of wine.

The day came for my friend to go home, and while driving her to the airport, we had the following conversation:

Her (a massage therapist): My friend S_ has messed up priorities. She would rather spend her money on coloring her hair than getting a massage.

Me: Well, I would rather pay someone to clean my house than get a massage. That would be more relaxing for me.

Her: But, Juliette, you clean to relax!

Me: Go f*** yourself.

I didn't really say that. I just laughed. When my very energetic sister came to visit after that, all she did was relax for hours every day. Our house was so clean! But I did have to complain to my mom that all she was doing was relaxing.

My favorite store

I love Bi-mart. Where else can you buy oil and and oil filter, Yes to Carrots shampoo, organic cotton sheets and ammo for your 22* all at the same store?

*You're right, I don't have a 22, but I'm hoping you get the point. My actual purchase yesterday was as follows: oil, filter, shampoo, conditioner, 22-oz microbrews, peeps, pez dispensers, colloidal oatmeal bath, and honey sticks.

I've been eating Sunbow Farm's kale every week this spring. The best thing happened yesterday when I made this massaged kale salad with a bunch of the white kale. It has apples, avocadoes, sunflower seeds, and radishes in a lovely lemon-ginger-honey dressing. You must make it!

Blah, blah, blah

My head is spinning. I tried to start a knitting project no fewer than four times today. Unsuccessful. A dragon would be as big as a giant if they were alive. This parrot is very nice because it's a giant's bird and giants are not nice to dragons. Mom. I think this is a boy parrot. Mom. Do you think this is a boy parrot? Mom! The dragons live in a giant fire pit. They love fiery places. They love fiery places. Mom they love fiery places. Mom I have to tell you something more. They do not like cold and the next reason is they do not like storms. They like fiery places. Mom, remember that time we were at the indoor park and I played ball for a long long time? Mom. The dragons are hopping into their cave. They're eating parrot for dinner.

This is my nonstop talking almost 5-year old. He is still talking. He has been talking since 8 a.m. with a brief break when his friends came to play (thank God for Thomas and Tessa!) and a Berenstain's Bear DVD. He is cheerful but driving me batty. I think next I will try some headphones.