Spring Cleaning

I don't think I need to complain any more about how cold it's been here in the Big O. It's been so cold here for so long. I grew up in Houston, where spring cleaning means, you get out and clean the yard. But I think the true meaning of Spring Cleaning means, "We've been stuck in the house for like 8 months. Maybe we should clean the house, Leslie?" Hmm. Makes sense. So, I've been doing a little Nebraska Spring Cleaning. I've been throwing stuff out like crazy. Because, well, I guess the best way to put it, is that our current security system is extremely SECURE. If a robber were to break in our house, he would trip over our clutter. Random clutter. Stuff everywhere. Does anyone else have to take caution like this to the throne?

I don't remember anyone skateboarding through the house, but there was snow on the ground outside, so maybe in desperation, I allowed it... And yes, I most certainly did sit on my half-bath throne for the sake of this kodak moment.

When I got to the medicine cabinet, I started looking at expiration dates. We've lived together for a while, been married for 7 years, and moved four times. How some of this stuff even made the moves everytime is amazing, but how it's still on our shelves is disturbing.

This is a regular bathroom trashcan. I opted to take the picture when it was full - of out-dated medicine. There is no other trash in the can. It's simply filled with these bottles.

Sure, nothing that will kill us. But in there somewhere was kids cough medicine. Super. And I know you see it. Does anyone REALLY want to take an expired dose of Immodium A.D.? I think not.

I saw this label and felt an ethical need to prove that I wasn't making this up when Ricardo came home. Becuase I know he thinks I exaggerate on occasion. But this, my friend, was not that occasion.

I didn't even KNOW Ricardo when this expired. Not when it was PURCHASED...when it EXPIRED. I'm apalled too. Don't you worry. I've had a nice long talk with myself.

And put that phone down. Do not call CPS, I've cleaned it out.

After that, I decided to start another project. Or four. But this one took a bit longer than I ever imagined.
See this bare kitchen. It's missing something.

Backsplash. Right?

My aunt loves two things. Neither of which are me. She loves me, but she loves two things. She loves chocolate and travel. And she too has been doing some spring cleaning. She calls me, and asks if I would be interested in having some chocolate labels. We share a love for chocolate. I'm the lesser...uh, obsessed. But I said an abounding "SURE, I'D LOVE TO HAVE THEM!" I should have known a few labels was about, oh, a giant tupperware storage box. Like the size of what you store your christmas ornaments in. I sifted through about 2,000 chocolate labels from all over the world.

So, when I was spring cleaning, I found the giant container - that she totally suckered me to take - and pondered on how to preserve the trusted labels. And then it all came together. It took me about, total, 4 solid days, but I did it. And sweet auntie better have me in her will is all I'm sayin. (Just kiddinnnnng sweet aunty. Sort of.)

I think it sums me all up: collaged, busy, chocolate, family.

And THAT's how I roll.