No, I am not insane. Or a masochist.  I recognize that of all the things I do each year, spring cleaning can be as much fun as getting an annual physical exam.  The scrubbing, the elbow grease and knowing that--with two young kids in the house-- all that “Clean” will be short-lived…well, it isn’t exactly “good times.”

But each year, despite all the grime and other unidentified substances that surface as I wipe, clean and sort, I have found some parts of spring cleaning to love:

1.     I Don’t Get Interrupted

When I start pulling on the rubber gloves, tying up my hair and busting out the cleaners, I know I won’t get bothered.  Because let’s face it, no one wants to join me in cleaning.  I simply have to yell out to my husband, “I’M CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE!” and he’s off like a jackrabbit to occupy the kids because he knows that the alternative is that HE has to clear out the fridge.  And so, for the next hour or so, my hubby doesn’t interrupt me and the kids are taken care of because, “Hey, I’m trying to clean over here!”

2.      I Get a Chance To Think

When I deep-clean, I deep-think.  So I love getting into that mode when I just let my mind wander or contemplate.  Some people do their best thinking in the shower…I do my best thinking when I clean.  Yes, I’ve been known to have some of my best ideas while wiping down counters or swishing around a toilet brush.  This year as I cleaned out our linen closet, I came up with a few Eureka! Moments including how to tackle a work project and the perfect gift for my Dad’s birthday.  Love that.

3.   I Get Entertained

….Because for once in running my household, I’m not juggling multiple things.  Even though it may be as mundane a chore as sorting out the pantry, I’m finally focused on one task at a time, and that means I get to mentally “zone out” for a bit.  It may be my own perverse sense of a ‘mommy break’ but it is a ‘break’ nonetheless!  That bestseller that I’ve been meaning to read?  I get the audio version, put in my headphones and burn through the chapters as I organize the cans of beans beside the boxes of pasta.  That TV talkshow that’s been sitting on my recorder for weeks?   I crank up the volume and my favorite talkshow host keeps me company as I clear out my cabinets.  Productive bliss!

Spring Cleaning isn’t my favorite task, but like most things, there can usually be some parts to love...if you just scrub hard enough.

Q: Do you have any tips for Spring Cleaning?