Ground Hog Day

Today is February 2, 2011, Groundhog Day. A snow storm described as of historical intensity is sweeping across the US Midwest and up to the northern states, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. Any groundhog who sticks its neck out of it burrow today must be clinically insane and any reaction to its shadow can not be relied upon. I drove to the gym this morning and saw my shadow, meaning I have 4 more months of house cleaning before I can go to Italy.

As I was cleaning our ensuite it struck me, OK, it reminded me once again, of how different house rules are for husbands and wives. It was not that long ago that my wife got the crazy idea that hanging here necklaces on the wall of our bedroom would be decorative. I did not quite get it, but thought I should join in as well. Being more aware, and using the resources available rather than banging more holes in the wall, I proceeded to decorate the ceiling fan with my neck ties. They gave our room a sense of being an exotic cave, with multi-coloured stalactites hanging down. All without the use of hallucinatory drugs. Needless to say, my decorations did not even see one sunset, while her necklaces continue to hang in open defiance.

As I tried to see the countertop by removing a tray full of tubes of skin creams, face coverups, lip glosses, medicating creams, etc., and took the many large bottles of glaxocream and moisturizers, as well my one toothbrush and soap, I wondered what would happen if things were reversed. What if all her creams and lotions were in a drawer and I put all my toiletries on display on the counter. Besides having a very clear counter, I think it would not take long before she complained about not putting my stuff away. As I tripped over her slippers in the middle of the bedroom to look at her chest of drawers, (that's furniture, not some physical deformity), I decided to pass on polishing the top of it. Besides the usual photo frames, jewelry box, gum containers, perfume bottles, rock, bag with a button in it and necklaces that did not make it into the box or onto the wall, there was now a bulky sweater, a heap of sympathy cards from her mother's recent passing, extra funeral papers, and other assorted papers/receipts. Would I be able to get away with leaving that may things on my dresser. I think not!

There really is no equality in the home. No wonder groundhogs that see their shadow hibernate when they see their shadow. If they get up to early, they'll be busy longer cleaning up after themselves and their female hogs. Better to go back to sleep and hope she cleans up before you wake up.