Gunk 



My parents are arriving in 4 days to watch the children while my husband and I escape momentarily to the South of France. So, I've been doing what one does in anticipation for any parental visit: cleaning.

First, I got the refrigerator spotless - inside and out. Feeling oh-so-proud of myself, I decided to tackle the washing machine. I brought down a few paper towels and a random cleaning spray bottle. I told the kids, "I just have one more little thing to do and then we can go to the park - get your shoes on!"

When you first open the washing machine, it looks OK. A few specs of dust here and there. Some cat hair. Some lint. "Piece of cake," I thought.

But I made a huge mistake. A colossal mistake. I turned my head to the side...about 45 degrees towards my right shoulder. And I saw it. The gunk. The outside ring of the washing machine - the part you can't really see unless you really try...that part was covered in gunk. 2 inches thick of green, grayish, slimy gunk. The most disgusting gunk I've ever seen in my entire life.

The thought of cleaning it was so revolting that I went to grab the kids and drive them to the nearest Maytag store to buy a new washer. But I quickly realize that one can't buy appliances with air. And that's what is in my checking account this month (due to aforementioned trip): air.

So, I plopped the kids in front of the TV and started cleaning. Oh. my. god. The most icky goopy gunk in the entire world. I'm so aghast that I've been actually been washing my *clothes* in this machine. My clothes - the ones that touch my body! Oh my. It took me an hour to get it clean. The only way I could get it out was with my toothbrush. And with harsh chemicals.

We inherited this washing machine from the previous owners. When we moved in, I cleaned the inside (quickly), but not much else. Dumb move. I'm still cringing at the thought of all that gunk.

But, in 6 days, I will be here:
http://www.crillonlebrave.com

It doesn't say so on the website, but I'm quite sure there won't be any gunk to clean while I'm there.

Of course, I could afford to buy the nicest washing machine in the world for what we will be spending on this trip....but we won't go there. Who needs squeaky clean clothes when you can have a romantic week in France with your soul-mate instead? Riding through the mountains into the sunset....in my gunk-tinted cycling jersey. 

Posted: Mon - May 30, 2005 at 10:19 PM          

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