Does it bother you if your home is a mess? I'm not talking about it being to the point where it's a health hazard, but what about shoes being left in the middle of the room, or clothes in a pile on the floor, does that sort of thing bother you?

I ask because every April 7 is National No Housework Day. It's the one day each year when you're not suppose to feel guilty about not doing any household chores - a chance for you to do anything you want - except for housework.

I'm going to be honest with you - I don't know if I can observe today. My wife and daughter would tell you I'm a "tyrant" when it comes to that sort of thing. Before I go to bed every night I have to make sure everything is put back where it belongs.

And I blame it on my mom. I can remember while growing up if we were going anywhere mom would always have to be the last one out of the house so she could make sure all the towels were hanging straight and the rugs were in place.

It took me awhile to catch on but finally one day I asked dad what was taking mom so long and he said she was probably doing one last "walk through" to make sure everything was where it was suppose to be - what, like burglars are going to care?

Fast forward to today - and I've become my mom!!! I now have to be the last one to leave the house so I can do one last "walk through." But you'll be happy to know the craziness apparently stops with me because my daughter just rolls her eyes and laughs.

In fact, when she comes over the house to visit she'll purposely leave her shoes in the middle of the family room just to irritate me. I also think her mom may be in on it because I could've sworn I recently overheard them betting on when I would "make the move."

I recently tried to convince the two of them that it really doesn't bother me if the shoes never get moved. I would be just fine with leaving them in the middle of the floor - I just choose not to, so that's why I move them...they didn't buy it either!

I have noticed over the years that making sure the house is always in perfect condition isn't as high on the priority list as it once was. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Who knows. Families today are busier than ever and if it works for you, that's all that matters.

Take if from this old man though when I say if it comes down to doing housework or spending quality time with your kids - the housework will always be there, your kids won't.


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