Oh no, is it time to clean again? Already? I can think of SO many other things that I'd rather do than pick up, scrub, wipe, and vacuum. Sometimes things need doing, though, and I've found a solution that helps me to enjoy this time that I used to loathe.

When something is bugging me in my life, I look for the solution. I assume there is one and that I just haven't found it yet, otherwise things would look pretty bleak to me. Anyway, I've always felt time spent cleaning was a waste of life. I like the results, though, and am not going to hire out this task, so... how to make this time more enjoyable?

I've rediscovered listening to music and audio books. Sometimes you can crank up the stereo so the whole house is filled with sound, but this doesn't work unless you're alone. I now own an MP3 player and load my "cleaning day" list of songs on it from the computer. While cleaning the toilet one day, I actually laughed out loud because a song came on with "Let the Good Times Roll" as part of the chorus! (It was "Magnolia Soul" by Ozomatli, in case you're interested.)

Our library has many audio books on CD, tape, download, and even little devices called Playaways, which are a little like preloaded MP3 players. Time to dig out that old Walkman! I've really enjoyed listening to books while cleaning and have even found myself doing more than strictly necessary in order to hear just one more chapter. I've just listened to an autobiography read by the author and it gave the book a whole new dimension which you'd never get by reading it. Be warned, though, if you're listening to a book that your book club is reading, check that the audio version is not abridged. Otherwise you'll be wondering what on earth they're talking about!

Does anyone else have a way to make cleaning up more enjoyable for yourself or kids?