Slipping into the fragrant hot water, our heroine glances about, looking for Dr. Rubber Duckie. . .
Me: Doctor, are you here?
A muffled sound wafts out from behind the sea sponge. . .
Dr. RD: Who wants to know?
Me: Why its just me doctor. You know, your very own Leibchen.
Dr. RD: Inching out into the open trying to look nonchalant. . . . I, um, was just looking for your file. How are things these days?
He shuffles through the thick file, avoiding eye contact.
Me: Raised eyebrow. . . . To tell you the truth doctor, I am feeling particularly well. I have been doing some major cleaning and sorting and getting rid of things around here for the last month. It has produced the side effect of a very pleasant sense of calm and control. Frankly, I couldn't be better! I found out about this web site called FlyLady and have been getting my house in order according to her excellent suggestions.
Dr. RD: Well, actually that is precisely what I wanted to talk to you about today. Who is this FlyLady? Do you think she can be trusted? Have you considered that you may have given up some of your personal power to this woman's agenda? Are her theories sound? Have you checked her credentials? Just how far do you intend to TAKE this system of hers?
Me: But doctor! My house is so clean and organized! My cupboards are in order, my drawers not stuffed with un-wearable clothing, my bookshelves are uncluttered. And when I go looking for something, I can actually FIND it! Its very liberating. I thought you would be happy for me. . . . frowning in puzzlement.
Dr. RD: Ahem, well, ah, I see you have been working your way through the house one room at a time. . . . and um, this is the last room to come under your..... ah, .... regime change and I was just wondering, how far you intended to go, in this room. .. . waving wing ceilingward. Some people might consider that these de-cluttering techniques border on the radical. One could possibly even say. . . compulsive.
Me: Light bulb moment. . . ······
Ah, I see. Well, to tell you the truth doctor, this room is already quite organized. I actually don't see the need to toss much of anything out. Except a few expired items and that awful smelling lotion I bought a while back. That has to go. The stuff smells like brake cleaner fluid. Fresia my - - - um, excuse me doctor. Anyway I think you can rest assured that you personally are in no danger of . . . I mean uh, that things will remain quite the same here in the tub and surroundings for quite some time. Though this ring could use a "notice to vacate". . . . wiping a bit of grime off the side of the tub.
Dr. RD: Pushing glasses atop head and lightly fanning flight feathers over his face.... That's very good to hear Liebchen. I must say it is a great weakness of mine that I like things to remain quite the same once they have been arranged you see. For instance I have to tell you that it gives me a certain amount of discomfort when you rearrange the shampoo bottles in this corner every time you clean the tub. Silly of me really, but we all have our little quirks eh?
Heh heh.....
Me: Of course we do. Ill keep that in mind in future doctor, I really will.
Dr. RD: Well then fine. Slipping into the water, curled wingtip propped under his chin,...... Tell me more about this FlyLady. Perhaps my initial response to her was hasty. Now what would you say is her official view of the psychiatric profession?
Me: A very small smile playing at the corner of my mouth.... Actually, from what I have read on her website doctor, I think she would find you particularly appealing, living in a place of cleansing such as this. As a matter of fact, I'm sure of it! I will certainly get right on this tub ring this afternoon. As a matter of fact, I could most likely make this tub shine as nicely as my kitchen sink. We don't want her thinking we are being lax in our housekeeping habits, now do we?
Dr. RD: Certainly not, certainly not. Commendable woman, that FlyLady.
Me: Eyes twinkling......Yes doctor, she certainly is.