Main Entry: do·mes·tic
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French domestique, from Latin domesticus, from domus
1 a : living near or about human habitations b : TAME, DOMESTICATEDdomestic cat>
2 : of, relating to, or originating within a country and especially one’s own country
3 : of or relating to the household or the family
4 : devoted to home duties and pleasures domestic>
5 : INDIGENOUS
– do·mes·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
Anyone who knows me, knows I’m anything but domestic. Basically, the only way I can get myself to clean my house is to have people over. And even then, the company I’ve invited has to include folks I don’t know very well–because let’s face it, if you know me, then you know how I live.
I’ve determined that in a past life, I must’ve been a frat boy. I can leave dishes in the sink for days. I don’t even see the empty beer bottles and coke cans and pizza boxes strewn about the counter. And when I get undressed, I’ll throw the clothes in the hamper if I’m standing in front of it when I disrobe. Otherwise, they land where they land.
Motherhood has helped me overcome my domesticated issues somewhat. I’m better about the dishes…sorta. Actually, my theory is I usually cook so someone else can clean. And a few days later when nobody has picked up on my theory, I break down and unload and load the diswasher. (BTW–the dishwasher always has dishes in it…it’s just a cabinet that happens to clean.)
So, when Killer called me domesticated in the comments of my last post, I kinda took offense. Me? Domesticated? Hardly.
But, I think he might be onto something.
What has changed me, you ask?
My new Dyson DC17 Animal
Yes, a vacuum cleaner may have just changed my life.
First a little history. We have 2 dogs and 2 cats. All of them are hairy little bastards and shed constantly. Well, in the past 4 years, we’ve gone through 3 vacuums. Too much hair–not enough suction.
But not anymore thanks to this bad boy. That Dyson is my hero. As a matter of fact, my friend Andrea suggested that I name a hero in one of my books Dyson…consider it done.
This little monster works better than anything I’ve ever seen. My only complaint is that it’s a little difficult to learn how to put some of the pieces together, but then my rocket science degree didn’t cover brilliant vacuum design.
If ever you can’t find me…just look for me in the House of Dyson. I’ll be the one up front worshipping at its altar.
Bitchin' Fiction: Musings by author Melissa McKenzie / Melissa Francis 
Sounds like the only difference between us is that I always use the clothes hamper. But only because I’ve had dogs that would lay on the clothes (and I hate that) and now my dogs would play tug of war (and have when I’ve been careless!) with my undergarments. So I always use the clothes hamper.And I never thought of the dishwasher as a self-cleaning cabinet. Don’t you with they all were? :~)
LikeLike
I meant domesticated in a nice way. The first thing I thought when I met you was, “now this is a lady who probably loves to clean the house.” Actually, I thought, “now this is a lady who can out drink me.” Both similar.
LikeLike
Hey, you’re a talented writer, you can hire someone else to clean! BTW, the dyson sounds great, I’ll have to check into it…
LikeLike
this is a lady who loves to drink and clean house. that’s the proper combination, killer.or just drink and let me clean the house. that’s the perfect combination.
LikeLike
I love when my house is really, really clean. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll turn my Roomba on while I fix another cocktail and whip this place into shape!
LikeLike
OMG! If I had ROOM in my place, I’d get one of those bad boys, too. But I don’t have any room, because it’s all filled up with cat hair. Bah!
LikeLike
PS. Happy anniversary!
LikeLike
amen, sista. i’ve had one for three years and it’s still going strong. long live the dysons.
LikeLike
Mel, I love the blog makeover! Very cool. And, personally, I think you’d be very cute in one of those little French maid costumes…
LikeLike
Wait, there was a French Maid costume option? I am coming back to Oxford.
LikeLike
The Dyson Animal = Awesome.The only problem I’ve had with it is that you have to stand next to it, turn it on, and walk around the room while holding it. Other than that…
LikeLike
I’m with you, Jester. That whole “work” aspect of my new BFF is a little difficult to deal with. But, I look so cute in my little French maid costume, that it kinda makes it all better…
LikeLike