Bits and pieces

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Yesterday Peach decided to get a sore throat. Last night she decided to add fever and throwing up to the sore throat. This morning we will go to the doctor for a strep test. I'm just so excited to add that I also have the sore throat as of about 3 a.m.

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Doug is coming home halfway through the day today so I can go and participate in an hour-long focus group (hopefully I won't be really sick by then). I thought I'd mention this focus group because it happens to be about housework. I don't do these (focus groups) very often, although this particular market research company calls me frequently. I usually don't "make the cut" after they ask me the qualifying questions. I think my views are too extreme (imagine that!). But, apparently I answered all the questions correctly and this focus group has a lovely stipend of $75. Can't beat that with a stick (rarely does anyone really pay you for your opinion).

It was interesting that this focus group came along shortly after all of the uproar in blogville about housework. I was required to fill out a written questionnaire about my views on housework and I was pleased that I had recently given the subject some thought.

I am assuming that this focus group is sponsored by the manufacturer of a household cleaning product. I think, if given the opportunity, I might just mention that the industry's advertising message about cleaning house (it's dirty work and you need convenience products to help you get it done quickly because it's not worth your time) contributes to a general bad attitude about keeping house in general.

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And on the subject of housework, I just started a book recommended by Rebecca. It's Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson and it's really very motivating. The author admits to a love of cleaning house (how many of us will do that?). She finds great comfort in a clean, organized, tidy home and actually enjoys ironing and dish washing and all those other house-wifely chores that society has determined are too lowly for humans. As I go through the book I'll bring you bits -- it's really worth reading, though it is awfully thick. I'm certain I'll skip through some parts, but those worth sharing, I'll share.

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