![By http://www.flickr.com/photos/e_phots/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/e_phots/199886140/) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](http://ateachablemom.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/stonehenge_lomografc3ada-1.jpg?w=300&h=225 "http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AStonehenge_Lomograf%C3%ADa.jpg")
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
As I’ve written about before, I’m a certifiable freak when it comes to keeping our house picked up and checking things off my “to do” list. This past week, stymied by a nasty virus and zero energy or interest in accomplishing anything, I’ve lolled around on the couch waiting to feel better.
I’ve had time to read = good. And think = dangerous.
While rest is good for my body, long stretches of time to obsess over the many household tasks piling up (not to mention all the blog posts I should have written) usually do nothing but increase my anxiety level (and my appetite).
Then, yesterday, a miracle occurred.
For the first time, my obsessing and worrying actually accomplished something! Several household appliances in need of repair for months miraculously fixed themselves!
We either have some lovely elves who visit in the night and fix things around our house – or – my obsessing is finally paying off! While I believe in elves, the ones I know usually only make cute, if slightly clunky, shoes, so I’m taking all the credit on this one!
What? You scoff? Perhaps you need additional evidence …
Exhibit A: Garbage Disposal
The wall switch that operates our garbage disposal has been sticking for at least three months. It requires simultaneous jiggling and swearing to turn on. I’ve not gotten around to calling anyone to fix it, preferring instead to curse and complain whenever the mass of rotting orange peels, uneaten quesadilla crusts and gelatinous cheesy peas threaten to overflow the sink.
Yesterday, that switch moved around as willingly and easily as my kids do when I bribe them with ice cream ask them lovingly to pick up their toys.
Exhibit B: Ceiling Fan
The ceiling fan in our master bedroom has been broken for months. We had a repair person out to fix it twice over the summer, replacing the switch and doing other fix-y things I didn’t take time to understand. That fan wouldn’t move to save its life (or to save us a few dollars on our outrageous air conditioning bills).
Yesterday, I flipped the wall switch by mistake and voila, a wave of pure, fresh re-circulated air hit my face. While the experience was slightly marred by the thousands of dust bunnies choking my air supply, I believe all of us can agree we have a certifiable miracle here.
Afraid it’s a one-day fluke, we’ll be keeping the fan on until next summer.
Exhibit C: Clothes Dryer
We have two clothes dryers in our home (a long story) and both of them died at the same time earlier this summer. The repair person fixed the upstairs dryer by removing the birds’ nest renting space in the exhaust hose (who knew?). He couldn’t find anything wrong with the downstairs dryer, which worked surprisingly well up until the moment the repairman left.
The downstairs dryer hasn’t turned on in weeks. Yesterday, by mistake, I put some wet clothes in it and … you know it … it turned on! Granted, the clothes didn’t dry, but they did tumble around for a while and really, isn’t that all you can ask from a dryer?
Freaky, right?
Exhibit D: My Husband’s Bicycle
Several weeks ago Mike had a minor spill off his bicycle on the way to work. Other than a few scratches, thankfully, he wasn’t hurt. According to my husband, who has never believed in the power of my worry and obsession, the slightly banged-up bicycle now rides more smoothly than it did pre-wipeout. He’s now a convert.
Coincidences? I dare say not!
We’ll be launching a full investigation into these occurrences right after we go play the lottery. In the meantime, if you have something you’d like me to worry about for you (for a small fee), please let me know in the comments!
Excuse me, I have many partially broken and annoying things that need tending to. Can you send your magical “do-it-yourself” powers my way? Thanks!!
Consider it done! Demand for my now-proven skills is skyrocketing, but for you, my dear, I’ll keep the price low (maybe a two-for-one offer).
Really…you couldn’t have posted this 10 days ago when my washing machine blew its tranny? (who knew a washer had a transmission??…well it does and it’s so costly that you don’t replace it.). I of little faith turned to the miracle-working elves at abt.com who saved us a drive to the suburbs (and probably the purchase of some other appliance or electronic impulse purchase). Had I waited a smidgen longer I could have had you obsess and worry for me (I mean with me) to wish it back to its old spinning self.
Funny blog, clever girl.
I wish I had known! I would have been happy to direct some worry/obsession in your direction…a tranny is a terrible thing to waste! I’m hoping against hope our washing machine is happy for a few more years cause those ABT elves, cute and helpful as they are, are masters at up selling! xoxo
You definitely have elves. No question.
Oh, you think my worrying and obsessing attracted the elves who then did the actual fixing? Yes! Good thinking!!!
We have some things in need of repair. So, could you please send the elves over. Much appreicated.
Glad you are feeling better.
Consider it done, my friend! I am finally feeling better! Hope you had a wonderful holiday!
It was good.
Shall I leave the door open for the elves? I want to be accomodating.
Ha! I’m only guessing mind you, but I’m thinking it would be best to keep the doors locked and put out cookies and cash!
Please send your elves to my house. Please!!!! Need them to organize my drawers.
The elves are available early next week, but drawers cost extra. (I’m just the scheduler – I don’t make the rules!)
Great post! I’m a “Gotta-have-the-house-picked-up” and a “To-Do-List” person, too!! And it makes me especially crazy also, when I’m sick & can’t keep up!!
Your disposal, fan, dryer, bicycle issues remind me of a crazy story my husband tells of his Dad fixing his aunt’s toaster. He brings it back to her all fixed, & says, “Sorry, the bread pops out of the toaster really far now, so watch out!” And she says, “What? But, it was never a Pop-up toaster!!”
I loved the movie “The Brave Little Toaster!” Was it elves in that story, too???
What a fabulous story!! Love it! And thanks for joining me in my neat nick tendencies.
I never saw the movie you mentioned but I’ll go look it up – anything with elves is okay by me!
Don’t know about the elves, but the appliances come to life!! Ha!
The movie got rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes! It looks really cute! I’m ordering it and will watch it with my girls. Thank you!
Oh, if I could transfer all of my worries to someone else right now! But I could never do that to you! I like you too much!
Thank you, love! I like you too much to take on your worries and then resent doing it (my usual!). xo
Uh, do i get a discount rate for multiple worries?
And just fyi, i noted your blog on my honor page. All for my boy passed me the Liebster award and I’m passing it to you… Go get it if you want it.
http://icescreammama.com/yeah-baby-i-got-an-honor/
Thank you so much for the Leibster! Yay! And yes, you get a discount – look for the Groupon coming soon!