Sunday, September 4, 2011

The Beginning[an explanation].

 It all started with Merry Maids.

For the last 380 days, I have worked for Merry Maids. If that isn't enough of an explanation, let me delve deeper. For the last 380 days, I have been torn from my cozy bed, my soft music and my wonderful dreams, at exactly 6 AM. I wipe away my eye boogers, and slide into my LOVELY oversized lime green polo shirt (which, I might add was made for a man), my khaki pants, and my unnaturally white nurses shoes. At most, I spend 6 minutes on my appearance, 2 of those minutes are spent brushing my teeth. I think upon first glance, many would mistake me for a 14 year old boy most days, minus 10 inches and the peach-fuzz mustache.


Eyes still barely open, I climb the mountain of stairs to where the Lovely Amy is already pouring my coffee, and scrambling my eggs. I gobble them at record speeds, and pour the remainder of my coffee into a travel mug, which I will inevitably pour into my lap at some point during my 30 minute drive to work. But don't worry, it usually dries by the time I get to my first house and only leaves a light brownish stain about the size of a softball in front of my zipper. :S


Once at work, I load my car (which after cleaning over 650 houses smells of wet dog and urine. That reminds me, I'm selling my car. Anyone interested?). I clean 2 to 4 houses a day. Sometimes 5. 5 days a week. Lately 6. I deal with people who complain that I left a "live bug on the widow sill last time!" Truth be told, I was actually sort of flattered that she thought I had that much control over the flies. Like I was their Lord of something..... I enter the homes of people who have clearly just gotten over food poisoning. I cleaned for a shifty-eyed women who's first question to me was, "do you have anything to take large blood stains out of the carpet?"  I cleaned for a man who told me there was no need to clean the shower, because he hadn't used it since last time I was there....2 weeks prior. I'm tired. Oh so tired. 


Realizing my need to move onto bigger and better things, I pursed the floral industry. In July, I got my certificate of Floral Design, which I am overwhelmingly excited to pursue work in when I return. Before the end of my classes, it was suggested to me that I look into traveling around a bit before committing to a different job. After all, what better time to do it in one's life than now?! I've saved my money, I have time and energy, it all seemed to be perfect. 


Immediately coming to mind was our good friends, Aaron and Brenda Kulbe. A delightful couple who moved to Amsterdam close to a year ago for work. Awesome. I'll just invite myself over for as long as I please. 4 weeks! That sounds about right. A few Facebook messages later, the Wonderful Brenda graciously accepted my imposition. She found me a place to stay and pretty much anything else that I might need. AND she just found out she's pregnant! This women's wonderous. 


Meanwhile, my Awesome Auntie Jessica went and got herself all employed in Hawaii! What?! How on earth am I suppose to visit you in Hawaii when I have to pay for a trip to Europe?! Oh....what's that you say? I can just add a destination to Hawaii on my way back? Yeah! Let's do that! It's even during her week off! Conveniently my Super-Fly Friend Laura lives in the same condo. God, you sure can do cool things.

Which brings us to now. I leave for my big adventure in 8 days. Monday the 12th. I will return October 18th with more stories than I can even comprehend. I think I'm probly going to move like 2 steps up on the cool ladder as well.  


In order to keep any interested people (you know...all the hordes of people....like my mom....)in the loop-dee-doo, I've decided to start a travel blog. How original. Don't feel bad if you don't follow it. I probly wouldn't.

I don't know much about what I'll be doing. Where I'll be going. Who I'll be seeing, but it's sure to change my life. 

More later. 


~Gracie
  




9 comments:

  1. Thanks for making it sound like I'm one of those picture-perfect housewives who are in pearls and pumps at 6 am, with permed and set hair, bright red lips and cheery smile. We both know the truth, but thanks for not sharing. ;)

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  2. So excited for you! I can't BELIEVE you don't have a thick binder itinerary that shows minute by minute what you plan to be doing! ;)

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  3. I'm thinking I didn't train you very well when you used to come clean house for me...I never had large blood stains to remove or anything so exciting! {{{hugs}}}, from your unstandoffish friend who is excited for your next grand adventure ;-)

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  4. I am so excited for you to get here!! We are going to have so much fun!

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  5. Yay! Can't wait to see all the pictures and live vicariously through them. Love the idea of a blog. :)

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  6. Wait a minute.... Brenda's pregnant? Oh yeah, I knew that. jk. Amy IS amazing and you HAVE worked very hard. I hope you have a safe, exciting and delightful adventure. I shall be following your blog faithfully and keeping you in my prayers.

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  7. Way to GO, Graciegirl! I heard about your adventure through the Arnolds (natch!;-}) & am really excited for you. We'll be reading your blog for certain & loving being able to see the world through your eyes.
    To Amy --- I TOTALLY had you pictured in pearls & pumps, along with a crisply starched white apron!!
    Love,
    Auntie Peggie

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