I don't know if the decomposing mouse had been the culprit in the kitchen, but SOME rascally rodent was partying in my drawers and cabinets last week.
How did I know?
My first clue was when I opened the potholder drawer and a fat mouse jumped out at me, causing me to scream in horrified surprise and then freeze on one foot with my arms up like tree limbs. He scurried for the gap under the dishwasher, while I then freaked out.
By Saturday, the day of the dead mouse/exploding paint can incidents, I finally had some time to clean the small tokens of remembrance that the mouse had left behind in my cabinets and drawers.
I was not looking forward to this job, mostly because my kitchen storage has been unusually haphazard and messy lately. With more people home who don't follow my "system," the organization in there has suffered. I knew it would take FOREVER.
Well, was I ever amazed at how quickly I was able to clean and straighten up my cupboards! If it hadn't been for the turds I had to vacuum up and THEN having to wipe down the insides, I could have simply straightened them in record time. Boy it felt good.
Today's Small Thing is to pick ONE kitchen cabinet and straighten it up. But PLEASE be careful! This is a job that can suck you right in to its vortex of cleaning euphoria once you get started. It is hard to stop at one, but try to limit yourself, if possible. When you find out how fast this job goes, you get high on the thrill, and then like a junkie, you can't stop. It's terrible.
See? Before: the dreaded "miscellaneous" cupboard
After: Better!
Before: The casserole/mixing bowl mess
After: I'm so doggone PROUD!
POINTS: 40 for what's behind one cupboard door
I hate to reward you for developing a cleaning addiction, but if you MUST keep going, you can have additional 20 points per cabinet section, up to 3 more (60 extra points).
Beyond that, you're on your own, honey.