Instant-Gratification Cleaning

I'd like to think I and one of my former roommates, Becky, coined this term. It refers to the kind of cleaning that gives one a deep sense of satisfaction. It provides an immediate and noticable improvement. I'm not sure why I love this kind of cleaning, other than there's an immediate payoff on my labor. (One caveat: bathrooms. I'd rather they be as clean as possible before I start cleaning. I realize that's unrealistic. Why else would I be cleaning? So what I mean is that I don't get any great sense of satisfaction in cleaning a nasty bathroom. Yuck!)

Anyway, my project for this weekend was definitely instant-gratification. My husband rented a high pressure washer from Home Depot so we could give our back deck a much-needed washing. It was LONG overdue. (So long that I kind of regret posting this picture for fear you think I live in filth.)

This project also reminded me of when my Daddy built this deck for me. He was suggesting building materials. After mentioning all the possible kinds of lumber to use he said, "or you might want to consider using an composite. It's a bit more expensive, but very low maintenance." On that note, the deal was sealed. Composite it was. And, low maintenance is has been (though it's obviously been due for a spray down for quite some time now).

As they say, the proof is in the pudding...