I opened my microwave this morning to reheat my Starbucks pumpkin spice latte that my sweetie brought me back after his early morning carpool and…shrieked in horror at the dried cheese, grease, and approximately four varieties of tomato-based leftovers that had been re-heated in there. I didn’t even want to put my coffee mug near it.
I almost had a breakdown because it’s been one of those mornings, no-weeks, no-months trying to keep all the plates spinning. And a mere dirty little microwave was on the verge of taking me down. But then I had a flash of inspiration.
I grabbed a glass mixing bowl, filled it halfway with water, threw it inside and hit start on the microwave. After about 6 minutes, the water was boiling and the inside of the microwave was hot and steamy. I left it there to sit another two minutes to cool down and think about what had happened—how sinful behavior affects those around you, and to have a friend you have to be a friend, and how obedience brings blessing, but disobedience brings consequence.…Oh, wait! That was a totally different cool down period this morning involving a certain 6-year-old.
When I opened the door to the microwave, water was trickling down the walls and cheese was waving a white flag of surrender. I removed the bowl with potholders, and used only 2 dry paper towels to wipe down the whole thing! No power tools. No harsh cleaners. No vicious threats under my breath to those forgetting to cover their nachos with paper towels.
And my pumpkin spiced latte was heated without any cheese stalactites falling in! It’s the small victories that keep the chin up isn’t it? Had to share my joy! Now, if I could come up with a way to wipe my desk clean just as quickly.
Have you had any brilliant moments this week?
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29 comments:
First, I accidentally skipped the part where the title says "a blog by Angela" and was giggling at the thought of Travis "shrieking in horror" at the inside of the microwave! Ah, bubble bursted.
Second, my cleaning trick is to use spray-n-wash to clean my glass shower doors. It makes them clear, clear, clear and KEEPS THEM THAT WAY. Try it.
Robyn
A pumpkin spiced latte sounds lovely!
Here's a trick I use...
About once a month I run a dishwasher load with everything BUT dishes. I'll load it up with the microwave turntable platter-thingy, hairbrushes, combs, toothbrush holders, soap dishes, glass lamp covers from the ceiling fans, etc. It is soooo much easier than cleaning them by hand with towels and windex!
No other brilliant thoughts this early in the morning.
Adrienne
cheese stalactites?! ew. but a GREAT analogy, girl!
This was a hoot and man, can't we all "get" that feeling and how mere nacho remnants can force us to tears??
My brilliant moment was THIS morning in fact..b/c I decided that at least one day a week I would get up a 5:30am (we're homeschoolers so those early hours are not usually my friend) and do all the things I complain that I DON'T get done the rest of day...and it was beautiful! Imagine that! SOOO much accomplished.
And I love that spray-n-wash idea, 3girlsmom!!
Great post, Angela...hope you'll come back soon!
Congrats on the microwave victory!
Unfortunately I'm no help for the desk. When my desk gets piled up, I just dump everything in a laundry basket and let it sit for a few weeks in the laundry room. By the time I get around to cleaning it out, most of the stuff is no longer necessary. Much easier to throw away! I know there are better solutions! I'll be checking back to see what other brilliant ideas pop up.
Blessings on all of you today...
Jennifer
What a good idea Angela! You know I must say that whenever I am at a LPL event and etc I truly think of your committment and sacrifice to allow Travis to be able to minister to the masses of women who so desperately need ministering too.
THANK YOU and I know you will have some crowns to cast at His feet. There are a lot of women who would not let their man operate in the calling God has for them if it meant as much sacrifice. Thank you!!
The bad news: water boiled inside a microwave can explode (see more info here)
The good news: all the gunk inside a yucky microwave will probably negate the danger :-)
In the past, I've purchased some microwave cleaning pads (maybe made by Easy-Off?) You put the package in the microwave and it 'explodes' (on purpose) to let steam and cleaner out of the bag. Then you use the wipe that's inside the bag to finish off the job. Those have worked great for us.
My cleaning trick is similar to Smelling Coffee's. I throw all junk mail away before I bring it into my house (I walk by a recycle bucket on my way from the mail box to the kitchen) and anything that does make it into the house goes into a basket (with other papers that show up). I go through the basket once a week (or so). It's easier to throw things away when I'm in the "zone" and if there's something I've seen but can't find, odds are it's in the basket.
I love that trick, but I put a spin on it: I put some lemon juice in the water. Makes everything smell nice.
Angela,
Thanks for a great tip. My only brilliant moment came at the hand of the Lord. I am speaking at a ladies event in a few weeks and he keeps bringing up the topic of the message (our legacy as christian women) that I have chosen over and over. Magazine ads, friends blog posts, letters...legacy is everywhere. I love the way He confirms and nods HIs approval over things that we have diligently sought HIm for.
God bless you and your pumpkin spice latte!!
Leah
Angela, I had been wondering abt how I might get a msg to you, and when I saw that you posted today, I saw this as my chance.
My husband is the coordinator of an event where Travis will be leading in worship, in late October, in Kansas City. I am hoping that you are coming with him, because I would love to take you out to lunch & visit. There are some great places to go in KC. Please let me know. If you are coming, I will have to wear my "Angela's jeans. " :)
Thanks, Niki
nikihughes2002@yahoo.com
I can't say I've felt particularly brilliant lately. Just trying to hang in there with the new school schedule. But I can say that Cinnamon Bun Coffeemate is my friend, when Starbuck's isn't handy.
Angela, you need your own blog. You're a delight.
I've discovered an easier way to clean up a pan that has all manner of food stuck in it. (Think "11-year old tries to make mac&cheese.) Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda. Add an inch or so of water, and bring that to a boil in the microwave or stovetop, depending on the type of pan. Debris begins floating to the top even before you start to scrub.
brilliant! Our microwave is in serious need of a good cleaning...thanks, Angela!
Girl. Today has been quite the day. Walked in my kitchen early this morning expecting the first cup of hot coffee. And I had PLENTY of coffee:
ALL.OVER.MY.COUNTER.
My youngest announced that mom had an oil spill all over the kitchen counter. It's time for a new coffee pot...
Oh well. I just posted on FaceBook that God showed us again today that blessing follows obedience. We were in complete shock at how God provided something we have been praying for. He totally made me forget about the silly coffee pot leak. :)
Blessings today!
stephanie
no particular victories yet this week...
but I did fold 2 loads of laundry today.
does that count? :)
(I am TOTALLY trying that water in the microwave this afternoon. Company's coming tomorrow and it needs to be cleaned out). THANKS!
Hey, Ang!!! Hope you are doing well! Soooo good to see you posting on the blog! We've come a long way since the days at the church by the amusement park, huh??? :)
Loved the idea with for cleaning the microwave. I will try that!
No domestic diva here. My mom is the one in our family who is OCD... and I got Dad's messy genes, I think. So, you won't get cleaning tips from me...
woh. brilliant.
Definately no brilliant moments here...but now I really want a Pumpkin Spice latte!!!
I'll have to remember that simple microwave cleanup idea. :)We try to make things too complicated at times don't we?
Thanks for sharing, Angela! I know I'll use that tip in the future. You bless us in many ways by your posts.
You are too funny! I may just have the most nasty/gross/dirty microwave story of all time: I volunteered to help clean my friend's fiance's house before he put it on the market. Two single guys living in a house...I spend over an hour and used an entire bottle of 409 to clean that microwave! I truly believe it had never, and I mean not even one time, been wiped out! I won't even go into the fridge story...:)
Oh, I just finished watching the Jesus Saves DVD that I got in the mail today! It was awesome-made me relive that evening all over again!!
My brilliant moment wasn't mine at all, it was God's - He told me to be a wildflower instead of a corn field. Yeah. That's how we roll, me and Him. :)
But one all mine brilliance? Have you ever tried the Yankee Candle Clean Cotton? Love it to pieces? Get the car jar and hang it in your closets; your clothes smell Amazing, All the time.
Blessings,
Carolynn
No brilliance on my end. SHOCKING, isn't it? But I'm totally using your microwave tip tomorrow.
Happy (early) anniversary, you two crazy kids. :-)
I do that microwave thing by total accident three times a day when I heat water for Ginny's bottles. I had wondered why it was so easy to clean these day *grin*
LOVE Adrienne's idea about using the dishwasher to clean all the other little things around the house. I think I'm gonna do that with all the bathrooms counter accessories (the soap pump, the toothbrush holder...all those things that have nooks and crannies that are so tedious to get to.
My only "brilliant" moment this week was remembering to give the baby her Tylenol 30 minutes before the doctors visit where they struck her with not one, not two, but THREE different needles.
Angela, you are precious! Hope you guys have a great weekend :)
Yes! I heeded God's call to take a break from writing for awhile. And you know what I have found? I am reading and soaking in the Word and other people's blogs a lot better than I had been.
With my schedule, I had plates broken all over the floor with all that I was trying to keep up. Not really, but figuratively.
Love and prayers to you Angela!!
Ok, I tried this. Except I couldn't remember how long you said you set the timer for. Evidently I set it for a little too long. The water exploded (bowl did not break though, thankfully). Enough that it blew open my microwave door. Sent boiling hot water pouring out and down on the stove, all over two trays of not-quite-baked cookies that were already ruined. Made it easier to give up and throw them away.
Janet
Kookie Krums
www.kookiekrums.typepad.com
Somehow i missed this VERY helpful blog, Ang! you. so. smart.
hugs to you friend.
Thanks for the scoop! : )
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