Wednesday, February 13, 2013

When I grow up I want to clean toilets!

*Hahaha* No that's not what I said when I was a child. When I was little my dream was to become a Ventriloquist.
 * Yes... I was a strange child*
 Photo taken from here
[Note: After searching for a Ventriloquist picture,  I again thought I really need one of those dummies in my life. What the heck?? It's like some weird magnetic urge to me. I find it strange, I am enticed by these weird dolls. Which worries me?! I just watched the beginning of this the other night and then remembered I had already seen it.] 

I have worked as a chamber maid, breakfast cook,  in a wood plant & retail (clothing mostly)
Retail was my most recent on my resume. 
Then I was in a auto accident and had some back issues so I had to leave the job I was at. At the time I loved hauling boxes of new clothing items and arranging them on racks on the store floor. But the Dr. said I couldn't go back right away. The store needed someone and after a few months of my Dr. notes they had to fill my position. Of course I ended up quitting because my Supervisor said.... "You either come back or I am hiring." "Well sorry but my bodies well being is much more important than making a little more than minimum wage." This was about 4 years back. Fast forward to now my Mr. works a full time job. And we really wanted to make some more money. He didn't want me going back to full or part time because then our shifts usually end up opposite of each other and we barely get time to be together. So one day I just said "Why don't we get a cleaning job? We can work for a couple hours a few nights a week. Work together and make money all at the same time. That was last February.... In April we started cleaning a big office supply store a couple nights a week. In June we took on a craft store also ... and just last week a book store.
So we are now busy cleaners. Three large stores and lots of stuff to make sparkle.
I cleaned 10 toilets the other night! None of them were mine... actually mine needs a cleaning but I am far to busy for that. *laugh* Maybe on the weekend.
 Some people may look down on Cleaning or Cleaners for that matter.  But I would like to have those people know that cleaners probably get paid double of what the average jobs pay Example: super market, movie theatre, retail store or something along those lines. After doing this for awhile I thought "Why did I not do this sooner?" I used to go to work at the clothing store and work for 6 hours making the same amount I make in 2 hours cleaning.
 This is not my dream job. But it might very well lead me to it. 
My dream is to own my own Vintage & Thrift store. 
I sat around long enough waiting for that magical moment when out of no where I was going to fall into money and all of my dreams would come true. *hahaa* Maybe a sparkling purple unicorn was gonna fly by my house and drop me off a half a million. 
"I am still waiting Mr. Unicorn"

But until then.... until I am at where I want to be financially I am going to clean my tushie off!
I don't have to deal with rude customers. I don't have to hear tons of complaints... I don't have to try and explain that you cannot return a pair of pants to our store that had NEVER even been sold at our store and is not even a brand we carry.

"Oh yes but my dream is to own my own store..." So I suppose I will have to deal with that sort of stuff down the road. But you know what? I will be the boss by then and I can just kick those people out and tell them they are not welcome. *wink*
 Here is my Vacuum. I am in love with Henry! He's the cutest little thing and makes my cleaning adventures even better. Who could be grumpy turning around to see him following you smiling?
My daily work attire consists of some sexy blue nitrile gloves. 

(I am actually a little bit of a germophobe and gloves are a MUST for me.)
I even bought myself these cute ones for when I am doing glass and scrubbing.
Eventually I am sure I will add the leopard print cuff ones to my equipment. *hehe*
The only down side is I don't think I will be going to work in a 60's shift and curlers....  not yet anyways.
My mug that I have had for about a year.... "Hard work never hurt anyone but why take the chance?" I love it, its so cute. But unfortunately there are no people hiring to get their dogs vacuumed. *hehe*

So there is my take on cleaning "And no I will not brush your Loo!"

See you Tomorrow

39 comments:

  1. Oh Melanie. I just love you! I have had some hellish retail jobs, too. In fact, I've had a lot of odd jobs. More than I'd like to even admit. I used to work in a bakery and I had to come in very very early in the morning while it was still dark out to get the breakfast pastries ready and these two girls that were the cleaning staff would just be finishing up as I came in and they would have music blasting and they were always laughing and singing and I really thought they had a much better deal than I did. Now I'm pretty certain they did!

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  2. My mom cleaned house for a few years when I was a kid. We were pretty bad off: she was on welfare, food stamps and my dad was no help at all. She kept the family going. I always remember her whenever I see maids or a cleaning lady. its what kept us afloat for a while. She also sold tamales, made bathroom set, and recycled cans. She did a lot for us.

    I'm glad you are enjoying your new job and are able to spend time with the Mr. It's always nice to work a job that doesn't stress you out.

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    1. My parents did the same thing when I was little. If it was hard to get another job they always found some janitorial work to get them by. They did more Government office style buildings. They cleaned a post office and I remember I was always happy when I got to go with them. I would always ask to mop the floor. *lol*

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  3. Nothing wrong with cleaning and you're right, they earn gooe money here in Aus too. You can do almost anything when you've got a dream in mind. I hope there aren't too many loos to scrub between you and your vintage shop.

    p.s. I haven't forgotten that recipe - just bee a bit slack - sorry x

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    1. I should be a "Loo Master" in no time. *hehe*

      Send the recipe whenever you get a chance. I will prob try and make it in December so you have quite a bit of time Kylie. ;)

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  4. So glad you can work for yourself and have lots of time to spend doing the stuff you LOVE!

    Sarah xxx

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    1. I should have plenty of time to sew more, dress up more, shop more, cook more and all other sorts of things. I got annoyed when the Mr. and I worked opposite shifts. It seemed like we were living life to work and not working to live a good life. "If that makes sense."

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  5. Cleaning professionally is one of the most difficult to do - standards must be kept! How great is it that you work for yourself!

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    1. I am rather excited! I might even super glue a few rhinestones to my toilet brush. =D *haha*

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  6. I worked on the Alaska State Ferries on the MV Columbia as a room steward in the mid 80's. I was responsible for cleaning 100 toilets in 100 staterooms. I actually didn't mind the job at all. I met my husband, toilet brush in hand my first week on the ships. We just celebrated our 24th anniversary. Be proud of your work girl...it can lead to great things.

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    1. I love your story!
      I imagine working on a ferry would be quite fun. =D
      And if you met a handsome man, well then the job obviously had it's perks. *hehe*
      Happy Belated 24 years and to many more to come.

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  7. I never thought about before, it really must be a peaceful job - so quiet in the buildings after everyone is gone home. Good luck, sure hope you have your dream shop someday!

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    1. Thank you Jill! I hope so too.
      And yes it is very peaceful. How often do you get to sing your heart out in a retail store? *lol*

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  8. Over here cleaning is no better paid than most retail, waiting tables and jobs in the care sector but I can see why you prefer it, dealing with the general public can be hellish.
    I'm glad you get to spend time together and are your own bosses. xxx

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    1. It is surely nice I get to hang out with Mr. Coco. And since I am taking a liking to this type of work. It's just all the better.

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  9. I am totally with you on this. People turn their noses up at cleaning but they are at least as well paid as retail and waiting staff. Then there's the lack of dealing with the public, always a massive bonus. My dream is to work from home and never have to deal with the public. I would jump at the chance to be a cleaner in a rich person's massive old house though xxx

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    1. Oh yes rich persons house or CASTLE <--- could you imagine all the photo ops? *hehe*
      I hope you get your dream to Lucy.

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  10. I had three part time cleaning jobs up until January last year but because of my bad back I had to give them up. I far preferred being alone to do my own thing than having to deal with the public.

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    1. It's too bad you had to give them up.
      I like dealing with the public when they are cheery and happy but sadly nowadays it seems there is quite a high number of grumpy pissed off folk who like to try and make EVERYONE else around them miserable. And I say "BOO TO THEM"

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  11. Not looking down on you at all my love. I used to clean too but actually found it back breaking and it was for a friend and her hubby used to leave his pants (AND USED TISSUES) on the floor by his bed, so I had to quit. Or lose our friendship!!!! Gross!!!
    Everyone loves Henrys here too. I don't have one. I want one!
    Have a happy day my lovely
    x x x

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    1. Uhmmm USED TISSUES on the floor.... "EAAAK"
      I would have quit too. Someone should have bought the man a garbage can and taught him how to use the damn thing.

      I want a Henry for my house too. When I do have the cash you know months down the road *lol* I would like to buy the green one "George" or the pink one "Hetty" <--- she's so cute!

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  12. It sounds like a great 'turning point'(I don't know if it's the right word, but it's a positive turn)in your career,it's great to work alone, organize everything and especially get a good salary!
    Here, as Vix said, is not a well paid work too, here there are a lot of women that for working more ask for less money, often they are not protected by any contract and that's why a dream job become a "not anymore good" job (but in Italy this is a general quote)!
    I always love Ventriloquist puppets too!!
    You look great in the first photo!Have a wonderful day!!
    xxxxxx

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    1. Hello Edie! That is really too bad about the woman taking far less money than the job should pay. I imagine if that was the case here I would have to try and find something else.
      "I think I will buy a ventriloquist doll, my other half might have a bird if I do.... but hey you only live once right??" *heheeh*

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  13. You never know when life will hand you an offer to make a clean sweep! In the US cleaning buildings has now become part of what they call the 'shadow economy' meaning a real job that is lost because the duty is reassigned to workers. Cleaning the store or office is often the job of the clerks and admin assts. You can guess the buildings are not clean anymore. I love your happy faced vacuum and your attitude!

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    1. That's quite sad Helen (About the shadow economy) I do hope in the future that will change. You know when this bad financial time clears up.
      There is some places here that do the same thing, and it IS QUITE OBVIOUS no one has cleaned in ages. It doesn't really make a good impression to their customers.
      I don't know about you but I don't want to have to put on rubber gloves before I go out shopping. :/

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  14. I have a friend who has a cleaning service with her sister. They make great money. They also do estate sales for people. They love being their own bosses and working only the jobs they want.

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    1. Oh hosting Estate sales would be a really great job. Probably not good for me though as I would want to buy half the stuff they were selling. *lol*

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  15. I am completely proud of you for coming up with that idea! And I love Henry. People who look down at cleaning pros are fools. If done right, it's one of the hardest jobs around if you ask me.

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    1. It's alot of work but pretty much common sense. Make things sparkle and get rid of the germs. =)
      The only problem I cab for see happening is me getting less cleaning done in my own home. *hah*

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  16. Oh Melanie, you do make me smile!
    I'm glad you and the Mr can work together, make decent money, and keep moving towards your other goals in life.
    Nothing wrong with cleaning - we all have to do it, why not get paid for it?!
    And look how super cute you look with your plaits and scarf! I miss seeing pics of your goodies and frocks. More frocks, more frocks! xxxx

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    1. I should be able to frock with the rest of you right away. I really wasn't feeling up to it when on Fridays I was getting up at 4 a.m. When I got back home I went back to sleep until almost noon and by then I could not put the time nore effort in getting all Gussied up.
      I am glad I make you smile! =D

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  17. I think it's fantastic. I would love to work with the other half with no one else to answer to. We would have a ball! Good on you! Do you do any selling vintage online. Maybe you could start with an online store???

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  18. My mum had loads of cleaning jobs when I was growing up, she had loads of jobs altogether, she'd turn her hand to anything to get by. I've done lots of chambermaiding and waitressing and I much preferred being a chambermaid, turn up in your scruffs, get the music blasting and off you go. One place I worked we used to make cups of tea in the rooms and sit out on the balcony in the sunshine, then dive back through the window if we saw the manageress coming! Another time we were looking for one of the boys everywhere on changeover day, we eventually found him fast asleep rolled up in a huge pile of dirty bedlinen. They were some of the happiest times of my life, we were left to our own devices and had such a laugh. It sounds like you and your hubby have come up with a really great solution to working long hours and never seeing each other. xx

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  19. Oops, also meant to say Henry Hoovers are the best! I always say that as my kids start to get their own places, I'll buy them a Henry Hoover as their housewarming prezzy. I might get my daughter a Henrietta. xx

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  20. Coconut Loca,
    Nothing wrong with cleaning toilets. I know lots of people that make great money cleaning all kinds of stuff.
    Besios

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