Like many or probably most of us, I am Busy. I run a business, have an 8 month old and manage our house. There is just NOT time for it all.

I really like to have a neat, clean house- I mean, I know most people do, but it really gives me a sense of peace and pleasure to have my house clean and tidy. But it seems like I can never, ever get it to where I want it. There is always some task out there waiting for me to do!

It strikes me that perhaps the problem is my expectations are a little high. That perhaps I have fallen for the myth that my house should look like the places on TV. So I just wondered- how clean are everyone else's house?

I find it a struggle just to keep up with the basics- dishes, dusting, vac-ing, bathrooms. My oven is never cleaned. There are crumbs in my grill and my toaster. Objects such as couches shouldn't be moved because there will definately be dust behind them. The books on the bookshelf are messy and in no real order. My bathroom cupboard really needs to have all its stuff taken out and be wiped cuz its kind of grimy. Etc. These are just examples- it seems like I can only JUST get the basic stuff done, let alone any extra projects.

Does anyone else have time for these? Am I normal or a domestic slattern?!

(PS- can't afford a cleaner!!!)