Journal Entry
30 November 2020
4:44 PM (GMT)

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I have had a few problems since coming to Arktos-By-The-Sea. First, there is the language barrier. Sure the Bears Down Under speak English, but there are so many unique uses of the English language in Australia that it has been quite a steep learning curve for me. I am working on a dictionary and hope to present a few of the differences soon.

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The biggest problem has been keeping up with cleaning the Lighthouse. It’s always been said about me that the only thing that makes me “domestic” is that I live in a house (a Lighthouse in ABTS). Cooking, cleaning, and general housekeeping type duties have always been my shortcoming. I asked around and was recommended to go and see Sadie Special, who is renowned around ABTS for her ability to make things look shiny and new. 

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So I roamed around ABTS searching for Sadie, and finally found her hard at work. I asked if I could speak to her about getting her help to clean the Lighthouse, she suggested that I join her as she went about ABTS to “tidy up”.  I didn’t know that I would in effect become her assistant cleaner, but in the process I learned a great deal about cleaning.

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Sadie is a great source of practical wisdom, her world (all of ABTS for that matter) is kept clean and sparkling with simple ideas and natural ingredients, and a few secret special items.

So here is what I learned on my outing with Sadie Special:

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Sadie begins by telling me that cleaning can be done safely, effectively and hygienically with simple things like vinegar, salt, natural soap, bi-carb soda (baking soda), nuts, lemon juice and vegetable oil. 

I tell Sadie “that’s all well and good, but my biggest problem is ‘motivation’ as much as it is the actual cleaning.” “Yes,” she answered, “before one can clean, one must get the enthusiasm to clean or do any project for that matter.”  She goes on, “here are a few of my tricks to get that inspiration.”

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Motivation Hacks from Sadie Special

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1.  Set a timer
Even when overwhelmed by a mess or a project - you can do anything for 15 minutes.
If you’re like me, you might get distracted!  Just stay on task for at least 15 minutes – you may find that 15 minutes turns into 30 or even 60 minutes. It’s a good start!

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2.  Start small
If you keep finding random other things to do instead of cleaning, realize that you’re just procrastinating! Start with a small bit - something you can do just to get your started.

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3.  Turn on some distractions
Yes, I know this conflicts with what I just said, but music always makes me clean faster (and feel happier at the same time), and allows me to forget that I’m even cleaning, sometimes I even do a little dancing while I'm cleaning.

 

4.  Reward yourself
If cleaning, or any task, seems overwhelming, promise yourself a reward at the end. Read a book, color, arrange flowers, or have a nice cuppa. If you tell yourself you can’t have that little thing you want until you’ve cleaned, you may just feel inspired to take care of that task faster.

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5.  Invite someone over
You could have Raftus and Rufus over for a game night, or dinner with other bears. The idea that others are going to come over and see your home can serve as a great motivator to get cleaning. 

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My take-away: No more Jedi mind tricks for me to get the energy to clean my home!

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5 Cleaning Hacks with Sadie Special

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1. Get rid of rust with bi-carb soda and lemon juice.

Mix bi-carb soda (baking soda) and lemon juice together to form a paste. Apply the paste to the rust, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (longer for rustier objects). If the paste starts to dry out, just spray a bit of water over it to re-wet it.

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2. Pick up broken glass with a piece of bread.
Just take a slice of sandwich bread then put it to work by pressing down over areas where glass smithereens remain.  

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3. Clean your mirrors with black tea
That dirty mirror is no match for a spot of tea. Brew a strong cup of black tea, transfer it to a spray bottle, and let the tea's tannic acid do the work you don't want to. 

 

Vinegar is nature's great all-rounder. Completely non-toxic and anti-bacterial, vinegar works hard to remove the grime that accumulates on windows. Mix one part vinegar with one part warm water. For a more heavy duty clean, add a drop of dishwashing liquid to your water and vinegar solution. This will cut through the toughest marks and spots. Clean the windows when it's overcast so the cleaning fluid dries slower and doesn't leave smears.

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4. Remove scratches from wood with walnuts.
To get marks off wooden tables just crack open a walnut. Rubbing a piece of walnut meat into superficial scratches on wood surfaces will get rid of them. 

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5.Disinfect your computer keyboard with a toothbrush and some vinegar.
Dip a toothbrush in a half-vinegar, half-water solution (tap to get rid of too much liquid) and scrub on and between keys to eliminate germs. Do this when the computer is turned off so you don't end up with gobbly-gook on your screen. If you don't like the smell of vinegar just add a drop of water soluable lavender or any other scent you like.
 

If you would like to receive a free copy of Sadie Special’s A-Z Cleaning Hacks to help you clean swiftly and efficiently add your email to a comment or send an email to bearsdownunder@gmail.com.

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My take-away: I had hoped to get Sadie Special to clean FOR me – but she gave me a greater gift - she shared her secrets to motivation and cleaning.

 

I think I can do this!