We were in full-on cleaning mode. Everybody pitching in. A well-oiled machine of efficiency and speed. Or something like that...
Sheri was calling out instructions to the kids while holding a baby on her hip and washing dishes one-handed. "Don't forget to put a new liner in the trash can," she reminded one of our kids who was cleaning the bathroom. "No problem!" came the reply.
Later, upon inspection, we noticed the bathroom trash sort of looked funny. The new liner was there, all right, but it wasn't pushed down into the can. So Sheri pushed. Ah-ha. It wouldn't go down. Apparently the new liner was put in the trash can without first removing the contents that were already in the can.
Sheri scowled and I laughed. After all, she hadn't said to take the old trash out first.
New instructions were delivered. "No, you didn't understand, I guess - you have to take out the old trash and put the new liner all the way in the can."
"Oh! Gotcha."
Five minutes later, Sheri cries out again. This time, the old trash was taken out, the new liner put in all the way ... and then the old trash was put back in the trashcan. Close, but not quite what we were looking for.
The final round of instructions were extremely specific and detailed. So were the threats if it wasn't done properly.
We now have a clean trashcan liner, and it only took 3 conversations, 3 inspections, some clenched teeth, and howls of laughter (on my part) to get it done.
Like I said, a well-oiled machine ...
--Paul
Posted by paul at February 19, 2004 03:21 AM