cleaning frenzy

i never thought i'd say this, but here it is: i have come to enjoy housework. i've been cleaning the apartment all day and i'm starting to take pride in keeping my humble abode neat and tidy. things i've done since 9:30 am:

- wash dishes
- scrub stovetop
- take spiral heat things out of stovetop and wash metal dishes underneath
- vacuum living room, hallway and bedroom
- clean toilet
- clean sink and bathroom counter
- clean shower stall
- dust

i had fun today. i had absolutely no idea that good housekeeping could bring such satisfaction. what brought all this on, you ask? well i recently reread elisabeth elliot's let me be a woman; that may have had something to do with it! the book reminded me to exult in womanhood and embrace the qualities that make me a woman. it made me look forward to the joy of creating a home for my husband and family =D

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

~ Proverbs 31:10-31

there's more cleaning to do in the next couple of days, but i'm looking forward to a generally relaxing weekend. the past couple of weeks have been intense school-wise and I'm enjoying a bit of a break now. on sunday kelly* and i are hosting a small get-together for some friends after church. she's making chicken and i'm making fried rice! it'll be a nice culmination to the weekend.

*kelly = the girl in my building who gives me a ride to church. we've been hanging out a lot. she's funny.