Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
I understand that the dilemma of what to do with ones snot/boogers/dried nasal mucus (what is the proper term when writing about this? I suppose there isn’t one) is a tough one, I do. When I was young our family’s cleaning lady had a serious talk with my parents regarding what was going on behind my headboard. She found it so disgusting that she threatened to stop cleaning my room unless it ended. Jeff had a “boogey witch” who would magically take them all from behind the bed. (Are we meant for each other, or what?) So, I am familiar with this issue. However, it doesn’t make it any more pleasant to deal with.
Anyway… about 3 months ago I started noticing little green sticky objects on the wall. There was no doubt what they were. Lily and I had a discussion about the proper way to take care of this. It got better and thanks to the fabulous Mr. Clean eraser, all evidence was removed. Several weeks later she had a cold and my advise went out the window (well, actually behind the bed) Suffice it to say that I needed to do some intense scraping & repainting of that wall. Another serious conversation. A big box of tissues and a trash can next to her bed. The next several weeks were perfect. No minor wall repairs, and she was going through boxes of tissues. I figured our cleaning woman was emptying them from the trash and my Lily was such a big, responsible girl.
Until the night my mother in law happened to look under the bed. There were weeks worth of tissues that had accumulated and now covered the entire floor under her bed and were skimming the top of the mattress. My girl doesn’t do anything half way- I can take credit for that (ooops- sorry- slight bit of parental pride there). In retrospect, I do have to admit that I never specified where the tissues go. I thought the trash can implied it, but apparently not. Another conversation specifically about disposal of the tissue. Lily heard me, and I am happy to report that in recent weeks there have been no snot sightings and that I happily empty her trash can every few days.
Lately, I have started to notice Ben having some fascination with his nose and anticipate another series of fun filled conversations. This time though, I am more prepared. I’m armed with my Mr. Clean, a box of tissues and of course, a trash can.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Boo! Jeff is not the boss of this blog! No editorial voice for MSG-Boy!
I love you, Scott :)
I’ve known you for almost 30 years and I never knew this story. I thought the Vaseline covered telephone, clock, bedside table, etc. was the most digusting thing in your past!! But I guess you were equally repulsed by pb&j on hot dogs buns.
Lily does get giddy when I give her Vaseline. She takes a glob and asks, “too much?” If I say yes, she’s thrilled. Freak :)
Oh my god!!! Of all your wonderful, incredible traits, why did she have to inherit that one?
didn’t you also sleep with bags of vaseline and/or lotion over your hands and feet? is it too early for lily? is that at 5?
Vaseline is quite a wonder. I no longer go through my routine, but should because my feet are dry. So thanks for the reminder. :P