We're Goin' Green!

Well...kinda-sorta-in-a-way. :)

Even husband is getting in on the action! Our house feels cleaner & fresher than it ever did when using the over-the-counter, toxic cleaners & chemicals. I took about...oh gosh...$150 in chemical cleaners to hubby's office yesterday & I thought I was going to hurl from all the combined fragrances! Blah! I read somewhere (I'm doing so much research, I can't begin to keep it all straight) that otc household cleaners are overkill. I completely agree! And do you know how much money we're going to save? Yippee! I'm all for that! :)

I still have a lot to learn & a long way to go - but hey, ya gotta start somewhere! :)

Can you guess?

Today I got my answer. Now let's see if you can guess. :)

To be a substitute teacher within our school district, you must have three completed items. Can you name all three?

Shocking answers revealed later. LOL! :)
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1.) Complete an application.

2.) High school diploma.

3.) Background check.

To say I am disturbed would be an understatement.

Here's what happened today.

As I pulled around the school to pick up Bentley, I noticed my friend (Bent's last week sub) loading kids into their car.

As soon as she saw me, she grabbed Bentley & headed my way.

Our informative conversation -

Me - "Hi! Are you working here now, or what?"

Her - "I'm now a substitute."

Me - "Wow! I didn't know you continued your education to sub!"

Her - "I didn't."

Me - "You didn't? Then how are you subbing? Isn't that a requirement?"

Her - "No. I do have some college, but I don't have my degree."

Me - "So, what's necessary to sub?"

Her - " Basically an application, high school diploma & a background check. So far I've subbed Kindergarten, 1st grade & 4th grade. I'm learning as I go."

"Wow! I had no idea! See you later!"

I am teaching my child to trust & obey his peers - now I really need to rethink my plan.

I'm trying not to envision - "Hey Bentley, since I'm (meaning anyone) your teacher for today...your mom said to come on with me & I'll take you home" - or something of the sort. Of course I realize this situation could happen with any teacher. However, if they (ISD) required some college before teaching children...at least we would all know that those particular subs did prove (by furthering their education) that they truly do have an interest for teaching children, & are not just subbing while scouting for "the one". A tad of comfort is better than no comfort at all...

At this point, I really don't know what else to say.

Time to throw it out!

Everyone is finally improving & feeling better. Here's what I have accomplished thus far. :)

Tossed: All air fresheners (except for the tiny little square ones), pledges, air sanitizers, all (& I had a ton!) floor cleaning products, body/hand lotions with perfume (except for my body lotion), detergent with perfume, dryer sheets with perfume, hard cleaning agents (like CLR - which I rarely use), shower/bath wall/tub cleaners, Lysol Disinfectant (which I rarely use - I do like it for mattresses but the scent is way too strong), window cleaner.

Things I won't be changing include: shampoos, soaps, Jaguar's/my hair products, Bon Ami (it's perfume/dye free). The following might get replaced at a later time if I find something as productive: Shout, Clorox Anywhere, dish/dishwasher detergent.

Undecided for now: Clorox wipes (I think can be replaced with the Clorox Anywhere), toilet bowl cleaner, bleach for shower (which is not used often).

I'm sure many more will "pop up" as time progresses.

I'm going to purchase this book: Clean Your House Safely and Effectively Without Harmful Chemicals: Using "From the Cupboard" Ingredients (baking soda, salt, white vinegar, cornstarch, vegetable oil, lemon juice) - by Randall E. Dunford. :)

I'm hoping by implementing the above, it will help alleviate the below:

Not so great photo, I know. What do you want from me? I'm sick. LOL! :)

Free to a good home.

The tub. Actually I just wanted a photo for my own recollection 'cause I'm fixing to burn the dadgum monster. (Is that wallpaper, you ask? Why yes it is. The entire bathroom is covered in it - all the way up 14 - 16 feet! Oy! :)

Oh, & no more leather! Finally! Hello suede. :) I think it's actually a faux suede (maybe?) - none the less, I fell in love with it & it's so comfy! :)

We donated our leather grouping to a single mom who had no furniture. I love helping other people. Such a wonderful feeling. Seeing their grateful expressions is priceless to me. I'm not a good "receiver", but I'm a great "giver". Love it. :) Wonder if I can donate that tub...?