| Ahhh spring. The snow is melting. It's the time of year | | | | the winter clothes for the summer set of course. And, |
| when nature brings new life into the world. People's | | | | in this country the screen windows tend to remain in |
| spirits are refreshed and invigorated. Spring truly is a | | | | homes all year round. |
| wonderful season. In fact, is there anything bad about | | | | So, why the difference in cleaning seasons? Actually, I |
| spring at all? Oh yes... Spring cleaning. | | | | believe the physical and mental feelings the people of |
| Cleaning: the bane of fun. As if appeasing my | | | | these countries have during their annual cleanings are |
| girlfriend's wrath by throwing my dirty socks into the | | | | quite similar. As stated above, the all around general |
| laundry basket instead of onto the floor wasn't enough, | | | | feelings I/we (Americans) have during the spring time |
| the American society has decided to dedicate at least | | | | are feelings of renewal. This is the same feeling the |
| one full day (that's 24 hours or 1,440 minutes or 86,400 | | | | Japanese experience for the coming of the New |
| seconds) of its citizen's lives to the horrific act of | | | | Year. |
| cleaning. | | | | But when it comes to cleaning for the comatose, |
| Although I loathe the act itself, I can understand why | | | | Japan may have America beat. Both countries have |
| poor innocent spring has been chosen to be burdened | | | | their maid and cleaning services. However, Japan also |
| with the negative public relations as the season of | | | | has the one day super deluxe maid service. Almost to |
| cleaning. It's time to pack up the winter clothes and | | | | the minute of your appointed date two or three girls |
| take out the summer clothes. Switch the glass | | | | show up at your place to start their work. The basics |
| windows with the screen windows. Spring is a time to | | | | are of course covered; laundry, washing the dishes, |
| throw away all those things that are being outweighed | | | | ironing, vacuuming, etc. But then, going up and beyond |
| by the dust that has accumulated on top of them. To | | | | the call of duty, these girls will move boxes and sort |
| me, spring cleaning symbolizes a fresh new start. | | | | through your year old accumulation of trash and put |
| However, spring is not the universal season of cleaning. | | | | anything you want anywhere you want as per your |
| As I presently reside in Japan I have come to | | | | instruction, all the while maintaining a smile. These girls |
| experience and understand the art of "end of year | | | | have a sixth sense for cleaning. So, when it comes to |
| cleaning". Every year in late December in Japan, | | | | the evils of spring cleaning, I fully recommend that |
| people all over the country do almost the exact same | | | | America imports the super deluxe maid service from |
| thing we do during spring cleaning, aside from switching | | | | Japan. Ahhh spring. It just got a lot easier. S.B. |