I absolutely love the days when I love to clean my house. There are certain mornings when I wake up and just feel like cleaning. Admittedly, these joyous revelations are few and far between, but a couple times a year I get into this mood where I have to clean every inch of my home. Sunday was one of those days. I had promised the kids I would take them to see Balls of Fury at the matinee, so I got an early start, and left no dust ball in my wake.

I am the type of house cleaner who demands recognition for my work… I scrub a floor, I call everyone into the room to revel in my work. I offer them a snack (to be eaten off my spotless floor) and everyone is reassured that “yes, mommy really is nuts.”

On this particular Sunday, I was in rare form. I scrubbed four toilets, two tubs and two showers; four counter tops; one refrigerator; five ceramic tile and hardwood floors, swept four bedrooms and a living room; sorted washed, and dried 11 baskets of laundry (Kelly was home from college with 3 loads of dirty laundry); washed and changed two beds; watered 27 house plants; cleaned one litter box; wiped away dog drool off 6 windows; and loaded and emptied the dishwasher two times.

The house looked good. Real good. And, it smelled good, too. I took satisfaction in knowing that we would return from the movie and enter a completely sterilized home.

Okay, stop the fairy tale music. Anyone who knows me knows that everything I do – in the end – ends up lousy. Nine out of 10 of my closest friends think that I was a black cat in a past life. I can’t argue the point. Only I can leave an immaculate home only to return to find it in shambles.

Turns out, I had two very busy pets while I was out. Ever hear the expression “the fur will fly?” Basically, it means this: cat + dog left home alone = area of devastation. One wrestling match = multiple piles of dog vs. cat fur left on carpet and couch. One couch pillow = ripped to shreds, stuffing spread all over the living room floor. Two plants knocked over = one broken flower pot (and, as a bonus, let’s not forget I had just watered the plants). One clean toilet = refreshing water bowl following wrestlemania. Spotless windows = slobbered glass and window sill.

So, my day went from Balls of Fury - The Movie...to Hell Hath No Fury - Like a Cleaning Momma Scorned. The beauty in all of this is that Rocco now has a new separation anxiety disorder I have to deal with...

As for the movie - two kids gave it a thumbs up, one said it was the worst movie ever, one gave it a firm average, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't give a hearty chuckle several times throughout....

As always, I enjoy hearing from you! E-mail me anytime at Pat VanZandt@wsee.tv

I wasn't sure if I should have been mad at my 13 year old daughter, or thankful she's so resourceful. But the bottom line is this – she is definately more brave than I was at age 13 – and that means a long road ahead...

Here’s what happened. Sam broke her cell phone. Now, please understand – it’s wasn’t the poor dear’s fault. Seriously, the horns hold the halo up....save the sympathy.

So, as she explains to me how her cell phone magically snapped in two pieces, she immediately announces a replacement plan. She’ll simply buy a new one. Purchase a new cell phone from this mystery cache of money we both know does not exist. Ever try to replace a cell phone when you don’t have insurance? You could pick up a piece of pottery from the Ming Dynasty cheaper.

So I break her heart. “Mommy isn’t going to take out a second mortgage on our home to buy you a new cell phone. You will simply have to do without.” Do Without? Why do without when you’re resourceful, like Sam?

It’s Monday night, and I’m at work. Sam is home. Tucked away in my top dresser drawer is a very old cell phone. It doesn’t flip, so, I don’t know – that must make it circa 2002? I’m just guessing here – but it is old, and it certainly isn't stylish. But it does work, and at this stage, for Sam, that’s a good thing. It’s about 9:10 p.m. when my cell phone rings. It’s Sam calling from her cell phone. “Ah, hello??? How are you calling me from a cell phone that I threw in the garbage four days ago?” Great question, Mom! Even better answer. She jacked that old Kyoceria phone from my drawer, and in 20 minutes had it up and running. I’d like to thank the good folks at Verizon who were kind enough to assist my 13 year old with the telephone switch. Apparently, you don’t need some sort of parental permission to do this?

If I were to score this experience on a scale, obviously, I'd have to subtract a few points for rooting through my stuff without asking. But, give a few points for resourcefulness and technical ability. And, I am truly impressed that she was able to trick a Verizon employee into thinking she’s an adult.

In the end, Mom wins. This old cell phone can only do two things: talk and text. It makes no fashion or financial statement - and I like that. Even Sam agrees that an old cell phone is better than no cell phone. Who says you can't effectively communicate with a 13 year old???

As always, I enjoy hearing from you. Email me anytime at Pat VanZandt

This is what some of the most powerful women in Erie can accomplish in a little over two weeks. Their invites brought out more than 300 men, women and children to the October 4th Pink Fountain Celebration at Perry Square. An interested Erie community - filled with business and political leaders - lined the Square to hear first-hand why it is so important to get screened, and get screened annually. Dozens donning pink...many more wiping away tears as personal stories are read softly from the podium by Erie breast cancer survivors.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This eye-catching Pink reminder is just one way this Erie community wants you to know it cares about you. All month long, Perry Square along with the fountains at Stairways Behavioral Health, Erie Insurance Group, and The Erie Times News flow pink - remind you to Think Pink - and get a mammogram. The Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing is also glowing pink. Consider it a beacon of hope for breast cancer survivors, or perhaps a temporary memorial for those whose lives have been tragically cut short.

Linda Stevenson of National City Bank, spearheaded this inaugural event with a committee of 25 women who know how to get things done. She's already made a committment in October of 2008 to bring the Pink Power back - and no doubt, it will be a brighter shade.

This month-long effort would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the Sinnott Administration, who immediately backed the awareness campaign and threw in the help of about a dozen city workers. Mayoral Assistant Laura Schaaf and Ericka Howland orchestrated the entire event, along with the following Steering Committee Members: Kelly Spaeder, Betsy Bort, Beth Zimmer, Karen Kraus-Phillips, Kathleen Johnson, Lisa Watkins, Lisa Louis, Laura Salamonsen, Kathy Vitale, Amy Izbicki, Amy Lund, Tonya Carpenter, Mary Bula, Holly Dhaliwal, Cathy Fresch, Geri Cicchetti, Donna Haskins, Diann Graham, Cindy Welsh, Kim Fleissner, and Mary Ellen Dahlkemper.

Please remind yourself, your mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, co-worker, husband, and friends to get a mammogram. When detected early, breast cancer has survival rate of nearly 100%.

As always, I enjoy hearing from you. E-mail me anytime at Pat Van Zandt