[I originally had this entry as my “about” page, but I soon realized that it’s really a post, so I moved it here.  I can do that: I’ve got the power!]

Why be houseproud?  What does it mean to be houseproud? Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines houseproud as being “proud of your house because you spend time and effort cleaning or improving it.”  That definition is a good start, but it’s missing an important element:  being houseproud is deeply rooted in wanting to make a home out of the place where you live.  To be houseproud could be better defined as being proud of your home because you spend time and effort cleaning and making it homely.  “Making a house homely” can be encapsulated by the decidedly old fashioned word “homemaker”.  And while houseproud is not as fraught with meaning as “homemaker”, these two words still raise hackles. But here’s the thing: houseproud and homemaker are equal opportunity occupations.  Your prowess as a houseproud homemaker is independent of your race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, shape or size.  Neither houseproud nor homemaker need to be full-time occupations.  I spent years working very long hours in the legal field while still rocking my houseproud ways, so I can attest that you can be a part-time homemaker!  Being a houseproud homemaker isn’t reserved for folks who live with others, either, as I live now with the Mister:  I became houseproud when I moved into my first apartment all by myself, and my solo-living mum is one of the most houseproud woman I know. Continue reading →