Now, if you’re embarrassed for having put off painting the garage until now, I can understand that…

Nah, this I am okay with. A lot of other things were higher on the renovation priority list :)

I know perfectly well the great feeling I get when I’ve just tidied up a room or finished mopping the floor.

Isn't it strange how pretty much everyone gets the good feeling, but few want to clean? Seems the incentive isn't high enough. What if there was mind-blowing sex awaiting at the end of doing the cleaning? :D

Hope you have a great trip and recharge the batteries. And don't worry, the mess will be there when you get home still!