My Mother

All growing up there were things I swore I'd never do that I saw my mom do on occasion: drink diet coke, cuss, and always rinse my dishes. As I've gotten older I've found it funny how I've slowly started to see more and more of my mom in me. Although it has surprised me, I have loved it, and there isn't a better lady on earth that I'd rather emulate. Both of us don't cuss much these days, I do love diet coke, and I believe strongly that dishes should always be rinsed right after you use them. 

What brought this up? We just got a new dishwasher in my apartment and for the first time we now have dishes that are actually clean when they are finished with the wash cycle. However, my roommates have always had a problem remembering to rinse their dishes. It is a little bit nasty sometimes. I just hear my mom's voice in my head when I discover these dishes. Today as I was reloading the dishes into the dishwasher, taking out the pots that surely have no chance at being cleaned without now soaking them for an extended period of time in hot, soapy water, I finally understood what the big deal was all growing up. I never understood it until now. All I can say is, Mom, I'm sorry for all the dishes I didn't rinse. I promise to do better now.