Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Lumpy Rug Day

In case you've forgotten, it's Lumpy Rug Day which is intended to help us appreciate a good rug. A rug should be smooth, even, and definitely not lumpy. Many of us stretch out on a rug to watch TV, play games, and even catch 40 winks. If the rug is lumpy, you'll know it.

There are a number of ways to enjoy Lumpy Rug Day:

If you have a lumpy rug, toss it out and get a nice, lump-less rug.

If you once had a lumpy rug, take a minute to remember the soft, comfortable feel of the new rug when it arrived.

If you never had a lumpy rug, count your blessings. You don't know what you're missing.

Although the origins of Lumpy Rug Day are shrouded in mystery, it is generally agreed that this is a day to rid your environment of lumpy rugs rather than to celebrate your rug’s lumpiness. A rug should be smooth, plush, and inviting. You should be able to walk across it in your bare feet, savoring the feel of your toes sinking into the soft pile without fear of suddenly encountering a suspicious lump.

Before you give that lumpy rug the boot and shell out the money for a nice, new one, here's a few tips that will assist you in determining whether your rug is truly lumpy. Money is a bit tight in this economy, so let's not have any unnecessary expense.

First and foremost, clean the rug. Pick up any items that happen to be lying on the rug, especially small items like Lego bricks and doll shoes that may be masquerading as rug lumps. Subject the rug to an intensive vacuuming, followed by a shampooing if needed.

If your freshly cleaned rug is still lumpy, check underneath it. Stray toys, catnip mice, or remote controls may have found their way under the rug, thus creating lumps.

If there is nothing under the rug, examine the floor itself, particularly if you live in an older house. There may be humps, bumps, or other irregularities in the floorboards or tiles that are creating lumps beneath your rug.

After performing these three money-saving checks, if your rug is still lumpy and you have a bit of disposable income, by all means, head to the nearest Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, home furnishings or antique store and purchase the lumpless rug of your dreams.

A non-lumpy rug is a wise investment, one that can remain in your family for years with proper maintenance and loving care. At the very least, it should remain lump-free (despite the daily onslaught of heavy shoes, toy race cars, and falling slices of pizza) until the next Lumpy Rug Day.

Now, how do you celebrate Lumpy Rug Day?

First, gather the whole family together in honor of Lumpy Rug Day. Bring the children and the dog into the living room for the festivities. (Decorations are optional.) You can also invite your next door neighbors to the party and ask them to bring their lumpy rugs.

Secondly, acknowledge the lumpy rug and tell your favorite stories about the carpet. Share your trials with the lumpy rug with your family members. Next, everyone needs to try to walk over the lumpy rug without tripping. Take pictures of each other stumbling over the lumps and bumps in your area rug. Now, pick up the old lumpy rug, say a few departing words and throw it into the trash. Sweep the dust that was under it and place it into a jar for next year's celebration.

Okay, you can now unveil the new rug without any lumps. Lay it down in the center of the living room and take pictures with the new rug. Rub your feet on the brand new carpet and have fun zapping each other! This is my worse rug. It's in front of my sink and never seems to want to lie flat. But I love it and if I had a dollar for every time I've straightened it out, I'd be a rich woman!

----------------------------I can remember in the 70's when shag rugs were the thing to have in your home. I had one in my first apartment and loved lying on it with earphones on my head and jamming to my disco music! The biggest problem with shag rugs was if you dropped something on it, you might not find it ever again. I lost many an earring just that way.