The cobbler's children have no shoes

Early on in my business I sat down with a VP at a chain of banks in this region. Scant minutes into our conversation she stopped me and said . . . "I'm sorry (to interrupt) but I have to ask you this." I replied, "Absolutely. What is it?" To which she voiced "Are your windows at home clean?"

Now, I know I need to work on my poker face, but this comment came out of left field somewhere and whapped me right in the middle of my chest. All I could do in this stunned moment was make the best of it. I just smiled, hung my head in shame and implored, "Oh, please don't look at the windows at my house. My wife would love it if I would do our windows, but right now they are pretty disgusting."

I used to hear my parents use the old adage "The cobbler's children have no shoes". Now I am living proof. In case you need extra convincing just look at the auto mechanic's personal cars. Do they run well? Probably not. What about the house painter? Bet you his home needs paint on the inside and out.

Yep, I should probably hire someone to clean my windows at home. Of course, the best window cleaner I know is enjoying a rather tight schedule these days and I'll just bet I can't get my house on his list . . . at least not yet.