This is a test,... only a test

OK. So I was going to go all "high tech" and actually upload or download a photo to accompany this entry. However, Jeff opposed the idea, so I will not. But I have to tell the story (sorry, Honey!) so here goes.

A few days ago, the toilet paper in the main bathroom upstairs -- used by the five kids ages 6, 9, 9, 14 and 16) ran out. I noticed no one had ventured the 24 inches outside the bathroom door to the linen closet and reached for a new roll, so I did it. I must've gotten sidetracked, because I set it on the vanity and didn't replace it on the spool. By the end of the day, neither had anyone else who actually USES the bathroom. So, I decided to engage a little experiment. I told Jeff I was going to wait and see how long it took for someone to actually take 5 seconds out of his/her busy schedule to pop the cardboard tube off the spool and put the full roll of tp on. That was, like, Sunday.

Some time in the past few days, someone smooshed the roll of tp and wedged it above the empty cardboard tube. Classy. I pointed it out to Jeff and he admitted he did it. This was the photo I wanted to share with this post. Trust me,... it was worth a thousand words.

This morning, as I was getting ready in our bathroom (which shares a wall with the main bath) I could've sworn I heard the tell-tale "ka-chunk" of the spool being replaced in its holder. I popped my head out the door and asked Jeff is he'd heard that.
"What?" he said.
"I think Kate just put the toilet paper on the spool!" I told him.

The whole thing reminded me of an incentive program at the elementary school. Kids are spotted "doing the right thing," and nominated by teachers for a "Wildcat Award." They are announced in their class at the end of each week, then go on to be recognized in the cafeteria at lunchtime. It's a nice little program that seems to work well. I thought it might be a good idea to start that in the house -- if any of the kids are spotted helping out simply because they see something that needs done (rather than be nagged, um... I mean asked), they will be recognized/rewarded.

Two things I realized from my "experiment:"
1.) How sad is it that I pay such close attention to whether or not the toilet paper is on the spool, not to mention become giddy with joy when it's replaced, and
2.) I'm thinking a few boxes of SweetTarts could be great incentive! :)