My Dirty Little Secret--Literally

Before Saturday, I can't remember the last time I vacuumed. Evan is afraid of the vacuum, so I only get it out when Bryan takes him somewhere on the weekends. Lately, when I've had time to myself on the weekends, I have been using the time to write (lots of deadlines pending, which is a good thing, but means other things suffer). We have hardwood floors upstairs, so I sweep, Swifter and wet mop, all of which Evan likes. And for the rugs? The dustbuster of course!

My brother called on Saturday morning and said he was going to have a long layover in D.C. Yay! Since we were going to have actual company, I decided I would vacuum while Bryan and Evan went to pick up my brother. I hate to admit it, but it had been so long since I had vacuumed, I couldn't even remember where the vacuum was! I checked the hall closet, then the family room closet...no vacuum...on to the laundry room, then the upstairs guest room, then the downstairs guest room...no vacuum. Our house isn't that big, so I was running out of options and getting very frustrated with myself for LOSING OUR VACUUM. Our house isn't that big, so how could I lose the vacuum? That is a little like losing your washing machine! I checked all the above places again and then looked in my bedroom. I didn't think I'd have missed stepping over the vacuum had it been in there, but you never know. For a split second I thought maybe someone broke in and stole just the vacuum, but I knew that was a bit far fetched.

Finally, it hit me, the utility room! Of course. There in all its glory was the vacuum. So, I took it upstairs and remembered why I hadn't missed vacuuming. Our vacuum is awful! I think it was putting down more dirt than it was picking up. I emptied it, but it still didn't get any better. I've hated that vacuum for years and don't know why we haven't sprung for a new one. I finally put it away and got out the broom and dustbuster!!!

A few months ago Bryan's mom asked us if we wanted individual gifts or a family gift for Christmas this year. My first reaction honestly was to ask for a vacuum as a family gift! I decided that was a little too practical (something I get from my mom), and I didn't want to spoil the fun for the rest of the family, but I'm thinking I might add it back onto my Christmas list!