As you may recall from Vacuum cleaners – Part 1, my favorite vacuum cleaner had died. Clearly, I could not survive without one, so I did purchase a ‘temporary’ replacement. I chose a very inexpensive Bissell. I chose it because it is a Bissell, it was inexpensive, does not use a bag, has washable filters, and does have a detachable hose. It is an upright, which after using for a while, further sets my opinion for the need of a canister style, but more on that later. I realize I only spent about $50 on sale at Walmart, but I do have one major complaint with the unit; they designed the underside in such a way that I see some of the dirt thrown out the back.
I have to vacuum behind the vacuum!
Am I being too harsh? I don’t think so, after all, it is a Bissell and this isn’t new technology! Still, it does pick up dirt, etc, but ultimately cannot be my primary vacuum cleaner.
As for my comment about the need for a canister style vacuum, it is primarily a hose problem. To use the hose one must:
Upright
Whew! Thats a lot of steps. |
Canister
|
While vacuuming may be a lot of work, the noise of the vacuum drowns out other sounds and the mind puts the body on autopilot so it can wander and think freely, undisturbed (generally, everyone in the house leaves me alone while vacuuming, even leaving the area to escape the noise). Vacuuming is one of the few chores that has daydreaming as a fringe benefit (others include weeding and mowing). In fact, vacuuming is almost a zen activity. I don’t know about you, but I start at the farthest point in the room and work backwards, so when done, I can see the beauty of a perfectly vacuumed room, knowing sadly, it won’t be that way shortly. Its kind of like those zen gardens, where sand is groomed into interesting designs.
Whether it is zen or not, chores are a lot easier when one finds the pleasure in the act or the result. Look for the beauty in any activity you do, and life will be a lot more pleasant!