Vroom Vroom

Well, I finally bought a new vacuum. I ordered it online just before Christmas and after a few emails from Target notifying me it would come late, it finally arrived just after Christmas. Unfortunately I was sick, so I didn't get to take it for a spin until just recently. First let me say, it was very easy to order online and Target did a good job of managing my expectations. When I found out it wouldn't arrive until after Christmas, I called Target and requested money back. And they offered me $20. And well, this made me happy. Under the picture of my beautiful vacuum it read, 'ships in 2-3 days.' This of course wasn't true and the $20 placated me for the extra 8 days I waited. Kudos to Target who promised me the money back and followed through without another call.

For those of you dying to know.... I did not buy the Dyson. My oldest brother seemed a little distraught that I would spend all of that money on a vacuum, and called me one day to suggest a vacuum called the Infiniti, which boasts its similar 'never lose suction' technology. I read the reviews and at about 60% of the Dyson price, I thought I would go out on a limb and try it. I decided to buy this over the Dyson because:
1. My brother was persistent
2. It had a headlight
3. It was much cheaper
4. It's definitely prettier than the Dyson which is not important but might matter to someone.

While I was still recovering, I asked Sean to assemble this candy apple red raging machine. This past weekend I vacuumed the downstairs carpet and the main level area rugs. Here are the highlights:

Although the vacuum is somewhat harder to push than others, I didn't really have any issues. It picked up loads of hair on the first or second run over the carpet. I can feel that the suction is strong and the brush is whirling around picking up debris in its path. Although I did take a minute to clear the hair out of the brush, it wasn't necessary to resume. I do know for a fact that Alamo's extremely fine hair (which when is spun around, forms into long silk threads) is what is most likely to clog the brush and so I keep an eye out for that.

The Infiniti is fairly 'quiet' compared to other vacuums. You definitely hear it, but no need for earplugs. It has decent control over the height which I had to change quite a bit with my carpets. The entire handle comes off the vacuum and the accessories (including a pet brush) slide into the handle compartment. Although it first appears to be a little difficult to maneuver, it actually worked really well as I vacuumed my red sofas. I also tried to vacuum the towels on my sofas where the cats lie every day and it did a surprisingly good job on that task. I didn't want to push the vacuum too hard so I didn't spend a lot of time with the towels.

This is a bagless vacuum and the canister is fairly small. However, I think I can probably do my whole house before emptying, assuming I vacuum weekly like I normally do. Emptying the canister was a bit of a chore. I hate to read instruction manuals for every day appliances so I was trying to figure it out on my own. I did figure it out, just as the contents fell onto my lap. Luckily I could just vacuum it back up! The task of emptying the canister is clunky but bearable. I also had to stick my hand up in the canister to pull the hairball out of the top portion and my hand barely fit. If I look closer, there might be an easier way.

I did not use the vacuum on the hardwoods. I tend to use a Swiffer cloth or a dust buster on them to eliminate potential to scratch the 'new' cherry wood floors. I love the suction, the attachments (I don't care that they don't all fit on board), and the fact it seems to work great. I like that it is bagless and I have extra filters that I can wash to make last longer. I'm not sure how many filters I have or what may need to be replaced.

I dislike that it's a bit heavy to carry up the stairs (bring on the husband help!). The worse thing about the vacuum that I hope clears up eventually is the smell. It smelled like rubber the first time. The belts are all in place so I think it is just the smell of all of the tubes. The first time I used it, I was unprepared and almost had to open a window. It was terrible. It was not as bad the second time, so maybe it's like a 'new car' smell, but not pleasant. Also the vacuum makes a little high pitched noise like something is loose when the carpet adjustment is low. I have a feeling it's normal, but I'm watching it closely to make sure it's not something faulty. It seems to be working great though, so I think the pros outweigh the cons for now.

I recommend the Infiniti Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Pet Care System.
I also just checked and the price has dropped another $30. I wonder if I can get another credit? You betcha I'm going to try.

Happy New Year

I'm eager to begin 2007. As excited as I am to see Christmas come, I'm just as excited to see it go. I love the idea of resolving to do things better in the coming year and looking forward to warmer months again. However after all of these years, I still rate New Years Eve as my least favorite holiday. It should bring such excitement and happiness but it usually creates stress and anxiety for me. The expectations are ridiculously high to plan a night of partying bliss. So each year I teeter on my upcoming plans. Will it be a night at home, a house party, trekking to a bar? Even being married doesn't make this decision any easier it seems. It just doubles the expectation. This year, I made plans early to alleviate the stress from last minute planning. And so we headed a short distance out of town.

I was a bit worried that I wouldn't have the energy since I spent last Wednesday home with a fever, aches, and sore throat. I stayed home from work for two days and decided I was up to going back on Friday for at least a few hours to take care of a few important year-end tasks.

On Saturday Sean and I headed to a Bed and Breakfast in New Market, VA. The Cross Roads Inn is just 1.5 hours away so I thought it would be a perfect way to bring in the new year. We chose the Rose room for its amenities including a King-sized bed and a whirlpool tub.

We arrived at the B&B on Saturday around 4pm. Greeted by the hosts and cheese and wine. What I have neglected to write so far is that I woke up with a very red eye on Saturday morning. Still not feeling up to par, I decided against the alcohol and we proceeded to our room to relax. It was a very nice room. We went out for dinner and then came back to relax. We had no plans, no agenda, just a nice weekend to relax. On Sunday, we had a lovely breakfast and conversation with another couple of guests. My voice was rather hoarse so I did little talking and a lot of nodding. When I woke up on Sunday, I had to pry both eyes open. By this time I was certain I was the lucky winner of the New Years Weekend Pink Eye Celebration. After breakfast Sean enjoyed a whirpool bubble bath. We were excited about the tub until we saw it was really built for one. And you aren't supposed to swim with Pink Eye.

Also, for those who make the same mistake I do time after time. When you pour bubbles into the tub and it looks like it isn't bubbling, be patient. Stop pouring it in. Once the jets start, you'll have quite a bubble frenzy. When using jets, 1/2 a teaspoon of bubbles will do the trick just fine. Really. Five tablespoons or so creates a bubble fiasco.

After Sean's relaxing bubble bath I informed him that my mother suggested I get antibiotics immediately. Which for us meant a trip to the ER at Rockingham Memorial. I in no way think Pink Eye is an emergency but because it was Sunday, and Monday was a holiday, and my prescription card expired 12/31 and I haven't received the new one yet, it was important to get what I needed. No clinics were open, so off to the hospital which sported some really interesting people. In the interest of time and energy I'll leave out the redneck jokes.

After two hours at the ER, I signed my discharge papers, got the Pink Eye contagious scoop, picked up prescription eye drops and was sent on my way. I relaxed for several more hours and then Sean and I went to dinner at the Publik House for a 5-course meal. For the most part it was very tasty and the ambiance was wonderful. We spent the rest of the evening watching TV. By 11:58pm I was ready to call it a night but I held out for the last 2 minutes, and that was all she wrote for us. The inn was extremely noisy that night due to the rain, the highway and crappy old cars that needed their fan belts replaced. Sleep did not come easy. My misery doubled.

After breakfast on Monday, Sean and I headed home where I continued to rest and take care of my eyes.
It was a nice weekend considering.


*As of Wednesday 1/3/07, I've been sick for a week. Today, I went back to the doctor for antibiotics and a huge horse pill for my bronchitis. I also had a melt down when I discovered that no one wants to take my insurance because UHC is so difficult to work with. Stay tuned for my health care in America segment!