The Pink Vacuum

A few weeks back my husband and I went shopping for some home appliances we needed. One thing on our list was a vacuum, but new vacuums are expensive, so we went to the local thrift store. We figured that we could find a used vacuum that works well enough.

We didn't want a bag vacuum, so that narrowed things down a lot. There were only three bagless to choose from, and one of them was hot pink. Seriously, the things you find in thrift stores...

My husband actually asked if I wanted to try the pink vacuum, but I instantly vetoed it. I don’t fit the female stereotype of loving all things pink; in fact, it’s my least favorite color.  And a pink vacuum of all things? It was just too silly. I mean, who owns a hot pink vacuum? Someone trying to make a statement of some kind? Maybe a woman trying to reconcile her feminist ideals with the reality of housework?

So we turned our attention to the two neutral-colored vacuums. My husband, wanting to make sure they worked properly before buying, found a nearby plug in the wall and started trying them out. Naturally the noise of the vacuums made us the two most obtrusive people in the store, and I cringed as I imagined how many shoppers we were annoying.

Still, I was glad we tried the vacuums, because one of them, rather than cleaning, actually spewed out dust and gravel. We tried cleaning up the mess using the other vacuum, but it wouldn't pick up much, and its plastic body was starting to break off.  James looked at me again and pleaded, “Are you sure we can’t try the pink one?”

I relented. Like most college students and newlyweds, we’re not rich.  When the choice became buying a $15 used vacuum or spending over 50 bucks on a brand new one, it would be pretty shallow of me to insist that my color preferences are worth 35 dollars of good grocery money.

Hot pink now graces my closet

So who owns a pink vacuum? Not a feminist or an idealist, but a certain newlywed who doesn't like pink. I guess it's best not to judge.

~ Snickerdoodle