One of the many perqs of studying at home is that study breaks are very productive. I can spend 20 minutes cleaning up and go right back to studying, energized by productivity in another area (specifically having my environment noticeably neater contributes a great deal). Today, I decided, one of my breaks would be to vacuum. I may have mentioned previously that I enjoy vacuuming, especially with the Dyson. It’s intrinsically rewarding to me, and I love the way clean floors look. It’s very calming. (By the by, I do not enjoy mopping in the same way. I… don’t mop.)

So halfway through our flat, the brush stopped spinning. I excitedly gathered the appropriate tools to investigate (including a special screwdriver I was THRILLED to find among our possessions, from a tool kit given to us as a wedding gift – that thing has rescued us more times that I can count); sure enough, the belt had snapped, and shortly I was on the phone with Dyson for a replacement part. Their customer service is awesome, a rarity these days. During the call I had the opportunity to clean the brush and was unable to stop debridement until I could no longer take apart the machine. I look forward to seeing if my love of this kind of work carries over into medicine like I think it might.

Fortunately the vacuum is still under warranty, and a new belt is on its way. In 7 to 10 business days. HOMER SHRIEK. I may have reassembled the vacuum and dragged the non-brushing, for-hard-floors version over the carpet to give myself the impression of vacuum lines. This wait will not be a problem. I’m fine. < freezing cold sweat >