It's a Plot

It has been awhile, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Staci wrote about appliance rebellion. I have further proof her story is accurate.

I'm not sure how, but I am convinced my dishwasher heard about me replacing my washer and dryer. Whether it overheard conversations (which would suggest appliances have some sort of hearing device akin to our ears), or if somehow it picked up from the laptop (perhaps some sort of satellite communication?)the number of times "Washer Ratings" was entered into the search engines, it knew. And it decided to revolt.

The dishwasher is pretty new. In fact, it is almost exactly 1 year and 3 months new. It was enough that there was some issue about whether it fell under warranty or the extended service protection plan that I am now sooooo happy I added at the last minute. The ESP won out, so eight phone calls and five trips through online forms later, a service tech is scheduled to come. Next week. I'm already on my fourth sink full of dishes to wash today. I'm seeing a serious purchase of paper plates and cups coming.

Oh, but that is not all the evidence I have. My car got wind of the coup and decided to join. Last night as we exited the car, Nathan investigated a hissing sound...it was the melody of a tire going flat. Quickly we drove it to the tire place, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump away, getting there before the flat was too far gone. Okay, I know a car isn't an appliance, per se, but you will not convince me this is coincidence.

So, today, I am without a car and a dishwasher. But that's okay. I get to stay home allllll day. What a blessing! And I can wash dishes allllll day, which is the perfect reason not to accomplish something more meaningful. Some days, I just need to be mindless. Maybe I can turn on House and do some baking to dirty up more dishes.....but only after I lovingly speak to my fridge and range to make sure they don't turn on me, too.

If You're Gonna Be a Bear.....

Be a Grizzly.

My family has told me that all my life. Usually, the philosophy pays off.

I'm in a rather unique position. I have a husband who is begging me to get a new washer and dryer....and mine still works. He just hates them. Really, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with these appliances. I love anything that takes stinky icky things and makes them smell all fresh and clean. However, there are issues with the whole fresh and clean thing.

So, my poisition is unique because, a) my husband really wants me to make this purchase, and I've been saying no (I've been doing WHAT?) for over a year now.
b) mine isn't broken so I'm not in a complete panic begging the sales guy to let me take whichever floor model home just so we can have some clean towels!!!!!!!!

I kinda like it here.

Hubby is what our sweet babysitter used to call "ticky ticky". He is rather particular about his appearance. The whole unknown spot from the washer, worn place in the new pants completely grates on him. He knows I try very hard to do a good job on the laundry and doesn't blame me. He blames the washer with its many issues. This thing would need intense counseling if it could talk, it has so many issues. But, it hasn't completely collapsed, with its tongue hanging out and little x's for eyes just yet, so I haven't been able to justify the purchase. Plus, given my propensity to wear denim anything and a tshirt which probably has a bleach stain, I don't stress too much about it.

This week, for some reason, it hit me. It really bugs him. I can get a new washer. WHAT AM I WAITING FOR??????????????

Lest you think the dryer is just along for the ride, I'm sure it is repairable, but it has issues of its own, including a cycle that takes almost two hours when it used to be just over 30 minutes. The additional time makes it difficult to keep my laundry quota up. Laundry in this house averages 5 loads per day, 6 days per week....give or take.

So, anyone who knows me knows researching new appliances is a great time to be OCD. What is information overload for most people is just the tip of the iceberg when I'm making a purchase of this size. I've talked to service people, sales people, housekeepers, looked at an unknown number of websites, been in various small and large retailers, and although I'll always have some buyer's remorse, I'm thinking it is time. I had settled on a particular model in Whirlpool, but I had a small issue. One of the things that excited me is that I can get a w/d set in some rockin' color. The model with the features I desire comes in white and aspen green. Aspen green is beautiful, but it will clash horribly with the new lemongrass walls in my laundry room, courtesy of the sweet painter ladies. Then my friend took me to Sears (again). The Kenmore that is just like the Whirlpool I like comes in wonderful colors. After more research (that heart-stopping red only comes in a size that is .4 cu ft smaller...did you know that?), I have settled on this: (lights, angelic background music, drumroll)


Well, add a dryer and minus the pedestals. It was a Chevy Chase Christmas Tree moment, to be sure.