My Heart Belongs to Dyson

About 15 years ago, a friend of mine bought a Dyson vacuum cleaner. I didn’t really pay much attention; I mean I vaguely knew the name but vacuum cleaners are not really something that I find exciting to discuss in most social settings. But she talked about this thing with all the zeal of an evangelist, using body language to show how the carpet fibers were now totally upright and what about the dirt you could actually SEE in that clear canister. Why even bother cleaning if you are just spreading the dust about, she reasoned with open palms. (This from a professional and highly educated woman who does not vacuum for pleasure –usually).

And so it came to pass, with several shedding pets in tow I got one myself …
The first time I used the Dyson, I was astonished that after a few broad sweeps of the carpet there was a swirling core of ginger cat hair in the Dyson’s Oz-like clear canister.

This was especially impressive since we have never actually owned a ginger cat.

Soon, I was the one trying to bring the Dyson over to other friend’s houses (especially those with pets) and using the same upright body language to represent the carpet pile afterwards. Yes, I’m sure I was a sought-after dinner guest but honestly, it’s THAT good a product. People tend to be divided into two camps with Dyson: believers who have bought and experienced the product and LOVE it and those who have not. (Well possibly three groups, although those like myself who are crushing on James Dyson himself independently are probably not a very sound demographic on which to base marketing tactics).

He does appear to be a completely charming and intelligent man and I have to say, that after watching an interview in which he was wearing quirky, giraffe print socks with an immaculately cut suit, I was completely in love with him. (On a practical level he is also a self-made man, pursuing his dream back in the day while his wife supported them on her own salary). He has a plethora of excellent quotes attributed to him, which you can peruse here but he is best known for Dyson’s “I just want things to work properly.”)

Exactly! Who isn’t tired of throwing things away or updating constantly? (I’m looking at you evil printer, cell phone and expensive watch that cannot be fixed …)

As an aside, my brother will fight to the death that Dyson did not actually invent the cyclonic suction technology but I do not believe his sources to be credible and yes, this is really the kind of debate I will now engage in at family gatherings.

Although I dream of buying another Dyson at some point for my multi-level home with many stairs, I have to admit that while they are an incredible investment they are really pricey and despite this blog entry I will, sadly, not be receiving a brand new Dyson, paid handsomely or even enjoying an afternoon cuppa with Sir James himself). But I am saving and at some point I really will buy another one.

You can read more about Sir James Dyson and his most current Good Works here
(You know you want to …)