Exciting developments in home appliances

After much wailing and gnashing of teeth by me, Bryan finally conceeded to the puchase of a new vacuum today since our previous Hoover has failed to do much more than fill the house with dust and the smell of burnt plastic for over a year.
In December Bryan was awarded some funds which were to go toward a "night on the town" for us (i.e., expensive dinner, hotel etc) As going out on the town isn't in our near or distant future, I asked if we could use the funds toward the purchase of a new vacuum; he agreed. As it is President's day weekend, Sears had all vacuums 20-50% off, so we went today to pick up our new Kenmore, one that Consumer Reports rated as a best buy (when your stuck at home all day every day, you have time to do extensive research.) I never thought I'd be so excited about a vacuum, but this baby is pretty dang impressive! It's the best thing we've bought in ages! I guess anything would impress compared to the other, but wow! I gave it a whirl in the front living room, but that was more cardio than I've been accustomed too for a while, so I soon had to relinquish it to Bryan and lay back down. He finished vacuuming the family room for me, so I could enjoy a clean floor. You can immediately see a major difference...which was fairly disconcerting considering what we've been walking on until today.
Puck was most concerned with the new vacuum...I think it's because of the light on the front. He started wigging out when we turned it on, and just paced around Bryan while he gave it the preliminary run...Puck's reaction caused a great deal of entertainment for all.
It has been a big weekend for me...I left the house twice...my back is now completely sore and I'm wiped, but I was excited to be able to see something other than my living room.
Oh, and I no longer own a Volkswagon. We determined that since I'm not working, and the most I drive is to the doctor, a new fuel efficient car is no longer a major priority. (we bought it when I was teaching full-time and filling my gas tank 2 x's a week)
Bryan was able to work a deal with one of his dealerships, and they traded us my Jetta w/ 12,000 miles for a 1999 Jeep w/ 74,000miles- they gave us full value for the Jetta, and sold us the Jeep for what they had paid for it. We were able to cut our car payment in half as a result...and with the bambino coming and me not working, every little bit helps. Plus, because B works for Jeep, he can get service and parts at cost...we couldn't do that with my VW.