New Iron

I bought a new iron today.  A Rowenta.  We've had our old iron for over 16 years and it has finally died.  It fell off the ironing board a few months ago and hasn't been the same since.  Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure it was me who bumped it off.  But I have a big walk in closet and I iron in there so I can always leave the iron and ironing board up.  I love not having to put it away every time I use it.  I've limped it along, but it is leaking out the bottom.  You can see how well used it is because the teflon coating on the soleplate is wearing off!  I remember when I got that iron.  I had just bought another one 2 months before and it completely stopped working.  I was mad.  So I took it back to Target and asked them to replace it, because surely irons last longer than 8 weeks, right?  I got the run around and finally talked to the manager.  She must have taken pity on a pregnant woman with four other kids because I remember the look she gave me and told me to pick what I wanted in a certain price range and I could have it.  She was so very nice.  I guess I looked exasperated.

So today it was off to BBBeyond with my gift cards and coupons.  I spent 30 minutes talking to two employees and read every box and finally decided.  This time Christine was exasperated.  Just pick one and let's go! she kept saying.  I learned a lot of things about irons I didn't know.  Did you know that the soleplate is a big indicator of a poor, average, or good iron?  I didn't either!  Most irons that claim to 'steam' only have holes around the edge of the soleplate that do that?  They may have many 'grooves' to help the iron slide along, but you should look for one with holes on most or all of the soleplate.  This helps in getting a crisp crease or in eliminating wrinkles and also with sewing.

I chose the Rowenta with the teflon/non-stick soleplate with steam holes covering the whole surface.  They even make irons now with a small tip for shirt collars and detailed ironing for small items or when sewing.  I liked that feature too.  AND I even got a rebate along with my gift cards and coupons!  Cha-ching!

So, here's to many more happy years of ironing.  Some people dread doing it, but I rather like it.  I tuck myself away in my closet in the quiet and iron away.  I like all the neat stacks and hanging clothing.  I like the feeling of accomplishment when I am done.

Christine is at YW.  It is the camp kick-off.  She wasn't too thrilled.  They are going to the same camp they did 2 years ago and it wasn't that great of an experience from the facilities and staff situation.  But I remember being on the Stake Board and having to find places for a very large group to go and it's hard down here.  We have had several conversations about this topic.  Finally I told her that it's not all about what YOU get out of it or what's in it for you.  She will after all is said and done, have fun, learn, and build her testimony.  But more often it's what you can GIVE to someone else that you might not even realize.  A smile.  A conversation. A hug. A compliment.  We all need to remember that, huh.