The New New Adventure (NNA) is the much anticipated sequel to the Next Adventure blog where we tracked our predictions and journey into parenting when Lila was born (November 2019). Now she’s a big sister. The NNA continues the fun and antics with the addition of blessing #2, baby Ciara. Two is a whole new ball game…
Get the full ‘New New Thing’ Series here: charleskunken.com/season8
The New New Adventure #5 - Zen and the Art of Pressure Washing
“How are you liking it so far?”
My neighbor is a pretty tall guy so I can see the top of his face over the fence, like Wilson from Home Improvement.
“It’s pretty great,” I said.
The twinkle in his eye made it clear that he was sincerely happy for me. Before he turned his back he said, “Congrats again on the pressure washer.”
I’m not sure how long I stood there appreciating the new fraternity I had entered before squeezing back down on the 40-degree nozzle to finish spraying the mildew off the deck.
The feeling this art form has given me was completely unexpected. I assume it was triggered by some evolutionary tick that wants to prevent moss from entering the cave.
I experimented with angles and nozzles until I found the one that wouldn’t completely peel off the paint. But once I got going and felt the pressurized wash running through the handle all I wanted to do was disintegrate the entire deck. Luckily I reigned it in because I also want us to be able to use the deck this summer. And I need somewhere to put the grill.
By the time I spun the hose valve off and wheeled her back into the garage I was walking quite a bit taller. When I lifted Lila to put her in her chair for dinner I noticed that she held on a little tighter, a little more confident.
As Ciara took her bottle that evening—which she did a little easier if you ask me--I replayed my earlier convo with fellow dad neighbor. He mentioned that he washes his grill two times a year. He didn’t say it to brag, he did it to open my eyes to the opportunities I have in store.
I’m so grateful to the community that I didn’t even know existed. I feel so welcomed and want to give back. Perhaps that explains my overwhelming urge to lend my washer to somebody.
Just in case you’re wondering, it’s a 2400 PSI Dewalt. Let me know if you need to wash something.
Image: EVERETT COLLECTION
From https://ew.com/tv/last-man-standing-tribute-wilson-home-improvement/
Have some thoughts? Feel free to drop a comment or hit me up: charlie@charleskunken.com
Other Posts In The ‘New New Thing’ Series
The twinkle in his eye made it clear that he was sincerely happy for me. Before he turned his back he said, “Congrats again on the pressure washer.”