Nobody likes having to dust. Not even Nature itself, which, ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC) noticed, “abhors a vacuum.”

Historians and philosophers still wonder — did he mean that empty spaces tend to be filled, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense, or was he just getting on Mrs. Aristotle’s case because she was a little behind on the housekeeping? No one knows for sure — please, no letters.

At our house, I’m especially irked about the thick layer of dust on the window blinds in the living room.

Also, the dust covering the piano and the furniture. And all the books neatly tucked into their shelves.

Although we have never spoken of it openly, I’m pretty sure my wife thinks dusting the blinds is a blue job.

She has a way about her that suggests her opinion on the matter is along the lines of: “Those wooden blinds are made of woods, full of dangerous lions and tigers and bears!”

Whereas I am pretty sure dusting the blinds in the living room is a pink job. My reasoning is as follows: I don’t like dusting.

I should probably explain that “blue jobs” are tasks or careers historically associated with men, such as cowboy or G.I. Joe action figure, while “pink jobs” refer to roles traditionally held by women, such as nurse........

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