Earlier this week, on Facebook, I posted Snoopy's message (even if I didn't believe a word of it): Chaque fois que tu trouves de l'humour dans une situation difficile, tu gagnes.
une broutille (broo-tee)
a trifle, a small matter, a little thing, nothing
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perdre son temps à des broutilles = to waste one's time on unimportant matters
se préoccuper de broutilles = to focus on insignificant details
s'inquiéter pour des broutilles = to worry about nothing
se disputer pour des (ou une) broutilles = to fight over nothing
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
On Monday morning I quietly packed an overnight bag and left it on the edge of my bed. Next, I drew a few deep breaths, clicked open my blog, and began searching the archives for a post to rerun. Though I have gone to work and written stories under more nerve-racking circumstances, this time the energy-fueling crisis could not be put to constructive use–not even for sentence construction (emotional turmoil can be an adept wordsmith).
As I searched for a story to repost, I stopped, now and again, to contemplate the packed bag. If it eventually disappeared from the edge of the bed, it would be the first time in 19-years of marriage that I dared employ Plan B (a night spent alone at a cheap hotel…to think things over). But what would a little room cost? I wondered. I'd spend 60, at least… Surely I could get an off-season room in Bandol for 60/65…? Maybe they'll offer a discount if I stay a week. Will I stay a week?
Don't think about that right now, I told myself. Wait for that "still small voice" inside to guide you. Meantime, one step in front of the other… Get your work done and then you can decide what to do.
I walked on in ignorant bliss until, suddenly, my smile fell and I froze in my tracks. The drain? He is not going to put that vacuum attachment down the drain!
Electricity is a big bone of contention in our household. Over the two decades that I have lived with Jean-Marc, I have watched him dabble in DIY work. He is no good at it, he admits, but that doesn't take away his enthusiasm–nor do the trips to ER when he slips! Lately, after long discussions with my mom, I have learned to see Jean-Marc's DIY adventures in a new light: not only is he extremely curious, but such projects are his way of expressing himself–unleashing his inner-artist! Thus, we have the velcro-taped GPS in our car and the duct-taped mop-spear. The perfectionist in me winces at each of my husband's latest "solution creations" which lack for visual esthetique. But, lately, thanks to Mom's help, I can smile at them and even begin to appreciate the quirky man-made fix-its. And I can almost overlook my husband's obsession with refitting all the electric cords (on the microwave, the TV, the lamps…he seems fascinated by the anatomy of the cord. He itches to reveal the wires within the black rubber conduit).
But I draw the line at electricity and water.
"There is a plastic bottle cap stuck in the drain and I am going to vacuum it out!" This, Jean-Marc states with intention, for he knows that I will go hoarse trying to talk him out of it. "The drain is dry," he adds. "There is no worry about water!"
I pause, knowing that if this conversation continues it will continue at a great expense. Listen, I want to say to my husband, I get it that you need to do your thing. I get it that I am to leave you alone with your projects and schemes. I get it. I get it. But I will never "get" electricity and I am asking you to wait for the plumber to arrive. He's scheduled to be here, anyway, and he can get the bottle cap out of the drain!
Realizing that I was not going to let up, Jean-Marc let go, losing his battle with self-control. This happened somewhere between his urging to, "Trust me that I know what I am doing," and his final desperate plea: "LET ME LIVE MY LIFE!"
I did trust him to know what he was doing and I did want him to live his life (obviously!). Only, as I so often tell our son, "It isn't you I worry about. It's the other drivers!" (Here, it isn't Jean-Marc I worry about. It is the water and the electricity!)
***
Back in my bedroom, having closed the door on the verbal gunfire that raged on, solo, back in the living room, I tell my daughter: "Get your bag, we are leaving for school now." Only, when I open the door, there stands my husband, goggle-eyed, arms rising up and down.
I stood completely silent and still before the stunning bottle cap-and-vacuum spectacle, not a single of my limbs in motion, yet inside my arms were flapping wildly and my mouth thundered just like his. I was just as riled as he was, only I managed to keep it all tucked neatly inside as I walked right on past the live wire and out the door.
I don't know how I happened onto the site of a photographer based in Memphis, but I stayed to study every single photo in her touching self-portrait exposition, in which she photographs people sneering or mocking her (seemingly unbeknownst to her) because of her weight. Artist Haley Morris-Cafiero writes:
For my series, Wait Watchers, I set up a camera in a heavy-traffic, public area and take hundreds of photographs as I perform mundane, everyday tasks as people pass by me. I then examine the images to see if any of the passersby had a critical or questioning element in their face or in their body language. I consider my photographs a social experiment and I travel the world in an attempt to photograph the reactions of a diverse pool of passersby.
I have always had a hard time controlling my weight. My uncontrollable exterior has determined my place in society and I have often felt left out and awkward.
The artist's words hit hard and for the first time I realized that, though we all have struggles and vices, some of us have the added humility of having to wear their uncontrollable sides on the outside–weight and temper being two examples. With this thought came a wave of compassion for all who suffer from outward expressions of their inner conflicts.
Jean-Marc calmed down in time to bring me wildflowers in an attempt to reconcile. Accepting them, I was unable to curb my impulse to point out HIS faults. (I didn't see it as humiliation at the time but–like using a blow torch to put out a lighted candle wick–such words were crushing and unnecessary… and only served to fuel the flame!)
By the third bouquet of wildflowers (it took days–and many bouquets–to reconcile…) I began to see some of my own vices, trickier for myself, or others, to identify as they are hidden on the inside: stubborness, self-righteousness, intolerance, perfectionism, the need to control, over-anxiousness–to name several. Unlike the overweight photographer or the short-tempered husband, I have the luxury of keeping my vices and sins to myself, though I endeavor to share most of them in the stories I write. Afterwards, I can't help but see the humor and the beauty and the value in the struggle of life.
"I'm uncomfortable when you talk about your struggles with alcoholism," one readers comments. Another writes, "Aren't you afraid you'll lose Jean-Marc–aren't you doing him a disservice by writing these very personal accounts). I worry some other woman will steal him away from you!"
Such notes make me cower back inside myself, and I think my writing days are over. If I cannot tell my story–through the lens of humor or whichever lens I'm using for a particular episode–then I might spend my time sorting socks (and some of you will agree yes, Kristin, this would be best!).
"But writing is your gift! Don't let intimidation silence your creativity!" my mom urges me (sure, she's my mom, Moms say that kind of thing… but I feel that kind of thing–not the gift but the words and sentences that will not stop filing across my mind, or chattering in my ears, until they are set down in story form. It is torture, but, three times each week, it is delivery).
Post note: Jean-Marc has always encouraged me to share my story. "If it is the truth," he says, "then tell it."
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Hi, Kristin. I’ve sent you a note before about the struggle all writers/memoirists encounter when they try to tell their stories. You know those around you the best and where to draw the line. So don’t listen to those who pass judgements on which stories you try to tell. You are simply showing yourself as a reader with many sides. Sometimes you feel a need to do more than your witty stories on French country life (although you do that extremely well). I love your fearlessness in writing and need to develop more of it in my own.
While your family is here, please don’t stop posting completely. We’d love occasional photo essays because we can never get too much of the dogs or what Jules is wearing (her Frido cape, bien sûr?)
By the way, isn’t it time for Smokey-doke to have his own Facebook page?
Hi, Kristin. I’ve sent you a note before about the struggle all writers/memoirists encounter when they try to tell their stories. You know those around you the best and where to draw the line. So don’t listen to those who pass judgements on which stories you try to tell. You are simply showing yourself as a reader with many sides. Sometimes you feel a need to do more than your witty stories on French country life (although you do that extremely well). I love your fearlessness in writing and need to develop more of it in my own.
While your family is here, please don’t stop posting completely. We’d love occasional photo essays because we can never get too much of the dogs or what Jules is wearing (her Frido cape, bien sûr?)
By the way, isn’t it time for Smokey-doke to have his own Facebook page?
Julie, Ouf! I can now quit holding my breath! Thank you for your warm words of encouragement and support and for your humor–a wonderful reward after such a sweaty morning writing. Off to reread your message and any that follow, after. Thanks in advance to all who take the time to respond.
Julie, Ouf! I can now quit holding my breath! Thank you for your warm words of encouragement and support and for your humor–a wonderful reward after such a sweaty morning writing. Off to reread your message and any that follow, after. Thanks in advance to all who take the time to respond.
I agree 1000% with Julie. Write what you MUST and it will always ring true and heartfelt. And it will be important, too, because it will help others, if only by eliciting a smile, awakening a memory, or inspiring empathy.
I agree 1000% with Julie. Write what you MUST and it will always ring true and heartfelt. And it will be important, too, because it will help others, if only by eliciting a smile, awakening a memory, or inspiring empathy.
Hi Kristin, I agree with Julie and Angela. Tell the stories that you want to tell. I admire your courage in writing, and your stories are inspiring. Some people will always try to judge but you only have to answer to yourself. Know that you have many readers who love your words and always support you!
Denise
Hi Kristin, I agree with Julie and Angela. Tell the stories that you want to tell. I admire your courage in writing, and your stories are inspiring. Some people will always try to judge but you only have to answer to yourself. Know that you have many readers who love your words and always support you!
Denise
I’ll second Julie and Angela – keep writing what you feel. I love that wedding picture of you and Jean-Marc. You look like you’re thinking “Got him!” J-M looks like he’s thinking “Stop squeezing my hand so hard!”
I’ll second Julie and Angela – keep writing what you feel. I love that wedding picture of you and Jean-Marc. You look like you’re thinking “Got him!” J-M looks like he’s thinking “Stop squeezing my hand so hard!”
Yes, you are a writer! It is YOUR blog, you can make it whatever you want. (as long as the people involved are ok with it) I can see that some readers prefer the innocent, amusing anecdotes, buy I am impressed by these more real-life stories.
Yes, you are a writer! It is YOUR blog, you can make it whatever you want. (as long as the people involved are ok with it) I can see that some readers prefer the innocent, amusing anecdotes, buy I am impressed by these more real-life stories.
Greetings, Kristin. I’m new to your life-blog, just interested in chuckling over an occasional french phrase to toss into the attic of my mind. Although I didn’t take a great deal of time to truly understand your situation, after jotting down ‘une broutille’ I chuckled at your story about one french man, electricity, and water. Although I consider myself tolerant and open minded, I admit owning the stereotype that ‘french men can be so darned capricious’ (aka curious, creative) in exactly this way, leading you to write an entire HUGE paragraph justifying why water+electricity makes you nuts (!). (On the same note, I wouldn’t expect a long justification about why it would bother you to own a tiger for a pet because someone you knew was mauled by one.)
If I were in your shoes…no, I could not do it (e.g. “go ahead, dry your hair while bathing”). The constant need to tell myself “je ne give a damn pas” would not bring out the best in me. But somehow, the best in you seems to be flourishing. You are brave for sending out these sacred thoughts into the ether. I enjoyed a few moments of learning and connecting.
Greetings, Kristin. I’m new to your life-blog, just interested in chuckling over an occasional french phrase to toss into the attic of my mind. Although I didn’t take a great deal of time to truly understand your situation, after jotting down ‘une broutille’ I chuckled at your story about one french man, electricity, and water. Although I consider myself tolerant and open minded, I admit owning the stereotype that ‘french men can be so darned capricious’ (aka curious, creative) in exactly this way, leading you to write an entire HUGE paragraph justifying why water+electricity makes you nuts (!). (On the same note, I wouldn’t expect a long justification about why it would bother you to own a tiger for a pet because someone you knew was mauled by one.)
If I were in your shoes…no, I could not do it (e.g. “go ahead, dry your hair while bathing”). The constant need to tell myself “je ne give a damn pas” would not bring out the best in me. But somehow, the best in you seems to be flourishing. You are brave for sending out these sacred thoughts into the ether. I enjoyed a few moments of learning and connecting.
Kristin – It is your life. It is your blog. If people don’t like to be uncomfortable at times, they have the option of not reading it. So be it.
As for the vacuum and the bottle cap, I had to giggle imaging it. Let’s face it, nothing is more stressful than a redo whether it is DIY or professionals. It causes stress that puts even the best of us on edge.
Relax, enjoy your time with your mom. Suggest to Jean-Marc some of that duct tape on the end of a pole might work next time to retrieve objects from the drain!
Margaret in Durham where it can’t decide if it is spring.
Kristin – It is your life. It is your blog. If people don’t like to be uncomfortable at times, they have the option of not reading it. So be it.
As for the vacuum and the bottle cap, I had to giggle imaging it. Let’s face it, nothing is more stressful than a redo whether it is DIY or professionals. It causes stress that puts even the best of us on edge.
Relax, enjoy your time with your mom. Suggest to Jean-Marc some of that duct tape on the end of a pole might work next time to retrieve objects from the drain!
Margaret in Durham where it can’t decide if it is spring.
You have a God-given gift for writing that should not be stopped, my dear Kristin! No matter what we do in life, as long as we’re following His lead and will, we will be on the right path — the path of Truth. There will always be people who don’t understand or think we do wrong. We cannot control how others feel. That is their own struggle. You are a treasured child of God! Do what He asks and you’ll always do what’s right. Much love!!!
You have a God-given gift for writing that should not be stopped, my dear Kristin! No matter what we do in life, as long as we’re following His lead and will, we will be on the right path — the path of Truth. There will always be people who don’t understand or think we do wrong. We cannot control how others feel. That is their own struggle. You are a treasured child of God! Do what He asks and you’ll always do what’s right. Much love!!!
I am one of those people who never write, although I always do read your blog because I find it so relaxing and enjoyable and full of warmth and wit. I love it when you express your feelings and observations about yourself and your family. I find such observations to be so compelling. I adore the photos. And, I loved the April 1st story. Never stop being yourself and keep giving your readers something to think about.
I am one of those people who never write, although I always do read your blog because I find it so relaxing and enjoyable and full of warmth and wit. I love it when you express your feelings and observations about yourself and your family. I find such observations to be so compelling. I adore the photos. And, I loved the April 1st story. Never stop being yourself and keep giving your readers something to think about.
Thank you for sharing your truth. All of it.
Thank you for sharing your truth. All of it.
Hi Kristi: Your courage gives the rest of us the courage to tell our stories in our own way. So I agree with Julie and Angela.
We’d all like to think your life–someone’s life–was easy and effortless but that’s not the full picture.
You’re so lucky to have such a creative mom (as she is to have you) and to be a creative person,yourself.
Hi Kristi: Your courage gives the rest of us the courage to tell our stories in our own way. So I agree with Julie and Angela.
We’d all like to think your life–someone’s life–was easy and effortless but that’s not the full picture.
You’re so lucky to have such a creative mom (as she is to have you) and to be a creative person,yourself.
Awesome! Your best story yet!
As a woman also married to someone who feels the need to tempt the fates with his DIY projects, I can completely relate. I travel for my job and we have weekly enforced absences (probably why it all works out, I strongly recommend marital recesses). I think if you pack that bag again, do so with the idea that are not leaving Jean Marc (and not trying to punish him in any way), but are setting out to find yourself! A little self exploration added to the adventure of exploring some place new can bring lots of answers! Also, do not try to stop Jean Marc, but instead, pray that he will not hurt himself. Count on God to take care of your husband’s self destructive bent and open yourself to spiritual enlightenment in the process. You will be amazed at the results. Men like our husbands fight back against what they view as controlling females, so step aside and let him go. His problem is likely not with you at all, but something he’s been fighting from when he was a kid. Let him work it out.
He could just as easily put some gum or putty on a stick to retrieve the bottle cap, but he chose to go the electricity route, probably because he knew it would get a rise out of you, so just let him do it next time and remove yourself from the conflct. Let him exercise his own judgement and you may find he actually does start to think this harebrained stuff out finally. You need to step out of the policeman role and let him figure it all out on his own. These situations provide a good time for that trip for you, but don’t go to the hotel in your town, find someplace you really want to visit and go.
As for weight, I’ve been heavy for the last several years and am amazed at how other people react to this. All the assumptions they make, all the weird behavior that they express. I think their reactions about my weight say a lot more about them than it does about me. I am heavy due to an illness and the drugs they had to put me on, not due to bad eating habits. I eat healthier than most people and am fine with the weight. I am alive, and that is what counts!! We each need to celebrate our successes, whether it’s a retrieved bottle cap, a 50th birthday or a 10 year anniversary of an important pledge!
Awesome! Your best story yet!
As a woman also married to someone who feels the need to tempt the fates with his DIY projects, I can completely relate. I travel for my job and we have weekly enforced absences (probably why it all works out, I strongly recommend marital recesses). I think if you pack that bag again, do so with the idea that are not leaving Jean Marc (and not trying to punish him in any way), but are setting out to find yourself! A little self exploration added to the adventure of exploring some place new can bring lots of answers! Also, do not try to stop Jean Marc, but instead, pray that he will not hurt himself. Count on God to take care of your husband’s self destructive bent and open yourself to spiritual enlightenment in the process. You will be amazed at the results. Men like our husbands fight back against what they view as controlling females, so step aside and let him go. His problem is likely not with you at all, but something he’s been fighting from when he was a kid. Let him work it out.
He could just as easily put some gum or putty on a stick to retrieve the bottle cap, but he chose to go the electricity route, probably because he knew it would get a rise out of you, so just let him do it next time and remove yourself from the conflct. Let him exercise his own judgement and you may find he actually does start to think this harebrained stuff out finally. You need to step out of the policeman role and let him figure it all out on his own. These situations provide a good time for that trip for you, but don’t go to the hotel in your town, find someplace you really want to visit and go.
As for weight, I’ve been heavy for the last several years and am amazed at how other people react to this. All the assumptions they make, all the weird behavior that they express. I think their reactions about my weight say a lot more about them than it does about me. I am heavy due to an illness and the drugs they had to put me on, not due to bad eating habits. I eat healthier than most people and am fine with the weight. I am alive, and that is what counts!! We each need to celebrate our successes, whether it’s a retrieved bottle cap, a 50th birthday or a 10 year anniversary of an important pledge!
I love Snoopy! And Kristin, thanks for all your stories. I love ‘listening’ to you open up. There is much research on the healing benefits of opening up and on the healing benefits of writing. I agree with your mom. Keep going. Keep writing what moves you. And, if you need a week off … take it! Or as Julie suggests, just send us a photo essay and wish us well … as we will wish you and yours. Wishing you peace.
I love Snoopy! And Kristin, thanks for all your stories. I love ‘listening’ to you open up. There is much research on the healing benefits of opening up and on the healing benefits of writing. I agree with your mom. Keep going. Keep writing what moves you. And, if you need a week off … take it! Or as Julie suggests, just send us a photo essay and wish us well … as we will wish you and yours. Wishing you peace.
Kristin,
you are in inspiration with your honesty…if readers are uncomfortable with it, they are not required to read the blog.
Kristin,
you are in inspiration with your honesty…if readers are uncomfortable with it, they are not required to read the blog.
Kristin,
I’ve always told my wife that the secret to understanding the sometimes risky or ridiculous things that men do is to realize that while we may be dopey, we’re also very durable. In fact, durability is how we manage to survive adolescence at all.
So, please bear in mind that Jean-Marc, like all of us, has a long history of surviving his particular flavor of dopey behavior and you should simply treat this as a lovable idiosyncrasy that has made him into the man you love, not as a fault to be fixed.
I’ve got to run — there’s a tall tree I need to climb so I can use my chainsaw on a really large limb. Should be fun! 😉
Kristin,
I’ve always told my wife that the secret to understanding the sometimes risky or ridiculous things that men do is to realize that while we may be dopey, we’re also very durable. In fact, durability is how we manage to survive adolescence at all.
So, please bear in mind that Jean-Marc, like all of us, has a long history of surviving his particular flavor of dopey behavior and you should simply treat this as a lovable idiosyncrasy that has made him into the man you love, not as a fault to be fixed.
I’ve got to run — there’s a tall tree I need to climb so I can use my chainsaw on a really large limb. Should be fun! 😉
Kistin, I have not written before, though I have wanted to. I have your books and have followed your blog for several years. My husband and I have traveled to Houston and even met Jean Marc. We enjoy the Rose and wish for the opportunity to meet you. Your blog today touched my heart and I finally have to write. The very BEST part of all your stories is that you ARE so honest. You are very transparent and you should follow that still small voice and write the truth. It will help others and liberate you.
Kistin, I have not written before, though I have wanted to. I have your books and have followed your blog for several years. My husband and I have traveled to Houston and even met Jean Marc. We enjoy the Rose and wish for the opportunity to meet you. Your blog today touched my heart and I finally have to write. The very BEST part of all your stories is that you ARE so honest. You are very transparent and you should follow that still small voice and write the truth. It will help others and liberate you.
Oh, Kristi, today is one of your best! I envy your ability to express your thoughts so touchingly and humorously. Per JM: tell your story!
Oh, Kristi, today is one of your best! I envy your ability to express your thoughts so touchingly and humorously. Per JM: tell your story!
I love reading your posts; you are a lovely person, and your family is wonderful. Your husband is an adventurer, an adventurer in the world of “let me see if I can fix it myself.” You are an adventurer too, in the world of “let me see if I can express it on paper.” Your adventures seem safer than his, but only in the physical realm. Yours provide far more risk in the emotional realm. I’m glad you didn’t go to that hotel. That kind of response can become a habit. Not saying that would become the case here, but just something to think about.
I love reading your posts; you are a lovely person, and your family is wonderful. Your husband is an adventurer, an adventurer in the world of “let me see if I can fix it myself.” You are an adventurer too, in the world of “let me see if I can express it on paper.” Your adventures seem safer than his, but only in the physical realm. Yours provide far more risk in the emotional realm. I’m glad you didn’t go to that hotel. That kind of response can become a habit. Not saying that would become the case here, but just something to think about.
I agree with Marc, if it is your truth, you must tell it. To live in fear lessens us all!By telling it, you open us all up to view ourselves. How can that be wrong?
Thank you for your blog. Thank you for your insight to humanity.
Jamie
I agree with Marc, if it is your truth, you must tell it. To live in fear lessens us all!By telling it, you open us all up to view ourselves. How can that be wrong?
Thank you for your blog. Thank you for your insight to humanity.
Jamie
Keep writing honestly, Kristin. You have such courage. I doubt you see it that way, but you do. No one’s opinion of you or what you write matters, and you’re not responsible for the way they respond to your honesty, to your humanness, to your humility. Your mother is right about your gift – but it’s not just your writing, it’s the content that you choose to share – sometimes raw, sometimes humorous, sometimes contemplative. It’s all good.
Keep writing honestly, Kristin. You have such courage. I doubt you see it that way, but you do. No one’s opinion of you or what you write matters, and you’re not responsible for the way they respond to your honesty, to your humanness, to your humility. Your mother is right about your gift – but it’s not just your writing, it’s the content that you choose to share – sometimes raw, sometimes humorous, sometimes contemplative. It’s all good.
Kristin,
I am NOT your mother, but I share your mother’s sentiment. Writing is your catharsis, your way of re-experiencing what was meaningful in your life, what was funny, serious, sad, silly. I haven’t had the courage to write so honestly about the emotional challenges of life but appreciate those who can. Don’t for a minute think we don’t all gain something from what you say–even if it’s uncomfortable. Hell, life isn’t always what we dream about as children. And that’s o.k. I, for one, love hearing about living in France (since I’ll never be able to experience it myself), learning new words in my quest toward something vaguely resembling fluency (or at least comfort) with the language, and hearing the struggles of raising children (My youngest is 25, oldest 42, so you’d think they’d be raised already–but don’t get any ideas about that. The journey goes on.), caring for dogs, and all the other details of life.
If your frequency of posting is too much, take it down a notch. I have tried hard to achieve such regularity in my own blog, but I don’t have the discipline to do it.
I’ll take whatever I can get. And I encourage you to give whatever you can.
With great affection,
Chris
penattheready.com
Kristin,
I am NOT your mother, but I share your mother’s sentiment. Writing is your catharsis, your way of re-experiencing what was meaningful in your life, what was funny, serious, sad, silly. I haven’t had the courage to write so honestly about the emotional challenges of life but appreciate those who can. Don’t for a minute think we don’t all gain something from what you say–even if it’s uncomfortable. Hell, life isn’t always what we dream about as children. And that’s o.k. I, for one, love hearing about living in France (since I’ll never be able to experience it myself), learning new words in my quest toward something vaguely resembling fluency (or at least comfort) with the language, and hearing the struggles of raising children (My youngest is 25, oldest 42, so you’d think they’d be raised already–but don’t get any ideas about that. The journey goes on.), caring for dogs, and all the other details of life.
If your frequency of posting is too much, take it down a notch. I have tried hard to achieve such regularity in my own blog, but I don’t have the discipline to do it.
I’ll take whatever I can get. And I encourage you to give whatever you can.
With great affection,
Chris
penattheready.com
Truth be told, most married couples, oh, all married couples have disagreements, it’s the resolution that is important. 🙂 Having read your blog for a few years, I know you always have a good outcome and resolution, rather than just coming on and venting. I tend to be the one in my life that gets into precarious repair situations. My worst was being stuck on the roof and having to shimmy down a big tree next to the house, lol. No one else was home when I went up to check a dormer (stupid me, lol) and no one seemed to notice I was up there frantically waving my arms, though I did enjoy the view 😉 haha. Joke was on me! And I’ll never do that again.
Truth be told, most married couples, oh, all married couples have disagreements, it’s the resolution that is important. 🙂 Having read your blog for a few years, I know you always have a good outcome and resolution, rather than just coming on and venting. I tend to be the one in my life that gets into precarious repair situations. My worst was being stuck on the roof and having to shimmy down a big tree next to the house, lol. No one else was home when I went up to check a dormer (stupid me, lol) and no one seemed to notice I was up there frantically waving my arms, though I did enjoy the view 😉 haha. Joke was on me! And I’ll never do that again.
We all need to let that light in us shine. Your frankness gives us courage. My dh shares some traits with yours, he likes to be handy in dangerous ways and has a temper when I interfere. He hasn’t changed in the 45 years we’ve been married and he hasn’t killed himself yet, so I’ve learned to let him be.
Thanks for your giving us your blog, it brightens my day everytime!
We all need to let that light in us shine. Your frankness gives us courage. My dh shares some traits with yours, he likes to be handy in dangerous ways and has a temper when I interfere. He hasn’t changed in the 45 years we’ve been married and he hasn’t killed himself yet, so I’ve learned to let him be.
Thanks for your giving us your blog, it brightens my day everytime!
Kristin, let me give you what they say is the sort of responses that males give, not sympathy but solutions. Most men love tools and the sort of tool, an inexpensive at that, that is used to get metal things out of hard to reach places is a magnet at the end of a stick. Look in Amazon.com; here’s one, the Amico Auto Repair Flexible Slender Metal Magnet Pick up Tool. And if you want to stick the offending bottle cap as a trophy on the refrig, here’s how: http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-and-simple-bottle-cap-magnets/.
Kristin, let me give you what they say is the sort of responses that males give, not sympathy but solutions. Most men love tools and the sort of tool, an inexpensive at that, that is used to get metal things out of hard to reach places is a magnet at the end of a stick. Look in Amazon.com; here’s one, the Amico Auto Repair Flexible Slender Metal Magnet Pick up Tool. And if you want to stick the offending bottle cap as a trophy on the refrig, here’s how: http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-and-simple-bottle-cap-magnets/.