The value of a handyman

My husband is an awesome and talented man.

He is a great mechanic, plumber, electrician, cook and all-around handyman rolled into one skin. He networked our house when we were building. He installed the water conditioner. He put in the patio. He was the brains and brawn behind most of building our huge pole barn.

Still, if I want him to feel all special, it only takes 6 words.

"There's something wrong with my puter."

Nothing gets in the way of me and MY puter! It's extra special, since he built it from scratch back in 1999. Still works like a gem for what I need, so why get rid of it? I'm a BIG believer of "if it works, don't waste $ replacing it."

(Some would say I'm cheap or anti- to change. Maybe so. But it's not a bad thing.)

Once in a while, the fan goes or it won't boot properly and he gets to be my hero.

At the end of the day, it's more satisfying to know that I can depend on him to fix things, than just (to junk it and) buy something new. It also teaches our kids values. Why spend $700 on a new puter when it just needed a $10 fan?

And it also has taught them to fix things!
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)

Second in command

Many people were incredulous to hear that I turned down Branch Manager. Nobody can believe I'm happy to be an assistant, but I truly am.

Probably the dumbest argument I heard was, "Do you really want to answer to someone who was BELOW you yesterday?"

Hmmm...I don't care.

Once upon a long, long time ago, I held a manager position. It was way too much hassle. With my years of experience, I've learned that I'm just not that ambitious. Unlike college graduates, I'm not ashamed to be second in command. There's really nothing to prove.

Honestly, it's difficult to find an assistant who isn't gunning for The Big Title. Needless to say, it sucks to always have to watch your back. Unless you are part of a union, your mistake is another's golden egg.

What a sucky way to start each day!
The Last of Sheila (Coburn)