Construction–the True Marriage Test
As I mentioned a while back, we had our windows replaced. Today the workmen came to do some minor fix-ups, and one pane of glass had to be replaced because it had a scratch. Guess what? The replacement glass was also scratched. 
Anyway, as they are prying the window interior molding off to unbury the security system lines, I started thinking about the shed project my husband and I are completing.
When an engineer marries a teacher, there are bound to be personality conflicts. My husband is very precise-minded, very detailed, and quite an excellent home-improvement guy I might add. I, on the other hand, am fairly laid-back about such matters. Plus, I have virtually no clue about tools. Oh, I can grab a hammer and a screwdriver. But you might as well ask me to go get a hecklemoggle wrench instead of a channel lock wrench. I need very specific directions when it comes to home improvement projects. :loser:
The other day, we were trying to mount the trim on the shed. I knew it had to be lined up with the outer edge, but it wouldn’t go flush because the roof line was in the way.
Husband: “Is it ready to nail?”
Me: “Um, it’s lined up, but it’s not flat. Is that going to be a problem?”
Him: “Well, make it lie flat.”
Me: “Uh, there’s a roof in the way.”
Him: “Then you’re not lining it up right. Move it around until it lies flat.”
(I play around with it, but there’s just no way to get it to go flat.)
Me: “Just go ahead and nail it. I’m sure it’ll work out once you get to my end.” (Inwardly thinking–use LOTS of nails, honey. Lots and LOTS, and then it MIGHT lie flat).
Well, the end result was nicely lined up trim with a huge bow in the middle. Not so good. An argument ensued, :blahblah: harsh words exchanged, cuss words uttered at the shed, 
until at last we ended up planing the edge of the roof to make it lie flat.
Each time we make more progress, there is inevitably an argument of some sort. Each time we have a new part to do, I wince, thinking–what’s going to go wrong this time? Because it’s always something.
It reminds me, in many ways, of writing a book. Most of the time, something goes wrong with a scene and you have to keep molding and shaping it until it comes out right. The moments of “Wow! Did I write this?” are so rare, it’s like getting a home project right the first time.
Right now I need to go find my hecklemoggle wrench to fix the current plot problem. 
Back to the drawing board.
What’s the most challenging home improvement project you’ve encountered?
Michelle posted in Writing @ 4:20 pm | Viewed 1384 times
Tori Lennox Says:
How on earth did they manage to scratch the glass? Are they dripping in diamonds??? Sheesh. What a pain!
Peggy Says:
Both me and hubby are not home improvement savvy–but that doesn’t stop us from trying. We actually really enjoy it, though not the best at it. So when anything actually comes together, we’re so mighty proud of ourselves!
beth Says:
Tim & I finished our basement together. Actually we had a ball and, if you can imagine it, no arguments!
I can be a bit stupid about tools as well, but he had never framed a wall before (hey - stage crew experience comes in handy!) So we had some good give and take. But I know we’re definitely the exception to the rule.
Good luck with the shed! (If all else fails, let him do the shed and you go do this:
)
Stacy Says:
The best I can do is just sit back and watch
when he starts the renovation stuff LOL and let him be ‘the man’ that they like to think they are when doing husbandly things. Then I go back and fix it later.:rotfl:
Amy K. Says:
Um, uh, I don’t really DO home improvement projects. :confused2:
You’re right on about the writing.
Kelly Says:
My home improvement projects have been happening little by little as I come into some cash and can afford to get something done. Although after the hurricane in 2003 that tore off the railing of my deck, I enlisted the help of my brother and father. And when I say enlisted, I mean I stepped back and let them do it all while I kicked my feet up and drank a cup of coffee… My most recent reno job was painting the dining/living room which my father did for me as part of my Christmas present.
Mary Says:
I agree. Marriage and construction do not mix very well. Good luck.
Emma Sinclair Says:
Putting together bookshelves from Ikea have almost led to divorce at my house.
I’ve learned to just watch now. and try not to point out what he’s doing wrong.
MaryF Says:
Cool analogy.
We don’t do home improvements together. I almost killed him over a painted wall. We decided it is best we leave things as they are.
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Um, changing the handle on the toilet? Doesn’t sound too complicated but there were swear words involved
Melissa Marsh Says:
Hmm…now you made me think. Oh yeah - we had to replace some plugged CV pipe. It went fairly well - no bad words involved at all. Could be ‘cuz my hubby had immense patience that day.
Danica Says:
THe window installers will be here Monday. Sadly, our home improvement projects, if I were the sort to hold grudges, would definitely lead to my becoming a widow.