When I was in my 20s and 30s, a single chick living on my own,  I was far more independent. Back then I knew how to program the TV.  I wouldn’t hesitate to paint a wall, putty up holes, install an electrical light, and hang shelves. I owned my own personal tool kit. I had my own power drill, screw drivers, pliers, picture hanging wire and hooks and a nice strong hammer.
Gradually over the years, I have delegated those tasks to my super handyman/contractor husband. I would never think of drilling in a screw to hang a shelf while Warren is around. Bit by bit I have lost my self-reliance.  Let this be a warning to any young women out there. Do not give up your budding carpentry skills. Keep at it. Continue to learn and apply those abilities.  This morning I have pictures to hang and a shelf to reinstall but I have no tools. How pathetic is that? I don’t even have a hammer any more.
So how have I been managing while Warren is away, you ask? Well I now have a secret weapon. I have another guy. I have hired the young man next door to do small chores for me. This weekend I paid him to paint my family room. Can you believe it? I sat for two days and watched him work. How lazy is that?  If he is available later this week, I am going to bring him back to help me transplant some of these perennials over to the new bed. Hiring this young man is decadent, but at least things around here are continuing to get done.
I’m disappointed in myself. I should be doing my own chores. Yet, I tire so quickly. Out in my garden my body feels heavy and weary. Where is my energy?
What are you thinking? Are you disappointed in me?  Do you want to reach through your computer screen and smack me across the head?   “Get up and move your butt!” you cry. It is a case of the old adage: use it or lose it.   I give you permission.  Something has to be done with me. I’m too young to be so unfit and sloth-like.
Meanwhile, below is a picture of the family room now painted with  Benjamin Moore’s “Moroccan Spice”.  (It will look better after the pictures and shelving are up again.)
westlakemusings 
If there’s any head smacking to do – it will be me first! I have loads of chores, but after this latest snowstorm, I’d just like to go back to bed. Winter must go away!
And I have my own set of tools – I take better care of my stuff and I know where it is, so the rest of the family is banned from it. Nothing more frustrating than going to do a project and not being able to find a needed tool!
love the colour–and admire that you have found a way to get things done
I love the colour too. I also rely on my husband and hired young backs for manual labour to do things that I feel I should be able to do at 43, but have learned the hard way that because of the MS, my body won’t stand up o that kind of use anymore. It’s not lazy or pathetic, it’s just adjusting to a different current reality.
Thank you for commenting Heidi. I appreciate your candor.
Yo!
I’ve been looking through latest news when I’ve just come across that beautiful thing, it was a real surprise for me, check it out http://www.ytbcocuk.com/importance.php?0c0d
See you soon, Warren Grimm
I’m howling ! I, due to different circumstances, am experiencing the same thing. I even have the darn tool box ! Mind you, I’m a great painter. I have the patience if a saint and don’t use tape – all freehand. However, i will not go near electrical !!
But see, here’s the difference – your talents and energies are now being used differently. With your artists’ eye and talent, you make our world brighter. Whether it is with the stroke of a brush, the written word or enjoying the beauty of your garden – our lives are enriched.
Bottom line – don’t be do hard on yourself missy !
PS – does that neighbour kid want to travel my way ? Lol
Thanks for the advice. I’m at the stage where I’m still the lead renovator in our house. I’m not sure that will ever change, but I know it’s easy to get out of the habit. Maybe that’s part of it for you? You just have to find your groove again. I understand energy and tiring. Maybe don’t hold yourself to such high standards? You don’t have to work for the full day. Be satisfied with an hour or so of good work. And don’t feel bad about asking for or hiring help for the big jobs. Painting a large family room shouldn’t be one person’s responsibility.