I was born of practical people. If we could do it ourselves, we did. And my parents could – and still can – do just about everything! I guess I’ve inherited that sense of independence, and dare I suggest it, passed it on to a certain extent.
My Dad sent me off to university with the basics of a tool kit. Hammer, a variety of screw drivers (even the trusty Canadian Robertson!), pliers, socket wrenches and more. It meant I could – and did – fix simple things without needing assistance. In fact, when I married, I was the one who came with a power drill! I enlisted my kids as apprentices to their grandfather many times so they’d have some basic skills. Funny how skipping a generation helps with teaching. I remember my Mum telling me she learned to sew from her grandmother, not her mother!
I have now sent two of three kids off to university, each with their own tool kit – and I’ve been thanked many times. In fact, son number one has expressed shock and surprise at what his roommates didn’t know and couldn’t do.
While I can replace a light switch, most electrical is where I draw the line. It’ s always frightened me a bit. As children we’re taught that electricity and water don’t mix. So is it surprising that even the thought of plugging the wet dry vac into the wall and then sucking water up into it is a bit unnerving!? Fortunately I have a friend with an electrician husband, who I don’t think I’ve abused too much with favour-asking.
Over the years, I’ve knit my family sweaters, made Hallowe’en costumes and occasionally sewed clothes (although I never got good a t buttonholes). I used to bake a lot when the kids were little, preferring home made cookies to the ones from packages. Now, I putter in the kitchen with soups and other comfort food that my vegan daughter deem acceptable. I’ve painted and wallpapered and – as part of the great family team – put up drywall and laid sub-floor. It feels good.
So it really irks me when I have to ask someone – or worse yet pay someone – to do something I know I’m capable of. But time is a precious commodity these days and I find myself looking to others for guidance on garden design, carpet cleaning and soon, painting. I’ve even considered getting someone to help me with housecleaning.
I’ve been justifying it to myself in some good, and some not so good, ways. For now, I’ve realized I will do what i can, but if paid assistance helps me free up time for some things I really want to do, it’s not the end of the world. And if I choose wisely. it can also support local independent business people. But still, a part of me still wants to do it myself.
All this to explain why my new power room taps are still sitting on the floor gathering dust after almost three months. I’ll get to them – really, I will!
