I’m not sure how projects start at your home but in mine, they almost always start the same way.
STEP 1: Get Beer
And then, and only then, can the actual work begin.
I have never really understood this male mentality. No matter the task, the required tool for tackling any project is BEER.
You’re going to rewire the basement with your buddy? STEP 1: Get Beer
You’re going to put together a new piece of furniture? STEP 1: Get Beer
There’s a room that needs painting? STEP 1: Get Beer
You’re about to build a new gazebo in the back yard? Step 1: Get Beer
It’s this last one that recently occurred at my house. Our old flimsy gazebo had seen it’s last day and we had to cave and buy a new one to provide a bit of shade by our pool this summer. We (meaning I) scoured the internet looking for options. We (meaning I) shopped at every local store trying to find the sturdiest choice for the best price. We (meaning I) settled on a couple of options and then, I dragged a cranky hubby out for final inspection before I made the purchase. If you’ve been reading for a while, you understand how these shopping excursions go because hubby despises the shopping process. I need to do all the pre-work when we buy large ticket items and then hubby will begrudgingly get involved to see the finalists. This is of course unless we are shopping for electronics, in which case all the grumbling and whining goes out the window as he merrily researches stuff on the internet and happily skips in to Best Buy to make a purchase!
Anyhow, back to the gazebo. It’s this monstrosity that comes in 3 separate boxes, and the instructions declare that it will take up to 9 hours to build. Now remember, I am pregnant so I’m not much help. Normally, I would be there alongside hubby holding up pieces and helping with the project…. but, that didn’t happen this time. So hubby invites over a buddy, with the enticement of beer (of course), to help him build.
Now, I can’t think of a better time to involve beer than in a project where you need to clearly read instructions, or use power tools (unless, of course, you consider my earlier example of an electrical project – where it’s obviously a fantastic idea)… but alas, hubby disagrees (as do most men!). And the assessment of how the project is coming along now seems to be evaluated by the # of beers consumed. So, when my powerful team of brain surgeons finishes constructing our gazebo, they proudly declare (with their chests puffed out). That it only took them 6 hours to complete AND a 12-pack of beer.
I’d have to guess that the length and/or quality of a project is inversely proportionate to the beer consumption, but I suppose I can’t knock it since the project did indeed get completed… I can only imagine what the gazebo would have looked like with 9 hours and say, 24 beers consumed. I shudder at the thought. The only time I may have to put my foot down is the painting of the baby’s room….. I may just have to enforce a no consumption rule until the project is complete.
Ladies, imagine how much more work might get done if we could hold the beer as a reward for job completion rather than a tool for job execution!!
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The instructions said the project should take 9 hours with 3 people participating. Since you are pregnant, and Maggie lacks opposable thumbs, our friend Mr. Beer served as the 3rd person. He was instrumental in deciphering the cryptic instruction manual.
Listen, if your husband goes to grab a beer and gets down to work that is AMAZING. Upon asking my husband to do something he first checks you tube, and then grabs scissors. Yes, for example I asked him to change the batteries in the Swifer Sweeper Vac, and this is what happened.
Same in our house, minus the beer. Instead it’s some terrible ‘longdrink’ (vodka with juice)… and yes when it comes to electronic shopping (or gadgets) I’m swept aside while the expert waltzes in.
I like the reward option, although I think there would have to be a reward to get up off the sofa first..