"The Adventure of Life and Laundry" by Musings / LJWorld.com

Blogs home Musings

The Adventure of Life and Laundry

I am in the midst of a divorce. As if that weren't scary enough, I decided to buy a house too! I have never before been divorced nor have I ever bought a house. Both have been eye-opening experiences! After looking at more than 20 properties, I decided on a house on the west side of Lawrence. Even as I was negotiating the price, I knew that some sweat equity would be required to make various changes. I have always had a husband to do things around the house that require power tools and hooking up of hoses and such. But I have now learned that I can do those things myself! I bought a washing machine from my neighbor two doors down and managed to buy and hook up the water input hoses and replace the drain hose, which wasn't quite long enough. I placed towels all around the machine before I tested it, fully expecting to have leaks! Much to my surprise there were none! My only mistake was that the water input hoses were on backward so that when I turned on cold water, the water that actually came out was hot and vice versa. It took a few minutes to figure out the problem but I got it! Last weekend I stripped the wallpaper in the bathroom and primed and painted the walls. It took three days but it's done! This weekend I put up a hand towel rack and a toilet paper holder. I had to use those plastic things that go into the drywall to hold the screws in place. Luckily, I had bought a cordless screwdriver/drill so I could make holes for the plastic things. No one was more surprised than me when the holders actually stayed on the wall! This weekend I also set up my own wireless network. The instructions said that it should take about 20 minutes. Two hours later my network was up and going!The house is coming along and I so enjoy living in Lawrence. There is more that needs to be done but with each new task accomplished there comes a feeling of empowerment. I read a blog yesterday on boomergirl.com about worthlessness felt by some women. When I moved into my new house I was not feeling worthless but I was feeling rather overwhelmed. There was a brief moment when I wanted to cry and feel sorry for myself. That was when I knew I had to hook up the washing machine!

By Joyce Stevens

September 16, 2008

Musings

From the Citizen Journalism Academy

Discussion

LJWorld.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.

16 September 2008
at 4:34 p.m.

Suggest removal

Permalink

femail (Linda Hanney) says…

Congratulations on empowerment!!
16 September 2008
at 4:45 p.m.

Suggest removal

Permalink

justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Good for you, Joyce. You will surprise yourself in many ways. We truly can be self sufficient and still have a blast. The confidence you'll gain from trying and succeeding is irreplacable. Attagirl!!!!! :) Believe it or not, there are a lot of good men in our world who can not do the things you named either.
16 September 2008
at 5 p.m.

Suggest removal

Permalink

towanda54 (Anonymous) says…

Joyce,You're going to find out about all sorts of talent as well as determination you didn't know you had before. Best wishes on the rest of your life!