Sunday, June 7, 2009

Size Really Does Matter


Sometimes we learn from our mistakes, and sometimes, like this past weekend, we repeat them. And of course, the one I chose to repeat was the same exact one that caused the only fight my husband and I ever had. Sure, we argue like every other couple, but this was a little different. It really comes down to me insisting that I was right, and no matter how many times I was told, I wouldn't listen.



It was Christmas 2000. We stood in Sears picking out our first Christmas tree. I came prepared with all necessary measurements. In no time I had found the perfect tree. Hubby liked it, but warned me it wouldn't fit.



"Wouldn't fit," I thought. I have the sheet right here. "Sure it will fit."



So like the loving husband he is, I got to take that tree home. And like the loving husband he is, he didn't immediately scream when the branches wouldn't unfold. Instead, he lovingly changed the original plans and moved the tree to the dining room.



See, when I took the measurements, I mistakenly measured height only, and I forgot to measure the width. I know how stupid this sounds, but really, it's not like it was a table. It was a Christmas tree for God's sake.



Every Christmas season now, Hubby shares that story with our guest. I guess half the reason is because we still own that tree. I get it, I messed up, but I really picked out a gorgeous tree.



Fast forward to present day. So there I stood in Raymour and Flannigan starring at this beautiful breakfast table. Did I really need a new one right now? The truth is no. The old one wasn't broken...just ugly. I had my measurement sheet ready. There was even a red tag sale.



And then I made the call.



Me- "Hi, Hunny. You won't believe this beautiful table I found for the breakfast area."

Him- "Did you measure?"

Me- "Of course I measured. I'm holding the paper right here in my hand."

Him- "Do we need a new breakfast table right now?"

Me- (Pause) "I guess not. It's just the one we have is really small."

Him- "You can get it if you think we need it."

Me- (Thinking to myself: I'm being tested, should I really buy this?) "Thank You!!!!"

Him- "You measured, right?"


Folks, if you ever decide to buy a piece of furniture that your not sure your spouse will like do what I did: Go out for the day.

I figured by the time I returned, whatever bad feelings he may have had will have certainly been forgotten by that night.

In I walked, and there it stood. Funny, it didn't look that large at the store. But gosh, it really was a beautiful table.

In walks Hubby. He has half a smile on his face. "You measured, right?" he asked.

"Of course I measured. I even measured the width this time."

"Did you take into account that you would have to pull out the chairs to sit at that grand table?"

(Me- pausing again. Unsure of my next line. I knew whatever I said, I was going to be in trouble.)

Hubby- Giggles.

It's funny how well this man knows me. He did tell me later how much he likes the table, but that it is a little large. I agreed.

Lessons Learned:

1)One should not send a person who was asked to join a creative writing class, but who failed to make the mark in their math class into a furniture store with measurements.

2) Marry a wonderful person who enjoys laughing at your quirkiness.

3) Most Importantly Remember: Size Does Matter!

16 comments:

Stephanie said...

LOL So sounds like something I would do. You must only invite very very thin people to dinner, then everything will be fine!

Anonymous said...

Following you from MBC. Check out my non profit parenthoodforme.org. We need help spreading the word!
Thanks,
Erica

Veronica Lee said...

Thanks for the follow. I'm now following your lovely blog.

Unknown said...

Hi, I'm following you from the MBC following me club, please follow back, thanks!

Anna Lefler said...

I bet the title of this post alone has spooked away most of your male readers - ha!

:-D Anna

rachel... said...

Point taken. I have more furniture stashed in my basement and garage than I will ever have room for in my house, but I still keep picking it up when I find a 'great deal'. My husband is growing impatient...

Becky @ Our Sweet Peas said...

Too cute! You did good in the marriage dept!

Mommyof2girlz/StephD said...

LOL! Stopping in from MBC Follow Me to follow and say hello :)

Opus #6 said...

Following you now. Thanks for following my blog. :-D Great post.

Cheryl Pitt said...

It never ceases to amaze me how something that looked SMALL in a HUGE warehouse looks HUGE in a SMALL home :)
When I bought my washing machine I was amazed at how tight a fit it was...but it was one of the SMALLEST models at the store LOL

Kathy B! said...

Well said!!

You and I are cut from the same cloth!

Dina said...

Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog (Nutritious Feast)

I look forward to your posts. :)

Dina

Deb said...

I just wrote about my own kitchen table. My measuring is not so good, either, but like you, I'm glad that my husband appreciates my other attributes (I think)!

I'm following you, now too, from the MBC. Thanks for stopping by!

Jennifer said...

LOL! My husband double and triple checks every measurement he takes. I, on the other hand, don't seem to share his attention to those details. You should see all the holes in my walls behind my pictures and paintings... ;-)

Jenjen @GottaLoveMom said...

Mary,
That sounds like fun..My dh measures everything - must be that spatial relationship engineer-thingy he has..
I can't to hear your posts on your music composition. My 13yo composed a song for me for Mother's Day and we just sent an application to copyright it.
I'd love to hear more about your music..

Thanks for the follow..
Have a great week and keep smiling =D
Jenjen

Skinny Minnie said...

you are hysterical. Following you from MBC and SITsas -- ck me out at www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot.com thx ! jtrophy at aol.com