Encroachment
So I consider two areas of the home to be almost exclusively male domains. And knowing my family, I say this at some risk. However, I am confident that you will all remember that I do lean strongly in the egalitarian direction. Anyway, the first domain is the garage. The workbench, the power tools, the "shovels, rakes, and implements of destruction." They all reside there. It is the domain of the American male. And I would like to propose that the entertainment room is almost the same sort of male domain. Big screen TV's, subwoofers, surround sound, etc. I know some of you will feel a little offended by this. But too bad.
My darling wife Margarita proposed yesterday that we move all of the lounging furniture from the basement (big screen, subwoofer, surround sound - all there), and put it in the family room. She just doesn't like the basement. My response is to throw a yellow flag! Encroachment! That is my domain. I am gone for just a little while and it no longer has any value. Encroachment, I say.
I hope my air compressor is still in the garage when I get home.
8 Comments:
Garage male domain, that's pretty funny Jim.
I'd say the only room Tom has male domain in, in our house, is the bathroom between 8 and 9am. (Ooh I'll get in trouble for this one). Not only are men (or my man) completely incapabable of keeping a garage neat, they also have no memory or brain power to understand where they have put anything in the recent past. It is the woman, the organizer, the cleaner-upper, that tidies man's mess and makes the garage a picture perfect Martha Stewart wonderland (especially if in California the garage space is included in your overall housing square footage!) In fact, garages around here are in fierce competition for cool-factor. People paint, hang pictures, install carpeting and even install full kiddie bounce houses to attract neighbors' attention.
I think I'll turn ours into a sewing room. That is sure to estrogenize this female domain for sure... :)
hugs and kisses
Meredith
All I can say is "what were you thinking...?" when you typed that last blog! OK, sure its a male domain to a certain extent. I agree with Mere - if it weren't for the female in the house the garage would be completely disorganized. I took charge of showing Doug where all the yard tool organizer was hung, as well as shelving. I then labeled a bunch of boxes and helped him sort thru all the crap. Needless to say we are now able to house two cars in our three car garage, a motorcycle, wine cabinet, and various other 'guy' tools (hee hee).
From Mom:
It seems that you have forgotten your roots. What tools did Dad keep in the garage? Some women are better with tools then men. Looks like you are in for a tough adjustment when you get home. You're going to have to learn to live with a yogi and you'll love it.
There is great advice above. It should also include the females who have banged into garage doors when they are down. It may not be safe for a domain other than tho`t(Ó« `t(Ó« ÀÅ Ó« à® Ó« Èt(Ó« €t(Ó« & €t(Ó« he house those of us in California have no basements which complicates life in at least one home where storage is more often than not on chairs, counter tops, magazine racks, and a large percentage of floor space. Men suffer.
Daddy-O
The sound from a surround sound system is usually better in the basement and it doesn't offend anyone in the house not wanting to hear you blast Starwars Episode #... or HD Nascar above normal levels. But, there is no reason to think you a much choice in this. Our niece Ryley likes to say this when she's losing a battle with her brother Gunnar SHAAAARE
ENCROACHMENT.
After reading a few of the responses crafted by those with ovaries, I must
come to the aid and defense of my best friend. Being that Jim is unable to
physically defend those items which identify the space they occupy has his
territory and his territory alone, it is my duty to do so (at least in fun).
Men have come far, but not that far. Historically, we urinated on trees to
mark our territory like wild animals (I still prefer, promote, and conduct
this method), now we allocate a good percentage of our time, money, and
thought to the last remaining items of our testosterone encrusted domain.
Items such as TVs, remote controls, the entire garage, and any single
occupancy chairs made of leather, should all be regarded with the same
deference as a once urine soaked deciduous. If the thought that a TV could
ever be too big crossed your mind, I'm betting you don't pee standing up.
For those P.C. souls that still don't understand, too bad. Maggie, the
"masculine" items in the house were put in the basement for a reason, and
should remain there. Just like the garage, the basement is symbolic of the
cave, a piece of geography once defended to the death.
Erik Frechette
Hello Jim. I'm the mother of a Marine LCPL Nolen with the Shock Trauma platoon 1st MED FRSS2/STP4. I'm so proud. Proud of all of you. Do you know my son? I just found out he should able to return home in about 3 weeks. What advise could you give me to help him re- adjust to being home. Also how does the parents of a Marine get the come home date to make plans to see them? Any help you can give me will be appreciated more than you will know. Take care and be safe. Keep your head down and if you see or know my son. Send my love. Proud Marine mom of LCPL Nolen
Hey Meredith..
Not to but heads, but I lived for three years with a woman who could not keep a clean house. I don't say this as a male pig; I believe the house is 50% shared domain and chores. I, however, cleaned for both of us and for the monumental mess that she made with every waking breath. As a man who was expected to keep the house clean and dinner in the oven while keeping a job, I must say: Don't generalize. Some of us males are as ashamed by a mess as any female. A sewing room in the garage would be a nice touch, though. My garage is currently 50% work out room and 50% glass sculpting room. And 0% car storage, hahaha..
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