The Beginning of the End of Wedded Bliss

The great outlet debate... my theory, you can never have too many, his theory must be quite different but he's never articulated it for me. My bet is he feels they are way too much trouble and what did they invent extension cords for in the first place.

I always speak up at the beginning of a new addition pointing out where I want every outlet and light switch. I’ve always given it considerable thought; have run through all possible scenarios in my mind. Having to pull out furniture to plug in the vacuum isn’t ideal, finding outlets for the candles in the windows at Christmas can be impossible; all these things run through my mind and impact my requests.

During the construction process I remind, request and have demanded. I don’t like having to demand it doesn’t result in happy labor but occasionally the situation calls for some emotion. Like this morning…

We was standing in the new pantry discussing the progress and preparing to install the next set of lower cabinets when I realized an outlet was going to ultimately be inside one of the cabinets. I pointed this out and he said “that’s ok; you can open the cabinet when you want to use the outlet.”

Think about that statement and think about a cabinet full of food stuff. Do you honestly think you’ll be able to get a cord to reach over the counter top, inside the cabinet, through the contents and reach the outlet? I don’t think he realizes the emotional attachment women have to outlets especially if you’ve ever lived in an older home. Outlets are far and few between and usually unsightly. When given an opportunity to call the shots on placement we become vested in the decision.

Needless to say we had a lively discussion about moving the outlet and it was before breakfast, that isn’t the way to start the day. I can see why renovating an old house could strain a good marriage and possibly be the end of a fractured one.

I’m luckier than most, we rarely argue, often share the same taste and fortunately he respects my opinion so as I type this he’s moving the outlet.

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