I can relate to this post a bit… I’ve been told that I can’t do most of the things that I’ve done in the past. When I was younger (early twenties), I was so motivated shut down those assumptions. Looking back, I probably felt like I had something to prove. Lately (I turned 30 this year), though, that fire has died down a lot.

We recently moved, and it’s funny to see a lot of the judgement calls that our new neighbors are making about us. For example, all of them have assumed that all of our properties are Andrew’s or SOMETHING. There’s always this air that I’m some sort of uneducated trophy wife who twiddles around picking out curtains. (Not that there’s anything wrong with you Trophy Wives. You’re lovely people, too.)

Anyway, it doesn’t bother me like it would have a decade ago.

You asked about inspiration?

Back then it was all about proving myself, I think — though I hate to admit it. Today, it’s about happiness and a personal sense of accomplishment.

Did that sound really hokey? Yeah, I know it did, but it’s true.

Kelly

G- Love that you’re living up to your “badass potential”

Sara – Isn’t it awesome when the tables are turned, and now you are helping your parents out with their remodeling? And no, of course you can’t just stop in the middle.

Meryl – So cool that you are the go-to project person for your dad. Mine asked for my opinion on putting in cabinets the other day and I almost fell out of my chair.

Lisa – I think we should get pictures of all the people who first see us use our tools. We could be capturing the image right before peoples eyeballs fall out of their head in shock.

Carrie – I know what you’re saying. I’m probably not as good at domestic as one of my grandmothers, or quite so badass as the other one… but there’s something to be said for having the mix. And also, I think we will get better at all of those skills over time.

All of your comments are inspiring me ever more today. Love it!

I have to give credit to my parents for my “I can do anything” mentality. My dad can build or fix anything. Growing up, he was the one building an addition on to our house or teaching me to sweat copper pipe (though I was 3, and don’t really remember the details). He never subscribed to the typical gender roles and included my brother & I equally.

My mom is master of all things domestic. She taught me how to sew, cook, and entertain. Crafts & making stuff were common activities growing up. She is the visionary and my father makes it happen. I like to think I’m a combination of their talents, though not as skilled as either one. I can’t drop a zipper in like Mom can, nor am I as knowledgeable about construction as Dad but I hope these skills come with time.

I guess I figure people a lot dumber than me do this stuff all the time; I should be able to figure it out. Course having such awesome mentors and resources (like blogs & google) helps immensely.

I really identify with your post. I grew up as free labor (in the nicest way). At 10 I could identify the different screw drivers, help put down a roof and figure out the weeds from the flowers. My dad expected that from us. So, when moving in with my dude, I found his family in awe that I could cut wood, drill, and mow the lawn. It’s so weird the reaction you get from others for the sole reason that you are a woman that can do stuff.

Keep on building! I’m looking forward to seeing that donkey barn.

Great post!!!!

ps – your grandmas are uber stylish!