tapped out

what to do when you've had enough of a situation

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed and frustrated by the events of your life?

Of course you have.

We all have.

We're human, after all.

I had one of those moments this morning.

As some of you may be aware, we've been renovating our house for, oh, I don't know...about a gazillion years. 

As a result, we've  been living with a near constant level of dust and muss and mess and noise to say nothing of the number of strange men coming in and out of my house (ok...perhaps that didn't come out quite right, but you know what I mean)!

We've been inundated with decisions and expenses and unexpected hiccups at every turn.

And yet...

and yet...

through it all, we've remarkably managed to maintain our good humor and can-do attitude.

Over the weekend, the final touches to the painting was completed!

Nirvana.

The finish line was within sight.

With baited breath I waited this morning for the electrician to put his final touches on the final electrical power outlet for the TV.

With the precision of a neurosurgeon...and with the electrician looking on, my husband and I pointed to the exact spot for the outlet.

Not too high.

Not too low.

But just EXACTLY right.

What could possibly go wrong?

We pointed it out.

This was a no-brainer.

Easy Peasy lemon squeezy.

And so, with optimism in his heart, my husband set off to work while I stayed on to cheer and document the finally formally finished product.

Oh,

did I mention that

our reno job included new framing, insulation, electrical, heating, walls, plaster and paint?

and

that the project was supposed to be completed around Christmas time?

and

that we had just moved furniture back into the room the night before...such was our optimism?

That's right folks.

We were a hair's breadth away from no dust or muss or mess or men tallying to and fro.

Well, suffice to say, it was not exactly easy peasy lemon squeezy.

The electrician, bless his heart, (as my southern friends would say), managed to place the electrical outlet well above our designated perfectly pointed out spot.

Exhibit A:

What a lovely lovely sight, non?

ARGHHHH!!!!

"You have GOT to be kidding me," I thought.

I was done.

Done and done.

It was time for me to tap myself out...just like a kid on a sports field who needs a break.

And so...

after expressing my dismay, I quietly withdrew from the room and walked serenely upstairs.

I then proceeded to pace and vent on the phone with a girlfriend.

Sometimes that's all you need.

Sometimes that's everything you need.

A friend to lend an ear.

Time to reflect and relax.

Space to regain perspective and a clear mind so that your natural good humor can return in full force.

And so...when my husband phoned upon receiving the above photographic evidence of our finished product, true to form he exclaimed,

"Wow. The electrician really missed the mark. Good thing he's not a fighter pilot!"

And with that, I laughed and tapped back into this game of life.