Tuesday, August 4, 2009

An Observation

I need to stop being such an efficient packer.
About three months into our marriage we decided to go on a camping trip. Hubby collected the gear we needed and started putting it into the car...he got most of it in but then I pointed out that he had not left space for the cooler (which of course needed to go in last) or for Wolf. Hubby suggested that I try...so we pulled everything out of the car and piled it on the driveway. We fetched several more items that he had forgotten, and I proceeded to pack it all into the car...leaving space for the cooler AND for the son.
Ever since then I do all the packing, be it boxes or vehicles or anything else, we both just know that I can fit a lot more than he can (a LOT more, like, at least 50% more).
Unfortunately, this has led to the not-infrequent recurrence of what happened today: we collect a large pile of stuff that needs to be packed, and then Hubby turns serenely to me and says "you can get that all in, right?" and goes on his way...
And somehow I always seem to get it all in.
It reminds me of a moment in Star Trek where the captain asks Scotty how long it's going to take to have the engine fixed, and Scotty says it will be at least a week. "That's no good, we need it done in 4 days," Kirk announces. "Yes sir," answers Scotty with a twinkle in his eye. In that moment realization spreads across the captain's face as he says "Do you always double your estimates?"
"Why of course sir," responds the engineer "otherwise how could I keep making miracles?!"

5 comments:

Brooke said...

I'm in the same boat! It doesn't matter if it's loading the dishwasher, the car, or packing a suitcase...

Becky N. said...

My hubby always tells me that I need to load the dishwasher, since I can fit so much more in than him. One time he used the phrase, "Modern Tetris Skills".

And you know, I always excelled at Tetris. Even still. And loading the dishwasher really *is* much like Tetris, making things fit into just the right space.

That perspective makes it a little more fun. ;)

But what the heck are you doing packing things with a pregnant belly? You don't want to throw your back out, do you? I hope you're being careful!

Unknown said...

ha-- were you good at tetris too?! i HATE packing and always find someone like you to help!! its not my fault i have no spatial awareness or patience!

Katrina said...

I can TOTALLY relate! And this doesn't quite make sense to me, because males are supposed to be better at spacial things than females. But my mom was always the packer and now I am too. Sigh.

Becky said...

Nice.

I hate packing. I totally should have hired you. You know, cuz it's not like you've got other things to keep you occupied, right? :)

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