text:
Can we get him cloned?
Posted by Patti at November 26, 2007 4:21 PMI'm first? REALLY?
If he didn't totally freak out over that, then girl, you've got a KEEPER! Hang on to him; he's obviously worth his weight in gold!
Posted by bobbie at November 26, 2007 4:21 PMTruly, the man is a bodhisattva among us...
Posted by diane at November 26, 2007 4:22 PMA shame the world isn't full of people like him. Bless his soul.
Posted by Carol at November 26, 2007 4:22 PMIf all that stuff happened to me you'd definitely need to take me yarn shopping! Maybe Joe needs to go tool shopping? What makes a guy as happy as yarn petting makes knitters?
Posted by Cathy at November 26, 2007 4:23 PMPoor Joe! I hope things turn around for him now ... seems like he deserves a nice long stretch of nothing but good stuff. And you're a *very* lucky woman to have such an even-tempered mate :)
Posted by Liz at November 26, 2007 4:23 PMBless him and his cosmically targeted self. Apparently, though, that should cover all the crappy happenings and he should have a spectacular time the next two decades at least.
Posted by Carrie at November 26, 2007 4:23 PMJoe is one stand up guy. think he's had his share of bad luck for the year!
Posted by Frances at November 26, 2007 4:24 PMWow, that is an epic amount of bad luck - hope things are looking up soon!
Posted by Emily at November 26, 2007 4:24 PMOh my! THAT is a story!
I'm glad he's OK!
Er, Steph...time to get that man to a medic...we all know he has a larger and more appropriate vocabulary for times like that...
Since he probably refused to go...I do hope you had nice cold beer(s) in the frig for him when he returned from the car wars...and possibly one or two for his father too...
I believe what goes around comes around and he will be rewarded for his patience and fortitude despite the short break throughs of "normal" male behavior. cecilia
Posted by cecilia at November 26, 2007 4:25 PMappropos of nothing, i wanted to let you know how much i look forward to reading your blogs...i am almost exclusively a lurker in the cyberworld but, just in case joe's week is having an impact on your week, and just in case positive feedback cheers you in some small way, i wanted to weigh in in the "you go, girl" camp
Posted by anne at November 26, 2007 4:25 PMPoor Joe! I think I now believe in saints!
He is a saint. He has definitely used all his bad luck up for some time to come.
The whole acronym "WWJD?" has a new meaning for me.
Posted by Sandy at November 26, 2007 4:27 PMProof that the man is as good as his words.
Posted by AlisonH at November 26, 2007 4:28 PMDo you think maybe his name is actually Job?
Posted by Madmad at November 26, 2007 4:29 PMYou know, I might have said just the same thing. What else can you say after all that? Most swear words just wouldn't be up to the job. I would have lost it way way way sooner than him though. I'm hoping he was reasonably close to a nice cold beer or ten.
Posted by knitography at November 26, 2007 4:30 PMHoly Crap!! They would have had to put my away somewhere cause I would have burst a vein. Sometimes knitting is the only thing that keeps me out of an institution. He a good man!!!
Posted by Betty at November 26, 2007 4:30 PMOh gracious - what a week! I agree with Patti - can we clone him? Please??? =)
Posted by ashpags at November 26, 2007 4:31 PMNow if only that final rear-ender managed to do something that would result in a fix to whatever was going to fail on the truck next... but that would have been good luck, which Joe is apparently not getting this month.
Posted by Jo at November 26, 2007 4:32 PMnote to self: don't ride with Joe.
Bless him (and the gods that he was uninjured in both accidents).
A man worth his weight in wool. You've surely found a keeper.
Karmic balance will come around to bless him. In the meantime, knit the man a nice pair of socks.
Posted by tara in colorado at November 26, 2007 4:32 PMBy the way, best piece of medical advice after an accident I ever got was, keep moving gently. All day. Do not lay down and take a nap. Consciously relax the muscles and keep them moving gently, the whole day.
I'd been rear-ended four times, the last time by far the hardest, but with that advice I came away with the least muscle damage and pain that time, it was very minimal. The brain swelling that set in the next day but didn't get diagnosed in time to avoid the brain damage, though, that's another story. Pay attention to his pupils: if they become different sizes get him in to the doctor pronto!
Posted by AlisonH at November 26, 2007 4:32 PMPossibly the only bright spot is that maybe he has paid his dues for bad stuff and will be enjoying a jinx-free next few decades! Yikes.
Posted by Lety at November 26, 2007 4:33 PMHaving been the recipient of one too many of Those Weeks myself, I have to admit that "Oh, Come on!" is the least that makes it out of my mouth.
Posted by Meg at November 26, 2007 4:35 PMOkay--I just read that to my class as an example of a contemporary narrative essay. They all agreed that Joe sounds "Hecka nice." From these kids, that means he should be canonized into the hall of sainthood for husbands. I wish him good karma, wool socks, and a few laughs to make up for a week like this. It's only fair...
Posted by shanny mac at November 26, 2007 4:35 PMI can so relate. Two summers ago, it was the summer of car hell. My husbands (expensive to repair) truck died, he hit a deer in his classic 70 Challenger, our daughter was t-boned by a small tractor in her classic 68 Dodge Dart, and the water pump went out in my Jeep. This was in a one week period. I'm afraid I wasn't as gracious as Joe, although I did give extensive thanks to the Gods of Detroit Steel (daughter and husband walked away unscathed, can't say as much for the deer). Steph, give that man cold beer, good food, and praise, praise, praise. He's a diamond.
Posted by Kathy Klinge at November 26, 2007 4:35 PMPlease tell Joe to be careful. Accidents like that tend to leave injuries which sneak up on you. I had an accident a few years ago with a friend (and two kids) in the car. I ended up with whiplash and my friend had a bruised kidney... all of which showed up a couple of days after the accident.
Posted by Mary Peed at November 26, 2007 4:36 PMOh! Poor Joe! I had one of those weeks a few months ago...my bike was stolen, a drug-dealer's ho ended up on my doorstep all beat up...the list just went on. Identity theft simply SUCKS, I hope they have figured out a better way to deal with it in Canada than they do here in the US.
You're a good guy, Joe! It'll get better!
Posted by Julie in WI at November 26, 2007 4:36 PMOur motto this year has been: "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger"...we can do anything.
But I agree with Joe..'Come on already'
For a minute there, you could have been talking about my Joe, but he would have had at least one obscenity, just for good measure.
What a horrible series of occurrences. I bet that the universe has quite the 2008 in store for him, so it had to make sure he paid his dues now.
Posted by Maureen at November 26, 2007 4:38 PMOhhh, I'm right there with Betty, above! I'd have needed a bottle of wine AND a bottle of Prozac AND my knitting after that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week!
Stephanie, forget the socks and buy your darling Joe a nice shiny new truck.
Posted by Anne at November 26, 2007 4:38 PMDamn but if Joe doesn't sound a lot like Dale.
Posted by Carole at November 26, 2007 4:39 PMThe way I see it, the universe owes your good man a truck. A truck in good working order, and possibly even not at all rusty.
Posted by Christine at November 26, 2007 4:40 PMWow. What a guy to have dealt with all that in such a short space of time. Thank God that he wasn't injured, and I hope nothing else nasty pops up! Like others said, watch out for injuries that might show themselves in a couple of days.
I'll join the others in hoping that he's used up all of his bad luck for a long, long time. Wishing you all well! =)
Posted by Lacee at November 26, 2007 4:42 PMKarmic balance says someone is going to give Joe a nice new truck. For Free.
Its only right.
Posted by Needles at November 26, 2007 4:43 PMNo one in the universe would believe that story of anyone else...except our dear Harlot! (laughing hysterically)
And we do know why Joe can take this with such mild invectives...he's married to a Knitter!!!! :)
Posted by Jo at November 26, 2007 4:43 PMI love your writing. That was a great essay - a nice build-up, pictures painted with words, and a funny climax. Thanks. It made me laugh.
Posted by Tasha at November 26, 2007 4:43 PMDespite the unfortunate series of events, this is one hell of a funny story.
Posted by Marti at November 26, 2007 4:44 PMPoor Joe, that really is a no good, awful, rotten, stinking bad day.
I'm glad he's all right. What's with the drivers up there, anyway? Hey! Hosers! Wake up! There still a good 6 months of winter driving, eh!
All people deserve to have someone like that in their life, and a few lucky ones get to marry them. I hope his luck turns around!
PS: A man like that deserves a really nice handspun sweater(coughganseycough)
Despite the absolutely horrible day(s), Joe's reaction totally made me smile. Inside and out. I wish more people were like that...heck I wish I was like that!
Posted by Mary at November 26, 2007 4:47 PMHe said THAT? In mixed company? In front of god and everybody?
That's simply shocking. I hope he washed his mouth out with beer. A lot of beer.
Can you knit him a new truck? I bet if we all got together on it we could. I'm good for a wheel-well, or so.
(BTW I think I've met this truck's twin. It lives on Jennifer's farm: http://fiberfarm.blogspot.com/2007/11/stranded.html)
Posted by Lisa Grossman at November 26, 2007 4:48 PMmaybe joe should buy some lottery tickets this week? something good has to come his way! honestly.
Posted by regina at November 26, 2007 4:50 PMJoe must have the constitution of a saint. I'd be rocking in the corner repeating "Wapner."
Posted by beth at November 26, 2007 4:50 PMGive that man a GANSEY.
Posted by Mandy at November 26, 2007 4:50 PMWow, how much better off would I be if I were a lot more like Joe? What a guy :)
Posted by Kim at November 26, 2007 4:50 PMJoe needs a hug.
From all of us.
Posted by Nancy at November 26, 2007 4:51 PMStephanie, I only believe it because you couldn't make it up.
Posted by Elizabeth D at November 26, 2007 4:51 PMHe is terrific, and I'm glad he's ok after all of that!
Posted by Misty the Kneedler at November 26, 2007 4:52 PMHoly shit!
That's what I say, and I wasn't even involved in any of it! I can't imagine the rectitude (or something) that would restrain a man to c'mon!
Posted by Alison at November 26, 2007 4:52 PMpoor JOE!!!! i love that his reaction was still so tame, what a guy!!!
let him know that knitters the world over are thinking of him during his hellish week, and thinking warm thoughts.
Wow. Dude. What a way to Zen...really, I'm impressed! And also, it did bring a smile to my face after an incredibly rotten five days I've had (and it's not over yet) - so thanks and hope life is much better from here on out for poor Joe!
Posted by roggey at November 26, 2007 4:53 PMHey--just an ordinary day at our house. My sweetie is the totally proud owner of a beat-up 1980 Chevy van that sounds just like Joe's. Nobody else will ride in it, but he absolutely LOVES it--and he's NEVER sworn at it (but I do).
Sometimes it's a little dicey, but it always starts....
Posted by Abby at November 26, 2007 4:55 PMPoor Joe! Give him a big hug. I'm sure you already have (give him another one). What a saint. I hope that is the end of the bad stuff, and that life will get back to normal again!
Posted by danana at November 26, 2007 4:55 PMJoe is 47 different kinds of awesome. No wonder you keep him around.
Posted by Dawn at November 26, 2007 4:56 PMAww... sweet Joe... I hope he has a better time around this week.
Posted by Kate at November 26, 2007 4:56 PMMan, I was breaking out in hives just reading that stressful story. You truly are lucky to have a man who is so easygoing!
Posted by Kim at November 26, 2007 4:58 PMWhile I love my guy, and think he's all kinds of awesome, and totally deserving of the finest of handknits including knee high socks, well... the air would have been blue if that had been him. Seriously, my guy swears at the video game if it goes awry.
Joe, you've got know where to go but up from here and I hope that you soar high.
Posted by LaurieM at November 26, 2007 4:58 PMSeriously, I would have said something more than "Oh COME ON!" But I do applaud his self restraint.
Posted by Convivialiddell at November 26, 2007 4:59 PMSteph, just so you know, there are meds to cause AAALLLLL the rest of us to be just as calm and placid as Joe. I could prescribe them to you if you'd like...particularly if you find you do in fact need to warp the time-space continuum to finish for Christmas this year!
And, Joe, I'm glad you're ok!
Posted by Erica at November 26, 2007 4:59 PMIf all that had happened to me in a week I may have responded the same way, but it would be because I had used up all my other vocabulary on the previous incidents. Wow.
Posted by Visionsister at November 26, 2007 5:00 PMPoor, poor, poor Joe. His exploits brings new meaning to "having a bad week".
Posted by Holly at November 26, 2007 5:00 PMI do believe you are living with a saint. I would have let fly a string of words unbecoming to a lady. I'm in awe of his calmness in the face of multiple mishaps.
Posted by Teri S. at November 26, 2007 5:02 PMBreathe a sigh of relief. He should have much better luck now. Stuff like this ALWAYS happens in threes. As my Mom says after a trilogy of bad luck happens in our family, "Well, at least no one died."
Oh, and give that man a beer. :)
Posted by Mel at November 26, 2007 5:05 PMWow. That man deserves the largest banana split you can find. Assuming of course that he actually likes banana splits.
If not, then whatever his favorite dessert is. He gets it. A whole one.
All for himself.
Poor guy.
Posted by Rebecca at November 26, 2007 5:06 PMI am rather surprised at how many people didn't take the opportunity to suggest that such a week deserves a gansey.
I'm not really prone to uttering obscenities either but when I was rear-ended a few weeks ago I must admit that I had more colourful things to say than Come on.
Posted by Megan at November 26, 2007 5:06 PMWow! What a story. I've had weeks that compared (two of them in my life that were as bad as that) and I had a lot more to say than "Oh, Come on!" I'm glad that Joe is okay...that is after all the most important part, but wow.
Posted by Doris at November 26, 2007 5:06 PMOh dear. Well, here's wishing him good luck and handknitted socks from here on out.
Posted by Lisa at November 26, 2007 5:06 PMSo, are you finishing his guensey or what? I think maybe he deserves it.
I would have been hiding in the closet, babbling senselessly, with some nice simple garter stitch knitting in hand (on some not very pointy needles) after the incident with dad's car.
At least he was able to tell his dad that the car is toast, but it wasn't his fault. I had a friend in high school who drove her parent's sports car (which she was not allowed to touch) into town one day while they were away and promptly backed it into a plowblade. Score: steel plow 1; fiberglass sports car 0. Try explaining that to your folks.
Posted by Tanya at November 26, 2007 5:07 PMI am not allowed to laugh this hard at work. (In fact, while it's not technically in the employee handbook, I'm not sure I'm allowed to laugh here at all.) What a week. The poor man. Sorry, Joe.
Last week at knitting group someone was telling a story about someone she knew who had dated a very hot and well-known actor. "Holy s**t!" I said, and was immediately scolded by my daughter, who was immediately informed that, no, in this case "holy s**t" was the correct expression. (*** Very*** hot.) My point here is that I shudder to imagine what I would say, but I hope that my daughter would not be in the car with me at that moment, or, if she were, that I would manage to switch to a foreign language in time. (I could teach you some nice Russian vocabulary, should you ever be interested.)
Posted by Lucia at November 26, 2007 5:11 PMThat man deserves a gansey, a lovingly handspun, handknit gansey, which, if I were married to such a wonderful person, I would have finished by now, instead of being distracted by sweaters and whatnot for myself. (Feeling guilty yet, dear? I think Ms. Rams and Presbytera have not been doing their jobs recently.)
By Christmas at the latest, you hear?
Posted by Lynn at November 26, 2007 5:13 PMI am glad that Joe is ok! I can't believe that's all he said! I think most of us would have used one or two choice words. :)
Posted by Jen at November 26, 2007 5:15 PMAw, poor Joe! What a good guy for not using the always over-used F-bomb. Here's to hoping that everything is fixed and put in good order soon. Remember, bad things come in threes (or fours or fives, depending...)
Posted by kayla at November 26, 2007 5:18 PMThat totally reminds me of my father (also named Joe). You never hear my father swear. Then one day my mom is dropping him off at a construction site he was working at. It was a muddy mess, so she kept pulling up closer and closer so he wouldn't have to trek thru it. He finally yells, after trying to exit the car numerous times only to have it start moving again, "what the #$@* are you doing"? It was the most hysterical thing we had ever heard. My mom just busted out laughing at him.
Posted by KnittingMole at November 26, 2007 5:18 PMI'm having one of those weeks--a car accident, (my fault) poison oak on my face and major cut backs at work--while not quite close to Joe's, I've already said worse than that. He deserves a beer! or 12. Enjoy him!
Posted by Lauren at November 26, 2007 5:18 PMoh. Joe. Hope your week gets better.... maybe some socks or a gansey would help?
for women we throw virtual chocolate and coffee for comfort- what about Joe? Should we throw Meat? Beer? or maybe----an airbag;)
best wishes. and we all firmly agree.
Oh. Come. On.
Posted by tracey in michigan at November 26, 2007 5:20 PMOh... Poor baby! I hope everything gets sorted out for him.
Posted by Kim at November 26, 2007 5:20 PMFix that wonderful man a nice dinner, give him a good beer (or six) and prepare to change his name to Saint Joe!
Posted by Alyson at November 26, 2007 5:24 PMHey! Patti managed to say first the only thing on MY mind: do you give permission to clone your Joe?
Posted by Barbara from Nova Scotia at November 26, 2007 5:25 PMI love that guy too. He has apparently adapted to living in a houseful of women well...no shrieking or hissyfits thrown. Tell him I feel his pain (mine is bambi number one, bambi number two, Amber, and bambi number three between March and October in my new car...and the duckling in the driver's ed car; you have squirrels, I have deer). He's a unique custom model that Joe. You'd best keep him (like you didn't already know)
Posted by Melinda at November 26, 2007 5:25 PMAwesome! Isn't a calm, rational fellow just the perfect foil for a fiesty gal.
At least, that's what I find to be so.
Chin up Joe, kharmically speaking your due for a lottery win soon.
Posted by Mea at November 26, 2007 5:25 PMum, can I have some of whatever Joe is taking?
Posted by gwynviar at November 26, 2007 5:26 PMI sent this URL along to two other people, both having horrible weeks. One of them has decided to adopt "Oh, COME ON" as his catch phrase. Shared agony, and all.
Thanks for the beautiful writing. You're a gem.
Posted by Cookie at November 26, 2007 5:28 PMWe ALL love that man.
(has he any brothers???)
No wonder you're willing to knit gray socks for him.
Here's to hoping this coming week is a much much better one.
Posted by cari at November 26, 2007 5:29 PMI'd like my grandson to be like Joe when he grows up - he's only 4 now so I guess there's time to train him. Seriously - don't you think the world would be a much better place if we could produce a "Joe serum" to give to all males at birth (and maybe a female version too for those of us who would never stop at "O come on")? Imagine that combined with the forces of knitters everywhere! All The Blog's best wishes to Joe for much better times ahead and some great beer right now while he's waiting. And please do keep an eye on him, the other commenters are correct in saying injuries can show up later.
PS - good luck with IT - we'll all rooting for you!
Posted by Chris S. at November 26, 2007 5:29 PMAt least he didn't get rear-ended by the 18 year old in her dad's car. That's when you just crawl into a hole!
Posted by Jen at November 26, 2007 5:32 PMWow. Talk about restraint. I'd have cried probably after getting hit and totaled. I am impressed. But perhaps he deserves a day off...
Posted by Elinor at November 26, 2007 5:32 PM3 words.
Bless his heart.
3 more for you...work on gansey.
Ever think the universe is trying to give you post/book fodder?
I couldn't help but laugh when you said how the garage "offered" to fix the mismatched paint job. Like they're doing you a favor...
Posted by Jennifer at November 26, 2007 5:35 PMAwwww, poor Joe!! What a rotten, rotten week!!!
And wow. I'm afraid I might have gotten a little more...erm...verbose? He is a great, great man.
Posted by Mother Chaos at November 26, 2007 5:40 PMJoe wins, he has the worst week ever story to tell, I thought we had won with the epic tale of "Going to California for Christmas 2002", which takes hours to tell, but poor Joe wins. It's so silly to say it's all for the best. Tell him I have yet another truck in my barn he is welcome to......
Posted by trish Andersen at November 26, 2007 5:43 PMI say a lot worse for much lesser pains.
I hope the next week is a kinder one to him.
.....dude..... unbelievable... not at what he said but this whole truck/dad's car ordeal... I love Joe. (actually, he reminds me of my dad and he was one cool dude...) Here's to things getting better for him!
Posted by marianne at November 26, 2007 5:46 PMYa need to take that man out for a few beers.
Posted by Petunia at November 26, 2007 5:50 PMPoor Joe. I, too, totaled my parents car, just before turning forty, while we were all on vaction 8 hours from home. My wonderful parents gave me a hug, said no one was hurt and that was what insurance was for. Three weeks later, when Mom and I were going somewhere, she handed me the keys to the replacement car (I mean Totaled) and told me to drive! Who could ask for better parents!
Posted by Donna at November 26, 2007 5:50 PMA man of remarkable restraint. Keep him.
Posted by Judi at November 26, 2007 5:51 PMPersonally, I think I might have run fresh out of things to say by the time I got to that last accident. Not because I'm anywhere near as calm as Joe, just that eventually, "Oh, come on!" really is the appropriate phrase. That or hysterical laughter...
Posted by Judy H. at November 26, 2007 5:52 PMWe have lots of sympathy for Joe: my Number Guy's uncle had a car accident on the ice a few years ago. On the same day, his wife hit a deer.
That evening, he called the insurance company to report his accident. When he was done, the insurance agent asked, "Can I help you with anything else today?"
Imagine the agent's surprise when NG's uncle said, "Yes, let me put my wife on the line to tell you about the deer."
Posted by trek at November 26, 2007 5:53 PMNow, some people would say, "I come to this blog because it has to do with KNITTING, and this has nothing whatever to do with KNITTING." Not so. Having your significant other be a serene, understanding, low-key member of your household is an absolutely essential accessory for a knitter. At least as important as stitch markers or lace blocking wires. Well, maybe not stitch markers . . . .
Posted by Cathey at November 26, 2007 5:55 PMHoly Crap!!!!! Good vibes are being sent Joe's way!
Posted by Nat Alea at November 26, 2007 5:59 PMJoe is an angel. Actually, he is just smart. He knows he's not driving (we being metaphorical here) and that he might as well enjoy life as if flows past him. Stephanie, I am so glad he is yours - you deserve someone this wondrous.
P.S. Lucky that car painter isn't a surgeon - he'd take the wrong limb off or reattach it in the wrong place.
What else is there left to say after that kind of week?
Posted by Sarah at November 26, 2007 5:59 PMSounds like my dear husband, who after putting his foot through the ceiling of our kitchen, mustered up the terrible phrase, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!"
Posted by Kathy at November 26, 2007 6:00 PMPoor Joe!! But, what a gentleman....
Posted by --Deb at November 26, 2007 6:00 PMWell, the important thing is that Joe had no injuries in the 2 accidents. Identity theft is a pain, but hopefully he caught it early before more damage could be done. Seems like things happen in threes, so he's had his three "things" and can now move on.
Posted by DebbieT at November 26, 2007 6:06 PMI love him, too!
Posted by Robin at November 26, 2007 6:07 PMI want to be like Joe when I grow up - I NEED to be more like Joe right now.
Posted by Teri at November 26, 2007 6:09 PMHhmmm, brakes don't work - go in for repair and he is rear-ended after so-called repairs? Call me a cynic but did those repair people make sure his brake lights were wired correctly before poor Joe drove away?
He's a saint, btw. If it were me, I would go back to bed for the rest of the week and pull the covers over my head.
Wow! I am so incredibly impressed. In fact, so much that I am now going to send my husband the link to this posting. Perhaps he will find inspiration in it (or it's more like, "perhaps he will talk me into being more like Joe" ;).
I'm glad to hear that everything is better now. I hope the truck gets fixed and/or replaced without too much hassle. You so don't deserve anything else bad to happen! Insanity!
Hugs to you all!
Posted by Chelsea at November 26, 2007 6:11 PMIf one of those things happened to me I would be using words that would make a sailor blush! He really is a good guy.
Posted by Kristyn at November 26, 2007 6:13 PMOh wow. I can't even do that when the gurlz do something wrong. If Joe wants to bash something to aid in relieving the stress, he could come to my (plaster) wall wrecking party.
Good for him though.
Does the insurance company believe the story too?
Thank you for the fabulous telling.
May we all have such fortitude in the face of such a suckfestian week.
I'm adding "Oh COME ON!" to my list.
Posted by Steph VW at November 26, 2007 6:14 PMAfter a week like that, he should have his name changed from Joe to Job.
Posted by Cloud at November 26, 2007 6:15 PMThe first month that I had my new car, a driver rear-ended me, then a deer jumped in front of my car on the freeway and I hit it, then a teen-ager rear ended me with her father's car. The collision center people were giving me funny looks by the third accident. The point is, by the last accident, you are so numb, and so aware that you are not in control of the universe, that saying "oh, come on!" is a prayer for release. Swear words just won't do the job.
Posted by Ruth in PA at November 26, 2007 6:16 PMThat man is a keeper for SURE.
The upside to all this is that he's used up about 10 years worth of bad luck so he should be good for a while. I think he should start buying lottery tickets!
Gee, that's a great man. I'm glad you two have each other - what a pair! Also, maybe some looooong mineral soak hot baths and a bit of chiropractic; that's a bit of bumping around for a body!
Posted by cecelia at November 26, 2007 6:19 PMIt's because he's Canadian! Bless you northerners for your extremely cautious use of vulgarity.
Well, as an optimist, I can only believe it will get better for him from here. My sympathies!
Holy jumpin grasshopers !!!! Joe hit the bottom of the ladder and now there is no way to go but up. It's the ying and yang of life and poor Joe has had enough already.
Posted by Joan H at November 26, 2007 6:20 PMGlad to hear that he wasn't hurt in any of his "adventures". Joe is a saint!
Posted by julie at November 26, 2007 6:21 PMIt must be a Canadian thing. Truly. You guys are just more laid back than Americans.
As I was reading, I was imagining what I would do in his place. I'll spare you the whole narrative, but the last part would read, "...before turning the gun on myself."
That guy really deserves a GANSEY for Christmas! Not to mention a new truck, though I've heard those are hard to knit. I agree with Sandy at 4:27's comment re the phrase "WWJD." I'm glad no one is hurt, the coffers have been re-stocked, and that you have each other. Really, life's not so bad when you think about it. The rest is just inconvenience.
Posted by Linda V. at November 26, 2007 6:24 PMI don't know about you, but that's why I married my saint of a husband. I figured one of us had to stay calm in order for the marriage to work-- it's been 24 years now and his patience has been tried a time or two :) Also, I second the gansey idea...or a nice dinner...or both. I hope he's okay after those accidents, that can make you pretty sore for a while.
Posted by jana at November 26, 2007 6:28 PMThis is that Newfoundland thing again isn't it.
Bless his heart. That is a sucky week to beat all sucky weeks.
Well, now he has a bunch of knitters wishing good things for him and he should know that we all have a little bit of magic. It will be good from here on out.
Although I'm not sure anything we do will save this truck.
Posted by Laurie at November 26, 2007 6:29 PMDid you get the series "Arrested Development" in Canada? There is a character on that show (Gob) who does the perfect "Oh come on" for this situation. I'll see if I can find a YouTube clip to send to you.
Poor Joe!!
I wondered about the brake lights, too!
Posted by jana at November 26, 2007 6:30 PMI want to be Joe when I grow up! I suppose that at that moment, all you can do is laugh, or cry...and crying seldom gets things done...
Posted by Emily G at November 26, 2007 6:31 PMI'm with Patti and her first comment, "Can we get him cloned??. The world needs more Joes. I'm glad he hasn't been hurt in the accidents. Give him a big hug from all of us.
Posted by Jo-Anne at November 26, 2007 6:32 PMOkay, now you do know that you have a keeper, right? Cause that is just amazing. My husbands work truck was smashed up in an accident, he got a rental that was smaller, and was dealing with it's size difference, when he went out to get something from it and found it gone! yeppers! swipped with a few thou in coffee and related products, 5K in customer checks, tools, coffee machine parts, hand truck and assorted other needed items. My husband on the other hand was not as cool as Joe, not by a long shot, but not as bad as I think I would have been... Yep, your Joe's a keeper!
Posted by Leslie at November 26, 2007 6:32 PMI will never complain about having a bad day again! The bright side for Joe is that surely good karma is headed his way.
Posted by Dixie at November 26, 2007 6:33 PMI think I would cry. A lot. And I cry very rarely. Also, I would immediately cease to leave the house. Ever.
Posted by Erin at November 26, 2007 6:34 PMTruly a Zen master dwelling among knitters!
Posted by Ruth at November 26, 2007 6:34 PMOh, the poor guy!! Wow. I would have lost it waaaay earlier and would have lost it on a far more magnificent level than he. I am so impressed!
I will muster any extra good luck/karma that I can find and try to send it to him. His luck WILL turn around! There's just no way he can be expected to deal w/ any more crap than this.
Posted by Mandy at November 26, 2007 6:35 PMThat man deserves a beer. A *very* big beer.
And I thought my day potty training my daughter was rough. Sheesh!
Posted by Lisa at November 26, 2007 6:35 PMHe's an alien. Gotta be.
Posted by CateK at November 26, 2007 6:36 PMP.S. I second, third, whatever, all those recommendations above for immediate application of beer to the situation.
Posted by Mandy at November 26, 2007 6:39 PMALl I can say is WOW!
My best friend, who is the kindest most thoughtful person I have ever known, recently had her house broken into (and she walked in on the two dudes with her 3- and 1-year old - thankfully the dudes ran and did not turn violent) and then a week later at a church retreat had her wallet stolen.
The worst things happen to the best people. I think how those people handle the worst says volumes about their character, more than most other times in life, and all I say is that Joe nust be a tremendous guy.
Hopefully December will be a better month!
Posted by Rachel McDonald at November 26, 2007 6:41 PMSteph, When the going gets tough, I count my "4 reasons to be grateful". 1)access to shelter
2)access to indoor plumbing 3)access to food 4)lack of anyone shooting at me. Alot of people in this world can't count to 4.
Poor Joe! He wasn't hurt. That's all that matters! Vehicles can be replaced...he can't. That said, perhaps he should buy a lottery ticket - his luck has got to change!
Posted by Kate/Massachusetts at November 26, 2007 6:42 PMThank goodness for men like your Joe and my Gary! Where would we be without them?
Posted by Cecile at November 26, 2007 6:42 PMWow, I need to learn to spell check my typos.
Posted by Rachel McDonald at November 26, 2007 6:42 PMJoe is awesome. I second all the votes for a new truck (or good repairs to the one he loves), a few beers, and lots of hugs. Isn't it nice to know you picked a good one? Here's hoping life improves and karma gets good stuff back to him for the holidays.
Posted by shellb at November 26, 2007 6:43 PMI comiserate. A few years ago, I totalled my mother's car (and landed myself in the hospital for a bit), and exactly 8 days later, got hit by a drunk driver in my brand spanking new car. I can tell you, I had some choice words that **did not** include "O come on!"
Posted by Knitting Bee at November 26, 2007 6:43 PMI'll think of Joe the next time I'm having a bad day/week. What a smashing good temperament he must have to endure it all without giving in to the mother of all meltdowns. There's a lesson here. :)
Posted by Kelly at November 26, 2007 6:50 PMNothing a handspun-handknit gansey wouldn't heal.
Posted by turtlegirl76 at November 26, 2007 6:51 PMI'm pretty sure that's the clearest proof we've ever had that Joe's from Newfoundland. People of great verbal economy, they are.
Posted by Lene at November 26, 2007 6:52 PMHugs and a frothy beer to that man - good GRIEF!
Posted by April at November 26, 2007 6:54 PMWhat are the odds?! I not only wish my husband had Joe's patience, but I wish I had it as well! Now the fact that my son won't clean his room doesn't stress me out nearly as badly! Hope Joe's got the best Christmas ever ahead of him!
Posted by Heather at November 26, 2007 6:55 PMOh man! That was the funniest blog entry in life! I'm at work, reading your blog as usual, and I literally laughed out loud. My boss thinks I'm crazy now. Thanks!
Love ya!
Posted by Ganiggle at November 26, 2007 6:56 PMEven though he doesn't have any wheels, Joe definitely has the makings of a great bumper sticker. "Oh, COME ON" could be the next "If you can read this you're driving too closely." I'd consider a trademark.
Posted by Andrea at November 26, 2007 6:58 PMI do believe the universe is attempting to tell Joe to "ditch the truck"....yo Joe, listen up!
What a great guy. Glad he ain't hurt.
Posted by Jean S at November 26, 2007 6:58 PMI agree 110% with Diane ...and he sounds like an amazing person
"Truly, the man is a bodhisattva among us...
Posted by: diane "
Posted by Jackie H at November 26, 2007 6:58 PMSteph - what a good job of writing this story. But I HOWLED at one of the comments: Note to Self: Don't ride with Joe. Bless both of you.
Posted by Rhonda at November 26, 2007 7:01 PMCan you imagine what The Blog would sound like on a daily basis if Joe were writing it?
Monday: Worked on Kauni. A lot. Didn't get far.
Tuesday: Spun grey wool. Don't think there's enough.
Wednesday: Couldn't find tape measure. Used ruler instead.
Thursday: Washed more of grey fleece. Will dry it inside.
Friday: Had car trouble.
That Joe is a keeper... yup.
(And I am SO relieved that he isn't hurt!)
Posted by Kate at November 26, 2007 7:11 PMhe truly is a giant amoung men. you are so lucky to have each other.
Posted by leanne at November 26, 2007 7:12 PMI think November 26 should be declared St. Joe of the Blue Truck Day, where everyone drinks beer and knits, and if they drop a stitch they must look heavenward and intone "Oh, Come ON." Our uniform will be a grey gansey with a squirrel pin.
Posted by inky at November 26, 2007 7:12 PMSo. . . when is Joe going to be in MY town giving seminars on how to act like a decent human being? I've gotta get tickets to that!! You've got a keeper, woman!
Posted by Heather at November 26, 2007 7:17 PMOh my goodness. Joe, I am SO sorry! (And, I am going to have to read this to my husband, who, after having his new bicycle stolen this summer, finally replaced it, only to have it fly off his roof rack last night on the freeway -- it's totally destroyed; everyone's all right, though. He didn't do quite as well as Joe, but he didn't do too badly!) Should we all contribute to the Buy Joe A Pint Because He Really Really Deserves It fund? He's a keeper :)
Posted by Jocelyn at November 26, 2007 7:22 PMYour Joe is such a great person!! I had my husband read your blog today!
What a truly horrible time! I am so sorry for all the trouble he has endured. I must say thought, that your way with words made the whole story comical and made me laugh until I cried. What a great guy! Better karma his way!
Posted by Melissa at November 26, 2007 7:30 PMIt is time for Joe to get some really good knitting karma come his way. Doesn't knit? In his case, I don't think that matters. He is already surrounded by so much knitting stuff, that knitting karma should apply to him also. Hey Steph? Maybe you could give the room back to him (briefly)? You know - the one you worked so hard to reclaim from the electronics stuff that is Joe's.
Posted by Felicia at November 26, 2007 7:32 PMI am so glad he is ok after such a horrible week. Let him know that he is in my prayers. I like to think that horrible things happen to make us realize how great we have it the rest of the time! And I am glad he is so amazingly good natured about it all!
Posted by Kristen at November 26, 2007 7:34 PMMine would have had a much more earburningly colourful reaction but is a keeper none the less, when I got into an accident with the '71 Valiant that used to belong to his grandpa & called to tell him, all he said was "Are you OK?"
Hope Joe doesn't have too much more excitement, he deserves a calm December & 2008 after a week like that.
Posted by elan at November 26, 2007 7:35 PMBless his poor tattered heart!!! What a rough couple days!
Posted by Lora at November 26, 2007 7:35 PMMy reaction to his reaction is too blue to print here! If I were local, I would definitely buy that dear man a beer--or five.
Posted by Beth Mahoney at November 26, 2007 7:40 PMJust think of all the good karma coming his way... wow. What a guy!
Posted by Theo at November 26, 2007 7:42 PMThe man deserves a gansey--that he's also being very patient about BTW :-)
Posted by Azhar at November 26, 2007 7:44 PM((Sending positive vibes & thoughts Joe's way.)) Hang in there Joe!!
Posted by Dawn at November 26, 2007 7:46 PMLet's have a big hand for wonderful men and old pickup trucks!
Posted by E.W.E at November 26, 2007 8:00 PMWow.
Joe is amazing. The filth that was running through my head just reading about his week would peel paint.
May his run of bad luck be over, and may he reap the karmic reward of triple the volume of good luck to follow.
Posted by Helen at November 26, 2007 8:07 PMWow, nobody utter the phrse "plague of locusts" around Joe right now. Poor guy.
Posted by Barb Cooper at November 26, 2007 8:07 PMSurely Joe must be due for some really, really good mojo to come his way, as reward for restraint if nothing else. I would have been cussing enough to make a sailor blush! I will keep his misfortune in mind for the next few weeks and try to count my blessings...
Posted by Steph B. at November 26, 2007 8:08 PMYou know, while I think Joe totally deserves a gansey, I think this might a bad week to give him one. With the luck he's having, something bad might happen to it. Better wait till things around him don't spontaneously self-destruct. But his luck should turn by the time you finish it, I'd think. Maybe he should just sit quietly and not touch anything for a while just to be on the safe side?
Posted by Riin at November 26, 2007 8:11 PMO.M.G. Thank God AND the goddesses that he is fine after all of that! He wins the "soul of patience" in my book! I get way more excited than that every time I drive---WITH the swearing, I might add! The identity theft thing alone would have made me homicidal. At least he knows he's had his run of bad luck for quite a while---glad he's okay. :)
Posted by deb at November 26, 2007 8:14 PMOh, dear Joe! I thought I had the only spouse in the world who never curses--ever! What an awful week. This story should find its way into somebody's stand-up comedy routine! Well, it did find its way into The Blog--thanks, and commiserations!
That's one great guy you have there. He deserves some seriously good luck now, and I hope he gets it.
Posted by Mama Cat at November 26, 2007 8:19 PMWell, it's a good thing he doesn't need a favorite curse word for his Ravelry profile. Speaking as one who was driving her father's car when it was rear ended and totaled this past spring, I'm in complete sympathy. But I did swear. A lot.
Posted by Anne at November 26, 2007 8:19 PMJoe sounds like my dad--nothing much rattles him, and I've never in all my life heard him swear. He can get mad, but remains calm. When my parents were on their honeymoon, they were driving through Haliburton (l950, huge car with huge hood, no seat belts of course). My mother was driving, and she totalled the car. She got too close to the centre line, and someone coming over a hill was too close on their side. The two cars scraped together, a wheel came off my parents' car and rolled away somewhere into the Haliburton Highlands, and the car swerved off the road and smashed into a massive rock. My totally panicked mother looked for my father--he had disappeared down under the dashboard, and he had a big gash on his forehead, blood pouring down. He still has the scar.So that is how my parents' marriage started. To this day, my dad calmly says, "Our marriage started out on the rocks."
Posted by marjorie at November 26, 2007 8:25 PMOMG. I think that's one of the worst days imaginable...I would have absolutely lost my last nerve and probably freaked out on the unfortunate soul who decided to hit me lol.
Posted by Hattie at November 26, 2007 8:27 PMWhen you do clone him, can I have one?
Posted by Lise at November 26, 2007 8:28 PMDear freakin' lord, Joe is some kind of zen saint. Seriously, had that happened to me, I'd still be drinking and crying. I truly hope that all of the bad luck got piled into one big clump to balance out the good coming his way. Poor guy. Send him a hug for me, would you?
Posted by Heather at November 26, 2007 8:30 PMSeriously? My mind can't even process that. I was cursing for him way before that point.
Posted by E to the M at November 26, 2007 8:34 PMThe sum total of my husband's reaction to this tale? "Answers to the name of Lucky."
Poor Job, er Joe.
Posted by Maureen at November 26, 2007 8:37 PMNow if only more people were like Joe--myself included! There would have been a LOT of profanity coming from me after a day like that.
Posted by Kiyomi at November 26, 2007 8:38 PMNOW I know what the acronym WWJD really stands for! The next time my patience is tried beyond reasonable limits I will ask myself, "What would Joe do?" Lovely man.
Posted by grace at November 26, 2007 8:42 PMWe love the guy, too. Are there anymore clones available?
Posted by Kelly at November 26, 2007 8:47 PMI think Joe's 10 is sorta like my 2.
Posted by TheAmpuT at November 26, 2007 8:50 PMPlease give Joe my dearest compliments, a great big hug and suggest giving him part of the dining room table back. You sure do have a keeper there.
What a week. I am assuming that this bad week started last week. Have you checked his natal chart? Where is mercury? I'll bet it is retrograde and squaring something big in his chart.
I already adore you, however your use of the word "frak" has magnified that by about a trillion. :p
Posted by Rhia at November 26, 2007 8:55 PMdon't you just want to wrap him up in some quiltt batting and not let him drive a car? We have had a similar couple of weeks with slightly different events. So far my man is optimistic, he is the cheerful one, not me.
Posted by Jennie at November 26, 2007 8:56 PMPoor Joe! I would have gone ballistic way before that. Knit that man a voodoo doll. Or perhaps a large glass of something alcoholic. He sounds like he needs it.
Posted by Christina at November 26, 2007 8:59 PMIt must be a Newfie thing.
Now, normally I don't make such blatent statements about groups of people (judge not, yadda yadda yadda), but I've met a fair number of the mighty Newfs, and they all had the following traits in common: optimistic yet easygoing personalities, the ability to find the fun in any situation, a lighthearted approach to the heavy stuff, and the ability to turn a phrase that turns the heads of the non-Newfs. Lovely people, the lot of them! (At least, all of those I know personally - which is a pretty large number, given that I used to live in Fort McMurray - you know, Newfie West).
Maybe reward the man with the Newfie trifecta - a carb-heavy meal, a beer, and a little of the nudge-nudge-wink-wink after the girls go to bed.
Posted by Rebecca Logan at November 26, 2007 8:59 PMI know that you will likely not read this, since it's practically the 200th comment. But I read this and had to read it out loud to my Mike. And before I even got to the end he exclaimed, just like Joe, "Oh, come on." I think Joe and Mike would get along, although they might just sit in silence for hours being okay with everything.
Posted by Hugo at November 26, 2007 9:06 PMdark days. bless you for sharing. things will get better.
Posted by tiffanie at November 26, 2007 9:10 PMI've had sort of a "Joe's day" year, and reading these comments has me thinking "dear god, there are people out there who are 'my people'"! Parts I love: the word suckfestian; that other women swear heartily; WWJD; 4 reasons to be grateful; the acknowledgement that some situations are beyond profanity; and more... Thank you for all this wonderful philosophy, even if it is somewhat at Joe's expense. I'll definitely be adding ohcomeon to my vocabulary. I find as I get older, and swear-worthy situations accumulate in my experience, my subconscious dredges up more and more creative epithets--usually for all those stupid drivers, as a matter of fact. My grown daughter thinks I have a talent for creative unprintable names for gormless f**kwits. Well, it amuses me. Thanks for the story and the community of people you attract, Stephanie.
Posted by Kate W. at November 26, 2007 9:17 PMSurely by now you've added gansey to the Christmas knitting list, right?
Thanks for the reminder that there is some humor in a really bad week.
Go Joe. If only I had that kind of fortitude... lol!
Posted by Kim Evans at November 26, 2007 9:24 PMdoes he give lessons?
[no, not in the accidents or identity theft.. ::shudder:: but the zen? or is it a newfie (?) thing in which case i'm terribly screwed and would be locked up tight if that were my week...]
Posted by penny at November 26, 2007 9:30 PMOh dear..
Posted by Denise at November 26, 2007 9:38 PMclearly this demonstrates that Joe has the patience to become a knitter!
Posted by carol from Rhinebeck at November 26, 2007 9:56 PMGive that guy a hug.
Posted by Helen at November 26, 2007 9:56 PMWill add this story to the list of reasons why we all love Joe. Personally, I never got over the fact that he wouldn't let you rip out the socks he is (I imagine still) knitting for you. Sending good vibes Joe's way--no-one deserves a week like that. I'm pretty sure it's someone else's turn now.
Posted by barbinvic at November 26, 2007 9:57 PMOh. My. Lord. Joe gets to lie quietly in a dark room for as long as he wishes, or at least until the world is working again. Give Joe a big hug from me!
Posted by Carrie at November 26, 2007 10:01 PMwhen I realized that "Son of a" just wasn't doing it for me.. I switched my phrase to "Oh, Come ON!".. especially at school where foul language is frowned upon.
Joe's a man after my own heart... I think he needs a beer from the blog.
Posted by Beth at November 26, 2007 10:02 PMI'm sending him lots and lots of good luck thoughts. That tops anything I have ever heard in my life...
Posted by Becki at November 26, 2007 10:03 PMI like that Joe of yours. And now he's due for some REALLY good days. :-)
Posted by Sheri at The Loopy Ewe at November 26, 2007 10:07 PMI believe every successful marriage has one calm partner and one screamer. Now we know which one Joe is(n't).
Posted by Cindy Ericsson at November 26, 2007 10:10 PMThank you for making me laugh so hard!
Posted by Elizabeth at November 26, 2007 10:12 PMHis three accidents are behind him and I hope that's it - no one should have 3 identity thefts ever - so hopefully, it's over. God Bless !!!!!!
Posted by Rachel in Tx at November 26, 2007 10:17 PMmy husband throws a tantrum which would put Jack Nicholson to shame. he also has a truck, sitting in the driveway (insurance paid up) with a dead battery, door hanging by the thread of a rivet, in need of a new master brake cylinder, truck bed full of old furniture waiting to be hauled to the dump - what can one do except knit, knit, knit. maybe your next book should be truck stories in betwixt the knitting. (hey, the last time i took the truck to the dump the back gate came off and i landed in the dump with the gate on top of me.)
Posted by Alice at November 26, 2007 10:20 PMPoor Joe! That is surely a week of trials and tribulations. I can only hope that, having moved well past the 'rule of threes' and into a new, unpleasant, and higher numerical rule of Bad Things, that his luck turns around. May he get whatever the Joe equivalent of yarn and cupcakes may be!
Posted by Em at November 26, 2007 10:20 PMOh Jeez...poor guy. You have to admire his grace under EXTREAME pressure.
Posted by viva scrapper at November 26, 2007 10:39 PMI think Joe wrote the book on Zen.
Posted by lizbon at November 26, 2007 10:40 PMI think he'll make a great test knitter for those bogus patterns. :)
Posted by claudine at November 26, 2007 10:42 PMI too was the victim of identity theft this weekend! Imagine my surprise in a town north of Timmins Ontario, being stuck with no cash and no access to a branch of my bank of choice! My sympathies to Joe. I used much more colourful words, in two different languages.
Posted by AndeeTheNewb at November 26, 2007 10:47 PMHugs to you both and the girls, too. Maybe Joe has found the "new" profanity - something totally different from the *&^%$#@#$%^&* that is alllll too common now a days! Please, ALL of you take care. You are the only ones of you that we have! And we care. (Large smiley face here)
Posted by Paula in Iowa at November 26, 2007 10:50 PMBless his heart!
Posted by J.P. at November 26, 2007 10:56 PMAny of you all seen Little Miss Sunshine? When the tormented son finally breaks through and begins screaming about his bad luck? Yeah, that's what I would have been screaming at that point, if I were Joe.
Posted by Evelyn at November 26, 2007 10:58 PMOh, how much do we love Joe! God bless 'im. I second and third (or, maybe we're up to fourths) the recommendations for hugs and beer, a gansey, and winning the lottery.
PS - I have to say that I am stunned by the macro photos of the snowflakes. Teeny pieces of magic. I am praying for snow in the mountains, so that I can try out my camera.
Posted by doodah at November 26, 2007 11:02 PMHAHAHAHA!
er . . . i mean, poor joe, what an angel (HAHAHAHA!)
Posted by anne at November 26, 2007 11:22 PMOh my, how lucky you are! Someone broke off the Mercedes Benz emblem from my husband's car. I almost had to sedate him in the driveway.
Posted by Rhonda at November 26, 2007 11:31 PMPlease make sure that Joe gets hugs, beers (or Screech).
We have also had our share of "interesting" vehicles over the years. One of the more memorable cars was 7 different colors (eventually I painted it all one color); another was a truck so battered that people would use it as a standard. For example, what do you mean by saying my truck is beat up? Wait til you see Diane's!"
Posted by Diane at November 26, 2007 11:38 PMPoor Joe. That is a tough week.
Reminds me of my tough week. First, I should mention it was exam week. I had my wisdom teeth removed the Monday of the week. My parents went on vacation and left me with their van in exchange for my car. The van, costing much more than my car, was broken into and everything inside was stolen. The thieves tried to hotwire the van, but killed the battery and electrical components instead. So it had to be towed. The next day, I had an exam so I rode my bike to school. On the way, I was run over by a woman (in an SUV. Mentioned because I assume they hurt more) who ran a red light. On Friday, I had surgery. Sunday I was back home. The worst week I have ever experienced, I'm sure.
So, you can tell Joe that I understand. Of course, I didn't say "Oh, come on" when I was lying under the SUV. I'm not nearly so polite...
Posted by Chantale at November 26, 2007 11:39 PMWow, that looks like some major planetary shit magnet action going on! Does he know anyone about to have brain surgery?
Posted by Josiane at November 26, 2007 11:47 PMI'm glad everyone (except the truck) is okay. To have that kind of week and make it out slightly rattled but uninjured is a blessing.
Posted by Erica at November 26, 2007 11:48 PMAre you yanking my chain? Un-smurfing-believable.
Posted by Shelagh at November 26, 2007 11:49 PMBoy...I feel for Joe. What a mess!
Posted by Gina at November 27, 2007 12:01 AMI think you have a keeper there? How were you during all these going ons?
THanks for the story, it was a great pick me up at the end of a ho-hum day.
Posted by Kimber at November 27, 2007 12:08 AMPoor Joe!!! I think I understand his seemingly abnormally mild reaction to the last accident - being rear ended. When so many bad things happen in such a short time, you go numb - you become almost unable to react in a normal way. The only possible reaction is oh come on. (oh come on - this is beyond belief that all this could possibly happen to one person in such a short period of time - an expression of the very deepest exasperation known to man.)
Posted by Donna at November 27, 2007 12:11 AMYour man needs some kind of good luck charm when driving! That is honestly the unluckiest day ever. Hope he's feeling better now!
Posted by Steph F. at November 27, 2007 12:13 AMNo one should have to go through a week with that much bad stuff in it while living a normal, fairly unreproachable life. Give Joe my best wishes for a much better week this week.
And remember this period and how well he handled it the next time you want to strangle his large phlegmatic Newfoundland neck.
Posted by KarenJoSeattle at November 27, 2007 12:17 AMThe fortitude of the man! Although trashing Dad's car at 40 will give him laughs in about 10 years.
Posted by Dorothy at November 27, 2007 12:21 AMJoe is truly a gem. I do believe he has passes every test possible!
Posted by dobarah at November 27, 2007 12:21 AMWow. Whatta guy! Reminds me of my mom and aunt -- when they were rather elderly, my aunt dropped a needle into a shag rug and uttered the worst thing I ever heard her say...."a plague on it!"....and then my mom said the worst thing she ever said..."yeah!"
Posted by KnittingPuppy at November 27, 2007 12:31 AMHaving crashed my father's brand new car fairly recently, I can identify with that...only I'm 17 and it was my fault.
Posted by Caroline at November 27, 2007 12:38 AMYup. That's a bad week. Sorry Joe!
Posted by Andrea (noricum) at November 27, 2007 1:01 AMOh my. (((gentle))) hugs to Wonderful Joe, who probably will be very sore when he stands still and this week catches up to him.
And I am still snorting at Presbytera's comment. The blog as written by Joe.
"Day 300, still no Gansey yet. Day 301, No Gansey today. Day 302....."
Posted by Beth in WI at November 27, 2007 1:02 AMI love your guy for that, too. Actually, my Brian might have said the same, he doesn't get too riled up. Isn't it refreshing that a few human beings in the world can be balanced in the face of such things?
Me, I can be stressed out about nothing. I mean, I wish it were not true but I admit it. I can do "frequent flyer miles" bouncing off walls and ceilings if something doesn't go as expected... and Brian just waits for me to land. he knows he can't fix me but he doesn't tell me what I already know... that bouncing isn't solving anything. I gotta bounce sometimes, you know? I was born that way.
I'm so bummed for Joe that things are on the wrong sort of roll. "This, too, shall pass..." as they say. Nothing can stick forever. And thank goodness for that!
Posted by LynnH at November 27, 2007 1:04 AMOh lord, he sounds a bit like my husband. He doesn't have an indecent bone in his body either. But I wonder if Joe isn't even more patient and mellow.
POor Joe. What an ordeal. Any one of those things would be enough to make anyone snap.
Posted by Carola at November 27, 2007 1:06 AMAfter all that, Joe deserves all the good karma he has coming to him. I would have lost it at the first incident.
Posted by Lavender at November 27, 2007 1:13 AMPoor guy! Tell him a little Ben and Jerry's fixes all. It does really, I swear! OK, it helps.
I also rather liked the suggestion that he be cloned. Just think, if all the nations leaders were Joes, the world would have to be a better place.
Posted by Melinda at November 27, 2007 1:16 AMWhat a nice guy. Let him know we all feel deep compassion for what he has been through. And tell him to check before he opens his truck door, because the next thing that could happen is someone will drive through it and knock it off. Been there, had it done to me.
Posted by Tan at November 27, 2007 1:23 AMDang. I mean...DANG. :-)
My friend Craig broke 3 cars in a week not so long ago: his, the one he bought to replace that one, and his wife's. None of these incidents were his fault. And Craig is also one of those amazing sunny people who, when gifted with hand knits, immediately tries them on with his guitar so he can see how he looks while wearing said hand-knit and playing the guitar. (He also did that with his wedding ring. Can you stand the cuteness?) I'm sensing a trend here.
So...can we start a waiting list for the clones? Because I'd really like to be on it.
Posted by Liz at November 27, 2007 1:39 AMI'll never forget seeing the rafting pictures you posted. There were pics of the rapids, pics of you swamping out, and at the end a truly wonderful shot of Joe, sun on his face, and wind in his hair. I could just tell what a great guy he is. My husband is a really great guy too, and yes, the term doesn't begin to say it all.
Posted by Margaret at November 27, 2007 2:03 AMOh. Man. Poor Joe! ::sends hugs. and beer. and a chiropractor. and a massage therapist. and a big ol' hot tub. and some more hugs, Screech, chocolate and Blue Moon for you, 'cause surely you're somewhat shaken after your dear man going through all this.::
Yep, thank goddess he's not hurt, but great googly moogly, enough already! Like Josiane at 11:47, I wondered if he knew anyone going through brain surgery! (And Presbytera? Hysterical. Totally.) I too would've been swearing a blue streak, probably on top of popping Xanax. [g] If The Blog could knit him a new beater of a truck, we would. He certainly deserves to be *given* one, if there's any karmic justice in the world.
OK, so now I'm thinking of umpteen knitters who know of beat-up trucks that still run, trying to figure if theirs could make it to Canada... ;)
Posted by MonicaPDX at November 27, 2007 2:03 AMJoe's final remark reminded me of an incident with my mother. She was driving with 3 children and her mother-in-law in the car when she turned the wrong way onto a wide boulevard with four lanes of oncoming traffer. Her off-color comment: "Oh, beans!"
Posted by Gina at November 27, 2007 2:10 AMAnd I thought I was having a rough bit of time!
You have a really great guy, he should give lessons!
Posted by Lisa at November 27, 2007 2:15 AMPoor Joe! Man, it's tough when a person gets tested like that. Sounds like he's going to get a new truck! Man I've had months and months like that and sometimes you just got to wonder what you did to get so much crap added to your plate, or if you've wandered into the twilight zone LOL! Joe sounds like a man with a remarkable amount of grace and he definitely sounds like a keeper. I hope this week gets better!
Posted by Dyepotgirl at November 27, 2007 3:46 AMhe rocks.
I send him a bunch of xo's from switzerland. You can keep a few for you if you need them too!
Poor Joe! Time for you to wrap him in roving and keep him safe for a while.
I hope he doesn't have any after effects from being rear-ended.
- Pam
Posted by pipneyjane at November 27, 2007 4:20 AMBless. I can say no more. The man is a saint. The Powers-That-Be I'm sure have a new pick-up just waiting for him. And a great band looking for a producer. And *ahem* a new gansey. :-D
Posted by Helen at November 27, 2007 4:50 AMCan you clone him? I want a "Joe" for me! No, really, he seems to be great, by this time I would have totally flipped... what a fabulous guy!
Posted by Bettina at November 27, 2007 6:23 AMHe said "Oh, Come On" but what was he thinking???
Posted by K at November 27, 2007 6:24 AMMy goodness. I'm glad no one was hurt in the making of this tale. At least, not in a physical way. I have tears coming out of my eyes, I'm laughing so hard.
His cosmic see-saw has totally shifted. 2008 ought to be a corker!
Posted by Avalynda at November 27, 2007 6:28 AMI don't want to be rude, but, I can sort of imagine his MILD reactions. After all, he had gone through all kind of crazy acts from you, and still decided to get marry. Lucky you! It's so nice to know that when the world spins out of its orbit, there will be a steady shoulder to lean on.
Posted by Shumei at November 27, 2007 7:04 AMAwww bless. Thank goodness he's ok after all that.
Posted by Carol at November 27, 2007 7:17 AMBoddhisatva my butt. He may be Buddha reincarnated!
What a dear man...hug him for all of us.
Posted by Bad Hippie at November 27, 2007 7:36 AMWow! Poor Joe.
Ok, am I the only one frightened by Joe's comment?
Joe, you should be awarded sainthood! such patience.
After reading this post to my husband, who is a mechanic, dearest husband says to get rid of the truck ( bad Karma)
I am delighted that Joe is not hurt, and that no one else was injured. Vehicles are easy to fix, people..well.. not so much.
WOW!!!! I love that guy too!
Posted by Five Ferns Fibreholic at November 27, 2007 7:50 AMWow! I probably would have been tempted to take up cigarettes again (after 6 years). Way to go Joe!
Posted by Tara at November 27, 2007 8:14 AMMan oh man, that is a really unfair string of bad luck. Congratulations to Joe for handling it so elegantly. What a great guy you have, and I'm very happy to hear that he wasn't physically or spiritually injured by all of the bad stuff.
Posted by lanea at November 27, 2007 8:22 AMMy first thought was the same as everyone elses regarding the cloning possibilities. Barring that, does he have any single brothers? I would be willing to move to Canada for someone of that demeanor.
Posted by The Knitting Girl at November 27, 2007 8:32 AMWow! What a guy! Joe definitely deserves another piece of large, black stereo equipment to sit and take up space in your dining room!
Poor Joe.
Posted by Amanda at November 27, 2007 8:50 AMThat is a fantastic reaction on his part. A few years ago, the summer before we were married, my husband had a similar run of bad luck. His reaction was not so ... family friendly. May his Karmic reward be big and juicy! :D
Posted by Sue at November 27, 2007 8:58 AMWell I hope that bit of a temper fit was helpful and Joe calmed down. What a great guy.
Posted by Diane at November 27, 2007 9:03 AMRemind me, if I ever hear Joe say "Oh, COME ON," that it means something much more vehement than I'd mean if I said that.
Posted by Abby Franquemont at November 27, 2007 9:05 AMAfter all that, I love him too!
Posted by Nicola Faull at November 27, 2007 9:07 AMWow! I thought MY two weeks had been bad (they included a broken furnace and getting rear-ended, etc), but this makes my tale of woe pale in comparison. Thanks for the perspective exercise. And give Joe a hug for me. He's taking all this better than either me or my husband would.
Posted by Pippi Shirley at November 27, 2007 9:23 AMHe's a prince among men.
Posted by Laura at November 27, 2007 9:24 AMWow. What a serious angel. I think I would have been using stronger curse words at each and every turn of that day.
What a keeper!
Posted by Michelle at November 27, 2007 9:26 AMAfter that list of travails, I'm thrilled to hear that Joe is fine, although somewhat battered in spirit. And really, when the Universe spanks you that hard "Oh, COME ON" sounds like a pretty appropriate response to me.
Posted by Melanie at November 27, 2007 9:28 AMTo commiserate with Joe- someone bought an underground swimming pool 6 states away from us this summer with our identity while we were at my father-in-law's funeral. We also drive a 15 year old truck like Joe's- we look behind us when we drive over railroad tracks to make sure we didn't litter!
Your Joe is a good man. I hate when crappy things happen to good people. I had one day full of all kinds of crappy stuff -- it got scary. I hope Joe's days start getting better, like winning a lottery to buy a new truck for him and a new car for his dad.
Posted by Lou at November 27, 2007 9:56 AMFor years, my husband has thought that "GEE!" is a terrible swearword.
He, uh, got over that misconception and now says the f-word like the rest of us, save Joe and a small child who shall remain nameless but has informed me that she is way nicer than me in traffic.
Joe, I honestly don't know how you do it. Good on you, man, for getting through all that palaver and not smacking the living crap out of anyone.
Posted by Lee Ann at November 27, 2007 9:58 AMI have long maintained that Joe is my favorite fictional character -- this does nothing to change that. Still, you're the one who affirms a faith that the universe seeks balance, so watch out the front window -- any minute now the Ferrari of all pickup trucks should be pulling up with the title to Joe in the glovebox and the identity thief roped across the hood like a ten-point buck.
(Spotty internet access when I'm at school -- sorry to be late to the party.)
Posted by rams at November 27, 2007 9:59 AMI love Joe too! He went through all that and he didn't ONCE blame you. His actions speak to his loyalty and fidelity, and when that truck so obviously betrayed his affection, the most he could say was 'oh come on'?
I dated a guy that got pulled over for speeding. After the officer walked away, he looked at me with fire in his eyes and said, "I wouldn't have been speeding if you hadn't had the radio turned up so loud." What the ... !
Joe didn't do that, bless his great big heart! For that, and all the insults and miseries he has suffered, he deserves a new truck - mostly because that dead horse of a truck deserves a nice burial.
Posted by Sharon at November 27, 2007 10:11 AMPoor Joe! My goodness I don't know that I would have handled that much adversity so valiantly!
Posted by Shannon at November 27, 2007 10:20 AMTalk about even-tempered! He's either incredibly admirable, or totally removed from reality. Either way, it's good. Reality is highly overrated.
Posted by Liz at November 27, 2007 10:42 AMYikes. My whole life seems much less burdened with the small stuff after reading Joe's troubles.
The identity theft is really the worst part--keep an eye on your stuff, the identity might be sold again and can keep annoying the hell out of you.
Can the truck be saved?
Posted by Dr. Steph at November 27, 2007 10:53 AMWow!
Posted by The Knittymommy at November 27, 2007 10:55 AMWhat a horrible string of things to happen! He should be made a saint for the way he handled all of it.
Posted by sillydoggies at November 27, 2007 10:56 AMYour poor hubby! I think he deserves a nice long bubble bath with candles and wine.
Posted by Angela at November 27, 2007 10:58 AMI've heard that story before, I think. But wasn't the guy's name Job, not Joe?
Must've been a typo.
hugs to the guy.
Posted by julia fc at November 27, 2007 11:03 AMUm... can somebody get Joe's guardian angel a crash helmet? And while we're at it, maybe one for Joe. And a large roll of bubble wrap.
Thank heavens he wasn't hurt.
Posted by waitandsee at November 27, 2007 11:15 AMFirst of all, I'm happy he's fine. He could have been hurt from any of those things.
That being said, OMG ROTFLMBO!!!!!!!! I've had a similar experience with the car accidents, and while no identity theft was made, I did have my wallet stolen out of my purse protected by my 2 y/o dd. (I wasnt happy that my wallet was stolen, but i was more creeped out that such a person was so close to my dd. Where was I? I had my hand on her in the shopping cart and my wallet was less than a foot away.) So I get it. But I LOVE how he is taking it all in stride.
Oh Come ON!
Posted by Lynn at November 27, 2007 11:18 AMSee... this is the perfect example of why we love our men so very much.
And a little message for Joe.... Seriously... You've faced this calmly so now you know you can handle just about anything.
Posted by Sachi at November 27, 2007 11:24 AMThis is not-so-much unlike my own absurd string of vehicular woes last year, at the hands of others.
My response was not as mild.
Finish that gansey, woman. He deserves it.
Posted by dez at November 27, 2007 11:25 AMsometimes... just sometimes the world is against you.
but all you can do is buck up and keep going.
hugs to joe!
Been there. Not necesarily in those circumstances, but I've had my butt knicked by the universe on a fairly routine basis. It stinks.
Though I think I'd have resorted to different filth than Joe. Just shows I have a lot to learn.
And lord love a duck, please show more progress on the gansey -- I think Joe needs it after this strign of luck
Posted by Heather at November 27, 2007 11:43 AMJoe has patients, now my dh, not so much. Our 5 yo is still talking about the time "the lady hit Daddy's car and do you want to know what Daddy said?" This happened when he was 3 and the words Daddy used are ones we can't use at preschool, or around grammy, or well most anywhere but at home telling this really great story. ;)
Posted by earthami at November 27, 2007 11:45 AMDoes that serene calmness ever infuriate you?? My husband (and Dad, so I must have unconsiously pick them this way) idea of extreme violence is to look over the top of the newspaper and say quietly to any situation"knock it off". While I usually love the calm temperment sometimes a little more spunk would make for terrific fight and some making up(if you get my drift).
I'm sure Joe's bloodpressure is 90/60 all the time too-which is great. Wish mine was-and I have fallen off the "I'm not knitting for Christmas Deadline" as my daughter-in-law and son announced a new baby. So..now I am frantically knitting the Baby Bump sweater for her for Christmas-with a smile on my face as big as the Cheshire Cat.
As much as I do wholeheartedly believe that Joe deserves a gansey, I'm betting a nice bottle of scotch would go over pretty damn well right now.
Posted by Rachel H at November 27, 2007 12:18 PMI agree, Rachel, and it would be available more immediately, too.
Posted by Presbytera at November 27, 2007 12:24 PMwhat would life be without irony? My hubby was an identity theft victim. Want to know what he does for a living? He's a computer security researcher.
I hope Joe's luck turns around...sounds like he's due to find a winning lottery ticket on the sidewalk!
Posted by Sara at November 27, 2007 12:30 PMHoly shit.
Please pass on that I'm sending him as many warm fuzzies as I can afford.
Posted by Linda at November 27, 2007 12:36 PMI could only hope to say something that clean if I were in that situation. Glad he's OK and even more glad that I don't drive, so I can't get into that situation.
Posted by Seanna Lea at November 27, 2007 12:48 PMHi Stephanie, Hi Joe,
Sorry all this is happening to you. I'm sure you know it, but if good things don't last forever, neither do bad ones.
On the subject of Joe's outburst, my goodness, I deal with someone (husband) who is the exact opposite of Joe. That can be very frustrating and tiring sometimes.
Take care,
Posted by Rosane at November 27, 2007 12:55 PMDH wants to know how much hippy hay you smoke before you sit down to write your blog entries. Then he said he didn't want to meet you because you were a walking disaster area - and it rubs off on all those around you.
That was while I was thinking that hopefully whoever rear-ended Joe was not a knitting blog reader (or related to one). Reparation for the ruined paint job might be harder to come by if the insurance company knows it needed to be redone anyway.
Glad to hear nobody was hurt - but keep an eye out for slow-developing symptoms of brain injury (from whiplash, concussion, etc.)
Take care - to you and yours,
My own Dad also having been a saint named Joe, I am heartbroken over this turn of events. Well, I hope poor Joe's streak is finally over, I hate it when bad things happen to good people. All the best karma I can manage is winging your way, both of you!
Posted by holli at November 27, 2007 12:57 PMI am in awe of Joe. And of your writing. Once again you've fantastically relayed a tricky story.
Posted by Alicia at November 27, 2007 12:58 PMbetter day, Joe?
*sheepishly asks* and regrets her drama queen post about a deceased microwave--- (kind of)
Posted by tracey in michigan at November 27, 2007 1:02 PMMy heart goes out to Joe. What a rotten week. I admire the way he handled it all with composure though. The world needs more people like him.
BTW - I think of you guys every time my boyfriend and I watch Dragon's Den and keep my fingers crossed it gets renewed for another season.
Posted by Hope at November 27, 2007 1:03 PMUgh! What a drag. I'm glad no one was hurt in the accident, and I hope things are going better for Joe now. When it rains, it pours.
Posted by Janice at November 27, 2007 1:05 PMOh my! I am kind of late getting here but my thoughts are with you both. My DH would have totally ripped someone's head off and then found a way to make it all my fault!
As a nurse I second the advice to watch for hidden injuries. Just keep a close eye on him for a few days.
Posted by Patti at November 27, 2007 1:14 PMJust tell him NOT to ask "what next?!"
Seriously, I am so glad that no injuries came to Joe. Anyone of those accidents could have been more than just vehicle damage. ID theft? Wow! any clue how? That is so scary to me.
I agree, a bottle of scotch and maybe a back rub.
Good Lord, I love him too.
Posted by cece at November 27, 2007 1:36 PMI love Joe so much I want to marry him.
Posted by Priscilla at November 27, 2007 1:51 PM1st - Kudos to Joe for surviving a most unusual week with grace and humor intact. There is something endearing about a man who loves his old truck that no one else can drive. If it is not repairable then here's hoping that his next vehicle brings him many years of comfort, service, and joy.
2nd - Kudos to Steph, who probably was more stressed that Joe about his week and managed to frame it in a manner that is a lesson to all of us. Hopefully you two will enjoy a few moments sitting with a cup (or mug) of something and just enjoy being together.
3rd - Kudos to Joe's dad, who hopefully won't tease Joe too much about his car. Also to both parents for helping to raise a delightful human being.
Wishing you all the best today and all the days to come.
Posted by Elizabeth at November 27, 2007 1:53 PMI love Joe!
I am a bit in awe of him right now . . . but I love him!
Ah Presbytera, I'd happily sit and list all the things, well, a selection of the things (don't want to be a bandwitdth thief) that would be more immediately available to soothe Joe than the gansey, but a) the nice people who pay me the salary that pays the mortgage would object to my spending the rest of the week doing only that and b) Steph knows where I live.
Posted by Rachel H at November 27, 2007 2:12 PMOh wow. Joe, you handled this *so* much better than I would have. Sorry for laughing, and I am glad you weren't hurt.
Posted by Heather at November 27, 2007 2:12 PMWow.
I had something happen to me yesterday that counts a very tiny fraction of what your poor guy have been through. When telling a friend who has worked at sea for 20 years, his first response was "You swear like a fisherman".
Luckily my phrases are untranslatable to any English word I know..
And I'm really, really glad none got injured in the accidents.
Posted by Rippedoffknitter at November 27, 2007 2:22 PMOh, I can see why you love him! Mine would've called out all the bad word stops just for the first accident. Glad Joe's not hurt!!
Posted by del at November 27, 2007 2:24 PMJoe sounds like a treasure beyond compare. Please include me in the list of those wanting a clone :)
Posted by Beverly at November 27, 2007 2:38 PMHe sounds like my hubby. Just about nothing phases him, and thankfully so, because someone has to balance out my crazy.
Posted by Beverly at November 27, 2007 2:45 PMSo, Joe is clearly not a member of the Monkey Trucker group.
I assume that you were worked up enough for the both of you, and the next door neighbor.
Posted by cursingmama at November 27, 2007 2:50 PMThe universe seeks balance, right? Now's the time to buy a lottery ticket, methinks.
Posted by anabel at November 27, 2007 2:51 PMWhere's the sidebar button so we can donate to Joe's truck fund?!
Posted by anne in Wy at November 27, 2007 2:58 PMI backed into another car today, but thanks to Joe's good example I kept it in perspective. Thanks Joe!
Posted by Ashley at November 27, 2007 3:09 PMMy favorite post evar. What a top-notch guy!
Posted by Adelaide at November 27, 2007 3:12 PMDeepest sympathy to Joe, and the hope that he will now get a run of astoundingly good luck.
And Stephanie? I don't wear shawls. I don't wear pink. I've never knit lace or done beading. So why do I keep going back to stare at the the pic of that luscious yarn for the swallowtail shawl, with those awesomely eclectic beads? I've done it at least six times. Today.
Reading your blog holds unsuspected dangers, I've got to say.
Posted by RobinH at November 27, 2007 3:56 PMoh, peace to joe.
hearts to joe.
good luck to joe.
and what an amazing guy you have found.
Posted by lyssa at November 27, 2007 4:17 PMWow, thats alot to go through. I hope he has better days!
Posted by Samantha at November 27, 2007 4:35 PMThat is possibly one of the best worst weeks I have ever heard of. The irony of it all astounds me. He handled it all so much better that I would have. Go Joe!
Posted by Chelsea at November 27, 2007 5:07 PMWow, having the universe dump on your head like that and just saying that.
Kudos to Joe. Thanks for sending good karma back.
Posted by Cath at November 27, 2007 5:10 PMA-ma-zing! (I'm swearing a blue streak for him.)
Posted by Kristen at November 27, 2007 5:12 PMI had my identity stolen today (for the third time, crooks have gotten my debit card number twice before), and I can attest to the fact that I swore a blue streak between that and some office drama that had the misfortune to go down on the same day.
Joe is my new role model - I can't imagine what would have come out of my mouth if I'd had the other stuff on top of the identity theft and the measly office drama.
Also, I am now wondering if there is something in the stars about identity thefts this week...
Posted by Julie at November 27, 2007 5:21 PMI'll admit that I didn't read all the comments, but am I the only one who thinks working on the man's gansey would be the worst possible thing to do right now?
Obviously the fact that it's for him would cause something terrible to happen to it. Better to wait until his luck improves and THEN work on the gansey!
Posted by Anne at November 27, 2007 5:48 PMI sooo fear the day that my Identity is Theived. Poor Joe! I think the world would be a better place filled with more souls like Joe. Well, a few gay ones with souls like Joe would be grand, too. Selfish I know but you can't have all the luck, Mrs. P-M.
Posted by WonderMike at November 27, 2007 5:49 PMGlad to see he's doing fine, and in a 'fine' mettle. :D Best of luck to him.
As he needs plenty of it now. ;)
Posted by Joey at November 27, 2007 6:25 PMI became a little teary-eyed while reading about the string of bad luck your wonderful husband has had. I had a similar experience with identity theft and it is nothing to sneeze at...throw in a couple of fender benders and I don't think I'd have it in me to keep my cool as well as he did. I hope the universe is kinder to him!
Posted by Jessi at November 27, 2007 6:34 PMHe is a stitch, isn't he, your Joe?
Almost makes it worth it when he takes over yet more space with random sound equipment...
Posted by Jennie at November 27, 2007 8:04 PMalthough i curse like a sailor most times, i think i can imagine being so exacerbated that i didn't even have the motivation to curse!
Posted by Carly at November 27, 2007 8:37 PMThank God for guys like Joe!
Posted by Tyna at November 27, 2007 8:39 PMOh my gauze!!! What an awful account. Bless him for his fortitude and attitude. Hope things get better.
Posted by Sharon G. at November 27, 2007 9:31 PMWe can only hope that the guy who stole joe's identity was sharing some cosmic karmic retribution that rivals this poor man's week. Keep strong, Joe. And, if in crisis - I find the word 'dadgummit' to be immensely cathartic!
Posted by farm.-witch at November 27, 2007 10:09 PMPoor, Joe. I'm glad he's okay.
Posted by Staci at Writing and Living at November 27, 2007 11:36 PMFor some reason the song 'Some kind of wonderful' comes to mind about Joe, he's certainly that! Even my daughter (she's 14) thinks he's 'awesome cool'. I hope he takes it easy for the next little bit, he deserves a break!
Posted by Josée at November 28, 2007 12:10 AMPoor Joe! But what a guy! It's people like him that hold this world together and account for the little glimpses of grace amongst the chaos.
Posted by Sara at November 28, 2007 12:16 AMJoe. You sir, are a gentleman.
Surely you will be receiving a round of blessings to even things out - such grace under pressure deserves rewarding.
Posted by Miss Scarlett at November 28, 2007 12:37 AMWow.
Get that man a foot massage, a beer, a lottery ticket, and a gansey.
(return to lurk mode)
Posted by MadPirateBippy at November 28, 2007 3:31 AMYou have the most fabulous "story-telling" abilities - guess that's why you are a writer! :) I hope things start to look up for poor Joe! And I agree, he is a gentleman! :)
Posted by Kristin at November 28, 2007 6:02 AMI hope next week is better for Joe. I'm glad he's okay.
Posted by eyeleen at November 28, 2007 7:32 AMYou did it once again. Sitting here laughing my head off, not because of Joe's misfortune, but how you present it. Thanks, you made my day. :o)
Posted by Monika at November 28, 2007 7:37 AMI find that my husband's expletives are inversely proportional to the level of disaster. For example, stubbing his toe on a chair gets a LOUD and grumbly exclamation while a fire on the stove top deserves an exasperated sigh.
Posted by Patty at November 28, 2007 8:15 AMI can commiserate with Joe. I'm really feeling like a sh*t magnet in my own life of late. You just feel like, dang, will it ever end?
Posted by Lori in MIchigan at November 28, 2007 8:58 AMI hate swearing. That he doesn't even under such circumstances is a very sexy quality in my book. It's a rare thing, even among those who do not swear as a norm, to not go there under such adverse conditions.
Posted by Leisel at November 28, 2007 9:01 AMWow. What a guy. 2008 is going to be a GREAT year for Joe. It HAS to be!
Posted by lauragayle at November 28, 2007 9:12 AM"the rear of the truck, while now rust free...had been painted a different colour than the front."
Uh, you said to paint it, you didn't say what color....
Posted by Evelyn at November 28, 2007 9:22 AMI'm glad that he is okay after all of that! The part about the wrong paint cracked me up, BTW.
Posted by Yvonne at November 28, 2007 9:29 AMMy cat used worse language than that when he wanted his breakfast this morning.
Glad to know no one hurt in all that.
God Bless that Darling Man!
Posted by Cath at November 28, 2007 10:26 AMI wish I were that longsuffering. I'd probably be reduced to tears.
Wow I can't believe the bad luck...I was cussing for him while I was reading your post. I guess things can only go up from here right? Good luck Joe hope things go better this week!!!
Posted by Heather at November 28, 2007 11:10 AM*delurking*
Wow, I can only pray that someday I might have that sort of patience and composure.
Posted by Erin at November 28, 2007 12:15 PMPlease, tell Joe I completely understand the embarassment and the frustration of his week.
My car needed engine repairs, and I was rear-ended at highway-speed while borrowing my Dad's car. I was 35 at the time. The car was totaled and my poor father was pulled off the golf course to come get me at the hospital (and to top it off, under our US privacy laws, the hospital couldn't tell him whether I was injured, so he had to drive two hours to find out I was mostly alright!). To this day, he jokes that when he needs a new car, he should give me the old one to drive. On top of it all, he lent me another car the next month, and that one also got rear-ended.
I've also had my identity and my credit cards stolen, and it's no fun. Mostly the people who do this get away with it, but we the victims are stuck with the bad credit reports for the rest of our lives. It's my firm belief that anyone who does this should forced to hand over all the money they earn (legally) to their victims for the rest of their lives.
Posted by Shel at November 28, 2007 12:17 PMI was sitting here reading the whole thing with my mouth hanging open...until I read what happened at the breaking point...
...and my eyes welled up as I simultaneously chuckled at the adorableness. Mine is so laid back I swear he'd have to be in a coma to be more relaxed - but that is a level of mellow he has not yet achieved. You are one lucky yarn ho. And I hope Joe sees the other side of the bad days soon.
Posted by Plum Texan at November 28, 2007 12:30 PMJust when I long for a little bit more excitement in my life, I read about the trials and tribulations in yours and Joe's and sink back in relief into my own less hectic existence! Plus, I laugh a whole lot(not at what you're going through but how you describe it)! Keep your chin up, Joe!
Posted by Robin at November 28, 2007 8:10 PMPoor Joe! His outlook is something we can all learn from I think!
Posted by Maytina at November 28, 2007 8:16 PMWow. What I would have said is unrepeatable, and I would have grabbed the nearest sledgehammer.
Most impressive.
I admire his strength and calm. I envy it even. Although I have to say that knitting has done WONDERS for my anger and impatience management. :)
I *completely* understand. I have spent the last four months trying to find a toilet seat to fit our 1953 *pink* Standard toilet. It's a perfectly normal size. The problem is that it's the strangest shade of pink. I've given up on finding it new and somehow am ok with the idea of a used toilet seat.
i know that if i found it, I'd be shouting from the rooftops!
Posted by jennie at November 28, 2007 10:29 PMWE LOVE JOE!!
*big hugs!*
Do you still have the pattern for the "basic scarf recipe"? I ran into another knitter and she said she made this scarf and it was beautiful
Posted by Catie Reno at November 29, 2007 5:36 PMThanks. My week has been intense but Joe's takes the cake!
Posted by Lara at November 29, 2007 10:11 PMI love it! OH, COME ON! I'll try it myself next time I need such sentiments.
Posted by Linda in Oregon at November 30, 2007 4:39 PMI am so sorry to hear about your Joe's misfortune!
I am not one to usually write comments on a blog site but I had to let you know how much your blog makes me laugh. Sitting at home in sunny Melbourne Australia, I laughed soooo hard.
This is something that would happen to me however I wouldn't have been as graceful about it. That is some finish to the year, now it is all out of the way and you are ready to start a fresh!
Good luck *
Posted by Debrah New at December 1, 2007 12:58 AMAmazing!
Posted by Wanda at December 1, 2007 3:03 PMFeeling tons of sympathy while simultaneously laughing so hard that the tears are running down my cheeks.
I hope next week is better.
Posted by liz at December 2, 2007 1:36 PMHi Steph.. oh my gosh he is a dream! missing you oodles cause i haven't had enough internet time at thelibrary to read all of your lovely posts.. but i hope to catch up in the next 3 months.. working back in the legal secy industry.all the other stuff was a waste of time.. haha.. knitting my fingers to the bone on socks.. and loving it.. as well as some wrist warmers for some of the gals in here that are freezing great holiday gifts.. hugs and allthe best for the holidays.. hugs karola (you know that wacky one from NYC that moved to phoenix the day you were here and missed your visit.. darn)hee..hee..
Posted by Karola at December 3, 2007 10:26 PMSteph oh my gosh i just realized about the first accident ... but knowing that i drive my volvo like Joe drives his truck i totallyunderstand about duct tape and the little twisty ties.. many of my friends will concur.. hee..hee.. hugs again karola
Posted by Karola at December 3, 2007 10:32 PMThanks for a laugh, I needed it! Being a victim of identy theft recently myself I can sympathize!! What is truly scary is how efficient the banks have become at fixing it quicky!!
Posted by April at December 3, 2007 11:13 PMPoor Joe! I hope he's feeling better.
Posted by Nicole at December 4, 2007 6:59 PM


text:
Saaay whaaat? The moment I saw these beauties on Mommy's Kitchen, I knew I had to make them, no matter what they were. I just looved the name. When I found out they were marshmallow, chocolate, and cookie, uh HELLO, I was hooked. They even have a meringue topping to make it feel extra special! I was also pleasantly surprised, they're not sickly sweet. They're not sooo sweet they make you're teeth hurt.... They're just sweet enough to know you should add an extra 10 on the elliptical tomorrow..... And then bring the pan to work tomorrow to share with your co-workers - after saving one, or three, for yourself. Oh, and your family.
What the heck is a mud hen you ask? I don't know and who cares, just eat the daggum bar. Actually, Mommy's Kitchen did share an interesting theory. The mud hen is some awkward looking bird (well, Wiki didn't say that, but it sounds pretty weird!) with realllly short wings and absurdly long legs. Apparently, it takes a long time to take flight (good grief, can you imagine this), paddling it's poor string bean legs in the water as its short stalky body tries to get out of the water (kinda reminds me of me!), and I guess it stirs up a bunch of mud in the process.
I don't know. You got me. Sorta the same as my other favorite, Mississippi Mud Pie Bars (apparently I have an affinity for
Ok, everybody have their nuts and marshmallows in hand? And flour, eggs, chocolate chips, and egg beater? Let's do this!!
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup nuts, chopped
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup brown sugar
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Beat together your sugar and butter until creamy.
~If you're like me and keep your butter in the freezer, I soften mine in the microwave, which usually gets too soft, so I stick the bowl back in the fridge for a little while after I beat in the sugar to stiffen it back up.
Next , mix in 1 whole egg and 2 egg yolks (save the whites for your meringue). Then, dump in the dry ingredients - the flour, salt and baking powder. Mix well. Spread into 9x13" pan.
~It appears that there is not enough batter to spread along the bottom, but keep methodically spreading it with your spatula, all will be fine.
Then, sprinkle with marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips, and love.
Finally, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold in the brown sugar. Spread the meringue mixture over the marshmallows and chocolate chips. (This will also appear to not be enough, but it will.) Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until bars are a deep golden brown and the crust is cooked through.
~Two more tips:
- One friend told me she baked the bars on the bottom rack for 15 minutes and then the middle rack for 15 minutes and it came out perfect.
- I baked the cookie layer first for 10 minutes or so, then added my chips, mallows, nuts, and meringue topping. Perfect! Either way works!
I hope ya'll love these bars as much as I do! One of my new favorites! Feel free to post a picture on the Facebook page of your masterpiece, preferably you eating it!
Peace, love, and baking :)

subset: commoncrawl


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About Susan Legislation Committees Issues News Campaign Photos Links Contact Us Home
News From Annapolis
• Proposed Carrolltowne Mall
• Veterans Full Employment Act/ Proposed Carrolltowne Mall • Firearms Legislation & Human Trafficking Bills
Susan's 2013 Sine Die Letter
Upcoming Town Hall Forum on Rain Tax and New Maryland Gun Law
Dear Friends, Thank you for visiting my website. The 2013 Legislative Session ended April 9th, and I have been busy meeting with businesses and constituents as I deal with legislative issues. I hope you visit often for information on legislation and issues, or perhaps you just want to find out who to call for a particular need. I am dedicated to being your voice in Annapolis as we work toward a better business climate and reduced tax burden which will spur private sector job creation. I will continue to work for better roads, a high quality education system and safer communities. I believe that decisions are best made close to home—by the people they affect most. That is why, since I first took office in 2002, I have worked toward increased local control for Carroll County so we have a say in the future of our own neighborhoods. In an effort to keep you up to date on events, issues and activities in the General Assembly, I am sending out periodic e-mails to my constituents. This format gives me the opportunity to better respond to your concerns. If you wish to receive these updates, e-mail me at firstname.lastname@example.com. Type "e-mail list addition" in the subject line and include your name and mailing address in the body of the e-mail. During this session, I hope you will feel free to contact me with any concerns or ideas you may have. Your input connects me to the hearts and minds of our community. I look forward to being your voice in Annapolis.
Husband, Mark, daughter Stacey, and son, Brian, join Susan as she is sworn in for her third term as Delegate
Authorized by Friends of Susan Krebs, Kim Madeja, Treasurer


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Gatineau man seriously hurt in pitbull attack
Man taken to hospital with serious facial trauma
CBC News
Posted: Aug 15, 2012 5:52 PM ET
Last Updated: Aug 15, 2012 8:22 PM ET
A 44-year-old Gatineau man suffered serious facial trauma Wednesday afternoon after two pitbulls attacked him on Lorrain Boulevard.
Gatineau police said the man was interested in a car parked along the side of the road, which its owner was selling.
The two pitbulls attacked the man as he approached.
The man was rushed to hospital with multiple lacerations on his face, Gatineau paramedics said.
Police said the owner of the dogs recovered them and is keeping them inside.
Police said it was too soon to say if any charges are expected.
The City of Gatineau is reminding its residents to keep potentially dangerous dogs, including pitbulls, in closed buildings or locked enclosures, and to use a leash and muzzle them when they're outside.
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