Living with an engineer involves more than just having to hear the word “efficient” all of the time. A lot of engineers end up in management positions, and that means one thing: they’re bred to supervise. The word “efficient” does get bandied about, in how they think tasks ought to be accomplished. I already shared my story about measuring butter for baking, and how my husband felt about that. That’s not the only time something like that has happened. Sometimes, I find Jonathan trying to supervise me when we’re completing a project. To be fair, sometimes I ask for it. … Continue reading →

There are a lot of engineers out there in the world, and so there are a number of us married to them. Based on conversations I’ve had with other spouses of engineers, I’ve learned it’s not just me: it can be a unique, strange, and funny experience living with an engineer. The first thing you need to learn if you’re the husband or wife of an engineer is that your spouse will always think that their way of doing something, is the best way of doing it. The magic word is “efficient.” Learn it well, because you’ll be hearing it … Continue reading →

Every so often, I love to curl up and watch a good movie. This afternoon, I chose “Griffin and Phoenix,” the PG-13 film starring Dermot Mulroney and Amanda Peet. It’s a very thought-provoking story about a man named Griffin who has terminal cancer, but is determined to live each day to the absolute fullest. When he meets Sarah Phoenix, he keeps his secret from her, not wanting to cast a shadow on whatever time they might have to spend together. As their relationship progresses, he learns that she has a secret of her own, and they spend the rest of … Continue reading →

Recently two local couples marked a special day. They were both married on the same day in opposite parts of the world, yet they are now friends and neighbors here on the south coast of Australia. Both couples were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on March 25th. One couple met in Nottingham, England. Shirley worked at the time as a typist whole Tony worked on a building site. He used to see her each morning at morning tea time. When he told his mates that was the girl he was going to marry, they laughed at him. Three months later … Continue reading →

Trish Ingram has a secret. Beneath the facade of the perfect housewife lies a woman who is emotionally insecure, battling her own feelings of doubt and discouragement, wondering if she’ll ever really measure up to the standards she has placed on herself because of her past. Her need to remain in control at all times has alienated her from her family and friends, who feel that she is reluctant to give of herself. But if she opens up and becomes vulnerable, she’ll get hurt … so she believes. She maintains her distance for her own self-preservation until a good friend, … Continue reading →

Last week I’d seen a sign about alpacas. I love alpacas. They are so cute. So we visited the alpaca farm on Saturday. Since Mick’s been sick all this week I suggested we stay home, but he thought it might be good to get out for a bit. We spent an enjoyable trip alongside the river on a road winding through green fields (paddocks we Aussies call them). Following the alpaca signs we turned in to a property where we were greeted by a smiling friendly woman. Behind here were pens of adorable alpacas and llamas. I regretted I’d forgotten … Continue reading →