Deck - A Work In Progress

Definitely a bigger job than Jim envisioned, I'm sure.  I have to say, it is looking good but I also have to say that I'm sick of having to go out the garage to let the dogs in and out.  They are sick of it too.

So, last night, Jim came home just before 6PM.  We ate dinner and then headed out to work on the deck.  Now, normally, Jim and I work fairly well together.  Actually, I should clarify that:  We work well together when we're doing manual, non-mechanical (non-tool) stuff.  You know, like raking leaves, other general yard work, hauling stuff etc.  Throw in power tools, however, (even a hammer) and Jim seems to think I've got my dunce cap on.  It's incredibly frustrating because he won't let me do anything and he treats me like a complete and total retarded asshole.  He's such a DICK when it comes to that type of stuff.  UGH!  So last night was no different.  Oh, sure, when we talked while I was in Columbus and I said to him to make sure he had both drills so we could both screw nails in to save time, he was all, "Oh, yeah!  Sure!  Absolutely!"  Did he bring both drills home?  Nope.  Did he let me (at first) do anything?  Nope.  Did I stand there getting angrier and angrier?  Yup!  Did he get a tongue lashing?  Nope.  I just went inside and sat down.  And waited.  And when he finally came in to eat a little humble pie I walked back outside and just said, "Tell me what you need me to do because I'm sick of wasting time.  Lets get this shit done!"  Eventually he let me man the drill and I was able to get some screws in while he cut and measured and then re-cut and re-measured (because he f&%ked up).  We probably go two lengths of boards down last night in the space of about 2 hours.  RIDICULOUS!  My husband is a nice and sweet man who really is handy but HOLY SHIT!  He can't walk and talk at the same time.  If he has something to say, he can't do it while he works.  All work must stop.  He kept trying to tell me mindless shit about the deck.  Shit I didn't care about nor did I really understand and I would tell him, "Jim!  I don't care.  I know you feel you need to tell me this shit but I don't care and you're wasting time telling me because you can't tell me and move at the same time.  So do us both a favor and shut the F&%K UP!  WORK!"

Is that mean?  Yeah, I know you all are saying, "Poor Jim" but unless you've walked a mile...suck it!  (I know Maggie feels my pain though!)

So today, I'll be walking the dogs, heading to the library, exercising, screwing (not the fun kind) nails into the deck and making a new and delicious sounding dinner - Chicken and chickpea chili.  Recipe is below (I'll let you know if it's any good).

Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 ½ – 2 pounds ground chicken
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick Dutch oven or saucepan. Saute the bell peppers and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken; cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 7-9 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with flour, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, and cayenne; cook, stirring briskly and constantly, 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes and vinegar; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick, 30-40 minutes. Stir in the chickpeas; simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.

And I'm out...Zeke is still in bed and I need to get him up and out before I take Sami on her constitutional.  Wish me luck on night 2 of the deck saga.  K - later!