Got my tracking number today. So far this has been a little nerve racking and it is not entirely Craig’s fault. The issue is that I’ve not been too open with my wife Nancy about this quite significant purchase. Yes- she was with me when I test rode the bike in Reno, but she considers the purchase to be totally outrageous. Obviously she considers a Garden upgrade and a Bathroom Remodel more important than just an “electric bike” since many years ago I purchased one of them and barely used it (that is a rather long story for another day).
So what I decided to do was to avoid any conflicts before the bike got home. What good would it do to me for allow her to complain about the purchase since the decision was made in late June? I would have had a miserable summer. Thus so far – everything is co-pacetic until that is, the bike arrives this coming Friday (now Monday). Someone has to be home to sign for the package so I have two choices: come clean Thursday (now Sunday) night or stay home on Friday(now Monday) to receive it while she still sleeps (Oops – she needs to go to the MD on Monday morning)…
Here is where you guys can help me….. I need your best ideas on how to convince a spouse on why buying an Optibike is such a great idea…. Come on – I need help! I’ll share with the group so far what I came up with…. later this week.
Update: Bike arrives on Monday. keep checking FEDEX. Bike left Memphis Friday 1 a.m. and that is less than 10 hours away from Atlanta. I think it might be delivered early. Last night I asked her to check how much is a week at a fat farm….
Comments from friends:
1) Nice to have known you (ET)
2) Wait for the bike in your car (GT)
3) Rent a storage unit by the house (MC)
4) Get a flak jacket (KH)
5) Use Photoshop to alter my “before” image and give her the “future” image (MH)
6) Tell her you want to get in shape for your girlfriend. (VR)
7) You won it in a contest. (KD)
8) Ask her what color granite for the bathroom (CW)
9) Tell her and go live in your man cave. (FA)
10) Get a whiteboard and do a presentation with actual blood. (LK)
11) Have friends she doesn’t know bring the bike home with balloons and a certificate from a raffle (LR)
12) Call FEDEX – stop home delivery – bring bike to friends home – go back home – have friend ride your bike home and have him loan it to you for a while (Guess Who ?)
Oh Lord – seems that #12 was not understood by FEDEX:
Sep 19, 2009 7:03 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery NORCROSS, GA Scheduled for delivery next business day
UPDATE Sunday a.m. I tried to bring the issue to my wife’s attention over the weekend but decided against it because it would definitely sour the atmosphere for 3 days. On Saturday – decided to earn extra brownie points by organizing and filing all paperwork that have accumulated around the house and started to clean my office and future man cave. I guess based on this information from FEDEX – I should stay home and wait for delivery. I know I will have to do a reveal tomorrow evening…..
Comments
4 responses to “Bike is on the slow truck to Atlanta and a lot of explaining to do”
I know alot of husbands(like myself) would joke about this and say things like “make sure your insurance premiums are up to date” but, quite frankly, I would fess up now, take the heat(cause it is coming), then go your man room of choice(I have a basement aka the man cave)and take the remote and vegge out for the rest of the day in front of the TV watching your favorite sport or show.
First of all you get lots of points for recognizing the problem and committing to do something for yourself. My view on your perceived situation at home may be a bit different, in that like other destructive habits, making the change is for you, not someone else. I’ve done similar purchases on bikes, for thousands of dollars, and most of them tied to a commitment to myself to either accomplish something, or as the reward. I didn’t seek the advice or permission of my wife.
In you case it sounds like there may be some “discussion” or negotiations necessary, but I’d say lighten up (no pun intended). The cost of the bike will be minor after you’ve accomplished your weight goal. Additionally, isn’t it really beyond the physical appearance, and more about living longer? I’m no doctor, but I’ve read about the significant benefits and advantages of people who carry less weight.
So, let’s recap…live longer, happier, healthier, more active, and that’s just the beginning of a new lifestyle you’ll have for many years to come. Look yourself in the mirror, smile, and say “good job, you deserve it!”.
All the best, and don’t forget updates with your progress. Oh, and it don’t forget to let the wifey take it out.
It’s high time you remember all of those hints that she has dropped in your ear. You know the comments you half heard and then blew off as unimportant.
I think the conversation may go something like, “Hon, what did you think we should do with the bathroom? Wow, I was thinking that too! I bet we could get that done by Christmas and then your Mother should come and stay with us for a . . .”
Good Luck!
I hope you ordered the bike in her favorite color. 🙂