What’s the worst that could happen?

I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I am almost fifty and I’ve never put together furniture or used power tools for a project. 
Sure, I’ve “assisted” my Dad or a guy with things, which mostly meant holding the screws or trying to read the directions, which–let’s face it–are pretty awful and most guys don’t even use them.

As a result, I tend to avoid items that say “some assembly required” or, if I get them, I wait until I can find someone to help me put them together. This was normal to me; I understand if you might find this weird, but it was how I was brought up and I still struggle with it.

My sister said something to me recently that really stuck with me. She said: “What’s the worst that could happen?” It’s an ordinary saying, but I really thought about it and took it to it’s ultimate possibility.  

Seriously…what is the WORST possible thing that could happen if I tried to do (fill in the blank). Would I harm myself? Or kill someone? Would I be maimed for life?  

So, yesterday, I decided to test my sister’s advice and finally put together a desk I purchased for Master Owen about five months ago. Yes, for nearly half a year, this giant box sat in my den, un-assembled, because I was afraid to take a chance on putting it together! It’s pathetic, I know.

But I was determined yesterday…I was going to make it happen.  About halfway through the assembly, Master Owen came along and asked me if I needed any help.  I imagine he was pretty perplexed seeing his Mum using a screwdriver!  I invited him to help and we both worked on it together.  

At one point, I read the instructions wrong (surprise!) and had to undo a section.  I thought: “Is this the worse thing that could happen?”  A little while later, while I struggled with putting brackets up, MO suggested that we call (the former BF) and I thought: “Surely THAT would be the worst that could happen!”  Meaning, in essence, admitting that a college-educated woman needed a man to assemble a simple piece of furniture.  Well. I wasn’t going to let that happen!  So I pressed on.

Eventually Master Owen and I finished the job.  I looked at him and said: “Can you believe it?  And no one got angry. No one burst out in profanity. And it’s actually perfect!”

Master Owen, a young man of few words and even fewer compliments, then showed me what the BEST thing that could happen…he simply said: “Thanks, Mum.  You’re the best!”

And, yes, my heart nearly exploded with pride and love.

ICYMI: Trade Up your Cricut & SAVE!

Isn’t this a thing of beauty?  Even though I already own two Cricut Explore machines, every time I see a picture of a new one I just about swoon.  Oh! The things this baby can do!

But, for a while–as much as I tried–I couldn’t justify trading up from my beloved Expression 2 to an Explore.  I tried to tell myself I was perfectly happy with what my E2 could do and I was right.  The Expression is a great machine!

But technology changes and just like I traded in my flip phone for an iPhone, I wanted a machine that could take my crafting to new levels!  I wanted to use my own files, write in multiple fonts, score my cards and, well, more.  Eventually I did switch and I have never been happier.  Take a look at just a few of the wonderful projects I’ve created with my new Explore:

 

But now, I’m just jealous…because the folks at Cricut are offering an amazing TRADE UP PROGRAM for all of you still sitting on the fence!

If you have an older Cricut machine–whether it’s an Expression, Cake, Mini, or original machine–you can NOW get $50 toward the purchase of a brand new Cricut Explore!

And–here’s the BEST part–you don’t have to ship your machine anywhere to take advantage of this offer!  All you need to do is submit two pictures of your old machine and you’re in!  You can re-gift your old machine (and get someone else hooked on Cricut-ing!) or keep it as a “spare”.  It’s up to you!

Want to know more?  Click on over to Cricut’s official page and get all the deets:  http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=330563&m=51766&u=1089398

But you better hurry!  This deal has already been graciously extended by Cricut and is set to end on April 15, 2016!

 

Please note that, as an affiliate of Cricut, I receive either material or monetary compensation for any referrals.