project success?

One of the first lessons I learned as a new bride was that Kassebaums—Jim and his brothers—have 2 measures of success for any home improvement or auto repair project.  The first is pretty straightforward:  does it work like it is supposed to?  The second, however, is a bit less traditional:  Did I shed any blood?  Apparently, to be a TRUE Kassebaum, you must shed blood at some point during the project or it simply wasn’t a success. (?)  Even Brent has subscribed to that theory as he’s gotten older…I’ve seen plenty of his blood on successful projects in my day.

While I won’t bore you (or gross you out!) with details, suffice it to say that the ongoing auto repair in our garage at the moment has now been deemed successful!  After grinding down a hardened steel bearing race for the front wheel hub on the Honda, it finally snapped and was ready to be removed.  Unfortunately, ground steel is also sharp, as Jim’s thumb can now attest.  I am glad the cut is not deep, and relieved that nearly 24 years of marriage and practice  have taught me how to keep a cool head around the sight of lots of blood.  That, and I’ve learned to keep a well –stocked first aid kit nearby!  :)   With a husband and a son who subscribe to this theory, my skill at bandaging wounds doesn’t generally have a chance to get rusty. 

I am not sure, but I don’t know that I am ready for TWO Kassebaums to start ‘projecting’ with their dad any time soon.  Johnson and Johnson stock, anyone?  Might be a good buy…there are lots of Kassebaum men out there!