Good for you! The little things can be the greatest battles. The greatest victories.

Oh yes, we get you...we have all learned how to do so so much. Thankfully my son is nearby for help. But I made a deal with myself, whatever I think I can't do...I try 3 times, if I fail I ask for help. I am shocked by what I have been able to do!

I like Maine's comment - try at least 3 times. I will do that!

You are correct Betty, it's those little things. Such a victory for you to know how to change the toner cartridge! Yay!

Yesterday I went into McDonald's, ordered a coffee and breakfast sandwich, and sat at a table by myself. Yay for me! And guess what? I looked like everyone else there, eating and checking my smart phone. A small victory, McDonald's. A large victory for me.

Carry on...

Oh the number of times I have said or thought "this is not my department" as I'm doing something my husband would have. At night, I used to just trot off to bed while he'd lock the doors and check that things were turned off. There have been a few mornings I've woken up to find the doors unlocked and thought, oh shoot...that IS my department now. Garbage has also been missed a few times and I am trying to figure out how to get my car in for a service..... And yes, we should feel proud for every task we have managed ourselves. Many things are simple but they feel like moving mountains some days.

it is surprising that its the "little" things that I took for granted. I have to do it all now, by myself. I miss those little things in a partnership. Hugs Arlene

I feel like all of you are so much stronger than me. I crumble at the littlest things that he used to do that I can't. Oh how I miss being able to call him at work and say this happened or that happened what should I do. He would either tell me the solution or say I will get it when I get home. Don't get me wrong there were things I did that he called me for too but I seem to have lost my decision making, common sense side.

So glad you had an accomplishment that made you proud. Its good to smile.

the old saying you don't what you don't know came to mind very soon after Sexy Lady died. We had moved through life as a single unit on the same page. Our relationship did require any examination of were I left off or were the Sexy Lady began or visa versa. Now i see it we became the experts in different areas and over the years of teamwork the non expert in any given situation balances out by becoming expert in following instructions. Balance and a united front is how two people can build a family and a life. Of course that is cool as hell until the day you figure it out. True story I have counted myself equally burdened with doing the laundry as the Sexy Lady. Now i know she was the expert and I followed instructions. Simple after she died the washing machine grew 30 damn buttons and dozens of new settings all of which I found a waste. Sexy Lady taught me years ago the only button that I should touch is the start button and only after she checked to see what was in there.

I completely get all that. My wife was the one to work on finances with the way I work. So when I started calling up utilities and folks making arrangements she use to do it just wasn't right at first. Then I thought how she would appreciate the way I took over things, even though I didn't have a choice, and took some tricks out of her playbook. We were a team. I really miss her.
Peace, Tim

Yoo Hoo! You go girl!!! I can relate. Like how to put jumper cables on from the car to the van (without blowing myself or the vehicles up). How to change the flat tire (without getting killed or a hernia). How to get over fear of heights when the darn dusk to dawn security light needed changed (sweating bullets does not help the grip on the ladder). How to get the pressure up on the water coming from the well (yuck, I gotta go deal with the tank in the dank, dark, creepy cellar? Gulp). How to stop the toilet from running constantly (jiggling handle does not work forever) . How to get that blankety blank tractor running. Oh...don't get me started....