The "Discussion" That Will Never End

My husband and I, like many couples, occasionally have our disagreements. We rarely argue, but when we do, it's usually over something pretty major. Fortunately, it doesn't last for more than a couple of hours before we offer the olive branch to each other. We just don't enjoy arguing, least of all with each other, so we generally talk things out before it becomes a fight.

Except for when it comes to the proposed project of covering our well and filtration system.

We have been in the process of deciding how best to cover and protect our water system now for about 8 months. Why? Because county regulations are driving us insane, and we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.

First, we thought about a carport. We thought it might be the simpliest solution, because all your do is put it up. No construction necessary, no concrete slab to pour, etc. Except our county building department said that in order to comply with hurricane code, we would need to dig four holes, pour concrete into the holes, then place the four pole corners of the carport into the holes. In theory, this will prevent hurricane force winds from pulling up the carport and whisking it away. In order for us to pour the concrete, we would need to level the ground dirt, which means taking apart the whole well system. If you have ever dealt with a well system, you would know why (1) that's a bad idea and (2) it's never going to happen.

Then we thought about putting up a shed. Just enclose the whole thing, and a shed is exempt from hurricane code as far as securing the sides in concrete. But county doesn't seem to realiize that it won't be used for storage, only for protecting the water system. They just can't wrap their heads around the concept of a shed being used for something OTHER than storage. And so we must through many more hoops.

Anyways, the other day we sat down and really hammered out our ideas and came up with what I thought was the final word on the matter. My husband said, "I've been looking at this thing from every angle, I have discussed all the options with the builder and county, and here's two options. You pick the one you think is best, and we'll go with your choice."

I hesitated, because I've been caught up in this scam before. "Whatever you choose" has always been an iffy statement with us, because no sooner do I make a decision than my husband starts bringing up new ideas and new options, and we then start a whole new dialogue.

So I sat there quietly for a few moments. Then I asked, "So you are positive these are the two routes you want to take, and you don't care which one we choose, so long as I do the choosing?"

He nodded. "That's right. I'm tired of looking at this, and I want this task to finally be done. You choose, and we'll go with whatever you think is best."

I tried again. "So you have absolutely no opinion on this matter whatsoever. You have no preference, no inclination, no leaning towards one solution over the other, is that correct?"

He sighed. "Just pick one. Let's just get this done and over with."

I sat quietly again. I was pretty sure where this conversation was going to go, but I took a leap of faith, took a deep breath, and said, "Okay, based on everything we've thought about, our budget, and the need to get it done quickly, let's do this option." I tapped the appropiate sheet of paper.

My husband smiled and said, "Okay, I'll call the builder and let him know. It'll be good to get this done."

I smiled. That was easy, I thought. Then I became suspicious. That was too easy, I thought.

This morning my husband came up to me and said, "Well I thought about what "we" decided, and after I called the builder, I was doing some recalculations, and I think we may have some other options to consider."

I said nothing. I just put my face in my hands, and did a silent scream inside.

I can hardly wait to render my next final decision.