It's All About The Support

Conversation

"This commercial is ridiculous ..."

"Why?"

"It's just dumb. No one cares about where you get a diamond from. It's just dumb."

"I beg to differ. Guys remember this stuff. They appreciate any help they can get about things that sometimes cause them to get fuzzy around the edges. A perfect example is diamond selection. Sometimes we need commercials - just like this one - to help guide us along a proper path."

"No ... no you don't ..."

"So ... you're saying there isn't a contingent of men out there who couldn't benefit from the wisdom of this Jared's commercial? Let me tell you something: It's not simply the educational pluses within the ad itself schooling us, aiding us in our choices. There's the essential support inspiring confidence in us too, you know ..."

"What? What are you talking about ... ?!?"

"Those guys? Talking to John Q. Schlub about diamondality, learning him right about the do's and don'ts of a purchase, answering questions about precious stone language and lore he might not even consider? Leading him through the ins and outs? Then "worrying" over whatever rock he chooses to go with? And, finally, confirming his purchase and sending him on his way, confident he made the right choice? Chicks don't know about that stuff. They gloss over all that importantness. They see that in a commercial and think it's nothing but a bunch of hoo-ha when, in actuality, it happens each and every day ... and to their benefit. Scenarios just like the one in that commercial happen hundreds of times a day across the country ... maybe more! It's the stuff women don't think about. More so, they put it out of their minds because they're concerned only with the rock itself, not with all the back story or history which is the cornerstone of ring buying. It's what bolsters the male ego, makes us consider the implications and, later, the consequences of our actions. Knowing there are professionals who have our backs over our purchases like those dudes in the commercial? Worth its weight in gold, let me tell you ..."

"You know there's something wrong with you, don't you?"

"I'm tellin' you: Out of sight, out of mind, Sister. Out of sight ... out of mind ..."

.......... Ruprecht ( guys won't STOP )

Of Dance Class & Vacation

June 3rd 2:27 p.m. The littlest is picked up from school:

"Did you decide if you're going to Dance after all that talk this morning before school?"

"No. I don't think so. I don't think Riley's going either ..."

2:47 p.m. The eldest is picked up from school:

"So ... you didn't have to stay after school today for fittings ... does that mean you're going to Dance?"

"No. I have too much homework to do. Plus studying for a big test. And Mom said we don't have to go if we don't want to."

"Hokay."

2:52 p.m. A quick run through McCrappage for a chicken sandwich for the eldest, french fries for the squirt. The children are happy.

2:56 p.m. At home, Rupe gets on-line with Wife of Rupe to discuss the situation. After a bit of back and forth, it is concluded - once and for all - the decision is theirs to make: If they don't want to go, that's fine ... they don't have to go.

Rupe's thinkin' just one last attempt is in order, however.

3:00 p.m. Last verification:

"Last chance: You sure you guys aren't going? And Riley, remember: You have an orthodontist appointment next Wednesday so you'll be missing it then, too."

"Yeah ... I know. Naw. I don't want to go," the eldest notes.

"Me either," adds the little one.

"Okay. Then we've had a snack and a rest ... let's get our homework done."

Y'see, the Bright Shiny Lazy Smile Of Summer is coming on hard and strong. It's looming right over their shoulders ... and they realize this. School's almost out and they are in tune with the fact they really don't have to do anything they don't want. And it was evident in our discussion Monday about Dance Class. And Tuesday when we talked about it. Last night, before going to bed, we talked, too. And this morning, we talked. Back and forth and back and forth and back and forth. They did their best to be non-committal until this afternoon when they decided, finally, they didn’t feel like going.

So imagine at 4:05 p.m. - twenty-five minutes before the start of Dance Class - the shock Rupe experienced as the girls declared ..... they wanted to go.

(<---- Shocking! A couple ... without kids!)

Rupe immediately shot off a text to Wife of Rupe, still at work. “The girls want to go to class after all. I think I’m going to kill them.”

The Response from Wife of Rupe: “Go ahead. Kill them. We can leave early for vacation.”

............................... Ruprecht ( STOP )