If I Had A Hammer

Everyone always says that John and I are so handy because of all the things we do around the house ourselves. The truth is, he's the handy one and I'm more like an excellent assistant. Though, I'm sure he'd beg to differ on some of our more labor intensive weekends together. I'm just not what I'd consider physically strong and that comes with limitations.

While in New Orleans, however, I was really excited to work a full day with Habitat for Humanity, one of the activities that was planned for us. I wasn't sure how I was truly going to be of help, but was happy to be apart of some kind of rebuilding in that area.

Our job site was located in a neighborhood that was more effected by the heavy winds of Hurricane Katrina, not so much the flooding. I was sent with a few of my co-workers to a house a few streets away, due to an overload of volunteers we had brought, to put up siding at a house that was near completion. I'm not sure I was exceptionally good at this project,

Exhibit A:

and I was dumbfounded by the use of a hammer and nails to complete the tasks. My company sells power tools for heavens sake. I don't think I've used a hammer for more than hanging artwork in...ever.

So, maybe I picked up a few new skills that I can impress John with at home, but more importantly I developed an appreciation for those people that do this kind of work day in and day out. It's definitely not for the weak of heart or muscle and I commend them for it.