There are some things in life that have come more easily for me; taking pictures, painting, swing dancing. Sure I have had to work at and learn these things, but I would say I am pretty good at them.
But there are other things that I just cannot get, cannot for the life of me wrap my brain around how to do them. Those things plaguing me, mocking me with how simple they should be but I just cannot do it.
One particular thing has confounded me for the last 11 1/2 years.
Folding Men's Dress Pants.
Don't laugh, I am completely serious; it truly is a horrific.
My husband would show me, I would watch the movements, the folds. I might even be able to repeat him right in the moment; but then next time when I was doing the laundry on my own- nothing.
The creases would tease and taunt me- do you fold them on the creases? But then the top is funny.
My mom when she was in town would even show me how. Desperately trying to teach her daughter such a simple skill, wondering where she went wrong. I just couldn't get it.
One time Eric even came out with a pair of pants excited that I had folded it right-but then on closer inspection realized I had just got one leg right. "How did you even manage that? How is that possible" he questioned.
I gave up-- I would just lay his pants out nice and straight on the floor of our bedroom so he could fold them when he got home, figuring this is one skill I would just never have.
But like a good spouse, Eric didn't give up on me- always showing me again. And then one day it just clicked-- it is all about the crotch.
Line up the crotch- start from the inside and then work out to the seams to get them lined up.
One of my goals for the year has been to have all the laundry put away before I go to bed everyday. I am happy to say almost a month in and I am perfect. Last night, Eric came out of our closet, holding a pair of pants that I had hung earlier in the day.
"Wait a minute, I had put these ones in the wash. Did you fold these?" He questioned.
"Yes, I did." I beamed with pride.
"You got it right!" he nearly shouted.
"Yes, I have been getting it right all month you know since the laundry has always been put away."
"Holy cow! You're right!" he laughed.
And so there you have it-- it might take you 11 1/2 years, but don't give up as anything-- even folding those darn dress pants- is possible.
P.S. Ten Things to Smile About this month will be Tuesday!!
I think you need to share a photo or video tutorial of this process. :) I've been married for just over 5 years and I could use a little bit of help!
ReplyDeleteThankfully Brian doesn't wear dress pants ;) I don't think I would be able to fold them right either.
ReplyDeleteToo funny Em! I worked in the retail industry through highschool and college and I find myself even folding things in stores to correct them and put them back in place. It is a fine art that takes time to master-- but I cannot for the life of me fold fitted sheets if that makes you feel better-- I just wind them up around my arm and flatten them and call it done. :) hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, now you have me questioning if I do it right or not!!!! I think we need pictures :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I am glad you finally got it right! It is true, folding dress pants is a pan. I am not sure I know the official way, either, but luckily, my husband doesn't much care. I fold them so the top is funny, but the creases are still there, and then I hang them on a hanger. Much easier that way.
ReplyDeleteAw, Emmy, you're so sweet. I love your spirit :) Also, that is a great goal to have about the laundry...I might have to make that my goal as well.
ReplyDeleteYou're the best Em. Sooo funny. And fun to read. I can totally hear and picture the whole conversation with Eric. Hear his laugh and the whole thing. Nice work. No one ever regretted not giving up. ;) heehee
ReplyDeleteThat is too funny. Glad your persistence paid off!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with them too!!! Glad you figured it out. I should have that goal with laundry. Seems like everyday I have laundry waiting to be done and put away.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great story! Congrats....but I suspect they are hard to fold because he is so freakin' tall and the pants are so big! Ha Ha....I agree with Janette...fitted sheets are horrible...I take her approach...just glob it onto the shelf!
ReplyDeleteOh you mean you actually are supposed to FOLD dress pants? Huh.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Good Job Emmy! I am such a lazy laundress - My husband usually just has to go fish his dress pants out of the dryer on Sunday morning.
ReplyDeleteYaaaay you! :) I love folding laundry & I'm pretty good at it, putting away in a timely fashion is a whole other ball game though...
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! I'm quite thankful I don't have someone in my life that requires pant folding - because the outcome would be like all 11 of your previous years!!
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a good weekend!
I'm a terrible folder. I have the same trouble with Match's work uniform. Lucky for me he takes care of ironing it because in his words, if it's messed up and he gets in trouble, he doesn't want to blame me. So I just hang the pants up on a hanger until he's ready to iron. I'll have to remember about the crotch when I'm hanging them up! :-)
ReplyDeleteHa Ha- Sometimes it really is the smallest things that can make us happy. I bet your Mr. will be glad you now know how to do it properly. The only problem, your going to be expected to do it now instead of him!!!!
ReplyDeleteCracking up at the requests for a video tutorial. I totally think you should! And help us out on how to fold fitted sheets too! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THE TITLE OF THIS BLOG. Awesome Emily.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. I hate when my husband has to repeat instructions to me over and over. I feel so dumb because it's something SO simple. Eventually I rearrange it in my mind and it's like BAM ... works perfect. I love that feeling! :)
ReplyDeleteLove it! Will remember in dark laundry times when inspiration is needed. ;)
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