-Trading the girlfriend in on a new 604C -

[BargeMonkey]

 I dont know how many of you guys have experienced this, but its a good laugh.  8)

July 4th the GF and I move the last of her 150 pairs of shoes and furniture to our new place, and she asks me to get done early because of the fireworks. Ok, sure honey, sure. Head back up to the woods, slash up about 60 trees I had on the deck, and grease everything. Got plenty of time. Good. Heading down the road and a older gentleman who ive worked for for years asks me for help on his lawnmower. Good, still have plenty of time. Now its pushing 630pm, get to my parents house and find out I need to tear down our large gangsaw before I leave because my father will be picking the blades up tomorrow.  Oh boy. I call her as im swinging wrenches to let her know I will be "a little late". The response I get on the phone cant be typed on this website.  8)  I get down to the house, and 5ft of 38DD fury meets me at the door. She proceeds to tear me out, that "logging is more important than she is", so I just shake my head yes. She doesnt take that well, and launches her 3k$ engagement ring at me. Watch out. Im starting to wonder here, the payment on a low hour 604C ive seen is about what im spending on the GF a month, im going to call the dealer monday and see what they will give me for her in trade. I just dont think the average woman knows what it takes to make it logging, the long hours, bad weather, and if you dont produce your out of luck.  Anyway im still laughing about it.  8)

[mesquite buckeye]

She still mad? You can still back out, you know. :-\

[red]

I still have the Rolex from my ex wife . . You got the Wrong Girl

[petefrom bearswamp]

At this point be glad that she is just your GF and not your wife.

[cutter88]

I can't complain my wife never gets mad that I work alot of weekends or miss supper at night so I'm thankful,she even came to the bush and helped me slash up what was in the landing yesterday... Trade urs on a 604 barge monkey :P

[luvmexfood]

Sometimes it's better to rent/lease than to buy.

[Woodboogah]

It's like try before you buy.  I cant complain, I made out well.  My wife also knows if I don't work her shoe collection wont grow and bills wont get paid.  Good luck bargemonkey, plenty of fish in the sea, right?

[PC-Urban-Sawyer]

... and 5ft of 38DD fury meets me at the door...

Maybe you need a smaller caliber girlfriend...

Herb

[Southside]

Well, you literally could say to people that you "Got a new skidder for your girlfriend"  "Good trade, eh?"

[CCC4]

  Well here's my point of view....and it's going to be different from the other guys...

My long term GF of 17 years split up right after Christmas. I have an 11 year old Son and he went with her to. I know there were other issues but a couple she sited to my friends were that all I did was work. I thought I was doing right and providing for my Family by working 7 days a week...now they are gone.

So when you hear the silence in your house and everything you knew as a home life is stripped away after 17 years...then you will know how I feel. I really couldn't have changed much to keep our little Family together...but I wish I had done at least something.

[CTL logger]

Sounds like a better investment to me. I've had several relationships end the same way if that all it took I'd be moving her back out the next day. Good luck

[kiko]

5 foot of 38DD fury sounds better to me than a  note on a Tigercat  skidder with electrical problems and busted hydro stats .  In my experience two things are for sure in this situation,  women like to be your priority and tigercat skidders are overrated .

[BargeMonkey]

She still mad? You can still back out, you know. :-\

She seems to be acting better now, blames her attitude on "female" issues.  .  Just irritates me that a guy can go work 15-hrs in the woods and you get the attitude about how hard "they" work. Anyway I figured it was a good laugh, cant seem to find time to get anything done right now, working 9-10days on the boat and 4-5 days off and logging in between.  8)

[bigred1951]

i just better stay quiet on this one haha. My gf the same except a lil taller so it could hurt worse 

[Peter Drouin]

I would run for the hills , My wife of 34 years never yelled at me or called the cops on me. As long as I bring home the bacon . :D

[glassman_48]

only 150 pairs of shoes ;D  my girlfriend (now wife) moved in 6 years ago, and the only room left I have in the whole house is my little closet off my uh er I mean our bedroom.  We had 1 argument in the 4 plus years before we got married,,,,,,after we got married we have had a few more arguments.  I think your lucky that she is telling you how she feels up front, now there wont be any surprises,,,,,,,good luck,,,,,

[cutter88]

  Well here's my point of view....and it's going to be different from the other guys...

My long term GF of 17 years split up right after Christmas. I have an 11 year old Son and he went with her to. I know there were other issues but a couple she sited to my friends were that all I did was work. I thought I was doing right and providing for my Family by working 7 days a week...now they are gone.

So when you hear the silence in your house and everything you knew as a home life is stripped away after 17 years...then you will know how I feel. I really couldn't have changed much to keep our little Family together...but I wish I had done at least something.

Well said

[Huskstihl]

Kids change everything.  I have no problem missing time with my wife due to work.  She's usually just telling me how I could be a better husband/father if I tried harder.  I don't like missing my kids stuff, but I'm not working for fun, or to buy myself toys, I'm working to earn money for their home/food/education

[luvmexfood]

She still mad? You can still back out, you know. :-\

She seems to be acting better now, blames her attitude on "female" issues.  .  Just irritates me that a guy can go work 15-hrs in the woods and you get the attitude about how hard "they" work. Anyway I figured it was a good laugh, cant seem to find time to get anything done right now, working 9-10days on the boat and 4-5 days off and logging in between.  8)

Just remember those "female issues" come up monthly. Sometimes I think more often. . Women have that as an explanation. Men have no monthly excuse for that. Imagine if an argument insued and the man said: "well it's my time of the month". HA

[Windy_Acres]

My 2 cents, a curb check is in order... or as a buddy would say "Run Forest, Run"

She can excuse it to whatever she wants, I will guarantee you, that is not the last time you will hear that.

Im 47, never been married, or fathered any children, never made it to engagement, no rings, always have had a girl friend. That said, every single one, wanted to get married, except the current, she has been divorced 3 times, apparently, she is not ready for a 4th divorce.

If I came home to that, it would happen 1 time. Ive owned several businesses, and Im a work-a-holic, and Im not chasing dollars, I just enjoy keeping busy. When Im good and ready to come in the house, I will.

I have found they are all very different, and on that note, Ive been down the " your married to your business" BS. To which my reply is, "thank you captain obvious", "Werent you just leaving ?"

Good luck, and think long and hard about buying rings, it can lead to expensive and messy times. I dont know first hand, but I sure have learned allot by watching my buddies do it !  ;D

[Autocar]

Your fine the right one,better now to find out rather then after you have a few kids. Some girls just need a nine to five husband, most loggers are day lite to dark. I have a friend that on his first date with his now wife seen a raccoon setting in a tree when he turned a corner with his head lights. He stays at the tree while his new girl friend goes to his parents house. She walks in and says Jeff says he needs a 22 , it's alot better story when he tells it but there still togather   :D.

[redprospector]

I apologized to my Dad once for being such an ass to him. My excuse was that I had been drinking too much.
He told me that alcohol won't make an ass out of anyone, it just brings out the ass that's already there.

I use that same philosophy with women.
"Female problems" won't make an ass out of anyone, they just bring out the ass that they've been hiding.

You're the one who has to make up your mind if you want to put up with that kind of stuff on a regular basis or not. I've been down that road a couple of times, wish I had been able to learn from others experiences, but I seldom am.
Good luck, you're going to need it. 

[luvmexfood]

Red prospector. alcohol won't make an ass out of anyone, it just brings out the ass that's already there. That is such a true statement. I'm saving that one.

[barbender]

Red prospector. alcohol won't make an ass out of anyone, it just brings out the ass that's already there. That is such a true statement. I'm saving that one.

X2

[mesquite buckeye]

I can't complain my wife never gets mad that I work alot of weekends or miss supper at night so I'm thankful,she even came to the bush and helped me slash up what was in the landing yesterday... Trade urs on a 604 barge monkey :P

Now there is a keeper. You are a lucky man, cutter. ;D ;D 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

[BargeMonkey]

Red prospector. alcohol won't make an ass out of anyone, it just brings out the ass that's already there. That is such a true statement. I'm saving that one.

X2

That is a good one. X3.

[tmarch]

Married 42 years and we still get along, rule #1 inside the house yard is yours to take care of the rest of the place is mine and I will help when I can, but expect the same in return.  And blaming a fit throwing on hormones ain't gonna happen.  Don't bring your work home too much, and only if asked, but work is still what provides for whatever family you have.

[thenorthman]

only got 7 years of marriage but together like 12?

Between logging and machining I generally work 7 days a week, I try to make it up to her but its tough...

She don't complain much and I always try to call and say when I'm going to be late, which is a lot lately...  Hopefully she gets it.

I guess the point is yer gurl friend should be a little more understanding, but at the same time she did ask you to be home early... its a tough decision, and can put a guy in a bind, but its the life we live.

[gologit]

The last time I heard that "you pay more attention to logging more than you do to me" routine I told her "If you ever make 2 grand a day for me, don't cost me anything other than direct expenses, stay where I park you when I leave for the day, don't eat except when you work, and always start right up when I push the button maybe I'll start paying more attention to you".  She left soon after.  No loss.

The current wife comes from an old Oregon logging family.  She understands the life.

[WDH]

I can see her side of it.  You said that you would be home early for the fireworks, but you found other things that you deemed more important, and you were late.  You still got the fireworks, though. 

[scsmith42]

I can see her side of it.  You said that you would be home early for the fireworks, but you found other things that you deemed more important, and you were late.  You still got the fireworks, though.

+1.  She made a fairly simple request which you told her that you would fulfill; yet you then prioritized everything else above her (and it was all within your control).

My brother has a saying, and that is "if you want a friend, you have to be a friend".  If you want to have a good relationship you need to hold up your end of the bargain.

[Corley5]

It took my girlfriend, now wife, a while to adjust to what was involved with being involved with a farmer/logger.  She's done well ;) ;D  We've been together 19 years and married for almost 12.  She expects me to be late 

[47sawdust]

Bargemonkey,
You are only 30 so choose well.Mutual respect is of prime importance and keep your word.
Love is grand divorce is a 100 grand(probably more)

[loggah]

Get her into the skidder,and keep her there !!!! ;D ;D

[jd540b]

Life (and relationships) are all about balance.  That being said,  I thank god my ex-wife is now some other poor SOB's problem!!!

[Tom L]

Life (and relationships) are all about balance.  That being said,  I thank god my ex-wife is now some other poor SOB's problem!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

he probably deserves it

[BargeMonkey]

 I told her about writing this post on here, and that better than 80% of the FF opinion leaned towards the skidder. Told her I needed her title, and numbers off the odometer before I called the salesman back. She did not find it funny at all.
Ive been down this road once, got married at 21, good job, bought my home when I was 19. Got divorced at 29, have 3 kids I dont get to see much and a 3,000 a month child support payment for the next 15+  years. Yeah not going down that road again.  8)
Hopefully this one wakes up and realizes you dont get ahead if you dont put the hours in, my father @ 60 still makes me seem like a slacker.

[luvmexfood]

Life (and relationships) are all about balance.  That being said,  I thank god my ex-wife is now some other poor SOB's problem!!!

Coundn't have said it better myself. Ex and her boyfriend wanted each other although both were married to someone else. Two marriages split, kids lives torn apart. But guess what. He has her now and at last count he has had to have law enforcement intervene twice because of their fighting. She went off the deep end and now he is stuck with her. Bothered me at first but now I just set back and laugh.

[glassman_48]

X4   grrrrr, still cant figure out how to take a quote and put it in with my reply :-[ :-[ :-[  maybe if corley5 stops in for a visit I can get him to give me a computer lesson too

[thecfarm]

maybe if corley5 stops in for a visit I can get him to give me a computer lesson too

glassman,see the quote button on the upper right of each post? Just click onto that button and it will open into a rely window. As you can see I deleted some of your quote just to show you what can be done. Play around with it,use the Preview key,to see what works and what don't. Just take in between the numbers,you will see them,when deleting. Hit the enter key a few times to get you out of the quote box, There again,Preview,and you can see what works and what don't.

[Mooseherder]

I think your 80% is a bit of a reach.  If you like this girl you might treat her a little better.
If you're just kidding and she is in on it then that is different and disregard what the father of two Women about your age thinks about this.

[barbender]

Really, what does it matter what we think, anyways? She probably went off a bit much, but you told her you would be there. We show who or what our priorities are by our actions. On the other hand, I couldn't handle someone throwing a ring at me for being 5 minutes late, either.

[BargeMonkey]

I think your 80% is a bit of a reach.  If you like this girl you might treat her a little better.
If you're just kidding and she is in on it then that is different and disregard what the father of two Women about your age thinks about this.

She is being a good sport about the whole thing, I treat her like the little "princess" she acts like. Its rough working out here, race home to support my business at home and sometimes you just cant win. I posted this because I saw humor in how some women dont understand the "logger" lifestyle.

[Firewoodjoe]

Well I'm young but been there. I love work its my hobby and job. My wife of almost a year now left for the same reason after dateing for 3 years. I learned if both sides are not going to compromise it WILL NOT work! I grew up she came back, got married and just had our first child last night. (Beautiful little girl) we couldn't be any happier. I log for a crew 5 days a week processe and deliver my own firewood the rest of my spare time. My business is booming but I still do not work Sundays and make time for important family time(even if it's less important to me then her). Compromise comprimise comprimise if it's meant to be and if you love each other it will work. Faith and patients:) good luck!

[Mooseherder]

Yes, success doesn't come easy but it'll come if you keep plugging away.
Lots of sacrificing goes on to make it happen.  Good luck to you.

[redprospector]

Yes, success doesn't come easy but it'll come if you keep plugging away.
Lots of sacrificing goes on to make it happen.  Good luck to you.

If success was easy...everyone would be successful. What fun would that be?  :D

[terry f]

   When that ring left your pocket, she was no longer just your girlfriend. Work is one thing, but friends and family have to take a back seat to her, your time is her time. You would have been better off picking her up, then asking if she cared if you guys stopped off to help your dad, at least that way she's with you, and not home steaming.

[Mooseherder]

Yeah, that last post had to be removed for a couple different reasons.
One of them is inappropriate content.
You should have resisted since this is a family site.

[luvmexfood]

Boy, Barge Monkey. You sure got a lot of replies on this one. Just take it slow and see what the future brings.

Been divorced twice. First one after 22 years of marriage. Last serious female I dated stole $4500 off me by using debit cards without my knowledge. Got the pleasure of assisting in her arrest. Had told her once before I was an ex police and still bled blue blood.

I put around 55 felony charges against her. She is still awaiting trial but may get a reduced sentence if she rolls on someone for a more serious crime after I had her arrested and she was out on bond. Got my money back from the banks since I agreed to prosecute.

[glassman_48]

maybe if corley5 stops in for a visit I can get him to give me a computer lesson

glassman,see the quote button on the upper right of each post? Just click onto that button and it will open into a rely window. As you can see I deleted some of your quote just to show you what can be done. Play around with it,use the Preview key,to see what works and what don't. Just take in between the numbers,you will see them,when deleting. Hit the enter key a few times to get you out of the quote box, There again,Preview,and you can see what works and what don't.

[glassman_48]

ray,
thanks for trying, I deleted the too part but have no idea how to add more on the post.  I can turn a computer on and off pretty well now, I even have 2 coffee cup holders on the main computer tower I think its called ;D and I know how to do the smiley faces so I guess its progress,,,,,,,,,,thanks ed

[luvmexfood]

Glassman,

Here is how I do it showing as an example a post I made today.

If this comes through here is an interesting link to an article about lyme disease.

https://gma.yahoo.com/man-ravaging-lyme-disease-eludes-doctors-092750747--abc-news-health.html

Right after the bracket on bottom right quote click beside it and position your self their then hit enter a couple of times.

[glassman_48]

luvmexfood,
All I could manage is an arrow pointing up to the right but still cant figure out how to type something.  Appreciate everyones help, it works easier to just have someone show me in person I guess.  Good post here with lots of input,,,,,,,,thanks ed

[Corley5]

I'm not sure when I'll be down that way again glassman.  Maybe for the Buckely Show  ??? 

[Southside]

For what its worth I don't recall reading a reply here from a female. If I am wrong I apologize now.  Anyway, I told my wife about this and asked for her input.  She was pretty frank about it and said she understands your GF's being upset with you over the whole thing, but also said the reaction you received and the placing of blame later on to hormone issues was way over the line.  She did add that if it were your wedding you showed up late to and covered in grease then anything goes, but given you were out earning a living and not drinking with buddies it should have been handled a lot differently.  I can say that if I came home and my wife calmly let me know I had hurt her by my actions I sure would sit up and listen and take it to heart a lot more than if she threw a hissy fit (which she never has) in which case I would most likely walk right back out the door steaming mad and really not care about her feelings.  Guess a lot of it really is in how the message is delivered.  Mutual respect even when you are not happy. 

[mroldstyle]

Well I'm young but been there. I love work its my hobby and job. My wife of almost a year now left for the same reason after dateing for 3 years. I learned if both sides are not going to compromise it WILL NOT work! I grew up she came back, got married and just had our first child last night. (Beautiful little girl) we couldn't be any happier. I log for a crew 5 days a week processe and deliver my own firewood the rest of my spare time. My business is booming but I still do not work Sundays and make time for important family time(even if it's less important to me then her). Compromise comprimise comprimise if it's meant to be and if you love each other it will work. Faith and patients:) good luck!

CONGRATS!!! and good attitude  8)

[BargeMonkey]

Yeah, that last post had to be removed for a couple different reasons.
One of them is inappropriate content.
You should have resisted since this is a family site.

Im sorry if that was a bit to racy for the FF, not trying to upset anyone but it was down right funny.

[Ianab]

For what its worth I don't recall reading a reply here from a female

Lil read it, and said to me "You should tell them about our first "date"."

Short version.

I pick up Lil to go to the beach for a picnic, But I did say I had something to do on the way.  Look at a used sawmill that was for sale (near the beach of course) . So we had a short side trip, checked out the mill, cut a few boards etc. Lil sat on the car bonnet looking pretty, and 1/2 an hour later we carried on to the beach.  ;)

Now at this stage Lil knew what I was like. There was no false promises, I didn't buy her flowers (get into that trap and you are stuck in it for life) She knew what she was getting in to from the start.

PS. I do try and call or txt if I'm late, and if we have something arranged, I'm almost always there on time.

If your partner does something to annoy you, by all means SAY something. Most guys are useless and reading "feelings" or mind reading, you have to actually TELL us things. But that's not the same as flying off the handle and getting into a screaming match. Neither of us are into that fortunately.

[glassman_48]

I was married for 13 years, then divorced, I started dating a woman and on the weekend I came over to help her with a project on her house.  I told her I had to run to the hardware and I would be back in 15 minutes.  I came back in about 15 minutes and she started crying ???  She told me her ex husband would tell her the same thing (I am going to the hardware) and he would be gone all day.  I didnt even think twice before I told her that was her fault for letting him get away with that.  I was always more considerate of things like that with women in general after that.  Now if I am going to be late I will just tell my wife "its gonna be one of those days"  and were much better if I make that call.  Corley5, I am sure we will meet up someday, I am planning on going to the forum pigroast too.  I have never been to the buckley show, twister wants me to take my machine to that one some day. 

[Paul_H]

If the same promise to meet was given a client,landowner or customer they may not have been shrill in their response but you would be moved to the backburner. I think it's safe to say that most all of us here have put in 18 hour days in pursuit of our business at some time but a person's word has to carry weight and if we are unfaithfull in the little things,how can we be trusted with the larger things?

[Paul_H]

I forgot to add that I have done the same and worse when focused on a job but am trying to do better. 

[timberlinetree]

Happy wife Happy life!

[Seaman]

All you guys and gals need to read " Men are like waffles, women are like spaghetti" !

I know men don't like to spend time reading about relationship, but it is all about priorities. If your mate is important to you, invest a little time in learning about them. You would not invest in a $100k piece of equipment without investigating it thoroughly, your mate is worth that consideration.
No, I am not trying to get in touch with my female side, I DON"T have one! I am the biggest chauvinist there is, but in a gentlemanly way.

Bring a copy of that book home, or ask the other one to order it, and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS! 

My .02 worth