We interrupt your regularly scheduled blog to bring you fond birthday wishes for Joe.
Dude, seen here being so hip it hurts, celebrates an undisclosed number of years on the planet today and I, in usual harlot form, will tell you why I'm going to get him a present, some cake and maybe something else he will like.
Joe changed. All the time everyone says you can't change people and you need to just look at your spouse and say "Ok. This is it. This is who he is and I can't change him." This is absolutely true, very good advice to give people who are engaged and I've always completely accepted that you can't change anyone, not even a little.
Imagine my surprise then, that it turns out that if the man in question really loves you, and really respects your goals and your happiness...then they will change themselves. (This was not a possibility that my mother explained to me.) This time last year was a mother, wife, writer and doula working from home. This had the benefit of providing our family with an almost seamless supply of warm dinners on the table and clean laundry that appeared suddenly in drawers. Joe did his stuff around the house (though I can't remember right now what that was, only that I told him on more than one occasion that "No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes" and by way of encouragement, that I find men sorting laundry "really hot".) but mostly it was my domain.
Then, encouraged by Joe, my first book was published and everything changed. I was gone a lot. When I wasn't gone I was working. I had another book coming out and a third one to write and there were all of these planes and meetings and millions of knitters and yarn and.....I must have looked like I was having the time of my life this year. (Mostly because I was.) It was a lot of work, but when it's the work you have always dreamed of doing, then writing until 4am has it's rewards, you know what I mean?
The laundry stopped. I left on trips. The house exploded, the kids got disorganized. I came home from yarn crawls the book tour to discover not just that things were sticky, but that things were falling apart. I remembered that people don't change...and I spent quite a lot of time wondering if this was too much for my family. I would come back and there would be no food, no clean dishes, homework abandoned...people wearing really strange outfits because they were at the bottom of the clean clothes supply...and on one historic occasion, a large hairball greeted me at the front door because there had been an executive decision by "Team Lord Of The Flies" to let it dry (!!!??!!) before making an attempt to clean it up. (It had dried. They had forgotten.) I admit that I wept as I pried it off the carpet. That night I lay in bed wondering if I could have this career, or if I needed to wait until the kids were older. It wasn't just the hairball...it was the chaos.
Then it happened. Joe changed. Not all at once, and I admit that the change was subtle at times...but it was there. He started to understand how much toilet paper three teenaged girls need and that there's nothing he can do about that. He started wiping things. He washed the kitchen floor and did a load or two of laundry when people had no underwear. (I'll admit that the first time he did it, he was the one out of underwear, but change is a process.) He admitted that he could see how it might be upsetting to me to return from 8 days away and find the living room was not only trashed, but now contained a "patch bay" two "console channels" and a large editing system. (He didn't move it, but he admitted that he could see why I might not like it.) He started making the bed. He did homework with the girls. He kept up with their activities...He bought fruit....and more than all of this..
He never, ever...not once, not for a second, no matter how much I was gone, no matter how much slack he had to pick up, even though he was doing a lot of work and a lot of change and lots of men would be bitter about their underwear-washing, dinner cooking, schedule coordinating mate just packing up and leaving all the time...(especially leaving them with three high-drama teenagers with advanced certificates in hostile behavior and guilt-trips) not once has he ever said anything to me except for "What's the stuff you use to get gum off the bathtub?" "How many carrots can they eat in a day?" and ..."I'm really so proud of you Steph."
The wonder doesn't end here. As if it were not enough that Joe has demonstrated that he can learn and change to support his family in their endeavors, better than that...he did something remarkable.
He didn't change the stuff I already liked. He's still funny, and charming and sweet and mourned a hamster. He's also still late, sometimes annoying and not yet someone who can own a cell-phone, and I don't want to pretend that he is now some sort of tidy, Vim-loving clean-freak ... but these are the spices in his personality. The things that keep him from being milk-toast bland, the things that tell me that he's never going to get boring, or mundane or ordinary. A year after his last birthday, I have a changed man, and a better one.
Happy Birthday Joe.
(I'll do the groceries today.)
Happy Birthday, Joe! It's my birthday too, and I have a great fondness for all 11/1 birthday-ees. Keep up the good work--you are an inspiration to husbands everywhere! Mary in Seattle
Posted by: Mary B at November 1, 2005 10:39 AMHappy birthday, Joe. You are the coolest.
Posted by: erin at November 1, 2005 10:46 AMHappy Birthday to the true miracle man! And thatnks for picking up the slack so we knitters can have our share of the Yarn Harlot!
Posted by: Holly at November 1, 2005 10:46 AMI still can't get over the fact that this loving partner of yours actually bought a floor mop. Some man you have there. Have a great day Joe!
Posted by: Manon at November 1, 2005 10:47 AMHe sounds like a keeper! :) And maybe someone who should write a support book for spouses whose other half have a demanding career.
Happy Birthday to Joe!
Posted by: Helen at November 1, 2005 10:48 AMWhat a guy, we all dream of these moments! Happy birthday Joe :)
Posted by: Anne at November 1, 2005 10:48 AM
Happy Birthday Joe, and thanks for sharing Stephanie with all of us!
Posted by: alison at November 1, 2005 10:52 AMGeez, it seems like it was only a few months ago that we were celebrating Joe's last birthday.
Happy birthday Joe, hope that there are many more to come.
Posted by: Colleen at November 1, 2005 10:53 AMHappy birtday Joe! Guess you should write a book too - about changing to being a better man ;)
Posted by: Elisabeth at November 1, 2005 10:55 AMHappy B-Day, Joe! Definitely one of the good ones.
Posted by: Jenn at November 1, 2005 10:56 AM::sigh::
AWWWWWWWW!!!!!!
Well, other than the unfortunate juxtaposition of toilet paper and wiping,
other than that, another masterfully wrought timber in the construction of My Favorite Fictional Character. (The fact that he's real to you has nothing to do with it. From where I'm sittiing he's entirely constructed of what you tell me.)
And Dude, great hair.
Posted by: rams at November 1, 2005 10:58 AMHow Appropriate -- Joe was born on All Saints' Day! I'm off to light a candle at the altar of Positively Altered Husbands (and I don't mean vasectomized).
Happy Birthday, Joe.
Posted by: martha in mobile at November 1, 2005 10:59 AMHappy Birthday Joe! All that and handsome too! Be still my racing heart ...
Posted by: Childe at November 1, 2005 11:00 AMHappy Birthday Joe! Well, I guess it's true...love does do wonders and move mountains! Great hubby you got there...hope he enjoys his day! Love his hair too... ;)
Posted by: Roxanne at November 1, 2005 11:01 AMHappy Birthday Joe! Maybe Joe should start a blog to train all the rest of our husbands. Not that all the rest of us are on book tours, but training is always good!
Posted by: Melanie in VA at November 1, 2005 11:02 AMYou go Joe!! Happy Birthday and many more. And Stephanie, you got a good one there.
On a side note, I went to buy your 2nd book at a LYS and it was BACK ORDERED!! yay yay yay, I'm so happy your book writing is a success. Now, when are you coming BACK to california??
Posted by: Inky at November 1, 2005 11:03 AMCan we get Joe and Dale together? They not only have the hair thing in common but that part about learning to do things around the house, too. Just because it makes their wife happy. It's a good good thing when someone you love does something they don't want to do just because they know it makes your life easier.
Happy Birthday, Joe!
Happy Birthday, Joe!
You give the rest of us hope that men can (and do) change.
How about giving lessons or holding seminars? I can think of someone (or 10) who would benefit from your Scoprio-esque passion for those you love, and un-Scorpio-esque willingness to change yourself (also for those you love).
Happy Birthday, Joe! I smiled as I read today's entry, it reminded me so much of my own husband. I never expected him to change, but he has done so anyway, becoming very supportive of my creative life.
Thanks for reminding me to tell my Gryphon how much I appreciate him.
Posted by: Folkcat at November 1, 2005 11:08 AMHappy birthday to Joe!
Posted by: Anita at November 1, 2005 11:12 AMHappy Birthday Joe! Thanks for making it possible for Stephanie to come out and meet all of us knitters!
Posted by: Annette at November 1, 2005 11:13 AMHappy Birthday Joe! Treat yourself to Goo Gone for your bday -- it gets rid of all goo, from gum in the tub to bird poop on the car.
Posted by: Kate at November 1, 2005 11:16 AMSteph, that's just about the sweetest thing I've ever read. Not only is it wonderful that Joe's changed to pick up the slack, but that you recognize and appreciate the effort. You guys are great. Happy Birthday Joe.
Posted by: Stephanie at November 1, 2005 11:18 AMJoe! Now more than ever, you ROCK.
(Did he knit the socks in the picture, too?)
And yes, with Rams, I did notice the unfortunate juxtaposition of the toilet paper and the wiping. But you're to be forgiven -- you're awed by your man. It's worth it.
Posted by: Norma at November 1, 2005 11:18 AMYes, as you knew already, you certainly have a keeper. How wonderful that he's exhibiting ever more keeper-like traits. Happy B-day Joe.
Posted by: PumpkinMama at November 1, 2005 11:24 AMWhat an amazing tribute. Also having a SO who's in the process of changing, I know what an wonderful thing that is. Way to go, Joe. Happy Birthday! (And the harlot is right--men sorting laundry *are* "really hot.")
Posted by: PK at November 1, 2005 11:26 AMPriceless! Happy Birthday, Joe!
Posted by: S.Kate at November 1, 2005 11:27 AMHappy Birthday Joe-you rock dude (and great hair)!!!
The teenagers in the house have some kick-ass role models, as in two adults who love, respect, and appreciate each other, and most of all are willing to grow and change. So so cool.
Toliet paper...wiping things...hee hee hee....
Posted by: Teresa at November 1, 2005 11:27 AMJoe, you may not know this but these preceeding paragraphs were THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER WRITTEN. By a woman who knows how hard it is to maintain a crew (and the thousands of us reading her know it too, b/c we do it) to a man who figured out that you can show love by changing the toilet paper roll. We feel the love! We love you now too! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: suzanne at November 1, 2005 11:28 AMPoor Joe. How can he BE all that . . . and still no gansey?
Posted by: grace at November 1, 2005 11:28 AMWhat an amazing man to have acted on what was necessary (i.e. survival what with parenting 3 teenage girls) and still keep all the personality traits that were already wonderful.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Michelle in Marthasville at November 1, 2005 11:31 AMHappy Happy Birthday! Having witnessed my own SO change over time, I know how amazing it is. Thank you, Joe, for sharing Stephanie with us! Hooray!
Posted by: Kathy at November 1, 2005 11:32 AMYou're a lucky woman. Happy birthday to Joe.
Posted by: Erin at November 1, 2005 11:42 AMAww. What a lucky woman you are. And how fortunate your daughters are. Sometimes it takes just the right situation (and a big of life experience) to bring out the ultimate awesomeness of a person. How nice for all of you... and Happy Birthday to you, Joe!! Can't wait to read how awesome you are next year too! :)
Posted by: Laura at November 1, 2005 11:45 AMHappy Birthday to Joe! A wonderful tribute, Stephanie, to the man you love who has made you the person you are, too! About the time the girls have to move on in their own worlds, they'll begin to have an inkling of who you guys are and how very lucky they have been to have both of you as parents.
Posted by: Nancy J at November 1, 2005 11:47 AMA true testament to what it means to be "in it for the long haul" with someone. You guys are great. Happy Birthday, Joe.
Posted by: Meredith at November 1, 2005 11:49 AMHappy Birthday Joe!! Are those socks on the picture for him.
Thanks for sharing Steph with us.
Happy Birthday to a great guy who 'gets it' and knows a good thing when he has it.
All the best, Joe!!
Dear Joe
Happy Birthday to you
You live in a zoo
But so does my family
And we love it too!
Happy birthday to the guy who keeps the monkeys from taking over while the head zoo-keeper is out of town!
Posted by: Tish at November 1, 2005 11:52 AMHappy Birthday to Joe!
Having a partner like that, truly supportive of what you're doing, makes this writing thing a hell of a lot easier. I left my guy at home to run off to an artists' colony for a month and, though a drafty old house, two dogs and a possessed kitten do not equal a drafty old house and three teenagers, he's managed to go from flip to overwhelmed to truly appreciative of how damn much gets magically done when he isn't looking when I'm home...and now he's mostly managing it okay on his own. Or so he claims. We'll see what I walk back into when I get home next week.
Yay for Joe! (and all folk brave enough to mate with writers)
Posted by: cari at November 1, 2005 11:54 AMWow, that's awesome! Happy Birthday Joe!
And, from a woman who also married a man with some seriously curly hair - I love the hair.
Posted by: Thorny at November 1, 2005 11:54 AMWell, Steph, that's about the greatest tribute to love I've read in a while. What a great birthday present to Joe, to have his love share her love of him with however many of us are here to read this. **sigh** Ain't love grand?
And it is a mystery of life that, once you accept that you can't change your mate, once you decide to love that person with all their warts, the possibility of change enters the relationship. The best of all possible worlds.
I'm so proud of both of you. Way to go.
Happiest of birthdays, dude, and many more.
Posted by: dee near Berkeley at November 1, 2005 11:56 AMHappy Birthday Joe!! You sound like a keeper.
Posted by: peggy at November 1, 2005 11:59 AMHappy Birthday Joe....
From a Harlot fan of Quebec !!
And considering your "changed behaviour" you would fit right in in Quebec - ha! ha!
Enjoy !
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!!!
That was so sweet it made me tear up a little. Sounds like you have a keeper.
Posted by: Sara* at November 1, 2005 12:01 PMSteph, you are so, so lucky to have this man who obvioulsy loves you so much to be your partner and best possible role model for your girls of how a REAL MAN respects and supports and encourages the woman he loves to follow her passions.
Happy Birthday Joe!
Posted by: Rachel H at November 1, 2005 12:07 PMHappy Birthday Joe! There is a whole world of knitters / bloggers out there that absolutely love you!
Posted by: Judy at November 1, 2005 12:07 PMOh, and Stephanie, a man like that truly deserves to be kept warm, wrapped in the loving hug of a handspun, handknit gansey...
Posted by: Rachel H at November 1, 2005 12:11 PMHappy Birthday Joe!
And props to Harlot for appropriate use of the word milquetoast.
Posted by: Jenn at November 1, 2005 12:11 PMHappy Birthday, Joe! It's kinda fun to think that hundreds of (mostly) women all over the world are sending you birthday greetings, encouraged by your wife!
Anyway, I wish you many many more years of happiness (cuz the girls won't always be teenagers, and you'll get to have a really good laugh when they have daughters of their own)...
For almost 35 years, I've had a "Joe" in my life too. I remember when the girls (2) were small, I would leave town for a few days and come back to near chaos. Just not up to my usual standards. I was told, politely, by my Joe that he had a "different" way of taking care of house and daughters...it's not a bad/good thing. I then understood...his way was different, the girls were always happy, though dressed funny with odd hair...but to this day, they adore their dad. Life is good. Happy BDay Joe!
Posted by: Suzanne at November 1, 2005 12:14 PMJoe, we love all you for loving our girl enough to share her with us.
And, look! It's Tuesday. So after Steph gives Joe his present while the girls are at school, maybe she can spin some gansey yarn?
Never was a godless union so heaven-blessed.
Posted by: Judith in Ottawa at November 1, 2005 12:17 PMAww . . . happy birthday, Joe! That was such a sweet story!! Best part is that it's all true. Scorpios rock!
Posted by: --Deb at November 1, 2005 12:18 PMSheesh, preview first, then post
Joe, we All love YOu.
Cripes.
Posted by: Judith in Ottawa at November 1, 2005 12:18 PMHappy Birthday, Joe!
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and...
May the wool and the wool-keeper find you happy, healthy, and well for another fantastic year.
Flowers and jewelry are nice, but it is the everyday acts that truly show love.
Love is taking out the garbage in the rain.
Joe (like my long-haired SO) is a keeper.
Posted by: Molly at November 1, 2005 12:21 PMHappiest Birthday, Joe! I hope your day is wonderful, warm and filled with love.
Posted by: Heather at November 1, 2005 12:23 PMAw, very sweet. Happy birthday to the cool dude.
Happy birthday, Joe. You are a very wise woman, Steph.
Posted by: Laurie at November 1, 2005 12:25 PMHappy Birthday Joe! (and making the bed is overrated)
Posted by: JoVE at November 1, 2005 12:26 PMRock on, Joe, Rock on and Happy Birthday, dude.
Is it safe to assume that Joe was serenading those socks?
Steph - so what you're saying is, I need to leave home for longer amounts of time to get the rocker-dude to clean the house? I have to admit, he did clean up before I returned after a week away. These overnight jaunts do nothing to improve dish washing schedules.
Posted by: Stephanie VW at November 1, 2005 12:33 PMChange is good. Very, very good. Do you think Joe might give my son a talking to about this "cleaning" subject? Maybe some words from Joe the miracle man would encourage him to help his mom out around the house!
Posted by: Bad Hippie at November 1, 2005 12:35 PMThis made me cry. But just one question....did you get him a new hamster yet??
Posted by: Cheryl at November 1, 2005 12:37 PMDude, you so totally ROCK! Hope you have a fab birthday! I also hope my next relationship can mirror just half of the one you guys share! Enjoy! ;}
Posted by: kc at November 1, 2005 12:40 PMHappy Birthday, cool man! Congratulations, Harlot!
Posted by: Strikkelise at November 1, 2005 12:41 PMRock on, guys & happy birthday, Joe!
Posted by: roggey at November 1, 2005 12:45 PMHappy Birthday, Joe! You are proof there are great men out there!
Posted by: Rossana at November 1, 2005 12:47 PMHappy Birthday Joe! Seems like the both of you are so lucky and blessed to realize it. Good for you.
Posted by: Teresa C at November 1, 2005 12:51 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE !!!
this is your day to shine! enjoy.
in my family there are lots of hugs and ear snuffels too!!! :)
p.s.
she couldn't live without you!
Happy Birthday Joe,
and thanks for giving us single girls hope! :-) Steph you done good.. and i'm proud of you too :-) karola
Happy Birthday Joe!
Stephanie, you lucky llama(duck).
Happy Birthday Joe! Not only is the change much appreciated (thanks for sharing her with us) but notice- I think she stopped looking in the trash for evidence of ice cream and binges on "bad fats". And doesn't complain about the mugs or the silverware being in the wrong spots. Good tactic- distracting her with the hairball and sound equipment.
You know, Joe was right when he said he was a Bay "Man". What a man!
Posted by: freecia at November 1, 2005 12:56 PMHappy Birthday Joe! May it be great.
Posted by: Mindy at November 1, 2005 1:04 PMBravo to both of you. It's the truest proof of a strong commitment when you can change together. Nicely done.
Posted by: mamacate at November 1, 2005 1:05 PMHappy Birthday, Joe! You ROCK!
Now as soon as they make cloning people legal.... ;)
Posted by: Carma at November 1, 2005 1:05 PMOh, wish him a happy birthday from me too. From the sound of it, he's a wonder. Until now, I thought "man who can change" was like bigfoot or some other such myth. Inspiring.
Posted by: mamacohen at November 1, 2005 1:07 PMAww. Happy birthday, Joe!
Posted by: Kat with a K at November 1, 2005 1:13 PMThe one day in his life that my father made his own lunch (a grilled cheese sandwich) my mother circled the date on her calendar in red ink. And then she saved the calendar.
But you, you've got a sexy, rock-out guy who will also do his bit around the house to help make your dreams work...yeah, I'd keep him.
Many happy returns to the guy. Y'all are a beautifully matched pair, like salt and pepper. Or peaches and cream. Or Wallace and Gromit.
Happy birthday Joe! My best wishes for a fantastic, joyous, loving, wonderous, hairball-and-gum-on-the-tub free year! Thank you for allowing us to share in the adventures of Team Harlot. :)
Posted by: perclexed at November 1, 2005 1:37 PMOK, so that tribute brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for you both. Happy Birthday, Joe!
Posted by: Sneaksleep at November 1, 2005 1:40 PMMany happy returns, Joe. Steph, you're a very lucky woman... but then... Joe is pretty lucky too!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Peed at November 1, 2005 1:41 PMLucky Stephanie. Lucky Joe. Lucky kids. Happy birthday, and congratulations to you all for doing the family thing right.
Posted by: lanea at November 1, 2005 1:48 PMJoe is THE MAN!! Happy Birthday Joe! A man among men!! Admired by harried women everywhere!!
(hey Steph, can I send my hubby to you for "Joe Lessons"??)
Posted by: Alyson at November 1, 2005 1:50 PMHappy Birthday Joe!
Posted by: melissa at November 1, 2005 1:53 PMHappy, Happy Birthday to Joe! That's an awesome guy you've got there.
Posted by: Wanda at November 1, 2005 1:54 PMHappy Birthday Joe!! I still stand by my assertion that I married the most wonderful man on the planet, but Joe sure sounds like a mighty close second. Enjoy the day together!
Posted by: Stephanie Bolinger at November 1, 2005 1:56 PMHappy Birthday Joe!
Did you know that today is All Saints day in the church. No pressure at all 8)
Sounds like you've got a real winner there. :)
Happy Birthday, Joe, and many joyous returns!
Posted by: Cathy at November 1, 2005 2:26 PMAnd we all thought he was perfect LAST year.
Happy Birthday, Joe!
Beautiful! Happy birthday, Joe!! Thank you for sharing Stephanie with us, and hugs to the girls, too!
Posted by: AlisonH at November 1, 2005 2:31 PMWow, what a guy..Happy BD and many, many more years of happiness with your wonderful wife!
Posted by: Susanne at November 1, 2005 2:39 PMGratis pa fodelsdagen, Joe!
(That's 'happy birthday' in Swedish, sort of)
And WOW! we can even see (most of) the floor in that picture! (What a pretty rug)
You are a prince among husbands!
Posted by: Linnea at November 1, 2005 2:44 PMJoe - just a simple "Happy birthday to you!" Thanks for loaning Stephanie to us "yarn" groupies. Hope your day is extra special nice - like you!
Posted by: Loretta at November 1, 2005 2:46 PMBon anniversaire!
And, I thought every living room required some sort of music-related equipment? We always have at least one power amp, some sort of huge bass cabinet, and an effects pedal... :-) (I can't complain. The yarn overflow takes up WAY more room.)
Posted by: Tracey at November 1, 2005 2:52 PMit's beautiful how you two love and support each other. Happy Birthday, Joe!
Posted by: meowgirl at November 1, 2005 2:53 PMSo it is Tuesday. And it is Joe's birthday (many happy returns, Joe).
So where is this wonderful man's gansey?
:)
Posted by: That Laurie at November 1, 2005 2:54 PMMany, many happy returns Joe. You really are THE man!
Posted by: Mandella at November 1, 2005 2:59 PMHappy Birthday, Dude!
This reminds me to give my guy a big hug when I get home from my night out tonight. WHile he picks up child, makes dinner, and even cleans up after. It's taken a while, but he does know how.
Woah. Joe has really nice hair! It's all shiny and curling in an orderly way! He should be proud of such hair (even if he has no gansey yet).
happy birthday Joe. :D
Posted by: katie A. at November 1, 2005 3:00 PMHappy Bithday to your man - must be wonderful with such a good relationship...
Now, next step is to teach the girls how to handle mr Washie....
IDA
Posted by: Ida at November 1, 2005 3:02 PMOne question: Do you rent out?
Actually 2: does he give lessons?
Name your price.
Posted by: Kate, the Odd Ball Knitter at November 1, 2005 3:38 PMHappy Birthday, Joe!
You're the living embodiment of "For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health."
Thanks for sharing Stephanie with all of us.
Posted by: Lee at November 1, 2005 3:44 PMThis world needs more Joes and women who recognize and appreciate them.
Happy B-day Joe.
Posted by: Cadi at November 1, 2005 3:45 PMHappy Birthday Joe.
Posted by: Aarlene at November 1, 2005 3:48 PMHappy Birthday Joe!!!
You're both awesome and deserve each other!
Posted by: Lisak at November 1, 2005 3:48 PMHappy Birthday Joe! You're clearly very fortunate to have one another. Kudos for working at it and for being willing to change and support one another's endeavors.
Ain't love grand??
Posted by: regina at November 1, 2005 3:50 PMHeck yeah AND from the looks of it...I bet he can strum a mean guit-ar too. Clone him and send me one. A man with an ability to recognize the hamster had a sense of humor AND who is supportive? Send two!
You both are wonderful!
Posted by: heather at November 1, 2005 3:52 PMHappy Birthday Joe!
Steph, you are one lucky woman!
Posted by: witchypooh at November 1, 2005 4:01 PMHappy Birthday Joe! Thanks for all you do for Stephanie! From one Canadian to another, have a great one, eh.
Posted by: Nicole at November 1, 2005 4:11 PMHe's a good man & you deserve him. Enough said.
Lots of best birthday wishes to him.
Awwww. A more touching tribute I have never read. Happy birthday, Joe!
(I wonder now... is there some way I could get sent off on a book tour?... I guess that would involve writing a book, wouldn't it?)
(Proceeds from the bidding war between Kate TOK and me to be donated to TSF...)
Posted by: Lucia at November 1, 2005 4:25 PMCloning is legal in Canada, right?
Posted by: weeza at November 1, 2005 4:33 PMHope you have a great day and a simply grand year ahead.
Posted by: Jane at November 1, 2005 4:37 PMHappy birthday, Joe! Who would have thought that nice *and* cool could be found wrapped up in one package?
Posted by: Bryn at November 1, 2005 4:38 PMHappy B-day Joe I have not ever met someone with the same b-day as me before!
Posted by: Nyxxie at November 1, 2005 4:41 PMHappy Birthday Joe - Change is good, and it sounds like you've gotten good at it. What a gem! Enjoy your day :~}
Posted by: tree at November 1, 2005 4:47 PMHappy Birthday, Joe! Oh, and Steph? You write the best love letters!
Posted by: Julie at November 1, 2005 4:50 PMHappy Birthday Joe, Coolest of Men! It's my day too...but you'd be cool even if we weren't birth-mates.
Posted by: JoAnne at November 1, 2005 4:56 PMHappy Birthday Joe!
What a beautiful birthday tribute to receive!
Posted by: Jaime at November 1, 2005 5:02 PMHappy birthday, Joe! You're a good man. :)
Posted by: Jena at November 1, 2005 5:03 PMHappy Birthday, Joe! May you recieve many goodies and much happiness - you deserve every bit of it :)
Posted by: Donna at November 1, 2005 5:04 PMHappy Birthday Joe! You Rock!
Stephanie, you've got yourself a good man and it's a wonderful thing that you realize it.
Posted by: Debbie at November 1, 2005 5:04 PMHappy Birthday, Joe!!
Posted by: Caren at November 1, 2005 5:34 PMWow.
..
..
I say again, WOW.
.
.
Joe is one incredibly cool dude. Steph is one incredibly lucky woman... and best of all for Joe, she knows it!
.
May your lives be ever thus!
Happy Birthday Joe!!
(and yeah, I cried too- I think it was the girls/toilet paper bit that finally got to me)
Posted by: Cassie at November 1, 2005 5:43 PMWhat a beautiful tribute! You are so lucky to have each other.
Posted by: Julie at November 1, 2005 6:04 PMAll the love brought me to tears! Happy Birthday Joe! I have to pay to get my hair to look like that!
Posted by: Mik at November 1, 2005 6:14 PMWhat a blessing to be doing what you love with the love and support of your husband.
Are you still doing the doula work? I am a bradley instructor in Texas when I am not knitting, being a sign language interpreter and taking care of my 3 beautiful children- all brought into the world with the help of the same fabulous doula.
I'm gonna print this out and leave it on the refrigerator - not to remind him, but to remind me. Mine's in the process.
What honor you do your darling Joe. Happy Birthday, Joe and well done, Steph.
Posted by: Nathania at November 1, 2005 6:22 PMHappy Birthday Joe!
You know if you put the coffee cups in the way she likes them sometime her head will just explode...
Hey, when do we get a Joe guest blog?
Posted by: Tracy at November 1, 2005 6:48 PMHey Steph,
Tell Joe that not only do you adore him, but that all your knitting fans appreciate him for making it possible for you to make every one of our days better. And I hope you two get to share infinite numbers of birthday.
Raye
Happy Birthday Joe, and congratulations Stephanie on having such a wonderful hubby... so often we fail to appreciate those near and dear to us and take their terrific-ness for granted. Points to you for seeing, and for sharing. Big birthday hugs to Joe!
Posted by: Kit at November 1, 2005 6:52 PMTil lykke med foedselsdagen Joe.
hurra, hurra, hurra for you - I hope you are having a wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday Joe!
Here's hoping you've had a wonderful day and will have another year filled with love and happiness (and a little less chaos). =)
Posted by: Toni at November 1, 2005 7:17 PMSomeones gettin' lucky tonight....
Posted by: Elizabeth at November 1, 2005 7:25 PMHappy Birthday Joe! Thank you for supporting Stephanie - it makes all us knitters really happy to have her around! And three cheers to you for not complaining about her absence, sticky floors, lack of underwear, and reams of TP for the girls! Good for you!
Posted by: Jodi at November 1, 2005 7:54 PMHappy Birthday Joe! Oh, and how remarkable .... there seems to be a sock on your electronic whatchamacallit!
Posted by: mary erdman at November 1, 2005 8:10 PMHappy Birthday, Joe.
Posted by: Kris at November 1, 2005 8:16 PMSteph, I must say that you brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful testament to how much you two love eachother. His changing and support of you and your gratitude and amazement at his transformation.
Yes, Happy Birthday Joe and happy everyday Joe and Steph.
You both are blessed.
Posted by: knittingnurse at November 1, 2005 8:28 PMI don't even know you or Joe, and I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes....you have a way with words.
Posted by: Kyra at November 1, 2005 8:30 PMRock on Joe! Happiest of Birthday's to ya.
Posted by: Beth at November 1, 2005 9:23 PMLucky BOTH of you - gives me something to aspire to and hope for.
Posted by: lisaz at November 1, 2005 9:31 PMAwwwww...see it just goes to show you, true love can transcend anything, even hairballs. I'm happy for you guys. Happy Birthday Joe. (Got any single brothers?)
Posted by: zoom! at November 1, 2005 10:37 PMWhat a lovely tribute to a lovely man! Happy Birthday, Joe!
Posted by: Sara at November 1, 2005 10:39 PMHappy Birthday, Dude!
What a lovely, loving tribute to a great guy. Makes me think of my own "Joe." :)
Posted by: Lysa wth a "Y" at November 1, 2005 10:50 PMDude. Rock On! Happy Birthday from the East Coast.
Posted by: Paula at November 1, 2005 11:03 PMHappy Birthday, Joe!
Posted by: Norah at November 2, 2005 12:01 AMHappy birthday Joe - and thanks for that wonderful, life-affirming report, Stephanie!
And what *is* that thing you two use to get gum off the bathtub, btw?
Posted by: Dena Shunra at November 2, 2005 1:15 AMNow that, there, is love - pure and simple. Happy birthday to Joe, a man who is as lucky to have his wife as she is lucky to have him :-)
Posted by: Kathy at November 2, 2005 2:22 AMWhat a guy! And he is all yours!
Happy birthday, Joe! May you have many more. :-)
rock on, joe, and happy birthday. :-)
Posted by: susan at November 2, 2005 4:11 AMFirst time poster! I say kudos to Joe and Happy Birthday. I will now go kiss my unappreciated husband who is helping me through nursing school and turning a blind eye to my blossoming yarn stash. Thanks for the reminder to appreciate what sits right in front of you (not just the alpaca/silk blend but your mate too!).
Posted by: Jess at November 2, 2005 5:39 AMWay to go, Joe.
Posted by: jessie at November 2, 2005 6:10 AMHappy Birthday, Joe!
Long may the partnership continue.
Posted by: =Tamar at November 2, 2005 6:44 AMHappy Birthday Joe! You share it with my younger son, Alastair, who is 5! I echo the thanks from other posters for supporting Stephanie, because she makes us happy with her wonderful blog. I remember leaving my firstborn, Robbie, with his dad for five days when I had to go away on business. He was about six months old and when I got back his dad said, "He takes his bottle surprisingly hot, doesn't he?"! Scary! And so not what I wanted to hear! But they both survived. Anyway, hope y'all have a great day!
wow steph, this made me cry. you're a lucky woman. Happy Birthday Joe!
Posted by: happy spider at November 2, 2005 7:21 AMI knew I liked Joe when he fretted so about Sharkbait.
Happy birthday to a good guy.
What a Guy! Happy Birthday Joe!!
Posted by: Jackie at November 2, 2005 9:17 AMHappy birthday and bon anniversaire, Joe! You two sure are blessed to have one another!
Posted by: Susan Maurer at November 2, 2005 9:51 AMSteph-I too am in love with a man just like Joe-lots of people don't get to be married to their best friend, but you and I have this in common too. Never once has my "joe" complained about my stash-yarn crawls-late night knitting, AND he does all the domestic duties that need doing without asking. We both work, have 3 boys (one grown and out of the house now) and spastically hectic schedules. We have a kinship and are truly lucky-and in love. Happy Birthday Joe! from Colorado USA.
Posted by: Dixiewidow at November 2, 2005 9:57 AMHappy birthday Joe, and many more for you and yours.
Posted by: Molly at November 2, 2005 11:14 AMHappy Birthday Joe! Now if only someone would knit a birthday gansey for you . . .
Posted by: Heather at November 2, 2005 11:21 AMHappy Birthday Joe!! You and Steph are such a sweet couple!
Posted by: Lesli at November 2, 2005 11:28 AMYou and Joe give me hope. There are good men and good marriages. We are not all doomed.
Posted by: Snow at November 2, 2005 11:51 AMA big happy birthday to Joe! Sounds like a definite keeper.
Posted by: Risa at November 2, 2005 12:49 PMHappy birthday, Joe!
Well, that certainly looks like a man who could use ... a gansey ... doesn't it?
I'm just sayin'.
Posted by: Rabbitch at November 2, 2005 12:53 PM....and ken's the one that gets meat for his birthday dinner??!......
Posted by: Julia at November 2, 2005 1:03 PMDamn. Rabbitch beat me to it.
Happy birthday, joyeux anniversaire, Joe!
Posted by: Lee Ann at November 2, 2005 2:03 PMCan you clone him for me Steph?
Posted by: Francine at November 2, 2005 2:32 PMI married a lovie like Joe too. It took 38 years to find him though.
Happy Birthday Joe!
Posted by: Jacquie at November 2, 2005 2:36 PMHappy Birthday Joe!! Those of us born on November 1 are amazing humans!! You are obviously one of the very special and very smart ones. With a HUGE heart!!
Happy belated birthday from a sister November 1!
Kim
Posted by: Kim at November 2, 2005 3:38 PMRock on, Joe. Happy belated birthday.
Posted by: Em at November 2, 2005 3:51 PMI don't know if it's just because I am weepy today, but that post really choked me up...Happy
Birthday, Joe!
Maybe Joe should write a book or conduct a workshop on how to safely live with a Knitter? Possible title, "How to Satisfy your knitter." eh-hem.
Happy Birthday Joe!
Posted by: Bookish Wendy at November 3, 2005 11:29 AMHappy belated birthday, Joe :o)
Posted by: JessaLu at November 3, 2005 11:44 AMThank you, Harlot-- my husband (who is actually tid\ier than I am, bless his soul) and I are both so weary of seeing men vilified or made to look like totally incompetent, evil goobers in the media--it was absolutely lovely to read about a man who is real, who is flawed, and who is perfect to his wife. (Of course, he's not really not only perfect man... I've got one too... who else would help me plan for the 4th baby by finding a reasonable thing to do with all the yarn in the 3rd baby's room?)
Posted by: Shannon McClellan at November 3, 2005 3:59 PMSteph - beautiful entry! What a tribute to a great guy from his equally terrific mate! As the wife of a man who also changed because he loves me and is a fair man (he retired - I didn't so he picked up most of the household chores without my asking), I only wish I could express my appreciation so eloquently!
Posted by: Katie at November 3, 2005 8:45 PMHow cool to share my birthday with someone so wonderful! Thank you for sharing Stephanie with all of us knitters. And belated Happy birthday!
Posted by: Edna at November 3, 2005 11:07 PM