Well BobBry, my daddy taught both my sisters and myself to be able to be self reliant cuz there was no guarantee that a man would always be there. I kept that in mind, and maybe that is why I don't have one really. To strong willed and to "I'll do it myself". My sisters on the other hand, my youngest, she can and does when needed, but she is working on hubby number 4. Her last hubby, she'd still be with but he passed from intestinal cancer 2.5 years ago. My older sister she has NEVER been a do it yourself kinda girl. Don't get me wrong, I will ask for help when I really need too. But if I can, I will just do it.
I met a lady at the brake shop when my brakes hit the floor and stuck... She was in there because she didn't know how to put air in her tire. Not kidding. She said she never had to. Her DH always did those things. He got deported and now she has to fend for herself. She has 4 daughters, no sons. I asked her why they didn't help her. She said they don't know either. They are in highschool and middle school. I suggested kindly that she aught to find some one to teach them these things, be able to at least change the tire, check the oil, coolant, etc. before they get a license. A man will not always be there, and where will it leave them if they are standed with a flat tire in the middle of no where? She said it was a good idea, and maybe She'd get an uncle to teach them how to do it.
I never built anything in my life before this coop. Nothing is ever square, but it is sturdy. I have imagination, and I have power tools.
I didn't learn good cooking from my mom. I took classes at school. I also learn how to use a sewing machine, took metals and wood shop. I am with out a doubt weird. But I'd like to think I can handle whats thrown at me. I'd like to think that my boys will not grow up expecting to have their wives do everything while they don't do anything. I will teach them to cook, clean, fish, build, what I can with car maintainence... Maybe a bit of hobby farming... My oldest wants to be a farmer. His dad thinks he's better than that... Should do more than that, and maybe he is right. But I think, if wants to know it, I will do what I can.
So I guess I can thank my dad for teaching me to be self reliant, but I can also curse him because there are not a lot of men out there that appreciate it, and a lot more now adays that are taking advantage of it in a not so nice way.
We cook, clean, do awsome art stuff, AND build stuff and do car stuff! lol. Why can't any of you live closer??? lol. 
