So, about wives and g/fs........

[LostArt]

Are they supportive of your work? I know it was pretty tough in the earlier years for me. Not that I gave the Boss grief about his job, I didn't. But, with him working out of town a good bit, it wasn't easy on the homefront with two rugrats, things falling apart and trying to fix it yourself, and not to mention working a fulltime job.

But, I have met a good bit of linemen that have long since divorced because it wasn't easy. Sometimes I wonder how it fell apart for them. I never thought about our relationship falling apart. I guess I was too busy making it all work. :D No, I really think it does take two and neither of us seemed to think about it. At least not until a few years ago. The Boss asked, "How did we do that dear?" I'm reading a book and so I missed what he was talking about on the phone. "How did we do what?"

He says, "Made it through a marriage this long?" I laughed and said, "How did this come up?" And he mentioned that not many of his co-workers are still married and just got off with another one that said they had divorced. The co-worker had asked him, "How did you and Tracy make it?" I'm sure he made a crack remark about being married forever, but I missed it. :D

How long have you guys been married? What do you think keeps the homefires burning?

[IronLine]

Weeelllll, not sure if I'm the right one to comment on this but lets see :D
My gf always told me she was very independant, and we moved very slowly into the whole moving in together thing, until I took this job where my normal work rotation was supposed to be 21 days on 10 days off. I always figured that 21 days would give her enough time to miss me, and I couldn't piss her off too much in them 10 days....well I made the mistake of asking for vacation, which let me be home for 2 months straight (with pay though, one benefit of salary jobs) and that pretty much cut the metaphorical relationship throat :o

5 years, but it was all growing up so its ok. One thing about her that made it definitely NOT work (wow, I'm going the opposite way of this thread aren't I? LOL) Was she never took a real interest in what it was I was doing out there on the road. She never understood the thrill, the love of the job, or the danger. Oh well, how does it go? Now I can have a love in every port?:p

[BigClive]

I've never had a GF (or BF!) but I can say that I've seen many marriages and relationships split up by the need to work away from home. There have been a few that have stuck together, but they've always been weird couples. :D

For some the old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is absolutely true.

[LostArt]

There have been a few that have stuck together, but they've always been weird couples. :D



HA! I guess that put me and the Boss in our place! http://www.avowners.com/forum/smileys/ass843xx.gif

[LostArt]

Weeelllll, not sure if I'm the right one to comment on this but lets see
My gf always told me she was very independant, and we moved very slowly into the whole moving in together thing, until I took this job where my normal work rotation was supposed to be 21 days on 10 days off. I always figured that 21 days would give her enough time to miss me, and I couldn't piss her off too much in them 10 days....well I made the mistake of asking for vacation, which let me be home for 2 months straight (with pay though, one benefit of salary jobs) and that pretty much cut the metaphorical relationship throat

5 years, but it was all growing up so its ok. One thing about her that made it definitely NOT work (wow, I'm going the opposite way of this thread aren't I? LOL) Was she never took a real interest in what it was I was doing out there on the road. She never understood the thrill, the love of the job, or the danger. Oh well, how does it go? Now I can have a love in every port?

Wow. Thanks for responding IronLine. It doesn't matter. I want to hear from both sides of the fence! :D

So, you think her not showing an interest in your job would be one problem?

I think not showing an interest in what either spouse likes or dislikes makes a big difference. My husband is a little slow with my interests. I don't think he means to be really, but every now and again he will say, "I didn't know you liked that?" And I mean....we are talking over 28 yrs now of not knowing. :D

But, what I always like (and still do) about my husband is that he "shares" his experiences with me. How am I to get an image of his work if I don't see it or understand it? Going with him on either seeing the job sites or on a storm, helped me alot. I was young, this is true, but I still wanted to know.

I've always supported him in whatever changes he wanted to make or do. There has been one time (in job relation) that I told him I couldn't. He was making a change that would have us move away from our hometown for a better job. I just told him I couldn't move with our children still in high school. I told him if he could wait until they graduated, I'd go with him. I HATED doing that! I felt so bad that I told him, "Okay, you go and I'll move with you in two years." He said he couldn't do that and that hopefully another job would become available. And it did....7 years ago. He came home saying he had another opportunity. I said, "When do I pack?" :D

And I've learned a great deal by coming here and asking you all some questions. I've not gained any "line" knowledged per say, but I've gained more knowledge and respect for your occupation. More so than 15, 20, or 25 yrs ago.

[RadonHuffer]

I've never had a GF (or BF!) but I can say that I've seen many marriages and relationships split up by the need to work away from home. There have been a few that have stuck together, but they've always been weird couples. :D

For some the old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is absolutely true.


I am a gringo from Michigan USA, I married a mountain woman from Guatemala central america. I met her during Iran contra in the late 1980s I didnt speak much spanish and she spoke very little english.

Lets just say that I fell in love with the nurse that patched me up after I removed the town bully from the planet!:eek:

I am still a local hero in the sleepy little town of Quetzaltanango where my wifes family lives.

There was a pile of immigration issues that we had to deal with, We both tested positive for TB and where treated, Communication was a riot in the early years because of the language barrier.

I accidently called her mother a toad face in my broken spanish and said I liked sins at a family gathering, Her family loves me because I try to communicate in spanish and all was treated in a very light hearted manner.

We have been together 16 years and our marriage gets stronger every year.

I fell in love with her because she is the kind of woman that can take an elderly stranger by the hand and help them cross the street, Or give bus fare to a woman that just had a baby so she dont have to walk 20 miles home.

Her GIANT heart has tamed my youthfull anger in ways nobody ever could, Though I still go to some of the fight clubs, She just tells me to be careful.;)
A part of me I hid from her for 8 years.

I think its because we had so many obsticals early on and we both had to give 150% just to make things work, We also have 2 wonderful children.


My wife fully understands that my job requires travel, Just like when I was in the millatary. There is no issue on that part of my job, She does worry about safety issues.

I do worry a bit about her being alone with the kids in a decaying neighborhood, But the fact that she frequently out shoots me on the range makes me feel better.

I guess we are one of those weird couples?:eek:

[IronLine]

Hmm...Was looking at quoting for some of your response LA, but that would just take waaay to much space lol. A lot of what you say about yourself, and your desire to learn about what the Boss does says so much for ya and why ya'll have succeeded as long as you have (in my opinion).

I'd come home and try to share pictures of me transferring off the 'copter, or bonding on, or just some of the amazing things we've had the chance to see across the country...then sighed and just took out the trash :D

I'm a big outdoorsy guy, she was always too cold to do...anything :p

I always wanna travel and move, she'd never leave the fam.:rolleyes:

Soooo...I guess a lot of it comes down to making sure you're with the right person, who WANTS to make that effort, congrats on your time together LA :)

[LostArt]

I guess we are one of those weird couples?:eek:

LMAO! Weird? Hell, that's one heck of an exciting life you got there Mr. Huffer! I'm sure she wouldn't trade it for the world. :D

[LostArt]

Hmm...Was looking at quoting for some of your response LA, but that would just take waaay to much space lol. A lot of what you say about yourself, and your desire to learn about what the Boss does says so much for ya and why ya'll have succeeded as long as you have (in my opinion).

I'd come home and try to share pictures of me transferring off the 'copter, or bonding on, or just some of the amazing things we've had the chance to see across the country...then sighed and just took out the trash

I'm a big outdoorsy guy, she was always too cold to do...anything

I always wanna travel and move, she'd never leave the fam.

Soooo...I guess a lot of it comes down to making sure you're with the right person, who WANTS to make that effort, congrats on your time together LA :)

Thanks IronLine.

You mentioned bonding. That's another thing that intriques me. The bond you men share. My husband still stays in touch with alot of men he worked with over the last 29 yrs in this work. Even the men that have retired for the last 15 yrs he still calls them.

I've only met a few from this outfit of the last 6 yrs. However, there are about 6 of them that are working here that use to work with him 25 yrs ago. Yeah, they all moved and started working there.

One of them married for the first time 6 yrs ago. We actually hung out on the Fourth with them at the river. The wife seems to let our friend Tony be himself. But, I laughed at the story where she was jealous of the disbatcher.

I said, "Tammy, you are jealous over Bootsy? Really?" I was grinning at my husband and Tony. I couldn't believe it. I asked Tammy why she was jealous over Bootsy. She says, "She called the house wanting Tony. Have you heard her over the phone Tracy? Being her sexy self and all!"

I'm rolling at this point. "Yes, I've talked to Bootsy. She seems nice and has a great connection with the guys on the radio too. Yes, I've heard her sexy sassy self on the radio. But, she tickles me."

And here I always teased my husband when handing him the phone...with my eyebrows going up and down naughtily, "Here is BOOOOOOTSY dear." My husband always laughed at me.

From what I gathered, the men like Bootsy, but they could never "fall" for her. But, her voice was mighty sexy on the radio. :D

I guess I even accepted their bond with Ms. Bootsy. And to tell you the truth, I even heard the smile in my husband's voice on the radio talking to Ms. Bootsy and it only made me smile. I've never been threatened by this type of bonding. I know women can even be jealous over that. I've seen them first hand. I always thought it nice and a tad bit envious that you guys can form such lasting ties with each other.

And another thing my husband always told me, "If anything happens to me dear, you call these men. These men I work with." I always have a frog in my throat when he says that and tears forming in my eyes. Because I don't ever want to imagine having to see the looks in these men's eyes if my husband wasn't here. I know what that looks like. I've seen it in my husband's eyes. It's not a look a Lineman's wife wants to see.

I don't know why he says this off and on, because I already know.............. they would come anyway.

[Doggboi]

.....

I'd come home and try to share pictures of me transferring off the 'copter, or bonding on, or just some of the amazing things we've had the chance to see across the country...then sighed and just took out the trash :D



Off Topic...

Hey IL .. you know we have a photo section here right??

On Topic.

I became single when I decided to become a lineman. My GF at the time had just secured the house she grew up in , and wasnt interested in leaving Fla for points unknown. That , and I think she didnt like it when I broke out into uncontrolable laughter when she mentioned marriage.

Since then, I have dated a few women where ever I happened to land, one didnt want to move from her family, which I understood as it was important for her son as well. Then I dated a woman that worked in the office of the company I worked for... She loved the industry and spent a lot of time learning more and asking questions, and she was tickled when I took her out for her to see a climbing demonstration. Even brought her down a couple of glass insulators for her desk. Problem was she liked attention too much , and when you work around 100+ guys and I am on the road 4-5 days out of the week , the trust just isn't there.

Now I am anchored and I really dont see my career as an obstical in a relationship. Just me :o)

BTW LA you gave me a frog in my throat thinking about that situation. Hope I never have to face that.

[LostArt]

That , and I think she didnt like it when I broke out into uncontrolable laughter when she mentioned marriage.

HA!!! That was funny. But, I suppose since she mentioned it, it wasn't. :D




BTW LA you gave me a frog in my throat thinking about that situation. Hope I never have to face that.

Yeeeaah. I don't think about it as much today as I did when we were younger. It's only during trouble or storms that those thoughts run through my mind. Plus, when you are without lights/power....what else are you going to think about while you are sitting at home waiting?

[IronLine]

Plus, when you are without lights/power....what else are you going to think about while you are sitting at home waiting?

When those *******s are gonna put down their beers and get the friggin' lights back on?:D

[LostArt]

I guess I missed this since you were on the bottom of the first page Swamp.


Just curious LA.

Don't you have women you "bond" with..

What I think is just so cool about my lovely wife, and all the years we've spent together, is that she has a real "bond" with a "few" of her friends from the past, and ALOT of ladies in the past 10 years. SERIOUS Bond. "Best Friend" type ****.



Other than my husband's sister, my mother, and my daughter....that was all for 22 yrs.

I have very few women friends. It's always been that way. But, the few I have we don't bond every week or once a month......or even once a year. I have maybe 4 good girlfriends I grew up with. Those I can talk to, even after many years, and still pick up like we have never left off. Those are REAL friends. Yes, REAL friends. Those girls I grew up with. They have known me since I was a young girl and still love me and me...them.


In 2002, the Boss transfered to another job. The neighbor across the road has a husband and 3 sons. For some reason, we clicked. We have never been angry at each other or do we feel threatened in our relationship. I've not had a relationship with an female since childhood. No lie. I find that this is very special. Especially for me.

Although I seem really outgoing, I can be conservative. I don't think I'm the kind of person, like my husband, to have many friends. I don't know why I'm like this, but I am. http://www.avowners.com/forum/smileys/doh001.gif

[Linemanslove]

I have been married to my lineman for just over 10 yrs now. It has not been easy, he worked away from home for over a year. It takes a special woman to be married to a lineman. I lost good friends along the way as they did not agree that my husband should be out working away from me and our children. He is actually hoping to get out of this line of work so he can be home more with us. But until then, I support him 110% and am there for him the whole way. We are a team and took vows the day we said " I DO". Anyhow I think it is great that we women can talk to each other about things.

[LostArt]

I have been married to my lineman for just over 10 yrs now. It has not been easy, he worked away from home for over a year. It takes a special woman to be married to a lineman. I lost good friends along the way as they did not agree that my husband should be out working away from me and our children. He is actually hoping to get out of this line of work so he can be home more with us. But until then, I support him 110% and am there for him the whole way. We are a team and took vows the day we said " I DO". Anyhow I think it is great that we women can talk to each other about things.

Welcome LL! Glad you have made it over 10 years! :D

How long have you been reading this site? What brought you here?

[optimus_prime]

LA....I love your posts.....most of the time they are humorous and get us past the "*****in and moanin" for a while......for this I say thank you!!!!!

I have been doin linework a lil over 6 years now.......I got into after my wife , g/f at the time, found out that we were gonna have a lil girl.....

We have had some rough times w/ all hours of the night callouts.....workin way past 16 hours, the normal moans of coop linework. There have been times when I thought she was actually gonna leave b/c I chose to go to work and miss "our time". I have always tried to make it up to her but I always felt bad later for missin time w/ them.

As I climbed the ladder a lil, the phone calls lessened, I was maken enough money to do what we wanted and life/love got much better. I love her even more for seeing us through!!!!!

We have recently left the coop life for that of investor owned. Its alot different but I think I have found my place here on the coast. When I have one of those days I can look east and I am reaffirmed as to why I changed as the waves crash on the shore.

B/w the change, my wife and daughter moved to our new home and my lil girl started kindegarten. I missed her first day because I was still workin 3 hours away....I came home on the weekends....that is no life for me. I did it for 8 or 10 weeks and I dont know how contractors do it w/ ties at home. But sometimes we do what we gotta do to get by.

I think my wife is somewhat interested in what I do......she listens anyway.LOL She doent like hearin the wild wild west stories but she supports what I do. When we decided to move, she was hesitant because she new I loved the guys i worked w/ and the company. I love her for that!!!!!

Well I hope you get the point through all my rambling.....through all the callouts, long hours and "fights'.....she loves me after 4 1/2 years of marriage. My daughter thinks its great that her daddy works for the power company and uses a bucket truck. HAHAHA

Best wishes to all......keep a light on for us!!!!

[LostArt]

LA....I love your posts.....most of the time they are humorous and get us past the "*****in and moanin" for a while......for this I say thank you!!!!!

I have been doin linework a lil over 6 years now.......I got into after my wife , g/f at the time, found out that we were gonna have a lil girl.....

We have had some rough times w/ all hours of the night callouts.....workin way past 16 hours, the normal moans of coop linework. There have been times when I thought she was actually gonna leave b/c I chose to go to work and miss "our time". I have always tried to make it up to her but I always felt bad later for missin time w/ them.

As I climbed the ladder a lil, the phone calls lessened, I was maken enough money to do what we wanted and life/love got much better. I love her even more for seeing us through!!!!!

We have recently left the coop life for that of investor owned. Its alot different but I think I have found my place here on the coast. When I have one of those days I can look east and I am reaffirmed as to why I changed as the waves crash on the shore.

B/w the change, my wife and daughter moved to our new home and my lil girl started kindegarten. I missed her first day because I was still workin 3 hours away....I came home on the weekends....that is no life for me. I did it for 8 or 10 weeks and I dont know how contractors do it w/ ties at home. But sometimes we do what we gotta do to get by.

I think my wife is somewhat interested in what I do......she listens anyway.LOL She doent like hearin the wild wild west stories but she supports what I do. When we decided to move, she was hesitant because she new I loved the guys i worked w/ and the company. I love her for that!!!!!

Well I hope you get the point through all my rambling.....through all the callouts, long hours and "fights'.....she loves me after 4 1/2 years of marriage. My daughter thinks its great that her daddy works for the power company and uses a bucket truck. HAHAHA

Best wishes to all......keep a light on for us!!!!

Hey OP (can I call you Opie? heh. )! Thank you for those kind words. My husband has read some of my posts and has said (in his dry humor), "Why must you make these men think you are dingy?" I laugh and say, "Are you saying I'm not????" :D

I've never thought about marriage as being hard. Really. I think keeping a family happy is kinda rough. Because you can't keep everyone happy all the time. Although I sure tried.

But, when I look back from where I am today, I guess it was some trials and tribulations, however, I never looked at them that way. My husband and I were always trying to keep it together. Not us, persay, but life and family together.

I have realized over the years that it really takes a special couple to keep the home fires burning. Think about it.....it REALLY takes two special people to keep it all rollin'.

My daughter's marriage lasted all of 4 yrs. She was devasted. Her Marine husband up and told her one day (last March)...out of the blue, "I love you. But, I'm not in love with you." Some of his family said, "He did love her in the beginning. He really did." I smiled sadly and told them, "That wasn't love. Love goes with the changes and hangs in there. He never loved her to begin with. He loves himself. If this hurts you, then I'm sorry. But, that is not love in my world."

It was very tough on her. She grew up with two parents that worked things out. It took her a few months to realize that it takes TWO people to work out a relationship. She couldn't work out a relationship that was one-sided. She felt as though she failed in some way. I hate it. I hate that it happened to my girl. But, she is tough.

Now, I'm rambling Opie! :D Thank you again for these thoughts of wisdom. It's true what my mother-in-law says......."What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." LOL! I guess that's true in alot of cases, eh?