that man

My mom, my future mother-in-law and I are all in on a secret: There is, most days, only one meticulously articulate way to describe the men in our lives:

"That man."

Now, it's never for moments of anger or hurt.  It's for those moments when they do something no one else would do.  Something quirky, but harmless.  Things that, usually, cause a little vexation (or confusion) and possible create a little work for us womenfolk to do to get the world back on course.

It's for moments when I call my mom and she explains that she's cooking both a roast and a steak because dad brought frozen meat up to the new house and forgot until it was already defrosted. Or when she has to go and finish prepping the vegetables before he gets home so she can keep the portions to less than "feeding a small army" sizes.

that man.

It's moments when Hon scarfs down a family sized bag of chips on one sitting. Or when his friends discover that the heat in fact does work in his car--he just never turns it on.

that man.

It's for moments when Hon's mom catches my eye and jokingly imitates her husband (by mouthing all his complaints) behind his back because he's fussing about the "hole" (i.e. a heart-shaped window that reveals a double happiness inside) in the Chinese invitations we bought.

that man.

Should this phrase be uttered on the tail end of a sigh, and you'll find a knowing and compassionate smile.  We love the men we have, but they do have their moments.