Number 8 wired bed
I lay down on my bed to watch a nice classic episode of Star Trek (The Next Generation) and it happened: with a sickening crunch and a thud, the back-left bed post finally disengaged itself from the rest of the bed and the bed landed hard on the junk that I had stuffed under it.
Now, to answer the question everyone seems to ask when I tell this story: no it wasn’t in the throes of passion, this bed hasn’t seen much in the way of passion (at least not since I have used it). It’s also not because I’ve gained weight. The bed had been threatening to give out ever since I moved in and the second-rate rental property furniture (not mine, I should point out) finally gave way when I sat my suitably trim behind onto it to indulge in a movie.
So, in true kiwi style, I propped my bed up with the jack from my car and continued with my movie (click on the image for more detail). New Zealanders have a concept called “number 8 wire” which refers to a common gauge of fencing wire used here.
The notion is that New Zealanders have a “can-do” MacGyver attitude when it comes to problem solving and can generally solve a problem with simple, everyday resources at their disposal.
In South Africa, we would say “‘n boer maak ‘n plan” or “a farmer makes a plan” to describe a similar concept.
MacGyver image from Rienk Jan Schurer.
May 26th, 2008 at 6:58 am
n Boer maak n plan maar n Engelsman maak twee!
May 26th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Hi Stephen
It’s so good to hear from you via your blog.
This post is funny to me because you like your dad - Like Father, Like Son!!!
You and your dad sometimes comes up with very funny solutions to problems, which indeed works.
Who ever though to use a jack to hold up a broken bed??? Very clever thinking Stephen!!!
Yes, you have made “a plan like a boer indeed”.
Hope you tell them (Landlord or whoever rented that flat out to you) to replace the bed for you.
You made my day, you made me smile again, one more time to remember you in a funny way, just like you are!!! I’m so glad that you are my stepson!!!
Well done, Stephen!!!
Regards
CornW
May 26th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Hi Stephen
Just one more thing!!!
You should try to put something like a towel underneath the jack. Why, you may ask??? The jack might damaged the carpet, then you might sit with another big expensive problem.
I just thought to tell you that.
I know it might/will be diffucult to do because you are only one person on your own.
I sometimes tells John, Jane and your dad that they are funny, whenever they did/do/say something funny in a funny way. I will say the same to you “You are Funny, Stephen”.
Regards
CornW