.

[yotsuya]

[harveybirdman]

this topic sucks, let's argue about something else.

[yotsuya]

this topic sucks, let's argue about something else.

Your wife said stay on topic.

[CheffoJeffo]

Don't include Chance in this, I am the only one being an ---uvula--- right now 

Don't emasculate me!

[Typefighter01]

Don't include Chance in this, I am the only one being an ---uvula--- right now 

Don't emasculate me!

We are all a big happy family...I love you guys 

Now, back to work...

[harveybirdman]

this topic sucks, let's argue about something else.

Your wife said stay on topic.

damn you now I'm picturing my wife dressed up as Red Leader....

[yotsuya]

this topic sucks, let's argue about something else.

Your wife said stay on topic.

damn you now I'm picturing my wife dressed up as Red Leader....

Ha ha! I actually typed that as "stay on target" first...

Maybe you could get spousal approval for this...

[CheffoJeffo]

 

[harveybirdman]

God dammit I meant Gold Five, many pardons To Mr. Davish Krail.


and yes... Woot indeed.

[Ond]

Some guys like their wives or girlfriends to wear the pants.  Some partners in relationships are just pushed around, male or female.  Hearing about a guy whose henpecked IS annoying.  I've been happily married for 23 years, mutual respect is a big part of it.

[opt2not]

Just wanted to jump-in and say that I've always liked CheffoJeffo. The guy oozes class. 
Can't say the same for the OP.

btw, this should've been posted in EE.

[yotsuya]

Scenario #1 -

You want to buy a $200 Space Zap cabinet. Your wife (not girlfriend, wife - your legal spouse) thinks you just don't have enough room for one since you already have a 4 player 4 foot wide video game playin' machine in the living room. Money is not an issue, since you collected $200 selling empty soda cans. What do you do?

[CheffoJeffo]

What has saint been putting in the water around here? 

I appreciate the kind words, but the truth is that I spent too many of my younger days being that judgmental ---tallywhacker--- who couldn't see past his own ego and limited worldview. Decided I didn't want to be like that. Got me some emasculation and now I'm good.

I will say that it's nice that nobody calls me "crybaby turd tosser egotistical self righteous miserable coward stink hole" anymore. 

[Ond]

Scenario #1 -

You want to buy a $200 Space Zap cabinet. Your wife (not girlfriend, wife - your legal spouse) thinks you just don't have enough room for one since you already have a 4 player 4 foot wide video game playin' machine in the living room. Money is not an issue, since you collected $200 selling empty soda cans. What do you do?

Tell her if she wants to continue to receive the kind of quality lovin you been givin her she better comply and make room in the living room - out with that decorative plant stand and in with the cab 

[Typefighter01]

I will say that it's nice that nobody calls me "crybaby turd tosser egotistical self righteous miserable coward stink hole" anymore. 

The day aint over yet 

[Vigo]

I appreciate the kind words, but the truth is that I spent too many of my younger days being that judgmental ---tallywhacker--- who couldn't see past his own ego and limited worldview. Decided I didn't want to be like that. Got me some emasculation and now I'm good.

These days, we need a good shot of honesty around here. Over-sensitivity is rampant and your crusty posts are actually quite refreshing. 

Scenario #1 -

You want to buy a $200 Space Zap cabinet. Your wife (not girlfriend, wife - your legal spouse) thinks you just don't have enough room for one since you already have a 4 player 4 foot wide video game playin' machine in the living room. Money is not an issue, since you collected $200 selling empty soda cans. What do you do?

Vigo's answer:
1) Get your bid down on that space zap because you know first mofo with cash in hand will get cab.
2) Get permission from spouse. Not that it is actually getting permission, because said spouse trusts you, but you want her in on the plans.
3) Go get Space Zap and shove it in the shed/garage for time being.
4) Clean out giant pile of junk in the basement that has been bothering your wife for years, and dedicate both machines to a nice looking space.
5) Happy wife, house looks better. Win for you, because you got yourself the beginning of a home arcade.
6) Sell your semi truck sized monstrosity of a mame cab on craigslist to some hapless idiot who wants to pimp his mancave and has thousands to toss around. Make yourself a new machine that an adult male would actually be proud to own, as well as another dedicated cab. Both cabs together will take up less space than your first project.

[yotsuya]

I appreciate the kind words, but the truth is that I spent too many of my younger days being that judgmental ---tallywhacker--- who couldn't see past his own ego and limited worldview. Decided I didn't want to be like that. Got me some emasculation and now I'm good.

These days, we need a good shot of honesty around here. Over-sensitivity is rampant and your crusty posts are actually quite refreshing. 

Scenario #1 -

You want to buy a $200 Space Zap cabinet. Your wife (not girlfriend, wife - your legal spouse) thinks you just don't have enough room for one since you already have a 4 player 4 foot wide video game playin' machine in the living room. Money is not an issue, since you collected $200 selling empty soda cans. What do you do?

Vigo's answer:
1) Get your bid down on that space zap because you know first mofo with cash in hand will get cab.
2) Get permission from spouse. Not that it is actually getting permission, because said spouse trusts you, but you want her in on the plans.
3) Go get Space Zap and shove it in the shed/garage for time being.
4) Clean out giant pile of junk in the basement that has been bothering your wife for years, and dedicate both machines to a nice looking space.
5) Happy wife, house looks better. Win for you, because you got yourself the beginning of a home arcade.
6) Sell your semi truck sized monstrosity of a mame cab on craigslist to some hapless idiot who wants to pimp his mancave and has thousands to toss around. Make yourself a new machine that an adult male would actually be proud to own, as well as another dedicated cab. Both cabs together will take up less space than your first project.

:notworthy

[Token]

Scenario #1 -

You want to buy a $200 Space Zap cabinet. Your wife (not girlfriend, wife - your legal spouse) thinks you just don't have enough room for one since you already have a 4 player 4 foot wide video game playin' machine in the living room. Money is not an issue, since you collected $200 selling empty soda cans. What do you do?

If I put a 4 foot wide cabinet in my living room then I have already established a lack of judgement. The wife will probably leave me for a KLOVer.

[yotsuya]

Scenario #1 -

You want to buy a $200 Space Zap cabinet. Your wife (not girlfriend, wife - your legal spouse) thinks you just don't have enough room for one since you already have a 4 player 4 foot wide video game playin' machine in the living room. Money is not an issue, since you collected $200 selling empty soda cans. What do you do?

If I put a 4 foot wide cabinet in my living room then I have already established a lack of judgement. The wife will probably leave me for a KLOVer.

[Aceldamor]

WTF is a Basement? we don't have ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- like these "basements" you keep talking about on the WEST SIDE!!!!!!!!!

[CheffoJeffo]

I will say that it's nice that nobody calls me "crybaby turd tosser egotistical self righteous miserable coward stink hole" anymore. 

The day aint over yet 

[Token]

WTF is a Basement? we don't have ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- like these "basements" you keep talking about on the WEST SIDE!!!!!!!!!

As a child growing up in the West, I envied the basements and stand-up floored attics I saw on TV.

Grew up.

Moved East.

Bought a house with a basement and stand-up floored attic. Exceeded expectations. Kid me knew what was up.

[RandyT]

Just do what's right to keep your relationship in good working order.  But keep in mind that females can smell fear, and that many of them don't consider it to be an attractive trait in a male.

But in the interest of full disclosure, I have it pretty good.  My Lisa has assembled and soldered virtually every interface and has lovingly QC'd and packed every order we've had for over a decade.  Every part in every box is her "baby".  Before that, she enjoyed hitting garage sales and flea markets with me to hunt for classic video game systems, and didn't blink an eye when I pulled the old Defender cabinet from the basement and plopped it into, what was at the time of the early days of MAME, our <200 sqft living room.  There's a lot more related stuff she has (and continues to) put up with, but I won't bore you.

So, at the onset, try make sure you really know and accept them, and that they really know and accept you.  If it works out, you'll be dealing with each other's idiosyncrasies for a long time.  You get just one chance at life.  Do what you can to make sure you aren't miserable the whole time.

[DietCoke]

I have always wanted to build an arcade cabinet, but only if it had what I considered to be the best components and what *I* wanted, not what was necessarily a traditional cabinet.  Based on that it was clear that I was going to be spending some significant funds.  I don't tend to "spoil" myself or buy a lot of things for myself, so the odds of that idea ever getting off the ground were pretty slim.  It isn't a case of not being able to pay for it regardless, but as I've lived through poverty in the past I'm just not extravagant.

I asked my wife what she wanted for our ten-year anniversary.  She replied that she wanted a bigger rock on her finger.  Was it what I wanted to hear?  Not particularly.  But I accepted that it was something that she wanted, told her to pick one that she would always be happy with, and she was appreciative and more importantly - it made her happy. 

I can't claim to understand the importance that had to her, conversely she cannot claim to understand the importance that the cabinet has to me.  But it really doesn't matter... they make us happy individually, and thus together.

At the time I didn't know what I wanted to commemorate our anniversary, but after a few weeks I decided that I would like to build the cabinet.  She didn't hesitate when I told her that I wanted to build the cabinet, nor did she when I gave her a general cost.  I am sure that she would have said yes even if it wasn't our anniversary, or if I hadn't put a bigger rock on the finger.  But that's what it took for me to give MYSELF permission to build it.  Did I ask her if it was ok?  You bet - but that approach goes both ways, and is very much the reason why *knock on wood* we had an anniversary to celebrate in the first place.

Full disclosure, though:  I did not look at our bank account statements for several months to avoid the anxiety

[ChanceKJ]

.

[ChanceKJ]

.

[pbj]

Is she hot?

[Frank Drebin]

"We" decide what goes in "our" house.  I wouldn't drop a couple g on a machine without telling her just like she wouldn't buy new furniture to match the drapes without running it past me.  Mutual respect.

[johnrt]

just like she wouldn't buy new furniture to match the drapes without running it past me.

Really??? You care about the furnitures matching the drapes?? 

[pbj]

just like she wouldn't buy new furniture to match the drapes without running it past me.

Really??? You care about the furnitures matching the drapes?? 

HA HA!  He has different priorities than you!  Burn the witch!

 

[Frank Drebin]

just like she wouldn't buy new furniture to match the drapes without running it past me.

Really??? You care about the furnitures matching the drapes?? 

I care about a lot of stuff in the house, but that really wasn't the point.  Major changes, major purchases, we run them past each other.

[tomstewdevine]

Scenario #1 -

You want to buy a $200 Space Zap cabinet. Your wife (not girlfriend, wife - your legal spouse) thinks you just don't have enough room for one since you already have a 4 player 4 foot wide video game playin' machine in the living room. Money is not an issue, since you collected $200 selling empty soda cans. What do you do?

If I put a 4 foot wide cabinet in my living room then I have already established a lack of judgement. The wife will probably leave me for a KLOVer.

Nailed it.

[jennifer]

I guess, Here's my point: a lot of the people who I see in healthy relationships have a mutual understanding about what makes the other happy. And then don't feel guilt when they consider buying something that they like.

Married or not, I've had my fair share of relationships, and I'm no expert, but I do know this: I would personaly not chose to be with someone who made me feel guilt, or made me feel implied guilt for buying something I knew I could afford (time/space/money wise) that makes me happy.

Recently in the last year I've bought 6 new arcade cabinets, not once did I get hastled for them, the money I spent, not the time I've spent on them. That includes 3 out of province trips, and even one failed attempt to freight a cab from Texas to Alberta (buyer backed out). She knows this makes me happy, and will continue to support me by listening to my rants on car trips, asking questions, and playing the odd game of Mario Bros along side me.

My question is: why? Why deal with the guilt of not being happy? If you have the space, the bills have been paid, and you have a chance to add to your arcade collection, why shouldn't you?

   That's subjective friend... Firstly "out of province trips"? (**Jennifer chuckles with amusment)  And #2) Collecting is just that, a collection,  Without purpose could be considered a liability, financially, dangerous living conditions, and disposal in the event of death. 

[Vigo]

Just to play this to the other end of the field - Does the "It makes me happy" line really mean ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---? Is a spouse only being selfish and self serving by squelching a plan that would make their husband happy? What if the said hobby was gambling, going to strip joints, mutilating small animals with a hack saw?

And I only bring it up because I have known a few people that let their hobbies consume them. Amassing piles a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- that sits around on the concept that "it makes them happy".

In one case I had words with the spouse (husband) and told him to grow a pair and take a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- on the excuse of "It makes me happy" (Wife). Screw that. Some people need their antics reeled in by their spouse, big time. And if they are so self centered that they view it as their spouse trying to take away their happiness and be controlling, then they are damn lucky they had a spouse to begin with, because those people didn't understand the concept of a mutual relationship to begin with.


Yes, I am painting with a wide brush here, but I am making a point that there are good reasons why a spouse might not approve.

[monkeybomb]

Yes, I am painting with a wide brush here, but I am making a point that there are good reasons why a spouse might not approve.

For where this conversation has gone, I really think Vigo nailed it.

But I think if we go back to the generaic exuse of "the wife said no," then it's most likely something more that should not be blamed on the wife.  Perhaps the real complaint should be, "I didn't make life choices that have given me enough money to do this where I live."  Or, "I aleady have too much crap and my kind wife who puts up with me simply can't deal with adding an arcade cabinet."  But, if it's truly an issue of a wife not letting a guy get a cabinet, even when there is enough money and the house has a little extra space, then maybe there is an issue of guys getting walked all over and they need to grow a pair.

[yotsuya]

Just to play this to the other end of the field - Does the "It makes me happy" line really mean ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---? Is a spouse only being selfish and self serving by squelching a plan that would make their husband happy? What if the said hobby was gambling, going to strip joints, mutilating small animals with a hack saw?

And I only bring it up because I have known a few people that let their hobbies consume them. Amassing piles a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- that sits around on the concept that "it makes them happy".

In one case I had words with the spouse (husband) and told him to grow a pair and take a ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- on the excuse of "It makes me happy" (Wife). Screw that. Some people need their antics reeled in by their spouse, big time. And if they are so self centered that they view it as their spouse trying to take away their happiness and be controlling, then they are damn lucky they had a spouse to begin with, because those people didn't understand the concept of a mutual relationship to begin with.


Yes, I am painting with a wide brush here, but I am making a point that there are good reasons why a spouse might not approve.

That's exactly why I mentioned our friend with the white flip flops in my initial response. That's a great example of somebody letting their hobby consume their life and ruin their relationships.

I get the whole "man up" thing, which is what I think Chance's goofing around with. But I also know there are legitimate reasons why you should get your spouse's input in this hobby.

(Notice I didn't say girlfriend. I think those two are different.)

[pbj]

(Notice I didn't say girlfriend. I think those two are different.)

Yeah, girlfriends aren't deathly allergic to blowjobs.

[johnrt]

TL;DR for new readers: "Hey wife! If I can't have an arcade in the house, I'll slap you with my purse!"

[opt2not]

That's subjective friend... Firstly "out of province trips"? (**Jennifer chuckles with amusment) 

Awww that's cute. jennifer doesn't know what a province is... typical american school system fail.

[RandyT]

Awww that's cute. jennifer doesn't know what a province is... typical american school system fail.

Stop being so provincial