(Note from Mark Remond: Dennis’ posts on the Housekeeping 101 course administered by the Women’s Center where he volunteers continues to elicit comments. Here are two recent ones with Dennis’ responses.)
Dear Dennis:
I am up late, just waiting for a load of laundry to finish drying, and decided to catch up on your blog. I re-read this entry because I found it so inspiring the first time. I am not surprised at all at the level of interest for Housekeeping 101 by so many husbands. After all, something worth doing is worth doing right, and housework above all is worth doing, I am proud to say. I take great pride, and put all my efforts into keeping our home prim and proper.
This leads me to my question. How long is the typical waiting list to begin the application and vetting process for this (in my case) much-needed course for men? The vacuuming component especially caught my interest. I also need some tips from a stern woman on how to properly scrub a toilet.I think $125 is quite a bargain for this, especially since the practicum component only costs $25 for intruding on another person’s time. My wife is willing to lend me the money, otherwise it would simply be out of my price range, despite being such an incredible bargain.
—Monty
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DENNIS RESPONDS:
As i told Mark, Housekeeping 101 is not something that is offered to the general public; it's limited to those who are active in the center and to men with demonstrated FLR credentials. It's not game-playing; it's serious work! And it's not cheap either! $125 is only the application fee. There is tuition, a $25 weekly gratuity to the Woman hosting one's practicum, other fees, and a mandatory contribution. There are minimum levels for donations to an approved Feminist charity; men usually make this to the center itself. men pay fees at the center whether they are participating in a program or simply volunteering. i make a monthly contribution for the privilege of volunteering. It's a way to raise money and a way to atone for the sins of patriarchy, as well as a way to “give back” and redress the income disparities that women endure. Real men accept the need to financially contribute to women's causes. 
Training in the domestic arts is readily available. The women in Nancy's family trained me, teaching me everything I needed to know to fulfill their expectations and to abide by the various protocols Her family put forth.Another way to get some serious training is to sign on with a maid service. I've done this when one of (my Mother-in-law) Sue's friends who runs a housekeeping service needed extra help. Sue volunteered me. Not only did i learn a lot, but i learned to do my assigned tasks quickly and efficiently, what with the assertive management of our crew leader, a no-nonsense businesswoman who realized that time was money.
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Dennis:
I recently have started a job, about 6 hours per day in the housekeeping department of a
Since the purpose of this job is education, of course the money is deposited into my wife's bank account. I only mention this because this could be a good idea for others interested in Housekeeping 101. —Albert
DENNIS RESPONDS:
As i stated in another response, this is an excellent idea! Working in the housekeeping department in a large hotel will teach you many skills that you can use in your duties at home. And an added bonus is that you're likely to be working for a demanding Woman, and we all can use a bit of humility!
In my case i received training from the Women of Nancy's family and by working with a maid service run by the friend of Nancy's mother, Sue. i learned quite a bit, not the least of which was that tasks had to be done correctly AND quickly. "Speed and quality," our supervisor yells as She makes her rounds to check on my work. It's a great use of my spare time; i say "it's" because from time to time I still go out with the cleaning crew when they need extra help.
And i help out another of Sue's friends who owns a women's clothing botique. At Christmas it's coordinated outfits, at Valentine's Day it's lingerie. She always has a lot of clueless men come into the store looking for gifts. I match up outfits for the men, ensuring that their wives or girlfriends get something special and that i maximize the money the men spend at the store. I'm always looking for ways to max out a guy’s credit card or empty his wallet; the woman in his life deserves nothing less. After all, what's the average guy going to do with money in his pocket? Probably spend it at the bar or sporting goods store; better that the woman in his life has a great outfit and accessories.
My benefit from all this? Well, plenty! Sue gets my earnings and store discount, but I gain knowledge. i've learned so much about coordinating women's clothing that Nancy trusts me to choose her daily outfits and pack her bags when she's going out of town. In a world where men don't even know the size of their wife's bra and pantyhose, I think that's a real compliment and another way to serve my wife. BTW, i serve women at the clothing store, too. They don't expect much from a man but are soon surprised that i have the same clothing coordination skills as the female associates and do a damn good job of gift wrapping! It's another way to please and serve women at, i might add, a great price since I'm sure the women get our best prices and discounts.
