The Journey is the Reward

The problem with creating your own things is that there are very few surprises with the finished product. And without those quirks, twists, and surprises, one is always ready for the next big thrill after completion

Now, not everything has to be self-made. The impetus, of course, is that nothing else available is fit for the task. This might be because of location, time involvement, cost, etc. But, I'm not going to shoot my own movie because I can't find one I like. It must be hell on a director to have one in the can. Lots of excitement watching it all come together; pride in the finished product, but the satisfaction is one entirely different from that of a cinema go-er. At least from my perspective, it would seem the discovery and intrigue of whatever it is that I'm seeking would outweigh the DIY route. But the DIY route ensures the job is done right, and can put the end goal within reach without moving to Maine, or spending years putting together someone else's failed project.

There are car guys out there that will pour 10's of thousands of dollars into a restoration and once complete, they sell the car for a loss after only a short time. For them, it's a loss of interest. They're ready for the next project. Odd as it may seem, there are those that sell the car off incomplete and never even ride in it…because of that same loss of interest. I believe the term for that is "quitter".

All else aside...how does one evaluate this kind of situation? And where does the satisfaction lie?

The Many Faces of Jack Nicholson.....

Bus Driver's Holiday

Here I am at work. Except I'm on vacation today. Well, turns out I was a little nervous about cure time of my cement that we placed under the new building's steel columns. Better safe than sorry. Plus it was windy as all get-out yesterday. So I'll put in a few corporate hours today and shoot for Wednesday late afternoon for the big beam install.

Sunday, Couldn't even sheath the place. "Luckily", I had all sorts of other things to attend do.

Got the ol' table saw out and ripped my 'rare as hens teeth' half-inch board into thirds. Then to the miter saw for appropriate cuts. A test-fit along the gangway and they're ready for a coat of paint. This led to a bit of consternation as there are a couple interior cues I would have done differently when it comes to the beltline and accents that this feature will tie into. Things to be attended to down the road when the other building is finished and there's actual floorspace to move about in. So, I snapped a few photos, loaded them in the computer and made myself some notes for 2012.

I found myself heading to the pole building for saw horses, next thing you know I had the tractor out. Well, I attempted it. Battery went flat. Had to jump it to get her going….that building just kept getting further away as the afternoon wore on. Put the tractor on a ramp, started the battery to charging, blocked up the mower deck and proceeded to actually break loose the LH threaded bolts holding on the mower blades. Thank gawd for cheater bars.

Knowing I must make hay while the sun shined, and after anchoring and cementing the columns in place earlier that day with Cara's gracious assistance, I got out the saw, tape measure and square and man handled twenty-eight I-joists, cutting each to length. Then set strings, took measurements, etc. etc. before sitting down to dinner. A full day it was.

Saturday was just as crazy, with sales, construction, and a little R&R that night. Despite Panthers Pride's claim, they were not open 24-hours a day on the weekend. Still craving dinner, Cam, Ben and myself headed for Tony's on main. Slow service, abrasive environment, and annoying patrons. The pizza was quite good, however.

We've entered May, and spring must certainly be on its way. We have grass starting to green. Trees are budding, but the nights are still cold and the weeds aren't just dewey, they're downright frosty as of late. Even though we're running heat upstairs, I could go for a night 'round the old bonfire any day now.