Friday

Today represents the 70-something-th day I have absolutely KNOWN that I would be able to complete my current home renovation project. It's not so much that I'm a "morning" person, however in the first part of any day, I tend to greatly overestimate how much time it takes to complete ANYthing, added to the brutal reality that it isn't possible to anticipate those infinite serendipitous "occasions" requiring my immediate participation, do-or-die.

I believe this chronic and daily shift from my AM ("Maria Von Trapp" enthusiasm, arms outstretched, high above the cares of this world,) to the unrelenting PM (WHAT time is it? How did it get to be so late? [What in the world???] OK...well, I have accomplished progress TOWARD the end, and there's always tomorrow...") has defined me for too long. Perhaps even changed me permanently.

So while it is early-ish, here I sit, typing away, feeling full of power, might and glory about wrapping this reno up today. Perhaps I should put off the sawing/wood/drill/hammer/nails/nail set/putty/sandpaper/math a little longer, in order to sustain and bask in this wonderful feeling I'm having.

A couple of years ago, I believed that carpentry, plumbing, electrical etc. were all hidden secrets, privy only to Masons. But one thing does lead to another, and having a brilliantly creative mind (made only keener with AARP elegibility and the Internet,) I have discovered that not only can I do anything, but in most cases, with more concern and perfection than a contractor. The only problem has been that there has been more redo than do. AND THE VALUE OF THIS?

I am learning! I've discovered the only time any lesson or skill has ever "taken" has been when I have had to redo. Thus, there is intrinsic value in errors/blunders/mistakes/horrors, etc. (Perhaps this is why in middle school, (esp.) fellow student bystanders often applaud us when we trip, goof up, etc.)

FYI, I cite a couple of my "lightbulb moment" findings:

1. HOMEMADE SPACKLE: So far, this seems to be a good idea: With enough resulting sawdust to build a shed, I have learned that it is okay to use it in some mulching applications in the yard. It occurred to me that, I should be able to combine sawdust with wood glue, adding minimal amounts of water to create just the right consistency, thereby creating a stronger spackling, et voila! This concoction has effectively obscured certain structural imperfections and improperly angled crown molding corners along with other slight but visible gaps! Once dry, appears to be better than putty/caulk/plastic wood. (bondo?) I will update w/a retraction, if need be.
2. CAR DETAILING DETAIL: First, remove any lightweight items, such as paper from your car. Next, open all doors, then take your leaf blower and within a minute or two, your car will be freer of dust/debris than if you had carefully vacuumed it for 20-30 minutes.

I guess the time has come to finish this project today. I won't be able to finish it, however, if I don't start. I think starting is the most difficult part. Kinda like, I don't mind vacuuming, even enjoy it sometimes, but what I can't stand is getting the vacuum cleaner and plugging it in. (What's this syndrome?) BTW...we all have syndromes and peculiarities, however the majority of diagnoses identifying the more commonly known thinking disorders occur within the members of our population with high IQs. Hope this is comforting to some. (And you know who you are.)

Anyway, because I don't like vacuuming, when I know I need to vacuum, I begin to ponder the task, and by the time I am ready to plug it in, I will have painted a bathroom, waxed the car, baked fresh bread, and filed my taxes.