A month an a half ago I began an experiment.
My observations:
Being at work added stress to my day. I like my job, but it can get real intense.
Being in my shop reduces stress in my day.
Having flexible work hours, my schedule tended towards getting in late and staying late. By the time I got home, it was too late to run any power tools.
That morning, six weeks ago, I found myself rushing to get some work done on a project before leaving for work. Not only was I rushed, but I was stressing about getting into work “late.” On the drive into work I realized I had it all backwards. I should put the activity that reduces stress after the one that adds it.
My hypothesis:
If I shift my day so that I can spend time in my shop after work, I’ll be a happier Erik.
Science in hand, I set my alarm for 7:00am and the next morning was on the 7:45 shuttle to work. I arrived earlier that I ever have, including the first day of HR indoctrination.
My data:
Preliminary data supports my hypothesis. The past month and a half have been great. I finished my wall hanging cabinet build in time to give it to my mom on mother’s day. My girlfriend has noticed a calmer Erik that has a schedule closer to hers.
So, here I am, “better,” reflecting on what inspired me to push my woodworking to the forefront of my life.
It wasn’t Norm. It wasn’t Roy. It wasn’t David.
It was Marc. It was Shannon. It was Matt. It was Chris.
These are our heros of the new age of woodworking. In an age where facebook and twitter have replaced TV, these are the people that will be inspiring the next generation.
I find these blogs, these podcasts, these videos so compelling I had to try my hand at it. I’m going to start modestly with some blog posts. With luck I might work my way up to some videos. I’m making a commitment to chronicle my way though the next Guild Build and the Hand Tool School as well as some random musings and experiences along the way. After that’s done, I’ll take a look back and see if this blogging thing’s working out for me.
I’m not done decorating yet but hop along for the ride and we’ll see where this train ends up.