Hobbies

I consider myself a Jack-of-all-trades, and certainly master of none. I dabble in many activities. In recent years I've become enamored with wood. It all started when my wife and I decided to put a wood-burning stove in our house.

I have learned that there are literal tons of free wood in the world. My local dump collects pallets and chips them into playground mulch. I can get those pallets for free, whenever the dump is open. I cut the slats from the runners and then saw them into fire wood. It is quite amazing.

The problem I'm having is that most of these pallets are hardwoods. Red Oak, White Oak, and Elm are the three most common woods used in my pallets. I have a hard time burning such nice wood. I've started tinkering with the wood to make little boxes or anything else I can think of. My wife has finally purchased a table saw for me so I can more easily make higher quality stuff.

Another dilemma is that once you get a power tool, you quickly realize that you need other tools to compliment the one you have. Anyway, to make my long story short, I collect wood and burn it after I've failed to build anything of merit with it. Until later, Chau!

Injustice

Injustices abound in our world. In my world. Injustice affects individuals differently, and I am very sensitive to slights that are implied or expressed.

I know that to be offended is my choice. I believe that offense is not always intended by the perceived offender. However, I have a very difficult time getting along with some people.

I can not explain why some personalities chafe against mine. The very first time I encountered a certain person at my new job, I instinctively bridled at the sound of their voice. I've come to realize that this person is very immature for being almost fifty years old. I have also learned that this person has underdeveloped interpersonal skills.

The trainer should teach gently, not criticize and belittle the student. I was criticized in just this way today for a process I had never been trained in. The trainer affirmed that the process had been taught while I know that I was never in the room when that training took place.

This is the type of injustice I have in my life. This may seem a small matter to other folks, especially to those that had to endure the injustice of the picture above. However, this is my drinking fountain, and a man must drink to survive, after all.

2-06-08