A very wise supervisor gave me a recommendation years ago while on the job. “Go Slow, Fast” came from the Japanese who could do nothing wrong in the world of Quality Control. What it means is to take many seemingly infinitesimal steps toward progress, but take them quickly so the sum of the steps quickly becomes a solution or major improvement. It took me months to digest that one, but eventually I got the point. Now I live by that credo, “Go Slow, Fast,” if only because I have fewer days ahead of me than I have behind. The problem is that the body is no longer as able to go as fast as is required to make the slogan work to satisfaction. Nevertheless, as I age, I try my best to make the baby steps go by quickly.
My latest project which I have christened “House in a House” is a rather large effort. Until recently, the lower part of our home which we call the basement, consisted of concrete walls (the foundation of the house), and a concrete floor. Out of sheer boredom, I decided to finish the space to make it more livable. Up until now I used only one small corner of the area for my wood shop. I have dreamed of a spotless clean totally organized workshop all my life, but never had the gumption to make it happen. Had I used the Go Slow, Fast slogan I would have accomplished that years ago. The problem was that my wood shop was never the highest priority in the mix of life. This time the wood shop is still not the highest priority as it has taken back seat to finishing five large living spaces: 1. legacy hall, 2. a dining area, 3. a recreation area, 4. a kitchen, and 5. the shop. The area under construction is approximately 1200 square feet. Since I raised my family in a home of 1000 square feet I can confidently call this renovation a house inside a house.
I am trying to be a hero by doing as much of the work myself, but I have succumbed to asking for help from a few angels, some mercenary and others very kind hearted. At this time I have about 65 percent under my belt. The Go Slow Fast credo has made me concentrate completely on this project, to the point of setting my blog, garden, and Lions Club activities aside. Three major steps remain, electrical, floor, and ceiling. The electrical is being done by one angel, the remaining floor and ceiling will be done by me with some assistance from a second angel. I have promised Lovely a vacation between the floor and ceiling steps because she has been an angel and has stayed out of my hair the whole time. I see her at breakfast and then tell her I have to go to work, and return at wine time. We both need away time together. I have a favorite Tervis tumbler that is engraved with a scene titled “Life is Better at the Beach.” I seem to be using that glass more frequently for my Margaritas, and Martinis, and the image provokes the idea that it is time to travel.
Filed under: Aging, Biography | Tagged: diy, House in a House |
Quite inspiring that you say you have slowed down with age but have taken up such a substantial project. All the best.