Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tough Decisions, Welding and Reciprocal Relationships

First of all check out this article on my project in the local paper! - South Whidbey Record.

We are faced with many decisions, at the moment I am dealing with two (well many more than two, but two main ones). One - There are people in my life whom have helped me greatly. I could not be doing what I am doing without them. But I also don't want to spend all of my time with them. I am often caught in situations that I don't want to be in, and in order to get out of them I have to choose between telling a small lie, and harming only my own psyche. Or telling the truth and perhaps hurting feelings, thus making me feel uncomfortable. But this should be a post all on its own. 

Two - Trim. It is amazing how a simple detail like trim can govern weeks of my life. Its all I can think about, and yet I just can't decide exactly what I want. Because trim is often viewed as a background detail, but it quite literally frames our views of the world. The choices are practically endless, and this makes the decision making process particularly challenging. Because it is necessary to learn first. And any decision invariably leads to another discovery, which leads to another decision. It is the ripple effect. But when concrete progress is necessary this is not extremely helpful nor practical.

On the note of concrete progress - I spent the last couple days welding on my chassis, extending it out from 8'x13' to 10'x18'. I took an advanced metals class last year, and have a bit of experience with welding. So with the help and coaching of a very good welder and nice guy, Jim, the chassis should be ready to go by next Sunday! Then the floor shall take shape! But I can not start on the walls until I have some more plywood and ridged insulation (check out The Plan for information on materials). 

Throughout this process, I have had the gift of working with many mentors. Most of them are guys in their 50's and 60's who are makers and doers of things. Inspiring to be around and highly knowledgeable in their field. But the coolest thing is, most of them are in our dance classes (my dad and I teach dance for a living - EveryoneCanDance.com). So not only are they my mentors - I am also theirs, and this type of reciprocal relationship is so wonderful. Finding that balance of give and take is so important, I intend to fill my life with this equality.

Make decisions. Make progress. Live well.

Celina

9 comments:

  1. Why did you chose to go with 10' as opposed to the national limit of 8'6"? Im taking it that you arent going to be moving it very often, if at all?

    Other than that, WONDERFUL! I love and completely agree with you on the trim. It makes or breaks the prospective of the tiny area that is now your life, if you arent in love with it, if it doesnt call out to your emotions and set the mood of the house, then what's the point of having it? Good luck finding one that fits your dream :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your right, I am not going to move it very often. And hopefully at some point not at all.

      Thanks for your enthusiasm! It is appreciated.

      Celina

      Delete
  2. Just got news of your blog, and I applaud you for your initiative, your poise and your impressive writing style. We are a homeschool family and no strangers to out-of-the-box thinking, but you have set the bar for so many more to come. You really 'get it'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jill,

      I am delighted to hear from other home/unschoolers! Life can be so rewarding if you only let it.

      Celina

      Delete
  3. Before building to 10' wide make sure you talk to your local DMV. It might be as simple as a $100/year wide load permit... or it might be way more expensive and require clearance vehicles in front and behind, as well as travel time restrictions. good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the concern, but I got it all figured out : ) 10' is the limit for a $25 three day permit. The plan is to find a bit of land and stay for a while. Not to travel around the country. Thanks for the note!

      Celina

      Delete
  4. I feel compelled to point out, particularly in carpentry...nothing is set in stone! I.e.;any thing that you can build, you can also un-build and re-build, so if you choose something (say, under pressure to get on with the project)and it isn't just the exact thing, or you change your mind later, you can always change/re-work the thing so it is now better. Hope that helps some, and congratulations. BMarshall

    ReplyDelete
  5. Celina,
    You are rocking it, girl! Just found your blog and I really look forward to seeing your progress! Best of luck!
    Lala

    ReplyDelete
  6. :)

    i know what you mean about how such a simple detail can totally take over a week of your life. i'll check back to see how you are doing when i can.


    http://onelittlearchitect.tumblr.com/

    ReplyDelete