limitations
22 Aug 2010
Since purchasing the little cabin and building a house next to it and then rebuilding the cabin, we have been under constant construction. Everyone who has visited has seen this project in different degrees of close to done. 
A lot of work was done by me, but as time goes by , I am less and less willing to do anything. Wasn’t it just a few years ago I was climbing trees with my boys? I’m just wondering if this kind of work is getting harder because of my age, or because I am doing less of it. I always bring tools home on the weekend and have a project in mind, but end up calling the contractor to do it. I think this all started when I hurt my back building the front deck. It took me over a year to finally stop having constant pain. I still have to be careful, but is that because I need to strengthen muscles I hadn’t used for awhile?
My job is very physical, but even there I’m not doing as much as I used to. I’ve got some younger backs around me that can do the heavy stuff. I guess my point is: am I limiting myself or is my age a limitation? I hate the thought of not being able to do whatever I want. ( I put in that last picture to show Allison the view she was supposed to have.)
9 Responses
2010 Aug 22
While the back pain may be a cause for concern, maybe slowly easing back into your projects would help you feel better. I guess what really matters is whether or not you really want to do it yourself, or if you would rather have a contractor do it. Maybe it just isn’t as fun for you if you feel like you have to be so careful all the time?
2010 Aug 22
What insight. Thankyou. It’s true that I don’t want to do this stuff anymore. I just feel a lttle guilty spending money on stuff that I could do for free.
2010 Aug 23
Getting old sucks. I like the wisdom that comes with age, but not the creaks, cracks and aches and pains – let alone the pounds.
Paul, life is too short. You’ve got the money – pay the contractor to do these projects and spend your time doing something you love. Like petting your fish or planting flowers in decorative pots, and cooking for Craig – as well as guests you invite to your home.
Just my .02
(I had a lovely view, despite the rickety railing
)
2010 Aug 23
or make your guests give you a hand with some of the work, like me!
2010 Aug 23
Thanks Terry . As frustrating as getting old is, our guests are well taken care of. No work. I’m looking forward to you being here so we can take care of you.
2010 Aug 24
Yeah, I agree with Jennifer and Allison. If you don’t want to do it anymore, then don’t! Outsourcing frees up your time to do things you love more. I just hired a guy to make some nice video tutorials for my website. I could do it myself, but I really don’t want to. Now I don’t have to stress about it anymore (like I have been for the past 2 months trying to force myself to actually start on them), and it will be done without the countless hours of recording and editing on my part. More time to enjoy on my trip to South America. Yay!
By the way, do you really pet your fish? How does that work?
2010 Aug 24
I used to work more with them but fish are actually trainable. Only a few would come up and let you stroke there heads, now there’s just one. And she’s a lot more tentetive. Thanks for your comments.
2010 Aug 24
just like when you stopped working on your own car because we could finally afford to have someone else change the oil….you never really liked working on the car – it’s just that you could.
On the other hand…the 3 homes we’ve owned together have all become masterpieces because of your talents so don’t think your hanging up your trowel for good. We’ll just keep the contractors on retainer for the heavy lifting and yucky stuff. (that is if people keep buying candy)
2010 Aug 24
No matter how bad the economy gets, people will continue to buy candy.. The addiction is stronger than heroin, and it’s legal. BTW, I just happened to put a piece in my mouth when I read this.. : )