Do We Define Happiness with Things We Own?

It has been said time and time again that "money makes the world go round," but does the world truly revolve around our currency? We require the exchange of monies for services which enable or inhibit us to live a functional, productive (or in some cases unproductive) lifestyle. We use money to provide shelter for ourselves and loved ones, our clothes, and our vehicles. We pay others to provide services in which we have little expertise or out of convenience. So when is enough actually enough?

I consider my finances to be deeply personal, but here's a look into this bachelor's budget:

• Monthly medical bills
• Monthly rent
• Monthly savings deduction*
• Weekly gasoline purchase
• Monthly automobile insurance
• Monthly groceries
• Weekly church offering

A little dining out here or there, but otherwise that's a pretty conclusive list. Notice there's an asterisk on one of the items. Each month I make a deduction from that month's income (ten percent per month is a good goal). This money goes into a separate savings account which I absolutely will not touch for any reason other than it's intended purpose. The saved up money also doubles as an emergency backup. If I lost my job or my vehicle broke down, I have several months' income stockpiled in a savings account which accrues interest on a monthly basis.

“There's something about making a purchase which provides instant gratification.”

Despite this, I must confess that I love to spend money--it's in my nature. I see something cool which could help me out in even the slightest way and I instantly start researching it, trying to find good deals on it. There's something about making a purchase which provides instant gratification. Sometimes upon receipt of an item I end up wishing I had waited a little longer. It is, however, in most cases a subtle feeling as I am fairly frugal. Growing up I received a lot of gifts at Christmas and my birthday, so I think I am very fortunate for that. However, at home and in my house we often went without, especially when I very young. Could it be there is a void in which I have placed everything I always wanted or couldn't afford? Even though I probably never wanted a tool set as a kid I have the means to purchase one, and so I have.

I recall my older cousin next door having an 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System when we were growing up. I own that very system now, but what I really wanted growing up was this full-size Alf doll he had on his bed. I begged and pleaded for that Alf doll or one of my own, neither of which I ever received. To this day I have vivid memories of that doll. I still don't have it, but I did find a hand puppet stuffed animal Alf at a thrift store once (which I purchased). I also recently found a rock and roll hippie hand puppet Alf. I'll probably sell that one on eBay, though he's pretty cute.

So are these things false symbols of happiness or am I just that easy to amuse? Perhaps we're all searching for something to fill that void, be it with material possessions, significant others, or power tools and lumber. Who knows, maybe we'll find what we're really looking for someday. I think we will. In the mean time, I suppose I'll try to find a cheap deal on a genuine Alf doll. What is your personal void to fill?

Branching Out

In high school I took an agricultural class which also entailed woodworking. In March the little house used for processing paperwork and greeting visitors at my workplace was up for remodeling. One of the main concerns for this remodel (it had been remodeled before and now has a U-shape counter bolted in the center of the floor) was to make it more spacious. So against all reason, the manager pulled out both large office desks the clerks work at 24-7 and threw them out. Well, technically he did it one side at a time so productivity could continue.

In my last hour at work he began and needed a hand with a large sheet of substrate on the portable table saw he brought from his home. A couple of us helped him out, but later after work I stayed and took off my uniform shirt. I did simple things as it was his project, and he was a lot more experienced than my little box or footstool I created a decade ago.


Well, turns out he pulled out the shelving underneath the glass windows and created what is now, essentially, a full-scale "Z" shaped counter top for use with tall swivel bar stools. It looks and works great and we can now run around the office without feeling cramped up. Later on, over the weekend, I came back and we finished up all the details. Over time he has added drop down shelving and a rail underneath to pull or push against when in the bar stools.

So I have ventured back into woodworking and one thing the ladies need is something sturdy, more sturdy than the little wheel around the bar stool base, and I think I can create something simple to do the job. It's essentially a 5-sided box with an open bottom. The idea came from the fact they were using an empty copy paper box to prop their feet on (which is trash and clutters the place). Then, they started using our First-Aid toolbox (um, no). So hopefully after a month of working off and on, I can get my first real project finished.

The problem is, I have been spending a ton of cash to get started. I'm having to clean up the old barn and finding a lot tools such as a Makita reciprocating saw (bought a new blade) and a 15 amp Craftsman 10" circular saw. So what was my first power tool purchase? A Porter-Cable 18 volt 1/2" keyless chuck drill/driver. It came with two batteries, charger, carrying bag and for only $10 USD more I got a combo so it came with a portable circular saw. The saw I am not impressed with, though it does cut, but the drill is like the most useful thing ever. I fixed the door frame which warped outward and just yesterday I changed the entire side-view mirror on my truck after I broke it. That was pretty awesome.

Tip: Use super glue or something instead of JB Weld on partial plastic surfaces.

So what am I doing today?

I'm going to finish up on my truck hopefully. I hit some deer last year on the way home from work and it tore up my radiator, headlight, and grill. I got a friend of the family to fix and replace everything for less than $200, but he doesn't do bodywork. I'm going to attempt to remove the entire front fender from the truck in an attempt to repair it after I visit Google for a while. This is so cool.

Note: I'm also going to do a few reviews on interesting things I have tried lately. One of them is the Gillette Fusion which has, despite all efforts, won me over. Bookmark my RSS feed and stay tuned for updates!