WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?

[Bob23]

   Yesterday I was faced with a serious dilemma: After a morning of customer meetings I found myself with a tough choice to be made. Let me give you some background information so you too can make an intelligent, informed choice.
   The weather was sunny, winds light about 8-10 knts. I've been working alot lately as we are coming up to the Memorial Day weekend (M-Day) which on Long Beach Island, NJ (LBI) marks the official beginning of the tourist season. I work on LBI and repair, maintain, renovate or build homes for my customers. They come from all walks of life and most have had vacation homes their for quite some time. They all share one common trait: Their projects MUST be done mby M-Day or the total annihilation of the universe will soon follow. Needless to say, it's been a stressful week highlighted by the loosing of my temper the other day at my son and brother (both employees) for no good reason. I apologized but I'd rather be able to go back to take the words back. I was shocked at myself; I didn't realize I was under that amount of stress. Back to out story:
   I'd done a repair in a customers garage ceiling and the final fun phase was to sand the drywall repair and paint. Do you guys love drywall dust in your hair and eyes as much as I do? I thought so. Anyway, my choice was this: Sand aforementioned drywall or go sailing in my Force 5. "Koinonia", my 1985 23/2 still sits in my driveway awaiting the completion of her spring pretty-up but I managed to ready the Force 5 "Linda Gale" for her 2011 season. All that remained was launch and first sail. So- sand drywall or sail? Sand drywall or sail?
   I made the right choice and we had a great first sail together! Salt water on my grinning face is better than drywall dust in my nose! You may quote me on that!
   I hope this has helped someone who is facing a similar dilemma.

Bob23

[bmiller]

The only thing different I'd have done is a little less contimplation. You made the right choice.

BTW the only thing better than drywall dust in your nose is shingle gravel under your nails.

[brackish]

.....

BTW the only thing better than drywall dust in your nose is shingle gravel under your nails.

I have proven on a number of occasions that I can both roof and float drywall.  I have vowed to live out the rest of my life without ever doing either again.

Bob, absolutely the right choice!

[rip]

jeeeze! I sure hope you assigned son and brother to get that nasty job done while you snuck that Margarita onto Linda Gale. If not it's still waiting for you

[skip1930]

It's easy. I'd copy and give the son and brother your post.

They will understand. And will forgive you knowing that this outburst is not really you.

Sailing usually after work, except when work is too unbearable. After all, "we are not machines."

skip.

[Bob23]

Thanks for your feedback, gents.
Yup, the job is still waiting for me. Yup, I'm glad I went sailing instead.
A few wise words given to me from fellow contractors over the years:
"If you don't take time off yourself, no one is gonna do it for you."
"At the end of our lives, we probably won't regret that we didn't work more hours."
Bob23

[jthatcher]

hi Bob,
   it is good to hear that you got out on the water -  with the way the weather has been around here, one has to take advantage of every opportunity to get on the water!   i can imagine that pressure to get everything done by this coming weekend.     my wife and i might make it down for friday and saturday night this weekend  .     i imagine that the bay will be pretty crowded if the weather cooperates in any way..   

i was just sanding some sheetrock out at the house this morning.  i better get a shower soon!     Good luck with getting the boat in the water..    i may have some time in early august if you want to talk about the cruise up to point pleasant!   jt

[Bob23]

Sounds great, JT. We should stay in touch...we may be able to meet up on the water sometime this summer. My boat should be launched in about 2 weeks if I get off my lazy butt and get to work!
Bob23