There comes a time when everyone needs their own space. Living in tight quarters usually promotes this more often than for people living in McMansions. Needing individual space comes more from having a tween than anything else. If you have had or currently have a boy tween then you understand this next statement. Boys Stink. Must be a puberty thing cause it is not a shower thing as taking showers is a daily act of frustration for all at Plan473 but one that I the Queen Bee always win. Somethings in life can be flexible, personal hygiene is not one of them. So even with daily showers and teeth scrubbings (many times with threats to accomplish this myself) the Kid's box smells like a gym locker. With the Kid needing his own space and me needed more office space than a 2 x 3 fold up table, the Planner and I worked out a quick fix.
First it started with a need for a fridge for cold water that was readily available and not a tromp to the Rainstream. Having salvaged a dorm room mini fridge during Harvey, the fridge was dug out of storage and given a wash down. The only visible damage from the storm was two small scratches on the side. The side hidden by the wall. Even inside glass shelves and crisper drawer were still intact. Perfect. It just needs to cool down two gallons of water. Nothing fancy.
Quickly dried in the summer sun, the Planner and the Kid brought it inside, reassembled it, and leveled it the floor. Checking to ensure the box door does not crash into the fridge, the unit was plugged in and water was chillin'. First office furniture installed in the Work Box, check.
Having spent the last 30 years around welders and their welder friends, I quickly discovered a trend. All welders are men. Huh. Welding is not physically restrictive to woman as there are tools and equipment used to move materials. Welding just has been a man's trade the same as daycare workers are women. Being a teacher and daycare director for too many years to count, I can attest to this little known fact: men make fabulous teachers for children of all ages. The Planner has always encouraged me to weld as I am meticulous, patient, and persistent. Well, what better object to try my hand at welding than my very own desk. Not having to worry for strength integrity issues and with most welds hidden due to design, this would be a great first go around.
To ease my first experience, the Planner tacked all the edges, handed over the MIG welder gun, and walked away. Knowing I have the understanding of what is needed as I have watched him and asked about his technique for 20+ years now, he also knew that I would do better without an audience. So he left. In the corner of his Shop Box with it feet propped up, he sat in a chair and proceeded to play on his phone as if nothing were more intriguing. After switching position to position to find my zone, I concentrated, welded, asked questions, and repeated the process. All corners done found the Planner staring at me. Apparently I welded left handed and upside down. Some where in my brain is a disconnect as I also crochet left handed and backwards. The job gets done and looks exactly like it should but is done as no other person can do nor instruct me to do as they cannot do it themselves. In college when I wanted to perfect my womanly check boxes, I joined the crocheting guild at the local JoAnn Fabric and none of the members could help me learn. Had to do it myself. Needless to say, I made one pot holder and a scarf and hung up the idea of making blankets.
Welding was not like that. Welding produced real usable results. With few exceptions, there is nothing that can't be ground away and started over on. Welding will be done again as I enjoyed it almost as I enjoyed cooking. When the time comes to build custom made built in cabinets and what not for the Home Box, I am totally gonna be the one welding. I am woman, see me weld. Welding can be added to my love of all things "manly": lawnmowers, weed-eaters, and above all others: CHAINSAWS. Nothing like the smell of two stroke in the morning. Or noon or night for that matter. Wait, what's that? Is that the sound of a chainsaw a mile away?
A quick grind to smooth the edges and a blast of evergreen paint and the desk was almost done. Next was the 3/4" plywood work top. Still having not mastered the skill saw skills after all this time, the Planner cut out the plywood. Once done, I rounded the corners, smoothed the surfaces, applied a thin layer of bees wax, left it to cure in the sun.
