I have so many I’d need to categorize them: Long term, short term, and immediate goals (priorities). I do so many “diverse” things; auto mechanics to woodworking; from cooking to reading. I have so many hobbies I seem to be constantly in a state of flux, often working on several diverse “projects” at once. I seem to call all of undertakings projects, be it remodeling the dining room to designing a new Workshop. Anything I build is most certainly a project!
Short term goals: are for me, like most others, whatever fire is the hottest, a car that won’t run or toilet that won’t stop “running.” Right now my goal is school/homework is my priority; the long term side of this goal is an Aerospace Engineering Degree. I have always loved to draw – once I learned that it could be done with instruments. I couldn’t draw freehand when I was a child; for the greatest part of my life I said, “I’m not artistic,” but when I realized that I could convey my thoughts with instruments the world opened like the pedals of flower to reveal what was hidden inside yearning for a chance to unveil itself. I have recently accomplished one of my earliest dreams; I graduated from Hutchinson Community College with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Computer Automated Drafting (CAD).I wanted to be an architect or a draftsman since the days I was introduced to mechanical pencils, triangles and a T-square. My goals have changed some since those childhood dreams; I shifted from clean hands with collar aspirations to dreams of Indy car racing to auto mechanic at sixteen years of age when I got my first real job and bought a mini-bike and then a go-cart. My brother did the dirty work (repairs) and I paid the bills (bought the parts). Soon it became obvious he couldn’t fix everything, when he and his friends “blew the motor” and tried diligently to repair the damage! My brother and I took the engine it to a, brand new, small engine repair shop; the price was right and service was first rate, we were back in business. Soon I had an asset, I took another engine to be repaired, the same great service allowed me to make a profit from a “boat anchor,” I made fast friends with the owner and soon I was a blue collar minded teenager with a new goal, to be a mechanic. A mechanic I became; first a small engine mechanic, later I joined the Air Force to become an aircraft mechanic. While being taught to fix multimillion dollar aircraft I took on the task of teaching myself auto mechanics. My first auto mechanics story is rather amusing; I bought a 1968 Pontiac Firebird – not because I loved the car – because the price was right and because “truth be told” I was in the passenger seat when an impromptu race took place while waiting idly (pun intended) at a traffic light. The competition was in a vintage Chrysler Barracuda and he had us (I’m already party to this happening) beat as the light changed, I could feel acceleration forcing me back in the seat, now my heart started pounding faster as he jabbed the clutch and slammed the wobbly shifter into second gear, the Cuda was a half car length in front of us but I was sure we were gaining on ‘em. As sure as the motor roared and tires squealed we were gaining ground, he ripped the gear lever back into third and that rusty old bondo buggy pounced like veracious tiger, it was exhilarating to feel the front end lighten the sudden lunge as though I was slung on an amusement ride! We won but I lost; I lost my rational mind and bought the heap! Now I had a new goal become an auto mechanic and resurrect the beast.
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