navelgazing

[gfish]

For roughly the last decade a large part of my personal identity has been the mad pursuit of new hobbies. I was the guy who was always picking up new skills, taking random classes. My hobby was hobbies, I liked to say. Even going to grad school was part of this, just another certification to acquire. Looking back over the last few years, though, I'm not sure how true this is anymore. I feel like I've settled into something of an electro-mechanical niche. I used to get the biggest thrill from diving into something completely new and crazy, and now I'm starting to favor the acquisition of greater mastery over a smaller set of skills. I'm happy enough with this, but it's a weird realization that such a large part of my identity has drifted out from under me.

Speaking of, I just dropped more money than I want to think about on the initial research materials for a really crazy Burning Man project. I'm not willing to commit to it quite yet -- it's going to be on the outer edge of feasible at best, really pushing my technical and financial limits. But Project Hexapod is kind of underway.

Comments

[solarbird]

But Project Hexapod is kind of underway.
Excellent.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

I'm still rather caught in trying to do and learn 8 zillion things. I admit a tremendous envy every time I see you finish one of your amazing electromechanical projects of late, so I'd *like* to do the same... but it's not happening yet.

[niac.livejournal.com]

For you reference, Everett Steel is a lot cheaper than Online Metals, and has a ballard warehouse.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Huh. Good to know.

[sistawendy.livejournal.com]

What could convince you to transfer your hobby-acquired skills to me?

[rollick.livejournal.com]

Well, you know, it's a natural part of life. We all eventually get older… settle down… fall into ruts… build amazing complicated robots that eventually go evil and take over the world…

[keystricken.livejournal.com]

I can't wait to hear more. You're going to bring your sketches this weekend, right?

[gfish.livejournal.com]

Sure, I'll be sure to take them home tonight so I can pack them. They aren't much, though. I tend to do most of that in my head until I'm forced to come up with hard numbers. Despite my job title, I'm really not an engineer by any means. :)

[peteralway.livejournal.com]

"Project Hexapod" cannot help but be anything but cool.

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Well, if it starts with a live spider, I might have reservations...

[ilmarinen.livejournal.com]

No no, that's the canceled Project Octopod.

[gfish.livejournal.com]

Damn budget cuts, everything had to be downsized.