They're probably thinking "he looks ridiculous! What's he doing anyway?"
I bet they're right.
In the darkness beyond the garage bay, I'm hunched over something and holding a... toothbrush? There's a headlamp strapped to my head—on top of my beanie but below my headphones—and I'm wearing blue light glasses so I can feel like I have some sort of eye protection. As ridiculous as I look, I'm completely oblivious to my surroundings. I can't focus on anything other than what's in front of me.
It's fantastic.
My new-to-me typewriter sits partially disassembled on a bed of newspapers. I've successfully descaled the layers of built-up dirt from its innards.
I can't believe this thing actually typed when I tried it before buying.
That's all I keep thinking to myself as I work the soft bristles of a toothbrush around a metal lever. My flow state is accompanied by a bit of a smug euphoria. I'd scoured Reddit and watched a bunch of recommended videos on how to properly clean a 1947 Royal KMM typewriter. I'd been meticulous, and I can already tell it's paying off.
With the increasing pace of life, it's not often I tinker with physical projects anymore. Mostly, I build and rebuild software to scratch that itch, but I didn't know how much I needed this. Tightening the screws, closing the lid, and testing the fixed keys makes me get why my grandfather and my dad always tinkered with stuff. It's so rewarding. Getting lost in something for a bit and then immediately seeing the fruits of your labor is addicting.
My new ribbon just got delivered, so I think we're just about ready for our maiden voyage. I already know I'll be coming to click clack therapy a lot.
When's the last time you got completely lost in a project? What about it captured your attention so fully?
onward.
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