Bedknobs and Bookcases

Today, Hans and I did something that he does all the time and that I've done maybe once in my life. We built something!

In an attempt to create even more order in our lives (and expand the kitchen and my office) we decided to put a bookcase in the hallway between the kitchen and my office. The problem is, it's hard to find a bookcase with the precise dimensions we needed. We needed the shelves to be just so high, and the entire unit could only be so tall and so wide. Plus, we're a little strapped financially, so we couldn't go spending a couple hundred on the perfect shelf. That's why we decided the build one.

Here's the thing: I know Hans can build a shelf in just a couple of hours. I also know he builds stuff all day everyday and the last thing he wants to do is spend his Saturday building something else. I also thought that maybe, just maybe, he'd enjoy building it if he were teaching me. That's why, for the most part, Hans didn't build. He (with Cody's assistance) instructed.

You're talking about someone who's never used a table saw. Heck, I have trouble with a hand saw. Yet somehow, I cut boards. I glued boards. I drilled holes and screws into boards. Yes, I made sure Hans (or Cody) was looking over my shoulder the entire time, and no, I probably couldn't build something again without his supervision. However, I could cut a board again. Plus, I know the basics of building a shelf. Yay!!!

See my masterpiece!