Work smarter, not harder

Life has been overwhelming me. With the combination of graduate school, working 3 at different places, and living I find myself exhausted and anxious on a regular basis. Not that it isn't worth it, though. I'm working towards my teaching certification and Masters in Instruction and Curriculum which is a passion that drives me forward. Also, my work is giving me experiences in many teaching/learning environments--everything from place-based education to a variety of classroom setups to the strategies of assessment and result driven goals.  I just need to remember to keep a solid head on my shoulders.

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In amongst it all, I was able to go thrifting with the my lovely Hope. We stopped in at Marketplace 3301 a few months back. I always enjoy looking through bits and bobs, especially antiques. In our meandering I found this:

Yeah, it is a bit rough. The fabric had a coarse, burlap-like weave and was wearing. The entire surface was covered in paint splatters of all colors. It did not have much going for it in its current state.

I saw potential though.






For the most part it was easy to take apart. First remove the steps--unscrew, unscrew, unscrew. Now take off the seat--unscrew, unscrew,unscrew. Finally, the back---huh?

It appeared to be magically attached. I could see the screws going into the back from supports on the chair, but could not imagine how to get them out. I searched the internet. I took in help from a skilled tradesman. No luck.

It turns out, and I'm not going to get into the blackhole physics of this, but the screws in the back of the chair slide into the upright supports to appear as though there are no screws at all. What clever construction.




I then reupholstered the seat and back with lovely new cotton fabrics and vinyl for durability, spray painted all of the surfaces in a coordinating color, and assembled it all back together.
Ta-da!

I'm still not sure if I should be terribly concerned that I did not use all of the original screws, but I've been sitting high and mighty in my revamped chair.

(It's hard to tell, but the seat fabric is a faux bois, false wood grain, to go with the floral seat back. So lovely.)

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So even while it took me over a month to put together a project that should only take a weekend, I am pleased to find pockets of time for creative energies.

I still need to take time to evaluate how I am spending my energies so that I do not burn out or stress excessively, but I am surrounded by support from my family (sending extra love and appreciation to my mom), Jon with his wit and keep-cool-attitude, and my friends for their advice and laughter. XOXO