That 90s show

[greatbear]

So there is a meme running around LJ lately (imagine that). This one asks for a picture of one's self from sometime in the 1990s. I figured it was time to outfit this new backup PC with the scanning software and this was an opportunity to give it a shot.

This is from 1991, when I was building the deck on my house.



In the 80s, I taught myself AutoCAD, which I would run on my whopping 286/12MHz PC. I still have the PC! My major project was this deck. I need to search for the disks containing the drawings. The deck is made with pressure-treated framing, with cedar decking, railings, posts and pickets, with a redwood top cap. I must have done something right, the deck is still standing and solid as ever. It's in dire need of refinishing, however. And only one board in it's over 60 feet of length is showing any signs of rotting. I have replacements.

Yeah, I looked like quite the meathead back then. I guess I still do. I cannot get over how much I was brimming with enthusiasm and energy back then. I thought nothing, nothing at all about undertaking the deck build. But prior to that, I only had a bit of a pause when I decided to take on building my own house. With encouragement from friends, I gave it a go. And, I must have done something right, it's still standing too.

I wish more than ever to be able to have this level of enthusiasm again.

Comments

[thetarnishedowl.livejournal.com]

Great smile!

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

You are totally awesome. And smart. And cute. Then and now.

[sfmini.livejournal.com]

I restored houses, the first one was a 1878 house in the historic district of Savannah GA. I restored it to use as my home. I worked my ass off and did it all by myself. I only subcontracted things that had to have licenses for the permit and the final write off, but even at that I did most of the grunt work. I did it all while working full time as an accountant. I had great passion and enthusiasm.

I couldn't do that again if you lit me on fire.

I quit my job, opened my own company and went on to do 5 much bigger projects, most with a lot more stuff subcontracted. Physically I wore myself out with my career restoring historic houses. I closed my company in 1996 for what I can only describe as a lack of enthusiasm to do it anymore.

I set out in my early 20s with ideas of what I'd love to accomplish in my life. By the time I was 36 I had done them all. I lost my enthusiasm. I don't quite know what to do with myself anymore.

I'm with you, I wish more than anything to have that level of enthusiasm again, about anything.

[bearlover.livejournal.com]

Porn moustache!!

One of my main fantasy goals is to build my own house but it'll probably never because I'm not that good with my hands. I always have a plethora of questions for construction workers though. The idea intrigues me.

I know saying this is sad...

[beartech420.livejournal.com]

"I cannot get over how much I was brimming with enthusiasm and energy back then."

This is a depressing statement coming from someone who is 53 years old.

I believe the major factor we as men lose the enthusiasm and energy is that our testosterone levels have peaked and started to decline.

I wish I had health insurance and a personal physician. I would really want to have hormone supplements not for bodybuilding, just to bring the levels up to when I was in my 20s and 30s.
BestRegards,
Pete

AutoCad memories!

[beartech420.livejournal.com]

My ex sold me his 8088 packard bell pc clone. I slapped on a 8087 floating point chip and AutoCad would scream!
Ah computer memories!

[uncle-dan-nyc.livejournal.com]

Have I mentioned I admire the HEll out of you!

[rockybear02.livejournal.com]

Hmmn very cute picture - but I think you are hotter now... WOOF

[shawnsyms.livejournal.com]

Hubba²