I mean, it’s a piece of wood, right? This is me, about a year ago. Well, maybe I’m overstating the ignorance. It wasn’t so dire as that. I could probably pick a 2x4 out of a lineup or, you know, a scrap bin. But to explain what was meant by “2” and “4”? Nope, not … Continue reading On knowing what a 2×4 is
Author: T Coe
On not being handy
Oh, that I were born handy. Some people are, I want to think, even as I know they are not. There may be innate tendencies toward handiness—but there’s no a priori knowledge. No one leaves the womb knowing how to hold a hammer. So I can’t lay the blame for my lack of handiness on … Continue reading On not being handy
On 7 things from last week (7/24/23)
A new deck. Over the past eight days, I’ve embarked—in the good company and far more capable and qualified hands of my father in law—on a major deck renovation. Wish me luck! The joy of a dumpster. Enlightened (Season 1). Excited to have dug up this gem of a show, co-created by Mike White and … Continue reading On 7 things from last week (7/24/23)
On the argument that performers should “shut up and play”
For several years, I was a regular reader of a country music news and reviews website that I won’t name here. I won’t name it, because it’s infamous for its combative creator and its abusive, rage-filled comments section. Honestly—-and you’ll just have to trust me on this!—I didn’t read for the venomous takedowns or snarling … Continue reading On the argument that performers should “shut up and play”
On turning out all the lights before bed
One of my favorite icebreakers is a simple one: What’s your favorite household chore? The answers always feel revealing in a way that’s hard to figure. Does knowing that my colleague loves steam-cleaning actually tell me anything about them? Maybe not—but it’s still a delightful little nugget to have in the back of my mind. … Continue reading On turning out all the lights before bed
On weather observations
A few months ago, I watched through several hours of an EdX course on the weather. The weather has fascinated me for years now—so much so that I've read through an entire college-level weather textbook twice, not to mention countless other books on the topic. But I still felt that understanding of the topic eluded … Continue reading On weather observations
On the joy of a dumpster in front of your house
It may be a side effect of suburban living: you always have too much stuff. There's always stuff you want to throw away. But you can't—because you never remember to toss it, or your trash removal service won't take it, or it's simply too bulky to get rid of. Enter the dumpster. A dumpster is … Continue reading On the joy of a dumpster in front of your house
On toddlers and Nirvana T-shirts
I've been seeing this a lot: A toddler, or little kid, wearing a t-shirt with the iconic Nirvana smiley face. It's bewildering on a few fronts to me, the first one of which is merely temporal. For, assuming that the parents of young kids (younger than, say, five) are not much older than 40, then … Continue reading On toddlers and Nirvana T-shirts
On knowing the roads where you live
It took three years, but I finally have it. Facing an unusual destination—not my regular commute or typical errand—I can now think (without needing to think): I know how to get there. Or, better: I know multiple ways to get there. I find this magical. This thought may sound absurd to people who live where … Continue reading On knowing the roads where you live
On 7 things from last week (7/17/23)
Kubb. I completed my latest woodworking project this past week: the oddball wood-chucking game kubb. Strider. Aster watching my toddler attempt to climb and ride my very adult-sized bike, we decided that a strider was just the thing. Baby poop. Is hard to get out of clothing. But it’s possible! Learning more about InDesign. 3D … Continue reading On 7 things from last week (7/17/23)
Taylor Coe 