Tinker Ergo Sum

As I work on my iBook, I have the frightening sensation that it could be one of the last projects I work on for awhile. At first, I was content with the idea of winnowing down my collection to the most practical machines. Suddenly, though, an uneasy feeling has settled in. As my older machines find homes (Goodbye Ariel! Goodbye Archimedes! Goodbye Tin Man!), I'm suddenly discovering that it's not making the machines work that's important. As they say, it's not the destination, it's the journey. In short, what started off as a needed skill for work has become a hobby. I tinker, therefore I am.

I build a lot of things. I do rockets (low powered, your classic Estes variety), I've started building robots, even rebuilding one of those robotic dogs (Here Tekno! Here Tekno... good robot!) and I paint (not really a hobby; member of the IAAA). The computers are just another-thing-I-do. And I like it. Yes, I've complained about having systems lying about my one bedroom apartment. Yes, I've moaned about having to lug home monitors or tower cases. But you know what? This is fun!
Sure, we want to finish up our latest computer rebuild. Somehow, though, I suspect that if we happen to see a computer sitting at curbside on garbage night, the impulse is to stop the car and grab it. It's what I, we, do.

Tinker ergo sum.