I Got Skills Baby!

I always had an aptitude and thirst for learning.  I think, like most, if I was interested in the subject the faster I would learn and the more I would want to know more. 

Typist – I taught myself how one year during high school when I was bored (finally had some training 10 years later but at that time just typed the page from top to bottom) but it sure came in handy when I was looking for a job when I really needed something.

Driver – I drove about 200,000 (or more) the first few years I had a license. I think I got good driving and could drive just about anything up to a semi.  There were even times when I would steer with one knee.  I would always keep my eye on the road tho.  Well, one time I broke that rule eyeing a pretty girl but I was going fairly slow (15mph?) and the cadillac several car lengths in front of me shouldn’t have a need to stop as there’s no left turn.  Was I wrong!  I think he was checking out the same pretty girl!

Security Guard – Although this was my main job in the USAF, I never really wanted to do it again. I was watchful anywhere I went but I never wanted to be paid solely for this again.

Exterminator – Only doing this for six months showed me I didn’t want to do it any longer. I didn’t want to smell those chemicals again or work for any company that thought ripping off their customers was funny.

Handy Man – When it was my job in Oakland, I hated it. When I started doing it for myself and others, I loved it. Kind of like raking leaves at Patton. I never built a home from scratch but felt I could repair anything. If I didn’t know it already, I would learn it.

Locksmith – I took a mail order course (this was the late 70’s) that opened my eyes to how locks worked that even I could understand.  This know how helped me out more than once when a key wasn’t available.  What we had been shown on TV all these years became a joke.

Computer Repairman – Eventually I could build one or troubleshoot any issue.  Some job opportunities I had in IN sure helped me pull it all together.

I always wanted a work space/bench and work with wood and maybe metals.  Furniture, bird/dog houses and whatever was needed along the way.  I not only envisioned myself doing this around the house but , if I actually turned out a good piece, would maybe sell something from time to time.