The Right Tool....

Remember the sage advice I'm sure that was given to you by your father, grandfather, or at least your high school shop teacher? The right tool for the right job. Well it goes beyond that. Some of us just don't have the natural ability to use the right tool. Take for example, the Machete. Used by farmers and caribbean natives for centuries. Used to cut brush, trees, as well as an assortment of crops including sugar cane, and coconuts. In some cultures, the machete is the swiss army knife, used for almost everything. With that being said, it is with confusion I sit in the emergency waiting room, wondering at what point in my work day did I make the actual mistake. Was it choosing the tool in the first place? I mean, come on! I am a very competent individual. I grew up around tools. I have been working in "Labor" careers most of my adulthood. Although not officially college educated, I did spend some time there. I consider myself to be competent and proficient in most endeavors I take on. Besides, how hard can it be, right?

Or was the mistake in the confidence and hubris itself. The first half hour went by so easily and smoothly. I was looking forward to finishing the job quickly. As they say, "Speed Kills". Maybe if I was a little more methodical and took a step back to re-evaluate every aspect of the situation, I would have been done ahead of the expected time, instead of an unfinished job. You know, the tortoise and the hare.

Well hindsight is 20/20, especially when it is focused by a five hour hospital visit and nine stitches. I could sit for days, driving myself nuts, analyzing every second of the incident, but that will do no good. I was lucky that my riding will continue unimpeded by this injury. I think I will leave the machete for the natives, I'll finish the job with the chainsaw.