I love Tools

Marc likes to tell people, especially contractors that come to our home, that “She’s the one that wears the tool-belt in our family” as they try to have a detailed conversation about whatever they are recommending or getting ready to do. This has been one of the flavors in our marriage that I think we both enjoy – that we don’t quite fit the gender expectations in our home set up. Truthfully, we both wear ’the tool-belt’. And we each have our favorite tools and areas of expertise (or at least a little more knowledge). 

What is your favorite tool at work right now? What caused you to pick it up? How long has it been your go-to? Is it still serving you? 

What is your favorite tool for your life outside of work? How did you find it? Are you happy with the way it serves you? 

I love tools. I love trying new approaches and methods. I tell myself that I am seeking to streamline and find a method that works once and for all, but then it will become familiar, and I will get bored with it – or curious about something else. 

The tool that works for me best most of the time in most situations is a pen to paper. I journal pen to paper. I make lists pen to paper. I empty my head of ideas onto big paper with big markers. I have tried to do it another way – using apps on my phone and apps on my computer. The only two programs that I am in a long-term committed relationship with are Scrivener (where I write) and Canva (where I create). 

I’m on the lookout for a calendar solution that allows me to be in communication with the four other people in our family (yes, we all have google calendars that we share). I do calendars both digitally (which is a mess) and pen to paper week to week. 

I have an okay relationship with a reminder app on my phone, but that only works when my phone is nearby and lately I’ve been (trying to) making a choice to keep my phone in another room.

I’ve returned to using a bullet journal (a kind of build it yourself day journal) this summer. Where it works well is the pen to paper alongside creative space. But I have a constant sense of feeling like I need to ‘catch up’ with it…. Maybe there is a reframe in there somewhere – or a new tool to help with this tool. 

In the other toolbox, my reciprocating saw remains a favorite. I use the drill all the time. I was thrilled to ‘have to’ get an oscillating multi-tool last winter. And I dream of someday having the space to have a chop saw. 

Oh yes, also regularly used and loved –  a sewing machine, rotary cutters, quilting rulers, pins, and mats. 

I love tools. What tools are you loving these days?