The right tool for the right job…

C.E. Grundler


If there’s one thing my recent computer headaches have taught me, it’s you should always use the right tool for the right job. A tool that may have been ideal a few years ago may no longer cut it or there may be better ones out there. When I’m working for the boat I’m what might be described as a bit obsessive about my tools. My father (Hi, Dad!) Is a graduate with honors from the School of You Can Fix Anything with a Leatherman and some Duct Tape. And while I’ll agree with duct’s tape versatility, we’re still divided on the one-size-fits-all tool thing. I’ll admit in his hands, Annabel Lee would have been back afloat in half the time it will ultimately take me. On the other hand, she’d likely be floating with the aid of whatever BandAids and bubblegum he had on hand at the time. In truth neither approach is right or wrong. We all work in a way that feels right for us.


Still, it was becoming apparent to me that when it came to writing, I’m still my father’s daughter, as evidenced by my previous computer. And the one before that. And the one before that as well. I take care of my things and I make them last, but sometimes even though things last, they’re long past useful. Less ideal tools may get the job done, but it might take twice as long and be a struggle the entire time. When that’s the case, it’s time for a new tool.


With the computer no longer fighting me, it gave me a moment to re-evaluated my tool box. I’ve been making some changes, and one has made a dramatic improvement my writing productivity. It’s helped me to see clearly and I have an all new level of focus keeping me on track. It blocks out any unnecessary distractions and keeps my fingers glued to the keyboard and my butt to the chair better than crazy glue… or even 5200 for that matter.


So what is this wondrous tool? Quite simply, the ugliest pair of glasses I’ve ever seen. Until now I’ve done fine with a single pair of glasses, but lately the closer I am, the fuzzier everything becomes. I get it — I’m not getting any younger and this just goes with territory. But I have work to do and squinting at a screen wasn’t helping. It’s subtle how eye strain wears you down. Off for an eye exam I went, and the verdict was a pair of progressives in funky frames, which should be ready in a few days. The optometrist suggested that for reading and writing, supermarket “cheaters” of the right prescription would be perfect. I picked up a pair that afternoon. A really ugly pair, but the prescription matched and I wasn’t shopping for fashion.


They may be ugly, (ok, hideously ugly would be more accurate,) but I can see again. The computer screen is crisp and clear, and I can read even the smallest fonts. Such a simple change, one I’d been slowly compensating for without even realizing. But these horribly ugly glasses (yes, too ugly for pictures,) have another benefit beyond what I can see — what I can’t.


Yup. While the computer screen is sharper than it’s in years, everything beyond my laptop is now a dizzying blur. Standing to walk across the room can induce a head spinning feeling of disorientation that has become a powerful incentive to simply remain seated, fingers on the keys and eyes on the screen. It’s a surprisingly effective form of aversion training, and every day that I’ve worn the ugly glasses my word counts are double or triple what it was prior to improving my eyesight. While I’ll credit part to less eye-strain, I will admit that it’s unpleasant ‘fun-house’ effect keeping me seated for longer stretches.


I’ve heard you should write in the same spot every day to stay in a work mode. I know some writers have a lucky sweater or coffee mug to get them into that writing state of mind. It’s a matter of whatever works for you. As for me, I can’t wait for the new glasses to be ready, but I’ve already made up my mind. When it comes to Butt-Crazy-Glued-To-Chair concentration, these hideously ugly glasses are beautiful writing tools.


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Published on August 07, 2014 08:35
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