Tuesday, June 12, 2007

outta plumb



Half a bubble out of plumb ~A construction phrase to describe a person who is… well… a brick short of a load, or his elevator doesn't go to the top floor, you get the idea. A construction superintendent I know has hired quite a few of these fellows. If someone comes to a construction site and actually wants to work, he is often given that opportunity. Even if he has to be shown the same task over and over, or he doesn't have any tools, just the fact that he shows up is more than you can say for some of the sub-contractors.

Another day in paradise ~When the job site is running along smoothly (does that ever happen?) and all is right with the world (not!)

Here's your sign ~When the masons started on the job in progress, they were reminded to wear hardhats. But their excuse was 'if there is not a sign about hardhats, we don't have to wear them'. Common sense obviously was not a factor, as they were working on the ground under steel workers welding and setting beams.

All things are possible ~At the biweekly meeting of architect, owner, and superintendent, ideas are tossed around, and the question is asked - can we do this? Resident superintendent responds with his pat answer - "All things are possible, given enough time and money."

SSDD ~Borrowed from Stephen King's Dreamcatcher, SSDD means Same S**t, Different Day (or as we tell the grandkids - Same Stuff, Different Day). When the superintendent uses this to describe his day, best leave him alone for a while - or better yet, get him a beer.

spring