Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square

Charlie looked at me from across a rickety table, sipping on what I guess is his 5th cup of coffee that morning. I run into him at the coffee shop often. We talk of motorcycles and the weather. We talk of pretty women and work. Typical guy talk.

Charlie is my Dad's age, a carpenter and businessman. Always busy, always drinking coffee. I've done some contract work for him before. We have a good casual business friendship.

"Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square, the finish carpenter's motto." He says to me after a short talk of greetings and catch-ups. "Are you embracing Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square?"

I saw a spark in his eyes, and I knew I needed to pay attention, and take mental notes. He takes a sip of his coffee, waiting my answer.

I shrug and acquiesce.

"No. You must embrace it, fully." He pressed. "When you're shit is Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square, you can charge what you're worth. You make more money. You get better jobs. Everything you do must be. I know you take pride in your work," I nod, he continues, "but once you do everything Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square- it's unarguable. Someone complains about your work, you put a level, pull a string, set a square. Show them that your shit is perfect, and that ends the argument." He takes a sip of coffee, jingles his keys in his hand, and excuses himself. "Anyway, I'm just a tired old man that talks too much."  I argue against his use of the word "old" and assure him that he doesn't talk too much. We say our farewells, knowing we'll run into each other soon.

I may have paraphrased some parts. And condensed others. But that's the gist of the conversation that I remember.

 And it stuck with me.

 I dwelled on it at face value, and my work improved. New opportunities arose, and I walked through those newly opened doors.

Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square.

I took a job as a carpenter traveling with a TV show. I was building a built-in bookcase a thousand miles from home during my first week of this month long gig. Someone asked me why I was pulling a string- and I answered with "Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square." I didn't explain. I just smiled. Everything perfect, no arguments.

 I don't think these opportunities newly opened up to me came just from my work. I subconsciously applied Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square not only to my work, but also to my character.

Prospective employers and businesses look for a level headed, straight laced worker. A straight and square board is more useful to the carpenter than a twisted, cupped, and bowed one.

I'm just guessing on this one, but I imagine that a girl finds a man that's Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square more attractive than a wobbly, bowed, and messed up one.

Level, Plumb, Straight, and Square.

The Carpenter's Motto.

Not just for work, but for life.

Anyway, I'm just an energetic young man that talks too much.

-D.S. McKie