So I am having a plethora of beers with a few neighbours out in THE street where alcohol is usually consumed at an alarming rate, and one of the neighbours kids rocks on up to have a chat with me.
Known him for awhile, about 3 years so he moved into the 5 house street when he was 11. Now 14, life is starting to get interesting for him. He is a good kid. Played pool with him a few times when party's have burned out and everyone has gone to bed. Sensible young bloke.
He knows I am building a cabinet.... err he knows I am a bees-knob away from starting construction anyway. He says, "Hey Bones, when you are doing this can I come over and watch?"
In a drunken altruistic moment with a slurr I say, "I got a better idea for you.... I got extra I-PAC2, joystick, buttons, t-moulding and 19" monitor that you can have for free if you wanna build your own along side of me".
I say here are the rules:
I will help but the decisions are yours. Research it and I will be there every weekend but I want you to use your head. This is your machine and it should suit you.
I say, "Go ask your old man what he says cause there things are pretty large."
Goes off to his old man who has been downing beers at a steady level for a few hours. His old man says YES!. Asks me what it's gunna cost and what he needs.
I say "some wood" and a 3 year old computer with a CD.
He asks what wood. I reply 3/4 MDF. Says he will get me my wood for nothing. (Used to work for a hardware store and still has contacts.)
Before the party was over his old man had taken off to make some calls to round up another PC.
So... I have gained a young apprentice way before I am a master. He is checking out Project Arcade overnight. This will give him some insight.
The guy is a bit of an Xbox freak and I told him some dudes had made xbox cab's. More power to him if this is his thing and Gyruss is not.
I am....a perfectionist. I can admit it. But I managed a group of young blokes in a sales company and I always got the best results from them, my enthusiasm is often contagious. I am hoping my demands on him will not be awkward. I simply don't like shortcuts and taking the easy road at expense of results. I expect pride and the very best of people..
Hope it's the right decision but looking forward to this partnership. (Hey we can help each other with the heavy stuff.)