Flexible Accuracy

Last week, Laura Mays told us she wasn't going to give us numbers anymore.  And then she looked at me, the retired high school math teacher.  I couldn't have been happier, agreeing with her that numbers can be so distracting from the work that needs to be done. Just like outside the wood shop, when I pay too much attention to statistics, especially in public education, or even my age, weight, etc., I end up spinning my wheels....going down paths where I really don't need to go. 

Case in point:  I cut mortises and tenons following a given formula.  I spent a ton of time measuring and laying out my cuts.  First the mortises, then the tenons. The tenons fit snugly and I was a happy woodworker.  Then I stepped back and took a look at my work.  Ugh!  The tenons are too skinny!!  I had my head down the whole time working with that formula and I didn't realize I had miscalculated.  Yes, even this former math teacher.

Skinny to the left and hefty, solid one to the right.  Hmmm....which one would I want my chair to have?










The other day, Laura dug out her old Latin phrase book and came up with the following:

Apta Ad Rem----relevant to reality.  It fits perfectly, I think.