Over the course of the project my enthusiasm has ebbed and flowed. At the start, it drove me with fervor. And just as I was coming down to earth and realizing the scale of the project, my enthusiasm was buoyed by the presence of hired helping hands and the need to keep a schedule.

Since the family moved in and the hired help went home, I've worked alone, chipping away slowly at the remaining tasks while trying to live a balanced life: husband, father, creative manboy.

The self moves slowly forward. Retracing steps. Taking detours. Resting. Admiring the scenery.