My father was NOT a handy person. In fact, his tiny tool set consisted of one hammer, one screwdriver, and if we're being honest, I don't know that I ever saw him use either one of them.

Growing up in a "DDIY" (don't do it yourself) household meant I had little exposure to tools and learning how to fix things - something I have spent my entire life trying to overcome. So, in addition to overcoming my lack of experience, I am also trying to ensure I don't handicap my own two boys the same way.

So, with the help of my friend, and YouTube, I tackle every big and small project that comes my way. I now am proud to report that I am fairly competent with basic electric, plumbing, and can even hang some drywall. In fact, just last week, I tore apart my back deck and rebuilt the entire substructure - 32 8x10 beams. It is mostly straight, but I would recommend you hire someone other than me if you are considering a similar project.

To be clear, when I do projects, I ask lots of questions, make WAY too many trips to Home Depot, and usually take twice as long to complete the project than it should. My wife always asks, "What are these parts on the ground?" I try and convince her that they are extras from the manufacturer, but I don't think she's buying what I am selling.

But I am getting better and learning a lot. So I soldier on.

The most important thing I have learned is that having the correct tools makes all the difference.

Not only does it ensure the job is done correctly, but it makes it more efficient and less frustrating.

Which is what makes this next story so amusing.

This week, while on a spacewalk to complete maintenance work on the International Space Station (ISS), a tool belt slipped from the astronaut's hand and floated away. According to EarthSky, a website tracking cosmic events, "The tool bag is currently orbiting Earth ahead of the ISS, and can potentially be spotted with a pair of binoculars."

Listen, no judgment here, as I have dropped plenty of tools, and lost plenty of stuff, but this is next level.

It's not like they can make a quick run to Home Depot to get some new tools now can they? They are stuck.

So, they will have to make do with what remaining tools they have - which is a lot like what you do.

As teachers, we use tools every day. We use ones that make our jobs easier and some tools that make it harder. Tuners, dot books, computers, mixing boards, mouthpiece pullers, parent helpers, and software, to name a few. And just like with the tools in our garages, we all have different levels of aptitude and interest in using them. But there they are, nonetheless.

Until they aren't. Like with the astronauts.

This is not just about physical tools, but emotional and musical ones as well. Tools such as empathy, patience, judgement, and understanding? It's not just about having them, it's about knowing when and how to use them. And that's hard, because there's no set of procedures or rules to follow, or step-by-step instructions.

Not every tool or problem comes with a YouTube video explaining how to fix it, because there are too many unknowns and some problems aren't easily fixed.

Just this week, an old friend and colleague reached out to tell me that a student had posted lies about the band and staff on social media. He didn't know what to do. He lacked the experience and tools to deal with it. He then added that his building was just declared structurally unsafe, and starting tomorrow, no one would be allowed back in for the rest of the year.

Looks like beyond patience, creativity, and flexibility, he needs a bulldozer - which he does not own or know how to operate. But if that were me - I would also be lacking in the patience and flexibility area as well. In those spaces, my father and I share an alarming lack of depth.

As music educators and people, there are a lot of tools at our disposal. Additionally, you have a lot of experience to draw upon when you use them. However, even with a well armed tool belt, filled with lots of options, you can't solve every problem, it's impossible. So, you ask for help, and do the best you can. It's all there is. And that's ok.

It's easy for adjudicators, administrators, and parents to find the flaw. A place and space where they see shortcomings. It's easy for outsiders and adjudicators to assume that all situations are the same, and all tools are accessible and in working order, when in fact they aren't. So we (me) feel flawed and like a failure.

But we (I) need to remember, it's not just about the final product. It's about the growth we experienced while making it. So yes, the 8th board on my deck is raised by a 1/16th of an inch, and I love it, because it is evidence that I did it.

Someone reminded me in a less-than-pleasant email after last week's blog - me, my writing, and my projects are far from perfect. And while the delivery was mean, I did agree with the premise. I am imperfect, and so is my work, handyman and otherwise.

But I show up every day, put in the work, and am doing my very best. And that is good enough for me - and I hope it is good enough for you.

At least I don't lose my tools.

Have a great week.

Scott