week #6

[mellowtigger]

Today completes my first "big boy" week, on my own the whole time doing the job expected of me. Luckily, it was mostly slow, so I was able to type up stuff in between calls. I didn't get too rushed until today. I still don't know how accurate I'm being, but I am feeling more comfortable at the controls, so to speak. I just wish my stomach would stop clenching when I think about the job after work hours.

A head honcho had to send an email addressing worries about budget shortfalls and potential layoffs. *sigh*

I went ahead after work and spent a few hours painting primer on my front steps. I scraped by hand a few more points, but mostly it was as I photographed it yesterday. It was hot for Minneapolis at 33C/91F, but nothing like what Texas and old Mexico are experiencing right now.

I thought it went okay until I finally finished painting. Then I realized that whatever solvent it takes to wash away oil-based paint/primer, I didn't have any. So my paintbrush, hands, and clothes are still messy. *sigh*

I still need to buy a dark blue paint to put over the primer layer. I'm definitely thinking this job would be better done by somebody with the proper experience and tools. I may have to ask somebody for a quote to see how much it would cost to pay them to do all of the house trim.

Comments

[mellowtigger]

Thanks for this encouragement. I'll continue with my own efforts for now, I think. :)

P.S. I walked to the store and bought 2 cans of dark blue paint. It took a while for the helpful paint guy to mix them. On the way back home, I passed a guy older than me who asked if I was painting indoors or out. I said outside, and he shook his head and said "Whew". It'll be slightly hotter today than yesterday, and I'm already sweating just from walking outdoors. I'll wait until tomorrow morning to paint the steps, when I can do it in the shade. I noticed on the way home that almost every house that looks better than mine has metal trim instead of bare wood/paint. Maybe that's the better long term solution that requires money. For now... I paint.