I Learned My Lesson

Last fall, a coworker of mine approached me and asked if I would be willing to paint her house for her. She has a very open floorplan, much like my house. I'd been to her house once, about 8 years ago. So I had an idea of how much of a job this would be. She casually said something along the lines of "we'll pay you a couple hundred or so". And we left it at that, because she told me to think about it and get back to her. I responded within a few days and told her I would be willing to help her out.

More and more time went by that she didn't come back and mention anything about it, and I think I was secretly hoping they had changed their minds. I wondered if perhaps the poor economy had helped changed their minds...I dunno. No such luck though -- she came back to me about 6 weeks ago and asked if I was still interested. I wasn't really, but I was conflicted. The money would be helpful, especially since I was losing my job at Z Gallerie. So I told her I was still interested, but over the next few days that "a couple hundred or so" stuck in my head. I just knew the job was going to be huge, and I was not going to settle for a mere $200. I went back and said that yes I was still willing to do the job, but I couldn't do it for a mere $200. I gave her a price I was content with, she checked with her husband, and they gave me a thumbs up.

D-day arrived 2 days ago. I got to her house at 9:30 and started in her kitchen area. That took me 7 hours to complete. I still had some energy left, and it was only 4:30, so I figured I'd take advantage of the time and start doing the trim work in the living room. Stayed until 7pm and then headed home. Went back the following morning (yesterday) at 9:30. The living room took much longer than anticipated -- I didn't finish that until about 1:30. Then it was time to start on the hardest part -- her entryway with the 15 ft ceilings. They have a Little Giant Ladder, and I had it set perfectly where it had a good slant and reached ALL the way up to the ceiling, but as soon as I got about 1/2 way up the ladder I started shaking and my heart started racing and I had to get down. I tried to psych myself up for it a good 3 or 4 more times and gave it a couple more tries, but I just couldn't do it. I don't mind heights one bit, but if I am on a shaky foundation you can forget it! I painted all the trim and reached up as high as I could get but it was already 6pm and I was FRIED. My back hurt, my legs hurt and her kids were driving me insane -- running all around me, touching the walls repeatedly....after being told repeatedly "don't touch the walls!" I'd had enough so I got outta there before I strangled one of them (and I'm only 1/2 joking when I say that!)

So I have to go back next weekend and finish. I really really REALLY wanted to have it completed in one weekend, but those darn ceilings threw me off. My dear, sweet husband was so good to me. I called him to ask advice about getting up to the ceiling and he was patient and gave me his recommendations. And now that I have to go back, he's offered to go WITH ME and help me get set up. So for all the reasons why he may drive me nuts, it's times like these were I have to give credit where credit is due....so thanks, Jake for helping me out on this one!

Anyway, I've learned a few things from this recent experience:
1) I would never EVER desire to be a professional painter
2) Next time (if there is one) I will definitely go see the space in person to give an adequate estimate, because....
3) I really wish I would have asked for more money!
4) Someone always has a messier house than you do
5) Hirschfields has really nice paint
6) I want to paint my living room even more than I did before. Bu-bye yellow walls!


PS: Congrats to my hubby for winning the poker game on Saturday night. Sorry I missed it.