Submitted by Erik_Scheibe on

Overcoming Fear

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Lifestyle

Ester's guest blog spurred my thought process when she spoke about her fears regarding physical conditioning.  I too have resolved myself to overcoming fears in the upcoming year.  I have always considered myself mechanically challenged.  I know it is more an interest and time factor than an aptitude factor because occasionally when I have guidance and motivation, I have actually done some good work (I actually now have become quite adept at sheetrocking and limited spackling after re-doing my first two homes).


Over the holiday break, I had a leaking pipe and called my buddy to recommend a plumber.  Instead, he asked if I had time and came over with his "ultimate set of tools", talking me into giving it a shot ourselves.  Forty minutes and thirty dollars later, we had replaced a 4-5 inch stretch of pipe.  Even though my buddy's knowledge was only slightly better than mine, it was really so easy that I kind of felt embarassed.  I vowed that it was time to stop letting my fear of getting in over my head keep me from trying and learning on my own.


I have no doubt that this will lead to a future blog lamenting my stupidity in thinking I could fix something that turned into a disaster...but what the hell, eh?

Comments

Fred Klein

I thought plumbers over charged. Now I know for sure
Corey Bearak

The real issue for me with some plumbing involves the magnitude of the job. Itr yt to look at any work I opt to do these days as art; consider yourself an artist, albeit not the quality of Mrs. Klein.
My dad and his dad allegedly had some skills. My drills, drill bits and saws were grandpa's (he was selling his home as we were looking for what became this home. Even the extension ladder is from him. The only tools that are not ancient are my tongue grove and slip joint pliers, locking wrench pliers and socket wrench set; there is even a shears to cut metal.

Submitted by Vincent_Serro on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 01:33

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Vincent Serro

Becoming "handy" has saved me tens of thousands of dollars over the years. I haven't blown up the house, started a flood or caused a fire yet. There has been a lot of cursing, a few minor injuries and plenty of caulk to cover my many mistakes. However, it's very rewarding to either figure out how to fix something that's broken, or when you gain more confidence taking on new improvement projects on your own.
Rona Gura

I watch my husband repair things around the house and I am truly amazed. He really has the fix it up talent. Me, I'm starting to pick up some of the lingo, i.e. I know what a needle nose plyer is but I wouldn't know how to use it. So is it time to buy yourself some tools ????
Cynthia Somma

Erik, I admire your for trying...after all we get better at most things that we repeat. I come from a long line of plumbers--just like any other profession they charge based upon experience, expertise and job costs.
Fred, I always thought it was attorney's that over charge. Touche, my friend ;)
Rona Gura

I watch my husband repair things around the house and I am truly amazed. He really has the fix it up talent. Me, I'm starting to pick up some of the lingo, i.e. I know what a needle nose plyer is but I wouldn't know how to use it. So is it time to buy yourself some tools ????
Cynthia Somma

Erik, I admire your for trying...after all we get better at most things that we repeat. I come from a long line of plumbers--just like any other profession they charge based upon experience, expertise and job costs.
Fred, I always thought it was attorney's that over charge. Touche, my friend ;)
Rona Gura

I watch my husband repair things around the house and I am truly amazed. He really has the fix it up talent. Me, I'm starting to pick up some of the lingo, i.e. I know what a needle nose plyer is but I wouldn't know how to use it. So is it time to buy yourself some tools ????
Cynthia Somma

Erik, I admire your for trying...after all we get better at most things that we repeat. I come from a long line of plumbers--just like any other profession they charge based upon experience, expertise and job costs.
Fred, I always thought it was attorney's that over charge. Touche, my friend ;)

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