Someone on Facebook told me I’m too honest — because I freely talk about my failures and mistakes but I think it’s important to share those experiences for two reasons:
- We can learn from others’ mistakes just as we learn from their successes.
- Everyone screws up occasionally. EVERYONE. I like to keep it real.
Yesterday was a day full of strike-outs for me. That might be because I’ve been on a DIY hiatus for about two months because of my back surgery. I might be a bit rusty. Or, maybe it was just what it was — a crappy DIY day. It’s been kind of a crappy DIY week for that matter…let me back up.
This week I delved into some project work — all by myself because my new apprentice is not here more than he is here — but I’m happy to have him here when he can make it so I’m not complaining. 🙂 So I decided to find some things I could do myself.
First, I decided to tackle the new hallway closet because it would be nice to put away some of the junk that is cluttering up the house and making us all feel overwhelmed. I got as far as ripping down some 2×4’s and then securing them to the wall.
Then that project came to a screeching halt because I can’t lift a 4×8 sheet of plywood by myself (yet?).
Woohoo! It really looks like crap right now and not a single bit more functional than it was when I started. Oh well, moving on…
I decided to build a small, slide out pantry cabinet because it was small. I found some scraps of plywood small enough for my “back surgery recovering self” to lift up onto the work table all by my self. Alright — now we’re talking!
I drilled all my pocket holes.
In all the wrong pieces!
RE-drilled all my pocket holes in the right pieces, put my cabinet together and edge banded my raw edges because even though I drilled pocket holes for a face frame I decided not to have one. No biggie, all those holes will be hidden by the false front.
I had to add some fixed shelves because my plywood was warped and wonky and I thought some fixed shelves would pull/push it into place…
It didn’t! When Wes came home, he got the thing installed and it couldn’t be much worse. Not even talking about all the pocket holes (because those will be hidden by the door).
It doesn’t glide out smoothly. When it’s open you can see where it’s warped. Even Wes notices that and that means it’s REALLY BAD.
I’m going to pull out all my fasteners, throw this wood into the trash and go out and find some better plywood and start over…after I wait for someone to help me lift the plywood up onto the table so I can cut it down.
Gaahhhh, this being all week and helpless sucks!
But I’m going to keep doing what I can do because I really enjoyed working yesterday. I had my tunes blasting, took a LOT of dance breaks and was as happy as pie building my wonky, non functional pull-out pantry. 😀
Angela says
Your wonky, non-functional pullout is still a heck of a lot better than what most of us could put together in a day! I guess I shouldn’t speak for others as I’m sure you have a lot of very talented readers…so better than I could put together! I, personally, love that you share your screw-ups. It makes me feel like I’m not alone, so thanks!
Jantre says
While you are resting, could you give us an idea of the basics of this pullout pantry? What does it glide on? Will there be PLANS?
Sandra says
I did a full tutorial on a pull out pantry cabinet when I built my laundry room. This is the exact same concept.
Ayisha says
Thanks for keeping it real. I second Jantre, will there be plans or should we build off of your other plans.
Sandra says
Pffft! You WANT the plans for my wonky pull-out? LOL I build the pull out the same way I did the laundry room ones so you can refer to that fully descriptive tute.
kristin says
Great attitude!! And I have to say WWWHHHAAAAA???? Your intro confused me. Why would I read something where I didn’t want someone to be truthful? I am so confused. Maybe I missed the context? I have never picked up that you are too honest. If we don’t share our failures how do we grow? You keep on Sandra! And I won’t even mention one of my favorite life blogs here because if the person who said that to you saw this blog they would go bonkers! It is the most awesome blog for parenting and just individuals in general. She lays it all on the line (her failures) and I can’t tell you how empowering she is to women (and men) who read her work. She is phenomenal! She has a book out now–that is how great her work is. Keep on and be careful with your back please!
Sandra says
In all fairness he meant it as a compliment. Like, I don’t need to fess up when I make a mistake — he knows I know how to fix it. He’s a great guy!
Sarah says
Thanks for keeping it real. I wanted to build a kid play kitchen, but then found some pre-built things I could modify that would be faster and cheaper. I cut down the bottom of a credenza and trimmed a counter with a sink in it to be less deep. I cut a hold for the sink in the top of the credenza. Then I had to cut some of the side and back of the top drawer out so it would slide under the sink. It worked great! Then I realized I had trimmed the wrong drawer! Oops! A little deflating, but not the end of the world.
Sorry it’s been a crappy day/hard week. I’m glad your back is getting better and hope things look up from here!
Nicole Gilbride says
I love that you keep it real and tell us you aren’t perfect! I also have to say your “wonky” pantry looks great to me! I live in Knox so if you ever need someone to life a board for you, just shoot me a note and I’m there!
Mary Ruth says
Keeping it REAL is refreshing and so truthful. Do NOT give that up!
I understand about your recovery, I just had surgery #6 in 4 yrs after a real bad fall (upside down). So, I can relate to delays from not being able to ‘DIY’! Hang in there, delegating work is also rewarding!
[email protected] says
It is all part of the journey! I love watching it all come together … Keep on keeping on.
Hugs
Guerrina says
LOL…my mind didn’t work right for about 2-3 months after surgery with all the painkillers and anesthesia combined…took awhile for it all to work out of my system (brain)! All will work out. Maybe where you get your plywood could … dare I suggest … cut to your precise measurements so the pieces would be easy for you handle?
Diana W. says
I’m going to get in line with the rest of the people holding the KEEP IT REAL signs!!! If I want a slick and glossy with no mistakes, everything perfect and all styled to the inth degree in every single pic, I would go out a buy a magazine not follow bloggers I respect and adore! You keep on keepin it and I will keep on followin you dancing in your closet when it’s finished and getting things done as you can and messing stuff up and taking forever to get projects done. Thank goodness you’re there. I appreciate ya!
Rey C says
What software do you use for your plans? Do you just map it out on paper or do it on computer before you start?
Mark says
Woah woah woah…. Don’t throw away that plywood! There’s always uses for scrap wood that can get scored into and cut into and painted on!