Susan Solo – VA/DC/MD Photographer

I think I’m going to pitch a show to TLC or the DIY Network called Don’t DIY. The show will be about which home repair projects you should not attempt to do yourself if you lack the skills as I do, what it will cost you to have someone else do the repairs and clean-up for you after the job goes horribly wrong, and tips on how to fix small mistakes like paint dripping onto the carpet. An episode might go something like this:

“Hi, I’m Susan with Don’t DIY. Today we’re going to discuss what might happen if you try to repair drywall holes on your own.”

I just attempted to complete #71 on my 101 in 1001 list: sand and paint the unfinished wall in the office. Okay, it’s not really an unfinished wall, but when we had a ceiling fan installed a while ago (definitely NOT a DIY project!) they had to cut big holes in the wall to do the wiring. I used Home Depot for the job, and their contractors didn’t repair the holes that they created. They said that was someone else’s job?! But I figured it can’t be that hard, so I attempted it on my own.

First, I bought some of those drywall patch repair kits, you know the little metal squares on a mesh backing? I was able to successfully apply those to the holes. That was the easy part - you just peel the sticker back off of the mesh and place it on the wall. Technically at this point the hole was gone and I was feeling pretty pleased with myself! However, I then had to wield one of those spatula thingies to apply spackle (the name escapes me at the moment – is it just called spatula?). Well, I’m not a spackling expert, and I applied it a little too thick. Which meant I needed to sand it down. My friend, Sam, who is a home DIY expert warned me that sanding it would get dust everywhere and that I should wipe away the excess with a damp cloth or something. I can’t remember. So I have thus confirmed that information by ignoring her warning and sanding down the little mounds of spackle. Yes, everything in my office is covered with a fine sprinkling of white powder indeed. Lovely! Not to mention I can’t seem to get the wall smooth – there are nice little holes and lines all over that refuse to go smooth.

Then, in the process of painting over the spackle, I grew tired and frustrated and did a sloppy job of painting. I ended up flicking little spots paint all over the carpet. Note: This will be the comedic part of the episode, as my painting skills are definitely hilarious. I was using a paint brush to put paint onto a roller because I didn’t want to go through the hassle of using a tray and a liner. I’m currently working on getting the paint up by using Goo Gone. It seems to be sort of working.I think I’m probably going to have to hire someone to come out and get the wall done the way it should be finished. I don’t even want to attempt to finish the ceiling. If anyone local to me knows someone who does a great job with painting and repairing holes in drywall, please send me their contact info!

And then maybe I’ll close out the episode by saying something like, “Thanks for tuning in to Don’t DIY! I’m Susan, and remember…if you don’t DIY, you don’t have to worry about screwing up!” What do you think? Would you tune in? I also have an idea for a how-not-to-cook show. I might call it Making a Mess and Burning Things with Susan.

So, I haven’t seen Forrest Gump. I know, that’s really weird. It’s not that I didn’t want to see it when it was out, and it’s not that I haven’t wanted to watch it since then, I just haven’t watched it yet! But whenever the movie comes up in conversation, like if someone quotes it and I have to admit that I haven’t seen it, I get the look like I just spontaneously sprouted a second head. Cast Away is another one of those movies. And I swear, I adore Tom Hanks as an actor! I’ve seen several of his other movies. It’s funny because I feel like I watch movies all the time, but I guess I just watch a lot of weird sleeper films (Chris would say I just watch a lot of bad movies). In an effort to catch up on the movies that I somehow missed and am crazy for not having seen them, I’m making a list of these must-see movies. In effort to make the list, I’d love to hear what your must-see movies are!

What movie would make you drop your jaw and do a double-take if you found out that someone hadn’t seen it? Leave me a comment and I’ll let you know if I’ve seen your must-see movie or not! If not, I’ll add it to my list and get to it immediately.