I'm getting handy! (Sort of)

I like to believe that I have a few talents. I can skate pretty well. I make decent cookies. I can simultaneously type up a blog, share thoughts on Twitter, read and reply to emails and keep an eye on my website.

But, arm me with a paintbrush or hammer and I might be in a spot of trouble. I wouldn't call myself helpless, I'm just lacking in confidence — and tentative doesn't really cut it when you're tackling repairs around the house.

Luckily, I had the chance to hang out with ToolGirl Mag Ruffman (check out her website for loads of great home repair tips and how-tos) earlier this week for a confidence boosting session. 

With her help, I learned how to handle my plaster-mucked up outlets. In the kitchen, the light switch and outlet were hanging a few inches out of the wall, and the screw holes were all slimed over, making fitting them back in a little tricky. So, we'd been giving that area a wide berth.

But, after turning off the power, of course, Mag helped me use a screwdriver and a hammer to chip away the mess and uncover the box. With cautious, almost dainty tapping, I made slow progress.

My first attempt resulted in a rather crooked alignment of the switch and outlet, then a bit of embarrassment when I had to admit that I didn't own a level, but with the help of a handy iPhone app we got it squared away. And, I learned to leave the screw lines vertical, helping them fade into the background.

A small job? Definitely. But I'd been wary to tackle it, partly out of fear of all things electrical (hey - I just bought the house, I don't want to be the one who burns it down!) and now I feel confident enough to tackle the rest of the hanging out outlets (and maybe some other projects around the house), and even teach Mr. Speedy my mad new skills!

(Shutterstock photo illustration)