Do more DIY with the help of podcasts

12-11-2006

Winter is getting nearer and there are still a fair few jobs on my “To Do” list to complete. I’ve managed to cross a few off but there are still a few biggies to get done, especially the ones that require some home DIY.

The problem is that DIY is just, well.. boring! Its easy to just sit on the couch and watch those home makeover programs. They make it look easy and they complete the job in a half hour program. Of course the reality is that it can take several days to complete painting one room or stripping and painting some windows.

They say painting is relaxing and yes, it can be but it can also be really really dull. Like installing Windows for the twentieth time. Lets take painting a room for instance. You remove objects screwed into the wall that you do not want there anymore and then you have to go get out the pollyfilla and fill in the holes. After it dries you then smooth it down with some fine sandpaper. Then clean all the walls of any grime or adhesives and ensure a clean smooth surface. After the walls are dry you can start painting. If the current paint is darker than the new paint then a couple of coats of white emulsion is called for. I do one coat a day after work as it takes a few hours to complete a good sized room and then a few hours to dry. Then finish with one or two coats of the new paint and voila you are done!

Time taken: 3 days. Boredom level: High.

You can alleviate the boredom factor a little by having someone help you so you have someone to talk to. You may be starved for something to talk about after the first few hours though. You could put a telly on in the background if there is one nearby. Or you could put the radio on as some people prefer.

There is another option. Podcasts.

Load up your portable music player with your favourite podcasts, plug the headphones in your ears and get to work. I found it worked a treat. I listen to technology podcasts and learning podcasts so my brain is learning something and keeping up-to-date with what’s happening in tech while I carry out a mundane task. Its great. So good in fact that if I’ve finished my DIY for the day but the current podcast that I am listening to has not finished, I carry on listening to it and tidy up or wash the pots. More work gets done!

Try it.