I can confidently say nothing frightens me. Some scenarios I am less than comfortable with, but I work through any discomfort. The ocean is a good example, yet I still swim in it. Heights is another, yet I've abseiled off buildings. The biggest Room 101 physical discomfort for me is reserved for fibreglass.
Time for Canberra Scarring Incident #2. Circa 85/86 the family had lived in Chisholm for a couple of years. The Major decided, after scorching summers and frosty winters, that the house should be better insulated. Interest rates were astronomical, so the budget approach was essential. Trailer on the Kingswood, off to Fyshwick for some pink batts.
Glorious looking things, big pink pillows, so soft....
Needless to say it was to be a home installation. Now the roof space must have been 5 foot at the highest point, surrounded by a veritable web of timber trusses and studs. With little chance of large snowfalls, Canberran roofs are fairly flat. An average included angle of 35 degrees. Not much room to move, particularly for a grown (aging) man. As the eldest child, the job of assisting the installation was placed on my shoulders. Kitted up in old clothes, specific for the job, I was given strict instructions;
Major: "Only step on the studs. If you step on the plaster you will fall straight through."
No worries, time to play. Playing among house frames was not new to us. We moved into our suburb early, among virgin land, there were always houses being built as we grew. The change this time was the space restriction, very cramped, even for a nine year old.
Dad and I slaved for hours, only a quick break for lunch. It was a warm day but we finished early. Then I discovered the hidden magic of fibreglass. It itches, very very badly. It can't be seen on the skin and scratching it doesn't help. Neither does a bath, or a shower. It will only fall out of its own accord after a great deal of time.
The problem was this; my fibreglass project specific clothes were at least 2 sizes too small. My midriff, hips, waist, ankles, wrists, neck and face had been in fibreglass skirmishes for hours. This stuff was everywhere. It was probably the last time I cried from physical pain. War is Peace?
My parents later claimed they were unaware of the fibreglass induced trauma. Dad and I had and have completed many major projects successfully. I can say the fully installed fibreglass really took the edges off the seasons.
Time for Canberra Scarring Incident #2. Circa 85/86 the family had lived in Chisholm for a couple of years. The Major decided, after scorching summers and frosty winters, that the house should be better insulated. Interest rates were astronomical, so the budget approach was essential. Trailer on the Kingswood, off to Fyshwick for some pink batts.
Glorious looking things, big pink pillows, so soft....
Needless to say it was to be a home installation. Now the roof space must have been 5 foot at the highest point, surrounded by a veritable web of timber trusses and studs. With little chance of large snowfalls, Canberran roofs are fairly flat. An average included angle of 35 degrees. Not much room to move, particularly for a grown (aging) man. As the eldest child, the job of assisting the installation was placed on my shoulders. Kitted up in old clothes, specific for the job, I was given strict instructions;
Major: "Only step on the studs. If you step on the plaster you will fall straight through."
No worries, time to play. Playing among house frames was not new to us. We moved into our suburb early, among virgin land, there were always houses being built as we grew. The change this time was the space restriction, very cramped, even for a nine year old.
Dad and I slaved for hours, only a quick break for lunch. It was a warm day but we finished early. Then I discovered the hidden magic of fibreglass. It itches, very very badly. It can't be seen on the skin and scratching it doesn't help. Neither does a bath, or a shower. It will only fall out of its own accord after a great deal of time.
The problem was this; my fibreglass project specific clothes were at least 2 sizes too small. My midriff, hips, waist, ankles, wrists, neck and face had been in fibreglass skirmishes for hours. This stuff was everywhere. It was probably the last time I cried from physical pain. War is Peace?
My parents later claimed they were unaware of the fibreglass induced trauma. Dad and I had and have completed many major projects successfully. I can say the fully installed fibreglass really took the edges off the seasons.
posted by snorks at 8:45 pm
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