Hands

So, I've been washing my hands in turpentine. That or gasoline. Even though gasoline is pretty expensive, it's half the price of turpentine. 

The last few days at the restaurant I've been working with oil based paints. A stain, and an enamel paint. All on the ceiling. I'm staining cross beams a very dark brown and the ceiling in between is a light cream. Although things are beginning to come together, it's a messy process.

So, it's tough on hands to wash them is such harsh chemicals. They're beginning to look a little old. Wish I could blame that all on the turpentine.

One of the nationals at the restaurant had remarked on my nice nails and hands a few days ago. So, today she said, "I thought when I looked at your hands that you didn't know how to do any heavy work." I know that's the assumption of most nationals. I hate it. I hope I'm dispelling some of those perceptions.

My body, though, is feeling it. Although I CAN do manual labor, it's been quite a while since I've done it so consistently, every day all day. Today it was up and down up and down a ladder, stretching to reach the ceiling with a brush and then a roller. Sore knees, sore shoulder, sore muscles.

Come on. This must be good for me somehow, right?

Oh, and I have my first family portrait photo shoot tomorrow. I don't know how much to charge, and I hope I do a good job. I'm a little nervous about it.