Painting for Dummies

Next time I want to paint, I'll go buy that book.  Yes, I should've read it BEFORE painting for the first time, but I'm more of a jump right in and figure it out later kind of girl.  Of course, that means this project is the proverbial first pancake, but I'm ok with that.  I'm really just wanting to say I did it and do a decent enough job to be proud of, nothing fancy.

That said, I had planned on painting one wall.  Just the north wall in the downstairs living room.  The entire area is somewhat dark b/c it's the only dwelling space in the house with one lone window, so I thought it wouldn't stand out if I just did the one wall, in case it came out crappy.  I opted for the one wall with a window, thinking it'd be less work.  STOOPID.  At any rate, after I'd started, I realized that when I rearranged the furniture, the couch would be on opposing walls with two different colors.  UGH!  I consulted my friend, queen of painting anything and everything, who told me that I HAD to paint the other wall.

Now, we have another trip to the store to get another gallon of paint.  I think I'd have had enough for two coats on the one wall, but now that's a moot point.  Add to the list paint thinner/turpentine/whatever.  Yes, I started a painting project without it.  Thank God the paint washes right off if I get to it immediately.  I actually considered not buying a drop cloth b/c I was SURE I was tidy enough to not get one drop of paint anywhere it shouldn't be.  Have I mentioned that I'm new?  OK, so a trip to the store is in order.  Just for a couple of things.  Well, then I'm thinking that I could buy some inexpensive rags.  As if I can't make something out of old towels, but I'm going to the store.  Then, I decide that, after nine years of living here, I absolutely HAVE to get baseboards down in the few areas that don't have it.  Never mind that they won't match, it's a MUST. 

I have thoroughly come to understand how DIY home projects go awry and result in tons of money being spent and how people get lost at the home improvement stores.  I'm seriously thinking that in order to curtail the impulse, the home improvements must stop here.  After I buy my book.  And my paint.  And my baseboards.  Oh and a curtain rod and tie backs.  And...