How (Not) to Repaint A Small Bedroom In A Week

Every January I get the urge to purge.

And the urge to redecorate.

Normally this entails angst and urgency as I struggle to finish my project in the week after Christmas, before it's time to head back to school.

As a newly retired woman, I figured this year would be a snap. I decided to repaint our bedroom and do a little redecorating.
It would be quick and it would be free.
I had Henry help me empty out the room. Where in the world did all that stuff come from?!
Back into the bedroom to dream a little.

I looked up. . .

For crying out loud!
I had forgotten about the ceiling!
My plan was to use leftover white paint to freshen up the room and as I gazed at the unpainted, 50 year old, grimy, stucco ceiling my heart sank. If I hadn't already emptied out the room, I would have given up on the project right then and there.
But I had.
So I couldn't.
Really, is there anything worse than painting an old stucco ceiling?

I decided to save a little time and effort. I would leave one wall green. You know. . . an accent wall.

 It was time to crack open the paint can. . .
First things first. . .cut in around the edges.

I must say, if you want to feel old, try painting a ceiling. Between triggering my asthma with the paint fumes and my arthritis by tightly clenching the paint brush. . .

All I can say is. . .  a deadline to push for would have been a very good idea.

I would paint a bit and stop.
Go back and start in another spot because the wet stucco starts sliding around if you paint over again. . .
Rest again. . .

Oooohhh. . .

The Walton's are on! Time to stop for the day!

It took me four days to finish the ceiling and another three to paint the walls.
All four walls. Because I forgot to make sure none of the ceiling paint strayed onto the accent wall.
I ran out of primer with about four square feet left to go.
So much for a free make over.
I also ran out of paint. Really, really not free any more. . .
During that week I procrastinated, sighed, moaned,  fell on the ice while walking Jada, spilled paint on the floor, (thankfully it fell on the plastic bag I had just put down), did my very best to guilt the guys into helping me ( it didn't work) and in general felt very sorry for myself.
On the up side, I also visited with a dear friend of mine for the first time in months, got to hang out with my mom a bit and endured serious teasing every time I said "I'm going to paint right now. I'll been done in no time!"

Thankfully, nothing lasts forever and the room is now freshly painted.

Whew!

I don't think I've ever had so much trouble with what should have been a small project. 

All that's left is the fun decorating stuff. . .  So, I leave you with a picture of the somewhat before. . .

While making no promises as  to when I will post the afters!

I have a stack of books beside my chair, so I instead to snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket, cup of tea, warm coffee cake and which ever book is on the top of the pile.
I may stay there until I get to the bottom of the pile. . .
After all. . . I am retired!