Is anyone handy around the house?  I'm learning to make improvements with a combination of Lowe's, Youtube, and some books I have.  I have put in new light fixtures, ran cable cords behind drywall to make a 'floating' tv, and did some really light repair work to my chimney.

Anyone else really like this stuff?  I'm not an artist but I can make things look halfway decent.

warmaker :

I have to say I have always lived in rental apartments where there is
either not much to do or if there is, it is the problem of the owner.
Also if I would want to do huge changes, I would have to ask for a
permit from the owner and even if given, I would have to maybe repaint
or dismantle everything I have worked on. So I haven't felt the bug
really.

My father, however, lived in this house for thirty years
he would be constantly fix. After some 20 years he had almost rebuilt
the whole house and then he had to start over again. Fixing and
repairing all the stuff he installed 20 years earlier. For him I guess
it was something to do or a ritual of some kind. I always saw it as just
plain crazy. Spending your whole life fixing something that is never
going to be finished.

I live in a house with my wife and kids that we have been paying on for the last 10 years.  In that time, I have learned to do more around the house than I ever expected I would.  Most of the bigger projects that I do, I will ask more informed friends for help.

Projects I have had someone else do:
-Run electricity to the garage.
-Run extra electrical outlets in the house.
-Replace sewer line leading to the road.

Projects I have asked for help with:
-Putting a loft up in the garage.
-Replacing shingles after a big wind storm.
-Repair washing machine.
-Some small cosmetic projects

Projects I have done myself:
-Winterizing the house.
-Several small plumbing projects.
-Some painting.
-Built book shelves.
-Repair drier.
-Replaced hot water heater.
-Repaired a hole in the wall.
-Replaced doors.
-Replaced broken windows.
-Insulating & dry walling the garage.

To-do list:
-Paint garage. (Will seek help with this.)
-Repair trim on house.
-Paint house. (Will seek help with this.)
-Replace carpet in dining room with linoleum. (Will seek help with this)

I know there are more items for ALL of those lists, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

I've never been great at that kind of work, but I do a decent job when I set my mind to it.  I don't really like that kind of work (I'd take organization and computer work over home maintenance any day!)

To make a long story short, when things come up around the house, I tend to reference books and the Internet to get some idea of what the project will include.  Then I will ask friends for advice if I know anyone who is familiar with that kind of project.  If I feel that its going to be a pretty simple project, then I will do it by myself.  If I feel even a little uneasy about the project, I will ask someone I know to lend a hand just to play it safe.  And if I feel like I'm out of my depth, I will find someone to do the project for me.  I actually handle my cars in the s manner.

It seems like most years will include one large project with a couple of smaller ones that come up unexpectedly and a little general maintenance around the house.

tornadocam : I have to admit, I like a bit of green in my yard as well.  This last year, we planted nine evergreens in our yard to act as a shelter belt some day.  We also have a set of creeping rose bushes along one side of the house that never seem to make it more than 5ft up the side of the house in any given year.  Near the garage , we have some hanging strawberry plants.  And inside of the house, we keep a few ferns, along with a few other small plants.

I love having a little greenery both inside and outside of the house.  While I've never been one to worry much about the appearance of my home and property (I try to keep my place presentable, but I'm not trying to impress anyone) , I do admit that plants seem to have a relaxing, almost soothing effect.