Ask an Anal-Retentive Advice Columnist…

Our guest Advice Columnist for the week is Greggory Shephard from Philadelphia, Indiana. Greggory is very detail oriented. Some would classify him as “Anal-Retentive.” He is heavily involved in the Clean You Driveway campaign and the Prune Your Hedges campaign in his housing community. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Shoe Polish of America Foundation of Indiana.

Colby G. – The Dells, Wisconsin: My son loves baseball. He has been playing since he was 5 years old (T-Ball). He is now 13 years old and is letting it hamper his school work. I need to do something to get him to concentrate more on his grades. But I don’t want to take baseball away from him, as it is his passion. How can I get him to put school on, at least, an equal level as baseball.

Colby. First of all, when referring to it, instead of using a hyphen when saying “T-Ball,” spell it out (“Tee Ball”). Afterall, it is a sport involving a tee, like golf. Secondly, when referring to your child’s age, this is when you SHOULD use a hyphen. You should be saying “13-years old.” Not “13 years old.” Actually, spelling out “thirteen” is the actual preference. Most importantly, “school work” is actually “schoolwork.” This is a common misnomer. I hope this helps. 

Sarah J. – Johnson City, Tennessee: My boyfriend is a neat-freak! If I do the laundry and accidentally leave the clothes in the dryer overnight, he flips out. If I forget to use a coaster, it’s like it is the end of the world. If I don’t take my shoes off before walking on the carpet, he will have a minor heart attack. What can I do to just have him ease up a little bit.

Sarah. I apologize, but I do not see the problem here. I think you need to look in the mirror and blame the one staring back at you. You have to identify that you are the problem. Your boyfriend seems like a completely normal person… and “neat-freak” should not be spelled with a hyphen. “Neat freak” (two words) is the correct nomenclature. 

James O. – I am building a tree house for my son. I am not a carpenter by trade, but I am very handy and a good craftsman. I have purchased all of the correct material and have all of the correct tools necessary. Can you give me any advice on how to begin the project?

James. First of all, you need to make sure that you do not open yourself up to splinters. Make sure you have a good set of work gloves. And many spare pairs. With a project that size I would suggest maybe thirty (30) pairs of gloves. I would recommend Nitrile Latex gloves over hard leather. You will need to sand all of your wood before starting the project. Make sure you use a different pair of gloves for each piece of wood that you begin to sand… better make that fifty (50) pairs. Splinters can hide in any surface. Make sure your tools are clean. I would recommend a good turpentine soak followed by a vinegar rubdown. Make sure you have several pairs of safety goggles. Ten (10) or twelve (12). Pyramex I-Force Dual Pane are the best for anti-fogging. Make sure to wear a safety cap as well. I recommend the Malta Dynamics 4-Point Ratchet Cap Style Hard Hat. You must protect your head. And a good cotton bandana for your brow and neck. STAY AWAY FROM POLYESTER! Common mistake. As far as actually building the tree house, I would contact a contractor. Use Google, Thumbtack.com, Construct Connect, or Construction.com. Stay away from Angi (formerly known as Angi’s List) and Houzz. These sites are better for home interior. Unfortunately, I am not much help in the actual building of the project. I hope this helps, as I am sure it does.