Lesson Learned

Tonight I learned a lesson that makes me want to hit my brain-cell losing noggin and say "duh!"

When feeling crafty, and taking advantage of the last (unseasonably warm) day of an extended weekend, consider the fact that it's still February and stay away from all fume-emitting devices. I thought I was being oh-so-motivated when I got started sanding my crappy old dorm couch in preparation for some dark walnut danish oil. The motivation led to mild discomfort when my headache started and two puffs off the inhaler didn't keep me from coughing (and yes, I wore a mask!).

My mild discomfort became slow panic when I realized that in addition to the fumes from my newly stained (and slightly enhanced) couch frame, I was smelling an odd combo of gas/lighter fluid from the direct vicinity of my oven. After confirming (maybe) that all pilot lights were lit, and throwing a hissy fit on the phone w/ both the bf and my mom, I gave up and called Laclede's emergency line.

The lady took my info, told me someone would be on the way, and left me with some half dozen warnings about how not to cause an explosion in the meantime (don't answer the phone, don't turn any switches - I flipped off the furnace before it cycled on, etc.). I got super nervous and sat in my idling but warm car on the phone while waiting for the guy.

When he arrived, I felt the need to first explain why my living room was in mild disarray and that I had been staining the couch earlier in the day - but that the fumes were coming from the oven.

He immediately knew what was wrong, and it kills me that I never thought of this: the pilot lights (on the stove/oven/and furnace) were burning off the fumes from the stain/oil. My closing the windows after the temperature dropped to the 20's didn't help.

So basically my entire apartment was filled with gross fumes and now, so I don't exacerbate the situation, I can't run the furnace (the burners going on would make it worse). He also recommended that I keep two windows open for cross ventilation all night. It's getting down to the teens tonight so I am really looking forward to sleeping in the equivalent of a wine cellar. I did remember to let all of the pipes drip though. Don't need another disaster on my hands!

Lesson learned folks - be careful of those crafty ambitions! :)