A tramatic experience

[Time2Surrender]

I collect die-cast and model cars.The other day I bought a NASCAR model.#17 Matt Kenseth.My favorite driver.I was ready for a relaxing afternoon putting my new model together.First I sprayed 7 or 8 coats of yellow on the body.It was lookin good.Then I spent 3 hours applying the decals.The car is very detailed and time consuming.Once the decals were dried I started applying coat after coat of clear.My car was lookin like a mirror. It was really shining.So much depth in the paint and the decals were perfect.I decided to spray a coat of black on the chassis while waiting for the clear to dry on the body.I went and watched a little TV then came back to admire my work.Yes,the car looked perfect.Or almost.I decided it need one more coat of clear. I pick up the can and start to apply my last coat of clear.My heart stopped when I saw a black fog cover my car. I couldnt believe it.I PICKED UP THE BLACK CAN BY ACCIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.I was so pissed.I quickly grab my car and open a can of paint thinner.I douche a rag and start wiping.The lint from the rag was melting into the clear,the yellow was coming off and so were decals.Yes,I was devasted.Now,heres the moral to this story.How did I react to my unfortunate vent? Did I go get high? No.And that may sound stupid.But,I have gotten loaded over much less in the past.I have realized over the years its not always the big things that cause people to relapse or go get high.The little things can be just as dangerous if not more.I truly believe a relapse happens long before someone picks up.Not working a progarm of recovery.For me the most dangerous thing I can do is to slack off on my meetings,not use a sponsor,not work the steps.This incident with my model car (as tramatic as it seemed at the moment) was a little thing.$hit happens.The farther we get in our recovery the more we grow.The more we grow the more tolerant we become as life happens.So if your your new in recovery or still struggling,hang in there.It does get easier and it definately gets better.Thanks for reading my little story.

[2dayzmuse]

Sorry about your car Mike. I could actually feel the feeling of panic while reading your post. I've done things like that before. Very disappointing, but we don't have to drink or use over it. Yeah, it is a bummer, but don't sweat the small stuff right? Next time...keep the black can at a distance. We learn the hard way don't we?

[historyteach]

It's a good story, Mike.
Thanks for sharing it...
Shalom!

[Ann]

Mike, I figure if your car rolling through the garage didn't phase you, then a little black paint isn't going to get to you either.

You're an inspiration to this redhead who can get testy over the smallest things.

Hugs
Ann

[CarolD]

Yes Mike....
Recovery means changing our reactions to adversity.

I admire your steady progress...Hugs

[hopealwayz]

Mike,
sorry about the car! Thanks for sharing !

[Time2Surrender]

Originally Posted by Ann

Mike, I figure if your car rolling through the garage didn't phase you, then a little black paint isn't going to get to you either.

You're an inspiration to this redhead who can get testy over the smallest things.

Hugs
Ann

Thanks Ann.But actually the model car bothered me more than the garage door.I have no idea why.Model car-$10.Garage door-$500.Who knows why I think the way I do. And thank you to everyone else who replied.Sometimes my recovery seems like it happens very slowly.But it is happening. And I am lovin it.

[Gabe]

Originally Posted by Time2Surrender

I truly believe a relapse happens long before someone picks up.Not working a progarm of recovery.For me the most dangerous thing I can do is to slack off on my meetings,not use a sponsor,not work the steps.

That was no "little" story Mike.
Because the lesson learned was huge.
If we're paying attention, sometimes the simplest of things can be our biggest teachers.

[splendra]

(((Mike)))

Great story! Glad you now know where the edge is. I hope you are going to give yourself the chance to try again and get another model...

[Gooch]

Originally Posted by Time2Surrender

Who knows why I think the way I do.

When yu find out... have them explain it to me too.

I know what ya mean brother, I know what you mean.

OMG! That's horrifying, Mike. I enjoy collecting die-cast miniature ferrari's. I've had a few heart-stopping experiences too!

Glad you didn't pick-up!!

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Time2Surrender

.But actually the model car bothered me more than the garage door.

Well of course it did.
I get it

After you're done explaining to Gooch why his mind is what it is, could you send me a copy of the memo?

[PlanoTexican]

Hey Mike,

You might try soaking the body in the Purple Power Clean they sell at AutoZone. It should remove all the paint and decals so you can start over. Don't put any chrome parts in it though as it will remove the chrome perfectly.

Any of the purple cleaners should work the same. I use the stuff from AutoZone as it is less expensive.

If the thinner etched the plastic however you will need to sand those areas with a very fine wet or dry paper.

If you would like a very good article on plastics and model bodies written by a good friend of mine, PM me your email address and I will forward it to you.

[Time2Surrender]

Yeah,unfortunately this model went to the garbage can.My collection is slowly but surely growing.I have around 250 cars.Mostly the 64 scale NASCAR models.I also have quite a few 24 scale cars and trucks.These guys have a lotta cars and trucks. http://toywonders.net/diecast-cars.htm I been looking for a Die-cast 1978 F-150 or any other Die-cast 73-79 Ford Trucks.So if anyone happens to run across any let me know.