I am all worked up because the front needs mowing already, and X will see it looking all overgrown tomorrow. I want it to look FABULOUS all the time.
All your questions about house stuff are good, honest, questions. Don't be embarrassed about what you don't know.
Ask a neighbor, ask a guy friend, if necessary call in your local plumbing company guy and see if he will walk you through it. You don't have to play "dumb helpless female"--just explain you are taking on these projects and need some basic info.
The more you know and can do yourself, the more empowered you will feel. I totally felt hot when I unclogged the tenant's sink. Oh, and here is a tip for free:
If the sink is FULL of water, empty it out BEFORE undoing the drain pipe! Duh! I had a bucket ready to catch the water, but of course it was WAAY more water than the bucket could hold. That was such a DUH moment.
In my experience, people love to share what they know, and teach others. People love to be asked about their skills.
