Well, it was a crazy weekend and the carpet didn't get layed. My sister-in-law made a surprise visit to town so my wife was at her mother's all of Friday. Then on saturday my mother-in-law fell down 14 stairs, shattering her wrist and breaking a bone in her shoulder, among numerous other smaller injuries. So the carpet layer (mother-in-law) was out of commission and her assistant (my wife) was suddenly an assisting in non-carpet laying duties. So, I undertook the job by myself and laid the carpet tonight.
Thanks for the advice guys. I did a pretty darn good job if I do say so myself (at least for a 1st timer). Certainly not a professionally laid carpet but it looks good. I know that carpet layers will get a job to do, and go home when that job is done whether it is noon or 5:00pm. After laying just one room I understand why. When you don't have to do a full day you REST YOUR KNEES. I've got bad knees to begin with so being on my knees while I get the carpet in, and then using the knee banger thingamajiggy after my knees were already tired... I'm gonna be a wreck tomorrow! It is satisfying to see the room though and know that I did all the work (expect for the shoddy dry-walling which a previous owner did... should've completely redone the room, oh well).
Next time I have carpet to lay I'm going to find me some mormon missionaries and offer them a burger and soda.
