That "separate, smaller Eightmile Road lot" tip is a lifesaver, I made the same mistake my first time.

Reminds me of paying more for coffee in Prague than back home.

Felix98 saying he doesn't even pull out the 18 gauge for wide planks anymore really hit home. I used to think an 18 gauge was fine for everything to keep the holes small. But after a few callbacks for squeaky floors, I had to admit the thinner nails just don't have the grip. That extra thickness in a 16 gauge makes all the difference for holding power on hardwoods. It changed my whole approach.

That's the universe charging the idiot tax. We've all paid it at least once, usually by thinking "how hard can it be." At least you got a workout.

Totally, it's like finding a candy wrapper and trying to write a whole biography. That pit just says they ate an olive, not if they were happy or tired that day. We fill in way too many blanks with our own ideas.