This last week, my closet decided it was time for some spring cleaning. 

I was taking a shower when I heard the sound of something crashing in my bedroom. Because I had music blaring loudly, I barely heard the sound, but I knew something had happened. 

My son wasn’t home at the time, so I had no immediate concern about what it was — and so, the shower continued on …

What I eventually discovered was that my makeshift closet, which I had put together using items from Ikea, had fallen off the wall. Splashes of pink, purple, orange, green, blue, and red were strewn all over the floor — my clothes were everywhere. And so, spring cleaning began …

I went through the clothes, figuring out what was no longer needed and could be donated (you can read about a cool way to donate clothes for a good cause in the News You Can Use section of Life this week). Then I began putting the makeshift closet back together — measuring, leveling, hammering, and screwing the bar back into a more sturdy wall. 

Did I mention I’m handy? I love using hammers, screwdrivers, drills — essentially all tools! The only problem is, I’m extremely clumsy. I actually whacked my head into the wooden shelving unit as I bent to pick up my clothes, leaving a pretty large lump on my head. 

Still, I continued on my spring cleaning journey by heading to my son’s room to clean his fish tank, where I’m pretty certain I suffered a minor electrocution when I plugged the filter in after cleaning it. The jolt up my left arm actually gave me more feeling in it than I’ve had in years due to nerve damage, so I guess that’s a plus.  

But maybe I shouldn’t do everything myself. 

I definitely learned that this week when I failed miserably at my first (and second) writing attempt on the story I wrote about climate change. I hope you enjoy my third attempt! It came together through a team effort. 

It also takes a team effort to build a rain garden — just ask the couple from Bristol I wrote about. And in my final story this week, it’s all about a community coming together to save the bay, using a newish aquarium as a hub for volunteers, visitors and members. The climate needs help. And as it turns out … so do I. 

Is there something you’ve tried to do on your own, only to realize you needed help? Please share! I can’t be the only one.

Michelle Mercure is editor of the East Bay Life section. Contact her for story ideas, comments, and suggestions at mmercure@eastbaymediagroup.com.