[baloo]

Chris,
In regards to your windows and trim installation, as soon as I saw the words "lovingly" and "gently" and "persuaded", I knew you were doomed to failure!
Those are NOT inanimate objects, as I think you found out. They KNOW when you are pussyfooting and being weak, and like humans, they will automatically take advantage of your good will and make you fail...and laugh at your failures.
I always bring a sledge or a lumberjack axe within a foot of my work space, just so the job can see I ain't messing around. Have a threat of violence visible to your car, and THEN see how easy the job goes!!