Relax, everyone was a newbe at one time, we survived it, so will you.
I haven't seen your basement, but any normal sized basement is fine. Your wife will murder you if you attempt this in the kitchen. The lower acid concentration used and the slow, low current density used greatly reduces the acid fumes. If you have a basement window or door that you could open and put some kind of a window fan in (blowing out) would be a good idea. Anodizing in an unheated garage in a MN winter won't work too well.
Shining up a part is only done if you want the part shiney after it's anodized. Beadblasting is very effective and easy if you want a matte finish. The object in prep is get the part utterly clean, including removing the natural oxide that forms on the aluminum by it's exposure to air. Look around in this forum, there is a lot of information on prep.
If the shape of the part makes direct calculation difficult, carefully wrap the part with with pieces of paper or aluminum foil, avoiding overlap. After you have it covered completely (inside and out) take off the paper, and add up the areas of each piece of paper. If you can get within 20- 25% of the actual surface area you'll be fine.
I'll get back to you later about your last question.
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