Friday, December 25, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday Day 49
What a week. The emotional stress of that wretched kitchen.
This weekend saw us cleaning the dark hole that is the garage. Why anyone would put crap in the garage and leave two perfectly good and somewhat expensive cars outside is simple a sign of the abundance that is America. Of course, leaving cars in the driveway is also now seen as an additional deterrent against crime.
We tackled with some grimness the boxes that were piled in the garage. Throwing away a good many. It reminded me of the disaster that was our tiny storage unit when we first moved here and didn't have a place for our extras (we lived in a very large mansion overseas) and by the time we got to those boxes, several boxes of paperback books were ruined.
So it is looking a little better in the garage because you can actually see the floor. But we've got a ways to go and the threat, aye, threat of the sheet rocking looms.
So we felt somewhat productive this weekend. Apparently the cement fellow came to measure the patio and the driveway. We will be getting an estimate on what it will cost to pour a new driveway and a patio. I'm not convinced we really need to do either. I'm rather fond of the idea of doing a simple sand foundation and putting big pieces of flat stone on top.
For someone who dislikes driving, I have spent an inordinate amount of time driving from one place to another with mapquest directions, and getting lost since I didn't reverse said directions, or simply setting off with some faith in verbal directions, only to get lost and remember why the f#$^ I don't like driving.
"Are you coming from west or east?"
"I dunno"
"Well are you coming from downtown?"
"I think so"
"ok, so turn north."
"Is that right or left?"
This past week saw me tackle the slate for the patio on some highway I've never heard of, in some part of town I've been to once in 7 years. I saw a vast assorted of rocks, and learned about granite. The company specialises in "exotic" granite. Apparently, it's all in the detail. Builders usually buy granite that lends itself to less waste. So if you're going to cut counter tops, you want to minimise waste and get granite that will look good and not be difficult to match at the seams. You might only need one slab for an entire kitchen.
"Exotic" granite isn't that generic and hence you might need two slabs just to get it to look flawless.
Today, I sped off to another show room to pick out tiles. There's a heck of a lot more than I realised and I find myself deeply nostalgic for the days of living in third world countries where you had a generous two choices.
Fortunately, my choices are very basic and simple. Show me what's in my budget and then show me what's in the lower range of that budget. Then show me a tile that is durable, doesn't wear more sparkle than a 2 year old, and lends itself to grout that won't show evidence of how messy we are. That's it.
After that, I went to a "sister" showroom, tell me do they ever have brother showrooms or maybe even the Mother of all showroos?, and proceeded to be intimidated by the stacks of enormous pieces of granite stacked throughout the warehouse in no discernible order. It was throughly distressing as there no evidence of order.
"Is it...alphabetical? I asked the young man hopefully as I put on the rather flimsy orange mesh vest. I assumed the vest was supposed to help a fork lift operator see me since it certainly wasn't going to help if a slab fell atop me.
"No," h said cheerfully, "it's just kinda all over the place. You just walk around and pick what you like."
"What about colours? Does it go from dark to light, or maybe from highest price to lowest?" I offered hopefully.
"Nah...."he shrugged. "Cathy will be here soon and she'll come find you."
And find me she did as I was contemplating walking out and going online. Surely I could get Amazon.com to ship me a slap of granite in the exact colour. With Amazon prime, I'd probably get free two day shipping too.
We took care of business in 5 minutes and though she said I was welcome to continue looking, I gratefully escaped with the samples she gave me and took off without a backward glance.
Because, as you know, I was still trying to figure out where the hell I was and how I was going to get back to where I needed to be.
This weekend saw us cleaning the dark hole that is the garage. Why anyone would put crap in the garage and leave two perfectly good and somewhat expensive cars outside is simple a sign of the abundance that is America. Of course, leaving cars in the driveway is also now seen as an additional deterrent against crime.
We tackled with some grimness the boxes that were piled in the garage. Throwing away a good many. It reminded me of the disaster that was our tiny storage unit when we first moved here and didn't have a place for our extras (we lived in a very large mansion overseas) and by the time we got to those boxes, several boxes of paperback books were ruined.
So it is looking a little better in the garage because you can actually see the floor. But we've got a ways to go and the threat, aye, threat of the sheet rocking looms.
So we felt somewhat productive this weekend. Apparently the cement fellow came to measure the patio and the driveway. We will be getting an estimate on what it will cost to pour a new driveway and a patio. I'm not convinced we really need to do either. I'm rather fond of the idea of doing a simple sand foundation and putting big pieces of flat stone on top.
For someone who dislikes driving, I have spent an inordinate amount of time driving from one place to another with mapquest directions, and getting lost since I didn't reverse said directions, or simply setting off with some faith in verbal directions, only to get lost and remember why the f#$^ I don't like driving.
"Are you coming from west or east?"
"I dunno"
"Well are you coming from downtown?"
"I think so"
"ok, so turn north."
"Is that right or left?"
This past week saw me tackle the slate for the patio on some highway I've never heard of, in some part of town I've been to once in 7 years. I saw a vast assorted of rocks, and learned about granite. The company specialises in "exotic" granite. Apparently, it's all in the detail. Builders usually buy granite that lends itself to less waste. So if you're going to cut counter tops, you want to minimise waste and get granite that will look good and not be difficult to match at the seams. You might only need one slab for an entire kitchen.
"Exotic" granite isn't that generic and hence you might need two slabs just to get it to look flawless.
Today, I sped off to another show room to pick out tiles. There's a heck of a lot more than I realised and I find myself deeply nostalgic for the days of living in third world countries where you had a generous two choices.
Fortunately, my choices are very basic and simple. Show me what's in my budget and then show me what's in the lower range of that budget. Then show me a tile that is durable, doesn't wear more sparkle than a 2 year old, and lends itself to grout that won't show evidence of how messy we are. That's it.
After that, I went to a "sister" showroom, tell me do they ever have brother showrooms or maybe even the Mother of all showroos?, and proceeded to be intimidated by the stacks of enormous pieces of granite stacked throughout the warehouse in no discernible order. It was throughly distressing as there no evidence of order.
"Is it...alphabetical? I asked the young man hopefully as I put on the rather flimsy orange mesh vest. I assumed the vest was supposed to help a fork lift operator see me since it certainly wasn't going to help if a slab fell atop me.
"No," h said cheerfully, "it's just kinda all over the place. You just walk around and pick what you like."
"What about colours? Does it go from dark to light, or maybe from highest price to lowest?" I offered hopefully.
"Nah...."he shrugged. "Cathy will be here soon and she'll come find you."
And find me she did as I was contemplating walking out and going online. Surely I could get Amazon.com to ship me a slap of granite in the exact colour. With Amazon prime, I'd probably get free two day shipping too.
We took care of business in 5 minutes and though she said I was welcome to continue looking, I gratefully escaped with the samples she gave me and took off without a backward glance.
Because, as you know, I was still trying to figure out where the hell I was and how I was going to get back to where I needed to be.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Day 45 Friday
The designer came back with the plans for the kitchen yesterday, three options. They all look good. What doesn't is the "at least 35k".
I'm not crazy about the idea. I don't see the point of tearing up a decent though not enormous kitchen. Granted, it's not spacious and I've struggled with lack of counter top space. But with a pantry to store items in, this might not be an issue or as much of one.
I contacted the tile/granite company to ask about removing the slab of granite and moving it, and the woman said they did that in their showroom and it worked fine. The fabricator said it depends on how it's done and how it's anchored to the cabinets. So they will come out on Monday and look.
I feel strongly that we can and should salvage and use what we already have rather than tear the whole thing out.
Also some of the options like a double oven while "nice" might really not be that practical for us. I don't bake as much as I used to, and I have no fantasy of turning into a kitchen goddess.
We passed electrical inspection yesterday. Today was structural and the men were completing the siding on the upper level on the back and siding the front of the garage. The electricians were there this morning in preparation for the sheet rocking which we are apparently only a few days away.
If we tear out the kitchen, we're looking at an overall 3 to 4 week delay. Not something I want to do!
I'm not crazy about the idea. I don't see the point of tearing up a decent though not enormous kitchen. Granted, it's not spacious and I've struggled with lack of counter top space. But with a pantry to store items in, this might not be an issue or as much of one.
I contacted the tile/granite company to ask about removing the slab of granite and moving it, and the woman said they did that in their showroom and it worked fine. The fabricator said it depends on how it's done and how it's anchored to the cabinets. So they will come out on Monday and look.
I feel strongly that we can and should salvage and use what we already have rather than tear the whole thing out.
Also some of the options like a double oven while "nice" might really not be that practical for us. I don't bake as much as I used to, and I have no fantasy of turning into a kitchen goddess.
We passed electrical inspection yesterday. Today was structural and the men were completing the siding on the upper level on the back and siding the front of the garage. The electricians were there this morning in preparation for the sheet rocking which we are apparently only a few days away.
If we tear out the kitchen, we're looking at an overall 3 to 4 week delay. Not something I want to do!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
somewhat unrelated remodel issues
Yesterday R calls me with a hint of concern in his voice.
"We have a lizard emergency."
The lizard is a western fence lizard aka blue bellied lizard that D2 caught in Taos,NM this summer, which we then kept for D1's boy scout reptile merit badge. The boy scouts have a lot to answer for in this household....
Thanks to craiglist and the internet, the most fabulous terrarium was created (required for webelos naturalist merit badge). We fed him generously and he rewarded us with much larger piles of lizard poop than I thought possible from such a tiny thing.
With the remodel coming up, I farmed out with lizard with not so subtle hints about meeting requirements for merit badges to the boy scouting community. Family 1 took it and survived although webeloe mum reported that C was "grossed out by cleaning out the poop."
I was too...
He/she/it is currently on his/her/its third family.
"Does it ever hide in the sands during the day?"
"oh yeah..." I said thinking of the times when I thought the wretched reptile had escaped SOMEHOW and caused me to doubt my own sanity and memory(which I do often anyway....).
"Yes, but does he stay down for more than 8 hours?"
"Well.....I think so...I mean, he's disappeared on us before and then he reappears."
"I sifted the sand gently and I didn't see any evidence of him."
How well I know....he had us so baffled with his amazing disappearing act that we took to calling him Houdini. The first time he pulled that stunt, I realised I had become rather fond of it, and was rather worried that he had run away never to be found. We took the top of the terrarium off, put some crickets in, left the heat lamp on and were so pleased to see him sunning himself the next day that we never interrogated him about his whereabouts.
We finally figured out he never got out but went underground when he disappeared on me one evening. One minute he was there and the next he was not, and the top of the terrarium was firmly attached. 30 minutes later, he was on his sun rock.
R was still speaking on the phone, "We had it under control until yesterday when the cleaning lady came in. She didn't realise it was in K's bedroom and she left the door open. The cat was on top and his weight bent the netting a little. I thought I fixed it. I can't imagine how it could have gotten out even if there was such a small opening......"
"Maybe it went deeper underground if it was traumatised?" I suggested. R was much more worried about the lizard than I was.
He sighed, "Or maybe....it got eaten..."
Suddenly a poopless future glimmered. It had been two months since I had seen the lizard. With four demanding kittens that we rescued 3 months ago, scooping up lizard poop seemed to add just a little more work than I was prepared for.
I quickly reassured R, "It's fine. Worst come to worst, don't worry about it."
"Well worst come to worst....what did you say it was?....we'll get D2 a rejuvenated one...."
"No no...REALLY....you don't have to BUY us ANOTHER one...."
"Oh no...tell D2 not to worry...."
I looked over at D2 who was happily playing with his friends and had not mentioned or seemed to remember the lizard at all.
"Um...ok..."
"I'll send you an email if it resurfaces."
A full 24 hours later..an email pops up. 'Just when I had given up hope, I come home and there is the lizard sunning him?self on his sunning rock, acting all innocent.'
Shit.
Picture of Houdini with his late best friend, the Giant Grasshopper. Houdini used to sleep on the plants before he discovered the security of the caves we built him.
"We have a lizard emergency."
The lizard is a western fence lizard aka blue bellied lizard that D2 caught in Taos,NM this summer, which we then kept for D1's boy scout reptile merit badge. The boy scouts have a lot to answer for in this household....
Thanks to craiglist and the internet, the most fabulous terrarium was created (required for webelos naturalist merit badge). We fed him generously and he rewarded us with much larger piles of lizard poop than I thought possible from such a tiny thing.
With the remodel coming up, I farmed out with lizard with not so subtle hints about meeting requirements for merit badges to the boy scouting community. Family 1 took it and survived although webeloe mum reported that C was "grossed out by cleaning out the poop."
I was too...
He/she/it is currently on his/her/its third family.
"Does it ever hide in the sands during the day?"
"oh yeah..." I said thinking of the times when I thought the wretched reptile had escaped SOMEHOW and caused me to doubt my own sanity and memory(which I do often anyway....).
"Yes, but does he stay down for more than 8 hours?"
"Well.....I think so...I mean, he's disappeared on us before and then he reappears."
"I sifted the sand gently and I didn't see any evidence of him."
How well I know....he had us so baffled with his amazing disappearing act that we took to calling him Houdini. The first time he pulled that stunt, I realised I had become rather fond of it, and was rather worried that he had run away never to be found. We took the top of the terrarium off, put some crickets in, left the heat lamp on and were so pleased to see him sunning himself the next day that we never interrogated him about his whereabouts.
We finally figured out he never got out but went underground when he disappeared on me one evening. One minute he was there and the next he was not, and the top of the terrarium was firmly attached. 30 minutes later, he was on his sun rock.
R was still speaking on the phone, "We had it under control until yesterday when the cleaning lady came in. She didn't realise it was in K's bedroom and she left the door open. The cat was on top and his weight bent the netting a little. I thought I fixed it. I can't imagine how it could have gotten out even if there was such a small opening......"
"Maybe it went deeper underground if it was traumatised?" I suggested. R was much more worried about the lizard than I was.
He sighed, "Or maybe....it got eaten..."
Suddenly a poopless future glimmered. It had been two months since I had seen the lizard. With four demanding kittens that we rescued 3 months ago, scooping up lizard poop seemed to add just a little more work than I was prepared for.
I quickly reassured R, "It's fine. Worst come to worst, don't worry about it."
"Well worst come to worst....what did you say it was?....we'll get D2 a rejuvenated one...."
"No no...REALLY....you don't have to BUY us ANOTHER one...."
"Oh no...tell D2 not to worry...."
I looked over at D2 who was happily playing with his friends and had not mentioned or seemed to remember the lizard at all.
"Um...ok..."
"I'll send you an email if it resurfaces."
A full 24 hours later..an email pops up. 'Just when I had given up hope, I come home and there is the lizard sunning him?self on his sunning rock, acting all innocent.'
Shit.
Picture of Houdini with his late best friend, the Giant Grasshopper. Houdini used to sleep on the plants before he discovered the security of the caves we built him.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday Day 43
I think one of my strenghts is that once I decide to take on a project, I rollup the proverbial sleeves and power through it, pushing all and any obstacles out of the way. Of course, one of my failings once I decide to take on a project is that I rollup those same sleeves and power over any and all obstacles in the way..
The kitchen is going to be done. I am not convinced it necessary but that is likely because I spend a great deal more time in it than any other human being in this household and I'm much more aware of the reality rather than the ideal.
"Why would I need a double oven?"
"Well wouldn't it be nice for the holidays?"
"I leave during the holidays. That's why it's called a 'holiday'"
We're going to re-use the upper kitchen cabinets in the garage, though I don't know that the bottom ones can be salvaged as we will have to tear up the granite. I've become rather fond of that granite, so we're going to attempt to salvage some of that and put that in the utility room. We're not going to be able to use it in the secondary bathroom as the counter top there is about 6" and the huge slab we have is just about 5". Personally, I'm not fussed about seam here or there.....
However, apparently the real cost of the granite is not the stone itself but the labour.
I've contacted the designer that Jeff recommended as we need it fast. And we'll meet on Thursday and get this sorted out.
I went to the builder's office and met with his highly competent manager who showed me a selection of granite and tiles. I didn't really like any but there is a huge difference between a 12 inch square and a counter top. Granite I didn't think I liked actually looked quite nice on a counter. They had a small sample of counter tops. I said I would prefer to use remnants as I did in my bathroom remodels. She got on the phone and called the fabricator to set up an appointment for me to go through the bone yard. Doesn't that sound positively deliciously ghoulish....
As for the tiles, I have an appointment next Monday to go pick some out. I really don't mind the remodel. The stress comes from having to have these choices. I'm sure some people embrace these opportunities. I just don't really care much for it. I once knew an older (ergo different generation) woman who lectured me that "the house was the most important part of a woman's identity and that's why 'we' take as much effort to make it beautiful"
I dunno about you but my house is just a place I live in and my home is where my family is. I don't much care for the bells and whistles that adorn many new million $ houses today, but I do ask them to pick their flipping c%&p off the floor so I don't trip over and break my neck. And to pick up their socks,for heavens sake.
Beyond that, I don't really think of what I live in as my "identity" and not being an overly domesticated individual, having to make choices between one finish over another strikes near terror in me. What if I make the incorrect choice?
What I do care about in no particular order is
1. How easy is it to clean it?
2. How durable is it?
3. Does it show dirt easily?
4. How much does it cost?
Steve from the tree company came over and we walked the front and back lawn. He gave us a very reasonable estimate to trim the redoak and water oaks and various trees as well as deep fertilise.
The electricians hooked up power to the temp meter and there was LIGHT!! It was very exciting....and they are going to drop the wiring into one of the old bedrooms for a tv outlet later. We also picked out a spot to put the cable wiring, though now that I think of it, I might hightail it back and ask if another spot can be used instead....
The ac inspector came....and went...and we passed inspection.
I better get back to the house now that I think about what I want to do with the cabel wiring...
The kitchen is going to be done. I am not convinced it necessary but that is likely because I spend a great deal more time in it than any other human being in this household and I'm much more aware of the reality rather than the ideal.
"Why would I need a double oven?"
"Well wouldn't it be nice for the holidays?"
"I leave during the holidays. That's why it's called a 'holiday'"
We're going to re-use the upper kitchen cabinets in the garage, though I don't know that the bottom ones can be salvaged as we will have to tear up the granite. I've become rather fond of that granite, so we're going to attempt to salvage some of that and put that in the utility room. We're not going to be able to use it in the secondary bathroom as the counter top there is about 6" and the huge slab we have is just about 5". Personally, I'm not fussed about seam here or there.....
However, apparently the real cost of the granite is not the stone itself but the labour.
I've contacted the designer that Jeff recommended as we need it fast. And we'll meet on Thursday and get this sorted out.
I went to the builder's office and met with his highly competent manager who showed me a selection of granite and tiles. I didn't really like any but there is a huge difference between a 12 inch square and a counter top. Granite I didn't think I liked actually looked quite nice on a counter. They had a small sample of counter tops. I said I would prefer to use remnants as I did in my bathroom remodels. She got on the phone and called the fabricator to set up an appointment for me to go through the bone yard. Doesn't that sound positively deliciously ghoulish....
As for the tiles, I have an appointment next Monday to go pick some out. I really don't mind the remodel. The stress comes from having to have these choices. I'm sure some people embrace these opportunities. I just don't really care much for it. I once knew an older (ergo different generation) woman who lectured me that "the house was the most important part of a woman's identity and that's why 'we' take as much effort to make it beautiful"
I dunno about you but my house is just a place I live in and my home is where my family is. I don't much care for the bells and whistles that adorn many new million $ houses today, but I do ask them to pick their flipping c%&p off the floor so I don't trip over and break my neck. And to pick up their socks,for heavens sake.
Beyond that, I don't really think of what I live in as my "identity" and not being an overly domesticated individual, having to make choices between one finish over another strikes near terror in me. What if I make the incorrect choice?
What I do care about in no particular order is
1. How easy is it to clean it?
2. How durable is it?
3. Does it show dirt easily?
4. How much does it cost?
Steve from the tree company came over and we walked the front and back lawn. He gave us a very reasonable estimate to trim the redoak and water oaks and various trees as well as deep fertilise.
The electricians hooked up power to the temp meter and there was LIGHT!! It was very exciting....and they are going to drop the wiring into one of the old bedrooms for a tv outlet later. We also picked out a spot to put the cable wiring, though now that I think of it, I might hightail it back and ask if another spot can be used instead....
The ac inspector came....and went...and we passed inspection.
I better get back to the house now that I think about what I want to do with the cabel wiring...
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday Day 42
Tomorrow will be the start of the SEVENTH week.....
We went over the kitchen "plans" today which consisted of conversation and a follow up rough sketch. I am sighing inwardly because this will probably delay the project by a week or two. However, we are adding to the project so I'm not too fussed about it.
Apparently there is a small leak somewhere in the older section of the roof.
The electricians were collecting as I left for my run.
I will lose my much anticipated walk in pantry which I had so looked forward to. I said to Jeff that when I was packing up the kitchen, I realised I had beautiful china which never saw the light of day in nearly 7 years (if not longer in other assignments) because they were placed in very high cabinets and I'm not an amazon.
Ergo, I had planned to put some of them in the pantry to allowfor easy access and to remind me that I do have them. I'm not sure why I have one particular set other than it was de riguer to get a wedding set because it really isn't my style at all...so yes, I could always sell it.....
In lieu of the walk in pantry, I am trying to find a closet pantry in the design. Jeff shot back a rough sketch and I added some notes to it.
Let's see what happens this week.
Update: the siding is all done and the electricians were packing up when I turned up. I do not know if there is a positive correlation between their disappearing and my appearing.....apparently they have one more day of work, and then inspections on Wednesday.
I'm realising that with the kitchen remodel which we have now tacked on....we will see them...yet again...sigh...
They are good people and do good work, I'm just rather anxious to get them out and my family in.
We went over the kitchen "plans" today which consisted of conversation and a follow up rough sketch. I am sighing inwardly because this will probably delay the project by a week or two. However, we are adding to the project so I'm not too fussed about it.
Apparently there is a small leak somewhere in the older section of the roof.
The electricians were collecting as I left for my run.
I will lose my much anticipated walk in pantry which I had so looked forward to. I said to Jeff that when I was packing up the kitchen, I realised I had beautiful china which never saw the light of day in nearly 7 years (if not longer in other assignments) because they were placed in very high cabinets and I'm not an amazon.
Ergo, I had planned to put some of them in the pantry to allowfor easy access and to remind me that I do have them. I'm not sure why I have one particular set other than it was de riguer to get a wedding set because it really isn't my style at all...so yes, I could always sell it.....
In lieu of the walk in pantry, I am trying to find a closet pantry in the design. Jeff shot back a rough sketch and I added some notes to it.
Let's see what happens this week.
Update: the siding is all done and the electricians were packing up when I turned up. I do not know if there is a positive correlation between their disappearing and my appearing.....apparently they have one more day of work, and then inspections on Wednesday.
I'm realising that with the kitchen remodel which we have now tacked on....we will see them...yet again...sigh...
They are good people and do good work, I'm just rather anxious to get them out and my family in.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Random musings
A woman I admire greatly, let slip that her boys are usually in bed by 830pm. It is almost 9pm now and I'm looking over at D2 who is doing something probably high tech, frighteningly advance and hopefully still legal, on the internet. The child shows no signs of going to bed.
It's occurred to me at various times that the remodel represents more than just additional square footage to me. It represents hope that a certain type of lifestyle or home environment will develop.
Given that I devour any book with the words "declutter" in the title and line my bookshelves with books on home and time management, I confess to feeling slightly guilty that somehow my/our lifestyle has necessitated adding on more space.
Significantly more space.
In self defense, it's one of those "oh while you're here...." and "if you're going to be tearing THAT down, why don't you...." scenarios. Witness how we are contemplating enlarging the kitchen now....
We started with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, family room, dining room, formal living room, breakfast nook, utility. Now we will have who knows what by the time we are done.....seriously....
It took us several years to get to this point. D2 is looking forward to his gameroom which is now much larger than planned due to the design/engineering issue. Silver lining indeed. He loves to play with playmobile and has elaborate sets out at any given time. A friend once walked into the family room to find playmobil battle and all the fiddly bits and pieces all about and commented, "You're good to let them play out here."
I gathered that "out here" meant "Wow, you let him make such a big mess in a public area?"
During the last two months before we moved out, I asked him to move his play into his bedroom. Chaos reigned.
So,it is with great anticipation that I too, look forward to the boys having a dedicated area to play and set up their eloborate battles and not have to put it away because company is coming, because if you're in the middle of the Napoleonic or Revolutionary wars, it's all dreadfully inconvenient to have to complete the battle in 30 minutes just because someone is coming over. After all, it took them nearly 100 years to get through all that fighting.....
There are other things I'm looking forward to- having a walk in pantry. Someone said, "How much storage does a family of four need anyway?!" We'll find out for sure.
The mudroom. Whereas previously, the backdoor opened into the utility/catch all room, I will now have a separate utility room AND a proper mudroom with closets....
My own office. Having kicked both boys upstairs, I can claim one bedroom as a study. For those who share offices, or work in an open home office, bless you. You clearly are nicer people than I am. I can't work with any noise in the background. In my defense, working with itty bitty numbers and having to check all the decimal points makes anyone a bear to be around. And yes, I know I do have an office at work, but since I can work from home, I do.
A study area/computer room for the boys. D1 started middle school when I took over the dining table to complete my thesis. I learned that he is a "spreader" (and a procrastinator...clearly the apple did not fall far from this tree). I'm a firm believer in having a dedicated study area. I believe it fosters better habits to have his books in the SAME place all the time, and to have it removed from all other distractions. It's just a personal opinion and not judgement on anyone else who manages without. The spreading habit is just his way of working. And unfortunately, the procrastination means that he doesn't always start or stop on time. Pushing papers to the side so we can set the table if he's on the kitchen table, or so I can locate my own stuff if he's on the dining table led to a few stressful moments.
So the long of it is that the additional space represents an ideal of how I want my family to live. I'm aware that many families do more with less space, but we haven't managed at all, much less well. It required far more energy and discipline that I could afford over the past few years with the sword of Damocles hanging over me. (I should bloody have that diploma bronzed).
So while I'm anxiously looking forward to the end of the remodel, some of that anxiety stems from wondering if like every idealised goal I've nursed, that somehow reality won't quite fit.
So perhaps rather than expecting a major life makeover, I set smaller manageable goals such as - not having to waste time looking for the #$#@#%%^#@ thing that I JUST LAID DOWN on top of all this C#%P....
or even simpler....enforcing an 8.30pm bedtime.
Incidentally, if anyone is STILL wondering why the heck anyone would need so much space, here's my answer:
Because it's Texas and everything is bigger here.
It's occurred to me at various times that the remodel represents more than just additional square footage to me. It represents hope that a certain type of lifestyle or home environment will develop.
Given that I devour any book with the words "declutter" in the title and line my bookshelves with books on home and time management, I confess to feeling slightly guilty that somehow my/our lifestyle has necessitated adding on more space.
Significantly more space.
In self defense, it's one of those "oh while you're here...." and "if you're going to be tearing THAT down, why don't you...." scenarios. Witness how we are contemplating enlarging the kitchen now....
We started with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, family room, dining room, formal living room, breakfast nook, utility. Now we will have who knows what by the time we are done.....seriously....
It took us several years to get to this point. D2 is looking forward to his gameroom which is now much larger than planned due to the design/engineering issue. Silver lining indeed. He loves to play with playmobile and has elaborate sets out at any given time. A friend once walked into the family room to find playmobil battle and all the fiddly bits and pieces all about and commented, "You're good to let them play out here."
I gathered that "out here" meant "Wow, you let him make such a big mess in a public area?"
During the last two months before we moved out, I asked him to move his play into his bedroom. Chaos reigned.
So,it is with great anticipation that I too, look forward to the boys having a dedicated area to play and set up their eloborate battles and not have to put it away because company is coming, because if you're in the middle of the Napoleonic or Revolutionary wars, it's all dreadfully inconvenient to have to complete the battle in 30 minutes just because someone is coming over. After all, it took them nearly 100 years to get through all that fighting.....
There are other things I'm looking forward to- having a walk in pantry. Someone said, "How much storage does a family of four need anyway?!" We'll find out for sure.
The mudroom. Whereas previously, the backdoor opened into the utility/catch all room, I will now have a separate utility room AND a proper mudroom with closets....
My own office. Having kicked both boys upstairs, I can claim one bedroom as a study. For those who share offices, or work in an open home office, bless you. You clearly are nicer people than I am. I can't work with any noise in the background. In my defense, working with itty bitty numbers and having to check all the decimal points makes anyone a bear to be around. And yes, I know I do have an office at work, but since I can work from home, I do.
A study area/computer room for the boys. D1 started middle school when I took over the dining table to complete my thesis. I learned that he is a "spreader" (and a procrastinator...clearly the apple did not fall far from this tree). I'm a firm believer in having a dedicated study area. I believe it fosters better habits to have his books in the SAME place all the time, and to have it removed from all other distractions. It's just a personal opinion and not judgement on anyone else who manages without. The spreading habit is just his way of working. And unfortunately, the procrastination means that he doesn't always start or stop on time. Pushing papers to the side so we can set the table if he's on the kitchen table, or so I can locate my own stuff if he's on the dining table led to a few stressful moments.
So the long of it is that the additional space represents an ideal of how I want my family to live. I'm aware that many families do more with less space, but we haven't managed at all, much less well. It required far more energy and discipline that I could afford over the past few years with the sword of Damocles hanging over me. (I should bloody have that diploma bronzed).
So while I'm anxiously looking forward to the end of the remodel, some of that anxiety stems from wondering if like every idealised goal I've nursed, that somehow reality won't quite fit.
So perhaps rather than expecting a major life makeover, I set smaller manageable goals such as - not having to waste time looking for the #$#@#%%^#@ thing that I JUST LAID DOWN on top of all this C#%P....
or even simpler....enforcing an 8.30pm bedtime.
Incidentally, if anyone is STILL wondering why the heck anyone would need so much space, here's my answer:
Because it's Texas and everything is bigger here.
Friday Day 39
The roofers are almost done. The people who put the siding on have started on the second story. And the electrical work will be done by next Monday. Next week is a slow week due to inspections for mechanicals, electricity and structural.
In the process of talking, Jeff noted that it might be a wise investment to enlarge the kitchen as the rest of the house is much larger.
This may involve giving up my intended library and extending the kitchen lenghtwise....
And it will probably be between $10k to $20k depending on scope,or beyond.
I have a sinking feeling this is the right thing to do, and the sinking feeling comes from not having thought it through in the first place.....
We will make a decision on Monday.
Apparently we are doing so well on time that it will only add a "few" weeks to the schedule. Oh man...I was so looking forward to being done early....
He said the sheetrock will take place after Xmas and before NY. Then flooring,and painting.....
Oh well....we'll see what happens.
In the process of talking, Jeff noted that it might be a wise investment to enlarge the kitchen as the rest of the house is much larger.
This may involve giving up my intended library and extending the kitchen lenghtwise....
And it will probably be between $10k to $20k depending on scope,or beyond.
I have a sinking feeling this is the right thing to do, and the sinking feeling comes from not having thought it through in the first place.....
We will make a decision on Monday.
Apparently we are doing so well on time that it will only add a "few" weeks to the schedule. Oh man...I was so looking forward to being done early....
He said the sheetrock will take place after Xmas and before NY. Then flooring,and painting.....
Oh well....we'll see what happens.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wed Day 37Thursday Day 38
The roofing looks near completion. The weather has co-operated and the men appear to be able to work outside.Yesterday I arrived too early to see any work done and returned too late to catch anyone working. Today, I saw the roofing crew, though the electricians seem to have packed up.
I'm a little distracted by end of the year issues such as getting to all the necessary medical appointments before the end of the year.
I'm a little distracted by end of the year issues such as getting to all the necessary medical appointments before the end of the year.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday Day 36
Today marks the start of the 6th week.
You know that person in the mystery novels a la Agatha Christi and Dorothy Sayers. That super observant person. Or Shaun from Psych(a great show if you haven't yet seen it).Monk perhaps?
The one who solves the crime because he/she was sitting in the London bound train in a carriage and remembered every single person in the compartment, and even remembered that so and so had a nail biting habit?
You know that person?
It's not me.
The electrician is finding that out the hard way. Yesterday he asked me, "Do you remember if this light was connected to the same switch as the others?"
Now an observant person who had lived in the house for some years would have easily said yay or nay. All I could do was look at him blankly and ask,"What light? There was a light there?"
He pointed above and a lightbulb literally appeared above my head. "Oh that light."
Er, I guess so. Why?
He pointed to the nest of electrical wires coiled around each other like snakes caught in the midst of a roman orgy. "There's a LOT of wires up there. But I can't figure out where they go to."
Seeing the baffled expression on my face, he said, "So what I'm going to do is take all those wires out and run that light to this one here."
Having resolved that wiry issue yesterday, he thought he'd test his luck elsewhere today.
He asked me, "Do you remember if there were one or two lights in the hallway?"
"Er....no..."
The roofer came by this afternoon and I overheard him having an agitated phone conversation with my builder over who did what and who tore off too much and why he wasn't responsible for that or this. I decided to use my lack of super observation powers for good and turned a blind eye and ear to the whole thing. It's not my mess to solve. I gather there will be some discussion on reimbursement or lackthereof, but as I'm not responsible for who didn't do what when, or who did what to whom, I'm absolving myself of the whole thing.
Of course, the roofer did tell me that the new part - the new roof and brand new shingles looked great (though they haven't completed roofing due to weather). And stamping his feet lightly on the old existing roof said, "This part doesn't look great."
Yeah yeah...I know...but I can't tell the difference between the older shingles and the newer ones in this weather. And while I know some of the older shingles could be replaced, I'm not going to take on that expense at this point. These shingles are supposed to last 30 years and they've been there about 9.
I hope no one asks me any "remember" questions tomorrow. With any luck, it'll be something like, "Remember this dead body in the attic?".......
You know that person in the mystery novels a la Agatha Christi and Dorothy Sayers. That super observant person. Or Shaun from Psych(a great show if you haven't yet seen it).Monk perhaps?
The one who solves the crime because he/she was sitting in the London bound train in a carriage and remembered every single person in the compartment, and even remembered that so and so had a nail biting habit?
You know that person?
It's not me.
The electrician is finding that out the hard way. Yesterday he asked me, "Do you remember if this light was connected to the same switch as the others?"
Now an observant person who had lived in the house for some years would have easily said yay or nay. All I could do was look at him blankly and ask,"What light? There was a light there?"
He pointed above and a lightbulb literally appeared above my head. "Oh that light."
Er, I guess so. Why?
He pointed to the nest of electrical wires coiled around each other like snakes caught in the midst of a roman orgy. "There's a LOT of wires up there. But I can't figure out where they go to."
Seeing the baffled expression on my face, he said, "So what I'm going to do is take all those wires out and run that light to this one here."
Having resolved that wiry issue yesterday, he thought he'd test his luck elsewhere today.
He asked me, "Do you remember if there were one or two lights in the hallway?"
"Er....no..."
The roofer came by this afternoon and I overheard him having an agitated phone conversation with my builder over who did what and who tore off too much and why he wasn't responsible for that or this. I decided to use my lack of super observation powers for good and turned a blind eye and ear to the whole thing. It's not my mess to solve. I gather there will be some discussion on reimbursement or lackthereof, but as I'm not responsible for who didn't do what when, or who did what to whom, I'm absolving myself of the whole thing.
Of course, the roofer did tell me that the new part - the new roof and brand new shingles looked great (though they haven't completed roofing due to weather). And stamping his feet lightly on the old existing roof said, "This part doesn't look great."
Yeah yeah...I know...but I can't tell the difference between the older shingles and the newer ones in this weather. And while I know some of the older shingles could be replaced, I'm not going to take on that expense at this point. These shingles are supposed to last 30 years and they've been there about 9.
I hope no one asks me any "remember" questions tomorrow. With any luck, it'll be something like, "Remember this dead body in the attic?".......
Monday day 35
A rainy overcast day, cold with promise of more of the same. The electricians were working inside. Some roofing work had been done. I walked around with Jeff pointing out the wasted space blocked off for duct work and he shook his head. "They didn't do that right."
When I got back to the house later, I noticed the front windows had been framed. Apparently they can't do more with the upstairs siding until the roofers do something or other.
It certainly seems as if work has come to a standstill until you walk inside and see half a dozen men pulling wires here there and everywhere.
When I got back to the house later, I noticed the front windows had been framed. Apparently they can't do more with the upstairs siding until the roofers do something or other.
It certainly seems as if work has come to a standstill until you walk inside and see half a dozen men pulling wires here there and everywhere.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Inspiration Sunday Day 34
I've found a design from one of the storage publications that might work for the computer room. I'll have to scan that in later.
I also saw this. It is nice but I don't want it in my house. I'm not that tidy and I suspect once I start crafting, things will be pulled out of place and I don't have the discipline to tidy up at the end of the day.
Much better to have some way to close it off.
I saw a clear acrylic pegboard for about $40. I now realise that I could a much cheaper pegboard and just paint it the same colour as the wall for that fade into the wall effect.
The link to her pictures is here.
We went to the house today and noticed some work had been done sometime this weekend. Mainly "blocking"off the duct work. I am indeed still annoyed that we didn't catch the design error or that it was even there in the first place. However,in the grand scheme of things,it isn't horrid. I do resent losing any space and there are wasted spaces that I'm going to address tomorrow.
In other news, I literally got back on track with running. Meant to do it in the park but weather did not co-operate so hit the treadmill.They sure do keep it toasty in the gym! Whew!
Caught up with the masters swim group and hope to hit both 6am and noon practice tomorrow. So I say with gritted teeth....
I also saw this. It is nice but I don't want it in my house. I'm not that tidy and I suspect once I start crafting, things will be pulled out of place and I don't have the discipline to tidy up at the end of the day.
Much better to have some way to close it off.
I saw a clear acrylic pegboard for about $40. I now realise that I could a much cheaper pegboard and just paint it the same colour as the wall for that fade into the wall effect.
The link to her pictures is here.
We went to the house today and noticed some work had been done sometime this weekend. Mainly "blocking"off the duct work. I am indeed still annoyed that we didn't catch the design error or that it was even there in the first place. However,in the grand scheme of things,it isn't horrid. I do resent losing any space and there are wasted spaces that I'm going to address tomorrow.
In other news, I literally got back on track with running. Meant to do it in the park but weather did not co-operate so hit the treadmill.They sure do keep it toasty in the gym! Whew!
Caught up with the masters swim group and hope to hit both 6am and noon practice tomorrow. So I say with gritted teeth....
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Day 33 Saturday
I didn't go out to the house today but I gather no one was there. There was still a generous coating of snow on the ground this morning though by late afternoon, it was gone.
I am irked by my laptop keyboard which is showing its age....
It has also dawned on me that I have 111 days to go to the first race of the season. It's much later this year so I am hoping that the powers that be will move the other and probably my favourite race in in the entire season either up or down although, either way, having the 2 races that close together....it would be good if I could do a nice short race and then the longer one....
Anyway, this just means I have to get serious about nutrition again. I'm glad I had that chocolate bar this week....because it's bye bye chocolate for a long time.
I am irked by my laptop keyboard which is showing its age....
It has also dawned on me that I have 111 days to go to the first race of the season. It's much later this year so I am hoping that the powers that be will move the other and probably my favourite race in in the entire season either up or down although, either way, having the 2 races that close together....it would be good if I could do a nice short race and then the longer one....
Anyway, this just means I have to get serious about nutrition again. I'm glad I had that chocolate bar this week....because it's bye bye chocolate for a long time.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday Day 32 Snow Day
When I swung around to get D2 from early dismissal, it was snowing already. I saw huge stacks of the aspalt blend shingles on the roof. No roofer in sight in that weather. Much later in the afternoon when I swung back to the house to drag the three pots of plumerias in (when did they grow so BIG?)with the help of one of the young men there, I saw the gorgeous back doors had been put in. It looks lovely. I shall miss the wood doors because I rather liked that warm natural look contrast with the wood floor. But no matter.
The electricians were working.Or trying to in this weather.
I doubt any work will be done on the weekend due to the weather. Almost everything has shut down. Planned events were canceled. We are warm and cozy in our townhouse, the four kittens are purring away, chasing catnip in their dreams no doubt. Armed with lots of Dorohy Sayers books from the library, we will have a nice stay this evening.
I took pictures of the house blanketed with snow which I shall upload later.
The electricians were working.Or trying to in this weather.
I doubt any work will be done on the weekend due to the weather. Almost everything has shut down. Planned events were canceled. We are warm and cozy in our townhouse, the four kittens are purring away, chasing catnip in their dreams no doubt. Armed with lots of Dorohy Sayers books from the library, we will have a nice stay this evening.
I took pictures of the house blanketed with snow which I shall upload later.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday Day 31
Ok...it's official. It has been a full month since work began on the house. This week nothing seems to have happened, but I was there this morning and the electricians were there. I got to talk to Jeff about light placements and closet doors. We shrank the boys' closets from 2"8 to 2"4. I don' know that 2" each way on either side will make a difference....but maybe it will.
The ceiling in the computer room downstairs IS falling apart. Jeff and the framer were there and Jeff said it needed to be replaced because "you guys didn't do the flashing right" and there was a sheepish grin. These terms...they are a whole 'other world....
When I left the crew for the siding had arrived. The crew for the framing return at noon and they will reframe the closet doors and the upstairs computer room. The plans called for pocket doors and I didn't catch that when they were framing it. We are going to take the nice wood door with the glass that was our family room/back door, and use that upstairs.
It is bitterly cold today. I never wear the right clothes for this type of change of weather days and apparently it will snow tomorrow. I fished out the boys winter jackets and my hats for tomorrow.
One month down....hopefully only three to go.
It really hasn't been that bad. We've settled into our townhouse. And we are excited and pleased about the progress on the house. Jeff said it will seem as if not much work is being done as the drywalls don't go up for another month. But there are inspections and all kinds of things going on.
Anyway, I thought I'd leave you with some organisation porn. Yeah, that's right, you read it here.....
Is this not the most luscious craft room ever?
The ceiling in the computer room downstairs IS falling apart. Jeff and the framer were there and Jeff said it needed to be replaced because "you guys didn't do the flashing right" and there was a sheepish grin. These terms...they are a whole 'other world....
When I left the crew for the siding had arrived. The crew for the framing return at noon and they will reframe the closet doors and the upstairs computer room. The plans called for pocket doors and I didn't catch that when they were framing it. We are going to take the nice wood door with the glass that was our family room/back door, and use that upstairs.
It is bitterly cold today. I never wear the right clothes for this type of change of weather days and apparently it will snow tomorrow. I fished out the boys winter jackets and my hats for tomorrow.
One month down....hopefully only three to go.
It really hasn't been that bad. We've settled into our townhouse. And we are excited and pleased about the progress on the house. Jeff said it will seem as if not much work is being done as the drywalls don't go up for another month. But there are inspections and all kinds of things going on.
Anyway, I thought I'd leave you with some organisation porn. Yeah, that's right, you read it here.....
Is this not the most luscious craft room ever?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday day 29
Last night...we discovered that the roofer did not cover ALL of the roof. Yep, you guessed it. The constant rain resulted in water flowing into the downstairs computer room. There is significant water damage to the ceiling. We have removed the rug and mamsan cushion, and they are drying now. However, the wood floor is damaged.
I am going to assume that repairs will be made and that we are not responsible for the cost. I'm just going to assume that....
It was lucky that one of us went over there to check on the house, though by the time we addressed the issue with a tarp in the attic, the rain had already stopped.
I'll be going back to the house this afternoon. I am sure the damage will be addressed. It just means a little more inconvenience and time as we will have to access the damage and then remove everything from that room for repairs to be made.
I am going to assume that repairs will be made and that we are not responsible for the cost. I'm just going to assume that....
It was lucky that one of us went over there to check on the house, though by the time we addressed the issue with a tarp in the attic, the rain had already stopped.
I'll be going back to the house this afternoon. I am sure the damage will be addressed. It just means a little more inconvenience and time as we will have to access the damage and then remove everything from that room for repairs to be made.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
tues day 29
It has been raining steadily for most of the evening. The kittens are on my lap which maks it difficult to typ. Smoky continues to paw the touch pad. Sraphin sms to b paying close attention to my typing, or so I thought until her had droppd onto th touch pad and I realised she had fallen asleep. so much for my rivting prose. oh and th e isn't working well.
Cicero has stalked off, h was offended that I kept moving him off the laptop, but only bcause he dos insist on sitting right next to th scren.
i am not going to b able to typ more at this rate, betwen th misbhaving e and on cat fast aslep on the laptop, another trying to paw at it and one fast aslp on my lap and one stalking th laptop...
there were no men working at the house when i stopped y around noon and again around 3pm. th windows has been put in though not all had ben shut and I left it thus thinking..there must be a reason and now of cours it is raining.
there was a green inspection sticker for plumbing on the front door.
it's now the start of the 5th week. amazing.
Cicero has stalked off, h was offended that I kept moving him off the laptop, but only bcause he dos insist on sitting right next to th scren.
i am not going to b able to typ more at this rate, betwen th misbhaving e and on cat fast aslep on the laptop, another trying to paw at it and one fast aslp on my lap and one stalking th laptop...
there were no men working at the house when i stopped y around noon and again around 3pm. th windows has been put in though not all had ben shut and I left it thus thinking..there must be a reason and now of cours it is raining.
there was a green inspection sticker for plumbing on the front door.
it's now the start of the 5th week. amazing.
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