Whew, it's been a busy couple of days. And that's not all to do with the remodel, although there's plenty going on in that department as well. Joe met with electrical yesterday to finalize where things will go and we were informed to pick light fixtures immediately. Most of the room has recessed but we went with fancy track directional lighting in the dressing room and closet. I guess I though I would be hanging some art there? Or I wanted to highlight my favorite sundress from Wal-mart hanging in the closet? (Seriously, they have cute & comfortable dresses for $14.) And we designed sconces to go on the wall by the sinks.
So our ever helpful architect provides us with two catalogs that makes the old Sears catalogs look like a pamphlet. And a website...now we're talking. I realized something about myself yesterday. When it comes to choices, I turn into a toddler. Just give me limited choices or I could bring this project to a screeching halt while I look through every lighting website that exists. Thankfully, I at least had a vague idea of what I wanted or this would be a disaster. So hopefully I will have a choice (or a narrower list) by Friday.
The contractor also informs me today that I need to (immediately, of course) pick interior doors. My hero architect once again saved my beans by e-mailing that he thought a single panel white door would match everything else in the house and would stay within budget. Umm, okay. Mr. D questioned whether we wanted stained wood doors but then you get into matching it with the cabinetry and wood flooring...forget it. All those men really should fall on their knees and be thankful I'm so darned lazy.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Day 24 - "When I Get Home"
After almost four weeks, being away from home is starting to wear on us a little. I can feel my patience waning. I miss being able to let the dogs roam and run in the backyard. Actually, I'm just sick of walking them in 98 degree late afternoon heat. And I miss a big bed - full size doesn't cut it for 2 people, it just doesn't. Every weekend we spend at home makes it harder to go back to our friend's house. Not that his home isn't lovely and he's been great. It's just not the same. But there's no hot water at home and it's just easier to stay away for now. Cross our fingers we can move back permanently (into guest room) in a month.
The progress on the house has been great. New foundation for screened porch is up, all the framing done in bedroom and bath. Work supposed to start on new laundry room next week. Of course, I think we are still in the honeymoon phase because we haven't spent a dime yet. But it's coming, and it's coming soon (why am I hearing the theme from "Jaws"?) Our contractor did tell us yesterday we are well within budget so far. Way to salt that water! Now, the minute stuff begins. Where do want to run these wires, what finish do you want on hardware, etc. But seeing all the progress is starting to make me antsy to get finished but there is still so much to do. I can see the slowdown in work approaching in the distance while we wait on materials etc. It's coming, I can feel it.
If I can give any advice to this point, hire an architect before you do anything....seriously. I don't have to worry with issues like size of ductwork, how far to bring soffits - shit I don't know the answer to anyway. But he does. He's my hero. Granted my paid hero, but I'll settle for a mercenary anyday to do the dirty work. And I lucked out with an architect who likes contracting work so he's knowledgable about materials. We would not have survived without him.
The progress on the house has been great. New foundation for screened porch is up, all the framing done in bedroom and bath. Work supposed to start on new laundry room next week. Of course, I think we are still in the honeymoon phase because we haven't spent a dime yet. But it's coming, and it's coming soon (why am I hearing the theme from "Jaws"?) Our contractor did tell us yesterday we are well within budget so far. Way to salt that water! Now, the minute stuff begins. Where do want to run these wires, what finish do you want on hardware, etc. But seeing all the progress is starting to make me antsy to get finished but there is still so much to do. I can see the slowdown in work approaching in the distance while we wait on materials etc. It's coming, I can feel it.
If I can give any advice to this point, hire an architect before you do anything....seriously. I don't have to worry with issues like size of ductwork, how far to bring soffits - shit I don't know the answer to anyway. But he does. He's my hero. Granted my paid hero, but I'll settle for a mercenary anyday to do the dirty work. And I lucked out with an architect who likes contracting work so he's knowledgable about materials. We would not have survived without him.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Let Me Entertain You!
Had a lovely weekend at the house (sans hot water but who cares, it's 98 degrees out). But an interesting event occurred which has tickled my brain somewhat since Saturday. On Saturday, Mr. D and I walked the dogs, went out for breakfast (as is our custom on Saturday), got a little exercise, did laundry, swam in the pool, did things that two consenting adults do, saw Harry Potter 7 Pt2, watched a little TV and ate dinner. So sounds like a full and fun day, no? Except when this list was complete, it was 7:15 p.m. So we are literally staring at one another in the living room going "what the hell do we do now?" We were done with "screen" time, weather was a little yuck to swim again, and the best I could come up with was play a board game or read. I even had been reading my old William Shakespeare book the night before and told Mr. D I could read him sonnets aloud....yea, that look was priceless.
In the end, we went out to our local favorite bistro, had more wine (50% off all bottles this month - woohoo!) and chatted. Yet, I couldn't help but feel like a failure at that moment. I mean, here we are, a couple who has committed to being "just us" for the rest of our lives and the thought of sitting on the couch together with no TV made us crazy. Instead, we need stimulation from an external source?
Yet, is that really so bad? I have always felt that the road to mental instability in a person's later years is attributable in part to isolation. Mr. D went on a boy's trip a month ago and 24 hours into my slovenly, wine-soaked, TV-watching weekend at home, I was absolutely bored out of my mind! It's a weird contradiction - you need that contact and community with others or you lose yourself. And it's not like we partied all night at a loud nightclub (not that we really have those in our town). Rather, we merely went somewhere that we were comfortable, talked and watched others doing the same thing. I have sometimes thought in a negative light about people who are "regulars" at such places but, I sort of get it now, especially if you are single. Obviously, though moderation is key as with everything. Getting out with peers and even strangers is great, just not every night. And at that moment, Mr. D and I needed some "live" entertainment to shake us up and get the mental juices flowing. And it's no different for those with children. They need time away like that to recharge and have adult conversation and get out of "mommy" & "daddy" mode. So don't feel bad about spending a little money going out for drinks or dinner (even if you are pinching pennies for a remodel). It's cheaper than a therapist right?
In the end, we went out to our local favorite bistro, had more wine (50% off all bottles this month - woohoo!) and chatted. Yet, I couldn't help but feel like a failure at that moment. I mean, here we are, a couple who has committed to being "just us" for the rest of our lives and the thought of sitting on the couch together with no TV made us crazy. Instead, we need stimulation from an external source?
Yet, is that really so bad? I have always felt that the road to mental instability in a person's later years is attributable in part to isolation. Mr. D went on a boy's trip a month ago and 24 hours into my slovenly, wine-soaked, TV-watching weekend at home, I was absolutely bored out of my mind! It's a weird contradiction - you need that contact and community with others or you lose yourself. And it's not like we partied all night at a loud nightclub (not that we really have those in our town). Rather, we merely went somewhere that we were comfortable, talked and watched others doing the same thing. I have sometimes thought in a negative light about people who are "regulars" at such places but, I sort of get it now, especially if you are single. Obviously, though moderation is key as with everything. Getting out with peers and even strangers is great, just not every night. And at that moment, Mr. D and I needed some "live" entertainment to shake us up and get the mental juices flowing. And it's no different for those with children. They need time away like that to recharge and have adult conversation and get out of "mommy" & "daddy" mode. So don't feel bad about spending a little money going out for drinks or dinner (even if you are pinching pennies for a remodel). It's cheaper than a therapist right?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day 19 - "Carry That Weight"
The crew has been hard at work refitting the add-on area behind the house (it was technically a deck & greenhouse so not really an add-on but it had to have additional structural support). And they ripped off the old siding...attractive, not. But it's progress and considering its been record heat temps here, I applaud my hard workers! Mr. D went by while they were working yesterday and said the crew was pounding Gatorade so glad to see they are taking care.
And it's Friday which means we are homeward bound again tonight. Which means me schlepping clothes and dogs over to the house and, no, it still has not become a quick streamlined process. Especially not with those wild heathens. And my big plan to get it all together this morning was derailed by a lot a wine drinking last night. I needed that extra snooze time this morning. But tonight will be relaxing. We'll have some pizza and movie time and hopefully, watch the new Harry Potter movie at some point this weekend. Maybe try to have pool time while dodging thunderstorms.
Also have in the works a 3 day trip to Tampa/St. Pete in August. We had to burn a free airline ticket before expiration, we need some relaxing time away and really haven't had a proper vacation by ourselves in a while, unless you count a couple of weekend trips to Dallas and Gulf Coast. So looking forward to that. But seriously need to lay off the food if I don't want to vomit when I look at myself in a swimsuit. Okay, okay, and lay off the wine...whatevs.
TGIF baby!
And it's Friday which means we are homeward bound again tonight. Which means me schlepping clothes and dogs over to the house and, no, it still has not become a quick streamlined process. Especially not with those wild heathens. And my big plan to get it all together this morning was derailed by a lot a wine drinking last night. I needed that extra snooze time this morning. But tonight will be relaxing. We'll have some pizza and movie time and hopefully, watch the new Harry Potter movie at some point this weekend. Maybe try to have pool time while dodging thunderstorms.
Also have in the works a 3 day trip to Tampa/St. Pete in August. We had to burn a free airline ticket before expiration, we need some relaxing time away and really haven't had a proper vacation by ourselves in a while, unless you count a couple of weekend trips to Dallas and Gulf Coast. So looking forward to that. But seriously need to lay off the food if I don't want to vomit when I look at myself in a swimsuit. Okay, okay, and lay off the wine...whatevs.
TGIF baby!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Day 12 - "Getting Better"
More progress! The framework for the new master bedroom/bathroom footprint is up. I am a little concerned about losing square footage in the bedroom but I keep convincing myself it will be cozy and you are only supposed to sleep in it. Well, maybe I could think of a couple of more things than sleep....like watch TV, read a book. (Why? What were you thinking about Mr. D? wink, wink).
Even better, no construction this weekend so back home we go! The pups so love to roam in their own backyard. And I love to swim in my pool (Christ, it's hot here!). Unfortunately, Mr. D is on call tonight so I either have to drag everyone over there myself or wait on him. Then worry about dinner. Cooking has so been at the bottom of my priority list. Wine drinking, on the other hand, has consistently stayed at the top.
Wish I could give you wittier dialogue and exciting daily happening, but it's 3:30 and my brain is fried.
Even better, no construction this weekend so back home we go! The pups so love to roam in their own backyard. And I love to swim in my pool (Christ, it's hot here!). Unfortunately, Mr. D is on call tonight so I either have to drag everyone over there myself or wait on him. Then worry about dinner. Cooking has so been at the bottom of my priority list. Wine drinking, on the other hand, has consistently stayed at the top.
Wish I could give you wittier dialogue and exciting daily happening, but it's 3:30 and my brain is fried.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Day 10 - "Junk"
And we keep on trucking! Apparently Santa came early and delivered a whole pile of crap to my carport. Actually, it was my former useless deck and I was never so glad to see a pile of lumber in my life. And we found the old concrete backdoor steps underneath. I'm still holding out hope for some creepy bones or something. Goodness knows what the hell is under my house. Family of possums. maybe a snake or two, would be a safe bet for starters.
They also took out my ceiling rafters....really hoping they put that back at some point. It's creepy looking at the vent where bats or squirrels can come in. And we do have bats in our neighborhood. Love the bug eaters, just don't want them in my personal space, spreading their rabies. Back to the ceiling, my architect sends me a message about elevation and "furdowns" ... yea, well he may as well be speaking Swahili for all I understood. So he and my husband explain it to me.... then it became more like French, I understood half of what was said. Apparently my ceiling will be lower in some spots. Umm, whatever? That's why I pay you the big bucks, so when I hate it I can yell at you, and it won't be my fault. Carry on!
P.S. I love that immediately after I posted this, I got an ad pop-up for bat removal.
They also took out my ceiling rafters....really hoping they put that back at some point. It's creepy looking at the vent where bats or squirrels can come in. And we do have bats in our neighborhood. Love the bug eaters, just don't want them in my personal space, spreading their rabies. Back to the ceiling, my architect sends me a message about elevation and "furdowns" ... yea, well he may as well be speaking Swahili for all I understood. So he and my husband explain it to me.... then it became more like French, I understood half of what was said. Apparently my ceiling will be lower in some spots. Umm, whatever? That's why I pay you the big bucks, so when I hate it I can yell at you, and it won't be my fault. Carry on!
P.S. I love that immediately after I posted this, I got an ad pop-up for bat removal.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Remodel: Day 9 - "Get Back"
Sorry about the lapse but we moved back into the house for the holiday weekend and have no internet. And trying to blog from my phone would have resulted in homicidal tendencies. It was so wonderful to be back home even if it was in our guest room. The only glitch was that Saturday afternoon we learned we had no gas = no hot water. Eh, it's 100 degrees out, I've been taking cold showers for two weeks now to keep from spontaneously combusting.
The workers made pretty good progress last week. They demolished the bedroom and bath completely and the greenhouse is gone! Woohoo! Downside is that they left it in the yard for a couple of days before removing and the grass underneath is most likely dead. And there was glass everywhere. I spent 30 min Friday afternoon picking up glass shards from the yard. Couldn't have the mutts cutting their feet as they frolicked in the yard...and frolic they did. They were so happy and I was happy I didn't have to walk them (Damn I'm lazy!).
Since Mr. D worked most of the weekend, I was a complete homebody and caught up on pointless TV. And drank obscene amounts of wine....really no different than any other weekend.
So one week down and no big drama yet. (I'm so "salting my water") Supposedly electrical and framing is being done today...have no idea what that actually entails but that's one step closer.
The workers made pretty good progress last week. They demolished the bedroom and bath completely and the greenhouse is gone! Woohoo! Downside is that they left it in the yard for a couple of days before removing and the grass underneath is most likely dead. And there was glass everywhere. I spent 30 min Friday afternoon picking up glass shards from the yard. Couldn't have the mutts cutting their feet as they frolicked in the yard...and frolic they did. They were so happy and I was happy I didn't have to walk them (Damn I'm lazy!).
Since Mr. D worked most of the weekend, I was a complete homebody and caught up on pointless TV. And drank obscene amounts of wine....really no different than any other weekend.
So one week down and no big drama yet. (I'm so "salting my water") Supposedly electrical and framing is being done today...have no idea what that actually entails but that's one step closer.
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