Day 101 - "We Can Work It Out"

In typical fashion, my contractor contacted me yesterday wanting our paint choices....like today.  And, of course, I did not have the foggiest notion of what I wanted.  (Hi, I'm Mrs. D and I'm a procrastinator!)  Thankfully, in swoops "Architect-man" and his interior design friend who showed up at 5 pm with a trunk of paint chips, literally.  Within 40 minutes, we had narrowed down every room to three choices.  Now just need to get them on the wall and make a decision.  Whew!

And we just decided yesterday that maybe, with all the gutting and work being done to the bedroom, that we might want to re-do the gas fireplace that has the colonial-looking mantle and green marble accent tile.  Keep in mind that our house is ranch, mid-century so we are going very modern & clean.  Why would even think keeping that would work?  (smacks forehead) So this is apparently where the budget starts going out the window.  Ugh. 

I have a feeling things (hopefully) will start going very quickly.  And we did finally pick out door hardware.  Stayed tuned for cabinetry. 

Had a nice, but tiring, birthday weekend.  Basically went to bed at 9:30 every night.  I think at my age, that actually counts as a successful weekend! 

Day 94 - "Here, There and Everywhere"

I can't decide if we are moving along at a good pace on the house or not.  They installed some tile on a wall yesterday, but I still feel like work is progressing in very small increments.  But I guess I should be thankful they are there every weekday doing something, no matter how minute.   I feel a good sense of anticipation today because our architect sent us a text asking about stain for the screened porch.  So wondering if there will actually be a frame up when I get home.  That is the fun part, heading home with a sense of excitement to see what's been happening since that morning. 

Adding to my sense of anticipation is my upcoming birthday on Saturday.  I'll be 38! (Seriously, your hysterical laughter is so not appreciated.  Screw you, it's my birthday, I'll be whatever age I want to. Fine...do I hear 40?)  We are going to a football game that we are not expected to win, so I'm looking forward to some adult libations.  Is anyone really shocked by that?  I didn't think so.  Then my friend, Red, is throwing a small party for me Sunday afternoon.  Fruit & cheese platter, mimosas, princess cake & pinata.  Okay, technically, the party is more for her kids because they wanted the cake and pinata but their excitement over my birthday is actually very sweet and touching.  And seriously, a pinata is kind of righteous...why don't adults do that stuff more often?  What's more awesome than drinking some wine & swinging a big stick....oooohhh, I think I just answered my previous question.  Liability issues.

Going to make a final decision on hardware tomorrow, I hope.  So I'm completely running this week with house stuff and travel and parties.  Not necessarily a bad thing. 

Day 81 - "Help!"

I wish I could say that I've been so busy that I haven't had time to blog.  While there has been some business, it's been more lack of motivation.  Call it the lazy days of summer catching up with me.  However, I promise to turn over a new leaf now that it's Fall. (Get it? Okay, bad pun - moving on.) 

Met with the architect and cabinet guy this morning and realized that I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing when it comes to this house.  They are asking me about closet design and all I can think is "I have clothes, shoes, and purses....is this hard?!"  Yes, yes it is.  You have to know how much hanging clothing vs how much drawer clothing.  And when the architect asked me how many shoes I have, I was kind of embarrassed because, truthfully, not a shoe person.   Actually, I am a boot person which is much worse.  So need shelving for that.  I could see the dollar signs adding up in Mr. D's head.  And we still haven't picked hardware for cabinets and doors.  We almost had our first tiff regarding the house in front of everyone.  ME:  "Why aren't you contributing an opinion?"  HIM:  "It's your freakin closet!"  Oi!  I got him back later when I said that I wanted stain-grade in my closet but I didn't care what they put in his.  The cabinet guy actually laughed out loud. 

I blame those home design shows on TV.  They waltz in and after some TV editing magic and a crew of 50 working non-stop, folks have a new magnificent place in 30 minutes to an hour.  Because who wants to see Mr. & Mrs. Homeowner argue for an hour over whether to go with chrome or brushed nickel handles?  So far Mr. D and I haven't had any issues but I'm afraid it's because we keep putting off decisions on things we may not see eye-to-eye on.  I think it's now time for us to quit fussing about minute details and just pick something we can live with.  I just read a great book, "Blink" by Thomas Gladwell, about making quick decisions and judgments based on very little information.   His theory is that when faced with limited choices, taking time to examine them is usually best.  But when faced with numerous choices, it's best to go with your snap judgment.  Just look, point, and say, "That one!"  I think that might be my new strategy.  Wish us luck!