The one thing I am most looking forward to once all these renovations are done, is the diminished amounts of piles everywhere! Yesterday, we had to go home (yes that's right, we're still not living at home yet) to find Jonathan's birth certificate (which could have been anywhere because we lost track of it - but that's only because we lost his passport) and it was quite the conquest. Keep in mind this all started around 9 pm - NOT the best time of day! First we looked through the obvious, most accessible piles of paper lying on the counter or table. Next were the bags and boxes of miscellaneous papers and crap that we just shoved in there to get stuff out of the way. Still no birth certificate.... oh! I know! It's in that really big bin of miscellaneous papers and crap that I put by the wall under all those boxes in the middle of the huge pile in our living room..... yeah....
Jonathan was a trouper and found the birth certificate AND put everything back in somewhat of a tidy pile, with only one box collapsing (unfortunately that was the box with all the vases) and a few bags and lamps falling down on him.
I really don't see the end in sight.
I want to have a huge garage sale and sell everything we own so we don't have to see it all piled up in the living room anymore.
I'm feeling very rash these days.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Just keep swimming
This week wasn't such a bad week afterall. I don't know what made it better than last week, but I'm feeling pretty good and quite encouraged. I was able to help Jonathan do drywalling on Wednesday night and now we're ready for grouting. Once that's done and set we can add everything needed to make a bathroom functional! We're hoping to move ahead this weekend and have nothing planned except renovations, which is always an encouragement in itself - time!
We'll see what happens!
We'll see what happens!
Monday, June 1, 2009
I gotta be honest, this is tough!
Getting through the middle of a tough situation is never fun. This is the middle and we're not having fun. It's thick, it's slow going and we can't see the end very well.
As much of a blessing as it is to have my aunt and uncle around and willing to put up with us for way longer than we planned/told them, I am aching to go back home and have life happen at home and do stuff there and be a family in our home.
We also have life on top of renovations that is quite tough too. I have to be honest, as much as I was preaching about having the right perspective, right now is hard to have that. I guess I need to make an extra effort to think about what is good and going well to counter balance what is going wrong. These are the things that pop up every day so quickly and easily that our attitude takes that side just as quickly as they come up. We almost don't even have time to think about the good things!
I'm pretty much fed up and ready for life to resume in a less hectic way.
As much of a blessing as it is to have my aunt and uncle around and willing to put up with us for way longer than we planned/told them, I am aching to go back home and have life happen at home and do stuff there and be a family in our home.
We also have life on top of renovations that is quite tough too. I have to be honest, as much as I was preaching about having the right perspective, right now is hard to have that. I guess I need to make an extra effort to think about what is good and going well to counter balance what is going wrong. These are the things that pop up every day so quickly and easily that our attitude takes that side just as quickly as they come up. We almost don't even have time to think about the good things!
I'm pretty much fed up and ready for life to resume in a less hectic way.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Back to rubbles and the plastic divider sheet
It has been a while since the last update and that is for 2 reasons. One, because for a while nothing was happening and two, I haven't been on the ball since things got going again.
A little over a week ago, Jonathan took to the second half of the house and gutted it (minus a few walls) and is now rebuilding. He took last week and this week off to work on it. It's been going alright, but probably slower than hoped for.
Philippe and I have been staying at my aunt and uncle's with a few appearings from daddy when time allows.
Last week was really tough on me and I have a looming feeling that this week will be similar. I'm hoping to be back home mid-week, but who knows right?
Right now, our living room has ALL the stuff from our bedrooms and bathroom packed from floor to ceiling, with a little bit of space for our couch and the tv in front of it. But at least our kitchen is there and working like a charm!
What will it look like in the end? A long hallway with rooms off to either side. We're adding a 3rd bedroom, enlarging the main bathroom and re-arranging the setup in the master bedroom to still have a walk-in closet and ensuite, just in different locations.
Philippe's room will remain the same, just a higher ceiling and drywall instead of wall panelling.
The dining room will extend in a bit more than what it is right now and we'll be shifting the door to the porch over more toward the dining room so that it's not in the 3rd bedroom.
Jon's working like a mad man trying to make it liveable so he can have us back at home. I think he's feeling pretty lonely, and I am too. Man, I don't know how people go on with their spouse away for extended periods of time.
The electrical inspection got a pass and now today there is the plumbing inspection and hopefully tomorrow one of many building inspections.
As things progress I think I'll be more motivated to write about it!
A little over a week ago, Jonathan took to the second half of the house and gutted it (minus a few walls) and is now rebuilding. He took last week and this week off to work on it. It's been going alright, but probably slower than hoped for.
Philippe and I have been staying at my aunt and uncle's with a few appearings from daddy when time allows.
Last week was really tough on me and I have a looming feeling that this week will be similar. I'm hoping to be back home mid-week, but who knows right?
Right now, our living room has ALL the stuff from our bedrooms and bathroom packed from floor to ceiling, with a little bit of space for our couch and the tv in front of it. But at least our kitchen is there and working like a charm!
What will it look like in the end? A long hallway with rooms off to either side. We're adding a 3rd bedroom, enlarging the main bathroom and re-arranging the setup in the master bedroom to still have a walk-in closet and ensuite, just in different locations.
Philippe's room will remain the same, just a higher ceiling and drywall instead of wall panelling.
The dining room will extend in a bit more than what it is right now and we'll be shifting the door to the porch over more toward the dining room so that it's not in the 3rd bedroom.
Jon's working like a mad man trying to make it liveable so he can have us back at home. I think he's feeling pretty lonely, and I am too. Man, I don't know how people go on with their spouse away for extended periods of time.
The electrical inspection got a pass and now today there is the plumbing inspection and hopefully tomorrow one of many building inspections.
As things progress I think I'll be more motivated to write about it!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Ups and downs
While I'm thrilled with all the improvements happening in the house, I can't help but be distracted with the reality that in selling house comes finding another one. After a crazy Easter weekend at my parents, we got home later on Sunday night and I put Philippe down in his bed. It was the first time that walking in the house felt good and that being home felt good to be home. After that thought was, oh great, now I'm getting attached and I'll have to part with it. What a crazy ride!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Running water and a drain for it to go somewhere
Finally this morning, I turned the tap on in my kitchen and water came out in a glorious way and exited in just the same fashion. I wasn't awake enough to be emotional about it, but it made me very thankful to have a husband who knows how to do that kind of stuff.
As the water was running, Philippe looked up and was like, "I want to see, I want to see!". It was a very momentous occasion, if ever there could be one at 7am.
So the kitchen is now fully functional and it feels good.
We have approximately 2 and a half days to enjoy it before the next area of the house needs work on (but it's the basement bathroom, not quite as crippling to everyday functionnings).
The real challenge will be the second half of the house, since we'll be kind of going back to a confined space (although not to the same extent as before, nothing will be to that extent ever AGAIN!).
So cheers to good work, and off we go again!
As the water was running, Philippe looked up and was like, "I want to see, I want to see!". It was a very momentous occasion, if ever there could be one at 7am.
So the kitchen is now fully functional and it feels good.
We have approximately 2 and a half days to enjoy it before the next area of the house needs work on (but it's the basement bathroom, not quite as crippling to everyday functionnings).
The real challenge will be the second half of the house, since we'll be kind of going back to a confined space (although not to the same extent as before, nothing will be to that extent ever AGAIN!).
So cheers to good work, and off we go again!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Time brings changes
Well quite a bit of time has gone by since the last update. The month of March is a busy time at work, and since Jon and I both work at the same place, we've both been busy!
He's somehow found the time to install hardwood floor in the living to make it a liveable space again, and he's installed the dishwasher. So even without a working sink, the dishes are getting done and I'm really, very relieved about that.
Having the living room back is nicer than I thought it would be. Yesterday, as I was getting supper ready, Philippe went over to his bin of toys and played happily by himself and it was just..... normal. And normal felt really good. It was peaceful and happy. Jon and I both noticed it and commented on it. To have a couch and to be able to sit and look out the window is really nice too. I never really realized how good it is to just sit on something other than a bed. Jon also commented on that. I am realizing so much as we start getting back to a sense of normalcy. How a lot of the stuff we have is for our enjoyment, and how when we enjoy our living environment, it allows for some breathing space and relaxation. But that is still a luxury. I never thought of having a couch as a luxury, or having space as a luxury, but it is. I feel a lot more grateful for the things that we have now, and don't have to look at what's on sale and wish that we could redecorate just to be modern. Not that I really had that tendency before, but once in a while there's the urge to get something newer looking than what you have.
No, now I just feel good sitting on my couch and having space for Philippe to play.
He's somehow found the time to install hardwood floor in the living to make it a liveable space again, and he's installed the dishwasher. So even without a working sink, the dishes are getting done and I'm really, very relieved about that.
Having the living room back is nicer than I thought it would be. Yesterday, as I was getting supper ready, Philippe went over to his bin of toys and played happily by himself and it was just..... normal. And normal felt really good. It was peaceful and happy. Jon and I both noticed it and commented on it. To have a couch and to be able to sit and look out the window is really nice too. I never really realized how good it is to just sit on something other than a bed. Jon also commented on that. I am realizing so much as we start getting back to a sense of normalcy. How a lot of the stuff we have is for our enjoyment, and how when we enjoy our living environment, it allows for some breathing space and relaxation. But that is still a luxury. I never thought of having a couch as a luxury, or having space as a luxury, but it is. I feel a lot more grateful for the things that we have now, and don't have to look at what's on sale and wish that we could redecorate just to be modern. Not that I really had that tendency before, but once in a while there's the urge to get something newer looking than what you have.
No, now I just feel good sitting on my couch and having space for Philippe to play.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
flooring, glorious flooring
Well, we weren't planning on it, but we put in our kitchen flooring over the weekend. This gorgeous black hardwood floor that you can slide on and enjoy the smooth, clean feeling under your feet. It looks pretty hot too with our new cabinets and painted walls and black appliances. Oh yeah!
Jonathan's parents came up on Saturday and took Philippe out while we worked on the floor. And then Jon was able to finish it after supper. Then on Sunday, he place the other cabinets on the wall accross from the fridge and stove. Now we're at the counter stage. I can't believe it! I'm going to have counters one of these days soon! And then after that I'll have a sink, and then after that I'll have plumbing to USE the sink! And then I'll have the most amazing kitchen ever!
And for now, I'm happy taking a run and sliding on my new floor. :)
Jonathan's parents came up on Saturday and took Philippe out while we worked on the floor. And then Jon was able to finish it after supper. Then on Sunday, he place the other cabinets on the wall accross from the fridge and stove. Now we're at the counter stage. I can't believe it! I'm going to have counters one of these days soon! And then after that I'll have a sink, and then after that I'll have plumbing to USE the sink! And then I'll have the most amazing kitchen ever!
And for now, I'm happy taking a run and sliding on my new floor. :)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Scrub a dub dub
You know how when you go to get a bath ready for your little one, you say you need to rinse the tub out?
Well, yesterday, I had to take a scrub brush and go at it for 5 minutes to clean out the paint flakes and dried on food from washing dishes and rinsing paint brushes and pans.
When these renovations are done, life is going to be EASY! .... ok, maybe not, but easiER anyway.
Well, yesterday, I had to take a scrub brush and go at it for 5 minutes to clean out the paint flakes and dried on food from washing dishes and rinsing paint brushes and pans.
When these renovations are done, life is going to be EASY! .... ok, maybe not, but easiER anyway.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Recipe from my new kitchen!
Last night, I cooked in my new kitchen for the first time! We have one side of the kitchen finished, so the stove and fridge are in place, with cupboard units surrounding the fridge and then 2 drawer units on either side of the stove.
I told Jonathan he brought out the chef in me cause I cooked an amazingly delicious meal! Maybe because it wasn't pasta with sauce from a jar that it tasted so delicious, but I thought I'd share it anyway, just cause that's how good I feel.
Stir-fry and rice, in the most delicious way possible:
The rice was basmati, and I did 1 + 1/2 cups in 2 cups of water and 3/4 cup of white wine. Delish!
In my stir-fry, I had onions, leeks, celeri, red pepper, bok choy, chicken and would have like mushrooms but they had gone bad. But next time I'm putting in mushrooms.
For seasoning while everything cooked, I put salt, pepper, basil and teragon. I splashed some lemon juice on everything as well.
Then when it was almost done, I added 1 full tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter (possibly the equivalent of 2 normal tablespoons), 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, with about 1/4 cup of water and a few spurts of soya sauce. I'm pretty sure I have solved the mystery of what kind of sauce to put in stir fry. Jonathan and I used to just put a whole bunch of Soy Ginger salad dressing in, but I prefer this other one.
It was also the first time trying bok choy, and I really enjoyed the crunchiness it brought to the mix. Kind of like water chestnuts.
If you try it out, let me know what you think - even if it's bad.
I told Jonathan he brought out the chef in me cause I cooked an amazingly delicious meal! Maybe because it wasn't pasta with sauce from a jar that it tasted so delicious, but I thought I'd share it anyway, just cause that's how good I feel.
Stir-fry and rice, in the most delicious way possible:
The rice was basmati, and I did 1 + 1/2 cups in 2 cups of water and 3/4 cup of white wine. Delish!
In my stir-fry, I had onions, leeks, celeri, red pepper, bok choy, chicken and would have like mushrooms but they had gone bad. But next time I'm putting in mushrooms.
For seasoning while everything cooked, I put salt, pepper, basil and teragon. I splashed some lemon juice on everything as well.
Then when it was almost done, I added 1 full tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter (possibly the equivalent of 2 normal tablespoons), 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, with about 1/4 cup of water and a few spurts of soya sauce. I'm pretty sure I have solved the mystery of what kind of sauce to put in stir fry. Jonathan and I used to just put a whole bunch of Soy Ginger salad dressing in, but I prefer this other one.
It was also the first time trying bok choy, and I really enjoyed the crunchiness it brought to the mix. Kind of like water chestnuts.
If you try it out, let me know what you think - even if it's bad.
Monday, February 23, 2009
What a difference a weekend makes
Well, after spending an entire weekend painting, we are nearing a very exciting point in our renovations: we're almost ready to install the kitchen cabinets! Another couple coats of red (yes that's right, RED) on the closet and one wall in the kitchen, a coat of paint on the ceiling and another quick coat of grey everywhere else and we'll be good to go with the cabinets.
You know, we've definitely experienced the expression, "when it rains it pours" but I'm finding that we're experiencing quite a big of good stuff these past several days. It's like the extremes come in bunches. It's quite the roller coaster!
You know, we've definitely experienced the expression, "when it rains it pours" but I'm finding that we're experiencing quite a big of good stuff these past several days. It's like the extremes come in bunches. It's quite the roller coaster!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Reflections
Since things are put on hold, I'm going to take this time to reflect a little on how Jonathan and I have been acting and reacting to this huge project.
I've noticed that timelines are no longer an issue, whereas when we started, we were quite specific on when everything was to get done. There's just no point! At least that's how I think. Jonathan still believes he can put a 2 week deadline and think it's realistic. He'll mention a deadline and my automatic reaction is rather pessimistic, thinking, "yeah right, look how long everything else has taken".
We're definitely learning about each other's personalities. He is definitely the more positive thinker (maybe it's to motivate himself), whereas I like to think of myself as realistic (but Jonathan calls it being pessimistic). I just don't like setting myself up for failure, and trust me, if I were to have stuck by the deadlines we started with, I would be devastated and would not be handling this situation very well. I'm the type of person that, if I'm counting on something, it better be concrete and legit or else I'll be VERY disappointed. I guess that's why I have the attitude of not counting on too much in life. It's a survival tactic.
Jonathan on the other hand, thinks anything is possible and will tackle these huge mountains that I look at and think, can't we just have a picnic at the bottom? He thrives on designing how the rooms will look MONTHS in advance, he'll talk about light fixtures and paint color before we've even begun to demolish anything. He'll lie in bed and I can almost feel his thoughts pounding in his head (I never need to ask him what he's thinking about!). We'll be driving in the car and all of a sudden he'll say, "I just had a crazy idea!" and then he'll go on to explain a frame built into a wall with contrasting colors, but what would that color be? And where to put the bathtub and whether or not we need a linen closet in the hall, etc. He jumps from one thing to another so fast that I barely have time to TRY to imagine what his first topic was when he's on to his third point.
We still seem to be able to communicate with each other, which is what's keeping us from going crazy. He'll respect moments when I feel overwhelmed and need space or help with cleaning up and I try to let him work on stuff as much as possible without complaining or making it difficult for him to leave. It's hard for me to help, 1 - because of Philippe and 2 - because tools just aren't made for my size. I've heard of a line of tools made specifically for women though! Not that I could afford my own tools, but it's still a cool idea.
I've noticed that timelines are no longer an issue, whereas when we started, we were quite specific on when everything was to get done. There's just no point! At least that's how I think. Jonathan still believes he can put a 2 week deadline and think it's realistic. He'll mention a deadline and my automatic reaction is rather pessimistic, thinking, "yeah right, look how long everything else has taken".
We're definitely learning about each other's personalities. He is definitely the more positive thinker (maybe it's to motivate himself), whereas I like to think of myself as realistic (but Jonathan calls it being pessimistic). I just don't like setting myself up for failure, and trust me, if I were to have stuck by the deadlines we started with, I would be devastated and would not be handling this situation very well. I'm the type of person that, if I'm counting on something, it better be concrete and legit or else I'll be VERY disappointed. I guess that's why I have the attitude of not counting on too much in life. It's a survival tactic.
Jonathan on the other hand, thinks anything is possible and will tackle these huge mountains that I look at and think, can't we just have a picnic at the bottom? He thrives on designing how the rooms will look MONTHS in advance, he'll talk about light fixtures and paint color before we've even begun to demolish anything. He'll lie in bed and I can almost feel his thoughts pounding in his head (I never need to ask him what he's thinking about!). We'll be driving in the car and all of a sudden he'll say, "I just had a crazy idea!" and then he'll go on to explain a frame built into a wall with contrasting colors, but what would that color be? And where to put the bathtub and whether or not we need a linen closet in the hall, etc. He jumps from one thing to another so fast that I barely have time to TRY to imagine what his first topic was when he's on to his third point.
We still seem to be able to communicate with each other, which is what's keeping us from going crazy. He'll respect moments when I feel overwhelmed and need space or help with cleaning up and I try to let him work on stuff as much as possible without complaining or making it difficult for him to leave. It's hard for me to help, 1 - because of Philippe and 2 - because tools just aren't made for my size. I've heard of a line of tools made specifically for women though! Not that I could afford my own tools, but it's still a cool idea.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Slowly
I've been thinking of painting for almost 2 weeks now and I'm still waiting. The thing is, Jon hasn't been feeling well, so there was no progress. Over the weekend, he got some work done, which is nice, but it's such a slow process that it almost seems like not much has been done. It must be quite frustrating for Jon. He's vocalized his dislike for drywalling a number of times, and I completely understand why.
My dad is coming by tomorrow to take a look and possibly smooth things out a little, maybe even get things ready so I can start priming while Jon's away.... oh yes, he's away for the majority of this week. I have these dreams of him coming home and all the painting is done and he's all happy and we can move on to other more noticeable things, like a kitchen! But then my realistic (which Jon calls pessimistic) side kicks in and tells me that there's no way that could happen and that if it's just READY for painting, it will be great. And then as I'm writing this, I secretly hope that I can achieve something between the two extremes.
We shall see.
My dad is coming by tomorrow to take a look and possibly smooth things out a little, maybe even get things ready so I can start priming while Jon's away.... oh yes, he's away for the majority of this week. I have these dreams of him coming home and all the painting is done and he's all happy and we can move on to other more noticeable things, like a kitchen! But then my realistic (which Jon calls pessimistic) side kicks in and tells me that there's no way that could happen and that if it's just READY for painting, it will be great. And then as I'm writing this, I secretly hope that I can achieve something between the two extremes.
We shall see.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Pictures - more to come
The first thing we did is add new trusses to raise the peak of the roof.
This is the colour of our new roof. It looks really good!
What our living room used to look like - notice the low ceiling.
The coveted wood panelling is carried into our old dining room, which has been divided in two now.
The famous bathtub, much referred to and will probably be referred to again, and again.
Killing the trees is saving my sanity
It has now been almost 2 months since we've had no kitchen and only last week did I cave in to buy paper plates. I must admit, I had a guilty pang in me saying, "What are you doing? You've gone for so long without, you can keep it up!". But now that I have the luxury of using paper plates and not having to wash them after, I don't know how I did it for so long without! It seems to cut down the dish load by half (even if the math doesn't make sense - it's all about the illusion!).
I have found new energy because my dish load is less. I never thought there'd be a day when I would say something like that. But you know what, the less I have to stare at that disgusting tub, the happier I am. It's amazing how Philippe is blind to all that and has a grand old time during his baths.
We are almost at the end of another week, Saturday looming in the near future with very faint hopes of painting since the drywalling has been put on hold while Jonathan hasn't been feeling well. It really forces me not to think too far ahead because you just never know!
I have found new energy because my dish load is less. I never thought there'd be a day when I would say something like that. But you know what, the less I have to stare at that disgusting tub, the happier I am. It's amazing how Philippe is blind to all that and has a grand old time during his baths.
We are almost at the end of another week, Saturday looming in the near future with very faint hopes of painting since the drywalling has been put on hold while Jonathan hasn't been feeling well. It really forces me not to think too far ahead because you just never know!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Crumbs and toe nail clippings
Knowing that it will take a couple of days to get through the first blog but still needing to express what's going on with these renovations, I will keep this extremely short.
Yesterday, after a long day of work then coming home to quickly (haha) prepare dinner using a hot plate, vaccum and mop while Philippe was in his bath, do dishes in the tub while Jonathan was reading for Philippe and miraculously was allowed to put him to bed (usually Philippe asks for me and puts up quite a fuss if we try anything different), my bed was looking quite welcoming. I limped my body to bed and slid myself in only to feel scraping along my legs which ended up being crumbs from who knows what and toe nail clippings. EW!
Yesterday, after a long day of work then coming home to quickly (haha) prepare dinner using a hot plate, vaccum and mop while Philippe was in his bath, do dishes in the tub while Jonathan was reading for Philippe and miraculously was allowed to put him to bed (usually Philippe asks for me and puts up quite a fuss if we try anything different), my bed was looking quite welcoming. I limped my body to bed and slid myself in only to feel scraping along my legs which ended up being crumbs from who knows what and toe nail clippings. EW!
Monday, February 2, 2009
The now
I considered starting at the beginning of this adventure to make sure context was given and to let everyone know just how much we've been through, but I think that would be selfish and I know it would be too long and probably too boring for anyone else to really care.
I start with the now, since that is the most relevant (give or take a few sentences from the past to explain things a little).
First, a description of my house. Right now, my house is half a house. We have undertaken a project ALMOST too big for us. We found this little house in Richmond, Ontario for a really good price, which allowed us to tack on some extra money for renovations. Yes! Excellent! We get a good deal and we get to change it to what we want to live in for X number of years. Amazing how plans change after only 6 months... Now the plan is to renovate as quickly as possibly to get it back on the market for the fall so we can pay off our crippling debt and get on with life... I have a feeling plans will change yet again, what do you think?
This brings me back to a surprisingly mild day in February (and very welcomed!) with half our house gutted and us living in the other half. First thing wrong with this plan, the season! I'm miserable as it is without any crazyness happening around me because I'm one of those need-five-layers-at-all-times-to-keep-from-shivering-uncontrollably type of people during winter.
Luckily I have a very handy husband. And my very handy husband is currently finishing up the everlasting task of drywalling in our new kitchen and living room.
We have a plastic sheet dividing that area of the house and the area we are using to live in. We have a small space where we've managed to fit in everything we need to function (it amazes me how little we actually need to function). In the space right by the plastic sheet (our "entrance" if you like) we have our little round table with 3 chairs against one wall and accross from it we have a mini table with the coffee pot and toaster on it. Next to the table is our fridge, followed by a shelf with dry foods. Then we corner off to a long "bar" where there are cupboards and a bit of "counter" space. Remember those old 70s homes that had everything built in, all made out of wall panelling so it all matched, well it's one of those types of counters. On top of the counter/cupboard we have 3 plastic drawers to keep our cutlery and serving utensils and other smaller gadgety type things, which is sitting on top of our microwave. Next to that we have a hot plate (which takes 30 minutes to boil water by the way) and then of course, the junk corner (it seems there always has to be junk on the counter, even when it's not technically a counter!). We have screws sticking out of the wall to hang our coats on and a cloth bag on the floor to keep our winter accessories in (hats, mits, etc.).
Our bedroom has become our living room, which is also crowded with stuff we couldn't find spots for anywhere else, and of course piles of laundry (that hasn't changed from our non-reno days). Often we'll find little toy cars stuffed under our sheets or under our pillows. We should have a caution! sign. We try to keep Philippe's (2 and a half years old today) room somewhat liveable so he can play in there (which he never wants to anyway, so now I'm wondering why do we do it). Actually, check that, we have our drying rack in there right now with clothes on it, so it's pretty crowded as well.
Then there's the bathroom. Yes, well, I need to choose my words carefully here or I might sound like I'm complaining. The thing is, it isn't just ugly, it's gross! We don't use the cabinet under the sink because there's mold there (we've bleached it, but still...). I'll wipe a kleenex along the floor after just mopping it and it's still finding dirt! The bathtub... I'll have to post a picture of it, words can't explain it, except the colors are like mustard tub and brown pastic on the walls.... yeah. Our only source of running water forces me to be grateful for having running water in the first place. Running water to do dishes with, which consists of me sitting on a little stepping stool and washing the dishes in the tub. At least I don't have to worry about spilling any water over the edge!
I'm thankful for running water for another reason too, cause we've gone without! Not for very long, but we had some piping issues (freezing and bursting, first the hot, then the cold). Jonathan had fixed the hot but wasn't quite done with the cold and had to go to a meeting at church, so I ran a bath for Philippe 2 hours before bath time (with only hot water working) and added 2 trays of ice cubes to end up having a very enjoyable bath time! In addition, someone at the meeting provided the right parts to fix the plumbing, since Home Depot was closed by the time the meeting was over. It all worked out and we're able to shower when we please!
Speaking of water, our laundry room is in the basement, which I don't have the courage to tackle. It's a good thing Jonathan doesn't mind that task, or else our piles of laundry would be dirty instead of clean!
I'm also very thankful for heat, cause we were without heat until right before Christmas. We borrowed some space heaters and had one in Philippe's room, one in the livingroom, one in the dining room and one in the bathroom. It was getting pretty cold near the end though. I can't tell you the exact temperature since we didn't have a thermostat in the house, but I'm sure it was down in the low teens (celsius). We also had one day where, once we had heat, the intake pipe got clogged with snow and the temperature went way down to about 4 or 5 degrees in the house. So now, even though it is still cold to get out of bed, I am thankful that I don't have to wear my snowpants around the house all the time.
My reactions towards this undertaking have been anything from excitement to stress to discouragement to annoyance to hope to claustrophobia to despair. Since I'm talking about "the now", I'll say that right now I'm coping quite well and I'm feeling encouraged and almost excited. We are witnessing the rooms looking more and more like actual rooms instead of a space with insulation and tools everywhere. The tools are still there, but at least the walls are there too.
I think we hit our lowest point last Thursday, so now things are on the up-swing. I'm going to be able to help a bit more than just holding or passing, which has suprisingly been affecting me more than I thought it would. I feel like right now all I'm good for is to vaccum (constantly!) and wash dishes, which I don't even do a good job at either, I'm just too tired (and probably lack of motivation comes into play too). I'm looking forward to picking up a roller and slapping some paint down on those walls. I'm excited to place tiles and see the kitchen cabinets get put in place.
If you asked me if I'll be sad when comes the time to sell the house in the fall, after all our sacrifices and hard work, at first, I might say yes. But then I think about what Jonathan said about it. He said that he never wants to become so attached to our house that it no longer becomes just a shelter for us. Yes he wants it to feel like home and be welcoming for guests and be safe for our kids, but he doesn't want the desire to keep the house to come in the way of freeing us from our debts. When I think of it that way, I'm sure that it's the right move to make.
Stay posted for more stories about my quest through the mess.
I start with the now, since that is the most relevant (give or take a few sentences from the past to explain things a little).
First, a description of my house. Right now, my house is half a house. We have undertaken a project ALMOST too big for us. We found this little house in Richmond, Ontario for a really good price, which allowed us to tack on some extra money for renovations. Yes! Excellent! We get a good deal and we get to change it to what we want to live in for X number of years. Amazing how plans change after only 6 months... Now the plan is to renovate as quickly as possibly to get it back on the market for the fall so we can pay off our crippling debt and get on with life... I have a feeling plans will change yet again, what do you think?
This brings me back to a surprisingly mild day in February (and very welcomed!) with half our house gutted and us living in the other half. First thing wrong with this plan, the season! I'm miserable as it is without any crazyness happening around me because I'm one of those need-five-layers-at-all-times-to-keep-from-shivering-uncontrollably type of people during winter.
Luckily I have a very handy husband. And my very handy husband is currently finishing up the everlasting task of drywalling in our new kitchen and living room.
We have a plastic sheet dividing that area of the house and the area we are using to live in. We have a small space where we've managed to fit in everything we need to function (it amazes me how little we actually need to function). In the space right by the plastic sheet (our "entrance" if you like) we have our little round table with 3 chairs against one wall and accross from it we have a mini table with the coffee pot and toaster on it. Next to the table is our fridge, followed by a shelf with dry foods. Then we corner off to a long "bar" where there are cupboards and a bit of "counter" space. Remember those old 70s homes that had everything built in, all made out of wall panelling so it all matched, well it's one of those types of counters. On top of the counter/cupboard we have 3 plastic drawers to keep our cutlery and serving utensils and other smaller gadgety type things, which is sitting on top of our microwave. Next to that we have a hot plate (which takes 30 minutes to boil water by the way) and then of course, the junk corner (it seems there always has to be junk on the counter, even when it's not technically a counter!). We have screws sticking out of the wall to hang our coats on and a cloth bag on the floor to keep our winter accessories in (hats, mits, etc.).
Our bedroom has become our living room, which is also crowded with stuff we couldn't find spots for anywhere else, and of course piles of laundry (that hasn't changed from our non-reno days). Often we'll find little toy cars stuffed under our sheets or under our pillows. We should have a caution! sign. We try to keep Philippe's (2 and a half years old today) room somewhat liveable so he can play in there (which he never wants to anyway, so now I'm wondering why do we do it). Actually, check that, we have our drying rack in there right now with clothes on it, so it's pretty crowded as well.
Then there's the bathroom. Yes, well, I need to choose my words carefully here or I might sound like I'm complaining. The thing is, it isn't just ugly, it's gross! We don't use the cabinet under the sink because there's mold there (we've bleached it, but still...). I'll wipe a kleenex along the floor after just mopping it and it's still finding dirt! The bathtub... I'll have to post a picture of it, words can't explain it, except the colors are like mustard tub and brown pastic on the walls.... yeah. Our only source of running water forces me to be grateful for having running water in the first place. Running water to do dishes with, which consists of me sitting on a little stepping stool and washing the dishes in the tub. At least I don't have to worry about spilling any water over the edge!
I'm thankful for running water for another reason too, cause we've gone without! Not for very long, but we had some piping issues (freezing and bursting, first the hot, then the cold). Jonathan had fixed the hot but wasn't quite done with the cold and had to go to a meeting at church, so I ran a bath for Philippe 2 hours before bath time (with only hot water working) and added 2 trays of ice cubes to end up having a very enjoyable bath time! In addition, someone at the meeting provided the right parts to fix the plumbing, since Home Depot was closed by the time the meeting was over. It all worked out and we're able to shower when we please!
Speaking of water, our laundry room is in the basement, which I don't have the courage to tackle. It's a good thing Jonathan doesn't mind that task, or else our piles of laundry would be dirty instead of clean!
I'm also very thankful for heat, cause we were without heat until right before Christmas. We borrowed some space heaters and had one in Philippe's room, one in the livingroom, one in the dining room and one in the bathroom. It was getting pretty cold near the end though. I can't tell you the exact temperature since we didn't have a thermostat in the house, but I'm sure it was down in the low teens (celsius). We also had one day where, once we had heat, the intake pipe got clogged with snow and the temperature went way down to about 4 or 5 degrees in the house. So now, even though it is still cold to get out of bed, I am thankful that I don't have to wear my snowpants around the house all the time.
My reactions towards this undertaking have been anything from excitement to stress to discouragement to annoyance to hope to claustrophobia to despair. Since I'm talking about "the now", I'll say that right now I'm coping quite well and I'm feeling encouraged and almost excited. We are witnessing the rooms looking more and more like actual rooms instead of a space with insulation and tools everywhere. The tools are still there, but at least the walls are there too.
I think we hit our lowest point last Thursday, so now things are on the up-swing. I'm going to be able to help a bit more than just holding or passing, which has suprisingly been affecting me more than I thought it would. I feel like right now all I'm good for is to vaccum (constantly!) and wash dishes, which I don't even do a good job at either, I'm just too tired (and probably lack of motivation comes into play too). I'm looking forward to picking up a roller and slapping some paint down on those walls. I'm excited to place tiles and see the kitchen cabinets get put in place.
If you asked me if I'll be sad when comes the time to sell the house in the fall, after all our sacrifices and hard work, at first, I might say yes. But then I think about what Jonathan said about it. He said that he never wants to become so attached to our house that it no longer becomes just a shelter for us. Yes he wants it to feel like home and be welcoming for guests and be safe for our kids, but he doesn't want the desire to keep the house to come in the way of freeing us from our debts. When I think of it that way, I'm sure that it's the right move to make.
Stay posted for more stories about my quest through the mess.
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