Darn it! Our contractor came up with an awesome idea to turn all our shelving into a giant rolling storage unit, and I'm all "THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY IDEA"
Because that is just exactly zany enough to have been something I came up with.
Showing posts with label Isambard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Isambard. Show all posts
6.4.18
2.9.16
Untitled?
Uh....I got nothing!
So, um, here's nothing!
Kids are well, they get up every morning at about 6 am... simultaneously, and instantly. Peanut #1 had a big nightmare, so I was bunked in with her and was able to witness the awakening of the children. Peanut #2 goes from completely asleep to awake and ready to play in about the time it takes to count slowly to 15.
The house is coming along, a little bit all the time. I do want to get their playhouse built this summer still, but that is going to take some coordination to pull off. And by coordination, I mean recruiting my mom to babysit.
I did get my fountain built but I want to redo it... because I'm never satisfied with something the first time.
Winter plans include my master bedroom wall repaint and retile, and finish off and trim in the basement, including the construction of all the infrastructure to make it a main entry way into the house (as in through the side door)
So, um, here's nothing!
Kids are well, they get up every morning at about 6 am... simultaneously, and instantly. Peanut #1 had a big nightmare, so I was bunked in with her and was able to witness the awakening of the children. Peanut #2 goes from completely asleep to awake and ready to play in about the time it takes to count slowly to 15.
The house is coming along, a little bit all the time. I do want to get their playhouse built this summer still, but that is going to take some coordination to pull off. And by coordination, I mean recruiting my mom to babysit.
I did get my fountain built but I want to redo it... because I'm never satisfied with something the first time.
Winter plans include my master bedroom wall repaint and retile, and finish off and trim in the basement, including the construction of all the infrastructure to make it a main entry way into the house (as in through the side door)
13.4.16
Art
I have a painting of a pig in a lab coat flying over some sheep on computers.
I love it so much. The Project Manager does not. Especially when I mounted it on the stairwell down from the bedrooms at eye level.
I have a lot of art, a LOT of art, and It needs to all be on the walls, so this is a big push for us for this summer.
It's going to be a challenge, I think, but if we go at it one piece at a time I think we can put it all up and preserve our marriage
I want to have one of those houses that has a million pieces of art all over the place. The Project Manager wants all that art to match.
:D
I love it so much. The Project Manager does not. Especially when I mounted it on the stairwell down from the bedrooms at eye level.
I have a lot of art, a LOT of art, and It needs to all be on the walls, so this is a big push for us for this summer.
It's going to be a challenge, I think, but if we go at it one piece at a time I think we can put it all up and preserve our marriage
I want to have one of those houses that has a million pieces of art all over the place. The Project Manager wants all that art to match.
:D
7.11.15
Lest we Froget
I'm not gonna lie to you.
I need Remembrance Day because it's the first day off in a couple of weeks for me, and it's the only day off for a month or so to come.
I've got the Friday off as well, but that'll be spent on Isambard, putting up trim, painting, etc.
Amazingly, The Boy has suddenly had a fit of being reliable, so he may find that this throws some work his way. Basically, he could end up being the Isambard groundskeeper.
Ooh, also excitingly, the Project Manager has endorsed continuing to take the Peanuts to daycare by bicycle, which is_awesome_ because they love it and I love it and I think they're going to be warm enough because there will be two of them in a tiny plastic box.
At work, all is well, some amazing projects are going ahead, most of them on my shoulders.
Oh, other neat thing, I"m starting to take some steps back from some of my volunteering commitments so that I can focus on being BETTER at a smaller number of things, as opposed to being mediocre at a large number of things
I need Remembrance Day because it's the first day off in a couple of weeks for me, and it's the only day off for a month or so to come.
I've got the Friday off as well, but that'll be spent on Isambard, putting up trim, painting, etc.
Amazingly, The Boy has suddenly had a fit of being reliable, so he may find that this throws some work his way. Basically, he could end up being the Isambard groundskeeper.
Ooh, also excitingly, the Project Manager has endorsed continuing to take the Peanuts to daycare by bicycle, which is_awesome_ because they love it and I love it and I think they're going to be warm enough because there will be two of them in a tiny plastic box.
At work, all is well, some amazing projects are going ahead, most of them on my shoulders.
Oh, other neat thing, I"m starting to take some steps back from some of my volunteering commitments so that I can focus on being BETTER at a smaller number of things, as opposed to being mediocre at a large number of things
28.7.15
Dear Diary
What's new this week?
Peanut is awesome and hilarious, and just getting to the REALLY defiant phase. I wonder what would happen if I spent a day saying Yes to everything she asked? That would be interesting
Peanut #2 is good; although she screamed her little noggin off until about 11 pm last night. I had both kinds of flu, and the Project Manager is recovering from a GI bug, so we were not at our best, I'm afraid.
The Project Manager, apart from the GI bug, is amazing as always; she's insanely busy with work and.... crap, I think that means that every domestic task needs to be mine right now. I mean, I know that, but this month (or August, to be clear) needs to be 100% me. I think this means I have to learn where her laundry goes. TERROR
Also, the house is looking great these days! New deck, and the attic is all new, which is AMAZEBALLS
Peanut is awesome and hilarious, and just getting to the REALLY defiant phase. I wonder what would happen if I spent a day saying Yes to everything she asked? That would be interesting
Peanut #2 is good; although she screamed her little noggin off until about 11 pm last night. I had both kinds of flu, and the Project Manager is recovering from a GI bug, so we were not at our best, I'm afraid.
The Project Manager, apart from the GI bug, is amazing as always; she's insanely busy with work and.... crap, I think that means that every domestic task needs to be mine right now. I mean, I know that, but this month (or August, to be clear) needs to be 100% me. I think this means I have to learn where her laundry goes. TERROR
Also, the house is looking great these days! New deck, and the attic is all new, which is AMAZEBALLS
21.7.15
It's been a while since the Project Manager and I have had to live in a construction zone; and it's not as fun as I remember it.
As a brief explanation: The roof repair caused or found or exacerbated a leak in the roof, which has come down, from time to time, through our bedroom ceiling light fixture. So we are displaced from our room into the attic room, which has no power at the moment, and also has a toddler in it, so we are living in a share accomodation of 385sqft with Peanut #1, accesisble through a miniscule staircase that goes into our landing, which is full of furniture from our bedroom.
Our clothes are in the bedroom. Behind poly. So I literally have to slink along the wall like a rodent to get a shirt. Also, I have no Idea where the iron is.
But the attic is LOVELY, even without power. It's like being in a egg.
As a brief explanation: The roof repair caused or found or exacerbated a leak in the roof, which has come down, from time to time, through our bedroom ceiling light fixture. So we are displaced from our room into the attic room, which has no power at the moment, and also has a toddler in it, so we are living in a share accomodation of 385sqft with Peanut #1, accesisble through a miniscule staircase that goes into our landing, which is full of furniture from our bedroom.
Our clothes are in the bedroom. Behind poly. So I literally have to slink along the wall like a rodent to get a shirt. Also, I have no Idea where the iron is.
But the attic is LOVELY, even without power. It's like being in a egg.
22.8.11
Too busy to breathe
Hi Blog! Long time no see!
The Project Manager and I are about to move back into Isambard on Thursday, and that will be wonderful. I mean, condo living is ok, but to have a porch, and a basement, and large well-lit rooms... I can't wait.
The Project Manager has been very anxious about the move (as it's her condo that she is leaving) but she is MUCH happier today because... the cleaner has been in and has cleaned, literally, every crevice. For a house that has been vacant for 14 months, she looks pretty good. All is smiley emoticons.
Work is incredibly busy, but I get enough small stuff done that no one notices the big stuff I'm missing. I hope once I'm not spending each moment driving and moving and building, that I will get more done and be more focused.
I've always had a very strong tie to the Place That I Live, and it's neat to see how my brain seems to work better while I'm there. I think that means I'm dumbing as I age.
The Project Manager and I are about to move back into Isambard on Thursday, and that will be wonderful. I mean, condo living is ok, but to have a porch, and a basement, and large well-lit rooms... I can't wait.
The Project Manager has been very anxious about the move (as it's her condo that she is leaving) but she is MUCH happier today because... the cleaner has been in and has cleaned, literally, every crevice. For a house that has been vacant for 14 months, she looks pretty good. All is smiley emoticons.
Work is incredibly busy, but I get enough small stuff done that no one notices the big stuff I'm missing. I hope once I'm not spending each moment driving and moving and building, that I will get more done and be more focused.
I've always had a very strong tie to the Place That I Live, and it's neat to see how my brain seems to work better while I'm there. I think that means I'm dumbing as I age.
9.6.11
I had a deep thought...
... but I've forgotten what it was.
So here's what's going on! The house is coming together slowly, but steadily. There may be paint up on the walls in the master bedroom by the end of the week, and that is VERY exciting!
The Project Manager has decided on white tin tiles for the ceiling, which should be quite good fun to try and install, but it's going to look great, I think.
Once the paint is up, the mopping and cleaning can happen, then the furniture can move into the bedroom (and even be set up!) and then the big work on the stairs can begin.
The Project Manager turns out to be a fine fine drywaller, actually.
Ooh! and we made savoury waffles. They're extraordinary!
So here's what's going on! The house is coming together slowly, but steadily. There may be paint up on the walls in the master bedroom by the end of the week, and that is VERY exciting!
The Project Manager has decided on white tin tiles for the ceiling, which should be quite good fun to try and install, but it's going to look great, I think.
Once the paint is up, the mopping and cleaning can happen, then the furniture can move into the bedroom (and even be set up!) and then the big work on the stairs can begin.
The Project Manager turns out to be a fine fine drywaller, actually.
Ooh! and we made savoury waffles. They're extraordinary!
4.5.11
Chess with Death
Ok Death, you're a pretty good chess player.
Let's see, you've got House Renos, Wedding, Office Move, Insomnia, and Amateur Theatre Show all in play.
I counter with Supportive Friends and Family, Patience, A Sense of Priorities, Petting the Cats, and Red Wine.
Your mo-- ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
26.4.11
Isambard update!
Well where are we...
Lessee... the foundation is poured, and the house is ready to go back onto the proper place in... lessee... 4-5 days? This also includes the supports for the front porch and bay window.
The renos inside are firing back up again, the closet is ready to be re-drywalled and the bedroom is almost ready for new insulation. The next step is to finish the bookcase and the linen closet, then re-drywall up there and paint.
The rest of the house is approximately as it was... although the new insulation work has some impact on the ground floor as well.
Whoops, back to work!
Lessee... the foundation is poured, and the house is ready to go back onto the proper place in... lessee... 4-5 days? This also includes the supports for the front porch and bay window.
The renos inside are firing back up again, the closet is ready to be re-drywalled and the bedroom is almost ready for new insulation. The next step is to finish the bookcase and the linen closet, then re-drywall up there and paint.
The rest of the house is approximately as it was... although the new insulation work has some impact on the ground floor as well.
Whoops, back to work!
21.4.11
Concrete day!
And lo...
Perhaps...
If all the good girls and boys were EXTRA good...
And the stars aligned...
And the right incantations were spoken...
...
...
I might have basement walls today. STAY TUNED!
Perhaps...
If all the good girls and boys were EXTRA good...
And the stars aligned...
And the right incantations were spoken...
...
...
I might have basement walls today. STAY TUNED!
25.1.11
House update
So, the New Contractor is blazing away on the house, he has had meetings with the neighbours, and the real possibility is that the job may in fact be done by the end of February! This is very exciting.
These contractors seem genuinely interested in finishing the job.
This I like.
I've been in and out of the house a few times, and have noted that there is definitely going to be a mass purging of anything that was in a bottle, as the freeze/thaw process has not been kind on containers.
This I don't like, but it's ok.
I also dropped a bottle of wine off at the house next door, and that has helped a great deal of things, too, I think
These contractors seem genuinely interested in finishing the job.
This I like.
I've been in and out of the house a few times, and have noted that there is definitely going to be a mass purging of anything that was in a bottle, as the freeze/thaw process has not been kind on containers.
This I don't like, but it's ok.
I also dropped a bottle of wine off at the house next door, and that has helped a great deal of things, too, I think
23.10.10
House onwards
So the house project continues very very slowly. It's actually starting to seriously impact my karmic balance.
The future of the house is literally up in the air, which leaves my possessions, my space and The Boy's space and possessions up in the air as well.
I have done what homework I could think to do with the contractor, but his pace is now a major cause of worry. Without significant advances quickly, this reno could have negative consequences for the rest of the house.
I've done my best to treat the house well over the last few years, with mixed success, but I may have gotten in over my head on this one. And while it would be 'facile' to say that I'll learn a lot regardless of whether this succeeds, I'm not happy doing that with several hundred thousand dollars of house and home.
And I must also remember that maybe it will be just fine and will come together ish sha Allah.
The future of the house is literally up in the air, which leaves my possessions, my space and The Boy's space and possessions up in the air as well.
I have done what homework I could think to do with the contractor, but his pace is now a major cause of worry. Without significant advances quickly, this reno could have negative consequences for the rest of the house.
I've done my best to treat the house well over the last few years, with mixed success, but I may have gotten in over my head on this one. And while it would be 'facile' to say that I'll learn a lot regardless of whether this succeeds, I'm not happy doing that with several hundred thousand dollars of house and home.
And I must also remember that maybe it will be just fine and will come together ish sha Allah.
12.9.10
Garage 2
Sweet jebus.
I am close to done. 3 walls out of 4 are done, and the 4th wall only has tools. The props are mostly packed and back in the house, and the floors is swept and vacuumed.
I need to emphasize again the quantity of crap in this garage.
Total linear feet: 60.
Stacked about 8 feet high (on average, I would say)
about 2 feet thick.
960 cubic feet of stuff. So if you picked up a box (that was one cubic foot) a day and moved it, it would take two years to empty. TWO YEARS.
I am close to done. 3 walls out of 4 are done, and the 4th wall only has tools. The props are mostly packed and back in the house, and the floors is swept and vacuumed.
I need to emphasize again the quantity of crap in this garage.
Total linear feet: 60.
Stacked about 8 feet high (on average, I would say)
about 2 feet thick.
960 cubic feet of stuff. So if you picked up a box (that was one cubic foot) a day and moved it, it would take two years to empty. TWO YEARS.
11.8.10
Blogula!
Count Blogula, the undead blog, rises from the grave!
Since we last spoke, here's the various scoops:
My house remains obstinately on the ground, foiled by 'Audrey' at the Planning department of Prairie Metropolis. See, my house is so close to the house next door that the City would very much like it if the houses were torn down and replaced with something spaced a little farther apart. As of this morning, The Contractor and I, who are in constant contact, believe we are leaping the last hurdle even now. The main bone of confusion seems to be that the City thinks I am raising the house to a new level, when in fact, I am lowering it. Kinda.
I am continuing to live with She Who Does Not Have A Blog Nickname, and that is going very well. The condo is no bigger than it was, but that's ok, too. I do really miss living in Isambard, but that will come back in its time too. I am 100% aware of the stress that moving into that house may cause her, but I'm gonna make that play nonetheless when the time is right!
There is much to do on renovating it on the inside before that can happen, anyway, so
there's not a huge rush.
UPDATE: Audrey, the cruel empress of planning, has relinquished the house, and I am informed that we are marching forward. More details to follow.
Since we last spoke, here's the various scoops:
My house remains obstinately on the ground, foiled by 'Audrey' at the Planning department of Prairie Metropolis. See, my house is so close to the house next door that the City would very much like it if the houses were torn down and replaced with something spaced a little farther apart. As of this morning, The Contractor and I, who are in constant contact, believe we are leaping the last hurdle even now. The main bone of confusion seems to be that the City thinks I am raising the house to a new level, when in fact, I am lowering it. Kinda.
I am continuing to live with She Who Does Not Have A Blog Nickname, and that is going very well. The condo is no bigger than it was, but that's ok, too. I do really miss living in Isambard, but that will come back in its time too. I am 100% aware of the stress that moving into that house may cause her, but I'm gonna make that play nonetheless when the time is right!
There is much to do on renovating it on the inside before that can happen, anyway, so
there's not a huge rush.
UPDATE: Audrey, the cruel empress of planning, has relinquished the house, and I am informed that we are marching forward. More details to follow.
4.1.10
Good gravy
It's been almost 2 months since I've blogged... so... here's a quick recap.
2 days after I last blogged I went on a first date with a truly amazing young lady.
5 days after I last blogged I got a promotion at work. I get paid $25 dollars more every two weeks! That's one ENTIRE case of beer! But on a more positive note, I haven't had to write a briefing note since.
The old house is coming along, I have nearly all gutted one room to reinsulate it and that makes me very very happy.
That's all the news for now.
Oh, and I made bread yesterday. It's easy.
2 days after I last blogged I went on a first date with a truly amazing young lady.
5 days after I last blogged I got a promotion at work. I get paid $25 dollars more every two weeks! That's one ENTIRE case of beer! But on a more positive note, I haven't had to write a briefing note since.
The old house is coming along, I have nearly all gutted one room to reinsulate it and that makes me very very happy.
That's all the news for now.
Oh, and I made bread yesterday. It's easy.
8.9.09
Outside tasks.
By george, I might actually finish something.
My front deck requires MAYBE one more coat of paint, and then... well.. I think it's done for this year!
My back balcony requires a bit more work. One of the boards I used is very very bowed, so I need to think of something cunning to straighten it before I put the railing on it.
Then I need to quick quick build a deck over at the Rambler's... can't forget to do that
My front deck requires MAYBE one more coat of paint, and then... well.. I think it's done for this year!
My back balcony requires a bit more work. One of the boards I used is very very bowed, so I need to think of something cunning to straighten it before I put the railing on it.
Then I need to quick quick build a deck over at the Rambler's... can't forget to do that
21.8.09
Sweep Sweep Paint Paint Drill Drill
Phew.
More progress last night on the front and back porches. The back porch is very close to done. I need to paint the deck of it, then wait 'til my room-mate is gone so I can finish the railing (as I'll need to haul equipment through the roommate's room), install corner trim around the posts so that no water can get down them. Then if I buy a paint-gun... I could finish priming the whole thing before winter comes!
As for the front, I am trying to order some lovely decorations, and finish painting it! I put the first coat of some primer on it last night, but I need to sand again and paint again, then paint again, then sand again. Then I can install the trim on it, and paint the trim. Once the decorations come I can install them and call it done for the winter. I'll need to install the south side of the railings next year, sadly. Ah well, no huge loss
More progress last night on the front and back porches. The back porch is very close to done. I need to paint the deck of it, then wait 'til my room-mate is gone so I can finish the railing (as I'll need to haul equipment through the roommate's room), install corner trim around the posts so that no water can get down them. Then if I buy a paint-gun... I could finish priming the whole thing before winter comes!
As for the front, I am trying to order some lovely decorations, and finish painting it! I put the first coat of some primer on it last night, but I need to sand again and paint again, then paint again, then sand again. Then I can install the trim on it, and paint the trim. Once the decorations come I can install them and call it done for the winter. I'll need to install the south side of the railings next year, sadly. Ah well, no huge loss
20.8.09
A few handy definitions:
Foundation Header: This is the space over your foundation below the first floor of your house. Yours is likely capped at the ends with board, like 2x10s. Mine, apparently, is capped by wire mesh and a sign that says "Cold Air: Get In Here!"
DID YOU KNOW? Insulating this will cost approximately $1700?
Fascia: This is the vertical board that caps your roof joists, providing a strong secure bond between your eavestroughs and your house. Some exceptions do exist, such as in my house, where the fascia boards are made of compressed rot, and will eject the eavestroughs at the earliest opportunity.
DID YOU KNOW? Replacing this costs about $500?
Eavestroughs: These are aluminum or plastic troughs that attach to the side of your house and funnel rainwater and other precipitation away from your house, typically into rain-barrels. My neighbour's system has an ingenious setup whereby all the precipitation from his roof is deposited next to my side door. This is known as the Niagara Falls effect.
DID YOU KNOW? Replacing 100' of eavestroughs costs approximately $1400
Damn Fine: This is the technical description for how my railing and floor and walls are going to look when the refinisher is done.
DID YOU KNOW? There goes another $4000?
DID YOU KNOW? You're getting a nice hand-made card for Christmas. And possibly a hug. For the next five years.
DID YOU KNOW? Insulating this will cost approximately $1700?
Fascia: This is the vertical board that caps your roof joists, providing a strong secure bond between your eavestroughs and your house. Some exceptions do exist, such as in my house, where the fascia boards are made of compressed rot, and will eject the eavestroughs at the earliest opportunity.
DID YOU KNOW? Replacing this costs about $500?
Eavestroughs: These are aluminum or plastic troughs that attach to the side of your house and funnel rainwater and other precipitation away from your house, typically into rain-barrels. My neighbour's system has an ingenious setup whereby all the precipitation from his roof is deposited next to my side door. This is known as the Niagara Falls effect.
DID YOU KNOW? Replacing 100' of eavestroughs costs approximately $1400
Damn Fine: This is the technical description for how my railing and floor and walls are going to look when the refinisher is done.
DID YOU KNOW? There goes another $4000?
DID YOU KNOW? You're getting a nice hand-made card for Christmas. And possibly a hug. For the next five years.
18.8.09
Back at the grind!
Well, no excuses remain.
I have finished my major special events for the summer, I have got the house to a moderate state of cleanliness, I guess it's really time to finish some renos.
My social calendar is entirely mine to command (hurrah!) and I can work late if needs be to make time for other stuff.
I was hoping for a wee raise this month, and it has not come to pass, so maybe that will come in September.
If I can get three more projects finished, which is possible, I'll actually be able to go into winter with a light heart and do some interior projects!
I have finished my major special events for the summer, I have got the house to a moderate state of cleanliness, I guess it's really time to finish some renos.
My social calendar is entirely mine to command (hurrah!) and I can work late if needs be to make time for other stuff.
I was hoping for a wee raise this month, and it has not come to pass, so maybe that will come in September.
If I can get three more projects finished, which is possible, I'll actually be able to go into winter with a light heart and do some interior projects!
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