Two weeks...and counting....

So it is crazy to me that we have only been at this renovation for a month a twenty four days...not that I am counting. At the same time I have never had a month and twenty four days be packed with so much change. The house as we knew it has been completely transformed, and everything has gone smoothly...until

now.

It first started with us connecting our new bathroom fixtures upstairs, which happened to leak, luckily not for too long before Steve caught it. But it still managed to leak onto our newly textured ceilings below, staining large patches a very lovely yellow color. Fortunately, we were able to repair the damage, and we didn't have to rip all the drywall down and start over. That was what I thought we would have to do, but at the same time I have been know to catastrophize from time to time.

Next was our beautiful travertine floor, some of the grount lines began to crack. That really wasn't the look we were going for, so now we have to have our tile guy back to try and brainstorm how to fix it. My guess is a lot of dirty work involving scraping, scraping and more scraping and re-grouting

EVERYTHING.

I then found some gorgeous pendant lights for above our island, they looked perfect online. It was even more perfect when my parents were already headed to the states and could pick them up. So when we did get them, I had told my mom only two rather than three, opps. Upon opening the box the picture and the actual size also varried a bit. Each pendant was about 6 inches too big...one more set back....

When we first started the reno I definately knew there would be some set backs; I was just hoping that I could of anticipated those set backs and avioded all of them:) Didn't exactly work, but we are still going at

 it.

When I asked Steve when he was hoping to have everything wrapped up he said "two weeks" which sounds great but then I realized everytime I ask him how long until we have things done he says "two weeks." So I really have no idea.... I actually feel like two weeks ago we were further ahead then now, but I think that is because we are knee deep in demolition up stairs....

So if you see me out and about and I am covered in drywall dust, don't judge me...

You have no idea how excited I am to paint over this blue!!!! The granite ( which Steve REALLY pushed for) looks great, we are still planning on painting out the bases and putting on new hardware...

Our new carpet goes in a week from today!! I think its going to look awesome. I had no idea how expensive carpet is, but after shopping around I think we ended up with a pretty good deal. Thanks to my Grandma blazing a trail there is now something known as the "Ady discount."

This is the main floor bathroom. Steve has started installing the wainscoting which is looking great.

After much debate, we decided to pain the banister out white, I am really happy with the results, and with the new carpet it should really look good...or so we hope:)

So I think these past couple weeks I have realized I can't control everything that happens, there are going to be bumps, and probably more to come (unless I can figure out a way to avoid them) but there is nothing you can do, just ride it out. So I guess I will ride it out for another "two weeks" and see how it goes...

Don't forget the schlueter and the nipples....

With these reno's we have experienced a HUGE learning curve. Well maybe a little bigger for me. Its not simply ripping some walls down, slapping on a coat of paint and calling 'er good. For instance, something I did not know prior to renovations is that you need something called "schlueter trim" to finish and protect corners of installed tile... who knew?!? At the same time, me even knowing that something called schlueter exists means that our tile is almost complete:) Nipples are also necessary in renovations which I was also not aware of. In order to attach the gas line to the actual gas range there is a rubber piece referred to as a "nipple." These are now purchased, which means I will soon after one month and ten days of no stove or oven, be able to boil water again. I love progress.

Steve has been working exceptionally hard here, while I keep plugging away at the hospital. I come home from work and feel exhausted after my twelve hour shifts, but atleast when I come home I can relax(kinda with the soothing hum of an air compressor in the background). Unfortunately, Steve is always "at work" here, which I can't imagine how tiring that would be. He installed our kitchen backsplash, which I LOVE! It should be getting grouted today:)

Steve continued his handy work with something he knows well, our sound system. He almost has all of our speakers and wiring installed throughout the house. They look great and will be awesome to have!

Our hardwood is also coming along, and looks incredible! I may be slightly biased because I picked it out, but judge for youself... Its solid Acacia and "hand scraped" so pre-distressed.

Find Joy in the Journey

            So I am truly fortunate for a few things in my life... a great PATIENT husband, family, friends, employment, Church, my list could go on and on. Within all these sectors of people I have the great opportunity of drawing on all of their experience and knowledge. All of these same people have contributed to our renovations thus far either from helping with packing, moving, encouragement, a place to escape the madness:) I read a talk the other day that made me stop for a second and really reflect; it focused on finding joy in the journey.

          I can say with certainty that I am a "Type A personality". Wikipedia states... "Type A individuals can be described as impatient, time-conscious, controlling..., highly competitive, ambitious, business-like, aggressive, having difficulty relaxing; and are sometimes disliked by individuals with Type B personalities for the way that they're always rushing. They are often high-achieving workaholics who multi-task, drive themselves with deadlines, and are unhappy about delays."  In contrast Steve is definately a "Type B personality" Wikipedia goes on to describe them... "Type B individuals, are described as patient, relaxed, and easy-going, generally lacking an overriding sense of urgency" When I read these definitions it was pretty much like Wikipedia came to our home and interviewed Steve and I and asked how we would describe ourselves. This kinda sums up our renovation thus far, which, if I really think about it is too bad. Steve and I have taken on a HUGE project, a project that to this point I have been wishing would hurry up and end, so we could move on to the next. We have both already had the opportunity of learning so much about not only renovations, but also about each other. Instead of me taking this opportunity to do so, I have been looking forward to the tomorrows instead of enjoying today.

                        I am still human and still a type A personality so I am not going to sit here and say that I am not going to still count on deadlines, and at times possibly nag for things to continue to get done.....(sorry hunny) and I am still SOOO excited for the day when we are done the renovations and can put the house on the market. I will say though that I am going to try and stop and enjoy what we are experiencing and creating today, and enjoy tomorrow when we get there.....

                                                                  The granite getting installed!!!

We started painting this week, as well as installing granite, travertine floors and our new kitchen cupboards!

We hope tomorrow to finish up with paint on the main floor and start on the hardwood:)