December 18, 2008

I.O.U. Journal Entries!

I'm behind. Imagine that.

The last month has been a lot like trying to comb through the morning tangles of my daughter's long, blonde hair with a ridiculously fine-toothed comb. Moms, you know what I mean.

I've found that the best thing I can do when I feel totally beaten down by the stress this project has created is to visit my future home around 5:30 PM in the evening. It's fairly dark by then and the contractors have all left so there is no one there to tell me about the latest problem or ask me questions I can't answer. So I just stand back and admire how far we've come.

I love how the house looks this time of day. I can stand in the kitchen and admire how the craftsman lamps that hang over my kitchen bar look against the texture and gold hue of the walls. Along with the wormy maple floors, the reclaimed beams, and antique mantle, they visually warm the kitchen, breakfast room and family room. The HVAC may not be on (actually we have started it up) but the space feels cozy because it looks so cozy.

For a few minutes I forget about schedules, the pending reality of two mortgages, the lousy economy, and the daunting task of moving during the holidays. I look around at what the interior designers have described as “comfortable, eclectic, upscale country” and think, “Wow!”

I'm so proud of this home and I'm so proud of the people and all the work that went into getting us to this point.

Clearly, a lot has happened in the last month and I need catch everyone up on the associated agonies and ecstasies. I just don't have time right now. So I am officially issuing my readers an I.O.U. and providing myself with a written reminder to be sure and tell you about …

… last week's frustrating search for fluorescent lamps for our canned lights

….a funny story about those hanging kitchen lamps that I love so much

….a little problem we've yet to resolve about our light sensing outdoor lights

….a BIG problem with our kitchen countertops--which we have resolved

….the work of art that is now my front porch railing--the handiwork of my dear friend (and all time favorite mixed doubles tennis partner!) Charlie Spraggs

….the saga of my wormy maple floor color

….the discovery that we somehow neglected to select a floor for our bonus room

…..my nifty point-of-use kitchen water heater and why I just might put in more

….the six layers of paint my poor husband scrapped off of my reclaimed antique mantle which I picked up for $100.00.

….and finally the GRAND success of our recent builder Lunch & Learn

So don't give up on me. I've got a lot I'm eager to share.