May 3, 2005

• It has been two weeks since my big move. In some ways it feels like mere days, in other ways like years!!

  
  

  Nothing really went as I had planned, but I had expected that. This is something so totally new and foreign to me that I have had to let go of my usual "plan for every contingency" ways and just immerse myself in the experience and go with the flow.

  
  

  Moving day was as hectic and gut wrenching as I expected. It poured with rain the entire time. High drama moment when my box spring wouldn't go up the stairs. Horrors of not having a bed after a week of sleeping on an air mattress! Had to actually sign a paper allowing them to "damage" the walls and ceiling. Chuckled when house was so solid only a little tidge of plaster came down!

  
  

  In two weeks I have learned more and worked harder than I have ever done in my life. Each time I thought I had everything under control the universe let me know it had other ideas!

  
  

  The first stumbling block was of course all the garbage left in the house by the previous owners. Precious days were lost just loading it all into the garage, and I will now have the added expense of hiring a dumpster to get rid of it all.

  
  

  The second block was the sheer filth in this place. We are talking years and years of ground in dirt and grime that I am still struggling with.

  
  

  Physical limitations slowed me down. My hands became badly inflamed from the repetitive scrubbing and tearing down of empty boxes. The chemicals I was using also irritated my skin. I came to understand and sympathize with the annoying lady in the aspirin commercial who says in her monotone voice: My wrists are on fire. Asperin however was not quite strong enough for me. Mega doses of ibuprofin have just about done the trick.

  
  

  Enough Whining!! On the plus side.....WOW!

  
  

  I have learned how to use a power sander. I have learned how to use an electric drill. Early in my move both my front and back door locks disintegrated. New locks will have to wait so I built up the wood with plastic wood and made them secure. I installed chain bolts on both doors. None of my windows on the main floor had locks so I learned how to install those. Until this time I had never even picked up a screwdriver.

  
  

  I have learned how to fix a fireplace damper. I have learned how to use a woodburning fireplace (and it looks fantastic, I love it!). I have learned how to remove wallpaper using a paper tiger and "Dif".  I have learned how to mix and use cement, how to plaster walls and how to repair holes in the ceiling. I have learned about using every cleaning product known to man and then some. I have learned how to fall off a ladder and not break your neck!  

  
  

  Most of all, I think I have learned to be more flexible and to be more open to changes in situation. I have learned to trust in my ability to learn and master (or at least kind of master!) new skills. I have learned to depend on myself instead of always expecting "the husband"  or someone else to take care of it.

  
  

  I have conquered and am still conquering my fears. Fears of the unexpected, fears of being alone. I am actually coping and doing a fine job! I am stretching myself physically and mentally in ways I have never tried before. In this huge behemoth of a house I am making progress. It is looking and feeling like home. Each step brings it closer to my vision.

  
  

  Another plus is the fact that this house seems to be bringing my parents and myself closer together again. We are talking and they have been over twice to visit. They are coming over on Thursday for coffee. It is a start and a positive move for all of us.

  
  

  I of course have not done all of this completely by myself. I rely heavily on the support and ego stroking of my friends.  It helps when the overwhelmings creep in and start to take over. The old hound has been indispensable in helping with things that require the strength of ten men as opposed to one woman and in offering his love and support. He also has extremely good taste and a real artistic flair - but we wont tell him so or he'll get too full of himself!

  
  

  There is of course miles and miles to go. My next concerns are varied. I need a lawnmower - something I know nothing about. I have never mowed a lawn in my life. I have huge amounts of debris to get rid of. My walls and ceilings are to be sanded and washed in preparation for (hooray!!) painting. I have purchased the tiles for my front hall and will install them after the floor is scrubbed and levelled. (Thank you old hound for helping me choose them, they are beautiful).  I am learning about plumbing in preparation for repairing the downstairs toilet.

  
  

  Am I tired? Yes. Would I change anything? No. I am happier now than I have ever been in my life. There is something about this house that speaks to me. I feel at peace here. Sunday evening relaxing on the couch with the old hound, a beautiful wood fire burning and soft music playing -  I felt complete serenity - and that was with a bomb sitting on the kitchen floor!!  

  
  

  I also feel very proud of myself in what I have accomplished and in what I intend to accomplish. One year ago I would have claimed that I didn't have a handy bone in my body. Artistic maybe, but handy - no. Now I refute that claim.

  
  

  I downloaded some pictures this morning taken a few weeks ago of the house and am simply blown away by the progress. It wouldn't be noticable to someone seeing the house for the first time, but having been here from the beginning I find it remarkable.

  
  

  It is exhausting, but the most satisfying thing I have ever done. I am glad in a way that I have to do all the work myself because at the end of it all this house will have my heart and soul and the work of my hands throughout it. It will truly have earned the title: Home Sweet Home!!

  • 2:32 pm
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