Aug 7, 2015

My new normal

So, it's finally happening! After nearly a year of planning and drawing little pictures on the back of serviettes and arguing and changing our minds a bajllion times, the renos on the house have begun!

To say things are a bit chaotic would be an understatement. Picture me buttering my toast in the morning wearing ear muffs while a jack hammer works in my lounge room. Or the gaping hole in my ceiling where the kids are convinced wild animals are ready to drop out in the middle of the night.

You might remember last month I detailed all the things we were having done so I thought I'd show you where we are up to now.
 
The old fire place has been pulled down, ready for the new cavity slider to create two rooms.






My bookcase has gone but there's a whole lot more room for a bigger and better one!

My whole living area is filled with dust and nails and dangling bits of wire.
But someone's loving rolling in all the mess and the fact there are lovely men who leave their lunches around for her to steal.

Hopefully I'll still be sane enough to post next month, and maybe show you the finished product.

How's the chaos factor in your house at the moment? Getting ready for summer vacation? Going stir crazy from being cooped up in winter?

16 comments:

  1. Oh Barbara

    Just think how good it is going to be when it is all finished :) it is worth it in the end as for me yes it is cold over here I think this is one of the coldest winters we have had in a long time or I am just getting old and need the heating more LOL but then I prefer winter to summer but not much craziness here although I am always trying to fit in more reading time

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. I'm going to keep remembering your advice, Helen, especially when I'm trying to get the concrete dust out of my butter in the mornings :-) Keep warm! I've been amazed at the winter you've been having. You've had some NZ temperatures!

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  2. Echoing Helen, Barb. Think of the end result. Can't wait to see the completed pics!

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    1. I can't wait, either Amy! I just hope the marriage and the stress levels can handle it!

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  3. Keep taking deep breaths and telling yourself how wonderful it'll be once it's all done! :-) (Gah! but those workmen make a mess -- still, on the upside, lunches to steal.)

    I have to admit the chaos factor in my house is a little high at the moment -- entirely my own fault for ignoring dust bunnies and the dirty dishes in favour of getting some words down. :-)

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    1. hat better excuse for chaos than getting another of your fabulous stories down, Michelle! One of very few positives in the reno game is that I now have an excuse for all the dust and dirt!

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  4. Barb! YES! Chaos is a BIG factor at Chez Archer at the moment and for the same reason as you - though our renovations weren't quite as extensive as yours. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for us now... and if I could just work up a bit of momentum it would come sooner... it's just... well, I feel a bit as though my enthusiasm is broken! Which is kind of annoying since the end is now so close!

    Anyway, you'll get there and it will be fabulous!

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    1. I know that you're a seasoned renovator, Sharon, so I'm taking your advice to heart. I remember your bathroom reno last year, was it? Maybe we can start a reno support group?

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  5. Barb, it looks like you're really getting places with the changes! I bet the results are fantastic.

    Definitely chaos here. We're drowning in paperwork for some other members of the family who have been unwell. I tell myself it's all under control but I don't quite believe it. Maybe soon!

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    1. I'm sending every good wish for your paperwork wrangling and for the family members who are unwell, Annie. Spring is just around the corner for those of us downunder and somehow everything feels a bit shinier no matter what the chaos is.

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  6. Looks like chaos but chaos with a purpose. At least you weren't crazy enough to think that school holidays was a good time for this to start.

    My flat is something that you don't want to see right now! Still catching up from getting behind on housework back in February plus decluttering needing to occur. Fortunately as off 8.15 this evening I am now on leave until Monday 17 Aug so will be addressing this housework and decluttering issue.

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    1. What a lovely holiday stretch you have ahead of you, Lyn! I'm sure that you'll get some time to see to your decluttering, but I hope to get the chance to do lots of reading too.

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  7. Looking good. It's hectic, but fun isn't it? Just finishing up reno here. Did the back yard last year. Way past time for a facelift inside, so this year updated the kitchen with new everything, replaced almost all the carpet with hardwood, painted all the walls, new light fixtures, repurposed some rooms. Only a couple things left, mostly touch up work, so now the furniture is coming back into the house and I am putting everything away in cupboards. Absolutely love how everything has turned out but will be glad when DONE. No more sleeping on beds in the living room, cooking with electric skillet outside . . . .good thing is I have seen so much I don't need so major clearing out.

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    1. Grandma, I SO want to be where you are right now! I can sense how much you love everything. I'm a big believer in the idea that our surroundings can really affect our moods and I know I've been one grumpy girl at the state my house was in before these renos started. Fingers crossed I feel as good as you when it's finished!

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  8. Looks like lots is going on! Don't they say things get messier before they get better? Imagine how gorgeous it will look at the end of the process :)

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  9. Stefanie, writers are supposed to have good imaginations, right?!! Gotta admit my sense of calm and creativity is being tested with this one. :/. I'll try to keep ad positive as you.

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