Birthday Week (week #8)
Thursday, I will be fifty.
Electrician is here mostly finishing up.
Under cabinet lights are in, and DW is on. Will have to test that out soon.
The phone stuff (official term) didn't arrive, so electrician will have to make an additional trip to hook up the kitchen landline. I chose this location for the phone because old landline was just a few feet away, so electrician could easily run the wire over and it's very close to the back door, so if I'm out in the garden, it's a shorter distance to run for the phone.
The toaster oven & coffee maker will be left on the counter - they're on the breakfast/drink/snack counter, and there's still room to make a bowl of cereal and/or get a beverage into a glass. I'll put the coffee maker on the sliding caddy I saw recommended on here so I can easily pull it out from below the upper every morning. Not only is this a good, practical counter for these appliances, but it's also not visible from the living room, so doesn't add to the visual clutter from the rest of the house.
Back door sconces are in. They'll be removed again for exterior stucco finishing, and then put back in. They're tipped slightly forward for the time being, but the stucco will level them out.
And the floodlight over the sink window:
My neighbors on the other side of the garden, directly across from my sink window have a bare bulb outside their back door that they
leave on 24/7. It kind of drives me nuts and they're not people I feel comfortable having a conversation with about it. I've built up laticework to obscure the bulb itself, but the light still shines brightly. My floods might help to drown out their light, though they don't spend time outdoors, so, for better or for worse, I don't think my flood will bother them.
My chandelier is up, though we've kept the bubble wrap on each light to protect it while work is being done. I took the wrap off one for the purpose of this photo. (looking toward the front door)
I think that GC's son is coming tomorrow to paint. Then, builder is coming mid-week sometime to do exterior stucco repair around window/door and to build my new steps. I emailed table top maker last week, and he said he could deliver table Monday or Tuesday. If I don't hear from him by mid-day tomorrow, I'll reach out to him.
I think that shower, backsplash, and other finishing work will largely happen next week.
Comments (119)
nancyjwb
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agoRelated Discussions
6 Weeks to Fitness: Week #4
Comments (19)Beth, I forgot about freeze dance! You're right-- kids love it! I used to use Tae Bo . . .back when I had a VCR, I think (haha!). That is a good one, because it doesn't talk about being "sexy," I think . . .that's my big hesitation of doing workouts (other than things like yoga) w/the kids, because I don't like them hearing the message of weight loss, being sexy. fat = bad, etc. Outside, I was all set to buy them for home use-- went shopping with a friend who has always exercised in so many ways (gym, home, kayaking, caving, etc.) and she talked me out of them. She said I should just stick to weights. But, of course, traveling is a good reason, so I will get them. I have seen the GoFit brand-- good to know it lasts!! Bonnie, yay!!! That is awesome that you got yourself back on track. That is what counts. It's weird how we "think" not exercising, not eating how we wants. etc. is going to be better (because it seems like more fun!) but then we really do feel worse. RE: the step-- how is that on knees? More motivation . . . Have a great Memorial Day weekend, everyone!...See MoreHealthy Lifestyle Progress - Week of 8/7
Comments (27)@yeonassky thank you for sharing. I appreciate how she approaches the importance of form. Because I was an athlete many years ago, I struggle when returning to exercise because I have unrealistic expectations of what I can do.. or what I think I should be able to do. I am not going to be able to start out running a few miles, swimming miles or dropping to do 20 perfect pushups. I CAN build up to them though-- and I love that the video emphasizes using the correct form even when doing a much modified version of the pushup. Thank you. @pricklypearcactus I am so sorry you are dealing with these issues! I totally get the challenges of eating out with dietary limitations. I feel uncomfortable even with family who go out of their way to serve foods I can eat-- I don't want them to prepare something special for me. I don't want to add to their planning/cooking tasks! On the other side though, it is so awkward to go to a restaurant or dinner party and not be able to eat anything. I could get by without gluten at home but it would definitely be a struggle outside of the home. And you are right, i need to just make a set time for exercise. Early morning is a possibility. I start my day very early but that time from 5/5:30 to 8am is pretty sacred to me. It's when I get the most work done and I really value the quiet time before the frequent interruptions, problems, questions start flowing in. In my 40s, I used to run at lunchtime. It was a great break in the day and a great way to work off the frustrations of the day. I think I'll try both carving out 40 min in the morning first and at lunch and see which feels better. @legomom23 I don't think it is all calories in/out for me either. I know my metabolism plays a factor also. I really did't overeat regularly and I didnt eat high calorie foods regularly-- I can't explain why I have struggled with my weight for so long (basically all my life). I would compare my eating with that of my siblings or my bff-- and I would eat so much less but weigh so much more. I have learned to accept this, it is what it is, but I try to build my weight loss strategies around that. As I've said before, IF works very well for me and I suspect it has to do with my metabolism. And of course, I need to add muscle-building exercise! That has such further reach than just the energy expended/calories burned. I definitely need to get moving with exercise NOW. (She says as she gets ready to go out for the morning vs exercising)...See MoreHealthy Lifestyle Progress - Week of 8/14
Comments (37)@legomom, the sit/stand thing is always an concern for me-- I have a genetic blood disease that greatly increases the chance of blood clots... and now that I am working at home, I sit much more than ever. I don't think a standing desk would work for me but I should consider one... in the short term I can definitely get up in move. I think my neighborhood is similar to yours-- not all roads have sidewalks but it is safe and "walkable" .. but you can't really walk anywhere. You can walk the neighborhood. I would be ok with that except that my vision issues make it unsafe for me. I can best walk with someone in front of me-- which is a possibility maybe if i can get a walking partner. I basically have no depth perception, double vision and poor focus. I can't focus on moving things or changing focal points. I am best in full light with high contrast. I am a mess, huh? lol. I really do love the idea of short stints of exercise-- i am going to start tomorrow! No-- now, I REALLY need to get up. My behind hurts! ETA I think I could walk on a track without issues.. but since I don't drive that is a little bit of an issue. I may uber to a track once a week.. or try to rope a niece into walking with me. One also has some weight to lose so that's an option if she's game....See MoreHealthy Lifestyle Progress - Week of 8/21
Comments (40)Ah Jill.. you have been through a lot in these last few months. Give yourself some grace! You lost the stress and vacation pounds and you are totally back on track. Glad the videos not only make you feel accomplished but that they are elevating your spirits too! I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for the kind words for hitting my 50lb loss milestone! It has been kind of weird though and I want to share it here in case anyone else has experienced the same ... So first off, the milestone passed without me even realizing it. It was almost a whole week before i knew that last week's loss took me over the 50lb mark. I do track my weight a few times a week but the default view is the last 30 days. Anyhow, that may be part of the reason that I just don't feel excited or proud or well... anything actually. I am looking forward and eager to chip away at the next 50 -- I am confident and committed. It's not that I feel anything negative or self-sabotaging. I just don't feel especially proud or like this was an achievement. I want to be clear-- I am not upset or looking for support or more kudos LOL, You all have been great and encourage me in so many ways. It just seems odd that hitting the milestone itself just didn't spark any reaction from me. I guess that's fine as long as I stay motivated. Have any of you experienced the same?...See More
oasisowner
8 years ago
cpartist
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agocpartist - got it, thank you!
The table is here! Yay! It's beyond my expectations. Made by David Fortino, a local woodworker in Philadelphia. I'm so thrilled. The chairs are from my childhood "kids' table." They're comfortable, though theycould really use refinishing. I don't even wanna tell you what they were like before I brought them up from the basement...
I still need to adjust the pendants so that they're at pleasingly random-ish heights.
Carrie B
8 years agoOh, and ps: there was a discussion once about how far I'd be able to push chairs in to a 30" round table. Here they are, pushed in:
Even so, I may move the couch back against the front window & wall. And/or I may trade it in for a smaller couch (this one is 82") or even a loveseat.
Carrie B
8 years ago
bpath
8 years agomaggieq
8 years ago
anitamo
8 years agocpartist
8 years agoamg765
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years ago
lenzai
8 years agomarann01
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agocpartist
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agoCpartist - let's seriously do it. I mean, for real, in real life.
GC left a message last night w/ schedule for next week: He & another are coming Monday to start backsplash/shower tiling. They'll be at my place all day Tuesday, and Wednesday to finish up. Builder is coming Wednesday to finish exterior work. I have a list of questions/issues for GC. Most are pretty minor finishing up things.
I left a message back for GC asking about electrician, and mentioning that sink window needs adjusting - I can't latch it shut.
When I talked to Frigidaire Thursday evening about DW not latching shut, they told me their tech would be out Monday, and would call me Friday to give me a time window, they gave me the # for the appliance company. When I didn't hear from them, I called yesterday evening. Guy answered the phone "hello." Me: "is this Wallace Appliance?" Him: "yes". I told him he was supposed to come Monday, and I wanted a time window to arrange my work schedule. He said he'd have to check his computer & get back to me. I have not yet heard from him. So annoying. I have to work Monday. Party tonight with no DW. Of course, I haven't had a DW in 30 years.... but I want one now that I have one!
I adjusted the pendant lights this morning. One of the five (the one closest to the wall) I can't get to go any longer, but it's shorter than some of the others. I think it was probably an installation issue. I'll mention it to GC/electrician. Of course, electrician will blame the manufacturer, since he won't want to uninstall the whole thing... it does look better, now.
Carrie B
8 years agodeeebert
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agobpath
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agocpartist
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agoCpartist - it's a date, whenever it happens!
Party update: Lots of fun, awesome friends, they love my kitchen!
I had maybe a dozen or so people here, most were seeing my kitchen for the first time since the remodel began, and none had seen it in the past several weeks. They were appropriately congratulatory. :)
One friend, who I'd mentioned the "indispensable, inexpensive kitchen gadget" post to, and told her about my Amazon wish list, got me a couple of those items at Bed Bath & Beyond. Yay!Oh, and I did an informal survey at the party about the bump out color: LR yellow, door gold, brick red, some other color. The majority said the red, and that's what I've been leaning towards, so am leaning that way, even more.
One friend, suggested that I build curved shelves going from that end of the cabinet & curving in to the bump out, which I think is a good idea. I'm not going to do it right away, I don't think, but I'll mention the possibility to my GC when he's here next week. It could be a nice place to display some of my pottery & maybe a few books:
Oh, and I made this asparagus dish. It was yummy!
And I managed to damage my quartz countertop during party prep. :-(
It's not too bad, and no one will ever notice but me... but... I had a bunch of ironstone platters nested in an upper shelf (why did I do that???.) I reached up to grab one, not seeing that there were smaller ones on top of it, and they came tumbling down. The two smaller platters shattered on the counter top and put small gouges/scratches in the counter. I tried to mute the scratches with a Sharpie, but now I have little black gouges on my brown/grey counter instead of white gouges. They do make Sharpies in other colors, right? Perhaps I need to add a brown & a grey Sharpie to my Amazon wish list.
cpartist
8 years agodesertsteph
8 years ago
funkycamper
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agoblfenton
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoCarrie B
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8 years agoAliceinjersey
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years agoAliceinjersey
8 years agoCarrie B
8 years ago
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