It feels like I’m spinning my wheels lately. It seems like I’ve been working hard and while I’m working hard it feels like I’m getting something done. However, when I look back at the end of each day (week and month) the progress I see doesn’t add up to what I think my time and effort should have produced. Know what I mean? Ever feel that way? No matter how it feels, here’s my progress and what I’ve been up to lately…
I built and installed the drawers for my cutting table. If you follow me on Instagram, Twitter OR Facebook you know my struggles there. There in now but I’m not doing doors or drawer fronts right now because I need to do some prep work so my plumber can come get some things done.
I need my plumber to come out and get my wall ready for my sink.
The plan is to have sinks of both sides of that wall so my “prep work” includes moving crap so he can GET to that wall.I try to ignore the absolute total mess in the other half of the loft. It was kind of organized at one point but every time we need something that we go on a treasure hunt. Picture body bent over, head inside bin, arms throwing contents all over surrounding area…then move on to the next bin!
There is not an ounce of exaggeration in my description of that total and complete mess.I don’t know where this desk is heading but we don’t use it, it’s in my way so I moved it. I had reached my tolerance level for overlooking the chaos so I moved the desk down the stairs by myself. It’s a solid wood, heavy desk. Moving it downstairs involved me letting it’s weight move it along while I chased after it and pulled hard against the momentum before it reached the bottom — wall! I miraculously didn’t hurt my back with that stunt. I propped the desk up on it’s side and tucked it away in the corner at the bottom of the stairs where it’s not in the way.
The wall is now exposed and accessible. Now I have to decide what I plan to do here so the plumber can do the rough in work for both sides of the wall in the same visit.
About 8 months ago when I started this loft project I thought I wanted to move the powder room sink out of the tiny little room. It has slanted ceilings so the mirror above the sink is really low. My eyes look at themselves right at the top of the mirror so I guess Wes and Madison (and anyone taller than I am) can’t even see most of their face in the mirror. I anticipated enclosing a larger section and making that the “bathroom” with the toilet remaining in the little closet but not needing a door to that space. I removed the door because I was pretty sure of my plan at that time.
Since I’m working in this area anyway I decided to go ahead get the door installed. I wasn’t going to worry about the door until I got to “this side”. However, Anabella, the little fart, sneaks up here to relieve herself if I ever forget to put up the gate! I have a temporary gate at the bottom of the stairs but sometimes I forget to put it up after I collapse it because I’m hauling things upstairs and don’t want to climb over it.
So, door in now!
The sink wall and the door are all I want to deal with on this side for now. I mean, really!
I barely had enough room to frame the little wall extension I wanted for the door area.
I got that small wall up despite my growing frustration with tripping over crap.
At this point my intention was to frame another wall which would enclose the bathroom area. I couldn’t do it. I didn’t have enough space to work.
So I had to move some more crap around. These boxes of flooring are a purchase we made forever ago. I need to sell them on Craig’s List but haven’t done it yet. Doing that ASAP now. I stacked the closest pile of flooring on the farther away one. It is ridiculous that I haven’t sold it yet. If I have to move it one more time I’m going to chuck the boxes out the window!
Pulled out more gross, Bella’s pee stained carpet!
I moved, stacked and cleared as much as I could and that made me feel tons better about working in the space.
I mean, there’s still a TON of stuff in the space but it’s not immediately in my way so…In the process of tidying up, I thought about looooooots of different options for my bathroom space. I want a bar/coffee bar area so I decided I don’t want to enclose this space and make a larger bathroom. I’m going to create a bar area and leave the powder room alone. Well, I’ll make it more attractive but leave the flooring, toilet and sink as is.
Which also means I’m going to have to put the door back on the powder room. Too bad I broke and threw away some of the door jam! B-)
So I still have to decide on a bar sink and faucet so the plumber can get in here. I did a lot of work but made no progress. Well, made some progress but not where I needed to. I AM going to get the door in now to keep Sinky Bella out!
Just as soon as I get the right door.
Deb - Nc says
Silly girl – you may have dodged a bullet this time with that desk down the stairs stunt but don’t do it again! NEXT time you have to move a large, heavy piece down a flight of stairs – and I know there will be a next time – do it the other way. It’s much easier and safer to be ahead of it on the stairs, slowly letting it come down a step at a time. Your back doesn’t take the weight when you do it this way, your shoulders and thighs do and I know your shoulders can handle it. Advice from a fellow back surgery survivor!!
Sandra says
I know, I know… I was lucky! 🙂
Theda says
You’re my kinda girl……I would have done the same thing with the desk! I always enjoy reading your posts, you are amazing!
Sandra says
Thanks for your comment Theda. I know I shouldn’t have done that with the desk but I was too committed by the time I realized it was a bad idea. LOL
Garry Ritchie says
Do I ever know what you mean. Sometimes I work for weeks and it seems that there has been littleto no progress. However I guess there has been because then the next week, I finish up a number f things that have been prepared and it seems that a tremendous amount has been done. Here’s hoping that that week comes soon for you.
Sandra says
Oh man I hope so! It feels like I haven’t made significant progress for 3 weeks now so I better have a BIG week of finished soon.
George Pickard says
You’re wrong about the desk. The best way to get it down is to pile some pillows at the bottom of the stairs, put on your Captain’s cap, hop aboard and ride that sucker to the bottom. Maybe not as practical but a whole lot more fun. This method can also be used with older relatives.
Sandra says
Haha! That was a funny visual. I laughed out loud and then read it to Wes and he laughed too. I used to fly down the stairs on couch cushions when I was a kid so I could visualize the whole thing!
Sherry says
I feel like your twin. Lol tell me when that desk was halfway down those stairs that the heart started pounding and Thats when you decide it might have been a semi-bad choice. I am working on doors right now for bookshelves and if i trip over all the piles of junk one more time just to get to the drill i will start chucking things out a window too…or at the dogs that walk all over my half painted doors laying in the middle of my office…
Good luck
Feeling your pain ?
Sandra says
Yep! Halfway down! LOL We would probably have a lot of fun working together!
Charisse says
Hi Sandra,
Have you thought about a Dutch Door or maybe just the bottom as a door choice? I have also made a plexiglass 1/2 door, which will visually, almost disappear at the top of the stairs, yet serve the purpose of keeping the dog from entering. I put mine on a two way hinge
Sandra says
Well I want the full door for sound control as well as for the dogs.
Scottsdale Window Tint says
This update to the house is incredible and really inspiring. I have been wanting to do my living room for a while now, and I think I should start saving up! Great job.