The Captain
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Post by The Captain on May 24, 2014 19:54:43 GMT -5
DH and I closed on our soon to be new primary residence yesterday. Today I got up early to make breakfast and do laundry so we could be at the Habitat for Humanity re-store sale at 9am to hopefully get some ceiling fans on the cheap...
no ceiling fans, but we found a group of 11 kitchen cabinets in good shape for $175 - score! We bought those with the idea of picking them up next weekend.
Then on to the new house to start work on projects...
DH demolished two walls to start building out a walk in pantry...
DD and I started working on fixing 5+ years of neglect in the outside walkways/gardens. DH decided to go pick up the cabinets today since the weather was perfect (no rain) and we don't know what it will be like next saturday. In the meantime DD and I busted ASS in weeding, pulling up scrub trees - etc. I was using my stirrup hoe and really working the muscles.
DH gets back and I help him unload 11 kitchen cabinets. We then go to Menards and get 5 sheets of drywall, 7 ceiling fans, 24 2X4's and other misc building supplies and I (kinda) help him unload them.
I AM A CRIPPLE.
I feel like such a wimp. Used to be able to do stuff like this all day but the desk job made me soft. I'm such a wimp.
Advil and push through tomorrow.
Groan.
(please tell me I'm not a candy ass)
On a positive front no less then four!!! neighbors came over and introduced themselves and told us how excited they were to have us move in. It appears (no duh!) the prior owner didn't do too good a job keeping up on the exterior and they are thrilled to see someone pulling weeds etc even before they move in.
More older couples, but we did see lots of kids in the area so DD will be sent out on a bike ride tomorrow to start meeting them.
looking forward to being DONE with all this. We have a showing on our current home tomorrow, wish us luck!
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on May 24, 2014 20:04:24 GMT -5
Congrats on the move and new home.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on May 24, 2014 20:07:26 GMT -5
Hang in there and the pain will go away in a year or two Congrats on the move and one day you will be standing back and admiring all your hard work!! That will make it all worth while....
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busymom
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Post by busymom on May 24, 2014 20:15:53 GMT -5
You did well Captain!
I used to have a job that was a lot more physical than my life now. (Although, cleaning out my parent's house definitely counts as a workout.) I feel like a wimp these days, too, because I wear out more quickly than I used to. I guess I'd better pony up some money & join a club. Or, at least get on a regular exercise schedule.
Sounds like you guys hit the ground running on your new place. Wishing you a smooth makeover!
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on May 24, 2014 20:39:03 GMT -5
Congrats on the move and new home.
Yeah that!
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the flying reindeer
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Post by the flying reindeer on May 24, 2014 20:44:23 GMT -5
Congrats on the new home and good luck with the renovation. I hope you don't run into too many unexpected problems.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on May 25, 2014 10:24:49 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. I'm not nearly as sore as I thought I'd be this morning. Give me another day of physical labor and I may get there . As of 10am I've gotten 4 more loads of laundry done (summer/winter clothes switch) and four more totes packed up with winter clothes to take over to the new house. So far we've hauled 24 totes of decorations etc over. When we go over today DH will get the drywall and sub-floor installed in the new pantry space and DD and I will continue to tackle the weeds/outside. I plan to scrub down the entry pillars with bleach to brighten them up, weed wack all around the house (where there are just too many weeds to pull) and spray round up to kill everything. I don't use it that often but there are at least a dozen beds where the weeds are thicker than grass . The prior owner just really let everything go to pot. I guess as long as he kept his grass mostly cut the association couldn't do anything. I really do feel for the neighbors for having to look at this mess for the past few years. At a minimum I figure it will take me at least two summers to get the lawn/gardens up to my standards (I worked in a garden center through HS and college so I kinda know what I'm talking about here). This in an area where (based on the crews I saw out yesterday and talking with the new neighbors) around 3 out of 5 homes have professional landscape services. Two of my neighbors offered to give me the name of their service . I can take a hint... If you believe in Karma or whatever please send some good mojo our way for the showing today. I really don't want to carry two primary mortgages at the same time longer then I have to. Best to all.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on May 25, 2014 10:29:45 GMT -5
Good to hear you've closed on your home and are starting to really make it yours. Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you! I hope you'll take pictures to share so we can follow your progress with you! Also, got my fingers and toes crossed for a successful showing!
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on May 25, 2014 11:11:41 GMT -5
Good to hear you've closed on your home and are starting to really make it yours. Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you! I hope you'll take pictures to share so we can follow your progress with you! Also, got my fingers and toes crossed for a successful showing! Yeah that! From a poster who had double mortgages for 16 months, but economy sucked much more back then (Dec 2006 to Apr 2008).
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on May 25, 2014 12:22:08 GMT -5
I plan to scrub down the entry pillars with bleach to brighten them up Captain, when I lived in central GA the high humidity made everything mildew and look grungy. To clean up the white trim on windows, soffits, and the like, I would use a plastic (not stainless) garden sprayer to apply bleach diluted with an equal amount of water once a year. Let sit for a few minutes. Then hose off. Worked really well to brighten things up without scrubbing. A couple of cautions. As I'm sure you are aware, plants don't like bleach much. My practice was to wet down all of the plantings in the area where I was going to be spraying bleach, so that any over spray was immediately diluted by the water on the plants. And then I would wet down the plants and their root zone again when I rinsed off the areas I had bleached, to dilute the bleach further. As a result, I never had any plantings damaged by the bleach application.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on May 25, 2014 14:26:21 GMT -5
Heating pad and NSAIDs for you, Captain!
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on May 26, 2014 11:13:07 GMT -5
I would suggest taking Ibuprofen or a similar relieving agent BEFORE you start work. I found this out playing sports.
I know, I know, I know. All the advisers say don't take pain reliever before or a person will over do it. Not so. The body will stop you. A gung ho person, maybe shouldn't.
Aspercreme rubbed on after exercise, also helps.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on May 26, 2014 11:28:54 GMT -5
Ok. Yesterday DH got the tiles taken out (took much longer then he originally thought because they used OSB as an under-layment instead of plywood ). He finished demolishing the existing walls and framed out the new walls. I ran to the hardware store for him as needed and did a ton of weeding/weed wacking. DD helped with the weeding a little then rode her bike and met several kids in the area. I will have to get used to kids coming and going in my house . I've never experienced that before and at one point there were 6 of the little urchins running around! At least I thought ahead and had ice pops there for treats. Dropped DH off at the house early today so he could finish his work in the pantry area (electrician's coming tomorrow). Came home, got a batch of brownies made for a quick swing by a friend's house for a memorial day get together this afternoon. Four more loads of laundry to finish the winter bedding, got that packed up to take over to the new house. Gotta swing by Michaels' to get stuff to put together a play prop DH promised to make, stop at Kohl's to get DD new shoes and some summer outfits, the go by the new house to pick up DH and go to the party. Oh, and make sure the house is perfectly straightened for showings. I'm looking forward to going to work tomorrow so I can rest a little.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on May 26, 2014 12:21:43 GMT -5
The Captain,
Sounds like you are well on your way to get into shape via DIY Bootcamp.
Good luck with the sale of your home!
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Peace77
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Post by Peace77 on May 26, 2014 12:26:12 GMT -5
Take a nice long soaking bath in Epsom salts; it will help with the soreness. Congratulations in your new home. Here's a flower you don't have to plant in the garden.
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on May 26, 2014 17:26:00 GMT -5
I'm so happy for you! (about getting your new house- not all the work!) Sounds like you are busy, busy, busy! Back in the day, I too thought I had wimped out, because of an office job. Eventually I came to realize I just got OLD! Ugh. How did your open house go? I bet it went well, and the house/yard looked fabulous! My ex2 and I bought/moved to a house that hadn't been taken care of. The grass and weeds were waist high. The inside wasn't any better. Like you, we got started cleaning it up, first thing. The neighbor's loved it/us. It makes a great first impression! Good job!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on May 26, 2014 18:45:01 GMT -5
Ok...
DH finished framing in the pantry. We made it to our friends for about 2 hours. I got all the errands run etc.
BREAKING NEWS...
We have a second showing on our current home tomorrow!!!!
EEECK! I'm not sure to be excited or what. I was hoping to have two months (or more) to transition. Don't know if I should be happy, nervous, or what?
(edited to add - just read the above to DH who was upset he only got one sentence, he did a lot of work to get me a pantry and I do appreciate it!!!)
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on May 26, 2014 18:48:03 GMT -5
Best of luck on the showing, captain! I hope it goes wonderfully. Sounds like your DH has really been busy getting things just right. Good man!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on May 26, 2014 19:40:48 GMT -5
I'm so happy for you! (about getting your new house- not all the work!) Sounds like you are busy, busy, busy! Back in the day, I too thought I had wimped out, because of an office job. Eventually I came to realize I just got OLD! Ugh. How did your open house go? I bet it went well, and the house/yard looked fabulous! My ex2 and I bought/moved to a house that hadn't been taken care of. The grass and weeds were waist high. The inside wasn't any better. Like you, we got started cleaning it up, first thing. The neighbor's loved it/us. It makes a great first impression! Good job! The open house was for brokers/real estate agents only. Our listing agent e-mailed us to tell us she was going to Colorado for 6 weeks but had a home office set up so could work etc. I'm NOT happy about that (think we should have been informed before signing the contract). So...we have not had a public open house and now won't have one until the middle of July at the earliest. The pool is open, the lilacs and iris's are in full bloom and the garden looks like what it is to me, a little corner of paradise on earth. I'm super excited about the second showing and hoping we get some movement. Trying to put a good spin on losing all of my gardens and planning the new gardens. Blueberries, raspberries, asparagus, horseradish, apples, peaches, plum, pear, and nectarine trees will be enjoyed by the new owners. I have at least 50+ different types of hostas. I'll dig up a few that have special meaning (family picked out or helped plant them). The new place will be a blank slate. I am already starting to lay out the new garden beds.
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on May 27, 2014 3:43:20 GMT -5
When are you going to start living at your new place, do you know? Even though you haven't had a public open house, other agents can start bringing people to see your house, right? Your gardens sound wonderful! Be sure to take pictures. When you are describing them to people later, you'll be glad you did. I can see you and DH now... You must have at least a few feet of property. I get tired just thinking about doing all that work.(I'd better rest... in your garden! ) I'm sure it's beautiful. I'd love to see pictures, if you'd care to share!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jun 2, 2014 12:13:44 GMT -5
toomuchreality, I've been trying to get DH to send me the pictures I took of the garden so I can post them here...it's coming I promise. To answer your other question... We went under contact yesterday. The buyer wants to move in at the end of July. Since I work for a publicly traded company we do a hard close and full audit every quarter which means I'll be working weekends and some evenings during July. I can't even think of taking time off to move. So it looks like we will try to move by the end of June. GAACK!!! Electrician, plumber, flooring guys, painter, and movers all have to come together on schedule. Wish me luck. . This past weekend DH and I were tearing out dead bushes and trees, and cutting back overgrown stuff around the house. Almost 5 hours working outside and the new house still looks like crap. I have to remind myself we've only had two weekends and have gotten a lot accomplished. Still, I really feel sorry for the neighbors. DH has built me out a pantry space!!! I'm so excited. I will have for the first time in my life a walk in pantry, master bedroom with a walk in closet and en-suite, attached two car garage and a fridge with an automatic ice maker. Despite being sore, exhausted, and stressed we're on top of the world!
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jun 2, 2014 12:20:08 GMT -5
toomuchreality, I've been trying to get DH to send me the pictures I took of the garden so I can post them here...it's coming I promise. To answer your other question... We went under contact yesterday. The buyer wants to move in at the end of July. Since I work for a publicly traded company we do a hard close and full audit every quarter which means I'll be working weekends and some evenings during July. I can't even think of taking time off to move. So it looks like we will try to move by the end of June. GAACK!!! Electrician, plumber, flooring guys, painter, and movers all have to come together on schedule. Wish me luck. . This past weekend DH and I were tearing out dead bushes and trees, and cutting back overgrown stuff around the house. Almost 5 hours working outside and the new house still looks like crap. I have to remind myself we've only had two weekends and have gotten a lot accomplished. Still, I really feel sorry for the neighbors. DH has built me out a pantry space!!! I'm so excited. I will have for the first time in my life a walk in pantry, master bedroom with a walk in closet and en-suite, attached two car garage and a fridge with an automatic ice maker. Despite being sore, exhausted, and stressed we're on top of the world! You need to recover. I suggest we meet up in Chicago and take care of that. I'll PM you our itinerary. I can tell you it does include adult beverages at the Congress Hotel bar (dang, that is a nice place, even if it is haunted) and a trip to the Wednesday farmer's market. Oh, and "normal" pizza at Pizzeria Via Stato on State Street.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jun 2, 2014 12:31:42 GMT -5
*ahem*. I was going to bring you a pizza from my favorite place so you could finally understand what a real pizza is supposed to taste like. Alas, they just sent out an tweet last Friday. They have shut their doors, don't know why. Now we have to find a new pizza place and I won't be able to bring you over from the dark side... As to the rest, sounds great!
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jun 2, 2014 12:36:26 GMT -5
*ahem*. I was going to bring you a pizza from my favorite place so you could finally understand what a real pizza is supposed to taste like. Alas, they just sent out an tweet last Friday. They have shut their doors, don't know why. Now we have to find a new pizza place and I won't be able to bring you over from the dark side... As to the rest, sounds great! Aw, but there are other alien pizza places, right?
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Jun 2, 2014 12:42:37 GMT -5
Which house did you end up with?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jun 2, 2014 12:49:13 GMT -5
We ended up with the four bedroom ranch which was house #4. I think you're referring to the below thread? www.notmsnmoney.proboards.com/post/1925586/threadI still think about house #1 from time to time (it's still on the market) but that would have been a decision driven more by emotions then what was truly the best fit for us. Probably would've broken my neck on the driveway after the first snow fall. Actually, I just checked. All three are still on the market.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Jun 2, 2014 13:00:31 GMT -5
Ok, thanks. I missed that.
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toomuchreality
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Post by toomuchreality on Jun 3, 2014 6:32:40 GMT -5
toomuchreality, I've been trying to get DH to send me the pictures I took of the garden so I can post them here...it's coming I promise. To answer your other question... We went under contact yesterday. The buyer wants to move in at the end of July. Since I work for a publicly traded company we do a hard close and full audit every quarter which means I'll be working weekends and some evenings during July. I can't even think of taking time off to move. So it looks like we will try to move by the end of June. GAACK!!! Electrician, plumber, flooring guys, painter, and movers all have to come together on schedule. Wish me luck. . This past weekend DH and I were tearing out dead bushes and trees, and cutting back overgrown stuff around the house. Almost 5 hours working outside and the new house still looks like crap. I have to remind myself we've only had two weekends and have gotten a lot accomplished. Still, I really feel sorry for the neighbors.DH has built me out a pantry space!!! I'm so excited. I will have for the first time in my life a walk in pantry, master bedroom with a walk in closet and en-suite, attached two car garage and a fridge with an automatic ice maker. Despite being sore, exhausted, and stressed we're on top of the world! I read about your new house, on the other thread. It sounds great! Although it's a PIA, in some ways, it's good that you have to do everything so quickly. That way things will get done, so you can enjoy them, as well as other things in your life. You won't be stuck at home having flooring done (or whatever), every weekend for the next three years. It's one of those, hate it now, love it later things. How come you feel sorry for the neighbors? Is it because they've had to put up with so much, before you bought the place? I think the neighbors are thrilled to see it finally being cleaned up! (and they didn't even have to do it! Woo-Hoo!) Nice to have those good feelings, to help you get over being sore, exhausted and stressed! Hopefully you have a deep soaker tub! Can't wait to see the pics!
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haapai
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Post by haapai on Jun 3, 2014 7:08:31 GMT -5
That's fabulous news! Now that you know that you won't be carrying two mortgages, there's no reason to be frugal about the move. If you had to, you could hire movers, rent a storage shed, or call U-Haul every night for a week to tell them that you need the truck for an extra day. Heck, you could even buy boxes!
Okay, so I'm exaggerating a scootch, but at least you won't have to worry about your landscaping frying at your unsold house while your realtor vacations. That's not good for anyone's dharma.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jun 3, 2014 8:07:36 GMT -5
toomuchrealityThat is the exact reason I feel for them. This area is one step below a gated/guarded community (the association has it's own security rty force) and most of the homes are impeccably groomed. I saw our neighbor across the street hone in and attack one.stray.weed like it was an invasion! I look forward to starting the gardening wars! (DH will handle the x-mas decoration wars). I'm taking Thurs and Friday off this week to get the flooring dropped off, finalize the paint colors with the painter, and dig up plants to move from our current home (vegetation was specifically excluded in the contract). No deep soaker tub in the new place yet. That is another thing I'm leaving behind (Jacuzzi 6 ft extra deep with 10 jets ). I'm in our current tub almost every night and DH is a bit jealous that I'm spending more time with the tub then with him ). When we move in everthing will be done with the exception of the master bath renno, a kitchen renno, and re-finishing the basement. We can only tackle so much at once. DH and I are in agreement the basement will be done last. He wants to re-do the kitchen first and of course I want to re-do the bathroom. It may come down to a coin toss. I reminded him again this morning to get me the pictures!
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