Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Back in the saddle

So, um, that was a bit of a blogging break wasn't it? I won't flatter myself that anyone was waiting with bated breath for me to pour forth a few typed characters in this space so let's just say hi again, get reacquainted, and hope I can manage a post here or there.

A few random tidbits:

1) We're on Step 2 of 3 in the Great Basement Renovation of 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013. Oh, look at that, it's been going on for a while. There was that whole Recession nonsense that put the project on the back burner but November 2012 kicked it off with a big waterproofing job (Step 1). Let me say this: there is nothing like spending the equivalent of a tiny country's GDP on something that you will NEVER SEE. I prefer my money to show itself in pretty couches or possibly a nice light fixture instead of drains and concrete and plastic. But it's done and if that damn basement ever floods again I have a warranty and someone to blame. Step 2 is a brand spankin' new polished concrete floor that should be done when I get home from work TODAY. And an empty bank account once again.

 Photo prior to final finish coat. It doesn't look like much now
but this is a HUGE improvement over the Before.

2) That leads me into Step 3 which is walls. Our basement needs some. Correction: we have walls but they are of the foundation variety and not the wood and drywall variety so we need to build some new ones. The best part, or perhaps the scary part depending on your point of view, is that Tim plans to build said walls himself. With his hands and some power tools and a saw. (I'm in the scary camp.) We've received a number of estimates from contractors and no. Just no. Many, many dollars worth of no. At least if we want this project done this year. So DIY it is, friends. To be clear, *I* am not DIYing shit. I'm the Pizza Ordering Gal and the Point At Stuff And Tell You That You Are Doing It Wrong Gal. Tim is super excited about that part.

I do believe Tim will be contacting his former brother-in-law (a carpenter by trade) to assist with said wall building but I'm not really sure. I just anticipate a stack of lumber showing up someday soon and losing my husband to the dark depths of the basement for a while. If it means a usable basement in 2013 then I fully support all construction efforts and will order pizzas accordingly.

3) The part-time work schedule is going swimmingly. I love love love walking Noah to school three days a week and hobnobbing with the other (mostly SAHM) moms and dads. I'm slowly getting involved in the parent-teacher organization and the parent fundraising arm and this is totally my bag. The Former Sorority President in me loves this shit. Plus my (lovely and fabulous) next door neighbor is on deck to be her school's PTA prez next year and I can't let her upstage me. I'M ON YOUR HEELS, WOMAN.

4) 18 months. This girl is 18 months old in THREE days and oh my god I forgot how evil 18 month olds can be. It's the bipolar-ness of being 1.5 years old. Tantrums. Screeching. Hitting. Scratching. Followed by immediate remorse and screams of "I LAH MAMA!" (Translation: I love Mama!) "I LAH OAH!" (I love Noah!) and tight bear hugs. It's exhausting. But damn if she isn't the funniest, most expressive and energetic little girl. We all worship at the Church of Chloe and love her evil adorable ways.

Chloe, quick, make your Surprise Face!

Now give me Sad Face! Excellent work!

5) My boy. He's four (and a half, he'll be quick to point out) and just perfect in so many ways. Kindergarten registration is coming up and my heart is broken for that day to come but full day school in the fall! That just means 3pm is going to be even sweeter when we're reunited and hugging and chatting about our days. Or he'll stomp in, demand a snack, and retire to his room for Peace and Quiet. He's undecided. I'll leave with his latest gem, as told to his nanny today: "I'm going to poop because I'm a man and men poop. It's one of our jobs." His father is teaching him well.

Wrong throne, kid.

See you kids soon. If you're lucky.

(Family photo from our shoot in...September.)

8 comments:

Michelle said...

I actually just thought to myself this morning, "I wonder how Sara is doing?"

You crack me up and I've missed you.

Good luck with the basement!

Also, perhaps we can get an Internet therapy session going when all these crazy kids go to kindergarten in the fall because what the hell kids? Why you gotta grow up so fast?

Elizabeth said...

This post made me laugh and laugh. I really enjoy your role in DIY projects. :)

Sara said...

Michelle-I MISS YOU, TOO. Come to Chicago, mmkay?

EBJ- Haaaaaa! Listen, I help. Sometimes. I paint. I spackle. I grout and caulk. But I do not saw. And this is me saying "if those walls aren't straight I'm not putting my hard-earned rep on the line". Or something.

Erica said...

Love your gorgeous family photo.

k said...

I love your family.

Jessica said...

I'd like to say there's no way your baby should be 18 months old, but I suppose MY baby is 21 months old so how did THAT happen?

Anonymous said...

When I was reading that bit about Chloe I first read it as "most expensive and energetic little girl." I think I like my version better. It's AT LEAST just as accurate- I've seen her with your credit card. ;)

Also, I've actually helped build walls before. It's not, like, EASY, but it's totally doable. Go Tim!

Also, I think you should throw a bed in some corner of that basement for when I come live with you. I mean VISIT you. Yeah, that.

Auntie G said...

Welcome back! And as your sawing project begins, ours (DAMN WELL BETTER) should be ending, so y'all give a holler when you need to get away from the noise for a few hours. Because we will actually have room for some actual children to play! Also, I am very glad to be reminded that my 17-month old is completely normal, and not, in fact, a psychopath. Because SRSLY.