Gone Junkin'....

Saturday morning dawns bright and early....and Mom and I have plans to hit a couple of estate sales! 

Oh, boy, can we ever get into some trouble when we hit the streets....

And, oh boy!  Did we ever hit the jackpot on this Saturday....

When I saw it, I had to have it!  Ripped the tag and called Eddie on the spot.  "Hurry up and bring the truck!"

Of course, it required a total "rearrange" of the living room to fit it in.  But, Mom was eager and willing.  And Eddie was leaving for work, so we had 8 hours to get the job done.

I don't know why this appealed to me so much.  Perhaps it is the retro vibe...a throwback to something that lurks in my childhood memories.  The color, the fabric, the style....just beckoned me to take it home and make it work. 

We huffed....we puffed....we unloaded a huge hutch and barrister bookcases....and reloaded them in new places.  We strained....we pulled....we pushed a heavy piano around the room to create a new look.

And I'm pleased.  Very pleased.  Ecstatic, even, with the results!

It's a fresh look for the living room.  And the total investment was - are you ready for this???? - $75. 

Now, that's what I call "a successful day of junkin'"!!!

BIG CHANGES...oh, yeah!!!

Life has changed so much for me in the last month - literally! 

It was just one month ago that I walked away from a job as a legal assistant after only 6 weeks.  The first few days were a period of recovery and adjustment.  I was emotionally and physically exhausted from my battle over whether or not to stay in that position.  I struggled with it from day one on the job and when the job kept changing, things only got worse.  I knew in my heart, it was not what I needed to be doing, but I was lured by the paycheck and the moral obligation I felt to be working at a steady job.  Finally, there was a moment when I realized that I wasn't failing at the job - the job was failing me.  It was not the right "fit" for me.  That realization helped to assuage the guilt I was feeling over quitting. 

Within a few days of that epiphany, I had made a couple of major decisions:

• I needed to change careers!  I no longer wanted to work in the legal industry.  Nor did I want to be tied to a strict 9-5 job.  After considering some different options and doing alot of research, I decided to pursue an idea that I have toyed with for many years.  Now, I am studying to take the state license exam to become a real estate salesperson!
• I needed to be better to my body and take care of myself so I can enjoy this life to its fullest.  With this in mind, I joined a health club at the local hospital.  After meeting with a personal trainer and learning that I had over 36 per-cent body fat and could not do a single sit-up, I committed to a regimen of exercise and healthy eating in order to accomplish some fitness goals.  

As you can imagine, my average day is quite different now than it was just one short month ago! 

I will be sharing more about the changes being made and the results and benefits I am seeing in upcoming posts.   This journey is truly eye-opening and exciting and I can't wait for you to travel along with me!

More later....

Jane

Putting It All Together...

Can I get a drum roll....FINALLY????

Thankfully, after many weeks of work (and a whole lot of waiting), the kitchen remodel is just about wrapped up! 

I spent yesterday finishing paint touch-ups, scrubbing the floor, and "putting it together".  The morning started out gray and dreary and I really didn't want to pick up the paint brush and get started.  But, as the day progressed, the sun broke through the clouds and I found my energy and spirits building.  By late afternoon, sunlight was flooding through the windows and highlighting my progress ~ just what I needed to keep me motivated and going! 

I know there are boxes still hiding out there in the garage, so some modifications will undoubtedly have to be made, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say we're about 90% done.   So, I'm just going to throw some pictures in here and give you a look-see....

You notice that there is no hardware on the cabinets yet.  That is intentional.  We're still waiting on some of the doors to be replaced due to finish problems...and I'm not sure what kind of handles/knobs I want ~ if any.  So, we're living with it this way for awhile.

I'm so happy about the way the beadboard turned out on the backsplash ~ Eddie did such a great job installing it.  I had a vision in my head of how it would look and it surpassed my expectations for brightening the area under the cabinets.  (Well, the white beadboard combined with the pair of brushed nickel accent lamps I picked up at a local shop ~ $15 for the pair.)

A couple of my favorite touches...

This colorful Mexican ceramic pot holding our utensils, found at El Mercado on one of our many trips to San Antonio ~

And this hand-stitched apron from Biale Vineyards that was a present from a friend who took a trip to Napa Valley and remembered me.  Aren't the colors just perfect???  And to think, it has been hiding in a gift box for the last two years!

The dining area adjoins the kitchen and it got some finishing touches, also.  Jesus, our guardian angel carved from pinon wood, found his new spot overlooking the table.  Bought on our first trip together to Santa Fe, he brings happiness and protection to our home.

I absolutely love the way the afternoon light comes through this double window....and the windows in the living room beyond (through the doorway there)...

Sam and Savanna came over this evening and we all sat down at the table together and enjoyed a home-cooked meal.  What a wonderful feeling ~ to just sit and enjoy the fruits of our labor and a delicious meal with family! 

We have accomplished so much in this room.  My spirits are lifted to see it all coming together!!!  And after the week I had, I needed this to happen so badly yesterday.  (That's a whole 'nother story and I'll be sharing that soon.)  As I get ready to retire this evening, I look back over the weekend and count it as a blessing!

So, how about you?  What was your blessing this weekend?  C'mon, I know something good happened to bring you a bit of joy this weekend!  Maybe it was nothing as major as finishing a big project like this, but a little moment that made you smile.  I'd love to hear about it!

Linking up with Metamorphosis Monday over at "Between Naps on the Porch" ~ lots of inspirational stuff over there, so check it out!!!

Rest well, friends.

Jane

Busy Day ~ Busy Week

So much going on around here this week!  It's been a busy few days, for sure, and I'm really looking forward to this weekend and having a couple of days to get some things finished up.

Eddie has been off the last couple of days and accomplished alot.  His focus has been on finishing out the trim in the kitchen.  He's just about got it under control and plans on finishing up tomorrow.  It's looking great in there ~ and, after I get in there with a paintbrush this weekend, we will be really close...really close!

Good thing he was working in there this afternoon!  The water heater sits in a closet in the kitchen and it decided to spring a leak today.  Just a tiny, little pin-sized hole, but if he hadn't noticed it right away it would have been disastrous.  Fortunately, he was able to get the thing disconnected and dragged out of the house before it caused damage.  Then he ran to Lowes and picked up a new one, lugged it back and snagged a neighbor who saw him struggling  and offered to help.  By the time I arrived home after work, he was struggling to "light" it ~ apparently the most frustrating part of the entire process for him (judging by the carrying on I witnessed ~ God bless him and his hard-working soul!).  But tonight I am just thankful we have hot water and no water damage to our "new" kitchen!

Not only did my Prince Charming accomplish tons in the kitchen, he worked in the front yard, too.  He set in some new shrubs and perennials I bought last weekend.  And he mowed.  And then he came inside and vacuumed.  Did I already say "God bless his hard-working soul"?  Well, it bears repeating! 

I really hope to get some photos up this weekend to share the progress with you! 

How about you?  Have any special plans for the weekend?  Did you have one of those "runaway" weeks, too?  Hey, if you're not busy, you can always mosey on over here ~ I have plenty of paintbrushes! 

Jane

No More Washing Dishes in the Bathroom Sink!!!

I am glad we are one step closer to wrapping up the kitchen renovation! 

Here's a little reminder of where we started ~ or should I say "what we started out with???

Countertops went in on Friday and I couldn't be happier with our choice of quartz.  I originally longed for dark countertops, but the space here is small and the cabinets were already dark enough.  So, we opted for this ~

The color is absolutely neutral and fits the space beautifully.

I'm still in lust with this beautiful shade of green that Mom helped me pick for the dining area.  The room is still a work in progress, but check out the cute little shabby chic corner hutch ~ a housewarming gift from Mom. 

(Okay, she bought it on a whim and didn't like the way it looked in her sunroom.  And she was right ~ it's just not her style at all.  It works SO much BETTER at my house!) 

Light and simple cafe curtains with black eyelet trim were a bargain at JC Penney's online outlet and I'm pleased with the result.  A little retro, very cozy ~ I just love them!  And I was able to use this painted chest that couldn't seem to find a home anywhere else in the house.  Lord knows we needed the extra storage in here!

Then on Saturday, Eddie got the faucet hooked up and we now have running water in the kitchen!  I can't even begin to tell you how MAJOR this is.  After weeks of stumbling to the bathroom in the mornings to get water for coffee, I will gladly readjust!   (And see that last little remnant of orange paint over his shoulder on the window?  Say adios, baby!  Your days are numbered...)

Finally, on Sunday evening, we had our first homecooked meal in the "new" kitchen.  What a wonderful sight to see pots simmering on the stove.  What a wonderful aroma filled the house after so many weeks of take-out!  Can I get a big AMEN?!?!?!

Decoratively speaking, we still have some work to do.  The beadboard needs to be installed and painted above the backsplash.  There is still a bit of trim that needs additional painting.  We're still debating on the "light fixture vs. fan/light" in the dining room.  Accessories and small appliances still need to find a permanent place....and the list goes on. 

But, let me just take a moment to REVEL in how far we have come!  It feels so good to have a functioning kitchen again.  And what we've gotten done looks even better than we dreamed ~ so we are encouraged.  And motivated to get it all pulled together! 

I'm linking up with Metamorphasis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch, so check it out!





Hanging in there and washing dishes in the kitchen tonight, Friends!

Jane

Seeking Balance in Blogging

I can't believe it's been nearly two weeks since I've had time to create a post for my blog! 

It's just been so crazy around here ~ overwhelmingly crazy ~ and I've been beating myself up for not keeping up with my posting.  I was kinda on a roll for a few weeks there, getting into a blog groove...and then, WHAM!!!  It all blew up on me....well, sorta.  Let me explain.

I had to go back to work.  No, wait...let me rephrase that:  I got to go back to work.  Because I was fortunate enough to find a job within a couple of weeks after I started searching.  And, believe me, this was a blessing because the money has been going out-out-out, with none coming in-in-in.  And our resources are definitely finite!

When I started blogging about six months ago, I was working part-time.  Then, at the end of January, I became unemployed when we relocated to Abilene.  My full-time job became rehab-ing this house with Eddie.  (And trust me, that is more than 40 hours a week of work, no matter how you slice it!)

Last week, knowing that I would be starting the new job this week, Mom and I worked frantically together every day, mostly in the kitchen/dining area, trying to get as much work done as possible.  And we accomplished alot!

Did we get finished?   NO...a big, resounding NO.  And I was terribly disappointed to head out to the new job on Monday morning, knowing that work was left undone.  In fact, even with Eddie working in there on his days off this week, we are not where I had hoped to be at the end of last week. 

And since I am afflicted with a form of "perfection disorder", I have in no way felt the desire to grab my camera and document the shortcomings of our efforts.  When I go out there, browsing around BlogWorld, it seems that everyone else is documenting "perfection" in their world.  I see lots of great photos of beautiful homes, completed projects, all nice and tidily wrapped up.  Normally, they inspire me....but, in my current circumstances, they make me acutely aware of my "shortcomings". 

Combine this feeling of failure on the "home front" with the exhausting effect of returning to work in a fast-paced new job, well, you start to get the picture....blogging has been the last thing on my mind. 

But, this evening I had an "Ah-Hah Moment"! 

It doesn't matter if I have finished one or many projects around the house....

or that I haven't documented our progress (or lack thereof) in photos....

or that I don't have a perfect blog post ready every other day....

That's just not what it's all about.  At least, not for me.

Blogging is about sharing my thoughts in written form.  It's a way of communicating my feelings about what I value in Life.  That's what it is about. 

What it is not about is trying to look like or emulate other blogs....or keeping up with other blogger's styles and posting abilities....or competing to gain followers. 

So, there you have it.  I am posting this without any photos.  (But, now that I've re-thought the whole purpose of blogging, maybe I won't be so hesitant to pick up my camera and document an unifinished project.)  I'm still finding "my blog voice", making lots of missteps and corrections along the way. 

Above all, I'm learning more about myself through this adventure in blogging.  That is the rewarding part...and the reason I don't want to give it up, even though I feel stretched pretty thin some days. 

So, bear with me....and hang with me....as I strive find the perfect balance here on The Porch!

Jane

A Picture Perfect COLOR for the Kitchen!!!

Color is going up in the dining area....and I couldn't be more thrilled!!!!

Yesterday was a designated work day in the kitchen/dining area ~ at least for me.  Eddie was scheduled to work from 2 pm to 11 pm, so it was going to be up to me to load the kitchen and get started on the painting..  Oh, yeah, I had big plans to get tons accomplished. 

But, I found lots of little things to sidetrack me yesterday morning.  I just couldn't get started....I had to run to the post office, I had to check Facebook, I had to have another cuppa coffee.  You know what I mean???

Finally, probably in an effort to squelch my ongoing procrastination, Eddie started bringing boxes in from the garage a couple of hours before he had to be at work.  This kinda "forced" me to get in there and start loading in the cabinets ~ something that had to be done prior to painting.  (And let me just say "Thank you, sweetie" for getting me started!)

Mom dropped by shortly after he left for work and jumped right in to help.  I'm so grateful for her amazing energy and talent for organizing.  Not only did she help me unpack boxes and put things away, she flattened boxes, swept the entire area (the floor was getting a little "crunchy" underfoot) and even found time to sweep the entire back patio and feed cookies to the dogs. 

I admit, we had to take a couple of breaks (to run to Rick & Carolyn's drive-thru for an icy cherry Pepsi and dinner off the dollar menu at McDonalds), but we finally got to the painting part of the day.  And let me just tell you this ~ Mom is a fabulous painter!!! 

Just hand this lady a brush and she's off to the races!!!

We were loving the color before it dried ~ even with just one coat over the primer.  While we painted, we started tossing out ideas for accessories and decorating.  It ended up being so much fun that we looked up and it was nearly time for Eddie to be home from work! 

All in all, it was a very productive day and I'm actually looking forward to getting back in there today and getting a second coat on the walls and starting on the trim.

Thanks, Mom!  You got me going again ~ I'm inspired to carry on!!!

I'm linking up with Paula over at Amen Corner today to share this Picture Perfect day of Productivity. 


 (If this link isn't showing up, head over here ~ Amen Corner - Picture Perfect Weekend)

I hope your weekend is shaping up to be one to remember....picture perfect in every way!

Jane