I know that I am beyond lucky to have all the people that surround me in my life. This Saturday, definitely proved that. I was pretty curious about my party, the turnout, if I had enough food and drinks etc.
I would have never imagined in a million years to have the turn out I did. College roommates and best buddies, friends from Haxtun, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coworkers of all kinds, volleyball rock stars, new neighbors,EVERYONE who came has touched me in some significant way and it was overwhelming to see everyone all at one place, just to help me celebrate and give me well-wishes.
As I went through my cards and gifts the next day, I had tears streaming down my face to think that people thought so highly of me to give me such great things, all from the heart. I'm sure this blog sounds super corny but I still am completely overwhelmed.
I absolutely love my house. I think its perfect for me. I'm excited to continue making it all my own. A very big heart-felt thanks goes out to everyone. Thanks for making me feel so special!
Love,
Mel
Showing posts with label Buying a house. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buying a house. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Thanks For The Birthday Wishes
In my last post, I ranted about how busy my week had been. It definitely didn't slow down this weekend. Saturday we had a track meet at Air Force Academy. It went alright. So far this year we haven't had the big Personal Records we had last year but my older throwers are getting somewhat more consistent and I believe that's a form of improvement.
Sunday, my birthday, everyone made me feel VERY loved. I enjoyed every card, call, text, and email I received. Everyone wanted to know what I was doing... I worked on my house all day! I put on my painting pants and work shirt and spent the day painting cabinet doors, getting a new old oven, tearing up the carpet in my living room to expose my hardwood floors, scraping paint off windows etc.
I'm excited for my housewarming party this weekend but I'm a little nervous too. My house is far from done and I'm not trying to get it done, but I'm trying to get it so people will notice the work that's been done.
Beyond cleaning the house, I'd still like to:
1.) finish getting kitchen cabinets done (this is a must do)
2) get rid of the rest of the green in the dining room
3.) hang up a few more blinds
4.) do a little more painting in the basement
Wish me luck!
Sunday, my birthday, everyone made me feel VERY loved. I enjoyed every card, call, text, and email I received. Everyone wanted to know what I was doing... I worked on my house all day! I put on my painting pants and work shirt and spent the day painting cabinet doors, getting a new old oven, tearing up the carpet in my living room to expose my hardwood floors, scraping paint off windows etc.
I'm excited for my housewarming party this weekend but I'm a little nervous too. My house is far from done and I'm not trying to get it done, but I'm trying to get it so people will notice the work that's been done.
Beyond cleaning the house, I'd still like to:
1.) finish getting kitchen cabinets done (this is a must do)
2) get rid of the rest of the green in the dining room
3.) hang up a few more blinds
4.) do a little more painting in the basement
Wish me luck!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Small Victories
I think I've always been a pretty hard worker. Not as hard as some, but definitely harder than others.
I have a definite new found respect for those who build, fix, and remodel homes. I've been working my bum off and I'm sure if I had fancier tools and a few bigger chunks of time and A LOT more skills (aka had the slightest clue what I was doing) I could knock this thing into a Pottery Barn lookalike.
But I'm working hard and I'm enjoying the process so far. I know it looks nothing like potterybarn but its mine and I'm really excited about that. I'm appreciating the things I'm doing for the first time because I'm sure the excitement of scooping snow off my sidewalk for the first time will DEFINITELY wear off.
This afternoon after I happily scooped snow, I did a little bit more painting, went and played some volleyball, made a grocery store run and scraped away another 3ft square of dumb wallpaper. Any wallpaper I get off that wall is a victory for me.
I appreciate all the encouragement I have received from friends and family about all my dorky victories. I can't wait to share more memories in this place and really make it my home.
I have a definite new found respect for those who build, fix, and remodel homes. I've been working my bum off and I'm sure if I had fancier tools and a few bigger chunks of time and A LOT more skills (aka had the slightest clue what I was doing) I could knock this thing into a Pottery Barn lookalike.
But I'm working hard and I'm enjoying the process so far. I know it looks nothing like potterybarn but its mine and I'm really excited about that. I'm appreciating the things I'm doing for the first time because I'm sure the excitement of scooping snow off my sidewalk for the first time will DEFINITELY wear off.
This afternoon after I happily scooped snow, I did a little bit more painting, went and played some volleyball, made a grocery store run and scraped away another 3ft square of dumb wallpaper. Any wallpaper I get off that wall is a victory for me.
I appreciate all the encouragement I have received from friends and family about all my dorky victories. I can't wait to share more memories in this place and really make it my home.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Still Making Progress on My House!
I was pretty excited to come home and work on my house tonight. I'm getting settled bit by bit all the while trying to keep caught up on laundry etc from my first week back to school.
Tonight I painted the ceiling and trim in Bedroom #2. I even got the accent wall painted. So far I've been really pleased with all the colors I chose, which I might add is a mighty hard task. I really like the kitchen color, "imperial gray" by Benjamin Moore and the color I just put on the wall tonight "mountain ridge" is just the right shade of purple... I had to paint something purple.
Tomorrow night my goal is to try to get the rest of Bedroom 2 done. I'm not going to try to tackle the rest of the kitchen until this weekend when the only break I'm going to take is my full-moon night snowshoe excursion. (More on this to come.)
With my housewarming/birthday party less than a month away I have my work cut out for me, especially with track competitions starting and my volleyball leagues once again in full swing. (One of my leagues is only THREE blocks from my house. THREE BLOCKS!!!) I hope everyone doesn't expect this place to be done, the windows are going to take a lot of work and don't forget the million layers of wallpaper I've been working on. It should be painted though, and clean.
I think I've successfully drugged Bojangles with the paint fumes again...he's running laps around the house being speedy-go-jangles. He's been doing this for at least 10 minutes now.
Tonight I painted the ceiling and trim in Bedroom #2. I even got the accent wall painted. So far I've been really pleased with all the colors I chose, which I might add is a mighty hard task. I really like the kitchen color, "imperial gray" by Benjamin Moore and the color I just put on the wall tonight "mountain ridge" is just the right shade of purple... I had to paint something purple.
Tomorrow night my goal is to try to get the rest of Bedroom 2 done. I'm not going to try to tackle the rest of the kitchen until this weekend when the only break I'm going to take is my full-moon night snowshoe excursion. (More on this to come.)
With my housewarming/birthday party less than a month away I have my work cut out for me, especially with track competitions starting and my volleyball leagues once again in full swing. (One of my leagues is only THREE blocks from my house. THREE BLOCKS!!!) I hope everyone doesn't expect this place to be done, the windows are going to take a lot of work and don't forget the million layers of wallpaper I've been working on. It should be painted though, and clean.
I think I've successfully drugged Bojangles with the paint fumes again...he's running laps around the house being speedy-go-jangles. He's been doing this for at least 10 minutes now.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Day 5 Painting ETC
The living room is done, minus the trim. The bedroom is pretty much done. The Bathroom will be done TOMORROW. I had to say goodbye to the purple closet but rather enjoyed slabbing the mascarpone (cream) color over the top of it. This whole house was painted in hideous colors.
The kitchen has become a battle. Jeff is now on my side. He showed up today with a drill, and other various "weapons" that were supposed to ensure victory (can you tell its late and I may or may not be high on paint fumes) The cabinets have a few tricks of their own though. I thought I was smarter than a bunch of kitchen cabinets... I have sanded I have painted lightly, the new hardware was EXACTLY the same size as the last, UGH.
Good news is though I found some retro looking glass knobs for my handles at home depot and they do look pretty good on my cupboards.
I'm a little worried my energy bill is going to go through the roof this month though with all the renovations thus I have decided to forgo showering ONE MORE DAY. (maybe its because its 1:15 am, jeff is coming back bless his heart at 8:15 and we're going to do it all again) If I go to this party with Brett and Diana tomorrow night I'll have to probably go buy a piece of steel wool to use as a loofah.
When I needed a break today Kim helped me get most of the rest of my things from the fort collins house and explore Loveland for some pretty decent Mexican food.
Anyway my bed is calling. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and all of the help! I most definitely will have a housewarming party and I'll keep you posted.
If you are wondering how many days in a row I can work from sun up to sun down (outside of harvest) I should inform you that I'm about to get some break and go to Christie's wedding this weekend.
The kitchen has become a battle. Jeff is now on my side. He showed up today with a drill, and other various "weapons" that were supposed to ensure victory (can you tell its late and I may or may not be high on paint fumes) The cabinets have a few tricks of their own though. I thought I was smarter than a bunch of kitchen cabinets... I have sanded I have painted lightly, the new hardware was EXACTLY the same size as the last, UGH.
Good news is though I found some retro looking glass knobs for my handles at home depot and they do look pretty good on my cupboards.
I'm a little worried my energy bill is going to go through the roof this month though with all the renovations thus I have decided to forgo showering ONE MORE DAY. (maybe its because its 1:15 am, jeff is coming back bless his heart at 8:15 and we're going to do it all again) If I go to this party with Brett and Diana tomorrow night I'll have to probably go buy a piece of steel wool to use as a loofah.
When I needed a break today Kim helped me get most of the rest of my things from the fort collins house and explore Loveland for some pretty decent Mexican food.
Anyway my bed is calling. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and all of the help! I most definitely will have a housewarming party and I'll keep you posted.
If you are wondering how many days in a row I can work from sun up to sun down (outside of harvest) I should inform you that I'm about to get some break and go to Christie's wedding this weekend.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Painting Day 4
I love my friends. Jeff and Judson were a HUGE help today and they do very good quality work! Judson taught me how to cut a super straight line and worked on my bedroom while Jeff painted the ceilings and I managed leave my kitchen undone.
My kitchen is still not done!!!! It's getting really close. I had a couple issues with hinges and putting cabinet doors back where they came from. Tomorrow I have a few more cabinets to tend to but the holes are filled and ready for re-drilling.
My days to work on this are starting to run out so by the end of the day tomorrow I would like to have my bedroom finished (and bed moved into) I just need to fix a few lines of paint and I'm set to go.
I want my kitchen completed if at all possible and I'd like to get the rest of my stuff out of my fort collins house. I started painting the bathroom and should be able to knock that out tomorrow morning so we can hang my new medicine cabinet (thanks to dad)
I hope this update makes sense. I've had lots of paint fumes and not so much sleep. Pictures are coming I promise.
My kitchen is still not done!!!! It's getting really close. I had a couple issues with hinges and putting cabinet doors back where they came from. Tomorrow I have a few more cabinets to tend to but the holes are filled and ready for re-drilling.
My days to work on this are starting to run out so by the end of the day tomorrow I would like to have my bedroom finished (and bed moved into) I just need to fix a few lines of paint and I'm set to go.
I want my kitchen completed if at all possible and I'd like to get the rest of my stuff out of my fort collins house. I started painting the bathroom and should be able to knock that out tomorrow morning so we can hang my new medicine cabinet (thanks to dad)
I hope this update makes sense. I've had lots of paint fumes and not so much sleep. Pictures are coming I promise.
House Painting Day 3
Better to do things right than to do them quickly...
I think I'm finding some happy medium between the two. My kitchen is starting to look pretty good. Of course, I haven't showered in three days (why? I'm just going to get up and do the same thing tomorrow, plus I'm on break...) Mom came and helped me Friday and Saturday and I was at it today sanding, priming, and painting my kitchen cabinets. Oh yes, I also tried to get the ceiling finished.
My color scheme seems to be working well. Its pretty much what I imagined, I even found the perfect pulls and knobs for my cabinets although I'm worried the knobs may be too big. They are definitely old school, the glass type.
Judson Doyle and Jeff Walz (my two buddies in crime at Roosevelt HS) are coming to my aid tomorrow. Judson and his wife have done a beautiful job on their home so I'm excited for him to cut a few of my lines for me. Jeff will most likely end up being my roommate so I roped him in too.
I'll post pictures soon, but right now my actual camera is lost somewhere in translation and my cell phone camera just doesn't do justice.
PS I will never put wallpaper in any house of mine. I"ve taken off about 6 plus layers of 60 plus years old wallpaper and it was/is NOT fun. Even with all the tips. Please remind me of this if I have a moment of insanity. Also...please don't ask me to remove 6 plus layers of wallpaper from your home unless you are absolutely sure I love you...a lot. My mommy loves me... a lot.
Oh Ya! Progress report
kitchen is 90% done
living room needs trim and celing painted
bedroom 1 80% done
bedroom 2 yet to begin
bathroom 5% done (I took out the nasty medicine cabinet)
bedroom 3 10 % done
dining room 20% done (I HATE WALLPAPER!)
I think I'm finding some happy medium between the two. My kitchen is starting to look pretty good. Of course, I haven't showered in three days (why? I'm just going to get up and do the same thing tomorrow, plus I'm on break...) Mom came and helped me Friday and Saturday and I was at it today sanding, priming, and painting my kitchen cabinets. Oh yes, I also tried to get the ceiling finished.
My color scheme seems to be working well. Its pretty much what I imagined, I even found the perfect pulls and knobs for my cabinets although I'm worried the knobs may be too big. They are definitely old school, the glass type.
Judson Doyle and Jeff Walz (my two buddies in crime at Roosevelt HS) are coming to my aid tomorrow. Judson and his wife have done a beautiful job on their home so I'm excited for him to cut a few of my lines for me. Jeff will most likely end up being my roommate so I roped him in too.
I'll post pictures soon, but right now my actual camera is lost somewhere in translation and my cell phone camera just doesn't do justice.
PS I will never put wallpaper in any house of mine. I"ve taken off about 6 plus layers of 60 plus years old wallpaper and it was/is NOT fun. Even with all the tips. Please remind me of this if I have a moment of insanity. Also...please don't ask me to remove 6 plus layers of wallpaper from your home unless you are absolutely sure I love you...a lot. My mommy loves me... a lot.
Oh Ya! Progress report
kitchen is 90% done
living room needs trim and celing painted
bedroom 1 80% done
bedroom 2 yet to begin
bathroom 5% done (I took out the nasty medicine cabinet)
bedroom 3 10 % done
dining room 20% done (I HATE WALLPAPER!)
Monday, December 22, 2008
I Love My House
The last few days, with the exception of Sunday, I've spent moving into my new house. It's awesome. I'm really excited about the location and the fact that nothing major is wrong with it (except for the hundred layers of wallpaper they painted over in the kitchen... UGH) I've had a lot of generous help from a lot of generous people and I'm pumped to get my paint bought and start painting.
I've got most (I hope) of my stuff moved with the exception of all of my kitchen stuff from Haxtun and clothes etc. from the house in Fort Collins.
Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to see my new place, I'll have to have some sort of house warming party when I get everything in some sort of order. I have so much work to do in the next few days that my head is spinning...
Oh! And in case you were wondering... I'm most definitely pumping the Christmas jams as I work. ;)
I've got most (I hope) of my stuff moved with the exception of all of my kitchen stuff from Haxtun and clothes etc. from the house in Fort Collins.
Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to see my new place, I'll have to have some sort of house warming party when I get everything in some sort of order. I have so much work to do in the next few days that my head is spinning...
Oh! And in case you were wondering... I'm most definitely pumping the Christmas jams as I work. ;)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I'm a Homeowner!
Now I get to paint and move...who's helping? Its only been what zero degrees outside?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Crazy Week Coming
I've definitely been waiting for this week for several reasons. I close on my house, (now Wednesday afternoon) its the last week before break, and I'm going to play in a volleyball tournament next Sunday.
Needless to say I have a ton to do and I hope I don't forget much. I need to get the utilities in order for this week, finish getting insurance lined up, drop the change of address form off at the post office, and everything else thats really important that I can't remember I'm supposed to do.
For those who have asked about my move in date, I'm still really not sure. I have considered camping out in my house Wednesday night with my sleeping pad and bag, but I'll probably opt out since it's finals week and all. I'm going to try to paint my house before I move in. I've even got the colors picked out, I've been fretting over a shower rod for some dumb reason (when I went to pick one up today from the going out of business sale at Linen and Things and the one I wanted was gone. ugh. Its a SHOWER ROD!)I'm not painting my basement right away so I'll be able to move things into the basement until I finish painting the upstairs. My goal is to get at least the kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom and living room painted before I move in, but as I'm making trips I'll be taking my stuff.
One good thing is that I won't be coaching this week since the throwers are done with school for the semester and have gone home for Christmas so I'll have a few more hours everyday for my to-do list.
My move should go pretty smoothly. The biggest challenge will be the refrigerator and getting my "big" stuff from my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Byron's house. BUT moving is pretty much my least favorite thing to do...even if most of my stuff is still boxed up from this summer.
I can't believe I'm buying my own house! Its crazy!
I know I have a lot of other things to think about this week, but I doubt I'll be 100% focused. My finals just need printing out, and I just need to finish up grades, but obviously the week at school won't be that simple (and really those two things are pretty time consuming)
I'm definitely not doing much Christmas shopping until after we are out of school for the semester, (I figure I'll be shopping with all the other teachers and other last minute shoppers)I'll have to add a Wedding present in there somewhere for Christie and Abe.
Are you starting to get stressed out for me yet? I have A LOT to do this week. This is going to be a crazy one, I'm definitely excited but when its all done I'm going to relax, watch Christmas movies and knit.
Needless to say I have a ton to do and I hope I don't forget much. I need to get the utilities in order for this week, finish getting insurance lined up, drop the change of address form off at the post office, and everything else thats really important that I can't remember I'm supposed to do.
For those who have asked about my move in date, I'm still really not sure. I have considered camping out in my house Wednesday night with my sleeping pad and bag, but I'll probably opt out since it's finals week and all. I'm going to try to paint my house before I move in. I've even got the colors picked out, I've been fretting over a shower rod for some dumb reason (when I went to pick one up today from the going out of business sale at Linen and Things and the one I wanted was gone. ugh. Its a SHOWER ROD!)I'm not painting my basement right away so I'll be able to move things into the basement until I finish painting the upstairs. My goal is to get at least the kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom and living room painted before I move in, but as I'm making trips I'll be taking my stuff.
One good thing is that I won't be coaching this week since the throwers are done with school for the semester and have gone home for Christmas so I'll have a few more hours everyday for my to-do list.
My move should go pretty smoothly. The biggest challenge will be the refrigerator and getting my "big" stuff from my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Byron's house. BUT moving is pretty much my least favorite thing to do...even if most of my stuff is still boxed up from this summer.
I can't believe I'm buying my own house! Its crazy!
I know I have a lot of other things to think about this week, but I doubt I'll be 100% focused. My finals just need printing out, and I just need to finish up grades, but obviously the week at school won't be that simple (and really those two things are pretty time consuming)
I'm definitely not doing much Christmas shopping until after we are out of school for the semester, (I figure I'll be shopping with all the other teachers and other last minute shoppers)I'll have to add a Wedding present in there somewhere for Christie and Abe.
Are you starting to get stressed out for me yet? I have A LOT to do this week. This is going to be a crazy one, I'm definitely excited but when its all done I'm going to relax, watch Christmas movies and knit.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
List of Stuff I Need/Want For New House
I've been asked a lot what I need for my house. I've been trying to think...and here is what I've come up with. Maybe you have an extra laying around or maybe you could keep your eye out if you happen upon a good deal.
Since I HAVE lived on my own before I have a lot of the essentials. I really just need a list so that I know for myself.
1.) Kitchen
- Dish rack (I have no dishwasher)
- Scrubber/soap wand
- Tea towels (white)
- dust pan
- mop
2.) Bathroom
- medicine cabinet
- shower rod
- new shower head
3.) Bedroom
4.) Living Room
- door mat (x2)
5.) Basement/Laundry
6.) Whole House
7.) Garage/Garden
- snow shovel
- sprinkler
- garden hose
What am I forgetting???
Since I HAVE lived on my own before I have a lot of the essentials. I really just need a list so that I know for myself.
1.) Kitchen
- Dish rack (I have no dishwasher)
- Scrubber/soap wand
- Tea towels (white)
- dust pan
- mop
2.) Bathroom
- medicine cabinet
- shower rod
- new shower head
3.) Bedroom
4.) Living Room
- door mat (x2)
5.) Basement/Laundry
6.) Whole House
7.) Garage/Garden
- snow shovel
- sprinkler
- garden hose
What am I forgetting???
Monday, October 27, 2008
My First Offer
Today me and my trusty Realtor, Brian Trainor (who is AWESOME) put in my first offer on my first house of my life. SCARY. I really like the house and its in an amazing location. Just yesterday, there was an article in the paper about the street that its on. Only one problem...
Other people must have had the same eye for the little dinky purple people eater house and there were a ton of other bids on it.
More than likely I will not get the house. There are a ton of people who could just pay cash for what they are asking for my cute little want-to-be future home and I of course at 27 years of age need my dad to help me out. BUT I don't think anyone could put the heart into it like I could and my ideas for its s-l-o-w transformation are SECOND TO NONE. I'm pretty handy too. I like to pretend I am anyway which usually works out just the same, just not as pretty.
It has to be a good house. The porch swing held up Brian. ;)Please cross your fingers that my "max and final offer" plus a little luck, trumps all the other not as cool as me "Purple People Eater" bids.
PS I wonder if my grandpa would laugh at the whole color thing. I used to ask him his favorite color and he would always ask me, "On what?" I on the other hand would, without hesitation, always answer, "purple." On second though I don't have to wonder if he'd laugh, I know he would.
Other people must have had the same eye for the little dinky purple people eater house and there were a ton of other bids on it.
More than likely I will not get the house. There are a ton of people who could just pay cash for what they are asking for my cute little want-to-be future home and I of course at 27 years of age need my dad to help me out. BUT I don't think anyone could put the heart into it like I could and my ideas for its s-l-o-w transformation are SECOND TO NONE. I'm pretty handy too. I like to pretend I am anyway which usually works out just the same, just not as pretty.
It has to be a good house. The porch swing held up Brian. ;)Please cross your fingers that my "max and final offer" plus a little luck, trumps all the other not as cool as me "Purple People Eater" bids.
PS I wonder if my grandpa would laugh at the whole color thing. I used to ask him his favorite color and he would always ask me, "On what?" I on the other hand would, without hesitation, always answer, "purple." On second though I don't have to wonder if he'd laugh, I know he would.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)