Friday, March 06, 2009

Oh the things to get done


Since I've been laid off, I've been busier than I've been in a long time. I didn't figure it would be this way, but it is. There's the freelance work I've been doing and then there's all the projects around my house, projects that not only require my presence (having the carpets cleaned, and the cable and internet service repaired, something that has taken countless phone calls and two days of Comcast being here to accomplish) but also those that require my time and energy. I've been tackling them on weekends for the longest time but the to-do list of a single home-owner grows faster than the kudzu vine.

So, I've been taking advantage of having the time and I've been busy working away on that list. I have cleaned my front door and applied conditioning oil to the wood. I have cleaned closets and the pantry, rugs and dog bed covers. I have cleaned the shuttered doors of the laundry area, and those I finished off using Q-tips on the sides of the slats, every slat of slatted doors. It took over an hour but looks very good - I'd forgotten those doors were white.

Right now, I'm tired of being inside and I'm taking my projects outside for the rest of the day and weekend. The first project I'm taking on is the little side patio that I have barely acknowledged since Hurricane Ike blew through in September and rearranged everything when it took the fence down. I tackle this patio in a major way twice a year but after Ike, I didn't have the heart to get it dressed up for the winter, so now I have double the work. I have to pull weeds, then refill the uneven ground with the bags of rocks I purchased the other day, rake six month's of fallen leaves, pull out the dead plants, cut back dead bits and add soil to the pots, find and clear the drain, pot new plants, fertilize, and sweep up all the mess I'm sure to make while doing that. Since it's such a small area, it's only about two hours of work, work that is very gratifying since there's a definite start and finish. Take a good look at that "before" photo because when I'm done it's going to be a complete makeover.

Tomorrow I plan to take on the garage. Perhaps Sunday I should book a massage session.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Can't wait to see the makeover! Carmon

Linda@VS said...

You HAVE been busy! I'm looking forward to seeing the makeover, too, although your patio is certainly pretty in this photo.

Anonymous said...

There is something about working on your own projects that is good for the soul. Enjoy and most definitely take advante of this time. It's an opportunity!