Before The Work Begins

We are in the midst of one project that began barely after another project finished. Back-to-back major events. Our comfort and home space have been disrupted. We unloaded the entire house to replace the floors (our bedroom comes later) and added a fireplace in the warmest winter we’ve seen since moving here. Oh, and we had to replace our cedar fence of 11 years.

Why do this now? Bottom line? Our needs and desires alongside the fact that money is available.

Later this spring, we’ll paint the outside, dress up the deck, paint inside, and step back from it all and say, “No Mas!” (No more!)

In all of this, I wished we had fully realized how these projects would affect our living space. I’ve spent more time sitting at the kitchen table for relaxation than I ever had! The living room is a mess of construction! Plastic everywhere. Workers are coming and going. If they needed to enter the backyard, then we made special arrangements for the dogs so they wouldn’t interfere or escape!

I’ve been amazed at how they work around our lives and complete their tasks. The week they built the outside chimney chase, it was a blustery day of cold wind and drizzled rain. There they are! On top of the house, building upward. This week, the mason has been rocking the fireplace front. This project is about done!

Before the work starts, please note the impact it will have on your life.

This is something I’m learning. I guess I knew it, but we’ve never had this much work going on and disrupting a normal day. Our animals have adapted better than we have! We’ve lived out of boxes and packed shelves that were never meant to hold this much stuff. We’ve yet to unpack everything, and unless it’s necessary for the future, there may be many boxes of goods ready to pack away.

Soon, we’ll sit back, enjoy the efforts, and thank our lucky stars for making it!

But if you know me, it’s not only about the finished task. It’s getting to know the workers. I’ll mess up their names, but I’ve learned much about their process and lives. We’ve had good conversations about the challenges we all face. I’ve learned about my area more. I’ve heard about their plans and dreams.

Another important fact that should never be discounted? Planning…

I’ve written and studied often about planning. Followthrough is easier when planning considers all the needs and leaves nothing to chance. Another key is the timing. Some seasons are better for some jobs than others. And on that note? The order of your projects! Some work should be done initially, and others should be saved until the end.

We took bids on jobs, and the one we chose was the one who could itemize all the pieces and parts needed to do the job. We’ve had no surprises and “gotcha’s” for extra items that were not thought about.

Through it all, and in everything I do, I want to be a good witness.

When life has been disrupted, you can enjoy the season if you go into it with the right spirit.

Thank you for reading.
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