Lesli's Changing Life at 40 Journal

[Lesli54]

It has been a very busy week. I "think" we have the plans for the kitchen figured out. Now it's time so see if there are any costs that we can cut and still have what we need. Possibly not. It has been a true reality check for the actual cost of remodeling.

Also, we have been appliance shopping. Who knew that would be so difficult? There again another reality check for costs. It will be a good thing when this is all behind us. But at least we have pretty much all the info we need to place orders.

DD11 is back home and had a great time at camp. DS6 missed her so much and it was nice to see him cling to her......at least the first night, the next day it was back to the same old sibling rivalry.

DH and I decided to get someone to come in and finishing mudding some of the projects that we have started. I just don't have much time right now and it is really stressing me out. So it is better to just get it done and be finished with it. To live in a house that only has one or two projects ongoing would be a big plus.

Food has been up and down. Not bad, not great, and not consistent. Water has been a bit lacking. Excercise, none. I make progress on things around here and then I am behind again. It is really driving me nuts.

I am also facing another problem. DD11 has been sneaking any and all food that isn't nailed down. She also has been eating quite a bit of junk at friends' homes or when there is snack time, like at Sunday School (why you need a snack at 9am is beyond me). At any rate, she has gained 8 lbs this summer and is already pushing the limits of the clothing I just bought her for school in a few weeks. She really hasn't gained any height for quite a while, her waist is expanding. If I had to guess, I would say that she is pushing 15-20 lbs over what she should be. I don't want her to feel bad about weight, but I want her to be aware of the consequences it causes. Granted, our eating habits lately have not been good at all, but this has been getting way out of hand. Any advice would help greatly.

Off to conquer something for the day. Everyone take care.

 

[Lesli54]

Down about 1.6 lbs. Still up about 3 from my lowest a few monts ago. At least it is some progress.

Food for the week has been ok. I have had those days when I didn't care if I ate wrong, but then there have also been days where I was paying more attention. On the plus side, I am really paying more attention to how full I am and even though I ate too much a few times, I also have asked myself if I was really hungry. Now to get back to where I quit when I am full and don't push the envelope. After all we can always save the leftovers for later.

We went to Panera the other day and I had the 1/2 turkey artichoke panini, 1/2 ceasar salad, and a baguette. Usually, I have been eating an apple for my side, but this time I thought I would do the bread since I haven't had it in a very long time and it is so good. I think I ate about 1/3 and gave the rest to DH. It was just too much. And to think, in the past, I would have eaten all of it. Also yesterday, I was on the road back from the airport and made two stops at an oasis. The first one, I picked up a trail mix of nuts, craisins, and m&m's. Usually, I would eat it all, but I ate only about 1/2. Then the next stop I picked up string cheese and an apple. Neither were great so I didn't eat them all, but it was better than the typical junk I could have done. I would say, success, one step at a time.

Water was good some days this week and some days not, but I am trying to be at least aware.

The guy came to mud the rooms. They are half way finished, maybe a bit more. It is so nice to see it being finished. So great to see my closet actually becoming a closet that looks like it was meant to be there instead of a whole between two closets. Hopefully, I can paint by mid week or at the end of next week. So excited!

The kitchen is still a problem. I have the desingner coming to make final measurements, but this weekend, I have to sit down to make sure I have covered everything and to see if there are any costs that can be reduced to have the additional features I want. Shopping for appliances is a pain. Why don't they just make the perfect appliance? Looked for a double oven range w/convection, but then I don't like the fact that the control knobs are on top of the range. Considered a microwave/convection oven, but few are above the range hoods and they are pricey. Trying to get the function of two ovens in a space that doesn't allow it. Then shopping for the fridge is a nightmare. Talk about expensive and the new models are 36" deep with the handle. That is 5" deeper than what I have now, so not thrilled with walking around the fridge. To get a counter depth is spend almost double in some cases. We did look at granite as well, since I have found that it isn't much different than some of the better laminites or the solid surfacing material that is used for counter tops. Everything is a small detail. Today, I am off to look at sink measurements. If I get a smaller sink, I can have more cabinet space. I did love the sink at SSR, so I had to check it out. It is a single. Then went and looked at the other WDW resorts. Looks like the newer ones are all single sink, which makes since when you have a dishwasher. Too many details. Wake me up when my kitchen is built.

Food today:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelt w/red, yellow, & orange pepper, mushrooms, and cheese; ham; 1 c milk; 1/2 c grapefruit juice (so nice to have color in a dish)
AM snack - 2 crackers
Lunch - pork chop sandwich, watermelon
PM snack - banana
Supper - ??? depends on what we are doing.

Goals today:
1. water - 80 oz
2. make a daily routine schedule that includes exercise
3. No eating after 8:30pm

Took DD19 to the airport yesterday, she is off visiting family. DD22 and her fiance is off for the weekend on a trip. I want to go to WDW! Ok, any vacation would be good. This week we are taking the youngest two to the campground for a reprieve before school starts. DD11 has something that she needs to do every morning and we will be back at the house for at least part of each day since there is work going on, but at least we can relax in the afternoon and evenings. Maybe it will feel like we got away.

Better get going. Lots to do. I will try very hard to get back everyday so that posts aren't so long. Everyone have a great weekend.

 

[toystoryduo]

Congrats on your weight loss, Lesli!Keep up the good work!

Sending some for your kitchen.....Just think about how wonderful it will be once it is completed!

I hope you have a nice time at the campground. Try and relax as much as you can!

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for the encouragement, Tracy!

Down another .80 lbs. So I am just over 2 lbs away from being back on track.

I tried to get back to post, but things were really crazy this weekend and at the campground we don't have the internet hooked up. Just not worth the cost. But at least back and forth to the house enough that it doesn't matter.

Food has been pretty good and I have not had much time to snack...a very good thing. Water, depends on the day.

The mudding project is almost complete and I am really anxious to get painting so I can cross those loose ends off the list. Unfortunately, I am not sure when the guy is coming back, thought it would be today, but he hasn't shown and is not good with returning messages.

The cabinets, refridgerator, and dishwasher are ordered. Now to figure out the stove. Can't they make perfect appliances? At least the cabinets are down, that is half the kitchen. Now I am waiting for pricing on counters and need to check into flooring. Hopefully, we can start the tear out next week so there is time for everyone to do their work before the cabinets come in. It is a huge relief to be at this point and tossing out many of the kitchen pages that I had for ideas has been great therapy. It will get done, it will get done......

Camping has been a wonderful fiasco. The first day, DH didn't have one of the water hoses hooked up properly so I had water coming in under the couch of the camper. Then the lot that we are on happens to have the worst smelling water that we don't even want to turn it on. Need to relocate to another lot. Couldn't get the refrigerator working and still can't so we lost a lot of food. Of course, all of this happens after DH left to take care of some things, so I was frustrated and tired that I wondered if camping was worth it. On the plus side, the kids have been able to do a few things and we are all relaxing since there is no access to computers or the tv. Oh, yeah, DH forgot to get the converter for the tv since it isn't digital. We are however making the best of it.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet with multi colored peppers & cheese, 1/2 c cranberry juice, 1 c milk, 4 mini donuts (they were there)
AM snack - handful of almonds
Lunch - turkey & provolone sandwich, not sure what else
PM snack - yogurt
Supper - ????

Today's goals:
1. water - 80 oz
2. dejunk more kitchen ideas
3. start finishing the family book

I do feel more relaxed, even though the camping is not going 100% strong right now. At least it is something different to do.

Better get going. I will talk to you all later.

 

[toystoryduo]

Way to go on the weight loss, Lesli!!!

It sounds like things are coming together for your kitchen. I know that it can be a long process, but it will be worth it in the end.

Sorry to hear about the camper situation. At least it's all taken care of now and you can relax.

Have a wonderful day today!

 

[Lesli54]

So many changes recently. Where to begin. Oh yeah, a few days ago I was about a lb away from where I was a few months ago. Just have to keep going.

Camping was very hectic, but very relaxing. We just got back on Wed, since the kids started school the next day. We did a lot of running back and forth from the campground to home to errands in the first week of camping since there was so much that needed to be done. But last Sunday and Monday, I didn't even leave, just enjoyed reading a book and letting the kids do a variety of activities. So relaxing! I kept all technology to a minimum which helped alot. DH never did get the fridge working, so that is still on the list to do. Fortunately, we moved to another site where the water was better. We needed the break and glad we took advantage.

On the down side, I was very frustrated with my guy who did the mudding. Looks like the work is very good and quality, however, he overcharged me by more than twice the amount he should on labor. That really bothered me since he didn't work near the hours he claimed. Why would you do that when you know that we have a very large project (the kitchen) that we said we need someone to do as well in a few weeks. Guess he lost that job, so now I am on to find someone else.

As for the kitchen, we are moving along. Stove and microwave are ordered now. In a few minutes, I need to go up and order the flooring, which we just figured out what we want last night. One more thing down. Now to figure out the counter tops by Tues. and the lighting.

Oh.....just got a delivery of flowers from DH. My mind is obviously concentrating on the remodel too much since I couldn't figure out why. It's our anniversary. My mind is slipping. Last night we were talking kitchen and DH mentioned that we just need to take off for WDW and I actually said "Do I have to go?". He just looked at me and told me that he felt sorry for me if my mind was that preoccupied with the kitchen remodel. I told him that we needed to book something quick since I must be fading fast.

Monday we start tearing out the kitchen. We had to move DD19 out of her bedroom so since all of the dust from the remodel will settle there. Today, we will begin packing up the dining room and kitchen. Hopefully, it will go quickly.

One of the things that I have been practicing since we came back from camping is walking away from the computer earlier in the evening, so that I can read before going to bed. I so enjoyed reading while we were gone and managed to read almost one and a half books, so I think I will keep it up. It seems that I am sleeping better and I feel like it is just a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Also, I have been taking a small project at a time in my office and getting it done. I went throuhg a large stack of papers and have really cleared them out well. Then I started a list of small tasks (phone calls, loose ends, etc.) that I will do in the next few days. Usually, I make a list of everything that needs to be done and I get too overwhelmed by it, so this time it is about 7 items. I figured if I get those done then I can do a few more and I will not feel as overwhelmed and will be more caught up so that I can stay that way.

The kids are all in school, so that is nice, but strange that it is so early. DS6 is enjoying going to the "big kids" school. DD11 is happy not to be the youngest class in her school. It will go fast, I am sure.

Food has been so so. Not always completely healthy, but I am not mindlessly snacking on much at all. Also, I have noticed that I am quitting when I am full, a good sign. Water could be better, but not bad.

Food today:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/chese & chives, 1 slice 7 grain w/jelly, 1 c milk, 1/2 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - miss
Lunch - pork chop sandwich
PM snack - banana
Supper - ????

Goals today:
1. water to 80 oz
2. Just keep moving

Time to get going. I will talk to you all later.

 

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!!! The kitchen renovations are starting soon! I bet you are excited to be moving into the next phase of remodeling. I'm sorry to hear about the guy who did your mudding though. Charging double on a job is not a good way to get repeat business.

Happy Anniversary to you and your DH! That was so nice of him to buy you flowers!

Hope you have a great weekend!

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks, Tracy. It is so exciting to be working the kitchen.....well, I mean actually seeing it begin and not just me running around looking at samples.

Our anniversary was nice, but we didn't get a chance to go anywhere as we were working on moving things out of cupboards and moving the dining room out. Food almost went as planned, but I don't remember supper that day. Water was horrible.

Yesterday, we went to a 80th birthday party for DH's aunt. It was pretty neat. They had a very large tv showing old 8mm footage that they had taking of the family back in the 50's and 60's as well as a laptop that cycled through many pictures of his aunt through the years. Then the family made up a cookbook of all the ethnic dishes she used to make along with many photos of her cooking and gave them out. Really cool. The table centerpieces were all different and made up of things that were important to his aunt, such as one table had various gardening items on it, another had cooking utensils and spices, another had photos from a trip she took along with souvenirs, and so on. It was really a great way to celebrate a birthday. Food was delish and very light.

Today.....I ran to change the flooring. The other day, I had planned to do a wood laminate, but then remembered that if we had a leak in the bathroom or kitchen (or too much snow in the entry), I would be replacing flooring. So I am now back to my original of tile. I have learned that every aspect of the kitchen is like going to Pizza Hut, no matter what you order it is all the same price. Appliances are all the same price even when you go for the sales (go figure). Flooring is all the same. If the product is less expensive then the istallation is more and vice versa...still not sure how that works. At least with the tile, I can clean it up easily and I don't have to worry about water damage....just in case. Did I ever say that there are just too many choices?

Then DH and I spent way too much time getting the camper backed up to the back of our house. He took it in to get the fridge fixed so now we have it set up to be our "kitchen". At least I can keep things cold and have access to a microwave and stove. Also we can easily sit at the table out there and not have to worry about trying to eat in the now over crowded living room.

Just as the carpenter came, we were finishing moving the last items out of the kitchen. The good news is that the cupboards are all out and they have started to tear into the walls. Tomorrow, I expect that I won't have a wall between the kitchen and dining. Very surreal, but very cool. Of course, now I am panicking because I haven't ordered my floor, counters, sink, or lighting. Guess what I am doing tomorrow?

At any rate, it will be so nice when it is over.

Food today:
Breakfast - 1 slice 7 grain toast w/ pb&j, 1 c milk, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - missed
Lunch - pork chop sandwich w/ too many chips (late)
PM snack - missed
Supper - 3 slices pizza and a pop (I am amazed that I was actually full after 2 slices, should have stopped)
Late - 1 wine cooler

Water, not so good.

Better get going, there is lots to do tomorrow. But hey, at least the kitchen is going, finally.

 

[Lesli54]

Woke up this morning and forgot that my living room was overfilled. What a surprise. Then I remembered we had started working on the kitchen. Pretty sad when you can't remember what you have been waiting for.

The plumber is here to shut off the water to the kitchen. When the house was built, it they didn't put in a seperate shut off from the main. He is also getting an idea of where everything will be when he comes back next week to rough in for the new kitchen. So at that will be ready to go.

I had planned to run a bunch of kitchen errands today, but I have a dentist appointment at an odd time so that may have to wait until tomorrow. Guess, I will get done what I can.

Other than that, I need to clean the walls that were just mudded, prime and paint them. So that is today's project.

Food today:
Breakfast - 1 slice 7 grain w/pb&j, 1/2 c grapefruit juice, 1 c milk
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - porkchop sandwich & chips (trying to eat what we have in the small fridge since it is very full)
PM snack - cheese & sausage
Supper - ??? (maybe leftovers, to clear out the fridge and pantry a bit)

Goals today:
1. water 60 oz

Better get going. Lots to do. Everyone have a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

Just popping in real quick for an update. I really haven't anything more, but I did notice that with the kitchen being out in the camper, I am not snacking anymore. That helped to take off the little that I gained last weekend. Now, if I was drinking water as I should, then I might see a loss because God knows I have been moving ALOT this week.

The basement bathroom was finally set yesterday. So we now have another bathroom to use. One with a family of 5 just doesn't always cut it. However, I worked so hard to get the rest of it painted on Thurs. that I didn't give it enough time to cure, so when I went to put up the shower curtan rod, I ran took off some paint all the way down. So now I need to let that sit and repair it properly in a few days. Guess it will be another week in without the new shower. That is what I get for trying to do too much too quickly. Oh well. Could have been worse. Although DD19 took a shower in it this morning without a shower curtain on, the ceiling vent fixture still haning down, and the paint partially peeled! The goal today is to get the rest of the bathroom cleaned back up. Oh, yeah, I did flood it the other day. DH was working on the kitchen and things were falling through the floor into the pump room. Well, I put something over the pump to prevent anything from falling in. Needless to say, I turned it off by doing so and the water from the washer backflowed. I was just trying to clean the floor. Oh the fun of remodel.

The kitchen is completely gone, except the floor which hopefully comes out today. The tried to save the ceiling, but when they pulled down the last soffit piece that was over the cabinets, half the ceiling came crashing down. Not surprising. It is also possible that we might have a similar issue when they take the wall out between the dining room and kitchen. I think DH will be working on that today. On the plus side, we are down to the studs and do not see any structural issues that we have to worry about.

A good part of the week was spent picking up fixtures and trying to find shower curtains for the basement bath. I am really getting tired of going into stores only to find that they don't have what you are looking for, but "we can order it". Well, I can order it as well. I just figured that I would be able to see the quality better. However, I am coming to the conclusion that I should just buy online and if I don't like it then send it back. It would save a lot of time and money.

We are one week into the labor intensive part of this project and for the most part we are faring well. DH is pretty much to the point that he thinks it will look really nice so is no longer stressed and says to do what ever I want with material of floor and counters. I on the other hand am still a bit stressed because I still have so many little things to order just to get the kitchen in and am trying to save money where possible, but no matter what it still seems to come out the same. Oh, I can't wait until I am ordering decor, chairs for the island and such. Then I will know it is almost over.

Oh, does anyone want to come clean my house for me? We seem to have accumulated a layer of dust.

Time to get going, I have a lot of to do. Hope you all have a good weekend.

 

[Lesli54]

Well, my idea of no kitchen and not snacking as much so I should lose weight theory is out the window. I pulled on my jeans today to realize that they were getting snug. Guess I should be working on it harder, but with all that is going on it is difficult to concentrate on weight loss.

I am not snacking, but my meals have been poor quality and the times are all over the board. The other day, I had 3 cookies for supper because I was running so much that I just didn't have time. Then there is the time when supper is 9:30 at night. We have also been eating out a bit more since we are always running errands for the remodel or it is just easier than trying to cook a small portion that doesn't have leftovers since we have a small fridge to use at the moment.

On the plus side, DH and I figured out how to conquer Applebee's in a healthier manner. One of us orders a salad and the other orders a burger, pasta, or something with protein then we split the two dishes. It makes for a more balanced meal and we both walk away feeling energetic instead of over stuffed. We have pretty much given up the appetizers unless there are more people with us.

The kitchen is still taking shape......or should I say looks like a blank canvas. The floor is out, so now everyone is in today to do plumbing, figure the moving of ductwork, and DH is running the new electric where needed. Finally, I have decided on my flooring tile, so I just need to run up in a bit to order. I am so glad that I waited because the one I originally picked would have not looked right in the end. After the wall was out I left different samples on the floor in the dining room and looked at them through the day. It quickly became clear which one to go with.

Today, we are off to begin the final selections of countertops and order lighting. I am hoping that we can go with some LED undercabinet lights. A great way to add light and save money in the long run.

Next week I should have my walls back up and have a new mudding guy come in to get started. After that, it should start shaping up into a room again.

Last night, I managed to get my living room back in order and rearrange a few things so that we can relax. With all the kitchen boxes, we just couldn't move around well. I think about next week, I need to move stuff out of the pantry and hall closet so we can finish taking out the floor and have that ready to lay. It amazing how much space is taken up through out the house for a remodel. I can't even get too far in my office, but I am looking at addressing that today as well. Nothing worse than losing papers that you just had in your hand a second before.

My goals for the next week is to drink more water. That is probably one of the main reason for the difficulty in losing. Oh well. I am looking forward to cooking healthy in a few weeks.

Time to get going. Everyone have a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

Water has been up some, but so has small cans of pop. Still grabbing what is easy and with the pantry door off, it is much easier to see the things I save for once a week.

On the plus side, weight is not up near as much as I feared. Meals of course are hit and miss and the timing is still off. I am looking forward to life with a kitchen.

Friday was and errand day, as if there is anything but these days. Ran down to take care of Boy Scout uniforms, then ran down again to take care of some lighting and counter tops for the kitchen. Missed breakfast, Lunch was Arby's, Supper was pizza.

Saturday I cleaned up some of the house to help us function better in the chaos. Did laundry and helped DH figure the electrical. Breakfast was a bowl of fruit loops. DS6, DD11, and I went up to the car show in town, stopped to pick up a few books at the library book sale, and some lunch. One of the ladies in town made homemade egg rolls and rangoons. Oh, they were so good, so that was lunch. Tempting to go back, but such a great reminder of the quality of homemade food. Supper was leftover pizza. Trying to clear out the camper fridge.

Sunday, I read the scripture at church, which was something I had never done before. It felt good to just step outside of my norm. Then the family went to Medeival Times with DD19 & boyfriend, DD22 & fiance, DMom, and DAunt. We all had a great time and even though DH had much work to do, I think he was glad to have a day of relaxation. Breakfast was a bowl of fruit loops, had some ritz bits, dinner at MT (1/2 chicken, soup, one rib, garlic bread, 1/4 potato, and apple pie, and a daquari), some more ritz bitz, candy, and chips & salsa when I got home. Not a great day for eating on many fronts, but there was a lot of stress on the road. At least the MT dinner was quality.

Today, DH and I measured out for the electrical in the island and the overhead lighting. Now I am making my final selection for lights to sthat I can order them tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow, I will have walls going back up, now that the rough ins are done. I think we are about 2 days behind schedule, but not bad. Breakfast was 6 mini donuts. I was late getting breakfast after I had to take care of things for the business. Poor choice, I know. Lunch was missed, we worked through. Then this afternoon, I ate 1/2 bag of chips....not good....and 1/2 pb sandwich. I know better than to wait so long for a meal. On the plus side the dumpster is gone. Doesn't that mean we are getting closer to the end? Unfortunately, I couldn't get DH to tear out the upstairs bathroom while it was hear. Ok, save that project for another day. Don't know what is for supper, maybe a porkchop sandwich.

Time to get going. Hope everyone is having a great day!

 

[toystoryduo]

Sending lots of your way. I know it's hard not having a kitchen right now, but just think of how wonderful it will be when it's all done!

Keep on keeping on, my friend. Life will return to normal soon!

Have a good evening!

 

[Lesli54]

I didn't realize that it had been so long since I had been here.

Weight is up slightly still but manageable. I got a great surprise when I went shopping the other day. At Lane Bryant, I was able to find some nice shirst in a 14-16 and they fit. That was the boost of confidence that I really needed. Especially since I had been shopping elsewhere and went through the discouragment of finding everything that I tried on was too big or small in all the wrong places.

Some aspects of life is returning to normal. I did not have to run anywhere this week for the kitchen so I was able to tackle my bookwork and make good headway. Plus I took care of some other small "to-do's" that had been hanging on. I even took time to tackle the mending pile and was glad to get at least half of it out of the way. Very relaxing actually.

The kitchen is coming along. A bit slower than I originally would have liked, but I have since come to terms with how long it really takes to do these things. DH was able to do all the electrical which helped cut costs, but the rest of the work was hired out mainly to people doing side work. It takes a bit longer that way, but does significantly reduces cost and keeps things local helping out some people we know. My biggest problem was realizing what to do with the kids' birthdays coming up since we won't be finished by then which I had originally hoped. I have come to terms with that too although I still am not sure what I am going to do.

Anyway, we are just over a week behind schedule. The walls are up and the mudding has started. DH of course finished the electrical and I am so pleased to see that he was able to get things rerouted the way I had hoped. Not a problem with the side that was gutted, but a problem with the existing dining room walls where we had to add boxes for switches, but that worked out. It is now beginning to look like the dining and kitchen area have always been one large room. The ductwork was rerouted this week as well. Everything is ordered for installation. Cabinets come in next week, flooring is laid just after that then we can set the cabinets. I have 1/2 my appliances and the other is just waiting for us to schedule delivery. Counter measurement has a tentative date. The main lighting is ordered but I will go back to order the under cabinet after we install so that we can see how much we need. The sink and faucet are in as well. So we are good to go. Another exciting aspect is that the half bath (that started this) should be complete in just over a week. I need to paint, but other than that, we are just waiting for flooring so that we can set the fixtures.

It has been nice to be at this point. My week has been much more relaxed although it has been chaotic with the mess we are living in since I still have trouble finding things. That too shall pass.

I guess I am down to ordering chairs, curtains, decor, etc. Oh, I do need to order lights for the bathroom and a few other locations while I am at it. I told DH that we are keeping our carpenter for a few more weeks so that we can finish the basement projects that we started awhile back. We have been living in 10 years of housing projects and updates that I just want it to be done and enjoy living.

Food today:
Breakfast - 1 egg omelet w/cheese, 1/2 sm cinnamon roll (not great)
AM snack - miss
Lunch - pork chop sandwich
PM snack - yogurt
Supper - ???

Goals today:
1. Drink water (have done poorly here)
2. Work at clearing more space (little dejunk, little cleaning, etc.)

I really miss good quality food. The camper kitchen is working fine, but we lack the space to store much in the fridge, making cooking different. I also miss a clean house. There is dust everywhere, even as soon as you clean it up, so I will be glad when all of this is over.

I better get going. Hope that everyone has a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

The cabinets arrived! We can't instal them for 2 weeks.......

Unfortunately, there have been some delays with construction. Well, I should say the construction is going well but the people we have hired have had other conflicts that we have had to work around. We are 1/2 way through the mudding, but our guy there got delayed. Then I got a phone call yesterday that the flooring guy needed to put things back another week. Needless to say there is not much that we can do at this point but wait.

In the beginning I had hoped to get everything in before the kids had their birthdays. Now that will not happen so I am trying to figure out what to do for their parties. I have always made cakes for them but now I am limited on space and don't have an oven.

Other than that, I have been staying up much too late, drinking lots of pop (not like me), and eating tons of sweet food. This remodel is really killing my weight loss plans. I am falling back into the "stay up late to get it done," but then I am tired the next day and don't function as well. Someone really needed to warn me that this would effect every room in the house. It is so hard to keep up with things at the moment.

Well, at least I actually ate an omelet and had some juice from breakfast today. My goal is to work on getting back off the sugar and go to bed earlier.

Better get going. Lots to do.

 

[Lesli54]

So tired yesterday! Ran an errand, but not near what I should have. The rest of the day was spent getting things ready for a BS meeting and working on printing pictures for DS6 for school. He was supposed to have a family pic when I realized that we don't have any recent ones. We haven't had one since my accident. All of the vacation picks only have part of the family group in them. Guess, I need to put that on the schedule as well. My other problem was fighting my printer that keeps dropping red toner inconsistently all over the photos and I can't do anything to get a good quality print. So sad for times like this when you need something on short notice. Oh well, we did what we could.

We had more mudding going on yesterday. It is so hard to know that 90% of the kitchen is here and I can't just through it all in. Oh well. It will get done soon and it will be beautiful.

My biggest problem is trying to figure out what to do for the DD11 and DS6's birthdays. Without an oven to make cakes, which I have always done, and without a good place to host it, I am at a loss. If the weather was nice, we could do it outside, but I don't know if that will be the case. I thought of taking DD11 and her friends to a movie if there are any good ones, but then when and where to do the cake and gifts with the entire family? I also thought about comgining the parties and taking them all swimming and doing the cake and presents at the pool so the rest of the family could join. DS6 is supposed to have a big party this year and he wants a Halloween theme, so I don't know. His birthday is early in the month, but I suppose we could put the party back a few weeks??? The kitchen would be done be then........I hope. Just don't know.

The main goal today is to keep working on bookwork and keep trying to get better organized around here. Fortunately, I am keeping up with a good portion of my bookwork and soon I should have time to make a permenant spot at the store so I am not always home working on it. Also, I have been able to take this time that we are torn up to get rid of a few more things. I think DH is also starting to see the reason behind keeping less of everything.

Cleaning this house will be a nightmare though. It seems that construction dust is everywhere no matter what you do to contain it.

Yesterday's food wasn't great, but could have been much worse considering the way things have been. I had 3 tacos for lunch at Taco Bell. A square of dove dark chocolate. A few chips (atcually stopped myself), a bologna sandwich, too much pop (unlike me), and almonds. Water not so good.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 6 mini choc donuts, oj
AM snack - almonds
Lunch - bologna sandwich
PM snack - banana
Supper - ???????

Better get going. Lot's to do.

 

[Lesli54]

Weight is up and it was shocking! Fully 5 lbs above and because things are so disorganized with the kitchen, I have had a hard time concentrating on getting that back under control The last few days, I have curbed the snacks and pop. Now I am dealing with a headache that I believe is related to the cutting back. Oh how I long for a kitchen. At any rate, I have been trying to gain some ground on healthier snacking and going back to fixing a better breakfast in the morning. Also, water is a serious deficit, but I am trying to make sure that I get some of that in as well.

Still waiting on the walls to be finished. The mudding guy (different one than the first we had to do the bathroom) said it would be done at the end of the week. I kind of see it, but still concerned that it won't be done in time for the floor to be laid next week. If all goes well, though, I should be painted, have a new floor, have the bathroom fixtures set, and at least half the cabinets (if not all) by the end of next week. Note: If all goes well. Keeping my fingers crossed.

On the plus side, the down time in searching for kitchen related items to finish the project has allowed me to really catch up on other work around here. Next time.....I am moving into a new house that is already done. Just decorate, put the furniture in, and enjoy.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 2 egg omelet w/cheese, 1 c cran grape juice, 1 slice toast
AM snack - ??
Lunch - about 8 crackers w/ chicken salad, 2 reesed pb cups (don't think there was anything else)
PM snack - 1 sq dark chocolate
Supper - pizza and pop
Water has been about 24 oz so far. Not good.

Until next time.

 

[goldcupmom]

What a remodel job you are doing, Lesli! I can't imagine!! I think you're doing well just to stay sane, let alone watching your food! It will happen! Hope things keep on schedule.

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for stopping by Julie! Sooner or later, I will get back to checking in on everyone else's journals.

Well, today was a pretty good day. The kitchen walls are ready for painting.....well, after I finish wiping them down. It is amazing! I am really going to see it take shape now.

Yesterday, food was a bit better. At least not as snacky and water was up quite a bit. We went out to celebrate DD12's birthday. I personally can't wait until my last daughter is through the teenage years. Please tell me that boys are easier during this time. Anyway, we had a good time then hit the bookstore after. I'll have to make her a cake in a few weeks.

Today, I pretty much waited around the house while a tech was trouble shooting a problem with a computer program. Made a fruit salad for a funeral for the church. When they called the other day, I thought "at least they didn't ask me to bake something" since I don't have a stove. Then this morning I realized that all my big bowls and knives and anything else to prepare with are packed away. Fortunately, we have a way to do all that at the store. I am so looking forward to that finished kitchen. Later DS6 and I went shopping for paint supplies. I thought about starting tonight with what I have on hand, but then I would have to stop sometime tomorrow and get more. Better to have it all here when I start.

Food today:
Breakfast - 6 mini donuts, 1 c oj
AM snack - 1 c oj
Lunch - 3 chicken strips, 1 c steamed veggies (leftover from Texas Roadhouse)
PM snack - nothing
Supper - jr bacon cheeseburger, 1/2 of kids sized fries, 1 sm vanilla shake (Wendy's, portion controlled and filling)

Tomorrow is soccer, then I will be painting for the rest of the weekend. My plan is to paint the kitchen, 1/2 bath, and my bedroom closet all at once. I figure if I make the rounds then I won't have too wait long before the second coats go on AND it will be done. I could also have a closet again this week................what am I going to do with so many projects in the house finished?

Hope that everyone has a great weekend.

 

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!! Sounds like the kitchen is coming along nicely. I bet you are getting so excited to see it almost finished.

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!