Wow! What a ride that was. We set out to build a house in 90 days and at the same time start writing a weekly blog to chronicle the process. Well, I’m happy to report that both ventures have been deemed successful. We, with a lot of help from a lot of people, came in under the wire and completed the house in 87 calendar days and if you play the averages I have managed to write the equivalent of one post per week.
Let’s catch you up on the final push at the house. The last 2 weeks have been a blur. Actually, the last 87 are all a little hazy at this point. But the last two were in autopilot mode. They were spent setting cabinets, installing doors, baseboard trim, door casing, closet shelving, tiling the shower and then clearing all my tools and material out to make way for the final walk through/ punch list which resulted in another to-do list...... each list shorter than the one before it until finally, no more lists!!!
Becky has been sorting, packing and organizing for a week or so and we were able to get 90% of our stuff moved this weekend. I think Monday night will be the last night we sleep at 102 Hilltop. It will be bittersweet walking out of this house for the last time. It’s the first house that was “ours”. Everything prior to building 102 Hilltop was either from Becky’s past or from mine. It was the backdrop for 5 years of pictures, Christmas mornings and Thanksgiving dinners. We built it together, made memories in it and in the end are better for having gone through the process.
Speaking of “the process”, the second box I get to check is the weekly blog post during the build. What started as a personal challenge to push myself out of my comfort zone (writing as well as sharing personal information) has turned into something else, something better. It morphed into a means of self reflection and accountability. Somehow writing down things I think I already know makes me process the experience differently, more thoroughly. When I write about an experience that was less than ideal (that can light had it coming) I have an opportunity to reflect on how I could have handled it differently. And when I write about a good experience I get to relive that moment. Either way, I’m better for the process.
Now that the efficiency house is completed I plan to rest, sorta. I will work on the big house, mostly on weekends. I will continue to write but not with a weekly requirement attached. I’m looking forward to settling into a “ normal” schedule. Go to work, help in the wrestling room a couple days a week, spend quality time with my family and who knows, I might even take a nap.
Great accomplishment! All I could contribute was my moral support, which you know you have.
I am so proud and happy for both you and Becky!! I can not wait to hear about all the new memories you will be creating together ........and the secret room for the grandchildren, (I hope adults will be allowed to enter). Wishing you both much love, happiness and many blessings for your next chapters.