—my son. I think we’ve regressed with attitude and behavior. He went from being pretty even, totally energetic to being very very fussy, whiney, argumentative, etc. he’s going to turn 6 in October so I’m just hopeful he’s in a phase. The other thing he started is he is getting really down on himself lately. For example, just tonight they were using a home store kit and making who knows what. When he tried to hammer in a nail he couldn’t get it and says, “see I told you I’m not any good at that”....or something along those lines. I can’t figure out when he says it whether he just wants reassurance like “yes you are, son”. Or if it’s for attention...or what. That’s one thing I’m sensitive to because I want my children to have strong senses of self esteem. It bothers me to think that he might think he’s ‘less than’ or not good enough’. He’s saying things like that at least a few times a day. Also saying, “are they gonna laugh at me”? Maybe it is just a phase as he’s starting to pay attention to the world and people around him? Regardless of why, I hope this doesn’t stick. He is a sensitive soul and can easily get his feelings hurt or feel left out. Especially when his sister makes friends wherever she goes.
—I haven’t talked about construction house in a looong time but it’s the house I remodeled to the studs that finished last year. I ended up renting (not selling) it to a couple, their toddler twins, and a dog. They were going to lease through Sept 30 but asked to end early if I wanted to sell. I took a risk and let them out early July 11. Side note: after they moved out we saw that their dog peed in 4 areas and stained the floor so bad I have to replace the wood floor in those areas. I’m only going to take one of the areas out of their deposit because the floor guy didn’t come until after their walkthrough and saw the other 3. They are fighting and trying to say the spot was there when they moved in. Puh-lease. The house was brand new! And maybe even worse is the husband has turned into a macho a%%hole and was puffing up saying things like, ‘so this is how it’s going to be now’ after telling them they are responsible. When they finally left after the walkthrough they came back to the door 3 times to argue about the damages and to tried to get me to sign some inventory sheet. Not happening. I was SO proud of how I handled the confrontation—stayed in control, letting them know I wasn’t going to fold with intimidation. You ruin my floor you are responsible. You paint the walls with the wrong paint to cover holes, you are responsible. This is the big big downside of renting.
Anyway, the reason why I let them out early is I wanted to try and catch the summer buyers. Funny how things work out because as I’m running around getting flooring people, painter, drywall guy, etc my realtor says hey, we’ve got someone who wants to rent it. I weighed pros and cons and ultimately decided to go ahead and rent again. I think the market will be better next year and I can only hope the virus is gone. Lease will be signed tomorrow. Yes!
I never did post pictures of it so I think it’s time to share a few.
The kitchen progression:
The master bath progression:
I am still very proud of the result. It was done right, and if something wasn’t, it was redone until it was right—even though it cost more money. I proceeded with the remodel as if I would live there and what I would want—which actually isn’t best approach when you are making business decisions.
Had no idea how big a project and how long it would actually take. And I did this while working full time as a single parent. No idea why I thought this was a good idea.
Regardless, I’m proud!
—the virus. This is such a tough one. It’s getting closer to home. My nanny/babysitter told me her grandpa tested positive and was in the hospital, her mom and dad got it, and she could have been exposed because her boyfriends cousin tested positive and she was living at the same apartment with him. Her aunt wouldn’t let her go back home because the grandma was there. She got tested this week and thankfully she was negative. I had to not allow her to come for 14 days. She said her grandpa not doing well because virus has really damaged his lungs. So sad.over 140,000 deaths in the US. And cases in my state continue to go up up up. It’s making the decision about school a bit harder. Our district is starting August 19th and they are offering in person and online options. It would sound like a no brainer to do home school, but it really was awful. For all of us. I wouldn’t be surprised if they roll back in person, though, as many other districts are starting at least the first 3 weeks online only. Will just have to see how everything is over the next month.
—kids went to stay with old nanny in our old city by themselves for 6 days. First time they’ve been away from home and I was here. Old nanny came up with the idea when I found out no babysitter for 2 weeks and I was lined up to deal with contractors at construction house AND my apartment rental. Tenant moving out July 31 and the AC was not working, of course. Just a lot of things to take care of. So, she offered for them to go and I hesitated...but they were screaming yes! in the background. So I figured why not try it? They are 7 and 5 so I felt more comfortable—just a little. And, if it didn’t go well I would go get them. Turns out they had a great time, were busy swimming and crafting, and were gone long enough to miss me and want to come home. As for being here without them? Weird. The energy was just sucked out of the house. I didn’t really like it if I’m honest. Yes it was a break, everyone said enjoy it! But, I missed them, was a nervous nelly about them being ok, and just felt a gaping hole. They are all consuming but it turns out I love that. One thing I chose not to do was chores: didn’t do one dish or pick up anything. What’s interesting is as soon as the kids got back a switch was turned on in me—I’ve done loads of dishes, laundry etc.. What I learned from that is I prioritize much better when they are here. If I’m by myself and it’s up to me? I tend to do nothing. My favorite part about the whole trip was after we met halfway, I picked them up, and we were driving home, I got this warm, peaceful feeling in my soul: my babies were back where they belong—with me. And I truly think they felt it too. We had such a good first few days back. Now fussies and attitudes have returned, but hey...it’s ok.
—my daughter is obsessed with her birthday. We’ve been talking about it for weeks already and it’s in August. She’s decided on a fiesta theme. We’re getting a piñata, a cactus cake with chocolate and vanilla, and some super cool decorations. She even hand-made her invitations, addressed the envelopes, and we mailed them out. Ive reminded her a few times that it’s likely going to be just us due to the virus, but she’s having fun planning anyway! So, I let her plan.
