Learning

So the last couple of days I have had plenty of time to think.  I have had the opportunity to realize a few things about myself that I did not know until recently and have had time to also digest them and working towards becoming a better person.

* I have some OCd'ish tendencies: with this I have realized that while Darren is more laid back I like things done, not to sit and let the mess pile up or assume the dishes will somehow walk into the dishwasher.

* I pay my bills, the 2 I have and put them in a pile instead of filing right away.

* I become easily frustrated when things do not go the way they should (my way), there are 2 people in this relationship and I have to learn his habits and figure out what works best for us.

* I like to talk, I mean talk and discuss subjects that are important to me while not raising my voice because that would get the conversation nowhere.  When I am not heard that is actually even more frustrating.  We react differently to certain topics.

* I need to work on thinking that each morning I wake is going to be a great day, a blessing.  I have a particular patients mom who always seems to make things harder and usually wrecks my day.  Last week I tested my thoughts and in the end she actually did not argue with me, atleast not to the extent that she usually does, while I tried to talk to her and help. 

* I miss my babies, and by babies I mean Edina and Eze.  I get to do fun things with them like water balloon fights, cook more meals than usual and do crafty things.

* I need to work on my recipe searching skills.  Darren eats the basic meals, just about anything with chicken, turkey dogs, hamburgers, tacos and pizza.  I need to find ways to evolve those basics because eating chicken 3 times a week can get old if its in a similar way.

* I need to make more time for my family and friends.  I have realized that some relationships have fallen by the wayside as I have moved away from home.  And I dread travel unless Darren is driving.

* While I am organized when it comes to the everyday things I need to work on organizing my photographs.  My images throughout my life are in boxes by categories but then are not in any type of chronological order so I hope to tackle this huge project soon.

On another note, Darren and I have almost been together for 2 years.  While it seems a whole lot longer, in a good way, its also a new adventure and experience as neither one of us has spent so much time with another and shared space in previous relationships.  While I can talk to him about anything that bothers me or that I am thinking I have also found just how differently we were raised.  I find it easy to take charge and do things while Darren did not have things he had to do in house.  I never had chores but things that needed to get done I helped with and found most tasks easy to conquer.  BUT I do BELIEVe that all things that need done take each person to complete and should be SHARED.  Each person has to do their part, we are currently working on this.  I have found that even though I am in this relationship that I do not need him to accompany me to all events or trips to see family and/friends.  I stand on my own 2 feet quite fine by myself.  And it definitely gets tiring when my family asks where Darren is, that gets old before the first person even asks.  I like doing things for another person who appreciates the time that I took and effort.  I made Darren's birthday gift last year and scrapbooks for all of our images (by hand, yes I just patted myself on the back), making his Easter basket.  Its nice to know that the small things that I do for him make me just as happy.

Our Project

So I have been holding out, for a variety of reasons.  Darren and I have been working on a great project, tiring, but in the end it will all be worth it.  Whenever the end arrives. 
Its a...


HOUSE! 

Darren bought a house and closed on the 22nd of April.  So his house is getting a much needed and major face-lift.  And of course I was automatically volunteered to work on it with him, helping pick out colors decide on appliances, the layout of furniture and so forth.  I think the part I am looking forward to the most is comparing the before and after images.  So here are some before...

There will not be many changes to the outside but some bushes may be removed.

The Living Room will have new paint, wood floors and updated curtains.  And the removal of the furniture that was left by the son of the previous owners, have begun to find their new homes through the Salvation Army.

The Dining room does not have wood floors but will have tiling that will go into the kitchen area, new paint, lighting fixtures, registers for the heating and cooling system.

The kitchen will be one of the bigger projects, we will live with the cabinets for awhile then have them completely replaced, add a dishwasher, will have the same color as Dining area and new appliances.

This is the makeshift pantry that will be the home of the refrigerator and be closed off and allow for some more counter space.

This is the look from the kitchen into the dining area.  Then there is the hallway to the rest of the house.

There is a half bath that will be completely re-done, the flower wallpaper and tile have already found there way into the trash.  I may only keep the lighting fixture because it seems to go with the decor I am working throughout the house, but no final word on whether it stays or goes just yet.  On the right you will see what will become the office and house our computers, books as well as be filled with our photography.  The walls are all white, not stark white but its a nice white.  My plan is to have a black & white photo wall.

This is the second bedroom/ Malissa's room.  The paint job has been completed, a rug choosen to show off the wood floors and next will be finding the curtains.  I am planning to have a subdued gold tone, gray tones with some brighter colors.  Probably the best room in the house when I complete it.
The main bedroom is the same brown color as Malissa's room (that you have not seen as this were before we started painting) and it will be browns and some pop of color.On the left looking from a corner of the main room to the hallway.  The closests in all of the rooms will also have a makeover, the doors have been removed and Darren and I are on a hunt for doors that will open up the closets a little.  Then the full bathroom, its going to be completely gutted, shower head will be higher, a curtain, new tub, sink/vanity and fixtures.  Although once the sheet rock is up I have not figured out a color to paint it just yet.

Then in the dining area there is the door to the full basement, it has a bar that will eventually be upgraded.  The wood paneling is a go, its going into the trash.  And the Sheet Rock will be painted white.  This area will have the Tv, couch, bar stools and futon.  Otherwise known as Darren's Man cave.

Then on the opposite side is the laundry room and the various items that make the house work.

Then behind the furnace there is some storage space and will be a space for me to do some art work and hold the ridiculous amounts of things that Darren owns.  On the right is when Darren found out there is no wood floor in the kitchen.

Then we put up color swatches, the far left is the Dining/kitchen color, the far right is the bedroom color.  The middle ones were losers.  Then Darren taking down the sliding closet doors which happen to be the same color as the doors used on all rooms that will also be replaced.

Needless to say there is a lot of work in front of Darren and I have been dragged along for the ride but already the progress can be seen as the painting is done and the wood floors are visible.

More to come that is for Sure.

Ps Finals are over! WOO HOO!