I’ve been pretty quiet lately, not wanting to add to the noise going on in our country right now… Taking the time to process my own thoughts before putting anything out there. I had a post ready about a month ago, but never felt right hitting publish. It felt too raw and fresh for my tender heart, then I didn’t want to seem insensitive to the current events.
I decided that this post will be much more lighthearted than I had originally planned, not because everything going on isn’t important, but because I am seeing so many good voices speaking out and I don’t want to say something just to add to the noise. Please know that even in my silence I’m brokenhearted by the division this is causing, by the unnecessary deaths, and the fear and anger in so many hearts right now.
Despite not posting anything in two months, there’s really not much to report on the home renovation. Since they can really only work for a few hours at a time or on the weekends, it’s time consuming and slow work. They’re wrapping up the electric (until we have sheet rock in), plumbing, and insulation HOPEFULLY this weekend and then we’ll move onto HVAC…. can I get an AMEN! The block walls and insulation do wonders at keeping things cool, but I will still be glad to have cool air blowing into the house!
I am quick to admit that this is BY FAR my least favorite stage of renovating. I don’t understand why they’re doing what they’re doing except to know it’s intricate work that almost always takes way longer than they say it will. I’m also aware that they’re absolutely necessary and important… significantly more important than the flooring, countertops, and paint colors that I find so much more exciting! Their necessity is the only reason I haven’t completely lost my patience… though if you ask Jack he may have other opinions about how patient (or impatient) I’m being.
I’m starting to catch glimpses of the next stage though… the fun, more rapidly moving (or at least more visible progress) and I’m ready! The cabinets are being made, we’ve picked out the countertops, and even got some wallpaper in for the girls’ bedroom. Jack and I were able to get away together for the first time since our baby girl was born and nail down some ideas for flooring, lighting, and doors. If I can just hang on a little longer, things are about to start getting exciting!
In my silence I have not been dormant though. On the contrary, I have picked up a new hobby that was originally just a way to keep my hands busy so I wasn’t constantly scrolling for news updates, but I have found that I love it! Between my surprisingly still full schedule even in this season of staying at home and some of my Graves’ Disease symptoms, I’m not able to embroider as much as I wish, but when I’m able to I notice a significant improvement in my anxiety!
How have you been handling everything? Do you avoid the news and stay busy like me or do you keep a constant eye out for updates? If you’re avoiding it like me, have you picked up a new hobby? As we get into the exciting stage of renovating, what do you want to see more of?
Oh, and one more thing… it turns out we have lots of blueberries and sparkleberries (according to my fancy new plant identifying app) and we are loving it! Thank you, God, for fulfilling even the smallest requests we make!
You have the “superist” family ever! Everyone helps with everything and they learn how to do something if they don’t already know how. Always pitching in with, perhaps, a little nudge now and then. My heart goes out to you! Love, Aunt Suzanne