Renovations, Reciprocal Saws and Rodin

This week I have succeeded in removing the pocket door from the bathroom, tearing out the drywall and removing all remaining wallpaper. Unfortunately, I've hit my first stumbling block: I can't cut through 2 x 4's with my Leatherman or a serrated knife, and therefore need to purchase a saw. Upon hearing this new, Tim's eyes lit up and within the hour was off to Home Depot. While wandering through the aisles of 'homeowner heaven', he sent me 5 text messages with various tool names and prices. We've decided a reciprocal saw is the way to go for this project, and I look forward to getting my hands on it and tearing down this wall! I've also realized, through trial and error, that working in stocking feet is not safe, and I should purchase safety glasses and a mask before I start swinging the hammer and pounding on the tile wall again.

Meanwhile, I was in Jack's classroom yesterday fulfilling my monthly 'Picture Parent' duties. Each month, I am given a poster of a piece of art, with accompanying binder full of information on how to present the piece to the kids. This month I had Rodin's "The Thinker." These first graders were very interested in learning about bronze casting and a little French Art History. No, I didn't mention that "The Thinker" is supposed to depict Dante contemplating the gates of Hell, and yes, I wish I could have actually sculpted something with the kids. It's just so difficult to try and immerse students in a subject matter for only 30 minutes a month with a budget of $0, but hopefully the crusty baguette I gave them to gnaw on helped to engrain the experience in their little formative memories.

Ella twisted, turned and somersaulted her way through gymnastics/ballet class yesterday evening. After recovering from the shock of writing a check for $120 to cover her $55 'costume' and another month of lessons, I realized Tuesday is Ella's favorite day of the week because of the time she spends at MGTC. She is so expressive and emotive, and we are fortunate to be able to give her this outlet for her energy. Her first performance is in May.

This is the kids last day of school this week. We don't have any plans, but are hoping for company this weekend, and will be taking plenty of trips to the local sledding hill. And as for the bathroom reno? This will most likely be put on hold until Papa is home to help on Friday.

They Make Movies About People Like You

This weekend, I decided it was time to tackle the wallpaper situation in our house. Outside, the skies were gray and overcast, so it seemed like the perfect weekend to start an indoor project. I chose the bathroom in our back hallway, as it is relatively small, and I thought, "How much work can it be?"

While Tim dutifully occupied the kids with movies, snacks and some ice time with Jack, I grabbed my trusty scraper, wallpaper removal spray, and scorer, and headed into the kids bathroom. This bathroom boasts two different colors of textured wallpaper with a sun and moon border circling above. It was probably very trendy in the early 90's. After a couple of hours, I had a system down: Peel the top layer with my fingernails, score the underlayer, spray, scrape, peel, repeat. Jack even helped out with the peeling for awhile. I've always enjoyed repetitive projects, especially if there is a rewarding finished project, and as I scraped, my mind started envisioning a fresh coat of paint, and perhaps a new shower curtain and towels. How lovely!

Then I noticed the outdated ceramic hurricane light fixtures, the blue and white tile work with mismatched blue grout, the outdated vinyl floors, and the pocket door which divided the bathroom into two separate, small areas. Maybe scraping wallpaper wasn't the only update needed? This project was beginning to take on a life of its own, and I was excited!

Later on in the evening, I called my mom to catch up on the weekend, and get her opinion on the bathroom updates. Her response: "Slow down! They make movies about people like you."
What?! How dare she! This is our new house, and finally we can do whatever we damn well please! If I want to tear down a wall, I'll tear down a wall. Sure, there's a new homeowner learning curve, and we did just learn a very hard lesson about contractors contracts, but I have watched enough episodes of Design on a Dime to feel fairly comfortable with choosing lighting, tile and a vanity. As for demolishing a wall, not so much. And as far as tiling anything, well, I never have. Hmpf. She might have a point. I went to bed grumpy and determined not to let her rain on my parade.

This morning, after the kids are off to school, I will head back into the bathroom, no less determined, but with my mom's words ringing through my head. One thing I have learned in my 32 years is, mother's are almost always right, and always have our best interests in mind.

I'm a Robot

As I sit here setting up this blog, pondering whether I will actually have enough 'material' to send into cyberspace, Jack enters the living room wearing a empty 24-pack Labatt case which he has cut, colored and taped into a robot costume. Can you say "Most Inapropriate Halloween Costume ever?"