I’m done. Technically we were finished on New Years Day, but I didn’t have time to write until now. And what better day to write than -20 in Minnesota. Hell, I’m not even getting dressed today. I’ve been thinking about what this “means,” but more on that later.

When we last left our intrepid couple, they were about to kill each other. When we began again – after a mandatory “cooling off” period, we decided that we would take a new tack. Calm voices, patient words. Laugh, it’s okay, we did. But it worked, even though when laying floors and building steps, it is a challenge.

The Floor
We went, refusing the advice of others, with a wood laminate. There were several issues. Not the least of which an un-level floor and and un-square room. We did the first 2 rows and realized there was no way we could continue without at least trying to level the floor in one spot. There was close to a 1/2″ difference. So with patient words, we pulled up the floor and self leveled. Beginning again, we got the first 4 rows in, when we noticed that in row 2 a board had unLOCKED. So with calm voices, we took out 2 rows and reLOCKED the offending plank. We went another 5 rows before we found another “gully.” At this point, I was not only at the end of my rope I was trying the noose in it. There was no way I was going to lift up 2 rows and self level. So we did the sensible thing. Ben laid parallel to the floor and lifted it while I slid and scootched a piece of cardboard into the canyon. This was our gift to the new owners, who when pulling out this floor for whatever reason, will be able to ask each other, what kind of idiots did this job.

The Dust
Don’t get me started. This floor will never be clean.

The Steps
Continued to be a source of aggravation and despair on a whole new level! We had to “fix” the hack job we did when putting in the sheet rock. We decided (I decided) to use the planks on the stairs. I didn’t want carpet. I originally thought I’d just do the treads and paint the risers. But this didn’t solve the first problem of the hack saw hack job. So we went off to Home Depot for the millionth time and picked up something that could be used to finish the stair ends. Of course it had to be stained. So after another two trying days of calm voices, kind words and deep breathing, we got the stairs done.

Next stop IKEA
For the tiny vanity, mirror, bench and coat rack. Don’t they look nice? I figured out I could put items on my “wish list” on the site and then print the list which had were everything was located. Ben said this time and life saver. I had found this shelf at a garage sale for $10 last fall, so we pulled that out of the garage and I painted a little canvas for the bath. I made a padded wall for my “creative” space. I have yet to populate the area with all my art supplies and I’m thinking about moving the sewing stuff down there as I don’t use it much. But, we hung the mirror and racks built the bench and voila!

What’s it’s purpose?
Everyone keeps asking what this room is going to be. I originally had thought it would be a gym. But we sold the 10 year old treadmill and the too tall bowflex. Clay took the free weights, so that just left the bike. I decided to not put up the boxing bag as I don’t use it much. That’s on Craig’s list now, let me know if you want it. So, clearly, it’s not a gym. I pondered putting my office down there. It would be a nice space…and maybe when this room needs to be a bedroom, I will. But not now. I don’t want to REDO the office into a bedroom. Geeze. We talked about what a great “family” room it could be with a huge sectional and giant tv (that’s all we need – another tv) on the wall by the stairs, but I don’t have $3,000 to do that now. It’s under consideration. So for now I’m going to let it evolve. It will NOT become a dumping ground for useless items and piles of stuff. Those days are over.

What’s this all mean?
Holy cow, I wrote the first blog on September 4, 2011. Two years and four months ago. WTF. I thought I would finish in 10 months and under $10,000? Talk about a break in reality. I can’t even guess as to how much we spent. At last count (after the main bath) we were at $8000.

But here I sit at the end. I know that I will never actually be finished, as I continue changing things and I’m insane. I just got new bed linens. It’s true. But I am for the most part, content. I’m glad I did this. I’m glad we made the changes we did. I’m glad Scott encouraged me to write the first blog, and grateful to all of you who followed along. I would have quit if it hadn’t been for you and if I hadn’t been committed to writing.

Yesterday, Ben asked about the next project. Moving outside. A deck, a green lawn, I said… a pool? I could start digging the hole myself in the spring. How hard could it be.

So, I’d like to keep writing, I like it. But what to write about?I thought I’d by an old Porsche speedster like my dad had (1957? convertible) and rebuild it. But I know nothing about cars, so that’s a problem. I really would love a pool, but…

Any ideas or topics will be considered.

Want to see things in person?? Come to our OPEN HOUSE: January 26th from 2 – 4p. Come by for a drink, to look, or of course – CAKE.

Can’t make it? Click here to see a before and after slide show! Be advised, images appear larger than the rooms actually are.

Thank you all – much appreciation…I’ll keep you posted on what’s next 🙂