How this House Stuff Began

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I do not recall ever being told I could not do something.  OK, I admittedly was told not to do a lot of things growing up: run with scissors, drink too much caffeine, stay up too late or draw on the wall.  Yet, when it comes to putting my mind, physical energy, hard earned money and precious time to something, I was never told I could not do something.

My brother and I created a lawn care business (a *very* successful one for 10 year-olds with one lawn each!).  We sold World’s Finest Chocolate all over our city and the next city (thanks, Mom!) so we could get some *amazing* prizes.  When my brother bought a house built in 1905 I took a “vacation” to help him rip it down to the studs.  By the end of the trip I recall thinking, “This is fun! I can do this too!”

The following year, 2008, I bought my first house.  The pier and beam house has three bedrooms and one bathroom, built in the 1950’s.  I intended to use it as a rental property.

Just needs paint…

The original plan was to redo the kitchen and bathroom along with some cosmetic updates (including paint).  However, we kept uncovering more and more problems that only added to the stress that was already inherent with a project two states away from where I live.  Thankfully, the initial stage ended so the tenants could move in and I could stop the long distance commute.

Finishing the first stage of the rental happened to coincide with the home prices taking a serious dive in the Phoenix area.  A new possibility presented itself.  I could afford a house of my own in close proximity to where I worked which thrilled me!  DIY projects could continue at my own pace: leisurely or every night and weekend if I so desired!!  Living in my own home with multiple bathrooms (which was most definitely on my updated must-have list) meant an entire bathroom could be gutted and still leave access to another working toilet and shower… the possibilities were endless!!!

Projects beyond paint

Work continues on my current residence since its purchase in 2009.  The new skills gained allows me to lend a hand to family and friends.  I had a few return trips to tile my brother’s bathroom and kitchen floor and back-filling a trench for a utility line.  I pulled an almost all-nighter helping two friends get their soon-to-be house functional for a home inspection.  Other highlights include: helping two different friends with their kitchen back splashes; patching drywall holes in the ceiling of my parents previous house; tiling two friends’ bathrooms; painting a church, and painting the interior of two other houses.  There are certainly a few more small projects I’ve forgotten.

In other words, I have definitely run with a utility and drywall knives, drunk way too much caffeine (and an occasional beer*) to cope with too many late nights.  I have most certainly painted on walls.  I know I’ll do it again.  I hope you do too.

Achocolypse from Prescott Brewing Company, pictured above, is my latest favorite brew.