Relying on neighbors

I never have to guess when it is time to set out the recycling. Without fail, for the past 5+ years, two signs serve as reminders that it is time to set out our empty beer bottles, diet doctor pepper cans and junk mail. When we first arrived to this neighborhood this good deed was done by Marge. She took great care of her home and garden up until the time of her death. Without a beat, Marge's neighbor across the street picked up the duty as if it was their wish to carry on Marge's legacy. While some may pass this biweekly task as no big deal, I think it is remarkable when people are committed to doing something voluntarily - especially when it is time bound. I have come to rely on this neighborly, and may I point out, slightly old fashioned, communication. Our garage would be full of recyclables if it weren't for the consistent reminders. So, thank you.

Considering the weather conditions as of late, I am even more grateful for my neighbors. Especially those who quickly remove snow from the sidewalks so we can safely walk our dog and get to the bus stop.

Adding life to our house

In the form of plants that is. Scott and I needed groceries in order to have breakfast tomorrow and I really didn't want to go to the store. To motivate myself, I decided I'd get flowers. I came back with a bouquet of varieties of eucalyptus, leaves and branches with berries as well as two herb plants - rosemary and thyme.

Earlier in the day I also bought a cute little owl bank to add to our kitchen. Scott and I like to collect our change and now we can bring back a slice of childhood with a more grown up version of a piggy bank.

These are small additions for most people but I rarely spend money on my home so it feels great when I do.


What are your favorite non-human/pet living items in your home?

Small Change = Big Pay-off

Unlike most people, it often takes me months - or years in this case - to make a change to my home. While I am not necessarily afraid of change in general, for some reason making changes to my home feels irreversible and therefore should be made with extreme caution. This is particularly true when it comes to putting holes in the walls. I can thank my mom for that neuroses! This is all to provide context into why my latest home improvement project is blog entry worthy. I successfully replaced the broken plastic blinds in my bedroom with a bamboo shade and curtains. I wanted to introduce texture into the room and use something other than the white wood blinds that exist on every other window in my home. While the jury is still out on the length that I decided on (these are IKEA curtains that involve hemming to one's desired length with an iron!), I am extremely happy that my room is DARK at night. Last night I enjoyed seven hours of uninterrupted sleep! Accomplished without the use of drugs (I've been taking cyclobenzaprine and Tylenol with codeine for back pain). So, all in all, I believe this project was a success!

Project Breakdown

1. Bamboo Roman Shade from Home Depot $27.54
2. Lenda curtains from IKEA $14.99
3. Skuggig curtain rod from IKEA $14.99

Project Total Cost = $57.52

Where did that year go?

I can't believe it has been a year since I posted to this blog. I think writing was much easier when we were in the middle of major remodeling projects and there were actual updates to share. Since remodeling our kitchen and main-floor bathroom and creating a second bathroom, we have not taken on any major projects.

The biggest change I've made in the past year is my attitude about this house. Instead of focusing on the features is DOESN'T have, I have decided to focus on the things I love about living in this house:

* Location - it is close to shopping, the Grand Rounds hiking trail, fun neighborhood restaurants, easy access to a commuter bus to work, and the airport (ok, that is a plus and a minus).

* Size - this house has more than enough room for two adults and one small dog. The size also comes in handy when I need something from Scott- no intercom necessary, just healthy lungs.

* Cost - we can afford the mortgage, property tax and bills associated with this house. We are able to both save and splurge on the occasional vacation or toy.

* Neighbors - we've gotten to know so many great people in this neighborhood as we use the same route twice a day for our dog walks.

* Potential - after completing three major remodeling projects, I know this place has great potential to meet our needs for many years to come. We may even be able to figure out a way to finish the basement if we are creative.

* Scottoberfest - when I do look at homes for sale, I immediately ask myself if I could host Scottoberfest there. The answer is usually no. Our corner lot and central(ish) location, and decent sized fenced-in backyard make it a great location for an outdoor party.

I have also had a shift in attitude after I created my own little office space in the main-floor guest bedroom. Scott and I purchased a computer that is "mine" so that my applications do not interfere with his gaming. So, now I have a space where I can get organized and my computer is an awesome source of entertainment (I never watch TV anymore!).

Another attitude shifter was Apartment Therapy's 20/20 Home Cure. The Fall 2010 session has completed but it appears they offer it in the fall and spring. I plan on following the "lessons" again because Maxwell gives some great tips for small behavioral changes that have a big impact. I am a creature of habit so I've already slipped a little. It is great his "assignments" are still accessible so I can get back on track with healthy home habits.

While I don't have any recent home photos to share, here is a photo I took with my new camera!