Our basement project

So, long about a year ago, we decided to tackle our basement remodel by ourselves. I must say it has taken longer than I would like but I wouldn't have it any other way. We initially were going to hire out someone to do it for us but circumstances changed and we opted to jump in head first. What a mistake it would have been for us to throw money at someone else. Aside from the pure profitability standpoint when we eventually move on to our next home, I have a real complex with others doing something I think I can do myself...and I stress “I think”.

At times, I have procrastinated with certain tasks as I am a little uncertain of my abilities. I try to do my best to exude nothing but confidence and certainty but deep down I know why I delay. The more I delve in, the more I realize my trepidation is merely a mental block that I need to ignore. So what if I make a mistake? My $100 mistake is much cheaper in the end than hiring someone else to do it for me. I learn, I grow, and I gain more confidence in trying it myself. I had a wonderful instructor in my father for many years so I simply need to concentrate, take my time, and rely on my learning’s to get me through certain projects.

I am quite proud of far I have come in my endeavor. The old has been torn out (thanks to my kid brother), the new walls are standing strong, and the drywall is being erected much smoother than I anticipated. The end is near and I will find great pride in eventually sitting down there on my conference calls and processing the never ending administrative paperwork that is enviable with any sales position. I look forward to presenting you with the finished product that I will be able to look out on and see my father's pride gleaming from the walls around me. “I think” has slowly become “I can” and I owe it all to my mentor. Thanks again Dad, I should have said it more often.

Neighbors

What I have learned thus far as a semi-professional blogger...don't post about fringe whack jobs like my previous post unless you are ready for an onslaught of messages from people crazy about the topic. I can't tell you how glad I am that I enabled the function that allows you to view and approve replies before allowing them to the site. I was called just about every name in the book even though I did nothing to advocate the Scientology people. I just want a simply Saturday without the blocked streets and weird masks, that was all.

So, moving forward from my learning’s...

It sure is great to have a fun group of neighbors. If you haven't reached out to those on your street or on the next block, I urge you to reach out as you don't know what you may be missing. We have been blessed in all of our homes to have remarkable people around us. This home is no different. I had the pleasure of joining two couples from down the street out at a few bars on Saturday while the wife was out of town. Nothing facing, just a few drinks, several laughs, and many embellished stories from yesteryear. We all come from different backgrounds, upbringings, and zip codes but one thing is for sure...we all can appreciate a nice night out with great people learning from those around us. I will never undervalue the friendships we have formed with those who have lived near us and I can only hope we leave an enduring memory with them even when we pack up and move on to our next journey in life. Here's to those around us for making us better people for having known them.

Setting the table

So I started this blog thing and quickly let it become a distant thought. What do I write about? Would anyone care to listen to me pontificate? Well you know what? 2009 may be when I finally have reason to articulate thought more frequently. Not a resolution, as I am not big on resolutions...simply just a renewed desire to put 'pen to paper'. So here I go...

Why is it we take new year's to 'turn over a new leaf'? Why does a superficial date give us reason to wipe the slate clean and start a new beginning? I think it is simple. While time is all relative, a new year signifies change for those looking for a new beginning. So really it is an excuse to look at something with renewed hope. I am all for looking for something better and brighter so don't get me wrong in my questioning. I have no problem with looking for the positive. I simply think that we have to remember that while times may have been longer or darker last year, you grow stronger for your experiences so you shouldn't simply discard those events but instead find the resolve you need to grow from your difficult experiences and use it to propel you to better things in the days, weeks, and years ahead.

So here is to you finding growth from your prior year.