Waiting...

I am hoping to start TTC in January of 2014. I am waiting until then because of my house.

In 2010 I bought a fixer-upper in a nice neighborhood. The house hadn't been updated in over 30 years and it was the cheapest house in the neighborhood. My plan was new windows, doors, paint, hardwood flooring, and nice trim work. I knew a little about remodeling from helping my father with projects over the years. I thought my father would be helping me with the remodel but as it turns out I haven't seen him now for over 3 years. My parents split up after 35 years and he decided he wanted nothing to do with me (although they are on friendly terms ?!?). So, I learned very quickly. I did as much internet research as I could and just jumped in.

I started with new windows and quickly found out that the house would need a total gut job! The wiring was awful and there was pretty much NO insulation in the walls or attic. I knew that I would probably end up doing more than I had originally planned (you always find unexpected things while remodeling!) but I didn't think it would be that bad. Most of the issues were from someone cobbing things together and/or not using the right materials. I found live wires in the walls that went to nothing! So as I said, it started with windows, and quickly went to new electric, new insulation throughout the house, new doors, all new bathroom, all new plumbing, new hot water heater, new vinyl siding, new front porch, oh and the well went screwy on me and I had to drive a new well point (a new well for those who don't know what a point is) and put in a new tank and pump. I figured while I was at it I might as well move a few walls and move the kithcen from the TINY little area it was in, to across the house and make it into a kitchen/dining room combo! Needless to say it was very messy for a while. The rough construction is almost done now, in fact the last bedroom will be sheetrocked this weekend! Yay for me!! It will probably take me a few more months to finish the house completely, as I still have to paint every room, build another custom closet, build a custom entertainment center in the living room, trim every room, and decide on flooring and install it! I also want to add a deck around the above ground pool I installed last summer. I feel like it is finally coming together! (Thanks for the help Mom, I couldn't have done it without you!!)

I feel like if I can accomplish all of that and more, with two dogs and working full time, that I can do just about anything that I put my mind too! I only had to hire someone to do the new roof and to put in the new furnace.

The house is one of the reasons I feel I am still single. All of the men I have met since starting this project have been intimidated by me and the fact I jumped in on my own to do this. I didn't really have a choice. I thought my father would be helping me and I had budgeted for that. I couldn't afford to hire someone to do the work for me and I couldn't just live in the house the way it was until I saved the money, it was not safe.

This process has taught me a lot. Now that I know I can do things on my own that I never imagined I could, it has helped give me the courage I need to try to become a Mom on my own.