The delay in closing and picking up an extra overtime shift cost me some time on my timeline for getting into the house. I thought I was making very slow progress in the three days I had to work on it.
I had July 26-28 to get as much done as possible before I went back to work on 29th. I really didn't think I accomplished much until I told people what I did. On the first day I shampooed the upstairs carpets, bought the gas stove I wanted and replaced the dishwasher.
On the second day, I went to Target and bought stuff to fix up the bathrooms (one and a half baths). I spent the better part of the day cleaning the shower from top to bottom. Finally I hung the shower liner and curtain and put the mats down where I want them. Next I tried to match the paint in the living room as I only want to paint three walls. I left Home Depot with sheets of paint chips. All the same shade but the light really affects the color. I think I got close enough. It took more time than I thought so after dinner I called it a day.
I also had an open invitation to go hang out with Mila. I took her up on her offer. I hooked up with her and we had a good time. I've mentioned it before but her laugh is wonderful. It's hearty, genuine and loud. Loud in a good way...not obnoxious at all. She is so sexy too. Mila is just great to be around. She texts me randomly through out the day. It's nice but way to early to get attached to her emotionally. My thoughts do wonder to her occasionally. Just little high school crush things.
Day three of house remodeling and I decided on the color that best matches the living/dining area. I went back to Home Depot and bought a brush and a small sample. I painted three marks around the room. Not exactly a match due to the way light hits but not an ugly mismatch. By the front entrance, it's a perfect match. The way the walls create natural breaks it's not noticeable that the shades are slightly different. Tuesday I get painting project underway.
Selecting a color for the master bedroom will be easier. I have nothing to match. I'm just going to pick a color I like and have at it. Once the master bedroom is painted, I'm going to disassemble my queen bed and haul it over in the truck. I've already selected a new mattress so I'll have the frame in place when the mattress is delivered.
I also found a full size sleeper futon for the guest bedroom/office. I'll keep it in futon form when no one is visiting.
Ton of stuff more needs work but right now I'm doing enough to make the place clean and painted. Once I get everything set up, I'll start working on striping the half bath cabinets and staining them. I need to make sure I can still do decent wood work before I tear up the kitchen cabinets. If I do a good job on half bath then the bathroom upstairs might be next and then the kitchen.
The final piece to the puzzle is remodeling the kitchen. Aside from cabinet and stripping them, I want to replace counter tops. Poor guy who lived there before me had whole place plain white. I have to spruce it up. The counter tops are white particle board. I'm looking at granite or marble tops. Marble is damn expensive but I can probably afford it. I may be able to do it myself.
Well that's all for now. Things are moving along quiet excitingly for me. More updates as I continue my move...
Good Night from the Balcony,
JPIII
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A Man's Home is His Papal Apartment
After many delays, the Pope finally closed the deal on his new mini-Vatican.
I had the appraiser from hell. I was all set to close two weeks ago. Twice he delayed the closing. At first he insisted that deed documents were wrong because it didn't list a home owners association but that an HOA existed. The title company said there is an home owners group that exists for fixing mutual problems on in the area like a busted sewer line or shared common areas. They don't function on the legal definition of an HOA.
On the first closing date, the appraiser was out in the field and wouldn't return until late in the afternoon to change the paper work. The bank put the closing on indefinite hold.
This created a ton of problems for me.
First, I had to fight to get the day off from work. The max allowable had taken vacation already. So I had to get special permission from the boss's boss's boss. I had to go up three levels of management for approval. Before he'd approve though I had to call around and see if anyone from the off shifts were willing to swap with me. No deal. So I went through a lot of trouble to get the day off and then wasted it.
Second, that day was a drop date for closing. It was going to cost people money...namely me! My interest rate I was locked into expired that day. The contract sale expired that day and the seller was adamant that we close so he wouldn't have to pay another mortgage payment.
I decided to make two counters. First I'd agree to a week extension on the sale contract. Second, in order to get the sale contract extension, I offered to pay the mortgage for one month. In return, the seller agreed and the bank agreed to keep my lower interest rate locked in for another month.
It took two more days for us to finally close. The appraiser never changed his mind about the HOA. In the end, the mortgage company and the title company came to an agreement on the wording of the documents and amended whatever they had to on the side to complete the sale.
I still haven't spent the night in my new place but today I start the work. Today's agenda includes shampooing the upstairs carpet, purchasing a new stove and dishwasher and selecting paint colors for living room and master bedroom. I have a stove but decided on switching from electric to gas.
Next post I hope to have an introduction to Mila.
I had the appraiser from hell. I was all set to close two weeks ago. Twice he delayed the closing. At first he insisted that deed documents were wrong because it didn't list a home owners association but that an HOA existed. The title company said there is an home owners group that exists for fixing mutual problems on in the area like a busted sewer line or shared common areas. They don't function on the legal definition of an HOA.
On the first closing date, the appraiser was out in the field and wouldn't return until late in the afternoon to change the paper work. The bank put the closing on indefinite hold.
This created a ton of problems for me.
First, I had to fight to get the day off from work. The max allowable had taken vacation already. So I had to get special permission from the boss's boss's boss. I had to go up three levels of management for approval. Before he'd approve though I had to call around and see if anyone from the off shifts were willing to swap with me. No deal. So I went through a lot of trouble to get the day off and then wasted it.
Second, that day was a drop date for closing. It was going to cost people money...namely me! My interest rate I was locked into expired that day. The contract sale expired that day and the seller was adamant that we close so he wouldn't have to pay another mortgage payment.
I decided to make two counters. First I'd agree to a week extension on the sale contract. Second, in order to get the sale contract extension, I offered to pay the mortgage for one month. In return, the seller agreed and the bank agreed to keep my lower interest rate locked in for another month.
It took two more days for us to finally close. The appraiser never changed his mind about the HOA. In the end, the mortgage company and the title company came to an agreement on the wording of the documents and amended whatever they had to on the side to complete the sale.
I still haven't spent the night in my new place but today I start the work. Today's agenda includes shampooing the upstairs carpet, purchasing a new stove and dishwasher and selecting paint colors for living room and master bedroom. I have a stove but decided on switching from electric to gas.
Next post I hope to have an introduction to Mila.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Shards of Sophia Part 2
Since Mila mentioned she knew Sophia, I've been thinking a lot about Sophia.
Further thinking led me to another conclusion. Thinking about Sophia isn't fair to Mila or me. I have this budding friendship and possible relationship with Mila. Of course I haven't told Mila my thoughts of Sophia. I can't think of a faster way to undermine any chance with Mila by lingering on Sophia.
I never loved Sophia. I never had the chance to fall in love with her. I cared, strongly, for her. She will never know it but she had a big part in me getting my life back on track after the DWI and Depression era (see two posts ago about the Eras). It was hope she gave me of a relationship that drove me to getting my life back together.
I wonder if it was a test. Part of the process of getting my life together. I'm presented with this hope for happiness and love. Sophia, for reason still unknown, flaked out and disappeared on me. My guess is she didn't want to wait anymore and moved on. So my shot at happiness was gone for the moment.
In the past I would have drank myself into a stupor. I would have drank myself silly. Yet I had grown as a person in the crucible of sobriety and self examination. This time was different. This time I was already in therapy and I used that as an outlet versus the drink. Even before Mila, I thought occasionally of what a life with Sophia would have been like.
So now Mila walks into my life unexpectedly. I'm not prepared for her. I wasn't looking for anyone. I just was being my usual self in life. I go long periods without anyone and then someone is there. Is Mila going to work out? I don't know. Are we going to advance pass the friendship phase? Again I don't know. That's what makes it exciting. First I have a new woman in my life. Just friends for now. Yet there is some romance already. Whether it progress remains to be seen.
Mila may be the right one. The woman people talk about being the one. I don't believe in all that. I believe that if I meet and find someone and it works out....great. If it doesn't well it doesn't. The only way to find out is to give all my attention and energy to Mila. I can't let thoughts of Sophia derail me.
Mila, I pledge that Sophia is the past. It took a remarkable woman like you Mila to drive that Shard of Sophia out of my heart. From this point on, it's Mila time and Mila only. It's the fair and right approach to both of us...to pursue a relationship with a clean sheet.
Further thinking led me to another conclusion. Thinking about Sophia isn't fair to Mila or me. I have this budding friendship and possible relationship with Mila. Of course I haven't told Mila my thoughts of Sophia. I can't think of a faster way to undermine any chance with Mila by lingering on Sophia.
I never loved Sophia. I never had the chance to fall in love with her. I cared, strongly, for her. She will never know it but she had a big part in me getting my life back on track after the DWI and Depression era (see two posts ago about the Eras). It was hope she gave me of a relationship that drove me to getting my life back together.
I wonder if it was a test. Part of the process of getting my life together. I'm presented with this hope for happiness and love. Sophia, for reason still unknown, flaked out and disappeared on me. My guess is she didn't want to wait anymore and moved on. So my shot at happiness was gone for the moment.
In the past I would have drank myself into a stupor. I would have drank myself silly. Yet I had grown as a person in the crucible of sobriety and self examination. This time was different. This time I was already in therapy and I used that as an outlet versus the drink. Even before Mila, I thought occasionally of what a life with Sophia would have been like.
So now Mila walks into my life unexpectedly. I'm not prepared for her. I wasn't looking for anyone. I just was being my usual self in life. I go long periods without anyone and then someone is there. Is Mila going to work out? I don't know. Are we going to advance pass the friendship phase? Again I don't know. That's what makes it exciting. First I have a new woman in my life. Just friends for now. Yet there is some romance already. Whether it progress remains to be seen.
Mila may be the right one. The woman people talk about being the one. I don't believe in all that. I believe that if I meet and find someone and it works out....great. If it doesn't well it doesn't. The only way to find out is to give all my attention and energy to Mila. I can't let thoughts of Sophia derail me.
Mila, I pledge that Sophia is the past. It took a remarkable woman like you Mila to drive that Shard of Sophia out of my heart. From this point on, it's Mila time and Mila only. It's the fair and right approach to both of us...to pursue a relationship with a clean sheet.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Shards of Sophia
A little back story as it relates to the other night.
The Sophia/Rebecca Decision
A few years ago when I was with Rebecca I met Sophia. The first time I saw her I thought she was incredibly beautiful. I met her while me, Rebecca and Rebecca's friend went out. Sophia was the friend of the friend. There was an obvious spark but I was in a relationship with Rebecca and what I thought was in love with her. That is open for debate by others but I was in love with her.
So what happens next is one night I went out to the same club where we all went that night. Not looking for Sophia or her other friend. I liked the place and that was it. Well I ran into Sophia that night. We started talking and she admitted that she was instantly attracted to me. Even years later, her exact words are still etched in my mind and heart. She said,"I met you that night and thought that guy....wow. He's amazing." We had a good time that night and exchanged phone numbers with plans to see each other again. She knew how I felt about Rebecca but it didn't deter Sophia.
She knew what she was getting into with me and was trying to wrest me away from Rebecca. Things were starting to turn south for me and Rebecca. So I was caught between two women I truly cared for. Things hadn't tanked yet with Rebecca. There was still a lot of love, fun and hope for that relationship.
Yet there was this remarkable woman in Sophia chasing me. She wasn't looking for a lay. She was looking for something more serious.
I had a decision to make. For first time in my life I had to choose between two women. Did I stay with the woman I thought I loved and continue on a course that could lead a lifetime of happiness? Or do I move on to some one new and exciting but uncertain about?
In the end, I decided to stay with the woman I loved and move on from Sophia. I hindsight I made the wrong decision.
Fast Forward Five Years
A couple of weeks ago, I met Mila. (As usual, not her real name but close enough.) I was hanging with another woman but only friends with. Mila started off the night talking and laughing. She told me how much fun she had and we kissed lightly.
Two nights ago I see her again. We have a good time drinking, laughing and telling stories. We even held hands, she moved my hands down to her leg when we sat at the table. We even kissed a few more times. Mila let her hands run along my arms and hair. She has a boisterous laugh that sound full of life. She's gorgeous. In a quiet moment, she leans over to me and whispers,"You're so handsome." We enjoy the rest of the night. I can't help but tell her how pretty she is. And it's the damn truth...she's beautiful.
She started talking about the different people she's seen and gone over the years at the bar and club we were hanging out at. Something tugged at my heart. I said to myself don't bring it up. Then she mentioned Sophia's friend.
My heart stopped. I froze for a few seconds, then I asked,"Did you know Sophia?"
"Oh my God yes. She's beautiful. So petite and just so nice." Yup that was my Sophia.
Mila then asked me,"What ever happened to her? Do you know?"
"Yes." I briefly filled her in on a few relevant parts of the Sophia/Pope story. Then I told her where Sophia went to work and her career.
"I really screwed up with letting her go."
"But did you know how she felt about you?" Mila asked.
"Yes. She made it obvious what she wanted. She's a remarkable woman who walked into my life and wanted me in her life. I made a mistake."
"If you knew how she felt then you did screw up. But we all make mistakes and have regrets. You can't let it linger."
"I did make the wrong decision but then again I don't know if me and Sophia would have made it either."
Mila was sweet to listen to that. It was years ago so Sophia poses no threat to any budding relationship to Mila. I reassured Mila as much.
After all that, she told me more about her self. Something that I'll share on a Mila episode. End of the night we exchanged numbers and hoped to see each other more often.
I hope we do. It would be nice to have someone to go eat with, go to movie with, concerts etc. You know a lady to date.
It's not that I miss Mary Jane. I miss having someone to do things with on a consistent basis.
That's the soap opera version of the Pope's Life.
The Sophia/Rebecca Decision
A few years ago when I was with Rebecca I met Sophia. The first time I saw her I thought she was incredibly beautiful. I met her while me, Rebecca and Rebecca's friend went out. Sophia was the friend of the friend. There was an obvious spark but I was in a relationship with Rebecca and what I thought was in love with her. That is open for debate by others but I was in love with her.
So what happens next is one night I went out to the same club where we all went that night. Not looking for Sophia or her other friend. I liked the place and that was it. Well I ran into Sophia that night. We started talking and she admitted that she was instantly attracted to me. Even years later, her exact words are still etched in my mind and heart. She said,"I met you that night and thought that guy....wow. He's amazing." We had a good time that night and exchanged phone numbers with plans to see each other again. She knew how I felt about Rebecca but it didn't deter Sophia.
She knew what she was getting into with me and was trying to wrest me away from Rebecca. Things were starting to turn south for me and Rebecca. So I was caught between two women I truly cared for. Things hadn't tanked yet with Rebecca. There was still a lot of love, fun and hope for that relationship.
Yet there was this remarkable woman in Sophia chasing me. She wasn't looking for a lay. She was looking for something more serious.
I had a decision to make. For first time in my life I had to choose between two women. Did I stay with the woman I thought I loved and continue on a course that could lead a lifetime of happiness? Or do I move on to some one new and exciting but uncertain about?
In the end, I decided to stay with the woman I loved and move on from Sophia. I hindsight I made the wrong decision.
Fast Forward Five Years
A couple of weeks ago, I met Mila. (As usual, not her real name but close enough.) I was hanging with another woman but only friends with. Mila started off the night talking and laughing. She told me how much fun she had and we kissed lightly.
Two nights ago I see her again. We have a good time drinking, laughing and telling stories. We even held hands, she moved my hands down to her leg when we sat at the table. We even kissed a few more times. Mila let her hands run along my arms and hair. She has a boisterous laugh that sound full of life. She's gorgeous. In a quiet moment, she leans over to me and whispers,"You're so handsome." We enjoy the rest of the night. I can't help but tell her how pretty she is. And it's the damn truth...she's beautiful.
She started talking about the different people she's seen and gone over the years at the bar and club we were hanging out at. Something tugged at my heart. I said to myself don't bring it up. Then she mentioned Sophia's friend.
My heart stopped. I froze for a few seconds, then I asked,"Did you know Sophia?"
"Oh my God yes. She's beautiful. So petite and just so nice." Yup that was my Sophia.
Mila then asked me,"What ever happened to her? Do you know?"
"Yes." I briefly filled her in on a few relevant parts of the Sophia/Pope story. Then I told her where Sophia went to work and her career.
"I really screwed up with letting her go."
"But did you know how she felt about you?" Mila asked.
"Yes. She made it obvious what she wanted. She's a remarkable woman who walked into my life and wanted me in her life. I made a mistake."
"If you knew how she felt then you did screw up. But we all make mistakes and have regrets. You can't let it linger."
"I did make the wrong decision but then again I don't know if me and Sophia would have made it either."
Mila was sweet to listen to that. It was years ago so Sophia poses no threat to any budding relationship to Mila. I reassured Mila as much.
After all that, she told me more about her self. Something that I'll share on a Mila episode. End of the night we exchanged numbers and hoped to see each other more often.
I hope we do. It would be nice to have someone to go eat with, go to movie with, concerts etc. You know a lady to date.
It's not that I miss Mary Jane. I miss having someone to do things with on a consistent basis.
That's the soap opera version of the Pope's Life.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Closing a Chapter - Opening A Chapter
Today I'm closing out a chapter of my life and beginning a new one. In recent years, I've broken down my life into chapters or phases and today is the first in a new one.
2004-2007 The Rebecca Years
2007-2009 DWI and Depression
2009-2011 Recovery and Single
2011- ? - A New Home
Today I'm closing the deal on a new home. It's time for your pope to move into a residence befitting a man of my stature and standing in the world. Also I figure it's time to call it a new beginning of the next phase of my life.
See you in the funny pages,
The Pontiff Maximus
2004-2007 The Rebecca Years
2007-2009 DWI and Depression
2009-2011 Recovery and Single
2011- ? - A New Home
Today I'm closing the deal on a new home. It's time for your pope to move into a residence befitting a man of my stature and standing in the world. Also I figure it's time to call it a new beginning of the next phase of my life.
See you in the funny pages,
The Pontiff Maximus
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