Work in progress

So we started the demolition of the kitchen a couple of weeks ago. Martin took all the wall cabinetry off and starting tearing out the soffit (that's the overhead dropped ceiling thingy). Things are getting kind of yucky with our office turned into an impromptu "kitchen" with our fridge and microwave and paper products there; the "dining room" filled with boxes; a gas range sitting on the front porch; and the rest of the house covered in a thin layer of dust. When we demolished the soffit we discovered a mare's nest of wires and weirdly placed pipes! Uh oh! But here is the good part of the story:

Monday night I went with two friends from work to have dinner at Wood Ranch in Northridge - really outside of my usual area. Suddenly, my nephew TJ shows up at the table! He tells me that his girlfriend Lisa recognized me from my photo in Facebook and told TJ "I think your aunt is here." As I am chatting with him and enjoying this rare treat, it strikes me: TJ does construction management!! Ah ha! Maybe he can advise us on the weird pipes and wires and what we need to do. I am so used to TJ living in Northern California that I completely forgot he was living and working nearby and knew about all things construction! He came by on Tuesday and before we knew it, he had agreed to help us. What a relief to have someone we know and trust on the job. So this weekend TJ spent the entire weekend working on the aforementioned wires and pipes and putting in light cans and, miracle of miracles, a light in my pantry (that I've needed for 20 years!) Meanwhile on Saturday Natalie and I finished demolishing tile counter tops and together with Martin we got the base cabinets out. She and I loaded cabinetry, sink, and plumbing "stuff" and hauled it to Oxnard to donate to ReStore, which is the building supply thrift store operated by Habitat for Humanity. It took two trips, but it saved us $80 worth of dump fees and it all goes to a good cause. The cabinets were worn but still very serviceable. Then we filled up the truck again with drywall and lumber and tile and general yucky stuff and I went on my first visit to the Calabasas landfill. Chelsea came over and helped Martin make space in the garage for the new cabinets which will be delivered this coming Tuesday the 9th. It was full day.

To chronicle this dust-filled adventure, I am trying to remember to take photos. Here are some before and "during" shots. I'll post more as time goes on.





I'm trying to stay very "Zen" about the whole thing and remember that it will all be worth it in the end.