Holidays Under Renovation

Can you believe it is December 1st?  Aside from a freak Nor Easter in October, the weather has been down right balmy by New England standards.  We are lucky too because not only is the front not finished, but the office is all torn apart down to the studs.  I am hoping the insulation fairy will have it buttoned up before the real cold weather begins, but I wouldn't want to rush things...

I have been getting some questions lately along the tune of "how do you live like that"?  So I thought I would provide you with some tips for Enjoying the Holidays while living in a construction zone.

Tip #1 - Take cleaning right off your to-do list.  Chances are as soon as you've got the place spotless someone will decide to saw up something or rip down something and coat everything with dust and sawdust.

Tip #2 - Invest in a blindfold and walk around the house.  After you bump into a few sheets of blueboard, trip over a ripped up floor and knock over some fixtures you will be so grateful to have your eyesight back that you might not notice the mess (for a day or two).

Tip #3 - Stop entertaining.  Better yet, deadbolt the doors and shut the lights out even when you are home.  This will discourage even the pop-in visitors and that way no one will ask any questions.

Tip #4 - Go on vacation.  When you can't have a conversation with your spouse without arguing and your life has become a giant to-do list... it's time to take a break.  Preferably somewhere else!

Tip #5- Ignore #3 and have a big party.  It's a way for you to give back - give guests a parting gift of appreciation for their own homes that they aren't living your life.  Priceless.

Tip #6- Imbibe lots of Spiked Eggnog

Tip #7- Try not to work with power tools while practicing #6.

Tip #8- Focus on those less fortunate (war, famine, disease) and you will realize how insignificant your renovation project is in the big scheme of things.

Tip #9- Always look backwards, never ahead.  Focus on what you have done.  Invite over friends that will say "Wow, you've really done a lot since I've been here!"   Never think about all that is left to finish or how many years lie ahead of you to get there...

Tip #10- Don't stop believing that in the end it will have all been worth it.  Did I mention the eggnog?