Well, Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away, and I’m still not moved into The House that Pellucere Built because Pellucere is still building it. We were supposed to be done in October, but there has been delay after delay, from weather issues to material availability to – most importantly – project participants not showing up (I mean, how do you build 7 houses without 7 families doing their parts? Answer: you don’t). I have no idea when we’re going to be finished.
Sigh.
But. Like I know the certainty of the changing seasons, I know we will finish at some point. So I choose to be thankful for all the good that has come from this project, regardless of how long it has taken or will continue to take. Because really, I have learned a heck of a lot.
- I can install insulating foam.
- I can snap lines and lay out and frame a building.
- I can straighten bowed walls and studs.
- I can lay PEX tubes for radiant heating runs.
- I can hang windows and doors and install doorknobs.
- I can sheathe a building.
- I can install flashing, backing, insulation, Tyvek, and vinyl siding.
- I can use a paint sprayer and backroll when needed.
- I’m about to install flooring, trim, shelving, and light fixtures.
- I’ve chipped 4 inch-thick ice off of foundations, used a Porta-Potty in 10-degree weather (cold AND gross), dealt with multiple mean-spirited and self-centered individuals (and some good ones, too), and worked 16+ hours every weekend for over a year.
- I’ve gotten strong physically and healed up a lot emotionally.
Several people have asked me what I need for the new place. I haven’t made an Amazon Wish List or anything like that; at this point in my life, I have most of the basics. However, when I do get moved in, I have a list of projects I want to tackle. I’m going to teach myself how to put up a backsplash, install stone facing on my fireplace, build custom bookshelves, construct a year-round greenhouse, plant lilac bushes, and add stonework to the exterior of my house. For starters, anyway… So if anyone wants to be part of that, gift cards and money are always welcome.
This year, I’m not cooking a big Thanksgiving meal. M and I just aren’t feeling it. Instead, we have decided we want to sort of do “acts of thanksgiving,” which means you’ll find us at our house installing flooring this Turkey Day. We’re going to crank the music, munch on PB&Js, and keep building the home that God has given us.
I’m so thankful for friends and family who have supported me over the last few years and cheered me on during this project. You are appreciated so much more than you know. May your holidays be full of extravagant blessings, laughter, and warmth! And may you never, ever, ever have to use a frozen Porta-Potty. 😉
pellucere 