M.O.T. Vila

The amazing thing about having children is that just when you think that you cannot possibly have less time in each day to do the things you want to do (like cook healthy meals and exercise), let alone the things you need to do (like brush your teeth and shower), you discover that you actually can cram more things into your life. You just move items from the need category into the want category, and then you chuck them. You really don't need to shower every day (especially if you telecommute). That gives you back at least 2 hours a week. Telecommuting really helps in this department, as I have had days when I have not so much as looked in the mirror (much to our nanny's and my husband's horror, I am sure).

And sadly, blogging is not a necessity, so when the shit hits the fan, the blog gets dusty.

The shit in this case is our new home. Or I should say our new Old home. Like a one hundred and eight years old. Yes, the M.O.T. household has entered the housing market, after sitting tentatively on the sidelines since my husband predicted the bubble was about to burst way back in 2001.

So every minute since our closing on August 8th (also Cargo's first birthday), has been filled with something house related. It doesn't help that we bought an old home that needs some immediate work. It could be much worse, I'll admit. But in the last three weeks we have become familiar with all things Bob Vila. We've already had quotes or sunk money into painters, basement dehumidification systems (including the French Drain, which isn't half as naughty or pretty as it sounds), mold mitigation, lead mitigation, radon mitigation (we don't actually need this), new paint technology (check out Benjamin Moore's new Aura line), tree maintenance and removal. We've learned how to remove moss from driveway stones, and all about Marvin vs. Anderson replacements windows. We've talked to the original window restoration guy (known as the individual with the highest blood-lead level in the state of Maine), and learned about modern radiator solutions (Runtal).

Oh, and we also went on a 4 night vacation at the lake. It was supposed to be a week, but we came home early because we had a wee short to-do list around the house...and it was kind of hard to relax with all this stuff hanging over our heads.

So there's my excuse. When I have time I'll come back and post some Before photos. I may have to change the name of this blog to MOT's Home Improvement blog.