I am learning a great many things as a first time renovator. As prepared as I tried to be and as much chaos as I'd imagined it might cause... the reality has been so much messier than I could have envisioned. Living without a kitchen is stressful, with a capital S. It is fruitless to clean... anything... because within minutes of doing so, a thick layer of dust always makes it's way back to settle on every single surface I just cleaned. Every step of the process seems to take longer than expected to complete, costs more and uncovers hidden obstacles... which in turn add to the costs. Some days offer incredible progress, then others seem to offer no progress at all. Getting out of the house early and for long periods is essential... especially with two and four year old wannabe tradies on the scene. It's amazing the number of activities I have found to do, as a result of having to stay clear of the house, day in, day out. I will never get used to the feel of dust and gyprock particles and bits of broken house under foot, ergh, makes me shiver.
I have no idea why anyone ever decided to put the two words renovator's delight together. There is nothing delightful about renovating.
But today was delightful. My boys and I had a fabulous time checking out this year's amazing entries in the Sculptures By The Sea. If it's possible, I think they get more impressive every year. Angus seemed extra excited about it all, beckoning me to "take a picture of this one too Mama!", at each new piece he spotted. I think I've created a little poser, as he insisted on planting himself in front of each sculpture I photographed. Or maybe it's a love of photography all round, as when I finally gave in to let him snap a shot of Scott and I, he did a wonderful job of it. A lovely day of rejuvenation, ahead of week three of renovations. And... breeeeeathe.
Renovating with little people is REALLY HARD WORK Julie. One of the hardest things I've done. You just have to keep focusing on the end result. And you are so right. EVERYTHING is more expensive and takes much longer than expected :) Still - good that you and the boys are making the most of it.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with Caz's comments. I love the interactivity of the sculptures..the shiny distorted surface of the ball has your little man fascinated with his image..and the streamers to run through, fantastic for the kids...love those pod like things too and the stake thingos with feathery things on top.
ReplyDeleteI used to work in building and construction litigation - the general rule was to double the cost and triple the time (or was the other way round!?!). Either way, I totally agree it is stressful, more than what the renovation shows make out :-D We have only just started dabbling in a bit of DIY - the floors. They took much longer, the skirting/beading still not done so furniture etc still in the kitchen and stuff all over the benches. Driving me crazy. It's best to stay away from the visual chaos isn't it and YOU TWO look absolutely gorgeous in that last pic! You are so lucky to live where you do by the way with the gorgeous ocean and Sydney festivities at your doorstep for the boys to enjoy. Mel x
ReplyDeleteThe 'delight' is definitely in the results not the process.
ReplyDeleteI hope this week is less chaotic for you, love.
xxx
I moved to another hemisphere to escape living with renovations!! Certainly no delight!
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't believe it's Sculptures By the Sea time again, that year went fast!
Look at you and your beautiful family - now that's delight!
xx
Ooooh! I'm going on Sunday with the girls! Can't wait :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, reno's give me the pitty-poos too. I've been at it for over a year now. It sucks big stinky eggs :(
Lovely pictures honey xxx
Oh, the joys of renovating! I rememeber those! HORRID. Couple of tips I learnt along the way, use a sheet to cover the areas you use daily that you don't want covered in dust, let lean cuisine become your friend, ask a good friend if you can borrow their kitchen for a day and cook up a few different dinners that can be frozen for the following week/nights and lastly treat yourself to something lovely every week. For me it was a new little plant for the garden we so loved to play in while the reno was going on :)
ReplyDeleteHang in there x
P.s how good was that digger!! Did you check out some of those prices though!!!!
ReplyDeleteGosh, sounds like you have it tough at the moment. Good luck for the rest of the journey. And so jealous of your Sculpture by the Sea pics, it was always such a highlight on our calendar. Hope you have a great week x
ReplyDeleteHow good a photographer is Angus!! Lovely shot.
ReplyDeleteIt's things like this I miss about Sydney J. Looks like a lovely day out and a nice way to forget the renovating stress.
How's that washing machine going?
Kids and sculptures go hand in hand for great shots. HOw much fun is it! Looks like there were some great entries this year. I love the flying ribbons.x
ReplyDeleteFocus on the finish line, renovations are never fun at the time, but are soooooo worth it in the end! You will be baking up a storm in your new kitchen before you know it- some of those yummy treats that you are always making.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see some pictures of the finished product.
Keep on having those wonderful family adventures whilst you are waiting for your home to be completed.
xx
Wow. There is some cool sculptures!
ReplyDeleteI here your pain, although our renos aren't imposing on us too much yet. Just noise! Will be a different story when they knock down the kitchen wall!
Angus did indeed take a great photo - perfectly framed & all! I would love to get to that exhibition one day - it's such a clever idea. I noticed today the boys are really growing up fast & looking older by the week!
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Melissah
Oh you are so right!! Renovator's delight are two words that do NOT go together.
ReplyDeleteWe've been renovating since we moved in 10 years ago because my husband refuses to pay anyone and is doing everything himself, so everything takes sooooo long. It's still not done, and we don't ever want to do it again!
And your Angus sounds like my kids, they're always telling me to take photos of this and that now.
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous. I can feel the fun and excitement in them.
I'm not sure I could cope with renovating at all. Looks like you are going to be experiencing a whole lot more of the outside world though because of it! Great sculptures!
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