Okay, so I borrowed a phrase, but seriously, when living in a travel trailer, one must be practical. For one, there is little excess space and who has a budget for renovations these days? We bought our 1992 travel trailer for 3000 last November, a steal considering the popularity of the model. I don't have any pics, but if you go to http://www.trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Showroom/BuildRV/SelectModel.html and look at the 3023 model, you will see our trailer, for the most part. You gotta know though, with the older model does come some differences.
Some good: for instance, instead of two couches, ours has two chairs that are removable and a couch that makes a bed. It sleeps 4 comfortably (1 Q, 1F bed), but you could easily get two more kids in on the couch. We have a "garden tub," which just means it has an actual tub (not just a shower) with a built in seat and a four burner stove, which they don't make anymore.
Some not so good: When we bought the trailer last year, all the cabinet knobs and fixtures were brass (think 80's). She had pink dirty carpet and a funny blue print (again, think late 80's country blue and mauve) couch with a different, but coordinating fabric on the chairs. Some things had to be changed!
Some folks may ask, why would you want to put so much into a travel trailer, and I could understand the point, but this is our home. It's where we live and its the first "home" I have ever owned (small steps). It is my passion and my heritage (ref: my mother). So, my beloved husband promised I could do what ever I wanted to make it look the way I wanted. Umm, probably regretting that decision now.
One of the first things we did was replace all the cabinet knobs (18 in all), going from brass to "venetian bronze." Not a big deal. I went for the most modern look I could, but stayed simple. All in all, I believe I spent about 30 dollars. My husband was okay with that.
The next project was much bigger and cost a little more. Since we have a son who has been known to have allergies to carpet and dander, I decided what was in there would not be staying for long. Robert suggested I wait a little while until we get settled, but when he pulled up a corner b/c he thought the water heater was leaking our first weekend in it, I used it as inspiration. Up went the rest of the carpet, carpet tack strips, etc. I replaced it with wood plank linoleum in "hickory." Since I was alone that first week (Robert was still working in Lufkin and kept Alex), I got to do it myself. I didn't exactly tell him what I had done, either, until it was done. Thank goodness he liked to results!
At first I thought it would be a large project, but overall, not that difficult. When the Home Depot salesman asked what room I had that was only 60 sq ft and needed new floors, I guess it was then that I realized, this was not that big a deal. It literally took me less than 24 hours of work and about $120 to do the whole trailer (and we have leftover materials). The results were worth it (I must get you pictures, I know). Hopefully, that is the most we spend on any one item, after all one day we will likely sale this thing:).
My next project was the 80's blue couch since that is basically the second thing you see as you walk in the door. First I recovered the end caps/arms and foot board/front in a leather-look vinyl ($3/yd). Once again, with a small child and a dog...My husband insisted on some soft, expensive looking fabric for the cushions, but we live in a trailer for a reason. There isn't much of a budget for incidentals. But, I finally found the solution: This weekend, on clearance at Wal-Mart, I found a futon cover in a tan microfiber suede for 30 bucks! Jackpot! Its relatively easy to clean, looks and feels great, and fits perfectly over the couch cushions. Honestly, it totally looks great.
I must have been especially blessed, because I also found my dream rug: a shag runner (21"x72") to go down the "hall" in a dark red for $21. Since our "hall" is only 23," that is a heck of a find and at less than 25 dollars it's a steal!
I also have found a bronze finished toothbrush holder to replace the old rusted brass soap holder in the bathroom. Got it as King Dollar for 1.09 and its Delta!!
Finally our trailer is beginning to feel like a home [Again, pictures would be good here]. And beginning to look a little better than the Bundy's :). Unfortunately, the great new finds this weekend have only inspired me to make more changes. For instance, I need another rug to go under the table that is durable (again, the child and dog), but matches the red shag (not too matchy, matchy). The bathroom faucet is brass and kind of rusty. The two chairs are these weird blue-green, office-type, rotating things that will do, but could be better and now don't match my rug or the couch. There is this awful framed copied picture that someone has literally epoxied to the wall. I would love to replace that with a real canvas, or at least a decent looking print. I may have to pull half the wall down though. That's okay, because I could replace the wall with...Just kidding!
I am content with where I live, but I do like the changes we are making. Hopefully, when the day comes that we need to sell, we can at least get what we paid knowing we have put in the work to update it:). I am sure there will be repairs and other upgrades that need to be made. Again, our hope is that we can do it all on a small (think non-existent) budget and with just a little hard work. And, hey, all of this will be great experience for that day when we move into the 1800's Victorian fixer-upper, huh? If I can renovate a travel trailer, I can do anything:).
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
My Lucky Day
Okay, today is Friday the 13th, officially a bad luck day. But for me and my hubby? Its been a day of positive (even monumental) things. We got engaged on Friday the 13th (Dec. 02). We didn't plan it that way, it just turned out to be the last Friday of the semester that I could come home and be with Robert at our Alma Matter (well, mine at least since he had to move/transfer when we got married).
We found out I was pregnant with Alex on Friday the 13th (Oct. 2006). Again, you don't plan these things and I wasn't even really paying attention to the date until after we found out. Mostly, because I had been sick for most of the week and hadn't been able to eat anything. So, on Thursday, when I was talking to my mom and she pushed me to get the little test, I really did not want to go through that. But, if I was gonna do it, I wanted the most accurate results that come with the first thing in the morning. So, Friday was the day we found out.
So, today, the day before Valentine's day, I can't help but have a little expectation. Unfortunately, the week's events really haven't helped me maintain that hope! Today, I woke up at 7:45 am and was really running behind getting everyone where they were supposed to be, including me:), by 8 o'clock. By this point though, I was getting used to these things:)
Wednesday, should have been an indicator that maybe I should just hang my hat up and forget that anything good will ever come again. First of all, that evening at 5:34, I picked my son up four minutes late from daycare (cost me $16). Then, I walked in our trailer to find water all over the bathroom and hall. The rugs were soaked, and everything in the storage cabinet at the end of the hall was soaked (blankets, towels, washrags, etc). Oh, and our water was off. Did I lose my cool? No. I just scooped up Alex and went to Dairy Queen. Steak fingers, nachos, ice cream and soda (what better way to brighten a day). The "bad luck" didn't stop there, though, because as we were eating, Robert, my hubby, called to tell me he had just been rear-ended... in Kansas City, driving a borrowed car. Oh, Come On! I thought. But still, I did not lose it! I continued to play with my son and enjoy the fun that only a small child can bring.
When I got home, I took Alex over to a neighbors (Thank you Mr. Skip & Ms. Janet!!!), started a load of laundry (washrags, towels, blankets, etc) and dried the floors. Honestly, I did not feel like crying, or screaming or any of that. If anything, I just wanted to laugh. Talk about the comedy of errors. Even with all of it seeming to go bad, I could not help but feel...blessed. I couldn't help it. Just like I can't help but feel hopeful that our "lucky" day is here.
More and more, I am reminded that I did not create this world and it is not mine to run. Mr. Max Lucado says, somedays God gives you Oreos and somedays He gives you broccolli. I get it. If I had my choice, I would be like Bruce Almighty and say yes to everyone's prayer requests. Furthermore, I can't take things personally. The fact is, I do not know what tomorrow will bring. But our father, God, can see eternally into my future and the future of the world and know what I need to be do now that will serve someone else 1,000 years from now (figuratively, at least). How amazing is that? Today, when the rest of the world is looking over their shoulders, crossing their fingers and trying not to step on any cracks, I am smiling and looking forward to whatever good God will bring my way! If I can do that for the rest of the day and still submit to the spirit of joy and hope Christ has put inside me, then Hallelujah! This is my lucky day!
We found out I was pregnant with Alex on Friday the 13th (Oct. 2006). Again, you don't plan these things and I wasn't even really paying attention to the date until after we found out. Mostly, because I had been sick for most of the week and hadn't been able to eat anything. So, on Thursday, when I was talking to my mom and she pushed me to get the little test, I really did not want to go through that. But, if I was gonna do it, I wanted the most accurate results that come with the first thing in the morning. So, Friday was the day we found out.
So, today, the day before Valentine's day, I can't help but have a little expectation. Unfortunately, the week's events really haven't helped me maintain that hope! Today, I woke up at 7:45 am and was really running behind getting everyone where they were supposed to be, including me:), by 8 o'clock. By this point though, I was getting used to these things:)
Wednesday, should have been an indicator that maybe I should just hang my hat up and forget that anything good will ever come again. First of all, that evening at 5:34, I picked my son up four minutes late from daycare (cost me $16). Then, I walked in our trailer to find water all over the bathroom and hall. The rugs were soaked, and everything in the storage cabinet at the end of the hall was soaked (blankets, towels, washrags, etc). Oh, and our water was off. Did I lose my cool? No. I just scooped up Alex and went to Dairy Queen. Steak fingers, nachos, ice cream and soda (what better way to brighten a day). The "bad luck" didn't stop there, though, because as we were eating, Robert, my hubby, called to tell me he had just been rear-ended... in Kansas City, driving a borrowed car. Oh, Come On! I thought. But still, I did not lose it! I continued to play with my son and enjoy the fun that only a small child can bring.
When I got home, I took Alex over to a neighbors (Thank you Mr. Skip & Ms. Janet!!!), started a load of laundry (washrags, towels, blankets, etc) and dried the floors. Honestly, I did not feel like crying, or screaming or any of that. If anything, I just wanted to laugh. Talk about the comedy of errors. Even with all of it seeming to go bad, I could not help but feel...blessed. I couldn't help it. Just like I can't help but feel hopeful that our "lucky" day is here.
More and more, I am reminded that I did not create this world and it is not mine to run. Mr. Max Lucado says, somedays God gives you Oreos and somedays He gives you broccolli. I get it. If I had my choice, I would be like Bruce Almighty and say yes to everyone's prayer requests. Furthermore, I can't take things personally. The fact is, I do not know what tomorrow will bring. But our father, God, can see eternally into my future and the future of the world and know what I need to be do now that will serve someone else 1,000 years from now (figuratively, at least). How amazing is that? Today, when the rest of the world is looking over their shoulders, crossing their fingers and trying not to step on any cracks, I am smiling and looking forward to whatever good God will bring my way! If I can do that for the rest of the day and still submit to the spirit of joy and hope Christ has put inside me, then Hallelujah! This is my lucky day!
Friday, February 6, 2009
12 steps...
Okay, I have saved up for this, so it better be good!
I need to know, because apparently I am falling behind the curve. I read all the time about these mommies stay at home with their five kids, helps or leads some program at church, are involved in some kind of committee or Board, volunteers, are GREAT housekeepers, writes books, leads national conferences...
How in the world do these ladies have the time and energy?! I am sure, too, that if you ask them, they have a great marriage to a wonderful husband who works full time to support his family (and then some), coaches little league, teaches Sunday school and is a wonderful father, too. Am I missing something? Is my husband not what he's supposed to be? Am I suffering some kind of strange disease that zaps my energy? Is this just a phase and one day I too will be one of "those moms?"
I am reading this book called, "12 steps to becoming a more organized woman." Being the good Christian I am, I chose a book based on biblical principles. This particular one is based on the Proverbs 31. Now, I had really wise pastor/teacher/mentor who told me the mythical Proverbs Woman doesn't exist, but this lady would argue with that. In fact, she might even tell you that she is the personification of it.
The book itself is okay and provides some great tips on how to organize your budget, schedule, household, etc. BUT, I have a problem with this lady and her too perfect family dressed all in white with their perfect little world for more than one reason. First of all, I am so far from being this proverbial example of mother and wife-dom that I can't see straight. Second, who is she kidding? Am I really gonna believe that her children are little angels all the time? That she never has a moment when she is ready to throw them or her husband out a window (not really, but you know what I mean)? Come on! I am struggling with little things, like getting the laundry washed, dried, folded and put away at the same time; much less setting aside one whole day, just for me (as she suggest any woman who is organized should be able to do on a regular basis).
Second of all, this lady suggests (as I have heard many times) that a mom can't really be a good mom unless she is staying at home full time with her children. Now, I have done this for a short period of time and did enjoy it to some degree. But, it isn't the best solution for our family. To be honest, my husband does a better job and is more satisfied with staying home with our children (when that has to happen). Not to mention, our son loves being around other kids (in school/daycare). He loves having people to talk to and share with (he's 18 mo. so that's a big deal). I am a better mom when I am working. When I am home from work, I am more focused on my child and his needs and have a greater desire to spend quality time with him. We have a better relationship and so do I and my husband. For us, it is just better.
Thirdly, I have a major, MAJOR, issue with anyone trying to say their way is the right way for everyone. Jesus advocated flexibility (that's why He didn't like the Pharisees and Priests). He recognizes that, even if Ms. Proverbial Woman doesn't: God has created many different people with many different personalities. For instance, my husband is not a structure person, but I am a planner by heart. If we had a planned program every week, all the time (like she recommends), he would go out of his mind and I would constantly be stressing over it. So, we are learning (after five years, we still don't have it down pat) to compromise and have a little of both. That's why I got the book to begin with. This author sends so many messages saying, that lacking strong organization and structure in a home is a sign of unhealthiness and irresponsibility. I disagree.
Finally, my husband and I have chosen, as we have felt led, to become a family in transition. In the past year, we have moved four times (once across country). We sold most of our possessions to live in a travel trailer. We have one child in our "home" under the age of two (our daughter does not live with us, except for short visits). We have debts we accumulated while in college (another thing this Christian woman says is wrong). We have a vehicle we are making payments on (another no,no) . Either I or my husband have both been out of work for one reason or another for the past 9 months. I'm not blaming anybody or complaining about any of this (and will even take responsibility for and rejoice in some of it), but these are all circumstances that just do NOT fit in Ms. Organizational Master's plan. There is no way I could even begin to implement her ideal plan, just for a lack of space. Who cares about budget, time, etc?
Regardless, I'm not saying we are right or have a model relationship/household. As a matter of fact, we have done a lot of things wrong and probably will do many more. I had one day dreamed of being one of "those mommies," the national speaker who shares her testimony and teaches others how to do anything and everything and writes a book and bible study program; but anymore, I just want to be the best mommy I can be. I love (really do enjoy) my job and want to be the best Assoc. Psychologist I can. I may write a book one day or teach/lead on a national level. But, really, right now, I'm just Mommy, Honey, AK-47, or whoever I need to be to best serve the people I love and care about. That's good enough for me for right now.
The worst thing about this book is because Ms. Author Lady does all this from behind the Bible, it's hard to tell the difference. Thank goodness, I know how to and do read that book, too:)! I absolutely, ABSOLUTELY, can not stand for anyone to pass judgement or speak for the Lord in condemnation on any other. For one: doesn't Paul tell us that "we have NO condemnation in Christ?" Forgive me, but if He won't condemn me, why should anyone else. He took my sin and has the right to do it, but won't. This lady hasn't done that for me, or anyone, as far as I know. [If so, she should right a book about it (he,he). ] For two: what a great way to turn people away from God, but to say, "My way is the right way and if your not here, your wrong." Half the arguments in the New Testament were over this issue. Jews vs. Gentile, Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised, Paul vs. Apollo, etc. etc. Again, Paul settled it by saying, "none are righteous," and "it is Christ that waters..." "All things are by Him, through Him and for Him" (paraphrase maybe?). I believe the argument is as settled as it's going to be, so please don't pass judgement and don't tell me my way is wrong for everyone. It may not be your way and would throw you and your kids into a tailspin, but that's okay.
If I never, ever become the greatest woman, author, speaker, etc. in the world, then I hope to at least become the greatest mom in the world to my kids and the greatest wife to my husband. And no, for you haters, it does not mean I have settled for less than my best. I have just chosen to give my best to the people most important to me. And, that, for me, is the best way to serve the Lord. He seems to like it that way, too.
I need to know, because apparently I am falling behind the curve. I read all the time about these mommies stay at home with their five kids, helps or leads some program at church, are involved in some kind of committee or Board, volunteers, are GREAT housekeepers, writes books, leads national conferences...
How in the world do these ladies have the time and energy?! I am sure, too, that if you ask them, they have a great marriage to a wonderful husband who works full time to support his family (and then some), coaches little league, teaches Sunday school and is a wonderful father, too. Am I missing something? Is my husband not what he's supposed to be? Am I suffering some kind of strange disease that zaps my energy? Is this just a phase and one day I too will be one of "those moms?"
I am reading this book called, "12 steps to becoming a more organized woman." Being the good Christian I am, I chose a book based on biblical principles. This particular one is based on the Proverbs 31. Now, I had really wise pastor/teacher/mentor who told me the mythical Proverbs Woman doesn't exist, but this lady would argue with that. In fact, she might even tell you that she is the personification of it.
The book itself is okay and provides some great tips on how to organize your budget, schedule, household, etc. BUT, I have a problem with this lady and her too perfect family dressed all in white with their perfect little world for more than one reason. First of all, I am so far from being this proverbial example of mother and wife-dom that I can't see straight. Second, who is she kidding? Am I really gonna believe that her children are little angels all the time? That she never has a moment when she is ready to throw them or her husband out a window (not really, but you know what I mean)? Come on! I am struggling with little things, like getting the laundry washed, dried, folded and put away at the same time; much less setting aside one whole day, just for me (as she suggest any woman who is organized should be able to do on a regular basis).
Second of all, this lady suggests (as I have heard many times) that a mom can't really be a good mom unless she is staying at home full time with her children. Now, I have done this for a short period of time and did enjoy it to some degree. But, it isn't the best solution for our family. To be honest, my husband does a better job and is more satisfied with staying home with our children (when that has to happen). Not to mention, our son loves being around other kids (in school/daycare). He loves having people to talk to and share with (he's 18 mo. so that's a big deal). I am a better mom when I am working. When I am home from work, I am more focused on my child and his needs and have a greater desire to spend quality time with him. We have a better relationship and so do I and my husband. For us, it is just better.
Thirdly, I have a major, MAJOR, issue with anyone trying to say their way is the right way for everyone. Jesus advocated flexibility (that's why He didn't like the Pharisees and Priests). He recognizes that, even if Ms. Proverbial Woman doesn't: God has created many different people with many different personalities. For instance, my husband is not a structure person, but I am a planner by heart. If we had a planned program every week, all the time (like she recommends), he would go out of his mind and I would constantly be stressing over it. So, we are learning (after five years, we still don't have it down pat) to compromise and have a little of both. That's why I got the book to begin with. This author sends so many messages saying, that lacking strong organization and structure in a home is a sign of unhealthiness and irresponsibility. I disagree.
Finally, my husband and I have chosen, as we have felt led, to become a family in transition. In the past year, we have moved four times (once across country). We sold most of our possessions to live in a travel trailer. We have one child in our "home" under the age of two (our daughter does not live with us, except for short visits). We have debts we accumulated while in college (another thing this Christian woman says is wrong). We have a vehicle we are making payments on (another no,no) . Either I or my husband have both been out of work for one reason or another for the past 9 months. I'm not blaming anybody or complaining about any of this (and will even take responsibility for and rejoice in some of it), but these are all circumstances that just do NOT fit in Ms. Organizational Master's plan. There is no way I could even begin to implement her ideal plan, just for a lack of space. Who cares about budget, time, etc?
Regardless, I'm not saying we are right or have a model relationship/household. As a matter of fact, we have done a lot of things wrong and probably will do many more. I had one day dreamed of being one of "those mommies," the national speaker who shares her testimony and teaches others how to do anything and everything and writes a book and bible study program; but anymore, I just want to be the best mommy I can be. I love (really do enjoy) my job and want to be the best Assoc. Psychologist I can. I may write a book one day or teach/lead on a national level. But, really, right now, I'm just Mommy, Honey, AK-47, or whoever I need to be to best serve the people I love and care about. That's good enough for me for right now.
The worst thing about this book is because Ms. Author Lady does all this from behind the Bible, it's hard to tell the difference. Thank goodness, I know how to and do read that book, too:)! I absolutely, ABSOLUTELY, can not stand for anyone to pass judgement or speak for the Lord in condemnation on any other. For one: doesn't Paul tell us that "we have NO condemnation in Christ?" Forgive me, but if He won't condemn me, why should anyone else. He took my sin and has the right to do it, but won't. This lady hasn't done that for me, or anyone, as far as I know. [If so, she should right a book about it (he,he). ] For two: what a great way to turn people away from God, but to say, "My way is the right way and if your not here, your wrong." Half the arguments in the New Testament were over this issue. Jews vs. Gentile, Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised, Paul vs. Apollo, etc. etc. Again, Paul settled it by saying, "none are righteous," and "it is Christ that waters..." "All things are by Him, through Him and for Him" (paraphrase maybe?). I believe the argument is as settled as it's going to be, so please don't pass judgement and don't tell me my way is wrong for everyone. It may not be your way and would throw you and your kids into a tailspin, but that's okay.
If I never, ever become the greatest woman, author, speaker, etc. in the world, then I hope to at least become the greatest mom in the world to my kids and the greatest wife to my husband. And no, for you haters, it does not mean I have settled for less than my best. I have just chosen to give my best to the people most important to me. And, that, for me, is the best way to serve the Lord. He seems to like it that way, too.
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