Motivation.

Our recent trip to Florida was not only an amazing getaway for us to spend some much needed time together, it was also a opportunity to "forget" about the amount of work we want to complete on the house before September. I say "forget" in quotations as I don't think Jason or I ever really do forget, however are somehow able to put it out of our minds for a moment or two when we are over 2000 miles away instead of the work starring us in the face when we are home.

Every day that we drove from the rental house in Florida to Disney, I would comment to Jason about how I always had a small hope/belief that somehow it just wouldn't be busy that day and there would be no line ups and we could ride all our favorite rides all day long without ever waiting. Naturally, as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, that hope and dream was shattered beyond belief as I watched the other 3000ish people all marching towards the entry gates. The entire time we were away I had the same dream for the 4 acres of 3 foot weeds that have taken over our entire property that I had for all those people...that they would disappear! Naturally, what I got was crowds of people every day in Disney and 5 foot weeds upon our return home. Bottom line is this...we have about 5 weeks to get this place cleaned up and closed up before school and work dictate our lives once again.

Jason and I are both very good list makers. I especially, can make a mean list. When I was in high school and involved in way too many things, I would get overwhelmed with the endless tasks at hand. My Mom would always save the day, calm me down, and get me to make a list. A list means you see everything in front of you and you can cross out as you go. I love the feeling of crossing things off a list. I catch myself making lists sometimes just because I know I will be able to cross things off. My phone is full of lists, the side of the fridge is full of lists, both mine and Jason's computers are full of lists. This house is one big list right now. The problem, or at least what has been the problem for the past 6 months or so is where the crossing off comes in. There has not been a whole heck of a lot of crossing off. See for yourself...


We have started and made progress in a lot of different areas, however for one reason or another have not quite got to the crossing out stage and therefore motivations are dwindling. That is where the next 5 weeks come in and a much needed, revised and temporary list. Our energy needs to see some crossing off and we need to see it soon. We have had our fun, and will continue to in moderation, however it is time to buckle down, refocus and just get it done. Winter is coming way too fast to delay these outdoor projects any longer. Siding needs to be finished (man am I sick of looking at housewrap), garage doors needs their openers installed, the back deck needs to be built and railed (in time for one small person's BIG birthday I hope), the front steps need to be redone and lastly and most annoyingly, the weeds need to be tamed and tilled. Somewhere in there I hope to make a fenced in area for Jake too, since as much as we love him, he seems to not love us so much and tends to prefer the people who live across the highway.

My own personal list apart from the house building is growing right along side with curtains to hem, Pinterest projects to complete and not just sigh over and parties to plan. I am determined to get this stuff done as I do not have much hope for my desire and/or energy level once September rolls in.

This is it. Here we go. I have my black sharpie ready and my work clothes on.