We took the weekend to go visit Zyon's family in Ohio. Now, driving from where we are in PA to OH is a pain in the butt because the state of PA is huge - width wise.

We ran into so.much.traffic. this past weekend I couldn't believe it! Not only traffic but construction and stranded vehicles too! I saw a few motorhomes on the side of the road - I didn't even see that on the way to Disney in May! Oh and did you know there is actually motorhome towing - yup, towing specifically for motorhomes. Who knew?!

Once we got there things went well. We even took a trip to the Cleveland Zoo and the kids loved it! I gotta say though, I am really glad we're not going anywhere this weekend!

Well, you've seen the basement remodel but you haven't seen the 'damage' financially! Actually, it wasn't bad at all and we will be able to recoup the money in about 2 months. *whew* At this point, with me working full time from home and Zyon working full time plus part time from home (for the same company I work for) it's been really nice, money wise. We're finally being able to do things without worrying.

In fact, Zy had thought about going full time like I am and quitting his 'corporate' job but then the issue of health insurance comes up and even though you can get a good deal using insurance marketing we still like the situation the way it now much better than having to buy private insurance.

However, I am NOT for this new healthcare plan that Obama is trying to push and I would MUCH RATHER buy private insurance if I had to, than have 'free' healthcare!

We are finally done with the main room of the basement! The bathroom and ceiling will be completed next year. I can't believe I have a finished basement that will serve as an office/family room!



When we first moved in, before doing anything, we had our basement water managed. We have an irrigation system that takes any water that comes in through the brick to a sump pump and back out.

We made sure the entire basement was studded out far enough that the brick still has room to breathe. We used greenboard drywall because it has a pretty decent water-resistant paper covering. We used rubber molding too. Even most of the furniture is up off the ground. So, if for some reason the pump fails and we do get water in the basement, we will have easy fixes.

Almost finished!

Zyon and Dave agreed it's best to take the weekend to step away from the project and then come back to it on Monday. A short break is always a good idea, then look at it again after a few days to see what needs to be touched up.

We should have everything settled in this coming week!

Even though Life is GOOD right now, stress still gets the best of me. On Wednesday, I had two of my bottom left molars pulled. I had been dreading this appointment for months, so much in fact, that I rescheduled a bunch of times.

I had these teeth pulled with only Novocaine! I stayed awake for the entire procedure and I think, while it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, being awake and aware made me tense up and therefore that is probably the reason why I am have been more sore than anticipated. All the stress mad me break out too! Time to find out what the top acne treatments are and maybe use something to clear my face up.

I was a trooper though - I stayed awake for the drilling and cutting and drilling and poking and drilling and pulling and drilling...

After some electrical hiccups - which cost me my washer - the basement is FINALLY starting to look more and more like a nice office/family room!




Today Zyon and Dave will finish up the bulk of this room, then all we'll have left is the stairway to do (the one that leads to the kitchen) and some touch ups. Then, Zy and I will need to clean up the laundry room and bathroom.

I would LOVE to just start on the bathroom but financially, we just can't. So, for now, we'll have to make due with a bathroom that has only a toilet and a concrete floor! Hey, I can't have everything!

Seriously, I am not even kidding. There is a name for everything these days. The latest? Shopping online is now referred to as 'Green shopping' and the reasons are obvious.

Yes, the energy use and carbon dioxide emissions generated by people driving to a store, getting items and then driving back home, is the downside to traditional shopping. Well, gee, no kidding!

I really can't believe they have 'studies' like these!

Not much going on this weekend where the basement is concerned. More electrical work was done and painting began. I'd say there's still about a week's worth of work to be done before we can 'officially' use it!


Starting to look more red and less 'orangy salmon pink' - this is just with one coat of paint. Zyon put a second coat on today and he thinks it will need a 3rd. Well, the color will certainly match any rooster decor I decide to put down there!

Carpet is in! We went with an 'office' grade type of carpet, it's the color charcoal. I am pleased with the installation. The color is tough to see in this photo:

On to the paint. Umm, we ordered burnt red and so far it looks like an orangy salmon pink! AAaaahhhhh! I am hoping with the finishing coat on and with it drying, it will be the color we wanted.

This is just too funny. Sad it's got truth to it though...

We are almost 2 weeks into our basement remodel - I can't believe how much work this has been! Here's how it's looking:



At this point, the ceiling is just going to get cleaned up as best we can. Eventually we may have all the pipes re-routed and put a ceiling in. That is on the list for next year.

Same with the bathroom. There will only be a toilet in there - just like there has always been. Next year we want to put a vanity and sink in there and a nice shower.

I am really pleased with the work! Thank you Dave - you are doing an awesome job!

Zyon too! He is on night shift right now but he is really helping Dave a lot. He gets home around 5:45 am, sleeps until noon, gets up and helps Dave until 5 or so, showers, helps make dinner, eats and then goes to work! I know he is exhausted. I truly appreciate all this work!