Every year around this time, I find myself with a long list of projects I would like to complete before the weather gets too cold and I can’t comfortably work outside. Though I’ve been known to spray paint on even the coldest days (then carefully bringing the thing inside to dry), projects like stripping paint and sanding and using the table saw all require the outdoors because of their mess. I have a few of these projects patiently waiting in the wings for my not-so-patient self to complete while the weather cooperates.
It’s funny how this works. Around late spring, I write a list of projects I want to complete by early fall, and this said list always growwwwwwwws. This year is no different. I have a couple bedside tables to sand and stain or paint. A barn door for our den needs to be built, and while I’m talking about building, a range hood needs to be designed, built and installed as well. These corbels are a sneak peek of that project to come.
A pair of bookcases for the den are swirling around my mind too, and because nothing is standard measurements in the 1820, these need to be custom built as well. Flanking both sides of the big window, these bookcases will really cozy up the room and add a lot of storage. But, they need to be built, first.
And there’s my book that I’m writing. A true labor of love that has an early spring deadline. Recipes need to be created, tested and retested. Entertaining DIY’s need to be executed, photographed and the how-to written. Not something I can hold off for colder weather as a lot of the photography will be shot outdoors. Sound stressful? Maybe, but still, my true passion and I’m all in.
It’s all a balancing act. I have a set period of time during the day while the kids are at school to rock and roll and work on these projects. Once they’re home, the Uber magnet gets put on my car and I’m driving my sweet tax deductions to various sports activities just like the rest of them.
So get the stopwatch ready. I’m racing the clock and checking off my list and hoping I’ll get all this done before it’s too cold to do outside, all while still trying to keep an hour of down time for a little quiet and catch up.
Oh, and did I mention I’d like to build a chick coop before winter hits, so we can welcome spring chicks…?
Pamela says
Your list sounds like mine and the clocking is ticking! Here’s to wishing you success in getting the much of your list tackled before snow flies.
Melissa says
I learned a new word this week … corbel