Perspective

Since we moved into our current house, even though we have an excellent landlord, my mantra has been: "After this, I don't want to rent anymore." I didn't know how that was going to be possible, but I wanted something that was completely mine. Something I could paint, modify, and just generally customize to my heart's content. Thing is, I never suspected that I would be doing that in an RV!

So, we've owned Harvey for about two weeks now and we are up to our eyeballs in demo and renovation. Each time we think we are undertaking a simple task, it multiplies into a multi-step PROJECT, but we are making progress and we are so excited about what it will become: our home! Although we waffled a bit because of time constraints (hello 5 weeks!), we've decided to go ahead and completely paint the interior and pull up the carpet and replace with wood laminate (see previous statement about multi-step serious projects).

What we've done so far* (an incomplete list):
- replaced the battery
- cleaned out all of the random odds and ends that were inside
- taken down weird accordion doors in shower and bedroom
- taken down all window treatments including weird carpet valances
- washed all windows
- caulked exterior of all windows
- caulked all roof attachments
- removed all -- ALL -- vinyl wallpaper and rotten wood (this happened yesterday and is HUGE)

*picture/detail post soon for all of demo!

Still to go:
- re-seal roof
- check working status of all appliances and generator
- caulk exterior seams
- re-attach bathtub unit to wall
- remove all old caulk from tub (ugh. time consuming!)
- re caulk tub/shower unit
- rip up all carpet (Nick started in the bathroom yesterday!)
- install new wood laminate floor
- GooGone all walls to remove sticky residue
- bleach mildewy wood and let dry
- caulk all seams, patch all holes
- sand everything
- prime & paint interior
- nest & pack!

Of course, the last step is my favorite and I have been scouring Pinterest for cute and practical ideas. I am trying to keep my decorating budget under $350, which means basically a new duvet cover, some throw pillows and fabric for simple curtains. This whole process has already had a steep learning curve (and budgeting curve) and I'm sure living in Harvey will provide us with even more opportunities to learn and change our minds about stuff.

For a bit of perspective, here's a video tour of our house now. I made this for my aunt Kathy about a week before our land lord informed us he would be selling our house, which prompted our whole western adventure to begin with. (In the video each time I say, "Kathy" just imagine I'm saying your name. :) It is a 3 bedroom 1 and 1/2 bath with a full attic, full basement, and garage. You could say that we're downsizing. A bit.

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