Sunday, March 4, 2012

A Little Change

It's amazing what a little change can do. A little cinnamon or nutmeg can really make a pancake pop. A little trim can make your hair have more movement. And a new floor can make a room look snazzy.

I am the type of person who wants projects fully done immediately. I don't want it done today, I want it done yesterday and perfectly. I've been making little changes to my house and it gets me super excited. Today was the upstairs bathroom floor.

My amazing dad came over to help me lay down our new vinyl tile floors. My dad is a bit of a perfectionist when he does these things (Jeez, I wonder where I got that from?). He can also be painstakingly slow as he truly measures twice (or 4-5 times) and cuts once. I love my house but quickly discovered that it has it's many mini flaws....non-straight walls being one.

After the prepping was done, tiles were laid out in little sections. T shaped contraptions were put in one direction and then moved to another. Yup, these walls did not like perfect corners. What a great opportunity this would be to show my class what true right angles are (or aren't). Tiles were wiggled this way and that to make straight lines. After what seemed like hours, the tiles were finally ready to be stuck to the floor.

Peel and stick.  
                     Peel and stick.
                                          Oh no! It's too tight...must have room to expand.
                                                            Unpeel and move.
                                                                                         Unpeel and move.

Once we finally got the first section done, things finally started to move. Tiles were slimmed and trimmed to fit perfectly against my imperfect walls. Unused pieces were molded to fit while some imperfect corners found a spot in the trash. The finished product made me smile.

"Thanks dad, it's gorgeous! What time will you be here tomorrow to put in the downstairs floor with me?", I asked with a sly grin on my face.

My weary kneed dad just looked at me...."I'll talk to your mom and see. Be up and ready by 9....just in case."

I love my dad and the face lift that my house is getting. Guess who will be up at 9 in the morning, showered and ready to go? Yup...this girl!



13 comments:

  1. You gotta love that about your dad. The things our parents do for us so we know beyond a shadow of a doubt they love us. I like how you typed the words - they felt sticky! Good luck tomorrow!

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  2. This time of year just begs for home projects. Yours looks and sounds like it is just what you need in preparation for spring! Enjoy the new floors and that special time with your dad.

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  3. That's one of the great things about dads. I love that my dad can always fix and help me with things. It's too bad that I live to far from him now that he can't come over as easily. I hope you enjoy having your parents so close by!
    jee young

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  4. Love it. I am not handy like this at all (and neither was my dad). But I have a great friend I can call when I need help with projects like this. The floor looks great by the way!

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  5. Your floor is beautiful. Your writing gave me such a perfect glimpse of the man your father must be. It also captures his love for you. Thanks for sharing that snapshot in time.

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  6. Your post actually brought tears to my eyes. No, you didn't say anything sad at all. In fact, it is such a happy post about the character traits that a father and daughter share, about working together for a common goal . . . all good, happy things. But, I just lost my dad and he was quite like yours in that he loved a good project and would have helped his little girl, happily, any day of the week -just like yours. I'm glad you're ready for more - treasure the moments.

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    1. I am so sorry for your loss. It's amazing how much we are daddy's girls...even as adults. It sounds like you have some wonderful memories to keep your dad close.

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  7. Looks gorgeous Elizabeth. I'm so glad you're near your dad so you and he can have these times together. My dad died a long while ago, but like Mardie, this was also nostalgic for me because these are things my dad did too for us and with us. Thanks for sharing about your new makeover but also about your sweet dad.

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  8. What a great dad. I love how your irregular lines conveyed the process of laying the floor--lovely bathroom as a result.

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  9. Yea for Dads that help. My father and hubby work on projects together often. It's amazing to watch the work they do together. Most recently they did some childproofing. Next month it'll be installing some cubbies in my daughter's playroom.
    Kudos to you for being up early!

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  10. ohh sounds so much like my hubby. But look at the wonderful bathroom you have now. And btw I have that same shower curtain.:)
    Tammy


    First Grade @ Klinger Cafe

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    1. Great taste in bathroom attire Tammy. It's my boys bathroom...wanted to keep it manly without the cute factor so they could grow into it.

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  11. Wow, wow, wow! This is beautiful! You are so blessed to have a dad that does this kind of stuff. My dad loved me a ton, and would do anything for us, but he was definitely not a handy kind of a guy!

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