With the Spring-like weather occurring here in Ohio in mid March, my thoughts are turning to projects I would like to begin tackling & accomplishing soon. Crossing the threshold between thinking about them and actually accomplishing them is where I often struggle.
Anyway, today I climbed up on the roof to clean out the chimney of the creosote build-up. Filled 2-5 gallon buckets worth of creosote. Also put some hardware cloth under the cap to keep out those detestable chimney swifts/grackles/starlings that want to build a nest in it every year.
Regarding other plans: We have two 16’x32′ shed roof chicken coops that I want to fix-up. Both have concrete floors. Both need new roofs. I want to convert one into a combination chicken coop/wood shed (for storing firewood). The other one, I want to convert into a workshop & storage area for equipment (mowers, tiller, garden equip, etc). The 1st one just needs new roof, weatherproofing, etc. The 2nd one I am wanting to re-roof, re-side, put some windows/doors in, insulate, plumb, electrify, etc. Since I am someone who needs to get “on-a-roll”, I will start the 1st shed first, and that will be the impetus to roll on into the 2nd one. My problem has always been “GETTING STARTED”.
Further plans:
1. Building an arbor over the greenhouse to provide some shading
2. Finally getting that 2nd floor room in the main house and the
attic space above it remodeled.
3. Building some raised bed frames for the gardens
4. Finally get around to doing the remaining “trimwork” on 2nd
floor of garage.
5. Get a new dog. So, at least when I fail my dog will still love me even
when my wife doesn’t (and sends me to the doghouse).
One of the things I am trying to change as a “mindset” is to look at these things as something beneficial and something I “WANT to do”, versus looking at them as something “I HAVE to do”. I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor and for it to be worthwhile.
Nice blog you’ve got here.
Definitely understand your predicament… I too am one for putting things off and needing to get some momentum…
I find it works particularly well for indoor projects if I just start ripping things out – forces the issue, since the wife has no desire to live in a half-finished house and neither do I 🙂
In order to get a “jump start” on our first floor remodel, we ripped out walls this December, but we’ve still got a lot to do and the walls were left in a less-than-perfect state, since drywall sanding creates a lot of dust. We’re putting it off until early Spring.
Thanks, Fred. Usually when I am doing drywall sanding, I seal off the room with plastic and try to exhaust some of the dust by opening two windows to try to create cross ventilation, putting an exhaust fan in one of them. I also have a special attachment for my shop vac that hooks up to my drywall sander that vacs the dust as I sand. It has made a huge difference. Make sure that the shop vac has the special dust filter in it for real fine drywall dust.
Well, it has to be said that once you do get on a roll, you at the jobs like gangbusters. whatever those are;)
We all tend to share in the “getting started” conundrum…many of us… me, anyway.
Hey! When was the last time anyone sent you to the doghouse? Maybe its time I get some black boots and whip…maybe that’s what you are waiting for, eh?
Achtung, Baby.
But I would like a new dog, too…someone has to live in that old doghouse!
yippee for the raised beds, too:)