A kitchen update

This is the corner of the kitchen where "the big window" is in the posing below. This is for you K. :-)

Where do I start?

Oh' boy. Well first off, we got a house! Yep, home-ownership r us! We got it in July... and then the renovations started.... and believe it or not, we haven't killed each other..... yet.... So, just a quick list of what we have done...

Painted the interior of the house.

Ripped out the old carpet on the main floor.

Ripped out the multiple layers of tiles/laminate in the kitchen/hall.

Replaced all the drywall in the kitchen.

Ripped out the old cabinets, counter in the kitchen... can we say major DEMO?

Removed the two half walls the had made the kitchen so tiny!

Removed and replaced a lot of the kitchen subflooring.... gross.

Ran new electrical wires throughout the kitchen.

Installed new cabinets, both wall and base cabinets in the kitchen.

Capped the old gas line for the old gas oven.

Installed a new slide in Induction oven.

Installed Maple flooring in the kitchen and living room (doing the dining room today)

Hung curtians :-)

"Created" an extension for the cabinets for our soon-to-be-installed granite countertops.

Got a new dishwasher.

Created outdoor doggie area, for all the poops.... gross.

I know I'm missing stuff... but after a while it all starts bluring together.... oy.

It's been a real experience. A hard and difficult time, but so worth it!

Sometimes I don't like men much!

What is with men not understanding the difference between financial support and emotional support? Why can't they just say good job! And when we ask for a pat on the back, why does it always come back as "I've got your back" but they only translate it to... well, I paid for that, therefore I'm supporting you? I just want to understand!!!!!!

When I have something good happen, just say; "wow, that great" and then shut-the-hell-up! I don't need to know what the next steps should be, or have the moment analyzed, I just need to feel that I'm doing a good job, so that I can continue to be motivated in order to keep doing a good job!!! Yes, I need the cookie!

My girlfriends get this, at least they give the correct responses, so it appears so.

Just let me enjoy a moment or support me and talk to me about stuff, don't tell me what to do "cause, you know better" I need to learn and grow and can't do that if I'm being led everywhere, I'll just get lost in the woods when you get eaten by a bear!

Alright, I'm done!

Another day in friggin paradise...

Yeah, yeah... just so you all know, it's been a cool and comfortable 66 degrees here for quite some time, wouldn't know it was June in CALIFORNIA!!!!!! I can't complain though, sure makes working outside a whole lot more comfortable.

So, my business is up and running! What is really funny, is the majority of my "clients" are people that I worked with previously, when I was with W*****. They called W****, someone came and did the inspection, and clients were unhappy with the results... then they called me!! So, I have to think my previous employer, for doing such a crummy job, my clients trust me - and knew I could help them! My inner "bitch" is a little smug about this. Hmmm.. do I like this about myself? Why not! Well, yeah!

So I've heard of spontaneous combustion, but what about....

..... spontaneous brain explosion? It seems like their is so much to do, but all that really matters is getting business at this point. So, any suggestions? The research that I've done, clearly states that direct mailing/cold calling is out; antiquated and doesn't work anyways (which is good, cause postage ain't cheap). So, now I'm to become a pillar of the community.... no, no laughing.. ok, you can giggle a little, but don't let anyone hear you! Looks like I'll be joining a few women in business orgs.. hmm.. now which fork do I use to stab someone in the eye? Salad, Entree, or that little one? Ahh, etiquette.

I'll also need to join a general business/leads group. It would probably be better to schedule those before cleaning a bunch a raccoon poo or removing a dead skunk, huh. And I guess bathing will be required as well..... hey, as long nylons are not required I'm good. I do clean up reasonably well. At least my pimp says so.

Like I said, I'm trying to make a strong effort in updating my blog, as evidenced by my one follower, I'm very popular and by not posting, would be upsetting the masses. Anarchy and chaos, now we can't have that.

For all of you out there, I'm going to recommend a book. This is helping me, with this whole business owner thing. It's called "Book yourself solid" by Michael Port. Ok, I hate self help books, I think they belong with diet books, and biology books that don't teach evolution. However, this is not a self help, it's a guide. Like when you travel overseas and you buy a guide book to help you traverse the city streets and locate all the cool stuff; museums, restaurants, etc. This book is worth it.

Wish me luck, and as always, I'm up for suggestions. Whether I listen or not is up for debate, but surprisingly you people actually know stuff, and more often than not.. more stuff than me.

Web site up and running!

Ok, I'm getting there!

Check out the website http://www.alwayshumane.com/

I'm now a legit business! Yep, next thing you know the IRS will be on my back and everything... gee, I can't wait!

I still have a ways to go, but really.... I can do so much once everything gets going, doesn't have to be perfect right off the bat, right? RIGHT?!!? Oh' god, what did I forget... hmmm... crap.

I know that most of you peoples out there, don't post comments, but really I can take it... come on, it's not like I know where "all" of you live..... Yep, Friday evening and here I am updating my blog! And working on the great "business", not out and about (couldn't afford it anyways).

So let me know what you think, even if I've already thought it, and am planning on doing it, I'll still welcome your comments!

Ok, I know, I'm not good at posting......

So, where to start? I'm excited, depressed, tense, anxious, content, happy, nervous, thrilled, and sad.

I was "let go" from W*****e on Friday.

My director pasted me on to a "new" manager. Tne new manager and I did not agree on many things, to say the least. We are both stubborn and independent women. The difference? I've been running the program for almost 3 years. She was brought into the program in January - of this year. What has her role at W*****e been previously? An occasional phone volunteer for a few hours a week, who liked to tell people about thier totem animals, meh.

So, yeah, my pride is wounded... but.... I'm hurt, the organization that I've been intimately involved in on so many levels, has let someone take over my program and "dismissed" me. I'm no longer a volunteer, a foster care person, a backup medical person, or a problem solver for that organization. I'm rogue.

I'm thrilled because now I'm a business owner, whereas before I felt loyalty towards W****e and couldn't see myself doing my own thing, hmmm... yeah, that no longer applies. Don't get me wrong, i wish W******e all the best, it is a wonderful place and I hope they do well in thse troubled times. The program I specifically worked in? That can crash into the fiery inferno of hell for all I care. (Sorry M, but it's true)

I'm free. It's a great feeling, but sort of empty right now. It's like I'm gun ho for going forward, but thier is so much that I'm going to miss.

I've been cranking away on getting everything done, and kind of surprised myself! The only thing I'm missing is a logo, but am working on it! Thank god for good friends!!! And not having to answer to anyone, well Rob.... but, I can bribe him! So, now that I'm home a little more, I'll try to keep up with my postings!

Love you all and thank you for your support!