So about a week ago, my husband-to-be rented a trash dumpster, because we had a few large pieces of fiberglass insulation to dispose of. Of course, he was not content to simply dispose of the insulation- he wanted to maximize the available space and toss as much "junk" as possible. Thus ensued a mini battle over what should be tossed and what should be kept. You know how they say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? I'm the one who typically finds treasure in unlikely items. I guess it has something to do with growing up in a house that was being remodeled, and having all kinds of building materials to appropriate and play with: pieces of pipe and rope made awesome trapeze swings, wood scraps and nails became sailboats, etc. Of course, I'm a lot more practical now, so as piles of scrap wood were hurled into the dupster, I couldn't protest. The thought of our yard becoming a haven for termites isn't an appealing one. There were, however, some worthwhile items being discarded, such as a slightly rusted metal cart, perfectly suited for storing tools and in need of only a once over with a metal brush and a new coat of paint. But I couldn't stop R- he was a man on a mission.
I was angry with him at first, but it doesn't do much good to be angry with someone who is determined. And despite the fact that I seemed to be on the losing end of our battle over whether certain items should stay or go, we were both pleased that the garage and yard became a little bit tidier.
The insulation was a no-brainer- it was falling down from the ceiling of the garage, leaving bits of irritating fiberglass and other debris all over everything. The prior owner of our house was in a band, and our garage was his practice space, so it is totally insulated. The walls are completely covered in drywall (a nice touch, although the seams were never sanded and it was never primed/painted). The ceiling is insulated and the strips of insulation tacked up, but this area didn't get drywall, so over time some of the insulation strips have come loose, hence the dumpster.
Spring cleaning brought back memories for us. We both remembered when we first moved in, and the things we disposed of. The most memorable was an enormous antenna on the roof of the house. It must have been thirty feet long, mangled at the top, and positively ancient looking. The aluminum gutters also went- they were rusted, nonfunctional, and a horrible eyesore. Other items include the original bathroom vanities and one one of the vanity tops (I salvaged the other one), practically the entire kitchen, all the flooring, the "cottage cheese" acoustic ceiling, the list goes on and on!
The kitchen was a joke. The counter tops were a cheap laminate, which is fine, I have nothing against cheap- but the one on the sink side of the kitchen had never been secured to the cabinets beneath, and the one on the stove side of the kitchen was about four inches too short. Those went. I saved the kitchen sink, planning to reuse it outdoors- but in the latest round of tossing "junk", it didn't make the cut. That's ok- as a two bowl sink, it was too large for what I have planned.
So how did I rehabilitate our once frightening kitchen? IKEA to the rescue! As a former Home Depot employee, I know what it costs to redo a kitchen-- it's not cheap! There are a few ways to go- KraftMaid and it's competitors- lovely, but ouch! And the contractor's special- off the shelf super boring, no frills cabinetry. Then there's IKEA. I'm a Consumer Reports junkie, and IKEA kitchens get high marks. With good reason-- the cabinetry features excellent design and European style hardware. Drawers extend all the way out, on ball bearing slides, and have a self close feature. Best of all- features like this are standard (not so with KraftMaid and it's competitors).
I opted for a freestanding kitchen, which simplified matters even more. Unfortunately, the line I used (Bravad) is now defunct, so I won't be able to add additional pieces (what I was planning on doing- darn!!). I don't know why the line was discontinued- not only is it well made, but it is very attractive- much better looking than the longstanding Varde line. And it's not like I can mix and match- Bravad is oak and white laminate, Varde is pine. Oh well, c'est la vie. I was pretty much done with the kitchen, and what isn't done can be completed with pieces from their built-in line. I used Bravad for the base cabinetry and used a few pieces of Bravad for the upper cabinetry, leaving two of the original upper built in cabinets on the opposide wall. With the addition of some IKEA door pulls, they match beautifully. And of course being made of solid wood circa 1950's, they're better made than a lot of other options.
I have fond memories of ripping out the upper cabinets on the stovetop side of the kitchen, along with the old vent hood. I must say, I rock at demolition! Yes, I did it myself, when R wasn't home! R is extremely mess-averse. We make a good team- I make messes, he cleans them up. Just kidding (sort-of!) What else I did: replaced the stovetop with a stainless steel model, put in a stainless steel dishwasher, and added a counter-depth stainless steel fridge. Everything looks great and coordinates, with the exception of the ancient gas oven. The oven, which is black, will need to be replaced in the future, but unfortunately the project money ran out before we could get to that. It didn't help that I lost my job when we were in escrow! Yes, SERIOUSLY. What a nightmare! It makes me ill just remembering those weeks and months of struggle and uncertainty, but it's behind us now, THANK GOD.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Spiritual Projects
Spiritual matters have been on my mind lately. I suppose that coming to peace with existential realities is the ultimate project. Funny, this is something that I thought I'd resolved a long time ago, but as life changes we are forced to evolve.
I "became a Christian" at age 15, and it worked for me. I found answers to all of my questions, and suddenly belonged to a large loving family. In a confusing world with too many choices and avenues, suddenly I had a path. I could see the outline of my life, and it was beautiful. I envisioned a life of service and devotion to God. I saw children- several. For many years, I've approached life as a future parent. I've saved things from my life- objects, photos, lessons learned- with the hope and expectation that I would share them with my children. I've processed events in my life and in the world at large as "teachable moments" (to quote the president).
Well, I'm 34 years old now, and at my last doctor's appointment I mentioned my desire to have a child. I am well aware that the risk of birth defects such as Down Syndrome seem to increase radically after age 35. My doctor assured me that a difference of a few months (conceiving at age 34 vs age 35) isn't that significant, and reminded me that many women have healthy babies later in life- even into their forties. Still, my plan has been to start "trying" as soon as possible after the wedding. I've been making changes- discontinuing some medication, most notably- and it has been an easy transition. But interestingly, it doesn't seem as important now. I've made changes, I've sought to prepare myself- and my heart is saying, "Maybe I don't need to be a mom afterall." WOW. This is strange.
I have grieved SO MUCH for the loss of the life that I wanted- the life I imagined as an idealistic teen. When my career plans didn't materialize (not once, but several times), I grieved. When my father grew ill, and it became clear that neither my future spouse nor my future children would know him, I grieved. When my grandparents passed away, and again it became clear that my future children wouldn't know these amazing people who truly meant the world to me, I grieved. The pain was beyond words.
I have a much different life than the one I wanted and planned for. I expected God to provide certain things, because I just knew they were what I needed to live a life that would be pleasing. What I've learned is that living a certain life- with husband and children, with a particular career path- isn't the only way to honor my Creator and to achieve my full potential in life.
I have different beliefs now than I did as a teen/ young adult. I'm hoping I can find a spiritual family where my current beliefs and lifestyle choices are both welcome and validated. I'm looking for a church where the James Dobson/Focus On The Family view of life (as I remember it from my teenage years) isn't the gold standard for a well-lived life.
I "became a Christian" at age 15, and it worked for me. I found answers to all of my questions, and suddenly belonged to a large loving family. In a confusing world with too many choices and avenues, suddenly I had a path. I could see the outline of my life, and it was beautiful. I envisioned a life of service and devotion to God. I saw children- several. For many years, I've approached life as a future parent. I've saved things from my life- objects, photos, lessons learned- with the hope and expectation that I would share them with my children. I've processed events in my life and in the world at large as "teachable moments" (to quote the president).
Well, I'm 34 years old now, and at my last doctor's appointment I mentioned my desire to have a child. I am well aware that the risk of birth defects such as Down Syndrome seem to increase radically after age 35. My doctor assured me that a difference of a few months (conceiving at age 34 vs age 35) isn't that significant, and reminded me that many women have healthy babies later in life- even into their forties. Still, my plan has been to start "trying" as soon as possible after the wedding. I've been making changes- discontinuing some medication, most notably- and it has been an easy transition. But interestingly, it doesn't seem as important now. I've made changes, I've sought to prepare myself- and my heart is saying, "Maybe I don't need to be a mom afterall." WOW. This is strange.
I have grieved SO MUCH for the loss of the life that I wanted- the life I imagined as an idealistic teen. When my career plans didn't materialize (not once, but several times), I grieved. When my father grew ill, and it became clear that neither my future spouse nor my future children would know him, I grieved. When my grandparents passed away, and again it became clear that my future children wouldn't know these amazing people who truly meant the world to me, I grieved. The pain was beyond words.
I have a much different life than the one I wanted and planned for. I expected God to provide certain things, because I just knew they were what I needed to live a life that would be pleasing. What I've learned is that living a certain life- with husband and children, with a particular career path- isn't the only way to honor my Creator and to achieve my full potential in life.
I have different beliefs now than I did as a teen/ young adult. I'm hoping I can find a spiritual family where my current beliefs and lifestyle choices are both welcome and validated. I'm looking for a church where the James Dobson/Focus On The Family view of life (as I remember it from my teenage years) isn't the gold standard for a well-lived life.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Pedro, Part II
San Pedro feels like home not just because the hilly neighborhoods and proximity to the ocean are a salve to my soul, but also because it's a city with history.
My own history with San Pedro began with school field trips to Marineland and a childhood friendship. Vanessa was a few years older than I was, the daughter of my parents' friend Carl. I relished our infrequent get togethers because she was bright and adventurous, and cared for me like the perfect big sister. I remember her piling pillows at the base of the stairs in her home then climbing aboard a piece of cardboard and flying down into them at full speed.
Vanessa lived in San Pedro and volunteered at the Marine Mammal Rescue Center (or perhaps it was the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium- octopi aren't mammals!). I remember her telling a captivating tale about how an octopus at the center could undo the lock on it's enclosure and would wander around the center at night. The thought of such a thing boggled my young mind- an exotic sea creature carefully waiting until its' keepers had left, then smartly undoing a lock and wandering around freely?! To learn that the unassuming octopus was not only intelligent but also rebellious was a delicious thought, and something I've always remembered.
My personal history with San Pedro clearly is minimal, but it has also always existed for me as a place in family legend. My mom grew up in the South Bay (in the beach cities of Manhattan and Redondo). Her father was a plumbing contractor and owned a tool rental yard on Pacific Coast Highway in Lomita, perhaps a mile from where I now work. The location is no longer used for that purpose, nor has it been for years. Sadly, he passed away from brain cancer approximately a decade before I was born. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him, but it brings me comfort to know that I live and work in the same geographical sphere that he lived and worked in. Growing up, I occasionally heard a story from my mom about how he recruited her as his driver when he was ill. She was about fourteen years old and didn't have her license yet. On one occasion, she nearly had an accident attempting to shift while making a turn on a steep hill. The location? San Pedro.
Not having grown up in the South Bay myself, I haven't been exposed to prevailing opinion about the area- I'm more or less resticted to my own opinions. When my mom was young, prevailing opinion was that Pedro was a rough area, and understandably so. The Port and fishing industries were a magnet for immigrant men from around the world. It is still a very ethnically and socioeconomically diverse community, for better or for worse. For me personally, diversity makes a place better. My home is about a mile from the Trump Ocean Trails Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, but I'm happy to be a resident of Los Angeles. I have all the beauty and wonder of RPV and very little of the snobbery.
My own history with San Pedro began with school field trips to Marineland and a childhood friendship. Vanessa was a few years older than I was, the daughter of my parents' friend Carl. I relished our infrequent get togethers because she was bright and adventurous, and cared for me like the perfect big sister. I remember her piling pillows at the base of the stairs in her home then climbing aboard a piece of cardboard and flying down into them at full speed.
Vanessa lived in San Pedro and volunteered at the Marine Mammal Rescue Center (or perhaps it was the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium- octopi aren't mammals!). I remember her telling a captivating tale about how an octopus at the center could undo the lock on it's enclosure and would wander around the center at night. The thought of such a thing boggled my young mind- an exotic sea creature carefully waiting until its' keepers had left, then smartly undoing a lock and wandering around freely?! To learn that the unassuming octopus was not only intelligent but also rebellious was a delicious thought, and something I've always remembered.
My personal history with San Pedro clearly is minimal, but it has also always existed for me as a place in family legend. My mom grew up in the South Bay (in the beach cities of Manhattan and Redondo). Her father was a plumbing contractor and owned a tool rental yard on Pacific Coast Highway in Lomita, perhaps a mile from where I now work. The location is no longer used for that purpose, nor has it been for years. Sadly, he passed away from brain cancer approximately a decade before I was born. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him, but it brings me comfort to know that I live and work in the same geographical sphere that he lived and worked in. Growing up, I occasionally heard a story from my mom about how he recruited her as his driver when he was ill. She was about fourteen years old and didn't have her license yet. On one occasion, she nearly had an accident attempting to shift while making a turn on a steep hill. The location? San Pedro.
Not having grown up in the South Bay myself, I haven't been exposed to prevailing opinion about the area- I'm more or less resticted to my own opinions. When my mom was young, prevailing opinion was that Pedro was a rough area, and understandably so. The Port and fishing industries were a magnet for immigrant men from around the world. It is still a very ethnically and socioeconomically diverse community, for better or for worse. For me personally, diversity makes a place better. My home is about a mile from the Trump Ocean Trails Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, but I'm happy to be a resident of Los Angeles. I have all the beauty and wonder of RPV and very little of the snobbery.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Why I Love San Pedro
Nearly every day, R and I will look at one another and one of us will enthusiastically comment, "Have I mentioned lately that I love where we live?!" Sometimes this happens while we're out walking the dogs, sometimes while we're preparing dinner, sometimes on a weekend morning over breakfast. We are very content in our home, our neighborhood, and our city.
A few of the many reasons I love where I am:
Hills!
History!
the Harbor!
I've always loved hilly neighborhoods, so it brings me great joy to be in one. As I drive home from work every day, I drive up and down a series of hills, with magnificent Catalina Island finally coming into view. The home stretch is a ninety degree turn towards Palos Verdes with more brilliant blue water and beautiful hills in sight. It all shifts out of view as I coast down to our house, nestled at the bottom of the street. Living among hills is a visual feast- there is always something to gaze upon and engage with. Although the neighborhood is circa 1960, I don't get bored with the sight of ranch houses. They don't wait tiredly in line but instead seem to dance upon the landscape. Our home, although lacking an ocean view, faces south towards Catalina. The front facade is always bathed in light, and it feels as though the house is looking out to sea.
A few of the many reasons I love where I am:
Hills!
History!
the Harbor!
I've always loved hilly neighborhoods, so it brings me great joy to be in one. As I drive home from work every day, I drive up and down a series of hills, with magnificent Catalina Island finally coming into view. The home stretch is a ninety degree turn towards Palos Verdes with more brilliant blue water and beautiful hills in sight. It all shifts out of view as I coast down to our house, nestled at the bottom of the street. Living among hills is a visual feast- there is always something to gaze upon and engage with. Although the neighborhood is circa 1960, I don't get bored with the sight of ranch houses. They don't wait tiredly in line but instead seem to dance upon the landscape. Our home, although lacking an ocean view, faces south towards Catalina. The front facade is always bathed in light, and it feels as though the house is looking out to sea.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Getting a Gestalt
Randy Hester, one of my most interesting college professors, would often speak about "getting a gestalt" for a project. A professor in the College of Environmental Design, he is a Landscape Architect by trade as well as a proponent of Civil Rights and Social Justice.
"Getting a Gestalt" in Environmental Design is to visit a site and to essentially ask, "What does this space want to be?" Good design answers this question by considering history and context.
I've been trying to "get a gestalt" for the wedding. There are a lot of things my wedding could be, and a lot of things that I'd like it to be, but when I consider budget, the time of day, and where it will be held (both the ceremony and the reception), that narrows it down considerably.
Yesterday I saw pictures from a coworker's wedding- it was lovely! She was married at Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach, a location I've long admired. I considered so many locations, but was limited by budget, availability, and the fact that R wanted it to be here in the South Bay. Had finances not been a factor, I probably would have opted for the ceremony at Neighborhood Church (I was a flower girl there- it's beautiful!) or Wayfarer's Chapel. The latter is a mere 5 miles from home! Awesome! I also liked La Venta Inn and the Historic Library in Veterans Park on the beach in Redondo... That would have been charming and special. Ebell Club in Long Beach is nice, and I briefly imagined a wedding at the Country Club on Catalina Island. R is a Cubs fan, and the facility was once the Clubhouse for the team during their Spring Training on the Island (back in the day, when Wrigley owned the team). But I digress...
Two years ago, when R proposed, I booked Point Vicente Interpretive Center... It's on the ocean and it's possible to have the ceremony with the lighthouse in the background... So pretty. Interestingly, the new Terranea Resort has the same lighthouse view... but from the opposite direction! I looked into Terranea, but the wedding minimum was some ungodly sum- tens of thousands of dollars. Ha!
In the end, having forfeited my deposit and original date for the Interpretive Center, and fearful of the complications of having to arrange an outside caterer, I decided to choose a new location. I almost went with Averill Park- it's affordable and of the era when parks were designed for beauty, but I changed my mind when I read in the Daily Breeze that the ponds and fountains would be closed for repairs for an unspecified period of time. Besides, I wanted the ocean. So I booked the Bell! Let's hope it doesn't rain. They say rain is good luck on your wedding day, but I don't want my guests to be uncomfortable. I do, however, hope for a breeze-- (that shouldn't be a problem at the bell- it's the windiest spot in LA!) I want to fly a kite in my gown.
"Getting a Gestalt" in Environmental Design is to visit a site and to essentially ask, "What does this space want to be?" Good design answers this question by considering history and context.
I've been trying to "get a gestalt" for the wedding. There are a lot of things my wedding could be, and a lot of things that I'd like it to be, but when I consider budget, the time of day, and where it will be held (both the ceremony and the reception), that narrows it down considerably.
Yesterday I saw pictures from a coworker's wedding- it was lovely! She was married at Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach, a location I've long admired. I considered so many locations, but was limited by budget, availability, and the fact that R wanted it to be here in the South Bay. Had finances not been a factor, I probably would have opted for the ceremony at Neighborhood Church (I was a flower girl there- it's beautiful!) or Wayfarer's Chapel. The latter is a mere 5 miles from home! Awesome! I also liked La Venta Inn and the Historic Library in Veterans Park on the beach in Redondo... That would have been charming and special. Ebell Club in Long Beach is nice, and I briefly imagined a wedding at the Country Club on Catalina Island. R is a Cubs fan, and the facility was once the Clubhouse for the team during their Spring Training on the Island (back in the day, when Wrigley owned the team). But I digress...
Two years ago, when R proposed, I booked Point Vicente Interpretive Center... It's on the ocean and it's possible to have the ceremony with the lighthouse in the background... So pretty. Interestingly, the new Terranea Resort has the same lighthouse view... but from the opposite direction! I looked into Terranea, but the wedding minimum was some ungodly sum- tens of thousands of dollars. Ha!
In the end, having forfeited my deposit and original date for the Interpretive Center, and fearful of the complications of having to arrange an outside caterer, I decided to choose a new location. I almost went with Averill Park- it's affordable and of the era when parks were designed for beauty, but I changed my mind when I read in the Daily Breeze that the ponds and fountains would be closed for repairs for an unspecified period of time. Besides, I wanted the ocean. So I booked the Bell! Let's hope it doesn't rain. They say rain is good luck on your wedding day, but I don't want my guests to be uncomfortable. I do, however, hope for a breeze-- (that shouldn't be a problem at the bell- it's the windiest spot in LA!) I want to fly a kite in my gown.
Monday, November 9, 2009
For Sale
This weekend the house directly across the street from us was put on the market. Asking price: 10K below what we paid for ours 1 1/2 years ago. The house is in serious need of a makeover-- how I wish we were in a position to purchase it and fix it up. It's ghastly right now but it has an ocean view! I still prefer our house, though. We have a big yard and are sheltered from street noise. It's our plan to build a second-story master suite someday.... Then we'll have our view!
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