Freaking out!

I had my first (and I'm sure not my last) freak out today. Totalled up the budget, we were a measly $90k over budget! CRAP! So after I crashed around the house for 1o minutes and yelled at the kids for things that they didn't really do wrong, Bikeman volunteered to put the kids to bed so we could look at it properly. After much discussion and a box of chocolate it was all sorted. Well we had to cut down on some things but now at least we can afford to start. Oh my god. Not a good way to end the year!!!!! My heart be still, please! My New Years resolution is to take it all on the chin. All of it! And to settle for Bunnings toilets. Do you know you can buy ones that have a 'soft close' lid?? Only costs and extra $500 or so... not that much really, is it???

I forgot about the party!

One thing I forgot about was that we went to our street's Christmas Party on the 23rd Dec. It was sooooo great! We got to meet many of our neighbours, as well as sit down and have a chat to our lovely neighbours, which is something we haven't really been able to do yet. Everyone was so friendly, and it was feels like we are really moving into a lovely community. Lots of kids! There were kids galore, probably 15 or so ageing from 6 months to about 10, I think. And there were 3 or 4 'older' couples so it was lovely to see them there as well. We sat around and had a few drinks, and some nibbles, and tried to stay out of the wind! It was a great night and I'm really grateful for the O'B's for inviting us along. I have a good feeling about this place :)

Hole Diggers

Today was a day we worked very hard! Bikeman, Stevie B and I worked all day digging holes for the piers (big columns of concrete). 42, last count. Stevie B took care of machine detail (ie he digged every single one of those darn holes), Bikeman dug out all of the extra dirt, and I cleared excess dirt from the holes and helped measure, got stuff etc etc. It doesn't sound very much but it took ages! We were so dirty at the end I actually looked like I had a bit of a tan! It was hard work but very rewarding. Next step - get some concrete poured into the holes, organise the temporary fence. Big thanks to Stevie B who worked his butt off all day, as did Bikeman who is now suffering with a sore back ... the price we pay! Prior to today, the extra site cut was completed so now you can clearly see the split level at the front and it goes back a longer way at the back. The kids around our area love it, it's like their own private bike jump! Bit of a problem now though, as there are up to 1.8m holes scattered around the block. Hence we need the temporary fence! On a personal note, the kids have had a wonderful christmas. They both got tool belts for christmas from us, so they think they're pretty good and can't wait to try out their hammers out at the block. As soon as I can work out the photo caper I'll post some ... hope you all have had a Merry Christmas and a have a great New Year!

Yipeeeee I'm excited!!!!

We had the retaining wall bricks delivered the other day, so they are ready for some handy people to put up in the relevant place which all going to plan (and that means the extra excavation works, the big boulder retaining wall at the rear and the concrete all has to happen - in that order - and in a timely fashion!) then it should be up and waiting for the really exciting part to happen.... the slab. I don't know why, but I'm excited about the slab. And no, not a slab of beer, although I have been known to get excited over a slab of beer, especially on beer and pizza night (Friday nights at the William St flat...Bish, back me up here!). But I digress. For some reason 'the slab' marks for me the beginning. The start of something tangible that begins to resemble the house. I can see it, walk on it and our family can press our hand prints into the concrete while it is still wet. We can pretend to be in our own rooms or to walk outside to the alfresco area. That's it - I can SEE it! Can't wait, can't happen soon enough.

Approvals Galore!

Following on from my last post where we were quietly waiting for approvals, we have received 2 in the one week! Received formal approval from the bank (phew!) and also heard from the Building Inspector that we have Building Approval (yay!). We also made our first proper purchase today - the blocks for our retaining wall. Up until now all the payments have been fairly minor, really and all improvements to the block or having the design drawn up. This is actual, tangible goods which are going to be delivered next week in preparation for the 'Labour Day' on Boxing Day. How exciting! Now we need to get cracking with finishing off all those quotes so we can take them to the bank at doc signing stage. And get our spreadsheets in more detail, now that we are forking over some cash. The fun stuff! We have also been invited to the streets Christmas Drinks get-together 2 nights before Christmas, which is so lovely! BYO Plate to share and some drinks and get to know the neighbours. Who are probably sick of looking at dirt! Til next time ... ciao! (and thanks to J for the reminder ... sometimes I just need that prod!)