I would love nothing more than to put on my work clothes and work on the house today because being physical is the best and most effective coping mechanism I've got. I can't though because I'm headed for Toronto on business. Business that requires me to sit in an air conditioned meeting room for the next two days. I can't even bring myself to pack my bag I dread it so much. But duty calls so I must go. The second best coping mechanism I have it writing. So here I go....
They met on the side on the road. Literally. They started out as friends. Actually not even. All he wanted her for was a one night stand. But somehow it never ended. It was a slow progression. So natural. Never forced. And before they knew what had hit them they had crept up under each other’s skin and almost melded their souls into one. It could be said they were soul mates if there is such a thing. How though? He was 26, she was 37. They came from opposite sides of the planet. His skin was as dark and as smooth as chocolate. Hers so pale and freckled. But the level of the soul was equivalent. They had an understanding of each other that was so profound. He almost didn’t have to speak and she knew what he wanted. She understood his fears, his worries, his ideas and his philosophies. She respected them. He treated her special from the rest. He put her before himself. He understood her fears, her struggles, and her philosophies. He respected them. She taught him that true love does exist. He liberated her. They were inseparable. Eating, sleeping, cooking ,exercising, talking, listening, watching movies, sharing ideas, caring for the children – they did it all. With ease. She understood almost from the moment she met him what made him happy. She surrendered her control and let him lead. He understood that, in all her complexity, it took very little to make her happy. He considered her needs and never missed the small things. He was appreciative and helpful. She was loving and affectionate. The energy between them was mystical. Even a complete stranger would recognize the connection these two had so long as they were both in the same room. They did not even have to speak. The energy connection was almost visible to the naked eye. Both fulfilled a very important need within the other. Both stood complete as individuals - intelligent, strong-willed and independent. But together they seemed to drift through life rather than battle life. They never fought. They communicated so well. But the fairytale was temporary. Both knew that. They say you know when you know. The same rules apply to the beginning as they do to the end. As she lay her head on the pillow she sensed the end was near. She wiped a tear, and as always, accepted this life as it is. He came to see her the next morning but did not need to speak. They both knew it was time. Time to part ways. And so it was.
That day was today.
Alright, back to work now. The house is coming along so well. I have assembled the best dream team ever. We have "Derl" the plumber, Dan the electrician, Rob the contractor, Dieter the German neighbor, (we're not really sure what he does) and my latest addition is Mel. Here is the story of how I hired Mel. First, I placed an add on Kijiji (oh how I loathe Kijiji) looking for a carpenter's helper. I was flooded with responses. Within 2 weeks I had 3 no shows, 2 that only worked for a day and then disappeared and 1 that I fired after about 5 minutes. So I moved on to Facebook. I posted a status update looking for anyone with a son (or daughter) who might be looking for work for the month of July. Well, it turns out my old high school buddy Mel is in construction. Fuckin eh! We met, I hired her and she blends right in. We all get along so well. It's one big laugh at the house all the time but work is getting done.
The job has turned out to be a lot bigger than I expected but surprisingly less money than I thought. So windows have been ordered, bathroom is almost finished, final touches on the upstairs walls and floors and we are ready to paint and finish the floors. That's the upstairs anyway. Next week, the kitchen will be measured for cabinetry, then dry-walled and prepped for painting and cabinet installation. Windows are ordered and on their way. Turns out the window guy knows me from the gym. Sweet. Guess who's getting a rush order, and a deal, on the windows ;)
I have 90 days to complete the work or the bank will not release the funds for renovations to me. I am on day 33. I suspect we will make it just in time. Like I said "dream team" is hard at work so I am 100% it will be amazing when it's done.
This project brings me so much joy. When I walk into Home Depot now the guys at the Contractor desk shout out "Hi Natalie!" and random people always help me load my truck. Actually today a random stranger helped me unload my truck too. I pulled up in front of my house to unload the ceramic tile I had bought and this guy biking by stops, gets off his bike, grabs a box of tiles and carries it in. How can you not love life when random acts of kindness (or rather random acts of craziness) happen daily. Everyone working on the house has never worked with as odd a girl as I but I swear the serendipity of my life is sometimes downright scary. But I love every minute of it, even the so-called "hard" times.
Start the countdown because shits about to get real and you're all invited to see the finished product on day 90!
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