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Time To Buckle Down And Get These Rooms Done

My progress on the bathroom started out pretty strong, but in these last couple of weeks, things have really slowed down to a crawl. And the home gym progress has been stalled since before the work on the bathroom started. That’s not a horrible thing. The last two years have changed my outlook on things considerably, and I’ve come to realize that spending all hours of the day, day in and day out, working on a house isn’t really all that life should be about. So this year, I’ve tried to make a point of spending more downtime with Matt, as well as spending more time outside the home on things that interest me.

But now here we are in the second half of October, sliding very quickly towards the holidays and the end of the year, and the bathroom and home gym are far from the finish line. And I would love nothing more than to have both of these rooms either finished, or very near finished, before the end of this year.

So it’s time to buckle down and really get focused again. When I was working on the walk-in pantry and had a hard time focusing and getting things done, I resorted to a system of posting my progress each day so that y’all could hold me accountable to staying focused. I might have to do that again, because if I continue at the current pace, the finish line will be about six months out on these rooms. And that’s not acceptable. Both of these rooms will greatly increase the quality of our lives, so there would be a big payoff if I buckle down and focus right now to get these rooms done as quickly as possible.

It’s a bit overwhelming because here’s what the home gym looks like right now…

home gym status 10-18-21

Yep. It’s basically become a dumping ground for tools, extra materials, and an actual junk pile. And of course, you’ll always find a Sonic cup graveyard in the vicinity of any big project I’m working on. 😀

home gym status 10-18-21

And even though I try to convince myself that this doesn’t affect my work on the bathroom, I’m pretty sure I’m lying to myself. Even though this isn’t the room I’m working on at the very moment, I do have to navigate this mess to get to the bathroom, and I often have to sort through this to find tools that I need. I can’t navigate a mess like this day after day without it having some sort of impact on mental state, which will naturally affect my work.

home gym status 10-18-21

And on top of that, my WaterRower is scheduled to ship next Tuesday, and as of right now, I have no place to put it. That’s unacceptable.

As far as the bathroom progress goes, things really came to a halt after I finished the tile on the shower floor. I still haven’t done any clean up on that floor, which means I haven’t grouted it either. So far, the only tile that’s done is the shower floor and two rows of tile on the bathroom floor. Ugh.

bathroom status 10-18-21

That large tile is so frustrating to work with, and after finishing the shower floor, my hands were torn up by that mortar. I’ve done quite a bit of tiling in my life, and never have I had mortar tear up my hands like this mortar did. My left hand was in so much pain that it was actually swollen, and my skin still isn’t back to normal.

bathroom status 10-18-21

I’m not quite sure what to do about that. The thin disposable gloves don’t help because they last through about two tiles before they tear, and the thicker gloves really hinder my ability to feel to make sure the tiles are level with each other, and they also get too filled up with mortar to be helpful.

So I’ve been avoiding the rest of the tile because of that. It’s just NOT a fun job to do at all. But I also refuse to hire it out, so I just need to get in there and get it done. I think once I get past the next row, which includes a tile that will have to be cut to go around the tub drain, the rest of the floor should be much faster because the only tiles I’ll need to cut are the ones against the wall. And those are simple straight cuts.

bathroom status 10-18-21

So that’s the status of these rooms right now. I’ll admit that I’m overwhelmed, but at the same time, I’m determined. I need some accountability, and I need to find a way to motivate myself to really buckle down so I can get these rooms done by the end of this year. It would be so nice to have the bathroom done ASAP, and then to be able to begin 2022 with an awesome and functional home gym.

 

 

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51 Comments

    1. Absolutely agree. Take out the trash first it will make a huge difference and help stop overwhelming the eye. I would then put things away that don’t belong in there/aren’t being used for the current project.
      Even just 5 minutes at a time.

  1. What I do is schedule FIVE MINUTES toward the task – like the jumbled up mess in the gym. Or say to yourself: “just move the paint cans” – it’s interesting at what will happen after that. And five minutes here and there? Done. I suspect you’re like me in that once you do that one thing (paint cans?) you’ll find yourself thinking, well just this little bit of mess right here and I’m done. And then you’ll find yourself scheduling another five minutes, lol. Don’t take on the whole thing, just a bit at a time and it becomes much easier to motivate yourself. Let me know if this works for you as it does for me!

    1. That’s really good advise for all the things that overwhelm us in life! I’m going to start applying this in my life. Thank you!

      1. My dear dad used to say, “go through the motion, then will follow the emotion.” If you don’t feel like taking a walk, for example, just put on your walking shoes! Viola! You are now in the mood for more!

    2. That is a terrific suggestion. I have a “spare” room that I’m going to use this on starting TOMORROW! Thanks for your help. Kristie, there is a product called Beeswax Bandage that I love. It makes a seal on your hands that isn’t sticky. You can get it at thehoneyguy.com. They also have a product called WaterBlocker, but I can’t say how it works. That might help with the skin irritation you are having. That said, everything you are doing looks just great!

      1. All great advice! Chunk, block, tackle is a tip for getting things done. Divide the work into chunks of things to do, block off a certain amount of time, and tackle it!
        Choose one task and focus on getting just that done. Great for when you have a number of rather undesirable tasks to do.
        You’ve got this!

  2. I think you have got to tackle the trash. It’s making an obstacle for you to move forward. Then organize the tools you need for the job. And try not to overthink the process. You might want to get a price on getting the tile installed. Our physical limitations can make barriers for us as well. You can work on the gym while you see how you can move forward on the tile in the bathroom. And no I wouldn’t spend any more time right now, on filling the space with the workout stuff. Gotta make room for it first. You got this. Stay the course

    1. I think that’s a really good strategy – and I agree about hiring out the tiling. If it is tearing up your hands and is holding you up then seriously think about getting someone else to do it. It isn’t as though you don’t have plenty else to get going on – designing and building the bathroom cabinetry for a start and trimming out the gym.

      1. Totally agree. Sometimes we have to admit to ourselves we aren’t cut out to do the job, even though we’ve done it in the past. When it comes to tiling, it seems like it is different with every type of tile! And I also agree the trash is the FIRST thing that needs attention. Picking up and organizing the tools and supplies should also get done ASAP, and it shouldn’t take you more than an hour , tops! Chaos always slows a task down. I find if I clean as I go, the job is so much more pleasant.

    2. I recommend a rolling tool cart. It could be a rolling mop bucket, 5 gallon bucket w a tool liner (Duluth Trading Co) or a kitchen utility cart, just something to put tools on that can be moved to your workroom easily to put away & restock for the next job. I expect a lot of the stuff in the gym room is throw away debris & when that is cleaned out you can take a deep breath. Work life balance, spending time w loved ones is so very important. I sure appreciate you sharing your design world with us!

  3. My hubby found disposable gloves at Home Depot that hold up quite well. They are “Home Depot” orange. I actually use them as my gardening gloves as I don’t like the fabric type gardening gloves. I’m pretty rough with them and have only had to switch to new ones when I attack the rose bushes (or rather, they attack me!).

    You are such an inspiration to me! You’re house is fabulous!

  4. Maybe you could rethink hiring out the tile work. Is it too expensive or you just wanted to do it. If it is holding everything up, it might be something to consider.

    1. I agree with Karen, hire out the tile floor. Its a huge job and while you know you can do it, treat yourself! You have plenty of other items that you can enjoy working on.

    2. I agree. Laying tile is backbreaking and mind numbing. Only thing creative about it was the choices you made. That’s over, move on and leave tiling to others. Get back to what you do best and you’ll have the two rooms finished.

  5. Wow, never thought I could give you advice, but get one or more rolling carts like these

    https://smile.amazon.com/Finnhomy-Commercial-Utility-Rolling-Service/dp/B06XKKGR43/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=rolling+cart&qid=1634576838&sr=8-10.

    To use as you work on an area and now to organize what is on the floor. I have lots of trouble getting up and down and lifting (almost 74) and I use one of these carts as I do projects, even like today (this week) when I need to clean and reorganize my painting area in the sun room. I hand a flex garbage bag thru the handle and clip it securely and collect garbage as I go. She’s my back and energy level. The cart is easy to store when empty and I use it to move potted plants, even when I clean out my closet!! I really appreciate your blog and your humble spirit showing us your struggles!

    1. I use one every time I have a big project. So handy and convenient. Add a large sized trash can to the items needed. Throw away stuff right away and it makes another huge difference!

  6. So my dear…. You think THIS procrastinator will help keep you on task 😂😂😂. Yes, well, I’ll think about that….tomorrow… after all, tomorrow IS another day…(spoken in a sweet, southern Scarlet O’Hara drawl).

  7. Try wearing two or threee plastic gloves on each hand. Replace outer one as it rips. Also hand lotion under first glove helps. I had to do this when removing mortar from bricks

  8. I feel you! I used those same tiles in my bathroom reno this spring. I had tiled before but those large tiles are heavy and hard to slap the mortar on since they are so awkward to turn. And the mortar totally dried my hands out. I used the thin gloves the second day and hoped that the still offered some protection even with some tears. I completed in two days because my area is much smaller than yours. So feeling sympathy for the task looming in front of you. I must say I felt so good when it was done. I’m not a perfectionist and did have a couple of areas that aren’t as level as I would like but I prefer to live with my own mistakes than live with someone else’s that I paid for. 🙂 Hoping you can dig up the energy and motivation to get through the rest in the timeline you are planning.

  9. I wish I lived closer would be happy to come over and help sort out that gym into some semblance of order for you. Do you have any friends or kids (teenagers) that could help out for some pocket money? Just a thought. Ask for help maybe someone will show up!!

  10. Kristi don’t beat yourself up. Look at what you’ve accomplished!!!! I agree with you that a mess hinders progress and makes things SO much more daunting. Clear it up and then tackle the next stage one step at a time. You’ve got it like always – just use those HD orange gloves!!!!

  11. For a first step — time to consult A Slob Comes Clean….thank you for introducing her to me! And you know from past experience that once you make a bit of progress — like just picking up and getting rid of the trash — you will feel more motivated, do some more, and then it becomes a special spiral of progress.

  12. Kristi, what I would do is get a big trash bag and pick up the easy trash stuff right away. Then organize that gym so you can find the tools easily to work tomorrow on the bathroom. That will go faster since there a less cuts, so double up the thin gloves and protect your sore hands. Could you be allergic to one of the ingredients in that mortar? That never happened before? OR, organize the tools in the bathroom and make the push in the gym. Either way you will see a cleaner slate and progress which always helps. I would NOT be able to even take a picture of my office right now – I would be SO EMBARRASSED! We all have rooms that we shut the door on when it becomes a catch-all. Just dig in and start to see your progress.
    PS) spending time with Matt, and other interests is exactly what you should be doing…you are so smart – I’m much older than you and I still haven’t figured that out!

  13. Trash out, extra materials out. Then put the tools and materials you need in the room you are going to need them in. Then you will be able to see the floor and be able to navigate to the day’s project. You got this, Kristi!

  14. I can only advise in say and not do, because I don’t hold myself accountable for much until Spring, once Fall arrives. And my perspective is based in some slight parallels, which are endless paint cans, that until recently, I have been unwilling to part with. Once I am done with a room and its paint, I pour up a quart of touch up paint into a canning jar, label it and put it in a safe paint cabinet, then add all the pertinent information for the paint on a spreadsheet of all my paints. That is about as far into any organization I have found success, in home renovation/restoration. Hope you find motivation, if you really want/need it. Otherwise, you too, are allowed to rest every now and then. Peace and love!

  15. You have been working so hard. Maybe you should prioritize and do one room. It sounds like the gym is a priority because you have equipment coming and you would like to have a place to work out. (Really?) For fun. You have a bathroom. Which room is easiest? You need a place to put work materials so I suggest finishing the gym which looks easiest and put tools in the bathroom for now.

  16. I’m a weenie compared to you on my pain tolerance! At 58 years old, becoming the ‘house handy person’ with a list of self-ascribed ‘wanna/gotta-do’s’ longer than I have years to live, I’m finding myself slowed down and even stopped up from fear of using a new power tool, acquiring the skills using it just to make the current job LOOK as professional as I require it to look!!!
    Oh, I DO get stuff done, but not on my
    planned time table – ever! Lol! I have to go through many days of rereading all the directions, warning labels, strategizing, etc to psych myself up to start each project! Some of it is fear of injuring myself from handling these powerful tools not having built up the muscle to operate them skillfully! 🥴
    You go, Girl!
    You inspire ME!
    I have had to factor in hubby time as well on my weekends off from my full time job – true, that’s what these projects are all FOR…to create a home that is functional AND beautiful for the both of us to enjoy the rest of our days in it…but, not to the point that my Sweetheart is without my companionship – which, also, slows my pace!
    Keep giving it up to God for the tasks to get done on HIS timetable…😉

    Love and prayers for you!

    Patrice

  17. So here’s a crazy idea. Change your mortar. There’s so many companies and varieties there’s got to be a different brand to use that’s cheaper than hiring it out. You got enough tiling to do to spend a week or so playing with smaller samples on some scrap plywood or backer board (if that’s cheaper). Take the time to find what works for you and share. When we did our tub wall tile, the inlaws helping remarked how our mortar we selected was much more difficult and sticky for us. I can’t read my whole bag but can see its says “tile mortar with polymer” by Mapai it was grey but had a white version, was for large format we had 4″x 16″. UPC 093994115508.

  18. I agree with hiring out the tiling job. If your hands are injured, you won’t be able to work on the home gym effectively, and it could even affect your ability to assist Matt.
    As mentioned already, you could possibly get both rooms done faster this way.
    You are an amazing inspiration no matter what you decide.

  19. you are amazing in everything you do. I had two thoughts while reading. It seems that, in your attempt to spend more time with Matt, you are allowing yourself to worry more about finishing. If you are going for quality time with your husband you’re going to lose time on your projects so cut yourself a little slack. you can’t be and do everything. As for the tile problem…I’ve been worried since you chose that large tile. Those things are so heavy, I’m afraid you will get hurt slinging them around. Maybe you should exchange them for 6×24 inch tiles. Much easier to handle and I’ll bet it would be quicker to install.
    And I love that cart suggestion!

  20. Set a time for 30 minute each day at a certain time in the morning. Then just do it. When the timer goes off. Go enjoy yourself. You would be surprised how much decluttering gets done in 30 minutes. No decisions that clutter your mind. Just a purpose with a time limit. Give yourself permission to succeed and to REST.

  21. I have to agree with the others–hire out the tiling. Isn’t it much like wallboarding? You certainly know how to tile, but this is heavy, awkward tile…sometimes brawn can help. Well, in any case, I look forward to more posts (but awfully glad you’re working on a work-life balance).

  22. When working on big projects I sometimes hire someone to work alongside me (or in my vicinity). This has not been a skilled professional (where I get out of the way), but a student, a friend’s unemployed kid, or someone I found on NextDoor. If it is yard clean up, we are both out there together. If it is basement clear out, I go through and sort things and they pack up the stuff to be thrown away or donated and carry it to the car. Having someone I am paying working with me keeps me focused and intent on getting the job done. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone else break down and bundle those boxes? Someone else put the trash into a bag and haul it out to the truck? Someone else to gather together the sheets of sandpaper and organize them by grit size? Haul the wood to your workshop? You are right there to keep an eye on things and to make quick decisions.

  23. It seems like everything is within your wheelhouse, but the one thing that’s really onerous is the tile job. It might be a log-jam keeping you from doing all the other things. So, even though you CAN do it, SHOULD you do it? Consider hiring it out.

  24. I have wondered why you haven’t collected the ubiquitous white IKEA bookcases and set up you workshop as a beautiful, organised space. If might not be your final design but it’s a start which allows vertical storage, instead of everything on the ground. Then there’s a place for everything. I find that when my workspace is organised, motivation is higher.

  25. Tearing up hands could lead to an infection! You’ve done your time laying other tile, perhaps consider hiring this job, that for some reason is leading to injuries, out. While someone else is finishing the tile you could be getting the gym cleaned out and ready for your rowing machine. Those are some super big tiles, let someone else wrestle them.

  26. A few years ago, one of my friends struggled to accomplish anything in her home, the mess overwhelmed her. She asked for my help. At that time I wasn’t feeling well and the best help I could give her was to sit on a stool and direct her efforts. It was then I realized that she didn’t need me, she needed a timer. So we found her timer and she would set it for 5 minutes often, sometimes more, and pick a task and see a big dent, or more often, a whole lot getting done. It’s so simple, but there really is something about a timer. It helps us have a defined time to accomplish a task and it leaves a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. My friend got through the overwhelm and continued to use it for various tasks that she dreaded. She gave herself permission to do only what she could do in the allotted time and she often found herself getting a whole lot done in that time as well. This may or may not help, Kristi. But, soon, I know you’ll move ahead and in no time you’ll be looking back at the memory from your beautiful gym and bath. 😉

  27. Lots of good suggestions here. I love the rolling cart idea for having some basic tools and a place to drop them every night. Also to move around with you. And I’ve got to go look for those Home Depot orange gloves as well. You are very close to having your house done (except future additions). When I look back at all you’ve done, and all the rooms that are already finished, you are in great shape. With 2 1/2 months left to go to the end of the year, I’m sure you will finish the bathroom and probably the gym. Or at least get both usable, even if there’s a few final sub-projects left. And if that seems overwhelming, prioritize one over the other and then give yourself some slack between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And yes, seriously consider hiring the rest of the tiling done. You’ve established how it should be done and the quality precedent. But like sheet rock, those tiles are just too big to wrestle around. A crew could come in and finish in two days for you.

    My husband’s father always said to put tools away at the end of the day, as he was a shop school teacher. Maybe stop at a half hour early each day and do a quick pick up and store tools used back on that rolling cart everyone recommends. Hang in there and know we are all rooting for you to do what’s best for you and Matt.

  28. I can so relate to the construction mess because I am one of those people who work on a project until I am too exhausted at the end of the day to clean up. Maybe you could start settling normal work hours only to work on your home . Shut the doors so you won’t be tempted to do just one more thing. Everyone needs a mental and physical break. From the workday. Start your day by spending ten minutes in organizing before you ever start your work project or make 10 min of clean up the last thing you do each day. I know this is advice I give and do not do but hey you were open to suggestions.

  29. Sometimes it is nice to have someone help make the work more fun. Have you considered asking your handy brother for help on tiling the floor? Your brother and a weekend might be all you need. Just a thought.

  30. Sage advice…from an old sage, me. Kristi (an her readers), take the time to enjoy Matt and some of the life you want to live NOW! Whether it’s gardening, travel, time with family and friends because you may not have the ‘later’ you envision now. Yes, voice of experience speaking. I was always busy with work, projects, etc and figured I would do the other stuff with I finished but I didn’t define “finished” as a hard stop. Now I’m 75, mostly healthy but with severe back problems with physical limitation that define my life and 24/7 pain (Never thought that really existed).
    DON’T FORGET TO LIVE YOUR LIFE WHILE YOU ARE MAKING YOUR HOME PERFECT
    Try some of the habit changes your readers have suggested. 5 minutes at a time.
    Put a trash can- big or small- where you are working and use it. Most depressing is lots of trash lying around. Also, I love the idea of a tool cart that will hold the tools you are using for the job you are doing. No time spent looking for the tool or supply you need. Thinking about setting an amount of time you will work that day, if at all. Maybe you decide on 4 hours on Monday then a fall picnic with Matt outside in your yard or in a favorite location. Have a step in your project that will be time intensive? Set Wednesday for an 8 hour stretch…but do not skip breaks. Your body and your mind need both. Less mistakes in the end.
    Does that really need to be done now. If you do it now will you have to do it again later after all the other construction has been done due to damage? WAIT..and spend the time the redo would have taken and use it toward your project.
    Some of the stress you are putting on yourself, both physical and mental, you may pay for down the road as you, too, will eventually age. For me, it has come back home now and manifests itself in physical repayment…arthritis, high blood pressure, and a lack of physically being able to do the things I want to do.
    I loved doing things myself and learning how to master something else. The first ice maker I repaired, replacing the heating element in my dryer and the other things down the road. No, Kristi, nothing on the level of what you do since my time was largely tied up in a career with longs hours. Friends, don’t do that either. It’s a trap that creeps up on you and the next thing you now you’ve been suckered in. And it seems so important at the time.
    I can’t get back that time and, in lots of cases now, those people.
    Oh, and don’t forget to depart from the plan if a chance to do something fun comes up. Sometimes those are the best memories you will make.
    Remember, when your time is up NO ONE WILL CRY because your house wasn’t completed.

    Oh, and just as a note, I was a project manager in my former life.

  31. My husband uses a piece of a 2×4 about 2 ft long (make sure it is perfectly flat) to lay across tile rows and run over the top of the tiles to make sure all are flat and even and no corners are raised. You may want to try that.

  32. I agree wiping the garbage removal, but to help with that moving forward I would set up a big not smelly outdoor can with a bag in it in the home gym so there’s somewhere for it to go. Also laundry baskets are great for corralling tools and paint etc then it’s not spread all over. I’ve started using them when I have a tonic tools sparkle etc to take back to the garage.