We’re renovating. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or, heaven forbid, just not reading this blog, you’ll know that we’re renovating (two years and counting!) and that I’m a little bit over it.
We haven’t had a kitchen since Easter. We’ve stayed with friends and family for brief periods of time here and there, and are currently house-sitting for the parents of a friend, but for the most part, we’ve just been without a kitchen, laundry, and general space for almost four months.
Unsurprisingly, it hasn’t been much fun. But, surprisingly, it’s been bearable. Just.
And what has made it bearable (just)? Our family and friends.
They share their homes. (Even while in the early pre-telling people stage of pregnancy.) They offer spare beds. Spare keys. Kitchens. Laundries. Clotheslines. They invite us over for dinner. They watch Ashleigh so that we can get things done.
They lament. They sigh. They listen to me us go on and on and on about how difficult it is to live like this.
They cook. They deliver food. They send care packages.
They travel long distances to help. They tear down. They build. They clean. They travel long distances back home.
They respond to the news that we’ll be painting this weekend not with a groan, nor even with “Do you need some help?” but with “So what time should we get to your place? Do you want us to bring our own paintbrushes?”
They insist on not being given anything. They call you on attempts to leave bunches of flowers, food and token gifts in their homes. They accept works of art from Ashleigh as a thank you:
And they make works of art for Ashleigh in return:
They do all of this. And then they tell you, with a straight face, that they’re sorry they haven’t been much help. That they wish they could have done more.
You have all done more than enough. You have been amazing.
Thank you to everyone who has helped, offered to help, thought about helping, or just listened to how hard it’s been while we’ve been renovating. Thank you a million times over.
It’s nearly over. No, really. I mean it this time. The light at the end of the tunnel is actually the light of down lights, step lights, wall lights, spotlights and some fancy pants pendant lights being installed.
Home stretch. (For stage one. Stage two will then start…)
How have your family and/or friends helped you through a less than fun time?
It sounds like you have some very special & helpful family and friends.
Good luck with the rest of your Reno.
Yes, I do! And thank you. Nearly there.
Your friends are incredible. Honestly. Hang on to them.
They are. I know. I will. x
I want your friends! They sound amazing!
You can have them too! They are that amazing!
Now, that is true friendship! I remember when I was moving back to Australia after almost 8 years in Japan, I had my girlfriends come and help me pack and clean every day for almost a week. Love them.
That’s lovely! Nothing helps you through something less than fun better than having friends and family help. Or just prod you along.
Renovating is no fun. You are so lucky to have some help!
So very, very lucky!
Without a kitchen since Easter?! You are amazing – I would have gone crazy by now. I almost did when we were three weeks without one while renovating! Glad the end is in sight for you! And yay to such supportive friends! x
Who said I wasn’t going crazy?! Thanks. x
I feel your pain, and your thankfulness! I’ve been renovating my house for forever, although nothing as drastic as pulling out the kitchen. At least not yet. My dad is a builder, and he has spent countless hours helping me with the actual jobs. I couldn’t do it without him, and his labour for love. 🙂
Ah, yes, the builder in the family. Hubby is a builder, his dad’s a builder… it’s great, of course, but it takes so long!
Wow, sounds like you’ve got some amazing friends!
I certainly do! x
Sounds like you have a fabulous support network of family and friends. I know we couldn’t have managed our small house jobs without family, so on a bigger Reno like yours they would be a god send.
They certainly are. I hope they’re reading all these comments!