Life in Rehab is BACK! Get ready for a slew of new projects for the new year! We just can't promise we know what we're doing!

Visit Life in Rehab's new Etsy shop
And because we're good friends by now,
our readers get 25% off
by entering the promo code
REHAB when you make a purchase!
So deck out, do some early holiday gift shopping,
strut your stuff and make a statement!


I'm on a mission. If I have never EVER not once replied to your comments, you may want to check this out: No Reply?



Friday, April 29, 2011

So Why the Sudden Meltdown?

Those of you who have been here for a while know that we had a house fire 20 months ago, and that ever since, we've been repairing and painting almost every room and everything we own.

We're nowhere near done.

I have blog fodder for the next several years, trust me.

The last room to ever get new anything has always been Sam's and mine. It's been horribly abused and neglected. How badly, you ask? Come with me, I'll show you.
Warning: this is not for the faint of heart.
 Hurricane Wilma in November 2005. The air conditioner and a chunk of wall flew across the room. There was also a corner of the house missing on the other side of the house so that if you opened the boys' closet, you had a view of the yard, and there was some roof damage. That all got fixed. Right after that, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Don't get all maudlin on me. I just didn't have the energy to repair anything.
 Oh, and then we had a bee hive in our wall. We opened up the wall and got rid of them.
 Termites then attacked and ate a few things.
 And then there was this fire thing. We ended up as a storage room with barely enough space to maneuver.
 Mom moved in and space got tighter. The original plan was to fix her back and build a little cottage for her on the property. This hasn't been a possibility with her health, so we've been arranging the Florida room for her.
Arranging. Right.
 Yesterday was it for me. I'm an orderly, organized person, and the chaos had to go.
 If you have teenagers, you probably have access to a crew who will work for food.
 All of the furniture moving was done in short order, which meant I could now dig us out from under the mess.
 It's not a pretty job, but there are reasons we all do this kind of garbage, right?
Just remind yourself who you do it all for.
Yep, just ended a sentence with a preposition.
 I'm keeping that photo handy for frequent reminders.
If any of this crap is yours, kindly come remove it.

18 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

I don't envy you, but I can't wait to see what you do with the place. It'll be FAB!!

lisbonlioness said...

Thanks, Sunny. I love how you are open and honest about the mess! reading blogs written by peeps with perfect homes often makes me feel like my house is more awful than accommodating, and I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has a room the door to which shall remain shut when there's guests around.
Now, if only I had a regiment of hungry teenagers around! *sigh*

Beth@Wiccan Make Some Too said...

Sounds like we have the same Luck Fairy & he is always out to lunch. Sorry, non of that stuff in the last photo is mine. Can't help you out there.

Bambi said...

Creative minds gather stuff, we always see the possibilities. thanks for keeping it real :)

Sherri B. said...

I have a room that can beat that, only when I open the door to tackle the mess, it yells bad words at me and I get scared and close the door and run.

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

Holy crap! No pun intended. I'm glad you're getting to fix up your private space now. Get those kids working! :)
Seriously, though - I want to applaud you (as usual) for keeping it real, not being afraid to show your mess. You rock. I wish I were closer, 'cause I'd totally come help you with your projects! Hmm. I do love Florida...so if you ever need some adult blogger slave labor, I could be convinced.

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

PS: I'm pretty sure you guys are living proof that you do NOT need a magazine-worth home to be a happy, healthy family. It's the people that make the space. Over and out.

Deb said...

Good for you Sunny - sometimes you gotta do something for yourself. Think of how much stress you'll get rid of by making your bedroom a peaceful place to escape rather than a chaotic space that makes you grind your teeth every time you open the door (that might just be me that does that, but you catch my drift). Good luck!!!!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

You certainly have faced some serious problems over the past few years and I can relate having faced some major ones in my own life. I think that you have shown amazing strength and I know for certain that you will have this house whipped into shape eventually...and just think of all the memories you and your wonderful family are making while doing it.

Michelle @ Dream Home DIY said...

You're kinda my hero. Have I told you that?

Bella @ Bella before and after said...

How sweet you are. Waiting till the last second before you go crazy, and then finally start on getting your room fixed. I think this is the same for most families, our rooms, bathrooms, etc, are always the LAST to get done. Why do we do that to ourselves? I'm totally talking to myself too, I can't remember the last time I did anything in my room, ha ha.

You have a lot of work cut out for you, but as long as you keep the food coming, I think those minions will be good to go, lol.

Looking forward to seeing what magic you work in there.

So Sunny, are you all better now, after your breast cancer. I didn't know that about you. If you ever want to share your story, I know that many would love to hear it. MANY HUGS to you!!!!!!

Bella :)

Unknown said...

My house is a giant mess. Only I don't have anything going on with me that would forgive it. No storms, no beehives, no teenagers, and no cancer - I admire your determination to make your home a happy one and allowing yourself to get organized when you have the energy. Baby steps is good enough!

Keri {One Mama's Daily Drama} said...

How is it that the parents' bedroom is always the landing strip?? My mess is the same way, though with no important backstory like yours. If company is coming, I run through the house grabbing junk and throwing it through the doorway. Of course when they leave... that's a different story.

Unknown said...

I cannot WAIT to see what you do in here - it's gonna be a HUGE before and after! :)

~Chelsea

Heather said...

I completely understand. We have been living in our home for almost 20 years, and we're not even close to being done either. However, you have an amazing spirit. If there was ever a woman who could conquer it all, it's you!!

Michelle L. said...

Agree with all previous comments. You are thee cooolest And thank you so much for ending a sentence with a preposition, that's the kind of writing I approve of.

myomyohi said...

I like the creative use of the headboard as a clothes rack:) Hang in there. You'll get it under control, and it will be great.

Ami Allison said...

So, my room looks like this MINUS the housefire! WHAT? You right though, our rooms are always the last to be done.