A new year, a new list.

I promised that I would post a monthly update on our [ever growing and constantly changing] to-do list. Well, here we are -- one month later, and what better way to start off the new year than by keeping a promise.

Our list has certainly evolved since I posted about it last month; and in retrospect, most of the things we accomplished over the last four weeks were never on the to-do list to begin with; for instance, the louvered doors, wall prep, holiday festivities, etc., etc.. However, here's the list as it stands today:

Kitchen
Strip remaining wallpaper
Paint
Re-finish cabinets
New hardware for cabinets
Back splash
Window treatments
Light fixtures
Install new dishwasher
Electrical
Air vents
Refinish floors

Mud Room
New layout 
New shelving units
Finish wainscoting
Flooring solution
New washer/dryer (being delivered on Saturday!)
Organize / Clean
Paint
Electrical
Air vents

Breakfast Room
Paint
Window treatments
Hang new light fixtures
Rug
Electrical
Air vents
Table and chairs

Dining Room
Strip wallpaper -- almost finished
Paint -- this weekend
Wainscoting
Window treatments -- purchased
New dining room table
Rug
Clean chandelier
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Formal Living Room
Paint -- this weekend!
Window treatments -- this weekend
Book shelves
Rug
Lighting
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Foyer
Paint -- this weekend
Rug
Floor runner
Clean Chandelier
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Family Room
Window treatments
TV
Clean carpet
Electrical
Air vents

Hallway
Clean floors
Finish stripping wallpaper -- this weekend
Floor runners
Paint -- this weekend
Wainscoting
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Master Bedroom
Clean floors
Rug
Molding
Window treatments
Hang fan
Fix holes around fan
Repaint ceiling
Finish painting trim work
Electrical
Air vents

Master Bath
Strip wallpaper
Flooring solution
Paint
Storage
Window treatments
Electrical
Air vents

Guest Bath
Strip wallpaper
Paint
Window treatments
Electrical
Air vents

Guest Bedroom

Fix crossbars on bed

Paint closet
Window Treatments -- this weekend

Electrical
Air vents

Man Cave
Remove old furniture -- this weekend
Electrical
Air vents
Desk for Jeff
Decorate (shhh... don't tell Jeff)

Office
Paint closet

Quarter Round

Rug

Front Yard 
Summer 2013

Back Yard / Pool / Shed
Summer 2013

___________________

Did you notice that we have a lot on the agenda for this coming weekend? Well, it's because - ummm -  I decided to throw a painting party.

We invited a handful of our [most kind and generous] friends to the house on Sunday to help us tackle what would otherwise take us an entire month. I am a little nervous about getting all of the prep work finished; however, I think it will be worth it.

I will be back in class on Monday, so this coming weekend will be our final push on the house before I crawl into a hole for ten weeks. Our primary goal for the month of January is to have the front rooms functional. (By "front rooms" I mean the foyer, the formal living room, and the dining room.)

In case you're curious, Jeff and I also have normal-people-resolutions for the New Year. I resolve to (1) devote every ounce of creative energy I have to school, (2) take Toby on a long walk at least three times a week, and (3) I want to slowly cut wheat out of my diet. Jeff resolves to (1) to save and track each of his receipts, and (2) go to the gym at least three times a week.

I think we can do it.

Good riddance 2012 -- here's to never seeing you again!

Ryan and Jeff