So its now the 14th of January. My mum is arriving in KL in 2 days, and my sister on Monday. She is having a wedding celebration / anniversary party at Carcosa next Tuesday - so my entire life is going to be taken up with focusing on family for the next few weeks. And I just cant seem to finish the renovation, no matter how hard I try! I think one of the biggest stalling points is the wooden window frame. Until the Council meets and decides if I can keep it (but just paint it), we cant totally finish up with Mr. Eng Hoes work. He doesnt have a huge amount to do - fix the kitchen, outside and laundry room doors (basic cheap white wood doors - cant afford anything else at this point!), and repaint outside (where I used a gorgeous dark blue for contrast, but have found out that I need to keep to the Condo's colour schemes). He also needs to touch up a few bits and pieces here and there - with paint - so its about a day's work. If we need to replace the wooden window frame, another day's work.
Mr. Soo on the other hand has just NOT finished -- the fan still blows at hurricane speeds, the kitchen cabinet doors and drawers have not all been installed, the kitchen stove and gas cooker have not been installed, one entire cabinet has not come in, the lattice work on the swing doors to bed and bathroom is still missing. And he has not done what Ive asked him in the little details. He is amazing, and his work is amazing but theres a certain laziness about him that infuriates me. He is an artist definitely, but he also doesnt really think through the person's needs or requests. Its an odd mix. Im delighted with the stuff he has brought to the table -- but I am not sure I could work with him again.
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Its now Friday. My cold, which has been deviling me for the last couple of days is still here, but its slowly going, thank good goddess. Mum has arrived (I woke at 530 this morning, and fetched her from Sentral). Kai has completely charmed her - he is now sleeping on her bed with her, and giving her lots of love and attention. Thank goddess for Kai!
Yesterday I went to the flat. The council has met and decided that I could NOT keep my wooden windows. I am really pissed about that. I have to put in aluminium windows instead. I am going to do white powder coated sliding glass windows (tinted), and have mosquito netting on the inside as well. Hopefully, it will work with the wall painted white. Its a waste of money, and I HATE that.
Anyway, Mr. Eng Hoe will do that change, and will hopefully sort it out in the near future. I move in the day after Chinese New Year, so one way or the other, I have to have a liveable home! Mr. Soo is not getting paid until all the issues are sorted, and he knows this, so hopefully that will put a firecracker under his arse.
The cool thing about yesterday was that they installed all the locks and handles on the doors. They also installed all the bathroom fixtures (the towel rack, the grab rail, the mirrors, etc). Everything was done bespoke - so it matches ME - my height! I dont have to stand on tip toe to see through the peep hole in the front door, and the mirror and toilet paper holder all match my body and comfort levels. Its so great! Thats one of the pleasures of a renovation -- you get to do it to suit exactly your needs. I think thats what bugs me about Mr. Soo - he does good work, but he doesnt think about me in the end result - and the renovation is all about me, and my needs and desires ;)
Anyway... getting ready for the big wedding celebration do. The apartment I am in now is shiny clean for the family to visit, and the schedule is planned, and sorted. I will try and take some more photos soonish, but its all a bit hectic at the moment.
I had a really lovely dinner with friends last night. I have been stressed out beyond belief. The mater figure does that to me ... and her visit filled me with trepidation. I was glad to be amongst people who I could really talk to - and who would really hear me. I think thats the power of words, and communication with each other. We share ourselves, we show our true backstories - and we entrust our friends to hold us to them, and comfort us with the power of just hearing us - seeing us - accepting us. So thank you C, U and JJ - I needed that yesterday, and it gave me strength.
Mr. Soo on the other hand has just NOT finished -- the fan still blows at hurricane speeds, the kitchen cabinet doors and drawers have not all been installed, the kitchen stove and gas cooker have not been installed, one entire cabinet has not come in, the lattice work on the swing doors to bed and bathroom is still missing. And he has not done what Ive asked him in the little details. He is amazing, and his work is amazing but theres a certain laziness about him that infuriates me. He is an artist definitely, but he also doesnt really think through the person's needs or requests. Its an odd mix. Im delighted with the stuff he has brought to the table -- but I am not sure I could work with him again.
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Its now Friday. My cold, which has been deviling me for the last couple of days is still here, but its slowly going, thank good goddess. Mum has arrived (I woke at 530 this morning, and fetched her from Sentral). Kai has completely charmed her - he is now sleeping on her bed with her, and giving her lots of love and attention. Thank goddess for Kai!
Yesterday I went to the flat. The council has met and decided that I could NOT keep my wooden windows. I am really pissed about that. I have to put in aluminium windows instead. I am going to do white powder coated sliding glass windows (tinted), and have mosquito netting on the inside as well. Hopefully, it will work with the wall painted white. Its a waste of money, and I HATE that.
Anyway, Mr. Eng Hoe will do that change, and will hopefully sort it out in the near future. I move in the day after Chinese New Year, so one way or the other, I have to have a liveable home! Mr. Soo is not getting paid until all the issues are sorted, and he knows this, so hopefully that will put a firecracker under his arse.
The cool thing about yesterday was that they installed all the locks and handles on the doors. They also installed all the bathroom fixtures (the towel rack, the grab rail, the mirrors, etc). Everything was done bespoke - so it matches ME - my height! I dont have to stand on tip toe to see through the peep hole in the front door, and the mirror and toilet paper holder all match my body and comfort levels. Its so great! Thats one of the pleasures of a renovation -- you get to do it to suit exactly your needs. I think thats what bugs me about Mr. Soo - he does good work, but he doesnt think about me in the end result - and the renovation is all about me, and my needs and desires ;)
Anyway... getting ready for the big wedding celebration do. The apartment I am in now is shiny clean for the family to visit, and the schedule is planned, and sorted. I will try and take some more photos soonish, but its all a bit hectic at the moment.
I had a really lovely dinner with friends last night. I have been stressed out beyond belief. The mater figure does that to me ... and her visit filled me with trepidation. I was glad to be amongst people who I could really talk to - and who would really hear me. I think thats the power of words, and communication with each other. We share ourselves, we show our true backstories - and we entrust our friends to hold us to them, and comfort us with the power of just hearing us - seeing us - accepting us. So thank you C, U and JJ - I needed that yesterday, and it gave me strength.
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