Tuesday, January 29, 2008

We've Only Just Begun....

Awwww...."We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenter's...can you all remember THAT song? I wish I was savvy enough on this ole computer that I could send the song along with my post...but alas...I am a little "slow" in that area...plus my speakers aren't working properly...so I couldn't be sure that I was sending the correct song. For all I know I could be sending something like "Redneck Mother" or a song equally as crass...hmmmm...kind of sad I know that song....huh?



Now...for one of the reasons I am posting today. We've just begun the process of interviewing architects and builders for our new home. We met with a builder on Saturday...and we liked him...but of course we HAVE to interview more... RIGHT?...so we can make an informed decision...RIGHT? I mean after all we will be retiring in this home, hopefully...RIGHT? So, it is very important to do all of your homework when getting started on a project of this magnitude...RIGHT?. Please tell me I am RIGHT...AND...because lovin' hubbin' is having to travel so much with his new business venture...I'm the LUCKY gal who gets to do all the touring of homes in various stages of completion and a large part of the interviewing process...and all the phone calling...not to mention...looking for brick, colors, designs, roof lines, stone, faucets, crown molding, front porches, doors, well...you get the picture. Actually, I am rather enjoying it( but again I have JUST started the process, talk to me in 9 months )...but there is so-oooo much information to take in...so-oooo many questions to ask...and so-oooo darn much to remember. Of course THAT IS the hardest part for me...I am so afraid I may leave out a bit of valuable information to pass on to hubbin before we make this decision...and NO that would NOT be a good thing...Martha! I thought about investing in a tape recorder to record what each builder and architect says...BUT I won't because I absolutely hate the way my voice sounds on tape. Vain...yes...much! Luckily I am off the hook a bit on the whole "recall" aspect...because as of now...I'm just doing the leg-work...setting up meetings with potential picks...so I am playing the role of hunter/gatherer at this stage of the game (ewww-weee I've always WANTED to do that)..later I will play the role of decorator, buyer and project manager! I even have a "pink" hardhat...can you believe that??? Yes, I do...and I'm going to WEAR it...well... maybe...yea, it's all about the accessories and outfits...RIGHT? I mean if I am going to play a "role" I might as well have the correct wardrobe to go with it...RIGHT???..actually the hard hat was a gift from my husbands office staff a couple of years ago while he was completing the latest big project...we had to have them to wear on the site!

Anyhoo the REAL reason I am posting is...I received an email from my blogging bud...Sandi...as in Aunt Sandi...Kari's...Aunt Sandi...and she asked...I mean told me to quit slacking and get going on my blog and start "dishing" the dirt on what's happening in my life...and when she tells me to do something...I do it!! Cos I lover er' that much!! So there you have it, all the scoop about my latest adventure!! I'm really up to my eyeballs with building plans, pictures, samples, swatches...ok...ok...not the eyeballs yet...but soon, very soon!! I will try my best to report in as often as I can...in fact I MAY set up another blog-site to keep a diary on the new home progress. Not sure on that one yet (so don't hold me to it...Aunt Sandi)...in the meantime...hope all is well with each of my cyber-friends...ummmm yea...that's what I call you because...sweet hubbin' just doesn't know who I'm talking about when I call you by your real names or your blog names...he just kind of tilts his head to one side with a very puzzled look on his face...so now...you're all my "cyber friends"...is that kind of like an imaginary friend??? hmmmmm


This is a picture I took of a home a few weeks ago when we were first looking around to see what was out there to copy...I mean build!! It is an older home in a beautiful neighborhood in Dallas...I love the older neighborhoods and figured it was a great place to start. I think they are calling my style French Country... I call it Country French w/a traditional twist...and a little kick of serendipity to boot! No way are they going to BOX me in!!

14 comments:

Justabeachkat said...

Oh Girl! Are you c-r-a-z-y?! If not, you will be before long. LOL
Just kidding. Kinda. Better you than me though. That's lots of headaches, etc. For ME it would be. We built a house ONE time and I said never ever again. The details just about killed me. That's why we searched and searched until we found what we wanted and just moved November 2006.

All kidding aside - I wish you the very best. It sounds like you're up to the challenge and it might be something you thoroughly enjoy. If so, you go girl! Can't wait to read/hear all about it. Take photos along the way. It will be fun to see it come together.

BTW, I love the style you're thinking about.

Hugs!
Kat

Sandi McBride said...

Teresa, ask lots and lots of questions, get lots and lots of REFERENCES AND THEN ACTUALLY CALL THEM!!! Watch ond DHOME for Holmes on Homes to see some of the mistakes people make when relying on their contractors...then take a deep breath and plunge ahead...beautiful house...make sure you get what you want!
hugs
Sandi

No one is you ...& that's your power said...

Hello
How exciting I am sure it will be beautifull. Where you live houses seem so spacious and it looks like you get a lot of land when houses were built. Here in England a lot of houses are Victorian or pre war and closer together. I live in a terrace where 5 houses are all joined together. You have cottages in England &You can get country houses but they have very hefty prices !! not fair !

No one is you ...& that's your power said...

Hi Teresa
Thanks for the lovely reply. I will say you are lucky you have Dr Phill too! and I think he is from texas too?!. I love his no nonsense approach. I love oprah and would love to go to an Oprah show too.
Yes a british lab counts !!!. Its funny you like the british accent too, I would love to hear the Texas accent too !.
I love youre style houses the ones with clapperboard fronts and all those front porches. I would love to come to Texas and I bet there is so much to see and do , youre style of churches are lovely too.
It does rain a lot in England though, today weather is very wet & windy and very very windy the trees are shaking!. We do have a lot of castles. I expect Texas has a lot of history too and there are a lot of things I dont know about Texas. I would like to try peach pie too!
Dominique x

Lavender Chick said...

How exciting! I love the house you like! I guess my style is French Country, or Country French - but we have a little more rustic/rugged flair with it. Well, let me re-phrase that; it is what we WILL have when our construction mess ends. It's only been 3 years! I still have so much stuff in storage I can't remember what my style is, or was...

Anyway, I'm really excited for you and can't wait to see what you come up with. I wish that I had known about blogs before planning our design! All the design blogs are such a resource.

Just remember, it's your house and your inspiration - don't let someone sell you on what it should be like...

Sandi McBride said...

Teresa, just checking in to see if we have anything new...NO? Okay, so in the meantime, make a note and post it on your fridge...The Contractor is An Employee, Not my Friend. I am the Boss...I am all about saving money, not cutting corners...make sure your contractor can see if everytime he comes in to beg a cup of coffee!
Sorry, it comes from years of taking police reports about crooked contractors...just can't help it...and get permits FOR EVERYTHING, no matter the contractor says " ah we don't need no stinkin' permits!" Hmm, have I forgotten anything? Never mind, I'm sure if I have, it'll come to me
hugs
Sandi

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Wow! You are going to have soooo much fun! I envy you! I love the picture of the French Country/Country French Home! Just beautiful. I am looking forward to seeing all your posts along the way of this wonderful adventure!
Penny

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Teresa, well now that's very exciting. You've got a BIG job ahead of you. Hope it all goes well & very smooth for you. I've heard stories of both. I'm sure you'll love it & hate it all at the same time.

IT sounds beautiful...can't wait to see what you end up with!

Rhoda

Kim -today's creative blog said...

How exciting......but so overwhelming. You have the personality for it......just amp yourself up on caffine and go!
I can't wait to see what you end up with.

kari and kijsa said...

How exciting....the ride is about to begin! Love the French country style..and so many more fun choices!! kepp us updated on your building journey!!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Lallee said...

Teresa, I will look forward to your house building adventure. We have built two homes. I've hung up my hard hat days. While somewhat trying, it was fun doing all the planning.

Unknown said...

Hi Teresa,

This is so exciting and so much fun to plan. Like I told you before I have never built a home so I am of no help in offering advice in this area but I can't wait to folow your progress along the way. I love the type of home you are thinking of. Have fun!

Anonymous said...

Hi...

I just found your blog...what a beautiful home I love the style. I can't wait to follow along with you. Pls take lots of pictures. Good luck

Kathy :)

kari and kijsa said...

What fun!!! It will be a rollercoaster ride...but just hang on and you will be so satisfied with the results!

Can't wait to hear about the journey!

Have a very blessed day!

smiles, kari & kijsa