to do list

New gate for the other side

Install new bathroom light fixture

Build cabinets for garage (from a kit; I’m not a carpenter)

Run Ethernet cables under the house
I know, in this day and age of wireless, what’s the point? The point is: I have cables, spade bits bit for my drill, and the intestinal fortitude to go under the house. Besides, the TiVo is too slow via wireless and the kid’s computer is old and needs wires or it’s not happy. OK?

Get rid of old closet doors and hang... something. We put IKEA curtains in our bedroom closet instead of new doors because the old ones are a custom size that you can’t just buy at Home Depot. The curtains are cool because they hang on a wire instead of a rod and hide better behind the existing fascia.

Paint master bedroom

Remodel master bath

Finish planting new landscaping

Redo previously mentioned irrigation to accommodate new planting (I miscalculated on the original plan; all part of doin’ it yourself)

Repair the barbecue

completed projects

Here’s a list of some of the things I have done myself over the last four years of owning this house:

Installed garage door opener

Painted entire exterior

Installed dishwasher

Installed rangetop

Installed oven

Installed Pergo in entryway

Painted and hung front door

Texturized walls, even ON TOP OF old wallpaper (it can be done)

Installed motorized SunSetter awning

Put in new vanity, sink and faucets

Installed whole-house fan

Built new side gate

Installed garbage disposal

Installed irrigation in new landscaping

Built small retaining wall and moved 8.5 cubic yards of dirt behind it with a shovel and a wheelbarrow

Assembled large wooden playset in backyard for the kids

Built a ton of do-it-yourself furniture (does that count?)

Lots of shelving

Installed light fixtures in dining room and kid's bathroom

Hung bi-fold doors on pantry

Changed out all door handles and locksets

Many curtain rods

Repainted and refinished much furniture (you have not lived until you’ve tried pickling stain)