Welcome to the May edition of the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah. It’s also time for another edition of Fit Five Friday hosted by My First 5K and More, Running with Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and me! Â
Now, grab a mug of your favorite beverage, and let’s chat!
If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you I started Summer School on Monday teaching 4th grade. I began with 20 students on my roster on Monday but have had 18 show up consistently. Why are there so many kids in a classroom was my question? I mean, that is usually the size of a classroom during the regular school year. I should have switched with another teacher who has 2nd and 3rd graders newcomers and has less than 10 students. But, I am liking my class. All of them can read and actually talk to me! It is a nice change from my 2nd graders. Some teachers have teased me saying that maybe I might switch from 2nd to 4th grade.
If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that sometimes I have my doubts on whether I made the right decision of buying a house. It is so expensive! I knew I had to remodel the basement so I was ready for those expenses, but there is so much to buy (moulding, tile for the bathroom and laundry room, etc).
Right now I am doing tuck pointing and I am seeing the number go down in my savings account. Did I have to get that done now? Who knows. According to the guy doing the job, there is a lot of damage to the mortar (I’d like to think he is telling me the truth). The previous owners covered it (kind of like tape) and he told me that eventually that would fall off.Â
I want to replace my windows and am debating if I want to do that now before the Winter or wait till next year. Â
If we were having coffee…
I’d tell you that sometimes I wished I had a partner that knows about these house things. A few weeks ago I turned on the AC to see if it was working because warmer days were coming and I wanted to be ready. It turned on but no cold air was coming inside the house (only the fan air). I called my cousin to check it out. It turned out that it was an electricity thing and all I had to do was reset it by flipping the levers in the breaker box. I felt like a fool, but lesson learned. I turned on the AC again on Wednesday and it wouldn’t turn on. I reset the levers and still didn’t work. I called my cousin again. Do you know what the problem was? THE SWITCH IN THE BOILER ROOM WAS OFF! I know I didn’t do it and I know who did, but I also know it was an accident. I am afraid to find out what’s going to happen next.
If we were having coffee…
I’d remind you how last year I asked you if you thought it would be a good idea for me to run a half marathon in North Dakota, come back home, and run another half marathon in Chicago the next day? I must have jinxed it because I ended up not going to North Dakota after all. I wasn’t running consistently and was not ready to run 13.1 miles. I need to do better about planning my races because I missed quite a few this year. I don’t want to think about the money that I lost anymore because there is nothing I can do about it now.
If we were having coffee…
I’d complain about my neighbor’s backyard. I know everyone is free to do whatever they want. But at the same thing I’m thinking “Really? Seriously”? See the pictures below.
That is how I want my backyard to look like. Â
This is my backyard. The photo is from a few weeks ago and I have already removed the shrubs (?). I think that is what they’re called. I want to put some flowers and grow some vegetables there.
My other neighbor’s backyard. It looks like a jungle!
I hope June is a wonderful month for everyone!
The topic for next week’s Fit Fit Friday – It’s Friday the 13th – What are some things you find unlucky on your run or at the gym? Feel free to write about this or any fitness topic you’d like. We hope you’ll link up with us!
I’m glad you’re enjoying your summer school class even though it’s larger than normal.
You are so right, maintaining a home is expensive and a lot of work, but I beats throwing money away for rent which gives you no return.
Don’t get me started on the lack of upkeep in a few of my neighbor’s yards!
I keep telling myself that it is an investment for when I retire. My plan is to sell the house and move to a small place (condo/townhome).
Owning a home is very expensive and there is always something to fix. You will learn over time about how to do some things yourself and when to call for help. Good luck with the renovations it’s always worth it!
I hope so. I don’t always want to call for help or pay someone.
Oh, there is ALWAYS SOMETHING with a house! I don’t know how I would do it all myself- but I know I would figure it out if I had to, just like you will. And the other problem with houses… neighbors. Hopefully they’re nice people who just happen to like a jungle in their backyard (?)
Good luck with the summer school class- it sounds like a good situation.
The neighbors to the right and left and nice. I’ve talked to them a few times. That was a fear I had when moving here thinking if I would have nice neighbors.
Home ownership is empowering, but can also be overwhelming (especially if you’re doing it solo). It’s also a matter of prioritizing what needs to get done now and what can wait. You’ll get there 😉
I agree. I think I am going to wait on the windows till next year.
There’s always something in a home or apartment but once you get it to where you like it, you’ll enjoy it. Having neighbors is always an experience.
Have you gotten back to running? It’s been busy on the path.
Ugh, I have not. It is one excuse after another. How is it that years ago I loved running and would do it almost everyday?
Yep there’s always something to fix/renovate with a house – just don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. Take your time and it will come together the way you want.
Yeah, I’ve been told to wait and not do everything at once. Thanks!
Owning a home is expensive. Don’t get me started. We need new windows badly but we are getting a new deck. It’s always something. But just be patient and do things slowly.
Thanks. I also want a deck but for sure that can wait.
Houses are so expensive. We have a home warranty, so we pay a monthly fee, and then if something breaks, they will come out for a copay and either fix or replace the item. Of course, there are things that aren’t covered, but it’s helped when we have needed work done on our a/c or when we had to replace the washing machine. I think you just have to list out your priorities and do it a little at a time. Easier said than done.
I hope summer school goes well. Sorry the class is so big.
I have been very restrained about registering for races. I’m sorry you’ve missed so many. That’s go to be hard to see the $ go.
A coworker told me about a home warranty. I remember seeing a letter or flyer and now I wonder if the previous owners had it for the appliances.