995 - A Significant Move into a"3-digit" World

This whole Retirement Countdown exercise has been an interesting look into the path leading to what I call Career 2.0 and all that that implies.  The countdown to something called retirement is truly a journey and not a destination.  The 2.0 part of this simply indicates the expectation of the next chapter - whatever that will be and whenever it will happen.  Until now, it has been somewhat virtual - a journey starting at 2185 days away - much too far to seem very real.

That seems to be changing with a 3-digit countdown.

995 days seems like a significantly shorter time than the 1038 of the last post on the topic, but it is just more than one month difference.  By focusing more on the Bathroom Remodel recently, I've lost a bit of perspective toward the countdown.  995 is causing a sobering realization that time seems to be accelerating.  Even a short period of taking my eye off the ball can cause a dramatic fielding error.

So what does that mean?  Initially, it means, "pay attention!"  The pace at which life is moving and as it continues to accelerate means that nothing is to be taken for granted.  Be present.  Enjoy each and every moment.  There are only a finite number of them, and there isn't a second chance.  It's ironic that in 1123 - A Dubious Milestone, I reflect more on healthy habits than on appreciating the present.  Each one is important, but an oversight for sure.  I'm just grateful that a silly retirement countdown exercise reminded me to smell those roses.

But beyond that, I'm finding that I don't sweat some of the small things that I used to fret over.  In other situations, I'm more passionate and defensive about issues than I ever used to be.  As stimuli change, I suspect, so do perspectives.

995 has performed better than any hotel wake-up call could.  It has caused me to awaken in ways I've never previously experienced, but more importantly, it has caused me to pay closer attention to frame after individual frame of life's movie - one for which there is no sequel.

Professional Towing

When thinking of automotive towing services, the word "professional" doesn't always come.  In this case, it's more than the company's name, it is the best word to describe them.

Cars can from time to time get sick and shouldn't be driven to have them repaired.  It's never a good time when the unexpected happens, so you simply deal with it and move on.

After making a couple of calls from a random internet search, I was quickly thinking that I would have to wait up to 2 hours and deal with a company that just didn't sound like they cared about booking my business.  Thankfully, I made one more call.

When I reached a professional voice at the other end, who seemed to care by asking the reason for the tow, then empathized with the situation - and - could get there in 30-45 minutes, I was in.  Rich at "Pro Tow" is the new owner, buying the business from the long-time, previous owner.  Customer care: he gets it.

A truck was dispatched and he said the driver would call me back when he was in the area.  One better: Rich called back personally when the truck was about "a minute and a half" away.  Sure enough, 90 seconds later, here comes the truck.

Eric was the driver and quite a character.  Careful, quick, and a lot of fun to be around.  I rode with him and had a good time talking about "big trucks."  

If you need a tow, don't bother shopping.  Look to Pro Tow for professional treatment and at much more of a reasonable rate than I anticpated.

Turning the Corner with Tile

In any sort of project, there comes a point at which the final outcome starts to be visible.  While there is still much to do, having the tile down on the floor helps a visually oriented person like me really begin to see how it might look when finished.   

Notice the access door under the tub.  A new feature.  In the very first post, "Welcome to the Bathroom Remodel!," I showed a photo of the tub faucet and one of the valves installed backward.  Since this access door did not exist before, the faucet must have been installed and then the tub framing fully enclosed.  There's no other way to get to the faucet.  Again, some of the things that are discovered when exposing previous construction techniques.

The plan is to mount a matching cabinet door over the opening to provide access to the plumbing.  Something that should have been incorporated before.  

   
It is indeed beginning to take shape.

I love this next shot.  This is a great example of the tile detail, but it also is a glimpse into the care that our contractors are taking with the tile installation.  It's all about straight lines.  The spacer clips provide for consistent spacing, but think about the dozens and dozens of tiles that make up the complete "system."  If one is moved to line it up with the one next to it on one side, it can affect the one on the other side.  And so on, and so on, and so on...  This is the heart of the art.

Here, science meets art head on.  A significant decision had to be made before the first tile was put down: where would the pattern start?  Some of the considerations were visial impact (see the top photo as it looks when entering the bathroom), where cuts would be needed around the perimeter, and of course, the furnace vent.  Better to have a complete tile surround the vent than to have a break (and grout), dissect it.

This one tile will be the source of considerable work (relatively) due to the tile-friendly register that we've ordered.  This isn't bad, just a fair amount of detail.  Later, you'll see why the tile pattern needed to be just so.  The register will incorporate the tile beautifully and in a very clever way.  

Put it Down to Cover it Up

When the framing is complete, the next step is somewhat ironic: put material in place so that it can be hidden.  Here, a waterproof underlament was put down on the floor, replacing the previous surface.  This product is made of gypsum and cellulose and are very strong.

Remember: put it down to cover it up.  Here, you can see the underlament as well as the base for what will eventually be the granite countertop.  Same deal.

Reality check:  stuff happens.  When demolition takes place, large pieces of construction debris are uninstalled and then removed.  When things are glued, nailed and screwed into place when installed, they don't come out without a fight.  Dings and holes are inevitable.  This is nothing since these guys are pros.  A simple patch when the time is right and again, covered up!

Speaking of covered up, tarps have become a way of life.  Being sure to put them in their path for protection from what seems like dozens of trips to the garage and their rigs (probably feels like hundreds to them) is another appreciated attitude.  Care + Concern = Class.

The beauty of hiding these things is knowing what will be doing the hiding.  Next up, TILE!

Gresham Shoe Repair

At the risk of fragmenting my blog topics too far, I've decided to start a new one related to merchants who have provided me with outstanding service, a terrific bargain, or simply a satisfying experience.  In a word: Memorable.

If you're anything like me, once you find that perfect place, you simply don't want to let go.  In fact, you tell all your friends in hopes of more business pouring in, thereby ensuring a long, successful venture.  But first a story. (You really didn't think you'd get away without one, did you?!?!?!)

Some time ago, I had become quite pleased with my shoe repair shopkeeper.  Dress shoes (men's and women's) are not cheap.  As a result, finding a good "carer and repairer" is critical to protecting that investment.  I had found just that person.  But one day, that changed.

On my next visit, there was someone new and with that new person came a whole change in the shop's persona.  When asked, he simply said, "new owner."  Nuff said.  That's the bad news.  I stayed away for quite a while, disappointed in the fact that my perfect shoe doctor had sold the shop and moved on.  I found another shop, but at best, they were adequate (barely.)

One day, I had the need for new heel taps and decided Mr. "New Owner" couldn't screw things up and I could deal with him for a 10 minute maintenance stop.  Now, the good news:  he was back.  It took me a minute to shift gears, but I finally asked him what had happened.  Politely, he said that when payments aren't made, ownership reverts.  I told him I was sorry it didn't work out, but that I was thrilled he was back.

Gresham has indeed regained a Memorable Merchant.  Do yourself a favor: protect your leather investment.  Do me a favor and contribute to a long, successful venture.