The Hunt Is Long Since Over.

Remember a while ago when I posted that the hunt for a great appartment was on? Well, it ended that same day. We got the amaizng appartment that we wanted and we moved in the day after my birthday. It took us so long to get internet (over 2 weeks) that I just forgot to post about the amazing appartment that we live in. Those of you who have Skype and have called us have already been given the grand tour but for the rest of you, here are some pictures of our amazing new place. Don't salivate too much and remember that it is only about 1000 sq feet total. So we have downsized a bit. On the bright side. Our house in Allen will seem like a mansion when we get home.
First, where we came from. These are some pics of the hotel we stayed in when we first got here. This is the completely inadequate kitchen area. Notice the lack of fridge? That is because it was a barely working mini fridge that fit under the counter. Not exactly inspiring is it? This is in the living area looking toward the kitechen/entrance. This is looking back from the entrance to the window.This is the view that we had out our windows. Notice the tram in the forground? It pretty much ran all day and all night. And it wasn't exactly quiet. This is what living in the city is all about.This is the new view that we have out the back of our current place. Much nicer hu? There is a great green area back there just for our building. And there are lots of little parks close by. Oh, and no tram out front.
Here are some pics of our new appartment before we moved anything in. Amazing hu?
And last but not least. Here is the appartment after we furnished it with lots of used stuff and lots of Ikea stuff. It cost us about chf 4000 after it was all said and done. Brian can correct me if I'm wrong but that is what I think. This is our lovely living room looking out the back wall of windows. Like our used Ikea couch? We do. It folds out into a lovely double bed for those of you who decide to venture over here. Don't worry, there is a huge screen that rolls down over the back wall to give you plenty of privacy. We also have a little "office" set up on the other side of the room with a desk and such. It is a pretty big living room.This is our bedroom. I made Brian splurge on a king sized bed. I am so glad I did. I love it. Totally worth the extra 100chf that we spent on it. Notice the windows are completely blocked? It is one of my favorite features that the appartments here have. They have these blinds that roll down from above and lock together to block out all light. Even during the day. Love that! And here is James' room. Like the second hand chair that we got at the local "D.I."? We do. His crib here is about half the size of his crib at home. Anyway, we are still looking for a car but I think I am closing in on one! Hopefully. I really want to put a car in my lovely garage. I will post about it as soon as I can get a car. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!

Construction Day 2

So, here is yeasterday's work. As you can see we got a new water heater. Our old 40 gallon one had a bad thermostat and was 14 years old so we upgraded to a 50 gallon new one. Not the most glam change but I love it cuz I love to soak in the tub with really hot water. This is one thing where bigger really is better, in my opinion.
We also replaced a couple of valves and water lines below a sink in our bathroom but I didn't put pics cuz everyone knows what that looks like. If you don't then go take a look under your own sink and that will give you a pretty good idea.

We also got a new door put on the pantry. Yes, this is to replace the door that had a doggie entrance in it. Allowing animals into the panty is about the most disgusting idea anyone has ever had. I just don't get it. Talk about unsanitary. If you can think of something more gross please leave me a comment about it.

And last but not least, we had a new front door put on the house. I have to admit, I was not on board with the new front door. I thought the old one was fine but Brian really wanted a door with glass to let in a bit of light. So, I thought that I would humor him since he humors me all the time when I request he do odd things for me that he sees no logic in doing. I, also, have to admit, that I really like the new door with the light coming in. And it will look even better once I paint it red. I am adamant about having a red door. Just something that Brian gets to humor me with. Here, I also included some during pictures for your viewing enjoyment. There is a view from the inside and the outside.

Construction Day 1

So, we are under construction. In case you haven't noticed, fixing up the house, I should say contiuing to fix up the house, is one of my goals for 2008. (Look at the side for the rest of Becky's Goals 2008). We have contracted with a man to do various things around the house. Usually, we would do the work ourselves but I am a little occupied right now with James and Brian is in the middle of busy season at work. Sometime I will do a post about all the work that we have done of the house till now but today I will post about Tuesday's work (Construction Day 1) and Wednesday's work (Construction Day 2).

Here are the pictures from Tuesday. These are the back of the house before and after. I, obviously, have not painted yet. I will.

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We had the back door replaced. It was rotting out of it's frame because of bad water drainage. We had this repaired by having gutters put on the house a couple of weeks ago. I know, I think it is weird too, that houses don't come with gutters but in Texas they really know how to build 'em cheap. I mean who doesn't want to walk out of their house during a Texas rainstorm and take a shower with the water spewing off the roof? I know I do!

We replaced some siding, the piece with the exterior doggie door. Now you see it. Now you don't.

We had some 1x6 put up along the bottom to cover some water damage, gutters would have come in handy here as well, on the rest of the back siding. Thank you Stephanie Johnson for the idea. It is way cheaper than replacing all the back siding and doesn't it look nice? (I am so glad most of my house is low maintenance brick).

We had a window box with termite damage fixed. Yes, we had termites and now we don't. Apparently termites infect virtually all homes in Texas after 15 years. Our is 19 years old. Unless you preemptively treat them. Now, we know that. If we ever buy a house older than 5 years again we will insist on termite treatment NO MATTER WHAT! We will also get gutters immediately. I guess we live and learn.

I would have posted these pictures yeasterday but while I was putting this post together the phone company came and decided it would be a good idea to cut my cable line. Idiots! Seriously, now I know why I have VOIP besides it being way cheaper. (I pay $200 for a year with free long distance and all the other features).