The Other Man :: Finishing a Kitchen Passthru

in the beginning

My wife hasn’t been able to keep her hands off of me.  It’s true.  And yeah, I know. You’re saying, Well, she finally started reading your blog and found all the deep down man sexy that even she didn’t know about.  Ok, fair – it’s a good theory.  Unfortunately, honestly, it is one that is probably not correct.  And who I am really to question these things?

After all, you know what they say about women as they reach the age of 38 (sorry Jen).  That’s right . . . they say, There is nothing that makes a woman (of that age) hotter than the thought of having work done on her kitchen. And again . . . unfortunately, truth — I haven’t  been the one doing it . . . (for her) recently.  You see, Jen has a new boyfriend.  And yeah, I know about him . . . well, because we are like that.

Jen met Paul through a friend of hers – Karen.  I have done work for Karen myself (over there  >>).  And Karen moved on too. (I guess that last part is not totally true, but it sounds good for the story.)  Of course, one thing lead to another – and that’s right, Jen ended up as Paul’s real estate agent.  She has his house listed and on the market.

Now – Jen and I have, and with ever-expanding weekend obligations, watched significant finishing work on this project, our house come to a virtual halt.  Yeah, I suck.  OK – I do some things . . . I’m a pretty decent hubby. I reset windows, fix plumbing and plaster, do demo, set up home networks, hang out with the kids, go shopping and to parties, walk the dog, feed the cats, change the litter, paint, caulk, listen, etc. and so on. . . and occasionally I breathe or have time for myself.  In other words – and with Jen’s new friend in mind, we decided to take out a home equity line of credit.  We planned to buy ourselves, well . . . a worker fairy, as we began to call him.

b playing the role of Paul

And if you are a regular reader of this blog . . . you know . . . this whole proposition has been tough for me.  Relinquishing control – that is.  Plus . . . did I mention that we are in an oldddd house (things are irregular) AND we are reusing some materials?  Two facts by themselves that demand a certain level of skill and some finesse.  (<< See jb intellectualize.)

I mean — I can do some things.  This is our third signifigant reno.  And before this . . . the only other interior project that has been completed by anyone else (other than me) was a small half bath.  That project required moving a flight of stairs in our first, tiny rowhome . . . its timeline was important.  And yes, I have hired out bits and pieces.

I am sorry, it is just new to me.  I have done kitchens – and to have someone else finish mine?  Whooo! I was conflicted.

BUT I also cared.  I understand how important the kitchen is for Jen.  AND I know how long she has lived like this, with it — “this way” — partially finished (other things approved and taking priority).  It has taken an emotional toll.

take 1 -- first cuts

Having Paul here (and we have never met) does free me up to do other stuff. Things that need to get done before the long winter hits. Currently, I am replacing a good chunk of the house’s near-original german clapboard siding, and I must also prime, paint, and caulk 1 and ½ sides of it, the house, by like . . . yesterday.  (And yes, my window restore is complete.)  Plus . . . Paul does his work, while I am . . . at work.  Just like I said, a worker fairy, and it is pretty sweet!

We had heard that Paul does good work for a good price. *And stop here.*  So far, from what I can tell – he does. I think I am in love too! No, but it is just fine with me that they play text pong, and/or stay on the phone, giggling, just a little too long . . . it’s just fine.  Especially, of course, when he slices Jen a break after his first few days of service. (*errrrmm* Obviously, I am not the only one who has noticed her gluten-free diet paying dividends.) And anyway . . .

Now I will shut up, post some pics, and reap the benefits of having . . . well . . .  another man around.

*******

Thanks for reading and BMoxieBMore . . . until next time . . .

and don't even think about it -- I'm NOT moving the chimney