Of renovations and a restorative nap

Luka and Layla perform mini Australian shepherd yoga on the new floors at Casa de Weed. If they would just slow down on the stairs, I might avoid arrhythmia.

I took a nap yesterday for the first time in months.

It was only 30 minutes but it was on the comfiest couch in the living room and beneath two normally rambunctious little dogs.

When I woke, I felt like a changed person from just 30 minutes before.

My allergy headache was gone.

My aching right ankle felt fine again.

And, I had no immediate dread about anything from world politics to what I would later cook for dinner.

Instead, I felt refreshed, renewed, and recovered from a hectic past few weeks.

We recently had hardwood floors installed on the second floor at Casa de Weed. And, although The Weed and I did not do the work, we did get to shift heavy furniture around (ask me about my bruises), sit in a closed office with the aforementioned rambunctious little dogs for hours on end, and, obsess over area rugs. First world problems, I know.

Still, it made me think about how even the slightest bit of upheaval in a home can cause stress and anxiety.

Me before yesterday's nap. Cranky and snappy.

During the project, I was home with the dogs while The Weed was at work. So, that left me as point person for hour-to-hour issues and questions.

First, the contractors wanted to unplug the router in one of the rooms they were working in. Fortunately, they asked me before doing so. Since I was using a computer downstairs, we had to find a creative way to ensure the router remained plugged in and out of harm’s way.

Second, the contractors opened every window and sliding glass door on the second floor, allowing every bit of pollen blowing around to get inside and mingle with the sawdust already accumulating everywhere. I spent a lot of time sweeping and vacuuming. Not my preferred pastimes.

Third, the contractors ended up three boxes short of the wood to be put down. This required some creative Google searches to find just three boxes to be purchased … The next morning. Plus, another check written for a few more hundred dollars. Fortunately, those issues plus a couple more were all ironed out and work continued and wrapped up by the end of the week.

Then, Luka and Layla had to learn how to navigate wooden stairs. Their first few attempts were calamitous at best. Think baby deer learning to walk on spindly little legs. Thank goodness they are strong, stubborn beasts. Each and every wipeout made my heart skip. A new runner will be installed on the stairs in the coming weeks. Then, we can all breathe a little easier.  

One of the TV shows The Weed and I like to watch is This Old House on PBS. (Netflix: I’m looking at you to ensure this gem remains on the air!)

The producers offered some advice to homeowners going through renovations at their homes, including:

• Hire a proven contractor you implicitly trust and communicate well with. Much like choosing a friend, the contractor has to be someone you can discuss (expensive) options and solutions with.

• Be organized and well prepared before the sawdust starts flying. One This Old House homeowner advised: ‘You’re going on all cylinders, and you can’t dwell on things. You have to make decisions quickly and move on to the next.’

• Be prepared to spend more money as the project progresses. Most renovations go 15 percent to 20 percent over budget so plan for the overrun with a cushion of cash.

• Be prepared for the mess. I swear I will be finding sawdust and pollen piles in corners of our house for years to come. Still, the end product is worth it.

Yesterday’s nap certainly didn’t erase the worry lines that popped up on my face during the past few weeks but it did make me realize the supreme power of a comfy couch and sleeping well in a home you love.