OT-Pictures of house | Arthritis Information

Will and I have been very busy the last 2 months repainting every room but the kitchen. The front bedroom, small hall and bath are still not done but most of the other rooms are. Remember its a very old house, built in 1922 so the "cracks" you may see in the walls are from the plaster (yes, plaster, not drywall) settling. I have sanded and sanded and sanded but they only get so smooth without paying to have them redone. We sanded the old, peeling varnish off the wood trim and painted it white. We got rid of the huge entertainment center and went with a flat screen TV, which really opened up the front room. Will put in all new electrical outlets and covers, we got new carpet. We decided we wanted lots of color!! Unfortunately, the red that's in the front room just doesn't photograph well, it looks much better in person. We were on a really tight budget but I think so far, its turning out pretty good for what we had to work with! We need to take a few weekends off before tackling the rest of the house but this is what we have done so far.

http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/michelebrake/house%20fall%2008/

You really didn't think I could post pictures and not have at least one or two of the boys in there, did ya? I hope everyone is doing well. I read all the time but don't post a lot anymore. My remicade infusions are going well otherwise I would have never been able to do this much house stuff. Since I was so sick for almost 4 years, the house barely got cleaned let alone anything else. So, we decided since I am starting to feel better and Will and I are working hard on our marriage that we would completely make-over the inside of the house. A sort of new beginning for everything. The walls used to be a very light color with very old wood trim that the varnish was bubbled and peeling. We wanted color! I'm sure its not everyones style but we like it and its unique!

Taking it one day at a time..... You've done a fantastic job. Love the color and the light is fabulous. I like mixing old and new together. It's never boring that way. You've come such a long way, you're a perfect example of persistence paying off. Take care and keep posting. People need to know that one can get better and that there's always hope. LindyWow! That looks great and I'm amazed you were able to do it.Michele, I am so excited for you that you are feeling well enough to do all this work, and that you are looking at life with a new enthusiasm. Your journey (and Will's) has been long and painful, but "You're still standin'" and creating beauty around you, through your beading and decorating. Your house looks lovely! I also have walls with a lot of color, and I love it, because they highlight the accessories around them much more than boring white, and, and get ready - they don't show dirt!

Keep on keeping on girl - you're a breath of fresh air and inspiration!

Love the pics, Michelle. Love the colors you chose!

Okay, and I gotta say, I love your babies!! I have 2 Shihtzu/maltese

Thanks for sharing your pics Im so happy to see you are looking at life with so much colour, its wonderful to see how far you have come, the house looks absolutely beautifulMichele,

you did an amazing job! All the rooms have such character. WOW. I love the dressing room. I think you missed your calling.

PhatsWow!! Beautiful colors. Your color choice is similar to mine, I love it!!!Michelle,

Here are my two trouble makers:)

Lazy little girl "yoshi"

This is her daddy, Kui magoo

Aw thanks girls. We have lived in the house for 10 years now and it really needed a over haul. I was a little nervous at first about doing each room in such a distinct color but the white trim through out and matching carpet really ties it together.

What they call the front bedroom, is directly off the front room when you walk in the front door. There is no door on it and we use it for my scrap booking, beading and have the elliptical trainer in there as well. Since its right off the red room, we are painting it ORANGE!!! We picked up some brochure with paint samples in it and it showed two rooms next to each other in the same red and orange and Will loved it, so I said why not?! I picked the green, purple and pink. I think I am going to do the bathroom in avocado green, its two shades lighter than the dinning room. The bathroom is TINY and is divided about waist high with trim so I think the top will be the gloss white, the bottom the lighter green and the trim the darker green. I also like the thought of yellow, I just haven't decided yet!!

I feel very proud of myself for accomplishing so much. To think that this time last year, I OD'd and spent almost a month in the hospital, that Will and I almost divorced, that life was just miserable. Getting the proper dx has really helped, both physically and mentally. I understand I will probably never be normal or healthy but at least I know I am not crazy. Its also amazing at what the proper treatment can do. It took some time but the remicade has really made a huge difference.

For those people new to chronic illness, hang in there. Its a long hard road to haul but despite physical illness, you can still have a decent and happy life. Try not to take things too serious and do it one day at a time!
Oh Pam, what cuties!!! What are their names? I will post a few more pictures of my boys tomorrow, heading out of the office for the night! The sleepy one on top is a little girl "Yoshi"

and the guy below is her daddy "Kui magoo"

I would love to see more pics. I am glad you can take yours to work with you. I remember reading that you are an Optician or Optomatrist. I bet your pts love them. My hubby is an Optician and I was an Ophthalmic tech for many years While I'm waiting for your pictures to download, let me just say, I'm so happy that you and your husband have hung in there through all of your troubles. Maybe I should take back all the terrible things I thought about him?

My DH is an eggshell paint in every room kind of guy, so our walls are covered with artwork. I did paint the little bathroom a spongy orange splotchy kind of thing, but it was so much work, even with making the DD do the high parts, I don't think I'll try it again. But new paint is so refreshing. Congratulations on your better health and having your house reflect it.

Our DD's bedroom is one wall of your green, one wall of barn red and opposite walls orange, it's a really big bedroom and the colors are really bold, but like your house they work really well. It's lovely Michelle, I bet you love stepping into it.
Ninilchicken2008-10-13 15:31:37Looks great, Michele! Loved the photos and so glad things are getting better for you!I love the pictures! the colors are so vibrant and cheerful! I especially love the green dining room! I enjoy decorating, too, and two years ago, we completely renovated our first level..new floors, refaced the fireplace, replaced a window with french doors, etc. It was exhausting work, but I loved every minute of it!

I'm thrilled you were able to complete this labor of love. I know how great it feels!

Thanks everyone, I couldn't wait to get home last night and just enjoy it. The house has been tore apart for two months now and its just nice to have it put back together, well, at least most of it!

My hubby and I still have some issue's and he did do some really rotten things but we are trying to work through things. We both see our shrinks and try to communicate with each other about what we need and such. Its still not smooth sailing but we are trying very hard.

Yes Pam, I am an optician, nice to meet someone else in the optical world!! The patients at the office love the dogs! I'm always careful when new people come in to ask them if they mind the dogs around and have a gate to pen them up behind the desk if necessary. But, we have neighborhood kids that stop in just to play with them!

Here's Harley in pigtails! I can never get his eyes to photograph well!
They are soooo sweet!

I wish Yoshi would let me put piggy tails in her hair House looks great. Congrats!!!!Harley has been getting pony tails since I got him at 10 weeks old! The piggy tails actually stay in better but since he is a boy, I try not to make him too girly! LOL!!! I was not planning on letting Oliver's coat grow long but it just sort of happened. I struggled with him for a month or so on getting the pony tail in but now, its all good. There are days when Harley gets tired of his and will paw at it to get it out. Sometimes he conspires with his little brother to pull each others out, they are a riot to watch! Michele, I am soo happy to hear (and see!) things are going so much better. The house and the colors are beautiful, absolutely gorgeous, and hearing that things are going in the right direction for you and Will and the kiddies, well, there are tears in my eyes. You're a strong woman and I knew you would make it through, no matter how many challenges were thrown in your way. Enjoy every minute of it...you deserve it. Thanks Suzeanne, you are too kind. I certainly haven't always felt strong. But, yes, things are definitely heading in the right direction. It certainly helps to have the proper dx and the right treatments. Both Will and I have worked hard in therapy as well and that has made a big difference. You have done a good job of the painting and of taking the pics so we can all see what you have been up to.

Well done.

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