Thursday, February 4, 2010

Will Work For Pay. Or For Free.

In case any of you are wondering, Shane did not get to go back to work this week. There were questions about the safety of crane on the job site (founded or unfounded, depending on who was telling the story). If it's not one thing keeping him from his paying job, it's half a dozen others. His boss says the outlook is good that he'll be back to work next week, but now there is a 1- to 3-inch snowfall in the forecast again. All we can do is wait and see what happens.

This doesn't mean Shane isn't working. He's just not getting paid. This week he's been busy making a racket in our basement. For a while, we talked about finishing part of the basement into a rec room. That idea was scrapped when our basement flooded from the city's run-off system two years in a row. Now that we seem to have that issue under control, largely with a sump pump we installed and a little bit of improvement to the city's drainage system, we've decided to do something with the space after all. We've vetoed the idea of a traditional rec room with pool table and mini-bar and have instead decided on a games and hobbies room where we can keep our crafts, hobbies, games, puzzles, etc. all out while they are in progress. (We may still keep the mini-bar, though...).

It's only in the beginning stages, and will likely stay that way for a while, since we have no money to put into it. What we do have, though, are the 2x4 studs that were here when we moved in. A previous owner had roughed in (and I do mean rough) a couple of rooms downstairs. We knocked those out and saved the studs. There are plenty there to frame out the room we're wanting now.

Since Shane doesn't seem to be happy unless he's building or making something, this is a good project to keep him busy until he either goes back to work or we run out of scrounged materials. One or the other is bound to happen eventually.

There won't be pictures any time soon, though. NO ONE needs to be subjected to the disaster we call a basement.

11 comments:

Miranda said...

Oh Annie, you are in my thoughts this week. The weather has my hubby stalled for work... he has the jobs, but it is too muddy and dangerous to progress. The forecast down here is sleet, rain and snow through Sunday and then a major winter storm at the end of the month. Thankfully we sold our calves a few weeks ago and can "maybe" get through the next few weeks. Hang in there!

A.Marie said...

Oh, I am sorry to hear about the work situation. We are also supposed to be getting snow. UGH. Luckily, hubby's company still has work lined up, so we still have a paycheck. I'm telling you what...times are TOUGH!!

I need to post some pics of my disaster basement. We have an outside entrance basement with those old-fashioned cellar doors on it. It definitely needs a little TLC! :)

Sheila said...

I'm sorry Shane doesn't have a paying job right now. Hopefully things will start looking up soon. This weather is about to get the best of me--we are supposed to get another winter storm tomorrow and again next week. Not that I have anywhere to go or any money to spend but I like knowing I can get out if I want to.
Good luck with the basement remodel--after seeing the wonderful work Shane did on the bathroom, I know it will look great. I miss having a basement--we don't have one here but we did at our last house. They come in so handy!!

Frances said...

Sorry to hear about Shane's paid work being delayed. But it is great that he has a project to work on that will not only keep him from going stir crazy, but will improve your house. He will do a great job. We have seen samples of his work. :-)

Sam said...

If you were serious about wanting my job at CVS, I had to put in my notice. I know they are looking! Might be a bit of a drive for you, but it would be a start. Thought I would share the info :)

Unknown said...

I'm really sorry to hear the weather is keeping Shane at home, but at least on the bright side he is able to keep busy doing something useful for all of you. My dad's out at the minute too, its too wet, new foundations are flooding, cement can't cure you name it and there seems to be a handful of reasons to keep him at home. The difference is that lets just say my dad seems to find slightly more 'counter productive' ways to pass his time, like installing a new light fitting at 5.30pm and switching off the electric to do it, in the dark, and leaving my mum unable to cook dinner or even get a cup of tea when she comes in from work. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that the weather brightens for both you and my mum:)

Sonya Ann said...

I was hoping to see before and during pictures! Waaaaa I wanna see it!
It's great that he is so handy and that he likes to do projects. Den not so much!
I think that he will probably go back within a week or two.
And way to be frugal and green by reusing some of the materials that you have.
Have a great weekend!

Tug said...

Ugh. We have no snow here, and my job doesn't matter really if we do or not, so go ahead & send it over. ;-) Have you checked freecycle.org for wood/drywall? Never know what you'll find there.

slugmama said...

Sorry that Shane is still waylaid off the job. I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed that the weather improves where you are so he can get back to it. ;-)

And I'm with SonyaAnn...I wanna see piccies! I love to see other people's disaster zones/rooms. It makes me feel like I am NOT alone out there in clutterland.lol

Sonya Ann said...

Dropped by to say HI! And happy Monday, if that isn't an oxymoron!
And I like Slugmam's comment about clutterland!

Lisa B. said...

Dropped by to say Hi also. This weather is really got to give us a break!

I'm with the others, I wanna see the basement also. lol I'll post mine if you post yours?