My Own Personal Waterloo
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My new plan is to work one more year at school and then next summer (if not before) hit the ground running and go back to doing what I love best: creating. Before I get too old! To that end, I am moving heaven and earth to get the house around me organized and in good working order which involves many, many tasks. This is the tale of one of those tasks.
It all started with my garbage disposal. I wish I had a better picture, because it was spectacular. COMPLETELY rusted away from the sink above, and was only held up by a few old plastic bottles of cleaner. Just look at it! For that reason, I avoided “under the sink” forever, and just used the one side. When I got a home improvement loan, I was finally able to have the whole thing removed and turned back into regular plumbing.
Now that that was fixed, I really wanted a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system. Reverse osmosis turns your tap water into something akin to bottled water. No messing with five-gallon containers or endless little plastic bottles! It’s a little expensive to begin with. $700 to $1000 to have it installed, but I discovered I could buy a system and do it myself for $300. Score!
Once the scary disposal was gone, I gritted my teeth, put on some rubber gloves, and emptied everything out from under the sink, including an old mouse trap. Gulp! I channeled my mom, who faced this sort of task with grim determination.
After I bleached and scrubbed and bleached again, I put some linoleum tiles down. Much better! The plumber accidentally left that cord in the upper right behind. Even plumbers make mistakes!
My new system finally arrived. I have zero knowledge of plumbing so I studied the instructions backwards and forwards and bought the required tools, a 1/4″ and a 1/2″ drill bit, and I skimmed through a video or two. Finally, I was ready to go. I would install the system, have lunch, and take a nap.
The first thing I had to do was drill a new hole in my kitchen sink for the faucet that would dispense my water. It turns out, old stainless steel sinks are really tough, and the faster you drill, the harder the steel gets. The sink was smoking, the drill was smoking, I burned my fingers.
I finally found out I needed a special drill bit, one I’ve never heard of or seen before. It’s called a Step drill bit. It’s gold, because it costs a lot of money. And I’ll only use it once! But needs must, as they say in jolly olde England.
Surely that would be the hardest part, and it would be smooth sailing from there. Wrong! There were so many other stops and starts. Throughout installation there were equal parts swearing and praying, one loud and the other soft. More than once I decided to give up and call a plumber in the morning. But then morning came and I would try, try again.
Finally, I finished. It was time to turn the spigot. I now know what they mean by, “Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink!”
It was leaking all over the place! I almost cried and probably would have, if I hadn’t already sweated all the moisture out of my body. I finally figured out I hadn’t pushed the tubes into the “quick connect” joists firmly enough. One last trial. I redid the joints and held my breath.
IT WORKED.
This little project ended up taking THREE DAYS. But I learned a lot. And it’s done! I did it! I didn’t give up! And less the $100 I spent on tools, I still saved $300. That’s $100 bucks a day! Would I call a plumber if I had it to do over again? I’LL NEVER TELL.
My next major project – after a complete overhaul of my downstairs bathroom – is my sewing room. You think my disposal looked bad? Wait until you see the room where all the magic happens! I’ve filmed the “before” and am going to make a video post. VERY FEW have ever been in there. Few would dare! COMING SOON.
With that, I leave you! Need a hole drilled in your sink? I’m your girl! You know why? Because I’ve got the bit, and You’re My Favorite!
D5 Creation
Oh my goodness! Your updates never disappoint. I was just looking at pins of your doll projects and wondering what you were up to. Now I know that another plumber is born. When you referred to scary projects was that about the bathroom plumbing or the sewing room?
The sewing room! It makes the plumbing – ALL plumbing – look like a walk in the park!!
YIKES.
Cheers!
Ruth
Ruth it is so very good to hear from you after all this time! Perfect timing too as my beautiful “Independence” doll is the star attraction in my home this month. You have such a gift with words – they always bring a smile and laugh. Looking forward to more musings! In the meantime wishing you all the best, especially with your upcoming projects!
PS I’m very impressed with your latest project. You must have nerves of steel as well as the patience of a Saint!
Dee!
I love hearing that my O.L.D. girls are doing well! I can’t WAIT to get back to doing them. Just a few more months…and a few more daunting tasks to go in the meantime.
Good to hear from you!
Ruth
Way to go neighbor girl!! You won the battle and created a neatness. Carry on!
Sarah!
NOW I can relax! You’re opinion is most important to me, neighbor chickie!
XOXOXO
Ruth
Oh! our dearest Ruth has returned to us at long last!!!!!!!!!!!
So so happy to hear all about your escapades and honestly I can’t wait to hear about many more from you! It sounds like a great plan! I am all about getting and having inspiration and perspiration to accomplish one’s dreams! We are behind you with love and prayers all the way!!! . So hoping to afford one of your little beauties one day! Xoxo
Sending all my love
Cathryn in Paradise kind of
Cathryn!
“Paradise kind of” – that cracks me up! I too live in a sort of paradise! I can’t wait to get back to my dolls! Right now I’m in the belly of the beast, trying to get my sewing room into some kind of order.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write!
XOXOXOXOX
Ruth
Hey Sista! Where HAVE you BEEN?? I have missed hearing from you!
Melody!
Slogging away at life! But I’m hoping I can get back to dolls – while I still can! Working towards it as we speak…
Hope all is well, Sista!
XOXOXOXO
Ruth
Glad your coming back. Great work on the plumbing your an inspiration!
Loretta –
An inspiration to HIRE A PLUMBER! Just kidding. At least now I have a better grasp on plumbing. I bet if I were to do it again, it would only take me TWO days!
Much love!
Ruth
I’m always happy to hear from you!!
Is there anything you CAN’T do?!
Hello! I’m so happy to hear from you! How brave and steadfast you are!
I, too, look forward to more updates because, like others who have replied so far, I find your exploits both inspiring and a treat to read. I totally relate to moving heaven and earth to get our abodes organized and humming! So. Many. Tasks. I’m tickled that you share about yours! xo