My Remodel Aka Did Everyone Lose Their Minds During the Pandemic (Too)?

June 2021: Our Home is Too Small

In the middle of 2021, my husband, four month old daughter, our corgi and I are living in our beloved two bedroom condo in the Fillmore/Western Addition. We loved it, but it was feeling too cramped with my husband working from home full time - thanks Covid. We’re also not sleeping because of the kiddo and on top of each other all of the time…thanks again Covid. Drastic times - Drastic measures. We decided to sell and look for more space.

Moving is Awful, Renting is Awful, Buying is Awful, Remodeling is Awful (But I Love it)

Then came the move so that our Real Estate agent could have free reign, the rental apartment flood, another move, the new rental apartment flood, our old condo sells, a lender approves a new mortgage and we are very motivated (multiple floods) to start looking for a new house to buy. Our daughter, Lara, has been going to a daycare we love in inner Richmond; a small piece of our lives that’s under control; so we start to look for houses nearby. We’re looking every weekend, houses in the Sunset or Richmond seem to be either huge projects (does not appeal to my husband); or renovated by developers and totally stripped of all character (does not appeal to me). We look at a house on Fulton St, north of the park. I think it has a lot of potential - its completely unrenovated; but the rooms, stairs and hallways are generous; and the sellers haven’t put any money into painting or staging the place; meaning we might be able to put in a successful offer. My husband says definitely no, but changes his mind a few days later after returning to give it a second look. We throw a lot of money at it; and get to but it. Then starts our renovation project.

Old Cabinets Removed to Make Space for New Sink and Fridge

New Lights Installed and Old Cabinets Painted

March 2022: Time to Take the Leap

I tried to keep my day job going by reducing my hours to part time; but with our remodel and a few other projects with friends; I needed to quit and commit to my own company.

December 2022: Time to Try and Thrive a Little and The Empty Office

Fast forward to December 2022, PHEW, I’m relaxed and finally feel like I’m in charge of my own destiny; so I decide to try and thrive a little. To me - this meant actively seeking out new friends and building a fulfilling life for myself and my family in our new house and neighborhood. I threw my daughter a proper birthday party, and invited as many people as I could. I threw a Christmas party, and invited as many people as I could. I reached out to old friends to reconnect. By February 2023, my husband has a new job in which he no longer needs his home office. So we have an empty room, that we have paid so much for in money and sweat and tears that sits empty; complete with adjustable height desk, Aeron chair and view of the Golden Gate.

March 2023: A Newsletter

My business is going really well, but I need to keep focusing on keeping it going. I have lunch with my brilliant real estate agent and tell her I’m not sure about Instagram as a tool to promote my business - it doesn’t quite feel like me. She tells me that you’ve got to stay in touch with your community in a way that feels right and suits your personality. Tada - the idea for a monthly newsletter is born. I figure it will be a great way to build momentum for me and my company; to keep building my community; to learn about local history, flora, fauna, and things to do, how to find and make cool things, and live an amazing life in the beautiful Outside Lands of San Francisco. So, welcome, I’m excited you’ve come along for the ride!