The Williams Family +1?

First ... holy moly we haven't blogged in a while! After painting seemingly every free night and weekend for all of January, we needed a non-house project month.

Second ... Ashley is not pregnant. The +1 we speak of is the possibility of adding a furry friend to our family!

Our plan all along has been to get a rescue dog sometime this summer or fall once we got some of our outdoor house projects complete. However, this plan might have changed after we dog-sat for our good friends, Corey and Monica.

Meet Chloe!

You see, my dear wife is impatient. How impatient you ask? Let me tell you.

Exhibit 1: Ashley often reads the end of a book after the first couple chapters.
Exhibit 2: If eating speed were an Olympic sport, Ashley would be a medal contender.
Exhibit 3: When it comes to cleaning, her impatience has spawned a cleaning style called, "Ashley-clean" ... a dedicated 10 minutes or so of hiding items in closets and sweeping under the rug.

So needless to say, any thoughts of logically waiting for a dog until outdoor projects were finished went completely out the window when Miss Chloe stayed with us this past week.

My laundry quickly became Chloe's bed.

As we begin our search, we thought we'd ask our dear readers for some advice. Here are our guidelines:

1) We'd like to get a rescue dog, preferably one that has been potty-trained and has received it's shots.

2) Because we live next to a nature preserve, we have lots of animals roaming our yard, including turkeys, owls, rabbits, deer, raccoons and foxes. We just can't have a dog that goes bananas every time Bambi raids our apple tree.

3) Ashley loves to run and would like a dog big enough to accompany her.

4) Growing up, we both had super-hairy, fluffy dogs. As much as we loved them, we'd prefer a dog that doesn't shed as much.

5) Finally, we need a dog that isn't needy. We want a dog who is able to relax with a bone while we watch a movie and we definitely will not allow our dog to sleep with us in the bed.

Look at how well-behaved I am!

Please share your suggestions and personal stories with us! Who should be the new Williams +1?

Flashback: Dishes in the Tub

When my sister, Brooke, decided to move to Chicago six years ago, I decided it was time to get an apartment on my own. While having a roommate had its advantages, I felt I was finally old enough to be completely on my own. Right away, I found a beautiful one bedroom place in St. Paul with hardwood floors and a GORGEOUS clawfoot soaking tub. Without consulting any outside opinions, I put down a deposit and agreed to move in the following month.

Being young and inexperienced, I didn't realize all the things one should check for before agreeing to rent (or purchase) a place to live. For starters, I foolishly believed air conditioning on the top floor was not a necessity. When your cat sits in the living room in this position for hours at a time, you know its hot.

But that's not all. After just a few weeks, I learned the other "quirks" the renting agency neglected to tell me:

• The laundry room DID have three washers and three dryers. However, there were no lights in the laundry area and no windows, not to mention only one of each worked on a good day. 

• The water heater was on a boiler system. Hopefully you weren't in a hurry because lukewarm water took a minimum of 8 minutes, hot water at least 10. 

• I couldn't dry my hair and have the bathroom light on without blowing a fuse. Same for the kitchen light and the microwave. 

• And the best part: the kitchen sink didn't have hot water. In order to wash my dishes (because there was no dishwasher) I had to fill up a tupperware basin with water in my bathtub and carry it into the kitchen. 

So this past weekend, when the pipes to the kitchen sink began shooting water all over the basement, I found myself, once again, washing dishes in our bathtub. And having marinara sauce all over your white porcelain tub makes you thankful for plumbers and their ability to be at your house first thing Monday morning.

Despite this setback, we've actually managed to get a TON of painting done. And even though we're far from being finished with decorating, things are starting to finally take shape.

 

The House Connected: The Smart Home Revolution

Here's a story I wrote for work about our house and the technology available to us. Hopefully you find it just as interesting as the techies I usually write for!


This fall, my wife and I purchased our first house. And like many young couples, we went the ambitious route and snagged ourselves a fixer-upper. And boy was this house ever in need of fixing … so much so that we utilized the 203k renovation loan program so we could tackle projects immediately and get the home back to livable condition.

The great thing about rehabbing or building a home in today’s day and age of “smart technology” is the sheer amount of affordable options for those looking to go green, automate basic home processes or program appliances. We installed a new television that utilizes built-in Wi-Fi to give us the ability to surf the internet and stream movies directly from our TV. We purchased a sound bar for our television that doubles as a wireless speaker for our iPhone by utilizing Bluetooth connectivity. We have even looked into a home security system where we can visually monitor our house via our phone and a sprinkler system that can be managed by a slick mobile application. But our favorite new automation toy for the house is the Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a brilliant product from a couple former Apple employees who created the first iterations of the iPod and iPhone. As their website states, “Nest learns your schedule, programs itself and can be controlled from your phone. Teach it well and Nest can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 20%.” As you would expect from any product with ties to Apple, the Nest has a beautiful interface, boasts simple navigation and revolutionizes an entire industry. As Wired Magazine recently quipped, “The Nest is the iPhone of thermostats.”

Since Nikola Tesla first patented an idea for a remote control in 1898, home automation has mainly been something we’ve read about in science fiction books. But since the invention of smart technology, consumer electronics has advanced leaps and bounds. Even when the first iPhone was released in 2007, I don’t think many consumers would have imagined a thermostat that could program itself coming to market less than five years later.

And perhaps even more impressive, the Nest is available to the general public at a very reasonable cost of $249.99. In fact, most home automation devices are finally becoming cheap enough for middle-class families to explore. No longer does it take a massive electrical overhaul and new equipment totaling thousands of dollars to automate simple house processes. By investing in a reasonably-priced, new smart product, the ability to connect via your smartphone and control the device is intrinsically built-in. Never before has a homeowner been more in control of the basic operations of their house. And we’ve barely even scratched the surface.

This “internet of things” so to speak is quickly building a future of immense connectivity. As CNET recently wrote, “the trend toward ubiquitously connected devices and people is inescapable and poised to change everything about the consumer electronics world.” According to Cisco CTO Padmasree Warrior, there were 500 million connected devices in 2007, or about one for every 20 persons on the planet. In 2013, that number will jump to one trillion devices, or 140 devices per person!

But while the ability to control your air conditioner, open and close blinds and dim lights is helpful, a world where almost every device is programmed and can be managed by a remotely-located device is a bit dangerous. While I don’t think a thief or hacker will care too much about fiddling around with sprinklers, I’m sure they would love to get a hold of the ability to manage a security system. Not to mention, we’ll soon enough have the ability to open house or garage doors via our smartphones and that could pose a major threat if a phone is stolen or lost.While concerns over security and privacy are very real, the benefits of a house with connected devices and automated processes is extremely beneficial to consumers. Not only does it provide you with the control necessary to streamline and improve the way your house runs, it will also save you time and money. And as much fun as I’m having renovating a house with 21st century conveniences, I can’t even imagine what new gadgets and technology will be available to me in 30 or so years when my renovation is finally complete!

Making Progress

It's been crazy around here at the Williams household and I'll be honest, I'm having major writers block as I sit down to write my first post in what feels like months (ironically, we're watching Charlie Kaufman's Adaptation, a humorous film about ... writer's block). You see, my entire existence this past week has been consumed with painting.

Edging.

Rolling.

Touch up.

Repeat.

We had every intention of taking our time to make our house our own, but last week we got a fun surprise from the HUD inspector: our place isn't considered "move-in ready" until every room has a fresh coat of paint on it. And the bank won't release the rest of the funds to our contractor (to pay him and his guys) until painting is complete.

My hands are raw and chapped. Josh and I have been changing into the same painting clothes every day for the past week (next item on to-do list: laundry). Our entire place smells like Sherwin Williams. But it's all finally coming together, and we cannot WAIT to show you some final "Before and After" photos. For now, here's a quick peek at what we've been up to.

 

Bunk Mates

Like many siblings, Brooke and I spent our formative childhood years sharing a room. In such a small space, the only logical sleeping arrangement was to set us up in bunk beds. Being the eldest*, I assumed that I would be given the privilege of the coveted top bunk. (*Even with multiples, there is always an oldest and youngest. A mere two minutes separated my sister and me, and by golly, I used those 120 seconds of additional life experience as a rationale for every argument we had growing up).

My parents, however, believed I could keep a better eye on my baby sister sleeping on the bottom bunk. Oh I kept an eye on her alright; I watched her roll off the bed and onto the floor at least once a week (usually without waking up). The first time it happened, I was sure our positions would be switched as I was a non-moving sleeper. Nope. Instead, they simply scooped her up, placed her back under the covers and went back to bed. This routine went on for over two years. Two years, people!

As anyone can attest, sharing tight quarters heightens all sensitivities and lowers tolerance at an exponential rate. The mere sound of the other person breathing causes your blood pressure to spike to unnaturally high levels. As such, normally petty disagreements morphed into full-scale warfare with innocent toys losing life and limb.

When fighting, the top bunk provided several advantages, the most obvious being the higher ground. Perched five feet from the floor, Brooke could quash any of my attempts to ascend the fortress of our beds.

The bottom bunk did have one unique benefit: an exposed mattress directly above me. As exercise, I would routinely kick the living crap out of the mattress (and her) as she lay there with no protection. After nine years of sharing a bedroom, my parents finally separated us after walking in on Brooke violently slamming my face with a pillow and me kicking the bed above me with enough force to get my loving sister airborne.

Twenty years later, I never thought I would be sleeping on my childhood mattress. And I certainly did not expect to be back in bunk beds, let alone with my husband.

That's right: this past weekend we finally moved into our new home!! After months of paperwork, renovations and inspections, Josh and I can officially call ourselves residents of Westwood Hills Road. In fact, I'm sitting on our new couch, staring out the window at a rafter of turkeys across the street as I write this.

But back to the matter at hand.

Being that I am a terrible sleeping partner (more on that later), Josh made the executive decision that a king bed was necessary to ensure our marriage survived. Problem is, with everything that has been going on, we just haven't had time to buy one. Which is why we are sleeping here for the time being:

Yes ladies and gentlemen, it only took thirty years but I can now claim residence to the coveted top bunk. I don't know about you, but I think that's a pretty awesome way to start off 2013.

Cheers and wishing you all the best in the year ahead!

Why We Love our House: The View

Two months after fixing myriad plumbing, electrical, drywall, foundation, insulation, garage and yard issues, we're finally ready to start making this house our home. We are officially moving in this Saturday!

Ashley and I wanted to quick say "Happy Holidays" to all our fabulous readers and share one last blog post prior to what should be an eventful week of furiously prepping and cleaning our mess of a house before Saturday ...

When we first put down an offer on our home, I received a humorous email from an old high school friend. She, too, had looked at the house on Westwood several months prior and had loved it. She and her husband had even contacted a contractor to bid out the project, but decided to move-on from the house at the last second after finding another home that needed immediate action to purchase. Nevertheless, my high school friend still thought highly of the home and mentioned that she had absolutely loved the view.

Despite visiting the house multiple times, I had no idea what she was talking about. I suppose we had a pretty forest on one side of the house and around lunch time each day, one might amusingly watch a gang of fifteen or so wild turkeys saunter about our yard ... but I wouldn't necessarily categorize those as views to write home about. Unless, of course, the turkeys started to fight our scurry of squirrels ala West Side Story.

So I quizzically said to her, "What view?" She replied," Didn't you see? Go look out your master bedroom window." So I did and was completely floored. There in front of me, right above where our future bed will be, is a bird's eye view of the Minneapolis skyline. Seeing that view for the first time, was like seeing all the presents under the Christmas tree for the first time. It's not too often you get to feel the innocence and awe of a kid in a candy store, but at that moment, I certainly did.

This house has many neat eccentricities and quirks, but the view just might be my favorite. We wish you a joyful holiday season and God Bless!

"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child." - Erma Bombeck

Bookmas Eve

Heads Up: This is not an actual house related post but, it’s pretty important (to me) which is why I’m sharing this with you.

Note to all potential parents: if your kid is born 10 days before or after Christmas, make up a different birthday (preferably a day in the summer).

Those of you with birthdays between December 15 and January 4 know EXACTLY what I’m talking about, in fact, I guarantee you are smiling right now because you already know the thing I’m about to bring up.

The dreaded “Merry Christmas/ Happy Birthday” present.

Yes, these items actually exist.

As a kid, these gifts are pretty easy to spot by knowing the three types of combination presents to watch for:

• When at a specifically Christmas family function, you see a present wrapped in birthday balloon paper. Total combo gift. 
• A few days before or after your day of birth (depending on when Christmas is in relation to your birthday) you receive a gift in the mail covered in Santa Clause wrapping paper. The timing is key as the gift acts as a belated/early birthday gift and Christmas present (which is ALWAYS pointed out in the card). 
• And a gift wrapped in both birthday and Christmas wrapping (even a novice can pick this out of a lineup- major props to those that could pull this off).

Packages hidden beneath sheets of wintery images are tricky (think snowmen, holly & berries, poinsettias) as they could contain either. However, the dead giveaway is usually the size of the tag on front and if there is enough room to write a combo greeting or not.

But I can one-up all of you. My whole life, I was unlucky enough to receive the absolute WORST gift to a kid under the age of 16 (because after 16, people stop sending you stuff all together):

The “Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday Brooke & Ashley” present. 

Super cute vintage photo (I'm the one in the blue)

SIDE NOTE: My sister, Brooke, had the opportunity to meet one of our favorite authors, Sarah Vowell (essayist, voice of Violet in “The Incredibles”) a few years ago, who is also a twin with a holiday birthday. The two immediately connected over this exact topic. As a result, Ms. Vowell inscribed the following message on the inside cover of Brooke's copy of  The Partly Cloudy Patriot:

Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday Brooke & Ashley

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA

-Sarah Vowell

As if I didn’t already have an identity complex having a clone growing up, now I couldn’t even have one day to call my own.

So why am I relaying all this information to you? Because it explains the new holiday I now celebrate (thanks to my husband): The 12 Days of Bookmas.

The first year we celebrated Christmas as a married couple, Josh felt that everyone should be excited about their birthday, even if it did fall close to the holidays. So he brainstormed a way to celebrate Christmas AND my birthday in a totally unique way.

Thus “The Twelve Days of Bookmas” was born.

This new and sadly not formally recognized holiday combines two of my favorite things (books and the holidays) with something I normally disregard (my birthday) to make the final product an EPIC EVENT!

So tomorrow, on December 22, Bookmas begins. Each day, for the next 12 days I receive a book-related gift. While I always receive a nice assortment of reading material, past gifts also include small book-related things like bookmarks or a bag of peanut M&M's (my fave) to consume while reading.

I am literally bouncing at my computer as I type these words, unable to control my excitement this Bookmas Eve. It sure makes approaching 30 (which Brooke and I will turn on January 2) more fun.

If I woke up to this on Bookmas morning, I would probably faint from happiness.