Writer Lady

Hot flashes, menopause and educating men

I spend most of my waking hours sharing a room with two twenty-something men. One is single, the other newly married. They are young enough, and I am old enough, that they could be my sons. I don’t think of them that way, but I find that I want to nurture them…no, that’s not exactly right…I want to disabuse them of their youthful, gender-based ignorance. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.

My initials could be T.M.I; I share too much and have a tendency to over-explain, but these guys, bless their hearts, seem so unaware of women’s lives, that whether they like it or not, their education has become a sort of mission for me.

Today we talked about hot flashes. (Actually, I talk about--whine, moan and complain about—hot flashes on an almost daily basis.) Today I complained that strong coffee triggers mine to the point that I’ve had to cut my coffee consumption dramatically—a change that is HUGE for me because my hot flashes also deprive me of sleep. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.

I’m not sure whether I was being poked at or not, but questions ensued about what exactly a hot flash feels like, how long does each last, how long is a woman plagued with them. Me being me, I was only too happy to teach.

As part of the conversation, they told me about how nuts their peri-menopausal moms are. Show a little compassion, Guys. But they can’t yet. To have compassion they need to know and understand the intricacies of a woman’s mind, brain and body. Someday it’ll be their wives and daughters (or daughters-in-law) who are “nuts,” but if they follow my tutelage carefully, the women in their lives won’t someday choke the living daylights out of them or their sons.

It amazes and saddens me that so many men still think of “male” as the norm, and “female” as a slightly damaged, less-than-perfect--though still charming--product. We are, in fact, far more specialized products, miraculously designed to withstand dramatic bodily adaptations within a single life span.

And so, in an act of kindness, and with the (almost selfless) intent to further their educations, I recommend they buy AND READ The Female Brain, by neuropsychiatrist Louann Brizendine. In fact, not only should they read it, when they finish, they should pass the book along to their mothers and wives to ease the difficult journey.

One more tip, Fellas: Passing along the book with scribbled margin notes will win you big points.
 
 

Two weeks after Hurricane Ike

Two weeks after Hurricane Ike, residents of Bolivar Peninsula were finally allowed to go back on Friday to search through what remained of their homes. There is no electricity, water, sewer or phone service.  Along Texas Highway 87, tents were set up offering water, ice, mosquito repellent and tetanus shots to those 4,000 residents returning under the “look and leave” policy.

Ike made landfall in Texas on September 13 and killed 27 people there. It then turned north, cutting across the nation’s midsection, killing more along the way: 8 in Louisiana; 1 in Arkansas; 4 in Missouri; 2 in Tennessee; 1 in Kentucky; 7 in Indiana; 7 in Ohio, and 1 more in Pennsylvania. More than 400 people are still missing, mostly from the Galveston area. Because their bodies have not been discovered, they are now feared dead, though the search for survivors continues.

In Ohio alone, power to almost 2 million homes and businesses was knocked out, but restored within days. In Houston, nearly a half-million people are still without power two weeks after the hurricane. Half of all the city’s traffic lights are still out. In Ohio, power to almost 2 million homes and businesses was knocked out, but restored within days. Gas supplies in Texas are still scant, and expected to worsen over the next couple weeks.

Twenty percent of Houston’s schools have been closed since the storm, but most were expected to re-open today.

Cowboys and helicopters are still trying to round up cattle that miraculously survived Ike, though some were washed as far as 20 miles from their homes. Dead cows can still be seen high up in trees where the storm surge left them in what seems a post-apocalyptic vignette.

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sen. Obama,

Dear Sen. Obama,

I share your commitment to healing America. I share your belief that America can again achieve the respect and support of other nations. I believe that when you are in the White House, you and Sen. Biden can restore—indeed, exceed—America’s former greatness. Yes, you can.

But these are dangerous times, Sen. Obama, and the future is promised to no one. As a patriot and a devoted Democrat, I am compelled to tell you of my emminent qualifications and my willingness to serve as your vice-president, should anything happen to Sen. Biden—God forbid.

Gov. Palin has brought something fresh, something we’ve never seen before, to John McCain’s campaign. I share many (but rest assured, not all) of Palin’s qualifications for the responsibilities of high office, as I’ve enumerated below. And, Senator, I believe if you choose me as your running mate—again, God forbid anything should happen to Joe—we can win the hearts, minds and votes of America.

10. I wear cute eyeglasses.
9.    I am an unknown entity, with no experience in economics or foreign policy.
8. I have an undergraduate degree in Journalism, but have never achieved any advanced degrees.
7. Like Palin, I am a working mom. Like Palin, I have a child involved in sports. Unlike Palin, I’m a soccer mom, and so won’t be compared to a lipsticked-pig.
6. I differ with Palin in that I’m more “The Road Less Traveled” than “The Bridge to Nowhere.” And I’ve never committed millions of municipal dollars to the building of a sports complex that won’t be used.
5. Like Palin, I believe environmental policies should be based on sound scientific findings; unlike Palin, I am aware and willing to admit that we already have evidence human activity is responsible for much environmental degradation.
4. Palin and I both believe in book banning, even if we don’t agree on which books should be banned. She believes books that have “dirty words” should be banned; I believe outdated textbooks, or those that represent creationism as science should be banned.
3. Like Palin, I gave birth to my son in my 40s. Unlike Palin, I knew already of the risks associated with advanced maternal age. My husband and I were blessed that our son was born without major congenital defects, but I still think of him as a “special needs” child; in fact, I think all children are so special, and have such special needs that at least one parent should “parent” each newborn baby.
2. I believe we could gain support by letting America know that when I was a pregnant teenager, I chose to carry my child to term. But, recognizing the hardships for children of unwed, under-educated, teenage moms, I chose to place him with a wonderful family in Akron, Ohio. They chose to open their hearts and home to a child who deserved every available opportunity in life. It’s time we help the rest of America understand that being Pro-Choice is not the same as being Anti-Life.
1. You and I are proof of the great strides America has made in the rights of women and minorities. Sadly, whites and blacks, women and men are still held to different standards in America. As an African-American man, you have to handle Sarah Palin with kid gloves, or risk being seen as racist or ungentlemanly. I, on the other hand, am a white woman, and my weight gives me an advantage on Palin. When I emerge the victor from a girl-on-girl catfight, I believe we could bring the redneck male voter over to our side. I would be willing to do this for my country, Senator Obama, because America loves a winner.

Thank you, Senator, for honoring me with your consideration. If circumstances arise that force you to search for another running mate—God forbid—please know that I am willing and ready to serve.

Sincerely,
 

Soccer practice, soccer games, shin guards, soccer socks, cleats, treats and photos

When I was a kid, there wasn't much in the way of organized sports for kids. In the summer, there was always a coed pick-up game of kick ball, dodge ball or H-O-R-S-E going on in the neighborhood somewhere. We all had family memberships at a local lake that was within bicycling distance. I'm sure there was Little League for the boys, though I don't remember knowing any boys who played in a league. My bothers were big on hockey. While they did that, the rest of us raced on our skates from Point A to Point B, daring each other to go just a little closer to the treatment plant where the ice got thinner. Of course, in those days it was safe for our parents set free us from their supervision in the morning, without expecting to see us again till late in the afternoon. During the longer days of summer, our curfew was marked by the street lights that came on at dusk.

How different things are for us and our son. Soccer practice is scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 every Tuesday; matches are scheduled for every Saturday. Parents are expected to attend both every week. After the $35 sign up fee, we had to buy equipment--regulation ball, shin guards, soccer socks (2 pairs) and shoes--that costs roughly $85. This Saturday is picture day, with packages ranging from $45 to $115; I'm thinking the low-end package is OK for us. In addition, October 7th will be our turn to bring snacks and drinks for approximately 18 kids. I'm guessing that will be another $35. Before it's all over, we'll have put $200 into a six-week soccer season.

And, when soccer season is over, we'll be moving on to horseback riding lessions--$40 a week. Jack also wants to take Spanish, piano and guitar lessons. I'm thinking the kid needs a lemonade stand to support some of his exta-curricular activities!

Menopause and a meditation on crones

Fifteen years ago, I was a new and shiny college graduate—at 33. Nine years ago I was a new bride—at 39. Seven years ago, I was still a young woman with a new baby—at 41. I used to laugh about my late blooming, but now it’s become premature aging and the bloom is off the rose.

I'm officially menopausal and may be headed for a hysterectomy…at 48. As if that weren't depressing enough, last year I was diagnosed with macular degeneration (now called age-related macular degeneration, or ARMD), a disease that’s usually found in patients in their 60s or 70s, and often results in near-total blindness.

And, to quote Leonard Cohen, “I ache in the places where I used to play.”

I’ve been feeling more and more like a crone every day. The most common connotation/definition of crone is, “An old woman; an ugly evil-looking or frightening old woman; a hag.” I may be the only one in the room who thinks of me this way, but I’m by far the oldest one in the room.

I started estrogen therapy this week to make bearable some of the cruelest and most painful manifestations of menopause. For the crones on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) there are increased risks of deep vein thrombosis, stroke, cardiac infarction, dementia, hepatic diseases as well as breast, uterine, ovarian, vaginal and cervical cancer.

Years ago I was a health reporter writing on all the benefits of HRT. One of my sources for the article was the director of cardiac care at a local hospital, a 50-something woman, who was on HRT and recommended it to any women her age (our age) with a risk profile for cardiovascular disease. In those long-ago days of yore the belief was that heart disease was a man’s disease, and that estrogen protected us, the gentler sex. So, when a woman’s estrogen level dropped, doctors widely prescribed estrogen.

What a laugh on us. A long overdue longitudinal study on the risks and benefits of HRT--the Women’s Health Initiative--proved increased risk for these same cardiovascular diseases we all thought it was protecting us from. In fact, the mortality rate was so high among study participants that thousands of women had to be immediately dropped from the study while the medical community panicked.

To comfort myself, I’m trying to focus on another, gentler definition of crone: “The goddess in her aged form.  The crone is represented by the waning moon and rules over wisdom, understanding, magic and learning, among other things.  People who do not possess wisdom often fear it, and thus the crone goddess is often feared as well.  She is the goddess of death, who consumes all things, only to give them transformation and rebirth.”

When I look into my future, I'd rather see myself as wise instead of wizened. Looks, health and an oblivion to lost time are being consumed; their transformation depends on wisdom and grace.

Raising butterflies from caterpillars 2

I wrote before about how within 24 hours of bringing home our caterpillars, one of them spun his cocoon, and 24 hours later the new cocoon fell from the branch, which I thought meant it was dead. After a couple days I told my son to take the cocoon outside and throw it away. This time I'm glad he didn't do what I told him to do.

Last night Jack went to his treasure box to collect a seashell he wanted to take to school. He quickly slammed the lid and jumped back screaming, "It's alive! It's alive!" He was too excited to give me any more information than that, so I cautiously opened the lid--cautiously, because I never know what he's put in there! Incredibly, out fluttered a beautiful Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly.

How it lived in there for weeks without food, water or air is beyond me, but it seems strong and healthy, and now lives in the butterfly tent with the other caterpillar that we expected to emerge from its cocoon a week ago. I was going to throw this other cocoon away too, but after seeing that the first one survived against such incredible odds, I’ll be more patient and give it a few more weeks. I guess the lesson here is that few things happen on my schedule.

Now all we have to do is plant more parsley and fennel because the dog trampled and killed the first bunch we planted. With cooler weather coming (soon, I hope) it will be easier to get more plants in the ground so we can have a backyard butterfly garden and provide our new butterflies with an outdoor habitat.

One more thing: If anyone else is thinking of raising butterflies from caterpillars, I don’t recommend using the Bugville Butterfly Treehouse that is so widely advertised on TV. The netting is almost impossible to see though; the opening is so small it’s very hard to add water and food; and, because it’s made out of a nylon-like material, it’s so flimsy that every time I do try to add something to it, or clean it out, something spills or falls.

 I wrote before about how within 24 hours of bringing how our caterpillars, one of them spun his cocoon, and 24 hours later the new cocoon fell from the branch, which I thought meant it was dead. After a couple days I told my son to take the cocoon outside and throw it away.

Last night Jack went to his treasure box to collect a seashell he wanted to take to school. He quickly slammed the lid and jumped back screaming, "It's alive! It's alive!" He was too excited to give me any more information than that, so I cautiously opened the lid--cautiously, because I never know what he's put in there! Incredibly, out fluttered a beautiful Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly.

How it lived in there for weeks without food, water or air is beyond me, but it seems strong and healthy, and now lives in the butterfly tent with the other caterpillar that we expected to emerge from its cocoon a week ago. I was going to throw this other cocoon away too, but after seeing that the first one survived against such incredible odds, I’ll be more patient and give it a few more weeks. I guess the lesson here is that few things happen on my schedule.

Now all we have to do is plant more parsley and fennel because the dog trampled and killed the first bunch we planted. With cooler weather coming (soon, I hope) it will be easier to get more plants in the ground so we can have a backyard butterfly garden and provide our new butterflies with an outdoor habitat.

One more thing: If anyone else is thinking of raising butterflies from caterpillars, I don’t recommend using the Bugville Butterfly Treehouse that is so widely advertised on TV. The netting is almost impossible to see though; the opening is so small it’s very hard to add water and food; and, because it’s made out of a nylon-like material, it’s so flimsy that every time I do try to add something to it, or clean it out, something spills or falls.

 

Hurricane Ike is hours from landfall already flooding Galveston, rocking the Gulf coast

Twelve hours before landfall, Hurricane Ike is already a devastating force all along the Gulf of Mexico.

Hurricane Ike is still about 200 miles from the Texas coast, an 800-mile wide storm with winds at 110 mph. The Coast Guard has already rescued 120 people stranded by flooding. An attempt to rescue the 22 people aboard a broken down freighter 90 miles south of Galveston failed; the weather was too violent and rescuers had to turn back.

There are eyewitness videos posted on the internet that show entire neighborhoods already flooded. Flooded waterfront homes are on fire.

Other updates:

• National Hurricane Center meteorologist—a group not usually given to hyperbole—warned yesterday that residents who refused to evacuate faced “certain death.”
• Residents say waves never come anywhere near the 17-foot seawall that protects Galveston. Twelve hours before Hurricane Ike is predicted to make landfall, the waves are already crashing over its top. The seawall will not be able to protect the island this time.
• Officials are warning that the predicted 20-25 foot waves may so inundate the Texas coast that there will likely be flooding in low-lying areas of Houston, 20 miles inland.
• A memorial to the 10,000 people who lost their lives in the 1900 hurricane is almost entirely under water now.
• As far away as Florida, the pier at Destin is already flooded beneath powerful waves and a developing storm surge.
• Highway 98 is flooded and closed between Okaloosa and Destin.
• Motorists in Tallahassee, FL and Raleigh, NC have created a consumer-driven panic that has resulted in fuel rationing at some stations, and gas prices as high as $5.49 a gallon for regular. Some gas stations have run out of regular grade and drivers are forced to by the premium grades.
 

Hurricane preparedness

Since my last post, the forecast for Hurricane Ike has been revised and shifted dramatically to the west, with landfall expected to be along the Louisiana/Texas coast. This is still based on a five-day projection, and these are frequently erroneous.

As relieved as I am that it doesn't look like Florida will take a direct hit, my heart breaks for Louisiana residents still struggling to recover from Hurricanes Gustav, Rita and Katrina who now face the threat of another major hurricane. I'm heartened by officials' recent preparations for Gustav, and am thankful that their course of action is a near guarantee that the shameful tragedies of 2005 will never occur again.

But there is a limit to the responsibility and ability of government. I had this interesting exchange with a co-worker this morning: I said I feel that to a large degree, America is defined by its tradition of caring for people unable to care for themselves in the face of devastation. His feeling is that what defines America is its offering of opportunity for people to provide for themselves.

Whichever view you take, your best hope for surviving a hurricane is preparedness. Monitor forecasts. Monitor government statements and advisories. Plan for the worst, and hope for the best. To that end, here are some of the suggestions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with some additional suggestions from me:

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles.

Home	Work	Car
Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days. Keep this kit in a desig­nated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.	This kit should be in one container, and ready to "grab and go" in case you are evacuated from your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have com­fortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.	In case you are strand­ed, keep a kit of emer­gency supplies in your car. This kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.

Water

How Much Water do I Need?
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.

Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:

• Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
• Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.

How Should I Store Water?
To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.

Observe the expiration or “use by” date.

If you are preparing your own containers of water
It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container with water.

If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.

If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps
Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.

Filling water containers
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water.Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.

Food

The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies:

• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
• Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand. (Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.)
• Include special dietary needs.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day.
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
• Matches and waterproof container.
• Whistle.
• Extra clothing.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a hand-crank can opener.
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
• Cash and coins.
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
• Other items to meet your unique family needs.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

• Jacket or coat.
• Long pants.
• Long sleeve shirt.
• Sturdy shoes.
• Hat, mittens, and scarf.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).

Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes. See Appendix B for a detailed checklist of disaster supplies. You may want to add some of the items listed to your basic disaster supplies kit depending on the specific needs of your family.

Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies Kit

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:

• Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.

Know what the evacuation routes are, and where the shelters are in your community. If you have pets, find out which shelters will allow you to bring your animals. Let family members know your plans, and know theirs. If you have children, bring along playing cards, coloring books, or any other small, lightweight items for diversion or comfort.

Whether you stay in your home or leave, make sure you have copies of all important documents. These should include drivers' license, Social Security cards, credit cards, car titles, home deed, home and health insurance information, emergency contact numbers and addresses. Keep these with you at all times. Store them in Ziploc bags. If you evacuate, carry them in a backpack so you can have both hands free. Never let them out of your sight.

For more information, http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/assemble_disaster_supplies_kit.shtm; http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/; http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_587_,00.html

 

 

 

Hurricane Ike bears down on Florida while Tropical Storm Hanna blows right by us

A quick glance at the NOAA website delivers good news and bad news for Floridians. The good news is that Tropical Storm Hanna is passing us by without leaving any major damage in its path. The bad news is that Hurricane Ike, a Category 3 hurricane with 120-mile-per-hour winds, is heading our way.

As of 1 p.m. today, Gov. Charlie Christ declared the entire state of Florida to be in a state of emergency. Current forecast models show the entire Florida peninsula within the five-day forecast cone. A five-day forecast is given to significant errors, but state officials are advising Floridians to gather emergency supplies, develop or review evacuation plans, and monitor weather forecasts.

Currently, hurricane-force winds extend only 35 miles from the center, but tropical storm-force winds—that is, winds less than 74 mph--extend another 105 miles out from there. Given that the state’s peninsula is only 140 miles wide at the broadest point, a storm almost 300 miles wide is a huge threat.

Up here in Tallahassee, there’s some additional good news to be had, though. The Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have determined that our area does qualify for FEMA assistance after Tropical Storm Fay dumped 27 inches of rain on us. How convenient, as Ike storms toward us, that FEMA has just opened a local office in the county’s public library.

 

Renovating a mid-century modern home

So we bought this old house last year. We knew there were some significant repairs and upgrades that would have to be tackled within the first couple years, but it was a great bargain in a terrific neighborhood. So far we’ve been able to put off the new roof and the new doors and windows. We also knew there were A LOT of cosmetic changes we wanted to make immediately.

It’s slow going.

Because it’s an older home with leaky aluminum windows and ill-fitting doors, we received shockingly high $400-plus utility bills.  Instead of replacing the windows and doors, my husband began installing solar panels and battery banks. So far, the entire family room (lights, TV, DVD player and telephone) is solar powered. The ancient, forever-running refrigerator was “solarized” this past weekend. Utility savings are at about $100 a month.

We’ve replaced the funky, old Frigidaire stove with a sleek, stainless, Energy Star-rated stove. When we moved in, there was a washing machine in the kitchen, a clothesline in the backyard, and a rusty dryer in the family room closet. That hellacious setup has been vastly improved with the closet installation of a stacked, front-loading, Energy Star-rated washer and a fancy dryer.

The old woman we bought the house from was wild about wallpaper. Picture cabbage roses paired with pastel stripes. Imagine the bathroom’s aqua tile paired with navy blue wallpaper, and cranberry indoor-outdoor glued down to the aqua tiled floor. My favorite was the kitchen wallpaper of a 1970s vintage that featured overlapping patterns of pumpkins, roosters, coffee pots, and a cornucopia (literally) of various other comestibles…all in the classic avocado, rust and harvest gold color scheme. As if that wasn’t enough, another entire kitchen wall was covered in a faux brick Contac paper.

Every closet door has also received at least one layer of “coordinating” wallpaper.

It was a freaking horror show.

To date, I’ve taken up the bathroom carpet, removed all wallcoverings in the kitchen, master bath, and almost all in the master bedroom. Unfortunately, a lot of plaster came off too, so those rooms will have to patched, sanded and sealed before we can paint. We began painting the dining room and living room ceilings a few weeks ago, but then the drain tray under the air handler in the attic overflowed. Turns out no one had ever attached a drain to remove the water from the pan. Last weekend was spent installing the drain, patching plaster and applying several coats of Kilz to said ceiling.

After removing so much wallpaper, I decided to paint over the “lovely” tole-printed wallpaper in the living room. All loose edges have been re-glued, and all nail holes patched. The first coat of Kilz has been applied. Cross your fingers.