Idiomatic Expression

I know that it was recommended by Oprah’s Book Club, and I know this is probably not the type of book that you usually read, but no excuses go buy and read this book. You can find if for only eight bucks at costco. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey is the best book I have read written this century. It is disgusting at times, exhilarating at times, and a bit uncomfortable throughout. James Frey’s second book, My Friend Leonard, is in the mail and hopefully it will be in my hands by Friday. A word of warning for those of you that like to flip to the last page before reading a book (yes I am talking to you) don’t do it for this book, and don’t read the reviews for My Friend Leonard either.

If you have already read the book, James Frey is on Oprah tomorrow, so set your tivo to stun.

I have a new bad habit… talking to telemarketers. Luckily they are not trying to sell me stuff, only get my opinion on various items. It all started out when one of the televised Virginia Gubernatorial debates claimed they would let Russ Potts in to the debate if he polled at 15% or greater. Being a supporter of multi-party democracy (where multi is greater than 2) I am still appalled that valid independent candidates are stonewalled in this country.

Yesterday I got a survey call after the Redskins game, and being in a good mood after the Redskins 52-17 win over the 49ers, I decided to participate. It was regarding the Israeli Palestinian situation, and other than the telemarketer (tele-sureveyor?) pronouncing Hamas as Hummus it went as well as a 20 minute phone survey can go. However, it really didn’t let me express my full opinion on the matter. So, just to set the record straight here is a bit of what I feel on this matter.

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While not as surprising as a roof pig and not entirely unexpected, I found a small leak upstairs when I was examining the attic for the need for additional insulation, and any other problems. It is right beside the chimney, so probably just a flashing problem. The roof is rather old, and over the original set of shingle, so I am probably going to replace the whole thing.

It is killing me that there is a structural problem with the house that I can’t act on immediately I have requested a quote from one Shiner Roofing through their website, and plan on calling a couple of other companies today. After a rough night sleep (partially because of some more rain) I am still anxious over the problem. I don’t know how some of my friends with actually old and historic homes, deal with setbacks and discoveries of this nature .

I love this townhouse, and I love the fact that it is 30+ years old, but with a house of this age there are going to be problems. I knew that the roof would need to replaced within a couple of years of moving in, I knew that the furnace would need to be replaced, and last winter I determined that our brick fence needed the top re-pointed. But it still kills me that I haven’t been able to take care of all of those needs yet.

On the positive side with my step-father’s help, I have replaced the leaking valve in the master bath tub, run two new electrical lines to the work area of the basement, and replaced the failing plumbing fixtures and faucet for the tub sink in the basement (now I even have shut off valves in case it starts leaking). I am also doing a good (if slow) job on the master bedroom. The master bath is done and ready for use, the walls are painted, and the new ceiling fan is going up today. Once we get the trim painted we can move out of the guest bedroom.

I have actually been busy supporting clients for two weeks in a row! With the three hour round-trip commute that has not left much time for me to waste by updating the blog or even keeping up on the news.