We have a roof!

It’s not the exact roof design we wanted, but this is such a First World Problem I won’t discuss the details. Instead, let’s focus on the good – a roof is up!

There’s also a driveway. That’s a good thing too.

Now for the not so good – we can’t seem to get the framers to stay for a full day’s work. From what we’re told, they’re the divas of the homebuilding community. They’re in such high demand they call the shots, they make their hours and everyone must live by their schedule. They remind me of Mariah Carey and her silly rider request for one special attendant whose only job is to dispose of used chewing gum* — and honestly, I feel like the framers’ special attendant after picking up the mess they leave in their wake. How can a crew of people who work so few hours create so much litter? I want this house to have happy bones, so I try to avoid seething as I gather half empty Monster™ cans and water bottles, mostly empty Styrofoam containers and completely empty French fry holders at the work site (and sometimes down the street in the neighbors’ yards. Oy.). The No Seethe Zone does not extend to our current home, so there’s a fair amount of pin poking into the posteriors of voo doo dolls sporting hard hats at the old place. In case you’re interested, it’s just as satisfying to photoshop their faces on pictures of Mariah decked out in full length evening gowns and opera length gloves. Maturity is dipping low with this project.

I can’t leave this post on a negative note, so I’ll share some pictures of a couple of things that impress my father-in-law. I’ve never been a part of the building process before so I don’t know what’s good and what’s not, but I listen and watch as he walks around the site — then I copy his movements and regurgitate his words, much like a toddler mimicking a favorite adult. So if you happen to visit the site and get a tour from me, you should know I’m a complete fraud who lifted knowledgeable statements and thumbs up gestures from one of my favorite adults.

See the thickness of that decking? That’s good stuff right there.

The green stuff on the bottom is treated lumber, we like that (insert knowing head nod here). And those studs are bigger than 2x4s. (I just assume bigger is better…so I nod in agreement, thread my thumbs through my belt loops and continue to follow him around like a puppy.)

*Completely reliable source for the Mariah Carey rider information: http://www.gigwise.com/photos/66370/2/eminem-morrissey-beyonce-ridiculous-rock-star-riders#gallery