well, i really wanted to play tonight but I scheduled the concrete pour, so I need to really bust ass to finish my final structural work in time.
good news... I didn't want to have to mess with the corner post.. found last night that it's on a square foundation stone about the size of a propane tank. A big stone. That ain't going anywhere, so I do not have to re-do that post. NICE.
more good news... of the last two posts I thought I had to re-do (other than corner) I only had to dig for one, and it was easy digging for once. the other, I was able to uncover the original foundation, determine that it's in good condition, and I will just attach a new sill plate to it. carpentry is far easier than digging and masonry. so that's another NICE.
so tonight, I have to mix and pour for the one hole that I dug, and do the sill plate work on the other spot. then, friday/saturday/sunday as I previously outlined. Taking one day off next week to finish everything. pour by end of week or early the following week. NICE NICE NICE
calling the garage door guy now
west of philly - bob
finished my dig/mix/pour lifestyle last night when I completed pouring the last footer in the barn. Last night's work was really a bitch overall and I'm extremely sore and tired here at work today. So close to the "finish line" though (and then a whole different race starts.. but I can take my time with that one).
I also put in a sill plate board on the final wall that I need to work on, and installed a post on top of that. Good news there is that the existing framing (which was clearly added within the last 15 years) is square so I don't need to take it down and re-do it as I previously thought I would.
Tonight, big shopping trip for final materials. Then I'll be framing and sheathing that back wall etc. Next week, time to clear out the barn so they can pour the floor.
I also put in a sill plate board on the final wall that I need to work on, and installed a post on top of that. Good news there is that the existing framing (which was clearly added within the last 15 years) is square so I don't need to take it down and re-do it as I previously thought I would.
Tonight, big shopping trip for final materials. Then I'll be framing and sheathing that back wall etc. Next week, time to clear out the barn so they can pour the floor.
Bob R.
oh my god i am so sore i can't even stand it.. groooooaaaaaannnnnnn
friday night, big shopping trip at depot. my little ford ranger carried all of it. good truck. got back late, unloaded the goods. called it a night.
saturday.. started tear down of side/back wall so I could install a big shed door there instead. I call it the "mower door" because (see floor plan on previous page) mower will be stored back there and I built the door wide enough to allow the mower to fit through. this way, i can leave a car parked in the garage when it's mow time, and just take it out through the mower door instead. anyhow, after tear down, i squared up the space (NOT easy to do in a building like this..) and installed nice door threshold and overhang etc. looks good.
midway into this project, my sawzall died. brand new nice sawzall. under warranty, but still, i need it right now, not 2 weeks from now. luckily, was able to borrow a shittier one from my buddy so my project is still on track
then, family stuff til 8 p.m. then built the mower door, made megan cry (she gets really nervous around stuff like this, and I needed her help, and she dropped something almost hurt me, got upset), got door hung, got bolt locks installed.. done by midnight. sleep.
sunday, up and working by 8 a.m. had to rip down the back wall. pain in the ASS. the stupid previous owner nailed every 6 inches on all 4 sides of the crap lumber he used. then screwed every 8 inches. crap lumber, tons of fasteners, and he thought it was a good idea to put the sill plate on dirt. what a fucking asshole.
so while struggling by myself with this back wall, and making such slow progress, and being so tired already, and so far into this project.. i think I basically had my first little breakdown. I was so extremely overwhelmed, and so alone out there all by myself all the time it was just really really depressing. I really felt like I wouldn't be able to do this or finish it. I said out loud "I don't think I can do it". Then, like always when I hit the wall like that in anything in life, the "fuck that bullshit" part of my mind/spirit kicked in. And I kicked the crap out of that back wall and got her down. Bitch. bitch bitch bitch. BITCH. (yes, it was that bad)
Then, I found level installed my floating sill plate design (strong as HELL) and taught myself how to frame. I'm good at framing it turns out. Framed 1/2 the back wall (the other 1/2 is easier and will be done tonight and tomorrow night) including framing my first window ever. The window frame was especially satisfying. One of those instances where you can get a glimpse of this thing coming together. Then, I installed the exterior sheathing over top of my new framing. Nice and level etc.
By then, I could literally barely move. My whole body is pulsing/throbbing as it tries to heal all the muscles. My right hand can barely squeeze shut (even though I've worked my flipside screw gunning and nail gunning to the point of using it comfortably... still 100% strong side only for anything relating to a saw/cutting).
sigh
edit: here's what it looks like so far
friday night, big shopping trip at depot. my little ford ranger carried all of it. good truck. got back late, unloaded the goods. called it a night.
saturday.. started tear down of side/back wall so I could install a big shed door there instead. I call it the "mower door" because (see floor plan on previous page) mower will be stored back there and I built the door wide enough to allow the mower to fit through. this way, i can leave a car parked in the garage when it's mow time, and just take it out through the mower door instead. anyhow, after tear down, i squared up the space (NOT easy to do in a building like this..) and installed nice door threshold and overhang etc. looks good.
midway into this project, my sawzall died. brand new nice sawzall. under warranty, but still, i need it right now, not 2 weeks from now. luckily, was able to borrow a shittier one from my buddy so my project is still on track
then, family stuff til 8 p.m. then built the mower door, made megan cry (she gets really nervous around stuff like this, and I needed her help, and she dropped something almost hurt me, got upset), got door hung, got bolt locks installed.. done by midnight. sleep.
sunday, up and working by 8 a.m. had to rip down the back wall. pain in the ASS. the stupid previous owner nailed every 6 inches on all 4 sides of the crap lumber he used. then screwed every 8 inches. crap lumber, tons of fasteners, and he thought it was a good idea to put the sill plate on dirt. what a fucking asshole.
so while struggling by myself with this back wall, and making such slow progress, and being so tired already, and so far into this project.. i think I basically had my first little breakdown. I was so extremely overwhelmed, and so alone out there all by myself all the time it was just really really depressing. I really felt like I wouldn't be able to do this or finish it. I said out loud "I don't think I can do it". Then, like always when I hit the wall like that in anything in life, the "fuck that bullshit" part of my mind/spirit kicked in. And I kicked the crap out of that back wall and got her down. Bitch. bitch bitch bitch. BITCH. (yes, it was that bad)
Then, I found level installed my floating sill plate design (strong as HELL) and taught myself how to frame. I'm good at framing it turns out. Framed 1/2 the back wall (the other 1/2 is easier and will be done tonight and tomorrow night) including framing my first window ever. The window frame was especially satisfying. One of those instances where you can get a glimpse of this thing coming together. Then, I installed the exterior sheathing over top of my new framing. Nice and level etc.
By then, I could literally barely move. My whole body is pulsing/throbbing as it tries to heal all the muscles. My right hand can barely squeeze shut (even though I've worked my flipside screw gunning and nail gunning to the point of using it comfortably... still 100% strong side only for anything relating to a saw/cutting).
sigh
edit: here's what it looks like so far
Bob R.
-
slapdash21
- Futureless
- Posts: 4681
- Joined: 29 Sep 2004 14:50
- Location: Beantown, kidd
you're not kidding.. i look worse today, and will look worse tomorrow.. but thursday through the weekend... NOTHING to do. Starting Monday 05/18/09, I plan to play footbag every day. For a long time. I just want to lose "project weight", have fun, get really good at hacky.except you, you look like a wreck
It's getting really fun now because people that were once skeptical are coming in with that raise eyebrow "hmmmmm, not bad" type of expression on their face. The visual payoff of all the small steps (and large steps) is starting to come around. YESDAAAAAMN Bob, huge progress on the barn!
well, last night I finished sill plate installation (which is the hard part). Framing and sheathing will be pretty much finished tonight. Then just need to clear out the barn so floor can go in this weekend.what percentage would you say you are towards finishing?
After floor is in, the only step I really HAVE to do is the garage door. Which is really about a day of work with a helper, so not bad. And a couple window installs, but those aren't even urgent.
So, I'm like 95% done with critical, must be done before I can rest, work.
Overall on the entire vision, I'm like 75% done. The other 25% is stuff I can pick at all summer and fall without pressure. With the 75% done, I can shred in there, store all my stuff in there, have a basic wood shop etc.
In other words, I could basically stop at this point and call it done if I wanted to. I won't do that, but I could.
Wow
edit: oh, and can't play thursday.. i doubt I'll be able to walk on thursday. but like i say, monday onward, i'll be playing nearly every day
Bob R.
well, last two days were hell. tuesday night, i put in some serious time.
when I finally went to bed (exhausted) my arms were both numb and throbbing really bad. by 6 a.m. on wednesday I couldn't take it anymore so I got up and went to lowes. got a couple sticks that i needed, drank some coffee. was out working by 7:30 a.m.
finished framing, sheathing, totally organized all my lumber and covered it up (I have such a cool pile of barn wood now btw.. can't wait to make some tables etc.). built the trash/demo materials pile up to my chest height - need to call to have that hauled away. completely cleared out the entire barn.. there's NOTHING left on first floor now. I spent a little time to dig up some additional foundation stones to save for some landscaping project later.
passed out on the couch from 6 - 8 p.m. watched lost. went to bed.. arm throbbed all night, had to sleep sitting up. It really hurts. Still throbbing now. Total overuse. Hopefully it heals up quickly. So tired, need sleep.
back wall before being re-framed
after.. left, right
mower door, inside, outside view
floor to be poured in next couple days... i'm not working on anything for at least a week. need body to heal
when I finally went to bed (exhausted) my arms were both numb and throbbing really bad. by 6 a.m. on wednesday I couldn't take it anymore so I got up and went to lowes. got a couple sticks that i needed, drank some coffee. was out working by 7:30 a.m.
finished framing, sheathing, totally organized all my lumber and covered it up (I have such a cool pile of barn wood now btw.. can't wait to make some tables etc.). built the trash/demo materials pile up to my chest height - need to call to have that hauled away. completely cleared out the entire barn.. there's NOTHING left on first floor now. I spent a little time to dig up some additional foundation stones to save for some landscaping project later.
passed out on the couch from 6 - 8 p.m. watched lost. went to bed.. arm throbbed all night, had to sleep sitting up. It really hurts. Still throbbing now. Total overuse. Hopefully it heals up quickly. So tired, need sleep.
back wall before being re-framed
after.. left, right
mower door, inside, outside view
floor to be poured in next couple days... i'm not working on anything for at least a week. need body to heal
Bob R.
ahhhhhhhhhh, i did nothing last night 
Just went home like a normal person, played with the kids, went for a walk..
btw, funny aside.. my next door neighbor's driveway almost always has a huge puddle at the bottom of it.. one of my kids favorite things is to take a walk around the neighborhood, stop by at the puddle, and we throw rocks and sticks into the puddle.. we pretend the sticks are boats, and we bomb them with the rocks.. it's stupid and fun and they love it.. to be a kid again....
after kids were in bed, I just watched nba playoffs and relaxed like a normal person.
and my body is healing quickly. numb arms still, but it's way better than yesterday. legs are bouncing. i'm ready to start shredding! might play tonight.
speaking of footbag, I'm taking yet another step back like I did a year ago (or how long ago was it that I "came back"? I can't remember right now). I did a nice job before working on weaknesses, and then I just built my game up again. And it worked. But I think if I go through the exercise again, it will work even more. I'm not going to be so vigilant this time, just incorporate it along with everything else. jonesing for footbag
Just went home like a normal person, played with the kids, went for a walk..
btw, funny aside.. my next door neighbor's driveway almost always has a huge puddle at the bottom of it.. one of my kids favorite things is to take a walk around the neighborhood, stop by at the puddle, and we throw rocks and sticks into the puddle.. we pretend the sticks are boats, and we bomb them with the rocks.. it's stupid and fun and they love it.. to be a kid again....
after kids were in bed, I just watched nba playoffs and relaxed like a normal person.
and my body is healing quickly. numb arms still, but it's way better than yesterday. legs are bouncing. i'm ready to start shredding! might play tonight.
speaking of footbag, I'm taking yet another step back like I did a year ago (or how long ago was it that I "came back"? I can't remember right now). I did a nice job before working on weaknesses, and then I just built my game up again. And it worked. But I think if I go through the exercise again, it will work even more. I'm not going to be so vigilant this time, just incorporate it along with everything else. jonesing for footbag
Bob R.
my neighbor Bud died yesterday. I was just getting to be friends with him, but others that I'm close with in the neighborhood were already very close with him. He was only 52 years old and his wife is 41. His two daughters are in 4th and 6th grade. He just went inside after mowing his lawn, fell down, and that was it. Just like that. That's just messed up.
Anyhow, I just wanted to make note of it here because he was a good guy and in no way did his family deserve a sad event at that young age. Rest in peace Bud.
--
On a lighter note, I played footbag today. All weak toe and some atomic set practice. Playing everyday this week. Concrete is poured tomorrow, then starting next week, I'll be shredding in my barn again.
Anyhow, I just wanted to make note of it here because he was a good guy and in no way did his family deserve a sad event at that young age. Rest in peace Bud.
--
On a lighter note, I played footbag today. All weak toe and some atomic set practice. Playing everyday this week. Concrete is poured tomorrow, then starting next week, I'll be shredding in my barn again.
Bob R.
ok, now that my somber post is in the books, i wanted to re-post and give yesterday's footbag session more press because it was the launch of a new era I think.
for one, i haven't played much in awhile because I was working on the barn like a madman.
for another, I was in a bit of a holding pattern for awhile before that because I didn't want to make hard choices just before Boston jam. Besides, I was playing pretty darn well, so there wasn't a pressing need.
So, yesterday was day 1 of me playing a lot. I've already scheduled to play every day this week (except Friday because we have plans).
Also, I'm breaking in my new lavers. And I'm happy to say, they're fine already. Within a couple more practices, they'll be my old friends instead of new awkward acquaintances. None of my misses yesterday had anything to do with the footwear, so that's good. (I mean, missing isn't good.. whatever, you get it).
And, I was very disciplined on working on tiltless and weak toe stuff. I did so many pickups and mirages and illusions and dlo's and pixie. I think I'll basically start all runs from now on with a weak toe trick of some sort.
Lots of atomic. Basically, 1/3 of my practice is easy stuff (weak toe), 1/3 is atomic, 1/3 is mixed bag.
Then, to top it all off at the end of practice, in a hidden compartment in my back pack, I found a star wars figurine, a couple raisins, and my two footbags that I thought were gone forever. Clearly one of my kids was in there
oh, so why is this the launch of a new era? because, my barn floor is being poured right now, so I will have a shred barn to play in whenever I want forever after. that's a big deal. easy access to a GOOD shred spot makes it so much easier to play a lot. And playing a lot is how you get better. And I'm so interested in playing a lot right now. Also, my projects are no longer urgent in nature, so I can play a lot. And, deciding to take a step back again to fix stuff so I can improve more is the right decision. It worked for me before, it will work again. New shoes, footbags found, summer weather etc. It's just all coming together right now.
Just have to lose those "building the barn" pounds now
for one, i haven't played much in awhile because I was working on the barn like a madman.
for another, I was in a bit of a holding pattern for awhile before that because I didn't want to make hard choices just before Boston jam. Besides, I was playing pretty darn well, so there wasn't a pressing need.
So, yesterday was day 1 of me playing a lot. I've already scheduled to play every day this week (except Friday because we have plans).
Also, I'm breaking in my new lavers. And I'm happy to say, they're fine already. Within a couple more practices, they'll be my old friends instead of new awkward acquaintances. None of my misses yesterday had anything to do with the footwear, so that's good. (I mean, missing isn't good.. whatever, you get it).
And, I was very disciplined on working on tiltless and weak toe stuff. I did so many pickups and mirages and illusions and dlo's and pixie. I think I'll basically start all runs from now on with a weak toe trick of some sort.
Lots of atomic. Basically, 1/3 of my practice is easy stuff (weak toe), 1/3 is atomic, 1/3 is mixed bag.
Then, to top it all off at the end of practice, in a hidden compartment in my back pack, I found a star wars figurine, a couple raisins, and my two footbags that I thought were gone forever. Clearly one of my kids was in there
oh, so why is this the launch of a new era? because, my barn floor is being poured right now, so I will have a shred barn to play in whenever I want forever after. that's a big deal. easy access to a GOOD shred spot makes it so much easier to play a lot. And playing a lot is how you get better. And I'm so interested in playing a lot right now. Also, my projects are no longer urgent in nature, so I can play a lot. And, deciding to take a step back again to fix stuff so I can improve more is the right decision. It worked for me before, it will work again. New shoes, footbags found, summer weather etc. It's just all coming together right now.
Just have to lose those "building the barn" pounds now
Bob R.
damn, i caught a spring/summer cold. feel horrible. But I went and kicked last night anyways. It was really rough, felt awful, but I just really need to stay on my schedule.
I'm going to conquer atomic this time. I've said that for years. But I'm not stopping til I have it.
Weak toe is smarter after just 2 practices. Will keep on that too.
barn floor was leveled and gravelled yesterday, but they ran out of time to pour the concrete, so that's happening wednesday or thursday instead. not a big deal, I'm just jonesing to see it done so I can start the other projects which are much easier/more fun/more visual payoff.
Oh, and I need to re-design the mower door. It's too heavy. Will convert it into 2 smaller swing out doors. Damn it.
edit... and modified, I need to get something off my chest.. I'm cheating on you with another. a forum specifically for people obsessed with barns/outbuildings/garages etc. And it's bliss. She's so pretty, I couldn't help it. Please forgive me. You'll always be my first.
I'm going to conquer atomic this time. I've said that for years. But I'm not stopping til I have it.
Weak toe is smarter after just 2 practices. Will keep on that too.
barn floor was leveled and gravelled yesterday, but they ran out of time to pour the concrete, so that's happening wednesday or thursday instead. not a big deal, I'm just jonesing to see it done so I can start the other projects which are much easier/more fun/more visual payoff.
Oh, and I need to re-design the mower door. It's too heavy. Will convert it into 2 smaller swing out doors. Damn it.
edit... and modified, I need to get something off my chest.. I'm cheating on you with another. a forum specifically for people obsessed with barns/outbuildings/garages etc. And it's bliss. She's so pretty, I couldn't help it. Please forgive me. You'll always be my first.
Bob R.
-
slapdash21
- Futureless
- Posts: 4681
- Joined: 29 Sep 2004 14:50
- Location: Beantown, kidd
oh boy, i'm so hooked on my other forum.
barn floor is being poured literally right this minute.
played footbag with brian last night... ok, so my lavers aren't as broken in as I thought.. but it was ok. I also have a bad ass cold (AGAIN!?!?!?!?!) so my energy and breathing was bad. But overall, I had a couple decent runs, focused tons on weakside, and could tell that I'll be on the right track again soon.
I will start every run with a weakside trick forever more.
solo play tonight and tomorrow night.. friday night off... saturday shred with drew (dufflebag)... sunday solo.. monday solo...
TUESDAY I should be able to start shredding the BARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
barn floor is being poured literally right this minute.
played footbag with brian last night... ok, so my lavers aren't as broken in as I thought.. but it was ok. I also have a bad ass cold (AGAIN!?!?!?!?!) so my energy and breathing was bad. But overall, I had a couple decent runs, focused tons on weakside, and could tell that I'll be on the right track again soon.
I will start every run with a weakside trick forever more.
solo play tonight and tomorrow night.. friday night off... saturday shred with drew (dufflebag)... sunday solo.. monday solo...
TUESDAY I should be able to start shredding the BARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob R.
well, Bud's funeral was yesterday afternoon. It was really emotional, our entire neighborhood sat together. about 200 people showed up. It was just brutally sad.
Afterwards, I was in no condition to play footbag, so I got hammered with my buddy Sean instead - Sean was super close with Bud [as close as he is with me, or closer even] so he needed it too. I rarely get hammered, and never on a weekday, so I'm feeling horrible today. But Sean and I had a lot of fun talking about Bud and just numbing the pain a bit.
On a lighter note, we also had a lot of fun looking at this:
Afterwards, I was in no condition to play footbag, so I got hammered with my buddy Sean instead - Sean was super close with Bud [as close as he is with me, or closer even] so he needed it too. I rarely get hammered, and never on a weekday, so I'm feeling horrible today. But Sean and I had a lot of fun talking about Bud and just numbing the pain a bit.
On a lighter note, we also had a lot of fun looking at this:
Bob R.
-
slapdash21
- Futureless
- Posts: 4681
- Joined: 29 Sep 2004 14:50
- Location: Beantown, kidd
yeah PETE! can you see it? niiiiice..
Being able to see the end product when the current rpoduct is in demolition phase is a talent I have. But I also recognize that most people have trouble with that. So it's so fun to reach this stage where people comment like you just did.
Oh, and this is helpful.. Here's the same pic, but with some labels that will help you see the how this real picture relates to the floor plan
first, the floor plan again for reference:
and the real pic with labels corresponding to the floor plan
(edit: of course, walls will be installed etc. to make this open space match the floor plan etc.)
I was walking in there at lunch today (couldn't walk on it last night, so it was fun to be in there). The shred spot is just right. Once I get the windows in, there will be so much light in there too. Plus, I have really nice surround sound system, TV, fridge etc. and exercise mats to save the knees. Will paint the walls a nice bright color. Oh, and I have a ceiling fan for in there too. GONNA ROCK
Being able to see the end product when the current rpoduct is in demolition phase is a talent I have. But I also recognize that most people have trouble with that. So it's so fun to reach this stage where people comment like you just did.
Oh, and this is helpful.. Here's the same pic, but with some labels that will help you see the how this real picture relates to the floor plan
first, the floor plan again for reference:
and the real pic with labels corresponding to the floor plan
(edit: of course, walls will be installed etc. to make this open space match the floor plan etc.)
I was walking in there at lunch today (couldn't walk on it last night, so it was fun to be in there). The shred spot is just right. Once I get the windows in, there will be so much light in there too. Plus, I have really nice surround sound system, TV, fridge etc. and exercise mats to save the knees. Will paint the walls a nice bright color. Oh, and I have a ceiling fan for in there too. GONNA ROCK
Bob R.
footbag last night, solo. my cold is starting to go away so it was more fun last night. still mainly working on easy weak toe, and atomic. shoes still feel a teense clunky, but it's getting better.
lowes afterwards. that's the last time i'll go to lowes I think. that store sucks balls. home depot all the way. didn't buy anything last night because lowes sucks balls. going to depot this weekend to buy my garage door. that's going to suck to install I think. I've heard it's a tedious, tiring, time consuming task. Oh well. Only have to do it once.
Family in town this weekend.. but it's working out nicely. They're not showing up til late night on saturday, so I can shred and do stuff during the day. And I might even be able to have my dad help me with the garage door at some point this weekend
Probably not, that's not a nice way for him to spend his day off.
next week, shredding in the barn begins and all the finish work/room framing etc. is on
lowes afterwards. that's the last time i'll go to lowes I think. that store sucks balls. home depot all the way. didn't buy anything last night because lowes sucks balls. going to depot this weekend to buy my garage door. that's going to suck to install I think. I've heard it's a tedious, tiring, time consuming task. Oh well. Only have to do it once.
Family in town this weekend.. but it's working out nicely. They're not showing up til late night on saturday, so I can shred and do stuff during the day. And I might even be able to have my dad help me with the garage door at some point this weekend
Probably not, that's not a nice way for him to spend his day off. next week, shredding in the barn begins and all the finish work/room framing etc. is on
Bob R.
super fun, tiring weekend. friday night mowing and then out to a friend's house. saturday home depot rtip, fun with kids, shredding with drew, fun with kids, hanging around. sunday parents visiting, dad helped me install first new window in the barn, lots of fun with kids and bbq etc.
and now, back to the grind.
but................... Tonight, I shred in the barn for the first time. YES. There's still lots to do out there, but the shred space is minimally setup and usable for now. My shred mats are down to save my knees/ankles. Good lighting, good ventilation, plenty of elbow room, music. And I don't have to waste time going anyplace, just walk out back and shred. YES. And it only gets better from here!
and now, back to the grind.
but................... Tonight, I shred in the barn for the first time. YES. There's still lots to do out there, but the shred space is minimally setup and usable for now. My shred mats are down to save my knees/ankles. Good lighting, good ventilation, plenty of elbow room, music. And I don't have to waste time going anyplace, just walk out back and shred. YES. And it only gets better from here!
Bob R.