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Saturday, May 23rd, 2009
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10:31 am - Well, less than fun, and not cheap
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One vet bill later ($335 btw) and I now have a new method for flea treating my cat. Yes, it is the flea allergy making her go bald. Having flea bombed the house a few weeks ago, with a type that leaves a residue in your soft furnishing for three months, and treated the other cat and the dog, we should have a low flea load in the environment at the moment. And with going into winter, the adult flea population should drop anyway, but we still have to flea treat Keira somehow.
Can't use Revolution that goes on the back of the neck and absorbs through the skin, she has sensitive skin and it kills her hair follicles. Took 18 months to grow back last time.
Can't use Frontline that goes on the back of the neck and dissolves in the oils on the skin, she has dry skin, so it sits in a blob and the fleas go around.
Can't use flea collars for the same reason, the fleas only die if they touch the collar, and they can go around.
Can't use flea powders, because they inhale it and it's really bad for their lungs.
Can't use flea pills, they only last a day, very long term expensive.
So, according to the Vet, we now go backwards in flea treatment technology, and apply the Frontline chemical to the entire cat manually. Apparently this has some advantages. The major one being it outlasts any of the other treatments on the market, so you only have to do it once every three months. It also works out cheaper. But.
You have to get an even application over the whole animal, including the face.
And the belly, and under the legs.
How many cats do you know that will hold still for this?!
It's a two person job. She behaved really well for it, I must say. She's sitting on the ironing board now looking like some mad punk spiked persian, with a look of murder in her eyes, but she didn't even scratch me once during the spraying.
I really hope this works, because the next option is even more primitive. Dips! And wouldn't THAT be fun!
Going to be interesting to see how she responds to the steroids she's on too!
current mood:  accomplished
current music: Da Funk by Daft Punk
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(9 comments | comment on this)
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| Friday, May 22nd, 2009
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4:06 pm - I can't help it, it's funny.
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I know it makes me a bad cat mum, but.
MY FLUFFY CAT IS GOING BALD
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
She used to look like she was wearing pantaloons with a feather duster for a tail. Now, she almost has a rats tail, and is losing almost all the fur from her ribs back. On the plus side, I've had one of my curiosities satisfied. Her markings are on her skin too.
And yes, we have a vet appointment tommorrow.
current mood:  amused
current music: Pink - Numb
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(2 comments | comment on this)
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| Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
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9:27 am - Do I need to get a t-shirt printed?
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Quick Summary:
I have gender identity issues (the term is bi-gender, look it up)
I am not 100% straight (more like 60/40. TMI? Tough!)
I have a lot of friends who are like the above
And one of my brothers (whom I do love!) is gay, and went through hell because of it.
So, why did you think I'd be supportive when you came to me having problems because a friend came out, and asked for your support?
And why didn't you realize just how upsetting that would be?
( Hurt/Angry Rant )
So, do I need to get a t-shirt printed to avoid these misunderstandings? And what would it say?
"Confused, Confusing, and Irrelevant Anyway!"
current mood:  infuriated
current music: Cruise Control - Headless Chickens
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(10 comments | comment on this)
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| Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
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4:48 pm - So, here’s a question: When is it appropriate to ask someone to identify their gender?
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For me personally, this comes up a lot! When I go shopping I will often be referred to as “Sir” by sales staff. And that is not a big deal to me. They are obviously meaning to be polite, I say “Ma-am”, they blush and it’s no harm, no foul. (Apart from re-enforcing my low self-image, but hell, that’s not hard!)
In a geek culture, such as a LARP, again, this will occur for me a lot. But under those circumstances, every one is being asked “So, what are you?” so it’s a clarification and again no harm, no foul.
I think the one that disturbs me though, is being asked in an SCA environment. Again, this happens to me often. I know I don’t wear the really spectacular outfits a lot of women do. Honestly, the majority of the heavies have more stunning outfits than I do too. But, I do wear female clothes. I wear skirts, I wear full length gowns, if it’s really sunny I’ll even wear head-scarves. And I have a feminine hair style.
Admittedly, there is no hard rule on any of the indicators listed, but they are usual. And mostly the exchange between us is similar to the first situation. A lord or lady I do not know personally, will greet me in passing with “My Lord”, I’ll correct them, they’ll be quietly horrified, and no harm, no foul.
This is not what happened not long ago. And even though I tried to have my usual “Meh, whatever” response to it, it bothered me. I think what bothered me most was the very public nature of it. Normally, it’s a small incident, between myself and one, or very few others, an error in polite rote responses.
This was a very forthright “Are you female or male? Because I’ve been told by some people you’re one, and by others the other.” It was done in a small enclosed space, in front of at least 15 other people, quite a few of whom I have known some time. The person doing the asking had no sense that what he was doing might be offensive, or might cause me embarrassment. He acted like he had every right to ask, every need to know.
I didn’t answer, but about four or five people I know well, who were standing beside him immediately corrected him. I fled. He never made an effort to talk to me under any other circumstances, nor did he seek me out privately to apologise. Others apologised for his behaviour, even though there was no way they could know he’d behave like that, or any way they could possibly have been held to task over it.
So, we get back to the question. When is it appropriate to ask someone to identify their gender? And a complementary question, how?
current mood:  crushed
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(8 comments | comment on this)
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| Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
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9:31 am - Ok, this is weird, but cool.
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| Friday, February 13th, 2009
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1:09 pm - Back from NZ
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So, I got back from NZ okay, and with a suitcase full of decent choclate. I know my budget was more limited this time, but I really have come to realise how much more fun a trip is when you have access to a car! It’s not that I didn’t get to do the stuff I really wanted, but I would have found it a lot easier with a car, and would have managed to fit a few more things in as well. Plus I wouldn’t have been stuck using the shuttle to and from Faire, which was a bit of a drama. Not going to do that again if I can possibly find a way, any way, to avoid it!
I got to hang out with Amie, which is something I wish I could do more. Jacob is getting so big, and is definitely taking after his Dad when it comes to build. If he ever develops an interest in heavy fighting, he’s going to be very well suited to it!
J’s skill with drawing portraits is getting really good! She’s done a lovely portrait of Glissom and I in our wedding outfits which has been put away nice and safe.
I got to spend time with Ajax, which was absolutely brilliant! I really miss him, and do hope to one day be able to visit him, Helen and Duncan in Scotland. It’s one of those places I’ve always wanted to go, and now have extra reason to do so. Plus I have extended family there that it would be nice to meet.
I got to spend a few days with my family on the coast. They’re all getting so old and frail! It’s frightening, it really is. I took my Mum to the Blackball fair, which was a lot of fun. The local fireman dressed up as a clown to be the master of ceremonies, and they had some very traditional games. Egg and spoon races, dressing guys in heels, pearls and aprons, and making them race to hang out baskets of clothes, sack races, etc. It was a good day.
Afterwards, Mary-anne, Becky, Mum and I went to Nelson creek for a swim. Mary-anne and Becky had never been there before so it was nice to show them around. That’s where I got a stone stuck in my foot though. Which ended up having to be cut out, but to start with, I thought I’d just bruised it.
I also got to spend some time with Carla, and to say hi to the boys, although they are now at the age where a random visit from someone they don’t see very often is just not as interesting as playing Destroy all humans. (I don’t blame them, it’s a fun game) I did get to give chocolate to Braithe though. So cute!
The next day, I took the shuttle over to Christchurch again, and got delivered to the airport where I was supposed to be collected by the shuttle. This did not go so well. Spike was wonderful though, and came back from Waipara to collect me and the other person whose flight did not match the shuttle time-table. So, after being stuck at the airport for 5 hours, I was a bit tired by the time I got to site. It was still good to see everyone, and to get coffee from the Mong.
I got to see so many people that I miss, including people who have been living in the UK! (so jealous) Again, I’m wishing for instantaneous travel, because I wish we could meet up more often. It was great to get to talk to Hera and David as much as I did, they are good people, who were working very hard being Stewards.
It was definitely a faire to remember. Baronial stepping down and stepping up, playing village soccer the traditional way, (brutal!) and the elevation of not just the two friends I went over for, but four! I would have been kicking myself very hard if I’d missed it. As it was, I had to miss the fourth one because of shuttle scheduling (again, not going to do that again if I can possibly find a way to avoid using the shuttle!) but I did get to attend the vigil the night before, and give my warmest congratulations.
Plus, having to leave Waipara almost an entire day early did mean I got to spend more time with Amie. We watched Torchwood. Happy!
The flight back was interesting. I was sitting beside an emergency exit, which had this big red handle that was just a little above my face. I think I spent most of the flight sitting on my hands, making myself not touch the shiny red handle. It was so tempting! :P
It was so good to get back home. I really missed it. Plus we discovered that we’d managed to save up just enough that Glissom was finally able to get a new computer, which is something that we’ve needed for a long time now. We picked it up last night, so I wouldn’t try to talk to him for a few more days, until he gets it setup just so. I love him, he’s funny!
current mood:  sleepy
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(2 comments | comment on this)
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| Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
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2:38 pm - Weekend well spent.
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Enjoyed very fun day saturday playing great games with friends. Sunday went and saw an enjoyable movie with friends, then went out for dinner and gelato with them. Yesterday, got to potter at home, which was desperately needed, was at home for those younger friends who have to visit us for New Year, and then had a great time at a bbq hosted by exceptionaly great people.
All in all, a very good use of time.
Off to NZ after work finishes today. My work mates have almost all done double takes walking past the suitcase, with some asking if I'm coming or going. I'm glad I was at work today, since one of my work-mates who I've been missing is finally back today, after 5 months on sick leave after shattering his ankle. I got a great big hug, and it's so great to hear his booming voice and laugh sounding out over the office.
You know what? I love the people I work with here. They're all Good People!
current mood: satisfied
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(1 comment | comment on this)
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| Monday, January 26th, 2009
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8:59 am - Been a while
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I noticed how long it's been since I've posted anything even vaguely meaningful here. It's not because stuff hasn't been happening, it has. It's because I've been unable to stay positive about anything long enough to write it down in a way worth sharing, or was unable to interpret it positively to start with. And that doesn't exactly make for riveting reading.
One of the things I try to do when I'm really in a funk is to avoid letting people see how bad off I really am, because it sucks to be around depressed people. They're no fun, hard work, and very needy. Which is not something I ever want to do to people I like.
So, things are improving. Life continues, no major disasters to report. Meh.
current mood: drained
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(2 comments | comment on this)
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| Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
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3:19 pm - Oh god, I want to see this!
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| Sunday, December 28th, 2008
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7:03 pm - RIP Kaye
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| Monday, December 22nd, 2008
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10:27 pm - Brass Bands are wonderful!
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One of my favourite memories of x-mas as a kid (one of damn few!) is the Salvation Army brass band. I love the sound of brass! We lived in a rural town, and every year, the Salvation Army Band would get themselves set up on the back of a flat-deck truck, and would drive to different towns, stop somewhere and play. Everyone would gather to listen to them for a while, then off they'd go to the next town. Tonight, I went and listened to the Sydney Salvation Army band play in Martin Place, by the big x-mas tree. I went with a friend who was so excited. She really had a great time singing all the carols, and squeed over the cuteness of the little kids choir. Strangely, when she left early to go on to the next thing, and I was there on my own, it suddenly wasn't fun anymore.
Today was one of the weirdest days I've ever had at work. It was an imitation Tuesday (print day bought back one day because of public holidays) and I had my last ad approved at 12:30pm. WTF? I mean, seriously, WTF? =^oO^= That is so not right! Not that I want to be rushed off my feet, working at 250% capacity like we did during the system change-over, but it just felt so wrong! Hmm, maybe I will get that redundancy after all.
( Anger, and dealing with it )
Other than that, I have an awesome husband who bought me a new P!nk CD for x-mas and didn't complain when I excitedly played it at him while he was trying to sleep. Love you, honey!
current mood: aggravated
current music: P!NK - all of it!
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(5 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, December 4th, 2008
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3:46 pm - My first dental check-up in 8 years.
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| Wednesday, October 1st, 2008
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2:46 pm - Monday, in Ashfield
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There's regular Belly dancing classes for Beginners in Ashfield on Monday nights. Would anyone be interested in going along with me?
(I'm shy, so what!)
current mood:  embarrassed
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(6 comments | comment on this)
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12:06 pm - Not bad, only 7 left.
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5: They said it wasn't safe at night
Powerup – The Darkest Of The Hillside Thickets
6: I woke up this morning with a bad hangover
Detachable Penis – King Missile
10: Come waste your millions here
Sunburn – Muse
13: I, I don't say where or when
Lie on you – The Horatii
15: We find our songs in fashion magazines
Dead Stars – Covenant
24: Each evening the sun sets in five billion places
Heavenly Pop Hit – The Chills
31: The blind inspiration, total disillusion
Light – KMFDM
current mood:  bored
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(comment on this)
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| Sunday, September 28th, 2008
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8:20 pm - Because I'm bored
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Put your music player on random.
Post the first line from the first 32 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song.
Let everyone guess what song and artist the lines come from.
Mark the songs when someone guesses correctly.
Looking them up on Google or any other search engine is CHEATING!
I've removed songs where the title and first line are the same. I've also removed musical soundtracks, and choral tracks.
1: Swallow it up for the sound of my screaming
Imaginary – Evanescence ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) kittenmorag
2: I got my head, but my head is unravelling
The Perfect Drug — Nine Inch Nails jwm
3: I think I'm drowning, asphyxiating
Our Time Is Running Out — Muse jwm
4: Start spreading the news
New York, New York — Frank Sinatra jwm
5: They said it wasn't safe at night
6: I woke up this morning with a bad hangover
7: You said I was better off dead for sure
Chaz Mathews — Numb jwm
8: I've got syphilitic hetro friends in every part of town
Snakedriver — The Jesus and Mary Chain jwm
9: Young man, there's no need to be down
YMCA - Village People delvino
10: Come waste your millions here
11: Sucker love is heaven sent
Every you, every me - Placebo delvino
12: Come on confess your confusion
True Tears of Joy - Hunters & Collectors wenchilada
13: I, I don't say where or when
14: Eddy waited until he finished high school slothphil
Tom Petty - Into the Great Wide Open
15: We find our songs in fashion magazines
16: I will reach out to switch you on
Superblasters — Curve jwm
17: A restless eye across a weary room
One Slip — Pink Floyd jwm
18: I said Please, Mr Bank Man
You Got To Know — Supergroove jwm
19: You were standing in a dark club down in New Orleans
VAST, Be with me ange_tarantism
20: Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm just a girl - No doubt delvino
21: Running into you like this without warning
I Think I'll Disappear - Crash Test Dummies kittenmorag
22: And I don't want ya, and I don't need ya
The Beautiful People — Marylin Manson jwm
23: When I was a young boy I wanted to sail round the world
Six Months In A Leaky Boat — Split Enz jwm
24: Each evening the sun sets in five billion places
25: A woman on the radio talked about revolution
Jesus Jones, "Right here, right now" kiwired
26: I heard there was a secret court
Hallelujah - Rufus Wainright delvino
27: Oh desert speak to my heart
Run to the Water – Live kittenmorag
28: You give me the reason, you give me control
Sin — Nine Inch Nails jwm
29: Come close enough so we can smell you
Million $ Dream — Headless Chickens jwm
30: Far away, this ship is taking me far away
Starlight — Muse jwm
31: The blind inspiration, total disillusion
32: I have a picture, pinned to my wall
Hold Me Now - Thompson Twins kittenmorag
current mood: depressed
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(11 comments | comment on this)
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| Saturday, September 13th, 2008
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9:10 am - So, that what it's like to get married.
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So much stress, so much plannng, 4.5 hours of actual event.
My Dad walked with me, although I think it really cost him to do so. Still, he only has one daughter, so it's the only chance he gets to walk one down the aisle. Everyone looked fantastic, and D was so exuberantly happy that it made everyone laugh. Meredith and Beast did so much work in preparing that there just aren't enough words to say "Thank You" in a vast enough way.
Many of the guests commented that it was like a first year of uni reunion, which made me very happy. There were a lot of people there I've only been able to keep in touch with electronically for years now, so it was fantastic to see them all. Not enough time to spend with them, but hopefully, we'll get more time over the next few days.
My family were very well behaved, Nathan even stayed sober as far as I could tell, and I got to meet my brothers new boyfriend, and he seems lovely.
All in all, it was a great day!
Tired now.
current mood: sleepy
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(12 comments | comment on this)
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| Monday, September 8th, 2008
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11:34 am - I have an NZ cell phone number
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10:57 am - I know I said you could shoot me if I did this, but.
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So, it's 99 hours till the ceremony now.
We landed in CHCH fine, and got the hire car, then carefully tried not to wake our hosts up. One problem with coming this direction, is our time was only just after 9pm when we got in, which is too early to sleep, but their time was after 11pm. And of course, we will have adjusted by the time we go home, and will be having to get up at ungodly hours to go to work. Makes me laugh.
We're on our way to get the marriage license today, then see the celebrant. We'll also go to a florist and arrange the flowers, all going well. And then probably sit around and watch TV, while I finish hemming D's shirt. One thing I do need to do though is see if we can't get D a new mobile, since mine is apparently locked to Aus networks only. Eh. He needs a new one anyway.
By the way, the airline didn't even blink at our suit bags stuffed full of heavy garments, so it's definately a winning way to go, even if an awkward set of things to carry, with the other things we had. Totally reccomend it.
current mood: happy
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(2 comments | comment on this)
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| Sunday, September 7th, 2008
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8:58 am - Leaving, on a jet plane
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So, we leave the country this evening, flying off to chilly NZ to get married. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
It's funny, I feel so much better now, because I've reached the point where, if it's not done, it's too late, so why worry. D, on the other hand, is now climbing the stress ball. It's one of the reasons why I love him, because we tend to be on this whole see-saw thing, complementing each other. When I cope, he doesn't and vice-versa.
Anyway, off to NZ soon, so I should probably go pack, hehe.
Todays to do list:
Pack
Clean house
Walk dog
Spend time cuddling dog
Go to NZ
current mood: jubilant
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(2 comments | comment on this)
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| Thursday, August 28th, 2008
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1:12 pm - Insurance assessment went well, I think
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Had a builder around yesterday morning to assess the damage to the house caused by the leaking water pipe and leaking roof. All going well, (fingers so crossed of course) the list of repairs that we'll be presenting the insurance company with will be:
Garage:
sand back cieling
apply sealant coating to stop stains coming through paint
repaint cieling
have electrician check wiring
Kitchen:
remove cupboards from walls
dismantle edging around cieling
remove damaged wall board and replace
paint new wall board and reinstall cupboards and edging
repaint kitchen and lounge cieling (open plan)
Bahroom/Landing:
dismantle bathroom door frame to remove rotten wood
dismantle wall between landing and bathroom to remove rotten wood
remove damaged carpet from landing
replace section of rotten floorboards on landing
dismantle tiles in shower and shower floor
remove rotten bathroom cabinet
fix interior damage to walls
install new bathroom cabinet
install new membrane in shower
re-tile affect bathroom walls
rebuild wall and door frame
repaint walls and ceiling of landing
recarpet landing
I am so hoping th insurance company will pay for all this!
current mood: optimistic
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shocked