Renovation - Week 13A Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Saturday, October 04, 2008

Last week, we embarked on a different life.  We decided to make some noise.  We decided to speak out and to listen more.  We decided to lead.  We decided to mediate.  We decided to learn.  We decided that if we don't find happiness, we won't find it.  We took chances and to pursue our goal.  We wanted to set free any bottled emotions.

Guess, when we try to be open and let go of stuck emotions, life provides us with experiential feedback and power to move on the results of our perceptions.  Admittedly, we were angry and not just feeling angry.  We were fed-up rather than the feelings of frustration.  We realised that we gravitated to an enmeshed feeling and cover up for something else.  We decided to resolve these issues and come to a freedom to act effectively and let the emotions speak and move.

Current Mess in Hertford

When we decided to drop our unwanted emotion and let it go at will, it makes room for peace and optimized resolutions.  Earlier in the week, Chiauw dropped by to discuss some technical details for the new house.  The Universe must have guided her to Hertford.  For her to see the packings that we had done.  For her to see the inconveniences that we have to live here, inside and outside.  For her to know that time and space are against us now.

Chiauw has, insofar, never apologised to us profusely.  Sorry seems to be her hardest word.  Somehow, that day, the word just came repeatedly.  However, we blamed ourselves too.  We should have told her our wants and how important they are to us.  We should have told her our deadline and it cannot be compromised.

The renovation seemed to progress, though not as fast as we wanted it to be.  When we went down to the site, all the works that were promised were on track.  They were not fully completed but they showed signs of near completion.  At least, as far as for Uncle Chong's part.  His promises that the Guest Room's wardrobe would finish by the 3rd of October was 80% completed.

Wardrobe at Guest Room:

Guest Room Wardrobe

Guest Room Wardrobe

Outstanding Works in Guest Room:

-  Clothes hanger in one compartment
-  Alumix Sliding Door for the wardrobe
-  Low Window Bench
-  Lower the height of Legrand switches and plugs

The Switches Are Too High!

The Dining Area wardrobe and latches had almost completed too.

Dining Wardrobe & Latch

Dining Latch (Left Side)

Dining Lights Are Too High. Need To Lower Them.

Outstanding works in Dining Area:

-  Doors for cabinet
-  Latch on the left side
-  Lower the Dining Light

There was also progress in the Kitchen.  The 'dry area' kitchen cabinet was fixed and waiting for Daniel (of Formwell) to deliver the laminated glass framed drawers next week.

Kitchen Cabinet (Dry Area)

Outstanding works in Kitchen

-  Main 'wet area' kitchen cabinet
-  Install Island Hood
-  Boxing-up DB Electrical box
-  Touch up false ceiling
-  Paint
-  Vanity and low cupboard at Guest Toilet

We were a little disappointed with the progress for the Master Toilet.  We had expected it to be almost completed.

Master Toilet

Outstanding works in MBR Toilet:

-  Mirror at Vanity and Recycled Wardrobe
-  Granite top
-  Sink and mixer
-  Parquet

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Renovation - Week 04C Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Saturday, August 09, 2008

One area that we can't wait to see how it will finally turn out is the transformation of our Master Toilet.

We encountered a lot of problems here.  The endless disagreement on the colour of the tiles, the choice for vanity top, the types of sanitary wares and the finer details to fit everything inside a small area.  When renovation started, we found out that the floor tiles in the toilet were laid twice - one over another.  When the hacking work was over, it gave a deep depression between the floor separating the master bedroom and the toilet.  It was a challenge for Chiauw to level it up.

Alas, all that remains will just be a fond memory for the years to come.  The shape of the Master toilet is slowly taking shape .. and it comes without a door.  The idea was mooted by Chiauw and her reason was 'oh, it is architectural modern and challenging'.

The Master Toilet:

Master Toilet

The first thing that we did to the toilet was to change the window.  As the whole concept for master bedroom area will be open, as to give a sense of space, we were thinking about the outflow of the airconditioning system.  The old window can't close - it is HDB standard window with horizontal glass panes.

The new window:

New Window for MBR Toilet

Though we have extended the toilet area, we still think that it is small.  We are not sure if the shower area is big enough to enjoy a good shower.

The Shower Area: 

MBR Toilet Shower Area

Basically, there will be two colours for the toilet - black and white.  We will be introducing a chiselled stone wall at one side inside the shower area.  The rest will be black and white.

The Chiselled Feature Tile:

Feature Tiles for MBR Toilet

Chiauw rejected these pieces as the chiselled was not up to her expectation.  When they are fully laid, it will be glazed with black oil to give a shine.

And the Black Granite Vanity Top:

Granite Top for MBR Toilet

There will be a full height wardrobe to place all the 'recycled' tshirts and to house the Joven water tank at the right entrance of the toilet..  We will also box up all the pipes.

Tilings are still in progress:

White Tiles at MBR Toilet

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