Ciao Casa Ciao

 

This is the handover week. This is it. I thought it'd be harder based on all the bitching I hear from friends but really it was quite painless and satisfying to see our fruit of labour. I'd recommend my contractor P to anyone but I won't undertake renovation so soon lol. Anyway they varnished the stairs to an off-white, painted the pipes and installed the bathroom accessories such as the towel rings, paper holders and mirrors. (I chose the Sonia Dallas range from SSC which matched the classic colonial look). The last thing to go in was the new main door in white and P handed over the new keys to us today on Sunday.

 

 

We went about cleaning the house and scrubbing the tiles and windows. It was massive work and kudos to my efficient mommy and aunt who came to help on Sunday. On Sat, I had hardly started and already suffered a blister within the first hour! Looks like housework doesn't agree with me. I have to admit I hardly do housework at home, save for washing up after myself and cleaning my room - when it gets messy. Now we have to contend with cleaning the whole mansionette ourselves! No wonder friends keep telling me wait till you clean the house lol.

Anyway I took much joy in taking out all my stowed away home accessories that I bought on my travels and can't wait to put them to use! These include the Italian dish towels from Amalfi, cat-shaped pasta measure, limone-shaped container, fountain moka pot from Italy, batik place mats and coasters from Malacca! Plus all the 'treasures' I found at Hock Siong haha.

Even though I'm excited at the thought of moving in, the notion of moving out of my parents' flat is a bit daunting and made me feel a bit sad and homesick. I get attached easily to things, places and people. I can't help it since I lived there for the past 20 years with my parents and the cats who have come and gone. I will miss living with my parents because they have been a source of comfort and support. My restless mom who cleans the house and prepares the meals. My dad, a a stoic calming presence. The neighours and neighbourhood kitties whom I've cared for.

I will take time to adjust to the new home and surrounds, and in time create wonderful memories with L. This week he received the wonderful news that we have been waiting for  - he got his PR; finally after 5 years at his third attempt. Thus he's less stressed about his work and hopefully can focus more of his time and energy on us and our casa. Speriamo.