Image: The New Yankee Workshop
I've known Norm since I was a little girl because I had no choice. I was forced to watch Norm on countless Saturday afternoons. I wanted to watch cartoons and with only one TV in the house, my brother, Phu, made me watch This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop on PBS. I didn't have much say since he was older and bigger. Norm is my brother's idol. He would seriously faint if he ever met Norm. I bet he'll name his first born son after him. Heck, if his first born isn't a boy he'll probably name her Norma.
Fast forward a couple of decades and I've recently moved into my first home with my new hubby, Jon. It's a 1950's ranch that had been renovated in the 90's (we think) by the previous owner. It doesn't have all the cool new amenities that we like (because we can't afford them) but it's the perfect size for the two of us and it's in a great location. We didn't expect to do anything to it other than decorate the interior. We were completely oblivious to the land of the DIYers. We know nothing about DIYing anything and the only tool I'm comfortable using is a hammer to hang pictures.
At some point after we moved in, Phu (now an architect with a passion for building because of his idol Norm) decided our home would be his guinea pig. It's where he can try out all his crazy DIY ideas until he and his wife get their first home. Really it's where he can try it, get all the kinks out, and do it even better for himself. Are we crazy for letting him do this? ummm.....YES. Is it a problem that my hubby and I have no idea what we're doing and my brother who has never done this before is leading the charge? Nah...minor detail. We'll all just learn along the way.
I blame all this on Norm for making woodworking and home renovations look so dang fun and easy. Honestly though, being a first time homeowner, I totally get it now. I couldn't appreciate Norm back when I was 8 and just wanted to watch cartoons. So Norm, if you're reading this (because I totally know you will one day), you're one cool dude. It's 20 years later and instead of being forced to watch you, I look for articles and videos of you for advice/how-to's on anything home renovations related. You've still got the same old glasses, beard, and plaid shirt. It's all a bit nostalgic really.
This is a blog about the DIY adventures and misadventures that my brother has talked us into. We don't know what we're doing but we'll channel our inner Norm and see what happens.
To all our readers.....er, I mean our family and the few friends that told me they would read it if I blogged, we hope you learn what NOT to do from us!
