There's always something I want to do. I just need to do it.
Can you think of something you've wanted to do for a long time but don't yet have the money, time, or motivation to do it? There are several things I eventually want to do if I ever get around to doing them. I thought I'd share three of those things.
Convert My Attic into Livable Space
Do I need to expand my small house? No. But it would be nice to have a larger space dedicated to my arts and crafts.
My DIY Craft Cabinet is currently setup in my dining room. It's a great small space for completing some arts and crafts' projects. However, it sometimes feels cramped when I'm working on multiple projects at a time or sharing the space with my Dad when he's working on his own project.
Converting my attic into livable space would not only give me more room for my arts and crafts, but it'll also provide me with extra storage space for when I craft inventory items to sell at a craft show.
This expansion could prove beneficial when I decided to sell my house. Who wouldn't want some bonus space in a single-family house? My house may look more appealing to the target market of university students wanting another room for an additional roommate, movie theater, or game room.
The conversion won't be an easy or cheap task. I want to move the HVAC system the attic to the interior hallway closet. This would make service repairs easier on those who need to access the system. Before my Dad moved in, I had a few contractors drag a repair job over several days because it would get too hot in the attic on a Texas spring/summer/fall day. I believe it would perform better in a more conditioned space.
The insulation in the attic would need major improvements to convert it into livable space. Flooring would also need to be installed so I don't risk accidentally stepping on drywall as I navigate my way around. In fact, flooring is essential, or I wouldn't be able to place furniture without fear of it crashing through the floor/ceiling. Although that could make for a funny viral video.
Money would be the biggest hindrance in converting my attic into livable space. Since I don't consider this necessary, it's not something I'll focus on doing anytime soon.
Customize a Dollhouse
As a child, I wanted to build and customize my own dollhouse. Store-bought dollhouses were subpar and lacking in my childish opinion. I wanted to create my own floorplan and design a dollhouse to meet my specifications.
My dollhouse had to have stairs leading to additional floors. I hated when there were no stairs. I couldn't see how I'd get my little people to move from one floor to another without scaling the side of the house. I also wanted little people to be able to slide down the banister for fun.
When I was a child, I didn't own a dollhouse that had a secret room. I don't know why, but I was obsessed with the idea of having a secret room that only one or two members of my little people knew about. For example, if a couple kids wanted to sneak a forbidden lion cub into the house, where would the cub live? In the secret room, of course!
As an adult, I unveil my weird imagination through written stories, not through little plastic people. However, I could now fulfill my childhood dream of customizing a dollhouse with a secret room.
I bought a Calico Critter country house on sale from Toys-R-Us many years ago. Back then, I struggled to find the time to customize it when I had time off from work. Even on my days off, I drove back to my hometown to be with my Mom. I didn't make myself time for hobbies.
Now I do have the time to devote to customizing a dollhouse. Yet, I struggle to decide how to start. I feel I need to do more research on how to customize a dollhouse with a design that will last years.
What type of paint do I use on plastic? How should I prep the surface? Should I make my own furniture with wood, resin, or polymer clay? Wallpaper or painted walls? Vinyl or wood floors? How do I wire the house for electricity? Am I capable and skilled enough to do this?
My self-doubt and hesitation would be the biggest hindrance in customizing a dollhouse. At least I already have the dollhouse stored in a closet when I'm finally ready to give this a go.
Make a Bucket List for My Senior Dog
My senior dog, Shadow, is fifteen years old. My well-mannered dog's been to more non-pet themed stores (e.g., bookstores, toy stores, art stores, gift shops, etc.) than most dogs. Shadow's been to more museums than most children. He's even visited more US states than most adults.
In the fifteen years I've had Shadow, I've recognized and noted the things that excites him most. He loves firetrucks, construction sites and vehicles, visiting new places, and meeting different animals besides the usual dogs and cats.
However, I've put off writing the list because I feared I wouldn't be able to check off everything within his lifetime. Granted the list is more so for me. Shadow has no reason to care about a list he can't read. I'm grateful to have a fifteen-year-old senior dog who still plays like a puppy. However, I know it'll hurt emotionally when I one day lose my first dog and best friend.
Although Shadow's joints are stiffer and he takes many naps each day, he can still move and get excited about anything. No, I don't know how much longer I'll be blessed to have him in my life. Yet, he's a blessing in my life and I'll continue to spoil him every day. Since I'll still be treating him to old and new adventures, why not write it down as a checklist I could cross out?
My fear of not being able to check off everything would be the biggest hindrance in making a bucket list for my senior dog. Yet, even if I don't make a list for Shadow, I'll still make sure he has fun in life and does or sees something new every now and then. His quality of life won't diminish because of a list.
What's Next?
While I eventually want to do the three things I mentioned in this post, I think I'll continue with the arts and crafts' projects I've already started. Then maybe my dogs and I may head somewhere to grab a Puppuccino.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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