Exterior update - The front

I lost count how many trees I've chopped off today. And because of my sheer determination, I also managed to snap off the saw blade from its handle. Well, at least we can finally see the house from street level. Other things were the builders finished putting up the kitchen panels, s's and Lj painted the skirting boards and window panes, and nemo karate chopped about eleven more trees with his bare hands. Just kidding!

The Pros

Well, actually only one bloke did this job. And it's pretty good! I just wish I had the tools to make such things too. Anyway, he'll finish it off tomorrow plus he'll put up the remaining wall panels and skirting boards in the kitchen. Also, nemo and s's made several trips today to Okazaki City Central Clean Centre to dispose lots of junk.

Kitchen update

The builders delivered some bits today for panelling the living room and kitchen area. They'll fit it in tomorrow. It may take a couple of days as it is a very intricate job. As for nemo, he went solo on a mission and finally finished off the kitchen walls and ceiling. Next on the menu is the bathroom and toilet, and perhaps a spot of gardening.

Finishing touches

We tried to finish painting today but only to find out that we needed more Silky White and when we phoned the store, they said they were out of stock. So we'll take a chance and s's will get some in from another branch tomorrow. On a similar note, thanks to Colourworks for a speedy delivery today. Now the kitchen ceiling is done although we might need to do some touch ups again coz it got darker a lil sooner today than normal. I might have missed a spot. Anyway other major issues were resolved as the seller agreed to get it fix. Thank God for that!

P-Day

We finally have a better idea of how the kitchen will look like. Although there were a few hiccoughs, we were quite happy with today's end result.

Kitchen ceiling

I should have painted the kitchen ceiling today but cleaning it and making it smooth took longer than we expected. Also, the window was totally filthy. I couldn't believe the folks that used to live here. I don't think they know the meaning of the word "clean". Anyway, I set it all up and it's ready for a coat or two tomorrow. I don't know why but I 'm itching for it. がんばります。

Day off

That's what the missus said. Besides nemo's got training in the afternoon.

Builders are here and more

What a hectic day! They all came at the same time today. The builders, fitters, roof experts, sales-peeps, estate agents, architect, plumber, gasman, nosy-neighbours, a big black dog named ichi and a four-year old boy shouting "I'm a ninja!". Phew! As for me, I took off the rug and carpet from the biggish bedroom upstairs and chopped more wood. At the end of the day, it's still cluttered but we're getting there.

C-Day

Surprisingly, we were able to scrub off the dirt from the wallpaper in the living room and now it looks very fresh and almost new. nemo concentrated more on removing adhesives from the staircase. But I think a strong thinner would do the trick. It's like chewing gum. But we've made good progressed today. The main bedroom downstairs is intact, the living area is washed and the big tree which blocks the main entrance is now gone.

We got the keys

It was a long wait and more paperwork was done in the bank. But eventually we got the keys today. We felt a sense of 'rejoice', in a way or was it 'relieve'. Anyway, we then went to the house and only to find out a few hidden surprises which the seller was too busy and obviously had forgotten to mention. Put it this way, there was a lot more damage than we anticipated. We gotta check the contract carefully tonight for any hidden clauses. Well, tomorrow I dubbed as Cleaning Day and I promised s's to make it sparkle. And I will.

Electricity and water started running today. And the builders checked out the kitchen for refurbishment. がんばります。

Sitting waiting patiently - what else can one do?

Well, tomorrow is the big day! We'll get the keys, meet the neighbours and find out exactly how much is the damage. Shouldn't I get a good night sleep and worry about it tomorrow?

It’s so hot!

It’s just the second day of nemo’s summer break and his already whinging. Not about the days off, but to a higher force like Mother Nature. Frankly, it feels like his being roasted. And we’re indoors... And the air con is on full blast... Forget Cool Biz, he’s stripped off to the ground. No wonder the neighbours are complaining and asking us to draw up our curtains. Aichi is definitely hotter than Tokyo. And more humid. That’s a fact! Anyway, we’re still preparing for the move, and we've made and remade our checklists of things to bring so many times.

The next thing on the list is...

Actually, the list goes on and on. Let’s start with a refrigerator, a telephone/fax and a washing machine.

It’s fun to say “D-I-whoaY!”

Luckily, nemo's got some time off which doesn’t imply days off exactly but signifies an on the go nonstop tireless conquest of fun DIY. But to put it plainly, he’s very excited and rather all charged up for it. Bring it on!

Our Toyota Premio is at the Front

It's light silver, almost white actually, economical and takes us from A to B to C and beyond.

What a nice clean car!

Yep, I cleaned it today. At first glance, I thought the interior was fairly ghastly. But after a thorough wax and vacuum, it looks quite good. The inside definitely reminds me of a Toyota Crown. Apart from a few nicks here and there especially the exterior, it's not such a bad buy. The handling is like any mid-range sized sedan. And with Toyota's signature of reliability, I think we couldn't go wrong.

Got the car today

It should be up and running by this weekend.

The paints are here!

Wow! I must admit, I'm pretty impressed with the speed of delivery. But the 0.9L looks smaller than I expected. I hope the can isn't part of the weight.

The Official Signing or Was It?

This was a fine example of Japan's hierarchy system. Oh well! The more and more I get confused. Anyway, it supposed to be the 'it' word or thing and it looks like we gonna have to come back and do more paperwork. Our strange, but generally, well-informed overworked advisor said that everything is in order. And we'll see how things go. Next week my account will be open and we'll get the keys on the following Tuesday. Hurrah! がんばります。

Colours of Life

OK. So we ordered 0.9L x 1 of each - Sky Dive 8033M for the living area (one side), Spiney Green 7212W for the kitchen ceiling and Omate Yellow (Low Hide) 7235A for the bathroom/toilet walls.