We have lived here for 30 years and the house isn't finished yet either. A house is never finished; there is always some work to be done or renovations to do. A tip: learn to love the flaws, and enjoy life.
Get that dishwasher already… you can always move it and plug it anywhere near the new sink. It’s super easy to relocate. Good luck and have fun with the renovation.
I understand your frustration. We built a home here on the Isle of Skye and we’re six years into it now. It still isn’t finished. It’s warm, dry, all facilities connected, but no paint yet, and lots of finishing still to do. It seems an endless list always confronts us and we get paralysed. The advice to live with it a while is a good thing. The unfinished things that I’m readdressing change some of the initial thoughts that I had six years ago. So a blessing in a way. You will get there
Compost: You do not need another bin in the kitchen. Find a place in your garden where you want your compost to go and use a smallish container (a bowl or so) for your kitchen waste. Glass is good because it does not stain (from tea leaves or so). In the evening, take it out to your compost place.
I stopped using "real" compost bins because they always smell and they always have these little flies. If you take out the bowl daily, it does not smell and if there is something you are afraid might attract insects, put a plate over it as temporary lid.
I love reading your and Bernardo's posts. I hope you enjoy the Nordic summer (once it is there ;-) )
Really enjoyed reading this. I think a lot of people can relate to that endless chain of decisions when renovating or starting a new chapter in life
What I liked most was the reminder that not all progress is visible. Living in the house first, understanding it, settling into Norway, making friends — that’s already huge progress. Sometimes building a life matters more than rushing the renovations.
Hi Jule ! I’m Morgane from Belgium, so we were born close to each other haha 😜, I discovered Bernardo’s channel first and then came here to read your posts and liked them so much that you inspired me to start my own Substack about my life in Vietnam. So a big thank you ☺️
Please don’t get pressured by all that needs done in your lovely home. I have renovated 2 homes. And yes, it is exactly as you described. What I will say is that as you begin to make these decisions, you will begin to enjoy the process! I love your channel and your writing!- Rhonda
Even though I am not renovating a house, this really spoke to me. The seemingly never ending chain of things to do when pivoting in life can feel overwhelming. Thanks for the reminder to appreciate what I have achieved so far.
I recently bought a house and I'm in the same boat, but don't worry, live the house, and then the desitions of "what" and "how" will come on their own 🙂
Thoughtful decisions are important, but you also need a sense of achievement, so my answer to that has always been “chunk it down “. Find something, anything that you can get done and do THAT!
We have lived here for 30 years and the house isn't finished yet either. A house is never finished; there is always some work to be done or renovations to do. A tip: learn to love the flaws, and enjoy life.
I admire the steps you are taking.
With love
'learn to love the flaws and enjoy life.' wonderful words Heumen.
Get that dishwasher already… you can always move it and plug it anywhere near the new sink. It’s super easy to relocate. Good luck and have fun with the renovation.
You're right! The dishwasher is ordered. We're counting the days haha, thankyou!!
I understand your frustration. We built a home here on the Isle of Skye and we’re six years into it now. It still isn’t finished. It’s warm, dry, all facilities connected, but no paint yet, and lots of finishing still to do. It seems an endless list always confronts us and we get paralysed. The advice to live with it a while is a good thing. The unfinished things that I’m readdressing change some of the initial thoughts that I had six years ago. So a blessing in a way. You will get there
Compost: You do not need another bin in the kitchen. Find a place in your garden where you want your compost to go and use a smallish container (a bowl or so) for your kitchen waste. Glass is good because it does not stain (from tea leaves or so). In the evening, take it out to your compost place.
I stopped using "real" compost bins because they always smell and they always have these little flies. If you take out the bowl daily, it does not smell and if there is something you are afraid might attract insects, put a plate over it as temporary lid.
I love reading your and Bernardo's posts. I hope you enjoy the Nordic summer (once it is there ;-) )
Really enjoyed reading this. I think a lot of people can relate to that endless chain of decisions when renovating or starting a new chapter in life
What I liked most was the reminder that not all progress is visible. Living in the house first, understanding it, settling into Norway, making friends — that’s already huge progress. Sometimes building a life matters more than rushing the renovations.
Also… the dishwasher story was way too relatable
👍🏻😎 lol, you got this, no worries, be happy.
Thank you for these thoughtful and interesting essays.
Hi Jule ! I’m Morgane from Belgium, so we were born close to each other haha 😜, I discovered Bernardo’s channel first and then came here to read your posts and liked them so much that you inspired me to start my own Substack about my life in Vietnam. So a big thank you ☺️
First live the life then fix it bit by bit
I really like you guys and the way you write
Can you even compost in northern Norway? It might be too cold.
My partner and I are torn between buying our own house (and saving to renovate) or traveling a bit more before settling down.
I always think that when we’re older, we’ll be too scared to go on big trips. -_-
Please don’t get pressured by all that needs done in your lovely home. I have renovated 2 homes. And yes, it is exactly as you described. What I will say is that as you begin to make these decisions, you will begin to enjoy the process! I love your channel and your writing!- Rhonda
Keep shining, guys. We are truly enjoying your journey.
Even though I am not renovating a house, this really spoke to me. The seemingly never ending chain of things to do when pivoting in life can feel overwhelming. Thanks for the reminder to appreciate what I have achieved so far.
I recently bought a house and I'm in the same boat, but don't worry, live the house, and then the desitions of "what" and "how" will come on their own 🙂
Thoughtful decisions are important, but you also need a sense of achievement, so my answer to that has always been “chunk it down “. Find something, anything that you can get done and do THAT!
You got this!