The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity that produced behind the scenes progress but little in the way of documented change. However, that is all about to change. First, let's talk insulation, networking and the value of community. A big part of this project is about doing more with less, breaking free from debt and having time left over to enjoy life before age and the departure of our children leave these years behind us. In order to do that we need to get creative. The old 'borrow and pay for the next 30 years' method won't cut it. That's what makes this next part so exciting.
It started with a phone call last month from a buddy. He knew a guy that was moving a 30x50 metal building and thought there might be a possibility that I could make a deal for some insulation. Now, if you've not priced insulation recently, it's right up there with health insurance or illicit drugs. Even if you wanted it, you couldn't afford it without making major concessions. But that's where networking and community come in. I called this contact up and within 30 minutes had agreed to meet him the following evening. We met up, talked it over, shook hands and had a deal. I would help him prepare the building for his Amish crew to come dissemble it. In exchange for my time he would allow me to have all of the insulation. It's 4" fiberglass with plastic backing in 3 foot rolls. We will cut it down, roll it up, bag it up and move it for install. For those that don't know, a 30x50x12 metal building has a lot more insulation in it that a 16x24x12 cabin and loft. A lot more. Also, free is better than paying retail. A lot better.
We agreed that my daughters and I would come help him box, pack and haul a few hours after work, a few nights a week until it was ready. So this is a double bonus in that it's time spend with my girls and we are saving big money (read: thousands of dollars). As we chatted with this gentleman we discovered that we know a lot of the same folks as he is a black-belt in the karate association that we are active with. I'm not going to try to downplay this. I am a big, big fan of building relationships with people of integrity. The buddy that connected me with this gentleman is a solid man of character. We are helping a man of solid character. And my daughters are seeing the value of doing right by folks simply because it is the right thing to do. It's almost like this is how community is supposed to work or something.
So, that's the insulation portion of the equation. Now...about those walls. Sounds like you may want to hang around to hear about that. Please feel free to comment, share and/or subscribe. Tell me your experiences. Viva la community.
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