Not as planned

I got ready to leave today at 7:45 to return the tile sample I borrowed yesterday. The tile store opened at 8:00, and they lent me a tile overnight (it was their only display) and I promisd to return when they opened. I drove just a few feet before realizing I had a flat tire! I drove over a nail. It looked suspiciously like a construction nail, and in addition to our house, there are several on our street under construction. I waited about an hour to have the roadside assistance change it, and then went to the tire store to have it repaired. Fortunately, the tire store was right across the street from the tile store so I got both things done. There was a funny moment when I told the guy at the tire store that I was going to the tile store and he said "What? The tire store?"

I returned the sample, and got some more prices on glass tiles, none of which was as good as the price I got already. I found a place that offers a huge discount.

After that adventure, I came home and got ready to meet my mom for the tile trek. In the middle of it, the roofer called and we had to work out some contract details. I got kind of overwhelmed with it - I couldn't figure out how to get the rafter tails painted and primed before the fascia board went on. The roofer repairs and/or replaces rafter tails when necessary but they need to be primed and painted before the fascia board goes up and they are covered. But the roofer doesn't really paint, and the roofer also comes in and out quickly (usually a day to demolish, repair and inspect and a day to put the roof on) so it would be difficult to get a painter in there or do it myself without having the roof off for several days. In addition, the fascia board has to be primed on all sides before going up and this had to be worked out as well. Ugh!

The roofer and I had gone back and forth with a couple of different versions of the contract and I was so confused I couldn't figure it out. As much as it seems otherwise, my request is unique according to the roofers I talked to. I finally called the general contractor I've been talking to (we're still trying to work out a contract, should be final this weekend). He walked me through the problem and I felt ready to talk to the roofer. When the roofer called me back, we were able to work it all out - at least I think so. I faxed over the contract with my changes this afternoon so I hope he signs it too.

I then dragged my mom to about 25 tile stores. We were able to cover a lot of ground because we were really focused on sage, square, large tiles. However, early in the day, my mom pointed out how good the glass looks with the sample I have of 3"x6" that I love. By the end of the day, I hadn't found anything I liked as much, and I think the rectangles will look good with the glass squares. They will be on different, but adjoining surfaces and the colors look like they were made to go together. Both shapes have a Zen feeling which I like. OK - tile drama is resolved! On to the next decision.