One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Pau Hana Condo Condo, Take 2

Thanks to a stellar credit card optimization strategy (thank you, Delta Skymiles Reserve Business credit card), we score an upgrade certificate. This made for a leisurely trip across the Pacific. (Brian also swore he spotted Chris Hayes in the Delta lounge.)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

After a tiresome “situation” at the National Rental Car, we made a beeline to Lowe’s to pick up Brian’s order. Unfortunately due to a variety of factors, our contractors weren’t able to finish the shower, so unless we can purchase and hook up a slop sink ourselves, we’re looking at a week without running water.

Around 6pm Hawaii time (midnight NYC time), we finally make it to the Pono Condo … to a myriad of surprises.

The good news is: The ceiling work is complete.

However, the endeavor left our condo … a mess. It seems Glen and team used some heavy duty duct tape to cover the walls in plastic … which effectively destroyed last visit’s paint job.

When we walk in, my first question as I turn to Brian?

“Is that our mattress, out on the lanai?”

My next question: “Where’s the frame???”

After an uneasy five minutes of searching, we finally locate several slabs of wood in the hall closet. In what now feels like a frenzied blur, Brian kicks into high gear, reassembling the bed as I make my best effort to mop the floor.

(Re)Painting the Pono Condo

The next morning, with the help of YouTube, Brian hooks up the slop sink.

With running water flowing (eureka!), we begrudgingly get started with our massive paint job.

Making progress with the shower

We managed to get through the week with a combination of the Pacific Ocean and the cold outdoor shower by our complex’s pool. On Tuesday, Jeremy from P&S Plumbing makes it over to “rough in the plumbing.”

While he and his apprentice are working on things, I hear a tap on the door. It’s Ron, the building manager, here to inform us that …. our sink has clogged. I stand dumbfounded watching the slop sink fill to the brim with water. Ron stoically suggests, “You might want to grab that pail and start hauling water to the toilet.” Good idea. I get moving.

As I’m averting the disaster, I politely ask the boys from P&S if they mind pivoting to the crisis. They oblige, and before I know it, the drain pipe’s snaked, Ron is placated, and we’re back to “roughing in” the plumbing. (And using our new home renovation lingo like a total pro.)

More to do’s done

Meanwhile, I keep busy assembling new nightstands from Tar-jay, and we keep Brian from Shaka Home Improvement busy installing new nickel fans and light fixtures.

I have long term, exciting goals for a “cloffice” (possibly but not certainly involving a desk made from koa wood). However, Simpatico clients wait for no one, so I (thanks to my old friend Tar-jay) quickly assemble a makeshift cloffice MVP with a $40 desk and patio chair.

Next up …

We’ve got our work cut out for us with the kitchen and bathroom!

Check out our next installment, as I return to Kona solo in May to receive the appliances from Home Depot, assemble some furniture, and coordinate the kitchen renovation.