Behind the plywood: drip, drip, drip

I just received my July invoice from my contractor. It was the lowest bill since they began construction in December. You'd think that would be cause to celebrate, yes?

Nope.

A small bill means progress slowly limped throughout July and the first week of August. Contigo looked about the same yesterday morning as it did July 1st, the date of my last update. If you're wondering why you haven't heard a peep from me in a while, there's your answer.

I've been trying my hardest to focus on the positive. In the past 6 weeks, a new sidewalk was laid. The interior paint was mostly finished. The pizza oven was tiled into place. Some HVAC and electrical work was completed. The trash shed was built. And, and... that's about it.

I console myself that the finest things develop slowly and are worth the wait. Gran reserva Rioja. A winter cocido simmering all day long. Obama's Presidential campaign.

I've been doing whatever I can to keep myself from hurting someone going insane with frustration. I spent a lot of time with friends. I picked olallieberries in homage to my restaurant's former name. I made jam and pickles and started a batch of nocino. I visited my brother in San Diego. I ran a half marathon (this year without much training... ouch! My left knee still refuses to return my calls). I searched for deals on blenders, slicers, and food processors at restaurant equipment auctions. I cooked. I ate. I drank free Slurpees on July 11th. I ate bacon-maple and spiced chocolate doughnuts at Dynamo (verdict: yum!). I worked on my restaurant's menus and business cards (more on that another day). I worked on various licenses and permits. I focused on accounting and financing "issues" (euphemism alert). I wrote checks. I wrote more checks. I hyperventilated. I lost sleep.

Starting yesterday, though, the clouds abruptly parted. Workers descended upon Contigo like a hive of bees. Today there are equipment installers in the kitchen, carpenters in the dining room, and painters outside. If I wasn't so worn out from gnashing my teeth for the past 6 weeks (hell, who am I kidding, 6 months), I'd be leaping for joy. For now I'm just happy to be able to exhale a little.

The good news is you'll be hearing a lot from me from here on out. No, really. By the time Contigo opens (Septemberish?), you're gonna be sick of reading about it.

The other good news is that my August invoice will be much higher.

* Did I actually write that? Clear evidence that I'm losing my marbles. *

Comments

[Anita / Married ...with Dinner]

oh, it's so pretty. I can't wait to see it in person. Septemberish isn't so far away. :)

[Cameron]

That stained redwood is a sight to behold. I bet it's even more amazing in person.

[jen maiser]

I peeked in from the street today, but didn't want to bug you. :)

[barbara]

It's looking great Brett.

[Jennifer Jeffrey]

What Cameron said about the redwood - OH YEAH. Can't wait to see it in person.

Looking forward to all of your posts in the coming weeks - I, for one, won't get sick of reading about it. And September is coming soon...

[art]

Wow!

That is starting to look like something special!

[haddock]

It REALLY is looking great. I remember well those frustrating plateaus where it looked like things remained the same for weeks at a time and then suddenly, poof, quantum leaps seemed to happen.

You're on the homestretch. Reserve some energy for the first 6 months of operation.

[Fatemeh]

I love the tilework over the oven. And that redwood... wow. Just stunning.

[EB]

Gorgeous. I can't wait to see it in person!

[Noah]

From the outside looking in it seems like you're really closing in on the beast.

[Tracy]

Brett, We've been watching from across the street and hoping for the best with you and the restaurant. You'll be surprised how quick September will be upon you! We're going to put up a "Slow Food Nation" window later in the week, come by and tell us what books we need for the display!

Tracy & the rest of the Cover To Cover crew

[catherine ross]

The pizza oven and tile look so cute!

[Christine]

Think you'll be open in time for the Blues Fest?

[Stephanie]

September will come all the sooner with everyone cheering you on.

If it's so breathtaking now, I can't even imagine how it will look at the end.

[Tea]

It's so PRETTY!
Congrats, I am sure it's an excruciating rollercoaster, but when you look back much later it will feel like a blip on the radar. I always thing that good things are worth waiting for:-)