Originally Published: December 17th, 2024
2025
As it was in 2024 with Michael continuing to build our dome home, I tend to not think to far ahead.
The dome’s exterior is in the roofing phase.
Its interior is in the drywall phase.
We now have a washer and dryer in the dome, no more weekly trips to the laundry mat.
We’re into our 3rd winter living in the RV.
It’s far from perfect but I think one day we will look back at these years as part of our unconventional story.
I have more Christmas Spirit than I’ve had in a long time, decorating the RV to reflect this.
I went from colouring my hair to letting it be its aged and natural shades of salt and pepper.
After 6 great years at Georges P. Vanier Junior High, I now work at Millwood High School and am absolutely loving it.
I am still struggling to exercise, for a variety of reasons – motivation and space to do so toping the list.
One day at a time, I still have continuous sobriety starting from August 1st, 2023.
Michael and I have a wonderful, unconventional life together.
I wouldn’t want it any other way.
S, 🌻
2024
Starting the summer of 2022, my husband is building our dome home.
This is his lifetime dream project and is pretty much building it himself, so I don’t think too far ahead.
I’ve watched multiple homes going up around us as our dome project takes it time.
People ask when do you think you’ll be living in your dome?
I shrug my shoulders, it will be when it will be.
If there is one life lesson I am learning with this dome project is that it ‘s about the journey, not the end destination of living in it.
So, we continue to live in our RV next to the dome, another winter in it.
We are much better prepared for the cold temperatures from the lessons we learned last year while RV’ing in the winter!
One aspect of my life now compared to last year is I didn’t expect my inability to exercise because of bad knees. Walking, at this time, seems to be my only option and I struggle to find the motivation to do so.
Oh, I and I didn’t think I would switch my hair colour and style from blond, long and curly (perm!), back to my natural colour – dark brown and cut short.
And, finally, I had hoped my life today had continuous sobriety, one day at a time.
It has.
I hope for that, next year, too.
S, 🌻
Absolutely cool 😎
The dome truly is cool! All good things come to those who put in the time and hard work, and Michael is for sure doing that with the end result (I believe) of a dome home people will want to come and see.
If we had the place on our cramped lot, I’d try designing something similar myself. Or at least a round tower.
What about building something on top of something! Build up instead of across!
You are obviously not familiar with the red tape here 😉
Moreover,
1. it would mean disassembling the existing roof, which could be quite disruptive
2. emergency lodging would be prohibitively expensive
3. As we were building the house, we had to live in even before it had been finished, our relationship was strained for a while accordingly – unfinished piping, unfinished electricity and with our first new-born child to care for. My wife loves camping, but not in her own house 😀
4. I built the house mostly myself, with the occasional help of my father-in-law – with her on maternal leave and me as but a junior developer, our finances were strained :/
Disregard said comment on building up! 🙈😳
The reality would stop me in my tracks anyway 🙂
Your dome house is a beautiful journey…no doubt hard at times! but beautiful, because you are doing it together. 💛🌞🌻
Michael is doing all the designing and building while I take care of the every day living – we’re a team, for sure. And you’re correct that this journey has been hard – sometimes it feels overwhelming for both of us – but onward we go! 💛🌻🌞
I love the TV series ‘Grand Designs’. I don’t if you’ve watched it, but it not only shows the beautiful builds. But it also highlights the struggles it often entails.
Your dome house reminds me of the show. 😍
Michael and I watched something similar on Netflix – he is the one with the dream/ the vision and pours his heart and soul into it, while the other – me – supports and does everything else. Yup, that is us. Sometime I resent the dome because of how much of his focus and time it takes. Other times I am in awe of it and Michael’s sheer genius and vision to carry this through. And then every other emotion in between. 😳🙈😊❤️
Yes, I can only imagine! When I’ve watched the programme…sometimes you see the stress it can cause. 🙃❤️
The dome looks interesting, and your hair looks amazing, Stephanie. Stay beautiful.
Aww!! Thanks Hazel! 🌻💛🌻
You’re most welcome, Stephanie. Enjoy your Friday
You look muy bonita. And the pooch seems happy. The domes are super cool. Our neighbors in Taos built one and it was a success…But I think they used it mostly in the summer, maybe it was not too well insulated.
Gracias encantadora dama! The dome in Taos sounds interesting. Be neat to see pictures of it. I Googled Taos and what a beautiful town. Seems like a magical location to write in, be inspired. 🌻💛☀️
You’re doing great! It looks like this will be the last winter in your RV.
Happy unconventional Christmas, Stephanie!