Oh boy, oh boy…
It’s been an interesting weekend and week so far, and it’s only Tuesday, mind you. Since I haven’t posted anything since last week, I thought now would be a good time to share some random thoughts.

I honestly need to learn how to document myself during renovations here and there. But every time I start a project, I get so excited that grabbing a camera and turning it into content is the last thing on my mind. Maybe it would be funny, though, given the kinds of problems I run into. I’m tackling these challenges mostly on my own—without a “supervisor,” so to speak. It’s still a learning curve: should I do it this way or that way? Did I forget something? Should I use this tool or another? It’s a chaotic but honest process.

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Quick recap:

I replaced the drain pipe under the bathroom sink and installed a brand-new faucet. This may not sound like a big deal, but let me tell you—it was. Everything there was old, untouched for at least 7-10 years. The only pipes that haven’t been swapped out yet are the old metal ones, which have been gradually corroding over time. The corrosion was so bad I had to put in an embarrassing amount of effort just to unscrew the old parts and make room for the new ones.

If there’s one thing you quickly learn when dealing with plumbing, it’s this: always use seals and gaskets for every connection. Always.

Another project I tackled was replacing the locks and handles on the interior doors of our apartment. This turned out to be quite the adventure. Some doors had 70mm locks, others 90mm. Some doors were already drilled to the point of disintegration, and some strike plates were bent beyond repair. Replacing a single door lock took me 3-4 hours—far longer than I expected. I suppose I could blame it on the fact that 20-30 years ago, when previous repairs were made, people simply used whatever was available in stores. And living in a post-Soviet country (Bulgaria), I know from personal experience—there was hardly anything in those stores back then.

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Oh, and lightbulbs!

I know it sounds trivial, but choosing the right lightbulbs is practically a science. Warm or cool light? What color temperature (Kelvins)? How bright should it be (lumens)? Should it be functional lighting or just cozy ambiance? I spent hours debating these questions before finally buying some bulbs—at the cost of 30 euros. Not exactly pocket change, but hey, we like to keep our home well-lit!

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The lesson learned?

Everything takes more time and energy than it seems—especially when you’re maintaining a 40-year-old apartment. And let’s not even talk about the money. These are definitely not “pocket-change” projects. But you know what? It’s worth it. I genuinely enjoy the process—trial and error, problem-solving, and finally getting to admire the small improvements I’ve made.

Like how the doors now close effortlessly without needing a push. Or how the faucet no longer leaks when I wash my hands. These little things improve daily life, and I take pride in knowing I made it happen.

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Winter wonderland?

Let’s talk about the weather. Snow and cold in January—it feels almost unbelievable these days! We haven’t had a proper winter in 4-5 years. Watching little kids run out with their sleds to slide down the few remaining hills in the neighborhood made me feel a bit nostalgic—and a little sad. These snowy moments are so rare for them now.

When I was a child, winters felt endless, filled with snowball fights and building forts. Maybe my memories are blending together, but they seemed so much longer and more magical. Who knows? It’s been proven that time feels different when you’re young.

Unlike the kids, I now enjoy the snow from the warmth and comfort of home. I even prefer working from home when it’s snowy outside—avoiding the hassle of wading through drifts. Maybe I’m just getting too old for those adventures.

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That’s all for now. Thanks for reading, and stay warm out there!

Commodore Bo, out.