Book Review: Tiny House Decisions by Ethan Waldman

There are many resources on the internet to help newbies on their tiny house journey, most free but there are a few builders that charge for their knowledge. Normally I get my books from the library, but many of these books are e-books not available in my local catalogue.

Recently I bought Tiny House Decisions by Ethan Waldman. At $29, it seemed a bit steep but the reviews were good and the author proclaimed to have done much of the tedious research that stressed me out. So I bought it (and proceeded to print it out because I hate reading on screens if I can help it). Tiny House Decisions is a very well organized and reader friendly book, but it lacked the in depth research I was expecting.

Waldman divided the book into three sections: Big Decisions, System Decisions and Construction Decisions. Each section has a similar layout; a subject is presented (appliances, building materials, going off grid, etc.) with lists of pros, cons, and the author's experience during his build. Anyone who is looking at tiny homes and willing to shell out $30 for a book about them has likely thought about the majority of the content in the "Big Decisions" section. The biggest take away I got from the book was Waldman's research in appliances. He gives a great break down on the basics of gas vs electric items and how looking for items with different keywords (ie: searching in marine or RV stores). Again, a lot of this information is available for free online on other tiny house builder's blogs. Waldman even has valuable information free on his own blog.

In contrast, Dee Williams Go House Go has specific construction information about trailer construction, ventilation control, electrical systems, etc. There are also books by Ryan Mitchell; Cracking the Code and Simply Shocking. Both books go into specifics of the subjects (zoning laws and electrics), not common information found as easily online. (Note: I have not read Mitchell's books yet, but they have good reviews and are promoted by many tiny builders including Waldman).

Conclusion: Tiny House Decisions is not a must have book for tiny builders, but it does have useful tips in a reader friendly layout. I don't think you can ever have too many resources, but if you are pinching pennies (like me!) I would skip this purchase.

When it rains, it pours

Last post I shared my struggles with the influx of work at the shelter and the horrible adventure with my transportation. I had hoped my year would only go up from there, honestly what else could happen? Well, I could get horribly sick for almost two months.
Little back story, I am terrified of vomiting. It is just one of those phobias that I would rather shoot myself in the foot if it would mean I would never be sick again. Weird thing is I wasn't a sickly kid, and until the beginning of this year I hadn't thrown up since elementary school (in February I got a stomach bug, in March I got food poisoning). Come fall, I am all the sudden having episodes of feeling possibly nauseous that send me into a panic. Panics that escalated to the point I needed medication to calm myself down. I start having stomach cramps and bad intestinal issues, I shall spare you the details. I bring this up at a routine doctor's visit, she diagnosed me with IBS. And while depression runs in my family and I am on a low dose of anti-depressants, I have had a digestive tract of steel most of my life. They up my normal meds and say to check back in a month. Month later, still having stomach issues but the panic attacks are slightly better. They want to put me on an elimination diet, cutting out almost everything you would identify as edible to figure out what causes my intestines to act up. I burst into tears in my car. Food is a real struggle for me; I was never taught how to cook for myself but I love to eat. I am now trying to learn as an adult how to plan, shop, and cook healthy. The idea that even things like fresh fruits, cheeses, and grains are off limits- I was going to starve. (and I know I am being dramatic, there are plenty of people that have to be on limited diets and make delicious meals, but I struggle when something doesn't come in a box). I promptly devoured a large chocolate bar with the thought "if my IBS is caused by stress, and this diet stresses me out- ergo, screw the diet".
A few days after the second doctor visit, I received a call about my bloodwork. I was positive for Lyme disease. I had requested the test with my routine blood work given my line of work, though I had never seen a tick bite me. The doctors and nurse told me Lyme would not cause my symptoms, it causes "fatigue like the flu, muscle ache, and a bull's eye rash at the bite". It was basically straight from a text book and differed greatly from every first hand account of being infected I heard. My one coworker discovered she had it for years, she developed muscle ticks and would get random high fevers. A friend had a relative become extremely paranoid, to the point he was hospitalized. Once given an antibiotic though, he returned to normal. My vet at work even said that Lyme affects the muscles and what is your intestine made of? One large muscle!
It has been roughly two weeks I've been on antibiotics and most of my symptoms have subsided if not dissolved completely. My intestines are still wonky at times, but antibiotics can throw that out of whack too. My anxiety of being sick has dropped drastically, though not disappeared entirely.
Now I am telling everyone about how I have Lyme, because I never would have guessed that I had it and it was the cause of my problems. While I work with animals, I have never pulled a tick of myself (and I have no issues dancing in front of a mirror before hopping in the shower every night) and I live in a populated suburb. I have been telling everyone I know to get tested. It is a serious issue, especially in this part of the country, and unfortunately the (human) medical field isn't being as proactive as they should.

On the topic of tiny houses, the subject of this blog, I recently purchased the book Tiny House Decisions. I shall post my thoughts on it soon, along with other tiny house news.

Now go get tested for Lyme!

Like the Phoenix

Summer is usually the time for relaxation. School is out, people go on vacations, the sun is high and it is time to rejuvenate. Not so for me. Those who don't know, I work in the animal rescue field and summer is the busiest time of the year. Kitten populations explode exponentially, people are in a hurry to either adopt or surrender a pet, and there is always a big shelter event around the corner requiring all staff on board. Just as work was slowing down and allowing me to focus on this tiny project, this happened:

That is what happens when a little hatchback is sandwiched between two pickup trucks. Thankfully no one was hurt (including the instigator of the accident, who sped away quickly after the crash). Needless to say, sorting out all the particulars with insurance companies and finding a new car consumed all my free time. But after a month of scouring car sites, bumming rides off people, and physical sickness from stress- I have a new car and can focus on my tiny house once again!

My latest (and hopefully final) design for the house begins with the front door on the end of the trailer. Upon entry, you will be in the kitchen and under the sleeping loft. I figure most time in the kitchen will be spent standing, so the door will not take away useful chilaxin' space. Through the kitchen will be the living/working area; I will have a freestanding couch and desk. On the far end of the house will be the bathroom that will stretch across the back end of the trailer; it will have a small loft above it for storage. One frequent element of tiny houses I have decided to pass on is built in furniture. More on that in a later post.

Having the entry at one of the ends also allows me to create a cottage look that I love. When researching tiny houses I would get suggestions from friends to build in a shipping container, but part of the appeal to me in tiny homes is the cozy feel from a little farm house. I have been having a lot of fun playing with porch designs, mixing different siding patterns, and adding window boxes (likely to be filled with dead plants...).

porch design with random sketch below

I'm not dead yet...

When I originally decided to embark on this project, my timeline was to raise money for the trailer by February 2015 (hasn't not happened...), and be building by the spring (ha!).
My day job was through into full chaos at the new year when we lost two employees in our already tiny department. I got a promotion (yay!) that sucked up way more time (boo!), and even though we have gotten two new employees (yay!) new employees means training (boo!). Add getting the flu twice, TWICE in a month, my ambitious tiny house plans were put on hold.
While my original goals were probably laughably optimistic, I am still working toward purchasing my trailer and beginning some building before this year's end.
While I am busy with tasks other than this blog, I suggest you pick up Dee Williams "The Big Tiny" if you need a tiny house fix. Dee's story is inspirational and applicable to people residing in houses of all sizes, and very well written (which cannot be said for many blogs *cough cough*).

Winter is not my friend

These recent months I have learned some things do not help when planning a tiny house:

1. Working multiple jobs

2. Sliding on black ice into three cars

3. Catching a violent flu bug

On another note, how would you like a cute little house drawing? For everyone that helps by donating to my trailer fund, they get a one of a kind drawing.

Fish shouldn't ride bikes

Through this process I have learned two major things:
1. There are too many ideas I have found to fit in a tiny house.
2. An art degree does not make you an architect.

Pinterest is a vast sea of tiny house ideas. Try my best, I can't seem to create a design that fits in all my wants without needing multiple tiny houses.

Door on the side allows for a cozy couch/desk nook.

Long layout makes separate areas for office, relaxing, and kitchen.

Cozy loft with storage and a skylight.

Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash

Money can't buy happiness, but it can help fund the building of my tiny house...
The biggest purchase for me will be the trailer on which to build said home. While I plan on using reclaimed materials for much of the house, this is the one item that I was hesitant about buying used. Prepping a used trailer for a home seemed more stress and work than it's worth. I've decided to invest money into a trailer specially designed for a house, that would be a sturdy foundation for my home for years. 

Currently I have one full time job, one part time job, and two intermittent jobs. Student loans and car repairs keep me from rolling in Benjamins, or buying the trailer for my tiny house in the time frame I'm working on. That is why I am requesting donations. I already have received two unsolicited gifts because I have some fantastic family and friends.

My first donation from my fantastic brother and his wonderful wife.

Should you want to help as well just head over to my CrowdRise page. No amount is too small and every donor will get a little gift from me along with my sincere gratitude!

$1 donation: 

Hug from me!
Those not close enough to receive a hug directly will be mailed one.

$10 donation:

Drawing straight from my sketchbook

$45 donation:

Small watercolor illustration of your own choosing

$100 donation:

Homemade meal (promised to be edible and includes dessert)

$500 donation:

Sleepover in the completed tiny house! Includes dinner, movie marathon, junk food galore, and unlimited laughs.

What are you still doing reading this? Hurry and grab your wallet! Don't worry, I'll be here when you get back.