Oops! Accidents Happen.

Often, exhaustion can lead to grave error. Accidents happen. Luckily, no one was injured or hurt. Here's the story. Moving too fast, exhaustion from this grand move, Allah knows best.

The Uhaul truck was loaded and ready to roll. I got in my Honda CRV attempting to back out of the drive way and avoid hitting Rohan's car. Kareem parked under the tree, very close to my car. He never parks his brand new white Volvo under the tree. I backed out and slammed right into the back of his car. So sorry Kareem!

Ouch! Oops. So, needless to say, it is an expensive fix. Needless to say, I am totally embarrassed and won't be able to live this one down. But, no one got hurt. My car suffered some damage, but I bought a car ready made with dents because I knew it would be impossible for me not to dent it. 

So, it's a call to the AAA insurance company, an inconvenience for Kareem and something we don't really need right now. But, Allah always has a plan and a reason. Masha Allah!

Mā šhāʾ Allāh (ما شاء الله) is an Arabic phrase that expresses appreciation, joy, praise or thankfulness for an event or person that was just mentioned. Towards this, it is used as an expression of respect, while at the same time serving as a reminder that all accomplishments are so achieved by the will of God.

Learning How to Wait!

"Those who patiently pursue - HERE! The faster you want something to work, the more you will have to wait."

- True words spoken by Rasheed Ali

Computer generated 3-D rendering of kitchen with cabinets.

From drawing to 3-D rendering to boxes to my kitchen.

IT'S NOT HGTV! The thing to remember about a simple remodel, is that there is nothing simple about it.  The other thing to remember is that it will take longer than you think. The third thing is you will learn a lot along the way and hopefully meet really cool people.

Bruce, our granite man at M&G.

Take Bruce and Aaron from M&G Stone. Although we only intended to pick up the granite for the kitchen, we ended up with an entire set of beautiful boxes. Inside the boxes are cabinets, lots of cabinets. They took our designer's drawing and generated a 3-D color model.

Aaron, our cabinet man at M&G.

Hope the instructions are better than Ikea's.
Won't worry too much because MacArthur will come to my rescue, as he has done so many times before.

Endless Possibilities!

From the original MLS listing

Our West Loma Alta mountain cottage is described as a 


"Spacious traditional 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Altadena. Property includes vaulted beam ceilings, light and bright kitchen with breakfast area, laminate and carpet flooring, and a large backyard with endless possibilities. This is an adorable home waiting for its new owners."




To us, it was a familiar place; a spot where once the beat of the drum was alive and flowing from room to room. It is only natural that this would be the spot.

Backyard is very functional

This is a musician's house. Drummer, Steve Gutierrez says that Santana rehearsed in the garage before the drywall went up and this was the refuge for many a musician back in the day.


The house feels creative. There is an energy and calm about it. It is so quiet there you can hear yourself think.


This house was built in 1963 and has a contemporary feel. We have a lot of work to do to restore the wood beam ceilings. Already the kitchen has turned out to be a pleasant challenge. 

Open 60's Design. Great windows!

Original MLS listing picture of kitchen

I can see myself doing a photo shoot in the living room.