How I did it: First off, I did not do this by myself.  I tried many times to pull up a corner of the carpet, and it would not budge.  Had I used a crowbar and some industrial weight pliers, I would have had the leverage to begin the job.  Instead, I have Mr Tiki.

I must pause here and remark what a joy it is to have a partner who is made happy by doing hard work, taking on projects.  He understands he is at his happiest when he has a project.  He welcomes doing it with me, and yet, enjoys his solitude when at work. 

So Mr Tiki did 80% or so of the work.  I pulled a lot of carpet staples out of the hardwood.  I filled in a lot of cracks and blemishes in the wood, and applied one of the coats of varnish.  I helped dispose of the refuse.  And Mr Tiki did everything else. 

Lessons & tips: This goal is a symbolic one, and an actual one.  It stands for making tough changes.  It is like quitting smoking, or losing a significant amount of weight. 

To get it done, it is important to have a time goal.  _This must be done by X date, because ..._ and it is important to adhere to the goal.

It is important to agree on the importance of a goal like this.  As long as it is seen as a _someday_ type of thing, the carpet does not come up.

Resources: Mr Tiki
a sense of partnership and shared responsibility
agreement on necessity
the town dump

... and knowing the reward is having a house we can rent out easily because it is beautiful with the patina of age, and a comfortable place to stay while visiting the volcano with family, while we get to stay at the place in the photo...

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Sep 08, 11:19AM PDT | 1 comment | 7 cheers