While waiting for the new window to arrive, I decided to tackle some other tasks that I’ve been ignoring. First up, my horribly dangerous front stairs. Since I’m getting a roommate soon, who will unquestionably complain about them, I decided I should do something. None of the contractors I contacted over the summer got back to me, so it’s looking like the stairs won’t get rebuilt this year. I had mixed a little mortar the other week to fix the gaps around my window and it was pretty easy to work with. So I thought, why not give it a try?

First off, do you know how much a 60 lb. bag of concrete costs? $3.03, including tax. For that amount, I figured I really had nothing to lose in giving it a try. So I bought a bag and started mixing. I don’t have a cement mixer, so I just did about five cups at a time in a 5 gallon container. I ended up using all of it, which surprised me. But it was fun.

The original stair after I pulled out as many broken pieces as I couldThe original stair after I pulled out as many broken pieces as I could

Top view of stair after I put in all my concrete, with my duct-taped form.Top view of stair after I put in all my concrete, with my duct-taped form.

Better view of my form. These were pieces I had lying around my kitchenBetter view of my form. These were pieces I had lying around my kitchen

Final look.  Is it perfect? No.  Is it better? Yes.Final look. Is it perfect? No. Is it better? Yes.

The cool thing is that this took me about an hour to an hour and a half to do. So even if it falls apart later, I’m glad I did it. I’m hoping it will last through the winter.

After the front stair repair, I also decided it was time to finish the closet in my bedroom. And by finishing, I mean hang some poles so I could put my clothes in it. I had gone to the container store to get some really nice elfa shelving. But it seems like you have to spend time with a consultant to lay the thing out and I just wasn’t in the mood. So I saved a lot of money by going to Home Depot and just buying some brackets, a pole and some wood. For $50, I have to poles and shelves now and I’m happy.