Monday, November 30, 2009

productivity

This past weekend was actually productive.  I FINALLY finished the kitchen!!!!!!  This phase anyway.  Last time dad was in, we talked about doing all the new cabinets.  Whoa!  hold on a minute!  Hehehe...but he offered.  I'm going to measure the space up and dimension out what it is that we want in a kitchen full-o-cabinets.  The first things to go in will be the upper cabinets over the sink and then the wall unit that will replace the Caribbean style pantry that dad built.  Don't worry, I'm never getting rid of that work of art!  The lower cabinets will not be replaced until we can afford new counter tops.  Then, of course, we'll have beautiful black granite (or concrete) and it'll make sense to do the lower cabinets at the same time.  We'll also do the dishwasher at that time too since we'll be in the business of making massive messes.  Alliteration..see how I did that.  hehe

NEXT after that will be ripping the builder's stock crappy beige tiles out and replacing them with white oak.  That'll be costly, but worth it.  All of these splendid things will just have to wait in line.  The next step of this ongoing process of home renovations will be to remove the ancient concrete steps that have subsided and replace them with new wood ones that are easier to maintain and don't pose a tripping hazard.  That'll probably happen after the 1st of the year.  Then after that, we'll be doing the 1/2 bath / laundry room venture, which will be another project that just drags on...  I don't really mind though b/c if you get everything you want done at one time, you never have anything to look forward to, right?  

Monday, November 23, 2009

freezeframe

This weekend was by no means an amazing weekend.  But I didn't want it to end.  2 of the most special moments I think I will ever remember happened this weekend and it made me so thankful for the life that I've been given.  God blesses me daily and Lolly & Bebe are constant reminders of that.  

Saturday morning, we were cleaning up the house, doing laundry, fighting with the computer for being a stupid ancient piece of junk.  I finally got the iTunes to work, so I just cranked it way up.  Lolly was getting ready, so this was welcome.  She started dancing a little, then Bebe decided to get into the mix and shake her booty.  (side note:  I had no idea babies could have rhythm, but this chick most certainly does).  So i scooped her up, held her in my arms, and the 3 of us danced and did the tango for about 5 or so minutes.  The wee one laughed her head off the entire time.  It didn't last long at all, but those few blissful, care-free, smile-filled moments were amazing!  It was GREAT!

Then, last night after Lara left, we all laid on the couch while Bebe had a bottle.  After she had her bottle, mommy decided to tickle her until she turned red.  The squirts little uncontrollable laugh is contagious and just makes me happy.  I'm still picturing it in my head.  

I know how corny it all is, but these tiny little moments are what make the bad moments in life better.  I'm lucky to have the friends that I do.  You all are great!  And the family is just icing on the cake.



Tuesday, November 10, 2009

full steam ahead!

I've got renewed hutspa (sp???)! I've decided that now is the time to get all the little pieces of the kitchen DONE. Here's my list:

-steel wool and re-varnish all woodwork
-putty and paint cabinets that were re-worked
-finish crown molding - set nail heads, caulk, etc.
-caulk remaining cracks in bead board
-put final coat on walls
-repaint all kitchen trim, including bar
-varnish pass-through top
-replace hidden door hinges & catch
-repaint ceilings
-paint dining room


These are all things NOBODY notices when they come into the house, but it drives me berserk.
So I, Justin, do solemnly swear to finish this crap before the holidays get here! Otherwise, who knows when that'll happen huh?

Monday, November 2, 2009

chugga chugga chugga chugga

I was just reminded of the little engine that could from reading another blog. Kinda sounds like how I feel as of late. But I think I'm getting better at managing my utter distaste for this daily grind. Not that I'm contemplating staying here...cuz I'm not. Got it? Kthx. I tell myself daily that it's just this job. It's just right now. And it won't last forever. Not even close to forever.

I'm working on my artistic distractions daily, as well as my resume. I admire ctc for her steadfast hunger to mold and shape herself daily. It's inspiring and enticing my creative side to find its true outlet. Work in progress...I'll be posting something sometime soon...ish