As many of you know, Lynne at And Babies Make Six and I are good friends. Great friends, actually. Such great friends that we are getting ready to spend the weekend in Vegas (Las Vegas, not Chevrolet Vegas...but I digress...) to celebrate her "big" birthday. We talk several times a day on the phone, see each other numerous times throughout the week, etc., etc.
Today she called in desperation...hubby out of town, kids crabby, yadda, yadda. So being the planner/problem solver I am, I came up with the idea of "tricking" the kids by getting her to come to the great walking park near my house that has the playground hidden in the back of the property. Thus, we get in a great walk before all eight eagle eyes spot the playground. It's a win/win situation.
This park just happens to be the park where Oldest Child and her BFF Maggie ride their unicycles. OC has been wanting to meet Maggie up there and ride. Maggie also happens to be Lynne's daughter's BFF - every time we go over there, she wants to know where Maggie is; we have to be very careful not to mention that name unless, of course, Maggie is in the car on the way to their house. Stop here and imagine four kids, ages 4 and 2, all in bad moods, all wanting something different from Mommy RIGHT NOW, and think of the noise level in the house. So I was explaining to Lynne that OC and YC would be with me and we may even invite M-A-G-G-I-E to go with us. As soon as I had spelled the word, we both burst out laughing. Her kids couldn't hear my end of the conversation; my kids (hopefully) can spell...guess you could say I was feeling her pain : )
Now I'm off to walk with four crabby kids and two (potentially crabby) teenagers.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Note to Self
When using years old paint, make sure to only paint one wall at a time...as opposed to starting in the middle of the wall...you may save yourself some time.
I am diligently working on painting my living room. I had it all mapped out, and all was going according to schedule. I was even impressed when I went to the Home Fix It Up store and the nice helper-man said that yes, my paint was still good and I only had to buy two more gallons of the lighter color...because I either (a) gave two gallons away to someone and don't remember or (b) paint thieves came and stole it during the night. So I'm getting off pretty cheap for painting an entire large room, complete with high ceilings.
The accent wall was first and it looks amazing. 'Cept now, I have to add another "to do" to my list because my mantel looks totally bare and I have to fix that. But being the "smart" home improvement queen that I am, I knew to start with the old paint first. It is, afterall, OLD. Save the new...who knows, maybe in three or thirteen years, I'll want to paint this color again. So I trimmed out everything and started painting the "picture" wall. Then I painted beside the entertainment center. Then I painted over by the door. Then I ran out of paint and opened a new can. Then I noticed a spot I missed, so I went back to the picture wall. Silly me thought that the only reason the "touch up" spot was lighter was because it was wet paint and the other paint was dry. Imagine my surprise eight hours later when the touch up spot was still lighter.
In desperation, I called DH and explained my brilliance. He tried and tried to come up with solutions so it wouldn't be "noticeable". This is also the same DH who suggested I didn't need to move the big, humongous, tall, heavy entertainment center and paint behind it. Afterall...no one was going to see back there.
So I would be finished with project #1 and ready to move on to project #2 except for the small, tiny, minute problem of two different color paints. My only solution - repaint THE ENTIRE THREE WALLS the lighter color. So instead of one nice, smooth coat that covered everything...my walls now have two coats of fresh, new paint. Except of course, for behind the entertainment center...I'm waiting for DH and The Dude to be in the same house at the same time so they can take pity on me and move it for me.
But as a side note, I did happen to notice at the paint store a nice long edger-trimmer thingy...so I added painting the baseboards without trashing the carpet while I was at it. I think that should count as a project in and of itself.
I am diligently working on painting my living room. I had it all mapped out, and all was going according to schedule. I was even impressed when I went to the Home Fix It Up store and the nice helper-man said that yes, my paint was still good and I only had to buy two more gallons of the lighter color...because I either (a) gave two gallons away to someone and don't remember or (b) paint thieves came and stole it during the night. So I'm getting off pretty cheap for painting an entire large room, complete with high ceilings.
The accent wall was first and it looks amazing. 'Cept now, I have to add another "to do" to my list because my mantel looks totally bare and I have to fix that. But being the "smart" home improvement queen that I am, I knew to start with the old paint first. It is, afterall, OLD. Save the new...who knows, maybe in three or thirteen years, I'll want to paint this color again. So I trimmed out everything and started painting the "picture" wall. Then I painted beside the entertainment center. Then I painted over by the door. Then I ran out of paint and opened a new can. Then I noticed a spot I missed, so I went back to the picture wall. Silly me thought that the only reason the "touch up" spot was lighter was because it was wet paint and the other paint was dry. Imagine my surprise eight hours later when the touch up spot was still lighter.
In desperation, I called DH and explained my brilliance. He tried and tried to come up with solutions so it wouldn't be "noticeable". This is also the same DH who suggested I didn't need to move the big, humongous, tall, heavy entertainment center and paint behind it. Afterall...no one was going to see back there.
So I would be finished with project #1 and ready to move on to project #2 except for the small, tiny, minute problem of two different color paints. My only solution - repaint THE ENTIRE THREE WALLS the lighter color. So instead of one nice, smooth coat that covered everything...my walls now have two coats of fresh, new paint. Except of course, for behind the entertainment center...I'm waiting for DH and The Dude to be in the same house at the same time so they can take pity on me and move it for me.
But as a side note, I did happen to notice at the paint store a nice long edger-trimmer thingy...so I added painting the baseboards without trashing the carpet while I was at it. I think that should count as a project in and of itself.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Now I Have To
BooMama has issued the call, and I must heed "the call". Well, and I've only been going to do the to do list since Christmas vacation. Now I'll definitely get it done because BooMama told me to and who am I not to rise to a challenge?! Well that, and I like to use my Christmas holiday and summer holiday to do something productive since I'm pretty busy the other 190 days of the year.
On my "to do" list? At the top is painting the living room. And I actually figured out a way this week to do it so I wouldn't be so overwhelmed. Completely paint one wall before moving on to the next. That way, it's finished, out of the way, complete and then I move on to the next. I've even had the paint for a VERY. LONG. TIME. So long, in fact, I have to take it back to the Home Fix It Up store to get them to mix it again to see if it's still good. So long, in fact, that I've changed my mind about how I'm going to paint the LR since I bought the paint (DH is thanking his lucky stars I just changed my mind on the WAY I was going to paint, now the COLORS I was going to paint!). Originally, the plan was to paint the darker color on the bottom of the wall up to chair rail level, then paint the top the lighter color. But now, I'm painting the wall with the fireplace a chocolate-y color and the other three walls a cream color. And don'tcha like the cup and feathers on the mantel? YC thinks the mantel is a catch-all. And see those lovely pictures of Oldest Child and Youngest Child up there on the wall? They're really cute; 'cept OC and YC are now in high school and middle school. Oopsie!
Then I'm going to move on to the kitchen cabinets because I have so many cabinets I've just shoved junk in them. I have the absolutely biggest kitchen in the history of the world. That would be a good thing if, you know, I liked to cook! You would think a humongous kitchen would inspire me. Notsomuch. But I do have lots of "stuff" stuffed in lots of cabinets (doesn't everyone store old birthday cards in the kitchen cabinet?). But BooMama told me to clean them out, so I am. By July 25th.
And both of those are indoor activities, which won't require me to be out in the sweltering 198 degree heat that is Atlanta in the summer. I still have paint the trim on the outside of the house on the "list", but that will be done on a weekend in the fall (provided that there isn't a good college football game or Nascar race on TV!).
On my "to do" list? At the top is painting the living room. And I actually figured out a way this week to do it so I wouldn't be so overwhelmed. Completely paint one wall before moving on to the next. That way, it's finished, out of the way, complete and then I move on to the next. I've even had the paint for a VERY. LONG. TIME. So long, in fact, I have to take it back to the Home Fix It Up store to get them to mix it again to see if it's still good. So long, in fact, that I've changed my mind about how I'm going to paint the LR since I bought the paint (DH is thanking his lucky stars I just changed my mind on the WAY I was going to paint, now the COLORS I was going to paint!). Originally, the plan was to paint the darker color on the bottom of the wall up to chair rail level, then paint the top the lighter color. But now, I'm painting the wall with the fireplace a chocolate-y color and the other three walls a cream color. And don'tcha like the cup and feathers on the mantel? YC thinks the mantel is a catch-all. And see those lovely pictures of Oldest Child and Youngest Child up there on the wall? They're really cute; 'cept OC and YC are now in high school and middle school. Oopsie!
Then I'm going to move on to the kitchen cabinets because I have so many cabinets I've just shoved junk in them. I have the absolutely biggest kitchen in the history of the world. That would be a good thing if, you know, I liked to cook! You would think a humongous kitchen would inspire me. Notsomuch. But I do have lots of "stuff" stuffed in lots of cabinets (doesn't everyone store old birthday cards in the kitchen cabinet?). But BooMama told me to clean them out, so I am. By July 25th.
And both of those are indoor activities, which won't require me to be out in the sweltering 198 degree heat that is Atlanta in the summer. I still have paint the trim on the outside of the house on the "list", but that will be done on a weekend in the fall (provided that there isn't a good college football game or Nascar race on TV!).
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Serious Decisions
You'd be surprised how much clearer you can think while on vacation! With the toughest decision made all day being (1) whether to lie by the pool or on the beach and (2) whether we were grilling or eating out. Those two decisions made, that left many, many, many hours to contemplate the meaning of life and the like.
My favorite place in the whole world is the beach. I love the beach and the waves and the wind and the sand and the smell and the sea gulls and the everything else that accompanies the beach. In the time that DH and I have dated/been married, we have only missed vacationing at the beach on a couple of occasions. I have always said when I win $1 million, I will buy a house on the beach.
But then you have to decide what beach, house or condo, what kind of house, and all of the other tough questions associated with house-buying. I don't want a block away from the beach, I don't want in a beach city...I want to walk out my front door and be on the beach. I'm picky like that.
DH then proceeds to tell me the 1,000 reasons why, even if we could afford it, buying a house on the beach would be a bad idea. Insurance and hurricanes were at the top of the list...he is, after all, the practical one of the two.
This is our second year in a row vacationing at Camping on the Gulf in Destin. And yes, we have already booked next year's vacation. And this year, our major beach-house buying dilemma was solved. We won't buy a house on the beach when we win $1 million...we'll buy a top-of-the-line motor coach and park in on the front slot at Camping on the Gulf. Problem solved.
Why the change of heart? Think about it, dear internets. I won't have to buy homeowner's insurance for "beach property" because it won't be on the beach in case of a hurricane. I don't have to pick my favorite beach because I can park it at various and sundry beaches. I won't have to worry about hurting people's feelings when I tell them they can't stay at my beach house. When I retire because I'm a millionaire, I can also take my "beach house" around the country to all the Nascar cities I've wanted to visit. It's a win/ win situation. This dilemma checked off the list, there's no telling what world-wide problem I'll be able to solve while sitting on the beach next summer. I know...dream on, Alice; Wonderland is two doors down.
Friday, June 6, 2008
WOW!
Back to the real world. I'll post about my week and getting the precious cherubs back home safe and sound and how I came crashing back to reality at 11:00 this morning and spent the majority of the day in the car retrieving the cherubs and the washer hasn't stopped since 11:00 this morning... all of that will come tomorrow.
But now, you have to go here. Rocks in My Dryer is having a giveaway and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell you about it. She is giving away the WOW Online 1 CD and the artists/songs looks awesome - I can totally see myself singing totally outloud if I win!
But now, you have to go here. Rocks in My Dryer is having a giveaway and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't tell you about it. She is giving away the WOW Online 1 CD and the artists/songs looks awesome - I can totally see myself singing totally outloud if I win!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
No Title
The break from our normal life has done my heart so good this week. It was too hot to even think about painting outside. We are having late July/August weather and we're barely into June. So I have spent the past three days doing absolutely W-H-A-T-E-V-E-R.
I've gone walking two days in a row; tomorrow I'm shooting for 3. Laundry is caught up. I'm getting the camper ready to take to the beach next week. Crossing things off the "to do" list left and right. Not making much progress on my book, but working lots and lots of Sudoku puzzles.
Yes, I have sent both girls e-mails almost each day. I log on to look at pictures from church camp daily. Oldest child looks like she's having a ball! But the break, it is oh, so nice!
I've gone walking two days in a row; tomorrow I'm shooting for 3. Laundry is caught up. I'm getting the camper ready to take to the beach next week. Crossing things off the "to do" list left and right. Not making much progress on my book, but working lots and lots of Sudoku puzzles.
Yes, I have sent both girls e-mails almost each day. I log on to look at pictures from church camp daily. Oldest child looks like she's having a ball! But the break, it is oh, so nice!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S
No, Paula Deen isn't dangerous, but remember back in May when I told you my girlfriend took me to have lunch with Paula Deen for my birthday. And remember yesterday when I told you that Oldest Child and Youngest Child were both away at camp this week and I wouldn't know what to do with myself for a whole, entire, uninterrupted week?? LOOK!! I posted a picture on my blog! (All by myself, I might add. My IT support is tied up at the present time...). I am so proud of myself - you just don't even know!
Over the past 24 hours, I have decided that having the house to myself is nice for awhile, but I couldn't do it all the time...it's too quiet here (geez, I never thought those words would appear on my blog!). What have I done, you ask?? Yesterday DH and I went on a date when he got home (fun!). Then we paid bills when we got home (NOT fun!). This morning I went walking at 7:45, finished up some laundry, went to WalMart, worked some Sudoku puzzles, read some of my book, worked on my blog. Getting ready to go meet a friend for dinner. Actually, she's having her hair done over by my house and I'm going to go sit and talk to her and take Chick-fil-a so we can have dinner and visit.
And you know what the best part of the whole picture thing is?? I learned it just in time to take it to the beach next week! You may very well see 1,000 pictures of the beach on my blog next week just because I know how to do it now!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Home Alone
OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets
I have just, in the last few days, discovered the fun over at One Plus You Quizzes. I may do nothing all week long except take quizzes. Perhaps I should have taken this quiz on a day that (a) we actually had groceries in the house and (b) weren't preparing for vacation. Then maybe we would survive longer.
The Excitement - It's Too Much!
I remember a conversation that took place over fourteen years ago very vividly. A girlfriend (who already had children) called on the Saturday before Oldest Child was to be born to check in and see how I was doing. She asked what I was doing and my response: "Cleaning house. I want everything to be in order when Oldest Child comes home." Her reply: "Your last free weekend for the next eighteen YEARS and you're CLEANING HOUSE?!" Didn't realize it then, but she was on to something! I should have been sitting on the couch eating bon-bons watching a movie. But the house, it was clean!
Fast forward fourteen years to present times. Yesterday I took Oldest Child to church camp in north Georgia. She loves camp and would live there permanently if they would let her. She already knows she wants to be a counselor as soon as she's old enough, and she will make an excellent one when she does.
I am counting the hours (2 hours, 48 minutes thankyouverymuch!) until I drop Youngest Child off at 4-H camp. FOR FIVE LOVELY, QUIET, PEACEFUL DAYS WITH NO RESPONSIBILITY - AT ALL - PERIOD - END OF DISCUSSION.
I didn't plan for this to happen. OC picked her week at camp; 4-H is only offered one week. But oh, my word, when I looked at the calendar and realized what had happened...that loud noise you heard at your house was probably me trying to contain my excitement!
What am I going to do, you ask? I was going to paint the white trim on the outside of the house and garage. That is, until I watched Weather Man and realized it was going to be 325 degrees this week. I don't paint when it's much above 70. So I am making a list of little "to do's" around the house that require inside attention. They may get done, or on Friday I may be able to give you reviews on 3 or 27 books I've read this week. Guess you'll just have to stay tuned.
But don't call the house - I may or may not answer the phone. Depends on whether or not my mouth is full of bon-bons!
Fast forward fourteen years to present times. Yesterday I took Oldest Child to church camp in north Georgia. She loves camp and would live there permanently if they would let her. She already knows she wants to be a counselor as soon as she's old enough, and she will make an excellent one when she does.
I am counting the hours (2 hours, 48 minutes thankyouverymuch!) until I drop Youngest Child off at 4-H camp. FOR FIVE LOVELY, QUIET, PEACEFUL DAYS WITH NO RESPONSIBILITY - AT ALL - PERIOD - END OF DISCUSSION.
I didn't plan for this to happen. OC picked her week at camp; 4-H is only offered one week. But oh, my word, when I looked at the calendar and realized what had happened...that loud noise you heard at your house was probably me trying to contain my excitement!
What am I going to do, you ask? I was going to paint the white trim on the outside of the house and garage. That is, until I watched Weather Man and realized it was going to be 325 degrees this week. I don't paint when it's much above 70. So I am making a list of little "to do's" around the house that require inside attention. They may get done, or on Friday I may be able to give you reviews on 3 or 27 books I've read this week. Guess you'll just have to stay tuned.
But don't call the house - I may or may not answer the phone. Depends on whether or not my mouth is full of bon-bons!
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