wednesday 10.14

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(The magic of Lightroom and skin softening.)

More ideas for decorating. I would really like staff so I can delegate what needs to be done.




I found out that Ryan looked at Andy's missing library book. But he cannot remember where he put it. So frustrating.




2:21

Love a busy and productive day especially when I spend most of it out of the house.

Goofed on my hair appointment. I was way too early so I went to lunch but then it was late and I had to rush.

I looked at mattresses for the boys. What?! $1000 for a twin mattress? Crazy! I was hoping for about $250 each. But those are not comfy. At least I can forget the delivery which costs $69! But they do take away the old mattresses. I think I'll keep looking and wait for a bigger sale.




I went to Sears at Slug Mall. What a depressing store. But Kevens seemed much smarter than Jimbo Ignatowski. Paint is on sale this week. D'oh I could have saved over $25 if I had waited but then I wouldn't have 1 1/2 rooms done.




Interesting to see to people at Starbucks. I have to remember not to stare.




5:36

Another batch of brownies is in the oven. It's a pretty easy recipe even though you have to melt the chocolate. I did refigure the calories and I was only off by 20 so I don't feel bad for eating 2 yesterday.

Here is the recipe... it's from Martha Stewart's Cookies. Double Chocolate Brownies

A few points:

• I use bittersweet chocolate because I never have semi-sweet on hand.

• The book calls for unsweetened Dutch process cocoa. I can only find sweetened Dutch process cocoa so I am betting the bittersweet cancels out the sweetened cocoa.

• I use a Baker's Edge pan sprayed with pam. I get 16 brownies (OK they are not quite equal in size) and the calorie count is 131 for one brownie.

tuesday 10.13

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Instead of just telling he no longer likes biscuits, Andy waits until they have baked and I have put them on a plate, then comes over, pretends to smell them and say "Ugh!" I would have made him some bagels if he had said something earlier so his only option was donuts. Guess I need to buy more of those in the future.




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I looked more for those books. I think I will have to look under the couch next. And by that I mean lifting it up and crawling under since there is only about an inch gap. Just enough space for books, cars and trains to get lost. I thought this would be better than the open bottom we had with the futon. But things get lost and forgotten and the boys are rubbish at helping me clear it out. As I am holding up one end of the couch, they are checking out all the found treasure instead of just sweeping it clear.





9:07

I went into Andy's room to get ready to paint. First off, I think he slept there. Silly boy. Next, I see white paint scribbles on my freshly painted wall. What?! It's a good thing the boys are at school. I suspect Ryan as he is more curious than Andy. Andy wouldn't want to take the chance of getting any paint on him. I think Ryan used the paint stirrer since he didn't do much damage. Note the evidence above.


The other day when I prepped the room, I could not get out 4 wall anchors. They are the plastic ones which expand when you put a screw in. I tried again today and was succesful. Unfortunately, they left big, gaping holes which require at least 2 applications of spackle. So the painting will be delayed. Perhaps I should be working on some cards I keep putting off.




10:37

Primer is done on the last easy wall. I was concerned that I wouldn't have enough to finish this wall. I did and had enough to start on the last wall. I still have to get some more primer but at least I can get another wall done today.

I also did a card for Liz and started one for Steve & Liz. (Waiting for the glue to dry.) (Lazy... took pics with my iPhone, above)




I have an idea for frames in dad's room. I want to get square ones with 5x7 mats so I can put them either way. I did find some at Exposures but they are $40 each. I found another site called Saline Picture Frame. They have a lot more options and much better prices. I trust the Exposures quality but I don't think I can afford them right now.




12:18

One word: yellow.

Oh my! I am glad I didn't agree to the whole room this color. Which is funny since I chose yellow for my bedroom in my first home. But it was on the west side of the house and I wanted bright and cheery since I was a morning person. Then, my brother shook his head at the color but I loved it. That was 15 years ago. Makes me feel old.




4:44

Ugh. My update I made from Starbucks was lost. Their wifi was not working right. Oh well, it wasn't much. Just posted that I had finished painted and showered and shaved and was back at Starbucks.




When Andy got home, I asked him about the white paint on the khaki wall. He said he did it! Then I asked Ryan when he got home and he said he did it. Ah, I knew he had done it. He said he would just paint it back and looked for the tools which I had put away.

Both boys like the yellow.




7:17

I made brownies. Quicker than cookies. Harder to resist.







I asked Andy again about the paint. Again, he claimed he did it. I told him that Ryan claimed responsibility. Andy thought about it. I asked. Andy pointed to Ryan and said "He did it!" As he walked past Ryan he said sternly "You are not supposed to do that. Don't do it again!" he was going to take the rap for his little brother! How cool is that?

This reminds me about something that I have read several times. People with autism and aspergers don't lie. I don't believe this. I asked Andy where he slept last night. He said the bunk beds. You could seem him hesitate. He knew where I told him to sleep but he didn't sleep there. Once he realized I wouldn't yell, he confessed he slept in the other room.




Oh man those brownies are good. I may have miscalculated the calorie count. Anyway, I had 2.


monday 10.12

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What does it say about the day, about the week, when you open the dishwasher to open it and realized you forgot to turn it on last night? Probably nothing but this week was freaking me out before it even began. Too.Much.To.Do.

I don't like this feeling. I tend to overthink it all in need of a game plan.




10:24

Prime coat done on 2 walls. I will not have enough primer to finish this room. Fudge.

Good news: this room has a south east window so it's much brighter.

Bad news: this room has a south east window and I nearly blinded myself trimming around the window.

I got the bright idea to put some newspaper on the window. But we don't get the paper. I did find a few sheets and taped them up. Much better.

I think my 15 year old cd boom box is dying. I have really only kept it around for the radio since it can run on batteries. But it takes a boat load of them so maybe it's time to get rid of that and get a smaller transistor radio for emergencies.




12:35

Top coat on two walls. I am going to end up doing the worst wall last again. With tomorrow's FiOS installation, I don't have time to get anymore paint. I can do the yellow wall tomorrow.

I also forgot to take some salmon out of the freezer for lunch. My lazy part wanted Arby's Beef n Cheddar but it weighs in at 445 calories not to mention curly fries. My smart side chose eggs, cheese & tomatoes. Total count=274 calories.




1:44

Two walls done and I am showered. Ahh... feels good. Now off to the bank to make an ATM deposit.

And perhaps Starbucks.




3:58

Andy is missing 2 library books. I have no idea where they can be. I have looked.




Got an email from onstar saying that now my antilock breaking system may not work. I had them run a diagnostics while I was driving. Although not critical it should be checked out in the next 7 days. Right. Let me add that to the list. It may be related to the traction control system. And my cruise does not work, especially when I first start the car. Love old cars!




7:01

Verizon just called to verify my appointment. And I had them move it 2 weeks later. Whew! I probably could have done it all by why if I can reschedule?


weekend update 10.11

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10.10

Today is a semi annual community garage sale. I didn't know about it until Thursday and then wasn't sure if it was ours or Meadow Pointe I. We don't get monthly newsletters delivered to our door. They've gone digital but I didn't know this. See the newsletter is/was 8 pages of the same general info crap each month. So I rarely read it but did look to see when the garage sale might be.

Anyway, I did not participate because I didn't know in time. Instead, I got Andy to pick up his bedroom. And I moved some of the furniture out so I have more room to paint. I also did my computer maintenance and am backing up disks. Somehow to back-up boot disk got full. So I had to erase it and start over.

I have been thinking of decorating ideas and such. So many options, so little money. It was keeping me awake some last night.




10.11

I was enjoying dome Jack Johnson when Ryan started hovering around the entertainment center. Oh time for the wii so I turned off the tunes. sigh




I did a lot of looking at furniture and bedding yesterday. Quality isn't cheap. I am not sure I want to spend that kind of money right now. I know Andy wants bunk beds but I think I am going to set up a bed in each room. I was thinking of something I could hang from the ceiling like a tent.




8:35

Well, crap! I just realized that tomorrow is a bank holiday and there is no school on Friday. Tuesday is the FiOS installation, Wednesday is haircut, Thursday is chiropractor. And I'm supposed to get painting done through all of that?

Don't expect much in the way of me blogging this week. And I just posted photo of the day for Saturday and Sunday. Ugh.




On the other hand, I have figured out what to do with the boys' beds and hanging sheers from the ceiling. And since we won't be getting new beds, maybe it's time to upgrade the mattreses. They are not very comfy.

friday 10.9



8:58

Time to paint the trim. And I really don't want to. I would love to go back to bed. But that is probably my fault for drinking a venti chai latté after 2 pm.




10:09

Taking a break to straighten my legs. I have 3 walls done. Yeah, I know! It's going much better than I expected. Turns out I do trim much better left handed, it shakes less. And once I stopped trying to paint the trim under the carpet line, it went better.

I really hate 2 1/2" trim. I grew up in older homes with 6" trim. That feels so much more substantial. More of a design element that an after thought to hide a joint.

But I really love Dark Was the Night. It's a compilation album. I love compilation albums as they introduce me to artists that I hadn't heard before. I know I don't need to add anymore artists to my collection but music is just so wonderful!




11:30

Done and showered. OK there are some spots on the ceiling I need to touch up but I will do that later when I get out the tiny brushes.

As I got to the door, I realized it would better to take it off the hinges. But I couldn't get it to budge. Oh well, maybe Hank can help me. All three doors could stand a good coat of paint as well. And my dad's closet door. I removed it after the boys managed to break the ones in the other rooms...grr.

One problem with my dad moving in not good. OK there are more but this is one of the bigger ones nagging me. He leaves his laptop on the kitchen table all the time. I have mentioned this before and lamented the lack of natural light. But now I realize that I don't want his stuff creeping all over the table. I have trouble with this myself. He needs a place for his stuff. I was thinking about a computer cart or maybe an armoire in his room. But how do I do that without him feeling alienated?




What is it about the Awake Tea at Starbucks that hits me so much harder than me fixing it at home?




4:44

The doorbell rang and I answered it. It was Joel from Verizon trying to sell me services. For once I did not send him scurrying away with his tail between his legs. Only because I have been meaning to make the switch from Brighthouse to Verizon Fios. I already have Verizon Fios for phone and Internet. I did not have TV because the boys (mostly Ryan) loved Bay News 9 so much. And Bay News 9 is a brighthouse exclusive. But we don't watch TV much and Ryan agreed to the switch. Two things; 1) I wish I could get cable without a box!; and 2) It would be cool if I could pay for the hours I actually watch TV.

Joel was still here when Ryan got home. "Who is this?" Nice.


thursday 10.8

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One benefit to be stuck at home with a cold and painting is that I am not indulging at Starbucks which means less calories and more weight loss. The cold has killed my appetite, all I want to do is drink tea. I have seen the digits get smaller and I have lost almost 60 pounds total.

Sure I feel much better losing that weight but I wish it would be more noticeable. I wish I had to buy some new clothes. And I wish people would say something. I am definitely a sucker for words of encouragement (which is probably why I take criticism so hard). I appreciate the kudos from my readers (all 3 of you). The only person (in real life?) to say anything is my hair stylist, Dana. She is probably happy that she doesn't have to worry about me breaking her chair.

Ugh! How did I manage to turn weight loss into a pity party? Enough!




10:07

I am getting towards the end of the first room. And as I get closer, I get lazy & sloppy. I probably should have done this wall & dog leg first but I thought doing a straight wall would be better since I hadn't painted in years. Next room, I will save an easy wall for last.

Ugh, sucks knowing there is a next room and one after that.




12:07

Top coat done, one more required. I have really gotten careless. Three days with not a drop on my clothes. Today? Was I in a paint fight? The second gallon of paint is almost gone. What was I thinking?

Salmon is baking. Yesterday, I only cooked it for 10 minutes instead of twenty. Not until I bit into the middle did I notice. Gross! I don't do sushi.




3:43

Waiting for Andy's but and catching up on Twitter which was down for a couple of hours this afternoon. Funny to read all the tweets by people who were lost without Twitter.

I left the house! I probably shouldn't have since I seem to be coughing more. But the ricola does a fine job of suppressing most coughs.

My cruise control is acting up again. I wonder how much that is going to cost me? I do use it a lot.

I went to Home Depot (I prefer Lowe's) since it was on the way. I got some brushes and a runner size drop cloth. $60! How does that happen? Another complaint, self checkouts. I try but I always need help. Today it was a missing bar code. And then you can't use your own bag. Stupid.


wednesday 10.7

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The bending and stooping and squatting while painting is really quite a workout. Just ask my legs.




9:00

Off to paint. This has gotten old real quick.




9:40

Painting straight walls gives me hope. Thought that is dashed by realizing I underestimated the amount of paint required. I have use 1 can of primer and 1 can of top coat. I only bought 2 cans of primer and 3 cans of top coat.




11:15


Top coat on. Noticed something odd when I went in. A portion of the wall, about 4" wide and 24" long is rippled. It wasn't before I applied the primer. It appears the paper on the drywall has separated from the backing. I sort of think I noticed years ago when Ryan's bed was there. Dad's bed will be there now so I am not going to worry about it. It probably happened during the building, perhaps the drywall got wet?




1:15


Painting done for another day. I wish I had the energy to tackle the last wall. But it's a lot of cutting in.. a closet, an angled wall, the door and its niche.

The bright spot is that I have been listening to "new" music. Singles I heard on All Songs Considered and purchased and a couple of albums I hadn't listened through. I burned CDs and am playing them on an older CD boom box in the hallway. With the bouncing of the walls, it sounds pretty clear in most of the house. I would love to have AirTunes but that required an airport express and some powered speakers. Someday...





I got a Wacom Bamboo Tablet today. (Thank you Bonnie!) I just need to clear off some space on my desk to use it. Currently I use my mouse on the left but I will need to use the tablet with pen on the right.

On a good note, I did find, scan and email the forms for my taxes.


tuesday 10.6

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Today isn't starting too well. In fact things started to go wrong last night. I take a shower before I to bed because I live in Florida and it's nice to wash the days humidity off one's self. Last night I stepped into the shower and got my hair wet as if to wash it. D'oh! I do not wash my hair in the evenings because of what it will look like in the morning. Bed head nothing! A family of squirrels took up residence and threw a house warming party. It's also probably not a good idea to go to bed with wet hair when one has a cold.

I was woken up by Andy climbing into bed while Ryan was still there. Uh oh! Ryan hates not being the first out of bed. And the grumbling and whinging and banging doors began. Why didn't we hear the alarm at 5:15? Because Andy was playing with the clock again. Great. So Ryan continues to grumble and bang while Andy starts his tossing, turning and sniffling, snorting, getting out of bed to blow his nose and getting back in to bed, rinse and repeat. And to think I used to be a morning person.

Later, Andy had a few coughs and a sniffle. I made the mistake of saying, "Aw, you sound sick." Andy took this as the OK to stay home. No, you coughed once, you can go to school. Now he is grumpy.




noon

Priming and one coat of paint done on shorter wall. Shorter was but large window with a lot of cutting in. I didn't use the straight edge at the ceiling. I didn't get as close but I didn't hit the ceiling either. I think it looks better. Chicken is baking. One more top coat and I can shower and go grocery shopping.

The fun never ends.




My brother called reminding me about my taxes. OK. It's on my list.




Got confused and thought it was an hour later so I rushed to the grocery store without a shower and with frizzy hair. On the way home I realized my mistake. Oops. And yet I still did not shower but played Bejeweled for an hour.


monday 10.5

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Andy has shared his cold with me. I am drinking hot tea and sucking on ricola. I don't want to talk yet the boys keep asking me stuff.




I know I said I would start painting today but I am so tired. I hate being sick. Even worse when I have stuff that I (sort of) want to do. I'd rather just sit here and listen to tunes and doze.




9:25 Sanded and vacuumed. I was going to wait to vacuum but the area behind Andy's bed was bad. It has never been properly vacuumed because those bunk beds weight eleventy billions tons. Not so much dust as all those things he chews on and drops... bits of plastic and mangled legos.




I did a coat or primer. I am going to do another before the paint. It hard to tell with the crappy light but it looks uneven. The low VOC does have a smell but it isn't bad until you leave the room and come back.




1. I suck at cutting in.

2. I suck at painting.

3. I have no patience.

4. I have a very critical eye.





Crud. I need another coat but there isn't enough time before Andy gets home. I will have to do it tomorrow along with another wall.




I am not sure if this headache is from the paint or the cold or both. Frankly, I don't care. I just want it to go away.

weekend update 10.3

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Saturday 10.3

I had too much caffeine yesterday and too late in the day. I slept OK but I am feeling hungover this morning. I got up at 6 but went to my chair and after reading some mail and tweets, passed out. And I had the hardest time waking up again.

Finally up and moving at 8:30. I start the laundry, the breakfast and my computer maintenance. I had eaten and go to restart the computer but it won't start up. I try several times and realize it may have gotten confused by me unplugging Time Machine and plugging in my Boot disk. D'oh! Unplug the mac boot but still it won't cycle through. I try the install disk which I don't want to reinstall everything. It does start up and I realize I can restore from Time Machine. I figured it might be hours but it gets done rather quickly. Then I hit restart...

And because the install disk is still in there, it cycles back to that. I try everything to eject it bit I can't because it is in use. Ugh! I am so not good at this troubleshooting crap.

I tried to choose another start up disk but the only choice it gave me was the time machine back up. I chose it knowing it wouldn't work. I get a white screen but I was able to finally eject the install disk.

I try a few more restarts and finally unplug the time machine back up. Then I get the folder and question mark icon. I try again using my mac boot. My computer does start up but this back up is from last Sunday. I cannot choose another start up disk and cannot plug in my time machine.

OK, now using SuperDuper! To restore from mac boot. Once the hard drive is up, hopefully I can disconnect mac boot, connect time machine and restore from this mornings back up. This restore will take a long time.

Computers are so frustrating!




Meanwhile, Ryan is playing with the Wii! It's been months since he played with it, maybe before Easter. The controller needed new batteries and I had to figure out how to set it up.




I am now restoring my hard drive from time machine. I did the restore from SuperDuper! but that was a week old and I wanted a newer version. It works, it just takes hours to complete.




Ryan played the wii for 2 hours. When he was done I said, "Do you want to ask Andy if he wants to play?" I don't think he'll want to play. I laughed. Ryan would have the wii to himself if he could. Andy did play bit only until I had lunch ready. Even though he won't eat right away, he thinks he has to quit. Ryan hid once Andy got the controls and has not come back out.




Feeling sleepy. Nap? Tea or make a card?




Sunday 10.4

I don't think yesterday's problems were entirely my fault. I didn't tell the computer to looks for the macboot disk. I really hope the computer can just last a few more months. I have too many other expenses coming up.




Talked to dad and now he is coming down the last week of October. So I have an extra week to get ready. I hope I won't need it for the painting but I will probably need it for cleaning up the house.

I moved Andy's bedroom furniture to the middle of the room. Those bunkbeds must weigh a bazillion pounds!




I have removed all the wall plates & switch plates and miscellaneous screws. I spackled but will probably have to do it again. The spackle was runny! (Ryan came to me later and said, "You removed the artifacts." Huh? "The light." Oh? The switch plate. I showed him it was OK to use and long as you didn't stick your fingers in the wires.)




I did spackle again. I need to sand, yuck.