monday 10.26

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11:51

Lunch is in the oven.



IEP went well. Typical, kind of boring. Ryan was very quiet. He is so cute and shy around his teachers, especially former ones.



Went to Target to get chicken nuggets and spent $65! I got some things for the bedrooms, cheap waste baskets and some hooks for Andy. I also have a list of things to get later this week, after payday.



2:51

Starbuck's wifi... grrr

I got all the way to the bank before I realized I had forgotten the check... sigh.



9:08

Boys in bed. I finally weeded through google reader and got down to 30 unread items. Whew!

I also dumped a couple of blogs that no longer interest me the way they once did. If I had more time...

weekend update 10.25

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Saturday

10:36 and I already have 5 items completed on my to do list! Let's hope I don't fall asleep in this chair.



Just had an idea!

If I get rid of the shelf between the family room and dining room, I could get a small desk for dad's computer. It may be too close to my own space (dining room) but it would fit. The only thing on that shelf is stuff that can move into the office. Hmmm...



11:25

I went to hang the closet door and it won't go. There is a spring missing. But maybe it's for the best since the shelf I am going to move might be in the way of the door opening all the way. (It's not in the way. But I will let dad decide if he can fix it. ) So it's curtains for dad too. Actually, I doubt he minds the open closet. I can't remember him shutting his own except when Andy used to crawl in there and knock his clothes off the hangars.



On to some personal stuff. I am itching everywhere! And I think I know the cause... sugar! So it all started with my earlobes cracking. It happens every so often, not a big deal. It heals on its own and goes away. But I decided to look it ip last night. It is most likely eczema which is related to yeast or candida which is related to too much sugar consumption. OK I know I eat too much sugar. I have tried cutting down. But something else has happened in the last 3 weeks, I have stopped eating yogurt. I usually fix myself a yogurt smoothie as a treat after I walk. I have been painting and not walking so no smoothie. I think the yogurt helps keep all that yeast in check. So I will apply some topical creams and start eating my smoothies again and hope it clears up... Soon! (The lotrimin really cleared up things fast. Just need to remember to keep using it for 2 weeks.)



2:10 Most of the furniture is moved and in place. The boys' closests need some work. I have 4 shelves but don't know which closet the go to. I'll have to measure and check to see if I have the mounting brackets. If the shelves are for Andy's closet, I will have to remove the Christmas tree first. (They are for Andy's room. I hope to get them up this week.)

I found a quilt for Andy. It's one I got for the guest room. It has a yellow border and multiple patterns on the triangles. He likes it and that saves me $100. I put a blue quilt on Ryan's bed. He hasn't seen it yet. I doubt he will care. Both quilts are full size on twins beds so they fit nicely.



4:18

Quiet. The boys are in their rooms.

I looked at desks online. Do I go cheap, ie Target or expensive like Pottery Barn? I looked at Ikea but they are too modern for the rest of the place. I did find a simple desk at Crate & Barrel for $229. Since there is a store here there is no delivery. I will have to assemble it but that is not difficult. I have a dresser from them. While it is not "solid" it has lasted pretty well.



5:39

Darn. It looks like I have everything I need to put the shelves up in Andy's closet. Except motivation. It has disappeared for the day.


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Sunday

9:25

Listening to Fleetwood Mac and Lyndsey Buckingham today. I prefer the songs without Stevie Nicks singing lead.



1:13

My dad will be here Friday or Sunday. It depends if he is filling well enough to drive on Tuesday. Either way, I have a house to put back together and clean.

No time like the present. Bah.



1:55

A few years ago, my dad was helping me clean. He wanted to clean off the kitchen counter and I didn't have time to go through the stuff. I gave him a rubbermaid tote and said he could put the stuff in there. That tote sat and eventually another was added to it. I just went through then and managed to empty one. Most of the stuff went in the trash. There is another tote of stuff to put away. I did go through and get rid of the junk. I found some pearl earrings. I found some Dr Pepper Lip Smacker. I found a smoke detector which went off when I picked it up. Ryan went into Andy's room. Andy went outside. Good for Andy!

Another discovery I made today are some frames I have had for years. They are Rive Gauche from Exposures. But the mats are for 4 3x5 prints. I could have some mats made for 5x7 prints and put them up in my dad's room. That saves at least $60!



friday 10.23

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8:31

Adding more items to my to do list. It's so long but filled with mostly quick tasks. OK except for putting Ryan's bed together.



10:17

Trim done. Bed done. Bed moved again because dresser won't fit done. Yep, I failed to plan again. That dresser and bed are way too bulky. And why did they have to put the window of there? It just cuts up the room more. And don't say cross ventilation because 1. This is Florida. The a/c is on 90% of the time; and 2. Cross ventilation only works when there is another window or opening. Doors to the hallway don't work.

Sorry. I am just exhausted. Putting that bed together is tough work. Luckily I thought of paint cans to hold up the frame while I got it in place.

I wish I had painted Ryan's room green, all the walls. I really like the color.


1:53

Why can't I find what I am looking for? Perhaps my ideas are stuck in 2002 which was the last time I did any serious decorating. I would like white wood rods for the valances. Either they are really expensive or non-existant. So I guess the metal look is in. At least it is more affordable.



Love the Buy One Get One Free! This week's special was Publix brand chocolate milk. Not as good as TG Lee but Ryan will drink it. Yay!



2:43

I see the fairy's were not here. All the paint supplies are still out.

There is one more (decent) option for Ryan's bedroom. I'll let him decide when he gets home.

Nap?



6:25

Ryan seems to like his bedroom. He hasn't come out since he got home. He wanted his dresser between the bed and the bookshelf. It just fits. And then I had to drag it back out to plug in the clock radio. d'oh!

thursday 10.22

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Granny here reporting about her terrible night with little sleep. Caffeine, cramps and Ryan.



Years ago, I couldn't find the curtains I really wanted. So I had this idea to get denim valances and then sew on cut outs of stars and such. I bought the valances and the quilt squares. That's all that happened. I did hang the valances. Now I need to rehang the valances and I washed them. I could only find 4 panels. Huh? Shouldn't there be 6, 2 for each window? O maybe I thought I could stretch one across so you could see the appliqués better? That would explain why one was in a bag to return. But I think it may be too late to return lest I get on Target's bad return list. I think 2 panels will look better so I will probably do something different in my dad's room. But what?



9:49 Priming is done! I can shut that can tight and out it away. I can throw away that roller brush. I will clean and hope to save the trim brush.



Listening to Fastball.

It will be a bit sad that I won't be able to listening to my music loudly anymore once dad is here.



12.20

Top coat on. While I waiting for the primer to dry, I did the trim on the green wall and in Andy's room. I just need to move his dresser back and reboot his computer.

Lunch is in the oven.

I am exhausted. Only trim on 2 walls left for tomorrow. Û

wednesday 10.21

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More of the same.



7:44

I went out to wait for the bus and found a box from UPS. Apparently they don't feel the need to knock or ring the bell. Anyway, it is from Basic Grey. It is about an 1" thick of papers from their recent releases. Cool! Of course they want me to place an order but I have no money.

Speaking of which. Yesterday when I was doing my Sales Taxes, I did monthly sales reports. Monthly sales would range from $4000 to $20,000. Now I am lucky to have $200 per month. Really, really sad. Some customers who spent $3000 per year have not ordered all year.



10:27

Primer done. I pulled an order (2 in 2 days!!!) then decided to go to the bank. Which gave me an excuse to go to Starbucks instead of drinking plain tea at home.



If I had to drive my kids to school everyday, I would stop at Starbucks and it wouldn't be such a chore. I'm just saying.

It's a good thing they enjoy taking the bus.



12:19

One coat of green agate is on. Thank goodness it dries darker. Wet, it reminds me of the avacado green kitchen I grew up in. I am not sure I like it next to the Breton beige. They are the same tone.



UPS' status update sucks at the moment. I got a notice last week that my order was set to ship. Finally yesterday it said departure scan. And today was arrival scan in Jacksonville. No delivery date was ever established. It was delivered this morning.





3:05

Starbucks wifi is so goofy. I lost another bit of my blog earlier.

The green is done. It took a while to dry before the second coat so I got the trim done on the closet wall. The trim around the closet is so bad, dirty and Andy cracked some of it.



I may go down to Calico Corners for curtains. If I put curtains in the closet openings either I will have to hem them or have them custom made. I think I'll price them to see. I did look at their fabrics, so many great choices!



3:32

Well crud! The paint is not the same color. I had only bought 3 gallons of the Breton beige and it wasn't enough. Then I purchased 2 more gallons only to find out I got a shade darker. So I went back and got one more gallon which was supposed to be Breton beige. Yes I looked at it but when it is wet it does not match the swatch.

Today when I was painting the green, something felt off about the Breton beige. I finally checked it against the swatch. It is different. You can see the difference in Andy's room. I am not going to paint it over but it is disappointing.

tuesday 10.20

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I am really feeling like I am drowning in unread/watched media. I just can't seem to catch up in blogs or links or books or ... I am spending too much time on painting and decorating. It's exciting to plan and dream but frustrating not be able to buy and complete. I need to limit my time looking for ideas and products and get back to the rest of my life, boring as it is.



Slowly getting caught up with photo of the day. Someday I might even be able to post at twopeas again.



12:02

Lunch in the oven.

Prime and one coat on wall.

Sales taxes done and order pulled. Sales taxes are pathetic. I owed all of $3.43. Seems pointless.



12:37

New iMacs have been announced. My computer has been showing its age. And Andy's is need of an upgrade. I would love to get a new iMac for me and give him mine. I think my iMac will last a few more years if it doesn't have to do the heavy process stuff like Photoshop. So... where can I find some money?




2:19

Paint done. Birthday card done. Showered. At Starbucks. I wish I didn't have to go to the grocery store. Empty at SB. I usually don't come here on Tuesdays.

Ugh! She forgot the syrup.


3:53

Been feeling rather odd. A bit lightheaded. I wasn't sure if I was getting sick or it was the paint. I went to Starbucks to get out of the house. As I was driving to Target for food I thought.. "I feel like I haven't taken my meds in a few days. But I have... Oh crap! I haven't taken them since Saturday! It's not a brain tumor, just a brain fart!"

Bonnie asked how I could forget and I blame the weather. I get up get some iced tea and take my pills. It's been too chilly so I heat water for hot tea. By the time the tea was ready...



9:13

Finally starting to feel better.

monday 10.19

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Too chilly! And I was either too cold or too hot to sleep. I am not prepared for this.

Andy, on the other, loves an excuse to wear more clothes. He is bundled up and we had to search for gloves. We did finally find a matching pair. He needs slippers too.



9:50

Priming is done for Andy's room.

Still deciding how to decorate my dad's room. I love the idea of a red, white & blue room. It was supposed to be the boys' room but I never got around to finishing it. My dad's room started out as a garden theme, then into a nautical theme. Again, it was never completed so I have bits & pieces of it. The largest reason for keeping it one was is the large poster of a painting. But I didn't spend much on it so it's OK to get rid of it and start over. I need someone to execute my ideas. And pay for them.



11:47

One coat done. I coat to go and trim. I am really get sick of painting. Really.

Lunch is in the oven.



1:27 Top coat is done. I just need to do the trim but that might happen tomorrow or another day as the top coat should be really dry in case I need to wipe off any overage. I need to go buy some spackle so I can start on Ryan's room tomorrow.



My goddaughter has H1N1. Poor MG!



4:24

Andy helped me move his dresser. I needed his help to direct and to put the gliders underneath. He is happy to have his room done... even if it isn't.



I found a quilt at Target that might work for Ryan. It's part of their Woolrich brand. I thought I liked this blue quilt until I got home...

Then I came home to Sturbridge Yankee Workshop catalog. I love their stuff.



weekend update 10.18

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10.17

I am behind in posting my blogs and photo of the day. The computer continues to act strangely and require much more attention just like a typical 3 year old. My van is also needing maintenance but at least it is 6 years old.



Figured out 2 problems this morning. I am going to move the bench at the end of my bed to Andy's room. It will fit perfectly under his piano and be one more shelf for all of these books.



9:45

Wow! That bench holds a lot of books. I still have 2 milk crates full for Andy's room. I may still put them on one of dad's shelves. I also have 3 boxes to sell/donate.

I moved the remaining shelves away from the wall. I found remnants of a cookie and grilled cheese sandwich. Gross! I blame both on Ryan.

I want to just move all the furniture now but I have to wait for help. And I still have to paint Ryan's room. And guess what? The little turd sweetie just changed his mind about the accent wall. He wants blue. sigh



10:56

Oh wait! Now he wants green.

I suggested that we go get a gallon of paint today so I could save $5 during the sale. Of course Ryan doesn't want to go out. Here come the excuses... "I think I want yellow." Right just so we don't have to go out.

I realize I won't save any money taking them out since it will include lunch. Andy wants to go and hovers in the hallway waiting for a decision.

We won't go so now it's green. What color green? Light. I look at bedding for ideas. I made the mistake of offering camouflage and he wants that. Um... maybe some sheets. PB Teen has a Design Your Own Bed Tool where you can pick the color of the wall and then all the bedding. I found a paint color I like. It's from Benjamin Moore but I will just find something similar at Sears. I also find a quilt we both like. It's more masculine and will grow with him.

I tried to find some bedding for Andy but yellow is just not a color associated with teen boys. I did find a quilt I like at Country Curtains for Andy. It's still a classic but with brighter colors.



12:54

I concede. Low fat cheese is fine on a quesadilla and reduces the calorie count by 100. Adding the green onion and tomato were a good choice though I have onion mouth now.

I moved the mattresses with a bit of Andy's help. I know I should wait for Paul to take apart the bunk beds but I have to motivation to do it now.



5:18

The bunk beds are apart and one is set up in Andy's room. I will put the other one together after I paint Ryan's room. Sweaty.



5:44

Dad's bed has been moved. Ryan wanted to help but he isn't much help. Everything is a game to him. sigh

Nice in dad's room without a lot of furniture.



8:35

So I went out and got more paint on Wednesday. I only just bothered to check tonight to find out it is the wrong color. I wonder what the chances of Ryan letting us go to Sears tomorrow are? Ugh!



I was cleaning out my nightstand so I can give it to Andy. (His deep red one will look better in my room.) could I have anymore cough drops in there? I threw them all out. None of them work as well as ricola.



10.18

What?!? It was 42 degrees this morning! Did Florida shift north? This is SO not right. Right now it is only 54. I doubt Andy's pants fit. We ARE going to Sears today for pants and paints. I told Ryan he only has the choice on the ROUTE.



Andy slept in poppa's room. It's the bed.



11:55

Looked at Wallies today. They have really expanded their line. I was thinking of musical notes for Andy. I just hope he won't peel them like he did in the past. Otherwise I might stamp them on if I can find a big enough stamp. I am only thinking of the corner where his piano is sitting.



All of Andy's pants are size 14. I am pretty sure they will be too short. (They are just OK. A 16 would be better.)



4:09

Ryan's room is spackled. It looks that Bonnie & Clyde's car... 37 holes! I don't know if I will have enough to do any holes a second time, the jar is almost dry. And since it had been painted blue, all the white spackle looks even worse.

We did go to Sears. Ryan chose the long way to get there. And we stopped at Publix for pringles and tea.

We chose some green samples then went up to boys to look for pants for Andy. They do not carry Lands' End in the stores only online. They did after the buy-out but it must not have worked out. I got Andy some lined track pants and some cargo jeans. I had him try them on. It was a new experience for him as I typically buy online. He ended up wearing the jeans home as they were larger and felt better. I will have to order more this week.

friday 10.16

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The nice long draft I had typed out was lost. However, it did let me know that my sites were down. All three of them. After an hour on the phone with tech support, I was no further along and had baffled 3 of their people. I had to file a ticket and was just informed that it was due to...There were many, many stale processes that were causing your account to exceed its process limit.

So the sites are back but the post of my (somewhat) dreadful morning is gone. Homemade popcorn had helped some.


OK, I just can let the post go away. Though now that I have typed it out once, I am not feeling quite so frustrated.

The was no school today. Last night, Ryan finally declared that we would go to the Aquarium. I lounged a bit before I started my day. Ryan informs me that he has lost his iPod. I look, he looks. I fix breakfast. Just as mine is done, Andy calls from the bathroom door. I can't hear him because the washer & dryer are running. I think he is asking to go pee pee. I say OK buy he remains half naked at the door (t-shirt but no bottoms.) I go and see (OK smell!) that he has had diarrhea which has run down his leg. I clean him and get him in the shower while I clean up his carpet. After he is OK, I can eat my breakfast. But do I want to?

Ryan still cannot find gis iPod. He is trying not to get upset. I try to get him to visualize where he had it last. All he cam say is that he was playing a game. He continues to look while I shower.

I like to let my hair dry a bit before I use the blow dryer and I sit and played Bejewed 2 while Ryan looks and rests and looks and rests. I ask him what he will do if we can't find his iPod. Will he use the old one? Will he go without? He doesn't like that idea at all. I get up to dry my hair and check by the front door and find it. Ryan swears he didn't go that way all morning.

As I drying my hair, Ryan flies into my bedroom clearly upset. He can't tell me but keeps saying "He thinks we should go to school every day!" he is Andy and I know Andy hasn't said anything like that but finding out what bug crawled into Ryan's behind is fruitless at best.

Ryan does calm down and we leave. But my mind is elsewhere and I turn onto Bruce B Downs instead of making a u-turn. The mumbles and grumbles begin anew. I am somwhere in between going back home (but that would upset Andy too much) and telling Ryan to STFU! I do my best to tell him to keep his complaining to himself and ignore him.

The Aquarium is nice. It is not too crowded yet and we can park nearer to the door. Ryan did not want to bring his umbrella so he and I are forced to share the compact one.

I kept my camera setting on shutter priority, 1/60. Some shots were just too dark but the rest seem to be OK though noisy from the high ISO.

It was still gloomy when we left and I could see the disappointment in Ryan. We went to lunch then home. No Ikea. I am OK with that.

Then we got home and I found my site down which brings up back to do!



I just filled up Andy's bookshelves and Ryan's bookshelves. I filled 3 boxes to sell/donate. A few books are very damaged and will be thrown away. But, There are still LOTS more books to put away. I was hoping to have an empty bookcase in dad's room but I may have to fill it. Maybe I can go through the books some time later when I am not thinking of painting and decorating.

thursday 10.15

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(sorry about the delay in posts... site issues then just plain lazy)


Tired. So very tired. Too much caffeine yesterday.



Why are lamps so expensive? At least nice ones for boys. Eight bazillion frilly and girly colors but only a few for boys and nothing yellow.



11:34

In line at Starbucks. Trim is done on 3 walls. I will start moving some furniture when I get home from the chiropractor.



1:17

So much for waiting to buy a mattress. I complained to Paula about the prices of mattresses. She recommended that I go to Famous Tate and gave me a card. I went and go and education and a good deal.

• box springs are required for the warranty (MF lady said they are just a box)

• box spring help support the mattress and make it last longer

• price for whole set @ FT is $429, price for mattress alone @ MF is $429

• free delivery @ FT until the end of the month otherwise it is $29.95 (delivery from MF is $79.95)

• I did have to purchase the expensive mattress cover for the 90 sleep guarantee, $59.95 @ FT, $79.95 @ MF

So I put a down payment on a pair and will have them delivered on Halloween. Now to transfer some more money.



3:45

The new mattress set will be as tall as the footboard on the boys' beds.



8:51

All the caffeine from today is no longer working. Tired.



I moved Andy's desk, piano and a bookshelf. I was in the process of moving books when I learned the lesson of 12 year olds and closed doors. I did knock but go no answer so I walked in... Now I need to teach Andy to tell people NOT to come in when he is not dressed. Oops!



Meanwhile, the boys have way too many books. Many books they don't read and don't need. I will start weeding to donate. I did NOT find the missing library books.



Got very lazy and bad and at the remaining 5 brownies for dinner. PMS was happy to be "fed" such treats.