before and after marathon

Every year the Scentsy party comes to my house and pushes me to put up all of the Christmas decorations and power thru the stacks of projects waiting to be finished.

Last year we had been on the hunt for a piece to go over the couch. We randomly walked into Kirkland's and here was this perfect mirror, on sale, and the last one in the store. And we have been happy with it ever since.

Mom used to rearrange the furniture all the time. We'd come home from school and the living room would be different. Our rooms are shapped in a way that allows for 1 good placement of furniture and I can't "rearrange", not that I haven't tried. But I do have a can of spray paint and that does me just fine.

First project was the rug. I started it weeks ago and knew I needed to add stripes. David didn't trust several of my designs and finally I said, these are your two choices and if you don't like any of these my woman'y design sense over rules your idesisiveness. So he picked the design with the least amount of work. I'm ok with that.

I like to think it looks like the flag for the United States of Me. Turqoise and Citron. Yup those are my countries colors.

    BEFORE

A gross sunbleached *free* rug

AFTER

Turquoise

Cost- $0.00

Every house needs a gnome. Mel gave me our knome when we moved in and poor little guy was dusty and faded and sad. Homeboy needed some sparkle. He got some spray paint and a gliter hat & belt.

Sparkle gnome

Cost- $0.00

In February we found a garage sale closing up and they were flinging things at me for free. It is hard to say no to free. So I picked up this little lamp. I intended for it to be faux mercury glass but the technique backfired. Woof. A little sandpaper and a recovered shade and she is pretty cute.

*mom recovered the lampshade while I played Beatles Rock Band.

** seriously if you need anything stuck down, you have to get Fabritac. hot glue failed, spray adhesive worked ok, but Fabritac finished the recovering.

BEFORE 

Brassy and Sad

AFTER

Springy Lamp

Cost- $0.00

The Free Garage sale also gifted us a frame. I had no plans for it but whipped up this using my Charlie Harper memory game cards. 

Happy Wildlife Collage

Cost -$0.00 

I am working on a watercolor for over the TV, but I haven't finished started yet. So for the party I slapped some paper in the frame. David is gagging with all the florals I'm forcing on him, don't care one bit. :)

In my feverish crafting binge I tried something I saw on pinterest. I hate it. I used this sad old print my mom had in the garage. I stuck down letter, painted over it, removed the letters to reveal the ugly. It needs a frame? or... a trashcan.

Cruelest of all, I spent money on this one. I thought I had letters but I didn't and decided to just buy some.

Ugly Print turned Uglier

Cost - $3.00

And I'm spent. 

walden

Some day soon I am going to stop overextending myself...
But until then here is an hyper extended post.

Before and After
Chair. Is. Done.There she be. My mom covered the chair with my remnant fabric find, and she got her stuffing replaced. Her purple arms and legs are take 2 of purples, the first was just not what I was expecting so I made David repaint. See how hard I worked on this chair! ;) It looks great and we all love it. And aren't we loving the sea foam green the evening sun makes my turquoise sun room? hmmm a thought?


Before and After 2
Remember my snail? Mike Schnail? He is huge. Proof....
Shocked right? He will be getting a bigger tank soon.

Product testing...
Waaaaaaaaay back at Christmas, our family played a little cake walk game. I (DP) won the grand prize of a Mini Cupcake Maker! This weekend, during a paper break I tried it out. 4 stars- cute tiny cupcakes. Only draw back is it make 7 at a time, and I am impatient. I made 14 and then poured the rest of the batter into a sheet pan. Then I realised DP and I have a whole cake to eat by ourselves... should have thought about that.


Walden Pond
Writing can not be rushed. Writing is organic. You do not tell the flowers it is time to bloom. ;) Sunday it was pretty outside, would you have wanted me to be locked away in my paper writing nook all day?

Somehow I convinced David to let me go to the park, I promised him something... can't remember what it was. I'm pretty manipulative like that.

So I read in the park, feeling very artsy and connected to nature. Watched some squirrels, petted some rabbits, took some pictures, felt a little better about British Lit, just a little.

I have 73 more days of this breakneck pace. Not rushing things, but surely feeling the intensity. It isn't even midterms yet. But I am doing it. I'm desperate to show 'them' that I can do it, that it isn't me, it was there. That will be empowering.

If you aren't squeamish, watch this. (this is a serious disclaimer, the opening is *cough* graphic. if you have delicate sensibilities skip to 15:46. don't say I didn't warn you.) We watched this video in class last night, it was very moving. If you care to, listen to the story of Agnes & Mr. Alligator. If you have ever experienced trauma I think this will be impactful. Eve says what healed her brokenness was to give to others what she needed most. Remember that bible school song about the lucky penny?

Love isn't something till you give it away
Till you give it away
Give it away
Love isn't something till you give it away
You'll end up having more

Love is like a lucky penny
Hold it tight and you won't have any
But, give it away
And you'll have plenty
You'll end up having more

The Beatles mentioned this also. But it is powerful to see put into practice. After suffering tremendous pain I still struggle with how to put it all back together. How do you heal that brokenness? And I always thought the answer was somewhere within me. If only I had my degree, I would feel whole again, set back on the right track, finish what I should have finished. All the walls and hiding from relationships because I wasn't "ready" to let love get close...

Light bulb moment. Healing isn't inside of me. I've been waiting for God to heal me, waiting at the bus stop for that bus to pick me up and take me back to a normal happy. Healing is outside of me, it is in healing others, in LOVING others.

Just knowing this makes me a little more put together.

slide down my rainbow slide

It is my last free weekend.

Goodbye TV -- hello literature... lots and lots of litterature. The book count is up to 9 so far. I'll just say it, I'm insane. I already know this. But I'm also ambitious. Dangerous mix.

Being that this is my final weekend I'm going to blow it up.

De-Christmas the house
Finish Chair -paint chair legs

Pie in the Sky
Russ Pitman
Gingerman

The short list. Who knows what else I will do. The world is my playground, at least for 3 more days.

doing

I function on emotion.

I am a Cancer (if you believe in that stuff). When I have to deal with something emotionally huge I power down, get stuck in the mud, and usually take up permanent residence in my bed with kitties.

But I have been trying to stay busy and do everything to keep my mind thinking and not thinking about the deluge of sad stuff.

Shag

Meet the chair.

Are you thinking "Is that green shag?" Yes, yes it is. But not anymore. Mom and I are working on recovering the chair. I found a BARGAIN at High Fashion Fabrics in the remnant bin, 6 yards -- $45. Awesome.

Tweeter

I've been hard at work on creating an EMPIRE for RBC. As I mentioned before David and I are working on social media and a web redesign. So that keeps me project focused.

Prospecting

Luckily I have been very busy at my real job also. I do like my work, if I was still at my old position I know I would be miserable. I even had a coworker tell my boss I was an "amazing detective." (Which is a huge complement in my line of work)

The Road

Me and Abbey were jammin' to Abbey Road last night. I love how that one album can make me happy again. I love how Abbs loves that album too- we both melo out.

And with that, I am back to work. Working on working through the loss of an astounding woman and beautiful soul.

still in the car

Not sure how to sum up the last month.

There is a scene in Jurassic Park-
(um... is it weird that I compare my life to a dinosaur movie? is it weird it is my favorite movie to watch when I am sick?)

There is a scene in JP when you first meet T-Rex, he pushes the Jeep (with Tim inside) over an embankment and it lands in a tree. Grant comes to get Tim and they have to race the Jeep down the tree. The scene ends at the monstrous roots of the tree.

Tim: Well... we're back... in the car again.
Grant: Well, as least you're out of the tree.

That has been the last month- still in the car but out of the tree.

In other news.... unrelated to dinosaurs

:: I got a snail and a shrimp. (that's weird too isn't it?)
Meet Pickles and Mike Schnail. Pickles has even molted once!

:: Remember those plants?
David dug me some holes. There they be in all their glory... er soon to be glory.

:: Got some poinsettias for the front porch. They look good against the white. I don't hate the porch anymore. It's growing on me.

:: I broke some one's head off. :/

And when it all seems too much, and the days too long, and when I think I couldn't possible take another step or breath...

her sweet face makes it easier.

the opposite of rest

Are you tired? I am.
I think it should be Thanksgiving next weekend. I’m very excited about the days off, the smell of cooking (God smiles when he smells onions and celery cooking), the break from go-go-going...

Maybe if I am this tired I should take a weekend to just relax. That would be smart. I’m not.

Project Green MonsterGoal: Backyard privacy
Status: Ongoing
I live in an older neighborhood with chain link fences and backyard neighbors. I’m tired of watching their fire pit and being shy about having our windows open. I took my horticulturist (mom) to Houston Garden Center for privacy shrubs. Houston Plant Centers is having a great sale, 70% off. If David could dig me a bunch of beds I would have gone nuts. Instead I got 8 large shrubs for under $50. Still working on getting them in the ground.

Project Deck
Goal: De-Scuz the deck
Status: Complete
I spontaneously decided I wanted to stain the deck. So we did. I don’t like it. It is going to take some serious getting used to. We went with an opaque white stain. I guess I was envisioning Tom Sawyer and instead got white paint. The jury is still out.

a spoonful of sugar

We were a little late with the spring cleaning... more like fall cleaning.

To make my study corner more conducive to actual studying and not storing crap we worked very hard to clean up the office and its closet. Now I have a happy little corner. (David fully consumes the office- he is a spreader-outer.) All my stationary has a place, my art supplies are easily found, my gift wrapping funness is stored happily in tubs. I can't believe our front bedroom and closet are for real clean. It only took a year. Pretty right?

AND we organized my pantry which has been a complete disaster ever since we moved in; I always said that we would get around to it. We actually did this time- and everything has a place with like items AND we have so much more space.

I totally outdid myself and gave myself a week-long migraine. I'm allergic to organizing. :D

still one

:: Day one again
This is a difficult challenge. David and I are both on day one again. (Maybe David should say still...) If I could stay away from the computer I might make it to a week.

:: Pretending

The rest of this week and next week (and then probably the next 2 weeks after that) are going to be intense. But I am pretending it isn't happening. I'm imagining that I am in a month of weekends. Mature right? Like when you know you need to lose weight but eat half a box of Sour Dots? Or need to replace the office chair you husband broke and the only one you like is 200 dollars? Not speaking from experience...

:: Tub Tub Tubs

I guess I am a goal maker. If I didn't have enough on my plate, I decided we really, really had to get the office closet organized. "We" spent last night getting some filing done, and sorting art supplies- I have a tub just for crayons, jealous?

I actually made the statement "Don't ever let me buy stationary again." (I was working so hard I was delusional.) Like a good husband David replied "As if you would listen." He's right.

:: To paint? To Stain?

We've been on the hunt. I need something to store my table linens and china. I've been stalking Salvation Army for a good deal. I missed a couple I shouldn't have and morn the loss of TWO art deco china cabinets. Lesson-- when you see something buy it! So we did this time.

My "China Dresser"

I don't know if I will paint or stain. Not sure what to do with it, till it lives with me for a while.

A Nightstand

I had been using a filing cabinet for several years. The filing cabinet was called off to duty so this will do. I will probably paint it.

twenty one

When I was frustrated as a child and whined “But I caaaaaan’t,” my mother would say “Can’t is a four letter word, it is a road block in your mind.” Meaning- we couldn’t say can’t- add that to MeeMaw’s no B-word (bored). I find myself repeating that to David now, see mom I listened! It’s true. Your thoughts are your worst enemy.

Remember in Apollo 13 when Ed Harris says “Let’s work the problem.” And then the gaggle of geeks takes a pile a junk and makes the filter?! My favorite part. That’s how I like to face challenges today; you can’t give up just because the solution isn’t easy. If you can’t reach, get the step stool. If you don’t know, find someone who does and ask. And when you have to put the round peg in the square hole- there is always a way… if you are a rocket scientist. (how I like to respond, doesn’t always happen)

Recently I have noticed David and I coping with life with complaining and negativity. When I stumbled upon another blog that mentioned the 21 day No Complaining Challenge. I knew this was for me and David.

Today we have begun our challenge to NOT to complain, be sarcastic, or gossip. If we mess up, we start over. We are wearing Zany Bands as our commitment bracelet.

I am ready. I want to be more positive. My eyes will get a nice vacation from all the rolling. :)

**UPDATE**

I didn't even make it till noon. Tomorrow is Day 1.

two turtles in a turquoise bed

I've been looking for a bed/headboard for many many years now, like 5. (I say headboard because David is super picky with beds he can actually use, I guess if my feet dangled off the bed I would be picky too, but this is about the only time my feet don't dangle, I do have to vault into bed and have a nice dismount in the morning)

My search is over! My mom and Tia Kay went garage sailing (he he, ok sale-ing) a few weeks ago, I just mentioned I was looking for a headboard and a headboard was out there looking for me! Five dollars brought it home.

I decided to paint it turqouise. Maybe I will take pictures of Michmansion one day. I like bright colors. I have a bright kitchen, bright office and dying to paint our pink bedroom orange (but what would we call it?)

Personal Flaw-- I can not buy a quart of paint. I start to, then think "no no it will soak up way more than a quart and who buys two quarts? a gallon it is" And after using less than a quart I have a mostly full gallon of bright yellow or in this case turquoise paint. The real reason my office ended up the same yellow as my front door!

Here she is!

And my bed.

(pretend I have actually hung things on the walls... its coming I swear)

ps- I mentioned I wish I wrote down all the sayings my meemaw comes up with. the title is straight from her lips.

The 5k

I completed my 5k. It wasn’t that hard (I say three days out and pain-free). I was pretty much miserable Saturday.

We went up an elevated road, and there were inclines, declines and road graded to have rain run off. It was not what I was expecting and I was pretty much dead after mile one. SIDENOTE- a mile isn’t that far, I walk a mile frequently, what’s a mile? These miles were long miles. I don’t know how they measured but they were very long miles.I may have gotten a little overheated. I am just a big wimp when it comes to sun. Fifteen minutes with sun on my face and I feel sick. You’ve always wondered why I am so white, there is your answer.

I do want to do another one, preferably on flat land this time. It was a big accomplishment and a push to stay active. I’ve done research on another 5k in June. Hopefully taking May to “train”. My goal is to run half of the 5k. I’ve really come a long way since Elevator Monday, dropping my BMI 3 points and feeling a lot healthier.

This feels like my very own Biggest Loser. Except my reward is having a picture of David and me on our 5 year anniversary. It’s been a while since I’ve allowed a photograph of myself, or seen one that didn’t make me puke. I have two months left to kick it into high gear, and stay determined/focused.

I will be ready for my picture.

Rise School Houston

Where special Kids shine.

http://riseschool.org/houston/2010run/

you won't believe it

This post may contain material that is shocking to the reader and said reader is advised to remain seated while reading the following blog post. The contents are intended only for the reading enjoyment of the recipient.

I am signed up for a 5K this weekend.
Is everyone still with me? Smelling salts?

I will be walk/jogging in a 5K this weekend. Apparently you have to exercise to lose weight. And apparently I am not so good at motivating myself to exercise. And something I never thought I would be doing is, gulp, running. Have I mentioned before that I loathe running? David and I have been “training” so we aren’t the biggest fools out there. I’m pretty sure we will be anyway, I’m ok with that.

The whole motivation is to force ourselves to like exercising and maybe lose some weight before the cruise. I have managed to lose 6 tiny, measly little pounds in two months. (here is where skinny people say I need to exercise and running is stress relief. no. I don't see you worrying about your thigh/butt Jiggle Show on display for whom ever is subjected to your running, stress relief? no. no it is not. Cupcakes are stress relief.) I would like to lose a little bit more and be in my goal jeans for the cruise. Pray for a lack of cupcakes in my path.

And I promise to update on this historic 5K jog/walk.

High Five

In five months I will be on my way to celebrate my 5 year anniversary on a boat. (a little ironic right?) It has been booked. Passports ordered. It is on its way!

We are going to be cruising to the Eastern Caribbean. The thought of the relaxing week, reading on the boat is quite inticing.

So I have started my slim down. I knew it had to happen and Monday sealed the deal. David is committed with me. Here it goes.

The plan
-- Bye bye fast food. Sigh.
-- Hello wiifit plus. The new games are a lot of fun and I am enjoying the new option to plan a workout. I don't want to hear the underbreath comments that it isn't real excercising. I don't do gyms.
-- Walk walk walk. I plan to walk... alot. And I also plan to make dp power walk with me... just for fun, and the humor of it.
--VeggieMeals. If David and I cut out fast food, everything else that we cook is fairly healthy. Except our plate composition. We are going to try for the New American Plate. Basically look at your plate. It should be half veggies, 1/4 whole grain, 1/4 meat or protien.

And for now that is the plan.

up and down and all around...

Life is a roller coaster. (I think that could be a blog just on its own. no more is needed.)

MichMansion
:: Ups and downs- just when I am getting good feelings about something, we come back down. Everything is taking more than I anticipated, more coats of paint, more money, more time, more labor.

:: I know I am not ready for children. I know this for 2 reasons, mom and dad. They give so much to me and David. The sacrifices and work they have put forth just so I have a nice place to live. Do I deserve all this? I mean wow, they love me, they blow me away. I know I don't have that to give to a little person.

:: Work is almost complete on the bathroom, which will mean we can move in! A month almost to the day from when we funded. Not everything will be done but I am just ready to have one home.

:: * We have a stray visitor... a black and white kitty. It is curious about the goings on at MichMansion. I have yet to meet it, but David sees him, usually around 9am.

Other Stuff- as if there is there any
:: I have told the kitties about the move. They are prepared... maybe.

:: David starts school on Monday again. He is done with his core and will be taking all business classes from now on. Although, these two weeks with him not in school have been nice. He runs all my errands. The kid got Fridays off AGAIN! How does he do that?! So jealous.

:: I am learning photography. My friend from work (that sounds insufficient, cause she is so much more than that, she keeps me sane at work, I basically show up to hang out with her.), Melissa, is letting me borrow her old film SLR and lenses. For my birthday she made me this awesome notebook, with lessons and tips!! I have always wanted to be a photog, ever since Leah did it in high school... still trying to be just like her.
I know that I don't have a talent for it. I don't care. My job doesn't tap into my need to be creative. So I have decided to explore my creativity outside of work. So maybe I won't be a artist but I enjoy watercolors and pastels. Maybe I won't be a good photographer, but I enjoy the hunt for a great shot. Maybe I won't be a writer, good or bad, but at least I could release some of the images and lines and poems that constantly stream through my thoughts and clog my brain. I really think I will be happier pursuing some of these things.

:: Health update. Not good. We'll leave it at that.

:: Mini-cation! I am saying it on the blog so we are forced to do it. I can't take another minute. Labor Day weekend we are going to the Hill Country for a couple of days. Nothing special. I think just the La Quinta- I mean free breakfast? that works for David. I need it.


And that is about it.

Ding Dong the storage unit is gone...

:: Several months ago our storage unit started raising our rent, higher, higher and higher. In January I said to my self, "Self, no more! We have to be out of the storage unit by February." So this whole month we have been weeding through the junk and making piles; keep, give away, toss.

This is a VERY big SHOUT OUT to my parents who are generously letting our stuff sit in their attic. And all the help they have given us to get it moved around. They were involved in several of the phases of this move. Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!

On Saturday night we finished moving everything out, swept and took our lock. Our storage unit was gone! This marks yet another chapter in Married Move 2 Phase 10. If you recall my explanation of this horrendous moving around. To get us to Houston has taken 10 separate phases, and I am starting to feel like all we do is move.