I teamed up with an old friend who sews super cute stuff to do a week's worth of blog give a ways - be sure to check it out and sign up to win!!
http://leopardsandlilies.typepad.com/where-sweet-meets-sassy/2011/01/valentines-advent-tree-give-a-ways-too-much-fun.html
I live with stage IV metastatic breast cancer that has caused 3 brain surgeries and leukemia that required a bone marrow transplant. . I like to write about life - and I don't hold back! My mission is to always remind myself and others anything is possible,
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Note to self:
I AM NOT GOOD AT PICKING OUT PAINT COLORS!! Period, the end.
No matter what I do, no matter how many swatches I get, no matter how many sample colors I paint on the wall, no matter what - my paint picking out skills SUCK! SUCK, SUCK, SUCK!!!!
And I have no estimation skills either.
Here is how it went:
I bought 6, yes 6 grey samples and painted swatches on the kitchen wall.
3 whites for trim
4 browns for accent wall
After much debate, I decide to pull the trigger and say we are going to use sterling on all the walls....top left.
Go to Home Depot, buy 5 gallons, 1 gallon of white for trim and 1 gallon on brown for accent wall.
Monday morning: Painters arrive. Please note, they speak hardly any English and my friend Teri was here with me when they came to give me the quote and did the talking for me. She wasn’t here Monday morning.
Do my best to ask how much more for them to paint all the doors – now that I realized (with the help of Teri pointing it out to me) that if we are painting the trim, we will need to doors painted as well. Yes, they painters asked me if I wanted the doors painted and I said no.
Okay, good – doors are now going to be painted.
They get to work, Ian is not a happy camper being as he is being kicked out of the living room.
We will leave to go over to Sylvia’s for much needed mommy talk and for the kids to run themselves ragged. Come home about 4 hours later.
First coat is on the living room – UH OH – not looking like the swatch I picked out. Maybe because it is wet?!?!? Now trying to hope for the best.
Eric comes home – he looks at it and tells me it will be okay – it will be what it is. NOT GOOD. I needed him to tell me that it was in fact not lavender and that he loved it. He.did.not.say.that.
It doesn't look THAT bad in this picture, but in the evening and night time, with the lights on, the color of our floors and couch, it looked lavendar. NOT what I wanted.
Monday night.
We decide that we don’t want this color, yes the color that we have FIVE gallons of, in the kitchen as well. They hadn’t started the kitchen so we were good in that aspect.
Tuesday morning.
Me and Ian load up, at 8:00 a.m., hit the donut store and to home depot to get a tile out of our back splash color matched – nope, that can’t color match it because the color is under glass. With the help of an employee, we match the tile to a swatch. Get a gallon.
When the painters get here, I tell them to paint the kitchen a different color. He looked very confused at what I was saying.
We leave again, come home in the afternoon – kitchen looks great. Living room still looks lavender – ARG!
Tuesday night.
We decide that we have to love the new paint and at this point, we hated the lavender that was glaring back at us.
Wednesday morning.
I use my phone translator to figure out how to ask them how much to repaint the living room, entry way and small hallway off the bathroom downstairs. Okay, price worked out.
Take Ian to MDO.
Come home, paint piece of wood with kitchen color, head to Home Depot yet again. Eric was going to meet me there in about 30 minutes. The nice lady noticed I was looking pretty panicked and asked if I needed help – YES, I NEED HELP!! So after she went through all my choices, I told her my problem, she picked 3 all new choices for me. Eric got there, we picked Elephant skin, got 3 gallons.
Brought the paint back home.
A few hours later, it was painted and it was BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, I LOVE IT!!!
The pictures don't do the paint colors justice but they are wonderful!!
Now however, I have about 2.5 gallons of the sterling (lavendar) color left, 1.5 of elephant skin and little parts of trim, kitchen and accent wall – which I am good with those being left over.
Now on to getting stuff back on the walls, curtains, new rug, backsplash put up (yes, we have it picked out) and stairs redone (yes, I think Eric and I are going to attempt doing them ourselves) and then the downstairs is done!!! I am hoping to have a home warming party in late April/early May for Eric and I's birthday - here is hoping...and working.
No matter what I do, no matter how many swatches I get, no matter how many sample colors I paint on the wall, no matter what - my paint picking out skills SUCK! SUCK, SUCK, SUCK!!!!
And I have no estimation skills either.
Here is how it went:
I bought 6, yes 6 grey samples and painted swatches on the kitchen wall.
3 whites for trim
4 browns for accent wall
After much debate, I decide to pull the trigger and say we are going to use sterling on all the walls....top left.
Go to Home Depot, buy 5 gallons, 1 gallon of white for trim and 1 gallon on brown for accent wall.
Monday morning: Painters arrive. Please note, they speak hardly any English and my friend Teri was here with me when they came to give me the quote and did the talking for me. She wasn’t here Monday morning.
Do my best to ask how much more for them to paint all the doors – now that I realized (with the help of Teri pointing it out to me) that if we are painting the trim, we will need to doors painted as well. Yes, they painters asked me if I wanted the doors painted and I said no.
Okay, good – doors are now going to be painted.
They get to work, Ian is not a happy camper being as he is being kicked out of the living room.
We will leave to go over to Sylvia’s for much needed mommy talk and for the kids to run themselves ragged. Come home about 4 hours later.
First coat is on the living room – UH OH – not looking like the swatch I picked out. Maybe because it is wet?!?!? Now trying to hope for the best.
Eric comes home – he looks at it and tells me it will be okay – it will be what it is. NOT GOOD. I needed him to tell me that it was in fact not lavender and that he loved it. He.did.not.say.that.
It doesn't look THAT bad in this picture, but in the evening and night time, with the lights on, the color of our floors and couch, it looked lavendar. NOT what I wanted.
Monday night.
We decide that we don’t want this color, yes the color that we have FIVE gallons of, in the kitchen as well. They hadn’t started the kitchen so we were good in that aspect.
Tuesday morning.
Me and Ian load up, at 8:00 a.m., hit the donut store and to home depot to get a tile out of our back splash color matched – nope, that can’t color match it because the color is under glass. With the help of an employee, we match the tile to a swatch. Get a gallon.
When the painters get here, I tell them to paint the kitchen a different color. He looked very confused at what I was saying.
We leave again, come home in the afternoon – kitchen looks great. Living room still looks lavender – ARG!
Tuesday night.
We decide that we have to love the new paint and at this point, we hated the lavender that was glaring back at us.
Wednesday morning.
I use my phone translator to figure out how to ask them how much to repaint the living room, entry way and small hallway off the bathroom downstairs. Okay, price worked out.
Take Ian to MDO.
Come home, paint piece of wood with kitchen color, head to Home Depot yet again. Eric was going to meet me there in about 30 minutes. The nice lady noticed I was looking pretty panicked and asked if I needed help – YES, I NEED HELP!! So after she went through all my choices, I told her my problem, she picked 3 all new choices for me. Eric got there, we picked Elephant skin, got 3 gallons.
Brought the paint back home.
A few hours later, it was painted and it was BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, I LOVE IT!!!
Now however, I have about 2.5 gallons of the sterling (lavendar) color left, 1.5 of elephant skin and little parts of trim, kitchen and accent wall – which I am good with those being left over.
Now on to getting stuff back on the walls, curtains, new rug, backsplash put up (yes, we have it picked out) and stairs redone (yes, I think Eric and I are going to attempt doing them ourselves) and then the downstairs is done!!! I am hoping to have a home warming party in late April/early May for Eric and I's birthday - here is hoping...and working.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Mushy, gushy, oushy
Yes, I am aware most of the above words (all of them!) are my made up words that I usually reserve for Ian bo-bein. But after my day today with “my girls” I just feel all mushy, gushy inside – I love my girls. I never thought of myself as a stay-at-home mom and a big part of that was because I was afraid of not having the daily social contact with the outside world.
This group we have formed has slowly been progressing over time and I realized today that we are so much more than a “neighborhood group of friends.” We are the kind of friends you look at with envy (I know I have looked at others with that envy), we are the kind of friends I wasn’t sure existed after high school (I had VERY high standards after my high school group who I still am great friend with today), we are true friends - who are all completely ourselves with and for that, we all accept and love each other. I never thought I would be a part of something this great again and it makes me a better mommy, person, woman and so much more.
So to the mushy, gushy part (as if that wasn’t enough??) – after realizing this I realized even more so how completely blessed and 100% fortunate I am in life, love, family matters and happiness. Sometimes it is hard for me to over look the two things that I am not sure about in life – more children & cancer. And yes, if I look at those as individual matters they can consume me, get me all worked up and almost drive me crazy, but when I look at my life as a whole – those two pretty big matters don’t make a dent in all the other blessings I have.
I am happy. I am loved, in love and love. I am healthy. I have a wonderful family (don’t get me wrong, they drive me a little crazy at times!) I have friendships of all kinds and across the country. I am creative and have a wonderful supportive husband who believes I can make my hobby a business.
It is easy to get caught up in what I don’t have, what I want, how fast I wish I could run, etc. but then I think about those things and I know even if I had all that it wouldn’t matter without all my other mushy gushy stuff.
This group we have formed has slowly been progressing over time and I realized today that we are so much more than a “neighborhood group of friends.” We are the kind of friends you look at with envy (I know I have looked at others with that envy), we are the kind of friends I wasn’t sure existed after high school (I had VERY high standards after my high school group who I still am great friend with today), we are true friends - who are all completely ourselves with and for that, we all accept and love each other. I never thought I would be a part of something this great again and it makes me a better mommy, person, woman and so much more.
So to the mushy, gushy part (as if that wasn’t enough??) – after realizing this I realized even more so how completely blessed and 100% fortunate I am in life, love, family matters and happiness. Sometimes it is hard for me to over look the two things that I am not sure about in life – more children & cancer. And yes, if I look at those as individual matters they can consume me, get me all worked up and almost drive me crazy, but when I look at my life as a whole – those two pretty big matters don’t make a dent in all the other blessings I have.
I am happy. I am loved, in love and love. I am healthy. I have a wonderful family (don’t get me wrong, they drive me a little crazy at times!) I have friendships of all kinds and across the country. I am creative and have a wonderful supportive husband who believes I can make my hobby a business.
It is easy to get caught up in what I don’t have, what I want, how fast I wish I could run, etc. but then I think about those things and I know even if I had all that it wouldn’t matter without all my other mushy gushy stuff.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Truth be told…
Well, hmmm this year started with a bang – not really the bang I wanted but a bang – luckily not my head on the floor!! After a frightening fall down the stairs last Monday morning while carrying Ian, my New Year did start with a bang! He was fine, my foot - well not so much! It is a "soft tissue sprain" - whatever that really means?!?! Now, I am stuck with this lovely boot on for the next 3 – 4 weeks...I guess it could be worse...I know it could be - I have had it worse!
Truth one: those stupid little calories that I can’t even see add up quickly and DO matter – a lot!! And wine has way too many calories but oh they might be the best 130 calories of my day! After a week of counting, I am down 4 pounds – whoop, whoop!!
Truth two: I am honestly VERY surprised I haven’t fallen down the stairs sooner than this. And according to my sister, she is surprised too!
Truth three: I haven’t started on any of my other New Year’s goals. I have all the stuff cut out of magazines, pictures printed and a design layout that I want to use on my vision board.
Truth four: I had a mammogram last Monday and all is well!! I am looking forward to the oncologist appt this month because this will mark two years! 2 out of 3 years is a big deal!!
Truth five: I have been putting more time and energy into my L&L blog than this one lately – sorry for that but I am enjoying making things so much!
Truth six: I missed Ian when he went back to MDO on Wednesday.
Truth seven: Eric and mine date night on Friday night was wonderful, much needed and much overdue.
Truth eight: I am about to start “soliciting” L&L Creative classes to businesses around town and I am scared out of my mind. Luckily my dear friend Kate is going be with me the first few calls I make – YIKES!
Truth one: those stupid little calories that I can’t even see add up quickly and DO matter – a lot!! And wine has way too many calories but oh they might be the best 130 calories of my day! After a week of counting, I am down 4 pounds – whoop, whoop!!
Truth two: I am honestly VERY surprised I haven’t fallen down the stairs sooner than this. And according to my sister, she is surprised too!
Truth three: I haven’t started on any of my other New Year’s goals. I have all the stuff cut out of magazines, pictures printed and a design layout that I want to use on my vision board.
Truth four: I had a mammogram last Monday and all is well!! I am looking forward to the oncologist appt this month because this will mark two years! 2 out of 3 years is a big deal!!
Truth five: I have been putting more time and energy into my L&L blog than this one lately – sorry for that but I am enjoying making things so much!
Truth six: I missed Ian when he went back to MDO on Wednesday.
Truth seven: Eric and mine date night on Friday night was wonderful, much needed and much overdue.
Truth eight: I am about to start “soliciting” L&L Creative classes to businesses around town and I am scared out of my mind. Luckily my dear friend Kate is going be with me the first few calls I make – YIKES!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A New Year
I love New Years – love it. Not so hip on New Year’s Eve anymore as I get “older” (ridiculous I know!) but that isn’t my point here.
Every New Year, I always half-heartedly make a list that consists of 2 things: get organized and lose 10 pounds. Well, I am already working on the 10 (cough 20) pounds and I have decided that my idea of being organized is not in my cards unless I am willing to work on said organization an hour or so a day and well, anyone who knows me know I am NOT willing to do that.
This year I am going to do a few things differently. After reading Amanda’s blog with her recap of the Happiness Project, I am going to add a little of this into my “new way” of doing New Year’s. Here is my plan:
- One goal a month (stolen from Happiness Project)
- Work on said goal daily (stolen from Happiness Project)
- Review goal daily (stolen from Happiness Project)
- Make Vision Board for year (working on now – will post pics when done!)
- Play “don’t break the chain” on wall calendar:
So really, what all these little steps are going to help me do is simple – do something – anything – I don’t care but I will work on my goals daily and remind myself of what I want to attain with them.
Now on to my goals…
My health and fitness. Lift weights 3 days a week, cardio 3 days a week and most importantly – COUNT CALORIES!
Pick up house 30 minutes a day – shocking I know that I don’t do this now, but alas it is true I don’t.
Sit down with Ian at least 2 times a day to practice “school work” – we do once a day now and I feel he is ready for a little more
Write in spiritual journal daily:
Teach 4-5 creative classes total a month (including day time and night (more day than night))
Date night with Eric monthly (First one already scheduled on 1/7!!)
Cook – I don’t care what I cook; I just want us to eat out less often.
Sending Love Cards – send out 3/week
Mail D*mn Birthday cards on time – how pathetic is it that I have the cards made but don’t get them out the door on time….VERY!!!
Now, I realize I can’t work on these all at once and I am not really sure how I am going to sort them out but these are what I would love to get in order not only this year but forever. Here is to a healthy and happy year to all.
xoxo
Every New Year, I always half-heartedly make a list that consists of 2 things: get organized and lose 10 pounds. Well, I am already working on the 10 (cough 20) pounds and I have decided that my idea of being organized is not in my cards unless I am willing to work on said organization an hour or so a day and well, anyone who knows me know I am NOT willing to do that.
This year I am going to do a few things differently. After reading Amanda’s blog with her recap of the Happiness Project, I am going to add a little of this into my “new way” of doing New Year’s. Here is my plan:
- One goal a month (stolen from Happiness Project)
- Work on said goal daily (stolen from Happiness Project)
- Review goal daily (stolen from Happiness Project)
- Make Vision Board for year (working on now – will post pics when done!)
- Play “don’t break the chain” on wall calendar:
So really, what all these little steps are going to help me do is simple – do something – anything – I don’t care but I will work on my goals daily and remind myself of what I want to attain with them.
Now on to my goals…
My health and fitness. Lift weights 3 days a week, cardio 3 days a week and most importantly – COUNT CALORIES!
Pick up house 30 minutes a day – shocking I know that I don’t do this now, but alas it is true I don’t.
Sit down with Ian at least 2 times a day to practice “school work” – we do once a day now and I feel he is ready for a little more
Write in spiritual journal daily:
Teach 4-5 creative classes total a month (including day time and night (more day than night))
Date night with Eric monthly (First one already scheduled on 1/7!!)
Cook – I don’t care what I cook; I just want us to eat out less often.
Sending Love Cards – send out 3/week
Mail D*mn Birthday cards on time – how pathetic is it that I have the cards made but don’t get them out the door on time….VERY!!!
Now, I realize I can’t work on these all at once and I am not really sure how I am going to sort them out but these are what I would love to get in order not only this year but forever. Here is to a healthy and happy year to all.
xoxo
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