Sunday

I'm happy to say I did sleep in today. I think it was around 9:30 when I peeked at the clock but after 10am when I finally rolled out of bed. I was still pretty tired but got up. I was going to start out slow but got busy right away. I was thinking ahead to tomorrow morning. I am getting home late tonight and head out again tomorrow morning so I planned out food stuffs for today and tomorrow. After making coffee I unloaded the dishwasher and refilled it. I made some toast and sat down with my coffee. I enjoy using the coffee brew time as spiff up the kitchen time so I can sit with my first cup. It was nice not to have to race out the door but have time to ready for my day.

I really enjoy the satisfying feeling of painting. Not only are you changing a room. It is also a very calming task that has a more physical focus instead of brain. It is probably one of the only times I am very Type A. I take pride in doing a great job in the taping, cutting in and rolling. I have had a lot of experience. My mom and two of her friends had a business in the 70's called "Mod Mothers". They designed and did the labor of redecorating. Summers and school holidays when I was older were spent helping on the professional gigs. The two friends eventually faded away from the biz but my mom kept at it. I actually started college courses in design when I was 18. I soon realized to be a designer you would have to open your own house and work harder at the business end then the decorating. Not what I was interested in.

The hall will need two coats but I could only do one before work. Since it is humid and warmer today the paint was slow to dry. I did cut in the second time on the ceiling line and then left it alone. I plan to do finish and clean up after work tomorrow. Actually that will happen after Wil and I hit the store quick. We have not done our payday shopping yet. Wil was at Kelly's and I have not been home except to sleep, get up, clean up and leave. We wont do the big shopping but get us covered for dinner and stuff. Most likely we will shop Tuesday before Dexter with Deeg.

Photos are still on my camera. I hope to get them up on Tuesday.

Longest Time no Write

I'm sure I will be shocked to see when I last posted. It has either been a really long time or it just feels like it. I have been beyond busy! Last Monday I had finished painting and cleaned up. I worked day on Tuesday and had to work late by an hour. Deeg was already at my place waiting for me. We watch "Dexter" on Showtime on Tuesdays and expect Wil to cook for us. Anyway, he noticed it seemed cozier but did not know why. Also the art was off the walls which slightly puzzled him. What he did not observe was the change of paint color. The color is a neutral but really makes the room feel cozy. The color is called "Dainty". It is a warm wheat color with just enough yellow it in to warm but not overwhelm. The other thing my new paint color does is make the furniture and paintings "pop." Not an actual noise but since it is a neutral it enhances rather than competes. I'm really enjoying the cozy.

After I got the main room done and put back (except the art) I cleared out the hallway that leads to the bedrooms. All the stuff that was on the bookcases (that I sold) is now in boxes. That was to be my next adventure in painting. I also told the t"Betcha's I would help in painting their new house insides. The floor guys were supposed to refinish the floors first then we would paint late next week. I figured I had enough time to finish my hall and possibly the Kitchen. The kitchen was going to stay white but now it makes more sense to go the 2 colors.

The floor guys were not able to start until next week after Thanksgiving instead of before. The t's want to get moved to their new digs so we started painting today. Yesterday was the paint choosing and gathering of tools. Unfortunately for me when I got that memo about the floors I had already started my hall. I had taped and cut in with paint. I will finish my hall tomorrow before work. I want to have it back to normal for Wil.

I work Sunday night and Monday morning. I will try to sleep in tomorrow and not push myself. I only have Tuesday off this week since I picked up an extra shift on Wednesday. I start days this week and get Sunday off. Working days will work better for the t's and their painting. There is a lot more to do painting wise. Any folks good with a paint brush and knows the t's give 'em a call and lend a hand. Her mom is coming in today to help with the baby and such. They also are stripping the varnished woodwork so they can paint.

I have a new project now that Cow Butt is done. I'll share later. I will post pics but have not been home except to sleep, get up, wash up and leave.

Ready to Paint

I'm very excited to paint tomorrow! I got the last big piece of Ikea book case sold and gone this morning. I'm feeling good about this project. Most of the old furniture is gone so I need to move a few pieces toward the middle of the room and have at the walls. I have already done most of the prep with the exception of filling the last of the wholes from nails. I did most of that the other morning when I was feeling "old". I was waiting for my mom to drop off stuff and was tired and irritable. I will do Wil's computer corner first since it might need two coats it will be completed first. The trickest area will be the TV area. That 500 pound monster is not going anywhere. It will tight to cut in and roller but I am super Marta!

Geez, am I getting old?

I worked a back-double back Wednesday into Thursday. I am sooo tired and sore?!? I must be getting old. When did this happen?

9:47 pm - When my mom came to drop off the needed paint supplies for my apartment project she reminded me of something. I'm more tired because I have been super busy when I am not at work. I've been doing tons of DIY as well as selling furniture, prep for painting . . . . No wonder I'm tired and sore! I was still tired this morning but I'm at work doing okay. I look forward to going home and possibly having a Molson Canadian. That means I need some answers so I can tell you mine and Wil's.

Tomorrow is finish spackle, clean off any parts that need washed, move furniture and vacuum before work. Sunday before "Thanksgiving" at my moms I will see if I can get one coat on the whole main room. It may not need a second coat but we shall see. I'm excited to see color on the walls.

"You are only as old as the woman you feel."

Groucho Marx

Cow Butt in the Awesomeness

Here is my project in photographic glory! I am sooo pleased that I had the idea and worked it through to the finish. I will have to give credit to Carly for re-sizing the frame to fit the poster. Also my parents for bringing over their drill and going to the hardware store for more screws when I could not find the ones I first purchased. I heart DIY.

Since I had some of my yummy malt beverage tonight I will ask today's question. Would you prefer to be a crooked Mayor or an honest Lawyer.

Good day Tuesday

I have had a good and productive day! I got my hair cut, met a guy with photo frames for sale, got my apartment manager to agree to paying for my 5 gallons of paint but most importantly I finished the Cow Butt frame/shelf!

My day started early by meeting a guy from CraigList. He had 11 picture frames (for my photo project) for sale for $15. I was not willing to drive to Sandy but told him if he ever came to Portland to give me a call. He was shopping at Andy and Bax and Next Adventure so I met him there. They were just what I needed for all my framing fun! Most are wood and are sized 5x7 and 8x10.

The other unbelievable part of my day was my deal with my manager. I asked her what if I painted my main room in a neutral color. I figured she would say no or yes but I would be buying the paint. Instead a conversation that lasted less than five minutes she agreed to pay for my main living area as well as the hall and possibly my entry in paint! We are talking $25 to $30 a gallon and she ordered 5 gallons I have already picked up!?!?! Yes, it is a soft neutral wheat yellow but it is not white! I'm a smiley Diva.

The thing that gave me the biggest smile was finishing the Cow Butt frame/shelf. It is fucking awesome!!! I am beyond pleased. It was worth the two hours of sanding. I actually got pleasure from the methodical work of it. I was also very pleased with myself for doing such a through job. I love DIY.

(I will add photos later when I take my comp to my printer in my room. . I proudly took photos at night with my stuff on the shelf.)

DIY befores Cow Butt

More DIY and life

I need to stop planning out days off. It seems that when I plan it does not go that way. I get lots done but not usually what I planned. Yesterday was supposed to be DIY spray painting and selling my furniture. Today was helping the tBetcha's with packing and go to Queer Knitting. Not what happened but I did have productive days.

Saturday morning I changed my ad's for CraigsList. I really wanted some action to sell my Ikea bookcases. My place is not large and there is really no storage. When I start a project I need to complete it and clean up. Since I unpacked the bookcases my hall that leads to the bedrooms are full of boxes. I want some order back! I got instant response to my ad changes! It looked like I was going to sell all but the first response for the Billy corner vanished. After e-mails and phone calls I did sell the tall and half height bookcases. I still have the Billy corner case, the CD case and the Leksvik corner cabinet. I took more pics today so I will change the ad tomorrow.

Instead of of my DIY I ended up cleaning behind the fridge and oven. I just pulled them out and had at the gunk. I have no idea how I took this road but there I went. I was even ready to clean the oven but could not any cleaner! Wil spilled sauce when he was taking chicken out of the oven a bit ago. I think I was trying to be close to the comp and did the cleaning.

Today I got up and got the spray stuff prepped and started up. It took much longer than I expected to sand the frame. I'm glad I sprayed the primer on the moo plates and the bottom of fishy light. The Cow Butt frame actually looks descent sanded. I will post the before and afters.

Question of the day from my very fav beer Molson Canadian straight from the back of the bottle. Answer honestly - would you prefer . . . To date someone who talks too much or one who rarely speaks? If you all answer I will give you my answer.

Wednesday

Today is a workday for me. I should say evening. Anyway, I relisted my Ikea furniture with lower prices and have got some responses. No folks coming by just yet but I got my fingers crossed.

The chairs are a big disappointment. The guy did a crappy job. He sprayed them and missed spots. When done right a piece should be smooth to the touch and you should see as well as feel the grain. He acted like he knew what he was doing but I say no. Also after thinking about it we know why the finish looks flat and "painted" instead stained. He probably did not remove the old finish and put the stain right over. The stain could not soak in. Anyway, I'm trying some Tung oil over for now then next summer I can do the job right. "Free is not a good price". Good news is the seats look awesome.

I'm hoping the frame my mom found for Elvis will work well. I my not even have to paint the whole thing just hit it with some copper paint. It is slightly ornate but a color that might work well. I'm not sure since Elvis is at Carly's so I cant see how it would look or fit.

That's about it. I will say it is cool to be in a audio production. "Bloodbath at the Giallo Hotel". People will buy it and be dazzled by my obnoxious accent they wanted. I play Janina, the wife of Boss Giallo. :)

After Hell

Audiodrama horror with it's tongue firmly planted in it's cheek!This third installment starting David Chilies , some other people, some other people and Marta Montgomery! The third season (that I am in) is not out to the general public yet but Deeg and I now own it. Deeg is in the second and third and did some of the writing and casting of 2 and 3. Go to this site and fucking order it so we can make a season 4!

http://www.afterhell.com/

Young William

This is one of my favorite photos of Wil. He was just being himself. The background color is perfect with his hair and eyes. He was 3 1/2 when this was taken. We could not afford to buy prints at this studio but got a few proofs for coming in for a photographer in training. So cute!

This week

This is a strange work week for me. I work M,W,F this week - that is it. I hope to get a lot of my DIY projects done especially this weekend. It is supposed to be mostly sunny. I want to finish any spray paint projects before it is too cold for paint to set. I have some frames to spray for Elvis and Cow Butt/cow display shelf. I have frames I want for photographs to spray paint. I also have some lamps I want to change from stainless to copper. I will prep them throughout the week in hope of nice weather.

I have taken all things off of the BILLY bookcases so those are ready to sell. It took about two hours to pack it all up. No bites on the CL ad's yet. I also want to sell the big shiny TV and get a flat screen instead.

Tomorrow the chairs are suposed to be ready . . . I hope so.

Photo project

I have had a lot of fun choosing photos from recent urban hikes and getting enlargements. I'm framing architecture photos from my neighborhood for a space on my wall. I'm having a lot of fun. I also want to get some of the long lost photos going!

Phots of the DIY's

These are the new seats for the dining room chairs. We did a fab job. Cant wait to get them on the chairs! Hope they are done and dry tomorrow. My parents said they would help with the mini van again.

I heart DIY

I have been really busy lately! Lots of time at work, DIY (Do It Yourself) projects and Halloween kept me hopping! It's mostly been good but feeling a small pinch of hours at work. They are trying to keep the hospital's overtime down after my 2 week 106 hours. That is fine with me. It would be nice to have one shift a week OT to give me extra cash.I'm not complaining since I know how lucky I am to have a job.

My mom and I did a fabulous job on the seats of my new - to- me dining room chairs. I hope they are dry and ready to pick up today. My parents will meet me there with their mini van to give me a hand. I went to pick them up a week ago but they were wet and something was stuck in the stain. The guy said he would re-finish them. The color was gorgeous - just what I wanted! They will look wonderful with the table and the new seats. I'm really pleased to be able to replace things now. Like I said earlier I have wanted this style of table for a long time. Photos will be coming.( Sunday, The chairs are still not ready. I went today to look at them. He said hopefully Monday . . . . )

Speaking of replacing furniture I went back and forth with a gal on craigs list last weekend. She placed an ad for a vintage bookcase. I knew by looking at the ad she had under priced it. (Yes, I watch way too much HGTV and hit Antique stores.) It was what I wanted to get to replace the current Ikea "Wall of Billy". She was very slow to answer e-mail so that I went out to do the chair seats with my mom at 1pm and still did not hear from her. After the seats I went to the t'Beatcha's for Mr. T to help with my iTunes. She e-mailed while I was gone. She wanted me to come by Monday at 4pm. That was sooo not going to work for me since I would be at work. I e-mailed back about coming before work. Did not hear from her. She finally e-mailed me and I saw that at work Monday. She had been really sick in bed with a bad cold. She also said her husband freaked out when he heard that she was selling his bookcase and the low ball price. I figured we were done. She called me Thursday at work to say she was sorry but the bookcase was still for sale and she would give me first crack. I called her back and said I would come after work. I went, I saw and I took. It is a sweet little piece! It was worth the hassle. It is 35 T 5 ft. W and 12 D. The carving and display side shelves are a nice touch. Oh, the main shelves are adjustable. It is vintage and will look fab once out in the main room. No pic just yet since it is in the hall.

I got my ad's on craigs list today but so far no bites. Carly and I talked about pricing and I hope she is right about IKEA nuts. I will very pleased to get the prices. Keep your fingers crossed! Now I have to take everything off the shelves so they are ready when people come to look and buy.

I work every other day this week and have the weekend off. I will hopefully get a lot done this week. I work Day on Monday and evening the others I think. I hope to get things cleaned up, sold and more DIY done!

Do you need more insiration than this?

This is the movie and sound track that got me through the Portland Marathon 24 years past. Plus she was sooo hot!

Ahead of my photos

With few exceptions and some random shit I have lived through - and survived, I am good! Things are always trying to bitch-slap me down but I am the Energizer Bunny of positive! If I could still hit derby-style . . . I do not want to bleed out so - no hits. Anyway, I have been super buzy!

I have finally finished going through all my photos and got them in folders, renamed most and started sorting what I want to enlarge. Thanks again Mr.T (Casey) for taking a lot of time and living through the frustration to retrieve my photos! I will love you forever!

Long lost pics no scan could save!

I Thank you from the bottom of my Heart, Casey

Today was beyond an perfect day. I need to thank my mom for the awesome chair covering and an even bigger thank you to Mr. T! You saved my i-Pod and my photographs!! I will explain more later.

Kisses