I Suck at Writing...

Not Me! Monday

2009-11-02T08:52:00.000-06:00

Another week, another Not Me! Monday.

This week, I did (not) accidentally buy a rotten pumpkin to carve. The innards were (not) brown instead of orange. I was (not) sad that I couldn’t roast the seeds.

I did (not) set the jack-o-lantern out on my porch on a small table… right under the roof downspout. It was (not) filled with about 3 inches of water when I went to light it Halloween night. The top was (not) soft and did (not) cave in during the night. I did (not) throw the jack-o-lantern away first thing the following morning.

I did (not) go to a Gopher’s football game this past weekend. It was (not) like stepping into an alternate reality. It was (not) the first time I’ve ever heard “rah” at a football game (it’s part of their song/chant). The school song does (not) end with everyone spelling Minnesota. Goldy Gopher (the mascot) did (not) have about eight wardrobe changes/Halloween costumes. It was (not) cold enough that I ended up wearing all the layers of clothing I could find – plus hand warmers and a blanket :)

Now head over to MckMama’s blog to see what everyone else did (not) do this week.

Not Me! Monday

2009-10-26T20:31:00.001-05:00

Finally!!! Notice the lovely picture :) It’s Not Me! Monday time again. Head over to MckMama’s blog and see what everyone else did (not) do this week.

I did (not) finally get internet at my apartment. I have (not) already lived here for three months and have just now signed up. Internet at home will (not) get me blogging more. I think.

Friday evening after a lovely dinner with friends, I did (not) bail on hanging out with them after dinner so I could go back to my place and watch Glee on Hulu. I do (not) love Glee and would not spend a perfectly good Friday night watching episodes on the internet that will be there later.

Not Me! Monday

2009-10-05T08:31:00.000-05:00

I did (not) think that I had the button corrected this week. I did (not) get a rude awakening upon hitting "post" and realize that it wasn't working after all :(

This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This will (not) be a little catch-up post about my vacation which was (not) really, really fun! I did (not) spend a bunch of time with my sister and her kids. This did (not) include lots of cuddle time with Lynae, my newest neice who arrived 09/09/09. She is one of the most adorable babies ever! :)

The "Week of Wedding" at Disney was (not) amazing as well. I did (not) lose my camera charger while moving and was not able to take any pictures. I did (not) have a great time with all my long lost Florida friends at the wedding. Said friends did (not) repeatedly try to convince me to move back to Florida. They did (not) get me thinking that maybe I should look into it.

I do (not) have to pack up and go to DC again this week. I am (not) becoming an expert at packing just the neccessities for a week trip to DC. I do (not) know DC better than the neighborhood I moved to in July. I will (not) be staying in the world's smallest hotel room again because it's the closest hotel to the office that has availability. They do (not) charge $1 per square foot per night for the room.

Blogging does (not) get put on the back burner when I'm busy, so I hope things will slow down soon so I can post about the things I've promised.

Vacation and a Brick Wall

2009-10-02T13:41:00.004-05:00

Yep - I went on vacation. For two weeks. I went back to visit my family in Florida including my new niece and attended a friend's wedding.
I got work calls on 8 different days while I was gone :(

And I came back to a harsh work reality. Not just an I've-been-gone-for-two-weeks-my-work-has-been-piling-up -while-I-was-gone reality, but a New-financial-systems-launch-this-week, Big-project-that-I-thought-I-was-finished-with-(twice)-needs-more-work, Welcome-to-budget-season-you-need-to-have-it-in-the-system-and-locked-this-week, Quarter-end, Government-fiscal-year-end-so-all-contracts-end-and-start-new-and-oh-yeah-you-need-to-create-the-invoices-for-them, can-you-do-this-work-I-said-I-would-do-while-you-were-gone-but-never-really-intended-to-do, can-you-price-this-deal reality. All of this is something that is either due this week (and I haven't completed it yet) or due next week. Like running smack into a brick wall. Grrr.

Maybe the weather is making me cranky. The first night I got back it was in the 60's, but since the high has been closer to 55 and it's been rainy. So much for getting out and enjoying fall.

Ok. I'm done whining. Back to work. More to come about my vacation soon. You know, when I get a chance to blog again!

Crazy Product of The Week

2009-09-11T12:50:00.000-05:00

This one doesn’t appear to be too crazy…..at first. It’s a lounge chair made of cork ~~it only looks like cardboard~~.

Nothing too crazy yet. Here goes – it’s currently on sale… for about $3,000… down from about $5,000!!!

Woah!

Click here for all the info. You know – if you want more info on a piece of furniture most of the planet can’t afford.

Vacation

2009-09-08T17:38:00.003-05:00

If I can just survive this week at work, I will get two weeks off! (minus the time that I have to log in from vacation).

You would think that having vacation to look forward to would make the week go faster. So far that's not the case. Too much work to do to prep for vacation. And lots of work to do when I get back to make up for the work missed on vacation. What is the purpose of a vacation if you don't really get time off, you just spread it into the week before and the week after?

Sometimes I miss the days of working at Target or Bath & Body Works because anyone could do my job when I missed work (not that I ever missed work!)

Hmmm... I need a vacation!

Fall

2009-09-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

Labor Day is the unofficial start of fall. I love fall - sweaters, apples, pumpkins, halloween, seeing the leaves change and fall, fall festivals, visiting the wineries...

Welcome Fall!

Our Nation's Capital

2009-09-04T08:02:00.002-05:00

I visit Our Nation's Capital more and more frequently lately. When I moved to Minnesota and started this job, I was told that I would be traveling infrequently (twice a year maybe?), but since we have a Florida office as well, I would probably end up there once a year. Not bad - a free flight and the ability to extend my trip for a family visit.
I have been at this job for about two and a half years. For the first year and a half, I traveled about four times a year. Mostly I have traveled to Our Nation's Capital, but I did go to the Pennsylvania office once.
In the last year, I have traveled to Our Nation's Capital much more frequently. Mostly due to the BIG project I've had on my plate (that you'll note I've finished a few times because of requests for revisions). I am again in Our Nation's Capital today heading back to Minnesota. This trip was unexpected - I had about 24 hours from when I found out I needed to come and when I needed to arrive. This is my third trip in about a month. So much for infrequent travel.
I have not yet visited the Florida office.

With the exception of one trip to Our Nation's Capital (when I attended a training, not a meeting), I spend most of my time in the office. We work long days, and there is usually work to be done back at the hotel after dinner. The extent of my sightseeing is looking at the monuments out the office or plane window.

Now that the big project is done (at least for now), I have decided that I should be taking some more time to see the Capital while I'm there. Any suggestions on what to see if I only have time to see it after 7pm? Since we're moving towards winter, it will be dark soon after 7. Maybe one of these trips I'll be able to stay through the weekend!

I'm told that we are planning a meeting at our Florida office. I'm not holding my breath.

I would have liked to stay in the Capital over the holiday weekend, but I have tickets tonight for the Vikings vs. Cowboys game!

Not Me! Monday

2009-08-31T11:06:00.003-05:00

It's Monday again. I have done nothing towards getting the links/pictures in one place so I have them for today. I also have not

This week I did (not)
- take a day off work to go to the State Fair
- take pictures at the fair of the butter carvings. In butter, they carve the heads of the Dairy Princesses. I think they're called the Princess Kay of the Milky Way.
- pet a newborn pig
- eat some food on a stick :)
- pack in a van with 10 other people to go see a friend's new house
- have the luau pizza at Chatterbox (very good!)
- bike 23 miles in one day (on my new bike)
- get onto the wrong trail and go an extra four miles on the bike ride(was supposed to be a 19 mile bike ride)
- put together a bike mount for my car (still needs work - it was shifting a little on my drive this morning)
- read two books
- reserve at the library the sequel to one of the books and two others by the same author
- drive around with the library books for three days and not return them
- find a dress for my friend's wedding (finally)
- find shoes for the wedding
- make margherita pizza - complete with fresh mozzerella - at home (it was just OK)
- ate pizza 3 times this week

Not Me! Monday

2009-08-24T12:30:00.003-05:00

Another week has (not) gone by without me even thinking about posting. I am (not) starting to wonder if blogging is really my thing. On to what did (not) happen this week.

I did (not) finish my big work project... again. That's right, this was (not) a re-do of my earlier project that was completed in February. When printed, my piece did (not) fill a six inch binder. Six. Inch. Binder....Full.

This weekend I did (not) take a well deserved rest. I did (not) skip out of work early on Friday and attend my conference call Friday afternoon from the mall. I did (not) spend hours at the mall on Friday and only come out with clothes for my nieces and nephews. Clothes shopping for kids is (not) MUCH more fun than clothes shopping for me. I am (not) planning to spend more time clothes shopping for me soon so I can find a dress for an upcoming wedding I'm attending.

This weekend I did (not) run errands on Saturday, decide the weather was too nice to run errands, return to my apartment and head out to the pool to read. I did (not) finish that book on Saturday evening. I didn't finish the errands (really, I didn't).

Sunday I did (not) go kayaking with friends in the smallest little lake. In an hour we did (not) go around it about eight times. I have (not) decided that I really like kayaking and will definitely (not) do it again. Although if I were to do it again, it would (not) be on the chain of lakes because I most certainly did (not) get bored going around and around in circles for an hour on the tiny lake.

After kayaking, I did (not) meet my friend at the bike shop. That did (not) turn into me getting a new bike. I then did (not) take the new bike for a spin around one of the lake (larger than the kayaking one). I do (not) love the new bike :) I am (not) planning bike rides for every weekend until the weather gets bad.

I am (not) slacking on taking pics of the new place that I have now lived in for officially one month. I have not yet hung up anything on the walls besides the clock that isn't working after the move.

I am (not) posting because I feel unmotivated to work. Chaulk it up to the extra hours I've put in recently.

More later (or maybe next Monday).

Not Me! Monday

2009-08-17T10:28:00.002-05:00

Yet again I am creating this post on the fly and do not have the picture or a way to link up to MckMama's blog (who started Not Me! Monday), but here goes:

I did (not) almost promise to do a "real" Not Me! Monday next week complete with logo and links before realizing that I am 75% sure I would break that promise and should not make it.

I do (not) only blog when I have free time, and since I've had some surprises come up with work, I have (not) ignored blogging, reading other blogs, etc. This is (not) also in addition to not having internet at home.

I did (not) discover that I can hook up to internet at home this weekend while attempting to get my work done without going in to the office. I also did (not) eat at Panera yesterday just so I could use their internet.

I did (not) injure myself jumping out of the back of a golf cart this weekend. I am (not) that much of a clutz that a simple thing like getting out of a golf cart (even if it was one of those built like a dump truck) would be something that hurt me.

Paramedics in the office first thing on a Monday are (not) concerning to me. I was (not) impressed by the swiftness of the security team as they ushered in the paramedics. The CEO did (not) arrive at the same time as the paramedics. What a way to start a week! (I have learned that the person is OK and is just being observed. No idea what happened).

I was (not) so excited to finish my big work project late last night that I immediately started checking my calendar to figure out when I can take a day off. I love every minute of my job and love giving them all my free time as well as the regular work week.
I did (not) decide this morning that since I have at least a few committments every day this week, that I would attempt to just take a couple of afternoons off instead. I do (not) look forward to my time off that much that I would start planning to shorten the week on Monday morning.

I do (not) work about a half mile from one of the largest malls in the country and do (not) refuse to shop on the weekends during school shopping season (is that a season?) This is (not) contributing to the need for time off.

I did (not) finally pick up a converter box this weekend. I was (not) excited to finally have TV again. It's the little things in life.

Not Me! Monday

2009-08-10T08:59:00.003-05:00

I'm again without my computer and files, so I'm posting this on the run. Here's what this week did (not) consist of...
- Attending 38 hours of meetings in four days
- Sitting for 6 hours on planes
- Working at my desk in MN 5 hours
- Waking up 3 hours earlier than normal
- Spending one hour going to get my new cell phone - in Arlington - I missed internet too much to wait until I got home
- Taking a 2 hour nap Sunday afternoon
- Seeing Julie & Julia - it was OK
- Wine tasting at the St. Croix Winery
- Eating out for every meal
- A massive grocery trip
- Leaving my lunch at home today.

Hopefully more time to write coming soon!!

Not Me! Monday

2009-08-03T20:44:00.003-05:00

It isn't an official Not Me! Monday, but I have been on hiatus for a while, so here goes. In the last week (or maybe ten days) I did (not) do the following:
- welcome my parents to MN
- sign the lease for a new apartment
- move me into the new apartment
- go to the park to see the Pops Orchestra
- see the Art Car Parade
- listen to the orchestra play my baby song (Oh What a Beautiful Morning from Okalahoma)
- fly to DC for a last minute meeting
- fly home from DC
- turn in the keys to my old apartment
- go to Historic Murphy's Landing
- get called away from Murphy's Landing for a last minute work conference call
- drop my parents off at the airport for them to head back to FL
- work
- work
- happy hour for my 30th birthday
- work
- 18 mile bike ride (on a sucky bike - I thought I was going to die)
- Birthday night out - dinner and the dueling piano bar
- bike shopping (so I don't die next time)
- realize the tonado sirens also go off for severe thunderstorms
- let some crickets into the apartment while bringing in the patio futniture (I have a patio!)
- clean up after the cat when she ate, then threw up one of the crickets
- work
- head back to DC

I am (not) currently sitting in DC again. For the second time in a little over a week.

I do have a few new things to post about, but they will have to wait until things settle down a little.

Today...

2009-07-30T16:12:00.000-05:00

is my golden Birthday :)

Just a Quick Note

2009-07-29T12:54:00.001-05:00

I've been super busy lately - work and home. I just moved and don't have internet access yet (I'm taking a quick break at work to post this) so I'll update more once I'm all settled in and have internet!

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Another week has (not) gone by. With work being busy and me hunting for an apartment in the evenings, this week did (not) go by really quickly. I have (not) been slacking on blogging and did (not) think about skipping Not Me! Monday this week.

This week I did (not) successfully find an apartment (again). This time is with a complex instead of a private owner, so I’m (not) confident it won’t fall through. I will (not) post pictures once I move in. I have (not) started the countdown to moving and then realize how much of a pain it is to change my address.

I did (not) go to the drive-in movie theater this weekend. It was (not) the first time I went to a drive-in since I was about 8 years old. Even though the movies were (not) ones I would normally pick (Transformers and Star Trek), I did (not) have a lot of fun. I am (not) already trying to plan going back next weekend.

This weekend I did (not) completely skip doing the laundry. I will (not) have to be creative for my clothes for work tomorrow. Maybe I should (not) stop blogging now and go start a load.

Head over to MckMama’s blog and see what everyone else has (not) been up to.

Crazy Product of The Week

2009-06-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

This one is kindof funny, but I wonder who thought of it. It’s a ball for dogs that has a tongue on it.

They have it in different sizes – for large or small dogs.

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Another week has come and gone. There is a HUGE list of things that I did (not) do. ~~I will (not) bore you with all of them.~~ Here’s some of them.

This week was (not) really, really long. Work did (not) entail putting out one fire after another. I am (not) complaining about work in a public forum. I do (not) enjoy the work I do – that comes out wrong when I turn it around. I DO enjoy the work I do. ~~Typically. Most weeks. Most parts of it.~~

New topic.

This week I did (not) find out that the ~~perfect townhouse~~ place I planned to rent is (not) going to work out. ~~Grrrr.~~ So I am (not) back to apartment hunting. I do (not) hate apartment hunting. ~~Maybe if I repeat it I’ll believe it. I do (not) hate apartment hunting, I do (not) hate apartment hunting.~~

~~I do (not) really like using the strikethrough.~~

I did (not) attend my first pro baseball game this week. Twins vs. Astros. I did (not) have to practically beg to get someone to go with me. All my friends did (not) have other plans for Father’s Day already (Happy Father’s Day!) It was (not) a really good game anyway – even thought the Twins lost.

~~There are a LOT of other things that I did (not) do this week, but I promised I would (not) bore you with them.~~ Head over to MckMama’s blog to read about all the other things that were (not) done this week.

Crazy Product of The Week

2009-06-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

This must have been created by someone with hate in their heart.

It seems like a cute little singing chicken, but according to the website “Aren't chickens annoying with their clucking and flapping? Imagine one that clucks, flaps, waddles and dances the Chicken Dance to music! So annoying it makes you want to grab the Crazy Cluck Chicken by the neck and lift him up while doing his wacky little Chicken Dance Go right ahead, the Crazy Chicken will quawk and cluck like crazy, flapping his wings wildly as if he is gagging and choking! Set him back down and he continues to dance and cluck! Hilariously funny! Great fun for parties or just plain crazy times!”

Now, I had my sound turned off when I found this (and I didn’t want to turn it on to test it out!) Oh – and they advertise this as “It’s Time To Choke The Chicken”. That means something completely different to me!

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-15T20:07:00.002-05:00

Another week, another Not Me! Monday. I am (not) writing this late evening on Monday. I was (not) too busy visiting with my sister to write it on Sunday night.

We did (not) spend the whole weekend sleeping in, shopping, and visiting. During her visit, I did (not) take multiple pictures of a baby giraffe (check out those knobby knees),

a chipmunk,

and a sea lion (who saw my camera and stopped to pose in front of me)

and forget to take a picture of us together until I was dropping her off at the airport this morning (I’m on the right)

That’s all I’m (not) admitting to this week for Not Me! Monday. Head over to MckMama’s blog to read about all the other things people did (not) do this week.

Crazy Product of The Week

2009-06-11T12:55:00.000-05:00

Does the idea of lifting a man’s head to use the toilet freak out anyone else?

To quote the website “This soft sculpted, friendly mustachioed face gent seat cover with non-skid rug completes the set and adds a touch of class to any bathroom.” Really?!?!

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-08T19:32:00.001-05:00

I did (not) almost skip Not Me! Monday today. I was (not) still recovering from a long week last week. That is also why I did (not) post much last week.

Last week was (not) a very long week. I did (not) have a full week meeting that took me away from my “regular” job during the busiest week of the month. That does (not) make for a very long week.

On the positive side, I did (not) find a place to live! Now I do (not) feel the need to complain about apartment hunting on here. This place was (not) actually found by a co-worker. My current place was (not) found the same way.

This new place is (not) exactly what I was looking for. It is (not) the right price too!! You will (not) have to wait until I move in to get pictures.

I do (not) believe that MckMama is doing Not Me! Monday this week, but just in case, feel free to head over to her blog here.

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-06-04T12:52:00.000-05:00

Please tell me you’ve seen commercials for Bumpits! If not, this is a piece of plastic you put in your hair to make it taller. I wish these had been around in the 80’s when I wore the poof. Not really sure what I would use it for now. They come in different colors to match your hair and different sizes – some for bangs, different heights.

Maybe I’m just out of the loop!

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

Another week has gone by and it’s time again to ~~talk~~ write about all the things that I did (not) do this week.

I do (not) hate apartment hunting. I do (not) think that whoever invented it should die. I did (not) text that to a friend of mine this weekend. I did (not) spend the weekend online looking for apartments and driving around looking at apartments. At happy hour with work friends on Friday the conversation did (not) turn to apartment hunting. Even though it consumed my weekend, I did (not) tour any apartments in person. I have (not) already turned in my intent to vacate, so I am (not) committed to moving.

My cat has (not) taken up staring at the back of the couch while sitting on it. She has (not) done it enough this week that I am starting to wonder why she does it. If you were a fly on the wall, you would (not) have seen me checking the couch to see what she was staring at.

The highlight of my week was (not) booking a trip to FL for this fall. I was (not) really excited to find a cheap flight out for my friends’ wedding. The wedding is (not) a couple of weeks after my sister’s baby is due, so I will (not) be in FL for two weeks for both.

I did (not) finally break down and look into getting my drivers seat upholstery fixed. It has (not) been torn for a few years and just now start to bother me. Getting the piece replaced will (not) cost me several hundred dollars, so instead, I did (not) just buy a seat cover. I (never) cut corners like that just to save some money.

There are plenty of other things I did (not) do this week, but I do (not) need to keep a list throughout the week in order to remember them. Now, if you’ve had enough of the things I did (not) do, head over to MckMama’s to see what everyone else did (not) do.

Chair Re-Done

2009-05-29T12:06:00.001-05:00

I finished! I’ve had this chair for a month. Here is the re-do in pictures:

Before pictures. Notice how much the seat sags.

The bottom of the seat (after I got through a layer or two) – it was all broken.

About 2,000 staples later, I had just a frame, then I put a new seat in (I got instructions from my mom over the phone and she mailed me a tool I needed).

I used the original foam (I was surprised at how expensive foam is!) I used cotton batting to replace the thin foam around the frame that was too damaged to use. I took my mom’s advice and bought an electric stapler. I HIGHLY recommend it if you’re planning to reupholster something.

I took (mental) notes when I took the seat apart. One of the things was that the seat had to be completely finished in order to put staples in the back. Just in the area where the fabric (or batting) tucks behind the seat.

The back was trickier. There were two long pieces of metal with teeth all down them that hold the sides of the back on. I had to wrap the fabric around them and hammer them into place. I should have taken pictures of that part.

To spray paint the bottom, I had to go to the park (I have no outdoor space). This was my little set up – using everything in my car to keep it from blowing away!

The finished product! I think it turned out pretty well for my first attempt :)

Even though the chair only cost me $5 from Craigslist, the supplies added a bit to the price.

Chair $5

Cotton batting, just for seat and upholstery tacks for seat $12

Material ordered from Canadian company Tonic (because I’m too picky for any of the fabric in stores here) $35 – with a lot left over

Sandpaper, spray primer, spray paint $10 – also used for another project

Total $62 and that includes extra material and supplies for another project.

Crazy Product of The Week

2009-05-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

Don’t you just hate when you have a fancy dinner and the gravy in the gravy boat gets cold? Ok – I have one, maybe two meals a year that use gravy and are more formal than just microwaving the jar of gravy. Anyway… apparently many people have this issue of gravy getting cold. Hence the invention of the Gravy Warmer

Now, I’m not sure how many formal dinners involve the use of extension cords on the table, but just in case, you can order this As Seen on TV Gravy Warmer for only $24.99!

New Old Chair

2009-05-27T12:35:00.000-05:00

Here is the before picture. This was a $5 purchase from Craigslist.

Aside from it being ugly, the seat had broken, so I learned how to reupholster. I’ve watched my mom do this many times, and it’s not as hard as it seems. The after pictures will come as soon as I finish. Right now I’m just waiting for the paint to dry :)

Not Me! Monday

2009-05-25T10:36:00.001-05:00

It is (not) that time of the week again. Where I – and others – tell about all of the things we did (not) do this week. Head over to MckMama’s blog to read all of the things other people did (not) do this week.

This week I did (not) travel to our Nation’s Capitol for work. I do (not) work with a fantastic group of folks who (whom"?) I hardly see since they are spread across the eastern US and I am in Minnesota. (I do (not) know when it is proper to use who and whom.)

It was (not) great to be in DC the week before Memorial Day and had I (not) realized earlier that it was a holiday weekend, I would (not) have thought to stay longer. I think the ceremonies would (not) be amazing there.

In traveling from the airport to the office, I did (not) take the Metro. Waiting on the platform at the airport, a large bug did (not) fly into my hair causing me to jump around like a crazy person. I do (not) think this kept people away from me on the Metro.

Since I do (not) always travel in jeans instead of work clothes, I did (not) have to change in the bathroom before arriving at work. I had (not) planned ahead and chosen a skirt, ironed it, and set it on top of my suitcase so changing would be easy. I had (not) tried on this skirt since last summer and it was (not) a bit snug. If I had been at home I would (not) have changed, but since I was traveling, I was (not) stuck wandering around all day in the (not) quite snug skirt.

When we meet in a large group, it does (not) always surprise me when the gentleman get up and plug in the woman’s computers so the women do (not) have to crawl on the floor or walk around the table. Did I mention that I do (not) work with a fantastic group of people?

Almost all of the people I work with are (not) veterans. Which is (not) appropriate since we work with Service Members of all branches and their families.

And, since it is (not) Memorial Day and I do (not) want to pretend this is something I do (not) do, I’ll just say it normally - I want to thank all the Service Members and their families for their service, especially those who are, or have been deployed. A special thank you to the families of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Happy Memorial Day!!

Crazy Product of The Week

2009-05-21T12:44:00.000-05:00

Ok – I have to admit it. I’ve seen this one for years and I think it is FUNNY!! I wonder who came up with it and who would actually have it in their homes, but I like it in concept :)

I think it is more fun than a regular knife block on the countertop, but I still don’t think I would ever buy it. Just in case you want to, it comes in black too.

Slowly Going "Green" - Window Cleaner

2009-05-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

I like windows. It may not be surprising considering I would like to live in a glass house and have a slight obsession with sleeping outdoors. I hate streaky windows. I will take half an hour and use half a roll of paper towels to clean the windows just so they aren't streaky. So after reading many, many reviews for these microfiber cloths (just wet and wipe the window - no cleaner needed - no streaks) I finally gave in and got them. I LOVE them! I cleaned all the windows in my apartment, the bathroom mirror, and the car windows. LOVE them!

I don't typically clean my car windows. I had heard that windex messed with the tint (not sure if it's true - I just didn't want to test it out). Now they are sparkling - well, actually, they were sparking a couple weeks ago when I cleaned them - I may need to do it again.

And, it doesn’t hurt that they are purple – how fun!

Not Me! Monday

2009-05-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

This week there are many, many things that I did (not) do, but I am (not) writing this on Sunday night again and I did (not) ~~block out~~ forget most of them.

I have (not) had my new old desk chair disassembled since two days after I bought it (the first week in May) and sitting in parts in the living room. I did (not) go to approximately 5 fabric stores in person and another 50 or so online before finding a fabric I can live with. I am (not) that picky when it comes to decorating my place. After the fabric arrived this week, I did (not) need to go to three more stores to get other things I needed for the chair. I will (not) post more later about the chair re-do - just as soon as I finish!

A woman at my office did (not) stumble across the most perfect apartment ever! It does (not) sound like it has everything I wanted plus some. It is also (not) about $200 over my price range. I have (not) been wondering if I should make the woman show it to me even though I don’t want to pay that much. I do (not) dream that she will rent it to my at MY price.

I did (not) spend WAY too much time on the computer this weekend looking at all the pictures on desire to inspire. It does (not) have the best collection of interior photos. This was (not) my way of procrastinating apartment hunting. I did (not) forget to wear my glasses for this and now do (not) have a headache.

There are lots more things that I did (not) do this week, but rather than try to remember them all, I’ll just send you over to MckMama’s blog to read all the things other people did (not) do!!

Visit

2009-05-16T10:20:00.001-05:00

My sister just booked a flight up to visit! Yay!

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-05-14T12:37:00.000-05:00

This may not seem like a crazy product….. until you look at the price tag.

These lovely porcelain sculptures of pears, apricots, horse chestnuts, and fig range in price from $72 - $400 EACH! I typically prefer real fruit over fake, but who pays $400 for fake fruit & nuts? Maybe someone who is nuts?

Slowly Going "Green" - Freecycle/Thrift

2009-05-13T12:22:00.000-05:00

I don’t really like to throw things out, and I hate the idea that there are items just sitting around that other people could be using.

When I discovered Freecycle I was excited. You go online, list the items you want to get rid of, and put them out for pickup. Craigslist also has a “free” area. I’ve gotten rid of hotel soaps, kitchen appliances, photo frames, other random items. There have been a few times that people don’t come on time (or at all) and my building doesn’t really care for “stuff” just sitting out in the hallway.

Thrift stores are actually a little easier. You just load it up and drop it off. I’m starting to like this way of doing things more and more. No waiting :)

I do attempt to shop at the Thrift store as well, although I’ve only really bought corkboards there recently. My desk and chair (more to come on the chair) were from Craigslist. Of course, I don’t have a No New pledge, but it’s nice to help out those that do :)

You had me at…

2009-05-12T12:40:00.001-05:00

Sleeping Porch!! I’ve mentioned once or twice (or three, four, or five times) about my weird desire to sleep outside (not camping style).

Check out this prefab home from Michelle Kaufmann Designs.

It has a screened sleeping porch!!

I love how it’s a modern take on a farmhouse. Isn’t it cute?!?

sigh – I always find the best homes when I’m apartment hunting.

Hmmm, need to start looking for the perfect piece of land and the winning lottery ticket.

But first, I should probably find an apartment to live in between now and then.

Sigh……

Not Me! Monday

2009-05-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

It’s time again to tell you about all of the things that I did (not) do this week.

I did (not) go to a block party in St Paul this weekend expecting, well….. a block party. I did (not) arrive to see a band, a beer truck, and two booths selling beads. That was (not) all that was there. My friend and I showing up did (not) double the size of the crowd. We did (not) have fun anyways.

I did (not) spend the rest of my weekend avoiding apartment hunting. I have (not) been living in my current apartment because I do (not) hate apartment hunting. There is just something about the thought of packing, moving and meeting new (potentially noisy and nosy) neighbors that’s just so much fun.

I am (not) watching Friends reruns as I type this. It is (not) one of my favorite episodes. I do (not) still laugh every time I watch this show even though I have seen it a million times or so.

There is (not) this very important customer at work who insists on calling me Liz. I do (not) HATE being called Liz. He did (not) start it on a conference call in a way that I couldn’t correct him and now it has (not) been going on for too many months for me to correct him nicely. I do (not) want to scream every time he does it. I do (not) understand why people insist on calling me a different name than I introduce myself as, sign all my emails as, and that everyone who knows me calls me. As you may (not) be able to tell, this is (not) a HUGE pet peeve of mine.

Now that I am (not) done ranting, head over to MckMama’s to see what everyone else has (not) been doing/ranting about :)

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-05-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

I get that this is intended for a zombie-themed wedding, but even so, this seems a little over the top. Do you think so too?

Only one of the doves still has their head. The seller has other “Day of the Dead” wedding items as well. Seems like an ironic theme for a wedding.

Wall Art – DIY

2009-05-05T12:34:00.000-05:00

After putting up this picture of my blank wall at home, I realized that I had to do something right away. It’s so ugly! I’ve already mentioned how I feel about white walls.

My plan for the wall was to just buy some fabric and hang it up on canvas. One long story and a bunch of changing my mind later I ended up with this:

I started out with my pretty green fabric $8.99, some plain white fabric $5.99, and two large corkboards I got at Unique Thrift $5.60 for both.

I took off frames of the corkboards off – planning to paint them and put them on the finished product, but I managed to break one of them in the process, so now they are frameless.

I saw this post over at Ish and Chi and this is my attempt at making it my own.

Here are my progress shots:

The supplies (from when I had intended to paint the frames and put them back on.

Broken frame :(

Template for cutting out the leaves

All lines up and ready to pin and sew – turns out I’m not as bad at sewing curves as I thought I was

Gluing it on the back

Hanging on the wall :)

Not Me! Monday

2009-05-04T07:53:00.001-05:00

It’s back! MckMama and Stellan are back home so Not Me! Monday is back up and running :)

There are so many things that I did (not) do since the last Not Me! Monday, but we’ll just focus on the last week.

This week my sister was (not) nice enough to point out to me that I do (not) take after my mother – evidenced by my desk purchase (except she doesn’t usually drop them). Much to my dismay, I had (not) already had the same revelation.

I did (not) go to my first Kentucky Derby party. I did (not) try a mint julep and decide they taste like minty paint. We did (not) have a blind draw for “betting” on horses and the horse I drew did (not) run in second place for the majority of the race only to finish eighth. It was (not) more exciting than I thought it would be!

There are plenty of other things that I did (not) do this week, but I am (not) typing this Sunday night and I am (not) too tired to think of more.

Now head over to MckMama’s blog and read about all the other things that were (not) done this week!

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-04-30T12:29:00.000-05:00

This is a prom dress. It is made of an unusual material. See if you can guess what it is.

Time’s up. It’s made of condoms. Luckily, I don’t believe it’s for sale. But seriously, who would wear it?

New Old Desk

2009-04-29T12:18:00.000-05:00

I bought a desk. I wasn’t looking for a desk, but in playing on Craigslist I found this one for sale for $30 and I wanted it. So after work I went by and picked it up. (Thank you to the nice woman I bought it from and the man working on her house for loading it in my car!)

Once I got home I realized that I had no way to get it out of the car and into my apartment. I wish I had pictures of me trying to get it out of the car, but I was too busy trying not to drop it ~~and failing~~ (I only dropped it once and very lightly) ~~and NO thank you to the woman who arrived in the garage and walked right by me while I was trying to balance the desk and get it out of the car.~~

I finally got it loaded up onto one of the carts my building keeps for groceries and got it upstairs (thank goodness for elevators!) Then I had to figure out how to stand it back up. About 30 minutes later I had it in it’s new home.

Here are some pictures:

I was debating painting it, but after a quick Google search, I found out it’s called a Spinet Desk typical from late 1800’s to early-mid 1900’s. Apparently after a spinet (kindof like a piano/harpsicord) worn out they were sometimes converted to desks. I believe that’s how the style started. Not exactly something I’d paint.

The top folds back with a piano hinge. It’s missing the piece of the top that folds over the front. The lighter colored wood writing surface pulls out for more space. I think for now I’ll try to fix the pieces that are breaking (drawer bottoms, front piece) and leave the rest alone.

So……. what do you think?

All Over the Place

2009-04-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

My taste is all over the place. Here are some things I’m in love with at the moment. In a dream land these would be mine. Or in real life if I happened to have a few extra thousand dollars to spend on expensive furniture.

Slowly Going "Green" - Recycling

2009-04-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

My office and home buildings both recycle. It's easy at work - shredding bin on my desk and I walk the soda bottles/cans to the bins in the kitchen (two on each floor). At home, I found out that my building has two recycling bins in the trash room - one for paper/cardboard and one for plastic/glass/metal.

I didn't think I produced much recyclable "trash" until I realized that it takes cardboard. EVERYTHING is wrapped in cardboard. Cereal boxes, frozen food, the cardboard that keeps all 6 yogurt together......

Then it occurred to me how much plastic/metal I go through. Milk jugs, yogurt containers, frozen food meals, cans for food, plastic that berries come in, tinfoil.....

I had two paper shopping bags set up in my kitchen next to my trash can for a few months. When it got full, I emptied it. They weren't pretty though. I was on the lookout for cute bags/bins to put in my kitchen for months, but they were all ugly (or super expensive.) Until one day I was strolling around Target and found two of these cute totes. I couldn’t find them on the Target website, so here’s a pic of one from my kitchen – complete with recycle-ables in it. Oh – and better yet – they fit in my pantry so they are no longer sitting out.

What Happens in Vegas…

2009-04-24T12:33:00.000-05:00

gets blogged about.

In this whiny post a while back I mentioned that I had a trip planned to Vegas to visit D. And then in this post I learned that he had relocated and would no longer be in Vegas for my trip.

Whatever happened to my trip? I still went. I had a work training out there and some friends met me afterward for a long weekend. D was supposed to be in Orlando, but ended up in Denver. (Even though he has “relocated” up by me, he travels a LOT for his job and we still rarely see each other :( Ok – enough whining ~~for now.~~)

The trip was actually the first week in April, but I came back to a mess at work and am just now getting around to blogging about it.

I have to say that Vegas is fun with friends, but really boring when you’re just walking around by yourself. Thank you to the two women from Texas that sat next to me in my training and ~~took pity on me~~ invited me to join them for lunch and dinner!

I never had any desire to visit Las Vegas, but I’m glad I went. It was fun, but the best part was the gorgeous hotel and pool (I spent the vacation part of my trip at the Venetian) which I could have done at any pretty hotel. For my next “real” vacation (trips back home to Florida don’t count) I want a passport stamp!

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-04-23T14:33:00.000-05:00

I’m not really sure who wants a scary face on their fridge, but in case you do, this magnet is available. I can just picture attempting to get a midnight snack out of the fridge and instead giving myself a heart attack because I came face to face with this!

Wall Art

2009-04-21T12:49:00.000-05:00

I’ve been searching for some ~~cheap~~ wall art and haven’t found anything I like. My living room wall has been blank since I moved in over two years ago. It can’t be something heavy since I can’t put holes in the wall. Anyone have any ideas?

Here is a ~~pretty bad~~ picture of the living room with the blank wall. I assume whenever I move I will no longer have giant windows all along one wall of my apartment, so I need something that will go over the couch.

Hmmm. It looks so bad in this picture. I’m amazed it has taken me this long to fill it!

Slowly Going "Green" - Grass-Fed Beef

2009-04-20T12:58:00.000-05:00

So in my attempt to be “green”, I have been looking at buying local. I tried out a local co-op that has grass-fed beef. It’s something I’ve looked at before, but I had never really tried. I don’t typically cook meat at home since I’m not really good in the kitchen (a few exceptions – anything in the crock pot, and a few recipes where all have to do is stick it in the oven with a meat thermometer in it).

So on Saturday I was out and about, hungry and needing to pick up some groceries. I head to the co-op and get some frozen pizzas for Saturday’s dinner, and decide to pick up a piece of beef for Sunday.

I should have mentioned at the beginning of this post that not everyone will want to read it. For example – folks who get queasy easily.

Ok – now that I’ve warned you. It’s really nice that the package has the packaged date and a use-by date. The particular steak I picked up was packaged just two days before. Talk about fresh!

I had read online about different cooking methods to make sure the meat doesn’t get tough (apparently a big complaint from people switching from “regular” meat to grass-fed). What I didn’t prepare myself for was that when I opened the plastic it would drip on me. Not regular meat-juice. Blood. Like when you prick your finger or cut yourself shaving. Real blood. Not meat-juice.

I have always been able to separate in my mind the animal from what I’m eating. So I marinate the meat and cook it (using the meat thermometer to be sure I don’t overcook it). And yet, when I sit down to dinner – I couldn’t separate the meat from the animal. Don’t get me wrong, I ate it (well, the half of it I was planning to eat). But I couldn’t help think that this is why people become vegetarian. And I didn’t enjoy it. The other half will not be eaten.

I don’t think I could go vegetarian – I hate beans! So I guess I’ll go back to not making meat at home. Ew.

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-04-16T14:11:00.000-05:00

Is this a child’s toy?

The description talks about his razor blade necklace, prison number around his waist like a badge of honor, and his yellow teeth. I don’t get it.

Slowly Going "Green" - Shopping Bags

2009-04-15T12:47:00.000-05:00

I am slowly taking steps (tiny, non-painful steps) to go "green". When I moved to Minnesota a little over two years ago, I did not bring any plastic bags with me. None. About a year ago I noticed that I was running out of room for all the plastic bags I had accumulated at that point (and I use them regularly for trash bags and to clean the litter box.)

It was then that I splurged and purchased reusable shopping bags. These particular bags roll up and five of them fit in a tiny pouch. Since I hardly ever remember to pick them up before heading to the grocery store, I can just carry them around all the time. They've also come in handy for many other tote-bag-related things. And they're cute! Other added benefits are that they hold a lot more than a regular plastic bag and they fit over my shoulder so I can carry all my groceries up to my apartment without killing myself!

Now I only use the store bags when I need more for the kitty litter.

Is it bad that it bothers me that they are cuter patterns out since I bought mine?

Burger King

2009-04-14T12:29:00.000-05:00

They need to fire their advertising company. First, it was the creepy Burger “King”. Then, if you ate at Burger King, you would grow a large mustache, now it’s a square butt?!? (If you haven’t seen them, it’s worth clicking on the links. It’s freaky and will make you think twice before going to BK.) Freaky!

Apartments

2009-04-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

I hate apartments. Maybe apartments aren't that bad. I hate sharing walls with neighbors. I just want a quiet place to live. Ok – I do have a few more requirements than that….

I started apartment hunting in earnest. My lease is up the end of July. Instead of an apartment I found this house, and this one. I have never really cared for mid-century modern furniture, but I really like these houses. Hmmm, now I just need to figure out how to rig the lottery.

Pretty houses just make apartment hunting that much more depressing. I hate apartments.

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-04-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

Just in case your co-workers steal your coffee mug on a regular basis (why you wouldn’t just take it to your desk is beyond me) this mug has a missing piece so no one else can use it. At least not without spilling hot coffee all over themselves in the process.

At least it’s reasonably priced at 9.99 Euros.

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-04-02T15:41:00.000-05:00

I’m hoping this is a halloween prop more than something used year-round. I still don’t think I could bring myself to have this in my house. Of course, even though I haven’t seen Psycho, I still sometimes try to shampoo with my eyes open.

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-03-26T13:26:00.000-05:00

Do you sleep better on the arm of your special someone? Can’t sleep when he’s not there to lay on? Overstock has a solution that (amazingly enough) has sold out. Unlike most of the other crazy products, this one is only $29.99, if you can get it in stock!

Crazy?!?

2009-03-24T15:29:00.000-05:00

Maybe all the crazy products have gotten to me, but I kindof like this one. Not for $650, but I would much rather have this on my wall than one that used to be alive.

Not Me! Monday – on hold

2009-03-23T17:58:00.001-05:00

Not Me! Monday is on hold this week. MckMama’s youngest is in the hospital. You can get to her blog here.

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-03-19T15:38:00.000-05:00

This I can see in a themed room, BUT – check out that price tag. OUCH. Seems like someone’s getting screwed. (don’t pretend that you weren’t thinking it too!!)

Apartments

2009-03-17T11:42:00.000-05:00

I'm not a fan. My building is just about full, which means I (finally) have neighbors. I've had neighbors next to me for a while now, and I hardly ever hear them (thank you!!). However, I believe I've just gotten upstairs neighbors. Who are loud. About every half hour everytime I'm home, they hammer on the floor (or at least that's what it sounds like). 8-10 times. Then they stop. They start again in a half hour or so. All day. I think they must stop around midnight.

Last night it sounded like something was hitting my windows. I believe it was the upstairs neighbor again. I had to check my windows to make sure they weren't breaking. Twice. Grrrr.

At least my lease is up this summer, so only a few more months. Except that I still have a house for sale in Florida, which means I can't buy anything up here yet. Which most likely means another apartment. Grrrr again.

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-15T19:22:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday, a blog carnival created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog and read about all the things that she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This week I did (not) eat cereal for dinner multiple times because I was too lazy to heat the pre-made meals in my freezer. Heating pre-made meals is super simple, so I most certainly was (not) too lazy to do it.

I have lived in Minnesota for about two years now, and this weekend was (not) the first time I’ve ever visited the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. I have (not) been talking about visiting it since before I moved here and just have (not) made it there yet. This weekend I did (not) specifically go because the cherry from the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture has been taken off to be painted. It would be silly to go to the sculpture garden when the most famous sculpture is taken apart. Unless you think it’s cool to see it taken apart. I do (not).

This weekend I did (not) say that 50 degrees is warm. I grew up in Florida where 50 degrees is cold (not cool, cold!) I am (not) finally starting to understand spring fever. I do (not) wish I had a little yard just so I could put up a hammock to nap in. I do (not) have an obsession with napping/sleeping outside. If I did, I most certainly would not post about it here, here, here, or here. I have (not) thought about getting a portable hammock and setting it up at the park so that I could nap outside when the weather is nice. That would be taking it a little too far.

So as you can see, I am (not) lazy and do (not) have a weird obsession with sleeping outside. That is everything that I care to admit that I did (not) do this week. Don’t forget to check out MckMama’s blog and read about everything else that was (not) done this week!

Crazy Product of the Week

2009-03-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

I was just wondering where I could buy green glass sperm. Apparently the answer is Vivre. On sale for only $57.

The “R” Word

2009-03-10T19:58:00.001-05:00

I have a two nieces and a nephew with Down Syndrome, so this is an issue close to my heart. Help spread the word.

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-09T08:26:00.001-05:00

I’ve been following MckMama over at mycharmingkids for a while. She started Not Me! Mondays and now has a huge following of folks that do it too! Head over there and read about all the things that folks did (not) do this week.

This week I did (not) start to wonder if my eyes need to be checked. I did (not) end up holding a book much closer than I thought I should and end up with a headache. I do (not) get regular eye exams, so it’s (not) like my eyes haven’t been checked since I was in school and they had those little charts with the E’s M’s and W’s. (Was that just in grade school?!?) I have (not) used the excuse that as long as I see better than my friends I don’t need to have an eye exam. That would be stupid!

I am (not) trying to eat really well and exercise because I’m headed to Vegas in a couple weeks and will need to wear a bathing suit and be cute. I did (not) spend the morning on Saturday trying on cute dresses, which I did (not) care for on my body shape only to leave and get an ice cream sundae. That would (not) undo what little work I’ve done so far. I am always in perfect shape for bathing suit season and most certainly would (not) wait until three weeks before the trip to work on getting into shape. I do (not) use weight loss shows to benchmark how much better I could look in a bathing suit in three short weeks. The people on those shows are working out HOURS each day while I sit all day at my desk at work.

This morning I did (not) hit snooze for 45 minutes because it was dark outside and I didn’t want to get up. This snooze time did (not) take the place of the time I had set aside to work on my Not Me! Posting. So I will (not) leave you now without filling you in on the rest of the things I did (not) do this week so I can head to work. Maybe by next week I will either be used to the darkness in the morning or give up and plug my Christmas light timer into a bedroom lamp. I have (never) done that before and most certainly (not) every year since I moved to Minnesota.

Those who throw stones....

2009-03-06T10:34:00.000-06:00

Shouldn't live in glass houses. (Isn't that how the saying goes?) But does that mean that if I DON'T throw stones that I can live in a glass house?

My current apartment is a bit of a fishbowl. The exterior wall is floor to ceiling windows (that don't open, Grrrr). I live on a lower floor, and the dog walk area is just outside my window, so I thought it would be weird at first having people be able to see in. There are blinds, but I'm too lazy to put them down each evening and up each morning.

Turns out - I don't really mind it. Sure, I'd prefer to have it facing reserve land or something where no one could see in, but I really like having one whole wall that is the outdoors.

So now I'm thinking that living in a glass house would be pretty cool. Think about it - stare at the stars just before you go to sleep, great views of the lightning in thunderstorms, watching the snow fall.... sounds so peaceful!!

But since I do want a LITTLE privacy. I'm thinking something like this. Doesn't that look amazing?

Crazy Product #5

2009-03-05T15:10:00.000-06:00

This is what to buy if you really want a chandelier that looks like it is covered in really thick cobwebs. If you prefer to spend $3,516 (on sale) rather than just go to the dollar store at halloween and get some of that cotton-cobweb-stuff.

Too long!

2009-03-03T15:15:00.000-06:00

In my Not Me! Monday post, I alluded to D visiting. He came over on Saturday and picked me up for dinner. In HIS car. This was confusing to me since every other time he’s visited he’s had a rental car.

Turns out, his company has him working up here now! So he (and his kitties, clothes and car) relocated last week. What a nice surprise! He’s staying at his parent’s house – they’re snowbirds – about 25 minutes east of me.

It’s so exciting to have him in the same state. We haven’t lived in the same state for two years. It’s been too long!!

Not Me! Monday

2009-03-02T09:43:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have (not) been doing this week.

This week, I did (not) bring my workout bag to work on Monday and let it sit unused under my desk all week. I did (not) take it home over the weekend and then bring it back to work today still unused. I always work out and never sit lazily in front of the TV.

I also did (not) spend two nights this week cleaning my tiny apartment because it was so messy that I was embarrassed to have D come visit and see it that way. My place is always spotless and I never “crisis clean” to get it company ready. I also did (not) pack up four garbage bags full of clothes and other items to go to the thrift store which are now in the trunk of my car riding around. I did (not) go to three different thrift stores yesterday only to find out that none of them take donations on Sundays. I always research things before I leave the house.

While sitting in my apartment, D did (not) ask if I rented the place furnished. I was (not) a little bothered that he doesn’t remember my furniture even though he hasn’t seen ME in 9 months, and my apartment for over almost a year and a half. It did (not) take me a few minutes to realize that guys don’t typically pay much attention to furniture and that I shouldn’t read much into it.

When I lived in Florida – before I moved to Minnesota – my kitty did (not) used to be mean. She did (not) care for visitors in her house. She has (not) been cooped up in a tiny apartment for so long with me as her only companion that she does (not) throw herself at guests like she hasn’t been pet or loved for years. D did (not) comment on her change in temperament and then five minutes later have her batting at him like old times.

Whew! What a long list of things that I did (not) do this week.

Whatever happened to…

2009-02-28T15:19:00.001-06:00

The sleeping porch. I love to see the stars just before I fall asleep, but not really a just-me-and-a-bed-roll-in-the-woods kind of girl. I would love to just roll my bed out onto a porch and sleep in my nice cushy bed under the stars. Of course, screened to keep out the bugs (and keep the cat in) – and quiet enough that I could actually sleep.

Can you tell…

2009-02-27T15:05:00.000-06:00

My mind is on spring already?

How pretty?!

I wonder what you do with it during the winter up here?

Interior

2009-02-26T19:10:00.001-06:00

My apartment is tiny. Essentially just a great room and a bedroom, but I’ve made “rooms” out of other areas. I can’t paint the walls. And I h.a.t.e. white walls. Can’t stand them, and have lived with them for two years. Stupid white walls. Grrr.

We’ll call this first picture the foyer. The laundry/coat closet is on the left. (hello kitty!)

I’ll have to take new pictures of the great room later – new pillows!

Here’s the boring bedroom, but the bed sure is comfy! I used to have color on the bed, but my it was scratchy, so back to the plain white for me. Stupid white walls.

And since kitty likes to open my drawers and sleep in them ~~and because she’s fat enough to break them~~ I typically have it looking more like this:

Yes, instead of putting the shams in the closet or in a bin, they go in front of the nightstands so the cat can’t get into the drawers. Come to think of it – anyone know how to kitty-proof drawers? I need to do it to the dresser too.

Crazy Product #4

2009-02-26T15:56:00.000-06:00

This one has me scratching my head. I’m familiar with chocolate bunnies. But not chocolate pigs. Six pound chocolate pigs. $100 chocolate pigs.

Clearance?!? sniff

2009-02-25T15:35:00.001-06:00

I have been drooling over this lounger since I first laid eyes on it. I wish I had $800 to get it. Or a yard to put it in.

Waiting

2009-02-24T15:58:00.000-06:00

For the past two years (since I moved to Minnesota) I’ve been waiting. Waiting for the big work project to be over (yes, it’s been that long). Waiting to sell my Florida house so I can buy a place up here. Waiting for my boyfriend “D” to be relocated up to Minnesota. Waiting to go on a nice vacation (need the money for the Florida house, can’t get away from the big work project, can’t match up my schedule and D’s)….. Waiting.

So now that the big work project is complete, I thought I would be able to check one thing off my waiting list. Except that now I move in to another stage of waiting. Waiting for the Government to make the award.

So, although the big work project is “done”, I’m still waiting on it. Waiting for the Florida house to sell. Waiting for D to relocate. Waiting sucks.

And now I’m done whining ~~for tonight~~.

UPDATE: I am booking a trip to Vegas (where D currently lives). First week of April! Yay!! No more waiting for a vacation :)

Kokoon

2009-02-22T22:23:00.002-06:00

I like it. ~~Can’t afford it even a little bit, but like it.~~ Ahhh. I’ll just dream about it.

Family

2009-02-22T20:37:00.000-06:00

Something my sister posted on her blog today made me laugh out loud. She and her husband attended a marriage seminar this past weekend and one of the activities was to draw out a family tree, make notes on relationship, themes, etc. to see how they affect the person and the couple. The specific note that had me laughing was how she was similar to my mom. Her comment was
"Her outgoing personality that could hold a 30 minute (or more) conversation with an empty wall and the ability to make friends in every grocery store line and shopping mall trip that she ever takes."
That is SO my mom. I hadn't noticed it in my sister yet, but I do live a couple thousand miles away.

Crazy Product #3

2009-02-19T15:02:00.000-06:00

Because I was just thinking, I wish I could leave a note on my lampshade

You too can write notes on your blackboard lampshade for the low low price of $500 (includes lamp, but not chalk – because that’s the expensive piece.)

Kitty

2009-02-17T15:05:00.000-06:00

Kitty has a new house!

This is my attempt at giving her a place to hide besides in my clothes. She likes to open my dresser drawers and sleep in them, or get in the bottom of my closet. I’m hoping she likes this box enough that I won’t have to keep blocking the dresser drawers to keep her out of them!!

DONE!

2009-02-14T20:09:00.001-06:00

My big project has gone to print! I’m finished (in theory). I won’t really breathe a sigh of relief until it’s delivered to the government. That day we’re doing Happy Hour! (ok - we're also doing it today)

Valentine’s Pillows

2009-02-14T19:58:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today I had to go into the office (3 days left until my project is turned in!!!) and before I went in I ran a few errands. One of them involved going into Target.

While there, I found the Target Home Design Event was really cleaned out. At 75% off, I wandered through and found these green pillows for $6.24 each!!

They match my place perfectly! A little valentine’s gift to me!

Crazy Product #2

2009-02-12T15:59:00.000-06:00

I am always amazed at the products that are made. First the ugly unicorn-head-candle-holder. Now the ants on my cup and saucer

Nothing says appetizing like insects.

So pretty

2009-02-10T16:25:00.000-06:00

I don’t really read in bed, but I think this bed would make me start. This was my second choice when I got my bedroom set. Isn’t it pretty?

Don’t listen to Lowe’s

2009-02-09T19:21:00.001-06:00

Lowe’s is trying to be romantic for Valentine’s Day, and failing miserably.

A blender? Red, ok I get that, but a blender? Men – listen up – Never buy a woman anything that plugs in unless she specifically requests it. Even if it is red.

I’ve discovered…

2009-02-07T11:01:00.001-06:00

The reason why weekends were invented. People by nature need a few days off to rejuvenate and be able to go back in to work the following Monday.

This big project at work continues, but even though I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (drop dead finish date is Feb 18), I don’t care for giving up my nights and weekends. Only 11 more days though!!

Crazy Product

2009-02-04T22:07:00.001-06:00

Do people really buy these?

You too can own a freaky-scary head candle holder for the low, low price of $100 from Urban Outfitters. Wow.

Metal?

2009-02-04T21:45:00.001-06:00

I was browsing the Target Home Design Event (I heard a rumor that items may be going to 50% off at some stores.) I decided to browse the wall art section and came across quite a few metal wall art sculptures.

I think the last time I saw a metal wall sculpture was at my grandparent’s house when I was younger. They had a tree branch with three owls on it. I wasn’t aware that metal wall art was coming back into style.

Am I just behind the times?

Work.

2009-02-03T22:37:00.000-06:00

Grrrr.

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-02T18:08:00.001-06:00

This is (not) my first Not Me! Monday posting!! I’ve been following MckMama over at mycharmingkids for a while and now that I have a blog I can finally participate! You see, she started Not Me! Mondays and now has a huge following of folks that do it too! Head over there and read about all the things that folks did (not) do this week.

Being able to participate in Not Me Mondays is (not) one of the pro's to starting my own blog. So, in case you were wondering, I was completely perfect this last week.

I am (not) so far behind on a big project at work that is due this week that I did (not) sequester myself away in a conference room for the week so I won't be distracted. I have (not) been working on this project at work for over a year, and if I had been, I would (not) have worked on it so much that my mind is now numb.

While in seclusion I was (not) so easily distracted that I checked blogger repeatedly hoping someone had posted something more interesting than my project. If I had, and had read through everything I could get my hands on, I would (not) have felt the need to write this post, which I did (not) do while I should have been working. Not when my very big project is due in little less than three days.
Not me!

Unique Thrift Stores

2009-01-31T22:45:00.001-06:00

Over the past week or so I've been on a thrift store kick. I realized that I don't know any thrift stores here (and it's cheap furniture shopping), so I looked some up on google and travelled all over the Twin Cities to look at them. All three of the Unique Thrift Stores I went to were very nice. Huge stores, well maintained, and cheap prices. Just what I want in a thrift store! Now I'm just talking about the furniture and home portions, I didn't have the patience to look through the clothes.

I found a console that I want for $10 - really good condition.

A wing back chair for $2. The fabric was ugly and faded, but still in good condition, so it wouldn't be that hard to slipcover or re-upholster.

Lots of cute lamps! $7ish each.

I just wish I had a place for ~~all~~ any of them. Hmm. I need a bigger place.

I miss my house

2009-01-30T23:09:00.001-06:00

I like doing (some) home improvement projects. I’ve painted lots, replaced the kitchen sink, faucet & garbage disposal, I’ve removed a half wall, torn up carpet and replaced it with laminate wood floors (ok – for the floor installation I had my Dad do it and I just “helped”).

I’ve been looking at houses up here ~~which I can’t buy until I sell my Florida house~~ and most of the ones with charm have really old ~~ugly~~ bathrooms. If I were to re-do a bathroom in an older house, here’s what I would want – all available at Overstock, so probably cheaper than it would be elsewhere.

How gorgeous would this be?!?!?

So Pretty!

2009-01-30T17:50:00.001-06:00

I’ve been organizing a bit lately, and decided that I should again attempt to use my hanging file bin. Since I no longer have hanging file folders, I decided that I would buy some new ones. Pretty ones.

If the selection available at four different large office supply stores is any indication, turns out that I am one of very few people in this world that think hanging file folders should be pretty. Lots of people seem to think that interior file folders should be pretty, just not the hanging kind. They only come in army green or primary colors.

After spending all last weekend hunting for pretty hanging file folders, I finally found some. Here. Half off!! So of course I had to get the matching interior file folders too.

Look how cute!!

No-New Pledge

2009-01-29T20:10:00.001-06:00

There is a family out there who made a pledge in 2007, and again this year, not to buy any new products (food and toiletries were exceptions). Everything else they purchased that year was "used".

It's an interesting concept, and since I'm trying to save money (just like everyone else in this economy) I first thought about implementing something similar, but they make a good point - you can pay a lot for secondhand items or get new ones for really cheap (on sale or clearance). Plus, whenever I spend money I consider it my little boost to the economy. So for now - I'll just look for some great sales ;)

My current place

2009-01-29T00:14:00.001-06:00

When I moved to Minnesota, I had three weeks from the time I was offered the job to my first day. I had to pack up my house (very nice three bedroom in Oviedo, Florida – currently for sale if anyone’s interested – anyway, back to my point) sell a bunch of stuff, arrange movers, drive up here, and oh yeah – find an apartment in a city I new very little about. Of course, the apartment had to be in a good neighborhood, easy to get back and forth from work (I had never driven in snow before), allow my cat, let me view the apartment and move in the following day, and make it easy for me to deal with the change in climate. No problem!!

Lucky, a friend of mine (helping me apartment hunt) stumbled on a condo for rent right across the street from work. New building – nice and modern, heated underground garage, walk to work, heat included, will take my cat, OK with my short time frame, and all in my price range.

Here’s where I live – looks like office buildings, but it really is all condos. I’ll take some pics of the interior soon!

Ice Carving

2009-01-28T23:24:00.001-06:00

No, I am not a talented Ice Carver. These are from the St Paul Winter Carnival that I visited last weekend with some friends. This is just to give you a little taste of the Winter Carnival. Of course, you’ll have to look at them in a walk-in freezer to get a real taste – it was –15 with wind chill!!!Toughest Cowboy

Unicorns

Indian Campsite – I like the “fire” My Favorite – Love the Palm Trees :) Alice in Wonderland

Close-up of the Cheshire Cat Shark Hunting?

Shark – Love the grin :D

The Last Supper!

I Suck

2009-01-28T22:17:00.000-06:00

So, not only do I suck at writing, but I don't really like it. Why start a blog if you don't like writing (as in HATE writing)? Well, maybe I'm a glutton for punishment. Maybe I just want to jump on the blogging bandwagon. Maybe I just want a place to record my ramblings - whenever I have them - and post some photos and questions. Hmmm. Maybe I'll tire of this in a few days. Maybe not.

I Suck at Writing...

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday

Vacation and a Brick Wall

Crazy Product of The Week

Vacation

Fall

Our Nation's Capital

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday

Today...

Just a Quick Note

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of The Week

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of The Week

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of The Week

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of the Week

Not Me! Monday

Chair Re-Done

Crazy Product of The Week

New Old Chair

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of The Week

Slowly Going "Green" - Window Cleaner

Not Me! Monday

Visit

Crazy Product of the Week

Slowly Going "Green" - Freecycle/Thrift

You had me at…

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of the Week

Wall Art – DIY

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of the Week

New Old Desk

All Over the Place

Slowly Going "Green" - Recycling

What Happens in Vegas…

Crazy Product of the Week

Wall Art

Slowly Going "Green" - Grass-Fed Beef

Crazy Product of the Week

Slowly Going "Green" - Shopping Bags

Burger King

Apartments

Crazy Product of the Week

Crazy Product of the Week

Crazy Product of the Week

Crazy?!?

Not Me! Monday – on hold

Crazy Product of the Week

Apartments

Not Me! Monday

Crazy Product of the Week

The “R” Word

Not Me! Monday

Those who throw stones....

Crazy Product #5

Too long!

Not Me! Monday

Whatever happened to…

Can you tell…

Interior

Crazy Product #4

Clearance?!? *sniff*

Waiting

Kokoon

Family

Crazy Product #3

Kitty

DONE!

Valentine’s Pillows

Crazy Product #2

Clearance?!? sniff