okay so

I'm not on my phone but I'm also not on my computer.  I'm on Cosme's computer and right now there are too many flight simulator gadgets in my way.  I seriously want my computer back.  On the plus side, I'm able to upload the picture of Lucille I wanted to share yesterday.

This.

This is me without my computer.

Hopefully I'll get a call from Apple to bring my computer in to have the new video card put in any minute now…

Still waiting…

I'll find something else to do to help the time pass.

this is a first

and I don't like it one bit. I'm doing this from my phone and I absolutely hate it. I like typing on a keypad, not a phone. I like viewing this full, not on a phone. Anyway, I was on my computer last night when all of a sudden my screen went white. Well, a grayish whitish hue. I took it into the Ape store today and found out two things for sure:

1. My video card (or whatever) went out

2. It's normally $545 but for some reason I get it for free

So they ordered the part and I'll take it back in to get it replaced when they call. Since they couldn't finish running their tests without video, they'll finish that once they can see. So until then, I'm hoping for nothing but good news. 

On that note, I leave you with a picture of Lucille. Her expression while resting on Eric's guitar is a fine representation of me typing on my phone.

UPDATE: Forget it. I can't get the image to copy. I'll do it later... or on Facebook. 

so the night before last

I was lying in bed and looking on Pinterest.  There are so many different ways people have pinned to clean out and declutter.  I need to try one of them bad.  I'm running out of room and I'm just ready to throw stuff out.  I was looking over the different ways people are managing, some do a bag of stuff a day or week and others spend a month organizing a certain room.  I haven't really decided which route I'm going to take but I know it needs to be done.  To make it all even better, I've already thrown out or found new homes for a few things from my laundry room.  This is just the beginning.  It is a little overwhelming though.  Some things I know I should get rid of because I never use but then there's the "what if I need it next week" thing.  Also, it's hard to start in one room because when something needs to be taken to another room, I get sidetracked in that other room.  It's a battle, it really is.  I'll probably start next week after Mom goes back.

Today isn't off to an ideal start so I'm about to try to turn it around and TCB.  Yesterday, when Cosme got home from work, we went to the tennis court and hit balls.  After I hit our last ball out of the fence, we decided we'd leave.  According to Cosme, I have a really good swing but my timing is way off.  Oh well, I was hot, tired and HUNGRY.  We stopped by Red Top because there was a long line at Whataburger.  I probably shouldn't have ordered the pickle fries and fried burrito with chili and cheese (one of the best items they had in the school lunch line) because it kept me up not feeling so hot.  [And by the way, I wasn't even very hungry until after the tennis workout... (insert eye roll)...]  Anyway, Cosme left for work this morning and I went to lie down since I had a rough night.  I hate falling back asleep but I did.  I dozed off and now I'm off to a late start.  I have clothes washing a couple of hours later than planned, there weren't any cold Diet Dr Peppers so I'm drinking a cold carbonated water (trying to save my Coke for later in the day) and there isn't any softened butter for my peanut butter toast.  So now I need to add a trip to Kroger to my to-do list.  And to top it all off, my stomach is still feeling funky.  Oh well, live and learn.

For now I'm sharing a picture of the house, just in case they show up and start tearing the old roof off today.  I'll get a better shot from a different angle once I go outside this morning but for now, here's a general idea.

Oh, and that estimate for the walkway I asked for?  It was $500 more than one I got last year... (another eye roll, please)...

yesterday I mentioned

how I'd talk about all I got done yesterday and the things I'd gone to bed thinking about the night before.  Tomorrow.  But yes, I got most of the stuff put away.  I'm just working on deflating a tiki totem pole.

There are more important things at hand.  Yesterday I called to get an estimate on extending the back porch and getting my walkway.  Here's my idea.

Coming off the back porch a little over 6' and filling in the whole area up to the house and gate with concrete.  Then, from the gate to front yard, only having a walkway.

I sent this text to Cosme after that.

Extending the other side of the porch to the end of the house.  It was just an idea but I'm not totally sold on it.

Then, a little wishful thinking.

Adding a rounded patio area so I can set up a basketball net.  Not really.  Just doing that to add more room for chairs and maybe the fire pit, relocating the stone patio for other purposes or maybe just relocating the whole fire pit area.

And last was the full blown in-my-dreams, phase 4.

Fill in the whole area with concrete and a pool.  I guess Phase 5 of this project would be the french doors added in place of my bedroom for easier access without having to walk through the living room.

I could keep going with all this planning.  For now my goal is finding the right (best and cheapest) person to do Phase 1. 

I was sitting at the dining table in my pajamas, eating my peanut butter toast and another big truck pulled up down the street to deliver shingles.  Did I mention that just about EVERY roof in this neighborhood is being replaced?  Anyway, I was wondering which house was getting the new roof now because the house the truck pulled up to already had their shingles delivered and stacked in their driveway.  Then the doorbell rang.  Crap.  There I am in my pajamas, hair looking crazy and probably with peanut butter toast in my teeth.  I had to answer.  What if those were OUR shingles being delivered?  I answered the door, luckily he had already stepped back a few steps and I told him I'd be out to move the Mustang.  So, looks like our shingles have arrived and the next step is a new roof.

Oh, I guess I should take a before picture, like I failed to do with my furniture.  Did I mention we're going with a different color?  This should be exciting.

the luau

was fun and yesterday I was worn out and today I'm finishing the cleanup.  Well, not that there was much cleanup yesterday.  Putting a party together is a LOT of work and yesterday I rested.  I rested and watched tv and rested and watched tv and snacked on chips and dips throughout the day.

This was yesterday.

This is today.

And for some reason, while I sit here typing, this hat is staring at me, reminding me that coming in here won't make the cleanup go away. 

I will tackle this today and it will ALL be put away.  I am determined.  When I come back tomorrow, I'll tell you how it's all packed away nice and neat and then I'll tell you how thinking of it all last night as I was lying in bed, I searched Pinterest for organization and decluttering.

i shared the dresser

yesterday but here's the bed.  It's so much better than before.

Today doesn't really start the countdown to the luau because technically, countdown started once the date was set.  Today is when the for-real prep starts.  I'll probably make a cheese ball today, go over one of my MANY lists to make sure I'm not forgetting anything (which I probably am) and I'll go over the decorations to work it all out in my head.  For now I'm working on a pineapple sculpture.  It's something I saw on Pinterest and I decided to try it today for a test run.  I'll keep it in the refrigerator and if it keeps until Saturday, that's great.  If it doesn't, at least I have an idea of how it works.  If it flops all the way around, no big deal.  I've got flowers ordered to put on the table too.

Here's what I just put in the refrigerator.

Here it is with a photoshopped beak.

Here's the original I'm going by.

I think I need a little more practice.  I also think I should use something bigger for the eyes, maybe clove instead of peppercorn?  And definitely make a smaller beak.  Maybe use a smaller knife to make the head a little more rounded?  I don't know.  Like I said, I need more practice.  And if it flops?  No biggie.

For now, I'm off to my lists where there's plenty of TCB to be done... starting with a trip to the vet for Maggie.  Maybe I can fit in a few more things before then.

i finally got my dresser and

headboard back into my room.  I haven't finished the mirror so it's still in the garage but I'm fine with that.

You know, things can be a lot different online than in person.  I went to Home Depot with an idea of a few of the knobs I liked.  Some felt cheap, some looked ugly and others just weren't right.  Then I saw one that I liked but just didn't know if it would match.  I had a couple of each that I was going to bring home and try out.  I don't know what came over me next.  I put all of those back and got (what I thought was) enough for the dresser and chest.  I came home and put them on.  Here it is with the knobs I decided on, which weren't in the original lineup.

And a closeup.

There was just something about those knobs I liked.  And then I realized something.

Every door knob in the house is the same shape.  It's a good thing I like it.

well the rain has started

but on the plus side, I don't think it'll be near as bad as the hype.  No, I'm not a meteorologist but I've watched the news for years.  I guess all the people doing their grocery store stockpiling might have more to do with them thinking they'll be flooded in? Maybe?  I don't know.  I mean Houston did take a beating with the flooding a couple of weeks ago.  I'm sure Cosme wishes Houston would have another flood day.  Anyway, the center of the storm is supposed to hit around Matagorda Bay, making us on the bad side of the storm.  But my main worries right now are 1) the luau and 2) drying the yard out for the luau.

Anyway, this was yesterday

 This is today

Not bad at all but again, some of that dry weather sure would help with my to-do list... and the luau to follow.

I've been doing laundry and trying to get the last of it done this morning but here's what's been going on in the laundry room.  Strat and Lucille have found a new spot.

I guess that'll change once I finish.

i've been running around

all morning.  We've got a luau on Saturday, all the planning that goes with a party and a storm brewing in the gulf.  So, I'm trying to get as much running around as I can today while the sun is still out.  I don't get it.  It was raining earlier and now it's sunny.  Whatever, they said the rain should start this evening but I'm just hoping it turns towards Corpus Christi because I've got a LOT to do before Saturday.

Part of my running around today was trying to find something to wear to the luau.  If there's anyone whose wardrobe is anything but luau friendly, it's me.  I've got you covered for fall but a luau?  Not so much.  I found a few things at JCPenney and this is the brightest group of clothes I've worn since... probably since the 80's when everything had to be florescent.

And just because it's a luau for Mom's birthday, I even picked one shirt that's pink.

Now I'm off to run more errands while the sun is out.  Man, I sure hope that storm turns away from us.  I need some good, dry weather for party prep.

i have a picture for

today and it was my photo-a-day challenge and went to fb as well. 

These are my lists for today.  I think I might have a problem.  Is it normal to want everything listed out with details?  Is it normal for those lists to put someone in a good mood?  I'm going to take that as a yes and go on with it.  I've got one list of all the places I need to go today and then each of those places has a list of things I need once I get there.  If that wouldn't put you in a good mood then you're not normal.

One of those lists is for Home Depot, where I need to get some stepping stones and dresser knobs.  (By the way, I haven't decided and I guess I'll have to make a few phone calls before that happens and probably drink a Coke... "think about the lists Melanie, it will all be okay...")  Here's where even more awesomeness kicks in.  Lately, I've been trying to do my Kroger shopping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays because they're giving double fuel points through August 2nd.  Anyway, I checked my email this morning and they're doing 4X fuel points on gift cards!  Maybe it's only me but I LOVE that.  This means I'm going to get a Home Depot gift card from Kroger before my shopping trip, in addition to a Dominos card and anywhere else I think I might can use in this busy week coming up.  I doubt I'll get the 2X points on top of the 4X points but I don't care.  I'll take the 4X points and my awesome lists.  And to top it off, MY CAR NEEDS GAS.  Now is where the Melanie way of thinking kicks in.  I hope all this wonderful stuff putting me in a great mood this morning isn't some way of balancing out dreadful stuff to come.  For now, I'm going to enjoy it and buy those gift cards and fill up with gas with a discount and try not to think about what's going to happen to kill this mood.

it's not that i don't

appreciate the fact that there are people who get paid to do services for everyone, whether is due to lack of time or lack of knowledge, but I've really had enough lately.  Like I said, I'm glad someone is available to do the work I don't want to do or don't know how to do but I've got one word.  No I don't, I have too many words but let's just simplify it and start with "respect".  Respect of other people's belongings.  Respect of other people's property.  Respect of other people's space.  I won't expand on it here but this is Eric's car. 

Like I said, I won't get into it here and I won't even text about it... but if you want to call me, I will totally go to town.  I'm trying not to get worked up because let's face it, it's a dent and isn't 1,000 times worse.  But again, "respect", people.  RESPECT.

On the bright side, everyone is well and I'm sitting here drinking a Coke.  I've got a luau to plan and invitations to finish, shopping to do and meals to eat.  Things are pretty good.  Just don't get me riled up and things will stay that way.

i've been a little busy

today.  Actually, I've been a lot busy today.  First, here's the headboard I painted the other day.

I think it's ready to go back to the bedroom.

Paige came over today and helped me with the dresser.  Here it is.

Now I just need to let it dry and find knobs for the drawers.  I have a few in mind.  (Side note: that dresser was a PITA since those drawers wouldn't come out.  Nobody tell me there's a secret to it now because it's too late and I'm not going back.)  I think we'll start the last piece on Monday and in the meantime, I'll think more about whether or not I should do my dining table and chairs and decide on knobs.

I kind of like these too but don't think they'd match the the style of the furniture.

Decisions, decisions.

and then there

was a fence.

Now I just need to start my planning for a walkway and landscaping... and patio extension.  I have something like this in mind, but leaving a little space, maybe with rock, for access to the breaker box and all that mess.

I do think something like this would be good too.

But I like things a certain way and that seems too rounded and off balance.  If that makes any sense. I don't know.  I just don't know.  I guess I better find out how much it costs first.

the fence was torn

down and the rebuild was started on Saturday.  They ran out of pickets and had been working all day so they stopped for the day.  The dogs had been in the cage most of the day, except for when I took them out for bathroom breaks on their leashes.  (One of those times ending with me on my back on the back patio, no leashes on the dogs but me with a death grip on their collars and them licking and slobbering on my face.)  Anyway, I guess hope they're coming back to finish the fence today.  They had to come back to put some of the old fence sections up in the gaps to keep the dogs in.  Let me tell you about Maggie.  She doesn't care and is determined.  We cranked the intensity up on the wire fence to keep them further away from the gaps.  Maggie ran right through.  Several times.  Archer was hanging back and whining but Maggie busted through like nothing.  Anyway, the old fence is up to keep her in and I'm anxious to see the finished product.

Here's where we are now.

We made a couple of changes.
1.  The single gate was originally going to be 2' from the house.  I decided to go with 3' so there would be more options for that strip.  Instead of doing just rock, I was thinking more of something green with mulch and rock to match the rest of the flower beds.

2.  The old double gate was 11' wide.  We're going with a little over 9' for the new one.

Sounds like the other neighbor's roofers are here.  The dogs are trying to let everyone know.  As soon as my fencers get here, I'll lock them up and that should help with a little peace and quiet.  For now, I guess I'll head back to the garage to get a little more painting done on my bedroom furniture.  TCB.

so here's the

deal.  I did Monday's post and then that afternoon, went to pick up a can of paint from Leasa and I've been a little sidetracked ever since.  Paige has moved back home and is looking for a job but until then, I am finding a way for her to earn a little cash here and there.  Yesterday she came over and CLEANED OUT Eric's room.  We're talking total purge.  There is so much trash out on the side of the road today.  It's hard to believe all of that came out of one small room.  Now is where the paint enters the story.  She said she would help me paint my bedroom furniture... something I've been thinking about doing for a LONG time.  Anyway, Leasa uses this chalk paint that doesn't need any prep work or anything like that.  I wanted to see how it worked so I picked up a can from her and tried a little spot on an old nightstand.  It flopped.  I knew the nightstand wasn't the best quality so I said to myself "screw it" and disassembled my dresser mirror and hauled it out to the garage to test.  Here it is after a light first coat on a little section of it.

Yeah, yeah.  "The 90's called and they want their furniture back."  Once upon a time, Broyhill Fontana was a good look.

I figured if it looked bad, I would just get a different mirror to hang in its place.  Then I finished with the paint.

And liked the look.  (So much for that other mirror...)  Oh, ignore all those trash bags in the background.  They're filled with clothes to drop off.  (Everyone better watch out.  I'm in the throwing out mood.)

Anyway, there are a couple of other steps to finishing so I need to do that this morning.  I'm so excited to finally change up my furniture.

Next up: the dining table and chairs.  Now I just need to get busy before she finds a job.

back around 1978 or so

I was at a friend's house.  Suzanne (my friend) and I were in her front yard and I don't know what she was doing but I was trying to master the pogo stick.  Being about 5 or 6, it wasn't an easy task and I wasn't having much luck.  I had an idea to balance against a tree to get started... so I did.  I went to the closest tree, put my left foot on the pogo stick and went to put my right hand on the tree and SQUISH.  I put my hand straight onto a circle of about the same size and that circle was moving.  I just remember the horror.  It was traumatic.  I've always been a sissy and probably always will be.  (A funny little side note that I pointed out to my sister a few years ago: while I am a total sissy, she is the exact opposite and NOT a sissy.  Not only is she not a sissy, she's pretty close to the opposite end of that spectrum.  On the other hand, my sister it TOTALLY girlie while I'm definitely not girlie.  The last time I wore a shoe with any type of heel was probably over 5 years ago and mascara?  Forget it.)  So, I don't know what the moving squishy circle was but I just knew it had to be a circle of worms and I tried to scrub my hand so hard just to get rid of the feeling.  It was an awful thing for a sissy like me.  I never saw one of those "worm circles" again... until yesterday.  We were in the backyard and I was inspecting the tree, making sure no worms or critters would be falling from it while I was standing underneath and then I saw a circle... and then another... and then another.  I was starting to doubt my experience.  I mean let's face it, I was little and I've never seen one since.  Maybe it was a dream?  No.  When I saw the living circle, the feeling came back to my hand and I just wanted to scrub it against my jeans to make it go away.  Right now I'm getting the willies just thinking about it.

So anyway, approximately 37 years later and the "worm circle" was spotted again.  Now I took a closer look this time, not having to run off and scream, and I don't think it was worms... which put me a little more at ease but still.  I'm about to post pictures of my tree outback and I don't want to know what it is, ESPECIALLY if it's worse than a worm circle.  I don't need that kind of trauma.