Saturday, April 21, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Happy Friday!
Some days I don't think I'm going to make it to the end of the week alive! I was sick all week. So sick that yesterday I fell on myself (very very gracefully---right heel got caught in fancy bow of left heel and I went down) onto the floor and bruised the shit out of my elbow and my pride.
I few things I learned or re-learned this week (actual circumstances and numbers have been changed to protect confidentiality, though no names are used):
1) If you have $25MM dollars in the bank you should not be able to benefit from my free legal aid clinic that I volunteer my time for...you have means to hire someone. I'm used to dealing with people who have very limited access to any resources and you spent more last year on hiring forensic accountants that I made in an entire year of work....I don't think you should be able to come to legal aid.
2) If you are cash poor but have a $5MM asset and need money to live on, you should sell the $5MM asset! I hate rich people problems. Please don't tell me you are poor and have no money when so many people have so much less. Be thankful. And take control of your situation!
3) I hate being an attorney. Had a very difficult exchange with another attorney that actually made me physically ill because I felt so defeated after.
4) I need to do things I like to do everyday. Because I will die. And I want to have a life that is well-lived and not just complained through.
5) I really need to hang my blinds already. It's been over a month with stick on shades and pieces of fabric on the windows. Oh and a bit of flashing.
6) I need an air conditioner.
7) I hate fax machines. And phones.
8) I need to start running. I need something to get me out of the house that isn't dog walking and that I can vent my frustration outward instead of internally.
9) I need to sleep more. Case in point: freaked out on Husbando because he wrote some thank you notes without updating the master wedding list. I am a joy to be married to.
10) I need to say NO NO NO to more things. Just say no kids. Especially when you think you want to go to law school.
I few things I learned or re-learned this week (actual circumstances and numbers have been changed to protect confidentiality, though no names are used):
1) If you have $25MM dollars in the bank you should not be able to benefit from my free legal aid clinic that I volunteer my time for...you have means to hire someone. I'm used to dealing with people who have very limited access to any resources and you spent more last year on hiring forensic accountants that I made in an entire year of work....I don't think you should be able to come to legal aid.
2) If you are cash poor but have a $5MM asset and need money to live on, you should sell the $5MM asset! I hate rich people problems. Please don't tell me you are poor and have no money when so many people have so much less. Be thankful. And take control of your situation!
3) I hate being an attorney. Had a very difficult exchange with another attorney that actually made me physically ill because I felt so defeated after.
4) I need to do things I like to do everyday. Because I will die. And I want to have a life that is well-lived and not just complained through.
5) I really need to hang my blinds already. It's been over a month with stick on shades and pieces of fabric on the windows. Oh and a bit of flashing.
6) I need an air conditioner.
7) I hate fax machines. And phones.
8) I need to start running. I need something to get me out of the house that isn't dog walking and that I can vent my frustration outward instead of internally.
9) I need to sleep more. Case in point: freaked out on Husbando because he wrote some thank you notes without updating the master wedding list. I am a joy to be married to.
10) I need to say NO NO NO to more things. Just say no kids. Especially when you think you want to go to law school.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Hiking
There are so many beautiful trails in Marin. This one is 3 minutes from my house. So beautiful!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Ralph on the front porch
We don't have a front fence but I do have the old collapsible green movable fence that is keeping him restrained from the street. Can't wait to get a front porch glider!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Birthday Banner
A low cost way to make a cute birthday banner! All you need are the following: scissors, painter's tape, and fun colored scrapbooking paper!
How to Refinish Wood Furniture
We have a lot of old wood furniture that is about 30 years old and hasn't been refinished in many many years. We don't have a ton of money right now, so the obvious thing was to refinish what we have until we can buy new.
I spent about a half hour at OSH looking at actual cans of paint, before I got discouraged and decided to go with spray paint again. I already had my eye mask and breathing mask and gloves from last time, but I bought more plastic tarps and some more sand paper.
Last time, I made the mistake of buying a spray paint that was a paint and primer in one. I thought I was being very efficient, but what I learned was that it's not a good paint and it's not a good primer!
This time, I selected a middle of the line spray paint and white primer. Here is what I did:
Step 1: Wipe all the surfaces that you're going to spray down with a damp cloth and let dry. Follow with a light sanding, and wipe down again. I spray painted outdoors this time. Last time I did it in the garage and I thought I was going to asphyxiate myself. Remove any knobs or hardware you don't want to get painted
Step 2: Lay down the tarp and start priming! Do not do this on a windy day. I also started with gardening gloves on which was a bad idea because you get paint all over your gloves and you don't have a good feel where the paint is actually going. Use latex gloves, and don't forget your safety glasses and mask!
Step 3: Let it dry while you watch your dog try to figure out what the eff you're doing. I brought the pieces in to dry inside the house overnight and then did another coat, then brought it inside again for another 24 hours or so. I let everything dry in the sun as long as possible.
Step 4: Spray with your paint! I really liked this green on the can, and it looks ok in our bedroom but I'm still not totally sold. I may repaint it in a few months.
Step 5: Again, let dry 24 hours and then repaint if needed. I had a few areas where I too heavily painted the sides...and also areas I missed.
I spent about a half hour at OSH looking at actual cans of paint, before I got discouraged and decided to go with spray paint again. I already had my eye mask and breathing mask and gloves from last time, but I bought more plastic tarps and some more sand paper.
Last time, I made the mistake of buying a spray paint that was a paint and primer in one. I thought I was being very efficient, but what I learned was that it's not a good paint and it's not a good primer!
This time, I selected a middle of the line spray paint and white primer. Here is what I did:
Step 1: Wipe all the surfaces that you're going to spray down with a damp cloth and let dry. Follow with a light sanding, and wipe down again. I spray painted outdoors this time. Last time I did it in the garage and I thought I was going to asphyxiate myself. Remove any knobs or hardware you don't want to get painted
Step 2: Lay down the tarp and start priming! Do not do this on a windy day. I also started with gardening gloves on which was a bad idea because you get paint all over your gloves and you don't have a good feel where the paint is actually going. Use latex gloves, and don't forget your safety glasses and mask!
Step 3: Let it dry while you watch your dog try to figure out what the eff you're doing. I brought the pieces in to dry inside the house overnight and then did another coat, then brought it inside again for another 24 hours or so. I let everything dry in the sun as long as possible.
Step 4: Spray with your paint! I really liked this green on the can, and it looks ok in our bedroom but I'm still not totally sold. I may repaint it in a few months.
Step 5: Again, let dry 24 hours and then repaint if needed. I had a few areas where I too heavily painted the sides...and also areas I missed.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Roasting chicken with root vegetables
Thanks to Quynh for our amazing housewarming pan! We are cooking chicken breast tenders with zucchini, carrots, potatoes, onions, lemon pepper, honey and olive oil. Throw in pan and bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned. Or charred....if you're paranoid about salmonella....
Monday, April 9, 2012
Setting up the Craft Room
We just moved and I have a fully dedicated craft room for the first time in my life!
Here is what the craft room looked like before we moved in. The people who owned it before us put all new carpets in (hence the plastic), and painted everything beige (I LOVE BEIGE) and painted the trim and doors white.
It is a SMALL room. Which is perfect for crafting and probably won't be commandeered by a kid for a few years. The first thing I needed was a sewing table. My husbando had a really old corner table that he used to use as a desk. I sanded it down and spray painted it. Not my best handiwork, but it looks great in the space.
This is what the table looked like before.
And after....with my beautiful Bernina on it.
One of my next posts will be a spray painting tutorial. This was my first attempt at spray painting, so I learned a lot for my next foray into painting the dressers.
Here is what the craft room looked like before we moved in. The people who owned it before us put all new carpets in (hence the plastic), and painted everything beige (I LOVE BEIGE) and painted the trim and doors white.
It is a SMALL room. Which is perfect for crafting and probably won't be commandeered by a kid for a few years. The first thing I needed was a sewing table. My husbando had a really old corner table that he used to use as a desk. I sanded it down and spray painted it. Not my best handiwork, but it looks great in the space.This is what the table looked like before.
And after....with my beautiful Bernina on it.
One of my next posts will be a spray painting tutorial. This was my first attempt at spray painting, so I learned a lot for my next foray into painting the dressers.
How to Make a Succulent Wreath
I've been toying with this idea for awhile but didn't know where to start. This is my first attempt at a succulent wreath and I really don't know how well the plants will root, or if it will ever be able to be hung on a door or gate.
Here's what I used for my succulent wreath (succulents, wire wreath frames (2), moss, wire cutters, wire, and you will need a big bowl or bucket:
Next, soak the moss in water for about 15 minutes. The moss will absorb the water and be easy to push into the wire frame.
Next, secure the wire wreath frames to each other with the wire.
Next, shove the moss into the wreath form.
Until it is fully filled with moss.
Next, gather your succulents and cut them to size, leaving as long as stem as you can. You may have to secure some of the cuttings with wire until they start growing in the moss.
This is what the final wreath looks like.
Leave your wreath flat for about a month so the cuttings can take root. If I were to do this again, I would use more varieties of succulents and have attach the cuttings with wire to the frame. I would also soak the moss longer as my wreath keeps drying out. Even succulents need some moisture.
Here's what I used for my succulent wreath (succulents, wire wreath frames (2), moss, wire cutters, wire, and you will need a big bowl or bucket:
Next, soak the moss in water for about 15 minutes. The moss will absorb the water and be easy to push into the wire frame.
Next, secure the wire wreath frames to each other with the wire.
Next, shove the moss into the wreath form.
Until it is fully filled with moss.
Next, gather your succulents and cut them to size, leaving as long as stem as you can. You may have to secure some of the cuttings with wire until they start growing in the moss.
This is what the final wreath looks like.
Leave your wreath flat for about a month so the cuttings can take root. If I were to do this again, I would use more varieties of succulents and have attach the cuttings with wire to the frame. I would also soak the moss longer as my wreath keeps drying out. Even succulents need some moisture.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
First Fire in the new house
I'm a little terrified we will burn down the house....but that's what insurance is for right?
And I'm getting rid of my shredding problem...using it as kindling!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Friday Eve Foot Snuggle
Happy effing almost Friday! Watching Game of Thrones with husbando! And drinking!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Gardening in Diamonds
I decided when I got engaged that I would be one of those people who never takes on her rings. What does that mean? That means showering, dishes, driving, spray painting, and all means of garden work get done with diamonds on, which is at the same time fancy and terrifying that the nicest thing I have I have choosing to slowly destroy. I'm more afraid of losing the rings though. The only official time I take them off is when I make bread (kneading dough does not work with rings or nails) and that is when I clean them.
Yesterday was a day I started "gardening." It's "gardening" and not gardening because all I really did was shovel tanbark into the green bin. I love having a green bin by the way--makes me feel like a grown up.
Our yard was styled by the investment group we bought it from. They dumped tanbark in the yard and planted some new random plants. This is what it looked like when we moved in.
Ralph is not such a fan of the tanbark. The first thing I did was dig out a section of plants and tanbark to be able to lay a small patch of sod. Because sod is soooooo heavy I have to do it in stages. When I called Home Depot yesterday to see if they delivered sod, I got hung up on when they transferred me to the garden section, and I wasn't that motivated so I didn't pursue it. I know--how do I ever get anything done? Just another example of how much I hate talking on the phone and/or dealing with other humans.
Here is Ralph hiding in the corner waiting for his Dad to come home while I dig out plants. That dark brown area on the left is now where the sod is.
Not my best work, but Ralph seems to like it. I need to get more sod to fill in the holes. But the crazy plants are gone. I'm going to re-plant some of the smaller ones on the entrance area on the left as a border.
Yesterday was a day I started "gardening." It's "gardening" and not gardening because all I really did was shovel tanbark into the green bin. I love having a green bin by the way--makes me feel like a grown up.
Our yard was styled by the investment group we bought it from. They dumped tanbark in the yard and planted some new random plants. This is what it looked like when we moved in.
Ralph is not such a fan of the tanbark. The first thing I did was dig out a section of plants and tanbark to be able to lay a small patch of sod. Because sod is soooooo heavy I have to do it in stages. When I called Home Depot yesterday to see if they delivered sod, I got hung up on when they transferred me to the garden section, and I wasn't that motivated so I didn't pursue it. I know--how do I ever get anything done? Just another example of how much I hate talking on the phone and/or dealing with other humans.
Here is Ralph hiding in the corner waiting for his Dad to come home while I dig out plants. That dark brown area on the left is now where the sod is.
Not my best work, but Ralph seems to like it. I need to get more sod to fill in the holes. But the crazy plants are gone. I'm going to re-plant some of the smaller ones on the entrance area on the left as a border.
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