While You Were Out...

Mama Mia, P2,

While you were away, I, uh, changed a few things.

Welcome back!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I actually will miss their reactions.  I arrived in Texas on Tuesday evening and the parental unit arrives home from California today.  I'll find out their reaction when I return next week.  In the meantime, I'm helping my bestest friend with some pre-wedding details.  The wedding is on Saturday and there are a few more items to finalize.  I'll see you all next week!

All.Most.Done.

The bathroom is nearly done.

Meanwhile...

The Little Mermaid called. She wanted her sea shells back. She was very upset that anyone would think to use her shells as light fixtures in the first place.

I was happy to be rid of them.

I didn't stay happy for long. Seems those shells covered more wall space than the new fixture I chose. Back to patching, spackling, sanding, and painting.

It's been an adventure to say the least and I anticipate a long, long break before I try any more projects around the house. I am happy to report that, despite a few setbacks, I still seem to be level headed. This could change if I don't finish soon!

Excuse Me

Today is Friday?!

That's impossible. I haven't written a blog post for Wednesday yet.

And what about Thursday? When was Thursday? ...no... I was here all day yesterday and it wasn't Thursday.

Does anyone have a few days I can borrow? I have way too much to accomplish before next week. My bestest friend is getting married next Saturday and I still need to figure out what I'm wearing. My family returns from California on Wednesday and the bathroom isn't quite finished.

Life! Slow down, you move too fast. You've got to let the morning last...

The Record of Charlottalove

While blog surfing once, I stumbled upon a blog documenting some home repairs. The writer likened remodeling projects to the 'begat' chapters in Genesis. Just as the genealogical list goes on verse after verse, home repairs seem to never end. Introducing, The Record of Charlottalove.

1. For behold, I, Charlottalove, did desire a new bathroom.

2. And the family left for the land of California last Wednesday.

3. And the bathroom project commenced Wednesday night.

4. And behold the family did not know and the bathroom would be a surprise when they returned.

5. And I did have confidence that I could finish before they returned and I began.

6. And I did remove the wallpaper.

7. Removing the wallpaper begat spackling the wall.

8. Spackling begat sanding.

9. Sanding begat (cough, cough) lots of dust and a scratchy throat.

10. Dust begat sweeping.

11. And the wall paper could not be removed behind the toilet.

12. And the toilet was moved.

13. And the water and not been completely drained. The water begat mopping.

14. And I began to like the new chair in the kitchen and had a vision. Behold, the bathroom would be an unfinished pantry.

15. And I calmed down.

16. And I saw the pile of colors on the counter top. And behold I did begin to have a headache.

17. And it came to pass that I could not decide on a color. And the colors were many. And I still have not decided.

18. And behold, I have taken time to rethink my decision to redo the bathroom and I will not redo the floor.

19. For behold, my mind can not comprehend what that will begat.

20. And I, Charlottalove, make an end of this record until tonight after work.

21. For behold, that is when the project will continue.

22. And I shall begin painting which, in the beginning, was my only desire.

Magic Eye

Several years ago, I became hooked to Magic Eye books. At first glace, the picture appears to be a page full of random shapes, colors, and lines. After staring for awhile - and going cross eyed in some cases - a 3D picture emerges. I loved those books!

One day while thinking in the guest bathroom downstairs, I found myself staring at the wallpaper.

GACK!!!

It's Magic Eye art. Can you see the message? Look closely.

The word TACKY practically screams as it jumps off the wall.

TACKY, TACKY, TACKY...

Well no more.

Abracadabra! TACKY Magic Eye bathroom, your trick will soon be over.

Sticky Situation

“Duct tape is like The Force – it has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together.”

…or in this case, vintage orange pews with cracks.

From the (Soft) Lips of Babes

I attended a facial party recently. The pampering was wonderful and I decided to purchase two products. A few days later Little Boy Blue noticed me applying some lotion.

"What is that?"
"It's lotion for your lips."
"Why are you using it?

Always loving an opportunity to tease my younger brother with the topic of cooties, I responded, "It makes my lips soft and kissable. Want some?"
"Ew, no."
"You sure...?"
"Why are you using that anyway? You're not dating anyone. You aren't even close to dating anyone."

Thanks Little Boy Blue. Now all I want to do is watch a chick flick and eat ice cream from the container.

Eat it with my soft lips, that is!

A Final Love Letter: Part III

Although I didn't realize at the time, November 1995 was a sad month. Bill Watterson announced his retirement from writing the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes.

Moment of silence please.

Thank you.

I think this is why I love this mural. If I didn't know better, I'd say our Calvin friend is desperately trying to escape the grasp of some evil monster below. The monster attempts dialogue with Calvin boy but the 'eeps' and 'orps' go unanswered.

Until you look around the corner.

Seems someone understood the monsters and answered back in foreign tongue. Anyone versed in graffiti? I'd sure like to know if I'm posting something vulgar.

You say it could be gang related?!

Eep! Orp! Gotta jet! Calvin...wait!

A Love Letter: Part II

I had a roommate in college who loved this pickup line. “Wanna come over to my place for pizza and a make-out?” She would wait for a reply in the affirmative then say, “Well, I actually don’t like pizza but come over anyway.”

Every time I drive by a mural that marks the entrance to a pizza joint in town, that pick up line comes to mind. At first glace one sees a group of people running towards a common location. Someone holds a sign for PIZZA and other for SUBS.

But look again. Closer this time...

Is that a pregnant woman next to a bride and groom? And what’s with the boy dressed as Robin? A broken leg; an umpire; and what is that nurse holding? I don’t know what type of pizza/sub party this is but I’m not hungry anymore. Suddenly I don’t like pizza. And please don’t come over anyway.

...and lest you forget what town you are in, where is everyone running?

To see the gator leashed by the bulldog of course!

That’s right. Go DAWGS.

A Love Letter: Part I

The first few months after I moved to Athens, Georgia, I tried, unsuccessfully, to find people exactly like my friends in Utah and Texas. The restaurants just weren't the same. The street names were funny. I did not like Georgia. The transition wasn't overnight. Little by little I figured out the roads. I tried new foods. I met some wonderful people. I started to enjoy Georgia. Of course, it would never be home but, at least it was bearable.

Athens is a fantastic city. It has a way of helping the most stubborn person fall head over heels in love with the culture and idiosyncrasies of the city. I found these jazz murals tucked on a side road near my office. The man with his harmonica, a hand strumming a guitar, and the woman clutching the microphone seem to wash away my Monday blues each time I drive to work. It's little details like this that make this city come alive.

I never thought I'd say this ~ Athens Georgia, I love you!

IMDb Files

In a recent post, I admitted that I'm not the best when it comes to filing. Well, I've had several opportunities at work to practice. Two of my coworkers, Ted and Bo, are overseeing a project. Occasionally they need to buy additional items to ensure a quality building. The project manager asked me to make a file for their receipts.

Consider it done.

Who says filing is boring?

I secretly wish Bo's name was 'Bill' but the joke still works. I'm patiently waiting for the day someone notices my system.