Header by Samuli

It’s been a busy week in my household. Wallpaper removal (you’re right Janet, wallpaper steamers are worth their weight in gold!), sanding, taping, prime the edges, prime the walls, prime the edges again, prime the walls again, more taping, paint the edges of three walls and paint three walls. That’s how far I’ve come so far.

After I write this post I’m going to throw another coat of yellow on the edges and walls. Then start with the red. Oh, did I not mention red? The wall to the left (that you can’t see) in this picture will be daredevil red. Many thanks to Janet for convincing me to take the plunge.

So here are 13 things I’ve learned from this project thus far.

1. Removing (some types of) wallpaper is much, much easier with a steamer. They only sell one brand of steamer at Home Depot, which has me surprised since it’s much “greener” that the six gazillion brands of chemical wallpaper remover spray.
2. I really don’t enjoy sanding.
3. I really do enjoy painting. I like applying blue tape to the edges, I like painting the edges and minute details and I like working with a roller (especially the mini ones!).
4. While step-stools really do help get those hard-to-reach ceiling edges, they also help you develop shin bruises from leaning against the hard metal edge. Note to step-stool manufacturers: move the edge more toward the back of the stool edge and/or pad it.
5. Cover everything with plastic sheeting. You WILL get paint everywhere, even if you’re convinced you’ll be careful.
6. Get used to getting paint on yourself. It’s actually really useful when explaining the new color of your walls. Just show them the paint swatch on your bruised shin.
7. This probably goes without saying, but one should always wear clothes that can get paint on them. Because no matter how careful you are, your clothes will be painted.
8. It’s not really enjoyable to watch paint dry.
9. It’s inadvisable to allow any type of pet into the room that you are painting. While you may be tempted to dip fluffy or fido into your can of paint and rub them against the walls, they really are not the best painting implements. I find a brush or roller works much better.
10. Listen to the radio while you paint. Two hours of painting with Tom Ashbrook go by really fast.
11. Take lots of breaks but beware of short attention spans, it may be three hours before you remember that the paint dried two hours ago.
12. Do read up on painting. The pros really know what’s best.
13. I’m so ready for the painting to be done. Half of the house is in chaos and I can’t find anything!

What have you learned about painting?

*****

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Header by Samuli

They weren’t kidding when they said that the job search is tough right now. In between applying for the few jobs that are out there, I’ve been up to my chin with projects. I LOVE projects.

So here are 13 items on my project list

1. A photo collage for Janet.
   I’ve got all the required tools and supplies. It’s just a matter of getting it done.
2. Thank you cards.
   I was so good about getting my thank you cards out for the shower, but I’ve been a little delayed on the wedding ones. For good reason, I’m printing photos to go into every thank you card and then I had to find big enough cards. Now that I’ve got all I need, it’s just a matter prioritizing.
3. New web site design and implementation.
   A friend of a past client of mine suggested me for this great new web design project. Waiting for a signed contract.
4. Design web site for my cookin’ cousin.
5. Start new blog similar to my shopping blog A Girl Must Shop, but even BETTER!
6. Create a resume site for myself.
7. Declutter and reorganize my “office/closet”.
   My husband is buying me an elliptical and I need to make room for it in my room. This means lots and lots of cleaning.
8. Crafts.
   I had so much fun crafting for the wedding, that I’m going to try some new ones like tile and marble pendants and magnets, jewelry, bulletin boards, etc. Along with my trusty sidekicks – mom and BFF. The sky’s the limit.
9. The gahden.
   I”m totally not a green thumb. Or I haven’t been, but apparently it’s genetic. My gram is a huge gardener, as is my mum and sis and MIL and BFF. So, along with motivation from new husband, i’ve planted bulbs, annuals, herbs, veggies and plenty of flowers. My rose bush(es) are kicking bootie, too!
10. The basement.
    This should be more than one item on the list since it includes organizing and purging our storage areas and setting up a little craft nook in the basement bedroom.
11. De-wallpaper
    We bought our house about 3 years ago, I think and we still have 90% of the really terrible wallpaper on the walls. I bought a wallpaper steamer with a wedding gift card from Home Depot today and I am going to kick that wallpaper’s butt!
12. Paint.
    I have to tell you kids, I LOVE to paint. There’s just something about the finite details and how a new coat of paint can transform an area. Picking out colors for my room (closet/office/soon-to-be-gym).
13. Read, relax, improve thyself.

If you had unlimited time, what projects would you take on?

*****

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Wow! It’s been almost a month since the wedding! It’s been a whirlwind. A wonderful day, a few days off, 8 lovely days in Punta Cana, a week or two and then I was off to Philly last weekend with Janet to watch and celebrate our good friend become Dr. Heather.

So to start off, I’m going to list 13 of my favorite wedding day moments.

1. Spending the entire morning chilling and getting ready with my girls. It was such a fun yet mellow time!
2. Hearing my girls spout profanity in unison to cheer me up about the one snafu of the day.
3. My amazing makeup artist (and new friend!) Nancy not only making me beautiful, but helping to keep me calm and making me FEEL beautiful, too.
4. Seeing Jimbo for the first time! He’s so handsome!
5. The best man dropping the rings during the ceremony.
6. The first dance (to Lionel Richie’s “Stuck on You”). Loves, hugs and kisses with my new husband. The best place in the world.
7. The best man’s speech. Amazing!
8. My mom. She had such fun and was so proud and surprised when I presented her with my bouquet.
9. Father/Daughter dance. Dad and I had So. Much. Fun!
10. Mother/Son Dance. I had a hard time keeping my tears at bay. This man is my huband!
11. The cake. OMG it was the best cake EVER!
12. My photographer, Erik. He made every since picture fun!
13. Freedom from worries provided by Leslie, Danielle and Erin – my amazing wedding planners.

See more wedding pictures here.

*****

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

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