Only I can get hurt while painting. I suck at painting. I suppose in my defense, I wasn't painting at the time when I got hurt. I was actually cleaning up from painting when I took a header off my back porch.
The header was not intentional of course. Since the new year, Karen and I have been tackling some home improvement projects. After all, I finally purchased an air compressor and a set of nail guns to use... after talking about it for years upon years. Granted, I have yet to use the aforementioned nail gun and compressor because I have yet to get to that part of the checklist for the home improvement projects. But it's coming... and now I'm prepared.
Regardless, Karen and I have been focusing on our back mudroom area. Our back mudroom, which is off of our kitchen, has been in a sad state for probably close to if not over ten years. It was one of the first areas of the house that we started to work on because, at the time when we had purchase our house, the back mudroom had a sliver of a door that no one could possible fit through that led to a green tiled bathroom. (For anyone curious, we moved the door from back mudroom to the kitchen... and renovated the bathroom thanks to the help of some of our friends.)
Unfortunately, with all of the other renovations that Karen and I have done to our current place, the back mudroom has remained unfinished. It still had compound on the walls, etc. It was the only room that we never made pretty. That is, until recently.
Well, the room is still not "pretty", but it's a lot closer now to being finished than it has been in quite some time. I spent a few nights sanding the joint compound. I installed some molding to replace the dark existing molding. And as of today, Karen and I painted the room. Of course, Karen did most of the painting because... I suck at painting.
I actually don't think I'm that bad at painting. I just don't like doing it. I'd rather be using a power tool of some sort. And as a mental note, use angled brushes. Angled brushes are great for corners. I wish I knew that earlier when I painted some of the other rooms.
Anyway, the back mudroom, in my opinion, looks a lot better with a new coat of paint. It's amazing what paint does to a room. There is still a lot to do for the back mudroom, but at least it looks a lot better than it did.
Oh, as for my header... I'm sure it must have looked quite comical had someone been watching me. I was cleaning some tools on our back porch that leads to the mudroom. As I went down the stairs carrying a bag of trash, I just slipped and down I went. Apparently, our porch was a little slick from the rain... or something. I actually think I left a mark on the porch where my sneakers slid off the stairs.
I'm okay. I just have a scrape from my elbow to my wrist on my arm. I think this is a sign that I shouldn't clean up after home improvement projects. We'll see how tomorrow goes when I'm supposed to install the floor for the back mudroom.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Saturday, January 5, 2013
I Suck At Silly Swaps
Tonight, my friends held our annual silly swap. Too bad I suck at silly swaps.
In conjunction with the silly swap, we also celebrated my friends' (Garv and Leeann) birthdays, both of whom were born in the month of January. January is the last month of our friend/birthday cycle. The cycle runs August to January, where each month contains the birthday of one of my friends. November is actually the only month in the cycle that no longer has a celebratory birthday boy/girl.
Anyway, my friends (Marc and Kelley) invited everyone over for taco night. In addition to the birthday people of the month, joining in on the festivities were my friends (Cass, Ellen, and Andrea) and my BFF (Kerry).
Needless to say, tonight was a blast. I had a great time hanging out with everyone. And as usual, the food was delicious. As for the silly swap itself, tonight's gifts were pretty funny. I ended up with a photo calendar of my slow descent into inebriation during Garv and Leeann's wedding.
It seems like Karen's gift was quite the hit as well. Karen made coasters with certain celebrities on them. Garv was quite giddy to use the Taylor Swift coaster. Of course, he was quite ecstatic about his silly swap gift as well: a Taylor Swift DVD. Technically, the gift was taken from him, but Ellen was kind enough to give it to him at the end.
Among some of the other discussions that came about during the course of the night were Andrea's desire to go to Target before her vacation, Garv's sickness/internal bleeding (it wasn't internal bleeding), flu shots, Kelley's "list", Garv's request for coasters (of Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Connie Britton, and Stephen Colbert), and Kerry's sad stocking gifts.
It definitely was a comical night, especially since most of us were practically brain-drained tonight with Kerry spilling water... everywhere... and Leeann dropping her taco. Plus, all of us watched some Jaboody Dubs which is always good for a laugh or two. I'm definitely lucky to have such good friends.
In conjunction with the silly swap, we also celebrated my friends' (Garv and Leeann) birthdays, both of whom were born in the month of January. January is the last month of our friend/birthday cycle. The cycle runs August to January, where each month contains the birthday of one of my friends. November is actually the only month in the cycle that no longer has a celebratory birthday boy/girl.
Anyway, my friends (Marc and Kelley) invited everyone over for taco night. In addition to the birthday people of the month, joining in on the festivities were my friends (Cass, Ellen, and Andrea) and my BFF (Kerry).
Needless to say, tonight was a blast. I had a great time hanging out with everyone. And as usual, the food was delicious. As for the silly swap itself, tonight's gifts were pretty funny. I ended up with a photo calendar of my slow descent into inebriation during Garv and Leeann's wedding.
It seems like Karen's gift was quite the hit as well. Karen made coasters with certain celebrities on them. Garv was quite giddy to use the Taylor Swift coaster. Of course, he was quite ecstatic about his silly swap gift as well: a Taylor Swift DVD. Technically, the gift was taken from him, but Ellen was kind enough to give it to him at the end.
Among some of the other discussions that came about during the course of the night were Andrea's desire to go to Target before her vacation, Garv's sickness/internal bleeding (it wasn't internal bleeding), flu shots, Kelley's "list", Garv's request for coasters (of Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Connie Britton, and Stephen Colbert), and Kerry's sad stocking gifts.
It definitely was a comical night, especially since most of us were practically brain-drained tonight with Kerry spilling water... everywhere... and Leeann dropping her taco. Plus, all of us watched some Jaboody Dubs which is always good for a laugh or two. I'm definitely lucky to have such good friends.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
I Suck At Staples
It must be a slow day when the highlight of the day is Staples. Sad but true. Too bad I suck at Staples.
For anyone curious, Staples has a coupon of $5 off a $25 purchase in-store. And for those who know me, they know that I can't pass up a good coupon like that. So off to Staples I went during my lunch break from work.
Needless to say, I scored a few items which would be free after rebates. Technically speaking, Staples would actually end up paying me to take the items after the rebates, which is always a plus.
My favorite sister-in-law (Janine) had asked if I kept track of how many things I got for free. The thought never occurred to me until then. So maybe this year I will keep a little tally to see how many things I can score for free.
For anyone curious, Staples has a coupon of $5 off a $25 purchase in-store. And for those who know me, they know that I can't pass up a good coupon like that. So off to Staples I went during my lunch break from work.
Needless to say, I scored a few items which would be free after rebates. Technically speaking, Staples would actually end up paying me to take the items after the rebates, which is always a plus.
My favorite sister-in-law (Janine) had asked if I kept track of how many things I got for free. The thought never occurred to me until then. So maybe this year I will keep a little tally to see how many things I can score for free.
I Suck At The Tavern On Proprietor's Green
Karen and I generally don't make resolutions for the new year. This year, however, we had discussed possibly having a resolution to be more active and to eat a little better. After all, neither one of us has done anything remotely athletic since our two year old daughter (Briana) was born. And realistically, it may have been even longer than that with our son's (Braden) passing two years before that.
So needless to say, my body is definitely not a temple... although maybe in terms of shape. So in keeping with our resolution, Karen and I... went out to eat at the Tavern on Proprietor's Green in Marshfield. Too bad I suck at the Tavern on Proprietor's Green.
In our defense, we were heading in that direction anyway because we were going to Roche Bros to do some shopping. Sadly, the store did not have any tiny shopping carts, so Briana had to push a regular sized shopping cart. Briana was a little disappointed by that.
The Tavern, however, was quite delicious. I had baked haddock, which I suppose makes it twice in three days because I made haddock for Karlene and Tommy on New Year's Eve too. I guess I've been on a fish kick of late. All in all, it was a great dining experience.
We don't really go out to eat that often, so maybe we're not breaking the resolution just yet.
So needless to say, my body is definitely not a temple... although maybe in terms of shape. So in keeping with our resolution, Karen and I... went out to eat at the Tavern on Proprietor's Green in Marshfield. Too bad I suck at the Tavern on Proprietor's Green.
In our defense, we were heading in that direction anyway because we were going to Roche Bros to do some shopping. Sadly, the store did not have any tiny shopping carts, so Briana had to push a regular sized shopping cart. Briana was a little disappointed by that.
The Tavern, however, was quite delicious. I had baked haddock, which I suppose makes it twice in three days because I made haddock for Karlene and Tommy on New Year's Eve too. I guess I've been on a fish kick of late. All in all, it was a great dining experience.
We don't really go out to eat that often, so maybe we're not breaking the resolution just yet.
I Suck At New Year's Day
Tuesday kicked off the start of 2013. Happy new year! Sadly, I suck at New Year's day.
For me, New Year's Day was quite different from past New Year's Day events. Traditionally, Karen and I would spend the day shopping and just hanging out with Karen's Lowell-loving cousin (Karlene) and her husband (Tommy). This year, however, was a little different.
With the morning off to a very slow start, Karen, Karlene, Tommy, and my two year old daughter (Briana) went shopping while I stayed at home to put our ten month old daughter (Bridget) down for her nap. Briana was quite excited because she got to go to her favorite store: Target. I'm assuming Tommy was quite excited too because we gave him a coupon for some free floss, which he apparently had been wanting to get. And like I always say, free is good.
Anyway, when everyone returned, my favorite sister-in-law (Janine) and my niece (Kaleigh) also stopped by our house. Apparently, they (and by they I mean Karen, Karlene and Janine) had planned a little craft outing together. Tommy and I pretty much hung out.
Truth be told, it was a rather interesting craft project. Janine had seen something on printerest that piqued her curiosity: creating a scarf from a t-shirt. Needless to say, she had Kaleigh attempt the project first before trying it herself. From there, Karen also gave it a shot. She used her special red "NQHS I am somebody" t-shirt for the project. She loved that shirt.
Not to go on a tangent, but I was curious as to how that t-shirt slogan even came about. "I am somebody"? Hey, look at me. I'm somebody. Was Karen's high school class often neglected or something? I'll have to ask around to see if anyone knows the derivation of the t-shirt.
Regardless, that essentially was the highlight of New Year's. It was good to see Karlene and Tommy again.
For me, New Year's Day was quite different from past New Year's Day events. Traditionally, Karen and I would spend the day shopping and just hanging out with Karen's Lowell-loving cousin (Karlene) and her husband (Tommy). This year, however, was a little different.
With the morning off to a very slow start, Karen, Karlene, Tommy, and my two year old daughter (Briana) went shopping while I stayed at home to put our ten month old daughter (Bridget) down for her nap. Briana was quite excited because she got to go to her favorite store: Target. I'm assuming Tommy was quite excited too because we gave him a coupon for some free floss, which he apparently had been wanting to get. And like I always say, free is good.
Anyway, when everyone returned, my favorite sister-in-law (Janine) and my niece (Kaleigh) also stopped by our house. Apparently, they (and by they I mean Karen, Karlene and Janine) had planned a little craft outing together. Tommy and I pretty much hung out.
Truth be told, it was a rather interesting craft project. Janine had seen something on printerest that piqued her curiosity: creating a scarf from a t-shirt. Needless to say, she had Kaleigh attempt the project first before trying it herself. From there, Karen also gave it a shot. She used her special red "NQHS I am somebody" t-shirt for the project. She loved that shirt.
Not to go on a tangent, but I was curious as to how that t-shirt slogan even came about. "I am somebody"? Hey, look at me. I'm somebody. Was Karen's high school class often neglected or something? I'll have to ask around to see if anyone knows the derivation of the t-shirt.
Regardless, that essentially was the highlight of New Year's. It was good to see Karlene and Tommy again.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
I Suck At New Year's Eve
Tonight, Karen and I resumed tradition by hanging out with Karen's Lowell-loving cousin (Karlene) and her husband (Tommy). We had foregone last year's New Year's Eve tradition because Karlene was sick and I think Karen wasn't feeling too well either during the pregnancy at the time). Regardless, I joke saying that last year Karlene ruined New Year's Eve. Yep, I suck at New Year's Eve.
Anyway, because I had to work today, Karlene and Tommy came down to visit us. My favorite sister-in-law (Janine) and her family who were spending the past few days with us were going to spend the night back at their own place since the smoldering fire. Hopefully, their place is less smokey now. So in essence, Janine and her family were going while Karlen and Tommy were coming.
I'll admit. I am curious to see if sleeping back in my bed will feel downright awesome or if it will be just blah. I have been sleeping on our pull-out couch the past couple of days. I remember when I came back from our vacation down to Onset that sleeping in my own bed felt awesome. I wonder if I will feel the same thing after the past few days.
Needless to say, it was fun hanging out with Karlene and Tommy. We practically played this new game that Tommy got for Christmas: Disney Hedbanz for... hours. We definitely played until the new year, that's for sure. For anyone curious, Disney Hedbanz is like the "Who Am I" drinking game... just without the drinking. Or I suppose there could be drinking during the Disney version.
Among some of the more interesting topics of conversation that came up during the night were playing favorites, and praying. Karen's family is keen on not playing favorites, even though I disagree that it's people's nature to play favorites.
As for praying, that topic came about because Karen's family is supposedly faith-based. And naturally because I dislike religion (and still have original sin), I made the comment that praying is essentially useless because it does not influence the thing that is being prayed for. At best, praying's sole purpose is to make the person who is praying feel like they are altruistically helping. Of course, my view on praying may be clouded because I lost my son (Braden).
Regardless, it was a good fun night. Truth be told, I was quite surprised that Karen actually made it past midnight. She's usually in bed well before then. But she made it this year. Yay. Anyway, Happy New Year!
Anyway, because I had to work today, Karlene and Tommy came down to visit us. My favorite sister-in-law (Janine) and her family who were spending the past few days with us were going to spend the night back at their own place since the smoldering fire. Hopefully, their place is less smokey now. So in essence, Janine and her family were going while Karlen and Tommy were coming.
I'll admit. I am curious to see if sleeping back in my bed will feel downright awesome or if it will be just blah. I have been sleeping on our pull-out couch the past couple of days. I remember when I came back from our vacation down to Onset that sleeping in my own bed felt awesome. I wonder if I will feel the same thing after the past few days.
Needless to say, it was fun hanging out with Karlene and Tommy. We practically played this new game that Tommy got for Christmas: Disney Hedbanz for... hours. We definitely played until the new year, that's for sure. For anyone curious, Disney Hedbanz is like the "Who Am I" drinking game... just without the drinking. Or I suppose there could be drinking during the Disney version.
Among some of the more interesting topics of conversation that came up during the night were playing favorites, and praying. Karen's family is keen on not playing favorites, even though I disagree that it's people's nature to play favorites.
As for praying, that topic came about because Karen's family is supposedly faith-based. And naturally because I dislike religion (and still have original sin), I made the comment that praying is essentially useless because it does not influence the thing that is being prayed for. At best, praying's sole purpose is to make the person who is praying feel like they are altruistically helping. Of course, my view on praying may be clouded because I lost my son (Braden).
Regardless, it was a good fun night. Truth be told, I was quite surprised that Karen actually made it past midnight. She's usually in bed well before then. But she made it this year. Yay. Anyway, Happy New Year!
I Suck At Ted
On Sunday, my friend (Andrea also known as Rachel) invited my friends (Marc and Kelley), my BFF (Kerry) and I over to her place to watch a movie. That movie: Ted. Now, I suck at Ted.
The movie Ted actually has some significance for Andrea, Kerry and I. After all, the three of us took part in being extras for the filming of the movie. Granted, the scene in the movie only lasted a few seconds and we really couldn't be seen in the shots... but nonetheless we took part in the making of the movie.
Anyway since Karen had no interest in the movie, she decided to watch our kids while I went to watch the movie. And truthfully, I think Karen wanted some quality sister time with my favorite sister-in-law (Janine) whose family has been staying with us the past few days.
It turns out that Janine's husband (PJ) had closed the chimney flue shortly after using the fireplace on Christmas Day. Somehow that caused the items in the chimney to smolder. From there, the smoke essentially filled their house and set off all of their fire alarms.
Thankfully, no one was hurt. And luckily, they had returned back to their house before the smoldering fire got worse. Things could have been a lot worse for them. Needless to say, Janine, my niece (Kaleigh) and my nephew (PJ) have been staying with us since Friday.
The movie, Ted, however, was okay. It was silly fun, which was to be expected. Plus, it was good to hang out with everyone without feeling like I had to always make sure that neither my two year old daughter or my ten month old daughter were doing things they shouldn't be doing.
The movie Ted actually has some significance for Andrea, Kerry and I. After all, the three of us took part in being extras for the filming of the movie. Granted, the scene in the movie only lasted a few seconds and we really couldn't be seen in the shots... but nonetheless we took part in the making of the movie.
Anyway since Karen had no interest in the movie, she decided to watch our kids while I went to watch the movie. And truthfully, I think Karen wanted some quality sister time with my favorite sister-in-law (Janine) whose family has been staying with us the past few days.
It turns out that Janine's husband (PJ) had closed the chimney flue shortly after using the fireplace on Christmas Day. Somehow that caused the items in the chimney to smolder. From there, the smoke essentially filled their house and set off all of their fire alarms.
Thankfully, no one was hurt. And luckily, they had returned back to their house before the smoldering fire got worse. Things could have been a lot worse for them. Needless to say, Janine, my niece (Kaleigh) and my nephew (PJ) have been staying with us since Friday.
The movie, Ted, however, was okay. It was silly fun, which was to be expected. Plus, it was good to hang out with everyone without feeling like I had to always make sure that neither my two year old daughter or my ten month old daughter were doing things they shouldn't be doing.
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