Rubber ducky, you're the one...

posted by sometrouble @ 1:46 PM | Test Category Two | Friday, March 30, 2007

So far we have the walls framed, the copper plumbing run, the ducts in, and the electric half done. We are planning to put a whirlpool tub in the bathroom down there, because the other two bathrooms in our house have very small standard tubs...and being 5' 10", I haven't fit in a bathtub in years. I like baths. I miss them. (It is even harder to try to cram a 5'10" person and a 6'0" person in a standard tub at the same time. We tried, it was not pretty. The tub overflowed a little, and dripped through to the basement floor.) We're thinking we want one that is 72" long, and at least 36" wide...42" would be better.

We were going to wait on the tub for expense reasons...and worry about that later. The problem is, we need to get it down the stairs...and with a 90 degree turn at the bottom...we should try to do it before we put up the drywall, in case we need to cut the walls to fit it down. I just want a large tub. I could do without the jets and everything...as long as I can fit most of my body in the water. But we found one that is made exclusively for Lowe's by jacuzzi...and it is affordable with the jets. We will probably even add a heater for about $200...because it holds 81 gallons of water...which will probably take our hot water heater to it's limit. It's not 100% decided yet...but we saw one at a bath showroom that actually cost $9,999.00. It looked like any other whirlpool tub. That's insane...and like 10 times what the Lowe's one costs, which is still a lot...but it is a luxury we both want, and are willing to pay for since we plan on staying in this house for many years.

I know someone who had a jacuzzi tub in his house which he purchased off eBay. It was brand new, but deeply discounted because a contractor ordered it for a new build house...and the owners didn't want it because of a tiny non-damaging scratch in the acrylic. I have been keeping my eyes open for something like that as well.

Our new storm door came in, and I picked it up yesterday! I can't wait to get it in...but we have a tricky install because of some aluminum trim around the door. So we have to wait until a friend who knows what he is doing can come and help us. It is getting nice and warm outside.

Earlier, Chad and I went for a bicycle ride. It was nice...we only went 3.5 miles...but I am so out of shape, that my legs felt pretty rubbery after that. There was about a 10 mph wind blowing against us for about a mile...so that made it interesting...especially going uphill. This was the third time I've been out on my bike this year. Chad likes to run. I don't. I will ride my bike along with him, though. It is nice, and we both enjoy doing it together. I feel better about getting a little more activity into my life. I never needed to exercise for weight reasons...I am blessed with a fantastic metabolism, so far (knock on wood). But I am realizing how much better I feel when I do a little regular activity. Especially now that I am such an "old woman"...seriously, I'm not 17 anymore...and I can feel it. Really, I am thin, but I am in terrible physical shape. I have resolved to work on that. Hopefully, when my metabolism slows down, I will already be in the habit of exercising...and it won't be so hard to maintain the body I am used to...even after I have kids.

Something that I really want to do is the Zoo-de-Mackinac. I first heard about it last year. We couldn't go, because we were getting married! You can read all about the event...but the basics are: it is 51 miles, takes 6-7 hours of ride time, gets over 2,000 participants, and you see beautiful northern Michigan. It is extra special for us, because we get to spend time on Mackinac Island where Chad proposed to me in 2004. (we haven't been back there since). It seems like it would be difficult...but I have to think that if 2,000 people can do it...along with kids...how hard can it be? Plus the website states this:
Anybody who is in average physical condition should have no trouble going the distance. The first half of the ride is a little hilly and the last half is relatively flat. The distance makes you feel like you've accomplished something but will leave you with plenty of energy to continue on until late in the evening.
I really want to do it sometime...and if it is fun...I want to keep doing it every year...and get friends to join us...and do it with our future kids. So, I've got a little over a month to decide if my body is up to it. I am going to try to push myself and ride a little more every time we go. I didn't really feel like riding today, but I am glad we did it. I am going to try to push myself to do some kind of training for this, and see where I'm at in a month. Anybody want to come do it with us? C'mon, you know it will be fun! What I'm really wondering is...can my butt handle 7 hours on a bicycle seat???

2 Comments:

At April 03, 2007 12:07 AM, Blogger Allie said...

...I'll make your bath time lots of fun ;o)

 
At April 03, 2007 5:41 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Em... good luck on the basement project. I sent you an event invite on your myspace. If you get the chance, check it out. We hope you can make it! -Jenelle

 

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Post Birthday Wind-down

posted by sometrouble @ 10:54 PM | Test Category Two | Monday, March 26, 2007

I realized something this birthday...I realized how nice it feels to have people just remember it and think of you. I got several birthday cards, e-mails, facebook and myspace messages, and quite a few phone calls yesterday...and it just made me feel so very very special and loved. Even happy wishes from friends who I haven't talked to in a long time. THANK YOU, everyone!!! I am going to make a bigger effort to remember other people's birthdays, and to find time to send a though and greeting on the day.

This year my birthday felt less like a big deal than it ever has before. This is the last year that all the candles for my cake will come from one box...the last year that I will have to keep the current photo on my driver's license...the last year before my car insurance goes down...the last year that I can't rent a car from any agency...the last year that I'm closer to 0 than 50...the last year before I've been alive for a quarter of a century. Yep, I'm 24. It also felt like any normal day...I almost forgot it was my birthday when I woke up yesterday. In the midst of all the activity and preoccupation around here...it felt a little forgotten...and I forgot it a little myself.

The activity I spoke of began on Wednesday morning when Lowe's delivered a truckload of building supplies. Then basement finishing commenced. We framed the walls and ran plumbing, and starting the wiring, and are getting ready to work on the ducting. All in the hope of turning this:

Into THIS:
I will have to show you some pictures of what it looks like on the way, though.

So, what did I do to celebrate my day? Well, my sister's boyfriend and my husband were working on the plumbing in the basement and had the water turned off all morning. I made two trips to Home Depot without being able to shower or put my contacts in or even brush my teeth (ew, I know...gross, huh?). We had to be at my grandma's for dinner at 3:00...all three of us. At 2:00 they still weren't ready to turn on the water. Did I mention that it takes 25 minutes to drive to my family's? I was begging them to turn on the water...I finally gave up and decided to take all my stuff with me and go shower and get ready at my mom's house. I packed my bag and was about to walk out when Chad grabbed the keys and said they needed a part from Home Depot. That left me waiting for him to get back. Long story short...they finished up...turned the water on...I showered. We were late.

Although, while I was in the shower, something must have gone very very wrong in the basement...because I heard lots of hollering and banging. When I went downstairs, both guys were on ladders focused on the ceiling and water was dripping on the floor. I left. They fixed it, and showed up fashionably later than I was late to my birthday.

My mom and grandma made me delicious, enormous king crab legs. They were so so good! My grandma also whipped up a fabulous "death by chocolate" cake from scratch. Chocolate cake with tons of cocoa in it, chocolate buttercream frosting from scratch, and white chocolate shavings on top! I wish I'd taken a picture.

After all that, I got to open my gifts. I was not expecting this at all...
Yeah, they're knitting needles. I got:
6 crochet hooks
8 circular knitting needles
2 sets of double pointed needles
12 9" straight knitting needles
12 13" straight knitting needles
1 pack of stitch ring markers
1 yarn cutter pendant
Believe it or not...this makes me happy. I love knitting...and I've been doing more of it lately. I've been finding new and interesting yarns to use...and beautiful patterns that I want to try. It really is addicting. (and time consuming...shhhh...don't tell anyone) I now have a complete set of any type of needle I might need! I love these bamboo needles, they are nice to use. The only problem is...my cat loves to chew on them. If I leave them lying around, he will bite up the tips so badly that the yarn will snag on them. I have to be very diligent. I'm telling you, having him is like practice for having toddlers.

So anyway...we finished off the night with my mom, sister, and aunt going to see Manheim Steamroller in concert. It was really amazing...and so much fun. I really really enjoyed it, much more than I even thought I would. Seeing the way the music is put together...it is an orchestra...not just all synthesizer...was really cool. Especially after growing up listening to their songs seeing them perform was an awesome experience. Go see the show if it is coming to your city.

Today Chad went for a run, and I rode my bike along with him. Since the weather was so beautiful. We had to get out and enjoy it a little.I don't think it is going to stick, though. I wish it would. I am so ready for spring and flowers and open windows. I've got a few more things popping up in my yard now...and the weeds certainly aren't having any problem.

Having the windows open today confirmed my fear. This fear, I've had it since we moved in. It started as something that began to dawn on me...then I began to be sure it would happen as the months went by. I'm talking about the neighbors' dog. Their hunting dog. The dog they keep in a kennel near the back of their yard. The dog that barks at everything. The dog that HOWLS. Howls when it hears sirens. This presents a problem because we live almost on the same street as the fire station. See "Exhibit A":The square on the left side is the Fire Station. The two squares on the right are for our house and the dog, two houses down. Having our windows open makes it much harder to ignore the noise than during the winter when our house is all shut up tight.

Well...I'm beginning to lose my train of thought. That's probably mostly due to the fact that I made myself this...to go with my quesadillas for dinner.
Chili's Chambord 1800 Margarita. The recipe I found, called for Cuervo 1800 tequila, Cointreau, and Chambord. If you're like me, and you don't want to spend $30 and up for EACH of those bottles...you can substitute Cuervo Especial Tequila, DeKuyper Triple Sec, and DeKuyper Razzmatazz. It's not exactly the same...but it's close, and pretty darn good.

6 Comments:

At March 27, 2007 1:04 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy (belated) Birthday!!!

Your remodel is going to be so awesome when it's complete!

 
At March 27, 2007 5:07 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Certainly seems like you had a wonderful birthday...and well birthdays are always special days for no matter how old we get...and i'd also like you to visit my blog on Birthday Greetings and check out all the wonderful stuff it's filled up with!!!

 
At March 27, 2007 11:48 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday to you!

Very exciting about the basement remodel too! I love the drawing that you made... what program did you use to make it?

 
At March 27, 2007 12:28 PM, Blogger sometrouble said...

soozieq: Thanks! I am so excited about the remodel...actually, I got the idea for the little kitchenette instead of a typical bar from a photo of your parents (i think) basement "apartment" kitchen, that you posted on your blog a little while back. :o)

rachel: I used SmartDraw. You can get a free trial for a limited time here. If you want to keep using it, set a restore point on your computer right before you install. Then when the trial (7 days) is up, you can roll back to that point and re-install the trial again. The program was pretty easy to figure out...the help directs you with what to do. Let me know if you try it out.

 
At March 27, 2007 3:02 PM, Blogger Allie said...

Holy Wow! Those are a lot of knitting needles! I'll have to admit I'm a bit jealous :o) I haven't been doing as much knitting as I'd like to these days...

Sounds like you had a lovely b-day. Wish I could have been there. Give me a call some time when you have some down time and we can catch up!

 
At March 29, 2007 8:41 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

Happy belated Birthday! I'm so jealous that you are doing your basement, even if you are doing the work yourselves.

 

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accumulation

posted by sometrouble @ 11:08 PM | Test Category Two | Sunday, March 18, 2007

I have too much stuff that I don't need. I have been unpacking boxes and re-organizing things for storage. And man, do we have a lot of stuff that I don't know what to do with. I have always been a pack rat...and not so good at the organization thing. There are incriminating photos of my old bedroom at its worst...and believe me, it was BAD.

Now, I am just finding that so much stuff that was important to me at one time, no longer has a place in my life. I just can't let it go. I used to collect road signs...I thought they were cool. Now I have so many that came from all different times and places, and I don't want to get rid of them...but I don't really want to make them a part of my decor.

I find myself so much more ready to pitch Chad's old stuff. He collected a lot of junk too. Like mine, it all got boxed up and brought over when we merged our lives. He doesn't seem as attached to most of it as I am...so why can't I discern what's worth keeping and what's worth letting go?

P.S. Tigger's not going anywhere...I love Tigger...I have always loved Tigger...and my sister brought him to me from her Senior Trip in Florida.

5 Comments:

At March 19, 2007 8:02 PM, Blogger Allie said...

It's always hard to part with all the stuff and junk that's been accumulated over the years. I lost a lot of things I would probably still deem important when we moved from the Midwest. Alas, there was a huge yard sale which resulted in my My Little Ponies going to different homes. That was something I still would have held on to if I had more of a choice. Poo.

I would say, save things your kids would enjoy or that shows them who you were as you grew up. Or things that were major milestones or important gifts.

 
At March 19, 2007 8:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well Em, I had that problem too. I didn't want to "throw anything away" but didn't have a place for it. So, I made a compromise... I kept the things of major "significance" and dontated the rest. The stuffed animals went to my PD, the make up, lotions, hair stuff, clothes etc went to either garage sales or sisters. You have a unique angle tho. Use your stuffed animals as photo backdrops or props for the kids you photograph, you get some good use out of your "old stuff" and to them it's new. Keep old toys for the kids that come over to play, and they will have "new stuff" to play with too. The road signs would be fun to hang in your garage, so whenever you pull into the garage you can always have a laugh at the "No parking" sign near your parking spot. It'll personalize the garage too. Not o mention be a fun conversation point during gatherings. Or they would be fun to give away as funny gifts to people or white elephant gifts during Christmas time. Trust me, you will see even the items you don't want to throw away can have uses again. Just gotta think outside the box! -Jenelle

 
At March 19, 2007 8:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Also, you can always donate things to the local high school or theater groups. They are always looking for new and free stuff to use either now or later on. This way they get a use all over again... or there is always the magic of ebay! -Jenelle

 
At March 20, 2007 10:43 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i try to adopt the idea that it's best to travel lightly on the earth, carry with us lots of happiness and many memories, but fewer physical posessions. this is especially useful in the here and now, but definitely applies to "accumulation" tendencies as well. of course sometimes a memory is tied to a certain physical item, and of course we're going to buy things in the here and now "just because" we like them, but generally speaking the rampant capitalist nature in this country is appallingly excessive and wasteful, and we should all try to buy less.

 
At March 21, 2007 7:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

oh yeah: another helpful idea is to have a policy wherein for every new item you bring into your home, you get rid of one item you already have. if you're trying to reduce clutter, maybe make it 2 itesm for every one you bring in.

 

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birthday present dilemma

posted by sometrouble @ 10:33 PM | Test Category Two | Thursday, March 15, 2007

Ok, so my birthday is in a little over a week. We have been very busy getting started on a BIG home project. During our many frequent trips to Home Depot and Lowe's, we began looking at storm doors for our front entry. Currently, we don't have one...and I would really like to be able to open the door in the summer and have a breeze coming through the screen. Plus, I could see a little daylight, and feel the draft through the edges of the door this winter...so a storm door would also help with our energy efficiency next winter. Home Depot is running a special on installation until the end of March...so this would be a good time to get it done.

Originally, we thought we'd install ourselves...but our front door has a sidelight, and some decorative boxing around the door, which doesn't leave the sides of the door even on both sides for simple installation. So we figure with the sale, it would be worth it to pay someone else to do it. I REALLY want this door....a little more than I think Chad does. He doesn't really consider it a giant priority considering what we've got on our plate to do right now. Enter the very hard decision, that I CANNOT make on my own...

Would you take this as a birthday gift?You see, I teasingly asked Chad yesterday if he was done shopping for my birthday. He told me that honestly he hadn't really thought much about it with planning everything. A little while later, while we were talking about the door...he suggested that he would buy me the door for my birthday.

Well, I DO really want it. I'm afraid it will get pushed off for a long time. But, if I say "yes" then this year it's a door...next year it will be a vacuum cleaner or a dishwasher...and the era of gift appliances will begin. Plus it is just sort of a disappointing no surprise gift to get...not even ON my birthday. I want it...but not as a birthday gift. I want him to think of something thoughtful and surprise me next Sunday.

However, if he wanted to get me this as a birthday present...I wouldn't have to think about the answer for even a second...heck yeah!

5 Comments:

At March 16, 2007 2:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

i think if a major concern in your day is what type of label a luxury purchase such as this will have, you're one very lucky gal indeed.

 
At March 16, 2007 2:13 AM, Blogger sometrouble said...

I don't really think of the door as a luxury purhase...it will save us from running air conditioning in the summer as much...saving us money...it's more of an investment; and only in my wildest dreams would I ever get a tub like that. We would love one...but at over $3000 it is well out of our budget and then some.

 
At March 16, 2007 6:39 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

LOL at anon. Geez, st, you're so spoiled wanting a door so your house will be sealed. haha! Some people.

Anyway, I think the door should be a mutual purchase. Either you two buy it together as a house project, or you buy it "for eachother" on an anniversary or other special day. The tub on the other hand? Hell yes, that's a PERFECT gift. You can't take a steaming bubblebath in a silly ol' hdoor, am I right?

 
At March 16, 2007 7:09 PM, Blogger sometrouble said...

thank you, LL. We have agreed to get the door, now. The big question now is whether to get the Anderson one from Home Depot, or to get the Pella (Larson) one from Lowes. They have some slightly different features...and both Chad and I don't really have a preference...we keep telling each other to "pick whichever one you like better".

 
At March 16, 2007 10:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ennie Meenie Mynee moe it! That always works! I personally would take it as a gift. Only b/c there is really nothing that I need, I'd take a quiet night at home w/ my hubby with some wine and a bath over a dinner out with gifts anyway. Sometimes its the pratical and simple gifts that mean more then anything. Besides, then you can always use that as a converstion starter when people come over... However, if the blenders and brooms become common gifts, then I'd reconsider!
-Jenelle

 

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Spring Temptation

posted by sometrouble @ 7:46 PM | Test Category Two | Tuesday, March 13, 2007


It was 74 F in Michigan today!!! I am SO SO SO happy! I know it is just a tease...and it will go back to our regular sucky march weather soon enough. (Like tomorrow) But today was beautiful! I opened all the windows, and went outside, and poked around our yard. I am excited for spring this year more than ever before, because I can't wait to see what flowers are planted in our yard...and to plant some of my own. We moved into the house in October of last year, so I have no idea what might come up. I did find this though...
...and I found some tags indicating that there will be some hostas and a clematis. Yay! And, I'm pretty sure that the bushes in the front yard are some sort of weird perennial evergreen blooming shrubbery. Sadly...the upcoming weather is not promising to be as nice...Ah well, we are about to start a BIG project indoors on our house...so I guess it will be better if the weather is yucky. I won't be as tempted to put down my hammer and run outside in a tank top!

1 Comments:

At March 14, 2007 10:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

ooo, gardening sounds fun! I can't wait until I have a place with a yard so I can have a little herb garden and some pretty flowers!

 

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Femininity

posted by sometrouble @ 6:59 PM | Test Category Two | Friday, March 09, 2007

For the first time in over a year and a half, I have painted nails! Since I am no longer working in the laboratory where I had my fingers in acetone and methyl ethyl ketone all day...I let my beautician friend paint them up! I am thoroughly enjoying it...much more than I thought I would. Never gave it much thought...but having a lovely girly shade of red on my fingertips makes me feel really sexy.

ok...now back to your regularly scheduled blog reading.

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heard from a 5 year old

posted by sometrouble @ 12:32 AM | Test Category Two | Thursday, March 08, 2007

While visiting with the same friends as in this post, I was sitting at the kiddie table for a few minutes with their 5 year old daughter. Apparently, the concept of growns-ups who are married and don't have any kids is quite confusing to her.
Her: Why don't you want to have any kids?
Me: I DO want to have kids.
Her: Well, why aren't they coming?
Me: Uh...well...
Then I was laughing too much to come up with any sort of "good" answer for that one.

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Staying in,,,

posted by sometrouble @ 11:57 AM | Test Category Two | Thursday, March 01, 2007

12:00 PM Things were all fresh and white outside when I got up today. Now it is raining, and things are turning to mush and just getting overall disgusting. I don't think I want to go out anywhere today. I have lots of projects to tackle around the house...and the day to myself to do it! I will update later with whatever I accomplish.

1:14 PM Caught up on reading blogs...ate a bowl of cinnamon toast crunch. I love this cereal...forget getting a grainy healthy start to my day...I'll take a sugary start, thankyouverymuch. Although, according to the box it is "Whole Grain". I bought two new boxes recently. I though I was buying what I always buy...take a look at the old box versus the new box, and tell me if you notice the difference. I didn't in the store.
But apparently I bought "reduced sugar" cereal to fulfill my morning sugar needs. Now I'm stuck with two boxes of this crap! Since when do they make this??? And is this the new Cinnamon Toast Crunch...or can I still get the real stuff??? I better be able to. This tastes horrible. It is loaded full of Splenda...which I am against, because it is really bad for you. Being a chemist, I have researched the science of the stuff...and it is nasty.

5:18 PM Noticed the lake in front of my house. Made some miscellaneous phone calls. Ate cold pizza for lunch. Heard from one of my professional references that a company I interviewed with yesterday called him yesterday afternoon. *Fingers crossed* Got the mail...almost needed a boat for that. I am in the middle of a very messy project right now...I will tell you all about it when I'm done.

4 Comments:

At March 01, 2007 5:07 PM, Blogger Allie said...

So what are the nasty details about Splenda? I'm curious to know.

 
At March 01, 2007 7:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I gotta join you in your love for Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I never buy it, but I love it so. Stupid Splenda, trying to ruin the delicious.

 
At March 02, 2007 1:14 PM, Blogger tkkerouac said...

greeat post. like this blog, very tasteful!

 
At March 07, 2007 8:50 PM, Blogger Denise B. said...

I have a friend who is a nutritionist. Now, while she probably wouldn't condone your cereal of choice, she aways says if you have to have sugar, have real sugar. Our bodies do not know what to do with a product made in a chemist's lab.

 

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