me, a boy, and a few kitties

laundry room - part deux (wall prep)

2011-11-09T08:51:00.000-06:00

Last week was rough. Everyone except Jackie was battling a cold, vertigo, and sinus infections (yes, this includes Stella). Can you tell Jackie's nose is really pink? (and don't you want to give her a big kiss, look at that face!) Sickness or not, I dragged us through Ikea to finish pre-shopping for final measurements and costs.

Nothing in my original pre-pre-shopping event stuck on this project. This includes cabinets, paint, and accessories.

First off, a very convincing (and helpful) Ikea worker showed us the Varde series. Winner!

Forget the ugly and boring, these horizontal folding-door cabinets are much cooler and provides more storage space than vertical cabinets.

After some debating, we went with the slim shoe cabinets since they take up less width than the doubles. We lose some shoe storage, but I gain room for my butt while I load and unload baskets of clothes.

WALL PREP TIME!
[p.s. don't know why I left the flash off, so excuse the doom and gloom pictures. I'll get better, I promise!]
Before starting anything, it's time to research then buy supplies shopping at Home Depot (#1). I love me some YouTube tutorials.

First step:
Cleared out laundry room of everything except the washer and dryer. This includes removing the original shelf and brackets. Didn't realize how much junk we packed into this space. See how unappealing this room is?

Pain point #1:

Shelf removal should have been straight forward. Whoever hung them was definitely huffing paint. I found extra screws, painted over nails/screws, mixed use of nails instead of screws and vice versa--worst of all--wood blocks. Try as I might, I had to suck it up and wait for him to wake up and ask for help. After another trip to Lowe's (#2), a new smaller crow bar, and chiseling around the nail/screw, we finally wrenched those blocks off.

Pain point #2:

Washers are heavy. Especially moving them out and down a tiny step.

Second step:
Scrape and patch the wall. I had a floor to ceiling crack, a medium size hole by the washer box, and a few dents from removing those support blocks. Finish it off with more spackle, sanding, spackle, and wiping down the walls for paint.

Pain point #3:
The mesh patch I bought to cover the hole was just a centimeter or so too small. It gets worse: because the hole butted up to that washer box, there wasn't a fourth wall to secure it! DAMN IT! So back to Lowe's & Home Depot (#3) (yes, went to both) to get some drywall.

Third step:
Texture the wall. I was pretty confident, he was not (common thread in his lack of believing in my untested skills). I tested my spray and knock down on some scrap wood outside. Not going to lie, test went badly. Still, it didn't seem too difficult, so I decided to wing it and do the walls anyway. Ran out of texture because I used so much of the can in the test, so back to Lowe's (#4) to buy more. In the end, I think I did great and matched it up fabulously. (He does admit I did a good job on this, so there.)

No crack!

Hole begone! Can you tell it used to be a 6" hole?

Forth step:

Paint paint paint! Tried green, blue, and more blue. Finally went to a lemony/buttery yellow (sorry again, forgot to put the flash on). I was testing what size stencil to create, but didn't choose either you see here.

It took two coats and a rushed third around the trim. It was much better than the living room experience which required three or four coats. (Oh, and it included a trip to Home Depot (#5) to buy an extra quart.)

Fifth step (and also pain point #4)

Stenciling without a stencil. Which really means, I drew something on the wall and painted it. I couldn't find a stencil design or size I liked, so I made my own and hand-painted the design. I had help with some large grid paper from JoAnn's (#6 & #7) and a handy leveler. Unfortunately, my walls are warped and floors are slanted. It was a combo of eyeballing for perceived evenness and measured correctness. Bad news, pencil refuses to come off freshly painted walls. I had to go over the lines over and over and over again to try to hide those pencil marks. BTW, I LOVE MY ACCENT WALL! Too bad it's getting covered by cabinets and machines.

Lessons Learned

1. Go with instinct on paint color, it turns out better.

2. Plan a thorough shopping list, plan to do returns instead going back half dozen times.

3. Stencils are beautiful, but a pain in the ass.

4. I'm right, but he is a lot right also.

Cabinets are going up next! Wish us luck!

tv marathons: 'i shouldn't be alive'

2011-11-03T15:45:00.003-05:00

I have shameless spot--a soft spot on the brain that is--for tv marathons. I also have a daft spot for reality tv; and documentaries; and home improvement shows. Alright, my range varies--call me well-rounded.

However, not all programming is equal.

Generally Bad:
1. Bachelor, Bachelorette
2. Military shows

BAD

Generally Good: (this is obviously what I watch!)
1. Medical shows or documentaries
2. Anything on Bravo or HGTV
3. Talent shows

Could anything tickle your brain better than parasitic twins on a Discovery documentary, followed-up by Oddities (Science), maybe a little Sing Off (NBC), and then an inspiring (slightly hoarder-like) Extreme Couponing (TLC)? I think not.

EDUCATIONAL

Lately I'm stuck in I Shouldn't Be Alive (Animal Planet). Obviously, based on the title, we know someone survives, so really you're looking for the other casualties.

Before this show, I thought I was into nature and adventurous. This show runs with 1000 Ways to Die (SpikeTV), it's a motion picture advertisement for things you should never do.

1. Never test the elements. If it's raining, stay home; if it's snowing, stay home; if there's forecast for anything other than sunny with patchy clouds, stay home.
2. Never attempt to climb a 100 ft cliff wall if your kayak capsizes in white water rapids. .
3. Never go to the desert for a picnic, especially if it's summer or you're old.
4. Never go into the woods, forest, brush, or anything with high vegetation. Cancel your plan for a walk-about and put the didgeridoo back in the closet.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY
5. Never go anywhere alone. Take a friend. Hopefully a sturdy one who can lift 200 pounds and also carries arsenal, flare guns, Swiss army knife (I supposed I could carry it), emergency food/water pack, and a transistor radio.

Don't believe shows like Man Vs. Wild, all lies. You will never be able to braid rope from an indigenous plant, securely anchor it to an object, and swing to safety 50 feet below. You will fall, you will hope to die, but you will probably be conscious staring at your tibia which has broken through skin. Your only hope is that the nerves were severed on the fall. This way you can break off the rest of your shin bone and create an emergency shank in a futile attempt to stab the grizzly bear who wandering on over with his gang of alligators and man-eating hippos.

Watch How It's Done Right--But He's Bear Grylls

There are good lessons to learn in these sometimes true/sometimes false survival shows. As a precaution, I suggest you hit the nearest muscle gym and give flirty eyes to the guy pressing 50 lb bells with his toes. Even better, find the one making loud 'whuah' noises. Chances are steroids destroyed his capacity to control emotions, leaving him volatile but more likely to rage at attackers. Get his number and establish a future meeting point. This way you should be safe come hither or high infected blood water. There's plenty of time to be friendly later, so try not to get distracted by his sexy tattoos.

so it's halloween again

2011-10-31T09:34:00.001-05:00

I promise, I do try to get into the spirit of things. It just seems so pointless.

When you were a kid, it was obvious, trick-o-treat yourself into the biggest stash of candy as possible. Hoard and consume candy as quickly as possible.

So what happens a few decades later when you're competing with the 20-something slut-face in the corner (and in that corner and on bar table and over by the bathroom and hooking it with the doofus on the dance floor)? This is while trying to convince yourself you have no concerns of mass exits by the inebriated in clunky costumes and on top of it trying to avoid eye contact with your friend whose bu-dunk is hanging out of her costume. (Friends do not count as aforementioned slut as they are a friend. Halloween is the one night friends are excused from telling other friends they need to change before going out in public.)

Things I hate about Halloween:
1. Crowds of people
2. Costumes without life-skill purposes (aka camo, which you will also never catch me wearing and hence never in the woods hunting animals or in the dessert hunting people)
3. Being co-erced to open my door whenever someone rings it
4. ~~Lying to children (okay, I don't mind this so much)~~ Pretending to not mind random kids hustle me for candy (this is particularly bad as it mixes item #2 and #3)

On a side note, I found a neat website that let's you draw and create your own comic strip. Hopefully these posts will get more visually interesting if I can figure out how to make my avatar look Asian.

seven billion and another step towards the apocalypse

2011-10-26T12:30:00.003-05:00

Egad... They can't be serious. Are we really hitting seven billion by Halloween? How aptly timed with one of the "scariest" Hallmark holidays.

Seven big problems for 7 billion people

p.s. Did they really have to show hundreds of Asians on inner tubes? This could be photoshop; but, my experience suggests it's not since Asians have this personal space issue (not me of course).

I'm not so naive to think a medical apocalypse is really on the horizon in my lifetime. I didn't buy into the swine flu or those other minor pandemics. However, it's best to be prepared (get your vaccines fools!). The Zombie Survival Guide (though fictional) appears to be the most rational in the post apocalypse-not-getting-eaten strategy.

The question--still unknown--is will the zombies be the Walking Dead or 28 Days Later type.

The most important distinction being, can they run faster than me and also maintain somewhat humanoid dexterity. Crazy thoughts, you might be saying, but having a plan is the difference in me (and the plus ones) finding a bunker or me (but not plus ones) having to slaughter your zombie-turned ass.

These are things which might be helpful to master in advance of the chaos.

Drifting (see Fast and Furious) -- I need to quickly maneuver in and out of herds. Alternatively useful when a nabbing parking spot at the forever congested Central Market.
Guns -- I leave this as general statement, no verb. I assume my piano and hoop skills translate to excellent marksmanship. Incidentally, I have never held a gun, loaded a gun, and have no idea where the safety is; I'm assuming these are all good things to learn. NO ALTERNATE USE for this knowledge. Since witnessing a bank robbery is the closest I'll probably get to a gun, I've decided to just stop using banks and rely on credit cards and online payments. Nevermind, I'll learn to use a gun on the fly. I like puzzles, this must translate.
Water restriction -- I need to think camel or reptile, learn to live on very little water. I'm currently at drinking at the pace of an elephant. I'll supplement dry skin with expensive moisturizer for now:good alternative.

the vaccinated vs skeptics

2011-10-25T14:32:00.001-05:00

I watched this article on the ABC World News the other day and found it immensely exciting. The follow-up print article released today on msnbc.com.
Panel: Boys should get vaccine for HPV too

Why the hell not get the vaccination if you're eligible? The mainstream sales on this was to be protect young women against future cancers or STIs associated with certain human papillomavirus strains. Boys were recently given the go-ahead to receive similar advantages. And now more findings show other potential benefits like reducing incidents of heart/throat cancer for both sexes.

HPV is unnecessarily controversial and I'm sure the lines were drawn by the same people choosing to teach abstinence instead of comprehensive sex ed in schools.

Vaccinations and the eventual elimination or reduction of persistent disease is part of the success story of human culture. Depending on herd protection is irresponsible. Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Get your boosters, stay protected.

And if you don't, I hope I'm going to a doctor who believes in kicking you out of their practice.
Doctors May 'Fire' Parents Who Don't Vaccinate Children

fa la la la, already?

2011-10-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

It must be official--because why else would every major retailer be displaying Christmas items before Halloween--it's time to think about presents for the in-laws.

James' side of the family is the hardest to shop for because I actually care what they think! Nicest people in the world, I know they're not judging, but I better damn well bring the best presents on Dec 25.

This year I'm thinking online shopping or local shops. Besides the fact that everyone should try to shop local, it's my best bet at finding something unique.

Baby gift:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VerdantViolet?ref=top_trail

This stuff is FAB! The concept and execution drive envy. Great spectra of topics like nuclear physics, law enforcement, and dia de los muertos. Not to mention, it seems I've hit the age where everyone is starting to pop out babies.

Wall art:
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/dog-blueprints
http://www.etsy.com/search/vintage?search_submit=&q=vintage+anatomy&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US
Maybe not for everyone, but I think anyone with a quirky sense of humor might enjoy the concept behind dissecting and labeling images.

Hunter:

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/cardboard-animal-heads

For as much as I am anti-gun, I bizarrely know a lot of pro-gun and pro-hunting for pleasure. These also amuse me in general and would be fun after some metallic spray paint.

The Host(ess)/Cook:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67698415/tea-towel-screenprinted-natural-cotton?ref=fp_treasury_1
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69556359/carving-plate-cutting-board-in-black?ref=fp_treasury_10

I'm thinking this is a perfect mom/dad type gift or for anyone throws parties, likes having people over, or appreciates pretty things. Hand-printed towels or napkins are fabulous. Plus the advantage of online searching is you can find a range of prints. I liked the farm trackers. Hit the link to see the different views on the cutting board. It's very appealing.

BAD GIFTS
Obviously, it happens. People think they're being funny or, in the worst case, they truly believed you wanted it. It happens, graciously move on and practice your "Ah, thank you!" face in advance.

Among bad things like outdated calendars, underwear (the practical kind), and a garbage bags, I found this to be particularly horrific, and to top it off, someone was actually trying to sell it online. Please, no.

Wish me luck! If I plan this right, I'll have everything ordered by Nov 30, giving me enough time to second guess myself and buy replacement gifts.

laundry room is next

2011-10-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

After painting everything except the laundry room, it's time to move on and wrap up the downstairs. We skipped it because there was a bigger plan for this room than just plan.

The laundry room is the catch-all for all things ugly we don't want people to see. Kitty litter, garbage can, cleaning supplies, mops, broken fan, ice cooler, miscellaneous junk... oh and the microwave.

Not going to lie, always felt a little gross and bad sending people to hover over the trashcan to warm up food. Not to mention the microwave was a freebie and in crap condition.

I tried to hide the mess with these boxes from Target.

Helped, but not so much, I think cabinets are the way to go. I've shopped around (online of course) and am trying to decide between Ikea and Lowe's. I want white cabinets. I like the glossy white cabinets from Ikea, but probably out of my price point for a little laundry room.

IKEA

LOWES

I also like the shoe closet from Ikea. I think two of those will help clear out the coat closet for something like coats. Plus it'll handle my little habit of kicking off my shoes in the kitchen since the current shoe closet is so far away. (p.s. not my house, it looks to clean)

I also like the idea of a table-top on the laundry machines and some practical, but interesting way, to access all the soaps.

The biggest challenge is going to be picking an appropriate paint color and fixing the crackle in the wall. I'd like to cheat and just glue the crack down and then paint yellow walls with some interesting screen decals or just white & yellow stripes? (p.s.s. again, not my house)

grey/gray dilema

2011-09-10T12:00:00.007-05:00

How naive of me to think that it would be easy to find my perfect shade of gray.

11 shades later--I'm pretty sure we found the perfect one(s): dolphin-fin & classic silver in the satin enamel sheen. Can you tell which ones they are (bad lighting, but it's what we used to baseline how bad/good the color would look in the worst conditions)?

The unexpected trickery was finding a shade without the dreaded blue/purple undertones. No one wants an 80s denim flashback to acid blue or pastels. A lot of days of picking the "perfect" color, painting, staring in shock, taping paint chips to compare, staring at the tester, the wall, the halogen light bulb (bad)... rinse & repeat 11x.

We ended up with Behr because we scored $$$ in gift cards from credit card points. After reading some blogs, probably should have gone Sherwin Williams who seem to carry more pure tone grays.

It took all of 5 days to paint the living room/kitchen/dining combo downstairs. James insisted on sanding the baseboards (day 1), prepping and edging the walls (day 2), then coat after coat of paint (day 3, 4), and finally clean-up and touch-up (day 5).

Walls were voraciously absorbing paint. Seeing as they were an awful chalking dirty white before, I don't blame them for being excited for quality.

Kitties were excited, they love plastic and getting in the way. Stella insisted on lounging on her favorite chair no matter what.

I love the end result! If you look at our patio door, you can really see the difference in the original versus old trim color (bleh). I kind of like the difference on the doors, but definitely glad we changed it from that horrific beige to that nice shiny white.