Sunday, March 23, 2008

Before & After


Why someone put so much sealer along the edge, I don't know. But it's been bugging me for 2 and a half years. Looks better now.
Fortune: Your winsome smile will be your sure protection.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Dishwasher Upgrade

Before: the beige dishwasher in a kitchen of white appliances.
The upgrade: the white dishwasher.
Nope, I didn't waste my money buying a new one (I hardly ever use the dw). I found white paintable magnetic sheets (MSI ProMAG - $9.99 each). Cool. I only needed two. I also bought some paint, which I did not use. The magnetic sheets seemed like the sure bet (no drips, no smell, no worries). I did have to cut the sheets (hah - I said 'cut the sheet') but they were very easy to cut. I'm not a good cutter, though. Luckily, I was able to hide the rough cut sides under the black plastic panel of the dishwasher.
I'm so happy. Utter domestic bliss.
Fortune: Eat and drink with your relatives; do business with strangers.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

The Crocus

The pic is not very bright, but can you see the one crocus bud?
When my friend and I got to revamping this garden bed, is was well past spring. We dug out a bunch of weeds and violets. I was worried we dug up the crocuses and tulips, too. Nothing to fear - I see many crocus and tulip sprouts.

Fortune: Speak only well of people and you need never whisper.

What to do...

I definitely need to put a new roof on my cottage this year, but then what? I'd like to put down some kind of wood flooring in the kitchen. I'm not 100% thrilled with the current beige tiled floor a previous owner put down.

I'm not crazy about the counter top color either, but it's in okay shape and it does add a nice bit of color. Course, a new floor might change that... I want to paint the that darned beige dishwasher, too. (Is that easy to do?) The fridge and stove are white. Hmm, a new fridge would be nice, but it can wait until the current one bites the dust.

I like the slate/slate-like floor in the bathroom, but it's not in the best shape. A couple of tiles are loose. It's difficult to mop, too. I think smaller tiles would look nicer. Something like this by Oceanside Glasstile. (great photo, eh?)


I'd like to put on a carport, but I don't think I can do it legally. The posts would end up too close to the property line. It would be nice to have my bikes outside and have them dry, though. Maybe a small lean-to under the window.

I'd like to get a bigger overhang for the back door. Would be helpful when it rains. I'd like something similar to the one over the front door but a tad smaller.

I also had the idea to put down some decking at the foot of the front steps. I'd like it to cover the asphalt and the lawn from the bottom step towards where I was standing when I took this pic.

I need to find a contractor, prioritize the projects (back door first, bathroom floor second, all other projects whenever) and save my pennies.

Fortune: Working out the kinks today will make for a better tomorrow.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Oh My 'Lanta











Fortune: You'll always be surrounded by true friends.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Double Phew

It's kind of amazing I survived last year financially. When I did my taxes this year I finally saw the whole picture - I had to add up two W-2's plus a 1099. I made $12,000 less in '07 than I did in '06. There were some scary bill paying moments along the way, but I pulled through. (It would be an understatement to say I freaked out when my car didn't pass inspection because my window didn't roll down.) I'm glad that bumpy road has ended. Of course, the way the economy is headed I can't say I feel 100% secure job wise. I do, for the moment, feel financially fit again. Finally.
Another relief is finding out new boss isn't an uptight doo-doo head. Nothing to worry about at all. New boss likes the work I do. New boss respects me. New boss offers assistance when asked. It's totally f*#$%^g amazing. (I don't feel ashamed about my job anymore.) New boss has quirks, but nothing I can't handle. It's refreshing to work again with a boss who knows how to communicate - and lets me do my work without bother or any type of annoying disruptions.
I think I'm gonna sleep well tonight.

Fortune: You are cautious of showing your true self to others.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

What are you lookin' at?


Fortune: Among the lucky, you are the chosen one.

Friday, March 7, 2008

The Cardinal



Fortune: You are given the chance to take part in an exciting adventure.