Movie Time

I believe I've watched more movies in the past week and a half then I have in the last 6 months. Blockbuster Total Access is cool. Perhaps the coolest feature is being able to take a movie back to a local Blockbuster and snagging a new one at no additional charge. In turn, we are able to keep our movie watching going and also allowing us to share our movies with people at work. At work, there are about 3 or 4 of us that share the movies that we rent, if we have plenty of time left on the local ones. It's a nice setup.

Recent watches:

Sherry Baby

The Departed

Clerks 2

Coming watches:

Flags of Our Fathers

Blood Diamond

In the picture, Eli and Cooper inspect Ragged's knitting

Tune Up

It's been a nice weekend. It hasn't been filled with alot of rest, but satisfying yard and home improvement work. On Friday, I got the itch to mow the yard, so since Ragged was away for a bit, I dug in and got 'r dun. I racked up some flotsam that had accumulated beside the garage after our backyard flooded last year. On Saturday, the fun continued with weed eating, limb trimming, dead hydrangea bloom pulling, Freddy loving, dead leaf raking, back yard chillin', gas grill cookin', Wal mart trippin'...okay, I'll stop and just say it was busy but good.

I managed to finish up the painting on the linen closet, so in a couple of days I'll rehang the doors and the painting will be complete...well, for now. We're probably going to paint the porch at some point. We'll see. Painting is about the only home improvement task we can do.

Today, I got in a good workout followed by walking several trips around one of our local parks and concluding later with a walk around our neighborhood with Ragged. It's so nice to be out in the warm weather and exercising again. Makes me want to go camping.

After a meeting with my supervisor last week, my working at home is offically back burnered for now. I'm not sure why, he just doesn't seem in a hurry to have it happen despite two new employees starting next week thereby creating a space crisis. But, against my nature, I'm going to be patient and wait it out. It will happen.

Ragged and I are enjoying the Blockbuster thing. We have watched many-a movies so far and it's been fun. Clerks 2 is an abomination. Just ask Ragged.

In the picture, Cooper naps on the ottoman. Ragged got alot of good pictures of him this weekend.

Get Busy

Spring has sprung and my beer belly and man boobs are in full effect and I don't even drink. I have all but given up on exercising which sucks. I used to enjoy it so much and I felt so much better mentally and physically. I need to get back to it.

Ragged is putting the kybosh on my weekend plans to clear out my work space for working at home. She would prefer to do something "fun", whatever that means. Of course I would like to do something fun, but there are things that need to be done now damn it. Just kidding. It doesn't take much coaxing for me to set aside work and lounge. We're expecting a free load of mulch in the coming days too, so we have to prepare the yard to accept that too. So much work, so little time, so lazy me.

Turtle and the Hare

Tomorrow is the first day of spring and the weather is expected to make a drastic change. It is anticipated that we'll be in the 70s for the next 10 days. Not so shabby. Unfortunately the 90s are a scant couple of months away, but let's just focus on the nice weather for now.

It feels like two weeks will never go by. It feels like the time for me to work at home will never get here. These last few days have been agonizingly slow, but I've managed to get a little bit completed. I've even started packing up my office. I've had 3 offices since I started at my job almost 7 years ago, so I've cleaned out my desk on a few occasions, but it's amazing the amount of junk that accumulates in a pretty short period of time.

This weekend, Ragged and I will likely rent a storage facility to move some of our crap out to make the house look less cluttered for sell and to allow me a space to work when I finally begin working at home. I'm on the case to find us a good deal. Some of the storage places offer the first month free and some offer free moving truck rental. Since we don't have a truck, that place is currently a front runner.

I got my car back today. They couldn't find anything wrong with it, but they cleaned out a few things and changed the air filter and it seems to be running fine if not a bit better than it did before. $116 damage to my wallet and most of that was towing fees. Boo. The people we take our cars to for oil changes and repairs are great. I always feel like I got the best work at the lowest price when I deal with them. They are the shortest bunch of people I think I've ever seen, but I guess that serves them well when crawling under vehicles. Think oompaloompas with facial hair.

We received our first movies from Blockbuster today. That was fast! First on the list is The Departed and Shut Up and Sing.

Ups and Downs

St. Patrick's day was riddled with drunken debauchery the likes of which would make a sailor blush. I had to practically carry Ragged in from her parents after our annual St. Patty's dinner with them. Just kidding. It was a quiet day which included some painting. Ragged put the third, but not the last, coat of paint on this morning. It's going to take at least one more coat and then we take down the doors and paint the trim. This has been a big job but I believe it will be well worth it upon completion.

I'm about to run out and get a quick workout in and take the recyclables that have accumulated in my car. Yesterday my car was acting funny, so this week will probably include a trip to the car doctor.

In the picture, Freddy lounges against the door and protects us from the scurges outside at the same time.

Lights...Camera...ACTION

As of this morning, Ragged and I are officially members of Blockbuster All Access video renting (no applause necessary). This combines a couple of pleasures in our lives, watching movies and getting good mail. We are very excited and look forward to our first movies arriving. With my working at home starting the first of April, I will have time to watch all the movies I've missed out on in my many months of working at night.

Ragged and I are about to leave to go out to breakfast. I love eating big greasy, fattening breakfasts on the weekends. I usually eat a banana or apple during the week.

In the picture, Izzie requests lots of feline-themed movies...or else.

Break On Through

My big rush at work is over and for the next couple of weeks I should have some downtime. There is a big murder trial going on in my court division, so not much is being scheduled. That's okay for now, but it means that later on there will be another surge. So, I'll have to get ahead of the game these next couple of weeks.

Yesterday I turned down the job I had been re-offered once and for all. I was certain in my choice. A little more money doesn't compare to working at home. Speaking of which, I'm hoping to start doing that soon. Next week is my hope, but it will probably be more like April 1.

I can't get Ragged to get off her lazy tukis and finish the painting. In reality, I just want her to finish it so I don't have to.

Today it was warm in my office. My folds and nooks were sweating. I'll be glad when I have control over my own climate.

Friday I get to spend the day on the firing range requalifyng. The weather should be pleasant enough. I'm looking forward to it.

Delusional

I woke up this morning about 3am with a horrible stomach ache. I was certain I would eventually throw up but I never did. Nevertheless, I took a sickday. I'm still feeling weird, but my stomach is better. I think my weird feeling may be sinus and allergy stuff.

It used to be so easy for me to take naps, but now it's virtually impossible. I get to the point of falling asleep and something wakes me up. It's very frustrating.

The weather is great outside. I have the windows open getting some fresh air. Ragged suggested part of my problem may be the fumes from the paint. It's hard to say.

Since Ragged and I visited those houses the other day, I'm preoccupied with moving. We found a house that would be perfect for us. It is out of our price range, but it has all the things we want or could be modified to fit our wants. There are closets, extra rooms, hardwood floors, a patio, and on and on. I secretly hope that the universe somehow allows us to get it. I also think I'm going to win the lottery everytime I play.

In the picture, Cooper looks out the front door.

Racing

So far, this weekend has been a busy one for Ragged and I. Friday we went to see the play I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. It was okay for me, but Ragged really enjoyed it. The play was preceded by dinner out. I was supposed to cook for us, but I was so tired I opted to go out to eat instead. Saturday, we got a visit from my family. They came to see the newly renovated bathroom and visit. After they left, Ragged and I ventured out to take some unwanted goods to the Goodwill, to Kohls to buy more stuff, by a couple of prospective new houses and then home to do some painting on our current house. We spent most of the afternoon and evening painting. We made a quick trip to Lowe's for some brushes, but we came right back home and painted until after 9pm. Ragged's parents came by to see the bathroom amidst all the painting and Ragged's mom managed to get paint on her dress pants. After a quick tour around the house and some painting advice from Ragged's dad, they were on their way and we resumed painting. We didn't quite finish and some things will require second coats, but the living room and bathroom should be complete outside of some touch up. The current daunting project is painting the louvered (sp?) doors on our linen closet. We got one coat of paint on one of the doors and part of one coat on the other before we ran out of steam and Ragged went to be. Oh, I forgot to mention I cooked lasagna for dinner.

At any rate, we have another day of painting to go, but it shouldn't be an all day event. We need to get some rest before the new week starts. Ragged may be doing the finishing touches next week.

In the pictures, Ikey is clueless as to what is going on, Freddy wonders when he's going to get to live inside, and the doors go unpainted cause Ragged and I got too tired.

Moving On Up

I'm afraid Freddy might be moving. You might wonder how that's possible as he is an alley cat, but what I probably should say is that the people who I believe own him are moving. There's a large moving truck in front of their house and they have been filling it up the last couple of days. I'mI'm tempted to hide him from them. I told Ragged if they move and Freddy is still here we have to keep him. I'm sort of hoping they don't take him.

In the pictures, Freddy gets a rub down. Hopefully not one of his last.

Food For Thought

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month. (If you can. LOL)
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything. (A real hard pill to swallow)
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children/grandchildren get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield. (But; Not into temptation...)
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Finale

Day 4 is done and with it came towel racks, more caulk, a mirror and lights and paint, two thresholds and quarter-round. The transformation is complete. The only thing left is shalacking one of the thresholds and we're fin.

It'll probably be Wednesday before we get to shower, but taking one more bath won't kill me. The worst part about bathing besides me being too big for the 1940s tub is that when I laid down to rinse my hair my back suctioned to the tub floor. Very painful. My back fat will never be the same.

We'll have to take pictures with everything back in place and the new shower curtain up and post them here. Then, we'll shut up and stop boring everybody with our bathroom jubilation.

I have so much to get finished this week it's stressing me. Tomorrow I'm having my para-physical for my new life insurance policy. I know my blood pressure is sky high, but hopefully my cholesterol and all will make them think I'm going to live a long, healthy life.

Fast Forward

This weekend has flown by. After a long week of early mornings and partial baths highlighted by little sleep, we stayed in Friday. Saturday we went out for breakfast and to Walmart and later we went to Lowe's and Target to get some final touches for the bathroom. Ragged spent one of her Christmas gift certificates at Macy's too. That night we went out to dinner with friends on Saturday and then to their daughter's christening today. They asked me to videotape it and I was scared to death I would screw it up, but everything went okay I think. It's difficult for me to hold one of my eyes closed and look through the camera. I probably looked crazy. I felt like I was all up in the middle of the event. It felt like we had alot to do and lots of places to be which I don't like on the weekends. It was all nice, it just felt like there wasn't enough downtime and a busy work week starts tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to the progress that will take place in our bathroom tomorrow. The end is near on this project which feels so great. We ran into an associate of Ragged's that may be interested in buying our house. In fact, we caught them doing a drive-by, scoping out the house. It would be so amazing if that fateful meeting led to our house being sold.

Before & After

A couple of before and after pictures. There are still a couple more days of construction to finish the bathroom and the other couple of projects we wanted completed. We can bath but we can't shower yet. Beats bathing in the sink and at the Y.

What A Difference A Day Makes

Day 3 is said and done and the bathroom has really transformed. It's exciting. We will be able to bath, not shower, at home this weekend. We don't have a sink and all the calking hasn't been completed but it is so close. The guys painted today and put up trim. Ragged picked a great color to compliment the green tub. I wouldn't have.

This is me sporting my new trekkie shirt in my mostly completed bathroom.

Invitation

Believe it or not, I have never been to a Star Trek convention. October 5th through the 7th there is one in Chicago. Anyone interested in ganging up and going? Troi and Riker are the guests as of now. Of course, that's subject to change.

Knee Deep

Day two is complete and the shower surround is up. The mud is drying and tomorrow calls for paint and trim. It should look more like what it will finally be then. Ragged took the camera to work, so I can't show pictures, but they'll come later. Ragged is charged with picking out a suitable color for the walls. As she mentioned in her blog entry, the tub is green, so it's going to be interesting to see how it will work.

I took a sink bath and Ragged went to the Y. She apparently didn't mind it so much. The contractor said we can use the bathtub only tomorrow, but we'll have to put on the knobs and clean out the sheet rock dust first.

Last night I watched Year of Hell, a two episode edition of Star Trek Voyager, nothing cooler than Janeway flailing around when the ship is buffeted. Nobody does it better.

Thanks to Brando, Rudy, Yin, and Yuri for the birthday gift. Star Trek memorabilia is always a good thing.