Our Project

So I have been holding out, for a variety of reasons.  Darren and I have been working on a great project, tiring, but in the end it will all be worth it.  Whenever the end arrives. 
Its a...


HOUSE! 

Darren bought a house and closed on the 22nd of April.  So his house is getting a much needed and major face-lift.  And of course I was automatically volunteered to work on it with him, helping pick out colors decide on appliances, the layout of furniture and so forth.  I think the part I am looking forward to the most is comparing the before and after images.  So here are some before...

There will not be many changes to the outside but some bushes may be removed.

The Living Room will have new paint, wood floors and updated curtains.  And the removal of the furniture that was left by the son of the previous owners, have begun to find their new homes through the Salvation Army.

The Dining room does not have wood floors but will have tiling that will go into the kitchen area, new paint, lighting fixtures, registers for the heating and cooling system.

The kitchen will be one of the bigger projects, we will live with the cabinets for awhile then have them completely replaced, add a dishwasher, will have the same color as Dining area and new appliances.

This is the makeshift pantry that will be the home of the refrigerator and be closed off and allow for some more counter space.

This is the look from the kitchen into the dining area.  Then there is the hallway to the rest of the house.

There is a half bath that will be completely re-done, the flower wallpaper and tile have already found there way into the trash.  I may only keep the lighting fixture because it seems to go with the decor I am working throughout the house, but no final word on whether it stays or goes just yet.  On the right you will see what will become the office and house our computers, books as well as be filled with our photography.  The walls are all white, not stark white but its a nice white.  My plan is to have a black & white photo wall.

This is the second bedroom/ Malissa's room.  The paint job has been completed, a rug choosen to show off the wood floors and next will be finding the curtains.  I am planning to have a subdued gold tone, gray tones with some brighter colors.  Probably the best room in the house when I complete it.
The main bedroom is the same brown color as Malissa's room (that you have not seen as this were before we started painting) and it will be browns and some pop of color.On the left looking from a corner of the main room to the hallway.  The closests in all of the rooms will also have a makeover, the doors have been removed and Darren and I are on a hunt for doors that will open up the closets a little.  Then the full bathroom, its going to be completely gutted, shower head will be higher, a curtain, new tub, sink/vanity and fixtures.  Although once the sheet rock is up I have not figured out a color to paint it just yet.

Then in the dining area there is the door to the full basement, it has a bar that will eventually be upgraded.  The wood paneling is a go, its going into the trash.  And the Sheet Rock will be painted white.  This area will have the Tv, couch, bar stools and futon.  Otherwise known as Darren's Man cave.

Then on the opposite side is the laundry room and the various items that make the house work.

Then behind the furnace there is some storage space and will be a space for me to do some art work and hold the ridiculous amounts of things that Darren owns.  On the right is when Darren found out there is no wood floor in the kitchen.

Then we put up color swatches, the far left is the Dining/kitchen color, the far right is the bedroom color.  The middle ones were losers.  Then Darren taking down the sliding closet doors which happen to be the same color as the doors used on all rooms that will also be replaced.

Needless to say there is a lot of work in front of Darren and I have been dragged along for the ride but already the progress can be seen as the painting is done and the wood floors are visible.

More to come that is for Sure.

Ps Finals are over! WOO HOO!

its almost over

So this semester is almost over.  After weeks of lost Saturday mornings and evening's there is one more week of actual class then Next week starts finals.  I am excited and having made it through a semester that requires book work that has nothing to do with art has become strange and not living in an art building is even more odd.  Its interesting how I have seen myself lost in a world, I have become enlightened but also asking myself "What am I doing?," "Is this what I am made of?," "Can I conquer it?"  A lot of questiong myself as I have walked and studied my way through the semester. 

Either way, this weekend was a lost weekend.  As in I spent 6 hours driving, we had a family function and after school on Saturday morning I headed to the Bend and then back to Indy early Sunday morning.  Come Monday it was an odd morning at work, just not with it at the start of the week. 

Here are few images...

Sister, Luz and niece Tegan

Sister, Edina stood up as in the Party for our cousin's Quincenera

 Edina and Tegan together, Tegan in her outfit that Darren and I picked out for her.  then a stare into the camera from Tegan.  Her eyes have yet to change to a dark color as we are predicting. 

Another day

So yes, I have realized that my thoughts have not been written as of recently.  But today, today I thought about how much I miss walking to class on a warm day like today.  With the light breeze and the sun shining brightly enough to want to be in its splendor.  To sun bathe while attempting to to get homework done, or atleast being able to shop outdoors and enjoy it.  Instead I worked indoors then had a Phi Mu Alumnae dinner.  I do highly, extremely dislike living in the city.  Its just not for me and I know that will not be changing any time soon.  Also I thought I was after a year of living here enjoying Indy but I have found that I absolutely could do without living here or anywhere else in Indiana.  In fact I would be on the East Coast, where it is warmer than here.  Indy and myself- we just have not found a happy medium together.  While there is plenty to see and events to attend I hope that someday it will be a memory while my feet are on solid ground elsewhere.  Not a great memory but a memory.  If I stay here in Indiana forever there may be some issues.  Maybe its a bit harsh but I guess growing up bites the big one, atleast for me in my 20's.  I really did think it would come full circle and life would be fantastic as far as living here goes but I could live the same life elsewhere and maybe it would be better maybe I would feel the same.  And that is my rant for this post.  Atleast my urge to move has ended and here I am, secure job and all.

But onto greatness, dinner tonight was fun.  We met at Uno's and it was good although I will pay for the pizza I ate.  In the Indy Alumnae group there are mostly older women, retired women who happen to have some great stories about life their activities.  Things they do and such, it was nice to get out and change up the tempo for a night.  Life can become such a routine, where is the spontaniety?!  I think it left me when I got here.  Somehow I will make it up, for missing on the grand adventures.  Not sure how but I always tell myself that I need to live it up. 

Its been a little While

In that little while, I have been to Florida and back, back to life here in INdy once again. Our trip was busy and fun-filled as always. But the weather was nothing like last year, I wore jeans 2 of the 3 days I was there and sweaters. While last year I managed to get sunburned and have to change my clothes often due to getting so hot and sweaty. I did not even have the desire to get all dolled up in one of my newest dresses as I had to keep warm and that meant a hoodie. But we had fun and enjoyed it all we could.  Before the Race on Sunday we walked the streets of St. Pete after having found a place for breakfast.  Darren had checked things out on Friday and Saturday so we had some sort of direction, which with Darren is rare.  We walked the grounds of a Fine Arts Museum, set up the camera for an "us" picture, then I saw this tree that had the beautiful flowers falling from it.  I would like one.

Then it was onto the track, Darren got me in the simulation car.  Then over looking the streets from the Ferris Wheel.  We wore our stylish ear plugs, there was another race going on previous to the race we were there for and it was loud as it was adjacent to the ferris wheel.  The driver I follow, which is the key when it comes to racing, to have a person to follow to keep entertained, Justin Wilson, is now sponsored by Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.  Its going to be a good year for him, I like road races like St Pete so much more than ovals.  There is something about how many more turns there are and also more chances for passing and crashing when they are not careful.While we got rained out on Sunday the Race was rescheduled to Monday, which meant another day at the track.  And of course we had to have our picture taken to mark that occassion.  So we ended up spending more time at the track than anticipated.  Which in the end, the Race was so worth it. 

We did get to have our Grouper sandwiches at Dave's Dockside and it was DELICIOUS.  Then we got beat up by the wind while attempting to walk the beach before calling it quits and going to buy a few things for a my babies,We made time for a few races at Derby lanes, had bets on quite a few different greyhounds.  Although again the not so pleasant weather of wind and cooler nights than I needed got us back to the hotel earlier than anticipated. 

Tuesday we headed to Universal Studios, parking in the Cat in the Hat section.  I have not been there before but it was a good time.  We got on a few different rides, had a late lunch at the Hard Rock then did some more walking around and light shopping before we started our journey back home.  The drive was not so bad, got some non-school reading done and sleep while Darren put on a variety of mixed Cd's for his entertainment.  It got us away from Indiana, and some relaxation.  Darren saw some of the better weather before I arrived and of course he had some great autograph time. 

So even if I did not get to lay out on the beach and wear my new swim suits I did experience and see new things/places.  I also bought a couple awesome dresses from boutiques.  I got to spend time with Darren and relax.

almost there

Its Friday night and I am becoming semi-anxious.  Tomorrow evening I head for Florida to meet up with Darren.  Although I do have to say that the day has gone quite easy thank goodness for all the busy things, mostly cleaning, that I had to do today. 
I woke up this morning and got straight to work; the bedroom, both bathrooms, laundry (including flannel bedding that takes forever to dry).  Then after some lunch and down time I finished up the kitchen and living room.  I also made a quick run to see my new stylist to clean up my brows, pick up a few items at the Meijer, finished up my last assignment for the week and quiz.   I got a lot done on my day off from work.  I had Turkey Dogs for dinner and still have some more studying to get in before class tomorrow morning. Then a few hours after class my co-worker Michelle will be taking me to the airport for my 5pm flight.  I am so  ready for a break from work, even though the weather seems to be coming around, a change of scenery, the beach, shopping and fun with Darren is definately what I need.  We always have a great time even if we do not get to leave home. 

Darren drove down to Florida soon after work yesterday and stopped in Chattanooga Tennessee finally arriving at the hotel around 3 this afternoon.  He also took part in a 3 mile race there in St. Pete which I will hear about later tonight.  Tomorrow night cannot arrive soon enough.  And a flight with a layover in Atlanta will get me to Tampa around 10pm.  But once I am on my first plane everything will feel more at ease, as the journey for our first trip of the year begins.

Its Wednesday?!

This week has flown by and in some ways that can be good and in others not so much.  Good in that the weekend is almost here and I have a little bit of shopping to get done, its a week closer to Florida and Bad due to the homework and studying I still have to get done before Saturday.  But, I finally have my own photos of Tegan.  She is a doll and it this point not too bad, she slept most of the time I was with her this past Friday. 

She is a doll.  And its going to take awhile for me to get used to this whole idea.  My sister, Luz is very attentive, maybe too attentive.  Picking up Tegan as soon as she starts a little whimper and apologizing that she could not pick her up fast enough as she stepped into the powder room for a few minutes.  Needless to say we rocked her and she calmed down then stopped and the crying commenced.  Luz also had a very hard time while we were trying to have girl time with mom, having manicures, pedicures and seated massages.  She made it slightly less relaxing but it was nice.  All the while Tegan was with our aunt who has 4 children of her own and has helped with her own nieces and nephews, she kinda knows a few things about babies. 

While at home I also got to spend some time with my family.  My uncle had a birthday party on Friday night and the Twins got into the recycling bin, finding that empty soda bottles made great toys as they chased each other and hit one another.  More like kid Gladiator.

Another Aunt had a birthday lunch on Saturday where I got to spend some time with just the ladies.

So far this week Darren has grilled 2 times, Turkey Dogs Monday night and then Hamburgers last night.  It is finally begining to look and feel like spring.  Yesterday we also went to Darren's second home, the track (IMS).  We took a small walk and got some images of the outside and of the sun setting.  It was so beautiful!  I am so ready for the great weather to continue.  10 days til Florida!

A busy afternoon

Well, as it is spring break for me Darren and I made it up to see his sister & nephews.  I headed out there after work and Darren missed all the outdoor fun as he showed up a few hours later with dinner in hand.  Shana and I got to chat and catch up and she found out quite a few things, Darren says little to her about certain subjects I guess. Male thing? After Carter called one of my friends a couple of times we took the boys outside as the day was so glorious, spring like, finally!  I did not grab my camera but when we got back in I got a few of the boys.  Carter, the oldest of the 2 decided he wanted to take pictures and that kept him quite entertained for awhile, actually until bedtime.  So a small sampling of Carter's images. 

So I will have to be on a mission.  Looking at cameras for kids his age, that should keep him busy.  It seemed like he was enjoying himself, he got Unlce Darren, Mom (Shana), his brother Chase, Dad (Tim), the table and even one of himself.  And I probably have another 30 or so images on my camera. 

Another exciting thing to wind the weekend up, tonight I drive up north to the Bend.  Going to spend the weekend at my Folks house and hang out with them for the weekend.  I also get to FINALLY meet Tegan.  Also brunch with Brother Ed, a family friend, and us girls, massages and such and more.  So glad my weekend starts after a study club dinner for work.  8pm cannot get here soon enough even with the long drive.

Fight or Flight

Every once in awhile I get in these moods, or mood.  To move. I do not know why or where the urge orginates from but I just want to move away.  Get far away from where I am and not look back.  I have had this urge since I graduated college, and possibly because I moved back home and still am in Indiana.  This desire to move away comes maybe 2 or 3 times a year, usually around spring and in the fall.  Its odd, but if I could I probably would.  Only thing is right now I have job security, own way too many things and do not want to be like most people I know.  I do not want to settle down.  2 weeks ago I was perfectly fine living here in INdy and give me a few more weeks and things will be back to normal.  Maybe its the need for a vacation.  The nasty, cold weather gets old fast.  Ps I do despise winter and snow.  I just want to throw my clothes in my truck and go.  I could care less if I knew anybody,  it would not matter because the destination would be the best part.  Maybe I should have never come back to INdiana but I am here and thats that.  After college I never wanted to come home but I never fought to stay anywhere else although my job hunt was anywhere and everywhere, just not South Bend if I could help it. 

It is also the begining of spring break.  A short rest from classes but not from the office.  I intend to read a book for myself, not related to class, try to keep as busy as possible and have more than one night of a good sleep.  Seeing Darren's sister and nephews later this week and now my trip North is up in the air.  Just breathe.

Half way there

Its mid-term week.  This means I am half way through this semester, which is crazy how fast it has gone.  It has been tough, without a doubt, Having to work about 8 hours a day then coming home to try and unwind and get to the studying for a few hours every night.  Although I am doing pretty well in my classes I am a person that gets distracted very easily. Its nice when Darren is out and doing things, sitting and listening to music with headphones on the computer while I go through my work (thanks to Malissa's awesome mix cd's), or having to lock myself in the bedroom with my ipod are some of the sure fire ways to get some studying done.  I have attempted the library and it works as well, not like in college where it was easier to crash for a nap than to study.  I will be making sure all the information is stuck in my brain somewhere when it comes time to take my tests.  A crazy week is underway and at the end of it will be one week of no school work, Spring Break!, except for I will be at work the following Monday through Thursday night then on to the Bend.  Mom took next Friday off and we will be having breakfast and running errands, finally meeting Tegan, and trying to relax.  It will be nice to get away even though I despise the drive.  So the week will not conquer me, I will conquer it!