Smile, It's Thursday

Crazy Pills

Do you ever have one of those days, or weeks, where it seems that everywhere you look, something crazy is happening? I do.  

I don't know if it's that I go through phases where I'm more aware of the crazy or there are actual upticks but either way there are certain days where I feel like I'm making the same face as Will Ferrell above and can't stop (also there are not enough moments for Zoolander references in my opinion).

As an example, one morning this week, as I walked in to my office there was a trash can on fire. Not like a urban camping, to keep warm, kind of trash fire.  A normal, on the side of the street, in the financial district, trash can that was just randomly on fire.  I appeared to be the only one acknowledging this oddity.  Was it really happening?  I hadn't had my coffee yet, so sometimes I question myself, but no, it was definitely on fire.   However, like a poor samaritan, I continued on my way, only to clumsily stumble into an argument between two homeless people.  I thought it was a standard "my corner" type of thing but then the dog of one of them jumped in and bit, I think, the other one, while the dog's owner went into a rant about how the other guy was no good and everyone knew it. 

Typically I can assume that there is a mental illness factor in these type of scenarios but I am actually fairly familiar (from my regular walk to work) with the man with the dog, and he seems rather well balanced, considering.  So again because it's before coffee, it takes several seconds too long for me to realize what's happening and when I do I'm standing nearly in the middle of it, confused and oddly detached.

I know cities are not strangers to craziness and mine is no exception but I appear to be in a phase of either heightened awareness or the city itself is getting punchy with the coming of spring and the sun.  Either way it may be time to lay low...

30th year is nearing a close - time to check the projects list

As you are all clearly aware, I have avoided checking in on this list for the last several months.  While, I haven't done nothing, I havent' done a whole lot either.  But, as Spring gathers speed on it's way to Summer and my 30th year gets ever closer to a close it's time to evaluate (and give you an update on the RVT2103 - to come soon).  Ok, to the list:

1. New Bed:  DONE! I think that there can definitely be a follow-up project to add a few more items tot the decor of the room overall, including new bedding but the new bed is in and great!
2. Color in the Kitchen: Truthfully, haven't even visited this one
3. Build 4 x 4 workbench:  As seen at an artist studio at American Steel Studios.  DONE! I'm going to call this done, but amended.  I recently created the top of a workshop table based on a Pinterest project I saw but using scraps I had in the workshop.  Currently it is missing legs but it's resting on top of my sawhorses and maybe provides even more functionality than the original project.
4. Build nightstands: DONE!  Really happy with my suitcase nightstand and looking for a second suitcase to complete the set.
5. Run a race.  Hmm, didn't sign up for one. If I wanted to excuse myself I could talk about how I've run them in the past, and I've recently timed myself running (like a race against myself).  So, done?
6. Front yard makeover: Partially done/Postponed, my grass and other plants are doing really well.  I added some more plants for pops of color and some along the side of the house.  Happy for now with long term plan for xeriscaping.
7. Back yard makeover: Partially done.  I have moved several plants and created an all succulent planter. They are starting to bloom and I can't wait for it to fill in!  I also planted two tomato plants, a tomatillo, zucchini and carrots.  No new fruit trees yet but still on the list.
8. Complete one new woodblock: Done, pictures to come.  I'm not in love with it but I don't hate it, which is a start.
9. Take an art class
10. Make a "pouf": Here's one project but maybe search because I know there were a couple that did it on the cheap using IKEA rugs I think. Still have not attempted it yet, however.
11. Sew a complete item of clothing (more complicated than a skirt though) using a pattern. DONE. I made a fairly hideous pair of kulots/gaucho pants for our Troop Beverly Hills Halloween costume this year.  While it was not a true pattern, I did use a pair of pants I already have to create this pair and had to make some sizing adjustments and amendments as I went.  Let's just say I'm not destined for Project Runway anytime soon. 
12. Design and get a tattoo
13. Make Christmas presents for my neighbors: Done-ish, I did not make Christmas presents for my neighbors but I did make really adorable Christmas presents in mason drinking glasses for my coworkers, which I'm counting.
14. Build and paint a bean bag toss game: Canceled, felt like too much time but have done some other wood working projects
15. Sew baby blanket:  DONE! See the post about making the blanket.  I recently got a photo back from my friend with her one month old swaddled up in it - baby adorableness.  I also have two more babies coming that need blankets, but not for this list!
16. Add a new item for sale to RadBaby: DONE!  See the post about the new earrings we added.
17. Complete a Coursera course: DONE I completed all the lectures and assignments for Dino 101 - it was awesome.  I have given up on the Intro to Computational Design.  I enjoyed the first two modules, programming and photoshop, but the third is audio which does not interest me.
18. Create a housewarming gift for friends that are moving. DONE!  I created a great housewarming gift in a mason jar for my best friend's brother and his girlfriend.  It took me forever to give to them but that is not part of this project so there.
19. Add shelves and/or decor to the bathroom: DONE!  This one was a project from Pinterest, and a rare situation where I actually like my version more than the Pin.
20. Go to Zumba classes 2 times a week for at least a month. DONE!  Successfully accomplished and still going.  With the exception of some sick days we have been consistently going every week and plan to keep at it. It's a great break and separation from the day.  Plus an amazing instructor, which makes all the difference.
21. Attach a charging pad in the new nightstand so that phone can charge just sitting on the nightstand. Canceled, after researching the cost of a charging pad this really wasn't worth it.  But it would be good to build something for my cords and charges to live in, other than the floor.
22. Build an acoustic speaker for iphones. DONE!  I actually built two, and gave one to Meg for her birthday.  I'm using this idea as a prototype for the next Coursera class I'm taking (Design) and am hoping to refine the design even more.  
23. DIY Christmas decorations: Also from Pinterest, found these two projects and really enjoyed making and using them for decoration.  The DIY garland and the "Christmas Trees"
24. Rehab a Dresser: DONE! Ok, so this wasn't technically a project for me but it was a project, I definitely helped lead the charge so I feel totally ok with counting this as a completed project on my list.
25. Fix headliner in Petunia: DONE!  Not a total fix but makes me happier than it was and works with my budget.
26. Rehab Armchair: DONE!  Great find at Goodwill, now an even better fit in my house.
27. Salon wall in bedroom:  Been collecting frames as I go and the wall in my bedroom needs some love. Get them hung!
28. Fix and paint/stain coffee table: The original project made in my workshop needs some TLC
29. Plant Edibles: DONE!  Mentioned earlier but I planted two cherry tomato plants, carrots, a tomatillo and a zucchini plant.  I'll let you know what kind of harvest I get.
30. Travel: DONE!  My travel bestie and I are going to Ireland this summer.  Details are coming together and ticket prices are being monitored.  This trip will get in just under the wire and I can't wait!

Wow, I have to admit that in the beginning I did not necessarily expect to be able to come up with 30 projects.  The list has definitely had some amendments and changes but overall it's pretty exciting to be able to see all that I've worked on for a year.  The bold are projects still to finish but 6 our of 30 ain't bad.

Petunia Gets A Makeover

Petunia is my car, she's a 2000 Beetle and I've had her since I was 16. In case you can't tell from my anthropomorphism, I'm attached.  Unfortunately the headliner was sagging all around and even coming out a bit.  So after checking on getting it replaced - way out of my current budget - I went searching for some DIY solutions.

I didn't actually find any I liked but I remembered that I'd seen a friends car that used flat head tacks, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

I bought 200 and set to work.  Petunia has a really high ceiling, very dome shaped, so I knew that it probably would never hold to try to get it all the way up and tight enough that the fabric would continue to cover so I settled for just a bit of a lift.  Also, hope to prevent any additional sagging.

So pleased!  It worked!  It takes a check in every once in a while and push a pin back in here and there but I got about 2 inches back and it looks less shabby.  Now there is no actual fabric hanging down and allowing wind to get in and pull it down more as well.

Think I'm going to add a few more and go for a nail head upholstery look - will get pictures then.

If only...

Happy Birthday Gloria Steinem

I am a proud Smithie (An alumna of Smith College) and honored to be part of an institution with such amazing alumnae, including Gloria Steinem.  Gloria turns 80 today and it is hard to believe how amazing she looks and how much she is still doing.  Puts a 30 something who complains about a lack of time, like me, to shame!

There are many amazing quotes and inspiration you can take from her career, this being one that speaks to me.  Take a look at the page that Smith College has put together to celebrate her birthday.  In addition, the newest president of Smith College wrote an Op Ed on CNN.com about Gloria.  Feeling inspired and proud! Thanks mom and dad, for always showing me a strong feminist lens on the world and the belief that my sister and I could truly accomplish anything we decided to work for!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!  This is actually my favorite holiday, of all holidays, and not because of the drunken debauchery - though that is fun too.

It's because of my family, for us it's always been a family holiday with extra importance to my dad all of which makes it extra special to me.

We celebrated yesterday with our traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, singing and dancing to Irish songs and a viewing of Darby O'Gill and the Little People.  Once an annual tradition, we all realized that we had not watched this movie in years.  It has all the wonderful craziness of a Disney movie made in 1959 - including an incredibly young and gorgeous Sean Connery.  Though, truth be told, he was not the star of the film.  The true star is the former Irish stage actor who plays Darby - he is incredible and his laugh is contagious.  If you can embrace crazy in a movie and enjoy it, I highly recommend it!

All that said, there were a lot of strangers on my work today deserving of a pinch!  Don't worry I restrained myself...barely.