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Thursday, August 30, 2012

No Vacation for You!

Please note this post isn’t about our home renovations, but I thought you’d enjoy reading about BF’s birthday weekend.
Not sure if many of you know, but BF’s favorite hobby (other than renovating our fixer-upper) is fishing.  He LOVES to fish.  Freshwater, intracoastal, saltwater, ponds, lakes, rivers, you name it, he’ll fish it.
When I asked him how he wanted to celebrate his upcoming birthday, he asked for a weekend trip to Cedar Key, Florida.  I happily agreed since Cedar Key is a short drive from Jacksonville.  I could work on my tan, BF could fish, Bailey could come along and we would eats lots of local seafood and just relax. 

Little did we know how much effort it would take to travel to Cedar Key.  After driving for 45 minutes, BF noticed excessive shaking coming from the boat trailer. 
The drive time normally takes only two hours, but it took us FOUR hours.  There were multiple stops at gas stations, road shoulders and Wal-mart because of the boat trailer tires.  The first tire blew out after we passed Gainesville.


We were lucky to have the second tire blow out as we arrived at our hotel. 
To make things worse, Bailey proved himself to be the hungry snack hound.  He snuck his way to the front of the car and ate my sandwich. 
We planned to have a nice and relaxing weekend on the Gulf Coast, but BF ended up changing flat tires and driving to small town "charming" Wal-marts.  Fortunately we found our way to the water. 
















Monday, August 27, 2012

Chevron Striped Laundry Closet

After I purchased this small ottoman, I became obsessed with chevron stripes. I really wanted to paint a wall with chevron stripes. 
The only wall available long enough in the house is in the living room.  I wasn’t sure if I was ready to commit to a strong pattern.  Instead I chose a safe two-toned stripe. 
In an effort to find more storage options in the small house, I looked into the laundry closet.  I plan to install several new wire shelves.  This would be a great space to try painting chevron stripes for the first time.  Although most of the wall area would be covered with shelves, I still wanted to have an eye-catching laundry closet. 

I was a big girl and tore down the old wire shelf myself.  I almost threw up when pulling the shelf away from the wall.  There was so much dust, ash and who-knows-what-else the shelf felt FURRY and STICKY.  Yuck.  I scolded myself for not putting on gloves before removing the shelf. 

In addition to obsessing over chevron stripes, I am fixated on citron or chartreuse shades of yellow-green. 

I did a lot of internet research on the easiest way to create the chevron stripes.  Since this is a closet not many people will see, I figured I didn't need to be so precise with my measurements.  Luckily I discovered a blogger who felt the same way.  I followed Zandi's easy directions.  In less than an hour I penciled a grid on the wall. 
 

I don't think I have ever used so much tape for such a small section.  It seems wasteful, but you definitely need sharp edges. 

As I rolled on the second layer of paint, BF walked by and raised his eyebrows.  I’m sure he was thinking, “this is either going to look fantastic or completely fail.” 
I don’t care.  I’m the one who does the laundry.  This means I’m the only one who will actually open the doors and it’ll make me very happy J


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Last Supper Wall

BF, “What color do you want to paint the Last Supper Wall?”
TMF, “I want to use the blue color; same as the other blue wall.”

 
I’m not sure where the miscommunication occurred.  When I walked into the living room, BF was painting the edges the color I reserved for the foyer.  

TMF, “What are you doing?  That’s the wrong color!”
BF, “What are you talking about?  Did you want this color for the Last Supper wall?”
TMF, “No, no, no!  I told you I wanted it blue!”


To distinguish the wall from the others, we aptly named it after the painting hung by the previous tenants.  The previous tenants didn’t strike me as being strongly religious.  Perhaps they’re admirers of Leonardo da Vinci or Renaissance art? 
If you’re wondering why I didn’t paint the Last Supper Wall myself, I confess I am terrified of heights and shaky ladders.  After nearly falling off the ladder while painting a high wall, I swore I’d never paint standing on an eight foot ladder again. 

BF took up the task after I begged and pleaded.  He thought I was behaving like a scared baby by not wanting to climb the ladder.  I didn’t care. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Cutting Corners (Literally)

As I mentioned in previous posts, BF created our master bathroom by tearing down a wall and adding a shower.  The wall dividing the old bathroom and master closet had a support beam separating the two. 
Obviously we couldn’t move the supporting beam.  There were also limitations on where to place the bathroom exhaust fan.  The duct pipe was already in place. 

When the knock-down ceiling texture applied, the wiring was partially covered.  BF blames me for not giving the drywall guys better instructions.  I gave him a look saying, "You do remember it's me you're talking about?" 

BF was forced to cut into the ceiling, leaving only one area for the exhaust fan.
Of course the only area available for the exhaust fan was right next to the ceiling light.  What to do?  Cut off the corner of the fan covering!  It looks mostly flush against the light and barely noticeable, right?


Monday, August 20, 2012

Drywall Puzzle Piece

BF, “Why are you closing your eyes?”
TMF, “I’m scared you’ll cut my fingers.”
BF, “Really?”
TMF, “Yes, really!”

After BF ripped out the staircase, there was a very oddly shaped gap in the wall.  We debated on whether to hire a professional drywall company or for BF to do it himself. 


Personally I wanted to hire a professional because I considered the job to be difficult.  If filling in the drywall gap was badly finished, it would be really noticeable.
As expected, BF wanted to fit the drywall puzzle piece himself. 
There were a few trial and error fits with the puzzle piece.  BF would cut the drywall, but it wouldn't have a smooth fit. 
My least favorite part of the drywall puzzle piece was when he asked me to hold up the puzzle piece in wall gap with both hands.  This gave him the opportunity to shape and cut the puzzle piece with a sharp utility knife.  I held my breath and closed my eyes every time the utility knife inched closer and closer to my hands. 
BF, “Your squeaking and yelps aren’t helping me.”
TMF, “Are you done yet?!?!”