Monday, October 30, 2006

sunshine days

She is always thoughtful with her gifts, and my birthday this year was no exception. She and her hubby gave me a gift certificate to Lowe's and two weekends of their time to devote to household projects, namely my backyard.

I had been wanting to create a sun deck for reading and general sunworship-ness for some time, but as usual, I was missing two-thirds of the time, money and energy equation. I'd also had my eye on a pineapple fountain from Tommy Bahama (I know!) but didn't want to spend the 200 or so clams they were asking.

Enter my bestest friend and her handy hubby, who bought redwood from the lumber yard and brought over their saw (bought as an excuse to execute this project, perhaps?) and got to work one hot weekend a few weeks back.

Before said project could begin, some minor adjustments needed to be made to the space designated for the sun deck, particularly clearing it out of the wood chip-debris and what remained from the fountain grass and jasmine that I pulled out last year.






We made a stop at Lowe's for sand (lots and lots and lots of sand) while Cyrus got everything settled to begin the project, and it was there that I was met with the fountain-from-Tommy-Bahama's-cousin. I knew instantly that I had to buy it, and at about half price of the one from the "island purveyor," I knew it was a good choice.




All cleared, sand poured, ready to go!


The master carpenter, ready to get down to bidness


Hey, what's this work stoppage?!

pineapple fountain
I got the fountain assembly job

assembled fountain
Ta da! (pay no attention to the dead foliage in the background!)

assembled bench
Finished product. I now need someone to help me lift it into place!



The bench/sun deck is about the size of a twin bed, and is sure to be super comfy if I ever get around to buying the foam, as Jewels offered to sew the cover for it. I'm thinking Sunbrella fabric, despite its hefty price tag, because the backyard gets a ton of sun and investing in something durable might be the best option. I will be installing a shade over the bench, but that will most likely have to wait until next summer.

Thanks, guys, for all your help!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

six word sunday: say hello to my little friend



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Sunday, October 22, 2006

six word sunday: best money we spent that day




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Thursday, October 19, 2006

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

truly outrageous

I over committed myself to activities on Saturday, so much so that I left the house about 7:30 in the morning and didn't return until 9:30 in the evening. But what a day it was!

My morning event went really well. This was my first year participating in this event, and I can say I'll definitely do it again next year. I was there until about 2:30, then I left for SF for Augusten Burroughs' book reading at the new SF Center's Bloomingdales, of all places.

I wanted to wait until the gawkers had died down before venturing to the new SF Center, but when this came up, I figured I'd put up with it. Holy moly, I have never seen so many people in a freaking shopping mall in my entire life. There was a line to get into H&M and the "Food Emporium" was every person for themselves. I should have realized when I had to valet park at the Hilton that things weren't going to be good. (Note to self: never park at the Hilton again, even though self and valet parking is the same price. $40 [the day's maximum] for the time I was there is outrageous, and to fund that whore's lifestyle? No thanks.)

So I killed time until 6 by having a look at what was drawing so many people to a mall. Nothing spectacularly special as far as shopping goes, even though there are a couple of stores that are exclusive to the Center, but other than those, it was the standard fare: Abercrappy, Aldo, Bath & Body Works, etc. It really was far too long to have to kill time, but I got a healthy dose of people watching in, so that was good.



IMG_0168
Notice anything about this sign?
His last name is misspelled, thus prompting the quick set change in the next pic.

IMG_0169
(and see how close I am to the front?
That's cause I got there early, but that didn't stop two bitches
and two emo wannabes from squeezing into the non-existent space.
If you wanna be up front, get there early, effers!)

IMG_0171



IMG_0184

tending bar
The "after party," in the middle of the men's section

last night a deejay saved my life
Complete with a DJ!

wine and water

Monday, October 16, 2006

these salon wars have got to stop!

For my "AD" and "Star Wars" lovin' friends.
They know who they are.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

paper anniversary

It's their first wedding anniversary -- go send your best wishes!



Here's to many, many more!

Lots of love to you both!

six word sunday: the clouds parted and the heavens spoke





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Thursday, October 12, 2006

birthday wishes

Happy Birthday to her today!

Monday, October 09, 2006

two words survey

1. When was the last time you shaved?

Yesterday morning.

2. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.?

Not working!

3. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?

Watching television

4. Are you any good at math?

Um, no.

5. Your prom night?

No action!

6. Do you have any famous ancestors?

Yes, one

7. Have you had to take a loan out for school?

Thanks, Dad!

8. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile?

No song!

9. Last thing you received in the mail?

More bills

10. How many different beverages have you had today?

Maybe three.

11. Do you ever leave messages on people's answering machine?

Hardly ever

12. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?

New Kids!

13. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?

Yes, sometimes

14. What's the most painful dental procedure you've had?

Wisdom teeth

15. What is out your back door?

My backyard

16. Any plans for Friday night?

Her birthday

17. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?

LOVE it!

18. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?

Thankfully, no.

19. Have you ever been to a planetarium?

Yes, indeed

20. Do you re-use towels after you shower?

It depends.

21. Some things you are excited about?

Sundance Festival!

22. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?

Black Cherry

23. Describe your keychain(s)?

Tiffany keyring

24. Where do you keep your change?

Coin compartment

25. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?

Last month.

26. What kind of winter coat do you own?

Pea coat

27. What was the weather like on your graduation day?

Very HOT

28. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?

Always Closed.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

six word sunday: each step felt like an eternity


(Lomo!)


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Thursday, October 05, 2006

shoes, glorious shoes

How very cute are these sandals?


And like these


these


and these


they're sold out on Nordstrom.com


Foiled again!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

...eeelevennnnn twelve!

For Lisa (and anyone else who enjoyed this song growing up!)

Sunday, October 01, 2006

six word sunday: evidence of mother's mid-life crisis




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