I'm moving... for a little while

While I'm making some home renovations, I've started a new blog.  Come visit!

http://asinglegirlsdiy.blogspot.com/

New Blog

I want to start a new blog. I need to start fresh and I want the focus to be on my home renovations. I want something so my family and friends can follow my progress. My new blog needs a name... and a new address!

The End

I put the finishing touches on the bathroom today. Julie came over this afternoon to help me re-hang the door. That was really the only part of the entire renovation I needed help with. Here are the before and after photos.

BEFORE

AFTER

Nearing the End

I've made a good bit of progress with the bathroom. The crown moulding is up and all the touch ups have been made.

I added moulding around the mirror. It's amazing the difference it made.

I started tiling the floor on Monday night (mistake #1). I finished laying the tile around 10:30 (fully knowing I had to work the next morning). I was in PAIN when I tried to go to bed that night. Note to self: I'm getting too old to be kneeling in the bathtub in order to lay the tile. I have a few touchups to make but I hope to get the grout on my early next week. For my first time, I think I did a decent job.

Brook Trout

I finally started painting the bathroom today. All I had time for was cutting in. I still need to do the trim along the ceiling but I didn't have time today. Here are a few updated pictures. Sorry for the mess. This is a work in progress...

Sometimes You Just Have to be Innovative!

I've been working on my bathroom floor for close to a week (on and off) now. It was getting frustrating and tedious. I've been scraping and scraping and scraping for days. I had gotten to the point where I was attempting to scrape off the adhesive but I was getting up more concrete chips than anything else. Today I decided I would scrub instead of scrape.... and it worked. It took me about 5 hours of intense, frustration relieving scrubbing but I was able to get the floor clean.

Bathroom Renovation: Day 2

I had a great day driving all over town (prior to the storm) looking for tile. I finally found what I wanted, took the plunge, and made the purchase. I am now the proud owner of 25 sq ft of hexagon tile sheets.

I spent a good part of the afternoon/evening trying to remove the adhesive left behind after I removed the linoleum. I used some pretty gnarly chemical adhesive remover that got about 50% of it up. I'm going with some non-toxic route the next go round. Hopefully I can have all the adhesive gone by the end of the week so I can get started on laying the tile.

Bathroom Renovation, Stage One: Demolition

So I've finally decided to start blogging again. I guess I finally feel as if I have something to chronicle.... my bathroom renovation. I'm starting small... space and budget! I'm not changing everything, but I am changing the walls, the floors, and the fixtures (I don't DO brass). This is the hall bathroom, but it is a full bath. Today was demolition day. I ripped up the linoleum on the floor as well as the base boards and the toilet. I feel rather accomplished for my first day and I found a great outlet for relieving stress. I also found some really disgusting stuff underneath the toilet. Do you know what happens to a wax ring over time? The pictures don't even do it justice!

These are the befores! Not very exciting. Functional... that's about it!

This is the after.

Let the games begin!

The Simple Things

The older I get, the more I realize that the simple things in life make me the happiest. When I buy a new pair of shoes, I'm only happy when i buy them. When I get my credit card bill, I'm extremely unhappy.

Last night I decorated my Christmas tree while Julie and Whitney were making holiday treats (and quite a mess) in the kitchen. It was fun; we were silly.

My tree has absolutely no rhyme or reason. This year I bought a fake tree. I realized I just wasn't in the mood for watering it and having a huge fire hazard in my living room. I bought the really HUGE light bulbs to decorate the tree. I love them. They make me feel like I'm 8 and should be wearing footie pajamas and drinking hot cocoa with a few too many mini marshmallows crammed into the top of my mug. My ornaments are random. They are a conglomeration of ornaments people have given me over the years and a few I have purchased on my own. I also have some really old Winne the Pooh ornaments that my brother and I had on our trees growing up. Eeyore is missing an eye but I still love him.

It's Sunny Outside

I got off work this morning and realized it was no longer raining. For some reason, this made me sad. This past week, I enjoyed leaving the hospital in the rain. I enjoyed crawling into bed... my room extra dark from the clouds, and drifting off into blissful sleep. I've had better sleep this week than I've had in the 3 years I've been working night shift. Despite the sun, I slept amazingly well today.

And on the coattails of that experience, I only have one more night shift to work. I start working dayshift on Monday. I'm excited and terrified all at the same time. I'm excited because I get to return to the real world and sleep when everyone else sleeps and fight the crowds at Target during normal hours. I'm terrified because the "night shift pace" is all I've ever known. I'm going to have to start dealing with more than just two doctors a day. I'll have to take my patients to unknown places in the hospital (don't even ask me how to get to the endoscopy suite). I won't get to hear Ashley yell at her crazy patients. I won't get to laugh until I cry with Gina and C. Lo. No more dancing in the halls with Rachel and no more singing bad 80's songs with Jim. No more Lost recaps with Steven and Tommy. No more "miracle mist" sarcasm with Greg. No more wondering who is watching Brea's patient while she is out of her district. No more sweet treats from Mandy. However, this is a good change for me. I need change. I've been stuck in a rut of comfort for far too long. I'll find new friends to laugh with.... to cry with.... and to eat with... but it will all be done in honor of my night shift peeps. I love you guys!

And in honor of the MICU night shifters, I leave you with this...

.

I came upon the following blog this evening. Since I love snacks, especially cake, I found it cry your eyes out hilarious. Enjoy!
http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Ferris and Cameron's Great Adventure

Jason is one of my best friends. We worked together about a year ago. He's one of those people who always makes me laugh even when he's trying to be totally serious.

Earlier this week I asked him if he could come over to help me fix my lawnmower. He wanted us to run some other errands first but he agreed to help. First, we had to pick his car up from the shop. He arrived at my house driving a late 90's model BMW Z3. For those who know me, you know I can't stand sports cars.... especially small ones. We felt so cheesy driving around town in this little jelly bean.

Before we could pick up his car, we had to go buy a car battery because the shop said they had a hard time cranking his car. I would have just let the shop replace the battery but he didn't want to spend the extra money. While I was waiting in the car, a song by Foreigner came on the radio. I had to turn down the volume because I was feeling REALLY cheesy at that point.

When we arrived at the repair shop, I hopped into the seat of the Z3 and Jason drove his car. We had to go to Barney's house to drop off the jelly bean and replace the battery. As we turned down the main road, we noticed the road was blocked off due to construction. Jason tried to turn his car around but it stalled. He was going to have to change the battery in the middle of the road. Of course, all the bolts were really corroded and we couldn't get them off. One of the neighbors offered assistance and we even tried to just jump it but we had no luck. Finally we got it done. Jason was so frustrated with the car. I think in his head he was wishing he had just let the shop change the battery but he would never admit it. We crossed our fingers and turned the ignition... it worked!

What was supposed to be a 30 minute errand turned into a 3 hour errand. Needless to say, my lawnmower is still broken.

Vacations are no vacation

I love to travel but I never consider it a vacation. Vacation is supposed to be a time for relaxation. Travel is stressful. If you drive, you are worried about the price of gas or whether your car is going to break down. If you fly, you are worried about catching your connecting flight or whether you will be sitting next to the creepy guy who wants to tell you his life story. Once you arrive at your destination, you are on a schedule of events (at least I am) so you can accomplish all the things you set out to do.

Earlier this summer, I decided I needed a vacation. I scheduled it around my birthday. Who wants to work on their birthday, right? I'm on my fourth of 16 days off. People keep asking me what I have done and what I am going to do. Here's a run down:

THINGS ACCOMPLISHED (b/c I wanted to, not because I had to):
mopped the kitchen floor (finally got that sticky ice cream film off)
cleaned the bathroom
vacuumed the house
mowed the grass
had a fitting
went to the new Target in Bessemer
tried out a new recipe
went to the gym three times

THINGS TO DO (which may or may not get accomplished; totally up to my own discretion):
finish reading 'Twilight'
go to the gym
travel to Nashville
sing karaoke
probably mow the grass again
wash clothes
do NOTHING (I like this one best)
touch up paint around the house


Now THIS, my friends, is what I call a vacation....

4th of July

I slept most of the day today. I forgot it was the 4th of July until about 5PM. Luckily, I remembered to wear my "bedazzled stars" shirt to work. It's SO an inside joke. I have one for every holiday. And seeing that I end up working most holidays, I always wear my shirts to work. People love them and get a kick out of the shininess. I didn't bedazzle them myself (I'm not that redneck)...Target did it for me.

We also had the opportunity to watch the fireworks over Vulcan from bed 11. It is by far the best seat in the city. You can crank up the music on the TV, watch the fireworks, enjoy the air-conditioning, and better yet.... NO TRAFFIC!

Thank You Stephanie

In the last few months I've become friends with a girl I work with. Her name is Stephanie. I guess that makes us kindred spirits. Anyway, she forwarded this email to me tonight. I thought it was appropriate. I never read forwarded emails but I felt compelled to read this one....

I Believe... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe... That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe... That maturi ty has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe... That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

The Kindness of Strangers

I've been amazed by the kindness of strangers lately. It reminds me of that insurance company commercial where the lady holds back the man before the crosses the street and is smushed by an oncoming garbage truck. Well, my stories aren't QUITE as exciting but they touched my heart nonetheless.

If you know me, you know I go to the grocery store at least three times a week. I get this from my mother. You would think I would be able to get everything I need in one trip. Negative! I can always think of something else I need later in the week. Generally it is milk or bread. Sometimes it's chocolate chips and carrots. Go figure.

So back to the story. On two occassions this week, people offered to take my cart back to the store. At the Bruno's on 150, the only cart repository is way off in the parking lot. When I am usually there after work, it's closer for me to just take the cart back into the store... and I usually do this. This morning, a woman pulled up next to me and offered to take my cart in for me. The same thing happened yesterday when I was at the Publix on 150. Again, the cart corral was a good ways off (but not further away than I was from the store itself) and I had every intention of walking it over but the nice lady in the Volvo stationwagon who was parked next to me offered to take it in.

I know this seems like something little, but it really did touch my heart that people would go out of their way.

I can't even give this blog a title because I am truly at a loss for words. So, let me begin...

I've been off work for a few days so I made a LONG list of things I needed to do. One of them was clean the bathroom. Another one was buy a new toilet seat and a toilet bowl brush. I know, I'm random. What can I say?

Anyway, I bought what I thought was just going to be your normal run of the mill toilet bowl brush. How technologically advanced can they get, right? Wrong! Look at the picture. This brush appears normal at first but look at the side attachment. It's a super-duper scrubber. I mean, this thing is hard core. One question, if your toilet is so dirty as to need this extra attachment, don't you think you might have bigger issues beyond just a dirty toilet?

Someone Stole My Blueberries... and My iPod!

I awoke early yesterday morning. I felt rested… which is a rarity for me. No matter how much sleep I get, I never feel rested when I work at night. I ate a good breakfast, savored my cup of freshly brewed and freshly ground coffee, and decided I would head to the gym around 10. I got dressed and headed out the door when I remembered I hadn’t grabbed my iPod. I can’t go to the gym without my iPod. It’s like a little therapist whispering in my ear. The beat tells me I can keep going when I want to stop short of my goal. I went to grab my iPod when I realized it wasn’t in it’s usual place. Now, I’m not one to misplace things. I always know where my keys are… I never lose my chapstick…. I always have a pen at work (that is, unless one of the doctors has snatched it from my table). I looked everywhere for my iPod. It was no where to be found. I searched all through my car and all through my house (which isn’t very big so there aren’t any good hiding places). I thought that maybe I had left it in the rental car I had a few weeks ago. I called and they knew nothing of it. I thought maybe I had left it in the bathroom at the gym. Again, no luck. Someone stole my iPod! I was distraught. I knew it was gone forever. I grabbed my keys and headed to Sam’s Club to scope out their iPod selection. The prices there are always significantly lower than any other retail store. I belabored between the Touch and the Nano and decided to go with the Nano since it was more practical for my needs (I work 15 miles from my home… why do I need GPS?). I finally made it to the gym around 3PM and was more than pleased with my purchase (shaved 25 seconds off my three mile run).

And as for the blueberries…
I planted a blueberry bush last Spring with the hopes of having a few delicious berries in the coming years. I noticed earlier this week that there were three or four berries nearly ready to be picked. I decided to give them a few more days to ripen and then I would savor their delectability. I went to check on the berries last night and discovered them MISSING! You know, I haven’t seen but just a few stray birds in my neighborhood the entire time I have lived here but I guess they found their way to my blueberries and enjoyed the deliciousness without me. How rude!

Despite losing my favorite piece of technology and a few gems of juicy goodness, I still went to bed grateful… I’m grateful that I have a home, and a job, and a car that is paid for and has great gas mileage. I’m grateful for friends… near and far… who are still my friends despite my quirks and insecurities. And mostly, I’m thankful and grateful for a God who loves me and protects me and is gracious to me despite all my struggles with sin!

This is WRONG in SO MANY WAYS!

I was watching "Ellen" today and she showed this "workout machine" on her show. I was speechless and I'm sure you will be too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwocdImA6Z8&feature=related

As the sun sets...

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I'm back! For real this time. I have so much to catch up on. However, I will spare you the melodrama and just discuss the topic for the day...blessings. Today was FULL of them and for that I am eternally grateful. I've been wallering in my own self pity for nearly three weeks now. I guess God thought it was time for a break. Here is the lowdown:

1. Was able to go to church this morning for the first time since Easter. Can you say "God was in the house". Literally. Have you ever had one of those mornings when you feel like the pastor is speaking directly AT you? I had one of those moments this morning. Bob preached on "Abba" (no silly, not the 70's Norweigen singing group) but Abba father. Without torturing you, I'll just go to the fourth point.. Authority. Bob told us that God wants us to BOLDLY pray our desires. We shouldn't feel as if we can't pray our desires just because.. well maybe.. that's not what God wants for me. To heck with your insecurities. Pray boldly. Ask God for specifics. If it's not His will, He will change your desires to HIS desires for your life. Is this new news to me? Of course not. Do I always believe this? Most of the time, NOT A CHANCE! Let me just tell you that I have been BOLD today. Thank you Jesus!

2. I had lunch with some of my favorite people today. Two of the girls were old roommates of mine and well, Terry was a rather constant fixture at our house long before Whit moved in. Marc is Carrie's sweet husband and Chad is ... well, Chad. As long as I have known Chad, he hasn't changed. He's maybe the most mellow person I know. He is one of the people who unexpectedly prayed me though my mother's death two years ago. For ALL of these people, I am eternally thankful. They have all seen me through love and loss, moves and emotional breakdowns. And you know what, they are still constant. Even though I don't see them often.. or even keep in touch as much as I should, they will always be a blessing in my life. Also at lunch today was Addison and her chunky thighs that I just wanted to take a bite out of. She is a precious little one and a gift to Terry and Whit. If you didn't already know, you can even find God at Zaxby's!

3. I ran today. For those of you who don't know, I've been working out with Derrick, my personal trainer. He is a hulk of a man.... 6'5" and easily 300 lbs of PURE MUSCLE. He's a softy though. I have him laced though my running shoes. As I say all that, I also must mention that I have the inability to disappoint the man. He tells me to run 2 miles after we've done what feels like 100 lunges (while carrying 15 lb weights in each hand) and I just nod and start running. He pushes me far beyond my mental limits. So anyway, I went running today. My neighborhood isn't a running mecca. It's boring. House after house. Small yards. Yip yip dogs. Nothing exciting.... nothing to look at. I guess, honestly, nothing to distract me. On my iPod, I listen to bad rap and John Mayer songs full of cliches. It makes the pain bearable. The weather was beautiful today (another blessing, I might add) and I couldn't stand to be inside. I finished my run and I was famished. It's amazing the strength God gives you when you just want to quit.

4. I enjoyed a tasty glass of wine with dinner tonight. Conquista Malbec.. made in Argentina. If you like wine, you should try this one. They sell it at World Market.

5. Without going into any detail, I'll just finish by telling you that I faced one of my demons today.... head on. God was by my side and things went well. I left the situation sad but satisfied. I prayed alot. See point #1.