Infomercial War!

Oh it is on! So, I've been having another bought with insomnia lately and the only thing that seems to get me to sleep is either The Weather Channel, infomercials, or as seen on TV commercials. My favorite as of lately is the Slap-n-Chop. I already own such a product from my good friends at Pampered Chef, but really get a kick out of the Shamwow guy. I didn't think we'd ever see him again. Didn't he get put in jail or something for slapping a hooker?? Anyhow, now he is back to selling things and believe me you yesterday morning I discovered he has a little competition with Billy Mays. You know, the Orange Glow and Oxyclean guy? Anyway, they are selling identical products. So, I'm asking you those who read my blog, who would you vote for/ buy product from- Shamwow guy or Billy Mays?????? Just curious.

Bored? I Think Not

So, I've been on summer vacation since last Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. You'd think I might be laying around the house doing my own thing before classes start next Tuesday. Nope! It has been organization prime time. Last week, I spent my days deep cleaning the kitchen, floors, and bathrooms. Then, this week I started deep cleaning the guest bedroom and purging all clutter from our office. Man it feels good! I am at a loss, however, as to what to do with Justin's clutter. You see, I live with a pack rat. Sorry Justin, but it feels like the papers and bills everywhere are starting to cave in and give me claustrophobia. I'm not going to say that I do not have my share of clutter; however, most of mine is packed away or has now been organized. We've tried filing, in and out mailboxes, and other various organizing tools. In the end, though, they get filled and never get sorted through until I ride his butt enough to rid the clutter. The clutter never really rids itself you see. I swear he just hides it, re-arranges it, or what-have-you to make me happy for the time being. Maybe I just need to sit down with him and help with the organizing projects. I don't know, any tips on how to rid your husbands clutter?

Bathroom Then & Now

Here are the pictures everyone has been waiting for. I know it has taken some time, but I wanted to wait until Justin got the trim back up after the painting. The trim is still in our office and I do not know how much longer it will be before our bathroom will totally be trim complete. Anyhow, here is the documentation of our bathroom remodeling project. If you've read any previous blogs, we had carpet in our guest bathroom and laundry closet. The walls were painted in a lavendar color, which was okay; however, it did not match the rest of the house and we are not fans of purple. We also found a groovy patch of wallpaper behind the old toilette. So, in went the tile, a new toilette, and green paint. Ta da!

Dirty 30

This weekend, we enjoyed Justin's 30th birthday celebration. His birthday is actually on May 27th, however, due to his birthday always falling on Memorial Day weekend I really wanted to make it special. In the past when we have tried to plan something, events have always fallen through as Memorial Day weekend is a very busy weekend for traveling and family. So, we kept it all in the family and invited family only. It was beautiful weather and a great time. As you can see, there were ladder golf and boccie ball tournaments. There was also great BBQ (made none other than by myself and a little help from Fiorella's and Sam's Club with the cuts of meat and salads), and relaxing.

AMEN!

In case you were wondering why there has not been a post in awhile, it is all due to graduate school. We stopped the bathroom project post-tiling so we could just keep up with finishing everything in time for finals. Yes, we are nuts and are both in graduate school. Justin and I do understand, however, that this is actually a good thing for several reasons: 1) It is helping us grow in our professional endeavors, 2) It is helping us grow financially, 3) It is helping us grow as a couple because we are tremendously supportive of one another. I have come to realize from analyzing my parents' relationship as well as others that the support system must be in place or couples need to have at least some understanding of the hell in which one endures while attempting to make it through graduate school. You cannot be solely dependent amongst that individual for they are being extremely stretched in more ways than one. Anyhow, the semester is now coming to a close. I finished my last course for the semester tonight (Wednesday) and Justin will be done tomorrow. The action will all start again in June for myself, but will only last until July. I will be doubling up on two courses so I only have to take one in the fall and then my comp evals. I am projecting to be done in December with my masters!!!! Justin, however, is taking the approaching route and will not be done...hmmm...well when he gets done. He is always one to approach school work at his own pace. After a few lazy days to catch our breath we will be back to finishing the bathroom. I promise pictures soon.

T is for Tile

We started our bathroom remodeling this weekend. Really, we have a great house which needs very little updating; however, carpet in bathrooms is just gross. Justin discovered how gross it was when he ripped it out on Friday. The carpet is less than three years old, but like I said, carpet in bathrooms is gross. Plus, the lovely shade of lilac paint has got to go too. It isn't bad, but we're not purple people. I didn't get it anyway since it really doesn't match the motif of the rest of the home anyway. I will post pictures tomorrow, but for now, must finish cleaning what we can actually clean of our house. Hope you all are enjoying spring!

Easter Bunny

We decided to make the trip to Iowa for Easter weekend. It was just time to get away and appreciate family. It was hard to believe Christmas was the last time we had visited State Center, IA where my father and Brenda reside. The blended family met up together Easter Sunday for a lovely egg hunt. Here are the pic's. Sylvie is the one who is passed out after no sleep and TOO much candy:) Enjoy!