Virus!

   Well gang, I just spent the last 4+ hours getting my computer cleaned up because of a malicious virus that overtook my workplace. Apparently all you have to do is scroll past an ad on MSN or CNN or the like and it embeds in your system profile in a millisecond. Tragic! The IT guy was awesome and I asked "What could I have done or avoided to prevent this?" he said "Nothing. It's that tricky". So be careful out there! It was really lousy to be absent from the blogisphere for 2 straight days!


    The bathroom is almost done. I'm SO excited. We have the wall colors all set to go. Bob Smith should be over tomorrow to finish. Then the rest of the paint work is on us. FINE. Just finish it already! It's entirely possible that I'll have the full "before and after" posting for you this weekend.

   Lastly, I'd like to share this little gem with you. Two of my good friends sent it to me and I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard. I adore Beauty and the Beast. It's probably my favorite of the Disney movies. Whoever is responsible for this following film deserves and award. Brilliant.

   

Paw prints in my grout

   The title is exactly what it sounds like! Less than 10 minutes after Bob finished the  grout and warned us "don't let frying pan face in there <his nickname for Apollo>, he'll ruin the grout" I naturally found "frying pan face" cowering from me in the farthest point of the bathroom. And then came Turk from the other side. So not only did they get in there right away, but they left tiny paw prints in the grout. Forever.

   Then one of our friends, who has an affinity for putting the cats on top of the fridge, placed Apollo up top. He then climbed to the VERY top shelf and balanced on my brand new Fiestaware pasta bowl that was already teetering on top of 3 or 4 other fancy serving pieces.

   It was unharmed, lucky for our friend. So Dave will be over tonight...maybe tomorrow I'll have some pics for you.

Broken umbrella

   Last night I heard the unmistakable rustling under my bed of  a cat getting into something she doesn't belong in. Feeling lazy and being mid-chapter of The Hunger Games, I let it slide. This was an error. I am past the days of hoarding keepsake items. I don't save vacation plane tickets anymore. Old theme park passes saw a dumpster years ago. Something about being in my own home and having a need for less clutter. What good do these items do anyhow?  You look at them, say "Wow, that was fun" and then you put it down? That's why we take pictures, folks.

   On my honeymoon cruise to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and Nassau I kept just a few items of sentiment. The note cards that came with the rose, prosecco, cake and candies from Janice, Jason and Lisa (thanks again you guys!). Our tickets from the Sting Ray Adventure that I chickened out of and Aaron did without me.

Photo taken safely from the docks



   One of my favorite tokens was the umbrella from the first drink of our honeymoon. A delicious pina colada from the pool side bar on the Carnival Miracle. I felt sentimental about that umbrella. So I snagged it and tossed it into my new Vera Bradley clutch.

   It made it through a 9 days cruise, a 3 hours drive back to Woodbury from NYC and into my spare bedroom for safe keeping. Months later (last night) one curious, naughty kitten found the umbrella and ravaged it to a pulp. As I went to shut out my lights for bed, I found it. 

   Demolished and filled with my hair. Nasty nasty nasty. Unable to toss it out right away (due to the pending hurricane...what? I'll need an umbrella!) I left it on my kindle and awake to it, seemingly highlighted by the bright green. 

   *VOM* And then I chucked it. As for the hurricane barreling up the eastern seaboard, I'd like to ask it to please allow Bob Smith to come work this weekend. My Philly trip has been pushed to the following weekend so that's all good. But I really want my bathroom back!! Here's a sneak peek for you all ;)

OOOHHHH!!! AHHHHH!!!



   Thank you all for reading and following! If you haven't become a follower yet just email me and ask how you can do so! I'd be pleased to help. You guys rock!


XO Autumn Van Weir

Don't watch this movie

    Yesterday I thought it was time to address the fact that we have had very little progress in our bathroom since Bob Smith started working 2 and a half weeks ago *eye roll*. I asked Aaron to contact him (read: text him because that's what he does now) and let him know we weren't happy with how long it's taking or that he works for an hour and then leaves. A trip to Home Depot because you're missing a part (again) does not mean the day is over for you.  

   Naturally I'm the confrontational one so Aaron merely said we need to speed up this job and have it done before I get home from my weekend trip with my ladies on Sunday night. Perhaps he was "taking his sweet time", as I call it, because he felt no urgency and thought we were cool with it. He's been advised. When I get home Sunday night it should be almost finished! Yes, heard that before.  The weekend the project commenced I was told I'd come home from a day in NYC and see my new bathroom. All that exists now is a tub, some drywall and 2/3 of the tile lining the top of the shower/bath walls.

   I watched the worst movie ever the other night. I'm only mentioning it so you don't think I'm endorsing it, watch it, and then kill yourself. The movie is called "Helen" starring Ashley Judd. I had posted a Facebook status that I literally saw it starred Ashley, clicked on it to play before I even read what it was about. She's manic depressed, tries suicide on for size, married to hot Dr. Luka Kovac from ER...pause..

OK, I added this one because it's funny and I don't know why I googled Dr. Luka Kovac and a pic of him with a pug came up...
www.screenjunkies.com

You're welcome, blog readers.
Photo from bergproperties.com

   Anyway, tries to kill herself, Luka loves her still (no, not his name in this wasted 2 hours of my life I'll never get back), her BFF kills herself etc. Sad, emotionally empty. And the characters aren't even likable enough that you're routing for her. I assume Ashley Judd had some real reason for doing this loaf of a film. The purpose of me telling you all of this is to point out something that I noticed halfway through the movie and it haunted me henceforth.

Google Images

Um, hi. Ashley, you look like Roseann Barr. Please stop. I almost had to pause the movie to cry.

   How does a beautiful starlet end up with facial structure that in particular lighting looks like ROSEANN? So to sum up, don't watch "Helen" ever.

www.IMDB.com

She's smiling on the cover, but you won't smile once. Unless your a giant Roseann follower.

XO Autumn Van Weir



Curly or Straight? Please weigh in

   I need some opinions people! Hair for a wedding...curly?

 Or straight like the salon did?

   If it helps, I'm wearing my amazing $29 BCBG shoes.

And a saucy one shoulder black dress with what I consider "old tyme" beading.

  

   Comments will be welcomed and  are requested! HELP!! Now...I don't want to worry anyone, but I may never have a spare bathroom. That's a lie. I will, just probably not on "Monday" as promised. Bob Smith told me he'd come over Sunday to work on the room. Fine because Saturday we'll be off celebrating the nuptials! But Sunday, get yo' work on. Only issue...as of right now the dry wall is almost all installed. Aaron doesn't recall him saying Sunday. Of course he doesn't. OK so lets do a running listing of what works.

1. We have a tub with 2 shower walls installed.

2. Drywall is installed except for right over the tub where shower head will go (I was informed last night that Aaron "broke something" in that area and Bob has to fix it).

3. Tub faucet is installed and works.

4. Wait, that's it.

   I love little "Orange Ears" the bathroom inspector who somehow slunk into the picture when he was nowhere to be found moments prior. I assume he's as worried as I am. Turk couldn't care any less. She's just off climbing screens and peeing in the sink. Or maybe that's why she's acting out? Any cat specialists? (besides me, I mean) Once this god forsaken bathroom is done I plan to hang the most adorable little watercolors I got off Ebay by the sink. I found them one day by accident (no I didn't Google "cat art"...at least not this time). I ordered 3 of them because they were too hard to resist and the artist threw in a 4th because I paid right away! SWEEEEET.

   I purchased them in January. I just found frames at Michael's to fit them because they are teensy. Like wallet sized. During the Halloween shopping trip. They were perfect and only $3.99 each. That places the cost of each framed mini-print at $8 or so. Check them out and tell me they aren't cute and I'll say you are off your tree.

This was actually the catalyst. Our wedding china has dragonflies on it.

   Love them! And I'll put them in a dainty little row over the excessive amount of new light switches! I better get going...Aaron just sent me a text that said "wait til u see what I did to house". I have a phone call to make, methinks.

Let me know what you think about curly or straight hair! If you enjoy, please follow! I love you guys too!

XO Autumn Van Weir

@AutumnVanWeir



Bob Smith is dead to me

  You can gather what happened with the contractor last night from the aggressive title of this post. Aaron and I have agreed to stop shouting at each other (via text) in this matter. Aaron states that because Mr. Smith said it could take "up to 2 weeks" that we need to relax and let him do his thang. My husband should know that "not relaxing" happens to be "my thang". 2 weeks? Seriously? Obviously Aaron or Bob have never seen "The Money Pit". The below video could not have been better created by yours truly.

   This clip is my life. And yes, I know it's just a bathroom. LET ME HAVE MY MOMENT!! It's just taking longer to "start up" than I was assured. By my loving husband. I wasn't ready to head right home after staying late at work. I wanted to put it off some out of fear. Though it was down pouring and I had to sit in a wet car seat because I didn't have the foresight to roll my windows up (sigh), I headed to Bed, Bath and Beyond to examine some decorating ideas for the beautiful new bathroom. I could picture it, waiting at home for me, as I perused shower curtains and wastebaskets. It looks like a Cape Cod heaven in my mind's eye.

   I found some options, though not so sure where I plan to go yet with shower curtains. These were my faves:

Or perhaps...

Or maybe a wicker set?

   I will now admit that the latter 2 are my favorite choices. I don't want to let on too much about the bathroom just yet. You'll just have to trust me! They'll match. It's just a matter of a funky porcelain or a fun beach style wicker? What do you think?? Comment below to advise me in my quest.

   Now for what you've all been waiting for. What happened when I got home last night in my soaking wet suit...raced up the stairs since Bob had already left for the day...

   That's it. He dumped the tub into the room and did nothing else. I am not a plumber. I am not a contractor (obv, I show up when I'm being paid to...). But I can't wrap my head around it taking 8 hours to install a tub. I text Aaron angrily and he defends the guy again as if I've just told him Apollo didn't do a good job eating his cat food. Defensive and angry and the "OK, whatever you say" bit. It ended with a truce. I'm not allowed to call Bob names or use the "F-Word" when describing progress to the bathroom and he isn't allowed to defend Bob as if he were our first born. *dramatic eye roll*

   He's coming back tonight. So lets see if I can hold up my end of this stupid constructive bargain. Don't forget to "follow me" via Google!! The more readers I know I have, the better I can keep posting!

   I'll see you all later!! Xo Autumn Van Weir

Are you kidding me?

   Everyone has a "most used" phrase. I have been mocked by my family for years for over using "are you kidding me?" and "really?" in a sarcastic annoyed tone. I feel it really brings home the point that I'm trying to express my extreme frustration with the situation or individual. It's better then "You're a real <insert crude swear>". How about a thank you, Ma? At least I watch my language some of the time.

   I told you that so the following story would make sense. Aaron's job yesterday was to begin the bathroom demolition. He insisted that he wouldn't be able to demo it all in one day and we wouldn't have time to buy the new install products. Preface: I have never lived through any kind of home project or demolition, I had little to no idea of what to expect. Driving home I rocked out to Katy Perry, having a grand ol' time. I got a text from my hub telling me he was playing softball and would "clean up condo when get back". OK. I pull up to the condo and to my dismay I was greeted with a terrifying visual of what went on in my home yesterday.

               Wow. That looks like the old bathtub and siding...why is it still sitting in the driveway?
    I start to walk towards our front door and see the ominous "drag marks" of what can only be described as a  bathroom corpse. I feel like I'm entering a crime scene.

   Oh. My. God. Walking, walking, walking. Started to shake in anticipation/terror. Openly angry that I wasn't forewarned.

   Wood. In our gardens. Excellent...I can't wait to see what's inside!! I creak open the front door, anxiety kicks in. I do not have OCD. But I am often asked if I do. I like things neat and  in order. The whole reason I was unsure about this project (though I knew it had to be done) was the terror that Aaron would start it and walk away mid-project and "get to it later". Day one- already happening. Softball which was not on the schedule, happened.

   Yes, that's the old bathroom mirror in my dining area. That Turk of course assumed was another cat upon approach and freaked. It's apparent now that nothing made it to the dump. Which was part of the plan. Start excavation and bring items to dump. I creep up the stairs, my heart pounding. I have no idea what I'm about to see. Think of those movies where someone is being chased by a murderous villain and they use the loud heart pounding sound effect over the scene. Am I being dramatic? Maybe. But this is what my beautiful guest room looks like yesterday and sits still as I write.

   *Hyperventilation* That's my brand new white bedspread from IKEA with tools and crap all over it. And where did that luggage in the background come from?? We put all that away! Did he take it back out to prop items on? I'm scared, I'm confused...I turn to the left...

   AHHHHHHH!!!!! Why is everything on the floor? My God why?! There are probably a million ways to go about disassembling a bathroom. My version would be similar to how I cook. Line everything up so I'm ready for it when it's time and I know where it all is. Aaron's version: dump it everywhere and figure it out later. (I just physically shuddered reliving this all...I hope you enjoy this post because I have the shakes).

  
   Now onto the part of the story that made Aaron smile with a look you give a 5 year old who asks if there are chocolate cows and say "what do you think gutting means?". Newsflash. I'm a GIRL. I don't "gut" rooms and leave the rubble for my spouse to find. But more on that later. I lean into the hole that is now my spare bathroom. It's totally dark and the hall light doesn't really illuminate it. I lean in (he had propped up the door sideways to keep certain curious animals from hiding in the walls) and attempt to turn on the 80's style lamp (that I loathe) that he stole from the spare room. Doesn't turn on. OK. I'll just take a picture of it and the flash should illuminate this madness.

                                   And that, my friends, is what a gutted bathroom looks like. 

 
   I felt so alone and frightened. I went for a jog in 100% humidity and choked the whole way. I needed to escape. When I got back Aaron was just arriving home as I was about to get into the shower. He came around the corner and I said "ohmygodwhydidn'tyoutellmewhattoexpect????!!". "<5 year old chocolate cow face> I told you I was gutting the bathroom!" he may as well have added "silly goose" to the end of that sentence. Great. I'm a kindergartner because I don't know what a gutted bathroom looks like. Thanks, guy.

   On a less frustrating note, I spent the best $3 EVER on a new deep conditioner from Aussie. I swear by  their Sprunch Spray which I use on curly hair days. At Stop & Shop they were running a 2 for $6 deal. SWEET. I grabbed this new product which I haven't laid eyes on prior. 3 Minute Deeeeeep Conditioner and I used it for the first time last night. Maybe it would improve my mood? The smell alone made me feel like I was back on my honeymoon. It smells like delicious Pina Colada! I don't know if that's what they were goin' for...but I approve. It was amazing. I would highly recommend it for anyone with dry or frizzy hair, especially in the summer nastiness.

   I hope everyone out there in blog-land has a wonderful day! This should help.

   Cat fight!! This fight earned Apollo the new nickname "Big Chief" from Aaron. That ball of fur really knows how to regulate. They adore each other. It's so cute to watch my big man be so gentle with the little man.   Then Turk will pop Apollo and run off. Oh to be young and feline...



 

Never be early for work

   My birthday is August 13th. I will be turning 30 on that blessed day. When I heard that Cheesecake Factory was coming to our mall, I was beyond tickled when they said "in August of 2011". Imagine my consternation when today I took the long route in to work to check on their progress. My birthday is in about 3 weeks. This is all they have to show?

   Apparently these folks are in NO hurry. Thanks for nothing, Factory. Guess I'll have to go somewhere less awesome for my birthday. *tear*


   As I sat in the parking lot (like a creeper) watching the progress with my camera in tow, my eye was drawn to an interesting "character" also intrigued by the progress. I watched this individual walk in erratic lines across the lot, destination: nowhere. This person got VERY close to me sitting in my car and put the fear of God in me.

   I can't tell you any details because it's all a blur. I'd like to try to not make fun of people on my blog as I would in daily life so you all think I'm nice. But the idea of letting this visual feast escape my lens was too much to bear.  So there it is.

   At this point in the morning I was about 20 minutes early to work and I didn't want to elicit reactions from my superiors (often times I get greeted as I walk in with an over dramatic semi-sarcastic hello, especially if I'm way early). So I shuffled around to another parking lot nearby to sit and perhaps check Facebook. It occurred to me whilst I sat and doodled around my phone that no stores that I need open in time for me to get there before work, short of CVS and Stop & Shop. Why is that? Why do you think I DON'T need a bookmark and/or magazine at 8 am Barnes and Noble? Hey Babies R Us...maybe I'm curious and want to peruse? They were all closed and mocking me in this plaza. Then I saw this:

   Dear Christmas Tree Shops; Your items are dirt cheap. If you are telling me you are having a clearance sales, I have no choice but to wander your land of milk and honey for bargains. Yes, I do need a lamp shaped like baseballs (wait...we already have one). Yes, I do need a giant plastic flag that hangs on the door that says "Love" and has faded flowers on it (wait...darnit, we have that already too). I guess I'll just pop in and invent some other item that I "must have". Life size flamingo cut out for my mini-yard? Sure. I'll take 2 of them if they are $4.99 now, marked down from $14.99. See you soon! With love, AV.

   After that little fantasy I snapped back into the real world and drove the rest of the 3/4 of a mile to work and was STILL early and got the sarcastic hello. However, this is all overshadowed by the fact that today is ICE CREAM SOCIAL DAY!!!! Nothin' gon' hold me down today. Oh no. I got to keep on eatin'.

   While I'm at work today Aaron will begin the demolition on our spare bathroom. The install will start on August 6th! I'm so excited and will naturally keep you up to date on progress (please pronounce like British lady). Here is the lousy before. The salmon pink from the previous owner is not OK. I don't like peeing in a sherbet themed hold. Also not a huge fan of  white wood "detail" being pulled from it's holding spot on the wall by Father Time. I can't wait to get 'er done.

Lastly, because he's still so little and so darn cute...here's what I know you're all checking this blog for. Daily Turk pic:

                              Check back later! I will share my Swedish Meatball journey with you!!

If you are enjoying this blog...go ahead and become a follower! Otherwise I don't know if anyone is reading me!!! Go on..do it! Do it! Do it!!!



*all photos are personal unless specified*