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.
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.
I have spent quite some time scoffing the Pandora-style bracelet phenomenon. Too expensive. Too many choices for beads. Just overall seemed like it would be a hassle. Until a vendor came to my job one fateful lunch break and offered said bracelets for $8 for the bracelet and 8 charms. How could I resist? They had cat charms, glitter, crystals, animal prints etc. I was in charm heaven. Seriously hard to decide!
Was it cheap? Yes. $12. Does it look cheap. Probably. But each of the charms was so relevant I totally get the appeal now. I love how it has my wedding colors, my love for my 2 cats, 4 leaf clover, the list goes on. I just think it's the cat's meow.
I most likely won't wear it everyday or forever. It's not even all real silver. It's fun though. Until I tried and rearrange something on it while at my desk and this happened.
Twice. And then again at home at least 4 times. Basically it had one loose end so every time I took it off, beads went everywhere. I ended up spending more on the stopper charm I bought than I did on the whole damn bracelet! But mission accomplished. Beads will no longer go flying in every direction at night! Only took me 10 or 12 tries to figure it out!
Anyone else a fan of this crazy bead frenzy sweeping the nation? I see these bracelets everywhere now. Another cool bit of jewelry news I picked up recently from another blog is "JewelMint". Sounds delicious, doesn't it? Well it sort of is. You go to http://www.jewelmint.com/ and you are directed to take a "style quiz" to determine your jewelry style. It shows your pictures of celebrities you know and love and different outfits and purses etc. In the end you are brought to your own personalized "showroom". These are some of the items they chose for me that are dead on.
Looks like it came off a pirates wreck AND contains rose gold = Win-win.
Say WHAAAT? I adore rose gold. How did they know?
I love the mixed materials and shapes. Totally me!
And lastly, this is just funky and fun. I loved having 2 diff colored metals.
This was so much fun, now I just have to decide which piece feels like I want it enough for $29.99 because if I hate it in person I will lose the magic of JewelMint. What do you think?? What's more "Autumn"?
Bob Smith should be over again tonight around 4 or 5. Please...pray for my bathroom. Not for me. Just for the bathroom. If this bathroom isn't done by what is now "promised" for next Monday (one day AFTER my family is coming up for birthday cake for me. Thanks Bob), I take no responsibility for what happens next.
On this last day in my 20s I would like to reflect. I suited up today for the last time as a 20 something. Began my drive into work for the last time as a 20 something. Almost rammed into this little scenario directly behind my car. Really condo complex? Really? There was about a 5 foot space for me to drive through. Good thing I didn't get that Suburban instead of Civic...
On 84 got stuck behind this curiosity. I love Rudolph, the Christmas special. I get that. But I don't think of Rudolph characters as being "year round" adornments for automobiles. Especially not Audi's.
That, my friends, is the Abominable Snow Man. A "Bumble", if you will. Gracing the back of this car. Weirdly done.
Stopped at Dunkin' Donuts (which I never do) because I felt my birthday celebration should begin early.
MMMM delicious flatbread...
I drove past Cheesecake factory again to check progress. Coming along, but clearly they didn't meet deadline. August 13th. I imposed that deadline, this wasn't public knowledge, btw.
Maybe by September. Sara, maybe for your birthday?? I will continue to hold my breath during production. Take your time, workers. Oh right....you're contractors. So you will take your time.
Speak of the devil (literal), Bob showed up. He was gone before I got home right before 7 (thanks to a car fire on the highway. It's like some people don't even CARE if I get home to watch Sex and the City on DVD?). The enormous box that once held the "walls" to the shower/tub was still leaning against our back door sliders so I was frightened to go upstairs. But I did...
So we were able to get 2 of the wall pieces put in...but not the third. Clearly that would have taken hours longer to just FINISH so I could see something look like it's done. Sigh. If he came at 4, he obviously left in a hurry. I ended up dragging that 8 foot tall box out to the garage/dumpster area myself, scowling and grumbling the whole way.
To give you an idea of the scale of this thing. It blocked ALL the light out of the HUGE sliders.
On my way back in I noticed something odd. A contracting anomaly. You couldn't do this again if you tried...please bear in mind that this is definitely from drywall and sweat from this man's back...on my front door. Tell me he didn't see that?
I DARE you to tell me that doesn't look like a pig or a Chupacabra, the "mythical" Central/South American beast. (I put "mythical" in quotes because as you guessed I KNOW they're real...)
Relax. I don't really believe in them. I swear...*wink wink*
After the Chupy and I got acquainted, I drifted into the living room to tidy up. Don't ask me how I didn't notice this right away.
Holes in my ceiling. At least the screwdriver is gone, right? See that horror here. When Aaron got home the first thing he said was "Wow. That's moldy". Just what you want to hear. I opted out of standing under the moldy holes.
And last not the least weird, Ms. Turk found out how to get inside the bird cage I borrowed from Jan for my wedding cards. I don't know how she opened the "trap door" on the side, but somehow she did and shimmied her little body in there. I guess she felt it was easier access to the peacock feathers on the outside of the cage. Yeah, that makes perfect sense, kitten.
This one is my fave though. She looks to "innocent" as she rips apart memorabilia from my wedding leaving feathers everywhere.
Enjoy your morning, friends. Turns out I didn't have time to reflect on my 20's.
Advice. Everyone loves to dispense advice, sometimes unwarranted. I'm not a huge fan of receiving advice when I haven't asked for it. If I am speaking to a close friend, I want advice or help. If I'm speaking to a co-worker or authority...I probably don't want advice on personal matters. I have prefaced the following story so it makes sense.
My sis-in-law Laura was witness last night to what could have been, a clash of the titans. I'm SO thankful that she was there because it was almost too good to be true from a blogger standpoint. Remember yesterday's post? When I was bitching about my bathroom (And the day before that and so on...yes, I know) and I included the clip from "The Money Pit"? No lie, when Bob Smith showed up yesterday at 7 pm, Aaron answered the door and I heard Bob say to him *drum roll* "Have you ever seen that movie "The Money Pit?' hahaha they have the bit about "it'll be done in two weeks!" hahahahahah". I seethed in the kitchen and desperately tried to mouth to Laura "did you read my blog today?" You can't make this stuff up. Not only is Bob taking forever, but he knows it. And finds it comical. And boom goes the dynamite...
The unsolicited advice I got this morning after telling this story? And I quote "You want to let Aaron know how mad you are? Pack a bag of clothes and leave it on the bed and when he asks what it is, tell him you're leaving until the job is done". Are you freaking kidding me? I'm a newlywed! And I'm not CRAZY. It's not that serious. I was floored by this advice. Side note: the person who gave me this pearl of wisdom attended my wedding just 2+ months ago. Thank you, I love my husband. I think I'll survive... who says stuff like that?
This is what my bathroom looks like as of today. Please look for differences from yesterday or the day before...
What's that you say? You already posted that pic yesterday, Autumn. Whaaaaa? Oh right. That's because he carried in stuff with Aaron and then LEFT. Day 5, no progress. So help me God...Laura and I exchanged knowing looks of anger/frustration. Aaron cowered and turned on the Mets game. Bob "will be back again today". Right.
I did make some progress on my own, however. Thanks to the opinions of my crew I chose the bathroom ensemble set. It was on clearance and I had 20% of coupons from my house and some from mom. Per the receipt I saved $74 total. Guess how much I spent? Rug, soap dish, waste can, soap pump and tissue holder. $63. You may bow down now. To go with this set:
I will be ordering these towels, in blue of course...
I am in love with this color and theme. Even Aaron liked it! That was my evening. Stay tuned later for an update on the pretty awesome meal I cooked. I got a "this is really delicious" and a kiss from Aaron. Laura went back for seconds...so it must have been decent.
Now a special shout out...my friend Craig who I have known since 6th grade...Happy 30th birthday!! Here's what NOT to do on your birthday. If you get home and there is a goat there, it doesn't mean there's an NYC style party on the roof. Just run.
XO Autumn Van Weir
Please follow me and check out my Twitter! @AutumnVanWeir
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!
Most frustrating convo I've ever had took place today between my husband and I. Via text, of course. How else would we communicate? (names changed for privacy!)
Me- Have you talked to <Bob>?
Aaron- Yah
Me- Could you please save me the stress and tell me what's up in our home at this time?
Aaron- <Smith>?
Me- I'm not asking about Bob Smith, Aaron. I'm asking about our g*ddamn contractor.
Aaron- Oh. he's there working. hell prob still be there when you or I get home. (presumably meant "he'll")
My lunch buddies Patty and Sara thought it was a real hoot. And were probably equally scared for me.
In normal Autumn fashion I will now point out an interesting phenomenon happening in Casa Van Weir.
This cat...
Is obsessed...
With flip flops.
Who doesn't love a cute Summer shoe? I know I do. I just didn't realize I'd have to hide shoes from this kitten. Hopefully she won't start peeing on them...
I now feel the need to drop some knowledge I got off Twitter today.You can get FREE ballet slippers by visiting this link at Capezio. The deal is $4.95 for shipping and they send them to you! I'm all over it. If you don't want a pair (they're FREE..maybe you didn't hear me) I'll show you mine when they come in! I enjoy a tasteful ballet slipper and really feel I can work it into my wardrobe from a casual standpoint. Or I'll wear them as slippers. I'm Excited! I was a ballerina in my younger years :)
I must get myself to a therapist. I'm pretty sure I have a low grade form of OCD. I delayed going home after work because I knew the contractor would be there. Me and a strange man I dont' know and I'm not happy with alone in my house didn't sound appealing. Call me crazy...
I got home around 6 pm or so and there was no truck in the driveway. Hmmm. That's odd because we expected him around 3:30. Here I was looking forward to seeing the tub I chose a month ago actually in my bathroom and not in my spare bedroom. Not only was he not there working, he never showed up at all. I hate-texted my husband to tell him "his boy" wasn't at our house. This lead promptly to a "I told you maybe" argument (which he did NOT tell me "maybe"). I sulked around. Called mother to whine and when she told me to relax, it'll get done I fired back with a picture of my spare bedroom in it's current state. I inherited my OCD from my mother so I knew she'd understand.
She didn't really. She empathized but told me to get over it, more or less. "Say it all to me now, get it out of your system". When I call mom, that's usually what I need. On a lighter note, the cat fell in the toilet again. Yesterday morning as Aaron was getting ready for work and was literally peeing...she jumped on in. I'm female so I don't know all the mechanics of peeing while standing up but I'm assuming it can be done with one hand? Which was my question to him. "Why didn't you use the other hand to stop her?" He said "How would I do that?" I didn't think an anatomy lesson was necessary. I left it at "I don't know how you pee...but...". Miss Turk got another bath yesterday morning.
I think Aaron felt mildly guilty for my stress level so he cleaned his closet out this weekend. I don't know where in that thought process he figured it would be a good idea to dump the items that didn't have a home on the floor of MY closet. I dug out a collapsible laundry basket (frankly I don't know where it came from or why we still have it...) and that ended up in my "fancy shoes" bin. It's exactly what it sounds like. I dumped that and several other items back in his closet. I came home to find Turk like this:
Inside of the collapsed bin, hiding out from Apollo who desperately wanted to get into it. He just didn't fit. This lasted for quite some time and I just snapped a few shots because it was wildly entertaining.
My last thought was regarding the DIY craze taking over America. I am a fan of DIY and if you have the time, energy and creativity...do it up. I do not consider myself an authenticated DIY-er because I sprayed a couple items silver. Don't misunderstand me. However, when I am driving down 84 on my way to work and I witness a DIY project on a VAN, I question how far we're taking this as a society. Do not ever spray paint components to your vehicle unless you want it to look like a Pirate Mobile.
What is this eye sore? What am I looking at? I considered riving my car off the road just to get away from this "treasure chest", but I really wanted to see the sides as I knew if they were willing to spray the tire holder and the "trunk" they didn't stop there. There was no "safe way" for me to get a pic of the side. I would have swerved while traveling in the fast lane and/or the gun toting DIY-er would have shot me when he realized I was photographing his Liberace town car. Sure enough, the frames around the windows were gold, the car door handles and even the bottom section that you stand on to get into this monstrosity. It was really special. I would ask that you do not DIY your cars, in the future, my readers.This has been a public service announcement.
I will cut right to the chase as I know you are all wondering about the bathroom. I know I was. After this weekend Aaron guessed that I'd come home Sunday from my day trip to NY that much of the room would be done. It would at least have come together enough for me to gauge if it looked good or not. I rode home on the train excitedly after a sunny (and very hot and humid) tour of the financial district. Delightful lunch and delicious gelato, catching up with my friend Erica. Who could ask for more?
I should also remind you all that my FAVORITE landmark in NY is Lady Liberty. The Statue of, that is. It was very bad visibility because of the heat over the water, but there she be...
It was great to get to the city and it was even greater that I wasn't home for the reno project because I am not a major fan of our "contractor". Day one- an hour and 45 minutes late. Shows up with a clipboard, pokes around in the bathroom with Aaron for 15 minutes while I was working on the wedding page of blog. Minding my own business at the computer in the dining area and I suddenly hear what sounds like a saw or drill digging through the wall VERY close to me. I look around, I can very clearly hear Aaron and the guy upstairs talking about how there had been a hole in the bathtub etc. I look up and to my horror, this comes through the ceiling above the dining room table where I'm sitting.
That is a screwdriver, through the ceiling. To my horror. It reminded me of a very specific scene from the episode of "Friends" where Joey building an entertainment unit for the living room and driving Chandler crazy with how long the project is taking and how awful it looks.
Then they both came trotting down the stairs and were "shocked" that it lead to the dining room. I was less than pleased with this. And yes, to answer your question, the screw driver is most assuredly still in the ceiling now. Back to the story...I came home yesterday after my day exploring the streets of Manhattan and raced into the house with excitement. I couldn't wait to see my bathroom!! My pulse quickened as I turned the corner to our door...I burst through the door and saw more items in the foyer than I expected. OK, maybe they still got things done even though he was 45 minutes late Sunday. I don't know.
Heading upstairs...to this...
Hmm. So weird, because I was told the tub at the very least would be installed. But that large tub-shaped box looks like the tub. Clearly I've been getting fed lines. I flip on the bootleg light switch to see this.
Nothing. They worked on the "plumbing and electric" which was "really messed up". They installed part of the ceiling. At this time, I make the decision that though I love antique homes, I cannot get involved with reno because I HATE IT.
To the far end you'll see the recessed lighting that Aaron spilled the water on at Lowe's. It works as does the fan Aaron installed himself. The contractor will be back tonight and tomorrow since next to nothing is done. I'm sure the electric takes time. However, I can't help but think that should have been expected given the quality of the rest of the "craftsmanship" in the 1980s built condo. Commence the hair pulling and sorrow drinking.
Now I'll change topic (since I don't want to start sobbing at my desk so early in the work day) and that is Turk's obsession with our master bath. This cat is addicted to toilet. It's normal, of course. They are attracted to the sounds and the water and such. Apollo was when he was a wee kitten too. He fell in once when Aaron left the seat up (grrr) after that we made it a habit to close the lid. The toilet is the direct path to the sink. A wonderful place for kittens to sit, explore, sleep in, and dirty up with wet paw prints.
Look at that little toilet kitty!
She really digs the toilet. She forever has her little face in the crack (no pun intended) to try and see in. Newsflash, cat: there is nothing in there you're going to want. I will now share with you the reason that when Turk fell into the toilet on Sunday morning after Aaron left the lid up, his reaction was "Revenge!". Sounds harsh, I know. And it was...even after what happened in our bed Saturday night. (This is rated G, so don't gasp).
As we're settling in for the night I realize little girl isn't in our room. That's odd for this time of night. I call for her...nothing. I hear Apollo but not Turk. I get back up and go down to the living room and there she is, just hanging out. I pick her up and she's purring away. She knows it's bed time. I plop her down in the bed (per the usual) and she is batting at our feet beneath the sheets. A moment or two passes and Aaron says "my back feels warm. And wet.." I put my hand on his lower back and it feels like sweat. It wasn't too hot so that didn't add up.
I pull back our $100 wedding-gift-sheets and see spots everywhere. This is so weird...Turk is at the foot of the bed and there are little baby paw prints in moisture on the bed. What is going on here? Have you figured it out yet? The cat peed. On Aaron's back. And then tracked it all over the bed. I'd like to take this time to thank Bob's furniture for forcing us to buy the protective topper for our Bob-O-Pedic mattress that I didn't know had a rubber bottom thus stopping kitten waste from assaulting our new-ish mattress. Aaron was pretty upset. I was trying my damndest not to laugh. I picked her right up and brought her down to her litter and she went more. New rule: I'm not allowed to carry her up to bed now. "She'll find me when she's done her business" per Aaron.
And that's why Aaron wasn't upset when she fell in the toilet. I can't help but wonder if he did it on purpose. It did backfire however. She couldn't have cared less. That's my girl :)
If you enjoy my rantings, become a follower so I know I'm being read!! That's what will keep me going... and follow me on Twitter! @AutumnVanWeir or www.twitter.com/autumnvanweir.
Update: I forgot to add one little anecdote. I made fun of the waitress at lunch because she was wearing a see-thru-back shirt and I thought it was wildly innaprop. After taking a few steps out the door, I remembered what I was wearing.
That's me...in a see-thru-back shirt. Oops. What are the odds??
