Work in Progress

As the Queen of "To-Do" Lists, I made a note to myself to write a blog this week as it's the week of the first parental visit. Bryan's Mom usually comes down to Atlanta for Easter, but this week, my parents will also be in town. We're quite excited but buckling down on some of the things we've been wanting to do.

We received several beautiful picture frames for our wedding, so we finally selected the pictures we're going to place in them this morning. In just a bit, when my eyes stop itching because I decided to spend 10 whole minutes outside, we'll head out to get them printed.

All of the already-framed pictures we could put up are finally hanging in various places throughout the house. I've decorated the mantle over the fireplace with our cake topper, unity candle, and pictures from our parents' weddings, as well as a bunch of pictures of us and our friends from over the years. I also went crazy this morning with this crazy microfiber dusting-thing that extends up to 9 feet! I dusted fans, light fixtures, the tops of kitchen cabinets, high windowsills - anything that is normally out of my reach.

The backyard has undergone some transformation. We have a beautiful rose bush to the left that is in bloom as well as various trees that are also looking perfect for spring (the tree to the left has buds, but is not blooming yet...I am hoping for flowers in the next few days in time for our parents!) We cleaned out all the leaves and weeds and the grass is coming in green and pretty! We purchased a bird feeder - yes, this was on my wishlist - and put it outside just yesterday. We've had our first two birds discover it today. I sat outside this morning while drinking my coffee just watching them come over to scope out the area.

Finally, the biggest transformation in the house is in the guest bedroom. This is obviously of major importance this week since it will be getting used quite a bit. Bryan and I compromised on a Martha Stewart comforter set. But that Martha, this thing is 24-pieces!!! (God, I love her.) So Bryan and I are off to buy a curtain rod to hang the curtains that came with the set. Yes, the curtains coordinate with the comforter set!!! So it'll look like an actual bedroom (minus a whole lot of furniture). I'll post some pictures if we can manage to get the curtains up without poking anyone's eye out. Either way, MUCH nicer accommodations than my parents or M.I.L. are used to - at least now they don't have to dodge the foosball table! This, however, is still not set up and is now upside-down on the floor of the bonus room (rather than against the wall - sigh). The bonus room for me right now is a big question mark - we have no idea where we're going with this room. I think it should be all things sports-related as we already have a Green Bay Packers picture in there as well as a shadow box of running memorabilia from our first half-marathon together. And again, the foosball table. I don't even care if Bryan makes it some kind of Man-cave just as long as it gets organized and the foosball table is right side up!

For now, I'm going to finish my Strawberry beer and hope the fake Zyrtec I bought from Target yesterday kicks in soon. We still have plenty of errands to run and it's almost 4pm!!!

Happy April!

It's been a tiring week. I went into work 5 whole days this week! I know, I'm shocked too! As most of you know, I usually work from home 1 or 2 days a week due to my commute. I still can get things accomplished at home curriculum-wise, but going in 3 or 4 days makes me that much more efficient in terms of lab set-up and whatnot when I'm at work. So 5 days downtown, 2 nights of tutoring and 4 days of workouts made the Tomboy Bride a tired girl (I even skipped Spin this morning for the extra sleep, my body is frowning).

I hope no one got taken too badly yesterday for a fool on April Fool's Day. Unfortunately, I fell for an evil joke and was upset about it all day given the time I put in trying to get to the root of what I was told (not to mention the ensuing panic I probably caused some other people). The day took an upswing though when I pulled into our driveway later on and was greeted by 4 neighborhood kids (I'm guessing between the ages of 4 and 7). These kids are always outside running around when I come home from work - it reminds me of my own childhood. As I got out of the car, they sat on the next-door neighbor's lawn, watching me intently. The one spoke up, "We can run from backyard to backyard!!!!". To which I said, "Wow, that's really cool!!!" And then I secretly hoped they hadn't dug some kind of hole below our fence in order to get access to all backyards - but then remembered they were an average of about 6ish. Then another kid said, "We made you something, it's on your step." So I walked over and saw a piece of paper that was rolled up and taped closed. As I tried to open it, the youngest got so excited she started jumping up and down.

Inside was a picture of a girl (presumably me?) and the sun shining. The picture said, "Happy April Fool's Day! From your neighbors." Is that the cutest darn thing you've ever heard??? I know, I know, "tick tick tick", I hear it, too.

Otherwise, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) there's not really much to report on this end. Things have been good out here in the country. We are still couch-less. Well, not really couch-less, but we haven't replaced our couch yet with the sectional of Bryan's dreams (he keeps telling me he needs to do research and he wants to determine how to negotiate the price of a couch - can you haggle with a furniture store?? Is buying a couch like buying a car??).

Anyways, so last Sunday, Bryan spent most of the day putting scotch tape on various parts of our carpet and taking measurements. Six hours later, the furniture stores were closed. I'll be curious to see how it goes this weekend.

I have a whole set of errands I need to run today. 1.) I'm determined to get the guest bedroom set from Macy's - Bryan stopped me in my tracks last week using our lack of a 15 or 20%-off coupon as a reason. I've gotta find one of those, then go get a nice comforter/sheet set. 2.) I have to pick up the custom mat I had made for my dang degree in order to frame it. 3.) I can't seem to find my new library card, and I only used it once! :-( Then there are the obligatory stops at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond because, well, a person just always needs something from those stores.

The sun is finally out in Georgia after a week of cold and some insane thunderstorms. Hopefully the weather keeps up for the Phillies' visit next weekend!!! I'm also hoping that I have some major purchases to report on come Monday, so check back.

I want to close by sending out an immense Congratulations to my cousin Jamie and his wife Marisa who just had a baby girl this past week. Aunt Claire and Uncle Bob are grandparents again!!!

I hope everyone has a lovely week and that you all have your taxes done; Bryan and I sure don't (add that to this week's to-do list). Bye for now!