Reading

Whiter Shades of Pale: The Stuff White People Like, Coast to Coast from Seattle’s Sweaters to Maine’s Microbrews - Christian Lander

Moving In Before and Afters

Now that we're mostly settled in, I've got a few photos to share. There wasn't much to do prior to moving in—we had crown mouldings and new baseboards installed, painted a couple walls in the living room, and repainted the two bedrooms.

The kitchen doesn't look too different in the before and after, but I love the finished look of the mouldings and bigger baseboards.

We're planning to put a sectional in the living room in place of the brown couch. Other than that, we're done. Next up, furniture and a BBQ for the patio.

Obsessed with

The angry birds iPhone app.

The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

As we get closer to being all moved in, we've finally been able to hang some art on the walls and begin to decorate. Since Christmas is just around the corner, we've also begun trimming the tree and strategically placing santas and snowmen around various rooms. Our first dilemma was realizing that our current Christmas tree is...slightly more diminutive than its surroundings.

It just felt so much bigger in our last place. And here's where I make myself sound like a total Grinch: I just don't feel like buying a bigger tree and more decorations and more lights. Next year for sure, but with all of the moving and boxes and buying and unpacking and selling old stuff, I don't think I have the energy.

So rather than upgrade, I propped up the little guy, and I think he's quite happy now sitting on the wine rack. It's a classic holiday solution: wine fixes everything.

That Just Happened

Last weekend I sat next to a guy at the movie theatre who spoke in web-speak. Rather than laugh, he would say "LOL." I'm not kidding.

Monthly Photo - December 2010

Could be mistaken for a reindeer: a friendly bull elk.

December 2010 Banner

I'm [kind of] back

Alas, I have an internet connection. We moved last weekend and after three failed attempts by Telus, they finally showed up for our install. You'll notice I don't have a new monthly banner up, but that's only because I'm not acknowledging that December has officially begun until we no longer have stacks of cardboard boxes in our kitchen. This move-in has been exhausting. Let me give you a taste...

We got the keys last Wednesday and did nothing more than show up and rub our faces on the granite countertops. Thursday we painted. By we, I mean not me. I was at work while Luc and my Mom handled the painting. Friday we started installing the crown mouldings and new baseboards. And by we, I mean our finishing carpenter who happens to be my old baseball coach and who, I have to say, did an impeccable job. Saturday was moving day—out of the old place, into the new. Saturday was also part two of the moulding/base board installation. Sunday was the Grey Cup and, to the dismay of my CFL-fan husband, we didn't have a TV signal. So, despite walls to be painted and boxes to be unpacked, we got mildly drunk downtown watching our dear Saskatchewan Roughriders crumble once again. Monday I was at work, distracted by the to-do list awaiting me at home. After a long Monday, the crowns and baseboards were done. Tuesday through Friday were spent unpacking and organizing, and this weekend, I'm happy to report that we're 80% moved in and organized. 

We're moved in enough to relax in front of a fire with a bottle (or two) of wine this evening. Our TV and internet were at long last installed this afternoon so I have some catching up to do! The December banner is on its way. The monthly photo is coming down the pipes. But forgive me if it takes a while, I'm bloody exhausted!