The Waiting Room

Sorry for the lack of insightful or humorous posts, but I am just brain dead. Maybe it's the heat. Maybe it's the end of the semester blahs. I just can't bring myself to write anything of value.

I have thoughts on some many things out there in blogland. I have very strong opinions about the arrogant comments made at Dr. Crazy's site regarding her desire to seek employment that will benefit her personally. I wanted to comment on the recent loss of Shelly's dog. And of course, there is a whole host of other things going on that I would love to talk about. But for some reason the brain just does not want to function at that capacity. So, I guess those posts may have to sit in the Draft section.

And even though I am an Active Academic
commentator, I have been lax with my posts. But don't worry. I am still keeping up with my fitness goals, despite the heat.

I hope this does not last too much longer.

• Ok, the template is up and running. Thanks, Jesse for the tip.
• Still muggy here. The weather dude said that there was 3.5 inches of rain recorded.
• I did NOTHING yesterday. So, I guess I better do some housework today.
• What is up with all these reality shows? I watched Workout on Bravo, kind of cheesy. And I guess TLC has a reality show for motivational speakers! All I can say is "Stop the madness!!!"
• Did anyone see the girl on What Not to Wear last night. Those dreads were SCARY. Did she say that she had not washed her hair in 10 YEARS?!? I think Nick should have used the hedge clippers.

• Why is my template AFU?
• It has been raining like crazy around here. Too bad it is still humid.
• My house is a mess. I should probably clean today, that way I can have a weekend free of housework. But, I am just not in the mood.
• My garden is doing great. The green tomatoes should be turning red any day now. Plus, the peppers are growing nicely. I can also smell the basil.
• Representatives of the company that allegedly bought Husband's division of his company are supposed to be at the office today. Maybe we will FINALLY find out who the mystery people are.
• Next week is the last week of classes. My classes are doing oral presentations and submitting final research projects. I don't give a final exam for my classes, that’s what the final papers are for. So during final exam week, I will be getting my grades ready for submission.

I just realized that it's 11:30. I guess I better get my butt in gear and do something.

As seen at Claire's Blog

You're Totally Sarcastic

You sarcastic? Never! You're as sweet as a baby bunny. Seriously, though, you have a sharp tongue - and you aren't afraid to use it. And if people are too wimpy to deal with your attitutde, then too bad. So sad.

Anyone who used BarBri for their bar review course from 1997 to present should read this.

Thanks Summer for the info. I am waiting for my class action letter!

So my ding dong student is on the warpath again. She sent me an email which read:

Dear Professor SS,
I can't find any information about how my case got to the Supreme Court. All the info I found says the same thing. Help

Signed,
Ding Dong Student

Dear Ding Dong:

Please go to this website. If this cannot help you, I don't know what else to tell you.

Signed,
Professor SS

The link I gave her was a Wickapedia link which spelled out in detail and in plain English how the case started at the trial level, moved to the Appeals Court and then to the Supreme Court. I mean it read something like “At the trial level X happened, then the defendant appealed the case to the Appellate Court. The defendant lost at the Appellate level and filed with the Supreme Court for review.

I thought I had solved the problem, but...

Dear Professor SS:

Thank you for the link. But I still don't understand anything.

Signed,
Ding Dong.

Some students are just dimly light candles on the verge of going out.

Of the four rough drafts that I have read for my Survey of Law class, three do not have in text citations. Grrr.

I still have to read papers from Law and Ethics and Critical Thinking. I am not optimistic.

Only two more weeks until finals and I am going crazy. Attendance has been dismal today. To make matter worse, students were supposed to submit the rough drafts of their papers today. Only 4 out of 10 submitted papers in Survey of Law, 3 out of 10 in Law and Ethics and 1 out of 5 for Critical Thinking. So now I am guaranteed to receive crap papers next week when the final project is due.

Sigh.

What does it take for these little fuckwits to get their head out of the asses and do actual work?

On a positive note, I got my schedule for next semester. Four classes including Criminal Law, which is a new course, and Employment Law which I spent a significant amount of time revamping.

• The temperature and humidity have dropped. I can FINALLY shut of the AC and open the windows!
• I did a little shopping. Picked up a couple cute things at Ann Taylor Loft. They are having a 70% off sale, so hurry before the stuff is picked over.
• I saw Christmas ornaments at a card shop yesterday. It just keeps getting earlier and earlier!
• Nephew's birthday is this week. Our nephew and niece from Husband's side of the family are so spoiled. They have every toy under the sun. Grandma and Grandpa don't help matters at all. I am thinking about a gift card to Chuck-E-Cheese.
• Only two more weeks of classes until finals. Since I don't give final exams (I give a final paper instead which is due the week before finals), I only have to deal with the little fuckwits for only four more class periods. (Thanks to Claire for the use of the word "fuckwit").
• Husband told me that someone is stopping by his company this week to check things out. It is believed that it is the new or potential buyer of his division of Big Microprocessor Company.
• We are rethinking our recon mission for August in lieu of going somewhere fun. Perhaps a place where we can take the Boy with us.

Ok, enough of this. Time to work out.

The Boy and I went for a walk this morning. It is still a bit muggy outside. But I kept the paws moving.

On our way out, I say the people across the street from me let their cat roam the neighborhood. I had seen this cat roaming the neighborhood. For the longest time, I did not know whom she belonged to. She was too well fed to be a stray. Not a very smart idea, since there is traffic around and poor kitty could get hurt.

Did anyone see Taylor Hicks on GMA this morning? I really don't like the song "Do I Make You Proud?" It is way too cheesy. It's too bad they cut the song he began to sing at the end. I was getting into it.

Two of my colleagues have resigned their positions and left for greener pastures. So, I guess I am not the only one thinking about changing jobs.

I paid my monthly premium for my malpractice insurance because that divorce case from hell is STILL going on. That's $225.00 that I could have used for something else!

The problem is that there was a mistake in what grounds were granted for the divorce. The court ruled on grounds that were different from the papers I submitted. No one caught it until last Friday when opposing counsel called me at 4 PM to see if it could be fixed that same day. Right, like the court is going to want to deal with that on a Friday at 4PM when it is 90 degrees outside. I did speak to the judge's clerk. I asked her if there was any way the problem could be fixed on paper, like maybe I draft a new summons or draft a motion to vacate the original order. She told me that she would have to speak to the judge since this has never happened before. That was Monday and I have not heard anything since. I really don't care what happens, because my client just wants to be divorced. But I guess her ex does not like the grounds of Cruel and Inhuman Treatment. The thing of it is, I proved those grounds so, if the court decided to stay with those grounds, and I still have a win.

GML and I might do shopping, dinner and drinks today. Yippie!

Husband just called. He got 10th row seats for Sheryl Crow and John Meyer! WOOOHOO!!!!!

I called in sick today.

First, I have killer cramps (Something that I don't normally have). Second, I am in a really bitchy mood (That is on par for this time of the year). And third, I just did not want to deal with my students.

Ok, I am NOT going into detail about the first reason. I think you all get the picture.

But the second and third reasons go hand and hand. My classes are WAY behind on their work. I do my best to keep everything moving according to my tracking calendar. But, I am not a slave to it either. I would never stifle a good discussion or lack of understanding just for the sake of moving on to the next topic. But this semester, my students are LAZY. My 8:30 Survey of Law students waltz in at 9:00 with no apologies. My Law and Ethics students don't show up at all. And if you ask them about it, you get a lot of grief.

One of my Survey students asked me why she should write a paper when I, her instructor, already know about the case.

Another tells me that he can't find ANY information about his case, except for some stuff on the Internet. I asked him if he checked the library database system or looked at books, journals and the like. His response was "That's too much work."

And then, there are those students whom you give every opportunity to receive help. And they don't take you up on your offer. They are the ones who cry and complain because they are not passing the course and they want YOU to help them. And YOU are being unfair to them. And there are administrators who want to know what it will take to help this poor little soul pass!

GAH!!!

It's enough to put anyone in a bitchy mood, don't you think? Sure, I will probably be even more behind now than I was before, but right now, I just can't seem to deal with it right now. Right now, I want to curl up on my couch with the Boy.

I emailed my cover letter and resume, plus sent a hard copy, to Alma Mater Law School and Law School in a Southern State. Hopefully, I will hear something very soon.

In my last post, I wrote about applying for academic position at two Law Schools. I honestly think it is time for me to move on with my academic career.

I have never stayed with the same job for more than three or four years. I get to the point where I feel bored or pressed to find something new. I thrive on new experiences. I dread doing the same thing over and over again. I need that intellectual challenge.

For the last three years, I have taught a Private Two-Year College. For the most part, the experience has been good. I have refined my skills and consider myself to be a very good instructor. I enjoy the courses that I teach. And I appreciate the idea that I am acting as a positive role model for many of my students. But, at the same time, I feel I have gone as far as I can at this college. There is not much opportunity to advance or do anything different. There is no incentive to research, introduce new courses or grow as an academic.

There is also the fact that my college acts more like Grade 13 than a true college. It seems like I am spending a significant amount of time developing skills that should have been learned back in high school. Many of the students at my college can read or write at a third grade level.

I am also frustrated at the lack of support for the faculty in matters like student issues. Poor GML was cussed out by a student because GML refused to let the student take a quiz because the student was 45 minutes late (GML has a policy about no make ups for quizzes). GML did not want the student back in her class. But, the powers that be felt otherwise. Poor GML had to swallow her pride and let the student remain. So, what have we learned? Students can cuss out an instructor without any consequences. The instructor's authority means nothing.

So here I am, trying to figure out where to go from here. Husband does not know anything new about his status. I am going to send out the resumes tomorrow. Hopefully, one will work out.

In the meantime, I guess I have to keep fumbling through the chaos.

I got a call from opposing counsel who was part of the divorce case I THOUGHT I settled on Friday. There is a problem that her client is not happy about, so now I have to spend the morning trying to figure out how I am going to undo it. CRAP!!!

It is still fucking hot here. CRAP!!!!!

I would love to tell all my classes that for the rest of the semester, they are to work on their project; there will be no more lectures. But I know I would catch hell for that one.

I need to get my resume out to Law School Alma Mater. They are actually hiring for law professors. That would be so sweet. I would be teaching law to REAL law students at my old school. Bonus, I would not have to leave Lake Effect Snow Central.

There is also a position at a law school in a city located in a southern state. One of you bloggers lives there. I think I might apply for that one too. Husband would like living in that area.

Still no word on Husband's job status. CRAP!!!!!

I did not sleep very well last night. As soon as I would start to drift off, I would suddenly wake up. This went on all night. Need more coffee.

Last night, GML and I went on a date with our "boys". The local SPCA sponsored a wine tasting. It was such a blast. There were tents set up with different wines for tasting, food for snacking and other neat stuff. We were able to tour the facility, which has gone through extensive remodeling. While we toured the facility, out doggies got to play. Well, at least that's what we thought. Someone told the volunteers that the dogs had to stay on their leashes, even though the dogs were in an enclosed play area. Sad for the doggies. Our dogs are daycare dogs, so they love the idea of romping and playing.

It was a great tour. GML and I got to visit and play with the kitties. Both of us would love to have a cat. But, Husband is severely allergic. GML's husband says that two dogs are enough. I think she might warm him up to the idea by fostering.

It was amazing the number of people there with their dogs. There was not much fur flying either. The organizers had water stations set up for the dogs, and there were kiddy pools available for the doggies to cool off. The Boy jumped in and immediately laid down and tried to swim in the pool. GML's dog was playing the doggie version of King of the Mountain. There were some really cool dogs too. There was a beautiful St. Bernard, named Daisy. I think she weighed as much as I do! We fell in love with this eight week old Pug. And of course, many rescue pooches too.

After a couple of hours of good fun and good wine, it was time to go home. The Boy inhaled his dinner and passed out in his bed. I actually fell asleep on the couch!

Today, I am just chilling out. But I do have to go out and buy the Boy a pool!!!!

Edited to add: After going to three different stores, we finally found a kiddie pool for the Boy. He loves it. While he was jumping in and out, Husband and I put on our swimsuits and plopped right in the water. Hey, it's 91 fucking degrees here. Why should the dog have all the fun???

Woke up at 10:30 AM. I was surprised that I did not get my usual 7AM wake up call from the Boy. I found him and Husband crashed out in the living room. I guess they camped out last night.

Thank God for central air. It is OPPRESSIVELY hot here.

I have to clean the house. It is a total mess.

I am behind on laundry.

GML and I are thinking about going to a fundraiser for the local SPCA tonight. They are sponsoring a wine tasting. Our doggies will be our dates.

And of course, I have to work out

Today, I have a pre-trial conference for the divorce that will not end. It's the only case that I have left from my private practice. It should have wrapped up a couple months ago, but alas, it has not. The sticking point, if you can call it that, is custody and visitation of the couple's child. Dad lives out-of-state. He wants the child to travel for visitation every other weekend. The child is 4 years old and Dad lives three states away. This guy is actually willing to go to trial over this issue. His lawyer is totally clueless and I don't think is versed in family law. No judge is going to order a four year old fly out of state for visitation. Well, I say if he wants to try the case, bring it on. Nothing like a good no-brainer to wrap up my trial lawyer career.

It is frustrating because my client wants this to end. She is sick of the crap. I want it to end because I can finally wrap up my practice. Gah!

So, I better get showered and put on my lawyer gear. It's going to be 90 degrees today and I have to wear a suit!


Update 1:16 PM EST: Case closed. We were able to settle and put the entire matter on the record. All that is left if for me to do is file the Findings of Fact and the Final Judgment.

Ok, now I can change into my play clothes. Yippee!

I sent my Law and Ethics class away. Only three students out of 12 submitted their annotated bibliography for the research paper.

As many of you know, I have my students submit their paper in stages, giving them credit for submitting the materials even if there are mistakes. The points are part of the project, not extra credit. This allows the student to make corrections and submit a finished product that won't have me screaming hateful things at the top of my lungs. They are giving the deadlines at the beginning of the term, so there is no reason why an assignment should not be turned in, right?

So, why in the hell do they not submit their work on time? Here are some of the reasons I have heard just this semester.

I forgot.
You did not give me the assignment.
It was too hard.
I could not find any resources.
I had two other papers to write.
The subject is boring.
I lost the assignment.
I did not understand the topic and you did not explain it to me.
The librarian would not help me.
I was in jail
I was being arraingned and could not come to class.

Maybe we should start a contest of the worst excuse for not submitting an assignment. I don't know what the prize would be. Virtual pity?

Thanks everyone for all your cheers for my wedding anniversary. Husband and I went out to dinner to one of our favorite places. We ate on the patio and there was live music. We ate and drank ourselves stupid. We are both paying the price for that. Husband overslept and did not get to work until 9 AM. Yours truly woke up about 20 minutes ago!

Dinner was wonderful. I dined on lobster tails (forgive me my veggie friends). Husband had steak (he makes no apologies for his carnivorous ways). We also had cheesecake with strawberries. We drank too much wine. By the time we got home, we just collapsed on the couches, fat and happy!

In true Profgirrrl style, I had to partake in a little people watching while we were at the restaurant.

To the girl at the table to my right with the Daisy Duke's, tank top with not bra, cowboy hat, and boots: this is not the place in embrace your inner slut.

Ditto to the girl who walked by wearing the sheer top with pasties.

To the guy in the navy shorts: yes, your fly is down. Now fix it and move on.

(Husband's comment) To the security dude standing near our table, two words "Personal Trainer". My wife's biceps look better than yours!

We do not exchange gifts on our anniversary anymore. We just love having the chance to spend time together. Husband promised that this weekend, we would take my wedding ring to the jeweler for repairs. After one particular nasty RA flare, I had to have my wedding ring cut off. I wanted to wait until after the winter months to see if it can be resized, allowing some extra room for when my hands become swollen. If that can't be done, Husband has promised that we can pick out an anniversary band. (So Inaqui, I guess I am getting gold after all).

Well, now that I am awake, I should get moving. I am going to workout today, even though it's my off day from working out. I have to work off last nights festivities!

Today, Husband and I are celebrating our 14th wedding anniversay.

Cheers!

• I think my favorite pink sweater is ruined. When I pulled it out of the dryer, it had coffee stains all over it. It was in my gym bag, along with my travel mug. I guess I did not notice the stains when I washed it. Hopefully, I can get the stains out.
• Only one student from my Survey of Law class submitted a bibliography for the research paper. That's one out of ten students. And it was in MLA format, not APA. The college decided to switch formats this semester. No transition. The powers that be just told us to forget MLA, we are using APA.
• The librarian at our college is on my case. She claims that APA does not use in text citations, only footnotes and endnotes. So why does my APA guide indicate that in text citations are to be used and footnotes are OPTIONAL?
• Tomorrow, I have to wear this very tacky tee shirt to promote registration for the Fall semester. I would tell you what it says, but I would probably give my identity away.
• I have killer PMS. Enough said.

Check out Active Academic. It's a new blog created by Prof Me that talks about maintains a healthy lifestyle while balancing work, dissertations, and life in general. Yours truly is a commentator!

It's great to have a community of people who share the same goals and frustrations, especially when it comes to fitness. I would not be where I am now without GML and LB gently pushing me to exercise.

So check it out!!!

Husband and I decided to take the Boy swimming. As I previously posted, we think he knows how to swim, but he doesn't know that he can or he just can't.

We went to a small state park near our home which has wonderful trails and a pond. I don't think many people know about this spot, because the water is very clear and clean. (GML, you know where I am talking about!) We wore old clothes, because one or both of use would have to get into the water to coax the Boy.

As usual, the Boy stayed in the shallow end, padding around and laying down in the water. As Husband and I wadded out a little further, we tried to coax him by calling him to come, praising him as he got closer. We could tell that he wanted to come further, but his fear was holding him back.

Husband suggested that he pick up the Boy and carry him into the water. I was skeptical, because I was afraid that would freak the Boy out. But Husband promised that he would be gentle. With soft tones in his voice, Husband gently picked up the Boy and continued to talk to him as he carried him to where I was in the water. He gently set the Boy into the water, holding him like one would a child who is first learning how to swim. The Boy began to paddle his paws and swam back to shore. Husband did this two more times. After that, the Boy would swum to us on his own, still a little hesitant, but swimming on his own.

We figured that was enough for one day, so we decided to take a walk through the woods. We were also wet, so we needed to dry off. (Note to self, next time, wear your swim shorts!) The trails in this park are wonderful. We walked through the woods and open fields. The Boy ran along, off leash, excited over all the sights and smells. He is very good with his off leash commands, so we were not worried about him taking off.

At one point during our walk in the woods, Husband stopped and grabbed the Boy. "Look!" he said. About 100 yards away was a doe nesting. We put the Boy back on the leash, so that he would not give chase. Husband and I watched her, looking to see if she had any fawns with her. The Boy was oblivious, thank God, and was amused with sniffing were another dog had left his mark. We continued through a field of wildflowers, daisies and Black-Eyed Susan. The Boy, now off his leash again, loped through the field.

Finally, it was time to head home. I think we hiked about three or four miles. The Boy stretched out on the back seat, only getting up when we were about three blocks from our home. I put him in the back yard so that he could dry off. The Boy saw the Girl (The Girl is a chocolate Lab who lives next door.) out in her back yard. He ran up to her and began barking, as if to tell her about his day.

Husband and I got cleaned up and enjoyed a quick lunch. Then, all three of us settled down for a nap!

What a great day out!

Yesterday, I did a little shopping. I had $25.00 on my Body Shop Store card. So naturally, I had to partake. I stocked up on the essentials, shower gel, body butter and face cleanser. They have a new scent, almond, which is quite nice.

I also had a card for a free pair of panties from Victoria's Secret. I figured why pass up a freebie? Besides, I really need to be measured for a bra. Since I began weight training, I have shaped up the chest area. So, I figured this was a great chance to kill two birds with one stone, right?

Wrong. I walked into the store, which is in a temporary location while the store is remodeled. There was no one else in the store; it's noon on a Friday. There are two clerks there. They clearly see me, but just ignored my presence. I engage in the usual "May I help you" tactics, like rifling through drawers, clearing my throat etc, nothing. I walked out of the store. Normally, I would have said something smart, but I didn't. I don't know why.

The rationale side of me says that it had nothing to do with me; these girls were just self absorbed bitches. But then there is this part of me who wonders if they ignored me because they felt I am not worthy to shop there. I am not a size 2, more like a 12-14. Does that make me less worthy?

Later last night, I was watching "What Not to Wear" on TLC. There was a woman who was frustrated because she had not lost the weight she gained after giving birth to her daughter four years ago. She was very hard on herself because she did not look the way she did before she was pregnant. She could not accept herself for the way she was now and embrace the progress she has already made. She was so resistant to the suggestions which really did make her look fabulous.

Why do we women do this? Why do we judge ourselves and each other if we don't fit some ideal that God only know created? Why are we so harsh on ourselves that we go to great lengths to meet some arbitrary idea of what looks good. Don't get me wrong, I am my own worst critic. I have an ongoing battle with self image that dates back to my teen years. Even when I was super skinny, I had this distored view of myself. I really had to do some serious self talk with myself when I got home, so that I would not fall prey to the compulsion to beat myself up.

Did it work? I am not sure.

Addy N had a post about students and their medical excuses. I had two similar incidents.

Student #1 has missed six classes. She claims that the reason for her absence is that she has a back injury and is in a lot of pain. So, she has to go to the ER. When I met with her last week, I informed her that the only way I would let her back in the class is if she provides documentation stating that she was in the ER on the days she was absent. I got an email today from her academic advisor:

Dear Professor Seeking Solace

Pain in the Back student is unable to provide documentation from the emergency room because the hospital only keeps those records for 30 days.

Signed,
Academic Advisor Who Just Fell Off the Turnip Truck

My reply:

Dear AAWJFOTT

It seems to me that when a person goes to the ER, she usually leaves with discharge instructions or some other documentation.

Just a thought.

Signed
Professor Not Fooled By Any of this Shit.

Student #2 tore her ACL. I received an email from her academic advisor that the student should be back to class in about a week. Well, that never happened. For the next three weeks, no one heard anything from this student. I, along with other professors, thought that she withdrew because of her injury. Then out of the blue, she calls me at school, stating that she was out and wants to make up her work.

Me: Well, you are really behind. You have not submitted any homework assignments since the end of May. You also did not submit your take home exam which I gave you at the end of May.

Student: Well, I was out.

Me: I understand that, but why didn't you contact me to make arrangements to submit you work and to stay caught up with the class while you were recovering?

Student: Why are you making such a big deal about this? I have documentation to prove I was out.

Me: That is not the point. Yes, you were legitimately out. But what steps did you take to improve your situation? You waited three plus weeks to contact me. I can't give you an extension now because that is not my policy. Had you spoken to me earlier, I would have given you the benefit of the doubt. As it stands, I don't see how you are going to pass.

Student: I just don't understand why you are giving me such a hard time.

If I had "SUCKER" written across my forehead, you all would tell me...right?

July's workout playlist pays homage to 70's FM rock. It's about 45 minutes long.

1. Take It Easy by the Eagles
2. Band on the Run by Paul McCartney and Wings
3. Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel
4. Baby Hold On by Eddie Money
5. Running on Empty by Jackson Browne
6. The Boys are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy
7. Long Train Runnin' by The Doobie Brothers
8. Reelin' in the Years by Steely Dan
9. Saturday in the Park by Chicago
10 The Things We Do for Love by 10cc
11. Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac

I would love to start or be part of a community blog where people can post their workout tips, recipes, playlists etc... Any takers???

Husband and I finished our painting project. The room looks great. The only thing left to do is purchase new lamps and outlet plates. Sorry, no photos. I am too cheap to buy a digital camera. Maybe Santa will bring one from Christmas???

Oh, in case you were wondering, there were only two F-bombs. The first was when Husband made the crack in the window glass worse. There is duct tape on the window until we can get the pane replaced. It looks kind of ghetto, so I don't think it will be there for very long. The second came from both of us when we realized that taking apart the window casing to paint and clean the windows was a bigger task than we thought. It took over an hour just to remove the frame. And I don't think the windows were cleaned since the Carter administration! Good thing we decided to leave the other window go and just tape around the walls and glass and clean the window as best as possible.

We are totally exhausted, but it was so worth it. There is something very rewarding about doing your own home improvement projects. In the past 12 years that we have lived in this house, we have learned a great deal. That's why I laugh my ass off when I watch those house flipping shows like "Property Ladder" because most of those people have NO CLUE of how much work it takes to remodel an older house. Especially when you spend the majority of your time correcting the half assed job the pervious owners made.

So, today I am going to relax. I am getting a pedicure this morning (Yippe!!) I will have to prepare for tomorrow's lectures at some point today. But it's a beautiful day, and I don't want to waste it!

Today begins our big painting project. Actually, it's not a beginning, it's more of a "we really need to finish that project" beginning.

Last year, I painted the home office-den a cappuccino brown color using a sponge technique. It looks really great. But I painted the trim and baseboards the same color as the base paint color. It just doesn't work for me. We have wanted to fix that and paint the ceiling, but well, you know how that goes. It's now a year later...

So today, Husband and I are going to clear out the den. This means unplugging both computers. (Yes, we have his and her computers. It's nice that Husband's company gave him an incredible deal on a home computer). We also have to clear out the rest of the stuff and get to painting. So I will be away from the blog for a few days.

Husband and I actually work well together on home projects. We actually have a system to rate how difficult a job will be. Unlike those home improvement shows that use a hammer or some other object to indicate the level of difficulty, we use the F scale. The level of difficulty is determined by the number of "fucks' uttered by either of us. Since we live in an older home (circa 1950) and the previous owners did some horrible things like painting walls Pepto-Bismol pink, the number of F bombs has been astronomical .

Well, time to get busy and get those F-bombs ready! I hope everyone has an enjoyable Fourth of July holiday weekend!!!!!