Before & After: Cabinet

I was sick and tired of looking at the faux wood finished cabinet in our office space, so I decided to do something about.

Rather than buy something new, I decided on a DIY upgrade. Saturday morning we headed to Home Depot and picked up the necessary supplies for my endeavor:

• paint (2 colors)
• paint brush
• steel wool
• knobs

I knew that Eric would being spending most of Sunday hovered over his computer and his latest batch of cases (his homework) for class, so I was happy to have a project. It should be no surprise that I took pictures as I worked:

I did all that with only 1 accident (spilled 1/2 a can of paint, but that's why I used the HUGE tarp, covered the couch with a sheet, and the TV area with an old towel). After letting the pain dry over night, I filled our cabinet back up this morning. Ta da:

I'm really happy with how it turned out. It's not perfect, though. I don't think the steel wool phase was as effective as I expected, and I'm guessing the paint will come off easily if scratched. We'll have to be careful, but I'm much happier with how the room looks and we didn't spend much money at all. I turned an existing piece of cheap-o furniture into something that looks (I think) a little more sophisticated and actually fits our tastes. Yay! I'm so pleased with myself. :)

Paper Dragon

I woke up this morning and decided to make something with my hands. It was a great way to focus my energy and start the day.

A few years ago I made a paper dragon for my mom (based on a picture I'd seen in a magazine ad, but of my own design). I wanted hers to be good, so I made a practice version first. I never got around to making a nicer one for myself, so that was this morning's project.

I chose yellow and gold to cheer myself up. My happy little dragon.

Don't forget to check out yesteday's Lost In Thoughts (if you missed it) and the new Bon Voyage card over at Everything Little Miss.

★ Happy Friday, happy weekend, and happy dragons! ★

Gloomy

Here's a picture to set the mood:

Last time I posted I was in denial, but it's time to face the facts; time to spill the beans. Our new camera? Yeah, I broke it Sunday morning. BROKE IT! We had it for less than a week. Smooth move, I know. I'm so mad at myself and so incredibly disappointed.

Want the back story? Okay, I'll tell you. Last Wednesday I saw a mouse in our kitchen. Then I found 3 little droppings (yes, I just wrote that) in the corner of the counter. How disgusting. I spent time Tursday, Friday, and Saturday checking our cabinets and looking for reasons for it to be there and giving the counters a good scrub down. (I found nothing, and must conclude that it was merely visiting from some other apartment in the building.)

Sunday morning I woke up bright and early. As I made my way to the couch I saw a little piece of debris, and I went to pick it up. It wasn't until I grabbed it that I realized it was some sort of centipede or something. ON THE COUCH! So I grabbed the new camera to take a picture so I could get rid of it before Eric woke up, but still show him what I'd found. After taking the picture, I put the camera on the couch; it was still on with the lens out.

Then I saw it. A mouse poop on the couch. I was so mad that I quickly spun around to go grab a tissue to dispose of the bug and the waste. My spin shifted the rug, which moved the sofa just enough to knock the camera onto the floor.

It fell about a foot and a half, in slow motion, onto the carpet. I saw it happen and I saw the edge of the lens hit the floor. Even so, I thought it's not possible for that little fall to have damaged it, and I continued on my mission to get the nasty things out of our apartment.

After the disposal was complete, I took a look at my camera, with nary a worry. Boy was I surprised when the lens wouldn't retract, but instead made a bad, mechanical noise and then a triple beep while displaying the message: "Lens error, restart camera." I was nearly in tears.

After doing some online research, it appears we'll have to replace the whole lens mechanism thingy. And it looks like it'll cost almost as much as we paid for the camera. So now the camera just sits there, lens out, mocking me. I'm not quite sure what action we'll be taking.

Silver lining: haven't seen any bugs or mice (or evidence of mice) since the incident Sunday morning.

[The photo was taken on our road trip in 2005.]

Meeting New People

Last night we went out to dinner with some HBS folks. We were randomly paired up with a small group of people (9 total) for dinner. We met one couple on campus before walking over to Tory Row to meet the rest of the group, and I took these pictures at HBS while we waited.

We weren't meeting at the restaurant until 8:30, so it was pretty dark out and all the lights were on. It was pretty. (I used the new camera!)

Dinner was nice, but I thought it was too loud for conversation. Plus, we sat at a long rectangular table that wasn't really conducive to a group discussion. I was on one end, so I didn't talk to the people at the other end at all. But it was a good opportunity to meet, or at least see, some of the other students (and one partner). The food was good, and I had a yummy lemonade that reminded me a little of my popsicles; if they put sugar in it, they didn't use much.

It's In The Eyes

Our friends recently got a dog. Her name is Ellie, and she's very well behaved. She's a beautiful hound mix that they got from a rescue center.

On Sunday I had a little photo shoot with her.

I love her eyes in these photos; she cracks me up.

Finding Balance

This week we're trying to a find a balance.

For the past 7 1/2 months, I was able to work on Everything Little Miss as much or as little as I wanted. Most days I spent about 8 hours (often closer to 10) designing, figuring out orders, brain storming, planing, blogging, taking and editing product photos, and anything else I needed to turn my hobby into a business. Everything changed when I started my new job on Monday. Now I'm working all day, so I'll have to dedicate early mornings, evenings, and nights to my entrepreneurial endeavor. I also have to figure out when to exercise and eat.

At the same time, Eric's remembering how to be a student and getting used to a completely different schedule. He currently has class in the morning and early afternoon, followed by a period reserved for independent study and preparation, and learning team meetings from 9 to 11 every night (NIGHT!) for the duration of the Analytics Program. It's all preparation for the real deal, so I expect the school year to be similar.

I've barely seen him the past 2 days; that will take some getting used to. I felt so lonely today, because I'd gotten used to spending 24 hours per day with him since he quit his job June 30.

But the good news is that people adapt and change and grow and learn. We're going to get used to our new lives. We're going to find what works for us. This is an exciting time; it's an adventure.

While I'm figuring it all out, I've got to remember to make time to stop and smell the flowers.

*Don't forget to check out today's Lost In Thoughts!

Popsicles (My Way)

If you're in the area, you know it's been a super hot week. I've been sweating and sticking to my chair and wishing the air would just circulate already. I'm this close to researching air conditioners, but I so do not want to give in!

In my effort to stay cool, I've made some popsicles. I'm going to share my recipe, but most of you reading this won't like these bad boys.

The ingredients are 1 lemon, 1 lime, and water. That's it. Really easy. Really sour. I think they're delicious. Eric can't eat them. I made a second batch with less juice and more water, but they were still too sour for him. It's my own special treat. Let me know if you try them!

Canon Digital Elph

Before we went to San Francisco, we bought a Nikon point-and-shoot. We returned it when we got back, because it just wasn't living up to my expectations. Since then, we've been looking for a replacement.

When we went to the Red Sox Game, our friend Wally was using a Canon that I really liked. The next day I purchased the same camera, used, on Amazon. That night I got a disappointing email informing me that the camera had mistakenly been double-listed, and had actually been sold the day before. Grrr. I kept looking, but the other ones were out of my price range.

Then we were very busy with Eric's family for ten days and the hunt for a camera was put on hold. Last week we found one at a great price and Eric ordered it right away. Then we found out it was a bit of a scam (the battery wasn't included and was a very expensive addition), so we canceled the order. Geez Louise!

BUT, I'm writing today to tell you that we've finally had success! Eric got this little baby on Ebay and it arrived last night:

I'm much more excited about this camera (Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph) than I was about the Nikon (CoolPix S220). There are many more setting options and there's an actual view finder (not just an LCD screen), which is awesome in the sun. It's roughly the same size as the Nikon, and that was my favorite feature of that camera. We haven't really given it a good try yet, but I'm sure you'll be seeing some of the results in upcoming posts!

Note: Eric starts the Analytics Program at HBS tomorrow and I started a new job* yesterday. Our lives are about to be very different and very busy. Wish us luck!

*I will continue to update this blog and work on new designs and custom work for Everything Little Miss.

Getting Back In The Goove

We've been home for two whole days, and I'm getting back into my normal work routine. Well, not quite normal. I've still got some catching up to do and we haven't even unpacked, but I'm getting there. In all the messiness, this pretty flower is making me feel calm and relaxed, so I thought I'd share it with you.

I took these pictures at Tower Hill Botanic Garden on Saturday afternoon. The gardens were lush and beautiful, and you know that I can't resist flowers! I find the purples and greens in these photos very soothing. As always, click the image for a larger view.

Can anybody tell me what kind of flower this is? I have no idea, but I think it's just gorgeous.

I Hear You're Jealous

It worked out that our visit to San Francisco and Drew's visit back home were only few weeks apart. Drew arrived in Boston at 6:30 AM on August 1, and he left this morning on the 6 AM flight back. He loves the Vineyard, so we spent Monday - Thursday there with the whole family.

A number of people told me last week that they were jealous of the time I was spending on the Vineyard and at the beach. I admit it, I've been living the high life recently. But I'm ready to get back to regular life, because right now regular life seems like it'll be a break. I had a grand time traipsing from state to state and town to town, but now I'm sleepy and happy to be using my own bed, pillows, shower, and couch!

P.S. I upgraded to a Flirckr Pro account, so I'll probably be adding more photos there than I have in the past. Click here to see my Flickr.

P.P.S. Today on the Everything Little Miss blog I've posted photos of some new customized stationery.

[The top photo is Eric's - that's me you see there, playing in the surf at sunset. The bottom photo is of Eric with his parents and brothers. Back: Drew, Jeff; Front: Eric, Kim, Will.]

Slide Shows

As promised, here are more photos of our San Francisco trip and my Grandparents' 80 surprise birthday party.

Most of the photos in the slide shows haven't appeared on this blog and aren't edited. Click here to see them on my flickr page.

First Blog Birthday

We started Objects of Communication one year ago today! Here's a little slide show of some of my favorite photos we've featued this year.

We've truly appreciated your encouragement and sweet comments. Thank you so much for following along!

Seven Years

Seven years ago today Eric and I started dating. Is it still called dating after years have passed?

We met freshman year; we lived next door to each other. We became friends early on, and I never imagined that we'd date. As the year progressed we became closer, and we visited each other over the summer and talked on a daily basis. A few weeks before we returned to school (August 5, 2002) we decided to give the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing a try.

Since then, we've studied abroad together (2003), graduated with honors (2005), travelled across the country and back in 1990 Toyota Camry (2005), moved in together (2007), and grown together (2002 - 2009).

Eric has helped me through hard times and challenging situations. He makes me laugh and feel beautiful. He encourages me to be myself and follow my heart. He proof-reads my blog posts. I've helped him find his style and assert himself. I edited his business school application essays and I help him fight his road rage. I make him laugh all of the time, and I'm proud of him always. There's more, but that's enough for now.

At the beginning we were both worried about ruining an amazing friendship. We're still best friends. ♥

To Eric: thank you.

[I think Eric took the top photo. The bottom photo was taken by Kristen.]

Working From The Vineyard

I'm working from the Vineyard this week. I really need to work on some designs. With all of the travelling the past few weeks, my work has been more sporadic than I'd like. But I've already worked on 3 designs today! Woo hoo.

We're here with Eric's family (including Drew, who's visiting from San Francisco). Plus, my mom and brother are on The Cape, so I'm going to see them tomorrow. I can't wait! That'll be so fun.

It's totally gorgeous out here. As you can imagine, balancing work and play isn't the easiet thing to do. But it's time to get back to work! :)