Transforming a Room into A Home

Days have been running along and my acclimation to my new place has grown but still in the adjustment phase.  There are times at night when I awaken to thoughts that I'm still in my old bedroom.

Thursday met up with Sam so he could transport my fainting couch from the storage unit to my room, which needed a bit more. We worked slowly but were able to wiggle it in and it fit perfectly!   Tossed a throw and a couple of fuzzy pink pillows on it and it immediately added to the homeyness of the room.

Friday met up with pal Shelly for lunch at Cow Deli. Had been so long since we had visited! We promised each other to do something together very soon,  like the time we went to Cannon Beach. We definitely need a girl's day!

Along with working some overtime during the week, Saturday found me toiling away at the office to reduce the amount of training on the back burner.  Took a pause at 1:30 to break Panera bread with Jordan and Candy - had the nostalgic meal of grilled cheese and tomato bisque. Back to work then threw in the towel after reaching 8 hours of stuffing my brain full of certificates, Acord forms, endorsements and the like.

Once home, Marie and I tackled a wall lettering project. She had a huge quote hanging about that we figured would fit in nicely on one of my walls. Measured, marked, peeled the backing, then slowly adhered the words to the wall. After that, rubbed the lettering to ensure adherence then peeled the paper bit by bit so as not to disturb the quote. And it turned out perfect! The quote, although supposedly by Marilyn Monroe, is a wee bit negative but still adds a certain jois de vivre to the room.

Sunday arrived and have spent the majority of the time lounging.  Took a shower, slapped on makeup, and straightened my hair in hope it would inspire me to pursue an adventure of some sort. Nope, that didn't happen and the rest of the day has been spent watching What's My Line and the Great British Bake Off.

On a side note, quitting smoking has been going great. Don't have the urges like before. Tomorrow is my last day of Chantix; put in a refill but haven't heard back from pharmacy on it.

Also enjoying my recent SUV purchase. All cash, paid for at a very acceptable rate, and insurance is low. Rig has been awesome - very clean, one owner, and passing Carfax.

Eliminating the cig purchases, the auto loan, and working overtime is all in the plan to bump up my personal equity. And right now that feels good.

Green Plastic Bag World

Oh it's been a whirlwind, life changing, big ball of activity over the last week.

With Sam's help, moved in to Marie's. She had started painting my room which meant I slept in her bed and she slept on the couch the first night. Painting continued, then ripping out closet organizers along with wood to paint the closet. The past two days she has been finishing the closet and hanging curtains. In a nutshell, this means my numerous bags of clothes and shoes are still in the back room and I'm living out of green plastic bags!  However, I see a light at the end of the tunnel and my room should be finished by this weekend.

Living with a roommate will also be a learning experience. We are somewhat like The Odd Couple - she's Felix and I'm Oscar. She's a bit on the OCD side when it comes to organization and cleaning. I'm following her lead as it's her house.  So becoming a bit more neat and tidy - wash my dishes after each meal, pick up the bathroom when done, and that sort of thing.

Last night Marie was gone feeding the cats at our friends who were in Vegas.  They have a country home filled with apple trees, deer, and a breathtaking view.

While she was out, I took my Chantix pill - the quitting smoking has been going great - on what I thought was a full stomach. Was relaxing in the recliner when it suddenly hit me that I was going to be sick. Jumped up and ran to the bathroom but alas didn't make it quite in time. Following the literal upheaval, it was time to clean up the mess on the floor, on the lower wall, on the toilet and God knows where else. I was going fast as I wanted it done before The White Glove got home.  Whew - finished in time and carried my bagged clean up mess outside and tossed in the garbage.  If you think I was covering my tracks, you are absolutely correct!

She arrived home shortly thereafter and I let her know I was sick but didn't tell her the extent of my illness -

Thought I got away with it but alas, tonight she asked me if I had gotten sick on the floor. Uh yes but why do you ask? She said the floor was sticky. Just can't get away with nothing can you?

Stubbs has become quite settled in his new home. He and Lilly are somewhat buds and he's enjoying his time here. It's a plus that Marie is here all day so he doesn't have time to miss his mama.

A Little Bit of This and That

Happy 4-year Anniversary to Jordan and Candy last week!

And yes, still in the house. The days are dragging by while I wait for a glitch to be fixed. I'm ready to go, just focusing on last minute items to be taken to storage. Once I get the green light will be heading to Marie's. Beginning to feel like Grey Gardens in the house - kind of a ramshackle way to live with little furnishings, one lamp, and a couch that thankfully isn't hurting my back. And now the rain has begun which unfortunately puts a damper on my spirits.  With hope and prayers the closing will be done this week.

Yes, the below represents me but with Stubbs in my arms. 🙄
               

The good news is I just started Chantix to quit smoking. So far so good and it has helped with the cravings. Sam stopped by Saturday morning when the dosage had gone up. Prescription suggests to eat something before taking the pill.  I ate a piece of wheat bread and discovered that was not the ticket! Ended up on back porch barfing my guts out.   Poor Sam brought me out a paper towel. Thankfully,  the doses went down fine as I learned my lesson that a slice of bread won't cut it - digested oatmeal works much better!

This morning trimmed my bangs. Always go back and forth but bangs seem to give a better look with the added benefit of covering my forehead wrinkles!

Saw in the news that Chris March, a Project Runway veteran, passed away. He was a more down-to-earth, funny contestant and one of my favs. Rest in peace, Chris.

 Here's to everyone having a great week! And hopefully the rain will depart!