Our new house is starting to feel like someone lives here. Today, we tackled the row of picture frames that were lined up along the floor in the living room. I don't know why it took so long to hang these up. There's something about blank, freshly painted walls that keeps me from pulling out the nails and hammer.

But I'm so glad I did! In this house, I'm trying to transition from solely wedding gifts as decorations to adding a few of my own things. For example, my winter project: the chalkboard/grocery list. 

I seem to have lost all my step-by-step pictures of this project, so you'll have to go here to see me working on it. I found the wood for the frame outside one of my dad's old barns, and with the assistance of some people who are a little better with carpentry (sawing things safely) my idea came together.

And this afternoon, my dining room came together. Just in time for my orchid to bloom.

He passed! Of course he passed. We didn't doubt him. But he passed!

He would also like to be referred to as Esquire from now on.

Yard Work

One of my favorite things about my new house is my backyard. Did I mention I have a backyard? It's wonderful! My outdoor space has increased from a 4x6 square (the deck of my old apartment) to...well...my new backyard is really big.

Since we're just renting our new house, we're trying to limit the time, effort, and money we put into the backyard. But the truth is that there's this thing in my genes, I think, that keeps me wanting to plant stuff and build stuff and make things pretty out there.

So here's the before shot:

And keep in mind, this is just the first stage of progress. I'm sure there will be many more updates in the future.

As you can see, there are several problem areas, not counting the encroaching jungle. The property manager had told us when we moved in that he would come over and mow the lawn the first time for us. So we waited...and waited (about two more weeks after this picture was taken). When I started getting the feeling that we might be in the process of remaking the set from Honey I Shrunk the Kids, I gave in and mowed. Now of course, when I say "I mowed" I don't mean myself in the strict sense of the word. It was really Ryan who mowed the lawn.

After mowing, we discovered a large pile of flat rocks--almost pavers really--in the back corner of the yard. Immediately I began brainstorming. I started by laying them out in the muddy and weedy almost-flowerbed next to the patio. We discussed the shape a little and decided on making a pathway to the yard.

With the beautiful weather this last weekend, we were able to dig out the dirt and small rocks and set in the stones.

Within an hour or two we could start to see it take shape.

By the time our arms started turning pink from the sun, we were getting pretty tired of shoveling dirt and packing down the stones. Let's just say, we were a little less careful and exact on the last part. We may have to come back and smooth them out a bit.

We also found quite a few treasures amidst our digging: A butter knife, a few legos, some marbles, some balls, and a mini Aladdin.

While Ryan went to pick up some gas for the lawn mower, I decided to take care of the very ugly ferns. I had originally wanted to replant them in some distant corner of the yard, because for some reason I have a hard time killing plants.

However, it soon became a battle to the death.

With another mow, the yard started to show its beauty.

We celebrated our accomplishments with a lovely backyard picnic. I think we're going to be spending quite a lot of time out here this summer.

Did you notice I even snuck Ryan in on one final picture? He's not a big fan of action shots.

Beach Trip!

Now that we're finally both healthy again, I convinced Ryan and Logan to take some time off from their dutiful studying. Well, to tell you the truth, I don't know how much Logan studies. We stopped at his house on the way home from our trip and he immediately got invited to go play video games. Oh the life of a college student.

But the important thing is that we were able to get away for the day and enjoy some beautiful weather!

Did I mention that it was a perfect beach day?

The boys tried to find some sea life (Logan was going to share his vast biology student knowledge), but they didn't find anything too exciting.

And Ryan forgot the first rule of beach-going: Always keep one eye on the waves. It's okay--he's just a beginner. I plan to give him lots of opportunities to learn the ways of the beach.

It's a good thing that he's a good sport about having wet socks. Because, well, he also forgot the second rule of beach-going: Bring plenty of extra clothes.

Don't worry, I gave him the consolation of eating some delicious fish and chips. I had to keep the experience a positive one, you see. Oh and of course, ice cream. What is the beach without ice cream?

It's not exactly the warm Atlantic with it's boardwalks and dolphins, but I think it's even better here.

What I've learned in Law School

We have five more days of law school, and I have to say that I've learned quite a lot. While I haven't attended a single class or read any legal textbooks, I'll share with you what I will be taking away from law school.

#1: How to tie a tie.

I won't ever be a pro at this, but I can do it. I hope I never have any situation that I'll actually have to wear a tie, but if Ryan ever breaks both of his arms at the same time, I'll be a great caretaker.

Tying a tie is clearly a valuable skill to have if you want to be a lawyer.

#2: How to multi-task.

I have learned how to watch football and study flash cards, which is very helpful since I do both of those things so often. The key is enthusiasm in both tasks. Then if you get a little off task, no one will notice. Jumping up and shouting is a great way to show your enthusiasm.

#3: How to ask the difficult questions in life.

Okay, I didn't make this up. I found this card in this week's study pile, and I didn't write it myself. I did make a notecard with a mustache on it to put in the middle of the pile: you know, like "I mustache you a question." Never mind...exam week + packing makes me lose some of my sanity.

What is perfection? Not sure yet. I just know how to ask the questions, not answer them. You'll have to talk with the one who's actually receiving the legal degree to answer that one for you.

No, I cannot give legal advice. But Ryan will be able to very soon!

Days left

As our move gets closer, I'm finding myself less and less interested in packing. It doesn't help that our spare room has turned into a packing war zone. Now when I have to go in there I squint my eyes tightly so I can't see anything in the periphery and get out as quickly as possible.

Ryan is, of course, unhelpful in the packing field. Today, in fact, he's been entirely unhelpful since he received his birthday/graduation present in the mail:

Don't be fooled. He's not doing homework. Homework has never kept him distracted from lunch.

As for me, I have found all kinds of distractions. My coffee table, for one:

Isn't it just beautiful? After the legs on our coffee table broke a second time about 2 months ago, I decided to turn it into a piece of art-- middle school style. Just like those old desks without the threat of detention. Everyday, I've been carving out little pictures into the scratched top.

Just so you don't feel like I'm devaluing my furniture in any way, here is the view of the underside. It really needs a short, one-way trip to the dumpster.

However, carving into the top of the table is really a great stress reliever.

We've decided to toss it when we move, of course. But the more I carve into it the more I'm becoming attached. I'm thinking that I may have a harder time leaving it at the curb than I thought. It may be a sad goodbye.

Well if nothing else, we have definitely gotten our $15 worth out of this goodwill purchase.

Washing machine update:

After thinking about the walking down the street to do laundry for the next six weeks, I decided that I couldn't give up on my washer. So I convinced Repairman Ryan to help me look a little more closely to see if we could at least find out what the problem is.

What we discovered was that there was a little plastic box that controlled the lid switch that was breaking off. Which means that my washer thought the lid was always open and so, to protect me and my arms, it shut off after filling with water each time.

We were able to secure the box back where it belonged, although after we move we'll probably have to buy a replacement. Which means that we didn't have to call an appliance fixer! And my washer still works!

As a result of my adventure, I have learned more than we would ever like to know about my household appliances. And I had no idea a washer looked so frightening underneath.

Now I need to go do some laundry.