Jessica's Big Day

My Sissy has been married for two whole weeks!  I can't believe it.  It was such a pretty day, and the ceremony and reception turned out very well.  I am so happy for Jessica & Justin.  Fortunately, my mom took a few pictures with my camera because the "official" wedding photos are not in yet.

Movie Star Kiss!  Just like Carrie & Berger.

Me & Jessica at the reception.

Because I was the Maid of Honor, and because Jessica means so much to me, I wanted to say a few words to honor her on her special day.  This is what I tried to say - although it came out more as a blubbery mess:

Good evening. I'm Joy, Jessica's maid of honor and her eldest cousin. We spent a lot of time together growing up; so much so that we're more like sisters. Like sisters will do, we had our fair share of squabbles in our younger years; often to the dismay of our parents and grandparents. I remember one time, Papa was telling me how I needed to be patient and try harder to get along because we would always have each other and one day we would be best friends. At the time, I remember thinking that I didn't even really like her that much and there was no way we would ever be friends. (haha) But he was right, and here we are several years later and she is one of my best friends.

So I am very honored to be a part of her and Justin's special day. As some of you may know, Jessica is a teeny bit obsessed with Disney movies, so it is only fitting that she has found her Prince Charming. Justin is so loving and kind and thoughtful to Jessica, and it is wonderful that they have found each other. I know we are all very glad that Justin has joined our family. My wish for them is that the happiness that they are experiencing today is just a glimpse of all the good times they have ahead of them.

It was a beautiful today for a special couple.  I love them so much!

The Big TO DO List

If you know me, you know I love lists.  I have lists at work, lists at home.  Lists saved to my computer, my phone and then sometimes I write them down too for good measure.  My lists often have sub lists.  Yep, it's a sickness.  I also wonder if it is a procrastination tool.

These are a few things I would like to accomplish on the home improvement front, and some things that I have already accomplished (just because it makes me feel good to have a list with a few items crossed off):

Replace Dishwasher (2004/2005?)
Replace Roof (May 2007)
Clean Awnings (June 2011)
Replace Windows (August 2011)
Fix Shower Drain (August 2011)
Replace Front Door (November 2011)
Replace Furnace / Install Heat Pump (February 2012)
Replace Gas Water Heater w/Electric one
Replace Shower / Tub in Main Bathroom
Install Shower in Half Bath (Would that make it a 3/4 Bath?)
Install Ceramic Tile in the Kitchen
Clean Out / Organize All Closets
Replace Toilet in Pink Bathroom
Improve Flower Beds on Side & Front of House

So there we have it.  I'm sure I'll be adding more to it, but hopefully I'll be marking a lot off as well.  Wish me luck!

Makeover My Soul

Just as Cher Horowitz decided she needed to makeover her soul, I have decided I need to makeover my... house.  Which I think will have positive effect on my general wellbeing.  I've been in my house for quite sometime, and there are several improvements I have been needing/wanting to make but haven't quite gotten around to.  What can I say, when it comes to procrastination, I got skillz.  Anyway, lately I have following this awesome blog - http://www.younghouselove.com/.  It has really inspired me to tackle some projects around the house.  Unfortunately I was still lacking in motivation.

Yesterday, I placed an order for some new windows.  My current windows are probably original to the house, which was built some 50-60 years ago.  They are the crank-out kind, if that tells you anything.  The new windows promise to be energy efficient (= saving money on the utility bills) and sound-blocking (= no more listening to my neighbor's phone conversations or what she is playing on her car stereo).  I am so excited!  They should be here in about 4-6 weeks, which provides me with a deadline, which is darn close to motivation.

Obviously, I can't complete all the projects in that short period of time (more on the project ideas later).  First of all, I don't have the funds.  Second, I still have a full time job and don't have the manpower.  So my general plan is to get more organized and get rid of stuff that I don't need/want/use anymore.  Having a more organized and less cluttered house will make it easier for the window installers do their job.  

Today's task, however, was an exterior one.  To say I'm not a big fan of outside work is an understatement.  Especially outside work in the middle of summer.  But, there was something that had been nagging me for some time and I wanted to get it accomplished before the windows got here.  The awnings over my windows, which are supposed to be white, have gotten quite grungy over the years.  When we replaced the roof in 2007, we had to take the awnings off so my mom & I took the opportunity to powerwash and repaint the awnings (well, mostly mom). 

So here's the before:

The front:

And the side:

I had a very good supervisor.  Ok, so maybe he's not much of a supervisor, but he's the cutest dang cat I've ever seen.

I used a car washing brush so as not to damage the paint, and a combination of scrubbing bubbles and dish soap.  After what really only added up to a couple hours (maybe 2 1/2) of work, I had this!

I'm not trying to pass it off as perfect, but I think it definitely qualifies for 95% improvement.  I am absolutely thrilled with my work.  I also took the time to weed eat the yard a little.  It has been so dry lately that my grass is not growing but miraculously (sarcasm) the weeds still are.  I feel great about the progress I made today and hope I can stay on that track!