Laundry (Play)list

Laundry (Play)List

1:33pm - July 21, 2014 - Kenmore and Lafayette - SoHo

My last pic in the city for #ghwlci14

This pic is posted in my Instagram account at the top left side of the home page screen. 

Sigh...Good pic, Huh. 

It's the last view I had of NYC before we got to the airport yesterday. 

Back home to #dwh2 today - laundry by the loads and I have a couple of house  projects in the hopper. Yes, it does involve my favorite spray paint and yes I am a mess, it's everywhere. Theme today - "Keep it moving people, keep it moving". And for that, sometimes you just need a playlist.
Those suitcases weight 49.5 lbs and 47 lbs respectively.Yikes.

 

Well - I actually made the playlist yesterday before our flight took off in New York.  It's the playlist I listened to en route to Memphis and the one I'm listening to again today. Last week when in NYC I realized how much I missed my tunes.  I shared this with a new friend from class and explained in saying that since I reside in a city that drives in their own car everywhere, the radio is always available. Being in NYC that many days seriously but a slash in my radio tune time. (Which then explains why everybody has a set of Beats headphones on their head - okay well very nearly everybody but that's another story for another post at another time.)

iTunes took the liberty of alphabetizing the playlist for me...wasn't that nice? 

1. Always in My Head - Coldplay
2. Beggin' - Madcon (Heard it in Jersey Boys but like this version better)
3. Brave - Sara Bareillas (bought this album when it came out - good tunes all around)
4. Empire State of Mine (Part II) - Alicia Keys solo version (I've been in NYC for 17 days, any surprises with this one?)
5. Girl On Fire - Alicia Keys
6. Halo - Beyonce
7. I Choose You - Sara Bareilles
8. Irreplaceable (Ralphi Rosario Dub Remix) - Beyonce
9. Just for Now - Imogen Heap
10. Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
11. My Eyes Adored You - Jersey Boys (Original Broadway Cast)
12. No One - Alicia Keys
13. Quermos Paz - Gotan Project
14. Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine
15. Show Me What I'm Looking for - Carolina Liar 
16. Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat's Heavenly House Mix) - Nina Simone & Felix Da Housecat - Verve Remixed 2 - The original of this song was in Thomas Crown Affair when he stole the painting from the Metropolitan Museum, I also listened to this one on the Met steps on Sunday.  It was totally great. 
17. Time To Pretend - MGMT (Memphis hometown heros)
18. Umbrella (feat. Jay - Z) - Rihanna
19. We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monae) - Fun.
20. When Your Mind's Made Up - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova from Once (Music from the Motion Picture) 
21. Whole Wide World - Wreckless Eric
22. Why Can't I? - Liz Phair (the clean version, mind you) 
23. Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus (come on... you know you like this song don't throw it under the bus. Miley may be a bit "dirty" but she sings)
24. You've Got the Love - Florence + The Machine

If you're in need a rockin' playlist to supply energy, mood, a tapping toe - this is a good spread.
Now...back to that laundry list. 

Language - testimonial part 2

I'm back.  I've thought of some other things.  This is the second post for the day. I've not had a substantial amount of school homework so I've got to stretch my words to some other canvas.  Also, this is something I actually want to write about so there's the element of "fun" within this that doesn't always extend to homework, know what I mean? So -  Read the post prior to this if you're interested.

Yesterday, Sunday July 20th we scored some great seats to Jersey Boys...and by great I mean front row and we were practically ON the stage.  Yep. I felt every breathe the dudes took.

Have you seen it? My lord...dudes can sing! It pumped my spirit - like good music usually does.
It's worth the download - Jersey Boys (Original Broadway Cast Recording). Songs of specific interest include "My Eyes Adore You", "Beggin", "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"...amazing. Good songs, good lyrics, good singing.  Done. Done. Done.

Prior to hitting up the show - I walked about 25 blocks north. We are staying at 47th and Lex and I walked right up Ave of the Americas to the Met.  It was terrific.  No tourists walking slowly or taking photos with their ipads up in the air. It was nice to have the calm on an otherwise busy street. It was so fun and highly enjoyable that I continued walking - I walked - and walked - and walked some more.  For a while I walked with a similar group of people.  I wondered what they were doing or where they were going.  I wonder if they thought the same of me? At one point, an older man I'd been walking by for probably 12 blocks actually said "good bye" before he turned right and walked away from me.  It was like we had experienced the same beauty - I agree (with myself) - it was nice that he said bye. We didn't speak a word that whole time - just walked practically side by side. 

After many more blocks it was my turn to turn left - this led me to the Met. A happy place from the week's past (and 2 summers ago when I first came as a student to LCI).

I sat on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Classy joint, ya know? Okay so I sat there for probably two hours (and subsequently I have a ridiculous sun burn because I can't get any whiter and people who are as white as I am are supposed to use sunblock) and when I initially walked up the steps I wondered..."how long do I have to sit here before I see somebody go by that I know...?"  I have an answer for you. Within the first few moments of time sitting there, perhaps 20 minutes in actuality, I saw 2 people pass by that I knew. Crazy, right? The first person was in my class at Lincoln Center TWO YEARS AGO! That was wild. Remember, when you meet somebody, you never know where their path will cross yours again. It does happen - the world is not that big.  The second was somebody I heard during a group panel this summer.  She was with her family and they were partaking in the plethora of street vendor food options. 

It was fun to hear the conversations of people around me sitting on the steps - regardless of the language they were speaking - their voices emphasized content that demonstrated their emotion. That's the neat thing about words - they always have lots of meaning.  While sitting on the steps I also witnessed a marriage proposal.  It made me cry.  Yep. It was very beautiful. It was entirely in Spanish, but let me tell you...everybody within ear/eye shot understood what words this man was speaking to his (future)wife. 

It is now time to pack up the computer - to zip up the suitcase and to return to Shelby County Tennessee. I wrote these to "testimonials" because I wanted to remember them.  They were not part of my school experiences these past two weeks but rather important details that needed notating in some way, shape, or form. Things to learn from, by, and to remember.

EMPIRESTATEOFMIND - Testimonial

The font above is out of control - I need to re code that - it says EMPIRESTATEOFMIND

Today is my last day in NYC.  I knew upon arrival on July 5th that the time would fly by - sadly, it has. And now it is time to return to Memphis and the actualities of what's to come.  What's to come you say? I'm not sure - but I feel like something good.  Time in the city always clears my head - reminds of of what I love - helps me focus on what I'm good at - and what my priorities are. This time more than ever - I have realized this.

If you take a scroll over to my Instagram account to on the top right of my blog home page - you can see over 100 pics from time in the city.  If you can't see them, just look up the hashtag #ghwlci14 that will direct you to them.

10 Things I discovered while in the city....

1. I am fast walker.  Due to the supreme lack of walking in Memphis, this was lost on me. One of my very dearest friends, Dr. Jeffery Robinson M.D., says "walk with a purpose"...so I did.
2. I really like getting dressed up every day.  This sounds goofy perhaps, but I find it really easy to slide into a routine of "frump town" in Memphis.  Perhaps that is related to my daily duties of working with small children? None the less - it is true that when you are dressed, you do feel better about what you're doing.
3. There are lots of really cool people in this world.  When you come across one, or two, or three new ones that is a real treat.  When you can leave with a whole new circuit of contacts, that's saying something.
4. I really like Thai food.  I don't eat it enough.  Does this exist in Memphis? I mean, more than Bangkok Alley? I need to investigate.
5. Socks and shoes are really the best idea. I've realistically tried every combination that could look outfit appropriate.  When it comes down to it - socks make the difference.  Your feet are your ride - invest in good tires.
6. I am in love with the sense of "wonder".  Don't ever eliminate it as part of what you do each day. When you have lost that sense - time to refocus and/or get the hale out of town.
7. While I do have friends everywhere on the globe - as I said to one of my new friends I made this trip - the bulk of the people I've like for more than 5 minutes all live here (NYC). People who have been with me for decades...yup there's a bunch of them here.  You can't ever override the effectiveness of having a good circle of friends close by.  Misery is the alternative, and it is no good. Live it. Learn it.
8. This one may be a bit brutal but it is the truth in all actuality - My skill set is highly under utilized in Memphis. I'm stuck... And it's killing me. If you haven't experienced growth and/or joy, time to reevaluate.
9. Size doesn't always matter (in this case).  Now, I know that we have only been here for about 3 weeks but I am good with not having a ton of space.  And by a ton, considering the 5000 sq ft we have now in Memphis vs. the probably 600 sq ft I've lived in while in NYC.  That is something I always thought would be "just awful".  Not true.  It's totally fine.  And quite honestly, it would likely downsize the amount I accumulate - I've got a ton of unnecessary stuff. Seriously.  Seriously.  Time to get rid of some stuff. Look out for an upcoming online shoe sale.
10. It is okay to be quiet and still. Reflection is very important towards progress. If you don't have anything to reflect on -find something- make it a priority - trust me you'll feel better.

I would imagine that this series of noticing will continue.  I have about 6 more hours before take off. I may find some more in that time causing my collection may grow. Stay tuned.

#dwh2 projects as of late.

It is true that my "to do" list for #dwh2 is quite long. That is no lie. It will always be long and part of that is my own willingness to continue to better the place regardless of the state. Okay so that's said. Now back to the list.  I have 2 things cooking this week off that list.

1. curtains for the sliding glass door wall by the hot tub.
There is a particular fabric I would like to get for this project but it will be a while before it gets to the top of the list...so in the meantime I did this.  I had 13 yards of this fabric pictured below in a bolt in one of the closets. I have had it for 2 years. Obviously, I needed to do something with it. Obviously, these windows needed some attention. So 2 + 2 = I pulled it out of said closet laid it down on the floor and started cutting.  My long term plan for these 5 panels is that I will use them as the backing for the fabric I would like to ultimately get.  And in the meantime...I think it looks good!

(and yes I have 1 more fan to spray paint the blades and change the globe on that fan. 
It is around the corner from the other 2 that I did last fall...need to get that done.)

 

Project 2. Paint the giant gold frame. 

When we moved to #dwh2 I propped this frame up in the entryway. Left it there...didn't know where else to put it.  Then I offered the commentary on whether or not I should paint this giant thing.  Some said yes and some said no. A few weeks later I put it away in yet another closet and it has been there for approximately 7 months. So...that means it is time to paint it.  If it is in the closet not being used, that means something needs to be done so that it will be used, you know quality item and all...

 

 

Enter a lovely Saturday afternoon, my plywood boards, and several cans of spray paint. 

 

I've used several different brands and kinds of white spray paint and recently, this is my product of choice.  I really like the coverage, the price and the finished product.  Do you really  need another reason? Nope. Me neither. Done.  I've now purchased about 20 cans of this for various projects.

And a few minutes later...The first coat of paint it on.  Now approximately 2 weeks later, the frame has had about 4 coats of paint and it looks amazing.  Looks like a factory lacquer job.  I'm totally impressed. 

I'm planning to take this frame to a frame shop and put an original piece in it that I've had for about 2 years and needs a frame face lift. I'm really excited.

Project 3 - finally getting around to painting the bamboo/rattan table and chairs that are in the pool.
I've had these for 2 plus years and it was (again) time to do what I originally intended to do.
This change was quite dramatic and left me saying "why did I wait so long to do this, it was so easy"

 

 This shows a before and after of the chairs. 

I didn't get one of the table but it was the same color as the unpainted chair.

It certainly makes the space a lot lighter.

In my last post I said I was excited because school was out...well that hardly changed anything. (whomp, whomp) Summer school started this week and it is, per usual, soaking up any free time.
I keep reminding myself, short term pain - long term gain. And in the meantime, these projects keep me smiling.

2 months went by?

(photo:pinterest)

TWO MONTHS WENT BY!

How did that happen? 

Oh...wait...I know how...

1. I've been teaching over 40 private music students

2. Working a 20 hours a week GA at U of M

3. at the "other school" (as my Dad calls) 28 hours a week

4. Doctoral homework (who needs time for that craziness? HA!)

5. Oh yeah, then there's actually going to class (9 credits this semester)

All - in - All

I've started to look more like this photo above as the things start to end for the semester. 

Way to much going on - have you ever technically over committed yourself? It's awful. 

Don't do it.  Although I'm sure you already knew that. 

This post will serve as a reminder to me - if not anything else - about how this semester was no good. 

To much to do - not enough time.  Period. 

So...if I ever have a 2 month blogging lapse, somebody check in because I may have done it again. 

And trust me...nobody needs any part of that. 

Here's to the end of May, the hopes for more blogging, more house projects, 

and the end of my first year of doctoral work.

Cheers.

#dwh2: The Den Floor

The den finally has new paint on the walls and new peel and stick flooring.  Yes, I saint peel and stick flooring.  Something I have been so very adamantly opposed to.  In this case, I will make an exception.

Here is my list as to why:
1. the floor was GREEN. Couldn't take it another day.
2. the den is right off the pool - flooring needs to be waterproof
3. peel and stick meant I could do it myself - easiest DIY ever.
4. peel and stick doesn't take very long
5. peel and stick is cost efficient. $46/box and readily available at Lowe's.
6. actually looks like hardwood

I think that list should suffice. It did for me. And away we went to Lowe's to buy the first boxes.

And now you're thinking, "Hmm, Hilary I think you skipped a step"...Yes this is true.
I accidentally deleted about 7 photos from my camera. Those 7 photos were the details between the picture above and the picture below.

So, now we have furniture moved back into the den and have it arranged differently than before. We brought a rug from another room in and the navy blue rug is rolled up waiting for another place to go.
The yellow curtains came from the breakfast room. They needed more space and a better space to "brighten". Mission accomplished on that front.  The parsons desk came from the guest bedroom.
Eventually, I'll get a tv console to put here but for now the parsons desk serves the purpose just fine.

There are still many things to be done in this room, but it is sort of back together. There are a few more things to receive "treatment" and art to hang, etc. But for the most part, the room is back in use.

Once I finished the den I was eager to continue into the laundry hallway.  And guess what, I wasn't paying attention to how many planks I had left and all the sudden...I was out. So I got this far and then left it like this for like 4 days.  It's okay, I only fidgeted a little bit.

By the time I got another box of planks I was completely impatient and just put them down. I wanted to floor covered and only had a small window of time to get it done. Alas, it looks way better than it did before. I had to remove the linoleum from the walls that was in place of base boards. For now, Magic Dave will just sand/paint those places.  Eventually when we do get different flooring, baseboards will go in more permanently.

In total, it took about 3 1/2 hours to do the den and about 1 1/2 hours to do the laundry hall area. But yay, it's done.  We are considering options for the kitchen next.  This flooring is the leading option but there are some other fun options for consideration.  Fortunately, it is nearly spring break so there might be a little bit of time to whip up something fun for the kitchen too!

#dwh2: The Den ... What's Happening Now

When I last posted about the den in #dwh2 it looked like this...

DARK. DARK. DARK.

...and a really odd color combination.

Green flooring, navy blue patterned rug. Brown furniture. Brown curtains, tan walls that were highly textured from the wallpaper that surely was up there at some point because why else would the walls be prickly and rough? The room has 1 over head fluorescent light and a mid century slit window.

So not a lot of light, hence the need for brightness.

 

Here are the before pictures....

So about 2 weeks ago Magical Dave came to save the day. He spent (what I thought was a looonnng time sanding the walls, and what a mess it was). I am very glad to have smooth walls once again, that 3-d wall  biz is for the birds. These are legit action shots of the work in progress. The room is now finished, but I have one more step to share. So let's relish on this "before" just a little bit longer.
The after is worth the wait.

#dwh2 - Random Improvements

Improvements continue at #dwh2 - little.........by......little. The collection of little things are starting to add up and make a difference. Paint obviously is the biggest wave, and following paint comes the ornamental elements that are the fun part.

One of the things that happened after the master bathrooms, the NYC bathroom, and the kitchen got painted...new roman shades.  These are nothing special, they're white.  They're from Lowe's.  I've used them before in #dwh1. They're cost effective and look good...and they're white. Did I mention that yet. You know I love white and it blends in 99.99999% of the time. Sometimes the window treatments don't need to be the focus. (Oh, Hilary…how you flip flop on those elements within your own house!)

The "situation" in the master bathrooms...tiny windows. The resolution, get a big shade and put it up to cover the entire potty nook in both of our bathrooms.  Covering just the window would have looked silly given the actual size of the wall. 

In my potty nook.

 In my potty nook with the shade down. 

 In Geoff's potty nook. You can see where the actual window is as the light shines in. 

From the outside, though, the window is tastefully covered.  

Also, you don't have to see us in the bathroom, that's no good...for anybody.

I just hate it when the curtain looks tacky from the outside.  One of my pet peeves. 

(The geriatric handles need to go...yes I know)
((When I took this photo it was right after handy-dandy Dave installed it…I hadn't adjusted it yet.))
(((How many of these do you think I can add in…?)))

On to random improvement worth sharing number 2.....

After the NYC sized bathroom got painted - the medicine cabinet was removed…It was tiny and rusty.
Done - and Donzo. Time for something prettier that would reflect more light. 

The hole was patched and a new mirror was hung.
New mirror via pottery barn.

I'm delighted.

Not a ground breaking improvement but something to change the wave in the right direction. 

I'm glad to have new paint, shower curtain (Nate Berkus for Target), roman shade (Lowe's), and mirror in this bathroom. I'd like to get a new sink/faucet and black toilet seat for this bathroom. This will likely be the first bathroom to experience a gut job. It's the smallest thusly giving us the most harmless chance to experiment. I don't know when said reno will happen - maybe years.  But for now, the room is a little bit more my jive. 

Flooring is in the works in the den…

Stay tuned for a larger, more significant improvement(s) in the days to come.

University of Memphis Campus Photos

As of this semester, I spend a considerable amount of time at The University of Memphis. 

I traded my regular NPR/WKNO Radio work for a Graduate Assistantship. 

Working out just fine...

 

On Friday afternoon I had several stops to make on campus and took the time to document a few of my favorite views of the campus through the lens of my trusty Instagram app on my iPhone.

All photos taken by me  - not that you would - but please don't use without permission.

#dwh2 : Den...Before

The den is under construction this week at #dwh2. Here are a few before shots for perspective.
This room is as from when we moved into the house. Furniture and such is in the exact same place.
Paint, flooring, and different furniture coming your way! I've been collecting "inspiration" for a while. 8.5 months in - Time to act. Eventually, this room will be a bedroom and we will convert our garage into a den and build out the side of the house to include a few more things, including another garage to replace the one that will become the den.  BUT - that's not happening for a while, so I don't want to deal with crazytown in the meantime. This room feeds out into the pool room so it is kind of a nice view.  The house really doesn't need a bigger den as it does have an out door room kind of in the middle of the house, a big living room (with a tv built into the wall) and an indoor pool - but you know. Think "up".

Cool flooring, huh? 

NOT!

I used to really like this rug - the mix of pattern is making my eyes jiggle. 

YIKES!
My thoughts exactly.

Let's do this THANG...