Quantum Pixel Fixation

Well, it's been a while since I've had a minute to post anything here, but by some miracle, the kids are asleep, the house is clean(ish), and I'm not passing out from exhaustion, so what better use of this free-time than blogging? Actually I can think of many things I'd rather do, but at the same time there are a few things I'd like to share.

1. A quick update on Parker: He's doing well, gaining weight, and smiling a lot. So far there haven't been any real complications from his VLCADD. His liver is functioning properly, and all his blood work looks good. He's really lean, I'm guessing that's due to the special formula, but he's gaining weight really well, he's up to nearly 14lbs. already! We've started a new blog for him, mostly to help us keep track of important information, low-fat recipes, etc. I doubt it will be too entertaining for the general public, but your welcome to check it out at parkerwatch.blogspot.com
   
   
2. The Latest Project: I'd like to chronicle all the details of the saga that was my most recent
   "home improvement" project, but I just don't have the time and/or energy, so here's the abbreviated version.

• Premise - Mount a flat-screen TV in, yes IN, the wall and devise a way to rotate said TV so that it can be viewed from side A (Master Bedroom) and side B (Master Bath). You may be wondering why you'd want to see the TV from the bathroom...but I say, why wouldn't you? Actually, the idea was to do this for Traci's birthday so she would be able to to watch movies (chick-flicks) from the bathtub. Then, by spinning the TV around, we (I) get a new TV in the bedroom. Win-Win, right?
• Abbreviated Saga - The project quickly took on a mind of it's own, and ended up costing more time, money, patience, sanity, effort, and marital harmony than I ever expected. To be fair, Traci was a good spot even though she had to sleep in the guest bedroom for three days (did I mention that she didn't know what I was doing - it was a surprise!) and take care of the kids by herself. In the end I had to build the box (for the TV) twice, buy multiple tools (not necessarily a bad thing), and make so many trips to Lowe's that I know the cashiers by name!
• The Results.

Before.

Drywall Removed.

Studs removed, upper and lower framing done.

Trim and molding installed.

Trim and molding stained.

Box and TV installed (1 wk. since last photo!).
All the wiring runs up through the wall.

It works!

Backside.

Finished!
I forgot to take a picture with the TV turned on, but I promise that it works.

In the end, it would have been easier, faster, and cheaper to just buy two TV's, but what's the fun in that?

Over the Christmas break we decided to get the baby's room ready to go. I figured we'd throw on a little paint and slap up some trim; no big deal. I was wrong. I'm always surprised at how long this kind of stuff takes. Even though this time we were only painting halfway up the walls, it still took a whole day just to paint! Luckily my parents were in town for Christmas and were able to help out (thanks again by the way).
I forgot (as usual) to take a good "before" shot of the room, but I've posted a few pictures below to chronicle the transformation from office to nursery.
I guess I'll have to move my desk to the basement. Oh wait...we live in Washington...they don't have basements here. I suppose the dining room table will be my new desk.

Before. (Oak Trim, No Chair-Rail)

Halfway Done.

Done. (Almost)

We're planning to add a wall border and a few other things, but for the most part we are ready. I guess I should say that the room is ready, because I am definitely NOT ready. I keep asking people if having two kids is going to be as hard as I think it will be. So far, everyone has said no...it will be harder. Thanks, that really helps!

Say "Awwwww".

In June 2007 Traci and I bought a house here in Washington. At the time it seemed like a wise decision...the market was strong, prices just kept rising, and houses were selling within days (sometimes hours) of listing. After an exhaustive search and weeks of fence-sitting we decided to take the plunge. Then, as we signed the papers I distinctively remember hearing a loud "POP". I didn't think much of it at the time, but I've since realized that it was the housing bubble, and we popped it!

As home values drop and houses sit on the market for extended periods of time (the house next door has been for sale for over a year), I've decided the best thing to do is pour more, yes more, money into this house. That's the logical thing to do after all, right?

To chronicle this "investment" I've decided to dedicate a section of my blog to the projects I undertake around here from time to time. With each one it becomes more apparent that I am definitely NOT a carpenter, and each time I swear that I'm done with the whole DIY (Do-It-Yourself) thing, but somehow I inevitably forget and try again. Anyway, to start things off I've posted some pictures below of a project I did in the playroom/office last year while Traci and Lucy were visiting her parents in Connecticut. Enjoy.

Before.

Cabinet Base Construction.

Finished Cabinet Frames With Counter/Seat Top.

After.

Paint and Baseboards (walls used to be beige).

Traci's Desk.