You want an update? I got your update

Ok, Ok, Ok, I understand that you want an update, but there is only so much a man can do!!! Remember, as a male I can only handle one thing at a time.

First, let me address the previous post .... without a doubt, one of the funniest (sick?) ever. I am shocked that I received so little feedback on that post. I guess potty humor is not the preferred style of humor for this blog?

Anyway, its no secret that I've been on the road this summer traveling the highways and backroads of Mississippi. Recently, I've had a chance to visit Prentiss, Forrest, Choctaw (casino!!!), McComb, Brookhaven (a dry city and county) and two of my personal favorites; Ohlo and SoSo. That is not a mistype; SoSo is so proud of their little city!!!

Enough of that stuff, here are the updates that everyone is looking forward to ...

Losing weight sucks.... Remember the weight lose challenge that I was doing with the guys from work? Well, I haven't lost yet, but its imminent. I figured traveling was going to screw with my ability to lose weight and I was right. I don't have the discipline to lose weight and travel.

It probably has something to do with the "diet cokes" that I drink with dinner? Or maybe it's the awesome food that is eagerly being offered to me each day? Either way, I have only managed to lose about four pounds and three inches (the part I am most proud of) this summer. I have two weeks to go before we declare a winner, but it won't be me.

As part of that challenge, we also decided to run a 5K race to insure that everyone was actually exercising (as opposed to taking some pills). This morning was the race. I regret to say that I ran the race in 36:12. That is actually 12 seconds slower than I ran the previous race. I will gladly blame the time on two things; tired from traveling and beer. The traveling I can't control but I shouldn't have drank a six pack the night before a race (common sense?).

Previously I mentioned that my lovely bride decided to have the girls bathroom remodeled while I was gone. Here are a few pictures of the result:



Check out that early 80's styling. Of course, anyone that knows the girls and I, knows that the color of the rooms will be bright; white tile on neon blue. Also notice the brass fixtures in the tub (yucckkkkkkk!!!!!).

The floor sucked and check out the door on the left. Notice the plywood filler on the lower half of the door where I blocked off the old doggie door.

Now, for the updated version. We went with a stone looking tile that extends from floor to ceiling. The streak under the soap dish is actually a picture ghost, not a dirty spot on the new tile (I would have less girls if there was a stain already). Check out the oil rubbed bronze fixtures in the tub, very cool!!!!

The floor is the same tile as the tub (something that I learned from all of the Hilton hotels that I am staying in). I selected the wall color, its kind of a cross between tan and gold. Sounds ugly but actually works well with the bathroom. Super cool fact: I managed to paint the bathroom with three coats of paint out of a quart size canister (yes, I brushed the whole thing) using a low VOC paint.

The finishing touch is the new door with enclosed blinds. I need to paint the door to match the rest of the room but I really like the new door and hardware too.

If you are not familiar with low VOC paint, let me suggest the nearest "green" television channel, magazine, or book. If you are not familiar with greening your house, I hope that you keep returning in the future as I hope to start adding a "green" fact with each post.

Speaking of "green", Elizabeth and I have been watching and learning about "green" concepts lately. We are actively reading a really cool book by National Geographic called Green Guide. The book is an excellent resource about all things "green" around the house. If you are not familiar with "green" concepts, I would encourage you to learn a little bit starting with the Green Guide website.

The Green Guide book is based on this website. The bottom line is that its never too late to start and the easiest place to start is our own location. Who knows, you might actually save a little money along the way. Just to be clear, I still consider PETA to be "People Eating Tasty Animals"!!!!!!!! You don't have to be a veggie freak or hippie to add a few green aspects to your life.

As I mentioned, I painted the bathroom. Considering my travel schedule, when did I have time to paint a bathroom? To be honest, I sent he girls to Orange Beach for a three day weekend to allow me the time to paint and rest for one of the weekends that I was home. Here are a few pictures of their trip:

Now, for the feet. Below is a picture of the toes as they are today. Its been nearly two months, and my girls are starting to get a little jealous. As you can see, the little toes have outgrown the color, and the toes next to them are getting real close but the rest of them are looking pretty good. Lesson learned for my girls, wear socks and shoes and it makes all the difference in the world. That doesn't mean that I wear socks and shoes everywhere, I went to the mall today with my sandals on, so part of it is simply taking care of things.

Also, I am proud to say that Little E finally passed her driving test. Her mom probably won't be so proud once she receives the updated bill from the insurance company, but I am proud of her for passing it.

Speaking of big items, we received Jessica's senior pictures this past week. I'm not sure what the pictures cost, but they look good. I can't believe that we have our first one graduating from high school next year!!!!!!

Green Idea of the Post: For every degree above 72 degrees cooling your house, you are spending an additional 3% on your bill. Try setting your A/C to 10 degrees below the daily high to help save money and energy, which is helpful to us all.