DIY: refinishing a table

When Katie moved out in December she took the whole dinning room set up with her. The rest of us improvised with random furniture we had, but we really needed a table. I found one on craigslist for $100, pretty beat up, but nothing a table cloth couldn't hide. I had intention to sand and paint it when it got nicer outside until I remembered our basement is vacant. I turned it into an artsy room and over the past month I have worked on my table project.

Materials:
-electric sander
-sandpaper for electric sander
-single papers of sand paper.. [rough grain: 80 soft grain: 220]
-stain/ paint. I used a red stain.
-paint brush
-lots of rags
-sealant
-patience

I'm SO happy with how it turned out and I'm actually happy the black circle stain didn't come out. I think it gives it character. It felt awesome to turn something ugly into something rad. I had no idea how to even begin to refurbish a table but it's actually pretty easy. I'm lucky I had free access to an electric sander and some guidance from my mom, but I honestly I recommend just going for it if you're a beginner like me. I'm learning that being creative isn't necessarily about being unique, it's about learning the skills and adding your own touch in the simplest of ways.

I wish I could keep it, but I can't, so it's for sale!
*kitten and chairs not included.

two bit

I want to blog so badly.
Blog absence in time of many blog topics is like the blue balls of the blog world.
I have so many things to say. Many photos to display. Along with revelations for the month of May.

But it shall wait.. 21 days until I take my last final ever. See you then blog world

Portland craigslist hipster strike again!

So we are all moving out of the purple house at the end of this month and my room mate Jillian has been looking for a new place to call home. The following is an email thread that Jillian had with Greg, the vegan obsessed, Obama loving, meat eater hating hipster. I had to share its awesomeness. Damn Portland is just too good. 

*Keep Portland passive aggressive  

Subject: two rooms available june 1st

From: greg pearlman

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/roo/2365973238.html

------------------------

From: Jillian Barkley

Hi Greg,

I've noticed your post several times on craigslist but have hesitated to respond once I read that you do not allow meat in the house. Because of my soy allergy and issues with anemia and hypoglycemia, it's medically necessary I be allowed to eat protein on a regular basis. If this is an issue you're willing to be flexible on, I'd love to talk more. Your home looks lovely!

Best,

Jillian

----------

From: greg pearlman

My ad says "no factory farm meat".

Thanks, Greg

----------

From: Jillian Barkley

Right, but since I'm a college student with a lot of bills I can't always afford to buy free range organic meats. Is this something you could be flexible about?

----------

From: greg pearlman

can't afford free range, than go vegan....

this is a NO Factory Farm House....best of luck to you...

----------

From: Jillian Barkley

In case you don't remember, YOU contacted ME after I stated in my post that I eat meat. I even explained to you why it's medically impossible for me to be vegan. It's clear you aren't very intelligent but there's really no need to be rude.

----------

From: greg pearlman

My ad said "NO FACTORY FARM MEAT", that is a fact.

It's your personal choice to eat animals that have been tortured,

abused and filled with chemicals. You alone make that choice.

----------

From: Jillian Barkley

WHICH IS WHY I DID NOT RESPOND TO IT

----------

From: greg pearlman

The people here eat free range, MEAT. it's easy and affordable, sorry

you must insult me.... that's the deal here.

----------

From: Jillian Barkley

I hate you.

beach weekend success

Driving home this evening was quite lovely. Dusk seemed to last a lot longer then normal, and if you didn't know, dawn and dusk are my favorite times of day. That time of day the puts a stamp on a beginning or an end, purposely leaving a feeling of mystery and awe. In the midst of this time I sat in the back seat of Jessie's car comfortable curled up in a ball enjoying long car ride chatting. It wasn't until dawn had faded to night and Portland lights brought me back to reality..

I have a 1000 word essay due tomorrow

I have to register for my summer class at 8am

..oh and edit my FAFSA

I need to call so and so back

anddd reschedule that appointment

Ugh. Real life. It's s nice to escape reality, pack up for a weekend, go somewhere beautiful, bring friends and just simply relish in simple. For Kait's birthday a group of us stayed in Florence at her grandparents beach house. We celebrated Kait's 25th year of life by attempting to catch crabs, basking in copious amounts of sunshine, playing a lot of games, puzzling, eating crab and birthday cake, flying kites, thrifting and laughing so hard I'm surprised no one pulled a muscle. Solid weekend. 

I'm grateful life brings people in your life in the way that it does. Sometimes chaotic, intense, passionate, fast paced, love drunk on new experiences and people. High school, first years of college and camp was this way, milestones or rites of passage if you will.

Other times life brings people in your life in a way thats a bit more settle. I like both.