The pink goo from Ghostbusters

A few months ago, Tanner decided he'd like to continue the use of his blue painted dresser but that it needed a bit of a clean-up first. I thought, ok, we can scrub out the insides and re-line the drawers so that they lose their musty smell. But then I got to thinking a bit harder and I decided I'd like a new project to work on.

Voila, enter the pink goo from Ghostbusters, aka paint stripper that smelled like oranges. Really, totally like the fake orange smell they bottle and sell. Mind you, this one was mildly toxic, should be used in a well ventilated area and you should immediately rinse it off if it gets on you. But I digress...it's just like the stuff in the store for good-smell'ums.

I went to Home Depot with my dad and Tanner in tow and invested in the pink goo, a new sander (RIP from the last project, 1970's era sander) and some sandpaper. With my new toys in hand, I set about stripping off the dark blue paint from the 4' tall, 2' deep, 3' wide, 4 drawer dresser. Where's my 1? Ok, 1 container of pink goo. Oh, and for 5, let's go with pieces of sandpaper used.

Tools of the trade. The gloves are stained from the previous staining project. Note color of goo.

 Round 1, part A: Slather on the paint stripper. What began as orange quickly dried to white. It was a sight to behold.

You can see pink, blue and white happening here. It was active.

Round 1, part B: Take a putty knife about 2" wide and scrape the dickens out of the blue, now white, which was pink, goo.

No passing judgment on the work outfit.

 Round 1, part B, subpart 1: Curse the invention of paint and its insistence on not being removed from the dresser.

How rude.

 After this round of fighting, I was able to see the grain shine through while letting my fingers, hands and wrists quit their yelling at me. ***RIP forefinger of the right hand neoprene glove***

Who doesn't set up an emergency surgery room on the back of a bike with a stapler?

Two weeks passed before I could return to finish this stage of the work and I was anxious to do so. I need to backtrack momentarily to talk about my supervisor for the job, my dad. He signed on to this with the stated intention of "managing" and letting me use his garage and tools. So when I showed up after two weeks, I was quick to note the very clean, blue-paint free side of the dresser. Not to mention the gleaming top. He admitted to "wanting to see if the method would work". It did. Thanks for the labor, dad!

What a difference.

 4 hours of steel wool soaked in mineral spirits later, my baby looked like this:

So bright, I'm blinded!

And I was thoroughly sore and exhausted. See you in a week, Blue Steel (get it? Cause it was blue and then I used steel wool on it? I know, I'm really clever.).

Before we could move on to the next stage, staining, some general repair and final cleaning was required. We added a 1"x2" strip of wood to the upper-mid back of the dresser for additional lifting support and repaired all nails that were in need by using a finishing nail to embed them in the wood, nailing down the loose pieces and using wood glue to secure the tracks that the drawers moved on. The piece was finally coming together!

Cue my least favorite part to date when it comes to these projects: staining.

1) I always get nervous and 2) I always spill it.

To be fair, I was much better this time than I was on the desk, but it was still nerve-wracking and I spent a good few minutes pacing and shifting from foot to foot in terror of failing miserably.

But I pushed through and started to see the final piece take form. After 45 minutes of high anxiety heart palpitations I stood back to admire my work...and took note of the graying patches of blue shining through. Where did that come from???? I sanded you to oblivion, did I not? I went into every knot and crevice that I could! How dare you!

Not too shabby considering where it started, right?

 Alas, the blue was fighting back and I would need to return in two weeks to stain again.

You can really see the greying here. #sadpanda

I wasn't about to let my effort be in vain so I spent about 30 minutes adding additional stain to the piece where it needed it the most. I am happy to tell you that it worked! I took some time on Christmas Eve and Day to add two layers of sealant.

With a little more TLC and an attaching of the drawer handles, the new (old) dresser was ready and complete!

My dad got to use all sorts of fun wood working tools! I think he really enjoyed this project of mine. :-D

Home sweet home! Isn't she a beaut?

What to do next...anyone else chucking old furniture?

San Francisco in the summer

Summertime and the living wasn't easy. I got promoted and with that came a slew of new responsibilities and a hefty dose of prior problems to be managed.

Vacation would have been well-timed had it not been DURING the busy time of the month. Mind you, when I booked this travel, I was still little ol' Intercompany accountant me who COULD leave at the beginning of a month. Lesson learned, I can never again travel during the first of a month.

But it was still a great trip! It was orchestrated by Tanner that we'd visit while the Texans were there playing the 49'ers so we could go to the game. I'm glad we went then because we got to see Candlestick Park in its aged beauty before she gets torn down and replaced with a newfangled place 40 miles south of the city. 40 miles!!!

Open air stadiums are a godsend everywhere else besides the armpit of Texas. Here it's just a topside place for Hades to sit and play...I'm looking at you, BBVA Compass Stadium.

Note the colored sky trail. We got to see jets fly over!

We ended up next to a very nice couple from Arkansas rooting for the 49'ers. Well, I should be more specific. The girlfriend was really sweet, in IT at an audit firm, very conversational whereas the boyfriend was a funny heckler. He predicted four INT's before the game is out. I told him he's got one guaranteed but don't expect the rest. Little did I know his prediction would be nearly true when the first INT turned Pick 6 was thrown in under 2 minutes in the first quarter 50 feet in front of where we were sitting.

Anyways, I digress, and I must move on from that debacle of a game. On to the better stuff! The great food, better company, fantastic weather, and lots of coffee. Vacation to me is endless coffee. Anywhere, everywhere, every type...coffee.

We arrived Thursday night in San Fran to some amazingly perfect weather and spent the evening chatting with my cousin and his fiance. We sketched out a few plans and decided to wing the rest of the weekend. Spontaneity, thy will be done.

First stop, millionaire's bacon and other breakfast foods. Really, that's what it's called. Maple drenched, chili pepper dusted, thick cut bacon baked in the oven. We almost went there a second time over the weekend JUST to get the bacon.

It barely lasted 5 minutes.

I have an unhealthy obsession with french toast, this being the first of a few times that I ate it over the weekend.

From there, we took a digestive walk around Golden Gate.

She's a beaut, ladies and gents!

Main squeeze!

Tanner's getting better at these...

My cousin on my left and his fiance on my right. They are pretty awesome.

Look at him go!!! I'm so impressed.

We left the bridge and wandered down to Sausalito which was quaint and made me incredibly envious of people with money. The houses were gorgeous, pristine and stunning. After getting an eyeful of the riches of Sausalito we headed back across the bay to drive around town a smidge and take in the prettiest winding road in the city. Lombard street is actually not the curviest, it's just the best looking one, ha. I have yet to see the other one...next time, my friends.

Mitchell's ice cream! (#1)

We decided to go to a mexican restaurant known for its tequila and stumbled into the filming of a G4 TV show covering none other than their immense tequila collection! It was certainly interesting to watch the process and see the guys with all their gear wander through the tiny hallways. We didn't make it on screen, but I'm fine with that. It was fun to watch!

Can you see the camera guy? Tiny restaurant, y'all.

Fun, right?

After this we went back to the apartment and spent the evening reading, watching TV and finally seeing Oblivion which was truly much better than I expected

With the dawning of Saturday, we were all excited to get some hiking in. Unfortunately, due to the government shutdown, Muir Woods was closed to the public (womp womp) so we made do by crossing the bridge once again and heading into the hills. It was a heart pounding drive up the windy, two lane, sheer edge of a cliff road but worth it in the end! The weather and sights were beautiful! Didn't mind the workout either.

Nailed it.

They were twins!

When we made our way back down the mountain as I gripped the edge of my seat, we wound through the cute valley where my cousin and his fiance had met and slowly traversed back across the bay. We made it back in time for Tanner and I to run up one of the peaks and get the best 360* view of the bay. With about 50 people surrounding us, it was a smidge difficult to grab solo shots but attempt we did!

Pivot!

Pivot!

Pivot! Hey San Fran!

I really like our accidental pictures. They always make me laugh.

We watched the sun set into the ocean before making our way back to my cousin's place. They truly have it set. A nice apartment with an incredible view and QUITE the backyard, am I wrong?

Bi-Rite Creamery! (#2)

 We spent the evening playing some card games, eating dried apricots and digesting the very delicious burgers, fries and shakes we went to pick up from a nearby eatery. Yum-o! Can you see a theme for my trips? Food. Food and coffee! And ice cream. Because I definitely had an ice cream shake with dinner. (#3)

Sunday we woke up and made our way to Noe Valley for some pastries, excellent coffee and window shopping. And by excellent coffee, I do mean amazing. Amazing enough to warrant another trip Monday morning before breakfast!

Cold drip, single brew coffee. Talk about artisan and delicious.

 After perusing the cute shops, we headed to breakfast before it was time to head back to the apartment and prepare for the football game. We called up a car and got a nice ride down to the stadium. We spent a little time before the game walking around the park and captured a few shots. Thankfully, none showed the plethora of random people peeing in the barely overgrown underbrush. And not just dudes.

French toast #2. Told you it was unhealthy.

I became slightly obsessed with the panoramic capabilities of Tbot's camera.

We wore red! Discreet Texans fans unlike the guy in the crown. Really, he's in a local commercial. He has a pope sized Texans crown AND a royal cape.

Though we lost, it was still a fun experience! But not one I'm intent on repeating soon. I like being the home team.

This was our ride to the game. A nice Benz. Tanner wants to own one now. I'm okay with this plan.

After chatting and watching TV for awhile, Tanner and I packed up our suitcases for the next day. It was already time to go home!

Monday morning, we snuck out for coffee early before gathering the troops for another nice drive through some parks and off to a delicious diner. You'll be surprised to know that I did not order french toast.

I just can't catch a break in this family.

 We said our goodbye's at noon and were left at the airport with the anticipation of a 3PM flight. Too bad it all got delayed and we didn't get home until late. Sorry, Tbot, it won't happen again, promise!

A fancy plane sorta made up for the lateness.

Individual TV's! Fancypants, right there.

In all, we had a great time visiting two of my favorite people in one of my favorite cities and I am already looking forward to the next one. This time though, we go north, young soldier's, and partake of the valley of wine!

Vegas, apparently I really like you

In celebration of some soon-to-be minted 30-year old's, a trip to Vegas was mounted! And this was less than two years since the last time I went. Apparently, I'm a big fan, despite all my complaints afterwards.

There was the usual headache from smoke inhalation and dry air, from slowpokes and drunks crossing my path and my constant frustration with seeing babies and toddlers at all hours of the night. They should be in bed, parents I assume to be terrible for their selfish decision making skills! Hire a dang babysitter and put those kiddos to BED. A newborn shouldn't be watching the Sirens of TI at midnight. Nor should that newborn's older, very impressionable, brother and cousin be watching either.

*moves soap box aside*

On to the good stuff!

The 5 deep crew arrived on separate flights to the City of Lights and met up around 5pm to figure out our evening. We decided on a Medieval Times show at Excalibur and some gambling whilst we waited. Yes, it was just as ridiculous and cheesy as I remember and it was great fun! HUZZAH!

I think we make for pretty good superheroes. Powers: unknown.

So riveting a show, Lauren was enthralled...with texting Jason.

After the show, we made our way back down the strip to our hotel and then ventured out to see the volcano show at The Mirage. We stood at street level where I thought we'd be set, but that was before my eyebrows got singed off and my eyeballs felt drier than the Mojave desert.

Lesson learned...stand at least 20 feet away from the jet of fire.

We headed to bed not long after to get ready for our trip to the Hoover Dam. I went the first time to see the Dam way back in 2009 with my brother and Sister-in-law. I should do a throwback entry to that visit because it was truly epic. We were tourist's to the MAX and we are all still very proud of our accomplishments on that trip.

But I digress...

We arrived via a nice, air-conditioned bus to the Dam after making our way through Boulder City. Our tour guide was AMAZING. So intelligent and well spoken, it made for a very short, IQ-raising ride to the dam. I was glad to see Lake Mead had risen from its watery depths the last time I saw her. She was looking pretty rough then! For those that haven't been on the tour, I highly recommend it. They couldn't make it any easier for you. For the price of a ticket, you get the bus ride there, the awesome tour guide with lots of knowledge bomb drops, and a stop over at Ethel M.'s fancy chocolates....extremely worth it. They pick you up and drop you off from your hotel. Convenient!

For those that have been on the tour, you'll remember how phenomenal the feat of man is and to see it live and in person is more grand than any movie could ever portray.

This is not an illusion...those are tiny people at the top of this picture.

The dam crew.

One of Tanner's "action" shots. No, Tbot, those are just blurry walking photos.

Turbines! Amazing to think this is only HALF of the dam. Damn.

Don't forget to rub the toes for luck! I rubbed BOTH statues and I think it worked!

Plus, if you're really nice, the tour guide will show you Megatron!!!*

With our bus headed back from the chocolate factory and ice cream filling my belly while chocolate rested in a bag on my lap, I got excited for our show that night...La Reve. Talk about a Friday!

We ate fancy dinner at an Italian restaurant which was pretty darn tasty and so long as you ignored all the people walking through the shops right next to you, it was almost like you were eating at a Bistro in Italy...almost. But the distant sign for Panda Express and the nearby Sports Bar sort of ruined the illusion. Not to mention the echoey sounds spilling from the nearby canal traversing through the shops.

 On to the show! Guys, go see this show. No, seriously, go see it. It's Cirque x20K. It's odd and strange but has dancing, acrobatics AND good music. Oh, and WATER. Yes, you sit in the splashzone, but we're not talking Shamu splashing here. I think I got hit with a few drops and that was only when the performer was 2 feet in front of me. No, really, I'm not joking! I tried to thoroughly enjoy the show so I took no pictures during it but rather just a few snaps of the stage.

The "big top" canvas which pulled back when the show started.

Lookit!

The very last stage. All the dancers and acrobats disappeared into the water or up into the ceiling. Seriously, great show!

We went back to the hotel with a little bit of gambling along the way (I do love me some slots!) and crashed. Hey, we saw midnight each night, that's what matters!

The morning dawned bright and early and we slowly made our way to the breakfast buffet at TI (Treasure Island for you laymen out there). It was painfully delicious and several of us spent the next few hours at various Craps tables...the electronic kind so you can sit and punch buttons...while we digested.

After hanging out on the strip in various locales, we reconvened at Caesar's Palace and I finally saw the 3 story H&M. I sure do wish I had been in the mood to shop because it blew my mind how big that place was! Not to worry, I stayed entertained with my good buddy, Macklemore.

After a few of us got our "shop" on, we made our over to Serendipity. Yum, yum, yum for sure. Tanner and I innocently ordered the Frozen Oreooooooooooooo Hot Chocolate and within 5 minutes of us leaving the place, that guy decided to have a minor allergic reaction. Phenomenal. Riding in the deuce, painfully slowly making our way back to the Palazzo, then walking faster than I've ever walked before to get to our room all so he could lay down and an hour later go, "I'm hungry." Really? Really, dude? I was just scared for a good hour, and you're hungry? Oh, and you still want to go to Fremont street for the night?

Boys...

 So that's what we did, we went to Fremont street, aka downtown Vegas, aka the ORIGINAL Vegas. It's changed so much since I saw it the first time but it was mostly as I remembered it when it came to the populous. Rowdy, rowdy, rowdy. Roughnecks, drunks, people in costume. At least that hadn't changed! Nor had the random stage with a band performing on it and they were REALLY GOOD!

They played a medley of classic rock, awesome 80's and even the good/awesomely bad 90's stuff. They all sang and played multiple instruments and even rocked a wardrobe change during their break. What a troupe!

With several rock songs tucked under our belt as we belted our way through them, we were privy to a raucous street fight where the roughneck went FOR the neck of the business casual fool. Tanner wanted to tape it and I forbade it. But we still watched and were entertained and the pseduo-myth that plain-clothes'd police officers patrol the streets day and night was proven true when a strong, powerful, commanding woman suddenly appeared in jeans and an Ed Hardy-esque shirt and pulled the roughneck off of the BC guy. Epic, guys. I experienced Vegas to the max.

With one viewing of the lights show (Bon Jovi, yeah buddy!) we headed back to the busses and the hotel to pack, rest up, and prep for the flights home. Either Alex and Lauren are now ninjas or the rest of us were exhausted because we never heard them leave three hours later to catch their shuttle to the airport. Definitely enjoyed Vegas to the max. :-D

Our flight was quick and our drive home quicker and this trip was put to rest. So many months of planning and organizing and everyone had a great weekend of celebration. Happy early 30th, ladies!

*Totally lying. They would never reveal his final resting place. Duh.