Well, we're knee deep in basement planning, for one thing. We've got everything picked out and on a timeline for purchase for the basement bathroom. The drywall is being installed and finished next week - and after that, I can get painting! We're planning to finish the bathroom first, then move on to the back bedroom, hallway and main living area. Drywall is going to change that area in a major way! I'm so excited to see progress - FINALLY!
Speaking of the basement, I'm going to be acquiring a new friend in the next week or so. Thanks to my Immel knees, I'm sold on the idea of having an exercise bike to be a bff to the treadmill. You know...for those times it's unbearable to run with these genetically horrible joints of mine. It'll be nice to change up the routine from time to time, too. I found a bike at Sears on clearance from $300 to $179. Winner. (Please don't be fooled into thinking that we're flush with cash. This is coming from a work reimbursement that I'd totally forgotten about and hence, was accounted for in the checkbook.)
Hmmm...we've had QUITE the musical week or so. On Sunday the 18th we went to see The Black Keys in Grand Rapids. (Let me take this moment to say...a band called The Arctic Monkeys opened for them and I've never been so unhappy with a show opener. It. Was. Horrifying.) Luckily, the Keys saved the day. This was an on-the-fence show for us - when we bought the tickets we were half heartedly looking forward to it, but knew that if we let it pass us by, we'd have regretted it. Boy...I am SO glad we went. It was phenominal! If you haven't given The Black Keys a listen, you definitely should. Just sayin'. Brothers would be a great starter album for you.
THEN, a few nights later, a major change of pace as we saw The Milk Carton Kids at The Intersection downtown. These guys opened for Over The Rhine at Calvin College in December. They announced that they'd be at The Intersection in March and we knew right away that it was a show we'd be going to. Very intimate - probably no more than 100 or so people. These guys too, are great, and VERY entertaining. You can download their two albums for free at their website, here.
In other non-music news...my neck. In maybe late 2008 - 2009ish, there was a sledding..."incident." Due to the guilt I know Dan feels over this..."incident"...I won't go into anymore detail. The end result is that my spine in the neck region isn't like it should be (on the left), but is straight as an arrow with no give (on the right). This condition, apparently, makes my neck muscles work "ten times harder" than the normal neck, and hence, makes me much more susceptible to neck injuries. This explains why, a few Fridays ago, I jerked my head to look at my alarm clock, felt a pop and then couldn't move my neck all morning. Luckily, there's a chiropractor about ten minutes from my office and I was able to duck in, get that bone back in place and begin the slow healing process. Ugh. Side note: I'm still supposed to be going back for adjustments and full healing, but my insurance doesn't cover chiropractic work, so it's $37 per visit :(
Aside from the basement projects nagging at Dan's subconscious, his newest endeavor is his work bench for his workshop. Let me tell you folks, this is no ordinary work bench. He has plans drawn up that are waaaaay beyond what I expected. He's designing and building this bad boy to last him for years upon years and meet his many workshop needs. He's got a few work surfaces put together, and I'm thoroughly impressed. (I have to say, I love to brag about how good Dan is with building and wood working. He's built us so many beautiful pieces of furniture and I can't sing his praises enough. He is most definitely talented when it comes to this kind of stuff.)
I snapped this picture at Menards the other night. A man in his lumber sanctuary :) Love this guy!
And last but DEFINITELY not least, I'm just consumed with love and joy over my newest nephew, Bennet! I'm so proud of Amanda for birthing this cutie with NO drugs while this laid back Erickson taking his sweet time :) I'm so excited to see this little guy grow and develop a personality. We're planning a trip to Seattle over Labor Day to meet him! Bennet, you are loved more than I can say - you're a lucky guy to be in this family! We're weird, but we love deeply :)
P.S. Springsteen on April 12th! Expect a post singing his praises. Wrecking Ball is definitely an anthem album for anyone who was (or still is) in any way affected by the Recession, job loss, etc. Needless to say, some of the tunes are a bit emotional for this 'ol gal. Can't wait for that show!
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