Yes, I Knit and Crochet. No, I Am Not Old.

Project Painting: Phase 2, Priming The Bathroom

Finally got back in the mood to paint. So I decided to tackle the bathroom next. Our bathroom was a bright almost royal blue, not a bad color. But again, like the kitchen, too dark for the space. Since I'm painting it a lighter color, I had to prime it first. And let me just say, maneuvering a ladder in a tiny bathroom is like trying to have sex in an airplane bathroom, not an easy feat.

My Southern is Coming Out

The Denver Bronco's victory at the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, therefore securing their spot in the Super Bowl XLVIII, was the cause of Philip's good mood for a couple of days after the game. I wanted to make a manly meal for him to keep this happy feeling going.


We had gotten a great deal on a slab of ribs earlier in the week, and after searching several grocery stores, I finally found some breaded okra. I also got some potatoes, and cookie dough. Philip was super excited about the meal I had planned, I could tell from the "I can't wait for dinner!" texts throughout the day.

I had never made ribs before, so I googled a few recipes and, of course, called my mom for advice. I ended up taking bits of each and making my own recipe. And it actually came out perfect! *pats self on back*

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.  

Step 2: Remove the film from the underside of your slab of ribs, rinse the slab, and pat dry with a paper towel. 

Philip got to them before I could take a picture.

Step 3: Put two pieces of foil in a cross shape in a deep baking pan. You'll need enough to make a pouch around the ribs. Place your slab in the middle of the pan. (Note: If your slab is too long for your pan, like mine was, cut the slab into 2-3 pieces and fit them in as needed.) 

Step 4: Season to taste. I put some salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and season all on mine. 

Step 5: Make the pouch loosely around your slab with your foil and put 2 cups of water in the bottom of the pan outside of the foil. 

Step 6: Slow cook for 5-7 hours. Add some BBQ sauce and uncover for the last hour. 

Step 7: ENJOY!

The fried okra and mashed potatoes were the perfect compliment to the ribs. As we were eating, I realized this was the most southern meal I had made for him. I looked at Philip and said "My southern is coming out." He just laughed at me and licked his fingers clean.

I'm sure at some point he'll ask me to re-create this meal, as he asks for corn casserole a lot now since Thanksgiving.

TIP: Men listen up! Your lady (or man, if you swing that way) will love it when you ask for a particular meal or dish from time to time. It lets them know that you like what they make for you, and gives them a chance to "take care" of you.

Project Painting: Phase 1, Priming The Kitchen

Kitchen Before

In coming to Missouri, I knew I was walking into a bachelor pad of sorts, but I also knew that I was going to have to deal with lingering bits of Philip's ex-girlfriend.

How I Got to Missouri

My name is Amanda and I was born and raised in and around Atlanta, Georgia. I always said that I'd never move away, even for a man. Well, I was wrong.

Just under three years ago I was dating this guy who really brought out the geek in me. He got me started on this online game and after seeing all the cute pets and fashion for the characters you play, I was hooked. Lets just face it, that is the real reason girls play those type of games. I made a bunch of friends to play with even after my loser boyfriend quit playing and the relationship ended. One of those friends was Philip. Just so happens that in February of 2013 we were both newly single. We started talking to each other more and outside of the game. Soon Philip confessed that he had always had a bit of a crush on me (insert cute giggles and blushing) and I admitted that I was starting to like him too.

It was the end of March, specifically the Friday before Easter. Philip and I are chatting on Skype and he was telling me he was excited about having the next few days off work. I joked saying he should come and visit me. He responded saying "what the hell, why not?" and about 14 hours later at 5:00AM he showed up at my door. I was nervous that he wouldn't like me in person, not to mention very surprised he came at all. We had a wonderful weekend together and he returned home Monday.

Our romance grew over the summer, even through my super tough patch. He was there for me when I was struggling with my job and when I stopped talking to everyone, including him. I literally went into some crazy hibernation, gorging myself with pizza and ice cream, but he gave me the space I needed. Only God knows why, but Philip was there for me when I finally worked myself out enough to come out of hiding, put on real clothes, and wash my hair.

His next visit, planned this time, was the weekend after my birthday in August. This time I was able to take him to see a coveted landmark in Atlanta: The Big Chicken. And we hung out with my amazing roommate and his boyfriend. Another great weekend.

Fast forward to the middle of September. I was having a particularly rough day at work. After sobbing on the phone to my mother while I was running errands for my boss, I had decided, with her encouragement and support, that I was just going to do it. I was going to move to Missouri and start over. I called Philip to tell him my decision and to ask him if he and his two cats would take me in or turn my crazy ass away. He likes my ass too much to turn it away and all animals love me, so here I am!

It's four months later and I'm sitting on the couch and he's fallen asleep to Conan. Pumpkin is curled up on my left and Misty has chosen her usual spot in Philip's lap. I couldn't be happier.