After only eight years, we’re finally almost done remodeling my office. It’s gone from dark, drafty and dreary to light, bright and cheery. Just a couple little details to finish up and it will be done. So in eight years we’ve actually finished two whole rooms in our house. Our next big plan is for the kitchen so maybe we’ll get that done in a decade or so.

Top five improvements in my new office:

5. The laminate floor, or, as we call it, “Woody’s Slip N Slide.”

4. The cozy fireplace that can be cranked up on snowy days – like June 9, 10 and 11.

3. The adorable squirr fake fur rug.

2. Pellet dispenser full of Skittles that automatically rewards interns for good behavior.

1. The customary Montana greeting system for visitors can be set to fire the warning shot at three heights: “Just saying hello,” “You do realize you’re on our property, don’t you?” and “Sorry, but it’s not my fault you’re so tall. Were so tall.”