I figure this thread was apropos for my recent accomplishment.
I built the boxes and ordered the wax coated foundation and the un-assembled frames. My plan was to take it very slow and on Thursday I told my girlfriend that I don't plan on having bees next year. Funny how life works because on Friday the next day I had a package of bees. My frames weren't assembled yet and my box wasn't stained! You can see here that the top isn't protected yet. The package of bees, found by word of mouth, was brought up from Georgia I believe and sold to me for $95. A smoker, bee brush, and veil was given to me. This hive contains a Russian queen. I hear the breed is best for my area, so that's good.
The county inspector will be out in a couple days. Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihX9y6H1XGA