Alright! My evening class is finally over so now I just have 40 hours of work to get in the way of my yard (and rising summer temperature, and general lethargic).
So! Lets see what we've accomplished so far and what we have to work with.
I measured my yard and created a general plan on Inkscape. My wife helped me transfer some of that plan (the part pertaining to the garden beds) into the yard with stakes and string. Basically it consists of 3 foot wide paths between 4x4 beds grouped into "T" and "L" shapes. Here's a photo of the yard where I've attempted to highlight the strings that outline the beds. Also, there are weeds.
I've also gathered a fair number of 18 inch square pavers (offered to my by my father-in-law) which will be perfect for the paths. I've still got another 20 or so to haul over.
Lastly, I've helped my wife plant a few things in some pots so we have some gardening to do while I build the beds. In the barrel on the left there are some herbs (Peppermint, Stevia, Fennel-leaf dill, and Spicy globe basil). Next to it is a tomato (Phoenix) and a pepper (mammoth jalapeno). On the right end is an earth-box type planter with some cucumbers (we'll see how it does). In front you can see my poor abused agaves that still seem alive, despite my neglect. There's still one pot left which will get filled with something at somepoint.
Come on summer! Lets gets stuff done!