So, I feel like I am starting a theme here with my blog posts, but being an adult implies changes in your life. And I'm having a hard time accepting it, ESPECIALLY around the holidays. I had a mini-freak out last night after a day full of figuring out Christmas plans with the family. I kept trying to identify WHAT I was so upset about. And here it is.
The way Christmas should be, in my head:
There is snow on the ground.
Traditions like baking, Christmas movies and songs make me feel warm and fuzzy.
We are all together (in my world, this means siblings, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents)
We do wholesome things, like playing games or cards around a table.
There has been, or will be singing. (Christmas carols, Handel's Messiah....)
Lovingly signed, sealed, and delivered Christmas cards.
Work? Don't worry about it. You have all the time you need.
We drive around and look at Christmas light displays. They are magical. We feel warm and fuzzy.
This is what is really happening:
There is no snow. It's barely cold.
Light displays in my neighborhood are tasteful (which means NOT magical), and they could use a snow backdrop.
Getting family together is like corralling cats and comparing schedules is worse than final exams in college.
I force myself to watch movies and listen to Christmas music to "get in the mood" for the holiday. Instead of warm and fuzzy, I'm a grumpy bugger with stress headaches.
Work is busier than ever. Calculating time off so we can see family AFTER the holiday.
I bought Christmas cards, but can't find the willpower to do them (at the last second)
So, here I am, fully aware that Christmas as an adult is different than when you're young. The adjustment has been hard, but I am optimistic that I'll figure it out. I need to relax when plans are unsure, and just take some real time to think about why this season IS special -- we're all united again as a family and as a society (regardless of what traditions you follow). We are still getting the chance to spend time with each other, even if it's not the same way we used to. And as for the snow, well.... now I'm just being unreasonable.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Pros and Cons
Pros to being an adult
1. You get to decide when to go to bed
2. You can choose what you want to eat and when
3. It's your money
4. Drinking
5. Getting wiser every year (perspective)
6. No homework
7. Using your college degree in a way that makes a difference, or at the very least, makes you some money
8. Getting to choose what you want to wear every day
9. Deciding what to watch on TV
10. Actually wanting to hang out with your parents/siblings
Cons to being an adult:
1. Deciding to go to bed early so you won't be tired at work the next day
2. Having to actually think about what you're eating so you don't gain weight/get chronically ill
3. Spending money on essential, but not fun stuff (water, taxes, co-payments, gas)
4. Drinking
5. Where did I put my keys? Oh, you told me last week that you have to work tomorrow night? I forgot to tell you we are having dinner with XXX this weekend. Did I remember to lock the door?
6. Taking work home = homework
7. Using your degree to make money, so you can pay for your degree
8. Feeling lucky that actually made it out the door wearing matching pants and top (who has energy to be stylish?)
9. Falling asleep on the couch every night during your favorite shows/movies
10. Worrying about your family's safety health as if they WERE your kids
1. You get to decide when to go to bed
2. You can choose what you want to eat and when
3. It's your money
4. Drinking
5. Getting wiser every year (perspective)
6. No homework
7. Using your college degree in a way that makes a difference, or at the very least, makes you some money
8. Getting to choose what you want to wear every day
9. Deciding what to watch on TV
10. Actually wanting to hang out with your parents/siblings
Cons to being an adult:
1. Deciding to go to bed early so you won't be tired at work the next day
2. Having to actually think about what you're eating so you don't gain weight/get chronically ill
3. Spending money on essential, but not fun stuff (water, taxes, co-payments, gas)
4. Drinking
5. Where did I put my keys? Oh, you told me last week that you have to work tomorrow night? I forgot to tell you we are having dinner with XXX this weekend. Did I remember to lock the door?
6. Taking work home = homework
7. Using your degree to make money, so you can pay for your degree
8. Feeling lucky that actually made it out the door wearing matching pants and top (who has energy to be stylish?)
9. Falling asleep on the couch every night during your favorite shows/movies
10. Worrying about your family's safety health as if they WERE your kids
Monday, December 5, 2011
I am probably the laziest blogger.... ever.
Whoa, kids. Where did the last month go?
Between work, moving, and Thanksgiving, I am wondering if I'm just really busy, or have early early onset memory loss. It even seems like just a little bit ago we were celebrating Christmas.
I'm trying to think of ways I can savor this season... it's really cliche, but the days before Christmas are some of my favorites. I want to make sure that I don't stress my way through them between making plans and getting gifts in order. I don't want to forget how lucky and blessed I am!
Tim and I are so lucky to have found each other, made it through a deployment, and been blessed enough to buy our first home and have jobs. He's the best husband a girl could find for herself, and I find myself regularly amazed and how fortunate I am.
I am grateful to have two loving, supportive parents and three siblings who are built-in best friends (even though we have the same issues I'm sure many families do, we find always way back to each other. Family = foundation.) I'm also pretty lucky to have such a huge extended family -- four living grandparents, a few dozen aunts and uncles, 60ish cousins. We don't see each other often, but it's pretty great to be surrounded once a year (at least) by the biggest group of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've ever met. And the family keeps growing through marriage and this year, birth. I have a nephew now and he's better than yours. Just sayin' :)
Friends aren't a given, and Tim and I have the best crew. Each of our friends brings something unique to the group and we can't believe how many good memories we've made (and will continue to make!) I just realized this the other day, but we are also pretty lucky to have the kind of friends who like to make friends. Tim and I never have to argue about which friends we'll spend time with.... either our friends have become one group, or they are the "more is merrier" kind!
I always love the Christmas season and all the togetherness and celebration. It also makes me realize that there are people out there who are lonely this Christmas or haven't been blessed to celebrate the holidays the way we do. It breaks my heart every time I think of it. If I'm ever lucky enough to become a wealthy woman, I would do more, but this Christmas (and last year) my mom and I will adopt a family through HACAP's Adopt-a-Family Program.
Volunteers through the program receive information about a family in need in the area and, essentially, give them a holiday celebration through gifts and food. Last year, my mom and I shopped for a family with a mother and four kids. The gifts they requested were really practical -- clothes and other necessities. We went a little nuts... we tried to meet the practical needs but also give everyone something that is just "nice" to have (toys, movies, etc). Same with food... we just imagined it was us. We got canned goods that would save for later, but LOADED up on pancake mix, a few fresh things, etc. It was really hard to stop throwing things in the cart when we remember how good we have it. We wanted someone else to feel that way, too.
If you are thinking of giving this season, it's a great program.
Anyway, that's enough for one post. I might be a traitor for saying this, but I wish it would snow a little around here. Since we're going to get snow anyway at some point (and a lot of it), a little for a White Christmas couldn't hurt.............
Happy Holiday Season!
Between work, moving, and Thanksgiving, I am wondering if I'm just really busy, or have early early onset memory loss. It even seems like just a little bit ago we were celebrating Christmas.
I'm trying to think of ways I can savor this season... it's really cliche, but the days before Christmas are some of my favorites. I want to make sure that I don't stress my way through them between making plans and getting gifts in order. I don't want to forget how lucky and blessed I am!
Tim and I are so lucky to have found each other, made it through a deployment, and been blessed enough to buy our first home and have jobs. He's the best husband a girl could find for herself, and I find myself regularly amazed and how fortunate I am.
I am grateful to have two loving, supportive parents and three siblings who are built-in best friends (even though we have the same issues I'm sure many families do, we find always way back to each other. Family = foundation.) I'm also pretty lucky to have such a huge extended family -- four living grandparents, a few dozen aunts and uncles, 60ish cousins. We don't see each other often, but it's pretty great to be surrounded once a year (at least) by the biggest group of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've ever met. And the family keeps growing through marriage and this year, birth. I have a nephew now and he's better than yours. Just sayin' :)
Friends aren't a given, and Tim and I have the best crew. Each of our friends brings something unique to the group and we can't believe how many good memories we've made (and will continue to make!) I just realized this the other day, but we are also pretty lucky to have the kind of friends who like to make friends. Tim and I never have to argue about which friends we'll spend time with.... either our friends have become one group, or they are the "more is merrier" kind!
I always love the Christmas season and all the togetherness and celebration. It also makes me realize that there are people out there who are lonely this Christmas or haven't been blessed to celebrate the holidays the way we do. It breaks my heart every time I think of it. If I'm ever lucky enough to become a wealthy woman, I would do more, but this Christmas (and last year) my mom and I will adopt a family through HACAP's Adopt-a-Family Program.
Volunteers through the program receive information about a family in need in the area and, essentially, give them a holiday celebration through gifts and food. Last year, my mom and I shopped for a family with a mother and four kids. The gifts they requested were really practical -- clothes and other necessities. We went a little nuts... we tried to meet the practical needs but also give everyone something that is just "nice" to have (toys, movies, etc). Same with food... we just imagined it was us. We got canned goods that would save for later, but LOADED up on pancake mix, a few fresh things, etc. It was really hard to stop throwing things in the cart when we remember how good we have it. We wanted someone else to feel that way, too.
If you are thinking of giving this season, it's a great program.
Anyway, that's enough for one post. I might be a traitor for saying this, but I wish it would snow a little around here. Since we're going to get snow anyway at some point (and a lot of it), a little for a White Christmas couldn't hurt.............
Happy Holiday Season!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Can I rock this?
You know? When you are having bad hair day upon bad hair day. Where you are fed up with the additional conditioning, brushing, and styling... only to look only half messy.
I'm trying to decide. I once had my hair this short, and felt a little masculine. With long hair, I can at least put it up in a granny bun to keep it all out of my face. I can wear hats.
But, on the flip side again, my hair is really fine. It looks rattier than it really is, it's prone to static, and I spend WAY too much money on volumizing products.
People, I need help. What do I do? For reference (and for those who haven't seen me lately), here's a recent pic.
And here is an in-between option....
I'm putting it to a vote.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Fun facts, kids
We were supposed to close on our house today. Bummer. Nine days to go, though! I pulled an "Old School" on Tim this weekend and we shopped for bedding, lamps, and paint supplies. There was NOT time for Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Life is still craaazay and I can't believe it's November already.
To stop thinking about the house, and for the people who are maybe reading this and who AREN'T my family, here is my weirdness, enumerated.
1. I'm weirdly sensitive to loneliness: I hate seeing people eating alone, walking by themselves where there isn't sidewalk, and movies about people who are lonely or don't have their basic needs met. Pulls my heart.
2. Extra sound drives me crazy -- don't sit next to me with your iPad playing YouTube while the TV is on. Or have the TV up so loud that I can hear it in the next room. Or have an obnoxious laugh. A person can only listen to so many things at the same time.
3. I think my cat has a human soul. No joke.... he likes to make eye contact with me/others and I think it's really sweet. And creepy.
4. My favorite style right now is equestrian -- if it wasn't weird-looking, I'd probably wear the whole get up to work, including skinny pants, a turtleneck, blazer with elbow patches, knee-high boots, a helmet and riding crop. But I won't. Came close last week.....
5. I feel more beautiful in my own clothes than I did on my wedding day.
6. I rarely like watching new movies.
7. I never keep receipts.
8. I sing to myself to keep myself company.
9. If you sit me down and try to give me instructions, A-Z, I'll stop listening when you get to B and start thinking about how I'll do it instead. No disrepect, just make all instructions have one step. Then, I'll listen.
10. I wish we could take passive aggressiveness out of the feelings repertoire.
11. I think I hibernate when I sleep.... I get space heater hot.
12. I LOVE Antiques Roadshow. Last night, a woman found out her arts-and-crafts style chair was worth almost $100,000 (one of only 4 in the country) and I wanted to cry. Total bucket list aspiration to become an appraiser for Christie's.
13. My house has to SMELL comforting to me, so I apologize in advance if all the Glade/Yankee Candle/bleach smells knock you sideways when you come in the door.
14. I hum after I laugh.
15. I really AM a shy person.... just, instead of being quiet when I'm nervous, I talk even more.
Life is still craaazay and I can't believe it's November already.
To stop thinking about the house, and for the people who are maybe reading this and who AREN'T my family, here is my weirdness, enumerated.
1. I'm weirdly sensitive to loneliness: I hate seeing people eating alone, walking by themselves where there isn't sidewalk, and movies about people who are lonely or don't have their basic needs met. Pulls my heart.
2. Extra sound drives me crazy -- don't sit next to me with your iPad playing YouTube while the TV is on. Or have the TV up so loud that I can hear it in the next room. Or have an obnoxious laugh. A person can only listen to so many things at the same time.
3. I think my cat has a human soul. No joke.... he likes to make eye contact with me/others and I think it's really sweet. And creepy.
4. My favorite style right now is equestrian -- if it wasn't weird-looking, I'd probably wear the whole get up to work, including skinny pants, a turtleneck, blazer with elbow patches, knee-high boots, a helmet and riding crop. But I won't. Came close last week.....
5. I feel more beautiful in my own clothes than I did on my wedding day.
6. I rarely like watching new movies.
7. I never keep receipts.
8. I sing to myself to keep myself company.
9. If you sit me down and try to give me instructions, A-Z, I'll stop listening when you get to B and start thinking about how I'll do it instead. No disrepect, just make all instructions have one step. Then, I'll listen.
10. I wish we could take passive aggressiveness out of the feelings repertoire.
11. I think I hibernate when I sleep.... I get space heater hot.
12. I LOVE Antiques Roadshow. Last night, a woman found out her arts-and-crafts style chair was worth almost $100,000 (one of only 4 in the country) and I wanted to cry. Total bucket list aspiration to become an appraiser for Christie's.
13. My house has to SMELL comforting to me, so I apologize in advance if all the Glade/Yankee Candle/bleach smells knock you sideways when you come in the door.
14. I hum after I laugh.
15. I really AM a shy person.... just, instead of being quiet when I'm nervous, I talk even more.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
This just in
I will never be a hobby-est.
I had the realization a bit ago when I was cleaning out the apartment and found a sadly stalled hobby project. (As little kids, my sisters and I got awesome dollhouses from our grandpa that we proceeded to destroy. Almost 2 years ago, ahem, I decided I would fix them. I ordered new parts and tore out the broken ones, and left them like that in our spare bedroom for the next 2 years).
Now, I'm a pretty motivated person. I like feeling accomplished and getting things done. I'm deadline-driven.
And THAT'S why I can't have hobbies.
Unless someone puts a gun to my head or tells me my liberty/happiness/relationships/paycheck are on the line, I won't knit that scarf, fix those dollhouses, play with watercolor paints, take pictures, or grow something from the dirt. Also, I consider health a hobby (more or less). The best I can do regularly is make different food choices, because eating is a survival instinct. I HAVE to do it. (So, my kitchen expiraments don't qualify as a hobby.)
I know you can "set deadlines for yourself" and "meet them" but I just "can't seem to do that."
We'll see if age improves that.... and I have a sneaking suspicion that owning a house almost qualifies as a hobby, at least in the short term. I have to stop trolling the Pottery Barn website for things that fit into my budget.....
I had the realization a bit ago when I was cleaning out the apartment and found a sadly stalled hobby project. (As little kids, my sisters and I got awesome dollhouses from our grandpa that we proceeded to destroy. Almost 2 years ago, ahem, I decided I would fix them. I ordered new parts and tore out the broken ones, and left them like that in our spare bedroom for the next 2 years).
Now, I'm a pretty motivated person. I like feeling accomplished and getting things done. I'm deadline-driven.
And THAT'S why I can't have hobbies.
Unless someone puts a gun to my head or tells me my liberty/happiness/relationships/paycheck are on the line, I won't knit that scarf, fix those dollhouses, play with watercolor paints, take pictures, or grow something from the dirt. Also, I consider health a hobby (more or less). The best I can do regularly is make different food choices, because eating is a survival instinct. I HAVE to do it. (So, my kitchen expiraments don't qualify as a hobby.)
I know you can "set deadlines for yourself" and "meet them" but I just "can't seem to do that."
We'll see if age improves that.... and I have a sneaking suspicion that owning a house almost qualifies as a hobby, at least in the short term. I have to stop trolling the Pottery Barn website for things that fit into my budget.....
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Pop music is eating my brain
Wins all around last week, except for the orchard. But I got to the gym once, made crazy headway on the apartment, and the canoe trip Sunday was pretty fun. And also a marriage test.....
Tim was in the back of the canoe, and I was in the front. The person in the back has to make decisions: do we go to the left or right of that rock? Do we slow down or speed up?
Right away, we came up to a huge tree downed in the middle of the river. I used my outside voice to ask Tim which way we were going and he decided, too late, that we would go left. I felt like the captain of the titanic watching us slowly NOT clear the tree. Actually, I tried to use my foot to steady us so we wouldn't flip (which luckily, we didn't, we just sailed backwards for awhile until we could communicate with each other enough to turn around). Through the rest of the trip, if I saw a curve/rock/tree/another canoe, I asked Tim what the plan was a few hundred feet in advance.
He..... didn't love that.... but otherwise wanted to make sure that I wasn't so anxious that I couldn't enjoy myself. I did anyway. (Tim, if you're reading this, #iloveyouallthetime). Protip: canoeing goes faster without food or booze.
In other news, I still have crap music in my head on repeat. Commence brain cleansing process:
1. Break out old Mac laptop or Pandora for chores around the house
2. Continue with NPR on morning commute
3. Old CDs OR classical music when commuting other times
4. New playlists for the gym (whenever I get there again)
I think that will cure me.
Last week's plan worked so well, that it helped me get through a minor setback with moving. Due to a paperwork mistake, our house closing was pushed back 9 days to Nov. 10. We re-scheduled everything we could, but will now have slightly less time to do some settling in stuff. No big deal, we'll just be living with my mom longer!
Over and out.
Tim was in the back of the canoe, and I was in the front. The person in the back has to make decisions: do we go to the left or right of that rock? Do we slow down or speed up?
Right away, we came up to a huge tree downed in the middle of the river. I used my outside voice to ask Tim which way we were going and he decided, too late, that we would go left. I felt like the captain of the titanic watching us slowly NOT clear the tree. Actually, I tried to use my foot to steady us so we wouldn't flip (which luckily, we didn't, we just sailed backwards for awhile until we could communicate with each other enough to turn around). Through the rest of the trip, if I saw a curve/rock/tree/another canoe, I asked Tim what the plan was a few hundred feet in advance.
He..... didn't love that.... but otherwise wanted to make sure that I wasn't so anxious that I couldn't enjoy myself. I did anyway. (Tim, if you're reading this, #iloveyouallthetime). Protip: canoeing goes faster without food or booze.
In other news, I still have crap music in my head on repeat. Commence brain cleansing process:
1. Break out old Mac laptop or Pandora for chores around the house
2. Continue with NPR on morning commute
3. Old CDs OR classical music when commuting other times
4. New playlists for the gym (whenever I get there again)
I think that will cure me.
Last week's plan worked so well, that it helped me get through a minor setback with moving. Due to a paperwork mistake, our house closing was pushed back 9 days to Nov. 10. We re-scheduled everything we could, but will now have slightly less time to do some settling in stuff. No big deal, we'll just be living with my mom longer!
Over and out.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Whir
I feel like I am missing fall.
It's my favorite season, and the leaves here are so pretty right now. I've done a few fall cooking things, but that might be it.
It's been an Indian summer here lately (80-degree weather and sunny) and I'm sort of frustrated about it. ORR I'm frustrated about work, moving, money, and lack of vacation time, and lack of time in general.... and I'm just taking it out on fall. That might be it.
Tim and I had a great weekend visiting sister/brother-in-law/nephew, and I felt honest-to-goodness homesick when we left. I wasn't sure if it was a good time for a trip, with moving and everything, but ended up not wanting to leave.
Once again, I have mostly exciting things happening, but for whatever reason, I can't be excited about them? And then when the exciting things are over, I miss them.
I think it's just because my mind feels like it's being pulled in every direction. I fall asleep wishing things were.... different? Then, lately, I've been waking up thinking about work AND in between those thoughts, I've had some lame pop song stuck in my head on repeat. Then, during the day, I rocket around between being mildly depressed, tired, happy, excited, and on auto-pilot. Every, single, day.
And through all that, my favorite season is passing me by.
I think there is just too much going on right now, and I'm struggling a little bit with life balance between work, love, friends, plans, health, and rest.
So, here's the plan. Since there is no way I can just hit the reset button (vacation, time away), here are the things I'm going to try this week to help me get over the hump:
1. Working Out: I need the endorphins. Oh, and I started a new gym membership and if anything, I want to go just to NOT be wasteful.
2. Apple Orchard: Thursday after work. I think by now the season for apples is almost over, but I'll take the experience, even if we don't walk away with much.
3. Clean House: I haven't cleaned anything since we started packing, but I think MORE packing and cleaning will help me feel accomplished and like part of my life is in order.
4. Meditative Thoughts: This is going to sound kyptic, but I just need to remember the areas of my life that define who I am, and forget the ones that frankly, do not.
5. Outside Time: We got invited on a canoe trip this weekend and even though (again) it might be a bad time to go, I think the outside time with good friends doing something OTHER than restauranting will be really nice. I'll just make a lot of progress on No. 3 to feel better about it.
Here's to fall and getting over the hump!
It's my favorite season, and the leaves here are so pretty right now. I've done a few fall cooking things, but that might be it.
It's been an Indian summer here lately (80-degree weather and sunny) and I'm sort of frustrated about it. ORR I'm frustrated about work, moving, money, and lack of vacation time, and lack of time in general.... and I'm just taking it out on fall. That might be it.
Tim and I had a great weekend visiting sister/brother-in-law/nephew, and I felt honest-to-goodness homesick when we left. I wasn't sure if it was a good time for a trip, with moving and everything, but ended up not wanting to leave.
Once again, I have mostly exciting things happening, but for whatever reason, I can't be excited about them? And then when the exciting things are over, I miss them.
I think it's just because my mind feels like it's being pulled in every direction. I fall asleep wishing things were.... different? Then, lately, I've been waking up thinking about work AND in between those thoughts, I've had some lame pop song stuck in my head on repeat. Then, during the day, I rocket around between being mildly depressed, tired, happy, excited, and on auto-pilot. Every, single, day.
And through all that, my favorite season is passing me by.
I think there is just too much going on right now, and I'm struggling a little bit with life balance between work, love, friends, plans, health, and rest.
So, here's the plan. Since there is no way I can just hit the reset button (vacation, time away), here are the things I'm going to try this week to help me get over the hump:
1. Working Out: I need the endorphins. Oh, and I started a new gym membership and if anything, I want to go just to NOT be wasteful.
2. Apple Orchard: Thursday after work. I think by now the season for apples is almost over, but I'll take the experience, even if we don't walk away with much.
3. Clean House: I haven't cleaned anything since we started packing, but I think MORE packing and cleaning will help me feel accomplished and like part of my life is in order.
4. Meditative Thoughts: This is going to sound kyptic, but I just need to remember the areas of my life that define who I am, and forget the ones that frankly, do not.
5. Outside Time: We got invited on a canoe trip this weekend and even though (again) it might be a bad time to go, I think the outside time with good friends doing something OTHER than restauranting will be really nice. I'll just make a lot of progress on No. 3 to feel better about it.
Here's to fall and getting over the hump!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Still not dead
But life has been up and down lately.
House stuff is moving right along -- we will decide on insurance soon and on Thursday, we'll walk through the house to "learn" it with the current owners. We also gave notice and the apartment complex, and started packing. We ALSO bought a ton of new furniture to fill our house this past weekend. Things are busy for sure. Next few weekends will be more packing with some plans sprinkled in here and there.
In between life? Is work. Work has been super challenging lately and I haven't had a lot of time for the house stuff to sink in. September was a pivotal month in my group, and along with big changes/revelations comes a lot of stuff that feels personal, even though it's not. It's been really hard to stay positive and jazzed up, but this funk will pass!
I'm officially out of shape again. I've jogged a few times [this month] and [it hurt]. I'm really just trying to find a way to not feel tired all the time and get myself back into the habit regularly. I'll do it! I know I will.
This month has also had me taking out stress in the kitchen. Result? Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin whoopie pies, apple crisp x2, chili, beef stew, and a failed but edible attemp at beef stroganoff. Love the cooler weather!
Until we move, though, Tim and I are going to try and eat almost solely from the pantry and freezer. Last night didn't count -- leftovers for him, salad for me. Tonight, I think things will be more creative :)
I love this season, so I'm trying not to overthink everything that will happen between now and Thanksgiving. We'll see how that goes!
House stuff is moving right along -- we will decide on insurance soon and on Thursday, we'll walk through the house to "learn" it with the current owners. We also gave notice and the apartment complex, and started packing. We ALSO bought a ton of new furniture to fill our house this past weekend. Things are busy for sure. Next few weekends will be more packing with some plans sprinkled in here and there.
In between life? Is work. Work has been super challenging lately and I haven't had a lot of time for the house stuff to sink in. September was a pivotal month in my group, and along with big changes/revelations comes a lot of stuff that feels personal, even though it's not. It's been really hard to stay positive and jazzed up, but this funk will pass!
I'm officially out of shape again. I've jogged a few times [this month] and [it hurt]. I'm really just trying to find a way to not feel tired all the time and get myself back into the habit regularly. I'll do it! I know I will.
This month has also had me taking out stress in the kitchen. Result? Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin whoopie pies, apple crisp x2, chili, beef stew, and a failed but edible attemp at beef stroganoff. Love the cooler weather!
Until we move, though, Tim and I are going to try and eat almost solely from the pantry and freezer. Last night didn't count -- leftovers for him, salad for me. Tonight, I think things will be more creative :)
I love this season, so I'm trying not to overthink everything that will happen between now and Thanksgiving. We'll see how that goes!
Monday, September 12, 2011
I'm not dead
Just got sucked into a life whirlwind, you know the sort.
So, we finally did it, we bought a house. And it's just lovely, we couldn't be more excited about our choice AND our interest rate (because we're grownups, we can also be excited about the money part). Now, half of my brain is mentally moving furniture and living in our new house. We move in early November, and we can't wait to host some family for Thanksgiving!
We signed our house offer while we were visiting my bestie Sarah over Labor Day weekend in Saint Paul, MN. We had a great time hanging around THEIR cute new house, taking in the city, and just catching up. It felt awesome/like home to see Sarah and her husband again after a 6-month hiatus.
The weather is starting to turn, too. I just love seasons. Even the one that shall not be named. Every year when the seasons turn, I get SO EXCITED for the new one to come. I just don't know that I could ever live in a place where the weather hardly changes, even if that ONE season is weather-tastic. Snow and rain are just another reason to make soup and watch TV (or be productive at work), anyway, so why hate on them so much? (New house comes with a working woodburning fireplace, bee tee dubs. One more reason to be excited about snow).
In other news, Frank got the best of me last week. (Well, we bested each other). I was removing him from our bedroom and caught a tuft of his fur on.... something (still don't know what). Relieved of a clump of fur, Frank lashed out on me and scratched my eyelid. He didn't get my actual eye, but I went to the ER nonetheless. My eye is fine and healing well, but I had to get a tetnus shot and THAT was way worse. My arm hurt so bad on day 2 and 3 that I couldn't stand to move it or roll over on it during the night.
On the upside, I'm clear to play with rusty nails again............
This weekend was also my unofficial fall kick-off: Brucemorchestra. For the 4th year now, Orchestra Iowa played an amazing outdoor concert on the lawn at Brucemore. We all show up with lawn chairs, wine, and snacks and enjoy the music. I LOVE IT. Makes me wish I played an instrument or sang in a group again.
I also watched our interstate college football rivalry and my alma mater came out ahead, FINALLY. I really only like college football because it's something to do in the fall with friends, but it's good to see your team win, even if you never watch another game they play in the season, haha.
So, to recap our life lately:
Tim and Kate vs. navigating home buying = we won
Kate vs. Frank freak out = Frank won
Kate and Tim vs. changing seasons and fall plans = everyone wins
So, we finally did it, we bought a house. And it's just lovely, we couldn't be more excited about our choice AND our interest rate (because we're grownups, we can also be excited about the money part). Now, half of my brain is mentally moving furniture and living in our new house. We move in early November, and we can't wait to host some family for Thanksgiving!
We signed our house offer while we were visiting my bestie Sarah over Labor Day weekend in Saint Paul, MN. We had a great time hanging around THEIR cute new house, taking in the city, and just catching up. It felt awesome/like home to see Sarah and her husband again after a 6-month hiatus.
The weather is starting to turn, too. I just love seasons. Even the one that shall not be named. Every year when the seasons turn, I get SO EXCITED for the new one to come. I just don't know that I could ever live in a place where the weather hardly changes, even if that ONE season is weather-tastic. Snow and rain are just another reason to make soup and watch TV (or be productive at work), anyway, so why hate on them so much? (New house comes with a working woodburning fireplace, bee tee dubs. One more reason to be excited about snow).
In other news, Frank got the best of me last week. (Well, we bested each other). I was removing him from our bedroom and caught a tuft of his fur on.... something (still don't know what). Relieved of a clump of fur, Frank lashed out on me and scratched my eyelid. He didn't get my actual eye, but I went to the ER nonetheless. My eye is fine and healing well, but I had to get a tetnus shot and THAT was way worse. My arm hurt so bad on day 2 and 3 that I couldn't stand to move it or roll over on it during the night.
On the upside, I'm clear to play with rusty nails again............
This weekend was also my unofficial fall kick-off: Brucemorchestra. For the 4th year now, Orchestra Iowa played an amazing outdoor concert on the lawn at Brucemore. We all show up with lawn chairs, wine, and snacks and enjoy the music. I LOVE IT. Makes me wish I played an instrument or sang in a group again.
I also watched our interstate college football rivalry and my alma mater came out ahead, FINALLY. I really only like college football because it's something to do in the fall with friends, but it's good to see your team win, even if you never watch another game they play in the season, haha.
So, to recap our life lately:
Tim and Kate vs. navigating home buying = we won
Kate vs. Frank freak out = Frank won
Kate and Tim vs. changing seasons and fall plans = everyone wins
Friday, August 26, 2011
Sweet, sweet relief
So, first things first. Tim DIDN'T get the job.
We aren't crying though, because he was offered a BETTER position with the same organization!
We are totally elated. He's really excited, and we are both relieved to know that we will be consistently employed. I didn't realize it until yesterday -- but we now both have jobs that have no ending (provided we perform well). Up until this point, Tim has had temporary jobs and deployments that make life-planning uncertain. I didn't think about it much until yesterday when I realized that we get to be in control now. Truly.
It feels great.
This weekend, we get to celebrate Tim's film from last year when it plays at the Landlocked Film Festival in Iowa City. (In other GREAT news, Tim and his writer/director signed a deal to have it distributed! So many happy things these days). Getting this job means Tim knows he can stay close to the film projects that make him happy. I'm so proud!
We also decided to splurge and stay overnight in Iowa City, to celebrate. We're headed out to dinner with friends after the festival, but not before we invite them up to our club-floor room with free evening hors d'oeuvres :) what WHAT?
Add that to a salon appointment this afternoon, trip to a local winery tonight, and boating on Sunday... and I think we have a pretty well-rounded weekend ahead of us. I might even break out a BCBG jumpsuit I bought in Nashville but haven't worn yet. Because it's a jumpsuit?
I'll keep you in suspense.
We aren't crying though, because he was offered a BETTER position with the same organization!
We are totally elated. He's really excited, and we are both relieved to know that we will be consistently employed. I didn't realize it until yesterday -- but we now both have jobs that have no ending (provided we perform well). Up until this point, Tim has had temporary jobs and deployments that make life-planning uncertain. I didn't think about it much until yesterday when I realized that we get to be in control now. Truly.
It feels great.
This weekend, we get to celebrate Tim's film from last year when it plays at the Landlocked Film Festival in Iowa City. (In other GREAT news, Tim and his writer/director signed a deal to have it distributed! So many happy things these days). Getting this job means Tim knows he can stay close to the film projects that make him happy. I'm so proud!
We also decided to splurge and stay overnight in Iowa City, to celebrate. We're headed out to dinner with friends after the festival, but not before we invite them up to our club-floor room with free evening hors d'oeuvres :) what WHAT?
Add that to a salon appointment this afternoon, trip to a local winery tonight, and boating on Sunday... and I think we have a pretty well-rounded weekend ahead of us. I might even break out a BCBG jumpsuit I bought in Nashville but haven't worn yet. Because it's a jumpsuit?
I'll keep you in suspense.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Going flippin' crazy
What: A perfect job opportunity for Tim
Landmarks Crossed: TWO interviews, one reference check (that we know of) and one follow-up phone call Friday reminding Tim that he is "a top candidate" and he would hear back Monday or Tuesday.
IT'S WEDNESDAY.
We feel so helpless. We have been holding our breaths now for at least 1.5 weeks! And I say "we" because I feel like I'm applying for this job, too.
We just want to return to the days of dual job-security. We want it so bad that only cookies + ice cream and a jumpy movie (Insidious) could console us last night. At this point, getting the job would be a BONUS. We just want to hear back yay or nay.
We both want to stop checking our phones obsessively.
And..... that is all.
Landmarks Crossed: TWO interviews, one reference check (that we know of) and one follow-up phone call Friday reminding Tim that he is "a top candidate" and he would hear back Monday or Tuesday.
IT'S WEDNESDAY.
We feel so helpless. We have been holding our breaths now for at least 1.5 weeks! And I say "we" because I feel like I'm applying for this job, too.
We just want to return to the days of dual job-security. We want it so bad that only cookies + ice cream and a jumpy movie (Insidious) could console us last night. At this point, getting the job would be a BONUS. We just want to hear back yay or nay.
We both want to stop checking our phones obsessively.
And..... that is all.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Back to Monday
What a weekend.
It was so perfect in my mind, that I am making a point to put it in here so I can remind myself later that this is what I like. (Sign of late-20s aging: reverting to a two-year-old's ability to remember preferences).
Friday: Work until noon (standard where I work. Jealous?), then lunch with friends at my favorite French cafe in Cedar Rapids (also the ONLY one). Dined on tomato mozzerella salad and croque madame. AND an almond fruit tart that was an edible piece of art. Came home, took a nap, then Tim came home to tell me about an awesome (second) job interview he had. Hopes are high! Then, we met friends/a sister for a movie and dinner at Hacienda, my second home. French and Mexican in the same day? Perfect.
Saturday: Slept in, got dressed, and picked up sister + friend for Marion farmer's market. Perfect morning to peruse with coffee in hand. Scored: bell peppers in crazy colors, local wine, avacado ranch dressing, mini-cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, pork tamales and pico (local). We walked across the street to check out a new wine bar. Drank a glass and picked at a meat and cheese plate. Left so I could make some returns at Talbots (see footnotes), then home again. JOGGED for the first time in I can't remember how long, showered. Left for a night out on the town in Iowa City with friends. Ate bolognese at a new Italian restaurant. Drinks. Drinks. ................... Drinks. McDonald's (oh, yes) and home.
Sunday: Slept in. Coffee in my jammies, loving on Frank, then cleaning the house. Showered and met my mom and sister for a local sweet corn festival. Bid on silent auction items, ate food stand food, played bingo. Left the festival for beers on the deck in Amana. Walked around Amana looking at cute things, then ate German food for dinner (delicious unidentifiable wurst and down-home sides). Laughed with the family. Took a picturesque drive home and learned that I scored my silent auction item. Yeah! Grocery shopping and then home again to watch Mad Men, read, and then fall asleep.
This morning was a multi-cup coffee morning because my weekend was so awesome. Tonight is dinner at yet another amazing restaurant with a friend. (Motivation front: We are finally making plans with all the wonderful people we know but whom we never see).
It's possible that after this week, the mister and I will both be gainfully employed. Send good vibes our way!
** Footnote: I can't believe I'm saying this, but all of a sudden I've taken an interest in Talbot's. I ordered a few Loft-type things online, but ordered too big and went to the local store to exchange and was the youngest person in there by at least 20 years. No matter, I FINALLY found a pair of grey-wash jean ankle pants that fit, and ordered a great khaki high-waisted skirt. Just because I am now a patron, doesn't mean I'm buying pants with elastic in the waist.
Unless they're really cute. ** End footnote.
It was so perfect in my mind, that I am making a point to put it in here so I can remind myself later that this is what I like. (Sign of late-20s aging: reverting to a two-year-old's ability to remember preferences).
Friday: Work until noon (standard where I work. Jealous?), then lunch with friends at my favorite French cafe in Cedar Rapids (also the ONLY one). Dined on tomato mozzerella salad and croque madame. AND an almond fruit tart that was an edible piece of art. Came home, took a nap, then Tim came home to tell me about an awesome (second) job interview he had. Hopes are high! Then, we met friends/a sister for a movie and dinner at Hacienda, my second home. French and Mexican in the same day? Perfect.
Saturday: Slept in, got dressed, and picked up sister + friend for Marion farmer's market. Perfect morning to peruse with coffee in hand. Scored: bell peppers in crazy colors, local wine, avacado ranch dressing, mini-cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, pork tamales and pico (local). We walked across the street to check out a new wine bar. Drank a glass and picked at a meat and cheese plate. Left so I could make some returns at Talbots (see footnotes), then home again. JOGGED for the first time in I can't remember how long, showered. Left for a night out on the town in Iowa City with friends. Ate bolognese at a new Italian restaurant. Drinks. Drinks. ................... Drinks. McDonald's (oh, yes) and home.
Sunday: Slept in. Coffee in my jammies, loving on Frank, then cleaning the house. Showered and met my mom and sister for a local sweet corn festival. Bid on silent auction items, ate food stand food, played bingo. Left the festival for beers on the deck in Amana. Walked around Amana looking at cute things, then ate German food for dinner (delicious unidentifiable wurst and down-home sides). Laughed with the family. Took a picturesque drive home and learned that I scored my silent auction item. Yeah! Grocery shopping and then home again to watch Mad Men, read, and then fall asleep.
This morning was a multi-cup coffee morning because my weekend was so awesome. Tonight is dinner at yet another amazing restaurant with a friend. (Motivation front: We are finally making plans with all the wonderful people we know but whom we never see).
It's possible that after this week, the mister and I will both be gainfully employed. Send good vibes our way!
** Footnote: I can't believe I'm saying this, but all of a sudden I've taken an interest in Talbot's. I ordered a few Loft-type things online, but ordered too big and went to the local store to exchange and was the youngest person in there by at least 20 years. No matter, I FINALLY found a pair of grey-wash jean ankle pants that fit, and ordered a great khaki high-waisted skirt. Just because I am now a patron, doesn't mean I'm buying pants with elastic in the waist.
Unless they're really cute. ** End footnote.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sign me up
What a week. It's been both crazy busy and laid back. And for the first time, I feel like summer is starting to wind down and I better get in the game for a few last farmer's markets, days at the beach/on a boat, etc. I have not met my goals for working out (not even close), but with the weather cooling off some, I think it's time to start running outside after work. AT LEAST just taking a walk, haha.
It's going to be a great weekend with friends and events, and I'm excited! I haven't been home in awhile to just putz around, so I'm looking forward to coffee in my jams and some cleaning. Oh, and Food Network.
I'm thinking about houses again lately, too. I don't know what my obsession is, but I love the comfort of a home. The house I grew up in was torn down last year to make room for a new Casey's in our little town, and I looked at some pictures again this week. It was hard to see my house come down. Super hard.
We loved that house. It was huge and old, with a great big porch on the front where I spent thousands of hours porch-swinging. Our yard was huge with flower patches, a garden and big trees (some of them apple trees). Inside, we had big rooms, creaky floors, drafty windows, ugly carpet and bad plumbing. But I loved it. Every inch. The house had a personality, for sure. It had warmth.
I really hope that someday soon, Tim and I can buy a house and make it ours. So much of my life story to this point has involved a home, and I know I can't go on much longer living tenament-style with neighbors above, below, across, etc. It's sooo much more to me than just the ability to choose a paint color.
I want roots.
It's going to be a great weekend with friends and events, and I'm excited! I haven't been home in awhile to just putz around, so I'm looking forward to coffee in my jams and some cleaning. Oh, and Food Network.
I'm thinking about houses again lately, too. I don't know what my obsession is, but I love the comfort of a home. The house I grew up in was torn down last year to make room for a new Casey's in our little town, and I looked at some pictures again this week. It was hard to see my house come down. Super hard.
We loved that house. It was huge and old, with a great big porch on the front where I spent thousands of hours porch-swinging. Our yard was huge with flower patches, a garden and big trees (some of them apple trees). Inside, we had big rooms, creaky floors, drafty windows, ugly carpet and bad plumbing. But I loved it. Every inch. The house had a personality, for sure. It had warmth.
I really hope that someday soon, Tim and I can buy a house and make it ours. So much of my life story to this point has involved a home, and I know I can't go on much longer living tenament-style with neighbors above, below, across, etc. It's sooo much more to me than just the ability to choose a paint color.
I want roots.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Ah, gees.
Most weeks, I don't leave my desk for lunch. Either I'm cramming it in so I can leave at 5 p.m., or I'd just rather catch up on my blog roll and news sites than leave to get lunch or eat in the break room.
These last 2 weeks, however, I've decided to leave my desk for lunch when possible. I went home a few times, ran errands, etc. Upping my energy for the afternoon = win. Today, I decided to head to a nearby, nearly deserted mall to wander around and get a replacement for a hair product I use (mall contains an assortment of sad curio stores, government offices, the hair salon I go to, and a few food places). After I bought the product, I still had 40-some odd minutes to waste. I got some lunch. Ate my lunch. Still 25 minutes of "free time."
So, I headed up the escalator to the Hallmark Store to buy a new Yankee Candle car air freshener (only the best for my Malibu Maxx with 2 Xs).
............ and I walked out with $50 worth of Yankee candle air fresheners (home and car) and a candle.
What is WRONG with me? In retrospect, that is way too much to spend in one shot on freshening air.
Moral of the story: if you are a bored spender, eat at your desk.
These last 2 weeks, however, I've decided to leave my desk for lunch when possible. I went home a few times, ran errands, etc. Upping my energy for the afternoon = win. Today, I decided to head to a nearby, nearly deserted mall to wander around and get a replacement for a hair product I use (mall contains an assortment of sad curio stores, government offices, the hair salon I go to, and a few food places). After I bought the product, I still had 40-some odd minutes to waste. I got some lunch. Ate my lunch. Still 25 minutes of "free time."
So, I headed up the escalator to the Hallmark Store to buy a new Yankee Candle car air freshener (only the best for my Malibu Maxx with 2 Xs).
............ and I walked out with $50 worth of Yankee candle air fresheners (home and car) and a candle.
What is WRONG with me? In retrospect, that is way too much to spend in one shot on freshening air.
Moral of the story: if you are a bored spender, eat at your desk.
Monday, August 1, 2011
1 Week Down
So, first and foremost, I have a new nephew! He is so precious and I never thought I could be *thisinterested* in a baby. Such a sweetheart, and I spent the weekend with him and my family in St. Louis. Can't wait to see him again in a month! I could keep gushing, but I'll save that for the next 1,000 posts ;)
Last week was a win (I'm deciding) on the motivation front. I hit the bike trails twice after work and totally went all in -- I was so tired after the 1.5 hour ride that I couldn't lift my bike up the steps into the apartment again. This week, my goal is to do some activity 3 times.... biking or elliptical/treadmill. Just slowly build in exercise until I can trick myself into loving it.
On the food front, I did OK, too. More meals than not were pretty low-cal (I can't count this weekend), and I used a few Special K shakes to right the ship. Also, because I'm too lazy in the morning to pack a real lunch. Morning laziness = the final frontier for me and motivation. The snooze button and I have a longstanding relationship that is not easily breakable.
Aside from overall health, here is my list of other requires-motivation stuff I want to dig into:
1. Actually plan outfits. This might seem really vain, but my inability to decide what to wear in the morning + snooze-button lovin' = questionable appearance most days. I've been getting inspiration from style blogs (I wish I could just hire this girl to dress me). I just want to look organized, know what I mean?
2. Develop another hobby: I have a keyboard under our guest bed, a dollhouse that needs repairing, and now the above item makes me wish I could sew.
3. Take the GMAT. I've been honing in lately on my career path and grad school, and step one is a big, scary test. Time to just do it before even more years fly by.
This list (which is cool and awesome) is starting to sound like a New Year's Resolution list (which is cliche and lame), so I'll stop there. If you're stalking this blog and want to share what motivates you to stay healthy/try a hobby/wake up at an appropriate time/improve yourself professionally, please comment!
Last week was a win (I'm deciding) on the motivation front. I hit the bike trails twice after work and totally went all in -- I was so tired after the 1.5 hour ride that I couldn't lift my bike up the steps into the apartment again. This week, my goal is to do some activity 3 times.... biking or elliptical/treadmill. Just slowly build in exercise until I can trick myself into loving it.
On the food front, I did OK, too. More meals than not were pretty low-cal (I can't count this weekend), and I used a few Special K shakes to right the ship. Also, because I'm too lazy in the morning to pack a real lunch. Morning laziness = the final frontier for me and motivation. The snooze button and I have a longstanding relationship that is not easily breakable.
Aside from overall health, here is my list of other requires-motivation stuff I want to dig into:
1. Actually plan outfits. This might seem really vain, but my inability to decide what to wear in the morning + snooze-button lovin' = questionable appearance most days. I've been getting inspiration from style blogs (I wish I could just hire this girl to dress me). I just want to look organized, know what I mean?
2. Develop another hobby: I have a keyboard under our guest bed, a dollhouse that needs repairing, and now the above item makes me wish I could sew.
3. Take the GMAT. I've been honing in lately on my career path and grad school, and step one is a big, scary test. Time to just do it before even more years fly by.
This list (which is cool and awesome) is starting to sound like a New Year's Resolution list (which is cliche and lame), so I'll stop there. If you're stalking this blog and want to share what motivates you to stay healthy/try a hobby/wake up at an appropriate time/improve yourself professionally, please comment!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Motivation
I've become almost too lazy to even type that word, let alone this blog post. I'm having some serious issues with motivation lately. I'm having an intervention on MYSELF.
Output: Haven't slipped on athletic clothes in almost a month now. After work, I prefer stretchy pants I can wear under my jammies that have fruit on them. Acceptable substitute: stretchy jean shorts with a huge T-shirt. (I counted at least 4 places I can judge me in this category.)
Intake: Lately, major food groups are baked goods, buffalo wing sauce, and takeout/eating out. Sub-category = alcohol. This is the only area in which I have put forth any effort.
Bathroom scale: Holds open the bathroom door, occasionally I stub a toe on it, but have not stepped on it.
TV: Watching a lot of it. Too much to admit here.
Thinking: Can't bring myself to think outside of work. (Thus, the lack of posting here, among other areas).
The intervention started in earnest yesterday. AFTER I watched movies all day, ate my weight in Chinese takeout, and didn't shower until 8 p.m. Luckily, Tim and I are in this together and we started with a trip to Wal-Mart (jgfdhgfstufs) for groceries and a new bike (for Tim).
We bought lots of fresh produce, lean meat, and grains. Did NOT buy replacements for any baking ingredients to avoid late-night temptation. Lunch today was a healthy salad, and after work, we're hitting the trails -- which is awesome because I don't think I've even LOOKED at my bike in a year. I look forward to moving and having more energy.
On other fronts -- I still have lots of plans on the calendar between having the in-laws in town (now!), my new nephew coming (maybe tomorrow!), a camping/kayaking trip (that I won't talk myself out of), and more. August is going to fly by, I can feel it.
Especially (since I'm no longer lazy) if I start up my boards on Pinterest -- holy time waster, Batman! Check it out, if you haven't already....
Output: Haven't slipped on athletic clothes in almost a month now. After work, I prefer stretchy pants I can wear under my jammies that have fruit on them. Acceptable substitute: stretchy jean shorts with a huge T-shirt. (I counted at least 4 places I can judge me in this category.)
Intake: Lately, major food groups are baked goods, buffalo wing sauce, and takeout/eating out. Sub-category = alcohol. This is the only area in which I have put forth any effort.
Bathroom scale: Holds open the bathroom door, occasionally I stub a toe on it, but have not stepped on it.
TV: Watching a lot of it. Too much to admit here.
Thinking: Can't bring myself to think outside of work. (Thus, the lack of posting here, among other areas).
The intervention started in earnest yesterday. AFTER I watched movies all day, ate my weight in Chinese takeout, and didn't shower until 8 p.m. Luckily, Tim and I are in this together and we started with a trip to Wal-Mart (jgfdhgfstufs) for groceries and a new bike (for Tim).
We bought lots of fresh produce, lean meat, and grains. Did NOT buy replacements for any baking ingredients to avoid late-night temptation. Lunch today was a healthy salad, and after work, we're hitting the trails -- which is awesome because I don't think I've even LOOKED at my bike in a year. I look forward to moving and having more energy.
On other fronts -- I still have lots of plans on the calendar between having the in-laws in town (now!), my new nephew coming (maybe tomorrow!), a camping/kayaking trip (that I won't talk myself out of), and more. August is going to fly by, I can feel it.
Especially (since I'm no longer lazy) if I start up my boards on Pinterest -- holy time waster, Batman! Check it out, if you haven't already....
Monday, June 27, 2011
27
When this weekend rolls around, I'll have another birthday come and go.
Last year's birthday was celebrated en route to a family reunion in SD. This year, planning to NOT drive anywhere and spend my birthday with the coolest people I know (one of whom is also having a birthday! Holla.)
Let's recap the year, shall we? These aren't in chronological order....
1. Tim came home.
2. 2 of my good friends got married
3. I got married
4. Found out I was going to be an aunt
5. Another year logged at RC, gets better every year!
6. Made some new friends, spent some GOOD TIMES with all friends
7. Deepened my relationship with Vino's and the Sip n' Stir
8. Signs of aging so far: Getting crankier and getting moles removed
9. Went to Mexico, Nashville, and Atlanta for the first time
10. Paid off my car
11. Started volunteering for the first time since high school
12. Re-discovered karaoke
13. Actually requested truffle oil as a birthday gift this year (I'm domesticated)
This is usually one of my favorite times of the year. It's hot, and there are lots of reasons to be outside and good people and good food. This weekend, despite our recent challenges, I'm looking forward to celebrating a damn good year -- so much has happened! I have so much to look forward to in the coming year... and because I feel like I'm on a roll, I'll list those, too....
1. New nephew
2. Tim gets a new career that makes him happy
3. We buy a house, hopefully
4. Trip to see Laura in Dubai (I'm thinking this trip is going to be one for the books, folks...)
5. Celebrate 1 year of being happily married
6. Maybe I'll run my first road race... if I can trick myself into thinking that I like to run
7. Crack the code into making creamy, cheesy things without scalding them and continue to feed people because it makes me happy
8. Other, exciting, unknown happy things
Cheers, everyone!
Last year's birthday was celebrated en route to a family reunion in SD. This year, planning to NOT drive anywhere and spend my birthday with the coolest people I know (one of whom is also having a birthday! Holla.)
Let's recap the year, shall we? These aren't in chronological order....
1. Tim came home.
2. 2 of my good friends got married
3. I got married
4. Found out I was going to be an aunt
5. Another year logged at RC, gets better every year!
6. Made some new friends, spent some GOOD TIMES with all friends
7. Deepened my relationship with Vino's and the Sip n' Stir
8. Signs of aging so far: Getting crankier and getting moles removed
9. Went to Mexico, Nashville, and Atlanta for the first time
10. Paid off my car
11. Started volunteering for the first time since high school
12. Re-discovered karaoke
13. Actually requested truffle oil as a birthday gift this year (I'm domesticated)
This is usually one of my favorite times of the year. It's hot, and there are lots of reasons to be outside and good people and good food. This weekend, despite our recent challenges, I'm looking forward to celebrating a damn good year -- so much has happened! I have so much to look forward to in the coming year... and because I feel like I'm on a roll, I'll list those, too....
1. New nephew
2. Tim gets a new career that makes him happy
3. We buy a house, hopefully
4. Trip to see Laura in Dubai (I'm thinking this trip is going to be one for the books, folks...)
5. Celebrate 1 year of being happily married
6. Maybe I'll run my first road race... if I can trick myself into thinking that I like to run
7. Crack the code into making creamy, cheesy things without scalding them and continue to feed people because it makes me happy
8. Other, exciting, unknown happy things
Cheers, everyone!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Pushing elephants up the stairs
We shall call this chapter "Obstacles."
So, long story short, we're not buying a house right now. We're looking for a job. The mister found out that his orders were being cut short because of another officer's personal issues and lack of federal budget. After September, his employment will end.
Before I launch into why this is making me eat Tums like I own stock in the company, here are the upsides:
We found out JUST in time to NOT buy a house.
We're young and childless, so if one of us loses a job, there's just 2 people + 1 cat to support
This career move was inevitable, so instead of making these decisions in 1.5 years, we can make them now.
All of the above is not keeping my mind from racing nearly every day, though. What happens if the troublesome economy goes from our doorstep into our home (i.e., 3 months won't be enough for us to find something else)? How long will it take us to recover from this setback?
How long until I feel confident that the bottom won't always drop out? (Perhaps the first way this failing economy is affecting us).
So much is up in the air right now, I'm doing the best I can to just ignore it, honestly.
I can't create jobs, I can't influence anyone to hire him, and I can't make time go faster.
I can help my husband draft a better cover letter, I can help him search for positions, I can say encouraging things, and I can hope for the best. I can plan for the worst (without expecting it).
Here's to making it through this phase with my/our sanity, healthy BMI, and liver in tact!
So, long story short, we're not buying a house right now. We're looking for a job. The mister found out that his orders were being cut short because of another officer's personal issues and lack of federal budget. After September, his employment will end.
Before I launch into why this is making me eat Tums like I own stock in the company, here are the upsides:
We found out JUST in time to NOT buy a house.
We're young and childless, so if one of us loses a job, there's just 2 people + 1 cat to support
This career move was inevitable, so instead of making these decisions in 1.5 years, we can make them now.
All of the above is not keeping my mind from racing nearly every day, though. What happens if the troublesome economy goes from our doorstep into our home (i.e., 3 months won't be enough for us to find something else)? How long will it take us to recover from this setback?
How long until I feel confident that the bottom won't always drop out? (Perhaps the first way this failing economy is affecting us).
So much is up in the air right now, I'm doing the best I can to just ignore it, honestly.
I can't create jobs, I can't influence anyone to hire him, and I can't make time go faster.
I can help my husband draft a better cover letter, I can help him search for positions, I can say encouraging things, and I can hope for the best. I can plan for the worst (without expecting it).
Here's to making it through this phase with my/our sanity, healthy BMI, and liver in tact!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
What a difference a day makes
I don't think we're ready to share all the details yet, but our house-buying plans are totally up in the air now. It was a really hard night last night, and we have a lot of decisions to make, but circumstances can change so quickly!
Hopefully, everything irons itself out and this post becomes irrelevant.......
Hopefully, everything irons itself out and this post becomes irrelevant.......
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
This is worse than dating
We've been so busy lately! When we aren't working or seeing friends, we've been looking at houses and last night, we made an offer on one.
We're currently in the frenzy of the counter-offer process, and I'm so nervous and excited! But even after we make it official with this property, we still don't know the full extent of surprises lurking around every corner (eh? eh? see the dating metaphor?)
We'll decide after inspection if it's true love, and accept the house with all its faults.
This still feels like a diversion from all those crazy "what am I doing in life" questions, and a massive one at that. Goodbye expendible income and free time! On the plus side, if we become home owners and property tax payers, we have more street cred if we wanted to show up at a city council meeting and complain.
I think I'm finally going to blast this post out to Facebook (after much hemming and hawing), so to my family and friends: If you are curious and begin following my blog, pretend you didn't when we talk about stuff in real life :) Less confusing that way.....
We're currently in the frenzy of the counter-offer process, and I'm so nervous and excited! But even after we make it official with this property, we still don't know the full extent of surprises lurking around every corner (eh? eh? see the dating metaphor?)
We'll decide after inspection if it's true love, and accept the house with all its faults.
This still feels like a diversion from all those crazy "what am I doing in life" questions, and a massive one at that. Goodbye expendible income and free time! On the plus side, if we become home owners and property tax payers, we have more street cred if we wanted to show up at a city council meeting and complain.
I think I'm finally going to blast this post out to Facebook (after much hemming and hawing), so to my family and friends: If you are curious and begin following my blog, pretend you didn't when we talk about stuff in real life :) Less confusing that way.....
Thursday, May 19, 2011
So.... we're buying a house?
All of a sudden, we went from hunker-down-in-the-apartment mode to... "let's just go ahead and buy a house."
We might be crazy. And both going through some stir-crazyness. But we figure this is a better diversion than having a baby. (Thankyouno).
So, here is what tipped the scales:
There is a good chance the husband's job will go from temporary to permanent status, or we will come across other jobs in the meantime.
And, our rent just went up.... again.
Aaaannnddd, we have a good chunk of money saved/interest rates are good... blah blah moneytalk.
So, we are meeting with banks and going to open houses. Soon, engaging with a Realtor. I think I'm pretty excited. I get easily attached to houses that remind me of the house I grew up in, so that's dangeous.
There's already one that I'm mentally moving us into when I can't sleep at night. Maybe the pieces will fall together, but it's so darling, full of character (read: hardwood floors, fireplace, built-ins) and seems low hassle (read: updates).
We'll see what happens! In the meantime, I'm cooking and baking like crazy to keep myself distracted. I just love it! Here's hoping me and the Mr. don't gain "newlywed" weight. Maybe that's already happened, but the only thing my scale does is hold open the bathroom door. Oh well, my pants still (mostly) fit.
Over and out!
We might be crazy. And both going through some stir-crazyness. But we figure this is a better diversion than having a baby. (Thankyouno).
So, here is what tipped the scales:
There is a good chance the husband's job will go from temporary to permanent status, or we will come across other jobs in the meantime.
And, our rent just went up.... again.
Aaaannnddd, we have a good chunk of money saved/interest rates are good... blah blah moneytalk.
So, we are meeting with banks and going to open houses. Soon, engaging with a Realtor. I think I'm pretty excited. I get easily attached to houses that remind me of the house I grew up in, so that's dangeous.
There's already one that I'm mentally moving us into when I can't sleep at night. Maybe the pieces will fall together, but it's so darling, full of character (read: hardwood floors, fireplace, built-ins) and seems low hassle (read: updates).
We'll see what happens! In the meantime, I'm cooking and baking like crazy to keep myself distracted. I just love it! Here's hoping me and the Mr. don't gain "newlywed" weight. Maybe that's already happened, but the only thing my scale does is hold open the bathroom door. Oh well, my pants still (mostly) fit.
Over and out!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Write it Out
The past few weeks have been sort of hard. It seems like I'm either really busy (with everything), or not at all.
On top of everything, my husband and I have been in big career discussions lately. I tend to be risk averse, so any big life discussions that involve shaky changes are hard for me.
We'll figure it out.
I spent my weekend with friends and food, and it was perfect. I tried a yeast dough for the second time in my life and it turned out perfectly! Pioneer Woman's Maple Cinnamon Rolls were a great project for Saturday afternoon. I love trying new recipes and not knowing how they'll turn out -- cooking and baking are my favorite sciences :) Someday, I'll find some patience to figure out how to post pictures here.
I'm just DYING to take a trip, too. Later this month and into June and July, I'm taking trips to St. Louis and Nashville (first time in Nashville!), but I also want to get away somewhere else. Almost a year ago, I took a trip to Paris and Italy with my then-boyfriend, then-fiancee (he proposed on the trip). It was his two weeks of R&R from a tour of duty in Iraq, and we couldn't have spent it any better. I.loved.that.trip.
During the day, we would sleep in, then eat a late breakfast at a cafe before planning a tourist-type activity. We walked around old cities, drank at cafes, rode in trains, and stayed in tiny hotel rooms. Two weeks of bliss! I love traveling, and I feel like there is never enough time to go where I want. I only get 2 weeks of vacation a year through my company, and a lot of it gets eaten up with family stuff every year. That, and I can't afford to take unpaid vacation ;)
If I had to rank my travel choices, here they are:
1. Deep south USA: Alabama/Georgia/Lousiana... this is part of our country I've never been and would LOVE to see. I want to eat real southern food and tour old plantations. Listen to southern blues. Drink sweet tea. Hear some drawlin'. You get the drill.
2. Greece/Mediterranean: Just want to see it :)
3. Germany/Spain: German heritage, two siblings who have studied abroad in Spain.
4. England: Taking a cue from Rick Steves (Sunday morning PBS! Yes!), I want to start in London, and then go into the countryside to smaller cities like Bath.
Sprinkled in there, I'm fantasizing about Carribean beaches/cruises. It better get warm in Iowa soon or I'll go crazy!
Enough for now... I'm fighting the urge to start googling flights and figuring out if I can squeeze a trip to Savannah into a weekend this summer, haha. Second tutoring lesson tonight and I'm all on my own! Margarito is really sweet and super smart, just lacks confidence in the English he's using (which is his third language). He's in for a treat -- I remember practically NOTHING from my high school Spanish classes, so English and wild hand gestures are all we've got!
On top of everything, my husband and I have been in big career discussions lately. I tend to be risk averse, so any big life discussions that involve shaky changes are hard for me.
We'll figure it out.
I spent my weekend with friends and food, and it was perfect. I tried a yeast dough for the second time in my life and it turned out perfectly! Pioneer Woman's Maple Cinnamon Rolls were a great project for Saturday afternoon. I love trying new recipes and not knowing how they'll turn out -- cooking and baking are my favorite sciences :) Someday, I'll find some patience to figure out how to post pictures here.
I'm just DYING to take a trip, too. Later this month and into June and July, I'm taking trips to St. Louis and Nashville (first time in Nashville!), but I also want to get away somewhere else. Almost a year ago, I took a trip to Paris and Italy with my then-boyfriend, then-fiancee (he proposed on the trip). It was his two weeks of R&R from a tour of duty in Iraq, and we couldn't have spent it any better. I.loved.that.trip.
During the day, we would sleep in, then eat a late breakfast at a cafe before planning a tourist-type activity. We walked around old cities, drank at cafes, rode in trains, and stayed in tiny hotel rooms. Two weeks of bliss! I love traveling, and I feel like there is never enough time to go where I want. I only get 2 weeks of vacation a year through my company, and a lot of it gets eaten up with family stuff every year. That, and I can't afford to take unpaid vacation ;)
If I had to rank my travel choices, here they are:
1. Deep south USA: Alabama/Georgia/Lousiana... this is part of our country I've never been and would LOVE to see. I want to eat real southern food and tour old plantations. Listen to southern blues. Drink sweet tea. Hear some drawlin'. You get the drill.
2. Greece/Mediterranean: Just want to see it :)
3. Germany/Spain: German heritage, two siblings who have studied abroad in Spain.
4. England: Taking a cue from Rick Steves (Sunday morning PBS! Yes!), I want to start in London, and then go into the countryside to smaller cities like Bath.
Sprinkled in there, I'm fantasizing about Carribean beaches/cruises. It better get warm in Iowa soon or I'll go crazy!
Enough for now... I'm fighting the urge to start googling flights and figuring out if I can squeeze a trip to Savannah into a weekend this summer, haha. Second tutoring lesson tonight and I'm all on my own! Margarito is really sweet and super smart, just lacks confidence in the English he's using (which is his third language). He's in for a treat -- I remember practically NOTHING from my high school Spanish classes, so English and wild hand gestures are all we've got!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
This message was brought to you by FOOD.
So, my tutoring orientation went GREAT. The people at the center are really nice, and I start next Tuesday with my student, Margarito from Guatemala.
It's weird to think of how much we take language for granted. During orientation, the education coordinator said that students' success stories usually center around being about defend themselves in the world. As in, a woman who was told she owed a rental fine, and she KNEW she turned her materials in on time, was able to explain herself to the clerk, and avoided spending money (that she probably didn't have!) I'm really excited to approach this volunteer opportunity knowing that. Language is power.
So, to the topic of my post. Eventually, I'd really like to volunteer a little on the shelter side of CAC. Aside from free tutoring, they office a transitional housing shelter for women who need to get back on their feet. I can't stop thinking about these women. They are likely trying to come back to life from a substance abuse problem, emotional issues that are leaving them helpless, or any number of other problems that make me just happy to have my life. I want to DO something comforting for someone else.
For me, that means food.
I really hate all the obsessing we do over body image, weight, and food. Overall health is a GREAT goal, but what good is a perfectly toned body if you have to stress yourself out by denying your natural need for food and fullness?
I LOVED coming home from school to the smells of my mom cooking in the kitchen. I loved wintery weekends with something baking in the oven, and summers with the grill on. Food IS comfort. And I don't mean fast-food-processed crap. I mean real, slow food eaten at a table.
I'd like to try cooking for the CAC once a month. We'll see if I actually get up the courage to ask, but anymore, I turn to my kitchen for solace, and I want to share that with some women who would either like to join me in chopping/mixing..... or just think about their day with something good-smelling wafting over them.
Just my thoughts for the day :)
It's weird to think of how much we take language for granted. During orientation, the education coordinator said that students' success stories usually center around being about defend themselves in the world. As in, a woman who was told she owed a rental fine, and she KNEW she turned her materials in on time, was able to explain herself to the clerk, and avoided spending money (that she probably didn't have!) I'm really excited to approach this volunteer opportunity knowing that. Language is power.
So, to the topic of my post. Eventually, I'd really like to volunteer a little on the shelter side of CAC. Aside from free tutoring, they office a transitional housing shelter for women who need to get back on their feet. I can't stop thinking about these women. They are likely trying to come back to life from a substance abuse problem, emotional issues that are leaving them helpless, or any number of other problems that make me just happy to have my life. I want to DO something comforting for someone else.
For me, that means food.
I really hate all the obsessing we do over body image, weight, and food. Overall health is a GREAT goal, but what good is a perfectly toned body if you have to stress yourself out by denying your natural need for food and fullness?
I LOVED coming home from school to the smells of my mom cooking in the kitchen. I loved wintery weekends with something baking in the oven, and summers with the grill on. Food IS comfort. And I don't mean fast-food-processed crap. I mean real, slow food eaten at a table.
I'd like to try cooking for the CAC once a month. We'll see if I actually get up the courage to ask, but anymore, I turn to my kitchen for solace, and I want to share that with some women who would either like to join me in chopping/mixing..... or just think about their day with something good-smelling wafting over them.
Just my thoughts for the day :)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Here I go
So....... here I am!
I've been considering a blog for awhile now. I used to write all the time -- I had a blog through college, I wrote for my job, and (I know how THIS sounds) I wrote for fun. I still write, that is, if you count a flurry of e-mails coming out of my Outlook account at work.
This is for me mostly. I recently married a WONDERFUL man who returned in November from a year in Iraq with the Iowa National Guard. The words of bloggers out there who also had loved ones overseas comforted me while he was away. Now that the craziness of the wedding is over and we are settling into the rhythm of married life, I'm getting restless with my mid-20s self. I want to turn to the blogosphere and write it out! Call it what you will, but I'm, hoping as I journey through this next phase of my life, a few of you can laugh and grumble along with me :)
Here are the stats: I have a great job at a company that I would have never pictured myself working for. I live close to my loving family, and husband and I have made a comfortable home in an apartment near a park along a river. No imminent plans for kids -- in fact, we have a cuddly furchild (cat) who I've locked away for the moment so I could be alone with this keyboard, hahaha.
Lately, I've been focusing on the living situation. I happen to NOT love my city. It's small, family-focused, and I feel out of place in it. It also happens to be affordable and near our important people, so I'm trying to redirect my restlessness elsewhere....
I've signed up to be a volunteer at a local community shelter. They needed people to help adults with basic education classes (many are also learning English). Now, I was an average student, but the lady on the phone assured me that I could help someone else learn what they needed to. Alright! I really hope this opportunity will help me explore and dig a hole in this town. Get new experiences, meet new people. Orientation's on Thursday, and I'm already nervous! I need to get out of my routine more often.... hopefully, the more I shock my system, the less anxious I'll be about EVERYTHING.
(Seriously, I can't even seem to change my life routine to go to the gym in the morning..... my heart races at the thought of getting up before the sun comes out to exercise, and then showering and getting ready in a place that reminds me of a high school locker room, aaaannnddd possibly forgetting stuff like towels. I digress....)
So, after 4 years out of college not really doing much outside of work, I've got something new on my plate. We'll see how it goes.
That's probably enough for a maiden entry! Time for me to officially "follow" all the blogs I've been reading :)
I've been considering a blog for awhile now. I used to write all the time -- I had a blog through college, I wrote for my job, and (I know how THIS sounds) I wrote for fun. I still write, that is, if you count a flurry of e-mails coming out of my Outlook account at work.
This is for me mostly. I recently married a WONDERFUL man who returned in November from a year in Iraq with the Iowa National Guard. The words of bloggers out there who also had loved ones overseas comforted me while he was away. Now that the craziness of the wedding is over and we are settling into the rhythm of married life, I'm getting restless with my mid-20s self. I want to turn to the blogosphere and write it out! Call it what you will, but I'm, hoping as I journey through this next phase of my life, a few of you can laugh and grumble along with me :)
Here are the stats: I have a great job at a company that I would have never pictured myself working for. I live close to my loving family, and husband and I have made a comfortable home in an apartment near a park along a river. No imminent plans for kids -- in fact, we have a cuddly furchild (cat) who I've locked away for the moment so I could be alone with this keyboard, hahaha.
Lately, I've been focusing on the living situation. I happen to NOT love my city. It's small, family-focused, and I feel out of place in it. It also happens to be affordable and near our important people, so I'm trying to redirect my restlessness elsewhere....
I've signed up to be a volunteer at a local community shelter. They needed people to help adults with basic education classes (many are also learning English). Now, I was an average student, but the lady on the phone assured me that I could help someone else learn what they needed to. Alright! I really hope this opportunity will help me explore and dig a hole in this town. Get new experiences, meet new people. Orientation's on Thursday, and I'm already nervous! I need to get out of my routine more often.... hopefully, the more I shock my system, the less anxious I'll be about EVERYTHING.
(Seriously, I can't even seem to change my life routine to go to the gym in the morning..... my heart races at the thought of getting up before the sun comes out to exercise, and then showering and getting ready in a place that reminds me of a high school locker room, aaaannnddd possibly forgetting stuff like towels. I digress....)
So, after 4 years out of college not really doing much outside of work, I've got something new on my plate. We'll see how it goes.
That's probably enough for a maiden entry! Time for me to officially "follow" all the blogs I've been reading :)
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