the whole way home

Yesterday Kev called to ask if he could use the car today. Thursdays are my yoga day, but he assured me he'd be home with plenty of time before I had to go. I told him no problem (I feel guilty that I have it all the time) that I would ride my bike to the office and catch a bus downtown to send off some holiday gifts.

I am home now, with plenty of time. The exciting thing?! I did NOT get off my bike once. I only stopped at the signs/lights. I rode up the whole hill that is towards the end of my journey. It's the first time I've made it up without having to stop. OH YEAH!!!

So I will go pick up Jill and we will head to yoga and we will celebrate tomorrow, the shortest day of the year (yeah, we're a day early).

Happy days to you all! Retail may kill me.

anything but

I am sitting here at my desk (you know, that one I call the writing desk) and beside me is a box of envelopes that need to be addressed. There is a green pen (how festive) and an address book as well. I have familial envelopes all addressed and am working towards the friends (or family I have chosen). It's been tough, getting it all together. I wrote the letter a few weeks ago, but we didn't have a chance to get the paper until sometime last week (?). I have 50 envelopes. That's it. I may end up posting the letter here so that those who don't get it can read it and shake their heads at my writing.

Of course what do I chose to do instead of addressing those envelopes? Everything. I have spoken to my parents this morning (as is our normal Sunday morning routine when I remember it truly is Sunday). I have eaten breakfast (you can't expect a girl to do such a daunting task on an empty stomach). I am on my second cup of coffee (the first is only the teaser, I get going after the second). I've picked up some clutter (cuz I can't work with clutter). I've gathered things to wrap presents (well, it does have to be done and there is no time like today). I've smiled at Simon (because I can't seem to look at him without a smile on my face...except at 7:30 in the morning when he's stomping on my head).

So yeah, how's your morning going?

derailed

My day, not going exactly to plan. I had thought I'd have a full day to work in the office. I went in around 9:00. Got a call immediately from an employee saying she'd eaten some bad salad dressing and was in the bathroom all night. I am working today.

Thankfully I brought my laptop with me and can work on the ads I have to build. Although working the floor while trying to be creative can be a bit tough. If she's feeling better later today, she's coming in. If not, I have another gal coming in around 4:15.

It's days like today that...I don't know. That keeps me entertained? That makes me crazy? That allows me to practice flexibility?

Yoga last night was exactly what I needed in order to face today. Sometimes, it's just like that. We were reminded that next weeks practice we'll be celebrating the winter solstice. This means, days will start to get longer again. This brings me joy. This winter has been a tough one. I have a hard time waking up and getting going. I've heard that from many of my friends. I long for the sun, although it's been around a bit more this year than years past.

Anyway, wanna hear the fun from last night?

I go to bed around 10:30. I'm all snuggled in and sleeping. At midnight Josie starts pacing between the bedroom and the back door. Kev is still up, but in the basement and doesn't hear her nails on the hardwoods. I get up, ask Kev to take her out because I'm in that sweet spot of being able to fall back asleep and we now have to go back out with her so she doesn't eat the rotting pumpkins from Halloween.

At 2:00 she's doing it again. I get up this time.

At 4:00? You guessed it, again. Kev gets her this time.

I am pretty sure she did it another time and I got up, but honestly it's all a blur.

Each time, she wants to go eat the rotten gourd. Of course this makes her have to GO. I'm wishing Kev would have put them in the compost, but it's almost ready and we're not supposed to open it too often.

So add the lack of sleep in there and you get this post, a bunch of rambling.

how do you address?

So I'm sitting here at my lovely (and newly cleaned off) writing desk. No, not really a professional writer, but I sit here and write this stuff so I call it a writing desk. Anyway, here I am addressing our holiday letter envelopes, avoiding having to clean the bathrooms (I've done everything from start laundry to pulling out a few dead plants in the garden). And I'm stumped.

One of Kev's aunts has divorced. She's got custody of the two boys. Do I address it to say The Smiths*? Or Jane and the boys?

I'm at a loss.


*some names have been changed

yesterday

Yesterday Kev was supposed to get the car. Then, yesterday, I got a call from a friend wondering if I'd like to come over to her house to watch Love Actually and have dinner. So yesterday, I called Kev before he left for work (many hours before) to see if he'd mind if I, once again, got the car.

I had a lovely time at my friends house. The movie was sweet. A holiday tradition in her house. I think I know what to buy her for Xmas. :)

And so yesterday, as I was walking home from the bus stop, before getting in the car and going to my friends house, I called Kev and asked him what he'd say if I told him he'd get to have the car today. He said he'd cry tears of joy. Smart ass.

Because you see, today, today I am riding my bike to work. Now, I've done this before so it's no big deal, right? Wrong. Today I'm riding to the second furthest store from where I live. At least I think it is. Maybe downtown is the second furthest. But yeah, it's about 3 miles from home. I'm riding with a coworker (who is jazzed that I agreed to her idea of riding in together).

And it's already too late to say no because Kev's left...with the car.

i don't know much...

...but I know I love you-oooo.

Got that damn song stuck in my head yesterday. Kev's fault, really. He was singing something in the voice of Aaron Neville (well, it sounded like he was trying to impersonate him) and I had to go and call him Aaron. Which, of course, lead (led?) him to sing Aaron's big hit with Linda.

The post from the 9th? Yeah, don't know who or what posted that.

Interesting thing happened this morning...

I turned on the computer, was beginning the reading of the blogs. Had the first opened. Did not click anything else, went to the kitchen to plunge the french press and make my toast. Came back out to the second blog I normally read, already up on my screen. No cats were around...

So "o-dpm"? I have no clue. I really have no idea.

o dpm

mmmmm, prescription food

Well, the appointment went well yesterday (yeah, I just hit publish this morning because I forgot to yesterday). Josie is going to go on prescription food for a few months to see if she's allergic to something that she'd been eating. This means? NO treats. NO sticks. NO nothing except the food and her peep pills.

We'll see how easy it is for Kev to remember he can't share tomatoes with her anymore (she LOVES the ends of the tomatoes).

She, of course, is currently back in bed with Pops after going out by herself to do her biddness. And dammit if I couldn't give her a piece of chicken jerky as a reward....just love. She seems to do well with just love as a reward (for now).

dogs don't chew

I was in the bathroom this morning. Josie busted through. I figured she had to poop so I came out and followed her. She went into the guest room (aka Chloe's room) and started sniffing something on the ground. I called her off of it. She'd gotten sick. Her entire breakfast.

It's a good thing we have a vet appointment today at 4:50. She's not had any more seizure activity (touch wood and thank the powers above), but her skin has not cleared up. We were supposed to get her in to see the vet right after she finished her last dose of pills. That was Thanksgiving. Yeah, we've been a bit crazed ever since. We gave her a bath the other night and saw a very red and very raw spot on her back. Up until then we'd not really seen any spots. But that was all we needed to see.

I called, the appointment has been made. I'm curious as to what they will suggest this time. We've attempted three times with antibiotics (first time a week on them, second, two weeks and third...go on and guess. Yep, three weeks of them). We've gotten shampoo. Granted we did not bathe her the three times a week we were told to (seriously have you attempted to bathe our dog?!?). I kind of think that that is going to be the thing we have to do, though. I don't know why I get that feeling.

So now she's back in bed with Pops and Simon. Chloe and I are hanging out in the living room with our littlest Xmas tree all lit up.

We'll hope that Dr. H has some other magic up her sleeve to make Josie more comfortable.

objects of desire

For the past two years my dear friend Jenn has held a ceramics sale at her house a few weeks prior to Christmas. There are four people who sell their wares. Jenn and Meghan have JaM, their line they do together. Dave and Isabelle each work solo.

Last year I went and helped Isabelle arrange her items and she gifted me a most wonderful mug. It fits perfectly in my hand and allows the easiest of drinking as the curve of the lip follows the curves of my mouth while I take a sip.

After she'd left that evening I pulled aside one of her amazing vases. It had been singing my name saying that I should give it to Jill and Mark. They love it as much as I knew they would.

This year we did not take our check book. It was a hard choice, but we've got a new budget and beautiful objects sometimes have to wait. I did not get to help set up this year, either.

Kev and I stopped by on Sunday. Things were not as plentiful as Saturday morning, when the sale started, but there were beautiful objects abound. I stopped in to chat with Isabelle as she worked on settling the money.

She asked if there were things I would be buying. I told her we'd just come to see what beautiful things they had all created this year, with the new mortgage we're not spending too much excess money. She looked at me squarely in the eye and told me to go pick something of hers out. I had already seen the object of my desire and shown Kev. He was a bit surprised that I did not bring any money to the sale.

The kindness overwhelmed me a bit. Here was this artist who wants to make money on the sale of her goods, giving me this glorious bowl. It was a salt firing, so all the speckles and color come from the salt. Every time I walk through the kitchen, I look at it and smile.

Of course I helped her load her tiny car with the work of hers that did not sell. It was the very least I could do to show my appreciation (aside from thanking her profusely and hugging her, which I did both many times).

The color of the mug is a little off. I took two photos, one with and one without flash. Obviously I had to jigger the flash photo a bit.

It is times like that night that make me remember the basic kindness of other humans (or at least the other humans I choose to surround myself with). It makes me thankful that I've got such amazing friends.

an idea only to entertain

So I did get some feedback about the idea of not sending out cards. I know that it was only an idea and that on Thursday Kev and I, during our foray into the world of errands, will get some holiday stationary, envelopes and stamps. We will make sure we have ink for the printer and the letter will go out. I got inspired after reading Mir's site yesterday. She loathes those holiday letters. She finds them boastful and pretentious. So she, being newly married, decided to tell it like it is. She wrote two versions of the letter. One was veto'd. I liked that version best. :)

So I decided to write a letter. Keep it simple, funny (hopefully), and quick (when have those of you who know me known me to be quick?!?).

If you don't know me, but you want a copy of the letter, tell me and I'll email it to you. Yeah, stamps are for those who I know? I'm cheap? We've got a crazy new mortgage? Our list is already as long as my arm?

Okay, I'm at work and I'd so be fired if I got busted posting the my blog (okay, maybe not really). Although I did just post to the clog blog.

to card or not to card, that is the question

I'm having issues. To send a holiday card this year via snail mail, or not. The majority of me is saying not to, send an email. But the etiquette fairy is telling me that it's not appropriate. However, here is my case:

1. no paper to go into landfills or be recycled (which is a good thing, but think of all the emissions made when recycling)

2. no crazy amount of money spent on cards or stamps (our list is a rather large one)

3. no having to buy printer paper that is fun and sweet (and then setting up the printer for just those dimensions)

4. just a holiday letter in email form.

So, vote on it (and if I could figure out how to insert one of those voting things, I would)...

to card or not to card?

really? it's sunday?

I am so confused when it comes to what day of the week it is. You see, working retail has not afforded me the luxury of being able to have set days off. Well, lately. There once was a time I had Sundays and Mondays off and it was bliss. Kev had Mondays and Tuesdays off then. We'd hike on Mondays, making them OUR day. We'd turn off the phones, take Josie hiking, just spend the day with one another. It was really blissful (perhaps I mentioned that earlier?).

But the beast that is retail (and new jobs...not recently new, but newish) makes it impossible for the two of us to have those Mondays back. He has three days to pick from, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. In any configuration. So he either has split days off (Sun/Wed or Sun/Thurs), or have Wednesdays and Thursdays. He doesn't want to work the entire weekend, when most of his friends have off. So he chose Sun/Wed as his days off (have I lost you yet?).

Wanting to have a day with him and a day with friends, I decided to take those days off as well. I am not enjoying split days off. I must admit. But here is the dilemma. I either give up my solo day with Kev (Wednesday) and take Sun/Mon again OR I give up my one day that I can do something with friends (Sunday) and take Wed/Thurs. I don't want to not be there two days of the week. Sundays are not for working. Sundays are also not for hiking, though. Too many people out on the trails.

How I long for the Monday hikes...

But tomorrow I work. Tomorrow Kevin works. Tomorrow Josie sits at home. So today I will enjoy my day at home solo (yes, I know Kev should have off, but he's got to work 6 days a week during the holidays).

knitted things

Yesterday was a good day. Work went by, at times it felt quick, at others more slowly. The boys came by the shop I was working at so we could all three chat about things. We like to have these meetings more often, and actually at the office, but with us having to cover shifts on the floor it's been hard to manage.

The two of them left at around 5:00 last night. I stuck out my tongue and told them to think of me at 6:30 when I was getting to leave. They both smiled...

I drove over to Twisted. Knit night with someone I met online through the lovely world of the blog. Cari was exactly as I imagined her. Welcoming, kind, knitting beautiful things that sprout from her mind. Ahhh, to be that kind of knitter. Me, I was working on yet another hat. And while knitting it I realized that I needed to make another certain someone a hat for his first birthday. What is it with me and hats all of a sudden?!

Anyway, I drove around the block like five times looking for this place. Once I found it I was immediately welcomed into the group of women who were there already. Helen, Lorajean, Kaarin, Cari, and C/Katie (a very sweet girl who none of us knew). Then again, I only knew Cari through her blog...wild.

I got quite a bit done on the hat I had taken with me. I also may or may not have purchased some of Helen and Lorajean's beautiful sock yarn (which Cari suggested I use to make a hat for that certain baby in my life because it's washable and durable). The yarn is beautiful. Of course no photos yet...I love the colorway, though. Nest is its name.

At some point I'd love to be the knitter who logs everything she does. You know, with start and finish dates, yarn used, etc. Until that time, I will continue making hats and dreaming up other things.

things are looking up

Okay, not that things were bad or anything. I'm just doing inventory and my neck no longer wants to hold my head straight, or move it left or right. It only wants to allow my head to fall back, looking up. You see, we have the clogs on tall shoe racks that hold 8 pairs vertically and 4 pairs across. On top of those racks are shelves where we keep about a stack of 7 boxes high by...I can't even begin to think how many wide. I took it upon myself yesterday to start the inventory because the person we fired the day before turkey day, wasn't removing or adding things correctly to our inventory list on the computer. It's a bit archaic, our system, but it works (if the kids do it right).

I will go and finish the style I started yesterday, today. Then...then I get to meet someone tonight! I'm pretty excited. I'm going to Twisted for knit night. I've only ever gone to a knit night once before and that was 100% on my own. I didn't know a soul there. Yeah, notice I only went once. :) That first time was fun, but the store (which is still my favorite) is way over in NE Portland and I, at the time, lived way out in SE Portland. Anyway, I got the invite to meet up, Kev will be home in time to feed the crew, I've got a fuzzy pink hat on the needles...so I'm goin'!

I only hope that today zips by as quickly as the majority of yesterday did.

other peoples conversations

Once a week I ride the bus downtown to work. I do not have my zune on (somewhere in the move I misplaced my ear buds...bah!). I get to hear the conversations around me.

Something that astounds me (although Charles tells me I shouldn't be so surprised by people) is the level of intimate details people will go into while talking (loudly) with their friends on the bus. They are not telling the story to their friend, they are telling it to the rest of us, really. Looking and waiting for a response. Sometimes they get one, from others. I never react, externally.

Kev says I do this, too. I am pretty sure I do, but I don't swear loudly, talk of sex, or anything that would leave others feeling icked out. I talk about hikes, dinner, lame-o stuff. And I think about why I feel the need to share things. The interesting thing? I've kind of stopped lately. Maybe I get things out on the blog and I don't feel the need? Maybe he and I don't go places as much together (grocery stores tend to be my place of choice...not buses).

So, are we all slightly exhibitionists? Do we like the attention? If so, what kind of attention are we bringing to ourselves with the conversations we have for those others?

By spouting off obscenity after obscenity the attention is one of pity. Why we've turned into big mouthed heathens is beyond me. Humans have devolved (many, not all).

It's a shame, really. I mean look at todays kids. They are either lazy, loud mouthed, and rude. OR they are super active, but self absorbed. I am sure there are some that have been raised by parents who take pride in teaching their children right and not so right. I get to see kids in the stores every so often. I am sure there are parents who think their kids are the best, most polite, and truly mindful. I'm here to tell them, they sometimes need to take off those rose colored glasses. Sometimes, though, there are kids who rock my world. They are kind, generous, endearing, aware that the world does not revolve around them. They say thank you. They pick up after themselves (because their parents are picking up the things they try on).

Kids, learn from observation as well as our words. Praise them when they do well. Talk to them when they are needing guidance. Don't ignore them.

Wow, tangent much?

relaxed

That was the word for yesterday. We had a couple of friends by earlier in the day to watch the second half of the Packers/Lions game before they scooted home to eat and we sat down at our own table. Just the two of us. It was quite lovely. We did not over consume, which can be hard at this time of year. I decided to load up my plate with the green beans with toasted almonds first and then see what else would fit.

We did have two other friends make it by for the pie. They were in awe of the fact that I made three pies, for just the four of us. I told them that really I had thought more people would be coming by for pie, but it turned out to not be so. No biggie. Just means more pie for me. I mean us. :)

I should say the Shoo Fly Pie, perfect.

Kev and Kendra and Merek all loved the cheese cake. The apple pie, good, but not the house favorite. I think next time I need to slice my apples thinner instead of just into 8 slices per apple (like the recipe called for).

I am working downtown today. I've surprised a couple of my regulars by being here. It's been a fun day. I've got less than an hour left on the clock before heading home and getting a turkey sandwich. Yes, turkey for lunch AND dinner. And you know what? I had pie for breakfast!

do you realize?

It's an amazing thing that the shoo fly pie did not get sliced into last night?! Can I start my dinner with dessert? And then my main course be cheese cake. Ending with a bit of apple crumb?

No, I didn't think that would work. :) Although I am an adult and can make my own choices. And the turkey, potatoes, green beans, stuffing (well, not the stuffing) all sound too good to pass up.

I'd like to say happy day to everyone who reads these simple words. I know I don't post things that are earth shattering, but that's okay. I like living a life that is calm and not too chaotic. Man, I should really go knock on some wood right about now...

Happy day everyone!

three kinds of pie

Yep, today is the day before turkey day. For me, the day serves as a reminder to be kinder to my humans. Be appreciative of the life I get to live. And live each day to its fullest.

Today, I am making three glorious kinds of pies. I love baking pies. The first to be made was the Shoo Fly Pie. This recipe is from my late Grandma, Margaret Fink. I remember sneaking pieces with my Grandpa when nobody was around (it was either the pie, or the crullers). It is a pie with molasses (special molasses from Allentown, PA), among other ingredients. If it is made correctly (and I am hoping this one turns out well) you will have three distinct layers. The bottom is molasses that settled out from the mixture. It's a bit gooey, not runny. The middle layer is almost like coffee cake. The top is the crumb topping...oh the crumb topping. If it is made incorrectly, they all kind of run together with no distinction. Not the pie I remember.

The second I made was an Apple Crumb Pie (my Mom's recipe). I made my wedges of apple a little bit chunkier than normal, sprinkled cinnamon sugar over them before covering it all with crumb topping...man, there it is again! If Kevin remembers, he will stop and get vanilla ice cream to have with it. If not, then plain it is...and there ain't nothing wrong with plain apple pie.


The third is currently in the oven and that is Cheese Cake. With almond extract instead of vanilla. It gives it a lovely flavor. I failed to get any topping for it, though. I thought about making a crumb topping with the leftover graham crackers, but I think I need a crumb topping free dessert. But man...crumb topping.




Tomorrow, we'll see who makes it by to share.

i almost forgot

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

i had to honk three times

Okay, so I didn't actually honk the horn three times, only two. But there was a third incident that a honking would have been appropriate.

I want Jen to rule the world soon. Because when she does, the idiot drivers who will look at you as they blow through a stop sign (when you have none), the morons who see you coming, but turn ever so slowly in front of you anyway, and just about everyone else who annoys me on the road...will not be given a license.

It's raining here (no surprise, I am sure) and grey. I am working at my old store. I am hoping that some of my regulars come in today and are surprised. It's always fun when one of them come in. I get hugs. Is it odd that women who come into the shoe store (whom I've not seen for some time) will hug me? Or is it a testament to the kind of person I am?

I have an interview this morning. At least I hope I do. Yesterday I had two people lined up to come in. One showed. No call from the second. Annoyance, for sure. The one that did show up yesterday has experience. This is not a bad thing. It may have been a while since she sold shoes, but she seemed to have a certain passion about them (but not bordering on crazy obsession). We've gotten quite a few resumes in response to the ad on criagslist, but none jump out and grab me. Four, intrigue me. Two will be interviewed, one a no show and the fourth had a non-working number so I emailed her and I've not heard back. Although I'll have to have Charles check the machine at the office today.

I hope the rains stop a bit so I can get to my bus shelter. After that, it can rain again. I love having a shelter at the stop I wait at now. The old stop, at our old house, didn't and I'd get on the bus looking like a drowned rat. I never really carry an umbrella unless it's pouring outside. We don't get too much pouring here. And true Oregonians, don't carry umbrellas. We wear rain gear instead. Um, yeah...maybe it's the transplants that don't use umbrellas? I don't know.

I don't have anything currently on the needles (knitting, that is) but I did finish myself a really cute hat. I used Karabella Aurora, Cascade 220, and Lannet superwash. Brown, blue, green, respectively. I was going to take some shots last night, but didn't. Have no other excuse than I just plain did not take any. I will take some and post them soon, though. I might even tell you what I did (pattern wise). It turned out really cute, although Kev's got his eyes on it. I knew I should have gone with pink instead of green for the top!!!

Okay, must gather my things and head to the bus stop soon. Keep fingers crossed that my favorite coffee shop is in fact open today!

how short is short?

For a while now I've felt as though my hair was not fitting my personality anymore. Sure, it was fun (and I like to think that I'm fun as well), but there was too much futzing that had to happen. I made the appointment a couple of weeks before. The entire time spent thinking of how I wanted Suzette to cut it. All I could come up with was drastic. I showed up a few minutes early and as luck would have it, she'd finished with her previous client a bit early. She and I sat and flipped through her hair books, looking for anything that jumped at us. She found a couple. I found a few. I looked at her and knew she had a cut in mind. I told her that she was free to do what she saw fit. I'm not sorry I did that. I'm even contemplating shorter next time.

blustery

It's a windy day here in Portland. It will make waiting for the bus interesting and cold. I am heading downtown to make my statement in a identity theft attempt (I'd had a post up, but then took it down...I felt it was better to not have it out there for some reason).

Kev and Reggie are up in Seattle, heading home today. They went up yesterday to see Ween play last night. I'm sure they had a great time. I'm sure I'll hear all about it over sushi tonight. Reggie heads out tomorrow for Spokane and is back on Sunday before he heads back to Jersey on Monday. Kev's had a great time with his friend visiting.

Nothing fabulous and fun to post. Although I did get my hair cut...

Pictures will follow later today.

in the moment

He was washing windows. He was up four stories. His safety harness/rope snapped. He fell four stories and landed on his head. His motor skills were taken from him. His mind still worked. He has had to learn how to walk all over again.

Never would I have hoped anything like this on anyone, even a jerk of an ex-husband of my dear friend.

Live life in the moment. Take nothing for granted. Tell those you love that you love them. Rinse and repeat.

Mind, blown.

best gift ever

So Kevin's birthday is coming up on the 17th. I had an idea of what I wanted to get for him, but I needed help. Today the throng of us went to SE Hawthorne and met up at the store I work at (the five of them: Kev, Catherine, Mamasita, Daddy Walter and Reggie took the car while I biked). Earlier I'd enlisted the help of Daddy Walter. HE would be the only person for this particular job.

We were all standing around the store, a few of them were trying on clogs and asking me questions. They all continued chatting, looking and trying. I looked across as Walter, this was our time. I told the gang that Walter and I had something to do, but we'd be back shortly.

Kev and Reggie went to the CD Game Exchange to look around at what they had to offer (not much of anything because both were empty handed when they came back to the store).

Catherine and Mamasita had walked up the road a bit to a resale shop (nothing appealed to them, either).

Walter and I went into the destination, looked at many beautiful things, picked out exactly the right one and hightailed it back to my work. I called the boys and the girls under the guise that we'd needed to meet up for lunch.

Sitting behind me was the first part of Kev's gift. A stand. Something that would be an important part of the real gift, which was hiding behind the counter...

The look on his face was perfect. He instantly started playing a little in the store and beamed.

Needless to say, I feel as though this is the best possible gift for me to give to him. The gift of music. The gift of creativity. The gift of that smile.

It sounds amazing, even though he's "not that good" according to him. He's taught himself. He can play recognizable tunes. He is better than he knows...

the sun will come out, tomorrow

Okay, now that I have most of you singing that damn song in your heads from Annie...(myself included in that group).

My Mamasita-in-law, her husband and Kev's sister get here TOMORROW! I can't believe how fast time sometimes feels like it's passing. When you were a kid, didn't time stand still? Didn't a day sometimes feel like it took weeks? Doesn't it still, sometimes? Today will go slowly because it's the last day before they get here. It's law. The final full day before something fun and amazing will happen, always takes five days to pass.

I have dinner all mapped out for tomorrow night. I'm making lasagna. I still have to get veggies tomorrow after I go into the office for a few hours. That's easy though, since there is a grocery store up the block from the office. Must remember to take market bag. Must also remember to take picture of market bag to share with knitter friends.

Tonight I will get home from work (I'm excited to be working downtown) and I will finish cleaning. Kev vacuumed on Saturday evening and it still looks good. I just have a few things to pick up, nothing major. Also, I need to make Catherine's bed downstairs. I will use the flannels for her since the basement isn't heated by the furnace, but a cadet heater (which honestly, warms the room faster than any old air vent would!).

Also must put an extra blanket on Mamasita and Daddy Walters bed upstairs. When we told them what we dropped the heat to overnight...yeah, they'll need blankets (and we'll probably turn the heat up overnight while they are in town).

I just am so darned excited to see family! I couldn't have been more lucky. I adore my in-laws! Adore! Crap, must get things for Margaritas tomorrow! Note to self...

frustration and love

I got home this evening to Kevin being in a funky mood. His business trip to Cali (where he left on a Monday afternoon and got back the next night) was pretty good. He left it feeling pretty upbeat. There were only a few speakers he could tell were not thrilled with the topic they were given (he's pretty sure they didn't get to pick what they would speak about). But all in all he felt good.

So we got to have Wednesday off together (YEA!) and we ran around doing errands, buying groceries, the necessities. He went in for a couple of hours to straighten up the office and give the guys stuff to do in preparation for the district and the area managers' visit. The last time they came through town they failed to get to his store. He was promised "We will DEFINITELY stop by on Friday!"

You can guess where this is going, I am sure. So he's annoyed, pissed off really, that they didn't have the decency to even call to say they were not going to make it. They made it to all the other stores in the area.

Now, for the love:

During my yoga practice tonight (sigh) I started thinking (I know, should have been emptying my mind) about all the love I have felt among my friends when it comes to Josie. Almost every friend I've spoken to starts the conversation with "how's Josie doing?" I can not tell you how warm it makes me feel. She is still doing well (knock on wood). Her skin improves each day. Her goofy butt is wigglier and wigglier every time we come home. We're going to hold off the meds until she possibly has another seizure. I'm hoping that the allergy was the culprit. I'm not holding my breath, but I am hopeful. And full of thanks. You are all inspirational to me. Live life to the tune of our loved ones. Think of others first. Put love out there and you get it back, ten fold at least.

Namaste dear friends.

trying something new

I have decided that since I enjoy when I hear responses to my comments at other blogs, I would attempt to do something along the same vein. However, I can't always reply directly (since blogger eats some email addresses) so I figured I would respond to comments IN the comments. We'll see how long it lasts. :) Anyone want to start making bets?
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Today is Halloween. All Hallows Eve. The Hallow weenies will be out. However we don't know how many to expect in our new hood. I bought three small bags of candy. I figure if we give it all out, next year we buy four.

Our pumpkins are carved. We'll have to try to get a shot of them tonight when they are all lit. Two are fantastic, one is lame lame lame (the one I carved at the punkin carving party). Kev was away on an overnight business trip to Cali. He got home last night and noticed I'd carved the third one. I think it will look pretty cool, all lit up.
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There was a dead bird on our back patio. The one the giant window in the kitchen looks over. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that he flew into said window. At least the way he was laying on the patio led me to believe it was so. Poor bird.
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Josie's doing much better. She's not on the meds for seizures yet, but her skin is looking (and feeling) fantastic. She's much less itchy, she's not super greasy, and she's not rubbing alongside the bed as much (although she still does some because she's nutty). We're holding off on the seizure meds until she's done with the two she's on for her skin. After that, she goes back in for a re-exam and we discuss further. Kev will be going with me to the next one.
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I actually got to sleep in until 8:00 this morning. I have no idea why Simon didn't start in until then, but I will take it on a day off. The morning is foggy and cold. The perfect day to sit, sip, and knit. Speaking of that, I'm off. Chloe's blanket isn't going to knit itself!

intrigue me

This morning I saw a guy in a red car sitting out in front of the house. He had a clipboard and a camera. He took a photo of the front of our house. Since I was wearing my pjs still, I declined to open the door and ask what he was doing. He turned the corner and drove slowly down the street.

I started thinking about the new google maps options of seeing the street level view of places. Our house is there, but it's an older photo. Honestly, it kind of freaked me out (both the guy taking the photo and seeing our house from street level on the internet).

The guy did not seem to be casing the joint, so to speak, but he did take a photo.

Who knows...

If you haven't done so yet, go to the google maps and put in your street address. Some cities have been updated so you can get that street level view. Tell me what you think.

i breathe in, i breathe out

As I go through each day I remind myself. Breathe. It's something we all do without really thinking about. Breathe in the day. Breathe out the day.

When I get annoyed (work crap), I remind myself, "I breathe in, I breathe out" and it all seems to be put into perspective.

Training has commenced, once again. The trainees are doing fine (well, I am working with one of them for the first time today, but she actually has experience selling the things we do so I expect goodness). It's the currents that are a bit mind boggling. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by their attitudes, job sit surfing, resume writing (all while on the clock). Yeah, we'll be chatting with a few of them soon...although if they find that next job, we won't have to. Although after writing that, I am surprised. I mean, we offer pretty good pay for working in a retail setting. Our boss is fair and kind. The job itself, not that hard. It can actually be a lot of fun, too!

Common sense is something that seems to elude some people. My common sense tells me if I am unhappy someplace I work to look for work, but don't do it while I'm being paid by my current employer (no, I am not looking for a new gig, I LOVE my job...). It also tells me if there are things sitting in the store room that have been there for weeks, put them away. Simple, right? Yeah, I think some people just. don't. get it.

So during training, I have told one of the women (will tell the other today) that common sense is a thing of beauty. We love people who say they are self motivated and really, truly ARE. Nothing annoys me more than someone saying in an interview that they can work on their own, finding things to do if they aren't told what to do, and then they don't. They sit there, they surf the web, they ignore customers.

I breathe in, I breathe out.

hang eighteen

I got home last night from an amazing and wonderful yoga practice (still wondering if I will have one that is not either of those things). I was ravenous. I informed Kev that we really needed to eat and we needed to do it SOON.

He and I joked around a bit before he put on his shoes, I put my jeans back on (I came home wearing yoga pants people...minds out of my bedroom!), and we were off.

When we'd left, Simon was lying next to (halfway on) my laptop. The screen was up so he was resting his head on the keyboard. When we got home, we were wondering how he navigated himself here:

I have no idea.

Kev said he was probably trying to get someone to send him food. I joked that if we started getting kitty porn in the mail he was grounded. The cats keep things interesting. Hell, so does the dog!

thank you

Well Josie's appointment went well. We've got blood work being done and are waiting to see what the labs tell us.

Dr. H thinks that it would be worth it to start her on Phenobarbital, but we'll wait until the results are in from the lab and after Kev and I have a chance to talk. She said that yes, it will make her dopey and possibly uneasy on her feet, although she has met a few dogs that it did not have that affect on. In a few weeks after starting it we should see her return to her normal self. We'll have to put a gate up on the stairwell leading to the basement, just so she doesn't fall down while we are not home.

We are waiting until she finishes the round of antibiotics and antihistamines she's on for her skin condition that won't. go. away! Dr. H said that she's read of cases where allergies have caused seizure activity, but she's never had a case. Can we say we'd like to be that case? If we get her skin issues under control and she doesn't have any seizures, we'd wait a bit longer to start her on the Phenobarb. If she has one, and her skin is clear, we'll start her...no questions asked.

Thank you for your support and loving words. Josie is my very first dog. She's spoiled me for any other dog we will have in the future. She's been easy. She's been trying. She loves me with all she knows. And I love her more than that.

the eyes

I look at that face and I see trust.

I look into those eyes and I see love.

I look at her and all I can do is hold back the tears.

Tomorrow we go in to meet with the vet about the seizure activity that has sprung back to life. She's had three in the past month and a half. The last one was on Thursday of last week. Kev was home with her. I should say the last one we know of.

It hurts me to know that she's probably going to have to go onto medication that may alter who she is. I don't want to lose my dog.

I won't know to what extent things might change until tomorrow. But tonight I am scared. I love her more than I ever thought was possible.

She trusts me and all I feel is that I'm letting her down with the thought of the drugs she'll have to be on. I know that it will be for the best, in the long run. But I also know that she won't be the same dog for a little while as her body and system adjusts to the meds. Four years ago she had a seizure in the early morning. We'd hoped it would be a one time thing.

It wasn't.

co 70 sts

I decided to knit Chloe a blanket. I had some Cascade 220 superwash that was going to be for a different project, but Dad got a scarf made out of softer yarn instead.

I was all kinds of going on the blanket. I was even cabling! I've never done a cable knit. I've attempted, I've tried to swatch, I've never succeeded in really doing it though. So what did I decide to knit in Chloe's blanket?!

CABLES!

I was whizzing right along when I realized the damn things weren't making the lovely little cable that we all know from those preppy sweaters. I popped open my knitting guide book and yep, I was cabling every fourth row which would result in a rope like cable instead of every sixth, which is the fluid cable. Thankfully I was only on my third round of the repeat when I realized this.

Froggie went a courtin'.

some what i have learned in my 35 years of life

If I want something done, I must do it myself. This goes for at work and at home.

If I want to leave on time, I must add 10 minutes to the time when telling Kev when that time is.

That Chloe is a fiber kitty. She sits on any knitting that is laying around the house, even if said knitting is only about two inches long at the time. I'm now knitting her her own blanket.

Josie has seizures. We have to get her to the vet to figure out how to handle them, even though they are rather infrequent.

Simon is a pest. Even though Kev got up and fed them this morning, giving me the chance to sleep in, the fat bastard (Simon) pestered me an hour after they'd already been fed.

Days off that are sunny are fantastic.

Lunch with friends, fun.

Sushi, not happening on a Sunday. When your favorite places are all closed on Sundays, take that as a sign.

This house makes us all calmer. We don't like leaving it, but sometimes we must.

Riding my bike has aided me in losing two pounds. I know! Must. ride. more.

When I am not going to work, I have the best damn hair days.

I love my family. And that family extends further than the blood.

My dog makes everything okay with the smallest gestures.

My cats are cheap entertainment.

Some songs make me want to dance. Some, cry. Some, both at the same time.

I have some amazing people in my life. I hope they feel the same about me.

You get back what you put out there. I knew this long before the various books, videos, quacks told us.

My opinion is always right. Unless I realize the error of my ways.

I always admit the errors.

I try not to nag, but sometimes I just can't help myself. I mean, why start getting ready at the time I said I wanted to leave? Then I remember my second realization on this list and smile to myself.

tired woman standing

Finding it hard to concentrate.

The new house is fabulous, still.

The animals drive me batty, what's new?

Work is work.

I just ate a hard boiled egg.

It was good.

Off tomorrow.

Sushi followed by whiskey tasting.

I dislike whiskey.

Should be an interesting day...

18 minutes

I got up this morning and dilly dallied around the house. I sat in front of my computer chatting via email with my boss's wife. We were looking for fun posters of shoes for a couple of the stores. I'd thought about it last night and decided that instead of riding my bike to work I would walk. Kev needed the car to drive to work since he was working at one of the other stores that is far away. I had yoga tonight and didn't really want to ride my bike in and have to figure out what to do about it during class. Sure, I could have ridden it to practice, but the streets to get there are crazy busy and I didn't really relish the idea of riding on them as a new, inexperienced, rider. Also, I don't have a lock yet.

I had told Wendy that I was going to go in a bit later because I had an ad to build for work. At 8:20 I realized CRAP, I TOLD MR. LEE I'D BE THERE AT 9:00 TO LET HIM IN!!! I was still in my jammies.

I forwent the shower, threw on some clothing and made the realization that I was going to have to bike into work. It was drizzling a bit (note to self: don't wear glasses when raining and riding your bike) and was chilly. The new jacket I got yesterday was perfect! Warm, rain beaded up, yet not huge and bulky. However, I could use some gloves. My hands were a bit red when I got there.

While riding I met up with this other biker and we rode together for many blocks. I guarantee that it was riding with him that got me to work so darn fast. It was nice, though. The biking community is a warm one, indeed. I was sad when I had to make my turn off cuz we weren't quite finished with our conversation. Maybe we'll run into each other again sometime. If I leave at 8:30 each morning it might happen.

Of course I won't be riding every single day to work since I sometimes have to go between stores.

I ended up leaving my bike in the store on Hawthorne, busing to practice and getting a ride home from my teacher. Tomorrow morning I will bus into work downtown. Then, after work, I will bus to my bike at Hawthorne and ride it home. Should be an adventure. I did get my lights today, though, so I am ready. I must remember gloves, though.

I don't know who I am becoming, but I'm a little bit in love with her.

gots me some new wheels!

I know, I know...but I couldn't resist. Kev was having such a good time riding his bike to work so I had to join in the fun.

The day began with mimosas and our friend, Linsel, coming over for brunch. After he left Kev and I decided to run a few errands. That included getting him a helmet for his bike, but not before getting him a better, more waterproof, jacket. After we went to the Columbia outlet where he got his jacket (and I got a thinner yet oddly warm jacket myself [for running...yeah, I am thinking I may just start running soon])...anyway, after there we headed to Freddies for his helmet. When we were driving there, I said to Kev that I'd like to look at the bikes for me.

When we were loading it up he said to me, "Happy Birthday!"

I couldn't imagine anything better. Health for my birthday.

We promptly filled its tires and took a nice ride. I hope that the weather cooperates tomorrow so I can ride into work!!!

YEAH!!

in need of a new camera

I tried to post this yesterday, but there were problems with blogger and photo uploading. Shall we keep our fingers crossed? :)

Well, I took a few photos today, but the camera kept acting up. There were odd lines through certain parts of pictures. The screen would go blank unless I finessed it a bit. It is slow to respond when I press the shutter button. It's been a great camera, but it is on its last legs for sure.

Anyway...here are four that I could make okay with photoshop.

get out!

No, that is not a directive to anyone who is in my house, who was in my house, or who is coming to my house.

I was reading my favorite blogs today and found out that Brainy Lady has the same birthday as me! Not only that, but she's 35 today, TOO!!! Happy Day, Brainy Lady!

Today has consisted of me getting woken by the phone (no worries Mom and Dad) after getting to sleep in a bit (Kev got up and fed the critters). We then had a lovely small breakfast and headed up to Mt. Tabor to walk around with the Digs (aka Josie). Got home and started in on a few things here. I made a few phone calls to the stores to check on the kids at work but they all said they were fine. So, I organized the cd racks while Kev worked on a project my sister asked him if he'd be interested in doing.

Tonight we have a couple of friends coming over (oh, soon!) to hang and play games. Which means I really should put on some pants. LOL

whole new world

First I must say THANK YOU to my parents for coming out here for ten days of hard. ass. work.

The house, is perfect. Things are up on the walls, it has the lived in for years feeling. It is home. We couldn't have gotten here so quickly without your help, Mom and Dad. Thank you.

Second...this neighborhood. It's great! I just got back from chatting with Brett (the man who owns the house across the street from us...our house faces the side of his house). He gave me a quick tour of his backyard. We spoke of how quiet this place is compared to where we moved from. Then, the people who live in the beautiful grey house across the street from him (and two doors down) were driving off and giving him trouble. Telling me if he gave me problems to come to their house! :) They are close to our age and seemed fun. I will have to pop by at some point to meet them.

It is wild living in a neighborhood where the neighbors are friendly and look out for each other.

Sigh...

I will get some photos up soon. Dad, I hate to tell you but the cd you burned for me? Yeah, the ones labeled with our address (1, 2 and 3) all were empty. The one labeled "reunion" or something, had the first few photos you took of the house. So...thanks for trying. :)

Okay, going to go get a drink, check on the oven and start dinner.

not quite dead yet

We are still alive. In fact, Dad has posted a couple of before and after photos at his blog.

I picked them up on the 2nd. We haven't sat down since. In fact, right now is the first moment of real rest and time to not think about where I want to put things. They are downstairs in the Cave (family room) watching (snoozing to) HGTV. Dad was up here doing crosswords with me while I was knitting. Yes, I was knitting! I have the sweetest little nook in my living room that has my stash (that's yarn folks) and all my books. It's great. I'm making a market bag with some variegated tape type yarn a friend brought back from London. I wasn't sure what I wanted to make with it until I realized it was the perfect stuff for a market bag.

We've made curtains (well, altered ones we had at the old house for about a minute). We have hung various paintings, mirrors, artwork. We have gone to the grocery store about one billion times. However, that stopped today. Because today we received our new fridge!!! It's big. It's beautiful. It's here!!! We went top mount fridge with a drawer freezer.

I have found the camera but have yet to take photos. Keep checking back or looking at Dad's place for things.

Right now, I think I am going to go grab some water and sit...while doing nothing!

I can tell you this, though. I've thoroughly enjoyed having my parents here. It's been fun and exhausting all at once. They're here until Friday the 12th. They are amazing people. Go go go! That energizer bunny has got NOTHING on them!!!

home

My dear friend called tonight. She needed an ear to bend and someone to hug. She's going through a break up right now. Well, they are on a break. We know how that normally works out (although if there are any readers out there with on a break stories where they-or friends-ended up together i'm happy for you).

I had just started making the beef stew for dinner. I'd hoped to have it done shortly after Kev got home but forgot that it takes about two hours to cook. Anyway, she called and asked if I was home. I told her to come over.

We were in the kitchen so I could keep an eye on dinner while we chatted over a glass or two of wine. I hope she feels as home here as I do. I want my house to be warm and inviting and comfortable for all my friends and family.

I gave her a hug and told her she always had a home with us. When she needs to be in the company of others, we are here for her. Whenever.

In just a couple of days my parents will get to see this beautiful space we are lucky enough to call home. We will winterize my garden, decorate, eat, drink, share. I can hardly wait!

posts are fleeting

Last night in bed I was thinking of a great idea for a post. It would be grand. It would be the best post ever. It was fleeting because now it is gone. I even said to myself last night, "well, another post that won't get written, nor remembered in the morning."

Things are shaping up here at the homestead. Kev keeps wandering around saying, "I really love this house" to me. I keep saying, "I do too!"

The only thing I don't like? The fact that there are boxes still. I know, it's not even been a week since we moved in. However, I lived among boxes the last month at the old house. I can't stand cardboard right now. It dries out my hands, makes my nose twitch, and really is not doing anything esthetically for the decor.

My parents get here in three days. The bed is almost made (sorry Mom, I know you said you had sheets to bring but I found our blue sheets in one of the boxes and can't have you coming into a room with an unmade bed) in their room. Furniture is arranged, but nothing on the walls or any decorative touches. The way I am thinking, we can do a bit of work on the garden (between the rains) and when it is raining, decorate my house! I know that my mom will love this idea!

My favorite thing, right now? The fact that I am sitting at my writing desk in the living room upstairs while writing here. The router is downstairs in the new cave and my connection isn't dreadfully slow...sigh...it IS comcastic. Damn! ;)

Okay, must go finish getting ready for work. Even though work is pesky and gets in the way of organizing things, it's a nice break from said things.

tired doesn't even begin to describe

We are in. We've been in. We're exhausted.

The house is really coming together. The bedroom was the first to get put together by me and the cave by Kev. It feels great to have two rooms done. The kitchen is almost done, but there is one more box of random kitchen stuff to unpack. It's got the crock we need for the cooking utensils. I've been wanting that crock all day because as it is, right now they are all hanging out in a box. Yeah, not the look we're going for.

Okay, off to watch dumb tv and just sit.

I'll get photos as soon as we find the camera.

waiting is hard

Once upon a time, not so long ago, I would write things that were interesting (well, I thought they were at least). I would write things that didn't pertain to listing a house, looking for a house, purchasing a house, or painting a house. Where did those times go?

I'm ready to be in. I'm ready to have things set up and to not have to leave our new house every evening. I'm ready to have the boxes broken down and taken away by the recyclers. I'm ready to have all my dishes and food there so we can cook a real meal instead of getting Subway on the way over or heating up French bread pizzas (although they were really really good).

I'm ready to see the cats investigate and explore their new surroundings. I'm ready to clean this little gem of a house one last time before letting its new owner in. I'm ready.

the word of the day

We got to the house by about 7:15 tonight. Not enough time to paint two coats in the living room, but enough to paint the first coat and tape off the bedroom. We're going to head over tomorrow after we're off work and paint the second coat in the living room and the first coat in the bedroom. This gives us time Tuesday night to paint the second coat in the bedroom in preparation for moving in on Wednesday.

I must say, it's hard to come back to our first little gem each night since Friday. Kev wants to take sleeping bags tomorrow, but I can tell you...that ain't gonna happen! I needs to sleep in a bed. Especially before having to unload and "reload" a store these next two days.

What is that, you ask? Well, we are closing one of our stores at work tomorrow around 2:00. We will be unloading all the clog racks so that the racks can be removed and the store can be painted. Tuesday we are closed all day so we can install the new clog racks and load them back up with clogs.

So yeah, I'm exhausted working on being spent and heading towards incapacitation.

again with the tired

I've moved many things today with the help of some pretty amazing people. Kev worked until about 2:30 today and up until that time Jill was my right hand girl. Shannon came over to meet the house and helped us with a HUGE load of boxes. I swear, she drives a clown car or something. Every time she'd leave the "rental" with another box Jill and I figured she'd take it to the Subaru eventually. Nope, fourteen bagillion boxes all fit in her sedan.

So after the loading in of all those boxes, Jill and I finally got to priming the house. She cut in and I rolled with the paint stick (after running to pick Kev up). The paint stick, best invention ever! The living room has now got two coats of primer on the walls and Kev just finished taping the place. We opted to not tape prior to priming because enough of the red had gotten on the trim and eventually Jill and I will paint the trim.

We took Jill home, went by the house to feed the crew and pick up Josie, went to the Deep Hole to pick up two gallons of green paint before heading back to the house to start painting. At that point we'd not taped so...painting will happen tomorrow. We did, however, pick a blue for the bedroom and I'll pick that up on Monday (hoping that Powell Paint is open on Mondays). We're hoping to get the bedroom painted on Tuesday so that it is easier without all the furniture in the space.

The spare room will wait, because we've not figured out the paint colors. I'm waiting for Mom and Dad to come and help with colors for it. The hall will eventually be painted as well, and we've got the color chosen for it. There just isn't enough time to paint everything we need to, which is really the whole house, before we move in.

I have almost all of the kitchen unpacked. Just one more box of "wine glasses and random stuff" which has been deemed "very fragile" and the stuff here we are living with. I am sure Mom will help me organize things a bit better, but I do feel good about having as many boxes unpacked as I do.

The funniest thing of the night? Josie. Every single time we'd go to the basement, she RAN downstairs with us and would wiggle. She likes the basement...who knew?

Okay, I'm tired and ready to go drink some water before heading to bed. Tomorrow, I work at Tanasbourne (the furthest store from me) 11-6. Then, paint baby!!!

Will share pics as time allows and they are taken. :)

and we're in!

We moved almost all of the stuff that was at our friends house for the past four months (Thanks Jill and Mark). We have two more loads to take over tomorrow. Kev works in the morning, but I am off all day. Jill and I are going to prime the living room and probably take a few more loads over. Our goal (Kev and my) is to have all the boxes taken over so that the guys who are moving us just have furniture to move.

The house is perfect. It's just lovely. It's home.

There are still tomatoes on the vine. There are some ears of corn ripe for the picking. There was a lovely note waiting for us when we got in. The garden is organic, from the beginning. She wished us love, health, rest and nourishment in the home they called their "own paradise" for many years. It is our own little paradise.

We already got welcomed to the neighborhood by Francesca and Sophie (neighbor and her dog). It's just home.

Thanks for all the excitement everyone. I can't wait to get the pictures taken and loaded to share with you all!!!

so. very. tired.

Tomorrow. We get in tomorrow. We bought another paintstick tonight after we went out for a celebratory dinner. We'd had one before but it saw its last paint a little while ago. It started leaking and we figured it would be better to get a new one rather than drip paint all over our new house.

Our new house. Three finer words do not exist right now in my world. Or do they? Got three finer words for me?

Bed calls.

signed sealed and almost delivered

We have signed the paperwork. By Friday we will be able to be in! I'm not excited what-so-ever, I am sure you can tell.

Debbie and Alia were both there (mortgage broker and realtor respectively) and made it easy and fun. They both looked over things, put their two cents in when they felt necessary and generally made our lives much easier.

We have one key and Nancy will be leaving the others behind. I am hoping we get to meet her on Friday. I'm going to go by a bit early so I can chat with her (Alia said that Nancy was hoping to meet us before leaving). I wrote her a card, just in case we don't cross paths. We're going to stop by and drop it in the mailbox today on our way to buy a washer and dryer.

We're ready. 100% ready. Okay, maybe not 100%, but we are close and almost fully packed. We just have to make a few more arrangements (the 1800-got-junk truck to be booked) and we'll be set to jet.

Sigh...

don't box me in

T minus three days until we sign the paperwork (which will turn our hands into claw like appendages for all the signing we will do). Five until we get to get in the house. I'm down to counting on one hand.

When I have something I am looking forward to and am counting down the days, I like to have the visual of how many days that is. Being down to ONE hand is an exciting time for me. Nerdy, I suppose. But it is me. :)

We took a break from packing last night and went out to eat with our friends, Jess and Erik. We ate at a great place in NoPo (that's North Portland) and then headed to their house for some Wii action! Kev and I dominated the tennis courts, but he was really carrying me. When Jess and I teamed up, we got schooled.

It was a fun night. I can't wait to have them over to the new place to play Wii on our system. The only time they've ever been over was when the house has been in disarray because of the packing. They are new-ish friends to us. We met them through mutual friends. Anyway, they know we don't enjoy the living among boxes of our stuff so they invited us over for a retreat of sorts.

I feel bad, leaving the critters behind, but what are you going to do? Josie would have been okay to take, but the cats...not so much. They would have tried to eat Marquez (Jess's bird) and I'm not sure how Zelda (their dog) would have reacted to them. I don't know how Josie and Zelda would get along, either. Zelda is a bit younger and much more playful. Josie just doesn't know how to play with other dogs. She's kind of played with two dogs before, but we don't hang out with those dogs humans anymore.

I am heading to work shortly. I've got to work the next two Sundays, which kind of sucks since we could have used next weekend to move move move. However, by moving on a Wednesday, we're getting 15% off the truck rental and the guys who we hired to do the heavy lifting cost less, too. So really it's not all that sucky. I will be taking the next two Saturdays off so that Jill and I can prime and paint our living room before my parents get here on the 2nd of October. It's the only thing I really want to have done. Mom and I will arrange furniture when they are here. I will have the kitchen set up, most likely, though.

As enthralling as this post has been, I'm sure you have better things to go and read or do. So, until next time...

hitting home

It's hitting me that this is no longer OUR house. We don't own it. We are simply living here for the next week and a half. I am sure that Greg is anxious to get in. But then again, we're just as anxious to get into our new home.

I am not sure why I am choosing to stare at the computer again. I just spent 6 hours (with a few breaks) working on the site for work. Not the blog for work, jut our website. I still have much to do in the way of updating, but I am well on my way. I got the biggest chunk done and will just have the smaller sections to deal with on Tuesday.

My dreams were odd last night. Well, dream. We pulled up to the new house, ready to unload our truck and we find the neighbors all filing in and out of it, carrying stuff. The seller hadn't cleared anything out and they were looting the place. I cruised through, shooing people out, to make sure nobody had taken the patio furniture. I saw someone picking up a chair and screamed that it STAYED! They set it down and left. There was something about Josie in there as well, walking with her in the new backyard. I don't remember much of that part, though.

Now I can't stop thinking about Jen and what her father used to tell her about nobody else wanting to hear about her dreams...it always made me laugh. Big hugs to my dear friend back in the KC, MO.

officially gnomed

We showed up to sign the paperwork that would officially make us renters on Friday the 14th. Who should be waiting for us, but Jerome.

Alia loves gnomes. She collects them for herself and when the time is right, she "gnomes" her clients. We did not close with her friend, Kara. Rather we had to sign with Pam because Kara was at a class. Pam was a bit confused, but simply said something like "Kara said he is supposed to go home with you?"

I've never been happier. Jerome will be thrilled living in our new garden. He'll have butterflies and hummingbirds as friends. He'll make me smile every single time I look at him.

date is set

Wow, in exactly two weeks we'll be in the process of moving! Guys are hired, truck is rented, utilites set up.

We had the electrician out to the house this morning to take care of a few last things on our repair addendum. He was great. Got things done well and quickly. Didn't cost both arms and legs, just one leg.

We go out this afternoon to sign the paperwork for the sale of our little gem of a house. We've got the check for Greg for the rent back of two weeks. I also wrote a note saying we've got the utilities coming out of our name on the 28th except the trash, which we are paying for through the 2nd and could he take the bins out to the curb for us on the 1st? :) If he says hell no, then I'll drag them out on the 30th, but I seriously doubt he'll be a jerk.

It's all happening. It's wild and exciting and scary and fantastic all at once.

The cats will be sad when we no longer live among boxes, but they'll get over it when they see the hummingbirds that frequent the backyard at our new house.

really?

I suppose it would have been a smart idea to figure out where we were supposed to go to sign the paperwork for the sale of our little gem this morning...BEFORE this morning.

We're rescheduling for Wednesday because by the time we figured out where we had to go, it was too late to be able to get there and back in time for me to be to work at the outlet. BAH!

This is why Alia likes to close for sale and purchase with the same company. She says you can often sign both sets of papers at the same time, eliminating the run around and confusion of where you are running to.

Ah well. Wednesday will be a full day. We have the electrician coming at 8:00 in the morning and then later in the afternoon we'll head out to the title company to sign. Sadly it won't be with Kara (Alia's favorite at Fidelity), but at least we will be one step closer to our goal.

The one thing that has worked out during all this? Kev has run to the store to get cereal for him and bagels for me. Otherwise, I'd have had a breakfast of French Press. And a girl can't live on coffee alone.

not often

It's rare that I allow myself to have a day of doing nothing. Normally we are doing laundry while vacuuming and picking up the house. Sometimes we help each other. Like today we're only doing laundry-because we have to be clothed this week-and that, we're doing together. Sometimes we fly solo (I love it when the cleaning bug bites Kev in the ass).

Today has become a pj day for us. I did not wake thinking it would be, but we honestly had no plans with anyone today and with the move coming...let's just say we've become a smidge lax in our house cleaning ways. I think I just heard my mom faint. :)

We do have some more boxes to pack (only the cave and the kitchen left), but honestly if I pack more of the kitchen we'll be standing over the sink eathing things that only come in pocket form and are microwaveable.

When I began packing the kitchen last weekend, I looked in the dishwasher first to see how full it was. It was close to needing to be run so I figured those dishes would stay out. Obviously we use them often enough for them to be dirty (aside from the two colanders that had potatoes die in them). In addition to those dishes I kept out some essentials just in case we wanted to actually cook something. Which we recently have.

Kev's got a bite taken out of the closet in the cave. The dvd's, video games, and board games are all boxed and labeled. Ready to be taken to our new cave (which he keeps talking about with a far away look in his eye). We are kind of stalking the new house. We drive by almost every time we go anywhere in its vicinity. Still not 100% sure when we are closing, but it is either the 20th or 24th.

So I am allowing myself to relax, not think about anything, just be.The last time I'll have a pj day in this house. It's beautiful outside and with the windows open we are getting a lovely breeze (why didn't we replace that window sooner?). I'm listening to all the sounds that we get to live with for the next couple of weeks. Some I enjoy (like the sound of the bat hitting the baseball). Some I am ready to be without (can anyone say sirens and lilac bushes I'm horribly allergic to?).

I hope all are doing well. I might turn off the cell for a nap so if you call, Mom...I'll call you back.

sometimes i succumb

Last night Kev was a wee bit later than he originally told me he'd be home. I'd decided (alone) that we would go out to dinner to celebrate the things that have gotten done to the house thus far. I also felt as though I was doing all of the organizing of it all so I deserved to be taken out to dinner.

I called to ask him if 7:30 had become 6:30 and he informed me he'd made tentative plans with a friend. I neglected to really hear the word TENTATIVE and instantly got my feelings hurt. I mean, he should know that I had plans instinctually...yeah, right.

I told him I was a bit hurt by the news, but it would be fine. I just was wanting to have dinner with him, that's all. He said he still had to eat before he possibly met up with his friend and we could go to our favorite Mexican place (which is closer now to our new house!!!). I moped a little but said fine.

We went, ate, talked. I apologized for being a giant baby about things, but that I felt I was doing all the leg work for getting stuff done. He thanked me (again) for getting it all set up. We laughed and smiled and were fine.

He ended up not catching up with his buddy. The guy didn't answer the phone when Kev called (the plan was for Kev to call him later in the evening). So at 9:30 he announced he was turning off his phone.

Why do I succumb to being petty and stupid? It has been a long time since Kev's gone out with his pals. Why can't I just remember that and tell him to have fun and be careful? I always tell him to be careful, even though he has never shown me he's not.

9:00, the new 7:30

I spoke with our contractor yesterday about getting the window installed. He asked which would be better, 7:30 or after 1:00. Honestly, I'd prefer after 1:00, but I'd already scheduled time with one of the two newest newbies. So, 7:30 it had to be.

I told Kevin last night that I'd appreciate it if he were up when the window guy was here. You know, support me...make me feel like I'm not the only one doing stuff around here (which I'm not, but after yesterday I was beginning to feel overwhelmed by my life). He is up and in the shower, but guess what time it is? 8:05. Guess who is NOT here yet...window guy.

I text messaged our contractor with "8 and still no window guy" and promptly got a call. "What's your address again?"

I'm trying to breath. I'm trying not to freak out. I'm trying not to go screaming out my front door at the inconsiderate BOOB who is out there blowing their horn for someone inside one of the neighbor's houses.

---

He just called back to verify the address and tell me his guys is on his way. I guess the contractor dude had to go to the airport early this am, went back to bed and did not hear his alarm. My question: Why didn't he set it up with his window dude last night?

As long as it gets done...

the time draws near

Soon, when you come to this site to read what words I have written down, you won't see anything about the sale and purchase of our home(s). I look forward to writing the posts about what funny things we learn about our new place. I crave figuring out how it is all going to be put together. I dream of color.

We got the word that the seller is agreeing to each of the things we asked her to fix before closing. There were two large things needing attention (the oil tank and the sewer). We are allowing more time until the close date. We are thankful that we asked for the full two weeks of renting back our little gem. We're not sure what date we will close on our new house, but we're thinking about a week later than originally thought.

We will probably be moving the week of the 24th. The week before my parents come out to help with who knows what. I can hardly wait...but wait I must.

oh baby i'm so tired

Kev, Josie and I just got home a little bit ago from a long walk. Where did we walk, you ask? Well to the new house and back. It was a lovely (long) walk. Josie is currently crashed out. Kev's playing some video game. I'm chatting online with a dear friend.

Kev and I will just blurt out things that are floating around inside our heads about the new house. Something I just said:

"I think it's sweet that the first few things that my mom is worried about and asking about are things that pertain to Josie. Like we need to get a fence built first so Josie is safe in the backyard. And will Josie be okay with the stairs, will she slip and hurt herself? I really didn't realize that Mom loves Josie as much as she does."

Thanks Mom!

four down, forty to go

The kitchen pack up has commenced. I've gotten four boxes done today. Kev's going to work on the cave after he's done taking a shower. I will be taking a break. There are certain items we can't pack yet, such as food. That and cook wear. Although I can pack up certain items we won't be using between now and then. I suppose I will pack a few more boxes today before really resting.

I might have to take a nap, though. Getting up at my regular time on a day off kind of is no fun. I'm the one the animals wake to feed them, though. I've attempted to tell Kev in the past that he's got breakfast duty, but often times he sleeps straight through them. OR if he does get up to feed them I end up getting up then, too. Which leads to the questions of why he's having to feed them if I was going to get up anyway.

We are making headway with the whole packing thing, though. The sewing room is all done, except the things hanging on the walls. I will possibly take the artwork down throughout the house later today. I can use a box to house what is left (we took many photos down and they are already packed up at Jill and Mark's).

I am ready to move. Kev is, too. Last night on our drive home I made a comment of "we'd be home by now if we were in our new house." To which Kev replied, "I can't wait!!!" As time gets closer and closer we are getting more excited about the move. I've only had a couple of pangs of sadness about leaving our little gem of a home, but honestly...they are fleeting. The new space is so great. Greg is going to love living in this little gem. He is perfect for it and it for him.

I'm done being consumed by all this house stuff, though. I'm ready to move so I can figure out where my knitting will be housed. I'm ready to move so I can actually pull out the knitting and knit! It feels like eons since I have done any. I have a couple of things on the needles that I didn't pack right now. One was being used as a staging item. The other I picked up because I needed to knit something. Fingers were going through withdrawal. I may have to pick the staging knitting up today and get cracking. It's a gift for someone I love dearly. ;)

Okay, break taken...back to packing.

bringing toaster back

I have been without my beloved toaster since two weeks prior to listing the house. For those of you who don't know how long it's been, since the end of June! Why, you may ask, did I pack up the toaster and send it into exile in Jill's garage? Because we were making the kitchen look more spacious and less cluttered. It worked, I admit that. However, I MISS TOASTY BAGELS! I'm eating a bagel right now. It's been broiled. Not. the. same.

I keep thinking "not much longer, two and a half weeks." That is what sustains me and keeps me from going to Jill's house and raiding their garage. The thing is, it's a big toaster. Probably too big for the new kitchen. So in theory I could go out and buy a smaller toaster now, just to be ready. But probably is the key word. I just don't know. If I bought a toaster now only to find that my original fit just fine, I'd be out the money. And I know ya'll won't believe this, but...money doesn't grow on trees or even sprout out of the ground of my new garden.

So I wait. Getting more and more impatient by the day for a real toasty bagel. One that is crunchy on the outside and soft in the center.

inspection

The inspection was this morning. We got there right around 9:30. We left at 12:30. We took photos, but honestly, there is so much crap of the woman we're buying the house from in each one that I don't feel it does the house justice.

I do like two.

The one of Kev in the garden just makes me smile. It was right before he walked through a large spider web we'd been avoiding all morning.

The view of the garden from the kitchen also makes me smile. That will be my view every morning as I sip coffee and eat my bagel. Sigh...

I think I will be mean and wait to post any others until we've signed and her things are no longer taking over the space. It's a great home.

There are only a couple of things we need to have her take care of. One, the oil take needs to be decommissioned (we fear she feels it already was, but there is nothing in file with the city so it needs to really be done) and the sewer line needs to be redone from the house to the street. Her agent seemed to think this would need to be taken care of so we're hoping it won't be a surprise like the tank.

Other than that, nothing huge. This is good.

empty

The linen closet is packed. The only thing left in it is a round, orange cat. I have also packed up the odds and ends left in my sewing room. I'm done for the night. A little each day and it'll be done before we know it. Kev's working close tonight so it's just me in the house. I went to the store and got some much needed kitty litter and figured I would pick up some beer while I was at it. I'm glad I did.

It's a little sad, packing up our first home. It's been a great place for us. We've gotten to be "real adults" setting up house, paying a mortgage, painting the walls whatever color we want. I will miss it. But of course, the new house is NEW and exciting and amazing. It's the dream house I never realized I dreamed about. It's got a little less room on the main floor as we have in our little gem here, but it does have a basement with much possibility. Of course there is already a finished off part which makes us smile. I'm figuring with putting the tv downstairs, I may just not be the potato I can be. I see myself outside, tending to the garden and enjoying the out of doors much more than I do here. I just have to keep pinching myself to make sure this is all really happening.

Kev took Josie over there for a walk on Sunday. He said that there were people out, saying hello to the two of them, smiling. Two kids asked if they could pet Josie (great parenting!!!) and when it was time for he and she to move on they said goodbye in unison. He loves the new area. He said it was like there was an invisible line and as soon as he crossed it, it was quiet. Everyone cares for their houses. They have pride in their lawns and gardens. They are happy and smiling and talking with each other. THAT is what I want. That sense of community.

But what I am most excited for? My family and friends to come over and see the house for the first time. Their reaction. The looks on their faces. THAT is what I'm really excited for. Sure living in the house will be amazing and wonderful and fabulous, I have no doubt. BUT it is the look of "WOW!" that I expect will cross their faces upon first entering that I most anticipate.

I am taking my camera tomorrow with us to the inspection. I will hopefully get some shots that are different than the ones most of you have seen (those who followed the link and plugged in the mls number). I am interested in seeing how much she's already packed up. They had many years worth of things to pack. I wonder if her partner came back or she's just got friends coming to help her.

We'll see tomorrow, how much work she's done.

a whole ant colony

I am wearing a dress today in the hopes of getting rid of that ants in my pants feeling of the past few days. Ever since we got locked in I've been antsy. I want it to be the 17th today. I know it's only three weeks away and that time will go quickly, but I'm ready now. I'm sure that Greg (buyer of our home) is ready for it, too. Even though we close on the littlest gem on the 14th, we are renting back until the 18th. And even though we are closing on the 17th, we're not sure what time and have decided to give ourselves until the 18th to move.

We keep going and looking at the photos. We are planning on taking our camera with us on Wed. so we can get more. I'm wondering if Nancy has started packing yet, like we have. We decided to make the sewing room the box room for the next few weeks. That meant I had to pack it all up. I've just got a few things on the walls and some speakers to box up. Then we can tackle the rest of the house. I can hardly believe we are already packing!

My parents have gotten their tickets to come already. Mom wastes no time! They are here Oct 2-12. This will give us a couple of weeks in the house to paint and such. They'll help rip out a couple of plants outside that cover the front as well as whatever we haven't done inside.

Yeah, the attempt to shake those ants isn't working...work will hopefully get my mind off of everything. Sure.

meet my kitchen

We close on the 17th. We're locked in as of tonight.

This kitchen is the greatest place on earth (besides the garden in the back, but there were no really good photos of it).

If you want to see the rest go to www.hasson.com and type in 7074767 in the mls search.

So, there you have it. Things are really happening. And now, let the sleep begin.

best! sign! ever!

Alia came by this morning to pick Kev and me up to go look at houses. She let me put the sold sticker on the post!!! I'm telling you, it felt great.

We've got some exciting things happening here. Kev loved the one house I was leaning towards the most. We've written something and Alia is faxing it shortly. We are hoping the seller will get back to us tonight, but we've given her two days.

I won't send out the photos of the house yet, or the rmls number. I know, I always say I'm not superstitious, but...

The best thing? We love it more than that house on Long. It's in a quiet hood. It's on a sleepy street. It's close to many great things. We could walk to a great pizza place. I could bike to yoga at Diana's house. It's got an enormous veggie garden already established in the back. The curb appeal isn't there in the photos, the front is covered by shrubs and wisteria vines and a butterfly bush. BUT that means people aren't looking at it online...

So, until we hear anything back, keep those fingers and toes crossed!!!

my brain hurts

Well, I went out this morning with Alia and looked at 15 houses. Two are contenders, two others have potential. Eleven were NO!

I am jazzed about one a bit more than the other contender, but am waiting to see what Kev thinks when we go out tomorrow.

I swear, being a home buyer is so much better than a seller!!! Although I am pleased with how quickly our house sold. In the grand scheme, it's all about pricing correctly for the market, staging well, and burying St. Joseph!

We got the information back from the inspection and only have a few things the buyer is asking us to do. No biggie. Electrician has been called and will be here on the 12th of September in the morning. Contractor will be out soon to take a look at a broken window and check out the furnace flue (?). We are thinking the inspector means the furnace venting pipe, but we've got a call out about that. Not sure. If anyone out there knows what "replace flue" means in a home that does NOT have a fireplace, comment to me baby!!

Okay, must run off to yoga. YEA!

Oh and Becky, not sleeping much better because of work stuff now. :) Here's to hoping everything settles down FAST!!!