Monday, October 15, 2007
Let the packing begin!
Wil was able to secure a crazy amount of boxes from work this past week and bring them home...we actually had to consolidate some clothes in the walk in closet so we could havea space to store them all! So the journey of packing begins...which is proving to be slow and tough bc there is absolutely no room in this apartment to sort, pack, and then store the packed boxes. We are just cramped! Our living room looks like a disaster zone and my niece is crawling between the boxes =) One month and I will be packing to leave for NYC...so it's crunch time!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Fantastic Wonderful Excitement
We got to see the layout of our townhome in person today. Even though we were a little worried to sign for it sight unseen, I am so glad we did! We both love it...and the nicely sized study/storage room off the bedroom...fab! Not even all our holiday and misc. crap would fill it =) I am more excited then ever to get this move under way. I wish pictures could convey my happiness...but perhaps the fact that I made a little powerpoint of the photos we took says I am (or that I am obsessive, who can say? The pictures I included are just a few we took, but if you want to see more, just ask!). My mom appreciated it at least. She looked at the outside one and said "trees! bricks! grass!" and me, in my usual smartass way concluded "bushes! ample on-street parking!"
Nomer put money down on their place so in one month they will be moving (about 2 weeks before us). Lots of packing to do! I am glad to know Nomer has off erred to let me babysit anytime. I am so relieved ;)
Peace.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Approved
Everyone got approved for their new digs this weekend. While we weren't too worried, it's nice to hear the words "you were approved" next to your names and know your app fees will not be wasted.
Now begins poverty until January with all these darn fees to pay =). We are all getting so excited though, I just don't care!!! Count down until we can see the actual home we are moving into to...it will be available for viewing starting 10/10 but I will wait until Wil gets back into town this weekend to go see it (the renovations won't be done, but at least we can see the layout since it was the only floor plan we didn't get to see when we toured)! I hope we like it alot!
We decided to move as soon as I get back from NYC...so I arrive back in town on 11/23 and we will start that day with (hopefully) friends coming over on the 24th to help with the big stuff and any boxes we have left. Electricity gets changed over as of 11/20, so Wil will be in between places during Thanksgiving. I was so excited to go to NYC, but now I feel a little guilty (and jealous) that he will be here to take possession all by himself. What can ya do...he will have t-day with his mom though, so he'll at least have one good meal!
So I must start packing ASAP so it is all ready by 11/15 when I leave for NYC. Lots to do...I cannot beleive it is just over 6 weeks or so until we move...yikes. Grin.
Peace.
Now begins poverty until January with all these darn fees to pay =). We are all getting so excited though, I just don't care!!! Count down until we can see the actual home we are moving into to...it will be available for viewing starting 10/10 but I will wait until Wil gets back into town this weekend to go see it (the renovations won't be done, but at least we can see the layout since it was the only floor plan we didn't get to see when we toured)! I hope we like it alot!
We decided to move as soon as I get back from NYC...so I arrive back in town on 11/23 and we will start that day with (hopefully) friends coming over on the 24th to help with the big stuff and any boxes we have left. Electricity gets changed over as of 11/20, so Wil will be in between places during Thanksgiving. I was so excited to go to NYC, but now I feel a little guilty (and jealous) that he will be here to take possession all by himself. What can ya do...he will have t-day with his mom though, so he'll at least have one good meal!
So I must start packing ASAP so it is all ready by 11/15 when I leave for NYC. Lots to do...I cannot beleive it is just over 6 weeks or so until we move...yikes. Grin.
Peace.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Empty Nest
Looks like our time at Eagelcrest is coming to a close faster than I thought!
Since Monday, both couples have found places...nomer is waiting on applying to time it right (can only apply 30 days in advance of the day you want to move int) but there seems to be quite a few apartments where she is looking, so lets cross our fingers all goes well! If all goes as planned she will be in her new place around t-day. I have been getting tears alot when i think about not seeing JayLynne everyday...I'm gonna have to steal her for some overnights...
Wil and I signed applications and put money down on a townhouse...of course, as luck would have it (notice sarcasm) the only 1 bedroom available was the highest price one...and to reserve it we will need to take possession on 11/20/07 (almost a month before we anticpated) to, so Merry Christmas to us with 2 rent payments and 2 pet deposits due within 30 day period(YIKES!)...but now that I am thinking about the layout of the one we are getting, I like it more and more than the loft that wasn't that much less $$ anyway. They seem to rent them fast and people don't move often, so I guess the timing is as good as it gets! We will get to see our actual place on 10/13 (before upgrades/renovations, but I am sure I will start getting even mroe pumped!)
If only it weren't for the deposits these days... Just look at this: $200 (DirecTV dish deposit, $800 pet deposit (for two dogs that only weigh 18 lbs combined!), $150 regular deposit, $60 app fee, $100 admin fee...for a grand total of $1310...and that's before we start paying rent..having pets is expensive, that's for sure! I am just happy to say I will not be in apartment and I think the sticker shock will fade more once we move in (too bad i will be in NYC during the week we take possession!)
It's gonna be a stretch, especially with my licensure coming up and the money that comes with that process. So it looks like no 30th bday party for me...but perhaps some Wii fun on New Years Eve for free at our new digs? I just hope that anything I get for my birthday/xmas comes in the form of cash or Target gift card (at least that's what I am gonna tell my family!).
I do LOVE LOVE LOVE the town house though (pictures to come)....Ya'll might have to just come over, bc I won't have much money to go out...but we can play in the backyard with the puppies =) And come March when we catch up with bills, everything will be groovy once more.
Peace.
Since Monday, both couples have found places...nomer is waiting on applying to time it right (can only apply 30 days in advance of the day you want to move int) but there seems to be quite a few apartments where she is looking, so lets cross our fingers all goes well! If all goes as planned she will be in her new place around t-day. I have been getting tears alot when i think about not seeing JayLynne everyday...I'm gonna have to steal her for some overnights...
Wil and I signed applications and put money down on a townhouse...of course, as luck would have it (notice sarcasm) the only 1 bedroom available was the highest price one...and to reserve it we will need to take possession on 11/20/07 (almost a month before we anticpated) to, so Merry Christmas to us with 2 rent payments and 2 pet deposits due within 30 day period(YIKES!)...but now that I am thinking about the layout of the one we are getting, I like it more and more than the loft that wasn't that much less $$ anyway. They seem to rent them fast and people don't move often, so I guess the timing is as good as it gets! We will get to see our actual place on 10/13 (before upgrades/renovations, but I am sure I will start getting even mroe pumped!)
If only it weren't for the deposits these days... Just look at this: $200 (DirecTV dish deposit, $800 pet deposit (for two dogs that only weigh 18 lbs combined!), $150 regular deposit, $60 app fee, $100 admin fee...for a grand total of $1310...and that's before we start paying rent..having pets is expensive, that's for sure! I am just happy to say I will not be in apartment and I think the sticker shock will fade more once we move in (too bad i will be in NYC during the week we take possession!)
It's gonna be a stretch, especially with my licensure coming up and the money that comes with that process. So it looks like no 30th bday party for me...but perhaps some Wii fun on New Years Eve for free at our new digs? I just hope that anything I get for my birthday/xmas comes in the form of cash or Target gift card (at least that's what I am gonna tell my family!).
I do LOVE LOVE LOVE the town house though (pictures to come)....Ya'll might have to just come over, bc I won't have much money to go out...but we can play in the backyard with the puppies =) And come March when we catch up with bills, everything will be groovy once more.
Peace.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Breaking up is hard to do
Well, my sister and I had a good long talk this week and came to the decision that it's time to part ways (in terms of living together). So we are free to see other apartments =)
Wil and I have been excitd by the idea of when we would have a place of our own again (same with my sister) but it's still been an emotional week. It's gonna be hard not to see my niece every morning and night...but I think the farthest we will end up living away is 10-15 minutes, so hopefully I will be able to get my fix often enough!
Now I am left with some great anxiety about what to do about moving. The puppies would LOVE to have some yard, and after 8 years together in apartmens we are burned out on apartment community life. I looked at a townhouse yesterday...down a pecan-tree-lined, dead end, street. Quiet, homey. It's about the same size as our current apartment, but with a cute fenced in back yard. Only problem is the new management compant is going to renovate this fall and that means ALL NEW insides(what I wouldn't give for an oven that bakes right) but a higher sticker price than we were hoping. Something we could handle, but we always talk about cutting expenses, not making more (we just finished paying off a car...about the same difference as the extra rent we would pay). What to do! It's made worse by the fact that Wil is travelling this week and I saw the place all by myself...so now I have to wait until Wil gets back to see it, then we can make a decison and either move on or prepare for moving in. I did my research and have not found any other places that are similar (for the price and yard) within the areas we want to live. There are only suppossed to be 2 1-bedrooms coming open this fall...in a 97 unit place, that's not too many! So I also feel some pressure to decide so we don't lose out. My income will be going up after I get my licensure (around the time we move), but do you bank on that and decide to move on up or play it safe?
If anyone has any sage advice to calm my nerves, I am all ears! Uggghhh...more updates to come!
Wil and I have been excitd by the idea of when we would have a place of our own again (same with my sister) but it's still been an emotional week. It's gonna be hard not to see my niece every morning and night...but I think the farthest we will end up living away is 10-15 minutes, so hopefully I will be able to get my fix often enough!
Now I am left with some great anxiety about what to do about moving. The puppies would LOVE to have some yard, and after 8 years together in apartmens we are burned out on apartment community life. I looked at a townhouse yesterday...down a pecan-tree-lined, dead end, street. Quiet, homey. It's about the same size as our current apartment, but with a cute fenced in back yard. Only problem is the new management compant is going to renovate this fall and that means ALL NEW insides(what I wouldn't give for an oven that bakes right) but a higher sticker price than we were hoping. Something we could handle, but we always talk about cutting expenses, not making more (we just finished paying off a car...about the same difference as the extra rent we would pay). What to do! It's made worse by the fact that Wil is travelling this week and I saw the place all by myself...so now I have to wait until Wil gets back to see it, then we can make a decison and either move on or prepare for moving in. I did my research and have not found any other places that are similar (for the price and yard) within the areas we want to live. There are only suppossed to be 2 1-bedrooms coming open this fall...in a 97 unit place, that's not too many! So I also feel some pressure to decide so we don't lose out. My income will be going up after I get my licensure (around the time we move), but do you bank on that and decide to move on up or play it safe?
If anyone has any sage advice to calm my nerves, I am all ears! Uggghhh...more updates to come!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Call me loon-y**
For anyone who still wonders how someone can live in Minnesota (and like it)...well, for starters you probably have never been there! Because if you step foot there you will find it's one of the best, most friendly and wholesome places to be. No where else can you get stranded by the side of the road and have more than one person stop to call, help change a tire, or jump start you vehicle. Life is not perfect there, but things seem to be taken in stride a little more. A little more simple I guess. All of that AND it has some of the best social services and it's primarily democrat to boot! What's not to love?
At this point in my life I don't think I will ever live there again (since all my family is moving down south and my husband is, as he says, "a tropical people"), but if I could pick any place to be on a winter night, it would be there. Or fall. Or spring...just about anytime really. Do you ever just long for and miss a certain place yet, in your heart, know that there is no going back either? Life has kept marching on and your family and plans evolve around you and you find yourself far from places you love...but you also know that where you are now is exactly where you need to be. One thing I know is that, no matter how long I live out of the state of Minnesota...I will always be grateful for being a Minnesota girl.
Peace.
**PS The LOON is the state bird of Minnesota
If you're not from Minnesota the following might not make sense...but it's all SO true...
_____________________________________________________________
Jeff Foxworthy on Minnesota :
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you're proud that your state makes the national news 96 nights each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy",
You might live in Minnesota.
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March,
You might live in Minnesota
If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there,
You might live in Minnesota.
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead,
You might live in Minnesota .
If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You might live in Minnesota .
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches,
You might live in Minnesota .
If you know how to say...Wayzata...Mahtomedi....Cloquet . Edina ....and Shakopee,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,
You might live in Minnesota.
If vacation means going "up north" for the weekend,
You might live in Minnesota.
You measure distance in hours,
You might live in Minnesota .
You know several people, who have hit deer more than once,
You might live in Minnesota.
You often switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching,
You might live in Minnesota.
You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events,
You might live in Minnesota .
You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked,
You might live in Minnesota .
You think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and Venison,
You might live in Minnesota .
You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows how to use them,
You might live in Minnesota .
There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm at any given time,
You might live in Minnesota.
You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,
You might live in Minnesota.
Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can identify a southern or eastern accent,
You might live in Minnesota.
Your idea of creative landscaping is a plastic deer next to your blue spruce,
You might live in Minnesota.
If "Down South" to you means Iowa,
You might live in Minnesota .
You know "a brat" is something you eat,
You might live in Minnesota .
You find -10 degrees "a little chilly",
You might live in Minnesota .
You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Minnesota friends,
You DO live in Minnesota.
At this point in my life I don't think I will ever live there again (since all my family is moving down south and my husband is, as he says, "a tropical people"), but if I could pick any place to be on a winter night, it would be there. Or fall. Or spring...just about anytime really. Do you ever just long for and miss a certain place yet, in your heart, know that there is no going back either? Life has kept marching on and your family and plans evolve around you and you find yourself far from places you love...but you also know that where you are now is exactly where you need to be. One thing I know is that, no matter how long I live out of the state of Minnesota...I will always be grateful for being a Minnesota girl.
Peace.
**PS The LOON is the state bird of Minnesota
If you're not from Minnesota the following might not make sense...but it's all SO true...
_____________________________________________________________
Jeff Foxworthy on Minnesota :
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you're proud that your state makes the national news 96 nights each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy",
You might live in Minnesota.
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March,
You might live in Minnesota
If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there,
You might live in Minnesota.
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead,
You might live in Minnesota .
If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You might live in Minnesota .
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches,
You might live in Minnesota .
If you know how to say...Wayzata...Mahtomedi....Cloquet . Edina ....and Shakopee,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,
You might live in Minnesota.
If vacation means going "up north" for the weekend,
You might live in Minnesota.
You measure distance in hours,
You might live in Minnesota .
You know several people, who have hit deer more than once,
You might live in Minnesota.
You often switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching,
You might live in Minnesota.
You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events,
You might live in Minnesota .
You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked,
You might live in Minnesota .
You think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and Venison,
You might live in Minnesota .
You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows how to use them,
You might live in Minnesota .
There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm at any given time,
You might live in Minnesota.
You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,
You might live in Minnesota.
Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can identify a southern or eastern accent,
You might live in Minnesota.
Your idea of creative landscaping is a plastic deer next to your blue spruce,
You might live in Minnesota.
If "Down South" to you means Iowa,
You might live in Minnesota .
You know "a brat" is something you eat,
You might live in Minnesota .
You find -10 degrees "a little chilly",
You might live in Minnesota .
You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Minnesota friends,
You DO live in Minnesota.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Just for Rashea =)
So an old chum reminded me that I have not blogged in a while..and I thought no one was coming to this site ;)
Updates...let's see, I made it past my 5 months mark at work and am officially off probation (which essentially means I can request time off now)...review went well...I am still hanging in there and attempting to get some sort of organization and flow to my work. Organization not being my strong point (just let me be with people all day, I am good at that!), it's an uphill battle.
Looked at how much this whole advanced licensure thing is gonna cost...between boards, fees, studying, etc it will proy be around $600. Ouch. I have now added "Licensing Fees" to my birthday and xmas wishlist (in fact, it willbe the only thing on there!)
We are starting to get into move mode now...our lease is up in December (THANK GOODNESS). We (meaning Wil, me, Nomer, Stephen) have all decided to keep the family together and find a bigger place (or should I say we all agree we would love to rent a house and it is economically feasible if we are roomies =)...it will be great to move out of the 950 sq. feet apt. Wish us luck. There are potential roadblocks in our plan, but we are hopeful.
Wil starts travelling again next week...for more than a month. Although there is no room at home to be lonely, I'll miss his silly face. So, boo!
Got a tattoo 2 weeks ago...it is now healed and, yes, I am still liking it (everyone seems to ask "will you still like it later?") With every step I am reminded to be tenacious (haha, sicne that is what the kanji actually says!).
I am about 70 days into my "healthier me" life. Not easy, but I have made some good progress! 19 pounds down, getting in some good me time, and exercise to top it off. Wil and my sister are also rocking...it's been good to have our own little team here.
My mom will be here next week. So excited. I will have to post some pics...she plans on getting in some good margarita time.
Well, it's back to work...off to an appt. I promise I will try to check back in sooner!
Peace.
Updates...let's see, I made it past my 5 months mark at work and am officially off probation (which essentially means I can request time off now)...review went well...I am still hanging in there and attempting to get some sort of organization and flow to my work. Organization not being my strong point (just let me be with people all day, I am good at that!), it's an uphill battle.
Looked at how much this whole advanced licensure thing is gonna cost...between boards, fees, studying, etc it will proy be around $600. Ouch. I have now added "Licensing Fees" to my birthday and xmas wishlist (in fact, it willbe the only thing on there!)
We are starting to get into move mode now...our lease is up in December (THANK GOODNESS). We (meaning Wil, me, Nomer, Stephen) have all decided to keep the family together and find a bigger place (or should I say we all agree we would love to rent a house and it is economically feasible if we are roomies =)...it will be great to move out of the 950 sq. feet apt. Wish us luck. There are potential roadblocks in our plan, but we are hopeful.
Wil starts travelling again next week...for more than a month. Although there is no room at home to be lonely, I'll miss his silly face. So, boo!
Got a tattoo 2 weeks ago...it is now healed and, yes, I am still liking it (everyone seems to ask "will you still like it later?") With every step I am reminded to be tenacious (haha, sicne that is what the kanji actually says!).
I am about 70 days into my "healthier me" life. Not easy, but I have made some good progress! 19 pounds down, getting in some good me time, and exercise to top it off. Wil and my sister are also rocking...it's been good to have our own little team here.
My mom will be here next week. So excited. I will have to post some pics...she plans on getting in some good margarita time.
Well, it's back to work...off to an appt. I promise I will try to check back in sooner!
Peace.
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