Personality Profile

Happy Friday!

Just wanted to say happy Friday and a good weekend to everyone. I will be traveling up to South Dakota for a family reunion. I'm not as excited as I should be, I'm quite sure that is directly related to me buying and moving into a house this week. I promise that next week you'll have a virtual tour.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Update

Just a short update for those of you wondering how the move went. It was very successful. Everything is in my house - all is good. I love it here. I will have pictures very, very soon. Thanks for all the positive thoughts and support. I needed it.

Funny story....

So, you know we won the high five - well all the celebratory drinking caused me quite the hang over this morning. I decided that I'd go get my car and then "Wake up with the King!" So I go through the BK drive through (it was already past bfast :( ) I had Maggie in the car - the good looking guy at the drive through started asking me all these questions about her. Like "What kind of dog is that?" "What's it's name?" blah blah. So we had some nice conversation and then off my hung over ass went and chowed on a delicious Whopper. Well, I had my walk through at the house today and my parents came and went through it. My dad decided he wanted to go to BK for a late lunch. So I went with, just to talk and kind of feel out my parents for their reaction to the house and if they liked it and if they were as excited as I was. Well - I walk in, get a soda, and am distracted by someone waving at me. Yeah, the good looking drive through guy was waving at me. He was on break and eating. I was so embarrassed to be at BK again. I made up some kind of "my dad wanted to go here and I'm coming along" kinda excuse. I never go to BK - and now I was seen twice in one day. Embarrassing! I can't believe he recognized me. I feel like such a fatty.

Pre-homeowner

So, tomorrow I am going to be a home owner. I cannot wait to get pics of it and me with the keys opening the door. You know I will post them on here! I want you all to be part of it, even if you are far away. I can't wait. I'm so wired and psyched for it to come. I'm wishing it were here right now (although I'm not quite done packing). I'm just so excited.

I've been going by the house daily and taking people by it. The seller cleaned everything out of the fence line and it looks like a totally different house - so cute! He also did all the work he was asked to do. I am so thankful that I am moving into such a nice home at an affordable price. I'm so excited for the amenities that come with it that I haven't had in a year. Central air!! Dish washer!! Nice windows!! Back yard patio! Kitchen counters! Carpet! THE BATHROOM is normal!! I can't wait. I feel as if I've probably been waiting for this moment for my life.

Anyway - I will be signing the papers at 4pm tomorrow. Please think happy thoughts for me. My computer goes tomorrow night to the house, because Time Warner Cable is coming Tuesday morning (can't be with out the internet!!) We're moving all the light stuff tomorrow, and heavy stuff and boxes on Tuesday. Everything will be back in order and mass chaos Wednesday! I will be able to sit and type here in air conditioning. No more sweating at the computer. Speaking of - I'm hot and need to get out of this room..

YIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
It's happening.

High Five

ALL HANDS ON DECK! My team, consisting of Mary and I, won the competition! It was awesome - such a good time. I was nervous at the start when the MC started up, but once we got up there - it was easy and so much fun. We did win the $100 grand prize, but we had to forfeit that because Mary is married to one of the judges. I'm going to post the pics and try to write captions under them.


All Hands On Deck - reporting for duty


The judges


Reverse Wet. Mary and I had to stick our non dominate hand into warm water and then do a high five. I actually think we had a mulligan on this one - means the first one didn't go so well - but the second one was better. It was a lot harder than we thought it would be.


The high 10 (this is actually a lot harder than you think...)


Around the World - made famous by the movie Top Gun
We placed first in this category



Freestyle. Our freestyle routine was good. This is a picture of part of it where we bump butts.


We had good communication - this is Mary asking me if I'm ready or her telling me we kicked high five butt.


Here's us right after winning - that is the money they gave us before we knew we had to give it back.

We were very surprised by the win. Cris (Mary's husband, and judge - one in the priest costume) made us sign an agreement that we wouldn't be disappointed if we didn't win. But we ended up kicking some high fivin' butt.

Good Morning....

My 30 year old out-of-shape body does not like waking up on the couch (this is why I bought it a new bed, which comes Thursday at my new house). Last night was no different than any other. I woke up a million times, let the dog out, went to the bathroom, drank some milk etc. But when I woke up this morning and went to go to the bathroom, there was a dead squirrel in front of my bathroom door. My dog, Maggie, isn't a killer - this squirrel would have had to been already dead. SO - my dog brought in an already dead squirrel and put it in front of the bathroom. Thankfully, she placed it dead-center on a mat that I had there, so I folded it up like a little squirrel wonton and pushed it outside with a broom. ECK!! Of course I called my mom and she talked me through the whole process - but ECK! I welcome anyone elses dead animal in house stories to make me feel better.

Good Morning!

House update

I drove by today and everything looked fantastic! He had cleared out the fenceline and it looked like other things were being done as well. This was so exciting and made everything even more a reality. Looks like I will be fully moved out by Tuesday and in my new house!! I can't wait.

Also - tomorrow night I am competing in a high-five contest. That's right, high-five. The slap hands kind. I am competing with Mary. We have really cooked up a great freestyle. It's gonna be a blast. I hope to remember my camera so there will be pics to display on Sunday. If anyone is in the area and would like to come and see what the funs about - and cheer me on: It's at 75th St. Brewery at 10ish (get there early for a seat and some good food). Mary and I's team name is: All Hands on Deck. We will be dressed in our Sailor Whites...... It'll be a good time - and good beer (the brewer is Mary's husband). Call if you have questions.

That's what I'm waiting for....

Modest Mouse in 15 days.

Continuation and explanation of yesterdays thoughts:

As many of you know, my thoughts seem to snow ball. I have one thought (usually the real problem), then one on top of that one, and then another on top of that one and so on and so forth. My first thoughts are usually: I need to pack more boxes, I don't know how I'm going to get all this done, I don't know if the house is going to be ready to close and I've already done everything (utilities etc.). My second thoughts are about not having enough people to move, having room for all my stuff etc. My third thoughts are usually I want this, that and then more stuff. My next thoughts are with all the new stuff, this would be a good time to change parts of my life. I'm not living the way I want to be. I understand it's a journey - but there's a goal and I'd like to make it there. I know what I want to do, just don't want to fail...etc. Then usually about this time I go on overload, stop and start it all over again.
The reality is that I need to take one moment at a time and not worry so much about the future. I don't do well with change and I'm trying to look at all this positively because it's another chapter opened in my life. Being a homeowner is a big deal to me. I also look at it as a new beginning. Another chance. While it's scary, it's very empowering to know I'm doing this all by myself. My thought process usually goes something like this: If I can do this, then I can manage my money. If I can do this, then I can stay away from eating out or going to the bar. If I can do this, then I can get up every morning and walk before work. If I can do this, then I can keep my house clean and neat. If I can do this, then I can go to the market every weekend and buy veggies and fruit. If I can do this, then I can let go of some of my crutches. If I can do this, then....and on and on and on. So maybe, now you can see some of my thoughts of things I want to change. Since change is coming, then why not now? I understand the probability of making lots of changes at once and know that I would be setting myself up for failure. But in time, I could do it - all because I bought this house.
I never, in any of my minds, thought that this would be an empowering process. But in the end, I believe it will be - even though I am scared and am need of lots of support. Everything will turn out the way it's supposed to be - that I know.

Insane in the membrane...

Here's some personal thoughts. I just needed to get them out. I haven't really had much conversation with anyone in depth about my thoughts and feelings with the house. It's hard to have conversations like that, cuz sometimes I'm just not real sure people care enough to have them until I'm all stressed out and crazy. I don't want to get to that point.

This whole house stuff is making me anxious. I am not for sure of anything and that sucks. So, most of the time I think about that. The rest of the time I'm thinking about what life will be like when I do have the house and am moved into it. Because life needs to change. I hate change, but sometimes it's necessary. I'm doing pretty well about staying calm on the outside and acting calm (for the most part). I just want to fast forward to the part where I'm moved in and unpacking and getting settled. But I know I'm going to have to actually go through and deal with all this and in the end it will be fine and everything will turn out the way it's supposed to - it always does. (BTW-that's my mantra for life) Anyway - I just needed to get a few things out before they burst out (no one needs that...).

Does anyone think it's crazy that I want to change my life around once I officially buy this house? There are so many things I'd like to do, add and eliminate.

It's just too many thoughts and tough times with change and the anxiety of becoming a house owner. I so wish I wasn't doing this alone. But it's okay that I am.

Bib, anyone?

So, this is what happens when I try to eat a gyro and tater tots at Max's Auto diner. The gyro was so good that I was running the paper surrounding it through the ketchup and then it was going straight onto my shirt every time I took a bite. I got it quite good before I realized that this was happening. Thank god I didn't have to go to some formal or high-level meeting afterwards. I just went home and changed my shirt and went about my errands. But it was too funny not to take a pic and share it with everyone else - just in case anyone else is having a day like I am.

I truly believe some days are meant to just not answer the phone or even crawl out of bed. I made the most of it today - but this morning was really a kicker. I'm not used to that much drama in one morning. I'd elaborate, but it's not worth it.

House update- he still hasn't done a single thing on the house.

Harry Potter

Tonight I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I loved it. However there are those who don't love Harry Potter. It's weird because people are never in between, either you love it, or you hate it. Much like the Opera.
I also read the books (previous to seeing the movie). They are fantastic as well.
I'm not going to ruin the movie for anyone - but I wanted to share a new realization with you. What I realized tonight is that I have a huge crush on Snape. I think it's his bad boy looks, but he's really a good guy. This comes out way more in the book than the movie - but I really have a tiny girl crush on this guy. I really like the way he talks.

House Update: Everything is set for me to close on the 23rd of July. I am concerned that none of the work has been started on the house. Until I know differently, I'm just going to go on packing and pretending like I'm going to move in a week. Everything else has come through - I'm sure this will as well.

Have a great week!!

Random exciting thoughts from my head

I realized yesterday that this summer is almost over. I have officially like 3 weeks left and then it's back into work. I don't know how ready I am for that. Getting the summers off, it's a bonus and a curse!!

So today is Friday the 13th. I'm not very superstitious, so it's just another day. I more look at it like I look at blue moons and celebrate the fact it comes around every once in a while.

75th Street Brewery, a place everyone knows I love, has a great new beer on tap. It's called Twisted Whit. It's spicy and very yummy! It'll only last a week or less, so everyone should try to go have one before next Thursday or Friday.

Besides the house buying, my life is very boring. But I feel like the house buying is excitement enough. Maggie has taken a self portrait that signifies our life. I'm going to share it with you.



I hope you enjoy. She is the cutest. I pack and hang around the house and she lays outside in the sun. Very exciting. I am thinking about getting her a sister - just another little dog to play with. I'm going to wait until I really see what kind of shape the fence is in. I have a feeling there will be lots of holes and I'll need to patch them before I get another dog.

Well...I need to move on and pack a few more boxes today. Have a fantastic Friday!

10 things

So Kodi tagged me to write 10 things that people don't know about me. I was surprised to see I was first on the list. But I never turn down the challenge so here goes:

1. I only remember a few things about my childhood. The memories are like pictures in my brain. I really wish I was one of those people who remembered everything in vivid detail. At this point in life, I can't even recall some events in undergrad.

2. I don't talk about it, but I want a relationship - someone that will just love me for me - I want it more than anything else in this world. (selfish, I know)

3. One of the things I most enjoy is a really nice click pen, or a brand new sharpie. There's just nothing like it. I also like the smell of rubber cement.

4. I've gained 50 lbs. in the last two years and I hate myself for it.

5. I like Indian cuisine.

6. I have been keeping the fortunes from fortune cookies because I thought they would make good greetings cards. My plan was to tape them on the front of a card and send them if the fortune was right for the time.

7. I turned down a job right out of school to take a lesser paying job doing about the same thing. I didn't realize that working for the public school they would stretch out my hourly wage, whereas the other place was hour for hour and all year round residential facility. I still feel dumb - but everything happens for a reason. In addition to that, since they were both essentially the same job, I think I would have ended up doing what I'm doing today anyhow - like I was always meant to be on this path.

8. I am going to be in a high 5 (yes the slapping hands kind) on the 21st of July at 75th St. Brewery. I refuse to tell people my teams name because I am that competitive. The really ironic thing is, we can't even win because I'm on a team with a judges wife. competitive much?

9. While it has been slow coming, only recently have I noticed how much I've matured in the last two years.

10. I currently live in an old house and have to sit in an unconditioned room to write these blogs. So when I write blogs, it really does include my sweat and tears.

Okay - there ya go. I even gave more than one answer for some, so you got more than 10 for the price of 10. Love discounts. I tried to be real with my answers rather than just write stuff. I tried to get a little deeper than normal, give you more of my oddities.

All right, Alicia - you've been tagged because I don't know of anyone else who reads this blog as religiously as you do (kodi's already done it). Give me 10 things I might now know about you....good luck!

Big News..

The seller agreed to fix everything and it still looks like I'll be moving during the week of the 23rd! I finally got that call yesterday afternoon. Pretty exciting times!

The Inspection....

The inspection:

Well, as any 70 + year old house there are problems. And big ones. Here's the ones that pop out at me:

1). The electric service feeder wire is too low. It's about 7 feet, and needs to be minimum of 10 feet.
2). The wire from the house to the pole appears to be 60 AMP wire not the required 100AMP. The Main Breaker is 100AMPS. The wire will catch on fire before it trips the main breaker.
3). The AC unit is not cooling.
4). Gutters are leaking in rear of house and missing in the front. Trees are growing out of the gutters.
5). There is a hole in the attic on North side approx. 4 inches with no cover-perfect for birds, squirrels & other critters to enter attic.

That's just a sprinkling of the things in my inspection report. My realtor sent back an unacceptable conditions sheet to the seller's realtor and added 1-3 of the above onto the contract. The gutters were already in the contract. The hole isn't, but I figured I can fix that somehow, right when I move in.

We haven't heard from the seller's realtor yet about my additions. But my realtor sent me new listings - so much for optimism.

It's such an emotional roller coaster. I won't know how to feel until the seller gets back to my realtor. Everything so far has worked out - maybe this will to and he'll fix everything and get the house off his hands. I don't think he'll find a buyer without fixing it. In the meantime - I've got to figure out whether I tell my landlord - or don't tell my landlord. I have no idea of when I'll be moving. I don't want to pay for a full month, if I'm not going to be here. I don't have the money to pay for a full month, so if I am going to have to - I have to find some. You'd think since I've got that second job that I would have some money coming in - but I haven't been paid for my salon job yet - and am not sure when I will. NO one can give me straight answers. AND when I complained, they just said, well think of it this way - when you do get paid, it'll be a nice paycheck - yes...and a little too late.
So anyway - I'm spending Sunday with my dog. I'm not really in the mood to deal with people or get dressed to do anything. So I figured Maggie and I could clean up the house and go on a walk...stuff like that.

Inspection

Today is the inspection for my new house. This is the defining moment where some guy just comes in and says, sure you can live here or no ya can't until.... Pretty scary. I'm anxious to see what he says about the hot water heater (20 yr old) and the furnace (19 yr old and in the attic). I really, really hope all goes well. And if it does, the scary thing is that I will be moving into this house by the end of July. WHOA! I can't even imagine it. It's so exciting - central air, dishwasher, bigger bathroom - so many reasons to be excited about moving into a new place. I wish my place was automatically packed into boxes and ready to go.

Anyway, happy friday!!

Independence

Fourth of July is such a funny holiday. Here's my version of 4th of July: fried chicken, potato salad, beer, apple pie, ice cream, and fireworks. Nothing about independence, or freedom. Nothing about the people that wrote the Declaration of Independence. Just food, drink and fireworks. And that is exactly what my 4th was like. Had a great time. So I say to all the men that signed the Declaration of Independence and risked their lives, most of them losing it: "Rock on, Dudes. Thanks for the day off and the excellent opportunity to blow my hand off."

House update: I was unsure of my house status on Tuesday. That was a little scary, but I dealt with it. Today I got a call that really made my month. My realtor called and said that everything was a go and everything was fantastic. So I headed to my loan officer and gave her my life's paperwork for the last three years. Tomorrow I am going to have the inspection done. Very exciting! Looks like I'll be moving in around the end of July if the inspection goes well.

FU-RBF

Only me......

So me and my brother are on our way to a rockin' ska concert with Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish. I bought these tickets a while back because I've never seen Reel Big Fish and I have always wanted to. We stopped by Westport Flea Market for some brew and burgers with the 'rents. Great times. We figured we'd head to the concert about 8 because it started at 6:30 and there were two bands in front of Less than Jake and Reel Big Fish. We get there and Eric (brother) gets out the tickets - the tickets are to Modest Mouse, which was another show we're going to see, but in August. So, shit. We drive back to my house, get the right tickets and then drive back to the concert. We get there about 9 - and Less Than Jake starts up after a little bit. I'm thinking - 'yeah this rocks, good timing - even with the ticket ordeal'. So we rock out to Less Than Jake, who are good, but not great. By the time they are over, I'm stoked to see Reel Big Fish. Like I'm gonna move up and party with the 12 year olds. So during the set change we go back and sit down in the seats (it was at Uptown for those in the know). All of a sudden they are shooing everyone out of the auditorium. So we go out and the lead singer to Reel Big Fish is doing autographs. Cool, yeah. So we stand around wondering why they are making everyone leave the auditorium. We stood for like 15 minutes. Then finally, we went and asked an event lady, and she was like "They played out of order, Reel Big Fish already went." I was irate. I mean WTF...I spent around 80 bucks on tickets specifically to see Reel Big Fish. I'm so mad about it right now. It sucks. RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Home Sweet Home

Now you can see a little of what I saw all last week. I am finally home. The drive was excruciating - but we lived. The week was wonderful! I was surprised that I didn't really get homesick. I just really had a good time.




Here's my friends walking on a trail at Clingman's Dome. This was before Shannon fell..poor girl. Previous to this trail we had hiked a paved path at an incline for 1/2 a mile. The trail you see us on above was 2.5 miles back to our car.




This is me at the brewery where we went out to eat. The beers were good, food delicious. A very enjoyable time, except for me spilling the beer. But there is no reason to cry over spilled beer.

Anyway - just wanted to give you a little peek at my vacation. It was a good time. I'm glad to be back. I'm going to get moving on the house stuff. I have to go see my loan person and I'm getting the house inspected on Friday at 2.