Never Say Never

"I never want to live in an apartment again."  Whoops! And here is my ass, sitting in an apartment, again.  Really though, it's not so bad.  This will be our third night in the apartment. We moved Saturday; it was the loooooooongessssssstttttt day. Ever.  And a small scale debacle of sorts.  The movers were an hour and a half late. When I asked what kind of lunch break they would be taking, the response was, "Well, if the clients buying, we eat whatever."  Mkay. That was not the question but I see what you did. You just insinuated that we buy your lunch and now I feel obligated.  So, what the hell would you like from McDonald's because that's what we're having.  Oh, you don't eat McDonald's because it's unhealthy? Well, your two mover buddies do, so let me take their orders and I guess you're on your own because I'm not making two stops. Fast forward to the part where we all sit down to our unhealthy McDonald's lunch and he pulls out a Powerade and a bag of Funyons. For real. And did I sit silently by and pretend not to notice? Hell no. I smugly said, I'm so glad your eating Funyons instead of McDonald's...it's way better for you! 
Now, these were nice guys. Educated too, not jughead meathead mover guys.  We even discussed theology and conspiracy theories a bit. I liked them. Okay, I liked two of them. Mr. Funyon was just okay.
Now to the part where Funyon gps'd our new address and somehow took our stuff to the ghetto instead of our new address. I was not happy.

Finally they show up at the correct destination and promptly drop and mangle my new upright freezer. I'm not happy. See a theme?  Really, it was like I watched it roll off the dolly in slow motion and saw the three of them not catch it. I clapped my hands to my face as my jaw dropped and I think I made a weird "eeks" type noise.  Now I'm waiting for the company to call me about the damage report. I intend to give them an earful about the three stooges.

On the upside, we're here. Our stuff is here. We officially close on our old house this week. I can almost hear that chapter quietly thump closed like an old dusty book.  I'm really enjoying the apartment so far. It sort of feels like we're on vacation and staying in an awesome hotel suite.  We haven't been to the pool yet, but I plan to as soon as Birdy gets feeling better. Poor thing has had a fever all day with a cough.  Crossing my fingers that the rest of us don't get it.

We will continue our search for a house of property to build a house on, but we're not in a huge hurry
because camping at the apartment might be fun for a bit :)

Game of Life

Remember playing the board game, "Life?" I loved the multicolor road that went around the board
and the little plastic hills glued to the road. Then you drive your little plastic convertible car gamepiece around the multicolored road gradually filling it with little pink and blue stick people. Yeah, so fun! Well, I feel like multicolored plastic birds have repeatedly crapped in my hair as we drive our plastic car. 
In reality, we found out my husband is getting laid off from his job this month.  It happens. This is the first time it's happened to us.  He's been with his company for 11 years and now they are handing him his hat as the theater goes dark.  No, he doesn't work at a theater...he works in information technology.  There's no theater, lets move on.
He's had several interviews and job leads. Lots of irons in the fire and recruiters working to get him re-employed.  It wouldn't be such a big deal if we had two incomes. Alas, I'm a stay at home mama with a baby attached to my boobs.  So, I won't be hoofing it out into the job market.  In actuality and all honestly, I'm not too nervous yet.  I think he's going to land a gig soon.  There will probably some gap time between jobs and we'll need to get Cobra insurance but it's not dire yet.

The other side of the coin is that our house has been on the market for two months. Our showings have slacked off considerably which kinda works out given our current situation.  After Mark finds a new job we might drop the price to drive more showings and get a quicker sale. Right now though, we're gonna sit tight and wait for the bird crap to get washed out of our hair.

Say Cheese!

Here's what I've been up to lately.  Last year I started a little photography business called "Pets and the City Photography" which was dedicated to pets and their people.  It was fun and I got to flex my creative muscles again (after a long period of muscle atrophy).  Here's the thing though...even though people are willing to dress their pooches in expensive gear, pay outlandish vet bills (I know!) and include them in final estate planning....they aren't so willing to fork over the cash for some nice photos.  I understand we're in a recession; or coming out of one depending on who you ask.  This mama is looking for consistent cash flow and the pet business just isn't cutting the mustard right now.  So, I'm expanding my services to include humans.  In fact I'm relaunching with a totally new name and website (coming soon).  I'm stoked about the possibilities and even have a surprise in store for you in a few weeks!  It'll knock your socks off!  For now I'm ramping up and that's eating up lots of free time so excuse my spotty bloginess.  So many ideas, so little time to develop them!

Guess What!?!?

I can't tell you. It's a big surprise coming soon...that isn't my baby. It's going to be sooo much fun. Wish I could give you a hint. I think you'll enjoy it. Okay, okay, I'll give you a couple of hints: It's global, but it's smaller than a breadbox. You can't wear it or eat it but you can share it with your friends. And to make the mystery even bigger....you probably won't hear much from me around here for a couple weeks. *big smile and hands clapped over my mouth* Just wait, it'll be fun!

Leavin' on a jet plane...

Don't know when I'll be back again.....just kidding. I'll be back next Thursday. I'm flying out to Tucson, AZ this afternoon for a little R&R. My friend K 's parents have a condo out there and my grandma lives out there in the wintertime. I'll be splitting my time between both. K and I plan to attend an art festival in a tiny little artist colony called Tubac on Friday, then Saturday we're going to the Gem Show. I've never been to a gem show, but she assures me that there is lots to see and plenty of unique stones, gems (duh) and jewelry to peruse. I'm not a big "jewelry girl" but I do enjoy the southwestern style of burnished silver, turquoise and coral so that's what I'm hunting for. Not sure what the schedule for Sunday is. Monday I'm heading north to a little town called Florence to spend a few days with my grandma.

Probably I'm most excited about the food. At some point we'll make a stop at San Xavier Mission del Bac because they have a little plaza where they sell the best Indian Tacos made by members of the Tohono O'odham community. Absolute heaven...and oh yea, the architecture is gorgeous at the mission. In Tucson there is a wonderful place called Lil Abner's and they have a fantastic mesquite ribeye. I also anticipate lots of food vendors at the gem show. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention the reason I go to Arizona at all....the L & B Inn. Holy authentic Mexican food Batman. It's a quaint family owned place and I just love sitting on the patio near the fountain. Neighborhood cats wind their lithe little bodies between the wrought iron spindles of the decorative fence that encloses the patio while you crunch on chips and homemade, secret family recipe salsa. Can't. Wait.

So, while I'm gone please enjoy a few pics from some previous trips to Arizona...

12.5 inches of Snow

Today we woke up to the most snow I've seen in one snowfall since 1996. The State Police
wanted people to stay off the roads so I obliged and stayed home from work. I have to admit, since next Wednesday is my last day, I'm not exactly breaking my back in the work department.
I did some things around the house, dusting and whatnot. Then I grabbed my camera and took the dogs outside in the backyard.

Mya stayed on the deck and was having none of it.

Farley on the other hand, dove in head first.

As a Lab, he seems to enjoy all forms of water including

fresh snowfall.

Mya saw Farley having all the fun and decided to get her

fanny off the deck and jump in!

Here she is digging a hole trying to find the snowball I threw.

I'm telling you, Farley is a madman in the snow!

He got so excited bounding around that he miscalculated and mushed

Mya down into the snow. Then it was time to go in because Mya had her

feelings hurt.

I'm going to do some editing to get rid of the "blue" cast in the pics, but I wanted to get them

posted quickly so y'all could see what we've been doing today in Indiana! 8 weeks until spring!

I did it!

I did it. It took all day for me to put on my big girl panties and say what I wanted to say. But in the end, I did it.
I quit my job. Yes, I turned in my two weeks notice today at 5pm. I went out this morning and made sales calls all day as if it were any other day then I came home and called my manager (he lives in Kentucky) and told him I was leaving. He said,"Damn, I hate to lose you, your such a good rep." Which was a nice compliment and the same sort of feedack and reassurance my self image is going to miss.
I really struggled to make this decision. Most people would be thrilled if they had an opportunity to quit their job to pursue things that matter to them. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited. Just sort of a tenuous, nervous excited.
See, I've worked my whole life. I started babysitting when I was 12, began waitressing at 16 and worked a few different jobs thru college. Then I graduated and began working to actually support myself completely on my own, changing jobs a few times to increase my wage. I got married (the first time) and was the breadwinner in that situation. Then I got divorced and had to go out and find my own place again and change jobs to increase my salary. The focus was always money. With each new position I made more money so I could provide for myself. My parents raised me to be self-reliant. I recall my womanizing father training me up to "never put yourself in a position where you're depending on a man." And I never did. I worked hard, moving up the salary scale. I always had a nice apartment, a nice car, boarded my horse, had nice clothes, went out for dinner and drinks with friends. I did pretty well for myself.
For awhile now though my thoughts wander to those talents and interests I had when I was younger. I was always into photography, creative writing, acting, art. The original liberal arts girl. I always wondered if I could earn a living doing something I enjoy. I've never had the chance to pursue any of those dreams because I was always the main source of income and money came first.
Until now. My husband, Boo, told me if I wanted to chase some of those dreams that I should because if I don't, then I may regret when I'm an old woman. He said, we are in a position right now that it would be fine if you want to try some of those ideas.
I have about four and a half months before our baby arrives. I will never have this time to myself again. I feel that I have worked hard for a long time and I'm about to work even harder when the bundle arrives. I should take advantage of this time to chase a dream or two. Boo is behind me all the way, and I trust him. This is a new and wonderful feeling in my life.
I have an underlying fear that I will somehow screw this up and botch the whole thing. I'm worried I will produce nothing from my efforts. It's a little intimidating to be faced with the task of facing your dreams. I don't have a plan yet. But here goes.

Am I really doing this?

I'm freaking out a little bit this morning. If I were a nail-biter, I'd have nubs.
There are nervous/excited butterflys in my belly. I'm on the verge of something that makes me want to A. Make a joyful noise and run out of the house chasing dreams and/or B. Vomit and crawl under the covers.
Pray for me. I'll be back this afternoon to clue you in.

Christmas Vacation

Today was my first official vacation day. I'm off until January 5th. Lemme tell ya, I haven't had a vacation day since I started this new job back in May. I don't mean to sound like a whiner, but
dagnabit, I deserve some down time. I wonder how many days it will take before thoughts of my job will filter completely out.
So in celebration of my first day of vacation I woke up, ate some yogurt and promptly puked.
Then I took a nap. Woke up and ate some crackers and felt like I could make it out into the world. I hurried to the post office to mail a card and photobook to my grandma in Arizona. Of course there was a line out the door if you wanted to see an actual postal employee for assistance...lucky for me, I didn't! I went straight to the automatic postage machine to weigh my big envelope, pay for a stamp and chuck it in the bin. Ha ha, if only it had gone so smoothly. Nope, instead I went straight to the machine and stood behind a woman with a big "Arbonne" box full of packages that she was methodically getting postage for. I assume she also drove the car in the front row that had the big "Arbonne" sticker in the window. Sooo, ten minutes later she was done and the woman directly in front of me had a whole paper grocery bag full of large manilla envelopes. I sighed dramatically and waved around my lone envelope hoping the spirit of the season would inspire her to say, "Oh, you only have one envelope, please go ahead of me." But to no avail, I waited another ten minutes behind this clueless, self-absorbed postal patron. Little did she know I could puke in her grocery bag at any moment. After todays experience I am not a fan of Arbonne or going to the post office the week of Christmas.
After the postal situation, I went to the mother of all clusters...Wal-Mart. I only went to get a gift card for my brother and his wife because they grocery shop there and times are tough. So it was a noble cause. In fact I did a little grocery shopping while I was there..you know, kill two birds with one stone. Surprisingly, I zipped in and out and even had a friendly check out lady.
I made it back to my car just in time to drink the juice box I brought with me in case my blood sugar plunged since I horked up my breakfast.
At home I wrapped some presents and listened to holiday music...before I took another nap.
That's what vacation is for, plenty of naps.

She's up to something...

"For whom the bell tolls...." I will tell you that there are some changes coming. Remember back in the early fall I said I could feel change coming but I just didn't know what it was yet. Well, now I know. You will know soon too. Doesn't that sound ominous? It's not really. Not ominous.
It's not one change, it's going to be a series of happenings. It makes me nervous and excited all at once. But I can't tell you yet because I don't have anyway of knowing who reads this blog and if the information got into the wrong hands before the appropriate time, well, that wouldn't be good.

So for now let's talk about the Turkey Day. On Thanksgiving Day my Boo and I went to his parents house for dinner. His lovely mom always cooks for an army even though only four people are eating. She got a new wedding band because her's had to be cut off her finger...she
outgrew it. I can't rememer how long they've been married but it's something like 40 years, she's due for a new band. She was so excited to show it off. The dinner was amazing as usual.

On Friday I did not go out shopping with the deal hunters. This is the first year I haven't gone since I don't know when. I just wasn't feeling it. There wasn't anything I needed.

Saturday Boo and I went and purchased a treadmill which is being delivered and set up on Friday. We're trying to be healthier. Or prevent bad health I guess. I figure a treadmill is less expensive than a heart attack in ten years. Right?
Meanwhile, I put my turkey in the oven for roasting. I tried something new this year, I brined it the night before. So I drained off the brine, rinsed the bird then stuck it in the oven. Several hours later my family showed up for dinner. We always have a good time and this year was no different. Boo and I have a Wii game system and everyone really enjoyed it. I hate video games, always have. But the Wii is different. It's great for all ages (they even have them in nursing homes!) and you have to be physically active to play it. For hours my family boxed, bowled and golfed in my living room. We sat down to a fantastic dinner, I cooked peas, corn and rolls in addition to the bird (which was so juicy and moist thanks to brining!) Mom made stuffing and mashed potatoes; my sister-in-law made green bean casserole, mac and cheese and cranerry cheesecake bars. I also contributed a homemade apple pie. Delish!
So glad we ordered the treadmill.
I'll keep you up to date on the big happenings, when the bell tolls, you'll be the first to know!

Indiana State Fair

The entrance to the Indiana State Fair, home
of fried Twinkies, Snickers and new this year, Fried Pepsi. Don't even ask, I didn't try it and I didn't see any of it either, so I can't begin to describe what this concoction might be.








This little boy looks like he's never seen a cow before. Yes, even here among the corn fields and soybeans there are real people who've never experienced livestock. Which I find incredibly hard to believe.







This little girl, wearing her Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader outfit, upstaged the clown band and danced like nobody was watching.
But everybody was. The band had to start interacting with her to regain some of the spotlight.


Then there was this in the midway.....





Isn't that freakin' hilarious?! Nuns on the midway! Trying their hands at some games of chance to win giant bears and goldfish. I hope that Carnie treated them right, Lord help him if he didn't.
I tried to be discreet with my camera, but they must have known how out of place they looked.
I suppose the midway would probably be a good spot for some good olde fashioned ministry. Lot's of seedy business going on there. Maybe they were there to pray with people before they got on one of those death traps, uh, er, I mean carnival rides. Tilt-a-whirl anyone?