Wow, today was a very big day!! When I look back on it, this day was full of emotions...mainly good. Work was insane today, and I won't bore you with the details, but lets just say that I worked about 9 hours today, and didn't stop all day. I got to work at 6:15 this morning, and was all over the place...i desk hopped...and I floor hopped. I was covering for someone else today, as well as setting up our customer room for a visit and making sure they had everything they needed. It was an exhausting day to say the lease...I am about ready for bed.
As you know I am going to be an Aunt - although as I think about that, I don't like the phrase "going to be", because I already am. I mean I believe that even though the baby isn't here yet, it is still a human being, and if something terrible were to happen, I would still morn as if I knew who that person was...so I am an Aunt, and I found out today that my sister and brother are having a boy!! His name is Caleb James and will grace us with his presence around March 2. Now March 2 is a special day, because it is also my great-grandmothers birthday (my mom's mom's mom), so I think it would be so special if he was born on that day. The big reveal was so much fun! Yesterday I was given 2 boxes, one had the number 1 on it, and the other the number 2. When Ben and Sarah found out the gender, they sent an email with which box to open, and inside was a blue sock - a tiny blue sock! I was so surprised and so excited at the same time. I couldn't wait to talk to Sarah to hear all the details of the visit and how everything went. The doctor checked twice, so I don't think there will be any surprises! I can't wait to meet Caleb James!!
Another big event today (although not nearly as big), was that I had my Pre-Construction meeting with the builder, and the architect. It was a very interesting meeting, but it went well. There were of course some things that needed to be adjusted, and a few surprises, but we were able to get them all fixed. At the meeting, they show your the floor plan (blown up), and they point out where my light switches will be, where the outlets are, make sure all your options are correct, tell you which way your attic is going to pull down...things like that. It is a very detailed meeting, and Praise the Lord I am a details girl. There were small things that I noticed, like they gave me upgrades that I didn't pay for, they had to move a light switch because it interfered with a door (I'd have to go into the closet, shut the door and then turn on the light), oh yeah...and the house was laid out backwards :) When I picked my lot, I was told that the house would be a certain way, but on the plans, everything was on the other side. This makes a huge difference! Thankfully, they were able to work it out so that the house could go the way that I wanted it to go, which I am glad because I think Zack, my realtor, was about to tear them a new one! (in a nice, courteous, professional way of course :) ) So this meeting was full of emotion, concentration, and trying to understand "construction-ese" I have obviously never done this before, so I didn't understand all of the lingo, but everyone was really nice and understanding, and allowed me to answer questions.
So the day was filled with insane craziness, complete excitement, with a mix of a dash of terror, and inadequacy. Now I am going to drink my root beer, pop some popcorn, decompress with a phone call and then call it a night!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Big News!!
Are you ready?? I bought a house!! I can barely believe it myself. I am actually building a house! That's right, building! I am so excited to see this journey unfold!
I'm sure there are some questions floating out there, so I will tell my story.
I have been renting for about 3 years now. I have loved it, and it has been good for me. I am in a great location, and the apartment has been very nice. I live in a gated community with a few amenities. I will say, it was a great idea to start here. I didn't want to rent at first just because the idea of throwing money away, ie - not going toward anything, wasn't my cup of tea. After talking with my family they thought this would be a great first step and I agree it was. A great step...step...not something I wanted to do forever.
A few months ago, say around the beginning of summer, I felt God nudging me to take the next step. I wanted to buy a house, but I didn't think I could afford it. I tucked the thought away until my friend bought a house...now this friend is my age, and we are on the same track in life so it got me thinking again. I talked with her about how she did it and looked into it. Turns out I was wrong in my thinking, and was able to start this journey.
So now that I've decided to go ahead what's next...ah yes a realtor! There is a close family friend of ours, Reggie, who we have looked to for advice on several occasions, and knew that he wouldn't lead us wrong. My dad talked to him, and he suggested a realtor that he knows. Boy did he send me in the right direction - I knew Reggie wouldn't lead me astray. My realtor, Zack is awesome! He is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, encouraging, and gives great advice. His best quality is most likely patience. He has had to work with me, someone who has no idea what she's doing, and who has OCD. I don't know if he has ever had a client who has had as many questions as I have. :)
Now to start looking at houses. I looked at some that were built, and some new construction, and the new construction fell right within my time frame. See, I still have 4 months left on my lease, so I didn't want to have to pay to break it, and new construction takes about 3 to finish, so it was a match made in Heaven. It came down to 2 builders, and one won out on location. As they always say, you can change your house, but you can't change your location. It is only about 5 minutes from my apartment, so it is still very close to everything. I am the first to write a contract in this neighborhood, so that is exciting. I am not alone however. My builder bought some land in an existing neighborhood full of town homes. I'm the first single-family home, but not the first in the neighborhood if that makes sense.
I actually have not seen this house in person. It is a brand new plan, so none have been built yet. That is exciting and a little nerve-wracking all the same time. It is 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, with an open floor plan. It has plenty of storage, a fun "loft" at the top of the stairs, and a laundry room (yay)!
I'm so excited to go on this journey and watch my house be built! God's timing is all through this and it's awesome to see His hand at work. I wanted to do this 3 years ago, but the girl I was then definitely couldn't handle this next step. God has worked in my life so much, and I can say that I am beyond excited for this step. I know it is the right thing for me, right now. I can't wait for the next few months!
I'm sure there are some questions floating out there, so I will tell my story.
I have been renting for about 3 years now. I have loved it, and it has been good for me. I am in a great location, and the apartment has been very nice. I live in a gated community with a few amenities. I will say, it was a great idea to start here. I didn't want to rent at first just because the idea of throwing money away, ie - not going toward anything, wasn't my cup of tea. After talking with my family they thought this would be a great first step and I agree it was. A great step...step...not something I wanted to do forever.
A few months ago, say around the beginning of summer, I felt God nudging me to take the next step. I wanted to buy a house, but I didn't think I could afford it. I tucked the thought away until my friend bought a house...now this friend is my age, and we are on the same track in life so it got me thinking again. I talked with her about how she did it and looked into it. Turns out I was wrong in my thinking, and was able to start this journey.
So now that I've decided to go ahead what's next...ah yes a realtor! There is a close family friend of ours, Reggie, who we have looked to for advice on several occasions, and knew that he wouldn't lead us wrong. My dad talked to him, and he suggested a realtor that he knows. Boy did he send me in the right direction - I knew Reggie wouldn't lead me astray. My realtor, Zack is awesome! He is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, encouraging, and gives great advice. His best quality is most likely patience. He has had to work with me, someone who has no idea what she's doing, and who has OCD. I don't know if he has ever had a client who has had as many questions as I have. :)
Now to start looking at houses. I looked at some that were built, and some new construction, and the new construction fell right within my time frame. See, I still have 4 months left on my lease, so I didn't want to have to pay to break it, and new construction takes about 3 to finish, so it was a match made in Heaven. It came down to 2 builders, and one won out on location. As they always say, you can change your house, but you can't change your location. It is only about 5 minutes from my apartment, so it is still very close to everything. I am the first to write a contract in this neighborhood, so that is exciting. I am not alone however. My builder bought some land in an existing neighborhood full of town homes. I'm the first single-family home, but not the first in the neighborhood if that makes sense.
I actually have not seen this house in person. It is a brand new plan, so none have been built yet. That is exciting and a little nerve-wracking all the same time. It is 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, with an open floor plan. It has plenty of storage, a fun "loft" at the top of the stairs, and a laundry room (yay)!
I'm so excited to go on this journey and watch my house be built! God's timing is all through this and it's awesome to see His hand at work. I wanted to do this 3 years ago, but the girl I was then definitely couldn't handle this next step. God has worked in my life so much, and I can say that I am beyond excited for this step. I know it is the right thing for me, right now. I can't wait for the next few months!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Hilton Head Island
Friday was my 25th Birthday! I am a quarter of a century old...hard to believe! We know someone who rents out a house in hilton head island, so my parents thought it would be fun to go there for the weekend! they were right! Ben, Sarah and I drove down after work, mom and dad left a little earlier on Friday.
We really took it easy this weekend. We met mom and dad for ice cream Friday night at a place called Munchies. On Saturday we slept in, dad brought us pastries from Fresh Market. We then got ready and went driving around the island. We went through some shops, ate lunch (Dad and Ben really enjoyed lunch :) ), saw a lighthouse, we also went to the Disney hotel on the Island and got Mickey Premium Bars...if you have ever had one, you know they are worth it! That night we went to Outback for my birthday dinner, and it was really good. We also went through the Tanger outlets, then back to Munchies for ice cream. Sunday we went to Coligny Colony and then Giuseppe's for lunch and headed home.
It was so nice to get away for the weekend. We all have had a lot going on recently, so it was nice to be able to escape, and enjoy some time away. Plus, my family might be considered odd because we actually enjoy hanging out with each other. Let's just say there is never a dull moment. We had some great conversations, we rag on each other and can be quite honest...and sarcastic. We laugh constantly! I am so grateful for them! I had an absolute blast, and can't wait to do it in October for our next vacation :) :)
We really took it easy this weekend. We met mom and dad for ice cream Friday night at a place called Munchies. On Saturday we slept in, dad brought us pastries from Fresh Market. We then got ready and went driving around the island. We went through some shops, ate lunch (Dad and Ben really enjoyed lunch :) ), saw a lighthouse, we also went to the Disney hotel on the Island and got Mickey Premium Bars...if you have ever had one, you know they are worth it! That night we went to Outback for my birthday dinner, and it was really good. We also went through the Tanger outlets, then back to Munchies for ice cream. Sunday we went to Coligny Colony and then Giuseppe's for lunch and headed home.
It was so nice to get away for the weekend. We all have had a lot going on recently, so it was nice to be able to escape, and enjoy some time away. Plus, my family might be considered odd because we actually enjoy hanging out with each other. Let's just say there is never a dull moment. We had some great conversations, we rag on each other and can be quite honest...and sarcastic. We laugh constantly! I am so grateful for them! I had an absolute blast, and can't wait to do it in October for our next vacation :) :)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Fall
I love this time of year! We are coming into my favorite two seasons, fall and winter. There isn't anything about it I don't love.
The main reason is the cooler weather. I am not a fan of sweating of any kind - can't stand to get out of the shower, and sweat while drying my hair, or just standing outside for 30 seconds and you are soaked. That is not my idea of a good time. I am such a fan of hoodies, jackets, scarves, sweaters, long sleeves, and boots. There is just something about them, that I can't explain. I love walking outside and the cold takes your breathe away. I love snuggling up under a blanket with hot chocolate, watching a movie. I love sleeping with the windows open when it is freezing outside. My roommate in college and I used to sleep with the windows open, and the AC on in the middle of December - I've never slept better.
I also love the fact that we are getting into the holiday season. I love the spirit of the holidays, yes some people get cranky and bent out of shape, and the traffic is bad, but it also is a time to spend together with family and friends, and if you don't put the emphasis on those bad things, you don't mind it as much. I love to give people gifts - I love to see their reactions, and I enjoy being able to give them something, to do something for them. Not only is it the holiday season, but it's birthday season in my immediate family. All 5 of us have birthdays from September to December, so that adds an extra element of fun to this time of year.
I look forward to this time of year with much excitement and anticipation. I can't wait to get it started!
The main reason is the cooler weather. I am not a fan of sweating of any kind - can't stand to get out of the shower, and sweat while drying my hair, or just standing outside for 30 seconds and you are soaked. That is not my idea of a good time. I am such a fan of hoodies, jackets, scarves, sweaters, long sleeves, and boots. There is just something about them, that I can't explain. I love walking outside and the cold takes your breathe away. I love snuggling up under a blanket with hot chocolate, watching a movie. I love sleeping with the windows open when it is freezing outside. My roommate in college and I used to sleep with the windows open, and the AC on in the middle of December - I've never slept better.
I also love the fact that we are getting into the holiday season. I love the spirit of the holidays, yes some people get cranky and bent out of shape, and the traffic is bad, but it also is a time to spend together with family and friends, and if you don't put the emphasis on those bad things, you don't mind it as much. I love to give people gifts - I love to see their reactions, and I enjoy being able to give them something, to do something for them. Not only is it the holiday season, but it's birthday season in my immediate family. All 5 of us have birthdays from September to December, so that adds an extra element of fun to this time of year.
I look forward to this time of year with much excitement and anticipation. I can't wait to get it started!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tattoo!!!
So, I got a tattoo!! I know this comes as a shock to many people, but it is something that I have been thinking about for a long time....so here's the story. (and a picture)
Ever since High School I have wanted a tattoo. I just didn't know what I wanted it of. I also wasn't sure if I was ok with the whole permanent thing. Which is why it has taken me 6 years since HS graduation to get one. I used to get Henna tattoos, which was great because it would last for a few weeks and then go away. I found that I missed it, which is when I knew I was ready to get one.
Now, I know you are thinking - what is that? Its a Greek word, sozo, which means healed, redeemed, and rescued. We were studying the book of James in Sunday School, and my leader (who loves to point out the Greek words) mentioned this one. As soon as I heard the meaning, it struck a chord with me and I just knew that's what I wanted tattooed on me. I wanted it as a reminder of what God has done in my life. He has healed, redeemed, and rescued me many times in my life, each time I am so very thankful.
Did it hurt? Not as bad as I was expecting. At the beginning it was fine, but as it went on the more it hurt. I went to a very safe place (recommended by a friend), and my tattoo artist was a paramedic for 12 years so he was quite sanitary and was used to dealing with needles. He was funny and made sure I knew what was going on. He didn't rush me which was nice. My friend Elisa went with me, and I think I broke her hand as I squeezed it the entire time. :)
I am very glad I got it done :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Roles
I had dinner the other night with a good friend of mine, Sarah VG (whose nickname may become VG because of the other Sarah's in my life). I am so thankful that I got to spend some good quality time with her. She is in the same exact place as me, and that makes it very easy to talk to her about life, because she gets it. She knows what it is like to be in this stage of our lives.
One of the MANY topics we covered that night was how intimidating girls can be in their twenties. For the most part, girls have it together. We have stable jobs, we live on our own - either in a house or an apartment, we have friends, and family that we hang out with, we are involved in church. We are confident in ourselves because we have it all together - and that intimidates guys. Think about a relationship, and what the guy and girl brings to it - girls have to be both in order to survive. We have to handle the emotional side of things, as well as the financial side. We can't afford to be lax in either. We take care of the bills, we clean and fix parts of the house, we also handle the emotional side with our friends and with ourselves. We have so much to juggle, but we do it because of necessity!
Guys don't realize that underneath all that confidence, is a girl who is asking for help. We don't want to handle all the roles that we do! We are more than willing to have a guy in our life, and for us to say "here you go" and let them take over their piece. Right now, we just don't have that luxury. Guys don't see that though - they see a girl who has it all and they say "she's intimidating", and they go after the girls who don't have it all together. In the meantime, we go on with our lives, we buy houses, we buy cars, we fix our plumbing issues, we take care of the bills until a guy comes around and says "here, let me help you" and they take it over.
Sarah also had a great point that she heard somewhere - the feminist movement has weakened guys. I have no problem admitting the fact that there are things guys are better at. God designed it that way, He said that the woman is to be submissive to her husband, and he is to be the head of the family. The feminist movement made women take some roles from the men, which then weakened them. They no longer had to step up to their role, because women were doing it for them. I find this down right annoying. I'm a girl who is looking for a man to step up and BE THE MAN! I do not want a "wuss" of a guy, I want someone who isn't afraid to lead, to take control. Someone who follows the Lord proudly and confidently - that kind of man I have no problem being submissive to.
Until that day comes, I will be confident in who God made me, in the plans He has for my life, and wait patiently for the day when MY MAN looks past my confidence, stops being intimidated, and asks me out.
One of the MANY topics we covered that night was how intimidating girls can be in their twenties. For the most part, girls have it together. We have stable jobs, we live on our own - either in a house or an apartment, we have friends, and family that we hang out with, we are involved in church. We are confident in ourselves because we have it all together - and that intimidates guys. Think about a relationship, and what the guy and girl brings to it - girls have to be both in order to survive. We have to handle the emotional side of things, as well as the financial side. We can't afford to be lax in either. We take care of the bills, we clean and fix parts of the house, we also handle the emotional side with our friends and with ourselves. We have so much to juggle, but we do it because of necessity!
Guys don't realize that underneath all that confidence, is a girl who is asking for help. We don't want to handle all the roles that we do! We are more than willing to have a guy in our life, and for us to say "here you go" and let them take over their piece. Right now, we just don't have that luxury. Guys don't see that though - they see a girl who has it all and they say "she's intimidating", and they go after the girls who don't have it all together. In the meantime, we go on with our lives, we buy houses, we buy cars, we fix our plumbing issues, we take care of the bills until a guy comes around and says "here, let me help you" and they take it over.
Sarah also had a great point that she heard somewhere - the feminist movement has weakened guys. I have no problem admitting the fact that there are things guys are better at. God designed it that way, He said that the woman is to be submissive to her husband, and he is to be the head of the family. The feminist movement made women take some roles from the men, which then weakened them. They no longer had to step up to their role, because women were doing it for them. I find this down right annoying. I'm a girl who is looking for a man to step up and BE THE MAN! I do not want a "wuss" of a guy, I want someone who isn't afraid to lead, to take control. Someone who follows the Lord proudly and confidently - that kind of man I have no problem being submissive to.
Until that day comes, I will be confident in who God made me, in the plans He has for my life, and wait patiently for the day when MY MAN looks past my confidence, stops being intimidated, and asks me out.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
School
It's so cliche, but hearing about school starting up get me thinking about my years of schooling. I was fortunate to go to private school my entire life and while it had its down sides (like every school) I am very grateful for the time I had there.
I was a very studious student (imagine that). I was the geek who got all excited about back to school shopping because everything was new, and I could figure out a way to organize everything. I loved the crisp notebooks with dividers. My books were always covered by my dad from brown grocery bags (the edges were turned in so no tape would get onto the book). I had my day planner that had all my homework written in it, and would get crossed off as it was completed. I think this is where my love of pens originated - standing in the aisle staring at them all wondering which one was going to be my favorite that year. Sigh - how I miss new school supplies.
I was the kid that would come home from school and immediately start my homework. I didn't like it hanging over my head all night because it was always in the back of my mind. I was also still in school mode so that helped. I was never good at studying, I would study for hours and still get confused on tests. I would make the color coded flash cards, and would quiz myself. I wasn't a great test-taker. I would much rather you give me a project than a test.
Moving on to college - what a great time! I enjoyed my 3 years there. I went to CIU and lived on campus, did the roommate gig, enjoyed all of it. There are days that I would love to go back and have breaks through out the day - working 8 hours a day will make you appreciate that! Life was "worry free" in college. I made some amazing friends there. Had the best RA ever, had great roommates. I loved hall life! Petty 2 woot woot!! I also got to do yearbook, and that was a many all-nighter, but that gave me a passion for some things I can do in my job now. If I could go back to college, and not have the work part, I would!!
So I'm a little jealous of the students this week who get to enjoy their first week at school - how I miss it sometimes.
I was a very studious student (imagine that). I was the geek who got all excited about back to school shopping because everything was new, and I could figure out a way to organize everything. I loved the crisp notebooks with dividers. My books were always covered by my dad from brown grocery bags (the edges were turned in so no tape would get onto the book). I had my day planner that had all my homework written in it, and would get crossed off as it was completed. I think this is where my love of pens originated - standing in the aisle staring at them all wondering which one was going to be my favorite that year. Sigh - how I miss new school supplies.
I was the kid that would come home from school and immediately start my homework. I didn't like it hanging over my head all night because it was always in the back of my mind. I was also still in school mode so that helped. I was never good at studying, I would study for hours and still get confused on tests. I would make the color coded flash cards, and would quiz myself. I wasn't a great test-taker. I would much rather you give me a project than a test.
Moving on to college - what a great time! I enjoyed my 3 years there. I went to CIU and lived on campus, did the roommate gig, enjoyed all of it. There are days that I would love to go back and have breaks through out the day - working 8 hours a day will make you appreciate that! Life was "worry free" in college. I made some amazing friends there. Had the best RA ever, had great roommates. I loved hall life! Petty 2 woot woot!! I also got to do yearbook, and that was a many all-nighter, but that gave me a passion for some things I can do in my job now. If I could go back to college, and not have the work part, I would!!
So I'm a little jealous of the students this week who get to enjoy their first week at school - how I miss it sometimes.
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