Friday, September 29, 2006

Happenings and Events!

Wow, it's been a long time. I suppose I could say that other things in life have gotten in the way. My career has really taken off during the last 9 months, which has kept me busy. We've also bought a new house and moved in (we only looked at 54 houses during the buying process and settled on the third house we looked at, which is the house of our dreams). We put a bid on this house originally and went round after round with the bank (it was a foreclosure) and they decided to sell the house to someone who was offering a quicker closing date than we were. That deal fell through and two months later the bank asked if we were still interested. Perhaps it was fate that we would own this house but it has been its very own set of trials. Especially considering that it took nearly 3 months and 2 lenders in order to close. It is a turn of the century home (with the original plumbing I think) needless to say it needs some updating and TLC. One day when I replace my now broken digital camera I will post some photos and perhaps you'll see why we fell in love with our home.

The work on the home and the apartments out back has taken up a good deal of my free time. In addition to that we still have the kids and they are still wild and rowdy. We are all getting excited about our first weekend getaway since moving this summer. It's a long awaited and much needed trip that we are so excited about that we can hardly wait. We are going camping and I can't think of a better time of year to enjoy this particular type of trip.

At any rate, new career, new house, new city, new schools for the kids, and a great new outlook on life. This year keeps getting better for us. I hope this year is being just as kind to you.

Labels: fall, long absence, new beginnings, new career, new house, vacation

Posted by Andrea :: 9:46 AM :: 1 Comments:

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Friday, December 23, 2005

Shopping at Christmastime

It's been years really, since I've hit a shopping center in the middle of December. I've worked studiously to avoid them as I don't do well in large crowds. I went out yesterday for a few errands that took me by way of a couple of stores. One was Lowe's. It was actually pretty smooth sailing. Perhaps the fact that the nearest shopping mall was quite a ways away had something to do with the near emptiness of Lowe's but I was rather surprised. Frye's on the other hand had a parking lot that looked like the airport. There were cars actually circling looking for a spot to park. I took one look and decided we would try again perhaps a couple of weeks after Christmas....my Christmas shopping was done, this was something for me so it could wait. Then I went to the Dollar Tree. I don't know why but I really do love this store. They have some of the neatest JUNK! It has really become an addiction for me. Whenever a new store opens or every other week or so I have to take a tour through some type of Dollar store to see what they have. They have awesome photo frames and candles most of the time and all kinds of little 'goodies' for the little ones. It's a store after my own heart. At any rate, the store was packed. I mean a huge line and only one register opened. I know it's Christmas and in order to keep the costs down they have less staff than many other stores, but I'm just imagining the money that didn't get spent because people didn't want to wait in the long lines or how having two registers opened could have doubled the income because the lines would have moved twice as fast or the many other reasons it was just bad business to have only one line open. But it was only a couple of days before Christmas and I got a few extra goodies for those on my list so it wasn't a wasted trip. Though looking back I'm seriously thinking I should have picked up some chocolate to soothe my "I don't like to wait in line or deal with crowds" mentality. Well it's over now. Have a Merry Christmas all!

Posted by Andrea :: 8:49 AM :: 0 Comments:

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Tuesday, December 20, 2005

After a few days off

Things seem new again. We all need time off occassionally and the holidays are a good time. The kids are out of school, there are last minute preparations that need to be made for Santa's big trek, and there is a need to appreciate family and simply enjoy each others presence. I know it's been a good time for me to enjoy watching the kids play with early gifts from the big family Christmas and work on clearing out space for all the new items received and yet to be received (you know what this means...clearing out the happy meal toys from the bottom of the toybox and the broken things that no one ever plays with anymore or toys that are no longer age appropriate...which always instantly become their favorite can't live without toy when faced with the rubbish bin).

It's also been a time of cooking, gift wrapping, and getting back to things that are really important...like vegging out on the couch all day in our PJs watching old Christmas movies. We even made a huge mess with the popcorn. We've made some of our favorite dishes (homemade pizza, lasagna, and chicken strips) it has been a great time not worrying about page rankings and revenue and what I am going to write about tomorrow.

But the one thing that was sort of surprising to me is how much I missed the daily routine or writing. Of putting words to my thoughts. I've really enjoyed my time off but now I'm ready to get back to work.

Take care everyone!

Posted by Andrea :: 9:59 AM :: 1 Comments:

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Thursday, December 15, 2005

Snow globe scenery

This morning I was sewing in my sun room. The baby was in her playpen watching the Wiggles which are a morning favorite. She suddenly began cooing what sounded like 'Look!' so I did and noticed that she was pointing out the window. When I looked out the window I felt as though I were inside a snowglobe. It was such a beautiful sight to watch the snow flakes falling. I can't really find the words to describe how lovely it was and it was a moment that she and I shared. I put down my sewing and sat in the rocking chair with her watching the snow till nap time. I am so fortunate to be able to share moments like these with her. I think sometimes what it would be like to work outside the home and realize how blessed I am that I don't have to. At least not at the moment. That may change but for now I am enjoying watching her grow and sharing these special times.

Posted by Andrea :: 4:10 PM :: 0 Comments:

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