New Years Eve

Where has the year gone?! I can't believe we're hours away from 2011. Adam and I are finally back from our Christmas vacation to Florida and man-oh-man, is it good to be home. Don't get me wrong, I loved seeing my family and friends and I definitely enjoyed the Florida weather but nothing beats the comfort of home.

Michelle (from work) and John watched our pups, which I am insanely grateful for. Our flight ended up getting canceled & traveling with dogs is a huuuuge hassle so I cant thank those guys enough. They are life savers. The Flyboy and I drove through the night and got into Jacksonville around 4am on Wednesday, the 22nd. Minutes after getting into town we crashed and slept forever. When we woke up, Nanny was there with homemade breakfast and fresh squeezed oj for Adam. What a welcome! Little did I know I was about to eat more in a week than I have in my entire life!

Christmas Eve-day was spent with Adam's two sisters and their families. It was my first Christmas spent with little ones and it was a blast. We had a great time watching the kids open presents and get excited over the funniest little things. It's cool to say that I have neices and a nephew! Spending time with Tara and Beth was wonderful. I wish we could see them more often. The food was phenomenal and I ate waaay too much (again). Unfortunately, Adam's parents decided to vacation the same time we did so we missed them. Of course, if I had the opportunity to go to South Beach for Christmas, I would NOT turn it down! That night we went to my parents house and opened presents with them, my little brother and his current girlfriend. We ended up getting some pretty awesome stuff...including new UF ornaments for our tree and a Gator head cake pan!! My dad's parents ended up stopping by for a while and we munched on appetizer-like foods and caught up with everyone. Christmas day we had our traditional lunch at Nanny & Papa's house (mom's side of the family) We had a White Elephant Gift Exchange then we left and went straight to a light appetizer feast with my Uncle and his family, my parents, brother, and grandparents (dad's side). It was a lot more low-key than previous years because everyone is getting older. It was hard NOT to eat because everywhere we went, there was a massive spread of delicious food and desserts. After Christmas, we were able to spend time with different friends who I've missed dearly. It's always difficult coming into town...especially now that it happens less and less often. So many people want to hang out and we always end up hurting feelings because it's impossible to see everyone in such a short time! Sorry if we missed you this year.

Tuesday the28th, we left for Orlando but we took the scenic route. Adam and I went through Gainesville and did a little shopping for Outback bowl Gator-gear. We also found even more ornaments for our tree next year. We spent most of our time just driving around and enjoying the buzz of the town. It's not far from Orlando so we made it to our hotel in no time. Wednesday was theme park day and it was busy, busy, busy! We woke up early, ate breakfast and headed straight to Islands of Adventure so that I could (FINALLY) see The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The fact that it was Christmastime must have slipped my mind. I also forgot that Orlando has TWO bowl games. UGH. Needless to say, the park was beyond packed. There was a two hour wait just to get into the Harry Potter area of the park so we decided to do everything else except HP Land. We hopped back and forth between Universal Studios and IOA riding coasters and rides, watching shows, and eating terrible, over-priced, fried foods. Universal closed down the HP area of the park at 4 and scheduled it to reopen at 9. My favorite part of the night was when I convinced Adam to go on Dr Doom's Fear Fall. I've never heard a grown man scream harder! :D Eventually (after much nagging on my part) I convinced Adam to go back to HP Land at 730 and THANK GOODNESS I did that. There was another line waiting to get in...except this time it was a THREE hour wait. This was crazy but my whole purpose of going to IOA was to see HP Land so I whined like a toddler until Adam caved and waited in line with me. Eventually we got into the park to discover (surprise, surprise) more lines. It was worth it, though. Adam and I tried Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice. We went into HoneyDukes and saw so many wonderful, nerdy things. It shocked me the amount of people in HP Land that didn't even LIKE Harry Potter. They hadn't read the books or seen the movies and had no desire to be there....which infuriated me because I waited forever. We rode the motion simulator in the castle and my mind was blown. I would love to go back once the newness has worn off. Adam and I have decided NO MORE theme parks during peak season. The parks are decorated beautifully and the ambiance is stirring but droves of inconsiderate people are enough to make a person go mad!

We had planned on spending tonight with Allison and Bobby at their new home in Macon, GA but Adam and I were pooped from the holiday hassle and went home after we checked out of the hotel Thursday morning. I really wanted to go and see the new house but my energy levels had been drained for days. I just didn't have it in me. I hope they're having a wonderful time. Adam and I drove through the night and arrived in Norfolk around 3(ish)AM. (As difficult as it is staying awake all night, we made pretty good time by avoiding day-time traffic.)

We heard about the "blizzard" Norfolk got on Christmas while we were gone. The guy next door said there was something like two FEET of snowfall. I'm pretty bummed about missing my first "White Christmas". When Adam and I got home, the whole city was covered in blankets of snow and ice. It's really awesome to see....especially for a Florida girl, like me. Adam and I have collectively decided that as soon as we have the guts (or whenever we have children) we will be inviting family up to see US for the holidays. Hopefully we'll have a house by then so we can host a feast of deliciousness for everyone we love. I'm envisioning a warm fireplace and a giant tree with both of our families hanging out. (Probably closer to a fairy tale....but let me enjoy my vision!)

Well, as I've been writing this, Adam has been outside playing with explosives we bought somewhere South of Hilton Head. I keep hearing all kinds of booms and bangs followed by insane laughter. I swear he's the definition of a "man-child". He bought mortars and refuses to find a vacant lot to shoot them so he's made our neighbors really angry. We've only shot off two or three but our neighborhood has nice houses that are super close together. Let's hope the cops don't get called.

Unfortunately, I dropped my camera in the toilet my FIRST night in Jacksonville so I have zero pictures to show for our trip. The camera works just fine but i took it apart in order to dry it out and ended up losing the memory card. Just my luck, eh. Just make sure to keep reading (and/or Facebook stalking me) in 2011. One of my dozen resolutions is to take more photos of my life and the people in it. Maybe I'll get a new camera for my birthday....which I promise NOT to drop in any body of water (or on any hard surface).

2010 has been one crazy year. Adam graduated flight school and got his wings after two years of ridiculously hard work!!!! Adam and I got engaged during the summer then married on our 4 year anniversary! We moved 800 miles away from our old home and said goodbye to great friends. Adam is closer than ever to joining an official helo squadron and I am moving up at work and going to school (slowly...but still going!) We've had our struggles but it's been memorable and we're making new friends and getting settled into the Virginia lifestyle. 2011 will be a difficult and amazing year but I'm happy to say that I am beyond blessed with everything and everyone in my life. THANK GOD for my health, happiness, faith, family and friends!

Best wishes and love from your favorite Peeps!

Bring it on 2011...

Early Christmas

Since we're leaving for Jacksonville on Thursday the 23rd, we decided to do Christmas early. Instead of choosing just ONE day to exchange gifts, we've been handing them out slowly...one or two at a time.

We never wrapped our Black Friday finds so our movies, towels, knives/block set, and a few other things went straight into being used. Adam got his recliner immediately upon returning home from SERE. (It was too big to wrap so it was kind of hard to hide.) I also let him open the computer chair early because my butt was KILLING me sitting on a hard, wooden chair. We opened stockings last Tuesday and mine I found books, delicious candy and Lion King tickets! Thursday Adam and I dressed up, went to dinner at Freemason's Abbey (a steakhouse in a renovated downtown church), and headed off to the Lion King. It was A M A Z I N G !! Sidenote: I would love to start going to more live shows! Last night we decided to open actual Christmas gifts. Luca and Piper both got new bling and grooming stuff. Luca loves his new Navy name tag but Piper is less than thrilled. (Having eaten ALL of her previous collars, we tightened the new one up so she cant chew it off.) Both "kids" have been chewing on bones they got in their stockings so they've been satisfied. Adam was surprised by his new grill and loved all the manly grill accessories and boy toys that were wrapped along side it. Santa even brought him a cookbook with on how to cook with different kinds of beer! Of course, no boy's Christmas would be complete without a NERF gun...which he and Luca have been playing with all day. I got Glee's first season, a matching Vera bag & wallet AND an iTouch! I can finally play Angry Birds! (Although I have NO idea what to do about free music since LimeWire is no longer.) Apparently there is ONE more gift coming for me...but I don't know when.

We are being forced to bring the dogs back to Jacksonville for Christmas. We can't find anyone to watch them so we'll have to spend ALL DAY on the road with the world's worst roadtrippin buddies- Piper and Luca. I'm really excited to see everyone, though! I know I've said this before but not being able to come home for Thanksgiving made me super home sick and I'm looking forward to it. This afternoon Adam found out that his parents wont be in town for Christmas so he wont get to see them at all. It kinda ruins the surprise we were concocting so he's a little upset. Mostly he's disappointed he wont get to spend time with his family. Instead we've decided to go to his younger sister's house and have his family (minus the parents, unfortunately) exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. I can't wait to see all their kids! Christmas is so much FUN with little ones. Christmas Day will be spent with my family and the remainder of our time will be divided among friends. It's always SO difficult to come back into town because we're never able to see EVERYONE. Ahhh, the holidays.

I work this first half of this week so hopefully I can make some money to buy last minute Christmas gifts. I can't wait to relax back home with great people. See you guys soon!

This just in...

IT'S SNOWING!!!

I took the pups in the backyard to experience their FIRST snowfall and they were a little apprehensive. They didn't mind the falling snow so much but hated the ground-snow. That was, until I started packing mini snowballs for them to fetch. As soon as they figured out snow = ice, they went crazy. I couldn't make snowballs fast enough. Glad "the kids" are enjoying this weather as much as I am. Adam's back from Maine and after having spent a week in the snow, he's not quite as thrilled as the rest of the family.

Our Christmas vacation begins in ONE WEEK and TWO DAYS. As much as I'm enjoying this new found love of snow falling, I can't wait to head back to Florida and be with friends and family. Missing my first Thanksgiving ever made me realize just how much I love being with my family around the holidays...not matter how crazy they can get.

See ya'll soon!!

Happy Holidays!

I've been feeling super festive lately. As you may have noticed, I even Christmas-fied my blog!

Adam's been up in Maine for a while and he's finally coming home TOMORROW afternoon. Although he can't tell me much about anything that happened, I'm anxious to see him. I can't wait for him to see the house with all it's holiday cheer and I'm certain he's looking forward to relaxing. I've done a lot but there's still SO MUCH that has to be finished before his return. I can't include specifics, on the off chance he finds a computer in the next 12-15 hours, but I've planned quite a few surprises.

I was introduced to two more hilarious websites that everyone should check out.
whenparentstext.com and fyouautocorrect.com

Today I went over to babysit a friend's son and although he's precious (and probably the smartest one year old I've met) he made me realize I am NOT ready to have a kid! I do love getting my baby fix so I'll have to make myself available for further play times.

As soon as I have some free time to buy stamps, you all will be getting your Christmas cards! Don't get too excited....they're nothing fancy. :)

Everyone from work is supposed to be going out tonight for a girl's birthday but I honestly don't have the time. I really wish I had everything finished because they're doing karaoke...and I love to sing and get my drink on.

And with that, I must STOP procrastinating. Maybe if I hurry with everything, I can (at least) make an appearance.

Gotta Catch ya'll Up!

Man, oh, man do I have LOTS to update on.

First: My trip to Jacksonville...
I got into town on Thursday morning and went straight to sleep. I was tired...don't judge! That night I had a group dinner with my ENTIRE family, well, minus a couple people with alternate plans. It was wonderful to see everyone together having such a great time. Friday was Sean's Birthday Party so I went there early to help his mom prepare and set up. It was SO MUCH FUN. There was plenty of beverage, food, cornhole and even karaoke with a live DJ. I probably shouldn't have consumed so much because I needed to be dropped off on the way to the stadium so I could sleep some more. When I did meet everyone back up, they were mid-pregame outside the stadium. Before I knew it, it was time to go IN and watch the game. Ian and I sat together and tried to avoid the killer sunshine by turning around and people watching over the edge. It was hilarious and awesome! The game was great and extremely close but we won in OT and I was ecstatic. I am SO LUCKY because this was the SECOND year in a row I've seen the Gators stomp the Bulldogs. Sunday was Halloween and I got to hang out with a few people but there were a TON of people that I didn't get to see but wanted to. I never have enough time when I go home!

Fast forward---I was back in Virginia for only TWO days before turning around and heading BACK to Florida (Tampa, this time). I worked one day and the other was spent buying luggage (thank you, again, GJ!), washing clothes and packing. Before I knew it, it was time to leave for the NRO in Tampa. Rene and I were on the same flight down and although we didn't sit together, it was nice knowing someone to spend layovers with. We arrived in Tampa and I got to see Kate (from Pcola) which was awesome. Friday was day one and I was so nervous but got over that fast! When we weren't at RR, we were across the street at various bars. On our ONE day of, the bird paid for us all to go to Busch Gardens. I LOOOVE roller coasters so that was pretty amazing....other than the fact that we were on our feet again...alllll day. The trip was a bunch of hard work and I lost my voice before Sneaks started but I had a blast and met a lot of really awesome people!I can't wait to do another one!

Adam and I couldn't come home for Thanksgiving and a lady from work invited us over to her family function. They were so nice to include us in their tradition and very friendly and welcoming. And, of course, the food was PHENOMENAL...better than my grandma's! (But we're keeping that last part a secret, okay?) For Black Friday (aka: today), Adam and I were still awake and decided to hit up Walmart's 12AM sale. It was intense and crazy and made me NEVER want to Black Friday shop again. We went for a laptop (which we didn't end up getting because they were sold out) but we got a bunch of new towels and about 6 Blu Ray movies. Then we went to the NEX and picked up some knives and Bed, Bath, and Beyond to get a universal knife block. I was scheduled to work tonight so Adam had to bring me back home. While we were out, we discovered the NEX price-matches all Black Friday deals so Adam went back and got a BRAND NEW DESKTOP COMPUTER, printer, wireless adapter/mouse for a ridiculously fantastic price! All we need now is a webcam so we can go back to Skyping friends and family. We agreed on wrapping the gifts up and putting them under the tree, just to have extras to unwrap, but I should've known better. I was at work and Adam isn't patient when it comes to new things/toys so I am using our new computer, showering with the new towels, staring at the knives set up in the kitchen aaand about to go watch one of our new movies. Oh well, at least we're enjoying things...

Tomorrow we're setting up the Christmas Tree and getting the house decorated before Adam has to leave for his survival training (on Sunday). He'll be gone until the 14th so I better find stuff to do until then.

Whew. I think that was everything. Heads up, I'm being lazy and not proof reading this post (SEAN!) so my apologies if any of it is redundant or lacking sense.

Goodnight guys.

Less than a week!

My laptop is acting up so if I don't post for a while its because I can't get online. Gahh...

Countdown to CRUNK...

Only NINE more days until my trip to J-Vegas!

Tonight I went to Target and ended up getting a super soft, cream cardigan. I sort of hope it's cool-ish on my trip so I can bust out some fall clothes. Plus, nicer weather will make for comfortable football watching.

I have to wake up early tomorrow for a doctors appointment to (hopefully) get some meds & help me kick this pesky cold. I'm tired of waking up with a sore throat/not being able to breathe. Ugh.

I know it sounds silly but when it's late and and the house is quiet, I can hear the planes taxi-ing on the runway. Either that OR Adam says sometimes the maintenance crew runs the aircraft while they fix certain issues. I just think it's cool sounding.

This afternoon Debbie and I went to Kegans while Adam visited the dealership to work out ongoing problems with his newly "fixed" TSX. It was awesome getting to see Debbie and catch up. Even though she lived in Pcola, I never got to see her because of enlisted restrictions. It's nice to know people here in VA.

My back is back to tingling again...and only in random spots. I'm fairly certain I've pinched a nerve.

It has been brought to my attention that I am extremely pale and thus I will be looking into tanning...again. Apparently someone from Florida needs more color than ghost-white. And for all you anti-tanning bed people- don't even bother. Your advice shall NOT be heed(-ed?).

I hope these snip-it updates have been informative AANNND entertaining. I'm exhausted so...

have a wonderful Tuesday!

Sister Wives?

Soooo.....

Have I mentioned I'll be in Jacksonville for the Fl-Ga game?!?! Only 12 more days. I feel like these next dew days will last FOR-EV-ER! It will also be Sean's BDAY so we're going to have a monster throw down! My excitement is out of control.

I am hopped up on Pixie Stix. I probably had 30 tonight...15 on my ride home! I'm never going to sleep tonight. Haha. I think I might go curl my hair...

Man-o-man, do I need a luggage set! I'll be in Tampa for almost 2 weeks and if you know how I pack, you know that I bring A LOT of stuff. There is this set at the NEX up here for $80.00 and it has FOUR pieces. It's not name brand or anything but I like how it has multiple pieces...so I don't always HAVE to bring the biggest one. We'll see if I have enough money to get it...

PS. The show Sister Wives is just weird. That is all.

NRO, T3, FL-GA, etc

At 1230, I got off the phone with the lady in charge of the Tampa NRO. She explained all my duties and responsibilities and the classes I'll be in charge of teaching. Whew. I'm so excited to finally go on the road. (I say "finally" like it's tomorrow but I still have to wait 3 weeks.) I've been handed a TON of information about the trip which is sort of overwhelming but I have plenty of time to prepare. I need to go out and get a suitcase because the one I have has a hole in it and it's rather raggedy. Now is also the time where I wish I had a Nook. An e-reader would be great with all this traveling!

Now it's 2pm and I just got off of another phone call with the Point Manager who was in charge of the T3 seminar I helped to lead yesterday. We went over my evaluation (of my presentation and leadership) and I got a 2.8 out of 3 (which ends up being around 94%). According to everyone else, this is a GREAT score for a first timer. I'm glad I went to T3 because it helped me get rid of SOME of my nervousness before doing the NRO.

In case you haven't heard, I'M GOING TO THE FLORIDA-GEORGIA GAME! Thursday night, the family is all going to go out for dinner and drinks. I'm really excited to see everyone!

It feels like these next couple months are going to go at warp speed. Of course, with all of this to plan around, Adam and I have had little time to house hunt. As you might know, the house we planned on purchasing ended up being a nightmare during the inspection so we had to back out. We're just taking it one day at a time.

Adam is doing great and flying a bunch. He was supposed to get FOUR flights in today but it looks like the weather is going to keep him from getting things done.

I have to be at work at 4pm. I know a lot of this was rapid-fire info but after spending all day on the phone, I'm ready to go out and do something...in the 1.5 hour window I have available :/

About to be busy....

Sean's parents were able to score me a ticket to the Florida - Georgia game! Words cannot describe my level of excitement. The only way it would be better is if Adam came along with me. I plan on leaving on Thursday the 28th and coming back to Virginia on the 1st (maybe the 31st). I'll be home for 3 days and then I have to turn around and fly to Tampa for a week and a half. Adam is supposed to go to Jacksonville during the same time I'm in Tampa so that should be cool. Now, we just need to find someone to watch the pups while we're gone. I can't WAIT for my first NRO!

Tomorrow I'm helping host a training seminar and, overall, I'll be pretty busy for the next month.

As for now, I'm exhausted. I'm going to eat something, stay up for Glee then pass out....at 9pm. Man, I'm gettin old.
ZZZzzzzz

Funk

I'm not having the best of days but I'm trying HARD not to let it affect my attitude. (Sidenote: I hope I used AFFECT correctly. I confuse it with EFFECT occasionally...but not as often as I confuse LIE and LAY.)

So there is this jerk at work who treats women like garbage. He's always talking down to them and making fun of them and just being an overall ass (I'm sorry, there's just no better word). You would think that with arrogance and an attitude like his, he'd be a great looking, popular guy...but it's just the opposite. No one likes him and he always comes into work literally smelling of feces. I've tried to be nice (I even gave him a ride home once!) but I'm tired of the way he treats people and I'm disgusted at the fact he gets away with it.

Still no news on the house-front. The previous offer fell through and we've been looking at a few homes. There was one a block from the beach that we LOVED but it wasn't in the nicest area. Since there will be times when I will be left alone during Adam's career, good neighborhoods are important. I feel so stagnant...like we'll never find a home. Are we being to picky?

I'm also pretty bummed about wedding stuff. Adam and I really want a ceremony/reception in Jacksonville but there is NO WAY we'll be able to afford it. Ugh, why can't I win the lottery?!

Adam's TSX has NOT been totaled. USAA is having the engine and transmission replaced. Until then, we are continuing to operate with one vehicle, which is proving to be more difficult than I expected. Luckily, we live right by the base, so Adam can walk to and from if necessary.

Uhh, I need to get out of this funk!

Yikes

...That was one terrible football game. Alabama is a powerhouse with an incredible defense and it didn't help that the refs were ignoring penalties. Of course, Florida's defense was AWFUL and, for some reason, no one noticed our running plays weren't working. We were robbed of two very obvious touchdowns, too! We lost our first game but I'm still rooting for my boys: GO GATORS!

In other news, we backed out of the deal with the Bay Ave. house. Our inspection was this morning and things were looking okay until we went in the basement. The house had support beams that were being held up (improperly, of course) by bricks and other pieces of wood. It was almost as if someone found scraps and repaired their faltering foundation. There was standing water in the basement which was aiding to SOME of the wood rot. Although the actual foundation hadn't been infested, someone left a board in the crawl space and it was riddled with termites. The electrical breaker was rusted from water that was dripping into it and because of that, certain electrical connections in the house had shorted. On top of those significant issues, there were a few tiny problems. We met with our realtor and resigned from the contract...so we're back to square one.

Most importantly, I got news on Friday that I will be going on my first NRO in November!! RR is paying for me to go to TAMPA, FLORIDA and open a store! I'll be there for almost 2 weeks. I'm more than ready to travel AND get a fat paycheck....and see my friend Kate, from Pcola. You have no idea how excited I am about this!

Still no news of Adam's TSX but I can tell you that operating with one car per household is irritating and nearly impossible. This will be hard.

Since I work again tomorrow, I suppose I should get some sleep but before I go: Sean Middlemas, UPDATE your blog! I need some reading material.

When it rains, it POURS

It has been raining for DAYS and because of the standing water Adam's TSX might be ruined. He drove it through a deep puddle on base and (we think) hydro-locked it. In between my double, I drove home to help try and jump start the TSX and saw a bunch of other cars that had stalled out. Sometime in the next couple of days, an adjuster will come out and figure out how much damage has been done to the car.

In other news, my toe is feeling MUCH better and thank goodness for that because I have ANOTHER double tomorrow! Saturday morning is our inspection and that afternoon I go into work (ugh, AGAIN) to do training bookwork for one of our new hires and then....

FLORIDA VS. ALABAMA!!

Sunday I go back to the Bird, although I can't complain. At least I'm getting hours.

I am exhausted and we have NO groceries so I'm about to brave the elements in search of delicious non-McDonalds type fast food. Wish me luck, and a sound sleep later.

New addiction

I am addicted to John and Hank Green's video channel on YouTube...vlogbrothers Here is the video that started my YouTube wanderings and kept me up until....GEEEEZZUUUSS. It's nearly 3am!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIvrDsnKuQ8

If you haven't already, you need to subscribe to their 724 hilarious, wonderful and poignant videos. Seriously, they are a refreshing find...especially when you take into account that, overall, the internet is a cesspool of suck. If it weren't so late...er, early...I would probably continue until I watched them ALL.

In other news, RR's BER is THIS Thursday and Friday. (FYI: BER = Brand Equity Review) Think of it as a health inspection x corporate propaganda quiz x 1,000,000. I was volun-told to work a double both days.

There are parts of my life that feel as if they're rocketing forward, risking being lost in oblivion if I blink too quickly. The home inspection will be on Saturday morning! I never knew I could have so much anxiety and excitement rolled into one suppressing, glorious feeling. Unfortunately, there are also nuggets of life that feel as if they are frozen indefinitely. ODU, although not my first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth choice of college, is starting to look appetizing-- even if only for the classroom interaction.

One thing we have in abundance is happiness with each other. Life would be so much more difficult if I did not have the constant love and support of my new husband and long-time best friend. I really should give more credit for the things he does (even those tiny triumphs) because he certainly deserves it.















Unofficially, I believe I've broken my second to last toe. I stubbed it during an early trip to the bathroom yesterday morning. It's an odd toe and I doubt it can be fixed, even if it is a break.

GO GATORS!

My phone has been fixed (sort of). It can now make calls but I still have NO contacts AND it's continuing to spaz out. Verizon will be mailing me a new one soon.

GATORS whooped Kentucky! Alabama almost got stomped by Arkansas. Overall, my Saturday was great.

I am officially an NRO trainer and I'm just waiting until RR chooses me for an opening team. I'm ready to hit the road and start making BIG money!

Adam and I make some killer pork chops, in case anyone is curious. We stole the recipe from Inedible to Incredible but it's delicious.

Most importantly, our inspection is this upcoming Saturday. Everyone cross your fingers that our (eventual) house doesnt suck!

Big Things

This morning our realtor called me to let me know the home owner countered our offer! It's still in our budget and right where we want to be so hurdle #1 is over. Next step, Adam and I both sign the papers and set up an inspection. AH, there are still several steps between here and OWNING the home but we're on the right path. This is terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

I will be helping lead a T3 (Train The Trainer) with Red Robin in 2 weeks. I don't have details yet but I know I was pushed into an already chosen T3 staff because they're anxious to get me on the road for NROs (New Restaurant Openings). At least, that's what I've been told...it could just be sunshine being blown. Who knows?

I'm excited about the prospect of owning a house. I'm excited about being closer to doing NROs. Things seem to be falling into place; I better hurry up and look into Financial Aid and transferring to ODU before this good luck runs out!

Almost home

Well yesterday was a busy, busy day. It started off as most days-off do...laundry. Of course, I lost motivation halfway through so the clothes have yet to be folded or hung up. I'll get around to that later...maybe.

Adam and I met with our realtor and went looking at more houses today. Let me tell you, I was starting to get discouraged. Everything is SOOO expensive up here!! Near the end of our rounds, we ended up at this blue house which just so happened to be the very FIRST home we viewed when we started house "shopping". A lot had changed since we saw it the first time: the siding had been fixed, the kitchen cabinets were redone, the AC ducting had been hidden in the walls...it looks MUCH better. The home is priced at $209k and the empty lot next door was priced at $50k. After a serious talk, Adam and I decided to place an offer on the home AND the vacant neighboring lot for a total of $250k. Before you get excited you need to know that there is another offer on the home/vacant lot combo and there is also an offer on JUST the vacant lot.

Take the virtual tour: http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=2169921
That wont work? Try this online listing! http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/109-E-Bay-Ave-Norfolk-VA-23503/79196102_zpid/

It's not as pretty (on the outside) as the other homes we've looked at BUT it will give us something to work on! Plus, it is very much in our budget. (Both Adam and I were nervous and terrified about buying at $300k home

Anyway, enough about houses...(but keep your fingers crossed).

Adam will be flying out of state this weekend to be a part of an AIR SHOW. He's too new to actually fly in the show buuut he will be able to complete six training flights on his way there and be a part of a static display for the weekend! Cool, eh?

Some time in the next 48 hours, I have to take my STUPID phone to Verizon and see if they can fix the problems.


Alright, I HAVE TO quit stalling and go get ready for work.

Yesterday I went on base all by myself. It was such a weird feeling mostly because for over 2 years, Adam has been the one escorting me to military facilities. Anyway, I signed up for Tricare and went to the NEX & picked up some things for the house.

I'm planning on starting back to school in the Spring (hopefully at ODU). Also in the Spring...our Take 2: Wedding Ceremony. All of that plus the possibility of purchasing a home, so money will be tight for a while. Story of my life...

I really would love for my parents to visit us up here but I doubt they will. It's such a long drive and they never have free time. I'm trying to make it so I can go down to Florida for Thanksgiving but again, there is the issue of money- or lack-there-of.

Congratulations to my very best friends, Allison and Bobby for buying a house! You guys MORE than deserve to be together. I am so excited and proud for you both!

Adam and I have already been married for a month. It is wonderful and I am so excited for the plans God has for our future together.

BRAND NEW...

Due to certain circumstances....err,

Welcome to my new blog!

:)