This Sunday was wonderful. I was scheduled to close the restaurant which allowed Adam and I to sleep in (til around 10). When our tummies started grumbling, we decided food was in order. Lucky for Adam, he's allotted ONE buffet visit per month so, for brunch, he chose Shoney's. (FYI: I really loathe buffets but Adam LOVES them so we compromise and go as seldom as possible. There are no rollover-buffet allowances so Adam redeems them whenever he remembers.) The food was on the terrible side of mediocre but it didn't even cause a hiccup in my good mood. Afterward, we went exploring our favorite Norfolk neighborhoods for FOR SALE signs. As I mentioned before, the house hunt is back in full swing and since we have to be out of our current house/lease by summertime, the pressure is on. We drove by and inspected the closed windows and doors of dozens of homes. Eventually we saw an open house for a hideous, small starter home and for some reason we decided to go inside. (Neither one of us particularly liked the curb appeal so perhaps we were both waiting to be shocked and awed by the inside.) We were NOT shocked OR awed by the inside; however, we ran into a realtor who showed us a property a while back named Linda. After talking for a bit we ended up sharing our "Potentials" list with her and she invited us back to her office. We followed, she did some research and got us inside half of the addresses we'd written down...the SAME afternoon. Not only that but she introduced us to what could possibly be our future home. It was in a similar area to the one we'd been looking in but with similar features and space. Adam and I LOVED the final property she showed us. It had all of the criteria we were looking for in a home AND...drumroll...it's in our price range! Our only issue is that it's a short sale which might end up taking more time to close than the average by-owner sale. The house will be sold as-is and there are a few TINY cosmetic kinks (minor kitchen renovations and the ugly, redone, closed-off front porch) but nothing a few weekends at Lowes couldn't fix. An inspection might turn up more issues but if the house couldn't be considered sellable, the V.A. wouldn't allow the purchase to go through. Long story short, we have every intention on placing an offer on the home as soon as we get our financing preapproved and secured.
Feel free to check out the house on zillow but remember, the pictures don't do it justice:
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/116-E-41st-St-Norfolk-VA-23504/79230065_zpid/
Also, congratulations to Sean Middlemas...just-about-new home owner...on his FINAL walk through!!!!
Alas, all good things must come to an end so after a quick wardrobe change, I headed off to work. It was a profitable but LOOOOONG night. My last guests left at 10:49 and we close at 10. The other closer and I were there until almost midnight. Gaaahh.
Now, it's 2am and (surprise, surprise) I can't sleep.
Book updates: The BUY 2 GET ONE FREE table at Barnes and Nobel is my favorite. Adam and I had a glorious Saturday together and while we were out I bought The Devil in the White City. On top of that, I've decided to add any book by Augusten Burroughs (who is actually Christopher Robison but goes by the alias Augusten Burroughs...probably because it's MUCH more interesting and fancier sounding so it tends to stick in people's minds). He writes a lot of memoirs and I've read great reviews on his work.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Gray skies
I was given this random Tuesday off from work and, as many days-off begin, I had set several goals to tackle by dusk. And here it is, after 3pm and I am sitting in (almost) the same clothes in which I awoke. I could blame my lack of activity on the cold, gray afternoon. I mean, honestly, what type of crazy, over-motivated person likes to DO stuff when it's gross outside? [TANGENT: Am I the only one who finds it easier to get going on days that are beautiful? Great weather is truly inspiring.] Sadly, before the end of the day I'm going to have to do more than start a load of laundry to feel accomplished. Uggh. I suppose it can start with showering...and flipping the laundry to the dryer....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw7UUUnCPio&feature=BF&list=FLISTTY3-BJ3c&index=1
I finished the book I bought for a $1 at the library. Although I'm pretty sure it may be considered a "young-adult fiction novel" (which would explain me finishing it so quickly) it was loaded with fantastic writing and interesting characters. John Green might be one of my new favorite authors. Also, in my belated defense, the Harry Potter novels are also considered "young adult fiction"** and they are long and ridiculously complicated.
Before I go on to salvage my day I have a story to tell. Let me preface this by saying Adam and I do super mushy, lovey stuff all the time but we're also rather juvenile and play-fight when we get bored. During an aggressive play-fight session last night I accidentally punched Adam in the face and made his nose bleed. Yes, you CAN accidentally punch someone in the face, if you don't believe me...cause it happened. I felt SO VERY terrible and started to freak out and cry which caused Adam to laugh. For the record, I never meant to connect on the punch, I just wanted to get close and make him flinch. Adam didn't flinch, not even a little. I'm lucky to have a man that, despite hemorrhaging from his face, is able to dry my tears and comfort ME, his attacker. "It's a good thing you hit like a girl", he said then he kissed me on my head.
** How I know from experience the HP novels are young-adult fiction: In the early stages of my HP-fandom (and even a little bit now), I was a closeted Harry-lover. I was NOT out and I was hardly proud. I did NOT want to be associated with the crazies that dressed up and went to book/movie releases. Thank goodness for online shopping because I managed to buy books 1-6 as a set, shipped discretely in a simply brown box. Of course, as any HP fan knows, there are SEVEN novels so I was forced to buy the final book...in PUBLIC. I searched Barnes and Nobel's fiction section for a good 10 minutes but found nothing. Oh Lord, I thought, I'm gonna have to ASK where to find it. So I found the least-judgmental-looking employee who pointed me over to the children section. I vaguely remember mumbling something about "...a present for my niece..." and got out of there as soon as I could. PS. The search was worth it. The books are amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw7UUUnCPio&feature=BF&list=FLISTTY3-BJ3c&index=1
I finished the book I bought for a $1 at the library. Although I'm pretty sure it may be considered a "young-adult fiction novel" (which would explain me finishing it so quickly) it was loaded with fantastic writing and interesting characters. John Green might be one of my new favorite authors. Also, in my belated defense, the Harry Potter novels are also considered "young adult fiction"** and they are long and ridiculously complicated.
Before I go on to salvage my day I have a story to tell. Let me preface this by saying Adam and I do super mushy, lovey stuff all the time but we're also rather juvenile and play-fight when we get bored. During an aggressive play-fight session last night I accidentally punched Adam in the face and made his nose bleed. Yes, you CAN accidentally punch someone in the face, if you don't believe me...cause it happened. I felt SO VERY terrible and started to freak out and cry which caused Adam to laugh. For the record, I never meant to connect on the punch, I just wanted to get close and make him flinch. Adam didn't flinch, not even a little. I'm lucky to have a man that, despite hemorrhaging from his face, is able to dry my tears and comfort ME, his attacker. "It's a good thing you hit like a girl", he said then he kissed me on my head.
** How I know from experience the HP novels are young-adult fiction: In the early stages of my HP-fandom (and even a little bit now), I was a closeted Harry-lover. I was NOT out and I was hardly proud. I did NOT want to be associated with the crazies that dressed up and went to book/movie releases. Thank goodness for online shopping because I managed to buy books 1-6 as a set, shipped discretely in a simply brown box. Of course, as any HP fan knows, there are SEVEN novels so I was forced to buy the final book...in PUBLIC. I searched Barnes and Nobel's fiction section for a good 10 minutes but found nothing. Oh Lord, I thought, I'm gonna have to ASK where to find it. So I found the least-judgmental-looking employee who pointed me over to the children section. I vaguely remember mumbling something about "...a present for my niece..." and got out of there as soon as I could. PS. The search was worth it. The books are amazing.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Poisoned!
The chronicles continue: Yesterday, Adam and I slept longer than we should then milled around the house a bit until both of us were hungry enough to seek out food. For some strange reason, I was craving Tijuana Flats. (This was extremely odd because I rarely ever CRAVE any variety of Mexican food. It's not really a favorite of mine.) After a delicious lunch of floutas and carnitas-something-or-another, we went exploring. The house hunt is back in full-swing so we went browsing through our favorite neighborhoods and discovered a LOT of houses are still for sale! (Lucky us!) After going home and changing into warmer clothes (the wind was picking up and our springtime days were fading fast), we headed out to the bike shop in Ghent (similar to Avondale). I've only taken Nora (the new cruiser) for a ride once but it made me wish she had gears. So we went to see other options. At first I wanted to exchange Nora for something faster but after looking at the options, and I know this sounds silly, they didn't have anything nearly as cute! The guy at the store was amazing and friendly and generously offered to order any bike I wanted from the TREK website then exchange my precious Nora. Later, at Bed Bath& Beyond I discovered then bought the most amazing invention ever; a head massager that looks like a whisk. It was only $3.99 and worth every penny!!
Before we knew it, it was dinner time. Adam and I opted to go to a place we'd never tried before: The Silver Diner; an upscale version of Steak n Shake. The service was MUCH better at The Diner and each table had a jukebox which, for a quarter, YOU could choose which song was played throughout the restaurant. So far, the ambiance and service were GREAT but I was disappointed that their Fish & Chips weren't fried with tempura batter (it mimicked fried catfish) and Adam's meatloaf looked like it came straight out of a Fancy Feast can. We paid and decided to salvage our dinner by going across the street to Skinny Dip, a froyo-bar. I mixed strawberry and sweet coconut frozen yogurt then topped it off with spoonfuls of fresh strawberries and sprinkles of shaved coconut. Talk about addicted...I can't get enough of this place! The night progressed and we went home to watch The Social Network (a movie about the invention of Facebook), our most recent Netflix movie that we've been sitting on for at least a week. I'm not sure how true the plot is but it made me really dislike Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder. Of course, when you're worth billions of dollars, you can afford not to care what other people think. As most nights, I ended it by reading my current novel in bed. The the Revenge of the Silver Diner attacked. I got the worst stomach cramps I've had in my entire life. Then it happened; I couldn't keep anything down. It was MISERABLE and I will never be returning to the Silver Diner. I set my alarm for 7am so I could wake up (if I managed to fall asleep) and call in to work. I wasn't scheduled until 1230 so hopefully they found someone to take my shift. I felt guilty because I'm not usually one to call in sick and I didn't want my bosses thinking less of me. Plus, Sundays are HUGE money making days and Lord knows I need money! I'm still feeling uneasy but I've managed to keep down a biscuit and some bacon that Adam made for brunch. Up until now, I've spent all day in bed and I plan on going back as soon as this blog is finished.
OH, as for the unfinished business of what to do with Nora: I think I've decided to keep her. As greedy as this sounds, I plan on (when time/money permits) buying a geared (maybe even a "mountain") bike. That way, I can have the comfort and vintage cuteness of a cruiser and the efficiency and speed of a geared bike. In other words, have my cake and eat it too.
Enjoy your Sunday, everyone. I'm going back to bed.
Before we knew it, it was dinner time. Adam and I opted to go to a place we'd never tried before: The Silver Diner; an upscale version of Steak n Shake. The service was MUCH better at The Diner and each table had a jukebox which, for a quarter, YOU could choose which song was played throughout the restaurant. So far, the ambiance and service were GREAT but I was disappointed that their Fish & Chips weren't fried with tempura batter (it mimicked fried catfish) and Adam's meatloaf looked like it came straight out of a Fancy Feast can. We paid and decided to salvage our dinner by going across the street to Skinny Dip, a froyo-bar. I mixed strawberry and sweet coconut frozen yogurt then topped it off with spoonfuls of fresh strawberries and sprinkles of shaved coconut. Talk about addicted...I can't get enough of this place! The night progressed and we went home to watch The Social Network (a movie about the invention of Facebook), our most recent Netflix movie that we've been sitting on for at least a week. I'm not sure how true the plot is but it made me really dislike Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder. Of course, when you're worth billions of dollars, you can afford not to care what other people think. As most nights, I ended it by reading my current novel in bed. The the Revenge of the Silver Diner attacked. I got the worst stomach cramps I've had in my entire life. Then it happened; I couldn't keep anything down. It was MISERABLE and I will never be returning to the Silver Diner. I set my alarm for 7am so I could wake up (if I managed to fall asleep) and call in to work. I wasn't scheduled until 1230 so hopefully they found someone to take my shift. I felt guilty because I'm not usually one to call in sick and I didn't want my bosses thinking less of me. Plus, Sundays are HUGE money making days and Lord knows I need money! I'm still feeling uneasy but I've managed to keep down a biscuit and some bacon that Adam made for brunch. Up until now, I've spent all day in bed and I plan on going back as soon as this blog is finished.
OH, as for the unfinished business of what to do with Nora: I think I've decided to keep her. As greedy as this sounds, I plan on (when time/money permits) buying a geared (maybe even a "mountain") bike. That way, I can have the comfort and vintage cuteness of a cruiser and the efficiency and speed of a geared bike. In other words, have my cake and eat it too.
Enjoy your Sunday, everyone. I'm going back to bed.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Nora
Today is BEAUTIFUL outside (as was yesterday)! It's sunny and perfect which has me homesick for gorgeous Pensacola beaches! It's funny how my heart feels like it has so many different "homes" all the while feeling like I don't necessarily belong to a specific place, anymore. I guess that's the military for you. So far I'm semi-enjoying the life of a nomad, although it looks like we're in VA to stay, officially (and HALLELUJAH for that)!
I took my new bike on it's debut yesterday afternoon. After purchasing a lock and hardware to adjust the seat, I was finally able to give her a spin. I'm officially calling her Nora. First I went to the Post Office and encountered a rather RUDE old man at the service desk. I know. You're thinking to yourself...a rude employee at the POST OFFICE? Impossible! But it's true. He wasn't rude in the P.O.-typical, apathetic sense of the term, where he loathes his job and sits like a zombie waiting for the day to be over. He was a giant, sarcastic, up-beat, smart-ass that talked to me like I was 5 years old and he was schooling me in the ways of the world. He's the kind of guy anyone would love to punch in the face. Of course, I didn't. I was terse but refused to be a jerk back, which is what this guy was aiming for, in my opinion. He wasn't going to ruin my beautiful day!
Then I went to the library and got a library card. Sidenote: It seems to me like a lot of low-life, no goods hang out in libraries now-a-days (or at least they do in Ocean View). They either use the computer or loiter aimlessly enjoying shelter and the unlimited supply of candy and soda from the vending machines. Anyway, the library was having a sale on old books so after browsing the shelves, I saw a novel by an author I've been wanting to try so I bought it...for ONE dollar! (This book was not on my giant list of want-to-reads so the list remains unchanged.)
I came home and talked with Adam, started this very blog entry only to end up abandoning it later, went to WaWa and took a nap. Later that evening, instead of watching our newest Netflix movie, The Social Network, Adam and I stayed up running over [helo] limits and EPs (Emergency Procedures). I've fully committed myself to helping him in whatever way possible and he's more determined than ever. I have faith in him!
Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and well wishes and happy thoughts. I can't even begin to explain how helpful your support is, even from miles and miles away. It's comforting and we really appreciate it!
I'm off to enjoy the rest of this sunny, spring-like day and pay some bills. Even paying bills isn't bringing my mood down! This is wonderful! Have a fabulous day!
Lastly, a friend of mine is getting deployed overseas and it's great morale for him (or any deployed persons) to receive letters of appreciation and encouragement. If you or anyone you know would like to write him, you can address mail to:
HN Joseph Daveport
3/2 India Co 2nd Plt
Unit 73115
FPO-AE 09510-3115
We want to show the men and women that serve our country that they have our appreciation and support!
I took my new bike on it's debut yesterday afternoon. After purchasing a lock and hardware to adjust the seat, I was finally able to give her a spin. I'm officially calling her Nora. First I went to the Post Office and encountered a rather RUDE old man at the service desk. I know. You're thinking to yourself...a rude employee at the POST OFFICE? Impossible! But it's true. He wasn't rude in the P.O.-typical, apathetic sense of the term, where he loathes his job and sits like a zombie waiting for the day to be over. He was a giant, sarcastic, up-beat, smart-ass that talked to me like I was 5 years old and he was schooling me in the ways of the world. He's the kind of guy anyone would love to punch in the face. Of course, I didn't. I was terse but refused to be a jerk back, which is what this guy was aiming for, in my opinion. He wasn't going to ruin my beautiful day!
Then I went to the library and got a library card. Sidenote: It seems to me like a lot of low-life, no goods hang out in libraries now-a-days (or at least they do in Ocean View). They either use the computer or loiter aimlessly enjoying shelter and the unlimited supply of candy and soda from the vending machines. Anyway, the library was having a sale on old books so after browsing the shelves, I saw a novel by an author I've been wanting to try so I bought it...for ONE dollar! (This book was not on my giant list of want-to-reads so the list remains unchanged.)
I came home and talked with Adam, started this very blog entry only to end up abandoning it later, went to WaWa and took a nap. Later that evening, instead of watching our newest Netflix movie, The Social Network, Adam and I stayed up running over [helo] limits and EPs (Emergency Procedures). I've fully committed myself to helping him in whatever way possible and he's more determined than ever. I have faith in him!
Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and well wishes and happy thoughts. I can't even begin to explain how helpful your support is, even from miles and miles away. It's comforting and we really appreciate it!
I'm off to enjoy the rest of this sunny, spring-like day and pay some bills. Even paying bills isn't bringing my mood down! This is wonderful! Have a fabulous day!
Lastly, a friend of mine is getting deployed overseas and it's great morale for him (or any deployed persons) to receive letters of appreciation and encouragement. If you or anyone you know would like to write him, you can address mail to:
HN Joseph Daveport
3/2 India Co 2nd Plt
Unit 73115
FPO-AE 09510-3115
We want to show the men and women that serve our country that they have our appreciation and support!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Oh, happy day!
(A lost picture from Christmastime)Adam called last night saying he had a surprise, which isn't uncommon. (Surprises at our house range from chocolate bars to new computers so one never really knows what to expect.) Adam showed up at the door and said, Help me get this TV out of my trunk. My heart sank a little. A TV? Well, I thought to myself, at least it's not another kite. I went outside and saw this in the trunk...
It's my Non-Valentine's-Day-Just-Because-I-Love-You present from Adam. It's a baby blue and chocolate colored, light frame, aluminum TREK. I need to adjust the seat height and angle and get a lock before I can start riding it...and maybe, eventually, get a basket! I'm VERY excited!
In addition to this great news, we received great news about Adam's job! Lately, he hasn't been on the flight schedule but after meeting with someone, he will be placed back on the flight schedule to continue his training.
Things are starting to look up around here. Big smiles all the way around here!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney
I had every intention of coming home and updating this thing with all kinds of exciting news, of which I made a point to mentally list earlier in the day. Of course, said list has long since been forgotten and, as usual, I am left with a blank slate.
Today (technically yesterday, since it's 1:26am) was my grandmother's birthday and I feel absolutely horrible for not mailing her card out sooner and even worse for not calling her. Note to self, making mental to-do lists is FAR from helpful and rarely ever leads to accomplishment. Sadly, I have today marked on my papillon calender in bright red marker and it says "GJ's Bday". I even put a reminder on January 26th to mail the birthday card! GJ, if you're reading this, I am VERY sorry and I love you so much.
Today I managed to make some payments towards my seemingly never-ending debt/student loans. I hate seeing the money rapidly drained from my bank account but I love not having to sheepishly beg Adam for money. Sidenote: entire tax return will go towards paying off combined debt. Also, I ordered new checks since my old ones have my maiden name on them. (Way to go, Navy Fed.)
I've been baking a lot lately and I always take a bit of my goodies to work. The other night I brought red velvet cookies and today I brought chocolate chip. Both were huge hit, although I preferred the red velvet. I have the recipes (somewhere) if anyone is interested.
As you may know, I keep a growing list of books I'd like to own and read. Today I added Faith of my Fathers by John McCain. Political affiliations aside, I learned about his life in the Navy and found the little pieces of info I was given curious and impressive. I hope this book goes into more detail about McCain's past and not so much into Republican brainwashing, because I don't know if I'd be interested in politics and propaganda. Second sidenote: I'm a republican and typically, I vote republican; however, when I read, I really dislike people trying to push their opinions on me...unless I'm reading movie reviews. Along with McCain, I'd really like to give one of John Green's books a try. I love his VlogBrothers/Nerdfighter/DFTBA videos so I imagine I'd enjoy his books.
Tomorrow is my day off but I'm going into work to lead the trainer meeting on our new rollout menu. Spoiler alert: Red Robin is getting a Happy Hour! So if the thought of me serving scrumptious onion rings and delicious burgers isn't enough to bring you into The Bird, how about the promise of cheap beer and a $5.99 Chophouse Burger? Starting soon.
Today (technically yesterday, since it's 1:26am) was my grandmother's birthday and I feel absolutely horrible for not mailing her card out sooner and even worse for not calling her. Note to self, making mental to-do lists is FAR from helpful and rarely ever leads to accomplishment. Sadly, I have today marked on my papillon calender in bright red marker and it says "GJ's Bday". I even put a reminder on January 26th to mail the birthday card! GJ, if you're reading this, I am VERY sorry and I love you so much.
Today I managed to make some payments towards my seemingly never-ending debt/student loans. I hate seeing the money rapidly drained from my bank account but I love not having to sheepishly beg Adam for money. Sidenote: entire tax return will go towards paying off combined debt. Also, I ordered new checks since my old ones have my maiden name on them. (Way to go, Navy Fed.)
I've been baking a lot lately and I always take a bit of my goodies to work. The other night I brought red velvet cookies and today I brought chocolate chip. Both were huge hit, although I preferred the red velvet. I have the recipes (somewhere) if anyone is interested.
As you may know, I keep a growing list of books I'd like to own and read. Today I added Faith of my Fathers by John McCain. Political affiliations aside, I learned about his life in the Navy and found the little pieces of info I was given curious and impressive. I hope this book goes into more detail about McCain's past and not so much into Republican brainwashing, because I don't know if I'd be interested in politics and propaganda. Second sidenote: I'm a republican and typically, I vote republican; however, when I read, I really dislike people trying to push their opinions on me...unless I'm reading movie reviews. Along with McCain, I'd really like to give one of John Green's books a try. I love his VlogBrothers/Nerdfighter/DFTBA videos so I imagine I'd enjoy his books.
Tomorrow is my day off but I'm going into work to lead the trainer meeting on our new rollout menu. Spoiler alert: Red Robin is getting a Happy Hour! So if the thought of me serving scrumptious onion rings and delicious burgers isn't enough to bring you into The Bird, how about the promise of cheap beer and a $5.99 Chophouse Burger? Starting soon.
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