I just turned in rent for my final month in this apartment. It came with the realization that "Wow, we're really doing this." Tommy has voiced his concern that I will miss this place once I'm gone. And, while I have enjoyed these apartments, there are SO many things I am NOT going to miss about them that I don't foresee that happening. Besides, that whole home-attachment thing usually happens to people with much deeper roots than Kiera and I have ever had the opportunity to plant in the ground. I've had twelve "homes" since I got my first place at 17 (and most of those moves were from one city to another), so I know better than to invest feelings into places.
My apartment was kind enough, given my 2+ years as a stellar resident without so much as one late rent payment, to raise my rent $110 for the month of August, since it's out-of-lease. While I expected some rise, I was a little shocked that it was that much. And the check for $910.34 I wrote out today (rent + water, which is paid to the apts) solidified my decision to buy a home. My rent + ins. + taxes won't be near as much as my rent in this much smaller apartment. Of course there will be some additional expenses for repairs, but honestly the apartments haven't fixed even one non-critical maintenance request I've had, so that doesn't balance much against it.
[Backtracking a little]
I did fill out my paperwork for my mortgage last week. That was an unexpectedly emotional day. I think the stress of the entire transaction (I feel like I'm the one who's supposed to have the knowledge because I keep having to drive the process, even though I have NO experience in this) was bottled up and came raging out at the very moment I was looking at the numbers. And I began to cry. Not your typical, tears in the the eyes crying, but bawling, hyperventilating crying. Part of it was the numbers--and being terrified of using all the money I have towards a down-payment and closing costs, and part of it was the compilation of the stress (see preceding sentences), and part of it was just that I was so embarrassed that I had begun crying that it made me even more emotional. But the loan officer I was working with was super nice about it and when I went back the next day, I was completely okay with the numbers and signed my life away. Well, not my life but certainly a good portion of my income for the next 30 years. Keep in mind that, for someone who has never financed anything (car, furniture, etc), acquiring that much debt in one single transaction is incredibly overwhelming. So with all that being inherently known and with the support of my home-owner friends who reassured me that crazy is just part of the process, I'm feeling like my breakdown was nothing out of the ordinary and it's time to move forward (emotionally). If I weren't the person I am (thoughtful about finances), I wouldn't have had the breakdown...but then again, I wouldn't have negotiated a killer interest rate or minimized my closing costs or (probably) had enough money to put down to avoid PMI. So it's a good attribute--it just sometimes leaves me in angst more than others.
Another look at the numbers and I realize that not only can I afford this house, I can afford to pay it off in 10 to 15 years, which is exactly what I intend to do! :)
Once we move in (mid-to-late August), I'll have a few things to do to the house (it is not turn-key ready), but once we get all that done, I'll post some pics. Also, Jana is planning a house-warming party for me mid-Oct (she has to have her stem-cell transplant and recover first), so there will be more details of that in the upcoming month.
The appraisal and pest inspection is set for Monday, so hopefully everything will go well there and then we should be 100% in the clear with no additional hurdles to overcome.
More updates to come, but things are looking really great! :)
(++)
Saturday, July 30
Tuesday, July 26
Afternoon Quickie.
Oh, get your mind out of the gutter.
It's just a little update on the crazy happenings of my life.
And I emphasize the word "little."
8WC
Steve is still leading, but I'm definitely catching up. Granted, he hasn't even been trying as he's been away on business, but I've been eating as if I have no clue I'm in a competition: Chick Filet, pizza, iHop, McDonalds, Chili's, Mexican...oh, the list goes on and on. On the bright side of things, I have continued exercising and kicked it up another notch this week. I've just *got* to stay focused.
Eyes. On. The. Prize.
As a side note, I went out this weekend and, at the risk of sounding arrogant, I looked amazing.
I can definitely tell a difference in the way things fit me to an even greater extent than the scale signifies. It is so nice having trouble deciding what to wear because multiple things look so good on you (as opposed to the opposite). I've dropped a couple of sizes already and I'm only about a month into this thing...that is motivation to keep going even after the 8WC is up!
Home Sweet Home
All is going well. Lots of continued frustrations on the home front, but I'm currently in the process of deciding on a lender, and earnest money has been submitted, which basically means Kiera and I have the house! :) I got a chance to look the home over again with the inspection on Friday and I'm even more in love with it. It'll need a little TLC once I get in it, but (fortunately!) I have a world of resources at my finger tips as home improvement/repair is my family's specialty. I can see a "prepare, prime, paint" party in my near future.
That is all I have for now...well, there is plenty more, so I should (rather) say that is all I have time for for now. More soon.
(++)
It's just a little update on the crazy happenings of my life.
And I emphasize the word "little."
8WC
Steve is still leading, but I'm definitely catching up. Granted, he hasn't even been trying as he's been away on business, but I've been eating as if I have no clue I'm in a competition: Chick Filet, pizza, iHop, McDonalds, Chili's, Mexican...oh, the list goes on and on. On the bright side of things, I have continued exercising and kicked it up another notch this week. I've just *got* to stay focused.
Eyes. On. The. Prize.
As a side note, I went out this weekend and, at the risk of sounding arrogant, I looked amazing.
I can definitely tell a difference in the way things fit me to an even greater extent than the scale signifies. It is so nice having trouble deciding what to wear because multiple things look so good on you (as opposed to the opposite). I've dropped a couple of sizes already and I'm only about a month into this thing...that is motivation to keep going even after the 8WC is up!
Home Sweet Home
All is going well. Lots of continued frustrations on the home front, but I'm currently in the process of deciding on a lender, and earnest money has been submitted, which basically means Kiera and I have the house! :) I got a chance to look the home over again with the inspection on Friday and I'm even more in love with it. It'll need a little TLC once I get in it, but (fortunately!) I have a world of resources at my finger tips as home improvement/repair is my family's specialty. I can see a "prepare, prime, paint" party in my near future.
That is all I have for now...well, there is plenty more, so I should (rather) say that is all I have time for for now. More soon.
(++)
Friday, July 22
June 24th
Tomorrow is National Hot Dog Day. That's right, folks. And if there's anything I want to celebrate, it's most definitely the hot dog.
...
Yup, that's a lie.
However, the fine folks at my work will be celebrating today. Hot dogs for everyone.
[barely audible yay]
I am debating on whether or not I should participate. After all, the event is more about team-building than filling tummys with meat-fillers and the fixin's. But hot dogs, in general, are so very unappealing to me. Yet it would seem strange to sit down with my coworkers munching on a salad or frozen dinner while they all eat hot dogs.
Egh. Must. stop. over analyzing.
Also, must stop discussing. I'm grossing myself out.
We're on a race to the finish line with the home. Inspection is set up for today and if all goes well on the inspection, we should be set to fill out loan paperwork and start packing. I've always been told that buying a home is a very stressful ordeal, but (arrogantly) I thought I'd bypass all the stress by getting everything aligned beforehand.
Mmmm, no.
Good credit, plenty of money to put down, all my docs in order, narrow price range and specific area in which to buy...seems like it'd be pretty simple. What I didn't count on is the incompetence and unethical behavior that I've discovered dominates the housing industry. I'm normally a relatively non-confrontational individual (with most things), but I've had to be pretty aggressive and blunt with this fiasco. I'm not sure if this is typical behavior for the people I've been dealing with or if they are simply pushing boundaries with me because I'm a first-time home buyer and, therefore, shouldn't know enough to be able to see through what's going on, but (as with all things) I've done my homework. I might not have the experience on my side, but I do have the education. And I'm far from naive.
But--if I get the house we want at a price I can live at, then I'll be happy.
I'll never use or recommend those that have "helped" me, but I'll be happy.
I have plenty more to say about the house, but I'll wait until we get through every hurdle so as to not get ahead of myself. I don't want to jinx it, and I don't want to plan too far ahead until I'm clear the house is definitely ours!
[On that note, keep those fingers crossed.]
Busy day, so that's all I've got time for right now.
Enjoy the weekend and try to get a couple of hot dogs in if you can "mustard" it.
(womp, womp).
B.
...
Yup, that's a lie.
However, the fine folks at my work will be celebrating today. Hot dogs for everyone.
[barely audible yay]
I am debating on whether or not I should participate. After all, the event is more about team-building than filling tummys with meat-fillers and the fixin's. But hot dogs, in general, are so very unappealing to me. Yet it would seem strange to sit down with my coworkers munching on a salad or frozen dinner while they all eat hot dogs.
Egh. Must. stop. over analyzing.
Also, must stop discussing. I'm grossing myself out.
We're on a race to the finish line with the home. Inspection is set up for today and if all goes well on the inspection, we should be set to fill out loan paperwork and start packing. I've always been told that buying a home is a very stressful ordeal, but (arrogantly) I thought I'd bypass all the stress by getting everything aligned beforehand.
Mmmm, no.
Good credit, plenty of money to put down, all my docs in order, narrow price range and specific area in which to buy...seems like it'd be pretty simple. What I didn't count on is the incompetence and unethical behavior that I've discovered dominates the housing industry. I'm normally a relatively non-confrontational individual (with most things), but I've had to be pretty aggressive and blunt with this fiasco. I'm not sure if this is typical behavior for the people I've been dealing with or if they are simply pushing boundaries with me because I'm a first-time home buyer and, therefore, shouldn't know enough to be able to see through what's going on, but (as with all things) I've done my homework. I might not have the experience on my side, but I do have the education. And I'm far from naive.
But--if I get the house we want at a price I can live at, then I'll be happy.
I'll never use or recommend those that have "helped" me, but I'll be happy.
I have plenty more to say about the house, but I'll wait until we get through every hurdle so as to not get ahead of myself. I don't want to jinx it, and I don't want to plan too far ahead until I'm clear the house is definitely ours!
[On that note, keep those fingers crossed.]
Busy day, so that's all I've got time for right now.
Enjoy the weekend and try to get a couple of hot dogs in if you can "mustard" it.
(womp, womp).
B.
Tuesday, July 19
Is it too early for a celebration?
For those of you not lucky enough to stalk me out via FB, a little (pretty awesome) news this way today:
We have reached an agreement on the price of the home! Yayyyy!
We have reached an agreement on the price of the home! Yayyyy!
 |
| I don't even know these kids & they're this happy for us! |
Okay, so we aren't quite to the balloons, streams and confetti portion of the event yet.
I still have to get that home inspection and, while the home is only seven years old, you never know what may be lurking under those freshly painted walls.
Financing is already in the works (the only issue with this will be getting the lowest interest and closing costs, so no biggie) and hopefully we'll still be on track with a pre-birthday August closing date. :)
I'm doing a little happy dance in my head already...just not on paper.
Friday, July 15
Almost time for a little R&R
Still awaiting news on the house.
Well, that isn't entirely true...we're going back and forth and we're very close to the end of the process. Yikes, I am nervous!
Fortunately, I've got a little something to take my mind off of that:
B-52s in concert with mi madre. It's going to be "groovy."
Y'all enjoy your weekend.
Well, that isn't entirely true...we're going back and forth and we're very close to the end of the process. Yikes, I am nervous!
Fortunately, I've got a little something to take my mind off of that:
B-52s in concert with mi madre. It's going to be "groovy."
Y'all enjoy your weekend.
Propaganda at its finest.
Eighteen minutes into work and I'm already angry over this article.
Seems to me the Yahoo writer is trying to promote an agenda. The biography on Obama's mom seems to back Obama's story, rather than refute it. And, to add fuel to the fire, all the comments go a little something like this, "Obama? A liar? You've got to be kidding." Sarcasm as its least thought-provoking level. I wonder if people even bother reading the article or if they just read the headline and comment? Because I don't see anything in the article that disputes what was said.
[inhale. exhale. accept the stupidity in the world and don't let it affect your day. repeat.]
Seems to me the Yahoo writer is trying to promote an agenda. The biography on Obama's mom seems to back Obama's story, rather than refute it. And, to add fuel to the fire, all the comments go a little something like this, "Obama? A liar? You've got to be kidding." Sarcasm as its least thought-provoking level. I wonder if people even bother reading the article or if they just read the headline and comment? Because I don't see anything in the article that disputes what was said.
[inhale. exhale. accept the stupidity in the world and don't let it affect your day. repeat.]
Wednesday, July 13
Kix on Beale
This song evokes some fond memories *and* I get to watch her live tomorrow.
Double yayyy.
Double yayyy.
Tuesday, July 12
Some folks just need to stick with Chuck E Cheese.
Do I agree with this article? Hell yes!
If you want to have uncontrollable kids (or raise them that way), go right ahead. And also deal with them in your own home. A meal is about more than the food you put in your body (you could simply eat at home or roll through a drive-thru, were that the case); it's about the experience. I don't want my experience to be tainted by your screaming, obnoxious children.
In fact, if I could get a single airline to do the same, I'd probably preferentially fly with them.
That is all.
Carry on.
If you want to have uncontrollable kids (or raise them that way), go right ahead. And also deal with them in your own home. A meal is about more than the food you put in your body (you could simply eat at home or roll through a drive-thru, were that the case); it's about the experience. I don't want my experience to be tainted by your screaming, obnoxious children.
In fact, if I could get a single airline to do the same, I'd probably preferentially fly with them.
That is all.
Carry on.
Monday, July 11
Post #100! [Where are the balloons & streamers?]
I come to blog post #100 with what I hope will materialize into really great news for Kiera and me.
After a Saturday of house hunting, we have found another home that we really like. In fact, the outside looks nearly identical to the dream home, it's only one street over, and the asking price is a bit lower than the bid price on the other. I signed the offer today, and hopefully we will hear some news very soon. Granted, I don't expect them to accept our offer, but I do expect them to counter and hope we get it down about $6k, which would seal the deal!
Everyone cross your fingers for us. Again. :)
Gotta get to work...busy week!
(++)
After a Saturday of house hunting, we have found another home that we really like. In fact, the outside looks nearly identical to the dream home, it's only one street over, and the asking price is a bit lower than the bid price on the other. I signed the offer today, and hopefully we will hear some news very soon. Granted, I don't expect them to accept our offer, but I do expect them to counter and hope we get it down about $6k, which would seal the deal!
Everyone cross your fingers for us. Again. :)
Gotta get to work...busy week!
(++)
Friday, July 8
:D Woot Woot
Thanks to the amazing Adam Wright, I got my Google+ on today and I already love it!
Move over, FB because I think I've met your match. :)
As an aside, I have never liked FB and only migrated over because MySpace got so whack and people were dropping it right and left. Social networking does, in fact, require a network. But now that JT is taking it over...who knows? That boy does everything with style + he did invent Napster. ;)
Move over, FB because I think I've met your match. :)
As an aside, I have never liked FB and only migrated over because MySpace got so whack and people were dropping it right and left. Social networking does, in fact, require a network. But now that JT is taking it over...who knows? That boy does everything with style + he did invent Napster. ;)
Clearly I've got too much time on my hands...
Here's another article I read today that I thought I would pass on.
Kudos to the state of Kentucky for disproving the theory of (intellectual) evolution.
Actually, since it's not the whole state, kudos the to lone guy selling the tshirts.
Kudos to the state of Kentucky for disproving the theory of (intellectual) evolution.
Actually, since it's not the whole state, kudos the to lone guy selling the tshirts.
Controversial Board Games
Based on the readers' comments, I'd say I'm basically the only person to read and enjoy this article.
Geez people are quick to criticize and make everything political.
While I embrace there are implications much greater than surface level to most things, why get so upset over a semi-light-hearted story?
If you consistently disapprove of the articles/blogs/reviews you're reading, it may be time to change your home page/primary news page to something a little more appropriate for your tastes.
On a brighter note, Happy Friday.
Y'all enjoy your weekend!
Geez people are quick to criticize and make everything political.
While I embrace there are implications much greater than surface level to most things, why get so upset over a semi-light-hearted story?
If you consistently disapprove of the articles/blogs/reviews you're reading, it may be time to change your home page/primary news page to something a little more appropriate for your tastes.
On a brighter note, Happy Friday.
Y'all enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, July 6
[Shakes head in disbelief]
What a shame... this country is slowly undermining the rights of women by projecting worse-case scenarios as precedents. In the end, it's everyone who loses out.
To "chose life" means you made a choice. A choice I fight to protect on your behalf.
Pregnant Women Who Lose Babies Face Criminal Charges In Mississippi, Alabama
To "chose life" means you made a choice. A choice I fight to protect on your behalf.
Pregnant Women Who Lose Babies Face Criminal Charges In Mississippi, Alabama
Ho Hum...back to the drawing board.
Yesterday was quite an emotional day as I watched the most annoying of cliches (including "the early bird gets the worm" and "don't count your chickens before they're hatched") play out right in front of me.
The long version involved a bunch of tears, anger and disappointment.
The short version is quite simple: we're back to square one on the house hunt.
The house we bid on got pulled off the market and in the meantime, as I imagined might happen, our second favorite was sold. Although I knew the possibility existed that we wouldn't get either, I thought the process of finding out would be a bit slower, broken out over several days, not in one foul swoop.
To add to the disappointment, I looked online at the homes still available, and it's clear that the market is settling as most people are getting settled in time to get their kids enrolled in school at the beginning of August. Which means there are far fewer homes to chose from than there were three months ago when I started this process.
I have a lot of support on this journey (and I appreciate it!), but it's hard for someone like me, who doesn't believe in destiny or karma or any of those other larger-than-life forces in the universe to see the positive side of this situation. But there's still hope...today, I'll look at some homes online and Saturday, we'll make some visits. Maybe something better will come along, but I certainly won't find it if I'm not looking for it.
[Pulls boot straps up, fakes a smile, starts strategically planning in head]
Wish us luck!
The long version involved a bunch of tears, anger and disappointment.
The short version is quite simple: we're back to square one on the house hunt.
The house we bid on got pulled off the market and in the meantime, as I imagined might happen, our second favorite was sold. Although I knew the possibility existed that we wouldn't get either, I thought the process of finding out would be a bit slower, broken out over several days, not in one foul swoop.
To add to the disappointment, I looked online at the homes still available, and it's clear that the market is settling as most people are getting settled in time to get their kids enrolled in school at the beginning of August. Which means there are far fewer homes to chose from than there were three months ago when I started this process.
I have a lot of support on this journey (and I appreciate it!), but it's hard for someone like me, who doesn't believe in destiny or karma or any of those other larger-than-life forces in the universe to see the positive side of this situation. But there's still hope...today, I'll look at some homes online and Saturday, we'll make some visits. Maybe something better will come along, but I certainly won't find it if I'm not looking for it.
[Pulls boot straps up, fakes a smile, starts strategically planning in head]
Wish us luck!
Tuesday, July 5
Certified Sun Goddess
Wow, what a three day weekend!
Is it possible for something to simultaneously feel like it lasted forever and also was gone in the blink of an eye? Because that's how the weekend felt for me.
Great times, though.
Here's a snapshot into our happenings:
And then there was Julie's pool party/cookout yesterday but (for some reason, hmmmm) Kiera didn't post any pics of that on her FB (which is where I stole these!). Also, it seems befitting that I should post a photo of the elliptical on here, since she and I have become so close. That isn't to say I like her, only that we spend a lot of time together on a daily basis.
Speaking of which, weigh-in today found me victorious. I thought it would, though, since I weighed in last week with heavy clothing on and since Steve had pulled such a big number. Still, I know he's got something up his sleeve. And I'm going to just keep pushing.
Just. keep. pushing.
It was hard to stay on track with the holiday weekend, but I did alright. Both with the diet and the exercise. It wasn't perfection, but life rarely is. As for me, I was just happy to buy a new bikini and celebrate being a few (six, to be exact) pounds down in it!
Hope each of you had a happy and memorable one.
Tootles.
Is it possible for something to simultaneously feel like it lasted forever and also was gone in the blink of an eye? Because that's how the weekend felt for me.
Great times, though.
Here's a snapshot into our happenings:
 |
| Celebrating Kiera's 14th downtown |
 |
| Lyla turned 1! |
 |
| Little Sunday afternoon pier jumping |
 |
| Fireworks over Moon Lake |
Speaking of which, weigh-in today found me victorious. I thought it would, though, since I weighed in last week with heavy clothing on and since Steve had pulled such a big number. Still, I know he's got something up his sleeve. And I'm going to just keep pushing.
Just. keep. pushing.
It was hard to stay on track with the holiday weekend, but I did alright. Both with the diet and the exercise. It wasn't perfection, but life rarely is. As for me, I was just happy to buy a new bikini and celebrate being a few (six, to be exact) pounds down in it!
Hope each of you had a happy and memorable one.
Tootles.
Friday, July 1
Update, quickly
It's been a crazy busy week at work with about 1/2 the administrative/management staff on vacation or overseas for business; I've been completely without respite since Monday.
So here's the best I can do with the time I've got:
8WC
I was slightly disgruntled at the weigh in when Steve had dropped an astonishing NINE lbs. There's absolutely no way I can compete with that. Even if I (continued) working out twice a day and took up anorexia as my religion, I couldn't manage that. Still, instead of being disgruntled and giving up, it's got me working even harder. My 35 min sessions on the elliptical have evolved to 50 and I'm eating less. Keeping in mind that I was pretty much eating nonstop during that 1st week. Now that I know the dietary "tricks," I expect to stay fuller, eat less and start dropping more weight. Granted, it won't be anything near Steve's, but I know that, as a man, his weight loss has peaked and it's downhill from here. Well, at least after week two or three. I keep telling him slow and steady wins the race, although I am a little intimidated at this point. Every time I vamp up, he matches. I think I just need to keep my mouth shut and not tell him what my regimen is!
Kiera's Bday
The dinner (Fri) was a success and we had a lovely time. Kiera got some nice gifts and really enjoyed the all-eyes-on-me mentality of the night. It was especially nice to have Melissa and Taylor Mae there and for Theresia and Zoe to join as they are, after all, practically family.
The party is tonight and it's a downtown Memphis theme. Dinner on Beale, trolley ride, maybe a little Peabody Place shopping and OF COURSE photos galore. Rather than send out invitations, we sent postcards (text done on the computer) that featured downtown Memphis scenes. They were very cute!
Friend News
Great happenings here:
1. Lisa and the fam moved back to Southaven from Chattanooga last Sat, just in time for Lyla's birthday on the 3rd. I've known for about a year that they were moving back, but it seemed that they were going to encounter endless problems with the financing, etc. on the house they wanted. Needless to say, I'm stoked that they've finally made it home, and I'm looking forward to seeing Lyla grow up and getting Lisa back!
2. Leslie is (apparently) coming to visit allll the way from California for her best friend's birthday (that's me, folks). Although I am certain she will not find the south at all favorable, at least she will get to experience it and will have a better understanding when I go into my rants about the "apparent rampant inbreeding" that occurs here. She's a rather cultured girl, a Notre Dame honors grad; this should be interesting! :)
3. Jana's kick-off party was marvelously done and well received by all. We are very much looking forward to orchestrating this event, and (as an aside) there is some very good networking to be done in Jana's inner circle, evidently. Or maybe that is precisely why she chose those specific people for the kick-off (?). I don't know. But it was great and I'm sure the race will be no exception to Jana's marvelous event-planning skills. Also, thanks to Jana for the birthday cake for Kiera. It was very sweet and so very "Jana" to put someone else in the spotlight when it's supposed to be ALL about her!
Life
Not really relevant to anything, other than the following mini-rant, but I am sooo over the Katy Perry/Lady Gaga/Rhianna/Ke$ha music scene that I am slowly migrating back to country music. Actually, I'm migrating back pretty rapidly. I was, at one time, a major country music fan. Post 9-11 (in the Toby Keith high-tide) it seemed that every song was about Uncle Sam shoving his boot up someone's ass. After about a year of that, I gave up (as a side note, I've met Toby Keith and he was a bit of an asshole, so I may be biased). But now, in the age of talentless mainstream-musicians and radio stations that limit their playlists to roughly twenty songs, I'm willing to give it another go. Kiera may not be overly thrilled, but that's what an iPod is for!
House Hunting
Still no word on the bid for the dream home. Patience is still in tact, thankfully. However, my relator asked me earlier this week if I wanted to start looking at other houses, which is probably not a good sign. Also, having wanted to be moved in before Kiera starts high school, we are running out of time. Geesh. I may start looking again, while I wait on word back from the banker.
That was much more than I intended to write. Have a great long weekend, folks. We have a big one planned our way, and I expect to be thoroughly exhausted by the time I get back to work on Tuesday. Enjoy and be safe!
So here's the best I can do with the time I've got:
8WC
I was slightly disgruntled at the weigh in when Steve had dropped an astonishing NINE lbs. There's absolutely no way I can compete with that. Even if I (continued) working out twice a day and took up anorexia as my religion, I couldn't manage that. Still, instead of being disgruntled and giving up, it's got me working even harder. My 35 min sessions on the elliptical have evolved to 50 and I'm eating less. Keeping in mind that I was pretty much eating nonstop during that 1st week. Now that I know the dietary "tricks," I expect to stay fuller, eat less and start dropping more weight. Granted, it won't be anything near Steve's, but I know that, as a man, his weight loss has peaked and it's downhill from here. Well, at least after week two or three. I keep telling him slow and steady wins the race, although I am a little intimidated at this point. Every time I vamp up, he matches. I think I just need to keep my mouth shut and not tell him what my regimen is!
Kiera's Bday
The dinner (Fri) was a success and we had a lovely time. Kiera got some nice gifts and really enjoyed the all-eyes-on-me mentality of the night. It was especially nice to have Melissa and Taylor Mae there and for Theresia and Zoe to join as they are, after all, practically family.
The party is tonight and it's a downtown Memphis theme. Dinner on Beale, trolley ride, maybe a little Peabody Place shopping and OF COURSE photos galore. Rather than send out invitations, we sent postcards (text done on the computer) that featured downtown Memphis scenes. They were very cute!
Friend News
Great happenings here:
1. Lisa and the fam moved back to Southaven from Chattanooga last Sat, just in time for Lyla's birthday on the 3rd. I've known for about a year that they were moving back, but it seemed that they were going to encounter endless problems with the financing, etc. on the house they wanted. Needless to say, I'm stoked that they've finally made it home, and I'm looking forward to seeing Lyla grow up and getting Lisa back!
2. Leslie is (apparently) coming to visit allll the way from California for her best friend's birthday (that's me, folks). Although I am certain she will not find the south at all favorable, at least she will get to experience it and will have a better understanding when I go into my rants about the "apparent rampant inbreeding" that occurs here. She's a rather cultured girl, a Notre Dame honors grad; this should be interesting! :)
3. Jana's kick-off party was marvelously done and well received by all. We are very much looking forward to orchestrating this event, and (as an aside) there is some very good networking to be done in Jana's inner circle, evidently. Or maybe that is precisely why she chose those specific people for the kick-off (?). I don't know. But it was great and I'm sure the race will be no exception to Jana's marvelous event-planning skills. Also, thanks to Jana for the birthday cake for Kiera. It was very sweet and so very "Jana" to put someone else in the spotlight when it's supposed to be ALL about her!
Life
Not really relevant to anything, other than the following mini-rant, but I am sooo over the Katy Perry/Lady Gaga/Rhianna/Ke$ha music scene that I am slowly migrating back to country music. Actually, I'm migrating back pretty rapidly. I was, at one time, a major country music fan. Post 9-11 (in the Toby Keith high-tide) it seemed that every song was about Uncle Sam shoving his boot up someone's ass. After about a year of that, I gave up (as a side note, I've met Toby Keith and he was a bit of an asshole, so I may be biased). But now, in the age of talentless mainstream-musicians and radio stations that limit their playlists to roughly twenty songs, I'm willing to give it another go. Kiera may not be overly thrilled, but that's what an iPod is for!
House Hunting
Still no word on the bid for the dream home. Patience is still in tact, thankfully. However, my relator asked me earlier this week if I wanted to start looking at other houses, which is probably not a good sign. Also, having wanted to be moved in before Kiera starts high school, we are running out of time. Geesh. I may start looking again, while I wait on word back from the banker.
That was much more than I intended to write. Have a great long weekend, folks. We have a big one planned our way, and I expect to be thoroughly exhausted by the time I get back to work on Tuesday. Enjoy and be safe!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)