Last of the "Lunch Bunch"

The last member of 'Lunch Bunch' took the plunge today and said 'I Do'. Granted the first two to dive in are now single but we won't count that. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony and if I were to do it again I would consider this same venue.

Despite being November the weather was on the warm side with a nice breeze. The day held a 40% chance of rain and many of us dealt with showers on the journey there. Fortunately, while there were a few clouds there were no raindrops.

My only wish would have been to have been able to enjoy the ceremony and reception a bit more--lucky me, a bit into the ceremony I began to develop a migraine. It raged and then eased a bit but came back full force on the way home--thankfully I was not driving.

As to be expected, the bride was glowing and even a bit giddy. It was fun to see the happy couple and share in their joy. The only thing missing was a chocolate fountain!

Happy life W & E!

Getting into a groove....sorta

Could it be possible things are slowing down just the tiniest bit? I have actually sat down a time or two in my new studio most recently working on thank you cards. I'm about halfway done.

It's a bit of a lazy weekend so I'm hoping to play a bit later. Just ordered some pictures from CVS and have a few ideas brewing. A girl can hope!

Just never enough time!

The road to hell is paved with good intentions or so it is said. I've thought often of updating here but just haven't sat down to do so--at least till now.

August was well..August at work-crazy. Adding moving and marrying probably should have sent me over the edge yet somehow I managed to keep on going. And I am still going though recently I believe it has all started to hit me.

August turned to September with Les still on the road. He made it back to the yard late September so I made a quick trip to Dallas. It was nice to see each other and relax a little. We ate good food, did some shopping and just spent time together though it was short. Even got to have dinner with family. He went back to work and I came back to reality.

Then poof...it was October. And it has been a whilrwind! Lucky me it started with an UTI....and not-so-good drugs. My birthday rolled around and my gift ended up being a trip to the emergency room about 2am due to pain. My main thought was that 46 SUCKS! After blood work and tests I was given a couple of shots, scripts for new drugs and sent on my way at 4:30am. Back home and finally blissful sleep.

My coworkers threw me a shower that afternoon. I was overwhelmed. The decorations, the beautiful cake and all the gifts. I'm still putting things away and working on thank yous.

There was no time to rest because I had to head to Burton for MS camp. Since the schedule was so crazy and with having been under the weather I only went for the day. I missed 'the party' but did have a good time the short while I was there. Despite having much to do on Sunday I spent the majority of the day sleeping--catching up on rest and healing.

And come Monday it was going break-neck speed again since we were leaving Tuesday for Corpus for our annual state conference. It was busy with lots of meetings and material but there was some a little time for rest. Les was headed home--and arrived while I was gone unfortunately. He got in Thursday and immediately went to the lease and I returned on Friday. Les came back Saturday and the race was on.

There was a list of honey-do's needing his attention. The house was a disaster with my crazy schedule and absence. Once again we were able to spend some time together--yet not nearly enough. We got storage units emptied and paperwork signed to finalize the sale of the Texas City house and he was gone again--or at least tried to leave.

Due to truck issues he didn't get away good before being towed in for repairs--in Rosenberg. The good part of it was he was able to come home for the night so we ended up having an extra night together. And now he is gone again. Tonight he is in Illinois.

The 'magic date' is February 15--his commitment to his current employer will be done and hopefully he can get something local that will allow more home time. I do have my moments when I miss him terribly and I know I am so very fortunate to have him in my life. Whenever I tell him that he tells me his is the lucky one. Yep, he is a keeper!

Newlyweds

Just filed the marriage license with the county yesterday and received it back in the mail today. Guess there's something to be said for living in a small community. Now to get a 'certified' copy so I can get my name changed (by mail) with social security administration and then I will be legal! Of course then I will need to change my name on everything else. Since my drivers license is due to be renewed this year and I need to change my address I will just do everything at once!

The honey is back on the road--in Laredo tonight. Waiting for another run and hoping for a good one this time so he can make some money--since I've been spending it. Will probably be October before he gets home again. Kinda sucks but will deal. We've managed six months already. Another six months and his commitment will be up and he can switch companies--hopefully something that keeps him close to home more.

Milestones....

August 2012 has been a month for milestones......I moved out of the apartment into my very first home. And heaven help me I may never find everything! While I did purge a lot, there is still more to go. I have decided I will do my best to get rid of things I don't use, won't use or don't absolutely love. Even then I'll still have more than enough.

The other big milestone was getting married. The honey is home briefly-came in Tuesday, leaves tomorrow. We've talked often about when to get married, how, etc. Our schedules are nuts which makes it even more difficult to make any sort of plans. There had been talk of October but who's to say we'd truly be able to plan for a specific time?

We knew we wanted something small so we decided there was no time like the present. Knowing there is a three day waiting period from issue to the time you can marry we cut it somewhat close getting our license. Things began to fall into place and who were we to question.

With little planning--and I do mean little--we got some friends together and made it official. Now I just need to file the license with the county!

Packing and Pitching....

I still have painting to do but my focus has been to pitch and PACK. I found out last week I can get out of my lease early--they need the unit and would love to have it before the end of August. I have movers scheduled for Saturday the 4th, but wasn't able to reschedule for an earlier time so the 4th it stays. In reality that is fine because there is plenty to be done!

I've slowly moved most of my kitchen--still a few dishes but the majority is done and set up! That will be a big help. I will be able to cook and eat and not have to do it from moving boxes. And since I've been doing that myself a little at a time I've not bothered with wrapping dishes so no extra trash. Dishes go from cabinet here to car to cabinet at house! The pantry here is empty and the house is stocked. Though I will have to make some purchases to make them more user friendly so I don't 'lose items way in the back'. I will be on the look-out for big flat tray-type baskets that I can just pull out and remove or restock items.

The dining area and living room are nearly done and I have stacks of boxes in the dining area. I have pitched magazines that I can't even begin to remember the last time they were thumbed through. It was a bit sad but I did it. Just a few more things to actually box.

I have started on the scrap room and that's quite a task. I have found some books that need to go. Hoping for time to hit half-price books with those though the books may have to 'move' and then go. I haven't even gotten in the scrap room closed to box that up. Hopefully I can get to that in the next evening or so.

That then leaves the bathroom which shouldn't be that difficult and then the bedroom. I don't forsee that being too terribly hard either. I plan to move hanging clothes myself and should be able to knock that out in an evening or so.

By Friday I hope to have a really good handle on it all so that once the movers cart things away I can get the placed cleaned and turn in the keys next Monday--if not drop them in the slot next Sunday night!

Gonna be a busy, busy week!

Holy Moly Batman!

Good thing I've always been a last minute girl! Found out today leasing agent will let me out of lease early cause she has someone to take the apartment who wants in before the end of August. YEAH and holy moly. I admit to some major procrastination in the packing department since I knew my lease was till August 31, but now I really gotta get in gear! Already had movers scheduled for the 4th--and even called about moving that up but they are booked. Good news is I won't have pay the entire month of August's rent-only a portion. Bad news is I gotta go into warp speed to get everything out and place cleaned! But, I am up for the adventure! Already anticipating being exhausted next weekend!

Making Progress

How lucky am I that two wonderful friends came out to the country today to help in the home improvement phase?!? Both have great ideas and experience in the things that needed attention. From caulking to putty and painting trim to priming and prying things off walls.

The master bedroom is close to completion with the scrap room and bathroom close behind. There are other things that need attention and a fresh coat of paint but these three projects will be complete before furniture move in which will be a huge help.

Once these three rooms are done to satisfaction for the moment I will focus on packing and actually moving. I might even try to get movers next weekend. Now that things are shaping up in the house I'm itching to get in because the apartment really doesn't feel as much like home as it had. Now it feels to just be a place storing my stuff where I can shower, sleep and do laundry.

It's seemed like a long road -from first viewing on May 5, to finally getting the keys on July 19. I am ready to move in and make a comfortable home for me and the honey.

And the work begins....

After a roller coaster week the house if finally MINE. Still need to take picture of SOLD sign.

After working half a day I headed to Walmart for painting supplies and a few other assorted items. Next stop was Sherwin Williams and lucky me, paint is on sale this weekend. I picked up paint for the bedroom and headed out. I had a few other obligations so I got a bit of a late start but I managed to paint about half the bedroom before having to call it quits well after 8pm. I have hopes of finishing up the bedroom tomorrow-cept maybe not the trim work-and figuring out where to start next.

I do know I need to decide what all will be painted to start with and get the paint before Monday to save a few bucks. That one gallon was forty bucks and that's WITH the discount.

Stay tuned to see how project home goes.

MINE......almost

Closing is tomorrow at 1:30pm. Just yesterday I was really starting to doubt it was going to happen. And then....finally....FINALLY......the last approval came in just after 4:30pm. So from YES on Tuesday to closing on Thursday. Still not totally really but tomorrow will be a different story!

Honey's birthday is Saturday--told him I bought him a house. Paint party at my place!

The Waiting Game...

No closing date....yet. Hopefully next week. USDA will look at my loan this week--Thursday to be exact. How they were able to pinpoint it to then I have no idea. Week before last-June 29, to be exact, my loan was placed in suspense. Since there are extra buildings on the property I had to explain that I have zero intentions of using them to operate a business. Then all the other last minute things....updated credit reports, bank statements, etc. My mortgage guy says it IS going to happen...just more time. Fingers (toes and everything else) crossed that I have jumped through the last hoop and by the weekend I will have a closing date. Guess it's gonna be another long week (and stressful--LOTS to do at work).

So here I am trying my best to make myself do productive things--like PACK. It's not a mode I've been able to get into. So far I've packed five boxes. I have grand ideas of all the others. Of course I also have visions of pitching a lot stuff (we'll see if that actually happens!).

I am already in the "I want to paint and decorate mode". I have decided the bedroom will be teal/turquoise with black and white accents. I've seen the shade I want for the walls and I'll need to have the exact sample to take to have the color mixed (Sherwin Williams per the honey's request).

I have spend countless hours trolling Pinterest and have tons of ideas...now if I can just get them to fruition. I have to keep reminding myself not everything has to be done at once (nor will it happen that way). It's fun to dream though. HA!

A positive in all the delays is that I won't need to break my current lease (which ends August 31) so I can take my time cleaning, painting and moving. Granted I do want to be in/statying at the house as soon as I possibly can but I don't have to move the minute I close. I can take some time to do so. First priority is to get the master bedroom painted and maybe a few other little touches around. After that I can begin the big move! Another positive is the honey is supposed to be home in August so I can get him to help with finishing up.

We are both so ready to start this next chapter in our lives. I swear sometimes it seems the only thing missing from this 'fairy tale' is the white picket fence--oh yeah and me staying home cleaning house in pearls!

Slowly getting closer....

Wow...bout four weeks ago I found 'the' house and the journey began. Offers and inspections and insurance quotes and now appraisal time is approaching then hopefully a closing date not too terribly far away. And the fun of packing which I really should start. I am excited but don't think the reality has really set in just yet. It IS exciting...a new place to live. New spaces to arrange. And if I want to make changes I can do so. The joys of home ownership. I know it's gonna be a fun one and maybe I need my head examined or will want to have it done, but I am looking forward to it (as long as something doesn't break--especially when the honey is gone!). Now....who wants to help actually move the cat when the time comes?

Updates...

Slowly--very slowly--I've been working on my little planner. I managed to get the cover done a few weeks ago and then started on the inside...

First I painted the divider pages and then they sat on the table....awaiting inspiration. I knew what each section would be I just didn't have the creative inspiration to execute. And then last night I sat down to work... Section One: Happy Heart The thought is that in this section I can accumulate things and make notes on things wedding related. Truly a scrapbook of a hodge podge of things.

Section Two: Happy Home Here I can begin planning for our home--decorating ideas, things I would like to have, ideas on how to arrange things.

Section Three: Happy Life Happy Life can be anything and everything from recipes to try to party planning. Basically this section will be a catch all. Since the book is a binder I can move things around as needed.

While things might not have been as productive as they should have been or what I'd actually might have liked (no on to blame there but me), the weekend did include a few accomplishments. I'm learning the joys of buying a home and am riding the real estate roller coaster. I can hardly believe how quickly I found the perfect house. Two days of back and forth resulted in an accepted offer and then two more days for the owner to get the contract back to the realtor. Option and earnest money have been paid. The inspection is scheduled and the paperwork is ready to go for financing. Hopefully in a month I'll be able to close on our new home. Fingers crossed!

Current Events

Last weekend I got in a little creative time thanks to Joey. I created this little banner at her weekend workshop. Though a bit difficult to see, it's my soon-to-be new last night. I thought this would be cute for my scrap room.

THIS weekend I celebrated Cinco De Mayo with the BFF's family and friends. As usual, lots of good food and great company.

The highlight of the weekend however has to be this little jewel. I have somewhat quietly been doing a little house hunting. I've viewed a few, found one I could live with but found it had been scooped up--and took that as a sign it was not meant to be. Then I found this.....I took a little tour on Saturday morning and now seriously pursuing making it mine (ours). So fingers crossed! All thoughts, prayers and good wishes are welcome.....help me make this mine!

In Progress....

As if I don't have enough going on and enough unfinished projects, I'm working on these two (and maybe not as fast as I should be).

The project on the left is a project from an online class--yes it's called Happy Little Moments. It's a book with some--not all--of the pages removed and then it's to be filled with 'happy things'. I have some ideas to modify it a bit from the actual 'class project' and one of these days I'll actually get more done!

The project on the right is basically a small binder from 'Life Stories'. It has pages with picture pockets, there are dividers and then just decorative pages for journaling or whatever appeals. I thought it would make a nice little 'planner' of sorts. I don't think I'll be 'planning a traditional wedding' but there are some things to be looked at, thought about, arranged, etc. and I thought this ensemble would be a nice way to do it. I picked up the book and extra 'filler' pages at the Happy Scrapper in Waxahachie.

...I have 'lofty' goals of actually working on these books some this weekend.....

Saturday Shopping

Scored a good deal at BBW...buy three get three free....had a 20% off coupon and coupon for free small shower gel and if you bought one of the 'signature' fragrances you received a full size shower gel free and personal size lotion. I ended up with 7 full size shower gels, a small lotion and a small shower gel--about $80 worth of product for around $32.


On another note, I found my way to Barnes and Noble to pick up this book I've been hearing so much about. I've found myself watching Wendy Williams (talk show) on occasions and she was talking about this--apparently it's being called 'Mommy Porn'. WTH, I decided I'd grab a copy and give it a read. Three chapters in so far and I am enjoying-finding myself intrigued even.

Friday Night Fish Fry

Spent Friday night hangin with the BFF and her family for fish and all the fixins....YUM

Running Behind.....

Wow...already April 1, on the calendar. There have been a ton of things happening--see picture below--and I just haven't seemed to have had time to catch up. Ok, so I did have some time this weekend but I opted to be L A Z Y.

I kept Lucy-dog Friday and Saturday night and she's such a cuddle pup that we did a lot of that. We napped in the recliner both Saturday and Sunday. Sissy was a bit put out with having a dog here but she seemed to cope okay as she not only slept in the bedroom both nights but Friday night she actually got in bed. I Lucy on one side and Sissy on the other.

Lots of excitement since the 'proposal'...and lots of rampant thoughts. For the first few days after just the thought of trying to put together a wedding would start me stressing. Now that a week has passed and we've 'made decisions' and changed minds on things I am feeling a bit more relaxed. Of course--we will see if that continues! Right now it looks as though our target date is October--looking at the calendar I've come up with October 27, due to various things already scheduled for the month of October. Of course, the honey's schedule could very well change that date.

Spring is in full swing--Easter is next weekend....summer and fall registration is right around the corner which means work madness will build.....and in the midst of it all...the honey will hopefully get into some sort of schedule, get his house sold and hopefully we will find one of our very own. So many things on the horizon......

It's Official

Where Does the Time Go?

Wow, in the blink of an eye it's already nearing toward the end of March....the rodeo is over (and I didn't go once)....spring break is over (darn it)....and the honey is starting his fifth week on the road (four more to go).

I have managed to do some sewing and feel my skill is getting better. At least I'm getting better at the main project I've been working on--making tote bags. Took one to camp this weekend to donate for a door prize and it was a hit.

Sometimes I am awed by just how quickly time seems to pass. As a kid or when anticipating something it seemed time would stand still. With age it it gone in the blink of an eye....guess that's just another part of getting older. And more reason to make certain to live life to the fullest and savor every moment.

In addition to sewing I've been trying to play with paper a bit. I did take a cute album class at Archivers the first weekend of break--now I just need pictures to fill it. The honey will be enlisted for that project--heehee. I have another little paper project I've been slowly working on--it's actually an online course. Once I progress a little more I'll share pictures.

Sad Day for Branson....

I fell asleep last night with the tv on---not that unusual. Somewhere in the early morning hours I recall hearing something about storms and Branson....theatres hit. Maybe I was dreaming.

When I was finally awake I found I had not been dreaming. I did hear Branson had been hit overnight by a tornado....it went right down the strip. Several buildings sustained damage-power was out-but no deaths in Branson.

Once I got to the office I had to search the net....see what pictures might be posted. The lower end of the strip was hit--Walmart, Taco Bell, Shoneys, JRs Motor Lodge. I've shopped in that Walmart, picked up food at that Taco Bell, had a meal with mom at Shoneys-never stayed at JRs but know it well, can visualize it in my mind. The sign always reminded me of the old Roy Rogers Restaurants.

The news reports say the tornado hop-scotched down the strip...then down to Branson Landing whhere windows were blown out of the Hilton. Found a picture this afternoon of Branson Landing and there was quite a bit of damage there. The Candlestick Inn where mom, Mike and I celebrated my 37th birthday took a hit---most the sign is gone and the roof has been partially peeled back.

It is sad to see the damage to my beloved Branson. It's a blessing it happened now and in the middle of the night. A few more weeks and in the middle of the day there would find throngs of people enjoying the peacefulness of the town.

Sewing Bug

It appears I have been bitten by the sewing bug. This cute pattern is fairly easy and doesn't take all that long to put together. I'm enjoying being creative--if I could just find the 'right' buttons to finish them off!

Miracle Med.....

Finally got my Acthar Gel today....don't know what it is about that stuff but for me it is a miracle in a bottle. I felt good on Friday after an injection last Thursday but by the weekend I was dragging again. Found a vial in the fridge with one remaining dose and that got me through the weekend but started to drag again.

Thanks to managed health care, I did not get the delivery on Saturday as I should have. I spent a great deal of time on the phone Monday trying to get an update. Just after 5p I received a call that I would have my med yesterday-Tuesday. I waited, I tried checking with the complex office but no med.

Dragging again this morning I called for a tracking number only to discover it actually had been delivered yesterday, about 11a. The maintenance man had signed for it but did not deliver it to the office unitl THIS MORNING. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Guess that big sticker that says REQUIRES REFRIGERATION meant nothing to him. I got my hands on the box about 10a and took the first injection. By late afternoon I could tell a difference---I actually felt like doing something and WANTED to do something.

Once I got in from work I actually got a few things done at home that I've been neglecting. Here it is almost 10p and if I didn't need to get up for work in the morning I would probably play with paper or fabric. Hopefully this round of shots will squash this flare! Of course this probably also means I'll have a one-way ticket to an MRI next month when I see the neurologist. Happy, happy, joy, joy....gimme drugs.

A big thank you to all who have checked on me, offered kind words and said a prayer on my behalf. I know I have the best friends!



ON ANOTHER NOTE:
As of today the honey has logged 1398 miles, driven a mountain pass or two (said it was no big deal) and completed day four on the road. It's been a crazy, busy four and half weeks with about nine or so more to go. He's made it out to California but will now be heading back east. During this time he'll be criss-crossing the country but he is on his way to a new career and future.

While I admit to being a bit concerned when he first brought up the school and that they would cover the cost I am finding all is well. It seems he is progressing well and I even received a letter addressed to ME welcoming us to the company 'family' and giving me a contact to anser questions, address concerns or just help me get in touch with the honey.

Say a little prayer for his safe journey and return.

Adventures of MS Girl

I am such a lucky girl (said in a snarky tone). For valentines (that night) I noticed dizziness and being off balance in addition to just flat out being tired.

Wednesday morning I did not want to get out bed--even less than usual. Still wobbly and noticing tightness in my right leg. And no energy. Oh joy. Slept most of the day.

Dragged myself out of bed this morning and to the office. First task was to email the Neuro about what's going on. A few emails back and forth and a phone call from the doctor (I have a fantastic Neuro with a fantastic staff). Meds called in--of course who knows when they will actually be delivered--could be Saturday could be Monday--and a trip to the medical center for an injection this afternoon. NOT steroids but one of the early drugs used for 'treating' MS--Acthar Gel (kinda *my* miracle drug as usually a few doses will perk me up and here's hoping for the same results this time).

At least now (finally) I know the signs and can get a jump on things (hopefully). Still tired with some stiffness but totally confident I will be bouncing back soon! So no need for anyone to worry--but thanks for any concern!





Evening traffic on 59 south--ICK:

Ok, so I was as bit ahead of the major traffic but still....ick

DFW Westin

Hotwire is a good thing....last weekend the honey had to be in Dallas so I jumped on Hotwire and got a room for about $75--that included tax. Shame we weren't even there 24 hours to really enjoy it.

For any interested parties: the cute bag below now has a nice home in Bedford with my sis-in-law

Fabric Creations

I've been in a sewing mood lately and even invested in a new (basic) machine--cause mine died. I got this great bag last fall at a craft show that I love and have since found the pattern. I decided they would make great gifts and am working starting my own little version of 'Santa's workshop'--if I can keep up the pace I can have multiple gifts made by summer! The current problem is I think this bag is so cute I want to keep it for myself!

Annual Galveston Oaks Weekend

The weekend was full of great friends, good music and good food.....just wish it hadn't gone so quickly....
Richmond, Texas' own Mary Sarah came out to wow everyone with her phenominal voice

Missing?

Anyone that checks here regularly (does anyone check regularly?) might wonder where I've been...if I fell off the face of the earth. Have no fear, I'm still around. Been busier than a one-armed paper-hanger and in downtime too lazy to post. I'll try to change that bad habit.

Let's see, to recap......
Christmas came and went-nothing exciting to write home about.

Spent the time off with the honey and helping him job hunt--filling out paperwork, etc.

Actually cleaned out my closet somewhat--there is now actually room to hang things without being jammed in. Gave quite a few things to M and donated other to shelter (thanks to the honey for hauling it).

Did some purging in the 'studio' and took a trunk full to Na--still more to be done but I can actually see the spare bed (Sissy now has plenty of room to strech out) and I can walk in without tripping over piles--the honey can get to the computer much easier.

Been swamped since returning to work with the normal start of the year/semester overload with the added addition of doing the another's job the past few weeks.
Managed to get in some time with the Lunch Bunch to celebrate an engagement-not mine.

Looking forward to the annual Galveston weekend next weekend. Always fun to spend time with friends and see The Boys.

The honey starts trucking school tomorrow.

Broke out the sewing machine which died mid-project. After a week of lamenting and some searching I finally found a machine that met my standards that I can see myself using for the next 20 plus years (that's about how long the last one was around) and now I have a shiny new toy.

Welcome 2012

It's been ages since I've blogged. Wish I had a good excuse but I really don't. The truth is I've been busy with different things or just lazy--probably more lazy than anything.

It's been a fairly quiet holiday around here. The weather has just been plain weird-hot, cold, hot, cool, hot, humid; you get the idea. It just didn't really feel like Christmas or the holidays. To that end, I had the tree down and Christmas decor put away before the clock struck midnight entering the new year. And the honey decided to head to the lease on Friday so I'm flying solo. No one to kiss at midnight but the upside is the ability to (try to) accomplish things without disturbing another.

I have managed to do a big purge on my closet--still need to go through socks, shoes and the dressers. My next project is to tackle the studio/spare bedroom sometime today--when I finally get off my lazy can. What a surprise for the honey to return to a clean, functional work/creative space. He would be quite surprised since I've been 'threatening' for some time!

Keeping with my usualy format, I've not really made any resolutions but I've not thought too terribly hard on 'goals'. I have a few things rattling around my head but just not quite able to 'commit' at the moment. In my own time I guess. And I haven't decided on my One Little Word for 2012 either. Nothing has really 'spoken' to me and thus I procrastinate --as usual. Hmmm, maybe THAT should have been my word for 2011 since I seem to have mastered it quite well! HA.

So after an uneventful night and a very leisurely morning it's time for me to embark on something productive--it would be nice to actually acccomplish 'something' today. More later......enjoy the first day of 2012 and make it count in your own way!