Another quick update

We've obviously had a few things going on so I haven't been diligent about updating over the last week :)

We have been unpacking since our truck arrived on Wednesday and I went to work on Thursday. I have still been feeling under the weather...it just comes and goes right now. I've been trying to rest when I can and not push it too much. I spent all day Saturday on the couch napping and resting trying to feel a little better before I had to travel. (I'm in Minneapolis Monday-Wednesday of this week).

We got our phone/cable/Internet hooked up on Thursday so Brad has been busy putting all of the technical things in the house together. Sophie and Sammy have adjusted quickly and LOVE the house and how much room there is for them to run inside and outside. They are really going to love it when it gets warmer out! Sophie got to experience her first real snow this weekend...I wasn't fast enough with the camera...She came in every time with a white nose.

We already have had some visitors...Mom and Dad have been over a few times to help out or to drop off the car or to let me carpool with them to the local Super Target (yay! glad to be back near one!!) to get some things for the house. Jessica and Chad stopped over on Saturday when they were in Waterloo, and Grandma and Grandpa stopped by while I was at work to get out the new digs. It's a bit of a disaster right now, while there are zillions of half-opened boxes while we try to find where some things are. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll have the kitchen, living room, and bedroom put together!

Well, I'm off to retire for the night -- early day tomorrow.

Quick Update

So here is a quick update from the weekend. I have several pictures to post when I get more time.

On Friday night, Mike and Lisa came out to the oceanfront to spend the night for the Shamrock 8k on Saturday morning. We ate at the Jewish Mother for dinner and then played some Farkel before hitting the hay. I haven't been feeling very well since Thursday morning, so I was trying to get a good night's sleep before this race that I hadn't trained well for any way.

Saturday morning I woke up feeling horrible and had no energy...I didn't think I was going to be able to even go watch the race let alone run in it or walk it. After being up for a while, I decided I could probably walk it so I quickly got dressed. After getting to the start line, all the excitement got me thinking I could run for a bit. I started out running for the 1st mile and walked for mile 2 and 3 and then ran the last 1.5 miles. Not too bad for training hardly at all. I was able to finish in an hour and 12 minutes which is really good considering I walked for half the race. Mike and Lisa did well and so did our friend Danijel who met up with us and started the race with us.

Saturday night we met Ryan, Tana, their friend Marsha and my friend my high school, Korina and her boyfriend, Scott for dinner. Korina and Scott flew in from Colorado for the 1/2 and full marathon and a spring break vacation. We had a nice dinner and headed to bed to get up early.

Sunday we got up early and headed down to the 1/2 marathon start line where Ryan, Tana, Marsha, Korina, and my friend Michael were racing while we took care of Hanah. Then we went to grab some coffee and then cheered Scott at the start line for the marathon. We then took our place near the finish line to cheer everyone in the 1/2 marathon on for last couple of blocks and then cheered on Scott at the 1/2 way mark in his race. Then we had to head out to finish some things at the house.

After one last lunch at Machismo, a few patched nail holes, re-loading the car, we said goodbyes to our neighbors Ryan & Pam, then to Ryan & Tana, Leanne, and Mike & Lisa. Frankly, it sucked. Saying goodbye is not my favorite. Then we got on the road.

Traffic to Richmond was ridiculous so there were several little accidents and we drove through a pile of debris from an big accident -- they were letting traffic through before it was cleaned up and this becomes a big deal about 4 hours later! It took almost an hour and a half longer to get to Richmond than it should have.

We had smooth sailing until a big bang right before Covington, VA. Turns out it we may have run over metal that tore our tire and it started separating from the tire...We were stuck on the side of the interstate and had to call AAA. The guy who came to rescue us didn't have a jack, even though, he knew we had a flat tire! It was ridiculous! And then started the adventure that was right out of a horror movie! More on this story later when I have more energy to tell it. But it was another 2 hour delay.

We wanted to get to Dayton, OH, but we were just too tired after getting up at 545a and we stopped in Charleston, WV. We got a good night's sleep and then set off again. We had the most fabulous day of traveling - no construction, no traffic, no delays, no nothing. We made awesome time and go to the house about 830pm where Steve, our realtor and my parents met us. The dogs traveled really, really well--we couldn't have asked for them to be better.

Today we had to shop for some appliances and other things for the house. We also had to make stops to set up IA insurance and sign for utilities, etc. We had a productive day and then ate dinner with Brad's dad.

Tomorrow our truck is supposed to come and so are our appliances. Then Thursday we are supposed to get the rest of our things hooked up. I will be heading to work Thursday and Friday this week and to Minneapolis on Monday & Tuesday of next week.

My focus the next couple days is to get the priorities of the house in order and feel better. I am still battling this cold/flu thing. I also am hoping that Grandpa gets better. He headed to the hospital tonight with pneumonia and may be there for a couple of days. Unfortunately I probably won't be visiting since I'm not well either....

That's all for now. :)

We own 2 houses, but we live in a semi

Thursday the movers packed up our house and yesterday they loaded it up. I have been running errands like crazy, finishing up as many things as I could. Our house in Iowa closed yesterday, so we are it's official owners. Our Virginia house closes on Wednesday, so for now, we own 2 houses...but 99% of our worldly goods are on the road heading to Pittsburgh, then Minneapolis, then finally to Iowa.

Sometime between Wednesday and Friday next week, we move in!

Rapping Flight Attendant

This is so funny...and after all the flying I've done, I would love to have a flight attendant like this! but I'm still not over my anger at AIG yet...but this video is helping...

Rapping Flight Attendant

Boo hoo and are you kidding?

Boo hoo:
I just found out that the Bret Michaels concert has been postponed from tomorrow night until...the FALL...that's nice...I'll be in Iowa then. GRRRR.

Are you kidding?!?!
And this....Really, AIG? You're going to restructure your bonuses for your top 50 executives? How nice of you to reconsider how you'll be using my money to reward the people who are running your company into the ground. How about you use the money to restructure your freaking company. Average payment will be $112k? For the top 50 people? Do have any idea how many laid off people's mortgage payments could be made with that?

You're really that dumb? I say let 'em drown.

AIG Bonuses

Whirlwind

Sunday morning we went to brunch with Nick and Amber at Bruttis (YUM!)...we haven't seen them nearly enough but just love them. I worked with Nick at Cintas and met my match in the art of sarcasm.

I spent Sunday afternoon going through things to toss, donate, giveaway before the movers come Thursday. I was up until midnight ...

This morning, I could feel my sinuses being mad at me because the weather is crappy and because I'm throwing dust around. I had a full day of work and didn't get home until 830 tonight. I called to talk to my parents...and they are, well..off the hook excited... :)

I still managed to get almost everything out of the freezers and am going to hit the fridge next. My neighbors and friends made out with some yummy food!

Tomorrow night is the Rock of Love Bus Tour with Bret Michaels with Leanne & Lisa! I can't wait...While I'm strapped for time, I wasn't going to pass up one more night out with my girls.
Wednesday we have an appt and them I am going to Richmond with Steph to see the New Kids..yes again..yes, we just went in October :) yes, we're nerds, but you already knew that.

My training for the 8k has pretty much been non-existent because of everything else going on...and I've added a few pounds so this Saturday's race should be interesting :) Oh, well. It's my first 8k and I can only improve my time from here, even if I end up walking part of it. The experience will be fun and I get to be with the people I enjoy...oh! and my friend from high school, Korina and her boyfriend Scott are coming for the 1/2 and full marathon, so it will be good to see them, too! We are hoping to go out to eat on Saturday night.

Rey is my super hero - he finished the last thing on the list for the inspection. He is freaking amazing. He came today and in the 5 minutes it wasn't raining he was able to complete the caulking. I can't even begin to tell you where I would be without him! Thank you, Scott!!!!!

Tomorrow is my last day of work and actually still have stuff to finish there and at home...

Let the games continue!

Going away parties

Last night was our shin dig at the Bier Garden with friends from Target. Today we were visited by several friends all day....it was a great day....a 9 hour going away party....we have the best friends. ever. I should have taken pictures with everyone who came last night and today...I can't believe I spaced that!


Jim, me, Pat, Brad, Rich

Pat and Brad - they are buddies at work.

Me and Amy Mac

Mike, me, Jim, Fran, Brad, and Rich

Lauren, me, Tricia, and Kimy

Joe and Dave, who didn't need any more Woodchucks!

Michael and Dave, my carpool patrol

Christian and Michael, my peeps.

Michael, my buddy :)

oh, i forgot

I forgot the most ridiculous thing that happened today...The Mustang wasn't running right, so I told Brad I would drive it to work and then take it to Dave's and pick up my car after work.

I got like 2 miles down the road this morning and it died....at a stoplight...in one of the most busy intersections of Suffolk. Luckily, I was able to get it over to the side of the road and 2 cops came by and pushed into a parking lot.

Also, my carpool buddy Michael, was at the dentist so he hadn't gone to work yet...he came and hung out with me while I waited for the tow truck and drove me to work. Then my other carpool buddy, Dave (Bier Garden party Dave) dropped me off to meet Brad so I could get my car....they are awesome...

So I was really late for work and had to shuck out another $300 so we could replace the alternator, but all I could do was laugh. So much stupid crap has happened to me the past few weeks....I am exhausted from being annoyed...I had to laugh and had a good day...even though all of those great people I work with decided it would be fun to make fun of me about being on the side of the road instead of being at work :) Who needs enemies when you have friends like them! :) :)

10 days and counting

I've been wigging out a little (ok, a lot....) this week...there has been an enormous amount to be done...then with getting an offer last weekend...it was SO great, but the other side is all that had to be done with this speedy closing date while trying to finish up my obligations at work.

So today is a bit better....the trim got painted so hopefully the HOA will be happy...Rey is an angel...there is no other way to describe it. He has jumped through hoops to help us, only because he is a friend of Scott's. I don't have any idea what I would have done without him. On Monday, he is coming on Monday to finish the rest of the things on the home inspection list....so by Wednesday we should be good on the inspection side.

Rey is trying to helping me find a carpet guy who can come and stretch our upstairs carpet...then we'll be good to go with the buyers.

Tomorrow night, our friend Dave is coordinating a going away party for us at the Bier Garden, Brad's favorite restaurant. Saturday is our shin dig at the house. Sunday is brunch at Brutti's. It will be a weekend filled with great people and great memories...and I'll probably be a blubbering mess....I've said it a million times...I am SO excited for this new opportunity and to be near great friends and family, but I'm equally as sad about leaving this great area and the friends here who are have been our Virginia family....I keep getting teary eyed about all of the "last" things we are doing here.

Saturday, Brad took me to Luna Maya, the last time I will eat at my favorite restaurant for a long while, I'm sure...

Tonight I picked up my car from our mechanic, also named Dave...he's been our mechanic for 7 years and has taken as good care of us as Barney did in Iowa. You all know how hard good mechanics (who don't take you to the cleaners) are to find.....It made me sad to drive away for the last time.

I'll be crazy excited to be in Iowa...don't get me wrong...it will be great..and I will get over this...but while I'm saying goodbye, I'm just going to bounce between happy and sad while I soak in the places and people who have been my life for the last 7 years....

Sophia L Dog

I haven't posted a picture in a long while, so here's a recent one of me and Sophie. She weighs more than 10lbs. Sammy weighs 6.5.

We make up nerdy names for the dogs...this is one of hers :)

Manic Monday

I took today off to go to the dentist and catch up on some things for the house and moving...it was a good thing I did. Except for lunch, I was running non-stop. After getting an offer this weekend and with a tight closing timeline, there was a ton to be done. I was able to carve out time to have lunch with my friend Sandi who I haven't seen forever. It was great to take time out to catch up with her. :)

Shout out to Scott for recommending Rey to help out with the handyman stuff. The first guy I had come over wasn't going to be able to get me an estimate until Wed or Thurs and was going to finish 2 days before closing which isn't quick enough. So I called Rey and he is really helping us out and is starting tomorrow. He'll probably be done before the other guy gets me an estimate. He is going to be a life saver! Thank you so much!!

There is much work to do ... at home and at work....it's still amazing how quickly this is all coming up....I have remind myself like 12 times a day to stop and smell the roses. :)

SOLD!!

Yesterday we got an offer on the house and today we accepted!! It was on the market 3 weeks and 1 day.

They want to close quickly, before the end of the month which is also great for us. This move is obviously meant to be, the way things have been working out!

2 weeks from today, we leave Virginia :(

Weekend

This will be a very productive, very warm, very busy weekend.

I have a ton of work to do (boooooo), I have several things to do around the house, and we have 2 showings today. I had to take Monday off so I could manage my next 2 (same day) dentist appointments and I'll be having lunch with my friend, Sandi whom I haven't seen in ages... I'm making my list of things I have to get done before the move, and it's looonnnnggggggg... I can't believe we are moving in 15 days....This is surreal! At least the weather is changing to wonderful, spring weather!

We were supposed to go to PA this weekend, but Jennis has a ton of studying to do and wouldn't be able to make it, Tiff has a lot to do before their trip next weekend, and Shari already played hostess last weekend....We have a TON going on, too, so I just decided we should hold off on getting together until we all have less going on and could enjoy it more... I think everyone was thankful :)

Hope the weather is great where you are!

Brad's Job

So, today Brad found out about his job....They are going to let him keep his position until the beginning of June. They really want the position to be a development position for someone who will stay with the company and progress in the program, but they do need his help to finish some things they are working on.

We were hoping for the long shot that he could keep it for another year, but are really pretty happy about this. First, he finally knows, and second, he will be able to have some time once we get to Iowa to look...and has a job for a least a couple of months. Obviously, it's easier to look while you are there so it will give him time to do that and have income while he does that.

We are so fortunate that in this time of a horrid economy to even be in the situation we are, and this news is really more than we could have hoped for. To simply be employed these days is a blessing in itself.

So, if you know of anyone looking for a great IT or Six Sigma guy in the Cedar Valley, let us know!

Monday Fun

What Girl Scout Cookie Are You? Do tell!

http://blogthings.com/whatgirlscoutcookieareyouquiz/results/?result=Mints