We've been moved into and living in Dallas' (he has to keep reminding me that it's not HIS, it's OURS), I mean, our house since Sunday night. I know this must seem like the longest, most dragged out move in history... and quite frankly, I feel that way too! But every time we'd take a load, we'd remember something else we'd need to take to storage, or take from storage to the other house, or pick up something at Lowes, or grab more boxes... So even though we've been in the house since Sunday, neither of us have gotten to sleep before midnight or 1:00 since last Friday night. Also factor in, if you will, the heat, humidity, mosquitos and bruises. We're tired.
Finally, FINALLY, we removed the last bit of paraphernalia from my ex-house last night and all that was left was giving it a final scrub. Dallas was still working on some stuff outside when I started cleaning in the kitchen. There was a weird spot on the floor that I swiffered and scrubbed and sponged and finally took to chipping off with my thumbnail. Gross, yes, but whatever. I was singularily focused and just wanted to get to bed. I get back to work until I hear this from outside the door:
"Ew. A slug."
I take a peek outside at the slug. Then look back to the spot I'd just cleaned.
Huh.
It would appear that during the hauling of boxes, one of us stepped on a slug, transferred the carcass to the kitchen floor where it was then left to dry like cement to my floor.
And I just chipped it off with my fingernail. Ew, a slug, indeed.
However, closing went off without a hitch this morning and I just picked up my check so I suppose getting a little bit of slug guts under my nail was still worth it.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Dad's Day
Usually, for Father's Day, we'd all gather at my parent's house where mom feeds us sweets and we give Dad gift certificates to Barnes and Noble that remain in his wallet for months unused. But not this year! Ohhhh no.. He couldn't resist the call of the open road.
So for Father's Day 2010, dad was doing this:
Instead of this:
But, I suppose he deserves it. After all, he did a pretty good job raising us.
There was only one time I can recall that Mom wasn't around to get us ready for school, and I made it there before realizing that my hair wasn't brushed. I was still too young to wield a comb myself, and I guess it didn't occur to my dad.. the barber.. that it needed combed for my school day.
But there was also the time that I had my little suitcase all packed and ready to go to Colorado with Grandma and Grandpa and he reached down to hug me and handed me a twenty dollar bill so I could have my own spending money on our trip. It was the most money I'd ever had in my paw up to that point and it was a huge deal to me.
He was also always there to walk me clear across the street to Grandma and Grandpa's to spend Friday nights eating popcorn with apple slices and catching lightening bugs. I was scared a wolf or a zombie was going to jump out from behind one of their huge trees and get me, so he always walked with me and tried to assure me nothing would eat me until I was within the porch light of the farmhouse and could run myself to safety.
It's always him I call when life is falling apart because no one can reassure me like my dad does. No one's hugs are quite as safe, and he always knows just what to say. Even if I just need to hear "It's going to be ok", because I know when it's coming from him, he'll make sure that's the truth. He's always encourages me and made sure Tanner and I know how much he loves us and that he's proud even if we've messed up.
That kind of unconditional love is what makes my father my dad.
So for Father's Day 2010, dad was doing this:
Instead of this:
But, I suppose he deserves it. After all, he did a pretty good job raising us.
There was only one time I can recall that Mom wasn't around to get us ready for school, and I made it there before realizing that my hair wasn't brushed. I was still too young to wield a comb myself, and I guess it didn't occur to my dad.. the barber.. that it needed combed for my school day.
But there was also the time that I had my little suitcase all packed and ready to go to Colorado with Grandma and Grandpa and he reached down to hug me and handed me a twenty dollar bill so I could have my own spending money on our trip. It was the most money I'd ever had in my paw up to that point and it was a huge deal to me.
He was also always there to walk me clear across the street to Grandma and Grandpa's to spend Friday nights eating popcorn with apple slices and catching lightening bugs. I was scared a wolf or a zombie was going to jump out from behind one of their huge trees and get me, so he always walked with me and tried to assure me nothing would eat me until I was within the porch light of the farmhouse and could run myself to safety.
It's always him I call when life is falling apart because no one can reassure me like my dad does. No one's hugs are quite as safe, and he always knows just what to say. Even if I just need to hear "It's going to be ok", because I know when it's coming from him, he'll make sure that's the truth. He's always encourages me and made sure Tanner and I know how much he loves us and that he's proud even if we've messed up.
That kind of unconditional love is what makes my father my dad.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Paint Fumes
When we decided to get going on our future and stuff, we knew that priority #1 would be getting rid of at least one of the houses. The plan was to put them both on the market and then whichever sold first, we'd live in the other one, then sell that one and move into our dream house! Tah-dah!
Dallas had started some remodeling/updating on his, but we weren't overly concerned with getting it done until we listed mine and it sold much quicker than anticipated. (Thanks again, Man Upstairs.) Now we've been moving at a breakneck pace painting, putting in new counter tops, new backsplash, new vanity, re-finishing the cabinets, new tile floors, new carpet, brand new bathroom, etc, etc, etc, (he is even building shelving just for my shoes - best husband EVER!). At the same time as packing, organizing, moving some stuff into storage, waiting to move other stuff into D's house, breaking down furniture, waiting on the rain to move the big stuff, etc, etc, etc. at my house. This was all coupled with the stuff that comes along with getting married and the pain in the butt it is to change last names, consolidate bank accounts, get a new license, change my address, get a new social security card, order checks, cancel utilities, etc, etc, etc. And poor Dallas has been on call 24/7 and working way more hours than any human should.
Does it sound like I'm complaining? Because I'm really not. True, we're both tired, and we're both sick of working on houses and being dirty and spending money on this kind of junk instead of new shoes, and not getting time to just spend with each other having fun. BUT, we're also not floating two mortgages, two sets of utilities, and worrying about getting one of them sold. It's a HUGE relief to know we're doing all this work because we're one step closer to where we want to be. If his house sells right away, great! If not, that's fine too, because it just means we can take our time finding exactly what we want.
Our big push will be this weekend. We're hoping to have everything moved out of my house and either into his, or into storage, because we close on Thursday and that'll give us some time to make sure mine is clean for the new girl, and that we didn't nick any paint or scratch any trim on our way out.
Then, hopefully, life will once again resemble our take on normalcy.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Moldy Grapefruit and My Parents
Dallas and I hadn't been to the grocery store since before our trip. All I had in this house to eat was a moldy grapefruit and a can of tomato sauce. Neither tasty nor nutritious.
D is coaching Lily's softball team and had a game, so he went to that and I went to the dreaded grocery store. Alone. (Side note: Hey! Retired people! Why do you wait until I'm off work to go grocery shopping? What are you doing all day? Is it really necessary to wait until 5:00 sharp to slowly stroll through every single aisle directly in front of me?!)
Anywho. I go and I load up on everything and am again reminded why you don't skip grocery shopping duty. It costs approximately 70 kazillion dollars to restock the kitchen. The back of my relatively expansive truck is piled high with my goods, and it takes me three trips to get it all onto the island to then get everything in their respective homes. Whew.
Now when I'm checking out and my goodies are being bagged, I try really hard to keep everything with their buddies to make unloading easier. Produce goes with produce, frozen stuff goes with frozen stuff, delicious bags of double stuff Oreo's goes with the economy sized bag of Hershey's miniatures.
So I'm in the process of putting everything away when I realize I am in a PANIC. I can't get it put away fast enough, plus my OCD kicks in and everything has to go into the fridge and pantry juuuuuust right. I stop to examine myself and my anxiety attack.
Then the light bulb goes off.
My mother is to blame for this! Of course! I'm freaked out because the fridge door is standing open. I'm letting all the cold air out! My utility bill will be through the ever-loving roof! Growing up, my poor mother never slept through an entire night because she could hear the fridge kick on and it worried her that something was wrong. Then she'd hear the air conditioning start to blow and she'd worry about the upcoming bill. Then she'd hear the wind blowing and she'd worry that a tornado was coming to blow us all away. And the organizing on the grocery-store-conveyor-belt-dealie? That's her doing too!
Today is the 32nd anniversary of her being married to my dad. Who doesn't worry about any of this. Because he doesn't have to, because he's married to Mom. (Don't get me wrong. Dad is a worrier too, just not about this type of stuff. More about the type of stuff I tend to worry about too. I'm sure you'll all have the pleasure of reading about our neuroses in future posts. Our family motto is "Just take a Xanny"... Goooo Stearmans!)
I know this sounds weird, but putting the groceries away tonight made me once again stop and send a prayer of thanks up for my folks. Their worry and anxiety just stems from wanting to do well in life. I've never known better people. I've never seen two so in love. Never seen such respect and friendship. What a lesson they've taught me just by being themselves and enjoying their marriage. I've always hoped for something similar... and thanks to them, I fully understand and appreciate what Dallas and I have.
Happy anniversary Mom and Dad!
D is coaching Lily's softball team and had a game, so he went to that and I went to the dreaded grocery store. Alone. (Side note: Hey! Retired people! Why do you wait until I'm off work to go grocery shopping? What are you doing all day? Is it really necessary to wait until 5:00 sharp to slowly stroll through every single aisle directly in front of me?!)
Anywho. I go and I load up on everything and am again reminded why you don't skip grocery shopping duty. It costs approximately 70 kazillion dollars to restock the kitchen. The back of my relatively expansive truck is piled high with my goods, and it takes me three trips to get it all onto the island to then get everything in their respective homes. Whew.
Now when I'm checking out and my goodies are being bagged, I try really hard to keep everything with their buddies to make unloading easier. Produce goes with produce, frozen stuff goes with frozen stuff, delicious bags of double stuff Oreo's goes with the economy sized bag of Hershey's miniatures.
So I'm in the process of putting everything away when I realize I am in a PANIC. I can't get it put away fast enough, plus my OCD kicks in and everything has to go into the fridge and pantry juuuuuust right. I stop to examine myself and my anxiety attack.
Then the light bulb goes off.
My mother is to blame for this! Of course! I'm freaked out because the fridge door is standing open. I'm letting all the cold air out! My utility bill will be through the ever-loving roof! Growing up, my poor mother never slept through an entire night because she could hear the fridge kick on and it worried her that something was wrong. Then she'd hear the air conditioning start to blow and she'd worry about the upcoming bill. Then she'd hear the wind blowing and she'd worry that a tornado was coming to blow us all away. And the organizing on the grocery-store-conveyor-belt-dealie? That's her doing too!
Today is the 32nd anniversary of her being married to my dad. Who doesn't worry about any of this. Because he doesn't have to, because he's married to Mom. (Don't get me wrong. Dad is a worrier too, just not about this type of stuff. More about the type of stuff I tend to worry about too. I'm sure you'll all have the pleasure of reading about our neuroses in future posts. Our family motto is "Just take a Xanny"... Goooo Stearmans!)
I know this sounds weird, but putting the groceries away tonight made me once again stop and send a prayer of thanks up for my folks. Their worry and anxiety just stems from wanting to do well in life. I've never known better people. I've never seen two so in love. Never seen such respect and friendship. What a lesson they've taught me just by being themselves and enjoying their marriage. I've always hoped for something similar... and thanks to them, I fully understand and appreciate what Dallas and I have.
Happy anniversary Mom and Dad!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
New Do
Sophie usually goes to the groomer every month or six weeks. The lady I take her to always has something fun up her sleeve and Sophie has come back with bows, bandannas, pink hair, painted toes, bejeweled toes, and even a mohawk! Never know what to expect!
We've been slightly busy getting married, selling houses, remodeling, and moving, so poor Sophie has waited even longer than her usual 6 weeks. She was getting pretty shaggy, and I'm mortified to admit she'd even developed a couple dreadlocks in her ears.
Getting her to the groomer is always a little tricky trying to drop her off and pick her up around their schedule and our work schedules. And everywhere I called was booked about a week out. Plus, I hate taking her to the groomer because she HATES being left there. So, Dallas decided we would do it ourselves! (and by ourselves, I mean himself.) We looked in to some pretty schmancy shears and realized that we'll spend about as much on the clippers as one grooming costs. Saves time AND money! Brilliant!
Poor D has been getting called out to work in the middle of the night quite a bit, so he's had some time at home during the day, and yesterday I got the call that he was working on the dog. He'd had to give her a bath, work out some of her knots, condition her, brush her tail and ears, trim some of the bad spots with scissors, and could only trim her a little at a time because the shears got hot and he didn't want to hurt her.
Finally, after several calls and texts about the progress, I get the message that he has finished. He decided to leave little booties on her, and also left her tail, beard, and ears because otherwise she looks less like a Shih-Tzu and more like your common rat. He said she did great and was running all over the place prancing, feeling pretty, enjoying essentially not wearing a parka. This dog also gives "hugs". She puts her little forehead on yours and just pushes. She was full of hugs for her daddy for cutting her hairs so nicely.
I couldn't wait to get home to see! He was gone by the time I got there, but when I let her out of her kennel, she was still super pumped and feeling good. She was running in circles, skidding across the ottoman and jumping up for more hugs. But all I could do was laugh!
I called Dallas:
Me: "She looks like a cow wearing boots!"
D: "She's got booties!"
Me: "They look like leg warmers! I'm waiting for her to break out into an 80's workout video dance sequence!"
D: "Like a clydesdale with spots!"
Bwahaha... we laugh. But one thing is certain... Sophie feels better and she didn't have to spend her day at the dreaded groomer!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Gettin' Hitched
One or two of you may have heard by now that Dallas and I got married this past Saturday. And I'm sure it came as a shock to everyone as evidenced by the long pauses and slow reactions to the news. However, you have all been great and we appreciate that more than you know!
It's not that we just didn't want anyone there... It's more that we just wanted it to be about us. It's such a personal decision and promise to make we didn't want to get caught up in the drama of other people's schedules or preferences or opinions. Thanks for understanding.
We found this great little B&B down in Eureka Springs, AR who took care of all the details. All we had to do was pick a date and show up. The rest was taken care of and we couldn't have been more pleased.
I remember Mom telling me once when I was young that I'll just know when it's right. She said she couldn't explain it, but that I would know. And I do. And I can't explain it either.
All I know is that I love Dallas more than anything in this world. I trust him. I'm proud of him. I just feel better when he's around me. I feel more like myself when I'm with him. I know I'm well taken care of. He makes me feel safe. He encourages me. He uplifts me. He puts me first. He makes me laugh! All I want is a life with him. I finally feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. I now know what it feels like to be "home". And even though it's official, and I'm a McCarter now, I still can't believe my good fortune. It still seems surreal and too good to be true. I get a little thrill every time I see the ring I gave him on his hand. I'm so proud to call him husband... so honored to be his wife.
I just wanted to thank everyone for supporting us and reminding us that all that matters is that we're happy. Because we are...
It's not that we just didn't want anyone there... It's more that we just wanted it to be about us. It's such a personal decision and promise to make we didn't want to get caught up in the drama of other people's schedules or preferences or opinions. Thanks for understanding.
We found this great little B&B down in Eureka Springs, AR who took care of all the details. All we had to do was pick a date and show up. The rest was taken care of and we couldn't have been more pleased.
I remember Mom telling me once when I was young that I'll just know when it's right. She said she couldn't explain it, but that I would know. And I do. And I can't explain it either.
All I know is that I love Dallas more than anything in this world. I trust him. I'm proud of him. I just feel better when he's around me. I feel more like myself when I'm with him. I know I'm well taken care of. He makes me feel safe. He encourages me. He uplifts me. He puts me first. He makes me laugh! All I want is a life with him. I finally feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. I now know what it feels like to be "home". And even though it's official, and I'm a McCarter now, I still can't believe my good fortune. It still seems surreal and too good to be true. I get a little thrill every time I see the ring I gave him on his hand. I'm so proud to call him husband... so honored to be his wife.
I just wanted to thank everyone for supporting us and reminding us that all that matters is that we're happy. Because we are...
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Sold!
So you all knew that I'd put my house on the market, but none of you knew exactly why! Dallas and I had been making plans for the future, and we knew we wanted to get married, move back out north eventually, and heck, maybe even have a blond headed kid or two. But we also knew we didn't want any fanfare and that we would elope (to be included in a future post).
I know that hindsight is 20/20, but it was frustrating musing over how, had I known Dallas would have come into my life, I wouldn't have bothered buying a house since we now had two to worry about selling! I wouldn't have bothered changing my name back to Stearman, since I'll be changing it yet again (to McCarter.. doesn't that have a nice ring to it?). And it was just an overwhelming, terrible feeling to want so many things so much, but to just feel stuck and know that in all likelihood, they wouldn't be happening for us anytime soon.
I was in a particular funk one Thursday. Just felt miserable with everything weighing on me and felt inclined to open the Bible when I got home. I ended up in Psalms and it reminded me that, Who is God if not our Lord, and who is our Lord if not our Rock? And who the heck am I to question that?? It just helped to be reminded that I'm not in control anyway, and no matter how much I want something, or try to make it happen, ultimately it isn't up to me.
Anyway, I was sitting there mulling that over when my phone rang and it was a lady driving by the house who had noticed the "for sale" sign in the yard and wanted to see it. I told her I was home, and though the bed wasn't made she was certainly welcome. A couple weeks later, she gave me a contingency offer. I was thrilled! Sure, the contract was contingent on her selling her home, and closing wasn't until August, but I could see the light at the end of that tunnel!
Another week after that, a girl who had previously called on the house called again and wanted to see it, and bring her mother. I told her about the contract, but she wanted to look at it anyway. And wouldn't you know, she wanted it too! Her offer was much better than the first buyer's and she needed to close by the end of this month. Hallelujah, I just wrote my last mortgage payment on 33rd Terrace! The first buyer bowed out, so Buyer 2 and I signed contracts this week. Can you even believe the blessings after just 6 weeks in this market?!
Dallas has been working like a madman on remodeling his house. We're really close to being done, but we have a few more things that need finished before we can move in. So in 3 weeks, I'll be out of my house and into his, which we'll also eventually put on the market so we can get closer to "home".
I couldn't be more excited or grateful! I know we're not quite to where we want to be just yet, but we're on our way.. by God!
I know that hindsight is 20/20, but it was frustrating musing over how, had I known Dallas would have come into my life, I wouldn't have bothered buying a house since we now had two to worry about selling! I wouldn't have bothered changing my name back to Stearman, since I'll be changing it yet again (to McCarter.. doesn't that have a nice ring to it?). And it was just an overwhelming, terrible feeling to want so many things so much, but to just feel stuck and know that in all likelihood, they wouldn't be happening for us anytime soon.
I was in a particular funk one Thursday. Just felt miserable with everything weighing on me and felt inclined to open the Bible when I got home. I ended up in Psalms and it reminded me that, Who is God if not our Lord, and who is our Lord if not our Rock? And who the heck am I to question that?? It just helped to be reminded that I'm not in control anyway, and no matter how much I want something, or try to make it happen, ultimately it isn't up to me.
Anyway, I was sitting there mulling that over when my phone rang and it was a lady driving by the house who had noticed the "for sale" sign in the yard and wanted to see it. I told her I was home, and though the bed wasn't made she was certainly welcome. A couple weeks later, she gave me a contingency offer. I was thrilled! Sure, the contract was contingent on her selling her home, and closing wasn't until August, but I could see the light at the end of that tunnel!
Another week after that, a girl who had previously called on the house called again and wanted to see it, and bring her mother. I told her about the contract, but she wanted to look at it anyway. And wouldn't you know, she wanted it too! Her offer was much better than the first buyer's and she needed to close by the end of this month. Hallelujah, I just wrote my last mortgage payment on 33rd Terrace! The first buyer bowed out, so Buyer 2 and I signed contracts this week. Can you even believe the blessings after just 6 weeks in this market?!
Dallas has been working like a madman on remodeling his house. We're really close to being done, but we have a few more things that need finished before we can move in. So in 3 weeks, I'll be out of my house and into his, which we'll also eventually put on the market so we can get closer to "home".
I couldn't be more excited or grateful! I know we're not quite to where we want to be just yet, but we're on our way.. by God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)