This week I learned that:
*Our townhouse is actually 2100 square feet. Including the basement. Which, luckily, we didn't occupy much of or this packing nightmare would be worse
*One closet can hold a LOT of stuff
*One bookcase can hold even more
*Boxes can multiply on their own
*No matter how many boxes you estimate it will take, it is never enough
*Having your dishwasher break doesn't motivate you to pack up the kitchen (even though it should)
*It's hot in the summer. Especially upstairs.
*Inevitably, there is always a box or two with the label: Misc.
*Babies like to kick at night when you are trying to sleep
*Showers are overrated during moving; teeth brushing is not
It's been a long week. The basement is almost finished, the dining room is finished and full of boxes, the living room and powder room are basically done, just a few odds and ends. The only thing left on the main floor are the kitchen (ugh) and the hall closet. I have slowly been working on the office (double ugh) and last night began packing up clothes that won't fit me for quite a while thanks to our little princess (but I am ok with that! She is worth it!). There is still at least half a house to pack. It's all coming so fast I'm not sure what to do. Part of me feels like we are on track and the other part of me is losing my mind.
I'd really like to dedicate next week to cleaning, so hopefully we can keep up the pace and pack, pack, pack!
After a trip to the Cheesecake Factory. After all, it is National Cheesecake Day! If you go today, you can get a piece of Cheesecake for $1.50, too! Yum!!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
As if it wasn't crazy enough...
Now let the insanity REALLY begin.
We have an official offer letter in our hands. Alan is faxing an acceptance tonight. We are moving back home.
I've made progress with the packing. It may not seem like much but, between babysitting my friends boys all day while she had her new baby boy, I managed to pack 2 boxes, organize the dining room as our official "shove everything that is ready to go" area, and empy out what we lovingly call "Harry's Room" (aka: the large cupboard/closet under the stairs). None of those items from Harry's Room made it upstairs (it's in the basement), but they are all out.
Only a BILLION more things left. That's ok, though. We'll get there. Tomorrow I need to list some things on Craiglist and start packing up books and DVDs. Maybe I'll even start to tackle the office. I do need to list my desk (again) and see if there are any takers, so it might be good if it was empty.
As is tradition in our family, we are doing a rush move. When we moved to the east coast we accepted the job on July 28th, 2004. We had the truck packed and pulled out of the driveway of our home (which we had managed to sell in 19 days) on Aug. 15. We were in our new place on Sept. 1. Our lives changed drastically in one month. It was crazy. This time we are accepting the job on July 24th, 2008. We will have everything packed up and off (hopefully) on Aug. 11. We'll be in our new location by Aug. 22 and staying with my parents for a few months while we get settled and figure out what in the world we are doing! I could name at least one other move that took place almost exactly the same way. Why yes, we are crazy! Thanks for asking!
On top of the insanity, I'm going out of town this weekend. I'm heading down to North Carolina with my former 'cellar dweller' (aka Marie who lived in our basement until a month ago) for 2-3 days to help her move the last of her things and to visit with her one last time before we depart from the east coast. This means I lose 3 days of packing. Does this worry me? Yes. Will I get through it? Yes.
We are excited to be moving, but sad at the same time. We love the DC area. We love the friends we have made. We have loved the amazing experiences we have had here. But the feeling has been coming on slowly that our time here is complete, and when the Lord starts poking. . . well . . . we listen. And now things are falling into place for us to go back to what we all feel like is home.
I don't want to think about all the dear, sweet, amazingly wonderful people we are leaving. I know that I will remain in contact with many of them (some of you can read this as YOU) via email, phone, Christmas cards, etc. But I don't want to cry right now. So I am trying to focus on the family and friends we will be returning to as well as the new friends I'm sure we will make. Focusing on that makes it a lot less emotional for me. And right now my emotions are already working overtime!
I will most likely be in town until the 19th of August. So don't try and rid yourselves of me just yet! Although I really hope they can release me from my calling soon. I need to pack up all of my singing stuff! Hee hee!
We have an official offer letter in our hands. Alan is faxing an acceptance tonight. We are moving back home.
I've made progress with the packing. It may not seem like much but, between babysitting my friends boys all day while she had her new baby boy, I managed to pack 2 boxes, organize the dining room as our official "shove everything that is ready to go" area, and empy out what we lovingly call "Harry's Room" (aka: the large cupboard/closet under the stairs). None of those items from Harry's Room made it upstairs (it's in the basement), but they are all out.
Only a BILLION more things left. That's ok, though. We'll get there. Tomorrow I need to list some things on Craiglist and start packing up books and DVDs. Maybe I'll even start to tackle the office. I do need to list my desk (again) and see if there are any takers, so it might be good if it was empty.
As is tradition in our family, we are doing a rush move. When we moved to the east coast we accepted the job on July 28th, 2004. We had the truck packed and pulled out of the driveway of our home (which we had managed to sell in 19 days) on Aug. 15. We were in our new place on Sept. 1. Our lives changed drastically in one month. It was crazy. This time we are accepting the job on July 24th, 2008. We will have everything packed up and off (hopefully) on Aug. 11. We'll be in our new location by Aug. 22 and staying with my parents for a few months while we get settled and figure out what in the world we are doing! I could name at least one other move that took place almost exactly the same way. Why yes, we are crazy! Thanks for asking!
On top of the insanity, I'm going out of town this weekend. I'm heading down to North Carolina with my former 'cellar dweller' (aka Marie who lived in our basement until a month ago) for 2-3 days to help her move the last of her things and to visit with her one last time before we depart from the east coast. This means I lose 3 days of packing. Does this worry me? Yes. Will I get through it? Yes.
We are excited to be moving, but sad at the same time. We love the DC area. We love the friends we have made. We have loved the amazing experiences we have had here. But the feeling has been coming on slowly that our time here is complete, and when the Lord starts poking. . . well . . . we listen. And now things are falling into place for us to go back to what we all feel like is home.
I don't want to think about all the dear, sweet, amazingly wonderful people we are leaving. I know that I will remain in contact with many of them (some of you can read this as YOU) via email, phone, Christmas cards, etc. But I don't want to cry right now. So I am trying to focus on the family and friends we will be returning to as well as the new friends I'm sure we will make. Focusing on that makes it a lot less emotional for me. And right now my emotions are already working overtime!
I will most likely be in town until the 19th of August. So don't try and rid yourselves of me just yet! Although I really hope they can release me from my calling soon. I need to pack up all of my singing stuff! Hee hee!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Look What I Found!
Awwww! Can you make out the nose and lips and chin and PERKINS CHEEKS??? And the little hand? And the ear?
Isn't SHE precious?
That's right, I said SHE. And if she doesn't pull a Soren, she'll still be a she when she shows up in a few months! Actually, we had the tech check quite a few times from many different angles. We are 99.9% sure that it is accurate this time.
Alan is already in love with her and can't stop staring at the wonderful 3-D shot we got. Soren is thrilled beyond belief and even more excited to be a big brother. I am not surprised and am excited, though I think I'm just thrilled to have a baby. I would have been happy either way! But my boys both really wanted a girl, so I'm glad she ended up being a girl for them!
So that is our big news. Our other big news is that Alan will be getting a job offer before the week is out. They are putting the paperwork together and deciding on a start date for him as we speak. We'll see what the offer ends up being, but unless it is ridiculously low, we will most likely be taking it unless God tells us otherwise.
Lots of changes ahead for us! I've got to start packing the house up which will begin as soon as I can round up some boxes. I got rid of all of mine 3 years ago when we moved in here. It's off to the liquor store for me! To get boxes, silly. They have GREAT boxes. And they are FREE. I still have some from when we moved into our HOUSE in 2002 because we lived right around the block from the liquor store and I would just go grab a handful everyday for a few weeks. I still store my Christmas dishes in one.
I'm off to go find cute purple clothes for my (already spoiled) little girl. Purple is such a great color!
Fun!
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember--it can be funny, weird, awkward, random, etc.!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Safely Home
Aside from being so sick I want to curl up and sleep all day (but can't because I can't breathe haha), our trip home was a success and we are safe. And SO glad to be home in our own beds and in our own house. JOY! There is no major news to report except that it is hot and humid (per usual for Washington, DC this time of year). I am not sure at this point whether I prefer hot and humid or hot and dry. I thought I decided that I liked the dry after landing in Nevada and driving to Utah. However, after spending two weeks in the dry, I am now undecided.
I have nothing new and glorious to report, except that I want this:
How freakin' adorable is that?!?!?! But I'm not sure I want to fork over $18 for a onesie. However..... I am being sorely tempted. Haha! Not right now, though. I just spent I don't even want to actually know how much money on this little vacation of ours. Maybe in a few months.
That's really all. I need to go pop another sucky candy and blow my nose. Oh, and find a sub for church tomorrow. No one needs to have me there hacking, sneezing, and blowing my nose around them. It's already bad enough that I am hosting a baby shower today. I'm sorry to anyone attending if I infect you!!! But, hey, it's at the Olive Garden. No infection shall stop me from going there!!! Hee hee!
I have nothing new and glorious to report, except that I want this:
How freakin' adorable is that?!?!?! But I'm not sure I want to fork over $18 for a onesie. However..... I am being sorely tempted. Haha! Not right now, though. I just spent I don't even want to actually know how much money on this little vacation of ours. Maybe in a few months.
That's really all. I need to go pop another sucky candy and blow my nose. Oh, and find a sub for church tomorrow. No one needs to have me there hacking, sneezing, and blowing my nose around them. It's already bad enough that I am hosting a baby shower today. I'm sorry to anyone attending if I infect you!!! But, hey, it's at the Olive Garden. No infection shall stop me from going there!!! Hee hee!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Arizona + Nevada - The Final Stretch
My time in the Phoenix area with my sister was quite relaxing! We did a bit of shopping (still no maternity swimsuit to be found! ugh!) and I was able to find 3 pair of maternity capris to get me through the end of the summer. I also bought a shirt even though I didn't really need it. We took the kids to a rec center where they rock climbed for an hour or two (Soren loved it and did really well!). We also took the kids to a local pool for most of the day on Tuesday. They all slept really well that night! On Wednesday morning it was laundry and packing time and thus ended the Phoenix portion of the trip.
Alan's interviews went well. There is one job that is working on an offer for him for sure and one more possibility. We'll see what the offer is and go from there. He had a great time being back in Vancouver, though, and I am jealous that he got to go! Hee hee!
On Wednesday afternoon we headed out of Phoenix towards Las Vegas. It was a long drive, what with all the potty breaks and food emergencies. I have noticed I am hungry a LOT more than usual lately, so I have to eat way more frequently. This is especially frustrating as I seem to have returned to the "everything looks disgusting" stage. So the drive was long and we pulled into our hotel around midnight. And there was a HUGE line at the check in desk! I could not believe it and then I remembered we were in Vegas and people don't sleep here so much as gamble all night. Haha! We finally got settled and into bed (after getting lost in the hotel a few times haha) about 12:30am. We all crashed hard and didn't get going until around 10am the next morning.
Thursday we took it easy and relaxed. Really. There was nothing we wanted to go out and do in 100+ degree temperatures, so we didn't. It was fabulous.
The only drawback to this entire trip is that I am coming home with something nasty. Something I almost always come home with after visiting a dry climate. Bronchitis. I'm almost certain that's what it is because I've had it so many times, but hopefully I'm wrong. Either way, I'm so sick and anyone who has flown on an airplane while being sick knows how much fun that is! Ick! So I will take my big, comfy pillow, a box of tissues, and lots of water and sucky candies on board with me today and hope to fall asleep and ignore the flight home.
Oh, home! How I have missed you!
Two weeks is such a long time to be away. I am looking forward to going home but already missing all the family we've been able to see. However, I am so ready to NOT be living out of a suitcase!
With that (and a ginormous sneeze that just about tossed me out of my chair!), I am off to return our rental car and head to the airport.
Back to the East Coast we go!
Alan's interviews went well. There is one job that is working on an offer for him for sure and one more possibility. We'll see what the offer is and go from there. He had a great time being back in Vancouver, though, and I am jealous that he got to go! Hee hee!
On Wednesday afternoon we headed out of Phoenix towards Las Vegas. It was a long drive, what with all the potty breaks and food emergencies. I have noticed I am hungry a LOT more than usual lately, so I have to eat way more frequently. This is especially frustrating as I seem to have returned to the "everything looks disgusting" stage. So the drive was long and we pulled into our hotel around midnight. And there was a HUGE line at the check in desk! I could not believe it and then I remembered we were in Vegas and people don't sleep here so much as gamble all night. Haha! We finally got settled and into bed (after getting lost in the hotel a few times haha) about 12:30am. We all crashed hard and didn't get going until around 10am the next morning.
Thursday we took it easy and relaxed. Really. There was nothing we wanted to go out and do in 100+ degree temperatures, so we didn't. It was fabulous.
The only drawback to this entire trip is that I am coming home with something nasty. Something I almost always come home with after visiting a dry climate. Bronchitis. I'm almost certain that's what it is because I've had it so many times, but hopefully I'm wrong. Either way, I'm so sick and anyone who has flown on an airplane while being sick knows how much fun that is! Ick! So I will take my big, comfy pillow, a box of tissues, and lots of water and sucky candies on board with me today and hope to fall asleep and ignore the flight home.
Oh, home! How I have missed you!
Two weeks is such a long time to be away. I am looking forward to going home but already missing all the family we've been able to see. However, I am so ready to NOT be living out of a suitcase!
With that (and a ginormous sneeze that just about tossed me out of my chair!), I am off to return our rental car and head to the airport.
Back to the East Coast we go!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Utah + Arizona
*yawns*
Exhausted does not even begin to cover my current state. But it's all been worth it. Right? RIGHT???
Truly, though, it has.
We were able to have good visits with Alan's brothers who live in 2 different parts of Utah and in Mesa, AZ. It was great to see them, chat with them, poke and tickle all their kids, and reconnect. My family reunion was crazy, but great. I loved seeing all of my family all together. 31 1/2 of us. So many hugs, kisses, tickles, squishes, teasing, chatting, and silliness. Great fun. The Grand Canyon was good - the weather was perfect. And as long as I stayed a good distance from the railing, I was fine. Me + Heights = Bad News. I wish I had more energy, but my family got what I was able to give.
Not much quality sleep has happened, but I'll be able to catch up when I get home, right? RIGHT???
*yawns again*
Right now I'm in Phoenix and Alan is up in Portland. He has 3 interviews lined up and 2 more possiblitiles. Hopefully by mid-week he'll have had enough interviews for someone to offer him a job. Otherwise we are going to be looking for housing out closer to work. Either way, I've got a lot of packing ahead of me.
My brain is fried. I will try to update more later with pictures and what not. I am alive, functioning in minimal capacity, and hoping my sister will let me do a whole lot of nothing for the next day or two. Haha!
Exhausted does not even begin to cover my current state. But it's all been worth it. Right? RIGHT???
Truly, though, it has.
We were able to have good visits with Alan's brothers who live in 2 different parts of Utah and in Mesa, AZ. It was great to see them, chat with them, poke and tickle all their kids, and reconnect. My family reunion was crazy, but great. I loved seeing all of my family all together. 31 1/2 of us. So many hugs, kisses, tickles, squishes, teasing, chatting, and silliness. Great fun. The Grand Canyon was good - the weather was perfect. And as long as I stayed a good distance from the railing, I was fine. Me + Heights = Bad News. I wish I had more energy, but my family got what I was able to give.
Not much quality sleep has happened, but I'll be able to catch up when I get home, right? RIGHT???
*yawns again*
Right now I'm in Phoenix and Alan is up in Portland. He has 3 interviews lined up and 2 more possiblitiles. Hopefully by mid-week he'll have had enough interviews for someone to offer him a job. Otherwise we are going to be looking for housing out closer to work. Either way, I've got a lot of packing ahead of me.
My brain is fried. I will try to update more later with pictures and what not. I am alive, functioning in minimal capacity, and hoping my sister will let me do a whole lot of nothing for the next day or two. Haha!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Nevada + Utah
Here we are! We made it safe and sound to our destination. Our 5+ hour plane ride was a riot because Southwest always makes flying fun. I knew it would be a great flight when the first thing I heard over the speakers on the plane was:
"We don't mean to rush you, but... hurry up."
Bwahahaha! It just got better from there. Our main flight attendant kept reaching over to give Soren snacks and then pulling them out of his way. Another flight attendant and I were devising ways to torture Alan as he slept with an airline blanket over his head (he likes it REALLY dark). I spent a few different times in line for the bathroom and had some silly conversations with the flight attendants. They keep everything so fun and light! Good times! We all managed to find something to do during the flight, including sleeping, eating, reading, and watching part of a movie. However, we were still very happy when the plane landed. Woot!
Vegas, as I suspected, was hot, dry, and very boring (terrain wise). However, the heat was DRY heat so we all felt really good. The first stop we made after picking up our rental car (it's a full size beast that gets great gas mileage and fits the long legged men in the family - score!) was In and Out Burger. I had heard a lot about this place but had never lived anywhere near one. Um? YUM!!!! We all devoured our burgers and fries and were very happy. Then it was off on our drive to Provo/Orem. We actually did pretty well with this, considering how often we had to stop for bathroom breaks. We made one stop in Old Cove Fort that was great because we got to walk around and learn a bit of history as well. I'd never been, so it was fun. But we were anxious to get back in the car and get up to Provo/Orem. We finally made it around 7pm (9pm body clock time). After being up since 5am body clock time, Alan and I were spent. Soren, however, is young and spry and managed to make it through the fireworks. I think he went to bed after midnight. Who knows, really? I was asleep by 9:30/10pm (Mountain Time).
It has been fun to see family! My favorite part has been holding and cuddling my sister-in-law's little baby. I think I may have monopolized him for most of the day yesterday, but that was fine. He was cute enough and sweet enough that I didn't even care if he cried. It was nice to hold a baby and not sit and wonder if I'd ever have another of my own. It was the first time I've been able to do that in years upon years. However, I did give little baby Adam a hard time about standing and sitting on his cousin. He just grinned at me and cooed. Cheeky little monkey!
Today is our last day in the Provo/Orem area. Tonight we head up to Layton to stay with Alan's brother for the night and get some good one on one time with him and his family. Tomorrow I get to see some of my family in Salt Lake - cousins I have not seen in WAY too long. And Tuesday we head down to the Grand Canyon. I am not sure how much internet I will have for the next week, but I will try and muddle through and not get the shakes from withdrawal.
I'm sure I'll be way too busy cuddling all of my nieces and nephews that I have missed SO MUCH to care that I don't have internet. But you just never know! Haha!
"We don't mean to rush you, but... hurry up."
Bwahahaha! It just got better from there. Our main flight attendant kept reaching over to give Soren snacks and then pulling them out of his way. Another flight attendant and I were devising ways to torture Alan as he slept with an airline blanket over his head (he likes it REALLY dark). I spent a few different times in line for the bathroom and had some silly conversations with the flight attendants. They keep everything so fun and light! Good times! We all managed to find something to do during the flight, including sleeping, eating, reading, and watching part of a movie. However, we were still very happy when the plane landed. Woot!
Vegas, as I suspected, was hot, dry, and very boring (terrain wise). However, the heat was DRY heat so we all felt really good. The first stop we made after picking up our rental car (it's a full size beast that gets great gas mileage and fits the long legged men in the family - score!) was In and Out Burger. I had heard a lot about this place but had never lived anywhere near one. Um? YUM!!!! We all devoured our burgers and fries and were very happy. Then it was off on our drive to Provo/Orem. We actually did pretty well with this, considering how often we had to stop for bathroom breaks. We made one stop in Old Cove Fort that was great because we got to walk around and learn a bit of history as well. I'd never been, so it was fun. But we were anxious to get back in the car and get up to Provo/Orem. We finally made it around 7pm (9pm body clock time). After being up since 5am body clock time, Alan and I were spent. Soren, however, is young and spry and managed to make it through the fireworks. I think he went to bed after midnight. Who knows, really? I was asleep by 9:30/10pm (Mountain Time).
It has been fun to see family! My favorite part has been holding and cuddling my sister-in-law's little baby. I think I may have monopolized him for most of the day yesterday, but that was fine. He was cute enough and sweet enough that I didn't even care if he cried. It was nice to hold a baby and not sit and wonder if I'd ever have another of my own. It was the first time I've been able to do that in years upon years. However, I did give little baby Adam a hard time about standing and sitting on his cousin. He just grinned at me and cooed. Cheeky little monkey!
Today is our last day in the Provo/Orem area. Tonight we head up to Layton to stay with Alan's brother for the night and get some good one on one time with him and his family. Tomorrow I get to see some of my family in Salt Lake - cousins I have not seen in WAY too long. And Tuesday we head down to the Grand Canyon. I am not sure how much internet I will have for the next week, but I will try and muddle through and not get the shakes from withdrawal.
I'm sure I'll be way too busy cuddling all of my nieces and nephews that I have missed SO MUCH to care that I don't have internet. But you just never know! Haha!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Really, I Only Have A Few Words....
SUMMER CAMP IS OVER!!!!!!
That is all.
Have a good 4th of July. I'll be checking back in sporadically. See you all in 2 weeks!
That is all.
Have a good 4th of July. I'll be checking back in sporadically. See you all in 2 weeks!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Quick Update
Time is short and will be for the next few weeks, so here come the bullet points:
*TWO DAYS LEFT of summer camp. WOOT! Tomorrow is dress rehearsal - twice - and then Thursday is the performance. I've got a pretty good group of kids, though, so that makes it all easier. Most of the kids are memorized. Now it's just a matter of getting the kids ready to be on stage when they are supposed to and getting them to shut up when they are back stage! Ha! We have the run time down to about an hour. Hopefully tomorrow we can shave off 15 minutes or so.
*New laptop is here and I'm typing on it now. I'm trying to move things over to the new system so I have all the files I need, but that could take a while. And when I have things I've got to get together for the show and packing to do, I don't know how much I can do! But... my laptop is love. It's so nice to be all cozy on the couch taking care of things instead of stuck up in my hot and stuffy office with a computer that is trying to die.
*Alan had a phone interview on Monday that went well and is waiting to hear back from a few other companies. We are really hoping to know what we are doing by the end of July. Cuz, ya know, that'd be good.
So that's pretty much it - I think. It's almost 9pm and I've got to take care of some more stuff for work before I crash because I'm exhausted.
Oh - in regards to the video I posted last night - it was after a phone conversation with my friend - I wanted to show her one of my favorite So You Think You Can Dance routines.
Now I must do stuffs for work! Night!
*TWO DAYS LEFT of summer camp. WOOT! Tomorrow is dress rehearsal - twice - and then Thursday is the performance. I've got a pretty good group of kids, though, so that makes it all easier. Most of the kids are memorized. Now it's just a matter of getting the kids ready to be on stage when they are supposed to and getting them to shut up when they are back stage! Ha! We have the run time down to about an hour. Hopefully tomorrow we can shave off 15 minutes or so.
*New laptop is here and I'm typing on it now. I'm trying to move things over to the new system so I have all the files I need, but that could take a while. And when I have things I've got to get together for the show and packing to do, I don't know how much I can do! But... my laptop is love. It's so nice to be all cozy on the couch taking care of things instead of stuck up in my hot and stuffy office with a computer that is trying to die.
*Alan had a phone interview on Monday that went well and is waiting to hear back from a few other companies. We are really hoping to know what we are doing by the end of July. Cuz, ya know, that'd be good.
So that's pretty much it - I think. It's almost 9pm and I've got to take care of some more stuff for work before I crash because I'm exhausted.
Oh - in regards to the video I posted last night - it was after a phone conversation with my friend - I wanted to show her one of my favorite So You Think You Can Dance routines.
Now I must do stuffs for work! Night!
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