We Found It!

We were full of gloom and doom for about a day after our heartbreak. Monday our spirits slowly started perking up a bit. Jason created a fun database that pulled only houses that were single family and within what we wanted to spend for us to search through instead of all the new home listings (it's frustrating to read a house description and then click to the detail page only to learn it is a twin home). Monday was a busy home day, but Tuesday brought our spirits down again as the listings were slow. Wednesday wasn't much better, though our list grew to two. And then it was Thursday. A house only a block from the one we had so desperately wanted went on the market. Things were looking brighter.

I was off from work that Friday as I was scheduled to work at Swanson's over the weekend, so we planned a 3pm meeting with Tanya. About an hour before, another house came on the market, and I had the strangest vibe. Today was the day we were going to find our home. I texted that to Jason, and he, too, had the feeling! Not that we didn't have a little disappointment first.

Our first stop was the new home listing. Well, the Realtor those owners had must be relatively new to the field as he didn't even have the lock box with the key at the house yet! This delayed us for about 15 minutes. The house was in West Fargo and very cute on the outside as well as being landscaped nicely. And then we entered it. I am not sure what the builder was attempting with this floor plan, but it was almost as if the dining room was part of the kitchen and upstairs living area. Well, that was easy. It wasn't the one and off we were to Moorhead.

The next home was nice. It was in an older established neighborhood, and the wood floors were fascinating. There were some quirks though, and it went on our maybe list. I officially learned what it feels like to be on House Hunters.

Lastly, house number three, the house a block away from Village Green and heartbreak house. While Tanya's key code device had been acting up at the two prior homes, it worked without haste and clicked giving us the key. We walked in and within seconds, knew it was the one. OK, I had to see the kitchen first and make sure it didn't have white cabinets. Custom built oak cabinets stared back at me, and I know we were thinking offer before we even saw the lower level! Finally - this feeling that I had been on a quest for for so many weeks now, that feeling I was so worried I'd never have was there for the taking. This home made the heartbreak house completely disappear from our minds. I think we were both thinking to ourselves, thank goodness that one was sold because at that very moment, we had found the one!

After spending a bit of time in the house, checking out the backyard and deck and rooms three times over, it was time to head back to the office and write our offer. Once all the papers were signed, we headed home to gather ourselves. Tanya also suggested calling to make an appointment for the home inspection right away. From her two referrals, we decided on Tri-State Home Inspection. I called and left Dean a message. Jason and I then opted for a mini-celebration (not too extravagant, after all, we'd lost one house in this search) at John Alexander's. Dean, the home inspector called while we were sipping martinis and confirmed an appointment for us for Thursday. Of course, I have no idea what the address is of the house we just put in an offer on is. Thankfully people must do this all the time, and he said he'd just call back and get it. While our ducks were all in a row, our wait then began.

We finished up supper and then I had to check to make sure "our house" was still there, so we drove by it. In the meantime, Jason's sister, Rhonda called us up and said they were having drinks at The Ground Round. So off we went for more beverages to pass the time awaiting to see if our offer had been accepted. Shortly after, Tanya called. The homeowner was "seriously considering our offer, but wanted to sleep on it." More waiting. For once, I was thankful that I had to go to work in the morning on a weekend. While I feel I have patience of steel, having to wait until morning felt like forever!

I went off to work the next morning, making sure Jason had his BlackBerry next to him. I then watched the minutes pass, trying my hardest to focus on work. Finally, a little after 10, Tanya called. The homeowner countered with a different amount and later closing date. I called Jason and after about 10 minutes we decided to accept the counter. It was really ours!

We met up with Tanya at Woody's the next afternoon to initial the counter offer making it official! And of course, had to have a few drinks to celebrate. Our inspection is set for tomorrow night at 5 and if all goes well, we close on July 1st!

Heartbreak

Two Saturdays ago, Jason and I continued our house hunt with our Realtor, Tanya. For some odd reason, I had clicked on a link to a home in Moorhead the day before while perusing HomesHQ. We added it to our list of five and headed to meet Tanya. Our list quickly dwindled to three homes as an inspection was pending on one and another couldn't be seen that particular day. I will admit, I was bummed about the one with the inspection as I had been to the open house for it a week before while Jason was in Minneapolis. But off we headed.

Our first stop was a home in Eagle Run, another that I had seen previously. I loved it, but we were both a little less than crazy about the location. It also came with $10,000+ in specials. It was a quick stop as Jason was OK with it, but we just couldn't live with putting that much money into specials and not the house itself. So, off we were to another stop. It was a Chesapeake floor plan, a plan we had seen previously, however that one had white cabinets. A compromise I wasn't willing to make. We walked in though and there they were, my oak cupboards. After a walk through and taking into consideration that it was only three bedrooms, we walked out knowing yet another house wasn't the one. Now it was time to check out that one in Moorhead.

Mind you, we met up with Tanya at 1pm, and it was at that time she called the owners of the homes to set up appointments to see the houses and also allow them leave. All of the owners were OK with that and of course, weren't home upon our arrival. We walked into the Moorhead house, and both loved the layout. It had four bedrooms and felt open yet home like. Then we saw the back yard standing on the wrap around deck with a view of hole 13 for Village Green. We spent a considerable amount of time in the house, outside of the house and while there were a few cosmetic details in need of updating, we were convinced we'd found the one and told Tanya we wanted to put in an offer. She called the other Realtor and left a voice mail indicating that we were heading back to her office to get things started. On the drive back to Tanya's office, her cell phone rang, and it was the other Realtor. Then we heard five dreaded words, "The house has already sold?!?" Certainly Tanya couldn't be talking about the one we were just it. It hadn't even been on the market for 12 hours! When Tanya expressed her disgust in the owners coming to let us see it, I knew right then and there, that house wasn't the one after all. Not that I thought that immediately. Immediately, my heart sunk to the floor.

We went home, both pretty down. Crabbiness sunk in for the both of us, and I don't think you would have wanted to talk to either one of us the following day. Jason was convinced that now I had found this perfect, amazing house I was going to have pretty high standards as I had set the bar. He was right. I didn't admit it though, as I too felt completely defeated and frustrated. Jason I think though was worse off then me in the frustration. I had already been to the low point he had been at. So if I had come around and he was to the low point, was that a sign? Was our future home just days away from being put on the market? Or would we just settle now for whatever to be done with this? The sage continues...

90+ Day Check-in

While my goal was to check in once every 30 days, things got a little crazy for us, first with the flood concerns then with the hunt for our home starting. And while these lack of posts may indicate that things aren't going too well, we are still going to the gym! The sandbagging debacle did sidetrack us for a week as sandbagging in the cold, wet rain leads my well being not being so well. We got back on track though and typically work out now five days a week. Jason gets an extra night off with bowling (though he considers that a workout). The biggest satisfaction for me is that I can easily do 30+ minutes on the elliptical I used to hate at an intensity level of 25-30! I could barely make it on level 10 when I first started for 15 minutes.

During this time, I continue the battle with my shin splits. I've been cursed with them ever since I can remember and running sets them off like humid weather does a thunderstorm. I've resorted to the fact that I should be wearing two different types of shoes and well, that isn't going to happen. I am determined to run again someday though, typically run now two days a week to give the shins time to heal in between. No 5k for me this year, but I continue to have it as a goal, just taking me a little longer to accomplish it. And you'll still see me at the Fargo Marathon as I am working the Swanson Health Products booth for a little extra cash.

Finally, I have been given a new motivator in my quest to being fit and fabulous before January 2010 for our anniversary cruise. I am joining a weight-loss challenge through Cold Fusion Nutrition Center. It kicks off tonight and is a six week competition. While winning the money would be nice, I am doing this to help keep me focused on eating healthy. I think Jason and I have made fitness a part of a set routine, so now it's time to say good bye to butter burgers too. Wish me luck!

The Hunt Begins!

In keeping up with our resolutions for 2009, we decided it was time to take the plunge and start in on probably the #1 resolution, buying a home. The first obstacle to overcome was finding a Realtor. Jason and I had decided on one long ago, but after that fell through (two unanswered emails to her), we decided to contact Tanya with Advantage Realtors in Fargo per the encouragement of Jason's brother and sister. Thanks guys!

Tanya put me at ease almost immediately, replying to my email within 10 minutes and calling me the same day to discuss the beginning steps. It was exactly what we needed as we were to the point where we were ready to start but not sure where. The biggest question for me was where to go for the mortgage. Since "bank" is technically a four letter word to me as my mom managed a credit union for many years, our finances are with a credit union. Most do home loans; however, they are underwritten by outside entities. Jason and I both weren't interested in that based on the recent falls within the financial world. Tanya had the answer though - Valley Mortgage.

I'll admit. I was fearful of the whole aspect of trying to obtain a loan with the economy/housing market as it is. Perhaps I watch too much news because the entire process was a breeze! Just like their web address, www.itsabreeze.com. We'd recommend them, along with our loan officer Ray, to anyone and everyone in a heartbeat. We were in and out in about 45 minutes, pre-approval basically in hand, on the same day I had called Ray to discuss our needs.

So, now it begins. Tanya took us out last Tuesday to look at a few homes and to get an idea of what we want. I was convinced we had found "the one," which Jason referred to as the "garage house" (it looks like a garage and only a garage from the front), but after another look during an open house a few days later, we couldn't compromise not having much of a back yard. The house was beautiful and being new construction, we could have even picked our own colors and flooring, but it wasn't home for us. We've also been to a few open houses over the weeks in preparation for this, so we know what we want. Right now, the market is a little slow in the area, and ours just isn't out there yet. Hopefully with Spring here now, the right one pops onto the market for us to find. Stay tuned as the hunt continues...

"Normal"

After the last week or so, I realized that before the Red River laid its threats upon us, I really didn't have such a crazy life after all. And I took a lot of things for granted. Right now, I try to get my life back to normal - or what I thought wasn't so normal. It was though, it just needs a little tweaking. Or maybe prioritizing. I am not sure. But something has to change. That is the obvious. In one week's time, I worked my ass off filling sandbags, recruited people to join the flood effort, worked 40 hours (ok, 32, they called work off Friday), spent time with friends and family either in person or on the phone, managed to get catch a cold (sandbagging plus rain in March in North Dakota likely contributed), slept little, hit rock bottom through it all and survived the biggest crest of all time for the Red River of the North. I did it all though - and the biggest point is that I survived. And what I went though is NOTHING compared to those who lost their homes or jobs or had to evacuate for days on end not knowing what they would come back to. Yes folks, now that is a life that isn't normal. I should count my lucky stars for the normal I do have (minus last week). And I promise you, I'll think twice before I say my life is out of control. I'll think about the Flood of '09.

One Week

Today marked one week since I filled my first sandbag. I never even thought about when it would end or what it could bring. I just knew I had to help. We spent much of last Saturday morning on Rivershore Drive in Moorhead filling sandbags. Sunday we headed to Sandbag U (or Sandbag Central, SBC). It was amazing to meet such giving and hard working people. After all those bags, last weekend and throughout the week, all we are left to do is ride it out.

So many times this week, I've kept wanting to wake up from this dream. Thursday night, when they upped the crest even more, I realized I wasn't going to. I think I hit rock bottom that night. But my positive outlook on this has returned. This morning reports came in that the river may have crested. This lifted many spirits, I am sure, and while I certainly do not think it is over by far, a sense of calmness has come over me, one I haven't had all week. Of course, it could be the NyQuil/DayQuil cocktails I've been taking... Though I even try to look at that positively - it was as good time to get sick. I couldn't help as much as I wanted, but it helps to ease having nothing to do since all I want to do is sleep.

Jason, I and the cats remain safe. According to the map, our townhouse is located on parts of the "higher ground" in Fargo and for that I am so thankful. My heart goes out to all of you that have to worry about your homes or have already been evacuated. I cannot even begin to imagine what you are feeling. We will all stay strong though, because that's what we do. We grew up in the Midwest with strong work ethics and the courage to keep going on no matter what. It is that which will get us through the greatest flood of all time for Fargo-Moorhead, and I am so glad to be a part of that.

There are many things you can do in an hour. For example, you can watch an entire episode of 24. You can also have some photos developed or have your prescription eye glasses made. Another thing that takes an hour is the wait between the time you order your food and the time it is brought out to you at the Whispering Winds Restaurant at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN.

We got to test this theory twice on a recent trip and overnight stay at the casino. The night of my birthday, the buffet at Shooting Star Casino was serving seafood, a meal I didn’t want to put Jason through, even though it was my day. So we instead selected the sit down restaurant, Whispering Winds. Quite frankly, I wish it would have whispered to us to eat elsewhere.

Upon entering the restaurant, one could certainly tell it was busy. Finally though, we were seated and water was brought to us almost immediately. And then we waited. And we waited some more. And yet some more... After about 10 minutes and watching another couple leave, our server arrived to take our order. Jason inquired about the soups, which should have been our cue that dinner was likely going to go drastically wrong as one of the soup choices given to us was "cheesy." Cheesy what? We both settled on the sirloin steak, I selected the salad option, and Jason chose chili from the soup list, as it seemed the only safe choice.

While we didn't time it, supper did take a while to reach us. We watched another table leave without ever being waited on in this time frame while I enjoyed her quaint little salad. Our steaks were then served up, mineappearing plump and juicy, like an eight ounce sirloin, Jason's maybe five ounces and taken from the ass end of the cow. Or maybe a cow had sat on it? Hard to say. Jason’s displeasure with the steak was evident throughout the course of the meal.

And yes, we would have complained or at least I would have. Too bad we never saw our server during the entire dining experience. No refills, no check to see if the steaks were properly prepared, and no offer of a to-go box, which may have been intentional if the servers have ever tasted the food they serve. Needless to say we ended up in the deli at the hotel around midnight to provide our stomachs with some substance since $40+ didn't do much for us at supper.

Perhaps we are gluttons for punishment or simply cannot learn our lesson the first time around, but we ended up at Whispering Winds the next morning. At a casino, there aren't many choices for dining. It was the Winds again or a lunch buffet. We should have run for the buffet when the hostess sat us in the same exact table we had been at the evening before...

We choose to sit in opposite spots in hopes that our service would improve. While the server did seem less inept on this visit, the cook seemed to have progressed backwards since his/her last shift. On this particular morning, we watched couples leave again and three other tables become quite upset with the wait. After waiting an hour for our own breakfast, we understood why. And yes, it was a complete hour. We weren’t quite sure as to why since the breakfast menu only has about 10 options, almost all involving toast, pancakes and/or eggs.

As for the food? Well, I am still unsure as to how someone can screw up toast, but the cook at Whispering Winds managed to do so. It was like eating cardboard. Actually, cardboard may have tasted better. Perhaps it was in the toaster the entire hour we waited for our food. The hash browns, too, had likely been on the grill since the restaurant had opened at 6am. Ketchup couldn't even kill the bland taste of those. While our server did check on us and kept my cup filled with coffee (for the second half of our hour long wait at least), we were beyond the desire to even complain. After all, we did consciously choose to eat here twice. On an end note, if you'd like to leave the casino winning what feels like the stomach flu, be sure to make a stop at Whispering Winds. Please allow at least two hours for the complete experience.

30 Days and Counting

I am a bit late in getting this written, but it is my intent to check in every 30 days even if I am a little late in getting it posted. I think Jason and I are both surprised in ourselves with the dedication we've put into working out. I've personally only missed four days out of the 30, so I have gone well above my goal of 3-5 times per week. YEA! I am proud to say too that I am up to 40 minutes of cardio after 30 days and loving the elliptical, a nemesis when I first started this fitness program. Jason and I also alternate days of lifting weights. He is progressing much further than me on that; however, he lifts almost every day, while my goal is 2-3 times per week. I feel cardio is more important at this time. And I am pretty sure I could kick his butt when it came to time and level on the elliptical.

Overall, we are also truly enjoying Snap Fitness, the club we joined. It is a lot smaller than your typical club like the Y or Courts Plus, however, I know I feel a lot less intimidated there and also feel the people who workout there are friendlier. I will admit, I was never fond of the Y and made it about two months there. Another plus of Snap Fitness is that we usually never have to wait to use any of the machines/weights. We have found that around 5:30-6pm during the week is not a good time, but even then, our wait to use a machine was 5-10 minutes. When possible, we now go later in the evening, around 9. If Jason has bowling or another obligation, I tend to go right after work, also a quiet time. Weekends, we think, everyone takes off, as we have went at various times and never seen more than three people working out. We did learn that the church near the Snap Fitness we go to lets out around 12 noon on Sundays, so we do avoid that time on Sundays. Traffic is insane. Traffic and parking seem to be our only major gripe about the place so far. That, and I wasn't too happy about the Boot Camp they decide to hold Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45-8p. We are working around that though too.

Finally, I'll admit, my weight loss hasn't been anything to exactly blog about; however, I feel healthier, have more energy and know I am eating a lot healthier. The inches prove more than the scale anyways as do the muscles I can feel again in my legs. For now though, this is my 30 day check-in. Hopefully we'll have some bigger results to post in a few weeks!

You Live Here!

I'll admit, I don't think I ever planned to actually spend my entire life living in North Dakota. I married the most wonderful man though, and well, you know how love will change what you are willing to do in life for it. I am happily married and content with spending most of my life in North Dakota. And every now and then, you'll hear a mutter from me about the weather, likely when it's well below zero. But seriously people, you live in North Dakota. Sure, you've been spoiled over the last few years with mild winters, but you still live in North Dakota. And, with a few exceptions, most of you choose to live here. So quit complaining about it!

I know, it has been one of the snowiest winters of all time, including the record breaking month of December. And I know, it's been colder than usual. However, until you have lived in practically the middle of no where and have gone without power and heat for a week, I don't want to hear about it. Especially not repeatedly. I watch the same weather reports and hear the same radio station carrying on about how cold it is outside or when the next storm is coming. This does not have to be the subject of conversation for days on end. Spring will come and then summer and I suppose then they'll be complaining about hot it is... people are never happy.

Best Buy Bites

Don't worry Best Buy, you haven't lost my business; however, your customer service is something to be desired per my latest visit. First, I've never had to use Best Buy's customer service so that is a positive for them. I do realize as well, being in customer care, that my standards are pretty high. But if I offer excellent service for every customer, shouldn't other companies hire the same kind of employee?

Granted, this whole issue started with me not keeping a receipt for what I had purchased. I've never had an issue though, and the receipt was for a DVD and an iTunes card, neither of which I had any intention of returning. Another error was that I didn't open the DVD immediately. I was finishing up my last semester of classes and was quite occupied with that. With my New Year's resolutions set, it was time to bust out the DVD. Upon opening it, I noticed a spot on the DVD. Great... I had a feeling, but I held on to a glimmer of hope that I wouldn't have any issues. Wrong. About 21 minutes in the DVD it froze up and nothing would get it to advance.

Remembering that we used a credit card to pay for the DVD as well as being Rewards Zone members, I decided I was going to try to simply exchange the DVD. I wouldn't have any issue with Best Buy if that wasn't acceptable, as afterall, I am the one that didn't save the receipt. So this past Monday, with the winds howling in Fargo at around 40 mph, I ventured off to Best Buy.

Once I was at the service counter, I immediately apologized stating I hadn't saved my receipt and that I didn't expect my money back but that maybe instead I could simply exchange it as it would not play the entire disc due to the spot. I felt I was being really nice, but the woman who was helping didn't seem to feel the need to return the favor. She sighed deeply as if I had just inconvenienced her greatly. I added that I was a Rewards Zone member and perhaps she could use that to pull up the purchase for the DVD. You could see her hesitate and then she reluctantly asked for my phone number. She found nothing under that and asked rather unpleasantly how I paid for the merchandise. I apologized and stated that I wasn't 100% sure but that it was likely by credit card. She was even less impressed by me and huffed a fine followed by a request for my Rewards Zone card. Why she didn't ask for this immediately still remains a question in my mind. Of course, she located the purchase easily with it and printed the receipt off within seconds. Again, a look of dismay seemed to cross over her face. I felt almost as if she wasn't happy about locating the receipt as she now had to help me.

After scanning the DVD she instructed me, like a child I might add, to go grab a new one off the shelves. OK. Easy enough, though I thought again, why was I doing this? Why didn't she simply page someone to bring a copy to the counter? So I ventured through the store to the aisle I knew it was located. After searching for about five minutes, I was either in the wrong aisle or my pleasant customer service agent had sent me to find something that wasn't in the store. So back to the counter I went. Thank goodness, she was helping someone else!

A gentleman then took over. After explaining my whole situation again, he decided to check the computer to see if the DVD was even in stock. Nope. Now why the first agent didn't do this is beyond me. Obviously it was too much work for her, and I think we've determined previously that she simply wasn't into helping me. I then asked the man if they had stopped carrying it or simply did not have it in stock. He stated it wasn't in stock, so like any normal customer, I asked if he by chance knew when it would be. Of course not. We're living in the 21st century surrounded by technology but certainly that can't assist in knowing when the next shipment for the product is expected...

After determining that I really wasn't going to get any more assistance, I asked if I could have store credit or if I had to bring the DVD back another day. Well, this baffled him, and he stared at me with a puzzled look on his face. Are these people not trained? He then asks the lady that helped me initially how she would like to handle it. She snapped that she supposed a store credit would have to do, once again, vibes of her discontent with me and my spotted DVD. Finally though, I was handed a gift card of $11.98 after about 15 minutes at the counter and tour around the store. The conversation was capped off about some Reward Zone dollars that I am not sure I gained or lost since the clerk couldn't explain himself, but at least I didn't return home with a DVD that didn't play. And I found it on Amazon for $8.49. Thanks Best Buy for making my decision to purchase it elsewhere easier.

Wanting to Scream

I am frustrated and at my complete wits end with the internship I am doing in designing a website for a client. We have been working on this since August and do you think I have one sentence of content for the site the client HAD to have?!? I could cry. I could scream. I just don't get why people want websites and then it is like suddenly too much work and that's just that. Hello!?! WTF do you think goes into designing and programming the site? Do you really think that writing a few paragraphs for a few pages is hard? You are the one that wanted this site - I would hope you had the content in mind months ago. The worst part is I am trying to stay professional in this matter. I sent the client a time line WEEKS ago. Has anything on that time line been met deadline wise? Heck no, at least not in the client's world. The due date is December 15. I just sent the most friendly, professional email I could muster asking for EVERYTHING by December 13. Why do I have this sickening feeling that I'll be up late late Sunday night putting this all together. I am sure then she'll have a nit pick or two in the design as well. Too bad. My "professional" email included that there will be NO design changes. And that will be absolute.

I love designing sites. I love figuring out the code and putting it together and playing with the CSS to make the page come alive. I've been working on my own professional portfolio one for about two days now and its almost done... content and all...

Smiling at Myself

Funny that the last post on here was about sick people. Lo and behold it is when I am practically on my death bed with an illness that I would finally have time to write for a bit on here. OK. I'm not dying... That was perhaps too harsh. Really though, for how I have felt the last few days, I can't help but relate it to death. Somehow over the wonderful relaxing stress free Thanksgiving holiday at my dad's, I caught some nasty bacterial infection. I have no idea why, but for once, I didn't wait too long to go to a doctor. I knew something wasn't right. Of course, that landed me at home for almost the entire week.

And no, it's not the greatest thing to have almost a week straight off, especially when you can't even go out the front door. I've run my poor husband to the store about four times and made him take me to the clinic that was thick with germs. Seriously people, do not breathe out of your mouth if you are sick! And if you can't breathe any other way, ask for a mask!

After almost an hour in the waiting room, I got to see a doctor and I guess I was too sick to even be in the sequestered sick patient waiting room. After they took the labs they needed (which were also marked STAT), out the door I went. Other than that trip though and the three hours I HAD to work Monday to get my holiday pay, I did keep myself from the world as best as I could. It hasn't been fun at all. Or at all like having time off. I've slept in about 12 hour spurts, waking between sleep sessions for about 4 hours at a time. I actually said to Jason late Tuesday night that I'd much rather be at work - and that is saying a lot if you know how much I "love" my job...

I am smiling at myself for other reasons too - like how staying at home for this long period of time is driving me crazy. I love being at home. It is easily my favorite place to be. Now I can't wait to go out. Too bad the meds I am on are taking their sweet time to work. I am dreaming of the highest calorie dinner out I can think of, complete with dessert, along with seeing my coworkers as they can always make me laugh. While I know it is damn cold out, I look forward to bundling up tomorrow and feeling the harsh North Dakota wind on my face. And the walk to class. Oh, do I miss class! Two weeks left and I have to miss almost all of one. I can't even think about how far behind this put me either. I know I will prevail. And yes, I've tried to do homework on this little hiatus of mine. The brain is too foggy and any amount of time over an hour in front of PC or TV screen makes my eyes and head throb to the point that they may explode.

Yet through it all, I'm smiling at myself. I am taking that as a good sign as I certainly wouldn't have done that 24 hours ago. With two weeks of school remaining before I am once again a "graduate" maybe I'll find some time to actively write on here. I have, as usual, so much I want to rant about - most recently my love and fascination with the Twilight Sage... let's hope this misery leaves me soon.

People Who Are Sick

Should stay home... I know, I go to work as well when I am under the weather, but I don't sit there coughing like I am going to hack up a lung in any instant. This is what I have heard the last two days now at work. Unfortunately, I work at a place that if you aren't on your death bed, you better be at work. They do not care or even acknowledge that people get sick. And when these people are sick, they should stay at home. I admit, I am a germ freak and I don't like people who are sick to be around me. Actually, I prefer they keep their distance. A very long distance. When I get sick, I get really sick. Yeah, some people say that, but really, I do. The last time I had a bacterial form of bronchitis - something that is very rare. So, I admit, I am a bitch when people who are sick come near me. There is no need for it. If you need to expose every one to your germs, well, at least have the courtesy to stay away from people. But no, not Rachel. I could write pages of blogs about this woman, but then she'd get the best of me. Something I always try to stay away from. Really, I tend to avoid her as best as I can. Since I work with her, I try to be as professional with her as I can muster, but some days... I was thinking the other night how sometimes I don't rant on here per the name. I think I just made up for that. Sick people, stay home.

Status Quo

I thought I had a ton of homework to do this weekend, but so far, it doesn’t seem all that bad. Part of me thinks I am almost done. I hope I am not jinxing myself in saying that… It is only Sunday. Technically another day and a half off of class, but lucky me got drawn to work Labor Day at SHP. Another lovely perk of my job. So I have spent the day trying to get as much done in the homework department as possible. I’ve had too many distractions yet I feel I’ve put a good dent in it. Two chapters read. So one blog post to write and a timeline to create. I really wanted to get some PSDs done for Jani’s site though. It’s tough out here. I am spending the day in Oxbow while Jason golfs with his family. I’m sitting poolside with the kids and other s who chose to golf so the noise level and distractions are quite high. So here I sit blogging. It is my out for a lot of stuff when I feel the need to be doing something but have no idea what to do or where to start on what I need to do. Oh, and the sunlight beating down intensely doesn’t make a good design environment either. At times, I can barely find where the cursor is on the screen. Maybe I’ll find some shade ina bit. I haven’t decided. As one of the last days of summer, I am loving the ability to soak up the rays, books, laptop and all. After all, tomorrow I’ll be chained to a desk answering phones. I haven’t checked the weather in a few days. Maybe it will storm and be not so nice tomorrow so it’s not so bad being inside.

I didn’t bring my swimsuit to this outing. Part of me is regretting that. The cool blue water of the pool gets more and more tempting as the temperature rises. I could dangle my feet in the kiddie pool, but I think that would only add to the idea of jumping into the cool waves. Two more hours to stare at it. Two more hours to finish my homework. I would love a nap.

I have to admit, I never thought I’d be sitting at a country club pool for Labor day. Or any day for that matter. I can’t imagine this life. I am usually notjudgemental, but come on, these people are loaded and it’s a status thing to be here. Or at least a member here. I’m here, but it’s certainly not by status. And I don’t think I’d want it to be. I admit. I want a nice big house that is newer, but not because it will move me up the food chain so to speak. I am thankful for this time with Jason’s family. This setting though just isn’t me. And I wish I would have more time with my husband. With school now, we will hardly see each other as it is. Yet the only thing worse than where I am sitting would be chasing a little white ball around the greens. I’ll have to settle for my day of watching rich people.

Oddities

It's weird how I'll be somewhere, like driving home, and think of something I want to write about, yet I sit down, and POOF! it's gone. For starters, I have to say I am bummed about not being at the Bison game. I had class until 6:15 tonight and didn't think there would be enough time to get to the game as Jason would have had to meet me somewhere and all that. Yeah, could have made it easily as class ended shortly after 6. Of course, traffic on campus was a nightmare.

Jason and I take a picture every day as part of our Project 365 we undertook together about six months ago. I think I take really good pictures and have even been complimented many times, but with all the stuff I have going on from day to day and working in WAAAYYY south Fargo where there is basically nothing cool to take a picture of, I struggle with subjects each day. So today I thought it would be cool to have my picture of the day of the happenings before the first Bison FB game of the year. Yep, I wasn't thinking at all and got myself stuck in traffic for about 20 minutes. But I got a picture of some tailgaters, so it was worth it.

But I still can't remember what it was I had to rant about. My rants have been pretty mellow. If only I could log on and write them as soon as they strike me. So, that's how this post got its title. How odd it is of when things strike us. Like I am pretty sure I could have a whole novel written if I could write it in my sleep. I always think of the most incredible thoughts as I drift off to sleep. Or I'll wake up at 3 am and have about four pages in my head, but it's 3 am. You really think I am going to get up and write them down? Maybe I have to start considering it... For now, it's off to the books. I am a nerd. I study the first week of classes. I don't want to be three weeks behind in two. Plus, I am listening to the Bison game so that has to count for something.

Class, Day Two

Well, on day two of classes. I decided not to go to the funeral for RJ's dad. I've been thinking of them all morning, trying to send positive energy. Des told me to get my butt to class and that they are good with lots of people around. I felt confident in not going then as I knew that is what she was more content with.

Class was good last night. I am worried it is going to bore me to tears, but I will try to make the best of it. Not too many people seem to know really what is even going on. I figured it would be a sluff class, but not that bad!!! Today I have what I think will be my tough class, along with my internship of course. I need to start working up some ideas for Jani on that this week. I wanted to do it where she could do her own additions and what not afterwards, but it needs to be all coded in php then - a language I don't know. I am still contemplating on how to proceed, but I am least want to get her some ideas of what the site itself can look like. I'm exicted to start, just don't know where.

I managed to pick up my office area this morning. I used it as scrap book central over the summer and now with the scrap book done, figured it needed to be put back in order. Scrap booking is a way messy, not really for me either. I might do one for our own wedding down the road. We shall see. My main focus now is school though so away all that went. I also listed a few more books on half.com that I forgot about that I think will do well. I've done pretty good selling what I have as is and am happy just to have sold what I have. I hope to finish cleaning upstairs - garbage out already so that's positive. Just the bathroom left and pick up our bedroom. I want the house as clean as possible before I get so caught up in school that I don't even have time to sleep. I don't know if this semester will be like that. I just keep feeling that this will be a cakewalk. I hope I am not totally wrong and it's crazy...

The Nerd in Me

As the first day of my last semester of school (will it be the last one ever?), I am pretty excited. I'll admit to being a nerd and say I am glad to be back at it. Yet, the summer did pass very quickly. I hope I can enjoy the last few weeks of nice weather even with school. Part of me thinks my schedule is a lot lighter this semester than the two past, but one never knows. I'm concerned with the one class already - will it bore me to tears? I am staying positive and saying there is always something to learn. Thankfully this semester I do not have any really long classes, one being 50 mins, the other 75. Then of course my internship. I feel like I have three jobs but will focus on the two I love now. Hopefully I can let work go.

No word back yet on my interview. Am trying to stay positive there too. Part of me doesn't want to get my hopes too high yet part of me knows I am a perfect fit for that position. They will realize that and call me back. I wrote a thank you note on Saturday, so with them seeing that first thing Monday morning, perhaps I set a good thought in motion for the week.

My thoughts remain with Des and RJ today too. Tonight is the visitation and tomorrow the funeral. As of last night, I figured it best to not go to the funeral with school I know Des wants me to focus on school. Her family will be going too so that made me feel better about staying home. If it weren't the first week of actual classes and the first time of the class tomorrow, I would have no hesitationi and be going. I know they both understand.

Oddly, I am having a really good day. It was nice to sleep in this morning (off from work as I worked the weekend, took tomorrow off as well) and did a weigh in as I have been slacking on that in skipping last week. I'll admit, I was worried I had gained after our anniversary outing. The Wii Fit certainly says I have gained, which I am not understanding. My scale today read that I am down 2.5 pounds - yea! My goal was to lose 20 by the time school started, but I am 18 so I'll gladly take that. Of course, I asked my husband out for lunch today last night, but I can eat healthy. Plus, I only ate a banana for breakfast so there were some calories saved. Now, if I can just get myself through a crazy work/school schedule through December and eat healthy at the same time...

I Hate Interviews

As my husband almost immediately picked up as one of my quirks, I speak my mind for the most part. I've gotten better at thinking and then thinking again before saying something, but somethings slip by. I had my interview today at 2. I felt really confident and the two interviewees made me pretty comfortable. They were both easy going and easy to talk to. Yet, I struggled with a few questions. I went into it thinking, I don't have to have the perfect answer, I just need to be myself. However, I always leave those things feeling like I didn't say enough or I should have elaborated on a question more or that i didn't include a very important part of a question. Always those darn what ifs. Then I had to take a "test" - I should have expected this and I should have brushed up on stuff, but I didn't. I could kick myself. I felt positive when they did ask about my school schedule, but they hadn't see that test yet. I guess its good practice if nothing else...

On a really sad note, Des called me this morning to tell me RJ's dad was killed in a car accident this morning. I just can't believe it. I am numb. And I hate being so far away from them and not able to at least be there. I know they understand. Just really frustrated about it all. I am hoping I can make the funeral but am not sure with school. We will see based on what info I get from Des on everything. For now, I can only keep them in my thoughts.

On Cloud 9!

The company I want to work for had a perfect position open up this week, and while it will be a long shot with school, I decided to apply for it and go for it! I've been waiting all week for a call back, granted, they only received my info Tuesday. Of course, today I'd forget my phone. I came home for lunch to grab it (as I needed socks anyways) but nothing. What a bummer... so I logged on to email right when I got home tonight as I am doing a photo shoot tonight for a friend's daughter's senior pics (exciting!). I wanted to see if she responded to what time I should come over. And there it sat - an email from the company saying they'd love the opportunity to interview me!!! I called immediately, and I am usually the person who prefers emails. The lady sounds awesome and set me up with an interview for tomorrow. I am so excited!!! I admit, I hate interviewing and I have a bunch of what if's going through my head, but I am so happy. Now I need to go figure out what to wear!

Wonderful Weekend!

I think I have started two drafts for posts on here, but I'm not in a mood to finish either. I'm actually in lazy mode as Jason and I returned from a weekend in the Twin Cities. While we went for an anniversary weekend and to take in a Twins game, I also got to meet my godson, Jackson! OMG, what a good baby. He is so cute already and loves to cuddle. Des and RJ got themselves a cutie! We drove down to the Cities Thursday, leaving Fargo around 1 as we both worked until noon. We stopped in Albertville for a few hours of shopping as I am slowly trying to update my wardrobe into more career looking clothes. I figure I can get away with buying tops right now as I know (hope) I'll need a smaller pant size(s) by January. After that, and being on a good schedule time wise, I managed to get us lost in downtown St. Paul. Funny thing was, we found an awesome little stop that looked over the Mississippi and skyline of St. Paul, and it was right at sunset. So we got a bunch of good pics as well as one of us in front of the skyline that a man offered to take for us. I told Jason I had it planned that way all along. LOL. We got back on track and managed to find our hotel. We splurged a bit and went with a jacuzzi suite, so after an anniversary supper at Applebee's, we ended the evening nicely with a rexlaxing soak in the jacuzzi.

Friday morning we dined on waffles and then headed to pick up Des and Jackson to take Des to her appointment as she can't drive yet. We got there a bit early so I could get a head start on hogging Jackson. After Des's appointment, we dined at The Olive Garden and then took Des and Jackson back home to get in their nap. Jason and I headed to the zoo as I had won free tickets at a MeritCare Fitness night. After the zoo, we battled Minneapolis rush hour traffic (not smart on our part) and headed back to Des and RJ's place for supper. RJ grilled up some excellent chicken, and we capped off the evening with a game of Mexican Train. Well, we didn't finish it, thanks to me being clutzy as usual and losing a domino into the cracks of the patio... It was a great night though and so nice to spend the evening together. Jason and I drove back to our hotel and I somehow ended up with a horrible migraine, which I woke up to eight hours later. Thankfully we didn't have to check out of the hotel until 12.

After checkout, we headed into the Cities for the Twins game, but had three hours to kill. We decided on lunch at The Hard Rock Cafe and then stopped at a few stores on Nicolette Mall. Thankfully I left my migraine at one of the stores for a few hours to enjoy the Twins game. And what a game it was! Jason taught me how to keep score, and the game got really exciting in the 6th inning when the Mariners tied it all up. Unfortunately, some idiot spilled pop all over me in the 7th, so we had to change seats, but I survived. The Twins pulled it out and won 7-6. After the game we got ourselves out of downtown (relatively quickly and easily, why I do better downtown is beyond me) and had supper in Clearwater. It was such a good weekend! So nice to get away, even if it was only for a few days. I still don't want to go back to work tomorrow... or step on my Wii Fit for a workout tonight.