I love garage and yard sales--"yard-sailing" as my mom calls it. Here are some good tips from the experts:
Ten Garage Sale Shortcuts
1. There are two kinds of garage sales - the ones where people want to make money and the ones where people want to get rid of stuff. The object is to find the ones where people want to get rid of stuff.
2. Get a map and newspaper and map out your route. Photocopying a map from a phone book or printing one from the web works great. Using this method, you can easily visit 25 sales an hour. If you're a beginner you might hit neighborhoods you are familiar with first.
3. If at all possible, leave the kids at home. If you must take them use a baby backpack or an umbrella stroller to make it easier. Give older children 25 or 50 cents and let them see what good deals they can get. Kids love picking out gifts for grandparents, siblings, parents and other family and bargain hunting helps them learn about money. Bring snacks (animal crackers, cereals, crackers in plastic bag works well) and cold water for everyone and plan ahead for potty breaks. If you have children with you, it's best only to plan on hitting about five sales until you see how they do.
4. Wear cool, comfortable clothes. Bring lots of change and one dollar bills. Put your money in your pockets so you don't have to worry about carrying your purse. Also bring a tote bag in which to carry your finds as you walk.
5. When you find something you're not sure you want, pick it up and carry it around while you continue looking. Otherwise someone else may take it while you're trying to decide.
6. Always ask politely if they will come down on the price. Most of the time they will. Every once in a while some things are so reasonable that I do not feel right asking for less. Finding women's sweater's at $1.00 each isn't bad, but I still ask if they will take 50 or 75 cents. If I find a name brand sweater in perfect shape for 25 cents, I don't ask for less.
7. If there is something you really want, but the seller is asking more than you want to pay, offer them a lower price. If they say no, leave your name and number and ask them to consider selling it to you at your price if they still have it at the end of the day.
8. Always check items well for hard to see tears, stains, or breakage. Remember it is a garage sale so everything won't be perfect.
9. It is best to go early, but don't panic if you can't. Sometimes you get the best buys after lunch when sellers are tired and don't want to have to drag everything back into the house. It's great to go on the last day of a sale because most sellers will almost pay you to take things so they don't have to keep them.
10. If you don't have success in one part of town, try somewhere else the next time. Sometimes the best garage sale neighborhoods are the ones you don't expect.
Don't be embarrassed about buying at garage sales. Some of the wealthiest women in the world love garage sales - Martha Stewart and Oprah are among them! When you're done, go home, put up your feet and have a nice glass of ice cold lemonade. Grab the phone and call someone who will share the excitement and appreciate your good buys. Garage sales are like old fishing stories. Die-hards always brag about the one that got away!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Cool new eating ideas we've picked up here
Several things we eat now that we probably never would have tried back home:
Edamame' (ed-uh-'mah-may) Usually find them as appetizers at Oriental Restaurants. (Btw, no one says "oriental" here--the term is "asian".)
Anyway, edamame is just steamed soybeans in the pod--usually lightly salted. They are so good! I found them at the Trader Joe's and felt as though I'd found a treasure! Also, the good thing about soy, as most vegans know, is that it's a complete protein, like eating meat. It tastes kind of like peanuts and looks like peas in a pod. And, it's kinda fun to eat.
Soy milk Ok, I know you are all going, like, ewww!! haha. Well, the older I get, the more sensitive I've become to milk and milk products. I also believe that it's not the lactose in the milk, but the protein itself; as the lactose pills don't seem to help. But I am a big cereal fan, and wanted to find an alternative. I tried rice milk, but it just didn't do it for me...so... soy milk was the next alternative. The taste is definitely acquired, but doable. The only thing I can't do is brownies and soy milk, but I just stick with water when eating a brownie, as, 1. don't need the extra calories from milk, and 2. I know the pain that cow's milk causes is NOT worth the taste of the milk with the brownie.
Ground turkey There was a sale at the grocery store not long ago, so I thought I'd try it, as poultry is better for you than red meat. I have to admit, I wasn't impressed at first. I tried making hamburgers out of it, and it has kind of a gamey taste as compared to regular hamburger meat. I didn't want to throw out the remainder, so I ground it up and put it in spaghetti. It was a little better, but still didn't do it for me. Then I decided to add a little beef bouillon to the meat to help along the flavor. Aha! that was it! Now it tastes like a very mild beef. We've pretty much completely switched, except for hamburger steak. So tacos, spaghetti, and beef skillet fiesta are now all turkey based. Not sure how prices are back home, but here ground turkey is cheaper than ground beef.
Enchiladas Never knew how to make them back home, and never used soft corn tortillas. But, everyone here has some variation of enchiladas, and I've come up with my own version as "enchilada casserole". mmm-hmmmm. It is good. Maybe I will make them for the next get-together when we get back home and you can let me know what you think.
In 'N Out Burger Only THE best burger joint ever invented. Everything is fresh and homeade, like a mom'n pops, but it's a chain out here. Kind of like Chick fil A for burgers. The fries are also homeade and they have a window next to the drive-thru where you can watch them putting the peeled potatoes through a potato-dicer 'thing'. So much fun! In N Out also has great benefits for their employees and pay higher wage than minimum wage. So their employees tend to stick around and are very friendly. I've seen the same people working there as long as I've been here.
Indian Cuisine Most of you know that we have 2 house mates: Brian and Abraham. Brian is from MI, but Abraham is from India! yup, you guessed it--we have been treated to Indian food a few times and LOVE it! Their spices are good--a lot of hot, sweet spices, like curry and ginger. They have a great bread, called 'paratha', made with some kind of oil and grilled in a skillet. Looks like a pita or tortilla, but has a richer flavor (as it has more fat). My favorite Indian dish is "chicken tica masala"--a chicken dish made with yogurt and spices, served over rice. I know it sounds weird, but it's real good.
So, we have definitely had our culinary horizons broadened. Just gives me more meal ideas for when I get home. Now I just need to get a Trader Joe's in B'ham...
Edamame' (ed-uh-'mah-may) Usually find them as appetizers at Oriental Restaurants. (Btw, no one says "oriental" here--the term is "asian".)
Anyway, edamame is just steamed soybeans in the pod--usually lightly salted. They are so good! I found them at the Trader Joe's and felt as though I'd found a treasure! Also, the good thing about soy, as most vegans know, is that it's a complete protein, like eating meat. It tastes kind of like peanuts and looks like peas in a pod. And, it's kinda fun to eat.
Soy milk Ok, I know you are all going, like, ewww!! haha. Well, the older I get, the more sensitive I've become to milk and milk products. I also believe that it's not the lactose in the milk, but the protein itself; as the lactose pills don't seem to help. But I am a big cereal fan, and wanted to find an alternative. I tried rice milk, but it just didn't do it for me...so... soy milk was the next alternative. The taste is definitely acquired, but doable. The only thing I can't do is brownies and soy milk, but I just stick with water when eating a brownie, as, 1. don't need the extra calories from milk, and 2. I know the pain that cow's milk causes is NOT worth the taste of the milk with the brownie.
Ground turkey There was a sale at the grocery store not long ago, so I thought I'd try it, as poultry is better for you than red meat. I have to admit, I wasn't impressed at first. I tried making hamburgers out of it, and it has kind of a gamey taste as compared to regular hamburger meat. I didn't want to throw out the remainder, so I ground it up and put it in spaghetti. It was a little better, but still didn't do it for me. Then I decided to add a little beef bouillon to the meat to help along the flavor. Aha! that was it! Now it tastes like a very mild beef. We've pretty much completely switched, except for hamburger steak. So tacos, spaghetti, and beef skillet fiesta are now all turkey based. Not sure how prices are back home, but here ground turkey is cheaper than ground beef.
Enchiladas Never knew how to make them back home, and never used soft corn tortillas. But, everyone here has some variation of enchiladas, and I've come up with my own version as "enchilada casserole". mmm-hmmmm. It is good. Maybe I will make them for the next get-together when we get back home and you can let me know what you think.
In 'N Out Burger Only THE best burger joint ever invented. Everything is fresh and homeade, like a mom'n pops, but it's a chain out here. Kind of like Chick fil A for burgers. The fries are also homeade and they have a window next to the drive-thru where you can watch them putting the peeled potatoes through a potato-dicer 'thing'. So much fun! In N Out also has great benefits for their employees and pay higher wage than minimum wage. So their employees tend to stick around and are very friendly. I've seen the same people working there as long as I've been here.
Indian Cuisine Most of you know that we have 2 house mates: Brian and Abraham. Brian is from MI, but Abraham is from India! yup, you guessed it--we have been treated to Indian food a few times and LOVE it! Their spices are good--a lot of hot, sweet spices, like curry and ginger. They have a great bread, called 'paratha', made with some kind of oil and grilled in a skillet. Looks like a pita or tortilla, but has a richer flavor (as it has more fat). My favorite Indian dish is "chicken tica masala"--a chicken dish made with yogurt and spices, served over rice. I know it sounds weird, but it's real good.
So, we have definitely had our culinary horizons broadened. Just gives me more meal ideas for when I get home. Now I just need to get a Trader Joe's in B'ham...
Friday, March 09, 2007
Kids say the darndest things
Frankie: "If you don't stop, I'm gonna get on your nerves!"
Steven: "Huh! My nerves are strong enough to handle you!"
Steven: (in a LOUD outside voice at church) "Mama, I passed gas! I didn't poop!"
Steven: "Mama, can I have flappy peanut butter and jelly sandwich?" (As opposed to toasted)
Me: "Oh, you mean a 'floppy' pbj?"
Steven: "NO Mama! A FLAPPY peanut butter and jelly sandwich! And can you switch the jelly to honey?"
Steven: "Brian, why are you naked?" (after walking in on Brian as he was getting out of the shower.)
Frankie: "Mama, the Tooth Fairy forgot to come last night." (Oops. Shoot. We forgot to switch his latest tooth for a dollar.)
Frank: "That's ok, buddy. Maybe the Tooth Fairy's working the day shift."
Steven: (after Frank walked in the door wearing new shoes) "Daddy, your shoes are beautiful!"
Steven: "Huh! My nerves are strong enough to handle you!"
Steven: (in a LOUD outside voice at church) "Mama, I passed gas! I didn't poop!"
Steven: "Mama, can I have flappy peanut butter and jelly sandwich?" (As opposed to toasted)
Me: "Oh, you mean a 'floppy' pbj?"
Steven: "NO Mama! A FLAPPY peanut butter and jelly sandwich! And can you switch the jelly to honey?"
Steven: "Brian, why are you naked?" (after walking in on Brian as he was getting out of the shower.)
Frankie: "Mama, the Tooth Fairy forgot to come last night." (Oops. Shoot. We forgot to switch his latest tooth for a dollar.)
Frank: "That's ok, buddy. Maybe the Tooth Fairy's working the day shift."
Steven: (after Frank walked in the door wearing new shoes) "Daddy, your shoes are beautiful!"
Monday, February 26, 2007
American Idol
hahaha. there are so many things I've been keeping from you! Never would have known, but now I have my claim to fame:
I did it! I tried out for American Idol back a few months ago--and not once, but twice! For all of my friends who always told me, and believed in me--yes, I tried it. Been there, done that. I wasn't going to tell anyone, but now I've got the proof: I made it to the website:
click here .
So, I'm famous for just a moment--a mere snapshot.
But I know, I know--you want to hear the whole story, right? and why I didn't show up on T.V....
Well, it's a lot different than you might be aware of...16,000 people showed up in B'ham to try out, and less than 30 made it to Hollywood. That's about 1 in 600. Also, about 99% of the people that show up CAN sing. So you're fighting for a chance to be heard, but almost everyone is just as good as you or better. So, for the most part, only the bad and the ugly make it. The first audition I attended, B'ham, was a learning experience. As you can see in the pic, I didn't do anything special--kept the look you all know and love. The girl pictured with me is Beth, whom I met on the plane back to Birmingham--a believer, and really sweet girl from Ohio.
Anyway, the producers set up about 16 booths with tables and 2 judges, down in the arena and start lining up people 4 across in front of the tables; about 6 rows deep. So, 24 people standing in front of 16 booths--384 people. So there are as many as 16 people singing at the same time across the arena. In that way, it only takes about 10 hours to process 16,000+ people! It was very hard to concentrate to say the least. Then, as the auditions progress, you realize that nobody is making it. Then you hear through the grapevine that you don't even see Randy, Paula, and Simon until the 3rd round! So, Sarah and I tried out together and neither of us made it.
Well, I did see that more trendy folks were getting thru, and I hate rejection--so I wanted to try one more time. I chose Memphis, b/c it was on a Sunday, and I could catch a red-eye (overnight flight), and be back to work on Monday. (Frank, btw, was very supportive of the whole thing.) I got help from my artsy friend, Deannah, who straightened my hair, gave me makeup tips, and helped me come up with trendy outfit and jewelry. Well, I felt like a million bucks. But, unfortunately, Memphis was like B'ham. Too much talent, too few spots.
I was disappointed at first, but the longer I've dwelt on it, the more I've come to terms with it.
Rejection is hard, but here's what I think:
1. The entertainment industry is HARD work. Touring is esp. difficult (KimHill, I know you get that!). I would just like the $$ that come after all the work! haha.
2. Thank God I find my identity in Him and not AI. I know that I can sing--I am also aware that had I made it to the big 3: R,P, &S; they would have said: "you're a good singer--but too broadway, etc." I know my style, and I don't know how long I would have been able to hold up a pop sound.
3. Don't know if I would have made it in the Industry as far as the pressures: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. There is SO much room for moral failure.
So, now I can have a small claim to fame and say I was there when...
p.s. You're probably wondering why I didn't tell you before....well....
I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up in case I didn't make it. The fewer people to disappoint, the better. My mom was crushed pretty bad as it was. And after it was over, it became, well...not important anymore. I just didn't care. But, now that I made it to the website, I HAD to tell someone!
I did it! I tried out for American Idol back a few months ago--and not once, but twice! For all of my friends who always told me, and believed in me--yes, I tried it. Been there, done that. I wasn't going to tell anyone, but now I've got the proof: I made it to the website:
click here .
So, I'm famous for just a moment--a mere snapshot.
But I know, I know--you want to hear the whole story, right? and why I didn't show up on T.V....
Well, it's a lot different than you might be aware of...16,000 people showed up in B'ham to try out, and less than 30 made it to Hollywood. That's about 1 in 600. Also, about 99% of the people that show up CAN sing. So you're fighting for a chance to be heard, but almost everyone is just as good as you or better. So, for the most part, only the bad and the ugly make it. The first audition I attended, B'ham, was a learning experience. As you can see in the pic, I didn't do anything special--kept the look you all know and love. The girl pictured with me is Beth, whom I met on the plane back to Birmingham--a believer, and really sweet girl from Ohio.
Anyway, the producers set up about 16 booths with tables and 2 judges, down in the arena and start lining up people 4 across in front of the tables; about 6 rows deep. So, 24 people standing in front of 16 booths--384 people. So there are as many as 16 people singing at the same time across the arena. In that way, it only takes about 10 hours to process 16,000+ people! It was very hard to concentrate to say the least. Then, as the auditions progress, you realize that nobody is making it. Then you hear through the grapevine that you don't even see Randy, Paula, and Simon until the 3rd round! So, Sarah and I tried out together and neither of us made it.
Well, I did see that more trendy folks were getting thru, and I hate rejection--so I wanted to try one more time. I chose Memphis, b/c it was on a Sunday, and I could catch a red-eye (overnight flight), and be back to work on Monday. (Frank, btw, was very supportive of the whole thing.) I got help from my artsy friend, Deannah, who straightened my hair, gave me makeup tips, and helped me come up with trendy outfit and jewelry. Well, I felt like a million bucks. But, unfortunately, Memphis was like B'ham. Too much talent, too few spots.
I was disappointed at first, but the longer I've dwelt on it, the more I've come to terms with it.
Rejection is hard, but here's what I think:
1. The entertainment industry is HARD work. Touring is esp. difficult (KimHill, I know you get that!). I would just like the $$ that come after all the work! haha.
2. Thank God I find my identity in Him and not AI. I know that I can sing--I am also aware that had I made it to the big 3: R,P, &S; they would have said: "you're a good singer--but too broadway, etc." I know my style, and I don't know how long I would have been able to hold up a pop sound.
3. Don't know if I would have made it in the Industry as far as the pressures: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. There is SO much room for moral failure.
So, now I can have a small claim to fame and say I was there when...
p.s. You're probably wondering why I didn't tell you before....well....
I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up in case I didn't make it. The fewer people to disappoint, the better. My mom was crushed pretty bad as it was. And after it was over, it became, well...not important anymore. I just didn't care. But, now that I made it to the website, I HAD to tell someone!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
10 Tips for painting a room on a budget
This article came from the website "Living on a Dime" (link: bottom left). If you sign up for their newsletter, they email articles once or twice a week with great tips on how to save money.
This info about painting a room was too good not to share, and now I can get rid of the email, cuz I'll always have the article!
One of the easiest ways to save money redecorating is to paint a room yourself. It can cost anywhere from $200-$500 to have one room painted. Painting it yourself, you can do it for under $30. Here are some tips that we have used to save money painting:
1. Check your local hazardous waste recycling center for free or low cost paint. I've painted many rooms and pieces of furniture just by checking their free paint section. I painted my entire house for $45 using three of their low cost five gallon buckets of brand new but leftover construction paint.
2. Use an old sheet or spend $1.00 for one at a thrift store to use as a drop cloth. Sheets are heavier than the plastic drop cloths at the store and will last for many rooms of painting. Hang over a clothesline or fence to dry before folding and storing.
3. When removing the outlet and switch covers, put the screws back into the holes so they don't get lost. You can also put the covers and screws in a zip top sandwich bag.
4. Line your roller pan by putting a plastic grocery sack or trash sack (inside out if it has writing on it) on the paint tray. Then you can just invert the sack when you're done and throw it away.
5. Poke four or five holes with a nail in the groove on the top of the can. That way the paint doesn't get stuck in the groove around the edge of the can and make a mess when you put the lid back on.
6. Use the paint at the bottom of the paint can when nearly empty to paint the trim. I got enough paint out of an "empty" gallon to do the entire room's trim.
7. Don't use painter's tape. Painting is just like coloring inside the lines in school. Use a small, one-inch, angled paintbrush and slowly go around the edges. It takes less time than putting up and taking down tape. Keep a wet rag by your side in case you make small mistakes. Some tape also lets the paint bleed through, so it's not a very clean finish.
8. Store your rollers and brushes in a plastic grocery sack between paintings. You don't have to clean them after each use if you keep them from drying out. Refrigerate overnight or freeze them if you are going to not be painting for several days or weeks.
9. Turn the ceiling fan on in a room to speed up drying time.
10. When you're done with your painting clothes, turn them inside out as you take them off. This way, you don't accidentally get wet paint on anything but your head. ;-)
This info about painting a room was too good not to share, and now I can get rid of the email, cuz I'll always have the article!
One of the easiest ways to save money redecorating is to paint a room yourself. It can cost anywhere from $200-$500 to have one room painted. Painting it yourself, you can do it for under $30. Here are some tips that we have used to save money painting:
1. Check your local hazardous waste recycling center for free or low cost paint. I've painted many rooms and pieces of furniture just by checking their free paint section. I painted my entire house for $45 using three of their low cost five gallon buckets of brand new but leftover construction paint.
2. Use an old sheet or spend $1.00 for one at a thrift store to use as a drop cloth. Sheets are heavier than the plastic drop cloths at the store and will last for many rooms of painting. Hang over a clothesline or fence to dry before folding and storing.
3. When removing the outlet and switch covers, put the screws back into the holes so they don't get lost. You can also put the covers and screws in a zip top sandwich bag.
4. Line your roller pan by putting a plastic grocery sack or trash sack (inside out if it has writing on it) on the paint tray. Then you can just invert the sack when you're done and throw it away.
5. Poke four or five holes with a nail in the groove on the top of the can. That way the paint doesn't get stuck in the groove around the edge of the can and make a mess when you put the lid back on.
6. Use the paint at the bottom of the paint can when nearly empty to paint the trim. I got enough paint out of an "empty" gallon to do the entire room's trim.
7. Don't use painter's tape. Painting is just like coloring inside the lines in school. Use a small, one-inch, angled paintbrush and slowly go around the edges. It takes less time than putting up and taking down tape. Keep a wet rag by your side in case you make small mistakes. Some tape also lets the paint bleed through, so it's not a very clean finish.
8. Store your rollers and brushes in a plastic grocery sack between paintings. You don't have to clean them after each use if you keep them from drying out. Refrigerate overnight or freeze them if you are going to not be painting for several days or weeks.
9. Turn the ceiling fan on in a room to speed up drying time.
10. When you're done with your painting clothes, turn them inside out as you take them off. This way, you don't accidentally get wet paint on anything but your head. ;-)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Irritating habits I've picked up since moving to CA:
The impulse to hold items for reading at a distance. I don't know if it's because I work with a lot of people who need reading glasses, or if I'm just getting old too, heehee. But I've found that when I pick up a piece of paper to read, I hold it far away from me while studying it. Maybe I AM getting old...sigh...
The sound "mhhhm" at the end of a telephone conversation. Instead of just saying "bye", I've picked up what EVERYONE here does: "mhhhm, bye". I think it's because we're trying to be polite, and we can't quite figure out how to end the conversation, so this just seems to be the best way. I've caught myself several times in the past few days, and it is annoying as all git out. (now there's some good ol' southern slang for you.)
Several key phrases:
"Totally". That is sooooo valley girl/Southern California!
"You guys". 'Nuf said.
"yeah-no". Where you are agreeing with someone about something, esp if they are telling you a funny story.
"Hi". Everyone says that instead of "hey!".
So don't laugh at me when I get home!!!! You know it'll take me awhile to get "re-Southernized"!!!
The sound "mhhhm" at the end of a telephone conversation. Instead of just saying "bye", I've picked up what EVERYONE here does: "mhhhm, bye". I think it's because we're trying to be polite, and we can't quite figure out how to end the conversation, so this just seems to be the best way. I've caught myself several times in the past few days, and it is annoying as all git out. (now there's some good ol' southern slang for you.)
Several key phrases:
"Totally". That is sooooo valley girl/Southern California!
"You guys". 'Nuf said.
"yeah-no". Where you are agreeing with someone about something, esp if they are telling you a funny story.
"Hi". Everyone says that instead of "hey!".
So don't laugh at me when I get home!!!! You know it'll take me awhile to get "re-Southernized"!!!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Stuff I keep meaning to tell you
Don't have a lot of time, but there's things I've been meaning to share...
Got my phone fixed finally, thank you Jesus. I'd spilled bubbles on it from the boys' birthday party and the battery was damaged. Then we got a new battery and realized that the little port where you plug the battery charger in was messed up too. bummer. and my new phone too. Pink Razr and all. So my mom sent an old loaner phone so we could switch the sim card, and Frank found a desk charger/battery set on ebay. So you can finally call me now. yey!
Frankie lost his 2nd tooth yesterday. He cried at school b/c he thought it had come out while he was on the playground, and he looked for it in the grass but couldn't find it. He was sad b/c somehow he found out about this thing called the tooth fairy who would give him money if he put the tooth under his pillow...don't know where he got that one...
Anyway. He was getting a drink from his water bottle at home that afternoon and found a piece of "ice" in his bottle--yup, it was his tooth!!! Bless his heart, he has been on cloud nine ever since with that new tooth.
(I say it's his 2nd tooth, as he'd had some trauma to one of his top front teeth-subsequently the nerve died and the tooth was pulled about a year ago. so it doesn't count.)
Well I'm finally legal in the state of California. Have put off getting my driver's license switched over for several reasons: 1. My AL license was still active 2. I like my picture and my weight on my AL license 3. Just too darn scared to take a leap of faith in a foreign world and go take the test, ugh.
Unfortunately my AL DL expired and I was forced to go. Of course to drive w/o a current license anywhere is bad, but esp bad here b/c there are so many bad drivers and just too many drivers period. You can be the best driver in the world--but it's the other drivers you have to worry about. So, after about 2 weeks of being driven around, I finally went and took the test and got my CA license. The picture turned out pretty good. I look older--more like a mother I guess. In my AL pic I was skinnier and looked like a little kid. So I guess I like the CA pic better. But the weight--well...
Hopefully it won't be that way for too much longer.
Something funny that Frankie came up with: when he was little, like maybe 2 or 3, he looked at Frank one day and said, "Daddy, you're my Special!". He has always called birthdays, "special day", like instead of "someone's birthday", it's "someone's special day". And everytime we eat a dessert or snack or get gifts out of the ordinary, he always calls it a special. It's just a cute something he came up with that I don't want to forget, and thought you would enjoy.
Ok, if I think of anything else, I'll let you know.
Got my phone fixed finally, thank you Jesus. I'd spilled bubbles on it from the boys' birthday party and the battery was damaged. Then we got a new battery and realized that the little port where you plug the battery charger in was messed up too. bummer. and my new phone too. Pink Razr and all. So my mom sent an old loaner phone so we could switch the sim card, and Frank found a desk charger/battery set on ebay. So you can finally call me now. yey!
Frankie lost his 2nd tooth yesterday. He cried at school b/c he thought it had come out while he was on the playground, and he looked for it in the grass but couldn't find it. He was sad b/c somehow he found out about this thing called the tooth fairy who would give him money if he put the tooth under his pillow...don't know where he got that one...
Anyway. He was getting a drink from his water bottle at home that afternoon and found a piece of "ice" in his bottle--yup, it was his tooth!!! Bless his heart, he has been on cloud nine ever since with that new tooth.
(I say it's his 2nd tooth, as he'd had some trauma to one of his top front teeth-subsequently the nerve died and the tooth was pulled about a year ago. so it doesn't count.)
Well I'm finally legal in the state of California. Have put off getting my driver's license switched over for several reasons: 1. My AL license was still active 2. I like my picture and my weight on my AL license 3. Just too darn scared to take a leap of faith in a foreign world and go take the test, ugh.
Unfortunately my AL DL expired and I was forced to go. Of course to drive w/o a current license anywhere is bad, but esp bad here b/c there are so many bad drivers and just too many drivers period. You can be the best driver in the world--but it's the other drivers you have to worry about. So, after about 2 weeks of being driven around, I finally went and took the test and got my CA license. The picture turned out pretty good. I look older--more like a mother I guess. In my AL pic I was skinnier and looked like a little kid. So I guess I like the CA pic better. But the weight--well...
Hopefully it won't be that way for too much longer.
Something funny that Frankie came up with: when he was little, like maybe 2 or 3, he looked at Frank one day and said, "Daddy, you're my Special!". He has always called birthdays, "special day", like instead of "someone's birthday", it's "someone's special day". And everytime we eat a dessert or snack or get gifts out of the ordinary, he always calls it a special. It's just a cute something he came up with that I don't want to forget, and thought you would enjoy.
Ok, if I think of anything else, I'll let you know.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Free Stuff online
My husband just posted a great set of free (legal) resources online, including classical works where copyright no longer applies, audio books, and old computer games that we used to play when we were kids. Cool! Check it out Apologique: Really Cool Free Stuff
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Calling all 24 fans!!
Oh my goodness--y'all gotta check this out! One of Frank's friends in the Philosophy program had a cool experience: a-team
Sunday, January 21, 2007
For Anyone whose ever flown
I came across these as an email forward, and this is kind of long, but too funny not to share!
Airline cabin announcements:
All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:
1. On a Southwest flight (SW has no as signed seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"
2. On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
3. On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have.
4. "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."
5. "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
6. As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
7. After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."
8. From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245
to Tampa.. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."
9. "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
10. "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but
we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."
11. "Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."
12. "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
13. And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
14. Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake
City the flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the
airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."
15. Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"
16. Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."
17. An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart
comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with
a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
18. After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
19. Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank
you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized met al tube, we hope you'll think of US Airways."
20. Heard on a Southwest Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."
21. A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax.. OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed,and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled,"That's nothing. You
should see the back of mine."
Airline cabin announcements:
All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:
1. On a Southwest flight (SW has no as signed seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"
2. On a Continental Flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
3. On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have.
4. "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."
5. "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
6. As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
7. After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."
8. From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245
to Tampa.. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."
9. "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
10. "Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but
we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."
11. "Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."
12. "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
13. And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
14. Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake
City the flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the
airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."
15. Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"
16. Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."
17. An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the Passengers exited, smile, and give them "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart
comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with
a cane. She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
18. After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
19. Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank
you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized met al tube, we hope you'll think of US Airways."
20. Heard on a Southwest Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."
21. A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax.. OH, MY GOD!" Silence followed,and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled,"That's nothing. You
should see the back of mine."
Friday, January 19, 2007
Other stuff
Mom and Phillip came out to see us for 2 weeks. We've had lots of fun. Took Fifi (P's nickname) to Disney and let him ride all the fast rides. Rode the new and improved Space Mountain--I like the changes. It's a roller coaster that is completely in the dark, and used to have spacey/orchestral music with lights that simulated shooting stars all over the place--like you were at light speed thru the whole ride--immensely fun! But believe it or not, they've made it even better. They placed black lights strategically around so that you can sometimes 'see' where you're going, and changed the music to some cool heavy metal w/electric guitars. It was rockin! literally.
On another note, it's been REALLY cold here. Mom and Fifi brought it with them I think. Normal 'winter' temp is around 48 degrees at night, but it's been getting down to low 30's. Gov. Schwarzeneggar (sp?) has declared that CA will lose over a billion $$ in lost citrus crops. Bummer. We saw on the news to expect much higher prices and more damaged fruit. I think our lemons are doing ok though. I am curious to see how high the prices will be by next summer. Oranges are really good here. I hate that the crops got ruined.
Counting down to the end. I am getting excited. For the first time, I won't be sad to put my mom back on a plane to AL, because I'll be there in 4 months, yippee!! 132 more days to be exact.
My job is very demanding. It'll be nice to be the mommy again. I think Frank will also be glad to switch back to the breadwinner role. Not that he doesn't make a great stay-at-home parent. He is really good with the boys. (I know that's why I was blessed with boys) So patient, and even helps keep up with the housework. The only time he gets bogged down is midterm and finals time--usually several papers and exams are all happening at the same time. It has proven to be a bit stressful. Thank you God that we are almost done. Frank (by the grace of God) has managed to maintain an A/B average! and that is with being a full time at-home parent! So pray we finish well. We have one semester left that will start next week, and it looks to be the easiest semester we will live thru, yey! Frank set it up that way on purpose so that his graduating semester would be the least stressful.
My mom has been cooking for the last 2 weeks. When she comes it is wonderful. Most folks would be thinking,"Your mom took over the kitchen and you're ok with that?". Yup, most definitely. As a f/t working mother, it has been WONDERFUL to come home every day to home cooked, southern meals! I sure will miss that. And the company. It's been nice to hang out with my brother too, as I'd not seen him in probably over a year. So, I'll be seeing the rest of you soon too, and we can hang out!
See ya soon! :o)
On another note, it's been REALLY cold here. Mom and Fifi brought it with them I think. Normal 'winter' temp is around 48 degrees at night, but it's been getting down to low 30's. Gov. Schwarzeneggar (sp?) has declared that CA will lose over a billion $$ in lost citrus crops. Bummer. We saw on the news to expect much higher prices and more damaged fruit. I think our lemons are doing ok though. I am curious to see how high the prices will be by next summer. Oranges are really good here. I hate that the crops got ruined.
Counting down to the end. I am getting excited. For the first time, I won't be sad to put my mom back on a plane to AL, because I'll be there in 4 months, yippee!! 132 more days to be exact.
My job is very demanding. It'll be nice to be the mommy again. I think Frank will also be glad to switch back to the breadwinner role. Not that he doesn't make a great stay-at-home parent. He is really good with the boys. (I know that's why I was blessed with boys) So patient, and even helps keep up with the housework. The only time he gets bogged down is midterm and finals time--usually several papers and exams are all happening at the same time. It has proven to be a bit stressful. Thank you God that we are almost done. Frank (by the grace of God) has managed to maintain an A/B average! and that is with being a full time at-home parent! So pray we finish well. We have one semester left that will start next week, and it looks to be the easiest semester we will live thru, yey! Frank set it up that way on purpose so that his graduating semester would be the least stressful.
My mom has been cooking for the last 2 weeks. When she comes it is wonderful. Most folks would be thinking,"Your mom took over the kitchen and you're ok with that?". Yup, most definitely. As a f/t working mother, it has been WONDERFUL to come home every day to home cooked, southern meals! I sure will miss that. And the company. It's been nice to hang out with my brother too, as I'd not seen him in probably over a year. So, I'll be seeing the rest of you soon too, and we can hang out!
See ya soon! :o)
Changed my look
How do you like it? Got bored with green and was perusing the templates and found this charming look...so...decided to pull an aol and update my look. Aol is notorious--every time I JUST get comfortable manuevering thru the site--will have located my stored emails, figured out where they put the entertainment news, and relearned how to find recently sent or deleted emails; they go and change the look again. So, just when you were comfortable with my site, here goes...
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Birthdays
Today is Steven's 3rd birthday. Because Frankie's b'day is on Monday, we had a kid party--a first for me. It was successful, thank goodness. (I was a little nervous, having no one to invite but friends we've made here--man, where are good 'ol AL family and friends when you really need them?!) I kept it small on purpose so as not to be too overwhelming or out of control, and we did a CARS theme. It gave me a good chance to get to know the family of one of Frankie's classmates. It was actually a lot of fun! They just played for awhile and then we did pizza, presents, and of course, cake and ice cream. It's strange to think that this time next year, we will most likely be at home celebrating with family and friends, and our time here will feel like it was a dream. But Frankie and Steven are making friends here that they will miss when we go back home. E'en so, I'm ready to see everyone soon! Also hard to believe that one more semester and Frank will be done. So, see you in six months!
Flowering Herbs is Back
Yey. I am pleasantly surprised. Went to Bath and Body Works to pick up my yearly supply of lotion. They run such a good sale after Christmas every year, that I get enough to last a year, usually about 4-5 bottles. When I was in high school, Flowering Herbs was my favorite scent: kind of a clean, flower smell. Anyway, when I was pregnant with Steven 3 years ago, they had phased it out and I had to find a new scent in order to take advantage of the in-store sale. (I know I could'ave ordered straight from the company, but you have to pay full price for that, ugh.) I decided on Sheer Freesia and have been using that for the past 3 years--it is also very good. Well, went into the store couple of nights ago, and could not find any hints of Sheer Freesia--but...guess what was back! yey! Made my day. I know you all wanted to share in my joy. thanks. :o)
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The hurryer I go, the behinder I get...
Just quoting a guy I work with...Goodness! Has everyone back home been as busy as us here?! My head's spinning; I've got so much going on: Choir concerts, church get-togethers, Kid Christmas parties, Adult Christmas parties, house cleaning for the holidays, gift wrappings, shopping (ugh. which I hate), and the list goes on. Oh yeah, did I mention work? We get a whopping 11 day vacation (paid--yippeee!!!) from Biola, so this last week of work everyone is scurrying, trying to get all the work details wrapped up before we leave for break. Don't know if I'd shared this earlier, but one of my jobs is to monitor/process all incoming and outgoing wires for the school; and everyone wants to get their payments made before we leave. Needless to say it has been interesting trying to get it all done. Told my boss I needed an 11-day vacation; and he was happy to oblige.
Also: today is our 8th wedding anniversary! How is it possible in one moment to feel like time has flown and in the next moment wonder how we ever got this far? I do know that I love my husband more and more every day, and literally could not live without him. He keeps my head on straight for me! Love you Babe!
Also: today is our 8th wedding anniversary! How is it possible in one moment to feel like time has flown and in the next moment wonder how we ever got this far? I do know that I love my husband more and more every day, and literally could not live without him. He keeps my head on straight for me! Love you Babe!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
New Hobby
A friend of mine here in CA just graduated from Biola with an art degree. She taught me how to make jewelry--it is so much fun. As you can see, I was busy over Thanksgiving, and I've just posted several of my pieces on ebay!!! Here's a preview of some of my work:
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Check out my auctions at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120058929545&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D120058929545%2509%26fvi%3D1
and let me know what you think!
Check out my auctions at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120058929545&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D120058929545%2509%26fvi%3D1
and let me know what you think!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Welcome to LA traffic
This is what you go through if you try to get on the freeway at almost anytime of the day in LA:
Ugh. why are there so many people here? no elbow room or anything. Guess I'm just a country girl who grew up with a forest for a playground. When we were living in our apartment next to the interchange of the 5 and 91 freeways, we would look out the window about midnight and see nothing but brake lights.
Frank and I also had a conversation yesterday, that from Beach Blvd. and La Mirada Blvd. (a major intersection close to our house) down to Huntington Beach, which is about 20 miles down Beach; there are approximately 10 million people living between those 2 points. 10 million!! And did you know that there are only 4.5 million people living in the entire state of Alabama? I don't know if it's the bright lights of Hollywood, or the mild, sunny weather, or access to everything under the sun...but you can see why it is the smog pollution of the world. The freeways here are like streets back home. It is common to take up to 4 or 5 freeways to get from one place to another, and you may have driven less than 20 miles! So different from home, sigh. One thing I won't miss...
Ugh. why are there so many people here? no elbow room or anything. Guess I'm just a country girl who grew up with a forest for a playground. When we were living in our apartment next to the interchange of the 5 and 91 freeways, we would look out the window about midnight and see nothing but brake lights.
Frank and I also had a conversation yesterday, that from Beach Blvd. and La Mirada Blvd. (a major intersection close to our house) down to Huntington Beach, which is about 20 miles down Beach; there are approximately 10 million people living between those 2 points. 10 million!! And did you know that there are only 4.5 million people living in the entire state of Alabama? I don't know if it's the bright lights of Hollywood, or the mild, sunny weather, or access to everything under the sun...but you can see why it is the smog pollution of the world. The freeways here are like streets back home. It is common to take up to 4 or 5 freeways to get from one place to another, and you may have driven less than 20 miles! So different from home, sigh. One thing I won't miss...
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Onomatopoeia
Last night Frank was reading a bedtime story to the boys: "The Berenstein Bears tell a Lie". When they got to the part where Brother and Sister Bear blamed it on the bird, the bird flew away with a 'screech' (we always add in a screeching sound for special effect). At this point in the story, Frankie stops Frank and excitedly exclaims, "Daddy! I know what 'screech' is--that's onomatopoeia!--and so is 'crunch, crunch, munch, munch'!
Oh yeah. That's my boy. What are they teaching in kindergarten these days anyway? I mean will there be anything left to learn in high school?
Oh well, thought you might get a kick out of that.
Oh yeah. That's my boy. What are they teaching in kindergarten these days anyway? I mean will there be anything left to learn in high school?
Oh well, thought you might get a kick out of that.
Friday, October 13, 2006
about 5 hours later...
Just had a quick thought. I love all my friends and family. (Can you tell I'm missing home?) I wish all my CA friends could meet all my AL friends/family, who could get together with the friends and family I have in CO; and the church friends totally would love the work friends; who would really dig the friday night/chattanooga friends; oh yeah, and the Southeastern Bible College folks, and the ones who live in Georgia. Lest I forget the cool folks I met in Austria, and what about the friends I have who are serving on the mission field?...I could go on all night. I am such a girl (relational, emotional, etc...but proud to be what God made me.) At least I can take comfort in the fact that we all have a common bond: Christ, and that you all will get to know each other in Heaven. You're gonna love each other--I can't wait.
Thinking out loud
Soooo missing home right now. Probably because I know we will be moving home in approximately 7 &1/2 months, 32 weeks, 228 days (if we make til May 31st, which is when our lease is up). But, we are choosing not to come home for Christmas since we'll BE home another 5 months after that. But now that we're sure we're coming back, 228 days seems like forever!!
We'd been going back and forth for a little while between several different options:
1. Stay in CA and Frank immediately apply for a Phd program to anywhere and wait for a response.
2. Stay in CA and both of us work for a while
3. Move home and get jobs; pay off student debt already accumulated; put Phd pursual on hold for a little while.
So, yeah, when it's in print--why did we even waffle? Our rent now is $2,050 a month. We do have 2 guys living with us in the 3rd bedroom to offset the cost, so net cost is $1300. But still. Having to share a 1500 sq. ft. house with 2 more adults is rather challenging, honestly. Kim Hill, I am totally understanding the whole house parent thing. But you might've had it a little bit worse than me. But only a little bit. I have grown to like California....here are some of the good things about it:
1. The weather. 70 degrees year round. It does vary slightly, but no terrible cold.
2. Convenience of everything no more than 5 or 10 minutes away, i.e. grocery store, church, Biola. As long as you don't get on the freeway.
3. The house we live in. It is so cute. and the room plan is good.
4. The church we are attending: Grace Evangelical Free. We have met and made friends with some great people.
5. My job at Biola. My co-workers are great and I have medical insurance. I like medical insurance.
6. Let's see, can I think of anything else? oh yeah, we splurge on one thing: Disneyland. It's so fun. Even though I am a grownup, I will always have a soft spot for Disney.
Now, benefits to coming home.
1. Save couple grand a month on rent.
2. Family.
3. Lower cost of living in general. 30 cents less a gallon for gas.
4. Friends.
5. Did I say family and friends? I really miss y'all.
6. The absence of the phrase "you guys". I caught myself the other day. I was chagrinned to hear it come out of my mouth. Agghh. I have been here too long already.
7. Seasons. though don't think I will ever have a soft spot for 100% humidity in August.
8. Don't have to work as much (I won't anyway.) We've talked about my having a part time job to help pay the bills--but no more rat race, thank goodness. Sometimes I feel that between Frank in school, me working f/t, Frankie going to K5 and Steven just hanging out, I will never catch up. But I plan to use Christmas vacation as sorting/throwing out time before we come home.
Ok, if I think of anymore, I'll let you know.
We'd been going back and forth for a little while between several different options:
1. Stay in CA and Frank immediately apply for a Phd program to anywhere and wait for a response.
2. Stay in CA and both of us work for a while
3. Move home and get jobs; pay off student debt already accumulated; put Phd pursual on hold for a little while.
So, yeah, when it's in print--why did we even waffle? Our rent now is $2,050 a month. We do have 2 guys living with us in the 3rd bedroom to offset the cost, so net cost is $1300. But still. Having to share a 1500 sq. ft. house with 2 more adults is rather challenging, honestly. Kim Hill, I am totally understanding the whole house parent thing. But you might've had it a little bit worse than me. But only a little bit. I have grown to like California....here are some of the good things about it:
1. The weather. 70 degrees year round. It does vary slightly, but no terrible cold.
2. Convenience of everything no more than 5 or 10 minutes away, i.e. grocery store, church, Biola. As long as you don't get on the freeway.
3. The house we live in. It is so cute. and the room plan is good.
4. The church we are attending: Grace Evangelical Free. We have met and made friends with some great people.
5. My job at Biola. My co-workers are great and I have medical insurance. I like medical insurance.
6. Let's see, can I think of anything else? oh yeah, we splurge on one thing: Disneyland. It's so fun. Even though I am a grownup, I will always have a soft spot for Disney.
Now, benefits to coming home.
1. Save couple grand a month on rent.
2. Family.
3. Lower cost of living in general. 30 cents less a gallon for gas.
4. Friends.
5. Did I say family and friends? I really miss y'all.
6. The absence of the phrase "you guys". I caught myself the other day. I was chagrinned to hear it come out of my mouth. Agghh. I have been here too long already.
7. Seasons. though don't think I will ever have a soft spot for 100% humidity in August.
8. Don't have to work as much (I won't anyway.) We've talked about my having a part time job to help pay the bills--but no more rat race, thank goodness. Sometimes I feel that between Frank in school, me working f/t, Frankie going to K5 and Steven just hanging out, I will never catch up. But I plan to use Christmas vacation as sorting/throwing out time before we come home.
Ok, if I think of anymore, I'll let you know.
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