Currently

Worried about: My little gilled son. Bane has been acting weird for about a week now. He hasn't been swimming around like normal. He stays in this one corner of his tank and only seems to come out when I feed him. Dustin thinks it's because he knows something is off in our house (box city!) but I'm worried he may be sick. He looks fine and still has an appetite so no need for real concern. Hopefully, he can tough it out until Friday. Then it's home sweet home.

Looking forward to: EVERYTHING! This year has already started off with a bang but I am so excited I have even more to look forward to. Trips, shows, a 5K, a wedding, and lots of outside activities so I can make good on my resolution. But for now I will jump up and down in excitement because we move THIS WEEK!

Listening to: Tegan and Sara's new CD. Amazing. I especially love this song.

Watching: Still watching Mad Men. Still think it's a little boring. Don't get me wrong, there are some great story lines and characters, but there hasn't been an episode yet that I haven't fast forwarded through here and there. Thank technology for Netflix. But the 1960s as a whole is so mesmerizing that I'm sure I'll continue watching.

Thinking about: How Dustin and I are on the same page with big decisions. I feel like a relationship can never really work if you don't agree on important, key things. We actually had a nice little conversation on my way into work this morning and I just kept thinking to myself "I. AM. SO. LUCKY." Seriously though, it makes things so much easier to have the same/similar views. And I guess I feel so lucky because our choices and ideas on things are so vastly different from most of society. So it's nice to have a partner. He's on my side even though most aren't. And that really means so much.

Frustrated with: Two etsy orders. One has shipped but hasn't arrived yet and it's been weeks. The other was ordered last week but I still haven't heard on the status. I have contacted the seller and no response as of yet. It's driving me crazy. A) I don't want to waste money. B) I'm impatient. C) They are both really cool items and I want to put them to use! Send good etsy thoughts my way.

Found

Child of the 90s.

Gifts for babies.

Map of the Internet Universe.

Dude, perfect.

YOLO! You oughta look out.

Life lessons from Professor Swift.

This is exciting.

Binge watch Parenthood. TRUST ME.

Roe vs. Wade. 40 years later.
"It's our body. It's our choice. It's our lives. Hands off."

Birthdays Galore!

FRIDAY: We were super short staffed (and Erin was leaving early) so my work bought us all lunch! It was the first time we (Erin and I) had Tropical Smoothie. It's delish! I got a turkey wrap and a strawberry, banana, pineapple smoothie. Seriously so good. I love when you try some place new and it turns out to be really good. Winning.

 

 I went packing crazy. Turned up some music and just went to town! I am pretty much all done. The only thing left is little things like my desk drawers and the magnets/photos on our fridge. Also, all the stuff that we need to keep out to live here for the next 5 days. I feel a huge relief! Now I just want to get to moving.

SATURDAY:  I met up with Erin for a stroll around Lake Eola. She brought Charlie along and he was just so excited to be out and about. People stopped us left and right and commented on how unique and adorable he looks. It was fun. Plus the weather was gorgeous. It was a little chilly but the sun was out. It's times like that where I am so grateful to be a Floridian. To still be living in FL. I don't care what anyone says, it's the best. 

We then walked over to Panera and got some breakfast. We grabbed a table outside and just sat, ate, and people watched while Charlie barked here and there at other dogs. I gave Erin her birthday present because I couldn't wait any longer. The bag had been on my dining room table ready to go for the past 2 wks. I was so anxious! I was so happy that she loved everything. And then she gave me something. Yeah, she gave me a gift ON HER BIRTHDAY. She's cray. Ha! I haven't taken a picture of it yet but it's some art to hang in my office. So perfect!

We parted ways and I made my way back home. I did some more packing and sorting and what not. Dustin kept telling me I needed to do something fun. So I stopped here and there to watch TV or go on the computer. But when I get in the mood I can't be bothered. I was just in the packing zone.

Dustin and I got ready to meet up with Erin and her friends for her birthday dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. That place is always packed (which is why Dustin and I always go at 1PM). We waited at the bar for about 30 minutes before we were finally seated. We had such a good time. Everyone was taking photos, laughing, and of course enjoying good food. We didn't have the best waiter (our drinks were empty for awhile and he forgot about Dustin's ranch) so I went up to another waiter and said something. I was nice about it and thankfully he was too. He stepped right up to the plate and took care of everything for us. (Thank you waiter with glasses! You were the bomb. Diggity!) While I was talking to him I mentioned that it was Erin's birthday. I know she doesn't like a bunch of attention on her but everyone should feel special on their birthday. Duh! So they ended up coming out in song with some ice cream.

Happy Birthday Boo! Hope you had a great time.

SUNDAY: I woke up early (as per usual) and channel surfed for awhile. Ate breakfast. Woke up Dustin! (Hey, he asked me to not let him sleep late. Just being a good wife!) Then I FaceTimed Rachelle so Dustin and I could wish her a Happy Birthday (and say hi to Cinnamon too!). It's way more personal than posting on someone's FB wall. And like I have already said, everyone deserves to feel special on their birthday. Everyone should go out of their way to make you feel loved and appreciated.  Happy Birthday! (Remember I'll always be older than you!)

I can't wait for her and Matt to come visit soon after our move!

This Week in Photos

 

Dustin testing out his Steelers flameless candle. // Adding some homey touches to my new workspace. // Erin's RAOK for me. Must haves for the office. So sweet! // My jeans had a huge ugly hole in them so I decided to just cut them into shants (shorts/pants). // Early morning I-4. There was a wall of fog. So creepy. // Stopped back by my old stomping grounds to visit some of my fave girls. // Dustin let me throw away some old games and his Walkman. // Irish beer head.

Pinterest V.9

Sam pinned this on Pinterest.

How to Clean your (Top Loading) Washing Machine.

I immediately 'liked' it and moved on. I've been meaning to try it for a few weeks now but every time I was at the store I forgot to pick up bleach and vinegar. Since we are moving in less than a week, I wanted to wash our washing machine before the move. We will most likely just be storing it in our garage as our new rental comes with it's own washer and dryer. I'm really embarrassed to admit it but I have never deep cleaned my washer. Ugh, gross right? But the truth is I never knew you could. This sounds so stupid but it's true. So yesterday I had everything I needed and was ready to go. I followed the instructions exactly and the results were amazing. (See photos below)

There were two things I wasn't quite aware of when I attempted this.

1. Bleach - I never use bleach. I know it stains very easily so I should have been more careful as I  poured it into my washing machine. Basically, it splashed onto my shirt and now I have a bleach spot. Luckily, it was just a workout/around the house tank but still annoying!

2. Time - Make sure you aren't planning on leaving the house all day. This process takes hours and hours. No joke. It's worth it yes, but make sure you have the time to follow all the steps. Thankfully, I did but I am impatient with everything in life so there you have it.

I am a clean freak so learning this little trick has made my weekend. I mean just think of all the dirt and grime on clothes (especially Dustin's stinky work clothes!). DUH, the washer would start to build up the same grossness. Plus it cleans the hoses too. Genius! I will totally be doing this all over again to our new-to-us washing machine at our new place.

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1/9/13

Come on FL, at least give us a "FL Winter". This 80 degree thing in January is annoying.

Is this Celebrity High Dive thing for real? I'm embarrassed for them.

I am incredibly disappointed that Adam Sandler won Best Comedic Movie Actor. He hasn't been funny since the 90s.

I don't get Jason Aldean.

Can I be J-Law's BFF?

1/10/13

Maybe if I make myself cry tonight then I won't look like such a blubbering fool tomorrow.

1/12/13

Dustin just pitched his a plot to me for Toy Story 4. It was so heart warming.

1/13/13

I'm about to eat a hot dog that is 2 days past its expiration date.#livingontheedge

Painting my nails while watching the Red Carpet.

I hope I look half as good as Julianne Moore at 52. Damn girl!

What the hell is so great about Homeland? The Newsroom/Boardwalk Empire/Downton Abbey are all so amazing.

Taylor Swift looks awfully depressed tonight.

1/14/13

I can't be the only one who prefers to eat their Klondike bar with a fork.

1/15/13

Every time I see Johnny Knoxville I wonder where the rest of Blink 182 is.

I still don't get why there isn't a light in the freezer.

1/16/13

Longest/loudest train at 5:45AM. Can't wait to move!

I will never get tired of complaining about parents letting their babies/kids use their iPhone! That beast is $200! Um, never!

1/20/13

The coach for the 49ers is super obnoxious!

I just chilled a glass in the freezer for my water. I feel fancy.

"No family is what they seem from the outside." - Grandma Crawley (Downton Abbey)

There's nothing I hate more than realizing I have something in my teeth and no one had the decency to tell me. Really?

1/21/13

My hair is so much more manageable after I get it trimmed.

i'm hoping flo rida gives me a second wind. seriously about to fall over from exhaustion.

how do people have kids? i'm barely a person without sleep.

1/23/13
Pro of working with Erin again - singing nsync together. Con - she writes mean stuff on my Facebook if I leave her alone with my phone.

I only like my alcohol in the form of a cupcake. Missing Drunkin' Pumpkin but currently enjoying Dom Berrignon! @yumyumtruck_fl

1/24/13
Always thought the wrist cushions on keyboards were super lame. Turns out they are awesome. It's like a pillow for your wrists!

1/25/13
I'm so glad Dustin got out of WV. He could've been like these crazy people on Buckwild!

I am SO EXCITED about the self inking return address stamp I just ordered. Snail mail for everyone!

1/26/13
Pretty sure Jess's glasses on New Girl have no lenses in them. What's the point?! 

Dustin Says

I had a huge zit on my chin. 
Dustin says to me: Da mooooon! (Despicable Me!)

Wouldn't it be so cool if they made a LOTR theme park? One side Harry Potter and the other side harry feet!

Hockey is like the unicorn of sports. It doesn't exist. (Obviously said before the NHL figured their shit out.)

I would never turn my chair around for Christina Aguilera.

I'm proud of my shit but I don't post pictures of it.
Said while discussing too much children/animal posting on social networks.

Mini horses have the same hair as every guy in an 80s band.

The House on the Lake

 

Last week my mom told me my grandpa's house is now on the market. We all knew this was coming. We've had a year to prepare ourselves. I thought I was fine. It made sense to me. There is no reason to keep it if he's no longer living there. But now that it's become a reality, it's hard to believe. My eyes started to burn the minute I saw the post on the real estate website. I immediately felt a deep sadness wash over me. I practically grew up in that house. It's been around since my mom was born. Maybe even before that. That house is family. The best kind of family because it doesn't judge or argue or have expectations. It's just there, whenever you want to swing by. But soon it won't be, and that's just crazy to me.

At least half of my childhood memories trace back to that house. Swimming in the lake with friends for my birthday every June. Watching fireworks on the dock on July 4th. Having dinner with my grandparents. Thanksgiving. Christmas.  Anniversaries. House sitting with my mom when my grandparents went out of town (which was often). Catching minnows in the lake. Running in the thick, springy grass. Hunkering down in the long hallway during hurricanes. Playing hide and seek with my cousins. Watching The Price is Right and Young in the Restless. Taking photos by the hibiscus bush. Listening to my grandpa play the piano. Helping my grandma bake banana bread muffins from scratch. Discovering old photographs at the top of a closet and looking at every single one of them with my cousin. Keeping my grandma company as she gardened. Helping Marie fold clothes. Walking on the fallen tree in the backyard. Playing dress up. The way it smells; so incredibly welcoming and cozy. Sheet forts. Skating/Rollerblading for the first time. Sneaking cookies from my grandma's strawberry shaped cookie jar. Talking to my friends via AIM (because my grandparents had a computer AND internet and I didn't). Coloring on the kitchen table. The cookie and the bass. Skinning my knees multiple times in the drive way. The trundle bed. Feeding the ducks stale bread. The little green bananas fresh from the tree. "My room." Being afraid of the attic. Looking out the back windows toward the lake during rainstorms. Powder toothpaste. OUR WEDDING. Etc. Etc. ETC.

When I stopped by there last weekend, I took photos. I mean, I always take pictures when I'm there but this time I wanted to really remember the things I loved so much. The details.

Guest bath wallpaper/Oven

Dining room wallpaper/Light fixture

Kitchen wallpaper/Pantry (I just love the curve of the shelving. Pantries were better back then. Also, there is a little cubby for milk deliveries. It used to go through the pantry but has since been covered up. The cubby still opens from the outside and is used for storing other things like cat food! Ha.


75% of all my childhood photos were taken on that property.
My 'Dear Photograph' post back in 2011.
And then there are these:

OUTSIDE

INSIDE

   

Some of my fondest memories were made here.
Thank you.
I will always remember and miss you.