Floored

We have done home improvement projects here and there, but really haven't done anything major. The basement has been our biggest yet and it wasn't difficult per se, just time consuming. Also, ripping up carpet and painting isn't nearly as expensive as putting some down!

Well, we got schooled when we looked into new flooring for just the upstairs!!! Oh my, how we were sticker shocked.

We didn't go in with many expectations, but we were not expecting that! With carpet only and FREE labor it was still close to $5,000. Add another grand (or so) for some hardwoods mixed in. Even with a great financing offer we were skeptical. I am not one to make a decison first go around and espcially without checking the competition, so we decided to sleep on it. Well, because the guy has been in this business for 25 years, he sent us home with the sample to see if we liked it in our house. Well, it almost won, but I fought through it and we made our final decsion to wait it out. That sample looked sooooooo good compared to the ugly dark hunter green we have now. Nice and soft, fluffy, and a light bright neutral! It was hard to give that 2x3 rectangle back.

We just feel we can put our money and energy into projects that need our attention NOW, like landscaping! Also, a big reason is we really would like to put hardwoods in the main living area and hallway with carpet in the bedrooms.

I guess I'll just have to deal with the ugliness a little while longer...but on the bright side, we should have pretty flowers and plants to enhance our yard!!! I hope!

Up for Air!

Barely!!!

I love the new job and I'm adjusting to working all day five days a week! Honestly, that part isnt' hard as I have plenty to keep me busy. So busy in fact that I almost don't realize it's lunchtime or time to go home!! I prefer it that way!

Now, the rest of my life is a little, um, hectic, chaotic, and just plain crazy! I love it, but I'm utilizing my time more wisely! I have to. My drive home takes twice or thrice as long to get home than it did before, so more to do in less time!!

On top of all the regular day to day stuff to do with family, there is hardly any time to do the fun stuff (email, facebook, hot baths, catch up on dvr, etc), but I finally have been doing some of that this week.

I wouldn't be so out of touch if I were home last weekend, but we took a little trip to visit my college roomie and family in Raleigh! It was so much fun, but we left right after I got off work Friday then got home Sunday evening. Basically just enough time to get things ready for the week ahead!

This weekend we are home and I'm looking forward to some down time - hopefully! Mom and Dad are coming in for M&M's baptism on Sunday, but Saturday looks open!

New Beginnings

Well, I survived my first day at my new job. It was pretty much what I thought it would be. Lots of reading policies, company info, filling out tax forms, emergency contacts, and most importantly, my direct deposit forms. I did so not really knowing what I was getting paid. Yes, I know that seems odd, but I knew about what it was. Don't worry, I found out, and yes, it was close to what I expected. I am most excited about the benefits. I get paid vacation - a whole week THIS year and great medical insurance!!!! It will so much less than we pay now with Hubby's insurance. Now, I do have to pay for parking, but it is all worth it!

I had to be there this morning around 8:15. I signed in the front desk at 8:18, but getting there was half the battle. I was unsure how long it would take me in the morning, I didn't know how traffic would be and most importantly, I had to park (in the 5th floor of the garage) and walk to the office. When you put it all together, it is time consuming. I wanted to leave my house by 7:30, but 7:41 it was. I got stopped by a slow, coal train and have decided that maybe I'll try a different route tomorow!

I waited for almost 25 minutes to be taken upstairs but once I was up there, it went smoothly.

After lunch, I met with my department. I met a lot of nice people and I hope I remember everyone's names!!!

Well, I guess the good news is I'm going back tomorrow!!!

March out like a Lamb??? NOT

Really? They are calling for snow? Maybe not here but in places....I'm so over this weather! I want warm, sunny, and flip flops!!!!

My first day of "vacation" is rainy and its on one of the LAST few days of March!!! Ok, so it's not really a vacation. I really have tons to get done before I start my new job and mom is here, so I definitely want to hang out with her! I just wish I didn't have to skip over puddles to do it all!

Bittersweet GoodBye!

Yesterday was my last day! I can't believe it! I will surely miss these people! The past three years have been memorable!

Due to the nature of the business, not everyone could come to lunch (serve & protect right?) but here is a great picture of some of my work peeps!!!!

I love them!

Easter Sweetness

Black and white might not be typical for Easter, but after seeing the suit my parents got LH, this dress was just a must have!!! I will have to get him a different tie (yellow) to match the flower on her dress....

He will also wear this for her Baptism in April! I'm still looking for her dress for that!

Fashion aside, I'm so proud of LH for taking Lent seriously this year and giving up something just like I do. He gave up going to the Cafeteria to eat!!! This may sound wierd to some, but he really loves going there. He eats there at least weekly with grandparents and possibly more if he has the option! So, for 4o days, he's Cafeteria free!! So proud of him.

I gave up "out to eat" coffee and all sodas! I can't even get coffee from McDonald's!!! Thank goodness I can still make my own coffee and have tea!

Sweet!!!

This is what I got at work today!!!!!!!!!!From Hubby!! This is a rare occassion! I normally do not get flowers or the like from him. He just loves to surprise me though when I'm not expecting it!

It was just his way of saying how proud he is of me on my new job!!!

The strawberries were so big and sweet and the chocolate was heavenly!

I also got a huge new coffee mug, which is great because my new job doesn't provide cups in their effort to be more green!

Thanks Hubs for being you and being so thoughtful! Love you!