Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
2013 Goals reviewed...how well did it really go?!
What a year it was!!
If you remember, I had some pretty lofty goals for 2013. I was pretty determined to make some new habits, and to improve myself a little in the process!
Here were the goals I set, followed by the results for 2013:
1. Continue goal of healthier eating.
Did much better. Eating at home is usually a win-win! Hope to add more heathy eating to the list in 2014.
2. More juicing.
I was on the right track, and then derailed. Hoping to try it again!
3. A minimum of one new recipe tried a week.
This was a BLAST. I tried 66 new (to me) recipes. Some were new versions of meals we love. Some were at-home versions of food we love from restaurants. Love this challenge SO much, that I am continuing it for 2014! It has become something we look forward to weekly!
4. Add in more exercise.
Got better in 2013, but there's a lot of room for improvement! I had fun over the summer and fall doing my personal challenge of a "5k a day". Really, it sounds so cool, and isn't that tough (mind you, I'm a power walker, not a runner!). Bike rides were easier this year than the year before- that's a great sign!
5. Try yoga.
Did this one early in the year, and got HOOKED! It helps my neck and back muscles, and even helps with my scoliosis in my lower back. This IS a part of my life now!
6. Start professional organization business.
Welllllll....as much as this is still a goal, and a passion of mine, I don't think I'm ready. Pair that with my new job as the "library lady" and, well, it's not a priority. I did get a good organizational challenge this year, it was fun, and a great learning experience in the area that worried me about organizing for others- dealing with people, and helping them clear the stuff.
So, I guess this one is "to be continued"!
7. No plastic bags for the year.
This was a game changer for me, and our household in general, since the hubs decided to play along and do the challenge too (and all on his own!). The idea was this- I had a trunk full of reusable bags that always seemed to remain in the trunk. My goal was to make it a HABIT to not use plastic bags and to remember to take those reusable bags into the stores with me! I managed to close out the year with a grand total of FOUR plastic bags from stores. Two of which were wrapped around the bottle of wine Andy wanted from Target and I didn't see until the next day when I emptied out the plastic bin I bought on Dec. 28th! ugh. I did get some paper bags this year- the gifty kind that can be reused. I didn't count food bags (subway and their plastic bags!!). And it is a HABIT now.
I now break out into the sweats if someone almost insists on bagging my item.
A quick observation I noticed early in the year- people almost get OFFENDED if you don't want their bags. Wether they are plastic, or fancy with wrapping, some people tried to FORCE the bags on me! "But look at how pretty the bag and tissue are- don't you want that?!". My answer was a very firm NO. So strange that we have come to this, where the packaging is SO big. I think I may have encouraged some people too, which is always fun!
A few times super nice clerks at stores would bag onions in plastic and put them in my reusable bags- thinking it was be less mess for me. Even after I said I was trying to go bag less. So what was my solution? Before I rolled my cart to the car, I would "ditch" the plastic bag at a different register...dedication, people!
If I forgot my purse-sized reusable bags? I would shove those groceries into my purse! Yes.i.would. More than once I found the random jalapeño pepper rolling around in my bag a few days later. Still worth it!
Best, is now this is a LIFELONG habit.when we traveled to Ireland in October, I took a bag to use- and am glad I did, because they CHARGED for bags!!
8. Add in more green-living tips.
Reducing plastic bags was my biggest challenge toward more green living. I also continued with my Norwex cleaning items, and feel in LOVE with the magnet ball for the dishwasher, paired with the Norwex dishwasher detergent. It takes less than 1/2tsp of soap per load. And it breaks down faster versus traditional dishwasher soap.
I use very little chemical cleaners anymore. The Norwex Enviro cloths use water to clean, and when I need something a bit stronger, I use Norwex products! I have ZERO commercial or store brand cleaners. No bleach, no fabric softener or dryer sheets (white vinegar in the wash works better, wool dryer balls in the dryer are safer!).
9. Learn to cut Andy's hair.
This was a great coat saver! Andy averaged 1 haircut a month, and usually spent $26-28 per haircut, with tip. This is one of the "stop in and some random chick will cut your hair" kinda if places. Results varied, and it wasn't cheap!
For the cost of ONE of his haircuts, I bought a nice set of clippers from Walmart ($27 plus tax). And that's it! We have the smaller "touch up" trimmers already, so one year of haircuts for Andy was less than $30! #winning
10. Cost saving/ more money saving tips.
See the previous two items! Can't wait to figure out more!
11. Pay off one vehicle.
SOOOO close! May even happen in January!!
12. Sew a garment.
In November I finished my first sewn garment- unless you count the simple skirt I made in 7th grade home ec...and I wouldn't! Lol.
I had the pattern. The fabric, prewashed, even. Just didn't have the nerve! While visiting my favorite local quilt shop in the fall, I noticed that they had the exact tunic I wanted to make, hanging on display. I asked about it, and they were even having a CLASS! I heard the angels sing! I immediately signed up, and learned SO much. And the tunic is cute! And, I cleared out another project from the growing PHD pile (Projects Half Done pile- tell people you're working on your PHD and see the reaction you get, it's hilarious!).
13. Knit socks.
Welllll. Let's just say I had the BEST intentions. My favorite knitting genius, Michelle Hunter of www.knitpurlhunter.com had a knit along. I started. And, well...
She's having a similar one in January, and I'm trying again!
14. Knit a sweater or garment.
Technically, I kinda did. As an order for my crafty biz. Maybe 2014 means an actual sweater?
15. Finish the perpetual afghan.
Oh! I have all of the squares done, finally! This project is one that I pick up and put down for weeks at a time- sometimes longer. Got the first row of blocks connected. To be continued in 2014!
16. Make FB craft page.
Finally! Got it up and running in January! It's growing, and with my job, I am plenty busy! Www.facebook.com/thecraftylittlebird
17. Sell crafty goodness online.
Done and DONE! Along with my Facebook business page, I also have an Etsy business page for The Crafty Little Bird!
Www.etsy.com/shop/thecraftylittlebird
Sunday, January 13, 2013
New Years goals, revisited...
Things are going well!:)
Here are the standings with the goals I had planned for this year:
-going without acquiring new plastic bags
Well, honestly, I acquired ONE since January 1. It was actually acquired ON January first. Ha. I stopped to pick up some yarn at Michael's and realized as I was walking out of the store I had a bag in my hand! But none since. The hubs has done pretty well too, and last week even put his groceries back in the cart and bagged them when he got to his truck, since he left his bags in the car! Impressive!
- one new recipe a week (minimum)for the year-
So far, so good. I'm making it a fun event, and sharing the recipes with my FB friends too. Both recipes have been great, and will be added to our rotation!
- knitting socks-
This has been a hang up of mine for awhile. Not sure why, but they scared me! So, I prepped myself by gathering my supplies to to a KAL (knit along) being hosted by an AMAZING knitting teacher , Michelle Hunter of Knitpurlhunter.com . Seriously, she is amazing!
Not only did I complete week one, but I am knitting two socks at a time, from the toe up, AND I am using the magic loop method. If you're not a knitter, this paragraph probably sounded like one of Charlie Brown's teachers talking...trust me, it's a big deal!:)
- Start my organization business-
The wheels are in motion, I am starting some researching I needed to do, and am going to look up the small business administration in the area and find out more info. Finally!
-Start a FB business page for my craftiness/ sell crafty items online-
It's happening! I don't even have business cards or my FB or website pages up, and I have orders!:) again, FINALLY.
So, that's all I've got so far. But we're only two weeks into the new year. I consider this a WIN thus far!
How are your goals going??? It's NEVER too late to start- so start now!
This week I hope to:
-look into trying yoga
-contact the small business administration (SBA)
-get my crafting business cards ordered, and get my FB crafty page up
Whew!
Here are the standings with the goals I had planned for this year:
-going without acquiring new plastic bags
Well, honestly, I acquired ONE since January 1. It was actually acquired ON January first. Ha. I stopped to pick up some yarn at Michael's and realized as I was walking out of the store I had a bag in my hand! But none since. The hubs has done pretty well too, and last week even put his groceries back in the cart and bagged them when he got to his truck, since he left his bags in the car! Impressive!
- one new recipe a week (minimum)for the year-
So far, so good. I'm making it a fun event, and sharing the recipes with my FB friends too. Both recipes have been great, and will be added to our rotation!
- knitting socks-
This has been a hang up of mine for awhile. Not sure why, but they scared me! So, I prepped myself by gathering my supplies to to a KAL (knit along) being hosted by an AMAZING knitting teacher , Michelle Hunter of Knitpurlhunter.com . Seriously, she is amazing!
Not only did I complete week one, but I am knitting two socks at a time, from the toe up, AND I am using the magic loop method. If you're not a knitter, this paragraph probably sounded like one of Charlie Brown's teachers talking...trust me, it's a big deal!:)
- Start my organization business-
The wheels are in motion, I am starting some researching I needed to do, and am going to look up the small business administration in the area and find out more info. Finally!
-Start a FB business page for my craftiness/ sell crafty items online-
It's happening! I don't even have business cards or my FB or website pages up, and I have orders!:) again, FINALLY.
So, that's all I've got so far. But we're only two weeks into the new year. I consider this a WIN thus far!
How are your goals going??? It's NEVER too late to start- so start now!
This week I hope to:
-look into trying yoga
-contact the small business administration (SBA)
-get my crafting business cards ordered, and get my FB crafty page up
Whew!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Bring it on, 2013!
Well, here we are. On the edge of another new year. It is hard to believe that 2012 is on the way out. What a year it was, on this end, anyway!
Some of the highlights of the year in our household(s) (plural due to the major move this year):
- I drove over 20k miles this year...from Northern MN to Indiana, to our new home state of South Carolina. Add in a drive from Indiana to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for our annual trip to the family cabin (minus the hubs, who was working:( ). Trips to Cincinnati (my husbands hometown), family vacation in Kiawah Island, SC (shortest vacation we have driven to in years, around 2 hours down the coast from us). I am thankful for a good car to drive, one that I don't feel worried one bit about. If I keep this up,though, I will need new tires sooner than later!
- We managed to become a little more "green". I was introduced to Norwex, a cleaning and beauty line of products. We have (almost) completely weaned ourselves off of paper towels. I began making our laundry soap (SO easy, much cheaper, and you use so much less!). I also attempted the dishwasher soap, but have yet to find the "just right" mix for us. Also,in the dishwasher, we began using white vinegar for the rinse agent (instead of Jetdry).
Using the "Enviro cloth" and the "polishing cloth" from Norwex, I can clean our house using just water. Sounds too good to be true, but there is science behind it, and I have become a fan. Using no chemicals to clean, I find that the house doesn't get as dusty either.
Instead of fabric softener (which I learned is horrible for our skin and clothing, as well as dryer sheets), I now use white vinegar in our wash. I promise, though, our clothes don't smell like pickles. :) I also began air-drying more items. I purchased a used drying rack from a great rummage sale group we had in the area of MN we lived in, for $5. It has become an invaluable member of our family! For the dryer, since we discontinued the use of dryer sheets, I made felted wool dryer balls. Wool wicks away the water, reduces static cling, and reduces drying time (over-drying is the biggest amuse for static cling. I've gotten used to reducing the drying temp and time into increments).
-Not selling our home, and still moving. What a pain! I managed to get a hitch installed on my car, rented a U-haul trailer and crammed it full of things that I thought we would need or use. Daily, I find myself saying "we have a ______....in MN". I HATE purchasing things twice! I've tried to avoid it as much as possible, but it is hard! The upside? Learning that we don't need nearly as much as we think we do. I have several bags of clothes that I left in the closet in MN- I simply ran out of room. I now know that I don't need any of them. It's refreshing, really. I hope to sell many more items when our home in MN actually does sell. Less stress! :)
-Learning to live in a condo. When I was single, in my 20's, I lived in an apartment. I made a bold move to live completely alone in my mid-twenties, and it changed my life. I LOVED IT. you learn a lot about yourself when you live alone. If the kitchen is a mess, guess who's responsible? Laundry piled up? Guess what? It's time to do it, no excuses. One great perk of apartment life? Lawn service was included. Snow was shoveled. Any issues inside the apartment, and I called a maintenance person. Easy peasy!
Living in a condo, even married, with a cat and a dog, I still love it. It's a lot like that apartment life I loved. We have year round exterior maintenance, lawn service, and a pool right outside our window. Amazing. We are, however, responsible for our own maintenance. That's fine. We do also pay association fees, but there are perks to that. 24-hour security (gated community). 2 pools, that WE don't have to maintain. Cable. Beautiful landscaping.
Smaller spaces after having a home that was almost 4,000 sq ft is weird. And liberating. Looking back to our it Indiana home, guess how much of that beautiful home we actually used? Yeah, very little. But it ALL had to be cleaned weekly. Even when we moved to MN, and to a home half the size, it seemed to be too much home for us. I can clean our entire condo so fast now,that its unbelievable. I do run into storage issues, especially being a crafty girl, but I seem to be making it work. I do have an entire craft room full of things in MN, but I will make it work when it comes to that point.
-Rekindling my relationship with my husband! Probably the most important goal met this year. We were apart for about 9 months total. A weekend here and there, and a week last December. That was it! So to be in the same place, permanently, TOGETHER has been great!
So, if you're still reading (God bless ya if you made it this far without falling asleep!), lets move on. The new year is upon us! Too much happened in 2012 to list it all.
I enjoy making GOALS versus RESOLUTIONS yearly. I believe that we are ALL works in progress, and there is always room for improvement or change. I made my OFFICIAL list last night... Instead of writing them all, I am posting a picture of the note that I made on my iPad. Maybe a goal should be less lazy?! Nah.
What are YOUR goals, or goals for your family? What are some accomplishments you reached last year? Most of us don't think that way; if you stop and think about your year, you'll realize some pretty remarkable things happened!
Some of the highlights of the year in our household(s) (plural due to the major move this year):
- I drove over 20k miles this year...from Northern MN to Indiana, to our new home state of South Carolina. Add in a drive from Indiana to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for our annual trip to the family cabin (minus the hubs, who was working:( ). Trips to Cincinnati (my husbands hometown), family vacation in Kiawah Island, SC (shortest vacation we have driven to in years, around 2 hours down the coast from us). I am thankful for a good car to drive, one that I don't feel worried one bit about. If I keep this up,though, I will need new tires sooner than later!
- We managed to become a little more "green". I was introduced to Norwex, a cleaning and beauty line of products. We have (almost) completely weaned ourselves off of paper towels. I began making our laundry soap (SO easy, much cheaper, and you use so much less!). I also attempted the dishwasher soap, but have yet to find the "just right" mix for us. Also,in the dishwasher, we began using white vinegar for the rinse agent (instead of Jetdry).
Using the "Enviro cloth" and the "polishing cloth" from Norwex, I can clean our house using just water. Sounds too good to be true, but there is science behind it, and I have become a fan. Using no chemicals to clean, I find that the house doesn't get as dusty either.
Instead of fabric softener (which I learned is horrible for our skin and clothing, as well as dryer sheets), I now use white vinegar in our wash. I promise, though, our clothes don't smell like pickles. :) I also began air-drying more items. I purchased a used drying rack from a great rummage sale group we had in the area of MN we lived in, for $5. It has become an invaluable member of our family! For the dryer, since we discontinued the use of dryer sheets, I made felted wool dryer balls. Wool wicks away the water, reduces static cling, and reduces drying time (over-drying is the biggest amuse for static cling. I've gotten used to reducing the drying temp and time into increments).
-Not selling our home, and still moving. What a pain! I managed to get a hitch installed on my car, rented a U-haul trailer and crammed it full of things that I thought we would need or use. Daily, I find myself saying "we have a ______....in MN". I HATE purchasing things twice! I've tried to avoid it as much as possible, but it is hard! The upside? Learning that we don't need nearly as much as we think we do. I have several bags of clothes that I left in the closet in MN- I simply ran out of room. I now know that I don't need any of them. It's refreshing, really. I hope to sell many more items when our home in MN actually does sell. Less stress! :)
-Learning to live in a condo. When I was single, in my 20's, I lived in an apartment. I made a bold move to live completely alone in my mid-twenties, and it changed my life. I LOVED IT. you learn a lot about yourself when you live alone. If the kitchen is a mess, guess who's responsible? Laundry piled up? Guess what? It's time to do it, no excuses. One great perk of apartment life? Lawn service was included. Snow was shoveled. Any issues inside the apartment, and I called a maintenance person. Easy peasy!
Living in a condo, even married, with a cat and a dog, I still love it. It's a lot like that apartment life I loved. We have year round exterior maintenance, lawn service, and a pool right outside our window. Amazing. We are, however, responsible for our own maintenance. That's fine. We do also pay association fees, but there are perks to that. 24-hour security (gated community). 2 pools, that WE don't have to maintain. Cable. Beautiful landscaping.
Smaller spaces after having a home that was almost 4,000 sq ft is weird. And liberating. Looking back to our it Indiana home, guess how much of that beautiful home we actually used? Yeah, very little. But it ALL had to be cleaned weekly. Even when we moved to MN, and to a home half the size, it seemed to be too much home for us. I can clean our entire condo so fast now,that its unbelievable. I do run into storage issues, especially being a crafty girl, but I seem to be making it work. I do have an entire craft room full of things in MN, but I will make it work when it comes to that point.
-Rekindling my relationship with my husband! Probably the most important goal met this year. We were apart for about 9 months total. A weekend here and there, and a week last December. That was it! So to be in the same place, permanently, TOGETHER has been great!
So, if you're still reading (God bless ya if you made it this far without falling asleep!), lets move on. The new year is upon us! Too much happened in 2012 to list it all.
I enjoy making GOALS versus RESOLUTIONS yearly. I believe that we are ALL works in progress, and there is always room for improvement or change. I made my OFFICIAL list last night... Instead of writing them all, I am posting a picture of the note that I made on my iPad. Maybe a goal should be less lazy?! Nah.
What are YOUR goals, or goals for your family? What are some accomplishments you reached last year? Most of us don't think that way; if you stop and think about your year, you'll realize some pretty remarkable things happened!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
I feel some changes brewing!
With 2013 upon us, what are some changes you will be implementing?? My inspiration for change is happening, and my list is brewing...I will share the list before the new year! I don't do "resolutions", but rather "goals" for the new year. For example, years ago one of my goals was to change my own oil in my car. And I did it! And I will never do it again. But I did it! :)
Start your wheels turning. Think about personal changes, professional changes. Parenting changes. We can all improve at something-- it's worth a shot, right?!
Start your wheels turning. Think about personal changes, professional changes. Parenting changes. We can all improve at something-- it's worth a shot, right?!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Got juice?
No, not roids, silly. Juice! Not the overly-processed, "pretend" fruit juices either.
Let me get a little more into details here, folks. I have to be honest, and say that the People who juice and drink green smoothies have scared me in the past. But I suppose that was only because I assumed that the drinks were gross and I was intimidated by juicing in general.
Yesterday I stumbled across a documentary on Hulu Plus titled "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead". I had seen a friend mention it on her Facebook page, but had forgotten to check it out. Well, while I was knitting my perpetual project, the modern knitted granny square afghan, I decided I would give it a view. And wow. I mean it. Following the host, Joe, on this journey is amazing. Add to it the fact that he's Australian and not to hard on the eyes by the end, it's even more interesting! :) The film was very informative, but not in a "I'm-smart-and-you're-a-moron" type of way. It simplified the way food should be viewed. Micro foods/nutrients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans. And then there are the macro foods/nutrients. Yeah, basically all those gooey, yummy sugar and overly-processed goodies that most of us have lived on for years. Yikes. Without writing another novel-length blog post, I will just suggest to check it out. The website is www.fatsickandnearlydead.com . I believe you can actually watch the film directly on the website.
Well, now that all that juicing doesn't scare me, what do I do?? I will give it a try. I don't know that I can ever be one of those super green people, you know the ones, they eat all organic, all green, all vegan diets?! Yeah, don't think I will be there. BUT, I would like to continue to evolve my food habits. We are a constant work in progress, right? So I will juice!
I stopped at the nearest farmer's market today, and while they didn't have a ton of what I was looking for (which I'm not really even 100% sure what I'm even looking for, let's be honest here!) I did find some red beets, fresh peaches, tomatoes, and red raspberries. I had a scheduled trip to Target planned, so I picked up some more fresh produce (although I know the nutrients won't be as good in these items, since they are picked way before they are ripe to assure they make it to the store at the peak of ripeness) I figured it was better than nothing, right? So I picked up granny smith apples, bananas, cantaloupe, strawberries, celery and Greek yogurt (for the green smoothies, not for juicing). Tomorrow, I am on the lookout for kale, carrots, lettuce, and hard telling what else. Oh, and maybe a juicer? Hmm, that may help! :)
Stay tuned for more on my newest "craft"....juicing and making green smoothies!
Lord help us all!
Xoxo,
B
Let me get a little more into details here, folks. I have to be honest, and say that the People who juice and drink green smoothies have scared me in the past. But I suppose that was only because I assumed that the drinks were gross and I was intimidated by juicing in general.
Yesterday I stumbled across a documentary on Hulu Plus titled "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead". I had seen a friend mention it on her Facebook page, but had forgotten to check it out. Well, while I was knitting my perpetual project, the modern knitted granny square afghan, I decided I would give it a view. And wow. I mean it. Following the host, Joe, on this journey is amazing. Add to it the fact that he's Australian and not to hard on the eyes by the end, it's even more interesting! :) The film was very informative, but not in a "I'm-smart-and-you're-a-moron" type of way. It simplified the way food should be viewed. Micro foods/nutrients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans. And then there are the macro foods/nutrients. Yeah, basically all those gooey, yummy sugar and overly-processed goodies that most of us have lived on for years. Yikes. Without writing another novel-length blog post, I will just suggest to check it out. The website is www.fatsickandnearlydead.com . I believe you can actually watch the film directly on the website.
Well, now that all that juicing doesn't scare me, what do I do?? I will give it a try. I don't know that I can ever be one of those super green people, you know the ones, they eat all organic, all green, all vegan diets?! Yeah, don't think I will be there. BUT, I would like to continue to evolve my food habits. We are a constant work in progress, right? So I will juice!
I stopped at the nearest farmer's market today, and while they didn't have a ton of what I was looking for (which I'm not really even 100% sure what I'm even looking for, let's be honest here!) I did find some red beets, fresh peaches, tomatoes, and red raspberries. I had a scheduled trip to Target planned, so I picked up some more fresh produce (although I know the nutrients won't be as good in these items, since they are picked way before they are ripe to assure they make it to the store at the peak of ripeness) I figured it was better than nothing, right? So I picked up granny smith apples, bananas, cantaloupe, strawberries, celery and Greek yogurt (for the green smoothies, not for juicing). Tomorrow, I am on the lookout for kale, carrots, lettuce, and hard telling what else. Oh, and maybe a juicer? Hmm, that may help! :)
Stay tuned for more on my newest "craft"....juicing and making green smoothies!
Lord help us all!
Xoxo,
B
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Not sure what I'm getting myself into!!:/
So, started this blog awhile back to track my crafting, and life,endeavors...guess I should work on that, eh?! (did I mention that I am still living in Northern MN?)
We are in transition to our new life in coastal, beautiful, sometimes sweltering South Carolina. I.cannot.wait. Hubs is (and has been since December) already residing and working there. I, on the other hand, am in limbo. I didn't even like that game in elementary school gym class, or at the roller rink when I was younger, so you can imagine my uncontrollable JOY dealing with it now! :) I'm ready to reside in one state again (other than the states of wacky/ crazy, which I will ALWAYS be fond of!). I'm ready to have a regular job. I'm tired of people thinking (and commenting out loud, bless their hearts) about how lucky I am to be on "vacation" and not have to work. To those comments I supply the following responses:
1. It's hardly a vacation. While dealing with all things real estate in MN, selling excess items before we move, coordinating efforts to make sure all is well everywhere, while worrying about finances, the house that STILL hasn't sold, renting a place in SC, worrying about how long we will even BE in SC, etc...I am a stressed out mess. Sure, under the concealer of a huge margarita, home-brewed beer, or super-classy box of wine I seem calm. Ha! Hardly. I'm wound tight anyway, and I like order and routine. #thisisfreakingdrivingmecrazyjustsoyouknowandstopcallingitadamnvacation
2. As far as the "so lucky you don't have to work or worry about money" comment...I should kick your teeth in, seriously. Am I waltzing around like one of the Real Housewives of Orange freaking County?! No. I drive a Toyota,, not a Mercedes, thanks. And I've even looked into downsizing that, or getting a hybrid. My clothes? Hardly from Rodeo Drive, sweetie. More like TJ Maxx, Target, or things I have acquired through the years and have taken care of. And not worrying about money?! Again, I am a tightly-wound girl. I have student loans to pay, EVERY SINGLE MONTH. Other bills as well. And for the not working, do you even know me? Probably not if you can remotely make a comment like that with a straight face. I do 2 direct selling businesses, and "craft for money" (hey, it's legal!;). Just because I'm not currently punching a clock doesn't mean that I'm not making money. I've always enjoyed working and (more than likely) always will. But thanks for commenting on my fabulous life (insert sarcastic eye roll here).
Ok, ok...off my soapbox!
I just returned to MN for a few weeks after being gone for about a month and a half. I first made the drive to SC (25 hour drive, just in case you were wondering) with the dog, Clue, and the cat that came with our house when we moved here to MN, Murphy. Murphy had never been in the car longer than to be taken to the vet and to be taken home from the vet. Poor little buggar! He made it to beautiful Pawleys Island, SC and has adjusted well. Although he isn't allowed outside at all there like he was in MN (mainly to chase bugs until a noise scared him and he ran back to the door to be let in).
The second part of my journey entailed heading to Indiana for an overnight at my BFF's new home and then a road trip to the U.P. of Michigan with my mom for a few days to see family. Then...back to Indiana (my home state and home town!) to spend a few weeks with my BFF who had surgery in early June and was off in medical leave. I promised I wouldn't make her laugh her guts out (literally) if I could stay with her. They also have a dog similar sized to my Clue, and it turned out they loved each other!
I left Indiana last Tuesday, and Clue was sad...see attached picture. That is Clue looking for Kara as we were leaving, sad face.
Upon coming back to MN, I was hardly excited. First, the drive. Worlds most boring drive, ever. People of Wisconsin, please put something interesting or remotely interesting on this drive, will ya? Thanks. Walking into our house in MN was disappointing. I expected to be a little excited, like I was actually returning home. Didn't happen. It's just not home anymore . Home is where ever we are together. And it's not MN anymore! Ha!
So, I have decided that I will be returning to SC, on a more permanent basis. Can I get an amen?! (thanks for all of those who are playing along). I am lucky enough to have a wonderful friend who has watched the house for us, making sure it is show-ready for any interested parties. She has agreed to continue watching the house for us! So thankful and grateful!!
I didn't realize this post would turn into some sort of epic novel! If you've made it this far, you deserve some sort of medal, I swear. But I suppose it means you actually care...or are horribly bored.
God bless ya, either way.
I promise you crafts in the next post! :)
Xoxo,
B
We are in transition to our new life in coastal, beautiful, sometimes sweltering South Carolina. I.cannot.wait. Hubs is (and has been since December) already residing and working there. I, on the other hand, am in limbo. I didn't even like that game in elementary school gym class, or at the roller rink when I was younger, so you can imagine my uncontrollable JOY dealing with it now! :) I'm ready to reside in one state again (other than the states of wacky/ crazy, which I will ALWAYS be fond of!). I'm ready to have a regular job. I'm tired of people thinking (and commenting out loud, bless their hearts) about how lucky I am to be on "vacation" and not have to work. To those comments I supply the following responses:
1. It's hardly a vacation. While dealing with all things real estate in MN, selling excess items before we move, coordinating efforts to make sure all is well everywhere, while worrying about finances, the house that STILL hasn't sold, renting a place in SC, worrying about how long we will even BE in SC, etc...I am a stressed out mess. Sure, under the concealer of a huge margarita, home-brewed beer, or super-classy box of wine I seem calm. Ha! Hardly. I'm wound tight anyway, and I like order and routine. #thisisfreakingdrivingmecrazyjustsoyouknowandstopcallingitadamnvacation
2. As far as the "so lucky you don't have to work or worry about money" comment...I should kick your teeth in, seriously. Am I waltzing around like one of the Real Housewives of Orange freaking County?! No. I drive a Toyota,, not a Mercedes, thanks. And I've even looked into downsizing that, or getting a hybrid. My clothes? Hardly from Rodeo Drive, sweetie. More like TJ Maxx, Target, or things I have acquired through the years and have taken care of. And not worrying about money?! Again, I am a tightly-wound girl. I have student loans to pay, EVERY SINGLE MONTH. Other bills as well. And for the not working, do you even know me? Probably not if you can remotely make a comment like that with a straight face. I do 2 direct selling businesses, and "craft for money" (hey, it's legal!;). Just because I'm not currently punching a clock doesn't mean that I'm not making money. I've always enjoyed working and (more than likely) always will. But thanks for commenting on my fabulous life (insert sarcastic eye roll here).
Ok, ok...off my soapbox!
I just returned to MN for a few weeks after being gone for about a month and a half. I first made the drive to SC (25 hour drive, just in case you were wondering) with the dog, Clue, and the cat that came with our house when we moved here to MN, Murphy. Murphy had never been in the car longer than to be taken to the vet and to be taken home from the vet. Poor little buggar! He made it to beautiful Pawleys Island, SC and has adjusted well. Although he isn't allowed outside at all there like he was in MN (mainly to chase bugs until a noise scared him and he ran back to the door to be let in).
The second part of my journey entailed heading to Indiana for an overnight at my BFF's new home and then a road trip to the U.P. of Michigan with my mom for a few days to see family. Then...back to Indiana (my home state and home town!) to spend a few weeks with my BFF who had surgery in early June and was off in medical leave. I promised I wouldn't make her laugh her guts out (literally) if I could stay with her. They also have a dog similar sized to my Clue, and it turned out they loved each other!
I left Indiana last Tuesday, and Clue was sad...see attached picture. That is Clue looking for Kara as we were leaving, sad face.
Upon coming back to MN, I was hardly excited. First, the drive. Worlds most boring drive, ever. People of Wisconsin, please put something interesting or remotely interesting on this drive, will ya? Thanks. Walking into our house in MN was disappointing. I expected to be a little excited, like I was actually returning home. Didn't happen. It's just not home anymore . Home is where ever we are together. And it's not MN anymore! Ha!
So, I have decided that I will be returning to SC, on a more permanent basis. Can I get an amen?! (thanks for all of those who are playing along). I am lucky enough to have a wonderful friend who has watched the house for us, making sure it is show-ready for any interested parties. She has agreed to continue watching the house for us! So thankful and grateful!!
I didn't realize this post would turn into some sort of epic novel! If you've made it this far, you deserve some sort of medal, I swear. But I suppose it means you actually care...or are horribly bored.
God bless ya, either way.
I promise you crafts in the next post! :)
Xoxo,
B
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