Blizzard of 2010

I was going to say our first snow but it's about our 5th at this point. This one's a doozy though.

Let's back track to yesterday before we talk about all this snow. Yesterday was Christmas. It was a whirlwind of a day but it was so nice. Good food, mimosa's and turkey soup. Ok, we didn't get our turkey soup yet but it's coming. From 8 am to 8pm it was all about family. W and I got home a little after 8 and didn't make it past 9. We were sleeping by 9:30.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program. It's been snowing since 11 this Morning. We all know the #1 rule is not to go to a grocery store but we had to go grocery shopping only because we always go on Sunday. There was no gallons of 1% milk. We had to get a half gallon. There was bread thank goodness. We did take advantage of our fancy pants grocery store where you can scan all your items and bag them as you go. At the end of your shopping you go to any register and you can check yourself out. That was nice because we didn't have to wait in line.

The rest of the day we played with our new toys, did laundry, shovel, read, shovel, watch the Patriots and shoveled. Now I'm waiting for W to finish making the chowder.

Our first Christmas 2011

Here is a picture of our tree. As I was downloading the pictures from the camera, it fell. We only had 2 ornaments broke, both which said "our first Christmas 2004". We got them when we bought the condo. Do you think the tree or house was telling us something?

Running wrap up

In 2009 my goal for running was distance. I claimed 2010 would be for speed but in the very beginning, I didn't think it would happen. Once I started the racing season, I was surprisingly successful. I really didn't think it was going to be a good year. I did several 5 and 10ks, most that I had run in the past. Each one I ran faster than the previous years.

In the summer I had taken a little break from running. I had lost that happy feeling I got when running. I didn't feel motivated and then we sold the house and I had more to do at home then to run.

I don't know if it was the time off from running or now that I have a new route but my love for running returned. I was VERY pleased.

For 2011?? Distance and speed?? I'm not sure, I already signed up for a half marathon in June and plan on running the Salem race in September. As long as I'm having fun, I'm not sure if I care either way.

Stop and smell the balsam.

It's the first day of December and I feel that it has already ended. Looking at my calendar, trying to jam everyone in our busy schedules, I think to myself, is it January 1 already??

I will try not to stress over the busyness of the season. Though me being me, this will be quiet a feat. This all started when I went for a run last night with a friend and we were marveling at all the houses with their pretty lights. I stopped (mentally, not physically) and just took in the greatness of the season. The air was crisp and the smell AWESOME. Oh yeah, you know the smell I'm talking about.

I can't wait to get our tree and start decorating. Especially now that we have our new house! I'll take pictures.

I will NOT get overcome by Christmas lists and party invites and anything else that can stress me out. Hooray, it's the December rush! Enjoy every minute of it, it will fly by!

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving.

This year we headed down to visit with W's family. We had game night both Thursday and Friday night. I think I'm all game nighted out. We got home late last night and I am pooped. It was a lovely time. I gained 5 lbs in one day!

Today we are going to our nephew D's 3rd birthday. Don't tell him but I got him a sit and spin. I totally wanted to try it out. I didn't.

What did everyone else do?

Weed pulling

Friday I went to my Grandparents house for my Grandmother's birthday. It was so nice to see everyone. Originally the party was for 8 people. That escalated to 40 people! My aunt and uncle from VA came up, W2 was their with her kids. So was S and P with theirs. The food was awesome.

I got home late last night. Slept in a little then went to work on the lawn. Pulling weeds, poison sumac, and small trees. I think we just gained a little more yard!

We are beat now. Just waiting for the game to start. Gotta love fall!

Homeowning bliss

We are 2 months in from our move-in date. We've been enjoying every minute of it. Well, not every minute (see 2 entries ago). Our lawn mower died and had to get a new one. If that's the small stuff, we'll take it.

We raked today. I also ran a road race. I made a personal best at 28:50 for a 5k. I am pumped. Oh, and I am tired. All worth it, I love to play outside. We have a little more raking to do tomorrow.

Slowly the house is being decorated. We're getting there!

Hard work turns into pretty colors

Here are the photo's of the rooms I painted. Now, I did not decorate so that's why you are only getting a smidge of what they look like. Once I'm happy with wall hangings and furniture I'll post the whole rooms.

Vacation

This past week W and I were on vacation. E painted. W helped. W raked. E painted. W made apple crisp. E painted. W make chowder. E painted. A total of 4 rooms have been painted. E can decorate now.

E needs another vacation. Pictures will be posted soon. She just needs to take them first.

3 years

W back again and today marks our 3rd anniversary. I still remember that 85 degree October day standing in a tuxedo in a church with no air conditioning thinking, "Yes this is how it will be for the rest of my life.... standing around sweating my waiting @$$ off waiting for this woman to get ready."

It has been the best 3 years of waiting around, I have ever had in my life. I hope you grandmother was right at there 75th anniversary when she told me we would get there someday. I love you E.

3840

That's how many people visited our isoldmyhouse.com website from the day we started, March 30, 2008 to the day we stopped, June 28, 2010. We had our condo on the market for 820 days. Now mind you, I visited the site daily to see how many people viewed our condo.

We averaged about 3.6 visitors a day.

There's your facts for the day.

Birthday and parties and paint

Last Tuesday was my birthday. W took me out to eat and got me a wicked cool gift. I love it! Saturday we had a house warming party for the family. The weather was great, the food was sooooo yummy, and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Afterwards we went to M and L's house for some pizza and game night.

We've been pretty busy with the unpacking and now it's time to paint. I have to pick out colors for the bedroom, kitchen and living room. that's the fun part. The not so fun is the actual painting. We are on vacation in a few weeks so guess what we're doing??

7150

We didn't really get into too many details on how much hell the mortgage company put us through but here's one example.

8/21/10

Mortgage Company: We notice that there was a deposit of $7150 into your checking, where did that come from?

Us: The $7,000 was from our savings account and the $150 was from a health insurance benefit.

Mortgage Company: We need the paperwork that shows that it came from your savings

Us: I just faxed you all the paper work.

8/23/10

Mortgage Company: We notice that there was a deposit of $7150 into your checking, where did that come from?

Us: The $7,000 was from our savings account and the $150 was from a health insurance benefit.

Mortgage Company: We need the paperwork that shows that it came from your savings

Us: I faxed that to you on the 21st, do you need it again.

Mortgage Company: Yes

8/25/10

Mortgage Company: We notice that there was a deposit of $7150 into your checking, where did that come from?

Us: I faxed the supporting paper work on the 23rd. Would you like me to fax it again?

Mortgage Company: Yes

NO LIE

8/28/10

Mortgage Company: We notice that there was a deposit of $7150 into your checking, where did that come from?

Us: REALLY???!!!

And that's just one example.

We are moved!!!!

W back again and we have done it, we have moved into the new house. Moving day was tough, at 98 degrees outside. But thanks to some great family members pitching in we got through it. Thanks to both moms, brother m + brother S and to cousin R.

We are now spending the weekend unpacking, cleaning and making all those little changes that make a house your own.

Hope you all get a chance to come by and see the place soon, you know before we mess it up.

Yeah us!

More waiting

It's a GORGEOUS Saturday and I'm wasting it in the condo. The POD people called last night and said they'd be here between 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. It's now 12:25, where are they?

I did get up early to go for a run, perfect weather for it. I then had to go to the bank because, surprise, surprise, the mortgage company needed a copy of a check we deposited. I was the first one in line. I was also worried that the POD people would call and tell me they're on their way while at the bank. Apparently that was a waste of worry. I could have been worrying about something else:)

I'm trying to pack more things but I have no newspaper and of course all the things left are kitchen breakable stuff like mugs, glasses and plates. I would go to the store and buy a newspaper but nooooooooooooooooo, got to wait for the POD.

I think my patience have grown through this whole experience. I haven't waited around this much in my life since we decided to sell the condo.

Ok, it's 12:30, should I call now or wait a few more minutes?

12 days and counting

We haven't heard peep from any of the parties involved of the selling/buying front. It's like the calm before the storm. The appraisal for the new home was last night. I'm picturing the mortgage company calling and telling us the house isn't worth what we are paying so we can't get a mortgage.

The POD is showing up on Saturday. I hope they call before they get there so I can tell them where to put it. The way things are going, I'm not holding my breath.

W is almost done his 2 weeks in hell at work. His manager is out on vacation and W is on his own. 10 hour days.

Is it August 31st yet?

There's no stress here

W and I are in house buying hell. First we are told our closing cost will be a said amount, THEN we get the paperwork and it's about double of what they said. I'm sorry, but who has an extra $3000 when they're buying a house. The scramble begins. We think we have enough funds for the closing. We think.

We then get passed off by our mortgage company to another mortgage company because they can't meet the date, even though they knew the date in the first place. Now that's more paperwork to fill out, more copies of accounts and checks and balances and . . . it's never ending!

On top of it all, I had to buy 4 brand new tires this past Friday. There's an expense I didn't expect.

When it rains, it pours.

Has anyone bought a house and thought "Wow, that was easy".

WAW II

First Wednesday of August which mean, it's the 2nd anual Wicked Awesome Wednesday. So get out there, treat yourself to something nice and have a Wicked Awesome Day.

Let us know how Awesome your day was.

Let's here it for Laziness and Procrstination

W back again with a great tale about how laziness and procrastination helped our dreams come true.

It all started with our condo being up for sale for more than a year without selling. E and I had had our fill of showings and were ready to give in and take the condo off the market. E was in charge of contacting the Sellers website we were using and found out there was a bunch of forms she needed to fill out in order to remove the condo from the MLS listing. Being lazy she decided to just let it stay on there. Low and behold with in a week we got another request for a showing. This turned into an offer and we sold.

During this same time we decided since we weren't going to be moving we should use our vacation time in the fall to get away and go on an honest to goodness vacation. The stress of not being able to sell was really getting to us and we needed some time away. W, that's me, was in charge of setting up the vacation details and buying the tickets and so forth. It being June and fall being a long time off W decided to procrastinate and not do any of this. That's when we get the offer and quickly find a great new house to buy. Now, we can't do the vacation thing because we are moving in the fall.

Thus our procrastination saved us from having to cancel any reservations and paying any cancellation fees and Laziness kept our condo on the Website so we could sell.

So next time Aesop starts giving you his line of crap about that Ant and that Grasshopper, you can you tell him the fable about W and E and how Laziness and Procrastination saved the day.

Finally!!!

Yes, this a long time coming. We finally sold!!!!!

Our closing is August 31st.

Now for the fun part, shopping for a new house. W doesn't like shopping, not even for houses. Me on the other hand, I want to see EVERYTHING. Boy, did we ever. We saw little ones, not so little (we won't call them big, we are on a budget), clean ones, dirty ones, ones that are perfect outside, not so perfect inside and vice versa.

There's a couple that I think may be for us but you'll have to wait for the next blog.

Worst Office Building Ever

W back again with a tale of terror. I am convinced that my office building is out to get me. Over the last 2 weeks it has attacked again and again. First the A/C goes out on a 90 + degree day and was out all day. At lunch I went out into the 100 degree weather to cool off. Just as I'm leaving that night it mysteriously comes back on.

About 3 days later, also 90 + degrees out, before I get to work the fire alarm goes off for no reason. This shuts off the elevators and the A/C both. Now I get to walk to the top floor in a sweltering stair well.

Then finally the next day I get to work and one entire bank of lights on my floor doesn't work. Yes the bank of lights right over my desk.

I don't know what I did to that building but it evidently feels I wronged it.

Thankfully I am on vacation for 2 weeks. Hopefully the building will have chosen another victim by then.

It's W's turn

He said he'd right the next blog. Please post comments encouraging him.

Happy 4th of July

I started my 4th with a bang! I did the Harvard Pilgrim 10k in Foxborough stadium. It was VERY hot, about 85 when the race started. I did ok. It's a great, easy course but with the temps where they were, I just couldn't go any faster.

The good news is that I got a personal best at 10:01 pace. NICE.

Here are some pictures of the festivities. The finish line was in the stadium and I got to run through the blow up helmet that the Patriots players run through at the beginning of a game.

Getting out of jail

W's Mom just got out of jail. We've been been waiting for years for this to happen. Did I mention she worked there? She now retired!

Last Wednesday was her last day. W and I took her out to dinner. Then, on Sunday, we threw a big party for her. Friends and family sat around, ate good food, played some cornhole, and enjoyed some libations.

It was a great day. Probably more for her because we all had to go to work this week.

Catch up

There's been a lot going on in the last week and a half. I just don't have a moment to write them all out so you may have to wait a few more days.

Keep stopping by!

Nothing new to report

back to you Jim.

Wonderful surprises

I don’t think I’ve ever told the story on how W and I met.


Let me take you back to October 1999. I was going out with a friend of mine, G, and her now husband-but-was-her-boyfriend-at-the-time, T. We had plans of going to a Halloween party that their friend W was throwing. Now, I have heard of this W but never met him. It seemed every time I went out with G and T, W didn't and vice versa. This went on for several years. Finally, I got to meet this W character.


We showed up around 10ish to find the party already in full swing. I was wearing a cute little nurses outfit that I borrowed from my BFF, S (she’s a nurse), stethoscope and all! I met a lovely couple that had recently got engaged, he was Frankenstein, she was Frankenstein’s wife. I also, for the first time, finally, met W. He was dressed as Paul Bunion (beard and all;). My first impression was he’s kinda cute, too bad for that beard. What attracted to me the most was his eyes, they were so full of compassion (or vodka, I’m not sure which).


Well, that was basically our first time meeting. W was full of vodka or something close to it that he doesn’t even remember meeting me. So much for first impressions, huh?


Fast forward to September 2000. G and T were getting married. They decided to have a little dinner and some drinks with friends to celebrate. It was G, T, W, me, and G’s roommate T. As dinner was going on, I noticed when W told his stories he’d only look at me. Strange.


We all went out for drinks afterwards and now it was my turn to be full of vodka or something close to it. Had I only known, I probably wouldn’t of drank that much. In the end, it really didn’t matter. Both of us planned on staying at G’s apartment that night. He was very sweet to offer me the couch but since I had plenty of drinky-poos I knew that the love seat wasn't going to stop me from sleeping.


The very next Morning W got up early because he had a family function to go to. As I watched him leave I thought “there goes another man, walking out of my life”. OK, I just thought it was funny because he was leaving not so much leaving my life but little did I know how funny it would be.


Two weeks later I get a phone call, it went something like this:


HithisisWImetyoulastweekatG’shouseIwaswonderingifyou’dliketogooutsometime.


Yes, there was no pausing. As he’s saying all this I was thinking “ok, I don’t know who this is but don’t make him feel bad and say something nice”


Then I say (and yes, I thought this was sounding nice – IN MY HEAD):
“That sounds wonderful but I don’t know who you are”


Long pause


W:
This is W, I met you last week at G’s party. I was wondering if you like to go out sometime.


E:
OH, I remember you, I thought you were this married guy* I met at another party (true but didn’t need to tell him that).


We made plans for the next weekend and the rest is history.


When life isn’t going my way or when I think “why did this happen to me???” I think of this story and it reminds me how life can bring you wonderful surprises. I never imagined that this funny, cute guy, with the compassionate blue eyes I met at that Halloween party would be my future husband. Things just happen. The Frankenstein couple, yah, my future Brother and Sister in law. In the end, everything works out even if you don’t have a clue why they happen at that time.


Thank you dear for being my wonderful surprise. I love you.










__________________________________
Some notes:
*I went to a work party with a friend that happened to have the name G too. There was a married guy that talked to me the WHOLE night. His wife was hosting the party so he had no one to talk to. I just heard the word G and assumed it was this friend.


Three years into dating I found out that the night we went out with G and T, W and I were set up on a blind date. W found out right before I showed up. This is why he was only looking at me when he told his stories.

We're weighting, we're weighting. . .

I've decided I wanted to be my college weight again. It's a measly 10 lbs. but I've been fighting them for about 10 years. So I've joined weight watchers. So far so good. I lost 4 lbs. I'm almost half way there!

For those who don't know how it works, food are points and you get a certain amount of points per day. Some odd things i've noticed, peanuts have less points than almonds, though I believe almonds are better for you. Bananas have more points than a pear even though pears have more sugar. hmmmm.

I'm really, really hungry.

OH, and you get exercise points. Running for an hour only gives you 4 points. AND you have to use up all your eating points before your exercise points kick in.

Only 6 to go!

Weekly wrap up

Ok, here it goes. This is for last week.

E's week:
Things have been wicked busy at work. That's over because of my co worker is returning from paternity leave. I also gained an intern. So far so good.

W's week:
Worked sucked.

E and W's weekend:
W had to work on Saturday. We went to M and L's house for a cookout on Saturday night. Sunday we did errands, went to the gym and enjoyed each other's company.

It's only Tuesday, the weather has been freaking fantastic. I ran 6 miles last night and 5 tonight. I may do another 6 tomorrow. I could get used to this.

The weather's been so nice but we haven't grilled yet because we have a bees nest in the grill. W sprayed so now we have to clean the grill. We'll probably do that on Saturday.

Hair today

W was in great need of a hair cut but the barbers was closed. He'd had asked me in the past to do it but I wasn't very confident about the whole thing.


But then, there's this great thing out there called the Internet. The Internet can give you all kinds of knowledge. It can even tell you how to cut hair. I watched a 5 minute video and wa-la, I now know how to cut hair.

I guess I should of asked W how he'd like his hair done because 2 minutes in me doing it he asked "are you giving me a buzz cut??!!"

I told you we were busy bees!

I can't believe it's already Thursday.

Let see, weekend wrap up - Friday night was fun, as usual with W2. I'm lucky to have a sister like her. We were up late chatting and up early with the kids. We had tons of fun though!

Saturday afternoons birthday party was fun. Our nephew A was so cute, he wanted to open present that he even helped up with cleaning. I have to tell ya, he's a good picker upper. I guess anyone would be if there's presents involved.

Sunday I had my road race and I did AWESOME! I did 5 miles in 47 minutes. My best time yet. I totally needed that going into my work hell week.

Yes, it's been H-E-double hockey sticks. AND I have to do it again next week. At least it's a short one.

For this weekend, I'm going out with BFF -S. Other than that, absolutely nothing! Yay!

Busy bees

Work week May 17-21 was pretty bad. Work week May 24- June 4 is going to be worse. I'm on my own for 2 weeks while my colleague is on paternity leave. I do have a temp but that won't keep me from being stressed. I have a HUGE campaign I'm working on and I have 5 days to come up with about 6 concepts. I should buy the wine by the box. That may help.

Tomorrow I'm going out to dinner with W2 and KB. Let the fruity drinks flow!

Bonus is I get a chance to see the boys. Saturday is Mom and nephew A's birthday party. I'll see the other boys too! But wait, there's more! The girls will be at the party too! I get the fill of my nieces and nephews all in one weekend.

Sunday I have a road race. It's a 5 miler. My running buddy R will be joining me along with some friends from back in the day. I hope the weather stays nice.

W has to work on Saturday. Perhaps he'll chime in on today's blog on what he plans to do while I'm off gallivanting.

Maybe clean the floors? The tub?? The possibilities are endless!!

May flies

I can't believe we are already in the middle of May. Weather's been OK. 90 one week, 50 the next.

I've been sick the last few weeks but continued to run. For those weeks, I kinda lost my love for running. I just was doing it because I felt I had to, opposed to wanting to. I was starting to think that my running days were over. Well, this last Saturday once my Mom and W's Mom left from their visit, I felt the urge to run. Wanting to run.

Well, it was an awesome run, I was smiling and happy that that is the feeling I like when I'm out there hitting the pavement. Sunday was just as satisfying. I guess it was due to my illness. Phew.

The next few weeks will be busy for us. Lots of birthdays and plans.

Seize the day (W2 do not get too excited, it's not what you think)

January 1, 1991. That was the date of my last doughnut. After I ate that doughnut I told myself that since they are so bad for me, my next doughnut will be when I turned 80. After about 10 years I thought that was a little too extreme. So I moved the date to when I was pregnant (I'm not). As time is going by and my chances of having a family are getting slim, I moved the date to when I was 40.

The more and more I thought of it, I keep moving the date but what if I don't have a family? What if I don't turn 40? I took this as a sign of God (yes, he likes doughnuts too:). I should live the moment, seize the day, have a damn doughnut.

My first choice was a chocolate filled. Many Dunkin Donuts don't have them but I do know the one down the street occasionally do. Unfortunately, they didn't have them. W being the best husband in the world, fed into my delusion and suggested we try another one. So, back in the car and off to Bellingham we go. They didn't have it either.

Is this another sign?

Yes!

Life doesn't always go according to plan. Suck it up and move on.

I choose a glazed doughnut. After eating it, I choose well.

Will I have another doughnut when I hit a milestone? YES! Will I have one in between? - Maybe but when that day comes and I feel like having a doughnut, instead of making excuses, I will seize the day.

When hunger strikes

I think it's weird when on certain days your more hungry than others. There are some days that I don't even think about snack time and then there are the days where it's 9 am and I'm ready for lunch.

Since W and I eat around 7:30 I have to eat lunch later. What do I do on those days where it's 11:30 in the morning and I still have 2 hours before I should eat lunch?? I sometimes resort to having a coffee. For some reason warm liquids hold of the hunger for at least a half an hour. I don't resort snacking because it's not really going to fill me up and it's a waste of calories.

Tonight we are having chicken quesadillas. Yum!

Now, back to work. Only 45 minutes until lunch. I hope I make it.

Tuesday's update

Sunday I ran with college roomie C at her first 5k. She did an awesome job finishing around 37 minutes. It was 90 out so not too shabby.

This coming Saturday W and I are taking out Mom's our for Mother's Day. W is working so us girls get to do a little shopping before lunch. Yay!

Anyone doing anything special for Mom's Day?

Feeling better

E here. I'm feeling much more like myself now. W escaped from getting sick too. The house has a nice sheen of Lysol. We should be safe.

I'm slowing getting back into running. I ran 1 mile yesterday and will attempt 3 tonight. Slowly. I'm running another race on Sunday with my college roommate C. It's her first race. I heard it's going to be hot!

Groton 2010

This is my second try at the Groton 10k. Last year it was 90 degrees out, this year, I had a chest cold. Apparently I run better with a cold than in the heat. I took 2 minutes off my time from last year. I was trying to do under a 10 minute mile but came in at 10:14. I'm angry but I couldn't breathe. Just in case you didn't know, breathing is important. I met up with some friends from the past. That's me on the right.

There's always next year.

Disappointment

W back again. I was so looking forward to baseball season starting and being able to indulge myself in watching my Red Sox. Unfortunately Major League Baseball and the Red Sox have combined to thwart me.

First MLB has given the Red Sox a full week of mid-week day games that I couldn't watch because, surprisingly I have a job that requires I work weekdays. Then the games I have watched the Sox have played the worst baseball I have seen them play in the past 10 years.

Well so much for baseball, better get my golf game in motion and try to salvage my spring.

Anyone doing some fun things this spring??

Weekend travels

The weekend W and I are traveling to upstate New York for my Grandparents 70th Wedding Anniversary. My cousin H graciously offered his house to host the party. I'm very excited that my family from VA will be there since I don't get to see them too often.

We are leaving early Saturday Morning and returning in the evening. I'm guessing I'll be grumpy by Saturday night. I'm guessing W will be too.

Sunday W's Mom is coming to visit for lunch and watch the Sox game.

Monday is all about relaxing.

Yet another week goes by

Last Saturday I went shopping with my sister W2. 8 hours of shopping. Boy, I was pooped but the good news is that I didn't break the bank and I got a whole lot of new clothes.

Sunday W and I watched Up. I highly recommend it.

There was more that happened in the last week, I just can't remember what. Is that bad?

Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months. . .

Wake up, gym, work, home, make dinner, eat dinner, clean up dinner, watch an hour of tv, bedtime.

That's been our schedule. Talk about a rut. We need some good excitement. I put good because there's different types of excitement and we don't want or need any of the negative kind.

C'mooooooooon excitement. We're ready.

Theatre

W back again, and we saw "How To Tame Your Dragon.". The movie was good, I however was impressed with the Cinema. Patriot Place cinema is the nicest cinema I have ever been in. The place was clean, the seats where way too comfortable for a theatre (or any place with low lighting, I was ready to take a nap sitting in them), they had real food not just popcorn and candy, and they had a section with tables and chairs where you could actually sit down and eat it. They had a bar with piano, that wasn't open at 11:00 am when we were there. (Come on people it's noon somewhere) The best part was the condiment bar where they had shake on flavors for your popcorn, including Garlic Parmesan, Nacho, Cheddar and Kettle Corn. Very nice and very adult oriented. Sometimes I think theatre forget adults go there too.

Every time I venture down to the Krafts complex near Gillette Stadium I become more impressed with how well they do their business. They turned one of the worst football franchises into one of the best and now they are turning one of the worst stadium locations in football into a entertainment destination. Impressive.

Happy Easter!

This week seemed to fly by. It raining all week put a damper on my running plans but the weekend will make up for it. I did get to run on Saturday and Sunday, all bundled up in my winter running gear. I'm looking forward to this weekend where I'll get to wear t-shirts and shorts. Go New England weather!

In my last post I mentioned that I forgot about the fire alarm testing, well, we got a letter and a second chance. I won't forget this time!

W and I are going to see How to train your Dragon. I think W is hoping I changed my mind about getting a family Dragon as a pet. I'm still not sure, the insurance rates for having one of those is outrageous. We'll see (don't give up yet W).

I'm guessing golf is in our weekend plans also. Sunday we are going to my Mom's house for Easter. W is VERY concerned that we won't be home for Opening Day. I plan on being very full and very comfy on my own couch for that.

Waiting around

Our condo association does a yearly check of all smoke alarms. This year I accidentally forgot about it. I thought it was today, Friday, but it was Tuesday. I wondered where I got Friday so I reread the announcement. On top of doing the smoke alarms they were also doing radon testing. They have to leave a little kit behind and they were picking them up on Friday. DOH! So I'm sitting around this morning waiting to see if they'll come anyways to check the fire alarms.

I'm a little po'd because the letter they sent said they would charge anyone $300 if they couldn't get into the unit. I really hope it's an empty threat. I guess I'll wait and see.

We had a couple come see the place yesterday. We were supposed to have another couple come but they never showed. I don't even have to clean my house today, I am so pumped!

It's snowing out so I can't run outside. I only ran 3.5 on Sunday. That stinks, hopefully as the weekend goes on, I'll be able to sneak in a few more miles. I have to prep for my race!

Doing the Dew

W back again. E and I were at Dunks the other day. We see only 3 cars in the drive thru and since we were all sweaty coming back from the gym, decided to spare our fellow people our pungent nature by ordering at the talking box.


We order our coffees pull up and then we wait.. and wait... and wait. A good 10 minutes goes by with the person 2 cars in front of us sitting at the window. Now I'm sitting there trying to figure out what you can possibly order at a Dunks that would take 10 minutes to prepare. I can't imagine what the poor guy in front of us was thinking. When he finally gets to the window all they hand him is a Mountain Dew... That's it, a bottle of Mountain Dew... which can be purchased at any of the 3 convenience stores that are with in 100 yards of the Dunkin Donuts. Poor guy gets to the Dunks drive up and just like that he's trapped. One car in front, us behind, and no where to go. He would have been in and out of the store in less than 2 minutes. Instead ten mintes of hell. Which is what he was probably thinking the whole time we were waiting. "2 minutes if I was just willing to get out of my car" Then again maybe he was all sweaty from the gym too.

So much for that quick drink. Well at least my ice coffee was good.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Aaah, the memories of eating green chicken and potatoes. All while wearing the corsage my Mom would make us wear ever year. Would I do such a thing to my own kids?? Heck ya!

There will be no green food this evening but there is a six pack of Smithwicks getting cool as I type. It's usually frozen pizza night but perhaps I can stir up an ole Irish meal instead. Oh, who am I kidding. This is E were talking about.

The weather is gorgeous out and I'm well on my way with training for my first road race of the year. This week I'm hoping to get in 16 miles total.

Any one have any good memories of St. Paddy's day?

They don't make 'em like that anymore..

W back again and I got a big scare this morning. The talking Tick action figure, that my friend T got for me way back when we were roommates in college, didn't work this morning. For the first time in over 12 years I pressed the button on his back, and none of his witty sayings came out. I open up his battery case and one of the batteries had leaked all over his insides. Luckily a little baking soda and some elbow grease cleaned him up and got him working again.

Can't believe that those batteries lasted 12 years. Can't believe the toy has lasted 12 years and E can't believe that she has to hear Tick quotes as often as she does. (or has to see it sitting on our computer desk) Oh well, boys and their toys.

So do you have any toys or mementos that you just can't let go?

Slackers!

We promise we'll start writing more.

With this lovely weather I've been able to run outside more often. I did 5 (very slow) miles on Saturday and 3 miles on Sunday. I have a 10k coming up in April I need to train for.

I had plans to run on both Monday and Tuesday but because they were plans and plans were meant to always change, I didn't. I worked instead. Yay! 10 hour days, woo-hoo! (insert sarcasm here).

I have a thought about running today after work but that is a mere thought so who knows if it will happen.

Eek! Two weeks!

We've been busy. Busy doing what, I don't remember but I assure you, busy is what we were. Still are. I've been pulling long hours at the office. I'm not pleased because it's getting nice out and I want to play.

Someone came to see our place today. I think they hold the record on how quickly they ran through. And when I say ran, I mean ran. The realtor was very rude. The guy who was looking probably wouldn't even look at the kitchen had I not mentioned it.

Game night was last night. We got home at 2:30 and woke up at 7. I need a nap.

Happy February Birthday!

February is the busiest birthday month for W and I. My sister C starts if off on the 3rd and nephew A ends it on the 23rd. There's about 5 more birthday in between.

This weekend consisted of two party's for the above. My niece P's party was yesterday (and W's brother's actual birthday) and today's is A's (and E's brother's actual birthday). More pizza and cake that I want to admit I ate.

Good news is, that it's been warm enough for me to run outside. In turn, burn more calories. Sure I'll have another piece of cake;) No ice cream. I gave that up for Lent. Therefore, so did W.

I done seen about everything when I seen an elephant fly.

There’s an old fable about 6 blind brothers in a village who meet an elephant for the first time. Being blind they must feel the elephant to find out what it is. The brother touching the trunk claims that the elephant is a snake, the one touching the side claims it’s a wall. The brother at the foot claims it’s a tree, while the brothers at head and tail claim pot and rope respectively. They then begin to argue about what the elephant is, each sure they are right, but none able to see the whole picture.

I have always thought of and have felt that, in a way, I am that poor elephant. No one seeing me for who I truly am, just seeing that part of me they view. No one ever believing there could possibly be more to me than what they can see.
Then I met E, and for the first time in my life someone saw me for who I really am. She didn’t take a quick glance and see just a snake, a tree or a wall. She chose to look beyond the immediate and search for that hidden part me no one else seemed to car about. She saw all of me, the entire elephant. More importantly she loved what she saw. …. And that love is a magic feather and when I hold I know I can fly.

I love you E, thank you for teaching my heart to soar.
Happy Valentines Day.

Happy Birthday to W!!!!

Today is W's birthday. His presents so far are a new iPod that's blue and wicked awesome; and some money from his favorite MIL.

I'm making his cake tonight, his favorite — pistachio. I'm totally looking forward to eating that. I'll take some pictures so you can see the yumminess. We are going out to eat tonight too.

Let's all wish W and fantabulous birthday!

Creepy

W back and I am freaked out. The lady who is standing out by the road everyday has become the Crazy Psycho Lady.

I get home tonight in the middle of a snow storm, park my car and sit there checking my voicemail on my cell phone.

When I get out of my car Crazy Psycho Lady is standing right there. Not out at the front of my car or near the back, right next to the door. No sign of her when I parked, then BAM! right there when I get out. So close to the door I almost bumped her as I got out. She had been standing there too, not like she was walking by as I was getting out, just standing there looking at me.

So startled I say "Oh, what?" thinking she was waiting for me to get out, to say something to me.

Nothing........ she just stares at me.

So I'm like OK??? and walk towards the door. She then walks a circle around my car and starts walking down the hill towards where we see her standing all the time.

WTF???? Someone ease my mind and give me a rational explanation for this other than, I have a new stalker.

If I disappear one of these days check with Crazy Psycho Lady first.

2+2=chicken

I have proof that I'm the worst at math. W and I did our taxes, on the computer, no need to do any adding or subtracting, it does it all for you. At the end of us imputing our info the software tallies everything up for you and came up with us owing over $2000 in state taxes. DAMN YOU MATH!!!!

We just forgot to fill out box #17. Whoops. All is well, and we got pretty much what we got last year.

W and I had a VERY relaxing weekend. Hanging out, reading, watching some shows. W made his chili and corn bread. I try the corn bread but no chili for me, just more for him. I made pear ice cream. That was very yummy!

W2-don't read this part.

Update on the diets, I lost 5 lbs! That's all the holiday weight so now it's just a bonus if I lose anything else. W is also well on his way towards his goal.

Tax time 2010!

W and I are doing our taxes this weekend. I'm guessing it will take us about 3 hours. For some reason, when I need to do something like that on the computer it takes me twice as long than the normal person. I don't know why but I have accepted it.

Superbowl is on this weekend. W is making his chili with cornbread. I'll eat the cornbread, it's a no go for the chili. When I was a kid and my Mom would make chili, I played sick. The minute she'd start preparing the meal, I would go in the kitchen and tell her my stomach hurt. I got pb and j. Yummy!

I'm looking forward to the commercials though the game starts at 8 and I go to bed at 9. I guess I'll have to wait for Monday to see them on the Internet.

Anyone have plans for the big day?

Most Dusturbing show ever

W back again, so the other night E is staying at W2's playing with the nephews and I get stuck home with the TV for company. Flipping channels and came across Sports Jobs with Junior Seau on the Versus channel. Nothing else on that looks good and the show sounded interesting, kind of a behind the scenes look at some jobs in professional sports. It all went wrong from there.

I quickly figure out this shows sport is Horse Racing, not something I really watch or pay attention to but I keep watching. Then Junior starts talking with the track's veterinarian about how she cares for the horses. She says they are going to show us how to castrate a horse.

WHAT!!!!!!!!

At this point it turns into one of those gruesome accident you can't look away from no matter how bad it gets. I know this is going to be horrible, but I just can't turn the channel. I won't go through the specifics but if you're a guy this is the most painful thing to watch, ever!! Just showing the tray of tools she's using had me squirming in my seat. Junior Seau the tough football player gets about halfway in and looking really queasy asks her if she's ever had a guy pass out during this. She's says yeah a couple.

I am now scarred for life. I will never be able to look at Junior Seau and not squirm again and I will never watch that show, that channel or a horse race ever again.

Anyone else watch a bad show this week????

Thanks for the ride lady.

Since the beginning of January, there has been a woman standing on my street like she's waiting for a ride. I didn't really think anything of it until I started seeing her daily. She's always waiting. Never to be picked up.

Not a big deal you think? Well, it's not like I go up and down my street at the same time. I sometimes leave super early to go to the gym. I sometimes get home late from going out. The other day I saw her standing on the corner down the street. It's all very odd.

At first, I thought maybe I only could see her but W confirmed that yes, he saw her too. THEN last night, I was getting home late and she JUMPS out from between two cars totally creeping me out.

I'm not sure if this is an omen or a bad remake of Tales from the Crypt.

Are you ready for some football?

After the twins birthday party,W and I met up with his family to go to The Patriots Hall of Fame.

We ended up at Bar Louie for dinner. Don't go there, big waist of your money. Three of us didn't enjoy the food, one of them being W. The service wasn't all that great either.

Now, I'm not a HUGE football fan so I don't think I got that much of a thrill out of the Hall. It was interactive which was kinda cool. I got to try to kick a field goal. None of us, including W's cousin's who played football, could make one. They had a little movie on the history of the Patriots. They had the bench that the players sit on and a section set up like the locker room.

Afterwords, we went back to M and L's house for game night. We played Balderdash. We got home at 3 am!!! It was very fun. We were VERY tired on Sunday.

Weekend is here!

Finally!

Recap of the week - we both went to work. That's just about it. No one came and looked at the place. That will be next week I'm sure. The house isn't as clean as it should be.

W and I are very busy tomorrow. First, it's the twins birthday party. I got them the cutest Batman shirt. Please don't tell them if you see them tonight. I want it to be a surprise.

Tomorrow night we are going to the Hall at Patriot Place. W's cousin wants to eat at Red Robin. Of all the choices, I'm not sure why he has his heart set for there. Hopefully I can convince him he really doesn't want to eat there.

Sunday should be a relaxing day but that can change at any moment.


This just in - I was told that we are NOT, I REPEAT, NOT going to Red Robin for dinner tomorrow night. E has spoken and they have listened.

She made me do it.

W back again. E is making me write the blog.

Don't know what to say. We had some more people look at the condo, say old same old, we hear how nice it is and how great it shows, then no one calls. Some day, soon hopefully, we'll sell and then get to be on the other side of the fence. "Yeah the house is great, shows great, don't call us we'll call you."

Everything else is pretty much status-quo.

Hopefully, that will appease her.

500

Before I start, I want you to know, this is not a New Year resolution.

I accidentally gained 7 pounds over the holiday season and now none of my clothes fit. I want to lose at least 12 lbs. That would be the 7 I gained in the last 2 months + the 5 I been fighting with for about the past 10 years.

I read an article that you need to burn 3,800 calories to lose a pound. My goal is to burn at least 500 a day. It’s so not easy. I up’d my cardio to 50 minutes and make sure I do weights. I keep reminding myself I can’t be lazy and only run. I switched going to the gym after work instead of the morning because I have less excuses.

I’m also tracking my calorie intake.

I’ve been on this regimine for 2 weeks and I’ve lost 2 lbs. woo-hoo! My pants still don’t fit me though. I have a lot to do.

Any suggestions?

All by myself

W is bringing Gram to a doctor's appointment early tomorrow Morning so he's staying at his Mom's tonight. I'm all by myself. What to do, what to do.

First I thought I was going to eat earlier but by the time I got home from the gym it was close to 7. We showed the condo yesterday so the house is clean, no need to do anything there.

The TV is off, I have a glass of beer and a good book. That's a pretty good night.

I miss W.

Happy Friday!

The end of the first full work week, it flew by. For me anyway. Work is now in full swing so saying I'm busy is an understatement.

W ordered Super Mario Cart for our Wii. He picked it up this morning. This is what we'll be doing for most of the weekend. Saturday we are visiting W's Mom and Grandmother.

We lowered the price to our condo yet again. I'm thinking third is the charm. I'm scrubbing the house tonight just in case we get some calls.

2010

The big debate the news seems to be broadcasting is how to say the new year. Some say Two thousand ten. Others say it twenty ten. They say the latter is more hip. Where they got that, who knows. Me, I got back and forth. Depends on what rolls of my tongue.

Today is day 2 of the first snowstorm of 2010 (which way did you say it;) Not much out there but I do need to clean off my car. I'm sure I'm plowed in too. It's been snowing for the last 48 hours. Let's hope it melts before the next storm.

Earlier this week W's uncle M past away this week. Please keep W and his family in your prayers.

Next week will be our first full week at work. Ick. Not looking forward to that.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2010. May the year bring joy and prosperity.

W and I went to M and L's house for a wicked awesome dinner and some Wii time. I think the dessert was my favorite. L picked the perfect thing, Chocolate Panna Cotta. Soooo good.


What we would like to see is that we sell the condo and buy a house. W getting a new job.
For my running I would like to improve my time. Last year was distance, this year, time.

Anyone have New Year resolutions?