The inspection was this morning, which is kind of crazy because you are just hanging out in someone else's house. It just feels kind of surreal. Waiting around, checking out the cabinets, measuring to see if furniture will fit where we want, watching TV, eating popcorn.. no, just kidding about the popcorn part! It was great to be there again and take another look... again, we are both still sold on the house and I can't wait to be living there and enjoying it.
At any rate, the inspection came back relatively clean, especially for a home of this age. There is one rather major issue - the downstairs bath has leaked and there is damage to the sub-flooring under the house. I'm thinking a new bathroom floor, perhaps? We are in the process of writing up what we would like to have fixed and submitting that to the sellers, so it's a little nerve wracking. I hope all goes well.
In other news, it is incredibly hot and humid here in NC, as it is almost everywhere else across the US. My car thermostat was always 100-106 all day. Last night at 8PM, it was 100 degrees. All I want to do is eat smoothies for lunch and ice cream for dinner!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Inspection Day
We head over to the new (should I say new just yet?) home this morning for the inspection. I've never done this before, so I have no idea what to expect. The home is older (built in '39), but there have been recent additions to the house with updates to the important stuff-- wiring, pipes, etc. Wish us luck! Will post later with details.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Chatty-cathies
I try not to always use my blog as a place to vent, or gripe, but today I feel the need. My new job is great with the exception of one small item. We recently rearranged our cubes. Mine stayed the same - I do have a window and it used to be relatively quiet. I can even see a lake, well, if you look past parking lot and cars, but anyway.
There used to be 5 of us who sat in our area. Last month, they have moved another group of about 8 folks who are the most talkative employees in our company and all they do is run their mouths. All day. Non-stop. And they typically aren't talking about work, or making work related calls, they're just talking to one another about whatever. Let's see, today it was about local painters and their pricing (has nothing to do with any of our jobs), a recent wedding, lunch, pottery, stationery, and a few work related items that typically just come out sounding like they needed to place the blame on someone.
It's not that I'm immediately involved in all of these conversations and I'm time starved, but actually I feel like I can no longer concentrate with all of the t-a-l-k-i-n-g! Does anyone have any solutions, like using a fan to block out noise, or staying plugged into iTunes with headphones? Or yelling "shut the f**k up" at some point in the afternoon!?
There used to be 5 of us who sat in our area. Last month, they have moved another group of about 8 folks who are the most talkative employees in our company and all they do is run their mouths. All day. Non-stop. And they typically aren't talking about work, or making work related calls, they're just talking to one another about whatever. Let's see, today it was about local painters and their pricing (has nothing to do with any of our jobs), a recent wedding, lunch, pottery, stationery, and a few work related items that typically just come out sounding like they needed to place the blame on someone.
It's not that I'm immediately involved in all of these conversations and I'm time starved, but actually I feel like I can no longer concentrate with all of the t-a-l-k-i-n-g! Does anyone have any solutions, like using a fan to block out noise, or staying plugged into iTunes with headphones? Or yelling "shut the f**k up" at some point in the afternoon!?
Monday, August 06, 2007
I have a little secret
And it involves inspections, a closing date, and a big move! Today, we sign the contract for the purchase of our new home! I feel like it's been a long time in the making, but I feel safe in announcing the news! I've been a little paranoid to even discuss it, for fear of jinxing it.
It's a great traditional-style, brick home in a wonderful neighborhood, with a secluded back yard. The current owner is a builder, so we are fortunate to be moving into a home full of updates and renovations, including the kitchen, master bath, den, patio, and office. I also love the fact that the charm and character of the house have remained, even with the new modern conveniences. We have a mail slot & a phone cubby, two quirky features that I love. Even the dogs will have their own area and will no longer have their kennels in our dining room. The move scares me a bit, as we have the contents of our current home, a storage unit, items at my old apartment, because my former landlord is a doll, and also a few items at another friend's house. Either we have too much stuff, or it was simply time for something bigger.
Of course, we still have the inspection to get through and a few more details, such as selling our house! Ack. Now, I'm sure that process will be good for a few more stories in the near future.
It's a great traditional-style, brick home in a wonderful neighborhood, with a secluded back yard. The current owner is a builder, so we are fortunate to be moving into a home full of updates and renovations, including the kitchen, master bath, den, patio, and office. I also love the fact that the charm and character of the house have remained, even with the new modern conveniences. We have a mail slot & a phone cubby, two quirky features that I love. Even the dogs will have their own area and will no longer have their kennels in our dining room. The move scares me a bit, as we have the contents of our current home, a storage unit, items at my old apartment, because my former landlord is a doll, and also a few items at another friend's house. Either we have too much stuff, or it was simply time for something bigger.
Of course, we still have the inspection to get through and a few more details, such as selling our house! Ack. Now, I'm sure that process will be good for a few more stories in the near future.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Oops wine update
According to a very scientific test peformed by our panel of wine tasters last evening, the Oops wine was judged OK. Some considered it strong, others said it had no finish. I say, put your $10 towards a bottle of Bogle instead.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Because I can..
I keep seeing this meme on several blogs lately and also because I just can't think of anything to say, so I thought I would play along. So tonight, the 8 Bizarre/Random/Habits meme:
1. I can pinch with my toes. I really hope that this isn't really as repulsive as it sounds, but I can use my toes in a crab-like manner to pinch. It comes in very useful during snoring sessions with Hubby.
2. I sing made up songs to the dogs, especially in the mornings, when I'm getting ready for work. They typically don't make any sense and are often renderings of other songs. For instance, from the Fergelicious song, it becomes, "I'm Zoelicious, just running in the yard, just working on my fitness. Zeus is my witness."
3. If I don't have to get up at a certain time, I can still practically sleep like a teenager. OK, not quite as bad, but I can easily sleep until 9 or 10am. Then, I usually feel very guilty about wasting my morning, but often, it is truly a guilty pleasure.
4. Thanks to great genetics, I should really shave my legs every day. It's a pain and a chore that I hate, but I guess I've gotten used to it over the years.
5. I have my Certified Marketing Director designation as recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers.
6. When I was in Elementary and Middle schools, I won or placed in several art contests. My Mona Lisa rendering hung in my French class, even after I graduated from High School.
7. In my family, they never openly talk about problems, discuss how they feel, or show much affection on a regular basis. I know that I'm loved and have a good relationship with my family, but I have had a hard time in relationships, really openly discussing how I felt, simply because I wasn't used to it.
8. Growing up, I would only drink Orange Juice. Obsessive amounts. Now, I maybe drink it once a year, if that.
1. I can pinch with my toes. I really hope that this isn't really as repulsive as it sounds, but I can use my toes in a crab-like manner to pinch. It comes in very useful during snoring sessions with Hubby.
2. I sing made up songs to the dogs, especially in the mornings, when I'm getting ready for work. They typically don't make any sense and are often renderings of other songs. For instance, from the Fergelicious song, it becomes, "I'm Zoelicious, just running in the yard, just working on my fitness. Zeus is my witness."
3. If I don't have to get up at a certain time, I can still practically sleep like a teenager. OK, not quite as bad, but I can easily sleep until 9 or 10am. Then, I usually feel very guilty about wasting my morning, but often, it is truly a guilty pleasure.
4. Thanks to great genetics, I should really shave my legs every day. It's a pain and a chore that I hate, but I guess I've gotten used to it over the years.
5. I have my Certified Marketing Director designation as recognized by the International Council of Shopping Centers.
6. When I was in Elementary and Middle schools, I won or placed in several art contests. My Mona Lisa rendering hung in my French class, even after I graduated from High School.
7. In my family, they never openly talk about problems, discuss how they feel, or show much affection on a regular basis. I know that I'm loved and have a good relationship with my family, but I have had a hard time in relationships, really openly discussing how I felt, simply because I wasn't used to it.
8. Growing up, I would only drink Orange Juice. Obsessive amounts. Now, I maybe drink it once a year, if that.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Round the house this weekend...
I'm loading pictures onto Shutterfly and it's taking forever, so I decided that I'd post. It was a relatively quiet weekend. On Friday, I stopped by a local consignment store to make an appointment to consign some of my clothes. I had some great things from Etcetera that I just don't wear anymore, so I figured it would be best to make a few dollars off of them. This is a great boutique - tons of designers like Lilly, Trina Turk, Etcetera, Kate Spade (Shoes mostly). They had several darling pairs of Kate Spade shoes, but only in 5.5 and 8! Boo. I did manage to find a cute Lilly skirt, a new Banana Republic top and another skirt by Tibi. Very cute. I probably spent more than I'll make, so it could have been a lost cause!
Hubby & I stopped by a downtown Friday night music shin-dig, grabbed some Thai food, said hello to a few friends at a martini bar, and ducked out and called it a night before it got too late.
Yesterday, after some housework, errand running & Hubby making a Starbucks run, we went to see "No Reservations". Very cute & such a feel-good movie. We had a quiet evening - I started reading Harry Potter 6, because I need to read it before HP7! Today, we finally made it back to church, went to lunch, met our realtor to see a house. I'm going now to review my cooking light magazine to see if I can find something tasty for dinner.
Hubby & I stopped by a downtown Friday night music shin-dig, grabbed some Thai food, said hello to a few friends at a martini bar, and ducked out and called it a night before it got too late.
Yesterday, after some housework, errand running & Hubby making a Starbucks run, we went to see "No Reservations". Very cute & such a feel-good movie. We had a quiet evening - I started reading Harry Potter 6, because I need to read it before HP7! Today, we finally made it back to church, went to lunch, met our realtor to see a house. I'm going now to review my cooking light magazine to see if I can find something tasty for dinner.
Friday, July 27, 2007
On my mind...
A few things on my mind lately...
For the dog lovers out there, check out Bark Magazine. I picked it up the other day & it's really great. Not a cheesy pet fancy kind of magazine, but a real-life one, packed with both enlightening and humorous articles.
Today was our last day of Boot Camp. We endured a grueling 45 minutes of running at a local high school track, backwards running, lunges (front & back), a sprint suicide drill, running stairs, hopping on stairs, bear crawls on stairs and lunges on stairs. Whew. I am happy to report that I won the "most improved push ups" award, achieving a +19 increase from our 1st class. Go, me!
I'm thinking of a new do... For the past few years, after growing out a pixie haircut, I have worn an all one length bob, varying in length between chin to below shoulders. I'm really thinking of doing the inverted bob, ala Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, last year's Nicole Richie.. not quite as short as theirs, but the angled look, shorter in the back. Anyone out there with a similar do & their experience?
Between work for Hubby and myself, working on the house, volunteer activities and a visit from my parents, we may not get a vacation in this summer. So, that may be my new goal - fitting in a mini vacation at some point before September, when I don't think I will see Hubby due to a new product launch.
Our computer is now home & up and running. Hallelujah! Even though I'm happy, I think part of my secretly wanted to take advantage of NC's tax free holiday and purchase something new.
I think I really want a pair of Stephen Bonanno's sandals. I have read about them over & over, played around with color combos on the website, and still can't make up my mind. Any recommendations to color, style, etc?
Oh, and how can Michael Vick plead not guilty? Argh. Hopefully, justice will be served at his court date in November.
For the dog lovers out there, check out Bark Magazine. I picked it up the other day & it's really great. Not a cheesy pet fancy kind of magazine, but a real-life one, packed with both enlightening and humorous articles.
Today was our last day of Boot Camp. We endured a grueling 45 minutes of running at a local high school track, backwards running, lunges (front & back), a sprint suicide drill, running stairs, hopping on stairs, bear crawls on stairs and lunges on stairs. Whew. I am happy to report that I won the "most improved push ups" award, achieving a +19 increase from our 1st class. Go, me!
I'm thinking of a new do... For the past few years, after growing out a pixie haircut, I have worn an all one length bob, varying in length between chin to below shoulders. I'm really thinking of doing the inverted bob, ala Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, last year's Nicole Richie.. not quite as short as theirs, but the angled look, shorter in the back. Anyone out there with a similar do & their experience?
Between work for Hubby and myself, working on the house, volunteer activities and a visit from my parents, we may not get a vacation in this summer. So, that may be my new goal - fitting in a mini vacation at some point before September, when I don't think I will see Hubby due to a new product launch.
Our computer is now home & up and running. Hallelujah! Even though I'm happy, I think part of my secretly wanted to take advantage of NC's tax free holiday and purchase something new.
I think I really want a pair of Stephen Bonanno's sandals. I have read about them over & over, played around with color combos on the website, and still can't make up my mind. Any recommendations to color, style, etc?
Oh, and how can Michael Vick plead not guilty? Argh. Hopefully, justice will be served at his court date in November.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Broken computer makes for cranky blogger
Hubby was taking an online test for work on Sunday, when the computer froze and died. After a phone conference with our resident geek friend, it was determined that the computer needed to come in for a more thorough check up. After a little poking, prodding, and frantically hitting F8, we were then told that the computer must stay overnight. This is hard on a girl who, every morning, religiously checks email and reads blogs, after shower, but before hair drying time. And, let 's not even talk about my lack of checking this site for new houses on the market. Good news came via a text message today - our little PC is ready for pickup.. hopefully back up and running with no lost files. Will be back up & blogging soon!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
I'm a sucker for creative packaging...
And that's why I came home with this bottle of red wine tonight...
Cute, isn't it? It is described as a cheeky little red and something about that just sounded good. A longer description on the bottle includes, "Following the migration of the Old World vineyards to the New World in the 1800s the Carmenere grape was taken to and successfully grown in Chile. As Chilean Merlot became successful as a New World wine, it was discovered that he Carmenere grape had become mixed with the Merlot grape. The grapes were finally correctly identified, "the big mistake" rectified and "the lost grape of Bordeaux" rediscovered."
I'll let you know!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
There's a toilet on my porch...
dear Liza, dear Liza. There's a toilet on my porch*, dear liza, a toilet! Ack! Last night, I came home to Hubby and friend, B, working like fiends in our bathroom. They had to patch a bad spot in the floor, before the flooring guys come tomorrow to do the installation.
* And just so everyone knows, it is on the side porch, not on the front or in viewing pleasure of our neighbors. And, even though Hubby made a snide comment about me being from Tennessee and that I should be used to that type of thing, please let the record state that I did not grow up in an area of Tennessee that had toilets on porches. And, by the end of day tomorrow, we should have new flooring and the new vanities installed. Whoo-hoo!
** Toilet update. As of yesterday, all toilets were repositioned back to their appropriate spaces. New flooring and one bathroom vanity are complete.
* And just so everyone knows, it is on the side porch, not on the front or in viewing pleasure of our neighbors. And, even though Hubby made a snide comment about me being from Tennessee and that I should be used to that type of thing, please let the record state that I did not grow up in an area of Tennessee that had toilets on porches. And, by the end of day tomorrow, we should have new flooring and the new vanities installed. Whoo-hoo!
** Toilet update. As of yesterday, all toilets were repositioned back to their appropriate spaces. New flooring and one bathroom vanity are complete.
Monday, July 16, 2007
My new hangout
Hubby and I ventured out to a new ice cream place that recently opened in our city. I know all of the Bostonians will appreciate our new find. I enjoyed the raspberry truffle, while Hubby had the Chocolate Moose. A lot of frenzied ice-cream licking was had by all.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Why I heart Target
Because they have cute Fieldcrest shower curtains like this one...
There are also coordinating bathmat and towels available, but I can't find them online. I did buy the bathmat, but not the towels - picked some up that match the blue instead. It looks great with our taupe colored bathroom walls. We are also installing new vanities next week that are very cottage-y in design. I think it will all be too, too cute!
There are also coordinating bathmat and towels available, but I can't find them online. I did buy the bathmat, but not the towels - picked some up that match the blue instead. It looks great with our taupe colored bathroom walls. We are also installing new vanities next week that are very cottage-y in design. I think it will all be too, too cute!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Getting back on the horse
Well, it's official to what we thought. We didn't get the house. I was very sad last night, I cried as soon as I left the office, but I am just trying to remember, when it's meant to be, it will happen. I've thought the same about jobs, boyfriends, cars, and of course, the perfect pair of shoes. We're a little frustrated - we feel like we were the pawn in a game to get the numbers high, and in essence, we really were. So be it - I'm glad we stood our ground and didn't fall into the hype.
Life could be a lot worse - we have a house that while, we may not love it, it covers our heads and keeps us safe, I have a wonderful hubby who loves me for who I am, two big dogs who show me unconditional love (especially when I feed them) and hey, we're doing OK on most fronts. We have an exciting future ahead of us and I'm sure this won't be the only bump in the road, but also, I guess it's the bumps that make life interesting.
Oh, and I promise not to drive by the house and throw rocks or stick out my tongue or flip a bird. Well, maybe to all but the last one, but only under my window, not stuck up in the air!
Life could be a lot worse - we have a house that while, we may not love it, it covers our heads and keeps us safe, I have a wonderful hubby who loves me for who I am, two big dogs who show me unconditional love (especially when I feed them) and hey, we're doing OK on most fronts. We have an exciting future ahead of us and I'm sure this won't be the only bump in the road, but also, I guess it's the bumps that make life interesting.
Oh, and I promise not to drive by the house and throw rocks or stick out my tongue or flip a bird. Well, maybe to all but the last one, but only under my window, not stuck up in the air!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Woes of a house hunter
How can it go downhill so fast? Just last night, we thought we were on easy street. We had the counter offer from the seller of the home, but I needed to talk to hubby, who is at a conference. We finally talked this morning, he called the realtor to ask a question and then, just as we were ACCEPTING their offer, the seller received 2 additional offers and rejected the acceptance of the offer. So, now we just went through a memo to buyers, asking for our full and best offer, along with their stipulations to closing, etc. It just sucks. I am mentally exhausted and just feel like we were so close to coming to an agreement and now we will probably lose the house, because one of these buyers may come in at full asking price, or over what we have offered. Buyer's market, my ass. Excuse my overall grumpiness. Just frustrated, because I just don't have a good feeling about it and it just means that we'll have to start all over for this potentially to happen again.
Everyone keeps telling me, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be, but it's just hard to take at this point.
Everyone keeps telling me, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be, but it's just hard to take at this point.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Making life bear-able
I just started Week 2 on Weight Watchers and I think the two things that have made it bearable are... fresh peaches in season (1 point) and these little 100 calorie lovelies (2 points). I guess starting a diet AND negotiating the hell out of a house were not the smartest things to do in a single week!
House update: We received their counter offer today and now Hubby and I have to talk. He's away on business, so I'm sure this will be a great conversation via mobile phone! I'm ready to just go for it & I think he is too. It would mean a few thousand over what we really hoped to pay, but really, what's a few thousand over the term of a mortgage. (Don't you love the way that sounds very haughty, like I'm just throwing around thousands of dollars every day). Plus, it is one of those homes that I can envision kids learning to ride their bicycles on the very long driveway, lazy autumn mornings to enjoy breakfast on the patio, the perfect Christmas tree location, and fun gatherings with our friends for cookouts or game nights. No, I'm not emotionally attached or anything!!
House update: We received their counter offer today and now Hubby and I have to talk. He's away on business, so I'm sure this will be a great conversation via mobile phone! I'm ready to just go for it & I think he is too. It would mean a few thousand over what we really hoped to pay, but really, what's a few thousand over the term of a mortgage. (Don't you love the way that sounds very haughty, like I'm just throwing around thousands of dollars every day). Plus, it is one of those homes that I can envision kids learning to ride their bicycles on the very long driveway, lazy autumn mornings to enjoy breakfast on the patio, the perfect Christmas tree location, and fun gatherings with our friends for cookouts or game nights. No, I'm not emotionally attached or anything!!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Negotiations, Day #2
We are currently in negotiations with the owners and are going back to see the house again tomorrow. They have agreed to give us all that we have requested, but haven't budged much from their initial price. I've never been through this before, so it's nerve wracking & exciting, all at the same time. Probably is the reason why I've had wine for dinner (not with) the past 2 nights!! Why is it that after going to see the home twice and staying for a long time, over-analyzing and taking pictures that I can't remember a damn thing!?! We just wish we knew the magic number that the home-owners want so we can cut to the chase & make the deal.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
A look inside..
My medicine cabinet... Lately, it's begun to fill up on some of my new & old favorite supplies.
Yonka toner. I found this at my latest facial. It feels and smells great - adds moisture and is just plain refreshing.
Cetaphil cleanser and Cetaphil Daily Facial moisturizer with SPF - I have used both for years and I think they are the two products I cannot live without.
Philosophy's Eye Believe eye cream - a great under eye treatment.
My Sonicare toothbrush - as an obsessive toothbrusher, this one rocks.
Bare Minerals makeup - I have the starter kit & am loving the swirl, tap, and buff!
What's your favorite product in the ol' medicine cabinet?
Yonka toner. I found this at my latest facial. It feels and smells great - adds moisture and is just plain refreshing.
Cetaphil cleanser and Cetaphil Daily Facial moisturizer with SPF - I have used both for years and I think they are the two products I cannot live without.
Philosophy's Eye Believe eye cream - a great under eye treatment.
My Sonicare toothbrush - as an obsessive toothbrusher, this one rocks.
Bare Minerals makeup - I have the starter kit & am loving the swirl, tap, and buff!
What's your favorite product in the ol' medicine cabinet?
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Quick and Easy...
This super easy crowd pleaser is a recipe from my Mother-in-Law. She calls this casserole Kellogg Potatoes, which I think is a more upscale way to say tater tot casserole! Hubby was the chef on Friday and made this for a cookout with friends. It was also good as leftovers yesterday!
You will need:
One bag of Tater Tots, onion flavored. Allow to thaw.
16 oz. Sour Cream
Cream of Chicken soup
Corn Flakes
Once thawed, crumble tater tots into a large bowl. Add sour cream and soup to the tater tots. Mix well and place in a 13x9 baking dish. Crush corn flakes to cover the top. Spray a little spray butter or margarine on top.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
You will need:
One bag of Tater Tots, onion flavored. Allow to thaw.
16 oz. Sour Cream
Cream of Chicken soup
Corn Flakes
Once thawed, crumble tater tots into a large bowl. Add sour cream and soup to the tater tots. Mix well and place in a 13x9 baking dish. Crush corn flakes to cover the top. Spray a little spray butter or margarine on top.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
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