Country Roads...

Take me home. I have a confession to make. Nick will probably kill me for this, but we all know he is a sentimental, caring guy. Otherwise, I wouldn't have married him. When Nick and I were struggling through our year of living in the flatest place on earth, Texas, we would listen to "Country Roads" by John Denver over and over again and get a bit misty. Texas was and is, nothing like home. Up until that point, we thought we could make it anywhere. That we would have good jobs and a nice house and each other and we would find friends and things to do and we would just be happy. But we found that Texas just couldn't offer us the things we needed. We love hiking and camping, and in Texas, at least our portion of the state, hiking was really a walk, in the sun, surrounded by flatness and camping was relegated to the 3 weeks that were spring or fall. Too bad if we had other plans on those weekends, cause if you blink you miss the good seasons. Winter was cold and the summer, well, our first summer, there were over 40 days over 100 degrees. We learned very quickly why all of our neighbors hired lawn crews to mow their tiny patch of earth. So, when we decided that we had had our fill of Texas, we set up some standards to find our next home city. Probably on a spreadsheet, no wait, Nick made us a decision matrix. If you have a hard decision to make, talk to Nick.

So, we decided to move within driving distance of our friends and family and we wanted to be near the beach and very near the mountains, but in a mid-size city with no traffic and plenty of job opportunities. However, the first time we came to Richmond to check it out, I saw trees lining the highways and I said, "I am home." In Plano everything was the same shade of tan and in Dallas, everything was concrete. Both not for us.

I still think we are so lucky to have found Richmond. It reminds us both of home, but on a slightly larger scale and we always have something to do. Virginia is serious about their festivals, especially alcohol festivals. There are tons of cute non-chain restaurants, some in the middle of neighborhoods. It's an artsy area and they have managed to preserve the river with some wonderful parks. And this place is chock-full of history and the residents appreciate that. They are always rehabbing old buildings and the city has a wonderful charm. Also, I found my true calling here, Urban Planning. And can we talk about traffic. There is none. An impatient person's dream. Sorry mom and dad and mom-in-law and dad-in-law, but I think we are here for good.

Oh, and Richmond, you can pay me anytime for this wonderful endorsement.

Camping, Camping, Camping

It's all I can think about. Nick and I haven't had any time to plan our road trip since we have also been getting our new house unpacked and ready, so we have decided to drive to Acadia National Park in Maine, set up camp there, and just enjoy ourselves. We will probably stop in Block Island, Rhode Island on the way. We do plan on car camping in Acadia, which some campers turn their noses up at, but I don't care. I enjoy it. I have an airbed and a propane stove and it is still nothing like staying at home. We actually have to entertain ourselves and we can't clean the house or paint the bathroom. Camping gives me a chance to unwind and forget about the little things that get me worked up. Also, I thrive off of the energy of the campground. I love all of the families sitting around their campfires and spending time together. I also love indoor plumbing.

I'm trying to get the final boxes unpacked. We have too much stuff and not enough sunstantial furniture to store it. I never want another object in my life. Now, clothes and shoes that's a different story.

Is This a Sign?

I had another dream last night that I had a baby. I have these a lot. I haven't had the baby bug since 2002 and I thought my body was done with wanting children, but here it goes again. I'm not listening by the way. I'm way too busy. And starving. I hear that isn't good for the baby. Anyway, I always wake up from these dreams all excited to have a baby. My dream last night took a strange turn though, my baby turned into a cat and kept running away and I would have to chase it down and carry it home clawing and screaming and I couldn't understand why it didn't want to live with me. Kind of symbolic of what happens to real children huh? It was a sweet baby that I wanted then it went through it's terrible two's and became a cat, the most hated pet ever, then it became a teenager and ran away and I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong.

I was just telling Nick that since 1997, I haven't had a year as hard as 2008. I was trying to tell him that this year has been hard and trying, not awful like 1997, but now, due to some events I just can't talk about yet, 2008 has been, hard, trying, and awful. I am stuck in this strange limbo of depression due to the pain of losing so many loved ones and being utterly happy with my life and accomplishments. At least, Nick and I have each other through all of this and that is the best support we could hope for. We are looking forward to our upcoming vacation and we hope it is completely uneventful. I know this sounds weird, but I almost feel like the grinch after his heart has grown. I know I shouldn't worry so much about others, but I am so empathetic that I think it is starting to affect me. I need to quit shouldering everyone else's burdens, but I can't. I care. And I worry.

License Plate

I just got my new SC plates. I like them except for the Clemson colors. Who thought that would be ok? You may be asking yourself why I still get SC plates after living in NC, TX and now VA. My father gave me my car as a gift in college and has never asked for it back, good thing. VA has car inspections, what a pain in the ass. I have been putting off buying a car for as long as possble to avoid inspections (and car payments), but I do plan on recycling my car when I get out of grad school and giving it to my sister. Gotta love the Honda Civic though. It's 8 years old with only 60,000 miles and zero problems. I will miss it and my SC plates at that point. I kind of feel like I am hanging on to my roots. Is that silly?

P.S. Did you ever name your car? Mine is RoShonda the Honda Squivic.

Last Post Today

Don't you hate it when you are just too busy to squeeze in a Willie Nelson concert or three? He'll be in VA and MD next week, but with quitting my job and such, I just can't take the time off.

Decisions, Decisions

Nick and I are really trying to get rid of junk and pair down to the stuff we actually need. The more stuff we have, the more stuff we have to take care of. We have moved tons so you think that would help. Unfortunately, fortunately, in the past we have always had packers, so we have missed our opportunities to get rid of junk. But, this past move was all us, so we went through all of our stuff. We took a whole car-load over to Goodwill and we fell a lot better about our stuff at the moment. Here is a pick of Nick at our old townhouse comparing can openers. Which one do you think we kept?

This is why my windows are so dirty

So, maybe the other reason is that I don't really believe in cleaning windows. Look at how her nose is squished up there. She is also ruining what will soon be Carolyn's couch in order to get up there.

Hey Today Show...

The name of your show is the Today Show, not the Guess What Happened Last Year Show. This morning on the Today Show we learned that the 80's are back in fashion. I could have told you that last year, or maybe the year before. The 80's are old news.

I'll be There for You

These 4 words and a contraction I swear to you.

One of Mom's Projects

I wanted to put some pillows in my window seats that the cats would sleep on and I asked my mom to sew some pillow cases for them. I chose terry cloth because if you have a cat you know how much they love to sleep on towels. I can't tell you how many times I have used a new towel only to discover that a cat had used it first. Being wet and covered in cat hair is not fun. Hmmm, maybe that's why they hate being wet. That is Spidey enjoying her new bed. It is in my bathroom next to my vanity table and she also enjoys watching me groom, it's something she knows a lot about.

Mmmm! Orange Julius

I haven't had an Orange Julius since they left Columbia Mall after the shooting. Do y'all remember that? It took so long for my parents to let me go back to Columbia Mall. I had an Orange Passion from Tropical Smoothie this morning and from what I remember it is pretty much the same. It will have to do anyway, since the nearest Orange Julius in is Waldorf, MD, 80 miles away.

Customer Service

There is something to be said for good customer service. While I no longer work with the general public, thank goodness, I still do customer service. After 10 years of practicing, I like to think I am finally good at it. I have found that I can turn around most situations with a smile and a cheery voice. Because of this, it always confuses me when people try to get their way by being mean. It also really bothers me when a company doesn't offer or even require good customer service from its employees. I think that with the flood of businesses out there offering the same product for the same price, eventually customer service will be the only thing distinguishing companies from one another.

I am finally reading again

I can't really read anything but text books during the semester or my eyes might fall out. I recently picked up Lincoln Hall's Dead Lucky: Life after Death on Mt. Everest. I am only two chapters in, but I am enjoying it so far. I'll let you know what I think. I have read about what happened to Lincoln on this particular trip in various articles, so I am excited to hear his first hand account. I find Mt. Everest stories fascinating. I love adventure and survival techniques and the idea that society as we know it goes out the window in place of survival boggles my mind.

Good Times

So, my mom spent a week with me the week before last. I took the week off of work and I am glad I did. We got so much work done on the house. I need to take pictures. She got here on Monday, just in time to grab some tapas for dinner and go to my pottery class with me. We worked on coil pots instead of the wheel. As fun as the wheel looks, it's frustrating to never build anything. Mom was shocked at how hard the clay was to work with. My little sister is an Art Major and does a lot of pottery and mom kept saying that now she respected my sister's work a lot more. I kept joking that she would quit throwing it in the trash. Of course, we all love my sister's art work. I'm still waiting on my portrait of Daisy. Anyway, mom pruned one of my neighbor's trees that was hanging on my power lines, with permission, of course. She shortened our shower curtain, sewed 2 pillows and repaired a third. She made curtains for my shed and a coozie for my boss. She did my mending and my dishes, although I am surprised she didn't clean my kitty litter boxes. She usually does that. Also, I got to take her to Kuba Kuba for lunch and Maymont to walk around. We also spent hours at JoAnne's, Lowe's, and the grocery store. We made macaroni salad and it was delicious and we went out to dinner with my friend Cristina at Cous Cous. The three of us shared a caraffe of white sangria with peaches and strawberries in it. It was delicious and so much lighter than the red sangria. Nick, of course ordered a beer. Even if he'd wanted white sangria, he wouldn't drink it in public. It was a wonderful trip and the time flew by. We worked so hard that I would collapse into bed everynight at 10:30, exhausted. I can't wait to do it again.

Back to My House

So, when we bought the house, I wasn't too sure about this bathroom. It was grimy and looked old. Now it is sparkling clean and looks retro. I think it's my favorite bathroom in the house. Of course, so far the 2 in competition are lavender and bright orange with some slick white tile on the floors. Floor tile should not be white, especially in a room where you are bound to get your shoes wet and then you make those gross dirty spots all over the floors. My next floor tiles will be the color of dirt. Maybe. And maybe we can get black grout, skip scrubbing that stuff altogether. As much as I love grouting, I hate cleaning it. That's my house rant for today.

I need this house. Isn't it awesome? Now, I just need a tiny seaside lot. Or better yet, a few acres in the mountains on a stream. Or really, just somewhere in the country, where it gets so dark at night that you can't see your hand 1 foot in front of your face.

You Mean Cartoons Don't Emulate Reality?

Ok, so I really like chipmunks and I haven't had any in my yard since Charlotte. Alvin and the Chipmunks lived in a house. Chip and Dale lived in a tree. I am pretty sure that these chipmunks live under my deck.

Daisy has discovered the chipmunks. She had 2 of them cornered behind our AC unit this morning. Fortunately for them, they make funny sounds when they are scared, so Nick was able to get Daisy into the house. They also have an elaborate tunnel system throughout my yard and used it to escape.

Grandma Marie

I kind of skipped over the death of my grandmother on this blog. I couldn't attend her funeral at her home in Nine Mile Falls, WA and I didn't want to memorialize her on here. But, I just keep remembering things about her. She was your quintessential grandmother and she made for a good balance between my paternal grandmother, who did things a little differently. She lived on some family land in the country in Nine Mile Falls, WA which is just outside of Spokane and I spent every summer out there. My uncle's cows use the pasture that surrounds her house and every time she looked at them, I think a baby got loose. They had to tell her to quit looking at the cows. When I was a kid, she had a barn that was still used to store hay, back when hay was still put in rectangular bales. There was a rope hanging from the ceiling and my cousin and I would climb to the top of the hay bales and swing off on the rope. We would only stop for Schwann's push pops. We would have rope burn and hay scratches all over us. Then we would go play dolls in the basement. The basement was scary because there was a painting of a witch in there and a huge rock that I guess couldn't be dug up, so there was a curtain hiding it. We walked as far around that curtain as we could. The basement also had the only shower in the house. I would go as long without a shower as they would let me. Grandma would also tape all kinds of hallmark movies for me to watch. I remember watching the summer Olympics out there. She said I couldn't watch gymnastics without getting on the floor and stretching. It's true. Have you tried to watch the Biggest Loser without doing at least one push up? Anyway, my summers where filled with horseback riding, four wheeling, and playing with my cousin. She would also keep her garden gnomes in the shed until I visited and she let me put them out in her gardens. I would color coordinate the gnome's hats to the flowers. I was there in the late 90s and picked up a rock in her yard and found ash from Mt. St. Helen's eruption in 1981. She said it got everywhere. She also had the cutest dog named Precious when I was a kid. I still love Precious. She had sweet spaniel ears and smelled like doggy perfume.
When Grandma met my husband for the first time, we all warned him that she would try to kiss him. So she asked for her kiss and Nick went in for the cheek. Grandma never liked that, so she waited until the last second and turned her head so he had to plant one on her lips. She also got really nervous if you spent more than 1 minute in the bathroom. And she would come check on you. Her bathroom door was about as thick as a closet door and may be a closet door and after your minute was up, she was on the outside of the door asking if you were alright. This ended up making you nervous and made it almost impossible to get out of there in another minute. Getting the second check on was worse than the first. My dad tells a story of getting up in the middle of the night to visit the bathroom, only to run into my grandmother leaving it and she said, "I left the seat warm for you." He said it was the worst thing she had ever said to him and he still has trouble even if the chair he is sitting in has been warmed by someone else. She had a wood burning stove in her house when I was a kid. I thought it was so cool to shove your trash in the stove every day, with Walt's help, of course. My Aunt Isla did replace her stove with a pellet stove. I don't think she liked it as much.
Grandma went into the hospital just before she died and was diagnosed with Leukemia, although no one was going to put her through the test for that since it is very painful. My cousin Wes was visiting with her one day and Grandma asked him where his girlfriend was. Wes told her that she was at work or whatever and Grandma asked, "How many times have you been married anyway, Wes?" Well, Wes replied, "Not as many times as you Grandma." Which is true, but Grandma gave him the finger. No one even knew that she knew how to give the finger or that she was that coherent. My mom is still giggling that her mother gave someone the finger.
My mom was able to leave work and go to Washington. Grandma had signed her DNR papers and since my mom is a nurse she took my grandmother back to her house so she could be more comfortable. Grandma only lasted 3 days after my mom arrived. It was snowing. Grandma had been devastated by the death of her husband Walt in 2002 and was ready to join him. My family spread her ashes where his had been spread around the gazebo that he built for her.

Daisy Dog, dogs to the beat of a different drum...

I am embarassed to admit it, but that is one of the songs we sing to Daisy. She likes it almost as much as the dollop of Daisy song. Ok, so maybe we should just have kids. Anyway. I have decided that Daisy is really smart and might have a touch of OCD. She loves chasing squirrels and rabbits. She caught a baby bunny in our yard in Texas and was so proud of herself. Nick did pry it from her mouth, where she was just holding it, not biting it, not sure what to do next. It did run off so we think it was fine. Also, she has a stuffed squirrel that her grandpa Anderson gave her and she has managed to not pull all of the stuffing out yet. This is a record for her. Most stuffed toys last about 2 days and then make their second appearance in our yard. Sorry for that image. I hate omission. Anyway, Daisy has learned that when she is in the yard, the squirrells won't play with her. She has started hiding under the deck and behind bushes to trick the squirrells into coming out. Once they do, she chases them back out of the yard. So this pic is of Daisy squirrell huting. We don't think she can see the chipmunks, but she may surprise us.

Stonewall Jackson and Little Sorrel

I learned some neat Virginia history today that I thought I would share with all of you. I have already emailed it to some of you, so sorry.
This link will take you to a picture of the Stonewall Jackson monument on Monument Ave. in Richmond. I would take the picture myself, but that would require stopping on the way to work, or I guess taking a walk right now to get a pic. Anyway. In the monument, Stonewall is shown on a stately horse, as he should be, I suppose. However, that was not his horse, nor the horse he was on when he was shot. This is the story about his real horse. Not as stately and with a very unfortunate ending.

Cutest Picture of Daisy Ever

More House Stuff

Nick has been amazing about putting together our new furniture. He didn't even make me help him. I have to be in a certain frame of mind to put these things together. Last night, I did help him assemble our new kitchen cart. We have some space in our kitchen where the windows are too low for counters, so the kitchen cart is perfect. The keg-o-rator actually fit pretty well, but it looked like we had too many refrigerators. We still don't know where to put that thing, but it's really handy when you have company. It's like a keg party for grad school.


Nick picked out this day bed. We call it Carolyn's bed. This one of the things that Nick assembled without my help. I did come into the room as he was very capably struggling to move it from it's end to all fours and helped him set it down. We just have to get a matress for it. Those slats don't look very comfortable.

House Stuff

Here is a pic of the redone floors. I love them.


And here is the fabric we picked for our living room couch. The couch color is the tan color on the far left. The middle blue one is one of the throw pillows and the striped fabric on the right is for two throw pillows.


Here is the fabric we picked for the sectional in our den. The couch color is kind of olivey and the striped pillows remind me of lederhosen, in a good way.



This is the rug that I hope matches one of the couches.

Stress

Despite being under tons of stress (boxes and house repairs) and having some big decisions to make (assistantship or internship) I feel great. I feel like I have options and its like everything just started to make sense. I finally realized that my life is mine for the living. It's not just happening to me. I've lost about 20 pounds. I'm taking a pottery class and I am loving grad school. There has been such a refreshing change inside my head. Instead of the impending doom I have been feeling about getting old and having children, I am actually excited for my future. Now, if anyone could just give me some advice on that decision I have to make.