Brain Dump

I have a whole lotta randomness floating around in my head (frightening, isn't it?), so I figured I'll just do a little brain dump, and not try to make any sense of it. :)  So here goes:

I only took 2 1/2 (who am I kidding--nearly 3) years, but I finally made a photo book for ourselves with our wedding photos.  I know, pretty bad, huh?  In our defense (really mine, because let's face it, Sam has nothing to do with it) I did make one for each of our parents as Christmas gifts back the year we were married, and we do have a few framed photos.  Just not a book showing the "story" if you will.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.. Here's the link.  I used MyPublisher to make it, taking advantage of an incredible special they had going on.  We paid only $20 for our book!  Yay for good deals!  I had used Picaboo for the ones I did for my parents.  I liked the layout & background options better with Picaboo, but the overall quality of MyPublisher is better (in my opinion). 

I'm once again struggling with being home-sick.  I feel like it should be easier by now.  It is, don't get me wrong, but I still have horrible bouts of missing my friends & my family.  It's the silly little things that totally get me too.  For instance, Phaedra posted a new photo of my nephew, Gavin, on Facebook, and I teared up.  He's growing up so much.  He's only five, but ay yi yi... he's gotten so big in the last 10 months.  Another little thing?  I went shoe shopping this weekend.  Shoe shopping is something Rachael & I would do often & she was definitely my partner in crime when it comes to shoes.  So I was really missing her even more than normal.  See, random little things that make me miss "home".   I think I just need to go back & visit for awhile.  Get my fix, and come back here. 

A few weeks ago, I surprised Sam with a birthday weekend in Scottsdale.  We stayed at the Firestky Resort & Spa for 2 nights.  It was so nice!  I totally fell in love with the resort.  Unfortunately, so did everyone else in the world (or so it seemed)  My grand plan for the Saturday we were there was to lay out at the pool all. day. long.  We got out there around 11, and there wasn't a pool chair or towel to be had.  So sad.  We kept checking back, and finally gave up around 2.  I was totally bummed.  Other than that, we had a great weekend.  Went to the Frank Lloyd Wright house (Taliesin West), and the Phoenix Art Museum.  Both were amazing.  We still had a great time together that weekend, just bummed that we weren't able to have the chill time at the pool.  Here's a few photos from the weekend:

Recently, my cousin found out that her biological dad passed away.  She didn't have a relationship with him, and struggled with whether or not she should go to the memorial.  She has formed a relationship with her aunt (his sister) in the last 10 years, but he chose to not be a part of that, and flat out refused to see her.  Anyway, it got me thinking about my bio dad again.  Part of me thinks maybe I should make another attempt to contact him.  But then the bitterness and resentment sets in again, and I wonder why is it up to ME to make an effort?  Why can't he?  I'm really trying to imagine how I would feel if I got the phone call saying that he passed away.  I think it would be sad that I never got to know him, or that he never got to know me.  But on the other hand, I have a dad.  I don't feel as though I'm missing anything.  I don't know.  It's all a lot to think about.  I just really have a hard time understanding how a parent could just walk away from their child.  I don't get it.  He CHOSE to not be a part of my life.  I guess I just need to remember that.  He made the choice.  And apparently, he continues to make that same choice.  Even though I have given him an opportunity to contact me.  Can you tell I'm really torn on the whole sitch?  Blar.

Well, I think that's all I've got.  For now.  It's late & I'm heading to beddy bye!

Goodnight!

I Gots Da Fever

Baby fever, that is.

Seriously.  It's a little ridiculous.  I really wish that we could start TTC now.  Alas, all our ducks are not in a row.  Almost.  There's just a couple more things that we want to take care of before we start.  Like moving into a bigger place.  Sam & I have decided that when our lease is up in June, we'll be looking for a house.  To rent.  Unfortunately, we're not able to buy at this point, so we'll be looking for a rental.  And then?  Then I do believe that most everything else will be in alignment (or close to) and we can start trying to have our own little family.  How bad is it that part of me wants to pick up things here and there, for when the time comes.  Sad, huh?  Blar.  Not too much longer.  Of course, that's provided that we actually have no issues TTC. 

Tomorrow is Sam's birthday.  It'll be a pretty low key birthday.  We're going to dinner at one of his favorite restaurants.  Will is in town again, so he's going to join us.  Then, of course, next weekend is the birthday get-a-way weekend.  I can't wait!

Random Randomness

When I first started this blog, I thought I wanted to remain incognito. Not share my real name, or my husbands. I wanted to use an alias for everyone that I wrote about. But let's face it... that's a lot of work! :) And so I decided to go ahead and let this little blog truly be about me, and my life. I don't really know why I felt the need to share that, I just did. ;)

I'm really missing my girlfriends lately. I miss our laughs, and silliness, and of course the talks we used to have. I've been pretty bad at keeping in touch with most everyone since I've moved here. I think it's partly due to life just being busy, and also because it's sometimes easier. If I don't talk to them, I don't know about all the fun stuff I'm missing out on. I know, it's definitely failed logic, but whatevs. I'm really hoping that in the next few months I can plan a trip back up to WA & get some much needed girl time in!

Thursday is Sam's birthday. I'm really looking forward to it. I've got a couple things planned for him. He's always spoiling me, and I really do think it's time for me to spoil him for a change. So we're going to dinner Thursday night at The Keg. Will is going to be in town again, so I'll see if he is able to meet up with us. Then, the first weekend in April, I've booked us a room at a resort in Scottsdale. I'm going to take that Friday off work, but not tell Sam that. I'll take us to work, and then head back home to pack for the weekend. I'll head up to the hotel that afternoon, and check in, as well as decorate or something. Then, go pick him up from work, and head back up to Scottsdale. I'm really excited! We'll stay there Friday & Saturday night, and come home that Sunday. While we're in Scottsdale, we'll tour the Frank Lloyd Wright house, Taliesin. Sam has wanted to do that since he found out about it. Other than that, nothing else is on the agenda. Just some nice, quality time together. I'm definitely looking forward to that!

Updates Galore

My poor neglected blog! :)

Sam & I are doing well. Things are really falling into place for us. He got a new job at his company. He was working as a contractor; meaning that he wasn't actually employed by B of A. He was employed by another company. This also means that because he wasn't actually employed by B of A, and by another company, he didn't get vacation time, or benefits, or paid holidays. Yes, we moved here all the way from Seattle for what was technically a temp job. We took a huge leap of faith, and trusted that this would be the best move for us. Anyway, he got hired on with big bad bank, and is now a full fledged employee. This comes with a fabulous benefits package, as well as a hefty pay raise. We couldn't be happier. :) I'm very proud of Sam. I know he's worked very hard to get this position, and it's going to lead to a lot of wonderful career opportunities with B of A.

Unfortunately, for some of my family, things aren't going as well. Things are pretty tense between my parents. My dad has been working out of town for the past year. Although he'll be there indefinitely, my mom doesn't want to relocate to where he is. So a year of long distance, and my mom living alone has put a damper in their relationship. To the point we're not sure if they'll make it through this. It's so very sad. My mom is my dad's world. My mom & work. That's the two most important things in my dad's life. I feel like my mom is being very selfish right now, and it's really difficult to bite my tongue. I don't really feel as though it's my place to comment on their relationship. Yes, they're my parents, but they are husband and wife first and foremost. So, that's weighing heavily on me.

One of my younger brothers has struggled with drugs since he was 15. He's now 27. He has been in and out of jail since he was 19. He was released last February, and went to live in WA with our older brother. He had a girlfriend that was a former addict, and had been clean and sober for 4 years. They were doing great, staying sober, working the program, good jobs full of potential... We all thought that maybe this will be the time. The time he actually stays sober & stays on track. Then he lost his job, and of course, he doesn't know how to cope with life when it's not perfect without using. So he started using. His girlfriend also started using. They moved in with her parents. They were kicked out of there, and started living with his buddy. A couple weeks ago, they were busted for possession of oxycontin with intent to sell. Of course, they swear they only had one pill between the two of them, but I don't buy that for a moment. He's a pathalogical liar. Always has been. Probably always will. I can't believe anything he says. It sucks. He's my brother. I love him. But I can't believe him. And I certainly can't trust him. Now he's waiting to hear what will happen to him. He could be extradited, or he could just serve a few months where he is. We'll see.

So that's my family drama at the moment. Sucks, but it is what it is. I just keep praying that it'll all work out, and all that. I really hope it does.

We had some friends in town this past weekend. It was so good to see Will & Anna! I absolutely adore them. Seriously. Everytime I see them, I am so thankful for the friendship we have. Will is Sam's best friend. In the 2 1/2 years Sam & I have been married, we've become more and more close to them. Unfortunately, they live in the OC. So we don't see them nearly often enough. But they're the perfect "couple friend". Sam & Will are obviously close, I adore Will, and Anna & I become closer friends with each visit. They're at a similar place in life as we are... in that they're newly married, and don't have kids yet. I wish we could find another couple that's local that we click so well with. We had a great time hanging out with them. Lots of laughs were had, and just good ol' catching up.

It was so nice having Will & Anna here, as Sam & I are still somewhat struggling to have a social life here, in AZ. We don't know many people, so it's kind of limited. We get together occasionally with one of his coworkers & her husband, but that's about it. Hopefully we'll meet other people, and slowly start building up a nice group of friends. We're hopeful. :)

I have rejoined Weight Watchers. I finally got on the scale on Saturday, only to discover that in the nine months I've been in AZ, I have gained back nearly all the weight I lost prior to moving out here. It's not surprising, but it is a little disheartening. So, i'm back on the wagon. Baby's wedding is next March. I've got a little less than a year to get myself in shape, and lose some of this weight!

Well, I think that's about all I've got for now. I'm going to try (no, really!) to blog more often. Hopefully I'll keep to it!

Who'd a Thunk?

I came accross this test this evening. It simply asks your color preferences in a series of questions, and based on your answers, it is able to determing your two most enjoyable day-to-day occupation skills. I took it, and found the results quite interesting. Here's my results:


Best Occupational Category

You're an ORGANIZER

Keywords

Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate

These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. persistnce and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

ORGANIZER CAREERS
Suggested careers are Administrator, Secretary, Printer, Paralegal, Building Inspector, Bank Cashier, Private Secretary, Statiscian, Operations Manager, Financial Analyst, Bookkeeper, Medical Records Technician, Developer of Business or Computer Systems, Clerical Worker, Proofreader, Accountant, Administrative Assistant, Banker, Certified Public Accountant, Credit Manager, Store Salesperson, Actuary, Dental Assistant, Business Education Teacher, Food Service Manager, IRS Agent, Budget Analyst or Underwriter.

ORGANIZER WORKPLACES
Your very careful, conscientious, conservative nature gives others the confidence to trust you with handling money and material possessions. Structured organizations that have well-ordered chains of command work best for you.

Suggested Organizer workplaces are large corporations, business offices, financial lending institutions, banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, and quality control & inspection departments.


2nd Best Occupational Category

You're a DOER

Keywords:

Emotionally Stable, Reliable, High Energy, Practical, Thrifty and Persistent

These adventurous types prefer action-oriented, concrete problems rather than dealing with thought-provoking, ambiguous, abstract dilemmas. Fields of interest include mechanical, construction, and outdoor carrers. They might also enjoy working with machines, tools, and equipment to repair or build something.


As crazy as it may seem, this analysis is pretty much spot on. Not only does it describe me, but all of my jobs have fallen into one of the occupations listed. (Bookeeper, Medical Records Technician, Clerical Worker, Food Service Manager) Good to know that I'm doing something that I'm best at... if that makes sense.

Decade in Review

I saw this on a message board I frequent, and thought it would be a good idea to do my own...

• 2000 - Became an assistant store manager at Starbucks in St. Louis.
• 2001 - Moved from St. Louis, back to my home town in WA
• 2002 - Began working at my former employer. Met some of my best friends through that job.
• 2003 - Began dating my now ex boyfriend, Mr. J. Which continued off and on (truth be told, more off than on) until I finally met the love of my life... Mr S. :)
• 2004 - After 2 years of blissfully living by myself in my old (small) hometown, I decided to try city living, and moved to Seattle and began living with a friend in a house in North Seattle.
• 2005 - Met & begun dating my now hubby, attended my 10 year high school class reunion
• 2006 - Got engaged while staying at the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, WA, Celebrated my 30th birthday with some of my closest friends & family.
• 2007 - Got married! Transferred departments (which included a nice raise) at the company I used to work for.
• 2008 - Went to Cali for Mr & Mrs G's wedding, went to Vegas for Mr. S's birthday (his first time there, despite growing up in the OC!)
• 2009 - Moved from Seattle to Phoenix, endured unemployment for Mr. S for 6 months, adopted 2 kitties, job hunted for the first time in 7 years, began new job.

Goals for 2010

• Be debt free by the end of the year
• Find a hobby for myself
• Adapt to a healthier living state of mind - eat better, exercise, join WW again. Ultimate goal to lose 60 pounds (or more) in 2010
• Become more involved in our church
• Begin TTC

I truly believe that this will be a great year for me & the Mr.

Happy New Year!

I've been a bad bad blogger

Wow. Has it really been 5 months since I updated this blog? Ay yi yi! Things are going well for us here, in Phoenix. It's definitely been a transition, and difficult at times. But Sam & I both agree that we made the right move.

I really like my job. I work with a bunch of great women, and that makes it so much nicer to come to work. My previous job was filled with a bunch of Negative Nellies, and I would hear complaining every single day. Now, granted, there's still complaining being done at the new job, but I think that's the norm with any job, right?

In August, we adopted two little kitties. They're litter mates. We adore them. Seriously--we ARE the crazy cat couple. :) Unfortunately, earlier this month, our little boy kitty got really sick. They were afraid he had an obstruction, and wanted to do a $4k surgery. Uh, that's not gonna happen. We took him to our regular vet, and she kept him overnight, and monitored him. It took awhile, but he pulled through. And now I'm super paranoid that he's going to get into something, or get sick again. Which, we really can't afford as we blew through the little savings we had accumulated with the first sickness.

We've finally started going to church again. I'm glad we found this church, I think we'll really like it. And hopefully it'll help us meet other people, and make friends. That has definitely been the hardest part of the move... I miss my friends & family terribly. I love my hubby, but there's no comparison to good old fashioned girl time. So I'm hoping that getting involved with the church will not only bring us closer to God, but it will bring good people into our lives. People that we can form long, lasting and meaningful friendships with.

We managed to get through the holiday season away from family. My friend H came and spent Thanksgiving with us, which was nice. Then, the following weekend, my bff, R, came and spent the weekend with us. Christmas was just Mr. S and I. We went to Christmas Eve service, and had a nice, quiet Christmas at home, just the two of us & the kitties. It was a nice change from having to go 2 different places, and deal with the ferry traffic we used to plan everything around.
2009 has been a difficult year for us. I'm definitely ready to see what 2010 has in store for us!