Monday, February 28, 2011

Decisions

Basement or no basement? Bonus room or just stick with 3 bedrooms? Separate dining area or eat in kitchen? Where should the half bath go? Mess with cathedral ceilings, or no?

Those are the "minor" decisions Chris & I are faced with. We met with our realtor yesterday and looked at two of the homes which models she had originially mentioned. We weren't in love with either one - mostly because of the lack of yard. So many homes now are putting garages in the backs of homes to be able to put more homes on a block - which equals ZERO yard space. I just kept thinking about the yards I played in as a kid, and I just couldn't imagine having kids in a yard about 20' by 6'.

So we left that community just outside downtown, and we immediately decided the area was NOT for us. Definitely a rougher part of town, and while the short commute was attractive, being afraid for my life in the middle of the night - not so much.

So we drove out to a community east of Columbus and immediately fell in love with the first model she showed us. It was more of a traditional style home, with the garage in front, and has the option of both a partial/ full basement and a 4th bonus room. BUT - the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms are tiny, it's an eat in kitchen (not sure that our table will fit) with a half wall into the main room downstairs, AND the half bath is off the kitchen. I know my mom has never liked that about our house in Terre Haute.

We then went to a different model and loved the floorplan even more. Hard to explain, but basically the "great room", half bath, laundry and foyer (with cathedral ceilings) is on the first floor....the kitchen and dining room (or what they call a flex room) is half a flight of stairs up (and looks over the downstairs) - and then another half flight of stairs up is a "catwalk" that looks over the entire kitchen and great room that leads into 3 bedrooms. It's 200 square feet bigger right off the bat, but also starts out at $5,000 higher price-point wise than the other. So, probably wouldn't be able to do a basement. BUT - it's not your "cookie cutter" type home so the resale potential is probably a little higher.

None of these are life-altering decisions, but I feel like we need to make decisions that we'll be able to live with for the next 5 years at least.......b/c barring anything major, I want to stay in this house at least 5 years, to build up equity. And 5 years is a lot of life. 1 child, maybe 2....changes in jobs? Etc, etc.

I feel like I need to sit down with an Excel spreadsheet and put down pros and cons and look at things from a black and white perspective. Obviously cost and mortgage payment is going to the overriding factor, but within that, what can we live with, what do we have to have, what don't we have to have?

We look at lots on Thursday and potentially sign a purchase agreement to lock in rates as early as the middle of March. I just want us to make the right decision(s)....it's a big step! An exciting step, though :)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

New Adventure

Oh, milestones.

Sweet 16. Getting your first car. Prom. Graduating high school. Getting into college. Turning 21.

Graduating college. Getting married. Getting your first "grown up" job. Having babies. Doing grown up things, like buying a car that isn't 10 years old. Taking vacations without your parents. Etc, etc.

Also....buying a house. Eek!

I have a lot of friends that have bought houses. Coworkers buying houses. Seems so grown up! Paying a (duh duh duhhhhh) mortgage....it is something that we have resisted since we've been married....at first because we just wanted to get settled into married life......then there was so much uncertainty in our marriage last year.......but this year.......well, nothing major happened to change our minds, except for a teeny little flyer we got in the mail last week.

Turns out, our apartments are owned by (partnered with?) Dominion Homes. Also turns out, 20% of the rent we've been paying here since October of 2009 can go towards the purchase of a new house (wow). That is a big perk. Also a big perk is that we have very little saved towards a down payment (seeing as how we just started thinking about this, oh, 2 weeks ago) - they have programs that would basically get us out of a down payment (a program called Helping Hands).

The perks are huge - Dominion only deals with new builds and new property. They don't sell "used" homes. This is good for us because say the roof gets damaged or the water heater blows or the air conditioner goes out - all of it is brand new, so it's all warrantable, which means no money out of pocket for us. The money we've earned through our apartments would more than cover our closing costs, and the Helping Hands program is really nice. Basically, it means that they build our house. But instead of hiring a painting crew to come in and paint the inside of the house, they supply all the paint and brushes, and we do it ourselves. Instead of hiring a landscape company to install mulch and shrubs, we do it (pretty sure I could bribe a guy or 2 to come do that for me). Neat, huh?

Downfalls - really the biggest and only one I can think of is resale opportunity. We basically would pick a model and they would build it. But, there would be a lot of houses just like ours around the city. And buying a house together - what a huge step. HUGE. And a little scary.

Sounds like everything is a "go" for the financial side of it, so we're taking a big step this weekend and going and looking at a couple houses. With a realtor. TO BUY A HOUSE.

Hard to wrap my mind around. Holy crap.

Wish us luck!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Siblings

I became a big sister when I was 3 years and 3 months old. I don't remember Megan being born or holding her for the first time, but I do remember that when she came home, people came to see her and brought me presents - to this day I still remember a plastic chain-link red necklace that you could buy different "charms" for, along with some tiny slinky-like bracelets - pretty cool stuff to a 3-year old! Sure, I'll take the crying, wailing, takes-all-of-mom's-time thing if you keep the presents comin'! :)

Fast forward another 8 years. I became a big sister for the 2nd time at the age of 11. I don't remember as many presents that time around, but I do remember sneaking out of the house while Dad slept with Megan to buy ingredients at the corner store to make some "welcome home Mom & Anthony" cookies (snickerdoodles). Dad was PISSED. He got over it.

The next 7-9 years were tumultous ones with my siblings, moreso with my sister than with Anthony. Megan always wanted to butt in on me and my friends, wanted to wear my clothes, stole my shoes, used my makeup, and generally did all those things that I know now were forms of "flattery" but then those acts were enough to spark some pretty major fights. I did some pretty mean things to her as a know-it-all big sister and cringe at some of those memories. Yeesh, I was mean.

But.

Fast forward another 8 years or so. My sister is one of my best friends, a major confidante, a shoulder to cry on. There is no secret of mine that she doesn't know. And yesterday, she sends me a one-line email:

"Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I miss you. Alot. And I love you."

At work. I burst into tears (okay, not sobbing uncontrollably tears, but enough to make me tear up and get all blotchy). I had to actually leave for lunch to chill myself out.

And then today, I posted a HARD HARD HARD 45-minute run on facebook, and Anthony comments, "There ya go sis." (When I lived at home between Muncie and our wedding, he and I would run together 2-3 times a week; at the time he was only 13 and I had to push myself to keep up with him!)

I sometimes forget what an honor it is to be a big sister. Not everyone gets to have younger siblings. But there are days like yesterday, and today, that I am reminded of how grateful I am.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Mini = 77 days away

January was a strong month for me. I didn't get 40 miles in as planned/ "resolved"....but I did get in about 25. I didn't beat myself over it, I was able to stick to my training schedule to a T. My viral/ bronchitis/ sinus/ CRAP hit about 3 weeks ago, though, and I was only able to run ONCE in that time......a whopping 1.5 miles this past Monday.

I vowed to myself to get back on track this week as the weather got nicer, and I did. Yesterday, my schedule called for a day of cross training and I was finally able to do my NYC Ballet video I ordered a couple weeks ago. IT. WAS. HARD. I had forgotten how strong I used to be when I danced!! Today, the schedule called for 50 minutes of running or 4 miles. I was a little wary, but I was determined to finish, and I did! In just under 47 minutes, which definitely is NOT going to break any speed records, but for basically being on hiatus for 3 weeks, I feel pretty good about it. One thing I really found out is that it's not my endurance that needs work - it's my leg strength. I need to figure out how to get some weight-bearing exercise in over the next 11 weeks so my legs (hips especially) gain strength and I don't end up crawling to the finish line on May 7!

At least the weather is getting nicer - I ADORE running outside in only 2 layers instead of 5! :)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Valentine's Weekend

This time last year, I had made a major chink in my marriage's armor. It was a strained weekend with friends, and of course it all came crashing down around my ears about a month later.

Of course I still regret every moment that put Chris in any kind of pain and put such a burden on our relationship. However, this past year has been probably one of the most productive years we as a couple have experienced. In the 8 years we've been together, this was the most challenging one. The fact that Chris gave me (a lot) of 2nd chances is the most amazing thing; the next most amazing is that how I feel about him after everything, and how he still feels about me. It really is true that you don't know what you have til it's gone - and while it never got to either of us leaving - it came close. And we've come out on the other side of it. Stronger.

So anyway. We went down to Lexington, KY to stay with some friends over the weekend, and we had a lot of fun. More on that tomorrow.

But let's just say one of the biggest highlights of the trip was today, on our way back. We had the radio off, Chris was driving, I was just sitting in the passenger seat, and we were just....quiet. Commenting on random things we passed, but we were completely comfortable in the silence. The smallest things - are the biggest things.

Without a doubt - I am lucky.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

This Time 9 Months Ago.....

Seriously, was there something in the air? Something in the water? This day 9 months ago.....let's see. May 8. Nothing too special about May 8. Perhaps the spring air? Indy 500 getting people excited?

Haha. I know a LOT of people that are having babies right now. Or just had babies. Let's count.

AOII sisters:
Laura - just had little Blake last week
Mckenzie - expecting their little Emma anyday!
Kim - apparently one good contraction-stopping medicine away from delivering their baby (sex unknown!)

High School friends:
Wendy - a really good friend that was in guard with me - Braylee was born today!

Family:
Courtney (cousin) - just welcomed Miss Lachlan Rae into the world a couple of weeks ago

I really feel like there are more than that out there. Babies are everywhere. EVERY. WHERE. No, not in this girl's uterus. Not right now. Not yet. But I will say...........we're planning......and checking some things off........maybe not SOON soon....but soon-ish? We'll see!

Kay, that's all.

Oh, except for the fact that Justin Bieber's movie is coming out this weekend. Gag. Isn't it like his "true story" or whatever? Sickening. How much real life have you really experienced in 15 years? Or 17? Or however old he is. Not a fan. In fact, my fave commercial from the Super Bowl was Jack Osborne's answer to dad Ozzy's question "What's a Bieber?"

"I don't know, but it looked like a girl."

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Super Bowl XLV

Well, I HAD been waiting for this day up to about October 2010......until my Cowboys decided they didn't want to take advantage of having the best shot in Super Bowl era-history to go to, and win, a Super Bowl in their own home. Since they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs in November, I've been ready to get to this day and for this day to be OVER.

Green Bay Packers. Pittsburgh Steelers. Playing for a World Championship (I hate that they call it a "world" championship...........no other country in the world plays this game, but whatev), in MY TEAM'S house.

One of Dallas' most storied & hated rivals (I remember the intensity of the games in the 90s; fans older than me remember the grudge that started in the Ice Bowl) vs. the team that got to 6 Lombardis first.

I don't know how Roger Staubach is going to hand off the trophy tonight without running off the stage with it.

You're always supposed to root on your conference, and at least it isn't the Eagles.

Go Pack.

And hopefully the CBA holdouts won't last TOO long............I'm ready to get the bad taste of this season out of my mouth!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

About to Crash...

The doctor's office tried to charge me a copay. I flat out refused, saying that I had just seen the doctor 24 hours ago and all HE wanted me to do was to call in and request antibiotics and that I wouldn't have to pay (okay, so he didn't say that part, but COME ON). Thankfully, they just said, "oh, okay then" and went about their business. Not sure if it was because I was a) on the verge of tears, b) wearing the exact same outfit I was when I was there yesterday (okay, same jeans and sweatshirt, not underthings, but still) or c) because they just wanted me to go away already, but whatever. No extra money out of my pocket!

A P.A. listened to me wheeze and cough and try to breathe for a few minutes, and the good news is that she didn't think my wheezing came from pre-pneumonia-like symptoms - just more "superficial" wheezing. She asked if I had asthma (I did, minor cases of it, in college), and actually on Tuesday when I came home early I looked for my old inhaler. I haven't used one in years. She said that this cold, freezing weather could have been a catalyst for it acting up, and prescribed me steroids to get the avioli (sp?) - the little air sacs in your lungs - to quit being inflamed, and hopefully that should help. She also prescribed a z-pack (bless that woman) after I described 2 rather large, disgusting, greenish-brown globs that I coughed up just before coming (sorry, TMI). She said although what I have probably isn't bacterial, the little air sacs being inflamed for so long can lead to infection, and the z-pack would ward off anything sticking around.

So, I've taken my full first day's dose of steroids (6 tablets), my first day's dose of the z-pack, a good dose of hydrocodone, and I'm ready to drop. I told my boss I'd be in by noon tomorrow......I should try to make an effort to go in early, but I just feel like if I push myself too much, I'll be worn out after an hour and I'll be worthless. This way, I can go in, get the bare minimum done for end of month, and hopefully be out of there by 5 or 6. Thankfully, the guys I work with have really stayed on top of their reports so there won't be many changes to make - just getting A/P ready to go, entered and sent off will be my main task for the day. Gotta love accounting deadlines.......

I'm off to a drug-induced sleep....I haven't coughed in about 20 minutes, this could be a good sign!

NIGHT!

ARGHHH!

Have gotten worse today. Called my doctor (PER HIS INSTRUCTIONS) today to tell him as such and asked that I get something called in.

Oh, no, they want to see me.

I swear on all that is holy, dear God help them if they try to make me pay my co-pay. I WILL NOT DO IT!!!!!!!

And the worst part? I HAVE to go into work tomorrow. I have to. My last day of end of month is tomorrow, so I have to get A/P entered and sent off. Hopefully I can go in at 7, get it out of the way, and head home. I am feeling awful.

This blows.

Random

Okay, so one of my biggest pet peeves ever is:

You go to the grocery.

Collect what you were there for (today's case for me was ice cream.........seriously the only thing that tastes good to me right now). Take those few things and go to the 20 items or less checkout.

And in front of you, are people who clearly either can't READ or can't COUNT. And the salesperson isn't going to be "rude" to them, now is he/ she? Oh no, they're going to let you check out your half a cart full of items that even I, from 3 people back, can tell with one glance is WAY over 20 items.

You don't even really have to be rude to them! All you have to do is lie. Say, "I'm sorry, but my register will only let me ring 20 items up at a time." That's all! And on that note, why NOT be rude? These people clearly think they're above standing in the regular lines. THEY are the ones that are being rude to those behind them who actually wanted to just get "in and out." Idiots.

UGH. People suck.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ice Storm 2011

Well, "ice-o-palooza" has now come and gone. Here in Columbus we didn't get it "too" bad....it started sleeting/ icing/ frozen raining on Monday night which left Chris & I to take about half an hour each to chisel our cars out to get to our respective jobs. The weather started back up around 9am, making yesterday a big mess in Columbus.......which didn't really matter to me since I left work early to come home.

All last week I had that "tickle" in my throat and chest....minor annoyance but nothing I couldn't live with.........well, I think Monday night's run inside just sealed the deal for the big ol' bus to come run my ASS OVER. I woke up yesterday morning around 4am.....shooting pains up my legs (f'ing treadmill.......need to find an indoor track ASAP)..........along with a bad headache. I got up at my normal time and trudged into work (after aforementioned chiseling of car). I got last week's storm bills out and called it a day around 1. Every cough was hurting worse and worse, and no amount of tylenol was helping. I took a nap yesterday afternoon and then took a (probably not the best idea, but it worked) Nyquil/ Tylenol PM mix to knock myself out....which worked until about 4am when I woke up with chills and more coughing...........I got up and took some more meds and waited until about 5:15 to go back to bed. My poor hubby....my work definitely never will close for snow and ice, but his work is about 2nd in line to that - so I wanted him to get a little more rest without me tossing and turning and hacking.

I woke up this morning and felt like if I coughed one more time a lung was going to come up - so I finally called my doc's office (thank God they were open) and got in at noon. He was glad I had come in right away, but the bad thing with this "thing" I have is there's no real way to tell if I have an upper respiratory infection (viral) or bronchitis (bacterial) - since at the onset of symptoms both act the same. I guess he could've taken blood to know for sure....but no thanks. He gave me a script for some hydrocodone (cough suppresant with a narcotic in it to help me sleep) and said to monitor how I'm feeling over the next few days; if I'm no better by Friday to call and he'll call in some antibiotics.

This was my first time seeing this doctor on a non-colposcopy basis, and I'm so glad I switched to him. My old doctor was okay, just....I don't know. Never rude, just.....always kind of half-attentive, and he never seemed quite assured that I knew what I was talking about when describing symptoms, etc. Not to mention that back in March I went in for some self-"prescribed" bloodwork, and I feel like he never really acted the same around me after that. Not cool.

So anyway. That's how my ice storm has gone. Mom & Dad & Anthony just got power back in TH after being without since midnight 2 nights ago, but I know a lot of my friends and family all over IN are still dealing with no power issues. I can remember the great ice storm in Muncie in '05 - no fun!!!!!!!

Well, my 2nd dose of the miracle medicine has started to kick in. I'm off to bed.......hopefully able to go into work for at least a half day.........this week is my January month-end week (officially billed over $1 million in snow) + all the paperwork that this storm will bring in the next day or so = worst possible time for me to be out. I learned my lesson the last time though - I went to doc on Tuesday and he told me not to even think about going back until Thursday....I went back Wednesday and ended up being worse off AND getting everyone else sick. I'm no hero - I don't function well when sick! So - hopefully - a good night of medicated sleep will help.

Hope everyone is staying warm! On a good note, groundhog didn't see his shadow today - spring is on the way! (I HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!)