ham coma

so, everything went off without a hitch...dinner was ready, early, when we ate, everything was hot...and I didn't run out of food...which reminds me...if anyone is hungry.....my fridge is FULL!!The best dish??? Green beans! Strange...but I made these garlicky green beans...and everyone LOVED them....weirdos...

We were worried about getting the families together....saying it is like mixing oil and water would be a gross understatement. But, in the true spirit of the holidays...everyone was on their best behavior...and nothing got broken..except for the plate that I dropped. Correl Ware SHATTERS! OOPS!

I will post pictures later..they are in my mom's camera...and she took it with her. I think I am getting drunk tonight, and celebrating the holiday in true white trash fashion...I have lots of snacky foods leftover...and a bunch of beer and vodka, if anyone is interested....

new guest list

So, I come home from work yesterday, and my wonderful husband informs me that he is adding more people to the holiday dinner list. Now, I am cooking for my parents, brother, Jasmine, his mom, brother, brother's wife, her kid, and the kid they have together. Warren's grandfather, his girlfriend, cousin Rob, and now cousin Amanda...I have just enough seats...I HOPE! Actually, I have room on the floor if anyone else wants to drop by....I am anxious to say the least....and, to top it all off, I still have more Christmas shopping to do.....ARGH!

OK OK OKAY! So its been a WHILE!

I know....I always say this...but I just forget about updating this...not that I forget about my friends that might be reading, I just never think I have much to say...and I know all of you know better. Well, the holiday season is upon us, Warren and I are hosting Christmas dinner at our house this year...this is the first time I have been entrusted with a family dinner. We are having ham...and potatoes...and probably a million side dishes, since I am my mother's child and am always afraid that I won't have enough food for everyone! My guests are supposed to be my mother-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew, Warren's cousin Robert, my Dad, Eric, Jasmine, and hopefully, my mom...if she can get the night off work. I am a little nervous about all of those people being here...so I took the week off from work. I am working Monday night, and then not again until Saturday night. I figured that would give me time to finish all the little projects I have started here and there, and to finish my shopping...My mom called me and made me promise not to buy anything for her and dad this year...so, I am making gifts for them. She hates all the commercialism of Christmas and wants to go back to the time when everyone hand made gifts for their family. So, for the last 3 years, I have made her presents in addition to whatever little trinkets I have picked up. I always do stockings for her and dad...I think its kinda funny to watch to 50+ year old people open stockings...

There have been layoffs at the casino...100+ people so far. Warren and I both made it through. Hopefully, there won't be any more, but no one knows for sure. I don't know the reasoning behind the lay-offs, but I have a few guesses...not going to share them...don't know for sure...

I remain hopeful...I mean, it IS that time of year....after all....

UNPACKING

So now I have to unpack. I have 6 years worth of our married life sitting, in boxes in our dining room. This is taking a really long time! I have no patience for this crap right now. I just want to snap my fingers and have everything be put away. Warren can't really help much either mostly because I have NO idea where I want to put things. My parents and grandparents are coming over Saturday for cake and ice cream...Mom's b-day today. So I will have to get everything out away before then. Wish me luck.

Moving day

Well, its finally over...

We are moving on Thursday! My appliances will start arriving then. I am getting an LG front loading washer and dryer..very nice...and energy efficient! YAY saving money rocks! And I decided on a GE spacesaver micro...it had the best reviews of the ones in my price range...I'll let you know...My new address is: 277 Hughes St. I think I am going to have to keep my landline phone since I have NO service inside the house with my cell, but I will let you all know for sure.

Dinner and other things

Peanut shows the referee who's boss

Nicole's son Henry gets a haircut

I had dinner with Nicole, Henry, and Irene last night. Very tasty...her kids are adorable! I am so happy that we are talking again. Its nice to have someone to hang out with that I don't have to talk about work with.

We are finally closing on the house tomorrow afternoon. The appointment is for 3:00... I am nervous and excited. I'll put new pictures from inside the house when I take them...tomorrow night. Warren and I are going to buy the appliances tomorrow too...I am having trouble finding a micro-hood that has good reviews. Anyone know of any? All the ones I like are either crazy expensive, or the reviews say they are REALLY loud...

The Race is on

OK..so, we are closing on Sept 11th (hopefully) I am waiting to hear the final details, and then we will get moving. I have started packing...and packing and packing. I am already sick of this stress...I am taking the night off tonight, and Warren and I are going to traverse city to celebrate me birthday and relax for a minute. More when I know more.

OUR house

Is a very very very fine house.....

Well, we put in a bid, they countered, and we are going to sign on Monday (tomorrow) they agreed to everything we asked for, plus $4000 more than our original offer. So...here we go. Now, I have to get inspections and appraisals, and hope that everything goes of without a hitch. I will keep posting pics and whatnot as I get them

Too much of a good thing

Now I am really in a bit of a quandary...there are 2 houses that I really like. We went to look at these other houses yesterday. I thought that seeing them would solidify the idea that 'our' house was the perfect one for us. Then....we saw this one. Now, I don't know. This has all the same stuff, a back yard twice the size, and a way bigger kitchen. And Kim Gorley owns it, so we are wondering if she can give us any info. Our Realtor is trying to force us into putting in a bid. I am REALLY resistant to someone trying to force me into doing anything. Especially when it concerns my finances for the next 30 years! Since I haven't signed a contract with this Realtor, I am thinking about firing her, and going with someone else. I really want a house, but I am going to get one on MY terms, not someone else's!

More on this drama as it unfolds....

OK OK OKAY!

I am doing it. I am making a bid on a house. I am going completely insane with worry. I am stressing beyond all belief! This is a big deal. First, I didn't think we'd get approved (obviously) then, I didn't think we'd find a place until at least spring...and now...I am going to write a bid tomorrow. AHHHHHH!!! The next door neighbors are making this a really easy decision..they had a raging party last night, and there were all kids of chairs and cups outside when I got home this morning. Their dog is crapping on our walk...and they are spray painting the porch on their house. The smell is going right into my dining room window...and it is killing me!! I would love to go over there and give them a chunk of my mind, but at this point, I really wonder how much I have left to spare??

But anyway...the house is SUPER cute! It has new everything--plumbing, electrical, drywall, fixtures, kitchen, baths..everything! It smells like a new house when you walk in, all the floor coverings are brand new. It has 3 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. There is even an office area on the 2nd floor, so I don't have to take up a bedroom for my computer and junk! It has a full basement, and a fenced in yard. The other day, while we were looking at the back yard, you could hear the jet skis on Lake Michigan. You can't see the lake from the house, but you are totally close enough to walk...I am nervous as all hell, and since we have never done this before, I am asking everyone I know for advice...of course, the one real estate agent I know, I don't know hoe to get a hold of...and I would NEVER call her Dad to ask him...ugh! So, if anyone has advice, I am listening....

DAMNIT!

Well, its a no go on the houses...we saw the inside of 5 of them today...NONE OF THEM are great. Some of them weren't even good...I am hoping to see more tomorrow...keep your fingers crossed...We're looking for something out of town/Bear Lake or somewhere around there...I don't care where it is at this point. I am actually looking at a foreclosure in Manistee too. I know the former owners, but I can't reach them...I was going to ask what is owed on the house BEFORE I even look at it...I am trying to be smart about it....

today is the day!!

At 1:30 this afternoon, we are meeting the Realtor for a house showing. We have about 6 homes that we are going to check out. I am almost positive one of them is where we are going to live! There are three of them that I REALLY like already....but I haven't seen the inside yet...I will fill you in after I go...I am just excited right now!

Speaking of exciting things, Jasmine sent me an e-mail yesterday and asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. They set a date of Aug 29th 2009....she wants me to go dress shopping with her, and help her with the invites and stuff. I love planning things, and doing invites....I get to help...love it! They are going to come to Manistee so we can get some pics done for their engagement announcements in the papers. Jasmine wants some black and whites down by the beach...I'll post them when I get them done.

OH YEAH>>>and what the hell!!! I can't believe the Tigers got rid of Pudge! Don't get me wrong...I am happy to get to watch Inge more...(I love him!) but still....

HOLY SH**

I just got a phone call from my mortgage lender...they are going to give us money!!! I can't believe it...they approved us for a home loan....what are they thinking? In this economy, the fact that they see fit to give us bunches of money BLOWS MY MIND! Hmmm....time to really start looking for a new place to hang my hats....

NO Baby

Still no baby. The drugs aren't working, so the Doc is trying a different approach. She is going to try to treat my poly cystic ovarian syndrome first. Wish me luck...Now, since I don't already have enough stress in my life, I am waiting...right this moment to hear if I am pre approved for a house. We have been kinda looking for a few weeks, but now we have applied, and are waiting to see if we can really do it. Hope a pile of money falls into my lap too!

Eric the chef?!?!

So, my brother, the massage therapist, is now cooking at Pearl's. He really likes that type of food, so I think it will be a good fit for him. Of course, he is still working at the Resort, so he will never see his fiance, Jasmine. She is really mad about this, but since she is stil not working, there's nothing else they can do. She hasn't found a job in the area, because she is still in school, and is very difficult in general....don't get me wrong, I love her, like a sister-in-law should, but I wonder sometimes if they are in for more trouble than they know. They have very expensive taste, and not really any money making ability. I just hope a big pile of money falls into their lap soon...

KARMA

So, I have always been a firm believer in the phrase "what comes around, goes around" and now, I am seeing it in action. The members of Warren's family that I have discussed ad nausea on this blog are finally getting their just desserts....Next week, they are planning on filing for bankruptcy. The are under the impression that they will be able to file, and keep ALL of their stuff, the two vehicles, the two houses, the 5th wheel, the big screen, the pool, and all the other new stuff they just went out and bought. They also think they will not have to pay back any of this money...they think they are going to get off scot-free....ahh....i love KARMA!

General chicken

Got some new pics today, these are DAD!!! Can't tell from the ears, huh?

Funerals always make me think about morbidity and other morose things. I went to the funeral for a family friend today, and it has me thinking about life....and stuff.

The phone call I got from the doctor's office today was right in line with where my head is at. Two weeks ago, I had a ton of tests ran, I am having some problems in the 'female' arena, and wanted to be sure everything is a-okay. All my results came back normal, even my insulin levels, which haven't been normal in years. The next thing the doc did was to tell me to give her 5 days notice, and then she is going to put me on clomid. Well, I guess it IS time, I am going to be 31 this year, and I am thinking that we might really be ready....and if the drugs work like they're supposed to, I might be having multiples...which is the scariest thing in the WORLD to me! But, I guess we'll cross that bridge if we come to it. I don't know how long we're going to try, but we have even looked into adoption. I don't think we can cover the expense, but we are keeping our options open.

as for the title, I love general chicken....I was thinking about chineese food when I started this.

New Ride

So, last week, we went and bought our new ride. We ended up with an '06 Chevy Uplander. WE got a huge deal on it, and I love it!!! I am going to take some pics of it, whenever the sun decides to make an appearance again. More on the ride coming soon.....

New car

Warren and I are looking for a "new" car. We're going to Traverse City tomorrow to pick up his new golf clubs, and look around. We're thinking about a smallish SUV, something with 4 wheel drive, all wheel will work too. I have been in love with the Chevy equinox and the Ford escape for a long time now. I am leaning toward one of those, but I am not ruling out a Kia either. I have heard horrible things about the Rondo, but not the Sportage, so if I go Kia, that's the way I am leaning. We're going to Florida next year, and need some mew wheels to drive there. I am thinking about surprising Warren with a trip to the ESPN weekend at Disney....shhh don't tell him. I know we are going to have to see my grandparents too, I have promised them we'd come down some time. I would love to be able to do it next year. They'll be home soon, or I'd try to go this year. Nothing else going on. I am getting ready for bingo with my friend Kayla. The bank is HUGE tonight, over $2000, which is a lot of money for this area...so I have to go extra early to fight the old ladies for a seat...

AND tired always follows....

Sick! I am SICK AND TIRED of this frigging WINTER! I am SOOOOOO ready for spring! I have been checking the weather channel, and its 70 degrees, and cloudy in Phoenix today! That is my kind of weather!

I haven't posted about our anniversary because I forgot. We had a great time! The red Mesa grill was pretty awesome. The hotel was sub-par, but I never expect much out of a motel 6, but lunch the next day at chili's was pretty good...I heart Chili's, the new menu items are awesome! Then, we went to Petsmart, and got Peanut all kinds of good stuff....he loves it when we come back with presents! My brother-in-law stayed with him, he said he was good the whole first day we were gone, but on the day we were coming home, he got all excited at every car that went by the house. He says its like he 'knows' when we're coming home.

Speaking of dogs, my neighbors....ugh...they have a pit bull puppy. They refuse to chain the damn thing up, so it barks, snarls, and growls at us every time we try to enter or leave our house. I am so tempted to call the animal control on these idiots! I can't even leave peanut outside alone for a minute because I am scared that this dog will attack him. I might have to do something. I have been trying to sleep, and the dog barks...constantly! I don't know what to do. I really would like to go over there and give them a piece of my mind, but I don't think I could do it without going to jail myself...they are horrible people. They are inconsiderate, and stupid...and not very good neighbors. UGH! Rant complete! I hope!

Sad day

My mom just called to let me know that their dog, Honey just passed away this morning. She was 14 years old, and will be dearly missed.

Our 6th anniversary

Well, in 5 hours and some change, it will be 6 years that Warren and I have been married. There were some times that I wondered if we would make it this far....but we have, and we're still going strong. We're going to Traverse City for a night just to get out of town. I have been sick (bronchitus) and he's been really busy (basketball's almost over YAY!) so, we are having his brother dog sit, and we are treating ourselves to a much needed night out. I will have details later.

news from Wellston

This was my mechanic's office....I hear he's ok I guess it is pretty bad.

Shane is the owner. He's always been a good guy to us, so we hope he gets back on his feet soon!

Time to update

Hi..its me, again. My doggie had a 'date' with the girl doggie he impregnated before...her 'mommie' wanted some more puppies, so he got to go on an overnight...I think he had a good time, he slept all the next day...

How sad is it that this is the most exciting thing in my life right now?? I mean, there's Warren's basketball team, that seems like they are finally figuring things out..(after half the season), and work...BLAH!

The basketball thing is kinda cool, its the only thing we really do together all week. I have been going to some of the practices, I go work out while he yells at the girls, and have been keeping score for almost all the games...I really like some of the girls on the team this year...every year, I have my favorites, but I think this year, I might have a new overall fave....this girl is awesome...I think she is going to make something of herself after high school...she wants to go to med school, and I know she's smart enough to do it...I am trying to help her out by getting her some scholarships right now...since I know that every little bit helps...and that's how I am spending my free time....

Weather

So it goes from 23 degrees, to almost 60, raining and thundering with lightning, and now, back to 32 with snow on the way....WTF???

I love Michigan weather!! I went to the Dr today, she thinks I may have fractured my toe....It has been killing me since Christmas day. I had to "break" in to my apartment, and I think I might have banged it in the process....Warren thinks that I would remember doing it if it was, in fact, broken, but all I know is that it is killing me some of the time. She told me that I have to cut back on my yoga, and only do it every other day...BOO! I think I might still do it everyday, but might skip out on some of the things that involve my toes....for a little while.

oh yeah, the animal abusers from Arkansas GOT OFF!!! Scott free! no fines or anything, and now they are trying to sue the state for damages....again...WTF?????? the lost their animals when they had to sign them all over to animal control, and they feel they should be compensated for it....Some people should be shot!

Cooking

ok, so Lori still reads this thing,,,ok..so today i have not really done anything spectacular...I went grocery shopping (which is like, my FAVORITE thing to do) and I picked up stuff for dinner...chicken Alfredo. Went to the Walgreen's, which I love! I don't know why I am obsessed with the store, but I go there whenever I can...they have cheap milk..$3.17 a gallon right now. Its on sale at Glen's for $3.49...so I go to Walgreen's cuz I am cheap like that. Its also the only store around here that has a decent selection of sugar free candy....

Nothing planned for the weekend, laundry, dishes and cleaning the house...I might take Peanut for a long walk tomorrow, if we get some decent weather. I don't like to take him out when it is really cold because it hurts his little feets....awwww.

once and again

So, again, it has been several months since I have updates this blog. I doubt that many people even check it anymore since I have been so slacking in my blogging. I don't really have a lot of news to share. I go to work, I come home, I hang out with Peanut and Warren, I go to bed. Other than working out and basketball, I have nothing going on.

New Years' eve was ok..We both worked this year. I forgot to set our alarm, so when Warren's brother called us at midnight to wish us a happy new year, we woke up, and watch the ball drop. Then we showered, and went to work. the place was packed, I was busy all night long. I am not used to having to work all night, I usually get to hang out for a while around 5 am...

so far, no plans for this summer....I think we might take a trip to Warren to see Warren's grandparents, but nothing is finalized yet.

We went and saw Brian Regan at the casino on Friday. he was pretty funny, he did mostly new material. It was nice to get out and do something on a friday night with the "normal" people. The new entertainment venue at the casino is really nice. I am still shocked that there is something like that in Manistee...Leann Rimes is going to be here on Jan 27th...the show has been sold out for a while now, I think its our first REAL performer that is still on the charts.