Every minute spent in your company becomes the new greatest minute of my life!

Well, at least I tried...

2009-11-11T15:14:37Z

Tried to get up to exercise this morning to a new video. By the time I found it, I had to get ready for work. ::slap on forehead::

Found out two days ago that my dad is flying into town in two weeks. Made the birds go a-buzzin' considering Nick and I went out to see him two weeks ago and he said nothing about coming over. I have wanted to write about that weekend, but... haven't made time...

I also want to write about how a.w.e.s.o.m.e my grandfather is, how I'm unsure of my new hair-do, that we finally painted the second bedroom and I'm almost done unpacking, how awkward today's company lunch is going to be, how much I really want to get the email estimates from the heating company I meet with yesterday about our furnace and water heater, and/or how almost every person I've talked to recently that I've a) never talked to before, or b) needed to contact to talk about the house/insurance, etc. has been named John.

Instead, I'll just take this moment to say thank you to the people who are so much stronger/cooler/patriotic/selfless than myself and have served (I hope I do not hear "serviced" from anyone today - that just sounds inappropriate) this hypocritical, uniquely independent country. Specifically, many thanks to Opa and my uncle.

Happy Veteran's Day!

the end.

And it's really starting to feel like our house...

2009-10-28T00:51:28Z

So today I took two hours out of my day to have our house "inspected" for home insurance and to have internet installed. While that happened, someone came and took away the key box and "for sale" sign. As I drove out of the drive way and saw nothing there, I had to stop. The house is sold, we bought it, and it is ours. I'm still pretty freaked out about everything, but taking it one day at a time really helps. ::smile::

Yesterday we went to the apartment to start to clean up. We really didn't do too much, but it already looks pretty clean! I think I might go over there alone on Wednesday to throw down in the bathroom and then on Thursday, Nick and I can go together to knock out everything else and do the walk-through with the manager. I hope that's what happens. Our neighbor below us is thinking about renting ours. We let him walk around last night and he seemed to like it. ::shrug:: Whatever.

Today was a really pretty day. Or at least it's really pretty now. Just an observation.

I think the weather will be good enough for us to go to Spokane this weekend. I am about 70% happy that we are going because we will be able to celebrate Maija's 2nd birthday (note to self... where is her present...) and my dad is doing a Halloween gig, so it will be nice to see him drumming. Also, I think we are going to be able to swing a visit to my grandparents for Sunday brunch. So all in all, it will be a good visiting weekend. The 30% is only slightly sad that we won't be able to experience our first Halloween in our new house. I bet if we did stay home, we wouldn't get any trick or treaters anyway. But I am still kind of sad. Also, I think we should be a little more proactive on the things we need to get replaced at the house. In any case, 70% wins.

I heard a distressing rumor today. I am hoping that it stays rumor and never becomes news. Sometimes I wonder if I should be just as worried. Actually, I am almost constantly worried that a rumor will become news for me too. I know this is all super-secret-squirrel-like, but sometimes I sit and my head starts thinking, then I stumble on something unhappy/worrisome, but my brain keeps going. When it stops, I still feel this pit in my stomach and have to remember why I got anxious. I just remembered why. I just need to remember that I am never entitled to anything, I must earn it - so gets a' goin'.

The End.

Cancer: Don't stress yourself out...

2009-10-22T14:28:28Z

Yesterday my mom and Bob went to the house. My mom had been there before, but this was the first time Bob had seen it. I haven't decided about what I would rather have; an honest opinion which is unstated, but obvious with each half frown and knock on the wall/window... or someone who would just say, "Good job! I think it will be great for you two." They understand it's an old house and this is our first home, so it isn't going to be perfect. I keep reminding myself that you don't have to clean/fix everything all at once. I mean, it's yours forever - you've got time. But it's hard. You know, you are taught and reminded constantly as a kid to seek approval and praise from your parents. Getting a B was never good enough because they "knew I could do better". Now as an adult, I'm supposed to seek approval and praise from no one, but myself and my husband. However, it feels like everything I do, every decision that I make, is still in order to make sure my parents are happy and proud. Currently, I think they are only happy and proud of my front and back yard.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming....

the end.

Today is the big day...

2009-10-20T14:17:10Z

So, today we do our final walk-through for our house. We had some serious shenanigans about when the renter/seller's would be able to move out, but I guess they got their collective sheit together. So! Today. Big Day. Since it's all so real now, I've been bursting into tears for random reasons. I think within the next two days, I will officially become computer-less! I set up my account with PSE yesterday. I am feeling more and more adult by the second, but not enjoying it at all... Just more people to worry about keeping happy with money.

On the upside, I get to take a half day today because I am getting my teeth drilled. I kind of want to end that statement with a question mark.

As a thank you, I've been making some yummy goodies for our agent. I officially had my first attempt at making my mom's almond roca by myself. For my first try, I would like to say I rocked. It isn't EXACTLY the same, but it is pretty darn close.

Final thoughts? I hate waking up at 7 AM and it looking/feeling like it's 5. I also decided it was time to update my LJ style. I am starting a new chapter and thought, since I was basically making a big change, I should change other things too. Lastly, watching Nick pack makes me laugh because he is so awkwardly inexperienced about it, then I frown because it's not awkward for me.

The End.

For the record...

2009-10-16T04:26:41Z

Today, Nick and I are officially home owners.

The end.

Our House

2009-10-09T01:14:18Z

So, today we confirmed our appointment to sign papers.

It is officially happening.

I am officially a grown-up.

So... who wants to help us move on October 25? ::big, hopeful, friendly smile::

The End.

California was great!

2009-10-08T14:42:46Z

I have lots to write about, but don't have time right now.

But I am beyond excited about this....

THANK YOU MO for the matte!! It totally makes the picture, so I think I will have to get another frame and matte for my other Audrey print.

Until later...

the end.

Love... Love... Love...

2009-10-01T14:38:52Z

Yesterday was my mom and Bob's nineteenth wedding anniversary. You know what they did to celebrate? They went to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in 3-D and had dinner with the family. Nothing flashy, but I think I would love that too. Of course, they take the whole week off for their anniversary, so I'm sure they are going out and about more.

Today - one year ago... I was about to rip my hair out with little wedding details. Nick was getting to the airport to fly to Hawaii. Some of my closest friends and family were in Hawaii with me. And in 4 days, I was getting married on a beach to this amazing man.

Today - I'm flying to California with Nick to stay with Mo and have a fun vacay in the Bay Area. Most of the trip is to visit, but for one night Nick and I will be celebrating. I'm excited for the restaurant we are going to. I will Yelp about it later. ::laugh:: I will probably Yelp about all the restaurants we go to, if I haven't already.

That's all I got... ::smile::

the end.

It's probably due...

2009-09-29T21:06:00Z

I still need to go to a tire store and see if I really actually need to replace my tires, but this crap is totally boy stuff that I do not care about. Recently it feels like I have to learn about things I don't care about/haven't had a reason to care about. For example, water heaters. And now, maybe, tires. It's times like this when I wish my dad didn't live in Spokane and could just come over and talk car boy talk and just take care of it. ::waving hand:: Just do it, do it...

The end.

Today...

2009-09-23T04:31:49Z

Today we left a message for our apartment manager that we will be leaving on October 31. I have officially packed two boxes, the third in progress. There is still a lot to do and I am getting a little melancholy. I have problems with moving; I don't like my roots getting exposed and moved. I am going to miss Bothell... and the cheap rent - oh, the cheap rent... But more, I'll miss the trail and the parks, the library and the fresh market, the small town feel not so far from the big city. Though my to do list is slowly being crossed out, it seems to grow every day.

the end?

Busy-busy-busy

2009-09-20T19:54:04Z

1.) Holy crap! UW totally won the game over U$C. Amazing! Awesome! Yay! Now - continue to do that...

2.) Nick's extra paycheck is a God-sent right now because there are some things we need to take care of considering...

3.) We are totally in the thick of buying a house! EEE! I get excited every once in awhile, but then remind myself I am about to put myself into major debt, budgets need to be adhered to, etc.

4.) My husband's family is awesome. More than awesome. I am the luckiest girl in the world for marrying the greatest man alive - and he came with amazing people in tow!

5.) I totally got drunk last night. It's been awhile. And I am happy to say that I am still a drunk-dialer; yay horrible college habits!

6.) Huskies FTW!

7.) Holy shit, by the end of next month, I will be in my very own home...

8.) For Christmas, I think Santa might actually finally grant me my biggest wish for my very own puppy!

9.) Saw WICKED and it was fantastic! It is now one of my favorite musicals. The lady who played Elphaba was effing unbelievable. If you can swing it, even for the cheapo seats, go-go-go. I am tempted to try to see it again...

the end!

And it's good!

2009-09-13T15:27:31Z

So... yay, yay, yay! We finally have a football win for our Huskies. I sat there and was amazed that we were going to finally have a win at home. It kind of shocked me. I would say that is a bad thing. Gosh - Huskies, keep on winning so I cannot be so shocked when you do. However, we will lose, and probably horribly, to the Trojans because we have shitty secondary defense and they just kicked Ohio's ass. A miracle in Seattle? You know what else sucks?!?! Being a bitter Husky alumni! What the hell Sark? Get rid of the Band Tunnel?! And my beloved goose step in the process? And what the hell Tubas - you don't know the dance to Celebration?!?!?!?! I know we haven't had a win, but you keep that little nugget-of-love in your back pocket for when you do. Wankers.

After the game, we drove down to Tacoma to visit the grandparents. It's been awhile since we have come down, and we decided to stay the night. Totally didn't pack everything I needed, but neither did Nick so I guess we are both bad packers if we aren't prepared... Which we should have been since we planned it last week, but there has been this thing called...

House-buying. Yeah. The thing I don't want to jinx. I'm still very nervous because we did our inspection and we are asking for cash-money to fix it instead of telling them to fix it. We don't know how they are going to take it. The have today to respond. Tomorrow we also are having the sewer scope, so who knows if we will find something horrible from that. The biggest thing is the house itself is solid, great wood, updated plumbing and general electrical, and lots of general updates/well kept things that make the house a great buy. Not saying that the water heater, furnace, and some other electrical things need to be fixed (we are asking for these items), but even beyond that - there are things that need to be done (newer windows, replace bathroom fan, etc.). So, we are not in the home stretch, there are still a lot of things to worry about, I am still very nervous that things will just fall apart, and that if everything does work out, we don't have enough furniture.

::sigh::

The end?

Don't want to talk about it yet...

2009-09-08T04:39:23Z

I want to talk and write out everything that is going on in my mind right now, but I just... I guess I don't want to jinx it. I am scared shit-less, for sure. I hope that I am being smart. I hope that my family thinks I'm being smart. I want to believe that this will be one of the best things to happen to Nick and I, even if everything goes terribly, uncontrollably, unbelievably wrong... though it better not because man... ugh...

tehned.

I am kind of done...

2009-08-29T15:22:07Z

Yesterday I realized that is was basically September and about freaked out. Where the hell did summer go? The past few months seem to have just flown by and it's crazy.

One thing I am very sure of is... I want to buy a house. We are going shopping today and who knows if we will like anything we see. It was quite a slow week for the new on the market houses. My main thing is... the place I want is for sale, but the stupid homeowners are stupid and won't sell until they have a house they are in contract to buy. It's almost one month since we saw it and it sits there, taunting me. Who knows if they have had other offers or if other buyers have hit the same problem we did. I think the most painful thing about it is every day I think about the life I could be living in that place, how it fits everything I want/need. I think about what colors I would paint and how I might want to re-arrange the backyard. Then I think about the pound puppies just waiting for me to come and adopt them and bring them home to spoil them rotten. I think about the space, the ability to wash my clothes inside my own house, the fact that I finally own something that will appreciate (eventually). I know everything happens for a reason and who knows - this place might just be something to hold me over until I walk into something more right. But for now, I don't know what's worse; knowing the house is right there or not knowing if it will be the next place we see.

Tonight is Annie and Adam's co-last-night-out parties. I'm sure it will be lots of fun except for the fact that I don't know what to wear. ::sigh::

Found out yesterday that my MIL booked my flight to Hawaii with the wrong dates. It wasn't really her fault; she had to call in to have everything done because they were having problems getting my flight coupon entered. Basically, I was arriving in Hawaii on Dec 30th and leaving Jan 1st. Wow... long trip... We are actually staying until the 10th. ::smile:: I emailed her about it yesterday... I hope everything works out...

::stomping ground:: I want my house! And my puppy! ::stomp, stomp::

The End?

Denmark - Part Two: Sonderho Day!

2009-08-27T14:38:35Z

Let's pick-up where we left off with our Denmark trip, shall we?

The festivities start with a "parade". It's mostly people just walking the street in traditional Fanoe clothing. I thought it was amazingly layered and still very pretty. Though I really worried about the whole heat factor.

Even the little girls get to play dress up!

The "parade" goes to the Sonderho Windmill where they have a huge to-do about the day and the culture. We couldn't understand a damn thing they said, but you got an idea of what was going on. They had all the woman and some kids come up to explain the varying styles and colors of the dresses. It was amazing. Then they did the wedding dance, which was also really cool to see. Especially since after they did the round and round dance thing, they had to take a shot of alcohol. By the look on the girl's face, they were drinking the stuff I cannot stand... and I cannot remember the name of it to save my life...

Maija needed to learn the culture too...

Up close of the Sonderho Windmill. It was spinning off and on that day. Beautiful...

After the festivities, the Kromann family went around to show us the town and their ancestry.

If I remember correctly, the poem written under this statue is one of the great uncles of the Kromann family. How effing amazing is that?! We saw a lot of graves and with each one Ken would explain how they were related. It was amazing to be there and see the generations. The Kromann family can trace their line back so far and the best that I have is some unknown little town in Italy without knowing who I might be connected to or how. The Kromann's family coolness factor jumped a few levels for me (along with my awesome-family-jealousy)...

More to write, but until then... enjoy this.

Funniest face ev-ar.

Sure Happy It's Thursday!

the end.

Strange.

2009-08-26T02:55:33Z

So, I just finished watching Watchmen and I swear, I think boy movies are just... strange. And they say the woman's intellect and thought process is crazy.

Today I went to my sister's soon-to-be-sold townhouse and that was strange too. Empty, quiet, sterile. I mean, I haven't said much about the divorce; it really isn't my place to say much to the public world. But from what I know and the years I was a witness, this was probably the first time I really realized that the divorce happened and how it really affects everything you know. Does that make much sense? Probably not because I don't really understand it either. All I know is I am sorry life and love really are hard and even from the outside, you can see the pain and struggles simply from an empty house someone once called a home.

To make things more happy and not strange, I have put on one of my favorite movies, French Kiss and am about to start baking like a machine! I also just bought a new curvy keyboard. I am currently in love with it. Better hand positioning and the keys are much more responsive than my old one. It makes me think about why writers are so particular about their writing machines or specific pens; it makes you feel like you can focus more on what you are doing verses what you are using to do it.

"I love Paris in spring time..."

the end.

Denmark - Part One

2009-08-21T14:38:19Z

Ooh - finally, a Denmark post! Yes, you can start breathing again since I know you've been waiting anxiously, holding your breath, wondering, "Will today be the day?" Well, dear, yes - yes it is.

SO, I can't remember what I did or didn't write in my LJ already about the trip, but getting to Denmark was a snap. 10-ish hour flight, check. After that became the adventure. One train to Copenhagen's main station, check. Validate our train pass and miss the train we had a reservation for, check. Get on the next train toward Fanoe, with a train switch, check. Take a bus to the Fanoe ferry, check. Take ferry to Fanoe, check. Arrive to slightly worried Carley and Chad, check. Experience Carley trying to drive stick from Nordby to Sonderho, check. Some many amounts of hours, we finally arrive at our destination exhausted, super big check.

This is the house, just at night. It was an awesome beach house. So lucky we got to stay there.

The very next day was Sonderho Day. Carley and I got up early to get yummy baked goods.

So good... After our first European breakfast of rolls, cheese, local awesome jam and coffee, Carley, Nick and I went into town to go to church. The church was the most modest church I have ever seen for Europe. But the decor was awesome with many miniature boats hanging from the ceiling. During mass, I had a few sleepy-head-nods and could only understand "amen" and "Jesus Christ", but I am so glad I experienced it. Here's the church...

And inside...

I hope that will hold you over until the next post.

YAY NOT QUITE CAMPING WEEKEND!

not...

the end.

Earmuffs - Seriously.

2009-08-13T18:05:39Z

Seriously, you will need earmuffs.

This is fucking bullshit.

I swear to Gawd I am going to kill the next seller who doesn't have their collective shit together. If you put your house on the market that means you are selling your house!

Not "here's my house, but you can't have it until I find a replacement".

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

YOU ARE RUINING MY FUCKING MENTAL HEALTH.

Just stop toying with me... I don't know how many more times I can deal with this...

the end?

Just one of those days...

2009-08-10T19:11:43Z

Sometimes I feel like an alien spaceship has control over my body. Some little three-eyed, 15 fingered, blue, football-headed, alien do-thingy (the evil spawn of the cute and wonderful alien from the PIXAR short - LIFTED) is trying to make sure he's read the manual on how to destroy a human from the inside out - and that human is me.

Or I could be old. But the alien idea is much more interesting and sounds like a better explanation considering all the non-related issues going on.

Today Nick and I are going to see the townhouse that is actually the neighbor of the first townhouse we put an offer on. I am excited and then hopefully, which is quickly followed by worry and anxiety. The "what if" lines start whooshing by and the alien-controlled-failing-body-thingy isn't really helping much. I keep saying to myself that Nick and I have worked and planned and thought everything out, but then whoosh-whoosh-whoosh.

Eventually I will post about Denmark, really...

The end.

Damn.

2009-08-05T14:50:57Z

Within moments, it feels, things can completely change on you and hope becomes dust. The house I was really getting into does not have a gas line near it... as in it would cost over 8k to just bring it from the main line to the house... Hello dust.

Good thing I don't work the graveyard shift because they have been doing road destroying on the street my apartment is on. Today we have the symphony of jackhammers. Yay.

Every piece of me is exhausted and yet I had a whole day on a boat in Lake Washington relaxing yesterday.

So much more to write...

the end.

Hahahah!

2009-07-31T23:05:51Z

Whoever made the marketing for PEMCO wins.

No - you go...

the end.

UGH!!

2009-07-31T04:05:58Z

It is too hot to write...

thend.

And....

2009-07-27T12:54:54Z

And we're back!

So I don't really have much to write about right now. I am still trying to unwind after the trip and figure out where I left my brain. I am not necessarily happy to be back at the ole grind, but it was nice to take a break. I am pretty sure half way through the day I will just fall asleep at my desk.

And excuse me - when did Seattle get hot? Holy cramoly, Batman! Thank goodness Nick and I were so tired from the long flight without sleep because the heat was obnoxious. Even now, it feels like it's 70 degrees outside. Ick-ick-ick!

Tons of unpacking to do. Tons of pictures to download.

One thing is for sure - I'm having Korean for lunch today.

the end.

Hello from Denmark!

2009-07-20T06:31:08Z

Hi everyone. ::smile:: It's actually 8:30 in the morning on Monday - July 20 here. Pretty late in the US. Probably why I am so tired right now. We arrived on the 18th and was completely exhausted because we flew for 9-ish hours, took three trains for 3-ish hours, then had to take a bus, ferry, and car to finally get to our destination! Ugh. But it has been interesting and nice to see another part of Europe. Thus far, Fano has proven to not be like any of the other place I have seen, though the culture and life is just as amazing and wonderful. I am very curious to see Copenhagen and how it differs from this "rural" island life.

Yesterday was quite a busy day and I am very proud to say Nick and I strove through it without complaint or being overly tired. Not saying the time difference hasn't been hard, but we seem to be adjusting quite easily. That being said, we are still the only people awake in the Kromann vacation house! Though, I did just hear Maija! Yesterday was Sonderho Day here on Fano. What a small, but unique festival! Then we walked around the bustling town and saw a lot of the Kromann family history. I think that is beyond awesome to be able to really trace your roots! Nick and I also finally had our first go at Danish ice cream too. Yum, yum, yum! Definitely creamy and interesting toppings (expensive to boot in comparison to US), but I'll probably eat it every day, if we can! ::smile::

Today is proving to be a very stormy day. I hope at some point it calms down a bit. It's been raining pretty hard all morning! Maybe Nick and I will just have to weather the weather and go into town (20 minute walk). Maybe later we can take the car and explore the other two "big" cities on Fano. ::shrug:: All I do know is I am hungry and that bakery is calling my name...

the end.

Power of Positive!

2009-07-15T04:34:36Z

So, Coldplay was awe-some! Doing the Gorge experience wasn't as awesome, but the show was great! We started our day at 8 AM, had a small breakfast, packed goodies and blankets, and went to pick-up Evan and Shruti. Got officially on the road at 11-ish. Stopped in Issaquah for some XXX burgers. Yum! Back on the road, stopped in Ellensburg for a quick toilet break, then reached the Gorge at around 2:15. Then became the herding of the cows. We would sit and wait, then rush to get past one gate, then sit and wait to get past another gate. It was hot and sweaty and hot. The doors officially opened at 5. Shruti and I entrusted Nick and Evan to be part of the rushing bulls for the grass area and they did a great job. We were on the divided up lower half of the lawn area, a little off center. FYI - the view is amazing, which helped as we then sat and waited for 2 hours, hot and sweaty and trying to drink as much water as our bodies could handle. They had two opening acts, which were okay; individually good bands, but a weird combination considering the main act.

Anyway, Coldplay sounded exactly like, if not better than, they do in studio/CD. Their show was pretty polished. I guess my only downer is when you have a concert tour like that, you don't have much room to mix it up/make it more individualistic to your location. However, my favorite thing about their show is they had two smaller stages on top of their main stage. One small stage was to the right and a little further back on the main floor. The second stage was on the left, but up where we were on the lawn! They played a few songs up by us, one being Billie Jean. My camera (teh suck) died on me right at the beginning of the show, so I don't have many pictures to share. However I did get video and pictures on my cell, including Billie Jean. Awe-some. They played most of the songs that I love. I wish they played a little more from Parachutes and Rush of Blood, but it was the Viva tour. ::shrug:: In any case, Nick and I didn't get home until 3:30 AM on Sunday, I love Coldplay more than I did before, and I am still willing to experience "the Gorge" for another band in the distant future.

Next on the list? Denmark! We leave Friday night - 6:45 PM. Nick and I are both working half-days. I have no idea how work is going to just generally run without me. Already one agent has said, "We're gonna be f*cked". We'll see, though I expect to come back and have my desk look like a hurricane hit it. My stomach has started acting up in connection with my pending departure. I wish I could travel without my weird "what if" phobia. I am doing well so far controlling it, remembering my mantra, "They have universal health care, they will take pity on me, I will be fine". Interestingly, everyone is saying we'll have a blast in Denmark, but I have never considered Denmark like a "must see" country. I know I will have fun with the Kromann-Hammonds, so we'll see what this country has to offer.

The end.