Sunday, July 30, 2006

Antiques Anyone?

We had a good weekend. On Saturday we got up and met the 'rents for brunch at panera and then mom headed out with us as we went looking for antiques in Norwalk, Milan, and Sandusky. As with everything, it was an experience. But we had a good time and found a few things. And believe it or not I think David had more fun than me. With finishing our stairs we've decided we need to "spruce" the area up a bit with pictures, etc. So we've decided to go with a "Sandusky" theme. We're trying to find old photos, prints, and flat memorabilia to put up on the walls. We've found a couple cedar point penants, a sandusky penant, and tons of cool postcards. And we have a large numbered Boeckling print and a print of and map of Sandusky in 1883. So far, so good. As I stated we want old things, not current, and we don't want the whole nautical theme going on. I'm not so much worried about things being worth money as I am just thinking the items are cool. Not to mention, I'd like them to have some form of meaning. Obviously we've already been to most of the antique shops around here and also the follett house and maritime museum, but anyone out there with ideas, we'd love to hear from you. That night we ate at the Roadhouse and then stopped by Kalahari so I could have my carmel apple. It had been awhile since I had one and it just sounded good. Today not much else happened. We traveled to Catawba and Marblehead looking for things and had a small amount of luck that included the items mentioned above. With it being so hot we then just chilled at home. Speaking of the weather, it looks as though we're not going to have a break in it anytime soon. The poor AC...it's workin' overtime! We spent some time with the 'rents this evening and sloopy came over to play and now here I am getting ready for another week of work. Blah! We're going to have a "get together" for our birthday tomorrow...but I don't get off until 7pm, so it won't be that long of an evening. But still we gotta do something on our day. I'm just so tired now and I don't feel like writing so I'm going to bed. Night!

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Fun Times With Mariachi

Hello Everyone! We're heading into the weekend...just one more day to go. Then it's birhtday weekend! Yep, you guessed it. It's both my mom and my birthday on Monday. Not sure what we're doing this weekend. Probably nothing special. But it's always fun to have a birthday, right? It's about 10pm and I should be heading to bed, but do you ever have those nights you just don't want to go to bed. You want to do something, but not sure what. That's how I feel. I could clean, but that wouldn't be fun. So I figured I'd just sit down and chill at the computer. We had a decent day at work. We got to pin a broken leg in a dog and I got to scrub in for that and assist. Those are always fun. Not to mention huge learning experiences. Looks as though we will have a busy day tomorrow since we already have a few surgeries lined up. Anyway, then we went out to dinner at Casa Real. Tonight was the mariachi band and it was a hoot! We've been wanting to go but have always forgotten and it's usually packed during those nights. Well, this time we remembered and it was still busy but it was fun. The mariachi band traveled around the restaurant singing at tables. And of course they stopped by ours and asked what we'd like to hear. We had no idea what to ask for so we said to surprise us and boy did they! Not exactly sure what they were singing since it was in spanish but the woman who was singing pulled dad out of his seat and had him dancing and twirling in the restaurant! Those are the times you wish you had a camera on you. It's great to have a good laugh every so often. Then you know we had to go to the mall and I got my "pizza slice" cookie from Mrs. Fields. Yum! So much for that "thin" feeling I was having all day. Isn't it amazing how your body can change from day to day. That's just crazy. Oh yeah, and David mowed the lawn today. I was so thankful for that. You see, usually I mow the lawn because I like to work outside and make things look pretty. Plus, you know I have my way of doing things. But recently it's just been overbearing! Sometimes I miss the crappy lawn we had in Michigan...you know the one that was mostly dirt. Didn't have to mow that very often, atleast the backyard. It was half the size too. Anyway, having a decent lawn that's a good size and that was fertilized.....it can take it out of you. Especially when you're working between 10-11 hour days. And I don't want to do it on a Friday night or anything. So the past 2-3 weeks David's definitely helped by mowing and then I'll edge/cut the weeds/etc when I get around to it. I'm very thankful for that.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Can't Think Of A Subject

Don't know what I want to write about today. I just know I want to write. The stairs and landing turned out awesome. We are really pleased with how they look and just everything about them. We love the color too. It's called galvanized but shoot, when I look at it I think of brownie batter. We still have our little touches to add with those things that go between the doorways, etc. But it's basically done. And we got done in great time. We started it Friday morning with me tearing up the carpet on the landing, then David coming home and tearing up the steps. Then that evening we sanded and filled cracks for about 2 hours. The next morning David got off of work about 8:30 and worked until around 11 with sanding the putty and cleaning up. I came home from work and we started painting around 2. Got finished around 6 (slow start due to the crevices). Then came back and put a second coat on at 8. And then we had a late night out. Went to Chili's and Walmart just to get out of the house since we couldn't go upstairs due to the paint. By midnight it was dry enough to walk on. That gave us Sunday to do whatever we wanted. I like little jobs. Don't we all wish they'd go that fast and as smooth? I'm just about done with the summer semester of school. I'm ready for it to be done so I can have a month off (kind of). It's already time to schedule my next set of classes. And since it's online I can basically get all of my info. So once I get my books I can start going. So that's why I say I have a month off kind of. Because you know me. If I can jumpstart and get ahead of everything I feel much better so I don't have to stress every week when assignments are due. By the time things need to be sent in I like to just have my preceptors sign and send it on it's way. I'm still working on my videos too. At this time I've been pricing DVD burners as I just found out the other day my computer can read/write CD's but only read DVD's. Bummer. But I want to get them on DVD so I can take them down to Florida when we go. Oh yeah, I don't know if I ever posted that I'm going to Florida at the end of next month. I'm so excited about it. It's going to be a mini vacation. Mom was planning on going down and decided to call and ask if I wanted to go. I jumped on that since the tickets were cheap....I want to see the rest of the fam...and I just need to get away. I was worried David would be upset as he would want to get out of here too. But he's excited to have the house to himself and not worry about cleaning up after himself, etc. Is that wrong that he wants me out of the house???? Not to mention, that's when Madden comes out so he said he'll be keeping himself busy with that. Time to get ready for work. Great....

Saturday, July 22, 2006

More Floor....

I woke up yesterday and decided to pull up the carpet on our landing upstairs. And then David came home and took up the carpeting on the stairs. Before you know it this house won't have any carpet at all. We've been debating whether to pull it up and I had just about had it and decided....now or never. We knew there were hardwood floors underneath but weren't sure what shape they were in. We had pushed around the idea of just painting them and had decided we may regret that in the future so we were planning on doing the whole strip, sand, stain, and poly again. But upon pulling it up they've already been painted. Painting it is. At this time it's been a total relief that they were painted. I really didn't want to do that much work that soon. So last night David sanded them down and I filled the cracks. Today we have to re-sand the putty and then get painting. I'm excited. So far everything has gone quite smooth so that's been nice. We want to do so many things around the house but some of them aren't weekend type of jobs and definitely not financially weekend type jobs if you know what I mean. And most require sanding which is just a pain since it gets everywhere. It's either-try to cover things and it's still messy, or just be messy and wash everything later. I just wish I could sand everything all at once and be done with it. But that would mean having 20 different jobs going at once....not good for the ol' OCD. I remember moving in thinking, "there's not much we have to do." and believe it or not there hasn't been however, we get on these kicks and want to change everything. i.e. the floor. Never was thinking about pulling the carpet up while moving in-at least that soon, it was old though. Then with Lily, and I just got frustrated...so we pulled it up, which then lead to the cat room, and now the stairs and the landing...and you know our bedroom will get done at some point. It's a lot of hardwork but cheaper than recarpeting, especially when you have an animal with IBD, and never know when there may be an accident. Ah well, one more thing to check of the list. Next up, upstairs bathroom vanity and closet, downstairs bathroom walls and closet, cat room walls (probably tearing down paneling), then the dreaded kitchen......paint paneling on lower half of walls, strip and recoat the cabinets, and then hopefully the floor. And we can't forget, we still need to put shoe molding around the baseboards in the downstairs.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

My Balloon

I hope this finds everyone well. And I hope you've been enjoying the videos as much as I have had making them. Sorry to inundate you with them. Once I get on a kick with doing something it's hard for me to stop. Especially when I'm teaching myself something. It's all trial and error and that's the way I learn. It's fun. Especially looking at the old video and pictures. I had the day off so I got some cleaning done. I obviously worked on the computer and also went out to Walmart to get a few things. I decided to surprise David with NCAA for his XBox. He was pleased and totally surprised, which makes me happy. He played that for the afternoon after work then we went to Red Robin with the 'rents. While leaving mom grabbed a balloon and started tying a knot in it. She then handed it to me and said, "just for old times sake" So I wore my balloon all night. Including our trip to Old Navy, Marshall's, and the mall. It was so simple yet fun. Even the girl at Old Navy got a kick out of it. She said, "I like the balloon! Is there a special occasion?" I said, "Nah, my mom just wants me to wear the balloon. So I'm wearing the balloon" She laughed and said, "that's cool." Good times. I think dad got annoyed with it in the car though. Too many balloon bonks. Sorry dad! We had a great time and I'm glad my mom gave me the balloon. That's enough for the evening. Ta Ta for now!

Natchez and Jax/Practice With Pinnacle

Natchez and Jax


Just got the Pinnacle setup so I've been messing with it. This is what I've come up with so far....

Sunday, July 16, 2006

I'm addicted

I love this photo story program....I think I'm addicted. Now, just trying to figure out the Window Movie Maker.....

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Lily's Life With Us

I was playing around on our computer last night and found that we had Photo Story. Figured I'd mess around with it a bit and made this little video. It goes from the time we got Lily to the present. Please be advised that this is my first "video" and it's not perfect. Hope you enjoy!

Thursday, July 13, 2006

July 13th



4 Years. It's gone by so fast, yet as I told David, New Orleans seems so far in the past. It's amazing how many things change in four years....how many hairstyles you can have (4), how many locations you can move to and from (4), how many states you can live in (3), how many "kids" you can have (4), how many great times (too many to list), and how many learning experiences together you can have (way too many to list....we learn more and more each day). Although at times it's been hectic, especially when dealing with the military, I wouldn't change anything for the world. If you think about it, it's amazing what can even happen in one year. Just over a year ago we never would have thought we'd be back in Ohio, let alone in our hometown. God definitely keeps things interesting. You just have to learn to hold on and take the ride. I can't wait to see what the next year, next four years, and beyond brings!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

My Wonderful Husband

I've been so bad with not writing in my blog for the past week. Sorry guys, when you're working full-time, going to school, and trying to keep a household up and running oftentimes it's overlooked. What'd we doing this past weekend.....Saturday started off with me working. We weren't seeing patients and basically we were just "open" for people to come and pick up meds or food, so the day started out slow. Then I got home from work and I wanted to be outside and get at least a little sun this summer, so we decided to go to East Harbor beach. You see, my husband has a dark complexion and tans immediately or is always just dark, whereas I'm whiter than white and I have to go through the burn cycle before tanning. I hate taking any pictures with him because the camera adjusts to his face and you can see him fine, and my face is just a white blotch. Not a pretty sight. So as I stated, I was hoping to get some sun. Needless to say the beach was way hot and packed so we didn't stay that long. But it was quite relaxing, even with the running kids kicking up sand on us everytime they passed. We cruised around for a bit over there and then came home and I laid out in the backyard with the dogs a bit too. I didn't get very much sun but I did get a tiny bit, so I can't complain about an all in all good day out. I do have to say I was quite self conscious before leaving as I was going to wear a bikini out. You have to understand.....I don't wear bikinis out. I stick with the speedo 1 piece and that last time I wore a bikini was when we went to Myrtle Beach when I was about 8 years old. I was kind of worried thinking "I don't know about this. I'm a little exposed" And of course, I don't have "the perfect body". But I just took a deep breath and went. And I was totally comfortable. I think it's one of those things...I'm no longer in high school so really I don't have to worry. I'm not saying I should let myself go or anything, but if you look back you're always thinking and comparing yourself. Ah, it all washes out in the wash and not to mention you think back and say, "Why would I have even worried about it then...I shouldn't have." That evening we went to famous dave's at cedar point. It was good and we had a great time even though we waited about 45 minutes for a seat. Haven't done that in awhile. Sunday...what did we do Sunday? Ah, we woke up and went to David's 'rents and worked on their yard before they came back from Cancun (which by the way they had an awesome time....glad to have you home sita and alpa!) We trimmed, mowed, and cut their bushes in front of their house. It kind of looks as though they were slightly butchered in some areas, but you have to understand, they were growing into each other and killing themselves, so we had to do what we had to do, and give them a few weeks, they'll grow back. So that looks nice. And then we chilled the rest of the day. Oh! I almost forgot about friday! Pirates came out and we are huge fans so all day I was wanting to go, but we don't do opening day on those types of things due to the amount of people. So I came home sat on the couch with David and he said, "well I'm hungry...go change so we can get going." So I headed upstairs and come to find 2 tickets to the movies and an outfit waiting for me. Sweet! I was excited. So we got there way early and got great seats....if you can call any seats in a non-stadium-like style theater great. And the movie was awesome!! It's been getting poor reviews, but if you're a true pirates/depp fan you'd love it. We want to see it again. I just love my husband. And then last night I came home to a full sit down dinner unexpectedly. He had spaghetti with grilled chicken (he actually grilled), topped with fresh mozzarella, and hot mama garlic bread.....so good. I can think of a new reason everyday why I love him. I can't believe it will be 4 married years on thursday. That's just crazy talk....

Thursday, July 06, 2006

The Perfect Jean

Mom and I had a wonderful day together yesterday. We ended up not only going to Strongsville but also Great Northern. Due to her testing in the morning we didn't leave until around 11:00 but it left us plenty of time to have a good time. We really weren't looking for anything inparticular. I tried on a few dresses here and there, stopped in Hollister and figured I'd try a pair of their jeans. The size 7 was pretty tight not to mention super long. So I was going to try the 9, but there weren't any without holes, not to mention I'm sure they'd be even longer. And Short/Ankle fit are just too short. Then we went to the GAP and I figured, "hey, why not try on some of their jeans. It's been awhile since I've tried them on...." So I did. Maybe I should explain at this time that I have a HARD time finding jeans/pants to fit me. For instance I've been looking a year for a pair of jeans. And I just keep going back to the American Eagle Hipster Flare 100% cotton. They're okay, but it's nice to have a different "style" every so often. It's frustrating because I'll get on this kick and want to find a new pair of jeans and then I get so depressed about it and I just have to say to myself, "why are you doing this? go back to american eagle and get the usuals." You can only imagine what David and my mom go through during these times. Anyway, I found a great pair, but with holes! Can anyone explain the hole thing to me? Why would you pay about $60 for a pair of jeans that already have holes? I'm young, I should understand this right? Not at all. I like to put my own holes in my jeans after wearing them for a few years! Alright, so the woman tried helping me out because I didn't want any stretch in them and I didn't want totally light ones either. No go. She gave me a few more to try on and they just didn't work. So mom wanted to go to Great Northern so we headed over there. Stopped at the GAP and were looking around. The workers at this store will not let you be....they keep asking you over and over, "can I help you? are you finding everything okay" I stopped by the jeans and was slightly irritated with everyone bugging me that my mom and I were about headed out he door when another girl said "are you sure you don't need any help" (she must have been able to tell the look on my face) and my mom spoke up "we want a specific pair of jeans but we're not sure you have them" So the girl took us over there and was pulling about 20 pairs of jeans off the shelf explaining them all to me and how they fit. She started with size 6 and I just looked at her and said, "we may need to try the 8's too" So I started trying them on and there it was. The oh so perfect pair of jeans. Actually, they were slightly large so I had to get a 4! What?! A perfect pair of jeans and a size 4 in one day! What do I owe the honor of this to? I must say that I had to sacrifice the 100% cotton thing I wanted...but they're 99% cotton and 1% lycra....I'm good to go as long as they're not spandex. So I ended up getting 2 pairs, because you know that in a year I probably won't be able to find them again. That's another thing I don't understand....they have about 8 cuts of jeans, then each has a about 20 different shades and each of those shades are a different make up of fabric, so you're not really sure what you got, because they don't have numbers or anything. So when you find the perfect jean you can never find it again. Ah well, I don't have to worry about that because right now I have the perfect jean. Thanks mom for a great day...I had fun and it was nice to spend time together!

Monday, July 03, 2006

We Love You Grandpa and Grandma!

Ah yes, only one day to work then it's another "weekend". That's one good thing about holidays during the week. I guess. Mom called last night with some bad news regarding Grandpa Q. Looks as though he had a possible stroke yesterday with some paralysis and not being able to talk. I guess the paralysis has subsided and he can talk again, however they will be performing a scope today to see what's going on. They're thinking a possible tumor of the upper GI tract. We'll have to see. We love you Grandpa and Grandma! Hang in there. We're thinking about you and praying for you. And you know me, just worrying. Ande' and Ryan came into town and it was nice to see them and spend some time with them. It seems as though it's been forever. Cass and J are here for a few days too. We don't really like spending too much time with them though (just kidding Cass). David and I both have to work today but David should have a short day so he may be able to spend some time with them. I have a long day, but hopefully we'll be able to get together tonight as planned and have dinner. We're not sure what's going on for the 4th, and on the 5th mom and I are going to have a girls day out. I'm looking forward to that. Must fold some clothes before going to work....

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Fun Day At The Zoo

David and I had a great day at the zoo. It was nice to get out in the summer weather and just chill. It was pretty busy and I must say it was stroller hell with everyone and their children. It doesn't bother us so much, however the parents and kids that push you out of the way after you patiently wait to see the exhibit can drive you nuts. You know those that feel that they are entitled to see it before you because they have a kid. Anyway, we were waiting in line for our food when David looked at me and said, "You know, I really can't ever see us having kids" (we do not plan on having kids...I know everyone says, your thoughts will change...yadah yadah yadah...but we believe whatever will be, will be) And if we do ever want to have children, we will put ourselves a situation such as that again to see if that's what we really want. I think it was a good warm up for us going to Disney in December. As I stated earlier we do not have anything against the whole family thing, it's just the annoying families and their bratty kids that are an issue. We definately have a wonderful time just chilling and taking it easy going from one thing to the next, and that's what we like about the freedom. And I can honestly say I didn't have any anxiety today, which usally would be an issue, but I just went in with the mindset of not having a set plan and just staying chill and it worked. It was wonderful. Time to get to bed....check out our picture site for pics of the zoo...they're almost all of animals, which I know isn't really that fun to look at especially if you weren't there, but oh well.....
http://davidandheidi.shutterfly.com

The Zoo It Is



It's just before 7am and I've had three crappy nights of sleep. On Wednesday evening I kept dreaming about the two dogs we had at work. One has a broken leg and had surgery, he's a puppy, and the other an older boxer who we have no idea what's wrong with him...possibly something neurological (cervial lesions?) So I just couldn't sleep. I kept thinking...what did I forget to day? And then I was so worried that one of them wouldn't be alive when I got to work. What a horrible feeling. And with my "discernment" this also freaks me out because often times my thoughts are things that actually occur. But they were fine when I arrived the next morning....whew! Thursday night I'm not sure what was going on. My body kept saying, okay it's time to get up, but the clock was saying 3am, then it was 4am....so my mind had to keep saying, "hey! this is my late day for work, I get to sleep in. Chill out!" And last night I kept dreaming about drug doses and doing formulations in my head. What's up with this? I guess it's obvious that I need a few days off of work. As I've said it the past, I am an active dreamer, and I so wish I could turn my mind off for just one night a week. So we're going to the Columbus Zoo today. We're planning on leaving at 9am, and I had my alarm set at 8am....and you know my body had to get up at 6am. Argh! It's kind of funny that I got up this morning and read everyone's blog and come to find out Erika was up at 3am. I definitely feel for you girl! Especially being pregnant and all. I don't think I could do it. Yesterday was Lily Bean's birthday. Can you actually believe I almost forgot?! I was eating breakfast and looked over to the calendar and there it was. Not sure why, but a few days ago I was thinking it was in August. Must have been a brain fart. So you know we showered her with love all day long (as if we don't already). And then last night Nana and Pawpaw came over with Sloopy and we had cake and presents. They all have their birthdays in June so they get tons of cake during the month but then have to wait an extra long time for more. David's 'rents are heading down to Mexico tomorrow for their anniversary. Have fun Sita and Alpa! May God grant you traveling mercies. I'm so excited to go to the zoo! I went to the animal fair. The birds and the beast were there. The big baboon by the light of the moon was combing his auburn hair.....
Happy Birthday Lily Bean!