No, those aren't the birds on my newly redesigned blog you're hearing. It's crickets.
What?
Yes, crickets. I'm really not that good at keeping up with this thing. K says I need to be recording all of the times I fall or do something stupid in here, and while I'm sure yall would enjoy that, it just doesn't paint me in the best light.
Anyway, I've been thinking a lot lately. It's like my brain just won't shut off and I'm trying to process all of these thoughts that are coming into my head. Jobs. Babies. Death. Church. Jews. (Yes, Jews.) There are so many things that I can barely take a minute to collect my own thoughts and go through the day, much less bring all of those thoughts into one coherent thought and make that thought into a blog post. However, writing things out seems to somehow provide clarity, so once again, I will take up my blog writing and you can think along with me!
Or go running in the other direction and remove my blog from your favorites. It's whatever.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Slug Nissan!
If you have ever had the experience of buying a used car, you know it is just that: an experience. 2 weeks ago we set out to find me a new (to me) ride. I was fairly set on a Nissan Sentra, and had a few in mind to go look at. So, on President's Day, my parents and Kyle and I piled in my parents car and we were off!
We started the day at Texas Nissan of Grapevine. Close to home, nice people, so we settled in to talk to Dwight, the car man. He brought a few things up for us to look at, but also brought his manager in to talk with us. Now, I can't make this stuff up people. His name? Johnny Utah. I'm pretty sure with a name like that you either go into porn or used car sales.
Since we didn't find anything in our budget there, we decided to head out to Trophy Nissan in Mesquite. This was the worst place I have ever been in my life. They conveniently had just sold the car I wanted to look at, and the guy that I talked to was "no longer with them." Hmmm. I couldn't wait to wash the sleeze off from that place, and as we left, the sales guy in front of me let the door slam in my face instead of holding it.
Next, it was off to Randall Noe in Terrell. That's where i purchased my last new car and had a great experience. This one, not so much. This was the true used car experience. Sleeze, trying to get me away from the rest of the family, "what can i do to earn your business," and all that crap. Blech.
At this point, we'd pretty much given up, but since we knew we were passing Bankston Nissan of Dallas on the way home, we decided to stop, just because. I really had no hope at this point, but that's when things changed. They had a Nissan Versa that was in our price range. This is not a car I considered before, but once I got in one, and started looking at it, I knew I loved it. We drove it around, felt like the dude was totally honest with us, and within an hour we were signing papers and getting ready to purchase a car! Several hours later we were done with paperwork and on our way home with our new Versa! It's a 2008 with only 25,000 miles, still under the factory warranty. And it's bright red. The perfect car for me!
And the title of this post? Well, similar to the "slug bug" game, we started punching each other every time we saw a Nissan. It was especially fun going into the dealership surrounded by Nissans!
We started the day at Texas Nissan of Grapevine. Close to home, nice people, so we settled in to talk to Dwight, the car man. He brought a few things up for us to look at, but also brought his manager in to talk with us. Now, I can't make this stuff up people. His name? Johnny Utah. I'm pretty sure with a name like that you either go into porn or used car sales.
Since we didn't find anything in our budget there, we decided to head out to Trophy Nissan in Mesquite. This was the worst place I have ever been in my life. They conveniently had just sold the car I wanted to look at, and the guy that I talked to was "no longer with them." Hmmm. I couldn't wait to wash the sleeze off from that place, and as we left, the sales guy in front of me let the door slam in my face instead of holding it.
Next, it was off to Randall Noe in Terrell. That's where i purchased my last new car and had a great experience. This one, not so much. This was the true used car experience. Sleeze, trying to get me away from the rest of the family, "what can i do to earn your business," and all that crap. Blech.
At this point, we'd pretty much given up, but since we knew we were passing Bankston Nissan of Dallas on the way home, we decided to stop, just because. I really had no hope at this point, but that's when things changed. They had a Nissan Versa that was in our price range. This is not a car I considered before, but once I got in one, and started looking at it, I knew I loved it. We drove it around, felt like the dude was totally honest with us, and within an hour we were signing papers and getting ready to purchase a car! Several hours later we were done with paperwork and on our way home with our new Versa! It's a 2008 with only 25,000 miles, still under the factory warranty. And it's bright red. The perfect car for me!
And the title of this post? Well, similar to the "slug bug" game, we started punching each other every time we saw a Nissan. It was especially fun going into the dealership surrounded by Nissans!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I'm a truck drivin' (wo)man!
Disclaimer: This post is not in ANY WAY meant to be taken as complaining! It is merely observations - so nobody take offense!
Before I get into this post, let me first say that I am extremely grateful for my family members that have been willing to temporarily loan my some wheels so that I can get around!
My sweet parents are letting me borrow my mom's truck for a couple of weeks while I'm in the process of getting my cash together for a car of my own. Here's a few facts: I grew up in the country. My parents own a farm. I learned to drive in a big ol' suburban. For fun I drive go-karts, four wheelers, tractors, anything that moves over road or land. You can take a girl out of the country...you know the rest.
Apparently you can take some of the country out of the girl. Or maybe I've lived in the 'burbs for too long. Just as a recap, I used to drive this:
Before I get into this post, let me first say that I am extremely grateful for my family members that have been willing to temporarily loan my some wheels so that I can get around!
My sweet parents are letting me borrow my mom's truck for a couple of weeks while I'm in the process of getting my cash together for a car of my own. Here's a few facts: I grew up in the country. My parents own a farm. I learned to drive in a big ol' suburban. For fun I drive go-karts, four wheelers, tractors, anything that moves over road or land. You can take a girl out of the country...you know the rest.
Apparently you can take some of the country out of the girl. Or maybe I've lived in the 'burbs for too long. Just as a recap, I used to drive this:
And I am currently driving this:
(not actual cars)
(not actual cars)
In the last few days, I've noticed how a few things have changed in my transportation:
1. In my car, I slid into the driver's seat. In the truck, I take a running leap and haul myself up into the driver's seat. I'm 5'2", so this is actually pretty funny to observe.
2. My car was small, so it fit nicely into the garage, never having to sit out in the cold, and was always mildly toasty, ready for me to get in and go in the morning. Therefore, I don't own an ice scraper. The truck doesn't even think about fitting in my garage. So on a chilly Monday morning, when there was ice covering the windshield, what's a girl to do? Yep, I was out scraping the window with a spatula.
3. While parking my car, I always went for the closest spot possible. When I got these, I called it "Princess Parking" and slid out of my car with ease, gliding happily into the store or wherever I was headed. In parking the truck, I look for the farthest spot away from all other cars. Embarrassed? No. I just can't park the damn thing! 5 minutes later, after many many tries, I make sure I am somewhat in a spot, jump down out of the seat, and pray that by the time I get out of the store all other cars around me will have moved, because Lord knows I'm not going to be able to back that thing out!
All that said, I'm so grateful to have a way to get around, and I'm sure everyone else is really enjoying the comedic value of my plight.
Also, how in the world my 5'3" mother drives this thing?
1. In my car, I slid into the driver's seat. In the truck, I take a running leap and haul myself up into the driver's seat. I'm 5'2", so this is actually pretty funny to observe.
2. My car was small, so it fit nicely into the garage, never having to sit out in the cold, and was always mildly toasty, ready for me to get in and go in the morning. Therefore, I don't own an ice scraper. The truck doesn't even think about fitting in my garage. So on a chilly Monday morning, when there was ice covering the windshield, what's a girl to do? Yep, I was out scraping the window with a spatula.
3. While parking my car, I always went for the closest spot possible. When I got these, I called it "Princess Parking" and slid out of my car with ease, gliding happily into the store or wherever I was headed. In parking the truck, I look for the farthest spot away from all other cars. Embarrassed? No. I just can't park the damn thing! 5 minutes later, after many many tries, I make sure I am somewhat in a spot, jump down out of the seat, and pray that by the time I get out of the store all other cars around me will have moved, because Lord knows I'm not going to be able to back that thing out!
All that said, I'm so grateful to have a way to get around, and I'm sure everyone else is really enjoying the comedic value of my plight.
Also, how in the world my 5'3" mother drives this thing?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
DIY Tuesday - Sweater Boots!
Back during December, I was stalking some boots at DSW. They looked like a sweater, very cute, cute little buttons, you know, perfect. When I finally got some Christmas money, it was time for the boots! I drove excitedly over to DSW, walked down the right aisle, and...
No boots.
Kyle heard about my boot debacle (not because I complained about them, of course), and when he came across a link for some DIY boots, he passed it on. I ran to the store, got some clearance shoes, dug around for Kyle's old sweaters, got the glue gun, and went to work!
The cheap starter shoes
Removing the bling on the top
Kyle's old sweater
Gluing the sleeves onto the shoe
Flip it over...
Sew on a cuff (made from the bottom of the sweater)
Add a cute button, and...
Boots!
No boots.
Kyle heard about my boot debacle (not because I complained about them, of course), and when he came across a link for some DIY boots, he passed it on. I ran to the store, got some clearance shoes, dug around for Kyle's old sweaters, got the glue gun, and went to work!
The cheap starter shoes
Removing the bling on the top
Kyle's old sweater
Gluing the sleeves onto the shoe
Flip it over...
Sew on a cuff (made from the bottom of the sweater)
Add a cute button, and...
Boots!Several of yall have commented on them and requested an interest in their own pair of boots, so here's your chance! I'll make them for you for $20 (covering my time and materials). I just need to know your shoe size and your color preference!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Updates to the Situation
Thanks to all of you who have been so supportive. It was such a hard decision to make, even if it was the right one, and it's something I'm still dealing with. Some days are good, some are bad. I need a little time to grieve. I know that doesn't make sense to some, but I just need some time.
On the job front, thank you everyone who has messaged or called me with jobs and ideas and suggestions! I have some possible positive job things going on that I truly believe are God led, but I can't talk about them yet. Yall will just have to be patient and keep praying. I can say that Kyle and I are really excited about these possibilities. :)
We are still trying to figure out the whole car thing. My MK car will get picked up sometime this week, so I'm still needing some temporary transportation. I have started my car fund, and even though it's starting slowly, my accompanying work these next few months should really help to build that up quickly!
Thanks everyone for your hugs and prayers. Keep 'em comin.
On the job front, thank you everyone who has messaged or called me with jobs and ideas and suggestions! I have some possible positive job things going on that I truly believe are God led, but I can't talk about them yet. Yall will just have to be patient and keep praying. I can say that Kyle and I are really excited about these possibilities. :)
We are still trying to figure out the whole car thing. My MK car will get picked up sometime this week, so I'm still needing some temporary transportation. I have started my car fund, and even though it's starting slowly, my accompanying work these next few months should really help to build that up quickly!
Thanks everyone for your hugs and prayers. Keep 'em comin.
Monday, January 11, 2010
What I'm dealing with...
This is kind of embarrassing, but I'm writing it out to the blog world and facebook world because I don't really know what to do, and this is the biggest network of people I know. So, I'm falling on my sword, letting myself be embarrassed in hopes that it will help me move on faster and get some help.
In the past I have been the Mary Kay Diva. While I still am a Diva with my own sales, my unit kinda fell apart the past couple of months, and on January 1st, I lost my status as director. On Saturday I got a letter stating that I no longer had enough consultants on my team to maintain car status and that they would be coming to pick up my car.
I'm still licking my wounds on this one, but after a lot of prayer and talking with Kyle, our Pastor, and some close church friends, I've made a few decisions. One, I will continue with Mary Kay, but on a dialed back basis, as in, I will still do a party if someone wants one, but mostly I'm just going to take care of my customers and keep getting my personal discount. I still believe in this company and I love doing this, but right now it's best for my family if I take a step back.
Two, I need to find another source of income. For years I've been patching together a career with various things, and I'm not necessarily opposed to that, but it's time to bring it together. I'm a musician. It's what I'm good at. I need to be doing what I'm good at. Here's the tricky part - musicians don't get paid all that well. I absolutely love my job at St. Peter, and don't intend on leaving, so I've got to find some 20 odd hours during the week to do something musical that I'm good at. During the school year I can sub, but my heart isn't in that. I love the accompanying work that I do, but again, it's only during certain times of the year.
And the one that's probably the most urgent - I need a car. Due to our past year, we don't have the funds to purchase one. And because of some poor mistakes that I have made, I don't have good credit either. We are hoping someone will have an extra car we can rent for a few months while we get some money together to be able to purchase a decent car for me.
So there's where I'm at. I'll be glad to take advice on jobs, cars, etc. I'll also take some prayers, because I've got a lot to figure out.
In the past I have been the Mary Kay Diva. While I still am a Diva with my own sales, my unit kinda fell apart the past couple of months, and on January 1st, I lost my status as director. On Saturday I got a letter stating that I no longer had enough consultants on my team to maintain car status and that they would be coming to pick up my car.
I'm still licking my wounds on this one, but after a lot of prayer and talking with Kyle, our Pastor, and some close church friends, I've made a few decisions. One, I will continue with Mary Kay, but on a dialed back basis, as in, I will still do a party if someone wants one, but mostly I'm just going to take care of my customers and keep getting my personal discount. I still believe in this company and I love doing this, but right now it's best for my family if I take a step back.
Two, I need to find another source of income. For years I've been patching together a career with various things, and I'm not necessarily opposed to that, but it's time to bring it together. I'm a musician. It's what I'm good at. I need to be doing what I'm good at. Here's the tricky part - musicians don't get paid all that well. I absolutely love my job at St. Peter, and don't intend on leaving, so I've got to find some 20 odd hours during the week to do something musical that I'm good at. During the school year I can sub, but my heart isn't in that. I love the accompanying work that I do, but again, it's only during certain times of the year.
And the one that's probably the most urgent - I need a car. Due to our past year, we don't have the funds to purchase one. And because of some poor mistakes that I have made, I don't have good credit either. We are hoping someone will have an extra car we can rent for a few months while we get some money together to be able to purchase a decent car for me.
So there's where I'm at. I'll be glad to take advice on jobs, cars, etc. I'll also take some prayers, because I've got a lot to figure out.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thar's a hole in my bucket...
I guess it's inevitable with the new year. It's a chance to refocus, decide what we really want out of life, what we're going to do about it this year, what we didn't do well last year, etc. You know how it goes. It's what all goes into deciding on those New Year Resolutions that we all throw away and forget about by Valentine's Day.
Since I am inching closer towards 30 every day, it really makes me think. A couple of months ago we had a sermon at church about our Bucket List. Sorry Pastor, but I don't really remember what the point of the sermon was (was that the bucket of grace sermon?), but it did get me thinking about my own bucket list. What do I want to achieve? What are some things I definitely want to do? So, in no particular order, here are 10 things I would like to achieve in my lifetime:
1. Be a mother. (Of Kyle's children of course, not just anybody's.)
2. Drive a pink cadillac.
3. Travel to Rome, Italy. (I'd like to see the Vatican while I'm there.)
4. Have a leading role in a musical.
5. Live by the lake. (I'm pretty close right now!)
6. Have some land.
7. Take the Sound of Music tour in Switzerland. And sing The Hills Are Alive while I'm there. In a dress.
8. Have a wall full of shoes. I'm thinking Carrie Bradshaw's closet in the Sex and the City movie.
9. Hire a housekeeper.
And those that know me best, know #10:
I want a lady that will be in my house with a taco cart and tableside guacamole, to make me tacos on command. Her name will be Escuela.
What's on your bucket list?
Since I am inching closer towards 30 every day, it really makes me think. A couple of months ago we had a sermon at church about our Bucket List. Sorry Pastor, but I don't really remember what the point of the sermon was (was that the bucket of grace sermon?), but it did get me thinking about my own bucket list. What do I want to achieve? What are some things I definitely want to do? So, in no particular order, here are 10 things I would like to achieve in my lifetime:
1. Be a mother. (Of Kyle's children of course, not just anybody's.)
2. Drive a pink cadillac.
3. Travel to Rome, Italy. (I'd like to see the Vatican while I'm there.)
4. Have a leading role in a musical.
5. Live by the lake. (I'm pretty close right now!)
6. Have some land.
7. Take the Sound of Music tour in Switzerland. And sing The Hills Are Alive while I'm there. In a dress.
8. Have a wall full of shoes. I'm thinking Carrie Bradshaw's closet in the Sex and the City movie.
9. Hire a housekeeper.
And those that know me best, know #10:
I want a lady that will be in my house with a taco cart and tableside guacamole, to make me tacos on command. Her name will be Escuela.
What's on your bucket list?
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