We're hot on the trail of buying a house. We've already made offers on 2 houses, and have also made informal/verbal offers on 2 others. We liked all the houses we made offers on (obviously), but they didn't end up working out for one reason or another.
This week, we made an offer on another house, and we're hopeful it will end up working out. This house has the same floorplan and lot size as 2 others that we made informal offers on, but it is priced way better. A bonus is that it looks like it has been well maintained. This is great news, considering the house from the most recent offer had more issues than I could even begin to explain.
If this offer works out, we'll be moving much closer to both of our jobs, our church, and most of our friends. This would be a huge change for us, since in our 5 years of marriage, we've never lived closer than 20 miles away from work or church. We're praying that God shows us His best plan throughout this process; we've already seen His hand in the offers that didn't go through.
When and if we hear back that our most recent offer is accepted, I'll post pictures of it here. It would definitely be a fixer-upper, but I've come to a place where I'm really good with that. I know in time we can make it exactly what we want, and in the meantime, I'm sure we'll learn some great lessons in patience.
We'll see what happens... So exciting!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
30 Day Shred - Day 6
I have embarked on a jouney of self torture, and done so absolutely voluntarily. What am I talking about? Look below...
The 30 Day Shred is a workout program by Jillian Michaels, who you might have seen as a trainer on a little show called "The Biggest Loser." The program is, obviously, intended to last 30 days, and to get you seriously shredded. You work out using the DVD for right about 20 minutes a day, every day, for 30 days. All you need to do it are 3 or 5 lb. hand weights and a mat. It combines cardio, strenghth and abs into the workout.
There are 3 levels on the program; you move up to the next level when you feel ready. My definition of "feeling ready" thus far has been when I feel a little less like I'm going to die by then end of the workout than I did on the first day of that level.
I am on day 6 right now. I did a number of days of Level 1 before I got really consistent with the program, so I moved up to Level 2 on Wednesday of this week. Wyatt actually joined me for this workout, and even he thought it was hard. That made me feel better, since I was really, really struggling through the session. Level 2 involves lots of moves in the plank position (kind of like push up position); I am now an official hater of the plank position. So hard! Sweat was dripping by the end of the 20 minutes, seriously dripping.
I'm going to keep at it through the 30 days and then plan to keep doing it 3-4 times a week after that. I'll keep you updated on my progress. Thus far, I'm down 2 pounds (at least that's what my scale tells me, hopefully it's not a dream). Disclaimer on that, though, I am not just doing the Shred right now. I'm also doing cardio (running or elliptical) for ~ 35-45 mintues 5-6 times a week and being mindful of what I eat.
Happy shredding and happy (almost) Friday!
The 30 Day Shred is a workout program by Jillian Michaels, who you might have seen as a trainer on a little show called "The Biggest Loser." The program is, obviously, intended to last 30 days, and to get you seriously shredded. You work out using the DVD for right about 20 minutes a day, every day, for 30 days. All you need to do it are 3 or 5 lb. hand weights and a mat. It combines cardio, strenghth and abs into the workout.
There are 3 levels on the program; you move up to the next level when you feel ready. My definition of "feeling ready" thus far has been when I feel a little less like I'm going to die by then end of the workout than I did on the first day of that level.
I am on day 6 right now. I did a number of days of Level 1 before I got really consistent with the program, so I moved up to Level 2 on Wednesday of this week. Wyatt actually joined me for this workout, and even he thought it was hard. That made me feel better, since I was really, really struggling through the session. Level 2 involves lots of moves in the plank position (kind of like push up position); I am now an official hater of the plank position. So hard! Sweat was dripping by the end of the 20 minutes, seriously dripping.
I'm going to keep at it through the 30 days and then plan to keep doing it 3-4 times a week after that. I'll keep you updated on my progress. Thus far, I'm down 2 pounds (at least that's what my scale tells me, hopefully it's not a dream). Disclaimer on that, though, I am not just doing the Shred right now. I'm also doing cardio (running or elliptical) for ~ 35-45 mintues 5-6 times a week and being mindful of what I eat.
Happy shredding and happy (almost) Friday!
Monday, July 20, 2009
My First Triathlon
Last weekend, I completed my first triathlon. It was the couples triathlon in Austin. You could compete with a friend, family member, spouse, or really anyone else you want to. You complete the triathlon as an individual, but they add up your time and your partner's time at the end to place you.
I partnered up with my friend Abby, who is a seasoned triathlete. This was a good move; she definitely knew what she was doing. I don't know how I would have made it through without her!
Abby and me before the madness began. Notice I am smiling here.
The swim...open water in Decker Lake. It was an 800 meter (1/2 mile) swim. It was very hard to see where you were going, so you had to try to stay within the pack of swimmers or you might end up veering off course. This was my favorite part by far (and also the quickest part for me).
The bike. Oh my goodness...I almost died on this portion. It was 11.2 miles with almost constant hills. That's all I'll say about this part.
The run. It was a 5K (3.1 miles), so I thought it would be easy. Nope. After the bike, my legs were dead. There were a few hills on this part too, and I just didn't have the energy I needed to keep up any semblance of speed. At this point, the goal changed from getting a good time to mere survival, bonus points if I survived without throwing up.
The blessed finish line. End time was around 1 hour 48 minutes.
Hoping I don't collapse...
Trying to be enthusiastic without collapsing... VERY happy to be done!
All in all, it was a really hard event for me, but I know a lot of that has to do with the fact that I didn't train on the road for the bike portion, and I used a mountain bike rather than a road bike. Although the mountain bike I used was a great one (thanks, Abby), I'm told that a road bike really makes it easier on the hills.
Call me crazy (I probably am), but I am definitely up for another triathlon. I would just be sure to train really hard on the bike part beforehand. I think that would make all the difference.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Still Here!
We're still here! It's been busy the past month, and it looks to get even busier over May and June.
This past weekend, we traveled to Hemphill, TX, for Wyatt's Great Uncle John's 90th birthday party. This was a birthday party/family reunion combo., and we were so glad we got to go. It's always neat to go to Hemphill with Wyatt. He has so many stories and memories from that town; I enjoy getting a better picture of what his childhood was like. Most importantly, his Granny and PawPaw live there and we love getting to see them.
At the beginning of the party, Wyatt's Great Uncle Raymond led us in a prayer. It was so neat to hear him pray the way he did. It wasn't a run of the mill "thanks for the food" prayer; it was a prayer thanking God for Uncle John's life and the legacy he is creating for the family. Uncle Raymond thanked God for working through the good and the bad, for being sovereign and having a purpose for each and every life event. It was so clear that he has led a life of devotion to Christ and that he desires the same for his whole family, the young and the old. I am really blessed to see such deep devotion to Jesus and to know that I am part of that heritage also.
I have pictures from the party that I hope to add soon...so be on the look out.
Next weekend, we'll be in Arlington for a couples shower. The shower is for Wyatt's cousin Jonathan, who is getting married on June 6th. We're excited for Jonathan and I'm looking forward to meeting his fiance, Bethany.
In other events, I'm doing my best to get back into a consistent work out routine (which is stinking hard!). I'm considering registering for the 2010 Houston Marathon and am deciding whether or not I should join a training group.
I'm also ramping up my Arbonne business, which I'm excited about. So many new and exciting products have come out in the past couple of months, and being a consultant gives me a legitimate excuse to buy them. I have to try each and every one of them out before I can recommend them to others, right? (This is the logic I try to use on Wyatt, with limited success).
Ellie seems to have recovered from her injury. We never figured out for sure what was wrong, but she seems to be back at full speed again. I'm glad about that; trying to keep a lab sedentary is not easy or fun.
Lots more is coming up in May- Wyatt's 30th birthday on May 13th, various and assorted graduations, and our 5 year wedding anniversary on May 29th. I'll do my best to be a better blogger and actually post about these events as they happen.
This past weekend, we traveled to Hemphill, TX, for Wyatt's Great Uncle John's 90th birthday party. This was a birthday party/family reunion combo., and we were so glad we got to go. It's always neat to go to Hemphill with Wyatt. He has so many stories and memories from that town; I enjoy getting a better picture of what his childhood was like. Most importantly, his Granny and PawPaw live there and we love getting to see them.
At the beginning of the party, Wyatt's Great Uncle Raymond led us in a prayer. It was so neat to hear him pray the way he did. It wasn't a run of the mill "thanks for the food" prayer; it was a prayer thanking God for Uncle John's life and the legacy he is creating for the family. Uncle Raymond thanked God for working through the good and the bad, for being sovereign and having a purpose for each and every life event. It was so clear that he has led a life of devotion to Christ and that he desires the same for his whole family, the young and the old. I am really blessed to see such deep devotion to Jesus and to know that I am part of that heritage also.
I have pictures from the party that I hope to add soon...so be on the look out.
Next weekend, we'll be in Arlington for a couples shower. The shower is for Wyatt's cousin Jonathan, who is getting married on June 6th. We're excited for Jonathan and I'm looking forward to meeting his fiance, Bethany.
In other events, I'm doing my best to get back into a consistent work out routine (which is stinking hard!). I'm considering registering for the 2010 Houston Marathon and am deciding whether or not I should join a training group.
I'm also ramping up my Arbonne business, which I'm excited about. So many new and exciting products have come out in the past couple of months, and being a consultant gives me a legitimate excuse to buy them. I have to try each and every one of them out before I can recommend them to others, right? (This is the logic I try to use on Wyatt, with limited success).
Ellie seems to have recovered from her injury. We never figured out for sure what was wrong, but she seems to be back at full speed again. I'm glad about that; trying to keep a lab sedentary is not easy or fun.
Lots more is coming up in May- Wyatt's 30th birthday on May 13th, various and assorted graduations, and our 5 year wedding anniversary on May 29th. I'll do my best to be a better blogger and actually post about these events as they happen.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Warrenton, Here We Come!
Every six months or so, something wondrous happens in a little town called Warrenton. It's called Antique Weekend, and if you enjoy hunting for great antiques at a bargain, it's a must do! It goes on for two weeks twice a year, usually falling during late September/early October and late March/early April.
Wyatt's favorite part of the event is the food, and I won't try to pretend I don't love it too. There are turkey legs (Wyatt's favorite), fried chicken on a stick (a recent serendipitous find by Wyatt), fried twinkies (Emily's favorite, don't tell mom), great pie, and kettle corn (my favorite). Royers Round Top Cafe, a great restaurant in Round Top, always has a booth there. If you go, make sure you get a piece of buttermilk pie; it's wonderful.
We're off to Warrenton this Saturday, and I'm excited. The weather's supposed to be perfect, so that's an added bonus. The big challenge will be to eat less than 3 types of fried food during the time we're there.
Let us know if you've ever been to Antique Weekend or if you're going this year. It's always fun to bargain hunt with friends.
Wyatt's favorite part of the event is the food, and I won't try to pretend I don't love it too. There are turkey legs (Wyatt's favorite), fried chicken on a stick (a recent serendipitous find by Wyatt), fried twinkies (Emily's favorite, don't tell mom), great pie, and kettle corn (my favorite). Royers Round Top Cafe, a great restaurant in Round Top, always has a booth there. If you go, make sure you get a piece of buttermilk pie; it's wonderful.
We're off to Warrenton this Saturday, and I'm excited. The weather's supposed to be perfect, so that's an added bonus. The big challenge will be to eat less than 3 types of fried food during the time we're there.
Let us know if you've ever been to Antique Weekend or if you're going this year. It's always fun to bargain hunt with friends.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Injured (and Sad) Ellie
Our beloved Eleanor is injured. We're not sure when it happened, but we know for sure that something's not right. She won't jump on the bed any more (and before I get in trouble on this, let me clarify that she's not allowed on the bed unless we ask her to come up, and we don't do this that often). She's having a hard time jumping up- even in getting in and out of the car and the pool, which she usually does with ease and enthusiasm. She still runs fine usually, but there have been a few incidents where she'll sprint after her ball, stop suddenly, yelp repeatedly, and pick up her back right leg.
I took her to the Vet last Saturday, and they prescribed her an anti-inflammatory medicine. We're supposed to watch her to see if it helps her return to normal, and if not, we'll have to take her back to get sedated and get an x-ray of the suspect leg. Thus far, it's looking like the medicine isn't helping a whole lot.
The injury by itself is bad enough, but to keep her from hurting herself further, we're having to hide all her balls and keep her inside and inactive as much as possible. Hello...this is a LAB we're talking about. ALL she wants to do is play, run, chase, and move...on a continual basis. So, needless to say, she's depressed. The look on her face when we get ready to go for a run and she realizes we're not going to take her with us is SO pathetic.
I'm really hoping this is just a pulled muscle that needs rest, but I'm getting worried. I'll post again when we have an update.
I took her to the Vet last Saturday, and they prescribed her an anti-inflammatory medicine. We're supposed to watch her to see if it helps her return to normal, and if not, we'll have to take her back to get sedated and get an x-ray of the suspect leg. Thus far, it's looking like the medicine isn't helping a whole lot.
The injury by itself is bad enough, but to keep her from hurting herself further, we're having to hide all her balls and keep her inside and inactive as much as possible. Hello...this is a LAB we're talking about. ALL she wants to do is play, run, chase, and move...on a continual basis. So, needless to say, she's depressed. The look on her face when we get ready to go for a run and she realizes we're not going to take her with us is SO pathetic.
I'm really hoping this is just a pulled muscle that needs rest, but I'm getting worried. I'll post again when we have an update.
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Big 3-0!
Yes, this is very late, but I did turn 30 on February 15th. I haven't given much thought to the whole "turning 30" part of my birthday. Yes, I realize that's what a birthday is, but it just didn't feel that significant to me. I know I could still pass for 18 in most circles, so it's hard to think of myself as 30. Maybe some day my mind will catch up with my age, but until then, I'll just keep on keeping on (I don't know who says this, but it seems to fit here).
The day itself was very uneventful; I had a really bad cold and spent most of the day lounging on the couch. On Friday (two days before my birthday), we went to one of my favorite restaurants (D'Amico's in the Rice Village) for dinner. My brother David, his friend Abby, and my parents came along. It was great food as usual, but I felt so bad I really couldn't enjoy it. Eating out just isn't that fun when all you want to do is take Benadryl and lay down.
Wyatt surprised me with a purse I'd been wanting but definitely didn't expect to get, and I got a much-needed new briefcase-y bag for work from my family. It was as good a birthday weekend it could have been in light of my icky cold.
The next weekend, Wyatt threw me a surprise party. I won't lie; I had an idea it was coming. It's a long story how I knew, but let's just say I was pretty sure a party was going to happen that Saturday.
That morning, Wyatt arranged for me to have a massage and a pedicure at a spa in the Galleria area. My sister Emily went along, and we had a great time. We shopped around a little bit after we got done at the spa, and arrived back at the house at about 4:00.
I was greeted by a bunch of friends and a ton of food! Wyatt had enlisted the help of my brother and sister, and they did a great job planning the party. There was a donkey pinata filled to the brim with chocolate and an inflatable/bouncy boxing ring (I don't know what else to call it). Wyatt told me later that he was planning on hiring a mariachi band to come and play, but they wouldn't budge on their $400 price, and he thought that was just a tad too much to pay. :)
It was hilarious to see a big bunch of 20 and 30 somethings doing things you usually see at a 5-year old's party. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Wyatt knows me well.
The pinata was especially entertaining; it was totally authentic and nearly indestructible. It was even lined with Mexican newspaper on the inside; that is a real pinata.
One funny story...when the rental company arrived to drop off the inflatable boxing ring, they asked my brother David if the kids were upset that they were late. David responded that he thought they were ok with it. Of course the kids were ok with it; there were only 2 real "kids" at the party. The real upset people were the 20/30ish people who wanted to relive their childhood in the bouncy boxing ring, and do it ASAP! It was a funny moment.
Here are some pictures from the party:
The donkey pinata
The cake
Wyatt manning the pinata
Me trying to hit the pinata
The inflatable boxing ring
Partygoers
More partygoers
Karaoke Fun
Thanks to all who made my birthday so fun, and special thanks to my endlessly creative and sweet husband for planning such a great party. Thanks also to the lady that made the tortillas at Lupe Tortilla. They were delicious.
The day itself was very uneventful; I had a really bad cold and spent most of the day lounging on the couch. On Friday (two days before my birthday), we went to one of my favorite restaurants (D'Amico's in the Rice Village) for dinner. My brother David, his friend Abby, and my parents came along. It was great food as usual, but I felt so bad I really couldn't enjoy it. Eating out just isn't that fun when all you want to do is take Benadryl and lay down.
Wyatt surprised me with a purse I'd been wanting but definitely didn't expect to get, and I got a much-needed new briefcase-y bag for work from my family. It was as good a birthday weekend it could have been in light of my icky cold.
The next weekend, Wyatt threw me a surprise party. I won't lie; I had an idea it was coming. It's a long story how I knew, but let's just say I was pretty sure a party was going to happen that Saturday.
That morning, Wyatt arranged for me to have a massage and a pedicure at a spa in the Galleria area. My sister Emily went along, and we had a great time. We shopped around a little bit after we got done at the spa, and arrived back at the house at about 4:00.
I was greeted by a bunch of friends and a ton of food! Wyatt had enlisted the help of my brother and sister, and they did a great job planning the party. There was a donkey pinata filled to the brim with chocolate and an inflatable/bouncy boxing ring (I don't know what else to call it). Wyatt told me later that he was planning on hiring a mariachi band to come and play, but they wouldn't budge on their $400 price, and he thought that was just a tad too much to pay. :)
It was hilarious to see a big bunch of 20 and 30 somethings doing things you usually see at a 5-year old's party. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Wyatt knows me well.
The pinata was especially entertaining; it was totally authentic and nearly indestructible. It was even lined with Mexican newspaper on the inside; that is a real pinata.
One funny story...when the rental company arrived to drop off the inflatable boxing ring, they asked my brother David if the kids were upset that they were late. David responded that he thought they were ok with it. Of course the kids were ok with it; there were only 2 real "kids" at the party. The real upset people were the 20/30ish people who wanted to relive their childhood in the bouncy boxing ring, and do it ASAP! It was a funny moment.
Here are some pictures from the party:
The donkey pinata
The cake
Wyatt manning the pinata
Me trying to hit the pinata
The inflatable boxing ring
Partygoers
More partygoers
Karaoke Fun
Thanks to all who made my birthday so fun, and special thanks to my endlessly creative and sweet husband for planning such a great party. Thanks also to the lady that made the tortillas at Lupe Tortilla. They were delicious.
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