It's two days before Christmas and I sit here wondering how? How did it get here that quickly? Wasn't just yesterday August?
No, seriously Ive got the shopping done but it just doesn't feel like Christmas. I've even had my family Christmas already, with the dinner, gifts and etc... but it doesn't feel like Christmas.
Why? I don't know. Nothing feels at it should right now, everything is skewed. Why? Again I don't know - Work is a part of it, but it can't be wholly to blame as we make our own attitudes.
So what now? Now I open my eyes - Thank God for sending his only begotten Son to die on a cross for me and celebrate his birthday with thankfulness that it should be given. I may not feel like it's Christmas and I may not ever get in the "spirit" this year, but I know this. I am truly thankful for what I have, for my family (even though I love to hate them) and for a God who loves me enough to give me everything. May the upcoming year have me spending more time on my relationship with him and less time stressing over nothing.
I wish you and yours a very merry Christmas! May God Bless and Keep you and yours.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Dreams, Tiredness, Stubborness, Me
Tonight I sit here - my eyes drooping, knowing I need to be in bed, but instead I sit here. Posting things, surfing the net and reflecting. Reflecting on what it is to be me.
I do this ever so often, quite often actually:
I reflect, reflct on what I want, where I am and why I am. I never come up with any answers, but I reflect.
I worry, worry we made the wrong decision to move here, worry I'm not being supportive enough, worry that I am not being optomistic enough, worry that we made the right decision to move here and I'm just not letting go to my old life.
I want, want the house to be something I'm proud of, want a job I enjoy, want friends to go and do with, want to not have to work at all, want a child.
I slack, slack on doing the projects in the house, slack on my prayer life, slack on doing anything fitness related, I slack.
I appreciate, appreciate a husband that loves me, I appreciate a husband that puts up with me even if he doesn't necessarily get me, I appreciate a mother that supports me, I appreciate the roof over my head, I appreciate the food in my belly, I appreciate the right I have to sit here in my pjs thanks to those who have gone before, I appreciate.
I wish, wish I was more of a doer, wish I had more drive than I had dreams, wish I didn't want so much, wish I had it all, I wish I was anyone but me.
And with that I'll go to bed - my reflections are getting deep, which means I'm more tired than I originally believed. So good night dear void - til next time.
I do this ever so often, quite often actually:
I reflect, reflct on what I want, where I am and why I am. I never come up with any answers, but I reflect.
I worry, worry we made the wrong decision to move here, worry I'm not being supportive enough, worry that I am not being optomistic enough, worry that we made the right decision to move here and I'm just not letting go to my old life.
I want, want the house to be something I'm proud of, want a job I enjoy, want friends to go and do with, want to not have to work at all, want a child.
I slack, slack on doing the projects in the house, slack on my prayer life, slack on doing anything fitness related, I slack.
I appreciate, appreciate a husband that loves me, I appreciate a husband that puts up with me even if he doesn't necessarily get me, I appreciate a mother that supports me, I appreciate the roof over my head, I appreciate the food in my belly, I appreciate the right I have to sit here in my pjs thanks to those who have gone before, I appreciate.
I wish, wish I was more of a doer, wish I had more drive than I had dreams, wish I didn't want so much, wish I had it all, I wish I was anyone but me.
And with that I'll go to bed - my reflections are getting deep, which means I'm more tired than I originally believed. So good night dear void - til next time.
Day 6 Wilmington
We got up around 10 and went out for breakfast – Waffle House, my home away from home. We then wandered down to the historic district and took the trolley tour. Wilmington has one of the largest historic districts I think I’ve seen. The homes are gorgeous as is the feel of the town. While on the tour we also learned that One Tree Hill, one of my shows, is filmed in the town and was actually filming that day –How Cool Was That! You know I had to check it out. So after the trolley ride we walked up to the Cloths Over Bros store, not really a store, just a front covered with plastic and lots of movie people outside.
We got a drink at the café across the street and watched for a bit. I didn’t get to see any of the actors, but it was still cool.
We then headed back to the hotel to rest a bit before dinner.
For dinner we met some longtime friends, Mark & Robyn who moved up here about 10 years ago… And it’s been that long since we had seen them. Their daughter is almost 18, she has grown so much – I was amazed. It was really nice to see them! I hope it’s not another 10 years before we see them again.
After dinner we headed home, back to Grovetown. The trip was a great success, can’t wait till our next journey
We got a drink at the café across the street and watched for a bit. I didn’t get to see any of the actors, but it was still cool.
We then headed back to the hotel to rest a bit before dinner.
For dinner we met some longtime friends, Mark & Robyn who moved up here about 10 years ago… And it’s been that long since we had seen them. Their daughter is almost 18, she has grown so much – I was amazed. It was really nice to see them! I hope it’s not another 10 years before we see them again.
After dinner we headed home, back to Grovetown. The trip was a great success, can’t wait till our next journey
Day 5 – Wright Brothers / Roanoke / Rest
We got up this morning and ate the continental breakfast – this hotel has an awesome breakfast, especially given it’s free. We then went to the Wright Museum and saw where the first motorized flight took place. It’ awesome to think how far we have come, in such a short time from that short flight. Jack seemed to enjoy the museum; it’s nice to see him interested in something. Nice to see him really enjoying an event, he normally just tags along. I think he has fun, but it’s hard to tell sometimes.
We then went to lunch at the Full Moon in Montea, per the dolphin driver’s suggestion. I wish I could have my money and my hour back.... that’s all I’ll say about that.
We then walked around Montea for a bit and then escaped back to the hotel for a nap – it’ s a good day for a lazy afternoon. Jack and I walked down to the beach for a few minutes before resting – the waves are huge as Hurricane Earl plays havoc in the sea – the sun brutal and the day perfect.
The nap afterwards was also great, followed by dinner at the “Kill Devil Hill Diner”, good stuff. Now we are back in our hotel enjoying a night of relaxation. Tomorrow we leave for Wilmington, doubt we can drive down the coast like I wanted to, thanks Earl – but at least we got to see the islands. So far it’s been a nice relaxing trip.
We then went to lunch at the Full Moon in Montea, per the dolphin driver’s suggestion. I wish I could have my money and my hour back.... that’s all I’ll say about that.
We then walked around Montea for a bit and then escaped back to the hotel for a nap – it’ s a good day for a lazy afternoon. Jack and I walked down to the beach for a few minutes before resting – the waves are huge as Hurricane Earl plays havoc in the sea – the sun brutal and the day perfect.
The nap afterwards was also great, followed by dinner at the “Kill Devil Hill Diner”, good stuff. Now we are back in our hotel enjoying a night of relaxation. Tomorrow we leave for Wilmington, doubt we can drive down the coast like I wanted to, thanks Earl – but at least we got to see the islands. So far it’s been a nice relaxing trip.
Day 4 – Cape Hatteras / Dolphin Watch
We woke up and went down to breakfast around 9 AM. We were all tired, not sure why, but we all got started a bit slow. Since the hurricane is threatening to arrive and mess with our schedule we decided to drive on down and see Cape Hatteras. The drive was about an hour and it was a peaceful drive, but honestly I could have slept. We got to the Cape Hatteras and I enjoyed taking pictures of it... we decided not to walk up it. 12 flights of stairs and the heat not a great combo, but it was nice to look at.
We then stopped at a local diner for some lunch and headed back to Kitty Hawk. We elected to call it an early afternoon and get some rest – I walked in the hotel, laid down and went to sleep, guess I needed it. We got up and went to the dolphin watch tour at 4:30.
We got to see lots of dolphins; they were a full school of them around the boat. It was terrific. We were out for 2 hours and I’d say at least 1 ½ of that was with Dolphins; we also got to see the sun set which was terrific. We ate dinner at 5 Guys and got a great hamburger; no matter the state they always make the best burgers.
We then went to the beach and watched the waves for a few – they are getting higher and higher as the storm approaches. I love to watch them; it’s super relaxing.
We then stopped at a local diner for some lunch and headed back to Kitty Hawk. We elected to call it an early afternoon and get some rest – I walked in the hotel, laid down and went to sleep, guess I needed it. We got up and went to the dolphin watch tour at 4:30.
We got to see lots of dolphins; they were a full school of them around the boat. It was terrific. We were out for 2 hours and I’d say at least 1 ½ of that was with Dolphins; we also got to see the sun set which was terrific. We ate dinner at 5 Guys and got a great hamburger; no matter the state they always make the best burgers.
We then went to the beach and watched the waves for a few – they are getting higher and higher as the storm approaches. I love to watch them; it’s super relaxing.
Day 3 - Currick / Corral / Horses
We got up this morning and went to breakfast around 9. We then left the hotel and headed up to Currick Lighthouse. The heat was intense and the lighthouse was interesting. It was too hot to go up in it, but I enjoyed taking pictures from the ground and the area was quaint. We also walked down the boardwalk and took pictures of a blue heron bird that was hanging out, he was very pretty.
We were scheduled to go on a wild horse tour at 3:30, but we were done early.... so we called them and moved our trip up to 1, which required us to find some food quick. We ended up a BBQ restaurant called Smokeys at 12:30 ... there was no one in it except the waitress. She was older and super nice, but the BBQ sandwich we all agreed on due to time left something to be desired.
We then went to meet with the tour and it was worth it. We were in a suburban with an open back – the best of convertible and AC :) We drove on the beach and though two beach towns. Towns with no paved roads and that require a 4 wheel drive... The horses are wild and you aren’t allowed within 50 feet, that is unless they are standing in your garage enjoying the shade, which they do. We saw lots of horses in various herds and it was terrific. They were gorgeous and unthreatened by us. Out here they are the top of the food chain and know it.
Our tour guide was interesting. He was around 30 and has lived in multiple states...he loves the theater and him and his wife are planning a movie this winter about how someone 20/30 deals with having cancer. I wish them the best; it’s nice to see free spirits doing what they love.
After the tour we headed back to the hotel and took a nap. I can’t tell you how much I needed it – the sun can take it out of you. We got up around 6 and went to a Southwestern Restaurant called “Chili Peppers”. The chips/dip were ok, but my steak salad was excellent. The steak was moist and flavorful.
After dinner we passed dunkin doughnuts, which of course meant I got coffee – finally! We then went to play putt putt – it was fun, but at times it felt rushed due to the crowds. We had a good time overall though... despite my multiple 5 putts :)
We then came back and went and sat on the beach for a good hour or so. It was very relaxing and the crabs were still numerous. It was great...
We were scheduled to go on a wild horse tour at 3:30, but we were done early.... so we called them and moved our trip up to 1, which required us to find some food quick. We ended up a BBQ restaurant called Smokeys at 12:30 ... there was no one in it except the waitress. She was older and super nice, but the BBQ sandwich we all agreed on due to time left something to be desired.
We then went to meet with the tour and it was worth it. We were in a suburban with an open back – the best of convertible and AC :) We drove on the beach and though two beach towns. Towns with no paved roads and that require a 4 wheel drive... The horses are wild and you aren’t allowed within 50 feet, that is unless they are standing in your garage enjoying the shade, which they do. We saw lots of horses in various herds and it was terrific. They were gorgeous and unthreatened by us. Out here they are the top of the food chain and know it.
Our tour guide was interesting. He was around 30 and has lived in multiple states...he loves the theater and him and his wife are planning a movie this winter about how someone 20/30 deals with having cancer. I wish them the best; it’s nice to see free spirits doing what they love.
After the tour we headed back to the hotel and took a nap. I can’t tell you how much I needed it – the sun can take it out of you. We got up around 6 and went to a Southwestern Restaurant called “Chili Peppers”. The chips/dip were ok, but my steak salad was excellent. The steak was moist and flavorful.
After dinner we passed dunkin doughnuts, which of course meant I got coffee – finally! We then went to play putt putt – it was fun, but at times it felt rushed due to the crowds. We had a good time overall though... despite my multiple 5 putts :)
We then came back and went and sat on the beach for a good hour or so. It was very relaxing and the crabs were still numerous. It was great...
Day 2 - Raleigh to the Outer Banks
Yesterday I didn’t log it as i should, but it was a good day. We got up a little late and left our hotel in Raleigh around 10:30. We then went to the JC Ralston Gardens at the University in town. It was nice, though it didn’t grab my interest as I thought it was. I blame it on lack of coffee.... We spent an hour at the Gardens and then left to find the1911 Carousel – this required a stop at the Waffle House for cold drinks for them or coffee for me...
We then left Raleigh for the Outer Banks. It was about a 4 hour drive and Jack was nice to all of it so i could read my book. We made it to the hotel around 4 and decided to rest for an hour or so before heading to grab some dinner. I finished my book during the down time and we later went to the Black Pelican at the recommendation of the hotel clerk. It was one of the most interesting restaurants... The lights were Tiffany, the chairs plastic and the decor lifesavers.... Upon looking at the menu I liked to have choked with $15 to $30 plates, but after eating the crab legs I can say it was well worth it. OMG that was good - Jack had to get it where I could eat it, but it was delicious.
We then came back to the hotel and took a walk on the beach. It was dark and the waves were crashing loudly. Very relaxing...... There were washed up Jelly Fish and little crabs were everywhere, both babies and large crabs. It was great and seeing them scurry made the trip worth it.
We then left Raleigh for the Outer Banks. It was about a 4 hour drive and Jack was nice to all of it so i could read my book. We made it to the hotel around 4 and decided to rest for an hour or so before heading to grab some dinner. I finished my book during the down time and we later went to the Black Pelican at the recommendation of the hotel clerk. It was one of the most interesting restaurants... The lights were Tiffany, the chairs plastic and the decor lifesavers.... Upon looking at the menu I liked to have choked with $15 to $30 plates, but after eating the crab legs I can say it was well worth it. OMG that was good - Jack had to get it where I could eat it, but it was delicious.
We then came back to the hotel and took a walk on the beach. It was dark and the waves were crashing loudly. Very relaxing...... There were washed up Jelly Fish and little crabs were everywhere, both babies and large crabs. It was great and seeing them scurry made the trip worth it.
Day 1 - Raleigh
Yesterday was the first day of our vacation and it was very enjoyable. We woke up and were at the Farmers Market Restaurant by 9 am. The food was great, the company better and the outdoor bistro that welcomed puppies make it perfect. After asking to sit outside I almost wish I hadn’t because the interior was decorated so fun with bright colors, but the sun was a welcome change from our normal day.
We then walked through the Farmers Market. Lots of people, fresh food and hustle/bustle. It was great. It got a lemonade drink that was awesome:
1 Squeezed Orange, ½ Lemon, ½ Lime, Tablespoon Cherry, Water, Ice, Shaken
After the market we went and visited the capital building. The outside of it wasn’t that impressive, but the inside had some great architecture. The downtown area of Raleigh was also great. You could tell that during the work week the hustle and bustle would be interesting to watch. After the capital we stopped for a drink at the local coffee shop and rested while we decided our next move. We ended up walking on down to the City Market to eat at a restaurant, but it ended up being closed. So we ate at a local Italian restaurant that was open instead, a great find. The food was good, the atmosphere homey and the murals on the wall gorgeous. I loved watching the families with their children and the staff who were obviously a family, even if it wasn’t by blood. There office was a table in the corner and the scattered paperwork just added to the charm.
After eating we drove to the executive mansion and the historic Oakwood district. The buildings were great though many could use some good old fashioned TLC. We then headed back to the hotel for some rest before the concert.
Jack and I left the hotel after some good napping on my part and went to get some food before going to the concert. We were going to do something quick like Subway, but ended up at a surprise, lucky find -> The Lotus Leaf. A great Thai restaurant that I loved. I got a dish with noodles, beef and a brown sauce that was ok – Jack got a sweet & sour veggie dish that was awesome.
We then went to the Adam Lambert concert at the Progress Energy Center. The venue was nice and the concert was incredible. His voice was so clean despite the loudness and the show was extremely entertaining. He will be an icon of our times. One thing that happened before he came out that was one of the most magical times I can ever remember. It was during the intermission and the lights had been up for a good 10 minutes. I guess people got tired of waiting -> so they decided to party. Collectively, magically hundreds of people started singing with the intermission music, dancing and generally partying. It was an awesome moment.
Overall the day was really fun and relaxing. A terrific anniversary – 6 years and counting. I couldn’t be more lucky.
We then walked through the Farmers Market. Lots of people, fresh food and hustle/bustle. It was great. It got a lemonade drink that was awesome:
1 Squeezed Orange, ½ Lemon, ½ Lime, Tablespoon Cherry, Water, Ice, Shaken
After the market we went and visited the capital building. The outside of it wasn’t that impressive, but the inside had some great architecture. The downtown area of Raleigh was also great. You could tell that during the work week the hustle and bustle would be interesting to watch. After the capital we stopped for a drink at the local coffee shop and rested while we decided our next move. We ended up walking on down to the City Market to eat at a restaurant, but it ended up being closed. So we ate at a local Italian restaurant that was open instead, a great find. The food was good, the atmosphere homey and the murals on the wall gorgeous. I loved watching the families with their children and the staff who were obviously a family, even if it wasn’t by blood. There office was a table in the corner and the scattered paperwork just added to the charm.
After eating we drove to the executive mansion and the historic Oakwood district. The buildings were great though many could use some good old fashioned TLC. We then headed back to the hotel for some rest before the concert.
Jack and I left the hotel after some good napping on my part and went to get some food before going to the concert. We were going to do something quick like Subway, but ended up at a surprise, lucky find -> The Lotus Leaf. A great Thai restaurant that I loved. I got a dish with noodles, beef and a brown sauce that was ok – Jack got a sweet & sour veggie dish that was awesome.
We then went to the Adam Lambert concert at the Progress Energy Center. The venue was nice and the concert was incredible. His voice was so clean despite the loudness and the show was extremely entertaining. He will be an icon of our times. One thing that happened before he came out that was one of the most magical times I can ever remember. It was during the intermission and the lights had been up for a good 10 minutes. I guess people got tired of waiting -> so they decided to party. Collectively, magically hundreds of people started singing with the intermission music, dancing and generally partying. It was an awesome moment.
Overall the day was really fun and relaxing. A terrific anniversary – 6 years and counting. I couldn’t be more lucky.
Day 0 - Outer Banks
I'm a little late in posting these, but I like to have them out here as I enjoy looking back on them later and the net is a safe place to have them so here is our trip to the outer banks:
Day 0 – 8/27/2010
We left work, gave Iggy to Cheryl for safe keeping, packed the car and hit the road.
We stopped at South of the Border and messed around for a bit. Jack had never seen it and I don’t think he was impressed. However, it was fun to peruse the crazy shops, take pictures with the cheesy statues and get out of the car of a bit.
We then finished the trip to Raleigh and went to bed, sleep was a must.
Day 0 – 8/27/2010
We left work, gave Iggy to Cheryl for safe keeping, packed the car and hit the road.
We stopped at South of the Border and messed around for a bit. Jack had never seen it and I don’t think he was impressed. However, it was fun to peruse the crazy shops, take pictures with the cheesy statues and get out of the car of a bit.
We then finished the trip to Raleigh and went to bed, sleep was a must.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Mentally Impaired?
I worry sometimes that I may be mentally unstable. I know many of you are going - about time you woke up and smelled realty, but I'm serious. I have some serious drastic mood swings that can last for seconds or weeks.
Here let me give you an example
Last Week = Lethargic, Didn't want to do anything, World Burn Up = I don't care, Hate my Life, Super Lonely, No Sunshine in my World, Million $$ Wouldn't be Folded Right, and I could go on and on.
Weekend = Reflective, Lonely, Nothing could Cheer Me Up, Missed ATL and my friends, Birthday Sucked, Etc...
Today = Worked Sucked as always, but I got shit done! Came home and studied a weeks worth of photography class, Dug down and played with some camera settings, Organized photo stuff, Got ready for this weeks material, Geeked out by making list for the house, myself, shopping, vacations, etc... Got folders and started planning some trips, Complete and total organizational geekfest.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring... here's hoping it's upbeat happiness with an attitude of I can/I will/I did. I'm sick of the other crap.
Here let me give you an example
Last Week = Lethargic, Didn't want to do anything, World Burn Up = I don't care, Hate my Life, Super Lonely, No Sunshine in my World, Million $$ Wouldn't be Folded Right, and I could go on and on.
Weekend = Reflective, Lonely, Nothing could Cheer Me Up, Missed ATL and my friends, Birthday Sucked, Etc...
Today = Worked Sucked as always, but I got shit done! Came home and studied a weeks worth of photography class, Dug down and played with some camera settings, Organized photo stuff, Got ready for this weeks material, Geeked out by making list for the house, myself, shopping, vacations, etc... Got folders and started planning some trips, Complete and total organizational geekfest.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring... here's hoping it's upbeat happiness with an attitude of I can/I will/I did. I'm sick of the other crap.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Too Much Today
I sit here surrounded by furniture that is askew and boxes that are taped with a general sense of being overwhelmed and sad. Maybe it's exhaustion, maybe its the fact every time I turn around its someone telling me something else that needs to be done, but I seriously need a week at the beach surrounded by tan relaxed people and fruity drinks with umbrella's in them.
Let me recap the past few days to put some things in to prospective and to also educate you on the ethics of one company - Coast 2 Coast Movers. I pray to God you read this and learn from our misfortune.
Friday morning they arrive at our home in Mableton and begin packing our things, everything is going well and I'm impressed with the speed by which they can pack. A tractor trailer is parked in front of our house to load it up and take it to Augusta. Jack and I had assumed they would use panel trucks, that is what we would have used, so when I mentioned casually that i hope he can back that up in our new driveway I had no idea the drama that would follow.
Around 3pm on Friday after almost 1/2 of our property was in the tractor trailer a guy, a man I assume has some type of ownership in the company, Ben gives us a call to tell us it would be $1500 more dollars for them to actually get the stuff from the end of our driveway to the house. He blamed us for not telling him we had a long driveway... Let me tell you this so you understand 1) I'm sitting in my living room watching cars drive up and down the road so it's not all that long 2) He never before in our 3 weeks of negotiation mention the drive nor did he ask about it. We provided this man an address and just assumed he would get what he needed from that. Nor did we ever expect him to use a vehicle that couldn't get into people's driveways!
So this is 3pm on Friday with half our stuff in the truck and when my husband points out the items above the guy, Ben, says well - we can leave it at the end of the driveway and you can figure out how to get into your house. Not the correct response, especially we since we had already paid extra for the hoisting services required to get several larger pieces of our furniture into the loft area. So my husband negotiates a bit and gets him down to $650 - the entire time being so mad he is about to call the police. He calls his boss who agrees to pay the $650 despite the fact that the quote we had received before was "binding".
We had a cashiers check for the agreed upon $5,850 and Ben told us we could give him a personal check the next day and they would go cash it before the banks closed. Like we are going to take the man's unearned $650.
Time trucks on and they don't end up completing the load on the first day - they do however break a microwave and grind mud all into my downstairs carpet. At which point things turned a bit ugly and they decided to pick it back up in the AM. I'm glad they stopped because everyone was tired and ill, but this left us frantically trying to figure out a place to stay. Luckily Jack's Mom and StepDad only live 45 minutes away and we were able to invade their home at 11 pm at night. Thank God for family.
The second day they show up at 8 AM and begin loading the remainder of the stuff. They say a carpet cleaner is on the way and they will fix the microwave for us... all is good. They are throwing boxes out of the attic, boxes they didn't pack and have no idea what is in them - not so good. They broke several of my ornaments, but only 1 I have found so far that meant anything, however most of those boxes still sit unopened and I'm terrified what I will find. When my husband took the guy the broken ornaments he said "well packed like that they are going to break"... well Duh they were packed to sit in an attic not to have you throw them. They should have repacked them since we paid for "packing services"... but we continue on. Getting more and more upset by the moment.
The truck is loaded and we head to Augusta. It's now past 12 pm and all banks are closed - please remember they were supposed to have us packed on Friday and we were to be in Augusta first thing on Saturday.
We arrive in Augusta and give them the cashiers check for the $5,850 and the personal check for the $650 to which they respond "we will not accept a personal check" go get us the $650 in US Postal Money Order (on a Saturday at 2 pm) or Cash or we drive off with your stuff and charge you storage until you get us the money. Oh my goodness I thought my husband was going to hurt someone - he didn't instead he called the police. The company stopped loading and we waited for the police to arrive.
The police explained to us that despite the loads of emails showing the earlier binding quote and the fact they were holding several hundred thousands of dollars worth of stuff over $650 there was nothing he could do and left! You have to love how the law protects its citizens. I mean in my opinion that was theft by deception or something, but nope...
So while Jack finished chatting with the police I called "Ben" thinking I could talk some sense into the guy. After all I wasn't upset and figured two rational people could talk this through - boy was I mistaken. He accused us of being unethical and said we would "stop payment" on any check the minute he accepted it. Said we were liars and that were intent on sabotaging this move. To which I completely lost my cool man - I went off like I haven't in years and guess where it got me - no where. We did everything by the book with this company, negotiated up front, got it in writing, told them about every scenario we thought would impact their pricing and in the end still agreed to pay them more and we are unethical? Please explain this to me.
Thank God we still had a business checking account open so I could pull out the money from two accounts or we would have been completely screwed- there is a max you can pull out of one account per day using a debit card. So to make a long story shorter, I gave them cash, they unloaded our stuff (the copier hasn't been hoisted yet as agreed they would) and we sit here surrounded by boxes stressed to the max and trying to deal.
I want a fruity drink and will make it my lifes ambition to tell everyone I can possibly tell not to use the company Coast to Coast movers!
Let me recap the past few days to put some things in to prospective and to also educate you on the ethics of one company - Coast 2 Coast Movers. I pray to God you read this and learn from our misfortune.
Friday morning they arrive at our home in Mableton and begin packing our things, everything is going well and I'm impressed with the speed by which they can pack. A tractor trailer is parked in front of our house to load it up and take it to Augusta. Jack and I had assumed they would use panel trucks, that is what we would have used, so when I mentioned casually that i hope he can back that up in our new driveway I had no idea the drama that would follow.
Around 3pm on Friday after almost 1/2 of our property was in the tractor trailer a guy, a man I assume has some type of ownership in the company, Ben gives us a call to tell us it would be $1500 more dollars for them to actually get the stuff from the end of our driveway to the house. He blamed us for not telling him we had a long driveway... Let me tell you this so you understand 1) I'm sitting in my living room watching cars drive up and down the road so it's not all that long 2) He never before in our 3 weeks of negotiation mention the drive nor did he ask about it. We provided this man an address and just assumed he would get what he needed from that. Nor did we ever expect him to use a vehicle that couldn't get into people's driveways!
So this is 3pm on Friday with half our stuff in the truck and when my husband points out the items above the guy, Ben, says well - we can leave it at the end of the driveway and you can figure out how to get into your house. Not the correct response, especially we since we had already paid extra for the hoisting services required to get several larger pieces of our furniture into the loft area. So my husband negotiates a bit and gets him down to $650 - the entire time being so mad he is about to call the police. He calls his boss who agrees to pay the $650 despite the fact that the quote we had received before was "binding".
We had a cashiers check for the agreed upon $5,850 and Ben told us we could give him a personal check the next day and they would go cash it before the banks closed. Like we are going to take the man's unearned $650.
Time trucks on and they don't end up completing the load on the first day - they do however break a microwave and grind mud all into my downstairs carpet. At which point things turned a bit ugly and they decided to pick it back up in the AM. I'm glad they stopped because everyone was tired and ill, but this left us frantically trying to figure out a place to stay. Luckily Jack's Mom and StepDad only live 45 minutes away and we were able to invade their home at 11 pm at night. Thank God for family.
The second day they show up at 8 AM and begin loading the remainder of the stuff. They say a carpet cleaner is on the way and they will fix the microwave for us... all is good. They are throwing boxes out of the attic, boxes they didn't pack and have no idea what is in them - not so good. They broke several of my ornaments, but only 1 I have found so far that meant anything, however most of those boxes still sit unopened and I'm terrified what I will find. When my husband took the guy the broken ornaments he said "well packed like that they are going to break"... well Duh they were packed to sit in an attic not to have you throw them. They should have repacked them since we paid for "packing services"... but we continue on. Getting more and more upset by the moment.
The truck is loaded and we head to Augusta. It's now past 12 pm and all banks are closed - please remember they were supposed to have us packed on Friday and we were to be in Augusta first thing on Saturday.
We arrive in Augusta and give them the cashiers check for the $5,850 and the personal check for the $650 to which they respond "we will not accept a personal check" go get us the $650 in US Postal Money Order (on a Saturday at 2 pm) or Cash or we drive off with your stuff and charge you storage until you get us the money. Oh my goodness I thought my husband was going to hurt someone - he didn't instead he called the police. The company stopped loading and we waited for the police to arrive.
The police explained to us that despite the loads of emails showing the earlier binding quote and the fact they were holding several hundred thousands of dollars worth of stuff over $650 there was nothing he could do and left! You have to love how the law protects its citizens. I mean in my opinion that was theft by deception or something, but nope...
So while Jack finished chatting with the police I called "Ben" thinking I could talk some sense into the guy. After all I wasn't upset and figured two rational people could talk this through - boy was I mistaken. He accused us of being unethical and said we would "stop payment" on any check the minute he accepted it. Said we were liars and that were intent on sabotaging this move. To which I completely lost my cool man - I went off like I haven't in years and guess where it got me - no where. We did everything by the book with this company, negotiated up front, got it in writing, told them about every scenario we thought would impact their pricing and in the end still agreed to pay them more and we are unethical? Please explain this to me.
Thank God we still had a business checking account open so I could pull out the money from two accounts or we would have been completely screwed- there is a max you can pull out of one account per day using a debit card. So to make a long story shorter, I gave them cash, they unloaded our stuff (the copier hasn't been hoisted yet as agreed they would) and we sit here surrounded by boxes stressed to the max and trying to deal.
I want a fruity drink and will make it my lifes ambition to tell everyone I can possibly tell not to use the company Coast to Coast movers!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Time's Up
Well tonight was the last night we had to paint before we have to go back to the ATL to get the furniture. We made some awesome headway, but we didn't get as far as I had hoped.
We got all of Mama's section done = 6 rooms, our spare bedroom, bedroom, laundry room and three closets done. We still have living room, dining room, hallway, 2 baths and a tiny area of the kitchen. We were focusing on areas that would be the most difficult once the furniture was in... Grateful we did as much as we did! We have painted everyday and / or night since May 1st (with the exception of two nights we took off) so we are both tired, exhausted fits better I think.
I'm off Friday through Wednesday of next week so hopefully we get some good stuff done during that time in addition to getting some much needed rest. Supervising movers beginning on Friday - wish us luck!
We got all of Mama's section done = 6 rooms, our spare bedroom, bedroom, laundry room and three closets done. We still have living room, dining room, hallway, 2 baths and a tiny area of the kitchen. We were focusing on areas that would be the most difficult once the furniture was in... Grateful we did as much as we did! We have painted everyday and / or night since May 1st (with the exception of two nights we took off) so we are both tired, exhausted fits better I think.
I'm off Friday through Wednesday of next week so hopefully we get some good stuff done during that time in addition to getting some much needed rest. Supervising movers beginning on Friday - wish us luck!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Good Progress
We have made some good progress this weekend in addition to spending way too much money but ah well.
Yesterday a gentleman named Gene met us at Lowes with his pick up truck and a trailer. We picked up a lawn mower and the a set of the following lighting set. Its way cool, we got a chandelier for the living room, a dining room light, a island light, a floor lamp, etc...
It was so great of him to let us use his truck... he got a fridge out of the deal and we are now fridgeless, which is awesome. I won't disgust you with the ugliness we found under /behind that fridge - ICK!
We did some serious painting too. Got two coats of red in the bedroom (it may need one more) and we got the laundry room completely painted. Though that was a bit of a nightmare to paint. It was a bit like painting with water... We also got the tape off of the spare bedroom and have one of the closets taped. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was a lot.
We also bought a ceiling fan for my bedroom, new fixtures, mirrors and etc... for our bathroom, a ceiling fan for the back porch, some door screens and an entire new set of knobs and handles for the kitchen. I can't shop anymore for a while but it was fun to get the stuff that is going to make this house mine.
We'll continue working through Wednesday and what gets painted gets painted and what doesn't will just have to wait till after we get moved. We meet the movers in the ATL on Friday! Can't wait to get really settled and be out of this apartment!
For now it's time to get some sleep. I have band aids on my feet and hands from being project accident prone, aches in places I didn't know I had an am generally just tired. I have a ton of work to do before I'm off for 4 days beginning on Friday. Not sure how I'm going to take the time off, but I am...
Not going to worry about it for now- night.
Yesterday a gentleman named Gene met us at Lowes with his pick up truck and a trailer. We picked up a lawn mower and the a set of the following lighting set. Its way cool, we got a chandelier for the living room, a dining room light, a island light, a floor lamp, etc...
It was so great of him to let us use his truck... he got a fridge out of the deal and we are now fridgeless, which is awesome. I won't disgust you with the ugliness we found under /behind that fridge - ICK!
We did some serious painting too. Got two coats of red in the bedroom (it may need one more) and we got the laundry room completely painted. Though that was a bit of a nightmare to paint. It was a bit like painting with water... We also got the tape off of the spare bedroom and have one of the closets taped. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was a lot.
We also bought a ceiling fan for my bedroom, new fixtures, mirrors and etc... for our bathroom, a ceiling fan for the back porch, some door screens and an entire new set of knobs and handles for the kitchen. I can't shop anymore for a while but it was fun to get the stuff that is going to make this house mine.
We'll continue working through Wednesday and what gets painted gets painted and what doesn't will just have to wait till after we get moved. We meet the movers in the ATL on Friday! Can't wait to get really settled and be out of this apartment!
For now it's time to get some sleep. I have band aids on my feet and hands from being project accident prone, aches in places I didn't know I had an am generally just tired. I have a ton of work to do before I'm off for 4 days beginning on Friday. Not sure how I'm going to take the time off, but I am...
Not going to worry about it for now- night.
Friday, May 14, 2010
More Painting
Pam and her husband came and picked up the refrigerator in Mama's area today. The one in our area is going tomorrow and then we will be ready for our fridges from Mableton - Furniture arrives in a week. Can't wait to live among my own stuff again!
We painted the rest of the spare bedroom today - I think we are done with the exception of the closet in that room - and of course clean up. But finally we are done painting in that room - 3 days!
More painting tomorrow... I'm going to have a paint brush grow out of my hand soon.
We painted the rest of the spare bedroom today - I think we are done with the exception of the closet in that room - and of course clean up. But finally we are done painting in that room - 3 days!
More painting tomorrow... I'm going to have a paint brush grow out of my hand soon.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Night Off - Lazy 1010 - WOOT
We took the night off and did nothing - WOOT LOVING IT :) Man does it feel good to be lazy!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Painting - Painting and More Painting
We closed on our house on the 29th of April and are glad that part of the game is over with. Mableton still needs to sale, but at least now we can begin to get settled. We aren't actually moving our stuff in until the 21st and 22nd of May - right now it's paint time. And boy do I mean paint. We are painting every single room of the new house and it is taking what seems like forever.
As I was driving back to the apartment tonight I was thinking of how long it was taking and why - I am loosing track of what we did when so I'm going t0 use this blog as a house renovation journal. Mainly so I can look back years from now and remember the stories, hopefully you will enjoy our journey along the way.
1) Friday May 30th - We taped up Mama's living room and office. Mama took off all the face plate covers for us.
2) Saturday May 1st - Bobby and DeAnn came down to help us. They were a great help and it was fun to see them. We got a first coat on Mama's living room, office and dining room. The most memorable paint moment of the day is when Bobby had a cup of paint and started talking... a few minutes later we realized there were streams of red paint all over the floor where he was moving his hands while chatting. It was so funny and luckily most of it got on the plastic and what didn't was easily wiped up. We wrapped up painting around 4 PM and then went to dinner at Outback followed by the play Annie. Overall it was an extremely productive today, plus it was fun to visit with family that I hadn't seen in way too long.
3) Sunday May 2nd - Jack and I got a second and final coat on Mama's living room / Office. The only thing left to do in this area is the top of her office area - it will have to wait for an extension ladder. The tape was removed in these rooms and they are considered complete.
4) Monday May 3rd - Jack and I put a second coat on the beige part of the living room.
5) Tuesday May 4th - We put a second coat of red on Mama's living room and did some touch ups with a hobby paint brush on the areas that were slightly messed up. It is a paneled room so it was a load of fun to paint... But it's done other than clean up so we are excited. Major pain in the but room.
6) Wednesday, May 5th - Jack cleaned up the living room (pulled tape, cleaned plastic, etc...) and I did a first coat on one of the orange walls in the kitchen. I accidentally painted part of the soon to be beige wall orange... I had to wash it off with a sponge. It didn't all come off put it looks good.
7) Thursday May 6th - Jack painted Mama's bathroom and I painted the second coat of the orange and finished up that color.
8) Friday May 7th - We took the night off and went to see Iron Man 2 - awesome movie and some MUCH needed down time.
9) Saturday May 8th - I went and chopped off all my hair - Cut like 13 inches off of it! I look like a new person completely. After that we met back at Grovetown, grabbed some lunch and started painting again. I painted the first coat of the beige in Mama's kitchen and Jack painted the top part of her bedroom. Here bedroom is two colors divided by a chair rail: a really light blue and a dark blue on the bottom.
10) Sunday May 9th - I did a second coat of the beige in the kitchen, cleaned up the tape from the bathroom and rehung the bathroom fixtures. Jack touched up the light blue areas and did a first coat of the dark blue on the bottom. I also cleaned the floors in the bathroom / kitchen area of Mama's house. Jack didn't put enough plastic down for me to help him... I'm too messy.
11) Monday May 10th - I didn't feel well today. I was tired and didn't feel very well. I took 1/2 day off and got some much needed sleep and then went in to work. It's absolutely crazy busy at the office with me trying to handle a heavy renewal month with out really being comfortable with the accounts yet. Absolutely nutz! After work I took the night off. I tried to talk Jack into resting, but the decided to go on over and finish up Mama's bedroom.
12) Tuesday May 11th - We began the first coat of color in the spare bedroom in our area. We are painting it Turquoise and it is the first room to be painted in our section and I am loving it. Its bold and beautiful. We painted for 3 hours and still didn't get the entire first coat on. Mama helped us tonight by cleaning my kitchen cabinets out - bless her! I can deal with paint but not icky stuff and there is lots of icky stuff.
13) Wednesday May 12th - We worked some more on the spare bedroom - still don't have the entire first coat down, but it is close. I'm still loving the color!
So 13 days to paint 6.75 rooms! Wow, at that pace we are in trouble... Ah well, guess we will be painting with furniture in the house. Nothing to stress over - I'm determined to enjoy this house and it's changing character. So far the colors we choose are bold and awesome. Its a unique house and it will have a unique style - OURS.
As I was driving back to the apartment tonight I was thinking of how long it was taking and why - I am loosing track of what we did when so I'm going t0 use this blog as a house renovation journal. Mainly so I can look back years from now and remember the stories, hopefully you will enjoy our journey along the way.
1) Friday May 30th - We taped up Mama's living room and office. Mama took off all the face plate covers for us.
2) Saturday May 1st - Bobby and DeAnn came down to help us. They were a great help and it was fun to see them. We got a first coat on Mama's living room, office and dining room. The most memorable paint moment of the day is when Bobby had a cup of paint and started talking... a few minutes later we realized there were streams of red paint all over the floor where he was moving his hands while chatting. It was so funny and luckily most of it got on the plastic and what didn't was easily wiped up. We wrapped up painting around 4 PM and then went to dinner at Outback followed by the play Annie. Overall it was an extremely productive today, plus it was fun to visit with family that I hadn't seen in way too long.
3) Sunday May 2nd - Jack and I got a second and final coat on Mama's living room / Office. The only thing left to do in this area is the top of her office area - it will have to wait for an extension ladder. The tape was removed in these rooms and they are considered complete.
4) Monday May 3rd - Jack and I put a second coat on the beige part of the living room.
5) Tuesday May 4th - We put a second coat of red on Mama's living room and did some touch ups with a hobby paint brush on the areas that were slightly messed up. It is a paneled room so it was a load of fun to paint... But it's done other than clean up so we are excited. Major pain in the but room.
6) Wednesday, May 5th - Jack cleaned up the living room (pulled tape, cleaned plastic, etc...) and I did a first coat on one of the orange walls in the kitchen. I accidentally painted part of the soon to be beige wall orange... I had to wash it off with a sponge. It didn't all come off put it looks good.
7) Thursday May 6th - Jack painted Mama's bathroom and I painted the second coat of the orange and finished up that color.
8) Friday May 7th - We took the night off and went to see Iron Man 2 - awesome movie and some MUCH needed down time.
9) Saturday May 8th - I went and chopped off all my hair - Cut like 13 inches off of it! I look like a new person completely. After that we met back at Grovetown, grabbed some lunch and started painting again. I painted the first coat of the beige in Mama's kitchen and Jack painted the top part of her bedroom. Here bedroom is two colors divided by a chair rail: a really light blue and a dark blue on the bottom.
10) Sunday May 9th - I did a second coat of the beige in the kitchen, cleaned up the tape from the bathroom and rehung the bathroom fixtures. Jack touched up the light blue areas and did a first coat of the dark blue on the bottom. I also cleaned the floors in the bathroom / kitchen area of Mama's house. Jack didn't put enough plastic down for me to help him... I'm too messy.
11) Monday May 10th - I didn't feel well today. I was tired and didn't feel very well. I took 1/2 day off and got some much needed sleep and then went in to work. It's absolutely crazy busy at the office with me trying to handle a heavy renewal month with out really being comfortable with the accounts yet. Absolutely nutz! After work I took the night off. I tried to talk Jack into resting, but the decided to go on over and finish up Mama's bedroom.
12) Tuesday May 11th - We began the first coat of color in the spare bedroom in our area. We are painting it Turquoise and it is the first room to be painted in our section and I am loving it. Its bold and beautiful. We painted for 3 hours and still didn't get the entire first coat on. Mama helped us tonight by cleaning my kitchen cabinets out - bless her! I can deal with paint but not icky stuff and there is lots of icky stuff.
13) Wednesday May 12th - We worked some more on the spare bedroom - still don't have the entire first coat down, but it is close. I'm still loving the color!
So 13 days to paint 6.75 rooms! Wow, at that pace we are in trouble... Ah well, guess we will be painting with furniture in the house. Nothing to stress over - I'm determined to enjoy this house and it's changing character. So far the colors we choose are bold and awesome. Its a unique house and it will have a unique style - OURS.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Our Life Continues
Things are trucking along down here in Augusta. Jack is enjoying his new position. I've also accepted a position down here and I like it so far - it's very different from my last employer, in some ways better in others ways worse. You know me I'm a change agent so people either love or hate me - hopefully they will learn to love me. I've met some terrific people, a couple I think I could have some in common with, even a friendship. But no permanent lunch buddy or friend to vent too yet ... I miss that. Not that I ever made friends easily to begin with, I wish I had the personality that draws people in, I don't - instead I'm a social butterfly with no flowers to play with - God will provide though. He knows I need friends down here, so I am trusting him for them.
We did finally find a house here in Augusta - You can see my Facebook page for pictures, or I'll have some up on Mylerna.com after we get settled some more. It's a great house on 5+ acres of land, but it is nothing like I thought we would get. It's like a mountain chalet... It will need some work to make it mine, unlike Mableton where it was instantly me, but its going to be terrific. It meets our needs and has tons of character, I really do love it. We close on Thursday and after a much needed interior paint job we will be moving in, probably two or three weeks.
The Mableton house needs to sale, we have seen some increased activity over the past few weeks which is good + I've turned it over to the Lord. He will bring the right buyer at the right time - I know it. Just praying his timeline is the same as mine :) A friend of ours has agreed to check in on it while we are down here, until it sales. Thank the Lord for Beth, she is a God send no doubt.
And not to jump topics completely, but what is a blog except a random mesh of thoughts ... Jack is in San Antonio until tomorrow at a conference. He seems to be enjoying himself and apparently the city is AWESOME. Maybe that can be a future vaca spot :) I'm looking forward to him being home, I've had trouble hearing him on the cell phone... so it's basically felt like 3 days w/ no contact at all... which just sucks.
Mama is down here with us now, since her cable is getting moved to the new house on Thursday. I'm glad she is here... she makes the fact Jack isn't a little less noticeable. She is my best friend and I wouldn't have it any other way - she puts up with me when I'm bitchy, whiny, plain irritable and distant. I need to do something great for her on Mother's Day... I'm getting her a gift, but I need something different, something terrific, something to really say thanks. Any ideas?
And with that I will bid you good night. I know it was a jumbled jumpy mess but hey that is where I am right now and the fact you are still reading shows you are ok with it, so thanks. Love you bunches - May God shine on your tommorrows, yours truly Mylerna
We did finally find a house here in Augusta - You can see my Facebook page for pictures, or I'll have some up on Mylerna.com after we get settled some more. It's a great house on 5+ acres of land, but it is nothing like I thought we would get. It's like a mountain chalet... It will need some work to make it mine, unlike Mableton where it was instantly me, but its going to be terrific. It meets our needs and has tons of character, I really do love it. We close on Thursday and after a much needed interior paint job we will be moving in, probably two or three weeks.
The Mableton house needs to sale, we have seen some increased activity over the past few weeks which is good + I've turned it over to the Lord. He will bring the right buyer at the right time - I know it. Just praying his timeline is the same as mine :) A friend of ours has agreed to check in on it while we are down here, until it sales. Thank the Lord for Beth, she is a God send no doubt.
And not to jump topics completely, but what is a blog except a random mesh of thoughts ... Jack is in San Antonio until tomorrow at a conference. He seems to be enjoying himself and apparently the city is AWESOME. Maybe that can be a future vaca spot :) I'm looking forward to him being home, I've had trouble hearing him on the cell phone... so it's basically felt like 3 days w/ no contact at all... which just sucks.
Mama is down here with us now, since her cable is getting moved to the new house on Thursday. I'm glad she is here... she makes the fact Jack isn't a little less noticeable. She is my best friend and I wouldn't have it any other way - she puts up with me when I'm bitchy, whiny, plain irritable and distant. I need to do something great for her on Mother's Day... I'm getting her a gift, but I need something different, something terrific, something to really say thanks. Any ideas?
And with that I will bid you good night. I know it was a jumbled jumpy mess but hey that is where I am right now and the fact you are still reading shows you are ok with it, so thanks. Love you bunches - May God shine on your tommorrows, yours truly Mylerna
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Howdy Folks
Well, It's been a while since my last post and alot has changes, while at the same time moving at a snails pace. God's timing is not always our timing - just have to trust that he has the best plan for us. However, I digress ... let me tell you what has been going on in La Casa Dale.
1) The Shortleaf property I spoke of in my last post fell through. There was a contingent contract already on it and they were able to remove the contingency.
2) We've exhausted all the houses in the area currently on the market with Mother-In-Law areas and have found nothing, so we are seriously considering building. Just running numbers at the moment to see if it is feasible and I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much.
3) Jack likes his job alot; though he won't admit it.
4) I have accepted a position with a local agency that appears to be a really good and positive opportunity. My current company offered me 100% telework from Augusta, but it was with the condition that if Telework went away (which is being discussed) I would be out of a job; and this agency is very comparable in pay so I think it's the right move to make. I start on the 22nd :) My last day with Wells is on the 12th and then I have a week off in between to make the transition.
5) Mama is staying in the Mableton house for now; we have a room here in the apartment but it will be a little cramped and this way that house isn't vacant. However, if it rents or sales we will cram in here until we find a space.
So alot has been going on; most of it good. I wish that things moved a little faster and that we had a house already, but my time line is God's and I trust he knows what he is doing.
On another note we tried a new restaurant this evening: Cheddars It was pretty good, but not good enough. The wait was an hour and the prices were very reasonable. However, in my mind it ranked right up there with Applebee's and if I'm going to wait an hour for something it better be Outback quality vs. Applebees... So I probably won't go back, but I am determined to try the different restaurants down here vs. slipping back into the comfyness of my old favorites - time to live a little.
Also, speaking of restaurants Augusta has Steakout every town should have one of these. It is a gift from God! I'm telling you - they deliver steak that is GOOD for the price of Outback and you don't have to leave the house! It's great; if you have one in your town order today, you will never go back !
1) The Shortleaf property I spoke of in my last post fell through. There was a contingent contract already on it and they were able to remove the contingency.
2) We've exhausted all the houses in the area currently on the market with Mother-In-Law areas and have found nothing, so we are seriously considering building. Just running numbers at the moment to see if it is feasible and I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much.
3) Jack likes his job alot; though he won't admit it.
4) I have accepted a position with a local agency that appears to be a really good and positive opportunity. My current company offered me 100% telework from Augusta, but it was with the condition that if Telework went away (which is being discussed) I would be out of a job; and this agency is very comparable in pay so I think it's the right move to make. I start on the 22nd :) My last day with Wells is on the 12th and then I have a week off in between to make the transition.
5) Mama is staying in the Mableton house for now; we have a room here in the apartment but it will be a little cramped and this way that house isn't vacant. However, if it rents or sales we will cram in here until we find a space.
So alot has been going on; most of it good. I wish that things moved a little faster and that we had a house already, but my time line is God's and I trust he knows what he is doing.
On another note we tried a new restaurant this evening: Cheddars It was pretty good, but not good enough. The wait was an hour and the prices were very reasonable. However, in my mind it ranked right up there with Applebee's and if I'm going to wait an hour for something it better be Outback quality vs. Applebees... So I probably won't go back, but I am determined to try the different restaurants down here vs. slipping back into the comfyness of my old favorites - time to live a little.
Also, speaking of restaurants Augusta has Steakout every town should have one of these. It is a gift from God! I'm telling you - they deliver steak that is GOOD for the price of Outback and you don't have to leave the house! It's great; if you have one in your town order today, you will never go back !
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Further Development
Well, today was long and productive. We looked at houses from 9:50 this morning until 5:30 this evening, but we found it:
Shortleaf Court, N. Augusta SC
The house is a perfect fit with 3 acreas and Mama's area being better than what she has now + Jack has a shop and we have tons of storage. It is a great fit and we are negotiating the price now, but I'm 99.9% sure we've got it. There is one hang up with the fact the house already has a contract on it, hoewever it's got a big contingency that their house has to sale. They have 48 hours to get rid of that contingency or it's ours :) So I'm pretty sure it's ours... It really is the perfect fit and we are getting it for $257,000! I'm so excited.
No we just have to sale or lease Madison Green. Given the price we are getting we can afford to take a little less for this house (sale wise), don't want to but it at least gives us some negotiating room.
Woot - Going to bed now, it's been a long day. Pray this goes through for us please :)
Shortleaf Court, N. Augusta SC
The house is a perfect fit with 3 acreas and Mama's area being better than what she has now + Jack has a shop and we have tons of storage. It is a great fit and we are negotiating the price now, but I'm 99.9% sure we've got it. There is one hang up with the fact the house already has a contract on it, hoewever it's got a big contingency that their house has to sale. They have 48 hours to get rid of that contingency or it's ours :) So I'm pretty sure it's ours... It really is the perfect fit and we are getting it for $257,000! I'm so excited.
No we just have to sale or lease Madison Green. Given the price we are getting we can afford to take a little less for this house (sale wise), don't want to but it at least gives us some negotiating room.
Woot - Going to bed now, it's been a long day. Pray this goes through for us please :)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Big Changes
Life is always changing, sometimes it is a pond that looks calm on the surface, sometime it's a creek that slowly meanders down hill and sometimes it's a river rushing so fast you can't begin to think you are in control. Right now our life is a river...
How fast and why you may ask?
STEP 1: I've been with my current company for three years and while it has been a tremendous learning opportunity with me being able to work on some accounts I could never have hoped to work on in a smaller agency. However, in the past year and 1/2I've been stagnet without challenge or change.. it's time to move forward; to make a change.
STEP 2: Sept 09 Jack's former company shutdown and we started TDG Solutions, Inc. with Jack doing subcontract work for various companies. His current contract is not the right fit for him... pays well but not the right fit. In the future contracts could come (lots of conversations), but nothing is guaranteed. One of the companies Jack did work for and called asking if he wanted to come work for them... the position is in Augusta and my first response was 'hell no' as was his. However, upon further discussion the position was not an IT Tech position, but rather a management position that was very appealing. It is a great opportunity for him to grow professional, it's challenging, it's for a good company and it pays well.
Combine those two items and you come to a river that we are tumbling down trying to get our footing. You know me, I like things organized and plans to be made. Yet, there is only so much I can do - > a good portion of this is a leap of faith and trusting God to guide the winds so we land where we are meant to be. So what has happened so far?
1) Jack accepted the position
2) I informed my current company of the development and hope they find me something in another division.
3) I have an interview with one company today and cold call a bunch of others just in case they don't.
4) Interview today goes really well, but I realize that I was accurate in my assumption that salaries in Augusta are NOT what they are in the ATL, but the trade off is probably worth it.
5) We found an apartment and placed a 3 mo. lease -> We move in on the 14th of Feb...
6) Tomorrow we hunt for a house in the area (I feel sorry for the real estate lady)
7) Monday we place our home on the market officially for rent / sale. If anyone knows of someone wanting to buy / rent a house let me know :) Specifications below !
There are a lot of balls in the air and I can't begin to catch them all. Life is full of choices / roads. I pray that this is correct road we are taking and that the Lord walk with us as we go and that he carry us when we need it.
We will miss our friends, but know we can stay close electronically in today's digital age. I look forward to meeting new people and exploring new roads here in Augusta - God willing we will be peaceful and happy in this little sleepy town :)
House Details:
4 Possibly 5 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bath / Formal Dining / Eat-In Kitchen / Corine Counter tops / Garbage Disposal / Dishwasher / Stainless Steal Appliances / 2 Full Kitchens / Finished Daylight basement with outside entrance - Used Currently as a Mother-In-Law Suite / Quiet Neighborhood with Sidewalks/Lights / Master Bath with Garden Tub/Free Standing Shower / Fireplace / Cable Ready / Network Cables Ran Trough Majority of House / Walk in Master Closet / Formal Living Room / Duel HVAC with seaparate controls for basement and both stories / Family Room / Study / Large Laundry Room / 2 car garage / Back Deck / Nice Landscaped Yard - Grass Cutting included in rent.
$1995 A Month = Rent
$310,000 Sale Price
How fast and why you may ask?
STEP 1: I've been with my current company for three years and while it has been a tremendous learning opportunity with me being able to work on some accounts I could never have hoped to work on in a smaller agency. However, in the past year and 1/2I've been stagnet without challenge or change.. it's time to move forward; to make a change.
STEP 2: Sept 09 Jack's former company shutdown and we started TDG Solutions, Inc. with Jack doing subcontract work for various companies. His current contract is not the right fit for him... pays well but not the right fit. In the future contracts could come (lots of conversations), but nothing is guaranteed. One of the companies Jack did work for and called asking if he wanted to come work for them... the position is in Augusta and my first response was 'hell no' as was his. However, upon further discussion the position was not an IT Tech position, but rather a management position that was very appealing. It is a great opportunity for him to grow professional, it's challenging, it's for a good company and it pays well.
Combine those two items and you come to a river that we are tumbling down trying to get our footing. You know me, I like things organized and plans to be made. Yet, there is only so much I can do - > a good portion of this is a leap of faith and trusting God to guide the winds so we land where we are meant to be. So what has happened so far?
1) Jack accepted the position
2) I informed my current company of the development and hope they find me something in another division.
3) I have an interview with one company today and cold call a bunch of others just in case they don't.
4) Interview today goes really well, but I realize that I was accurate in my assumption that salaries in Augusta are NOT what they are in the ATL, but the trade off is probably worth it.
5) We found an apartment and placed a 3 mo. lease -> We move in on the 14th of Feb...
6) Tomorrow we hunt for a house in the area (I feel sorry for the real estate lady)
7) Monday we place our home on the market officially for rent / sale. If anyone knows of someone wanting to buy / rent a house let me know :) Specifications below !
There are a lot of balls in the air and I can't begin to catch them all. Life is full of choices / roads. I pray that this is correct road we are taking and that the Lord walk with us as we go and that he carry us when we need it.
We will miss our friends, but know we can stay close electronically in today's digital age. I look forward to meeting new people and exploring new roads here in Augusta - God willing we will be peaceful and happy in this little sleepy town :)
House Details:
4 Possibly 5 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bath / Formal Dining / Eat-In Kitchen / Corine Counter tops / Garbage Disposal / Dishwasher / Stainless Steal Appliances / 2 Full Kitchens / Finished Daylight basement with outside entrance - Used Currently as a Mother-In-Law Suite / Quiet Neighborhood with Sidewalks/Lights / Master Bath with Garden Tub/Free Standing Shower / Fireplace / Cable Ready / Network Cables Ran Trough Majority of House / Walk in Master Closet / Formal Living Room / Duel HVAC with seaparate controls for basement and both stories / Family Room / Study / Large Laundry Room / 2 car garage / Back Deck / Nice Landscaped Yard - Grass Cutting included in rent.
$1995 A Month = Rent
$310,000 Sale Price
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