big news!

Well, we've gone back and forth over renting or buying.  We were looking at places with one bedroom that was gonna cost roughly $800/mo and it wouldn't be in a good neighborhood.  It was depressing.  Like all 30 somethings though, living with parents/in laws isn't ideal.  So we started looking at houses again.

We put in an offer yesterday and it was accepted.  Pending inspection, it should be ours on Nov 6th if all of the financing and stuff goes through.  We are super excited! 

Here is a picture for you!

photos

So, when we got engaged, we were at Ober Gatlinburg.  He wanted a good view.  It was beautiful!
He did it in their restaurant where we were feasting for our 4 year anniversary.  We never order alcoholic beverages... I mean NEVER, because it's so expensive.  This time though, we got some wine.  And the pictures below will show what wine does to me.  My dear god.

They are great pictures though and they show the absolute excitement that we both felt.  They aren't great pics by any means, but they are special.  I want to always remember this moment. 

Excuse my fatness.  I'm working on it before I gotta get in a wedding dress.  I don't wanna look like a tube of sausage in my dress.

the dress

Well, it seems things are progressing very fast!  If things keep going like this, I will be able to kick back and be lazy about this whole wedding thing for about 6 months.

Right now, we have:
The date- 10/13/13 (not THIS YEAR!!  A friend thought it was next month.  Wow...)
The venue- Red Top Mountain
AND... the most exciting thing for me:  The dress!!

I think we have the caterer.
The biggest things we need are the photographer and dj.

After that?  Well, there is still a lot...
So much for being lazy...

Advice

So, just being for 12 days as of now, I have been given tons of advice.  If it's not advice, it's questioning why I'm doing things the way that I am doing them.  This is all giving me new perspective.  I hope I can walk away from this and realize that maybe my advice and opinions that I give to others, might not always be needed or wanted.  Man, am I ever learning this.

I have gone from not wanting bridesmaids, to almost being talked into it.  I realize, that bridesmaids could be helpful on that big day.  Especially since I'm going at this without a planner and all of that.  I do need people to have my back.  It would be nice to make sure that I have some people there to make sure we are all walking down the isle at the right time, tables are set up the way I need them to be and decorations are in order.  Someone to keep me from choking my mother would be nice too, because face it... she's crazy these days... sigh...

See how I just almost talked myself into it?  I dunno.  1 out of the 3 people I would ask, makes me cringe.  I'm very afraid that they'd try to make it about them and not about me.  Sorry, but this day is ALL ABOUT ME.  Anyways, I'm afraid I'm already sounding like a looney person over this crap.

Oh, and because my father is not in the picture, I don't technically have anyone to walk me down the isle.  I have proclaimed that the puppy is going to walk me down the isle.  Lex is like one of my best friends and I think it would just be perfect.  However, now it's "Well why don't you get your 2 uncles to walk you down the isle?"  "Don't you think they'll be offended?"  Ugghhh yeah maybe... I dunno.  It could be nice I guess.  But wouldn't Lex walking me down the isle be the cutest thing EVER?!  Again... sigh...

easy, right?

So here is a picture of the ring.

I think he did a pretty good job.  I took it to get sized on Saturday and they finished it by that afternoon so I wouldn't be without it very long.  Sunday morning I woke up and noticed that one of the small diamonds on the side had fallen out during the sizing.  It also happened to the band.  They have it now to fix it, but I was sooo upset.  Glad they are fixing it no charge.  Glad they are a family friend of Herbie's.  Whew!

So, I took a sick day from work today.  I told myself I'd check in on email and all that, but you know what?  I just didn't do it.  I'll see what awaits me in the morning.  If I'm in deep crap, I'll handle it.  I had a dr. appointment for the ob/gyn anyways, and glad I did.  (this is where there might be tmi, but whatever...)  I had started hurting really bad in my side/back yesterday.  I was doubled over a times.  I explained my other concerns and then just mentioned that casually.  Low and behold I have an ovarian cyst.  Yeah, it's pretty cool.  By pretty cool, I mean pretty painful.  Luckily, I am on some preventive medication now and it shouldn't happen again.  Hopefully the attacks and pain will go away soon.

ANYWAYS... with all of that out of the way, I think I have found my dress.  We have the location in mind, and a date.  We are ahead of the game.  This is starting to seem way too easy.  Don't worry, I know it's not.

heavy handed

So, I got engaged on Friday, August 31st.  Pretty freaking awesome.
I am so excited.  I cannot wait.

You know what I really am excited about the most?  Spending the rest of my life with Herbie.  If you've seen us together, you know it's meant to be.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

You know what I'm least excited about?  Planning a wedding.  That's not going to be my favorite thing.

Luckily, we are not doing traditional.

If you're looking for bridesmaids, garter toss, bouquet toss, etc... you probably will be really disappointed.

Things I want to see happen:
People being comfortable.  This is going to be more of a casual affair.

Things I know so far:
It will be a Jewish wedding and on a Sunday.  There will be mountains involved and it will most likely be in Sept/Oct/Nov, but I could be talked into maybe an April or May wedding. I think I already know the dress that I want, but I will still go to some stores and try dresses on to see what I like to be sure.  I also know that this HAS to be cheap.

Things I don't know:
The DATE!  omg, the next person to ask..........
The exact location...HELP ME FIND IT!

That's all for now.  I might post some pictures later.  YES, LAURA!! pictures!!!

life

Life is hard, man.

Things are going ok here in Atlanta.  I'm making decent money and the job isn't unbearable, I've almost got my house rented out, and I'm feeling a lot better lately.

I'm just...stressed.  I feel that through life, god is always throwing you off that path of stability.  Not out of spite, but just to make you a stronger person. 

I am not one to ask for prayers because... well, that's not my thing.  But I do need something of that sort sent my way.  There has been some somewhat terrifying health issues that have come up with someone I really love, and although they say it's ok, everything has been caught in time to reverse any damages, I am scared.  Like, really really scared.

I'd go into more detail, but out of respect for privacy and all that, I just don't wanna put it on my blog.

I will say that it makes me really want to emphasize how important it is to take care of yourself.  I'm not good at doing that, but I gotta get on board.  I've been much more aware of my own health issues the last couple of months, and now I have to make it my primary focus.

learning to breathe

Know how in my last couple posts I complained about feeling like crap?  I have a double ear infection.  It's been pretty miserable.  Also while I was at the doctor, they were freaked out by my blood pressure.  I'm embarassed so I won't publish the # here, but let's just say, I was 1 point away from being sent to the ER by the minute clinic.  So they called to follow up about my blood pressure and convinced me to go back on my blood pressure meds.  I really hate it, but I also don't want to have a stroke at 30.

In my defense though, my blood pressure is going to be high when:
1. I was just in rush hour traffic for 2 hours before making to the Minute Clinic (eff you Atlanta rush hour!)
2. I had 2 ear infections.  Can I even tell you how miserable that is?  I thought I was going to throw up in traffic.
3. I am in a new city, with no friends, a new job where I feel completely lost, and I feel homeless because I am living in a temp situation.  ahhhhhhhh

got any tips on stress relief?  I could use them.

observations

Just things I am observing...

I work with a middle aged lady that is obsessed with this singer named Duffy.  I remember her from a few years back and she got a lot of hype, but she sure isn't an Adele.  It kinda makes me laugh.

My cubicle mate is very over the top.  She is always laying the smack down on her husband and slamming the phone down as she screams "Gah!!  Idiot!"  She also insists that I only need a 3 bedroom house and can't understand why one of my requirements is a basement.  She also said if that house that I wanted to put the offer on, was THE house, I would have done it anyways.  Yeah, cause I want to commit financial suicide.

Whew, thanks for the advice!

Would anyone else like to put their nose where it doesn't belong?  It seems a lot of people think they can do that to me these days.  From my grandma ruining the surprise of my life to H's parents trying to tell us we need to live in the Suburbs and  not in the "hip" areas.... I think I'm gonna scream.

Anyways, the minute clinic doesn't know it yet, but we have a date at 5pm.  achoooooo!!

making it

I'm gonna be real.... those first 2 weeks I thought I was going to have a stroke.  Learning all of this new stuff has been a challenge.  Something clicked at the end of that 2nd week though and isn't as scary anymore.  I have made a couple of work friends that have offered to help with any questions I have, and I absolutely have let go of the pride in order to save my sanity.  In other words, I have accepted their help.

It's rough being in a whole new big city without Herbie.  I have his parents, but they are his parents... so I haven't really been able to just explore the city with them.  I realize that it will all come together.  Hopefully only 2 more weekends in Nashville and we'll be able to be here together and learn the city.  (he lived here forever, but Marietta is way too nice... we gotta explore Decatur, Little 5 points, etc together...!)

Also, if you're the praying, sending thoughts or vibes or energy, please send some of that my way.  I think I'm getting sick and I can't have that happen right now.  There is too much going on for me to deal with that!

oh yeah

Oh yeah, I got the job.
I started on 7/16.  This is my 2nd week.

It's the hardest thing I've ever done.  This job isn't child's play.  I have needed more challenge.  I'm getting it.  I figure nothing comes easy and anything worth having, you have to work hard for it.  Or so I've always heard.

I fell in love with a house and almost put a contract on it.  But then I freaked out and said "OMG this job is hard.  I better be here 3-4 months to make sure they keep me on board and to just make sure that I am cut out for it all!" So yeah, I just gotta be patient. 

In the meantime, we are gonna rent something.  Can't live with Herbie's parents for 3-6 months.... and that's ok.  We'll just rent and it'll all work out.

out of control

Over 4 years ago I started using weight watchers to lose weight and it seems like ever since, I have struggled to keep it off.  I've done weight watchers several times and it works.  I just fall off the wagon and give up.

I have let stress rule over me and dictate my food decisions.  I know it's not the right thing to do.  I know it at the time, but it doesn't stop me.

When I lost my job in March, I lost about 5 pounds because I wasn't stressed and wasn't eating out of anger or annoyance anymore.  It was awesome.  Then I took on this new position, and got comfy, and stopped thinking about what I was eating once again.  This time it's not out of stress or anger, but out of boredom and fear of the unknown since this is, afterall, a temp job.  (it could turn permanent after about 8 months, but who wants to temp for 8 months?!)  I've also been stressed about all these opportunities in Atlanta and juggling it all.

I know these are all excuses.  It's old ways and I hate to say it, but I can't help it.  It's like a sickness.  I am having to retrain my brain to think different about food.  It's very hard to do.

Last Friday, 6/15/12, I stepped on the scale and it said 219.4.  It has taken a long time for me to be honest and tell people how much I weigh, but I am comfortable in my skin and have no qualms with admitting this.  So that number...219.4... it doesn't make me happy at all.  It's almost 220.  My highest weight ever was 226 and that's not a good thing.  I can't get back there.

I am now using MyFitnessPal to track my food and exercise.  I have been a member of that site for over 2 years, but I am now finding myself getting more involved.  I am posting on the forums there and seeking advice and motivation from others.  They might be total strangers, but we are all fighting the same fight.  So far it is helping me tremendously.

Since last Friday, I have lost almost 4 pounds.  I know it's water weight, but it's a start.  I am now at 215.8. 

I shake my head when I think about how I got to 155 about 8 years ago and how I let emotions get the best of me.  Emotions are a strong thing, but this time I am determined to work through them and keep the weight off.

ps- still no word yet, but I'm hopeful on the job front.  1 more, possibly 2 more interviews on this Friday in Atlanta.  Whew, this is exhausting.

Patience

Patience is something I was never really granted.  Well, I was with other people, but when it comes to things I want, I can't stand it... I want it  now now now.

...and that hasn't changed at all in my job quest.
I am really dying to find out about that job.  The 2nd interview went well.  They brought me in "just to make sure it's something I'm interested in."

I called today to see if they had made a decision and the response I got was... "Yes, we are just waiting on Finance to approve it and we will be in touch.  If you find another opportunity, please let me know so I can put a fire under finance to get it approved." 

So yeah, I gotta wait.... and wait.... and wait a little more.  I'm telling you...this is excrutiating.  It seems promising, but I'm really trying not to get my hopes up before I hear anything official.

In other news, to all my readers out there, do yourself a favor and search for houses under $100k in Marietta, GA on http://www.trulia.com/ and see why I want to move there so bad.  Look what I can get for practically NOTHING!!

New beginnings

As I type this, I am getting ready to go to a 2nd interview with a pretty big ad agency out of Atlanta in a couple of days.  This is a huge thing for me and could possibly mean that things are going to become REALLY crazy in my life.  As I like to say, Shit is about to get REAL.

Things that I will have to do:
pack, pack, pack
repair a few things here and there on my house
sell or rent (most likely rent since I prefer to not lose money)
and that's about it.... I think.

Of course I'll have all of the usual goodbyes to say.  There's a lot of things that I have to get rid of, which can be a chore for me sometimes since I don't like getting rid of lots.  Then there is the whole finding another house in Atlanta, which I think will be fun.  We can get A LOT of house for little money there, so I'm excited to get out of my matchbox of a house.

Not much else to say except that my life is nuts right now and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

long time no post

Wow, I actually didn't forget I had this.  I still read up on some of you people.  Mostly my girl Laura so I can see cute pictures of her awesome family.

What's gone on in the last almost 2 years that I haven't blogged?  Lots.
I think the last time we spoke, I broke my ankle.

Since then, these things have happened:
Herbie graduated
I had surgery on dumb ankle and was out of work for 6 weeks
I went to San Diego for work, saw cool things and met great people
I had straight line winds (I call this a tornado) hit my house
Due to straight line winds, I got new gutters and new plumbing... so yay?
Got offered a job in NYC and passed it up (stupid stupid stupid!)
Got a demotion at work, but of course was told it wasn't a demotion.

The biggest thing?
 Got let go from said job, and felt the biggest relief and weight taken off of my shoulders.  It was time.  I had gone as far as I could there and there was nothing else left for me.  I needed a change, and I'm taking the opportunity for it.

Next up:
I will let you know in 2 more years.
Ok, just kidding.

refreshing

A little unknown fact:
I love to break bones. I do it for fun.

Ok, I'm just kidding. As much as I've done it in my life though, you'd think that I do actually do it for fun. :(

Long story short, I fell at cheekwood and broke my ankle.
I kept a positive attitude all weekend and reassured everyone that it was just a severe sprain. I even joked about it, and still am. Afterall, I am a total clutz. It's ok.

I did go to the dr this morning though since I still couldn't walk or move my foot much. The verdict was a broken ankle. I kept my composure until the doctor said she was sending me to an orthopedic surgeon to make sure I don't need surgery.

I cried a little, but not as much as I did in front of strangers and Herbie's parents at cheekwood.

Sigh...

Keep me in your thoughts and wish me luck. Going to the surgeon tomorrow.

One pro though is that my deductible will be met. Sweeeeeet. Can insurance cover lipo?

long time...

Looking at the last post, I was on a hot yoga kick. I still like it, but the month unlimited membership ran out, and I just don't feel like driving to Rivergate a few times a week to do it. PLUS it's 100 degrees outside right now, why would I want to go do exercise in a room just as hot? I also joined a gym in the building I work at and I am working out a lot more often now that it's convenient.

Anyways, not a whole lot has changed. Since then I've been to DC, lived through a 500 year flood (luckily my house was pretty ok), got 2 rooms in my house painted, replaced the entire roof (due to it not being able to handle all the rain and there being a horrible repair job before I bought this POS house), heard all about my best friend having a baby and hopefully soon meeting said baby, and ummmm oh yeah, I started a blog for my desserts, cake business, whatever we want to call it.

You can see that over here: tiffsdesserts.blogspot.com

I guess I should also mention I'm now living in sin, since Herbie has moved in...you know if you want to call it that. That's another reason why housework got done. I painted before he could turn that room into a man room. Somehow my 825 sq foot home is having to fit in all his crap too. It's a challenge, but we haven't attempted to kill each other yet.

Anyways, that's all really. Until next time...

hot yoga

Today was my first day of hot yoga. Warning, if gross sweatyness talk makes you queasy, you might want to skip this.

I had prepared myself for it. I wore short shorts and a pretty form fitting shirt. Brought my mat and towel. Drank tons of water...you know all the things I was supposed to do.

I've had some hard work outs before. I've sweated a lot when working out before. This was 10 times more than anything else I've ever done.

My whole body was sweating. My hands, my knees, legs, MY EVERYTHING was soaking wet. I was so sweaty that it was hard to grip my feet, legs, etc. In the middle of the workout, my stomach started growling as if I hadn't eaten all day long. There were a few times I just wanted to lay on my mat in the corpse pose and not move at all. If it got to be too much, I would just stand there and wipe the sweat off and drink some water. Did I mention I was sweating a lot? I was in a room around 100 degrees, with 40% humidity. By the time it was over and the instructor dropped the cold cloth on you to cool you down, you really felt like that was what you came for. 75 minutes of grueling hot yoga all for a cold cloth soaked in lavendar scented water.

But you know what? It really was awesome. I bought a whole month unlimited. Hopefully this is what I need to get the extra weight off and to lower this damn blood pressure and get off the medication!

If anyone wants to join me, you can go for free by printing out the coupon from www.thenashvillefaxline.com and clicking rivergate/madison.

The place is called The Hot Yoga House and it's close to Rivergate Mall. When I came in, the instructor knew me right away since she had added me to facebook last night. I think it's always nice for someone to know your name and not just treat you like another person through the door paying your paycheck.

food, food, FOOD!

I have always loved to cook! I've always been pretty good at it, but I haven't always shared my food with people. Not that I'm greedy, I think it's just that I've always eaten it all or my family has inhaled it and well, now I have Herbie around as my taste tester. That's ok, I love to feed people.

Anyways, what am I getting at? I think I have finally found my passion. I've been wanting to go back to school for a while and it's just never worked for me. I can't pass the GRE, and I don't want to go back and just get a standard 2nd undergrad degree (boring! yaaaaaaawn). I already have the skills that it takes to make amazing food. I'm going to start taking classes to improve some things like cake decorating. Maybe some other culinary classes? (totally not saying that getting that masters is out of the question, it just is for now!)

With the "Dream Works" program going on at work, we are trying to fulfill our dreams. I think having a bakery/deli is going to be my #1 dream. I'm aiming for the next 2-3 years to have something going for me, and it looks like I've got a lot of fans.

So question, if I started a food blog where I shared pictures of my food, and MAYBE some recipes, do you think people would be interested? Maybe I could start selling some stuff?

For my friends, do you have any special occassions coming up? Birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers (ahem!!! Laura) that you'd like for me to make something for? Like you know, for free or very low cost. You just let me know! I'm trying to get people outside of work and family to like my stuff so I can have some customers one day!!!

I'm a sucker

So, on Friday, I came across this article and felt so bad about the basset hounds that were surrendered. I mean I almost cried. I couldn't imagine losing my job and having to turn over my animals because i couldn't afford them.

Anyways, so I started thinking about it, and I knew I still needed a dog. I went to the humane society earlier in the week and played with Chihuahuas and almost left with one. I'm not a purse puppy kind of girl, but they were cute, but what dog wasn't? I was just needing another dog so bad that I couldn't turn my back on any dog I saw.

Anyways, I decided to go to metro animal control yesterday to see if the bassets were still there. Khloe and Flora Belle were still there. I took Khloe out into a playroom and visited with her a while. I sent her back...... thought about it more, and then took her out again. I brought Lex in to meet her and they got along great. I left... talked to Herbie about it. Went to the grocery store and while I was out, I went back and adopted her! Yeah, I make decisions fast. Isn't there a joke somewhere about someone that goes to the store and comes back with a dog? That's me.

Anyways, she comes home with me next weekend after she's fully vetted. I can't wait to bring her home! I always wanted a dog that looked like a pound puppy (please tell me you remember pound puppies!)