Whew

So far today (well, it is 9 pm), I jogged with the dog, cleaned up the house, vacuumed, gave the dog a bath, emailed some folks, sat on the phone for a 15 minutes on hold with the bank, did laundry, met the hub for lunch, scooted around and checked out some stores, went by the bank, got a pedicure (ahhhh, finally! My favorite luxury.), ran by Publix, walked the dog again, chatted with hubby, drank some red wine and made salmon with fresh green beans and couscous for dinner.

Whew! I'm tired, but man, do I love these kinds of days where I actually cross off most of my list and feel like I was uber productive.

I finally, finally feel good and settled. I've been checking out blogs when I can but we've been busy and really just getting into our new routine. So! Will be a better commenter and blogger.

The Move: Talk to me about two 9 hour days of driving with crap crammed in my car and a silently puking dog on the back...oh yeah and a TomTom who can't GPS a MAJOR detour in a major city of an interstate.

So that we get looped around a city for 30 minutes, trying to communicate through cell phones...exhausted. Oh yeah, and don't let me forget to warn you about the dangers of renting online (even when you have a working knowledge of an area). Because when you pull up, (completely worn out and the only thoughts you are registering are "Where can the dog pee? and what's the easiest quickest dinner possible?") to a complete CRAPHOLE with Sketchville USA's mayor as the landlord - I will tell you to THINK twice about renting online. Thank god we hadn't signed a lease.

But let me remind you of how fun it is to find a hotel that takes dogs. It's not. And I'll be damned, we had to sneak our dog into a hotel for the night. I mean, seriously, our sweet dog is so well-behaved and I felt HORRIBLE for all of the traveling he went through (no worries though, he was rewarded with new toys, Beggin Strips and a yard!). So, we regrouped and set out early the next morning to find a habitable place to live.

And by gum! We did it, we had to drive around but we found a place and were in it by lunchtime (Chickfila was my saving grace that day) - which has a yard, everything we need, porch and is only blocks from marsh and beaches. I mean, uhhh sweet. And for the same price as the craphole. I'm sorry, but how do people justify leaving beer cans out in the parking lot, NASTY trash cans in front of the door that is not marked with any sort of number - I just don't get it!

*Note the frequency of the CAPS which enhance how CRAZED I was **

Our stuff, which we had packed up, met us down here and we had a lovely experience with that - so nice to have them park it in your front yard to unload. However, until it came, we were camped out on air mattress and folding chairs. Sweet. Just like camping, without the natural purpose. Annnnd, because of our hasty and unexpected arrival to our new abode, we had no working fridge or stove.

Let me just say that PB & J and Taco Bell got old reallllll quick. (Shuddering at the thought of how we were Dollar Menuaires there for a week or so)

Needless to say, we had a bit of a time on our adventure down. However P got a job that he really likes, which is just so much more important that money. I can't tell you! It is really working out for him and I'm so happy.

Also! I'm working full-time and am tired but happy to be doing it. This isn't a career move but I'm enjoying what I'm learning and who I'm meeting. I'm also on my feet allllll day, which is hard and I've been on the exclusive hunt for shoes that are comfy and stylish. The closet I've come are "Born" sandals that I found at TJMaxx. Not totally my style (and a few years ago, I would have probably gagged at them) but now, it's all about comfort. I like my bosses too, which I feel is really important, and I'm already learning a lot about the business, which is something I've always wanted to do. Plus, I get a discount - I'll share more on that later.

We both have good schedules and I feel just blessed to be able to walk my dog in the morning down to the marsh and look at the ocean. I mean, life ain't perfect, but it just feels like home to us. And of course, now that I have internet up and running, I'm feeling super in control and back to normal.

Now, our income is steady, and operation Pay Off Debts (POD) and Save For House are in full effect. I've probably picked out, ooohhh, I don't know about 15 different houses I'd take.

Speaking of shopping, I'm missing out on the Target Whim Madras Heaven that is going on right now! We've been so busy I haven't had time and then, (bummer), the nearest Target is at least 45 minutes and a busy/picked over one at that!

Damn! I've picked out a few things online, but the one thing I really wanted - which was like a nautical rope blue/white table cloth (for 10 frickin dollars) is already gone! Argh. Oh well.

Oh! Looking to make a trip to Costco, though, one of these days. I've never been and we heard good things, so we may go when we visit friends. Oh! And I scored a sweet Lilly skirt on Ebay, I can't wait to get it.

And I'm looking to make some "I can wear to work, summer purchases", theme this year: Navy and white. Now, I honestly look at my wardrobe and need to find things that are versatile and can mix and match. Plus, navy and white is preppy and classic. I'll keep you updated. I took advantage of the lastest Ann Taylor Loft sale (do they not send one every day or what??) Not that I'm complaining.

Umm, I think that's all for now. A couple of things to discuss - prices of your embroiderer/monogrammer. How much do you pay? I checked out a retailer that I thought was just too much today and was wondering if maybe I was spoiled by my previous gal. Second, we don't have cable right now, but Denise Richards AND Dina Lohan having reality shows on E! Oh. Boy.

I haven't ordered it yet but I cannot wait to read Jen Lancaster's new book, Such a Pretty Fat! That's on my to do list. Any other good summer reads?

I think I've covered most of it for now...talk to ya later!