buying a car- in a day

Thursday night- car accident
Friday night- a quick test drive and overview of car shopping (like an introductory course)
Saturday- 6 deals, and one contract ready to be signed.....

   ..........But I couldn't do it.  Who could?!  This all has happened so fast!  Yes, I like the car (which btw, is not for me, but for my husband), and yes we got it down to 4000 below blue book.  No, there was nothing missing from the car.  It just seems too nice.  I feel like we do not deserve a car with bluetooth when we are just starting life!  We have been a little spoiled all of our lives, but this would take the cake.

We can afford the monthly car payments.  But do we need to be spending that much at all? We could save 2,000 more by giving up some of the niceties, but will we still be happy with the car in 10 years?  In the long run is 2,000 all that much of a difference for the difference we are making.  (Camry vs Malibu)

I did not sleep at all last night, and almost threw up twice thinking about making the big decision today.  I convinced my husband that we could not pull the trigger and he called the dealer to say that he did not need to hold the car for us.  Now I am wondering if we made a mistake. 

Oh, car shopping is driving me crazy!!!

Any opinions on Camry (09 XLE) vs Malibu?????!!!?!?

My Bucket List

Well, I have been thinking about my bucket list for a while now.  I think it is about time I get it written down in no particular order.

1. fly a prop plane
2. go to/ teach in Ethiopia
3. visit australia
4. buy a house with a fence
6. model for something
7.take a spontaneous trip
8. go to a club
9. attend a gala
10. be in a wedding (this means I need to be close enough to someone to be in their wedding.)
11. host a gourmet dinner party for 8
12. see the red sox play in fenway


This list may be amended- but hey, I'm young!

A tribute to Puppy

 So, my puppy is my child.  I am not ashamed to be a puppy parent, in fact, I am quite proud.  Now my puppy gets under my skin, and drives me nuts frequently- but I love him.  How could I not, just see for yourself!

my secret confession- I always wanted to be a....

Model.  I do not know what my fascination has always been, but I always wanted to do it.  That, and be a pageant queen.  When I was younger I was quite thin, and fit.  I thought I would be a good candidate.  My mother kept me away from it all knowing the stresses that goes with it. 

But to be honest, I still want it.  I would love to know how people end up getting gigs for local stores and such.  Each time I have been profesionally photographed I have been in heaven!  I love it!  I had built up a raproe with the photographer who did my wedding.  We ended up being late becasue we got so into the photos!  It was so much fun!  He even submitted a few to a national magazine!  It may seem petty but, those were some of the best days of my life. 

So there you have it, my secret desire- to be a model.

The Brenda Photo Challenge (2-26-11) RED

In my obsession with blogs I stumbled across this fun one by Donna from Texas.  She has some photo challenges with fun themes.  This is my entry for the newest challenge- theme: Red. 

 

This is the cutie that I get to spent many days with.  I am his nanny and this was the picture we took to create his valentine for his parents.  I wrote on the bib in the card.

 

 This is my puppy, Remy.  This was him with his king when he was just about 8 weeks old.  He is bigger now, and a different color (He's more blond now) but his kong is still red!

I really liked this closeup shot.  This was a picture I took in my universities green house.  I don't know that I was really allowed to be in there, but I really wanted to get some good shots!  And I did.  Those will be up in a future post as they are several colors!

a sad time for a new car

Hubby and I have been looking into getting him a new car for a while now- our issue is that: we just graduated from college, got married, and thus has no money.

Well the time has some to really look into it.  Last night in the flooding and rain while Hubby was on his way home from work he spun out on the highway.  He hit a guard rail.  He is ok, but very sore.  The car is drivable, but not for long.  It will cost much more to fix it than it is worth.  So, here we are-car searching with no money.

This really seems like a catch 22 of sorts.  One one hand we cannot spend much since we do not have much, on the other hand, if we are going to spend all we have, shouldn't it be something that will be worth keeping for several years? 

We are looking at used sedans, but what we want is a crossover suv.  (not a total gas guzzler but has room to haul for our frequent moves as well as space to grow in the future.) 

This will be quite the adventure for us!!

hooked on phonics did not work for me...

a friend of mine asked me the other day why I was "Whity Wife".  The issue is simply, hooked on phonics did not work for me.   I was using a pun from our last name (thus the Whit) SO I was thinking Witty, but was going for a spelling with our last name.  Thanks dear friend for pointing out my language learning disability I do appreciate it.  *At least I was able to see for myself that WhitE would have just been white instead of Whit with the initial of E.  Hahaha!!!

Big Ideas for a Small Planet

Today while at work (Nanny) I opened up Netflix to find something interesting and different to watch and this was what I found.

"Big Ideas for a Small Planet" Addressing some of the most important issues facing humanity, this original documentary series from Sundance Channel focuses on environmental topics with interviews with forward-thinking designers and features on green products and alternative ideas that may transform our everyday lives.

I was immediately intrigued as the first episode was about using sustainable energy and lowering the carbon footprint of creating music.  I also learned some interesting facts and ideas for design, architecture, and food.  I highly reccomend giving this a watch.  If you have NETFLIX, then it's free!!!  Just type it into the search or go though tv specials! 

Great ideas are shown, it's really inspirational, and would be fun for upper elementary kids!

singles vs married

I am in a small group with 8 single 20-somethings, and one engaged.  I really needed to be involved with a group of women when I moved here.  I have been so thankful that they accepted me into their group, lives, and friendship.  Last night there was talk of how challenging it was for some of them to be single in a world where almost all of their friends are married.  I wish I could have spoken up, but it would not have been appropriate.

It is challenging to be married when all your friends are single.  No, I do not feel lonely, or wonder if I will ever be married, or find someone, and I do not suffer from feeling unlovable- but I am lonely.  I do not have people I can talk to about being married.  This is pretty much the only thing I have going on in life at the moment so it is a big deal to me.  I can't say anything to this group that I trust with my prayers- it's not appropriate, and it would be hard to understand.

Sometimes it does make me feel awkward with the group.  They had brought up the fact that they felt bad about being single, and decided to all get together to do something.  Of course I am invited, but I wonder if I should be sometimes.  I'm probably making too much out of this, especially since it would seem that they do not even see me as married most of the time because I do not talk about it alot and only a couple have even met my husband.

Why is it so challenging to make new friends in a new city?  And why is it so challenging to find the young and married?

Ethiopia

Yesterday I took my father-in-law to the airport.  He left for Ethiopia and will be returning in one month.  His reason for going- Compelled by God’s call and the global water and sanitation crisis,
to equip partner local organizations/ communities and work with
them to empower communities to gain safe water, adequate sanitation, effective hygiene, and the knowledge of Jesus’ love.  If this sounds a little familiar than you have already checked out the link to Life Water International.  

He is on staff with Life Water and is on his 4th trip to Ethiopia.  It is actually the 3rd trip with this specific project and people.  This means he has been able to become very connected to these community leaders.  The work he is doing is saving lives, changing communities, and empowering leaders. 

The work that has been going on for over a year now- is changing hearts.  Most of the people he works with are Muslim.  The Organization does not force Christianity, and frankly is not extremely open about it.  This means that all peoples feel welcome and fine to work with Life Water.  Women are seeing how they can be leaders, and others are giving them more respect.  However, the coolest thing (ok, one of) is that hearts are changing and they are wanting to learn more about Christ. 

I am very excited for his trip, even if I am a little jealous.  I am hoping to go with him in the years to come to work with the schools and orphanages about hygienic education.   Pray for his team and his work.  I hope to provide updates as they come in. 

Solo: an Uncommon Devotional

Yesterday I was out getting hot glue sticks.  Walking away from the store I passed a Christian book store.  I never noticed it there before.  I decided that it wouldn't hurt to go in.  But now, I must confess  a little background knowledge.

I started going to church in high school.  I went to a christian school and believe that Jesus is my savior.  However, I no longer feel like I know him.  It has been months since I picked up a bible, and longer since I have studied one.  I am in a small group, teach sunday school, and attend church, but I can't seem to find the fire.   Nor, do I want to try to find it or work for it.  I don;t know why, but I have been pushing away from God.  I decided earlier in the year that I should get a devotional book since I have time to read and what not.  But I never got serious about finding one.

Flash forward to yesterday.  I walk into the book store, feeling like a foreigner.  I stumble around to the back to the store.  After all I was just browsing.  There right in front of me were the devotional books,  There was a smaller section of them than what I have seen at other stores so I thought I would look.  I ended up sitting down in the isle and going over 15 books that peeked my interest.  I was feeling very stressed by the idea of choosing one book.  A book is very expensive (by my standards).  I finally found a book that used scripture, had a prayer, and related things to life.  I am actually kind of excited about beginning this devotional book.  But I am still scared.  I have never had daily time with God, or even time on a regular basis.   Here's to the Uncommon Devotional.  (Link to Amazon for more info- although I was sad to see that it is 5 dollars cheaper online)

If you won the lottery

I ended up watching a show about people who had won the lottery.  After I got over my jealousy I thought about what my husband and I would do if we won the lottery.  This is my list:

1) take 5% and give it to Project Mercy
2) take 5% and give it to Life Water International

Super important to be sure that the first things we would do would be to give 10% away.  I'm sure we would give back to our university, church, and other organizations, but these would be done before anything else.

3) buy a new car for the hubby- boy is he in need of a new car!  I am thankful it made it through the winter, but am still worried about getting through the next spring and fall!!  I on the other hand am in love with my car- i just need to shampoo the carpets thanks to a recent coffee spill :(
4) Buy a modest house.  We don't need much, just a place to live with a fenced in yard for Puppy!
5) Give 5% to each of our parents.
6) give 3% to his brother
7)go to Brooks Brothers and get Hubby a suit, sports jacket, and sweater- he would need no other clothes for the rest of his life (according to him).  I would love to spoil him this way!
8) sign up puppy for the best daycare  for everyday that we are working. He would be so happy, and fit!
9) take a 1 month trip to Europe!!! 
10) the rest goes into the bank for safe keeping!!  Hope for it to grow!!

So what would you do if you won the lottery?

it was a great day, until you came home...

Yes, it's true I actually thought this last night when my husband finally came home from work.  All month he has been working all the time.  Most days from 9am to 9pm.  With me at home most of the time as I am a part time nanny- this has been tiring.  I never know if I should be making dinner because most often he picks up shifts during the day while he is out at work.  It is grueling to not know when you will be able to do something as simple as have a meal with your husband.  It's not like he's in the military or a truck driver- he works in sales! 

I am going to go ahead and blame it on the pms, but last night was rough.  I was in a funk, and he could tell.  When spending so much time alone it is easy for me to take on the independent role.  It becomes my house, with my rules, and my dog who does what I say.  The schedule is mine.  There is a nasty reoccurring theme here- me, me, me.  When he finally came home he took the king of the castle role.  He did things the way he would, on his schedule, and did not know all of the good behavior the the puppy has learned to know that he does not need watched.  I was simply annoyed.  How sad is that?!  I was so caught up in me, me, me, that I lost track of us, us, us.  My priorities were not in check and I was not giving the respect my king deserved. 

He asked me later in the night if I was upset with him. I told him no.  And truthfully, I wasn't at all.  I was just in a funk.  ((Again- I'm going with PMS))  The important thing that I learned about this evening was how important it is to retain priorities and not lose focus of family. 

Tonight, we are going out to eat.  Our first date in months. 

Hobby Found

Well my house got up extra early today and then found out they we could all go back to bed.  However, I never go back to bed after I get up!  (I would love to know how, but it seems impossible.)

So I decided it was time to break out some of those things I bought at a couple of craft stores this week.  The following are the results of my extra hours this morning!

 

I am thinking about selling these and the others that I am excited about making.  

Think any one would be interested?

most wonderful day of the year

Yesterday I spent the entire day away from the computer.  My husband took the day off, and we had a wonderful day together.

It began with me working for a church community in their child care center.  I had a lot of fun with a large group of toddlers.  Then I rushed home and made brunch for two.  Two eggs platted up over tow pieces of toast with a mixture of cheese, spice, and salsa.  It was pretty nifty!

While all of this was going on our puppy was at the groomer (a long over due trip).  So we took this time to be quiet and watch "The King's Speech".  I thought it was a fantastic film.  I would recommend it especially before the awards.

Then we went to the groomer to pick up the pup.  He was the cutest he has every been!  Also it was in the upper 50's!!!!  so we went to the park.  After a 2 hour walk in the sun all three of us were full of joy and love.  It is amazing what a little exercise and sunlight can do for you!

The night ended with me making the most amazing meal yet. It was a basal and pesto filled Mezzula (Italian pasta) with a homemade pesto sauce, over roasted tomatoes covered in salt, pepper, EVOO, and basal.  And a delicious side of asparagus covered with balsamic vinegar.  I know- it was as amazing as it sounds!  I would love to share my easy tips if you would like to make it yourself!  Of course our nightly red wine added to the meal.

Instead of watching another movie (like we usually do), or watching TV, we played monopoly!  Such a fun night, such a fun day.  So full of love.

Today the weatherman is calling for temperatures in the upper 60s- it is sure to be another day outside!

dreams do come true

No, I am not referencing feeling like a princess on Valentine's Day.  But I am referring to an unexpected gift that came yesterday!

My Hubby and I had decided that we would celebrate Valentine's Day on a different day (post the 14th, hit up the sales).  We also decided that whenever we 'celebrate' this commercialized holiday we would not do gifts.  I know he loves me, and I know he wants to give me the world.  I don't believe that the world has to include $$ jewelry.

He called me in the middle of the day while he was at work and told me that he had a surprise that would make me freak out.  He went on and on and was building this up to be something over the top remarkable.  I knew that in my heart there were only two things that could make me flip like this.
1) a spontaneous trip to a place that would need a plane ride
2) a flight in a prop plane or a single engine plane

He asked me not to look at the credit card account so that I would not learn what it was.  This meant that it had to be less than a plan ticket- that crossed out my top two.  I figured it was going to be a book shelf or a fancy restaurant gift card.  (Yes, those are odd but both things I would love.)

He was so excited to give me this gift.  I had not seem him like this!  So he opened his portfolio and I saw this picture

Not only do I get to fly in a Cessna, but I also get to fly the plane myself!!!  This takes my bucket-list and tops it!!  I am so excited!  He got two passes so I can do one and he can fly in the backseat (pending) and if that does not fill my needs then I can do it again- or if I feel like I got my fix, then he can enjoy the lesson and I will just go for a ride.  No matter what I am going for two flights!  I have the next 6 months to decide when we will go.  I am thinking about waiting for the spring colors- if I can hold out that long!

My Green Valentines

I have been planning for weeks on how to make today really special for me and my hubby without spending a dime!  I had it all figured out and only spent 99 cents on lipstick!  I made a cheesy valentine out of my scrap booking paper and was going to put it in his briefcase, kiss a few napkins in his lunch, cut everything I made with a heart cookie cutter, and write a lovey note in lipstick on the mirror for him to see when he woke up.

Unfortunately, none of this happened.  I was up coughing all night- so much so that I had to sleep on the couch so that one of us could get some sleep!  I woke up feeling like death warmed over.  I needed to get up and help him get everything ready for work (make lunch, take care of the dog, etc) but it was a challenge.  His briefcase was left at work, my cookie cutter is missing, and I could barely think of what I could do.

I still feel a little green, but I am determined to not let another holiday come and go with one of us being sick. (ie- Christmas, New Years, Homecoming after a month apart... and that was just in the past month and a half!) 

Here's to hoping that the multitude of meds I have taken will help me get into something nicer than sweats today!

"What are some of your hobbies?"

How often are we asked (in so many word) what do you like to do?  In high school I always had a set answer for this question of hobbies- I danced, I sang, I acted, I scrapbooked.  In college I studied (much to the amazment of everyone who had known me prior).  I really did not have a lot of time for other things, but I did continue to sing.  I also took up the hobby of creating a book for my then boyfirend, now husband about the story of our lives together.  I gave him this as a gift on our wedding day. Between the univeristy choral, the crafty book, and my studies- I had no other time.

Now, I am graduated- without a full time job, in a city where I know few people, with a budget to stay indoors.  This week I am off work.  I have 10 days to be in the house while my husband is out working.  After the 3 days off last week that I spent indoors with my puppy, I decided I needed a hobby- and he needed doggy daycare!! 

I actually had to look up hobbies because I had no ideas.  I do not have an exciting enough life to take pictures of, and have very few pictures.  So, scrap-booking is out.  I looked into candle making- but it seems very expensive.  I looked into jewelry because what girl doesn't love a hand crafted pair of earrings.  I looked into quilting even though I do not have a sewing machine.  I really am not sure what to claim as my next hobby.  I am thinking that I will go to a craft store and see what I can find.  In the mean time I will continue my hobby of reading blogs.  Happy writing everyone!

"That could be what's for dinner tonight!"

I have to admit that I have an obsession with Rachael Ray.  This past week on her daytime TV show she showed us fanatic viewers a few lazy lasagna recipes.  They are called lazy because they are so much easier to make.  Instead of trying to layer things perfectly- which is a task for a perfectionist- all things are made on their own quickly then kind of mixed together.  I am a fan, and you can click here to check it out for yourself.

As I like to do; be inspired.  I love to cook and find that I can make a few adjustments with cheaper ingredients that I like more to make the perfect dish.

Never follow a recipe.

Valentine Crafts

Looking for some fun crafts to do while staying warm inside- here are some good ones:

For the less crafty of us there is a simple Paper Conversation Heart Wreath.  It says ages 5 and up- so get the kiddos in on this too (or maybe it's at your level)! Thank you to Amanda Formaro for this one.

For the more ambitious crafter there is another wreath out there.  This looks adorable and something that could be used in many occasions.  This one comes to us from a fellow blogger Tatertots and Jello.  I believe a nod to Martha Stewart is also in line.

seasons change, so does love

Remember what warm weather was like? Neither do I.  It's February in the Midwest- which really just means a continuation of snow and ice.  Sometimes life feels like that too.  You can't seem to remember how sweet things were just months ago.  It is easy to get into a rut (no, not just referencing the bedroom here) when life is monotonous and there seems to be no ideas on how to change things up.

Just 7 months after getting married I became worried that we were already in that rough patch.  Alas, I have a solution.

After checking with some of the experts, I learned things that I had already heard before.
1) Make time for just the two of you to be romantic.  Well we don't have kids, or even friends in this new town so this should be easy. However, cuddling on the couch to watch a movie every night for 5 months is not the same as being truly intentional. Date Night is needed.
2) Tell him that you love him... and why.  I thought that I told my hubby that I loved him all the time.  But the truth is, I think it far more often than I voice it.  He likes to be complimented and told that he does something well (who wouldn't!).  It builds him up, which in turn, builds me up too.
3) Mix things up.  Such a hard one to do when you do not have money in the budget to go out!  However, wearing something 'nice' when he walks in the door will lead to lots of love.  In our house it is his job to do the dishes (I know, I am lucky).  One day, I did them instead.  He was so thankful, and I know he appreciated the love.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, make a move.  Bump up your love for one another.