Acccckkkk, it's moving day!

Ok, I'm freaking out just a tad bit here...

I have TONS of stuff left to pack, and I have to make decisions on what to leave behind. It's tough deciding what I can do without because I'm sentimentally attached to a LOT of my things and I have too much. I don't get the truck until this afternoon...which I wasn't happy about, but oh well. Since I have to pack a lot, I might as well get on it.

But I wanted to pop in and write a quick note to everyone first. This may be the last time I post a blog post from my loft in the home I've lived in for 7 years. It's a bit strange leaving here, even though I am thrilled to be doing it. I guess it's a bit on the bittersweet side. I'm not the only one feeling the emotion, so is Ben. He grew up in this house and is having moments of sadness having to leave it. But I'm there for him and he is coping well everything considered.

Night before last I went out on my back porch about 3am for one last listen to my Great Horned Owl friend. True to it's nature, it was there loaning intrigue and mystery to the warm night air. It was gorgeous and I cried a little. I will miss this owl a great deal. It has been a source of comfort for me on many nights.

Well, signing out for now my dear friends. The next time I write I will be writing from my new place. I will take pictures of the whole moving process so you can be glad you are not the one doing it...that is if you aren't glad already! ;)

Ciao

Acccckkkk it's Thursday already!

This is ridiculous...time needs to slow down just a bit for me!

It's Wednesday Already!!

Yep, the week is flying by. I have my utility accounts set up and a U-haul lined up. Now I need to secure renter's insurance before Saturday. I also need to get an internet provider. I am hoping to find a company other than Road Runner, but may have no choice...haven't crossed that bridge yet.

I still have a lot to pack but don't know when that is going to happen lol. I am going to move as much as I can with the u-haul though...the big stuff anyway. I can make a few trips with my car to get the rest if necessary. I'm trying to keep a perspective of this being totally easy. They say moving is one of the most stressful times ever...I say screw that! ;)

Can't wait to get it all done though and have a party!

I Move Nnext Weekend! Acccckkkk

Ok, this is a bit of a stressful time, yet exciting one too. I can't believe I'm moving into my own apartment at the end of this week. The time has gone by so fast that I'm stressing over deadlines, getting accounts set up etc...

I'll fill in more details later when I have time. :)

Stragglers I Should Have Posted a While Back...Pics

Home away from home. Ahhhhhhhhhh good to be in my little tent.

Cool white lichen with black spots. I've never seen this variation before, an exciting find!

Keith loving the trail during our day hike! I actually let him carry the pack for a while. He doesn't know what an honor that is... that pack is my life on the trails, my comfort, my baby! lol

More fun trail for us to enjoy. I LOVE Hill Country!

exotic lichens...I love this stuff. This is definitely a future painting and I already know who is getting it. I'll give you a hint...his name starts with G...and he is a very close friend of mine and I owe him one. This will be a blast to paint! :)

Going uphill...it was fairly steep. Loved it of course. I'd rather go up than down...

Me in winter gear out at Hill Country State Natural area with Keith. We hiked six miles that day in mucho cold wind. Felt like 30 something out...probably was. Anyway, I love my gear! I get so excited when I put that pack on and begin to walk...Damn I look happy!!! I was...the outdoors is most assuredly my element.

I never wrote a trip report...but suffice it to say it was a fantastic trip! Hill Country State Natural area will always be one of my favorite places in Texas to backpack. I was happy to share it with a new friend and love the feeling of accomplishment after hiking those trails.

And now for something completely different...This is Caitlin with our friend Roland and her dog Sugar. Roland and Sugar LOVE each other. Roland only comes to visit the dog really...he couldn't care less about us! ;)

Thank you Secret Santas!

I know I am very late in posting this thank you and these pictures...please forgive me. I absolutely appreciate what you ladies did for me and Ben this Christmas. You made the holidays special for us and I'll never forget your generosity. I hope you enjoy the pics!

Ben absolutely loves his presents! This is one happy kiddo.

I made something different for Christmas dinner this year. Pork Tenderloin, roasted artichokes, mashed potatoes, and glazed brussell sprouts. Everyone scarfed it down! Ben especially loves artichokes and requested they be on the menu. I thought it was a great idea!

Extra "chokes" with a dipping sauce made from the pan drippings of the roast. Super stuff!

Everyone at the table that was with us this year. Ben is at the head of the table, to his right is Caitlin, to Caitlin's right is her friend Beeson, and to his right is Sam's boyfriend Vince, and then finally Sam. I'm taking the picture of course. I'm sure you artsy folks out there can appreciate the beat up state my table is in! It's seen many a project. :)

Yeah, I'm getting the hand. Caitlin is like "Mom please, I'm eating here".

A close up of the tree. Ben made the cute star ornament with the "jewels". He is very proud of this ornament. It will be well taken care of and grace the tree for years to come. The victorian style angels are from my grandmother's collection. I think they are gorgeous!

Guess Who Got Promoted ALREADY?

I rock! I started the new job on the 19th of December as a temp and last week they came to me and said they wanted to hire me permanently! I got a very nice promotion and a 40% raise. I'm the first person they have hired full time from a temp position in such a quick amount of time.

The new position is challenging and fun. I'm told I will go far in the company. :)

Photos of the past few events...

My new friend Keith

Keith talks on the phone with Anika

New Years Eve party at Maryann's house with Johnny Flash and Kimberly

Kimberly!

Kimberly singing

Kimberly Jams

Hair a flyin! She is always in motion

Keith helps out in Kitchen...making coffee with a French press

Camping with Keith...just woke up!

bed hair

Happy Me

To the beach yo

More pictures later!

Told ya!

New Years Eve at the Doll House. Went to an amazing party...My new friend Maryann is a rockin hostess. Thank you Maryann for that amazing night!!! Kimberly and PJ you brought it good as usual. And so did Johnny Flash! Look this dude up on the internet ya'll...

The music was absolutely fabulous dollings. :)

To see the above photo better, click here

My pal Maryann. Lovely person, just lovely. :)