3verything 3mily

Here We Go One More Time..

2011-02-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

.....and now I have an NYSNC song in my head. Since February is approaching an end, I felt the need to debrief through blogging about the latest and greatest in the life of muah. First things first...starting a new job for hopefully the last time in a LONG time. I think it is going to be super intense and great experience toward certification for my LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor). Right now I am a LPCA Licensed Clinical Professional Associate. However 2 years and 4,000 hours later that will change. I will be doing many things here in rural Cynthiana, KY for Bluegrass Regional MH-MR Board, that my other positions did not give me the opportunity to do, so I will need to learn very quickly. Since I haven't had a paycheck since November I am very much looking forward to March 4th LOL. It is a time like this I am very grateful that I am "weird" about my money and made it out of this time with my $1000 emergency account still intact.

Second order of business. I am moving into my own apartment next Saturday the 5th!! I couldn't be more excited. While Andrew's grandparents have been more than gracious hosts since my landing here, I am ready to move my things out of storage once more. (Sometimes my life feels like that movie Groundhog Day). I will be residing in Georgetown, KY so as to be about 45 minutes closer to work. (At this point the commute is about an hour and 10 minutes on average.) My apartment is absolutely fabulous, and I can't wait to entertain some overnight guests! The first ones being my parents of course who continue to make sacrifices of their time for me in my many moves. : )

Third item: My boyfriend is amazing. Ug that is so cheesy, and I hate when people bubble on and on about their relationships, but I just have to say it. I have already gotten to attend a show at the Lexington Opera House, and have received so much unlimited patience, understanding and support through this time of transition. It's fun to be douted on. : )

Fourth: I am looking forward to getting more involved at Broadway Christian Church. Right now I'm serving a couple times a month with the KidsChurch group, and enjoying all the energy they have. Financial Peace University has also been fun to attend at Broadway with the boyfriend. Lexington has so much to offer, so I'm real excited about what lies ahead!

I will update soon once I'm settled in my apartment with various "repurposed posts" about decor and functionalbility (I think I made that up?)

I am so blessed.

Its a N3W Y3AR!

2011-01-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

Today marks the fourth day of the new year and I couldn't be more excited about this one. I am happy and healthy, I have a boyfriend who spoils me and is a wonderful man, I got to spend a week with close friends and family over the holidays, my car is operating as it should, I could go on and on. I really dislike standard new years resolutions, but I must say since I love goals it is fun to revisit where I was last year and where I want to be going...Lets review this past year's goals....

Pay off my car- Still paying it off
Work toward my LPC- Still working
~~Buy a Bike~~
~~Maintain my financial goals~~
~~Build a larger emergency fund~~
~~Stock my Etsy store :~~) Stocked, but need to relist and begin again
Read 5 books I have that I have never opened in my library- I think I made it through 2
Study at least 6 books of the Bible intently.- Only did about 4 books
~~Get rid of things I do not need~~
~~Use what I have to make what I need when possible~~
~~Container Gardens?~~
~~Do at least 2 things on my “Things to do in Life list” this year~~ I learned about my car, went boating on Smith Mountain Lake in VA, and did a Beth Moore Bible Study, I even lost 24 pounds, and that wasn't even on my list!

...I didn't do too bad! This definitely gives me encouragement for the coming year and allows me to see God's grace in my life as well. This year I would like to concentrate on:

Payoff my Car- May 2011?
Get 50% of the hours/ supervision I need for my LPC
Find an apartment in Lexington within my price range
Open Etsy Store again
Read 2 "Fun books" in my library
Continue purging things I do not need or want
Maintain my financial goals
Do at least 2 more things on my "To Do List for Life"
Go through a Financial Peace University Class with the Boyfriend
Make time for a "Date Night" weekly with the Boyfriend
Keep track of money saved in 2011 (In 2010 I spent an average of $19 a week on groceries!)

Yep..I think that looks good. :D
image cred

On the Road again...

2010-12-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

I really don't think this is the permanent slogan of my life, but this past year has just been crazy. Time for another update...hopefully I will be able to post more now that I am getting used to these transitions :)
Some exciting "I" statements to follow:

I finished both of my classes through Liberty University and was LPCA approved in Kentucky!! WOO HOO!
I turned in my notice at Blue Ridge to move to Kentucky!
I moved to Lexington, KY November 23rd, and was able to spend a fantastic Thanksgiving with my family in St. Louis now only 5 hours away!
I am in paperwork purgatory now with Bluegrass Mental Retardation Services as I accept a job in Cynthiana, KY as a Children's Therapist in one of their outpatient centers.
I no longer have a technology relationship with the boyfriend over the phone or Skype...(which I'm pretty sure if we get married should have important places in the ceremony)- It has been wonderful going on actual dates that don't consist of watching movies together over Netflix...although that was fun too :)
I am currently living with the boyfriend's grandparents to allow me to financially better make this big transition!

So that is about all going on right now, most my things and especially craft items, are in storage right now, but I've still been managing to pump out a ton of homemade christmas presents. Today I am making strawberry bread. YUM.

As I embark on yet another state and new opportunities, I can't help but think about how blessed I am to have so many people who support me no matter where I am at in life. I love you all very much!

Fast forward 5 months later...

2010-09-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe where the time has gone. Since starting school back up, transferring into a different position at work and actually working now, and DIYing practically everything I own, I think it is safe to say I am in need of an update. Let's review...

I got hired on at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare in February....and come the end of August I still didn't do much there to help my accumulation of hours I need to get licensed. A position opened up at a local high school for a Therapist and I jumped on it...needless to say, I've been pretty busy since.
I began taking a Multicultural Issues and Career Counseling course through Liberty University in August, in order to fulfill requirements for the Kentucky State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. This way I can work there soon...and by soon I mean November. (fingers crossed.) Luckily the classes are both 8 week intensives so I will be done by the 15th of October! YAY!
I have also taken on some fun projects. I redid the headboard on my bed, some storage in my room, made a new hanging lamp out of some baskets, reupholstered my first chair with a drop cloth (and still working on the couch), redid my coffee table, made a fun rose pillow out of a bridesmaid dress, and added a couple more fun little touches to my little corner of the world. Whew....the sad part is I'm sure I've left a few things out, but it's been fun. Hopefully I will find some time to post some pictures soon!!

Needless to say that last 5 months have flown, and I am very much looking forward to what's next!

Oh Yeah...5 more items

2010-05-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

So I had mentioned in an earlier post, that I would be introducing 5 new items to my 3verything3mily store soon ...that hasn't happened yet. Don't get me wrong, they are all ready for their introductions, but are without pictures. (Making inexpesive camera pics look good is time consuming I am finding! ) I figured I would at least give you a heads up about what to be expecting!
1. Record bowls!- A few more additions along with the 45's, all with their original cases
2. Earrings!- All Unique and handmade out of items you would have never thought about wearing
3. Tree Chalkboard Art- A multimedia peice on canvas, shows you CD's aren't just for listening to anymore
4. Magazine Bowls!- Last months fashions will now look even classier on your coffee table!
5. A revamped chalkboard message Lamp!- Spotlight what you really want to say!

Obviously I've been real into chalkboard surfaces lately and bowls....hmmm

Compassion Trip to El Salvador

2010-05-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Stephanie has been my Compassion child for a VERRRY long time. I have loved this opportunity to affect a family and child so dramatically in a different culture than my own. It is only $38 a month, but I will admit there were times I debated over it because things in my own life were chaotic. Recently I have come to the realization that she will be aging out of the program this June on her birthday. This is both exciting and sad. I know she will have some good opportunities to use the skills she has learned, but I have always wanted to visit her. Well today my frugalness was faced with a delimma. A trip to El Salvador is coming up at the end of February. So... $2700 to visit her...in 6 months needs to appear. Obviously a part time job would do the trick...which would sacrifice time and effort in other areas I wanted to focus on this year. Hmmm I can't help but wonder if there is another way I can come up with the $100 + a week to make it happen while STILL paying off my car this year. Any ideas out there? (Keeping in mind, I've pretty mush sold off everything I can. LOL)

Pr3ssing On!

2010-05-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things happen in life that throw a wrench in our plans. I am a big planner. I have not always been, but sorta morphed into one. I love making things and thinking of new ways to repurpose everyday items...seriously I could do this alll day. However, as much as I like these things and have many interests, when life events happen it is necessary to put them on the back burner until I can come up for air. For example, let's inspect the $600+ damage of the wrench.

Retal Car: 189.00 (for 4 days)
Car Engine Issues: $241.00 (Praise the LORD, it was ONLY this much!!)
Personal Property: $70.00
Ticket=? at least $160.00 (after court costs!)

That is $660.00 of a wrench thrown into my plans! And you know what? It did not even phase me financially!!! Becuase of my planning I was able to move things around and adjust some other bills! I only had to take $200 out of my emergency fund!

I spend my paycheck down to $0 every payday..Yep. 0. This way I know where everything is going and it can be tracked with minimal effort. It is a great system, and it's allowing me to pay off my debt VERY quickly!! So when my car broke down before a trip to see the boyfriend in Lexington, KY (6 hours away) I needed to make some decisions. Personal Property taxes are due, a speeding ticket, enterprise rental, and a sputtering car with a scary engine light on does not equal progress financially! However, I have kept my grounds, there has just not been much time (or expenses) for my Etsy Store! :(

But good news!!! I am going to be hitting the craft room hard this week turning out at least 5 new types of items to show up in my store! Stayed Tuned!

10 "No money ALOT-O-FUN" Things To Do!

2010-04-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

I like being busy. I like activities and projects and schedules. However, a lot of times those things require money! With my gusto to pay things off and live frugally it has become second nature to turn to solutions that cost Zip, Zero, Zilch! Entertaining yourself with things you already have can be just as fun as spending money! For example....

Ride your Bike- Not only is this great excersise and gets those endorphines flowing for a happier you, but it also gives you a chance to cruise around your scenic neighborhood or city without burning any gas money!

Flip it for Free!-Rearrange a Room- Not every "Room Redo" requires you to spend money. Simply trying new angles for your furniture can give you that new updated look your space needs! Look around your house for items that would go better in one room than maybe the one you have had it in for the last few years! (The internet is a great source for this project- with endless sites on room redos and decor tips)

Lame Frames?-Make some new artwork or your walls!- Grab some old picture frames with outdated contents and get creative! Picnik is a great free source for editing photos, or you can go through old magazines for some inspiring arwork!. (I like using fabric in empty frames for an artsy look)

Get lost in a book!- There are too many selections in my library that are still untouched. But even if you don't have an expansive book collection, your local Library does! FOR FREE! Get a Library card and spend some time reading on your back porch you don't use enough.

Outside In!-Explore your yard for a textured centerpiece for your kichen table-Bunches of flowers, small branches, long grasses, rocks, etc. look great in anything from vases and bowls to christmas canisters. You can cleaverly conceled them with some leftover scrapbook, grocery, news, or comptuer paper! This is a great one for fun experimental bouquets!

Pamper Yourself!-Transform your bathroom into a spa- Even if all you have is a small nail file and an old bottle of nail polish! Chances are you have some key items in your kitchen! And the best part? No harsh chemicals!

*Soak your Tootsies in a hot bath and after giving them a good scrub try a equal mix of olive oil and sugar for a great moisterizer! (and scrub!) After rinsing/drying them off grab your favorite scented lotion!
*For your face I like a mixture of honey and oatmeal for a nice scrub/mask. Even if you don't have those, Baking Soda can give your face a nice clean feel if you mix about a teaspoon with an equal amount of water! *The Olive Oil/Sugar Mixture is fabulous for hands as well! After rinsing them, finish off your pampering with that old bottle of nail polish, it is sure to feel more like a treat now!

Don't Throw it away Yet!-Take inventory of the foods about to kick the dust in your kitchen. Chances are there is a fab recipe out there you can save them with! All Recipes is a great resource for looking up recipes based on ingrediants you have on hand! Once you type in the ingrediants you want to use it does all the creative work for you!

Chill Out!- This one is simple...Relax. I am HORRIBLE at this one. Sometimes grabbing an old Better Homes & Gardens magazine from 2008 and watching episodes of your favorite tv show on HULU is all you need. Add a refreshing beverage from your own kitchen at no extra charge!

Ok now throw it out...Get rid of STUFF- Going through your house and discovering things you don't need/want can be both freeing and make you money! Even if you feel it is not worthy to list on a site like Craigslist you can always DONATE items freeing up more space for the things you love!

Get OUT!- Check out free events online in your community- Most communities have some type of calendar on their website outling events and happenings each month! Movies in the park, art shows, etc.

What kind of things do you like to do when your budget is squeezed?

Progress not Perfection...

2010-04-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

I love being able to cross things off a to do list...sometimes I think I make lists just to cross them off! HA (I know it's sick) But some pretty exciting updates on my Goals of 2010:

I'm buying a bike today for about half what the owner paid! (If it's a good fit, it's only been used a couple times!)
I've decided what items I will be posting on good ole Craigslist to begin getting rid of so many things I don't need or use! So far I got...a big oversized computer desk, a nice long 2 drawer file cabinet, a TV that doesn't work except for the DVD player on it (FREE), a microwave, some odds and ends, and a retired collector's item that should go for about $150...hopefully... GRAND TOTAL I am aiming for.....$210! That will put a small chuck into my car payment. YAY
The boyfriend paid for Netflix for the next few months for me, so even those small red box rentals that are only $1 will not have to be used for a while!

One thing I have been learning in this process has been PAITENCE! I cannot save up or buy everything I may want or need overnight! I may have to wait until I can afford it...*GASP* Yes...I said "Wait." It has been nice to have a plan and see it in action. Do you have things around your house you could get rid of?

PS- NEW ETSY LISTINGS COMING SOON!! Ch3ck m3 out!!

Kroger and Coupons

2010-04-05T13:08:00.001-07:00

I love saving money. I also love spending money on things I have thoughtfully considered. So when I am happy with a purchase I have found that expressing it to the company is often quite beneficial. I took the time a few weeks ago to write some comments to different companies of products I am pretty happy with. The result?

COUPONS AND FREE STUFF.

Mainly I got dollar off and free coupons, and some that were just thank yous, but the best? My Kroger sent me a $10 gift card! WOOHOO! So Helpful since me and my roommate shop there like clockwork weekly after we get their ad in the mail and plan our menu.

Another good way I have been getting good deals is checking out "Free Stuff" websites that clearly aren't shady. They hook you up with product sites to get samples. More often than not they also send decent coupons with the samples. Now when I get home from work its like getting a small present everyday in the mail!

Today is a good day.

2010-04-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Do ever have days that just energize you? A sun shining, windows down, stress managed, genuinely good day? Well I've definately had less than I would like over any period of time, but today is different. It is genuinely good. It is good because I'm healthy, employed, budgeted, relaxed, creative and genuinely excited about the future. Oh, and I have a great boyfriend, even if he lives 6 hours away at this point, it's not forever. I really like to sit back and enjoy these times in life, it makes everything else worth it. Don't you think?

I'm hoping to work on many more of my creative outlets this weekend. I'd like to get a few more things listed in my store on Etsy, figure out a unique wall filing system for my room, work on my garden, and purge the basement of things I dont' really need. whew..I'm sorta tired now thinking about it, but very excited about having time to get it done!

Update on 2010 Goals:

Pay off my car- My tax return will help immensly, On track, and looking for a second jobto speed it up!
Work toward my LPC- March 25th I was approved to begin counting hours inthe state of VA!
Buy a Bike- Almost saved up!
Maintain my financial goals- DOING GREAT!
Build a larger Emergency Fund- Ahead of schedule!
Stock my Etsy Store-Stocked! Just need to keep adding more inventory!
Read 5 books I have never opened in my library- 1 down!
Study at Least 6 books of the Bible Intently- 1 down!
Get Rid of things I don't need- working on this more Saturday!
Use what I have to make what I need when possible- yep :)
Container Gardens?- Planed my seeds a few weeks ago, hoping to put them in the ground soon!

Wow, I'm doing much better than I expected to be by the beginning of April! How are you doing on your goals for 2010?

Top 8 Reasons to Make Goals...

2010-03-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

I love this article I found today on Dave Ramsey's website...I love goals, and I love accomplishing them...

Yesterday a glorious milestone occurred.

#1 My emergency fund became fully funded!
#2 My Credit Card is paid off!!

I have had HEINOUS luck with cars ever since I have been old enough to drive. Just the thought of going to a mechanic makes me sick. The $250 I had left to pay on my credit card was from my stupid car forever ago it seems like. And now... ITS OVER!! Never again will I think it is a good idea to pay for something with someone else's money. (How nice of them to loan it to me for 17% interest...so sweet.)

And now to tackle those school loans ....grrr.

Getting a little closer everyday to my goals I have set for 2010!! That makes me a happy girl :)

2010-03-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

Horray! I have a button!

I LOVE FREE..and gardens

2010-03-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

Last night I spent some time making some free pots for my garden this spring/summer out of newspaper!

I made 20 and I'm hoping to get some seeds planted this weekend to start them indoors before planting them outside! Click on The Grocery Cart Challenge button for more great ideas!

Timing is 3verything

2010-03-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know let me catch u up to speed, I moved to Roanoke, VA to accept a GLORIOUS JOB in November! A paycheck, health insurance, therapy hours I need, and the works. However, anyone in the mental health field is aware of how AWFUL Medicaid Billing has become, and I too quickly found myself in a very unstable and frustrating/highly stressful position. About half our In Home staff and supervisor left in a period of just a couple of weeks, as did I too. Sick at the thought of looking for another job after this past year, I prayed the Lord would provide quickly, and He did!

I am working in Roanoke still, now as a part of the Therapeutic Day Treatment program at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare. It has been about two weeks since my first day of training and I am very excited to once again have hope for a steady income and therapy hours accumulation! Next step getting Licensed!

A lot of things have been going through my head in this time. What am I doing wrong? What is God trying to teach me through this? What is the reason this is happening? Through all this I have come to one conclusion. It doesn't really matter if I never figure out why this past year/years have been so difficult. While I have had doubts my purpose has never changed. I think the best thing I can do now is continue looking toward the future and move forward. If I find out along the way great. If I don't I will be no worse off...It's character building.

I have been reading in Ecclesiastes this month and love the reminder in chapter 3 of God's timing in life...He's given a time for everything. Nothing about these past couple years has surprised Him.

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor, it is the gift of God.
Ec 3:12-13

Here We Go Twenty Ten!

2010-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to get into a routine now...o how I missed it. New job, new city, and of course...new ways to think of saving money. I sat down today and plotted out new goals for the year...I'm not a big fan of resolutions but Goals I LOVE.

Here's a few I'm hoping to accomplish this year....

Pay off my car
Work toward my LPC
Buy a Bike
Maintain my financial goals
Build a larger emergency fund
Stock my Etsy store :)
Read 5 books I have that I have never opened in my library
Study at least 6 books of the Bible intently.
Get rid of things I do not need
Use what I have to make what I need when possible
Container Gardens?
Do at least 2 things on my “Things to do in Life list” this year

Hoping I can fit all that in this year! Here's a frugal rainy day project any regular card writer could enjoy. I'm thinking about making some sets of these for fast birthday presents

coming up:

EASY POSTCARD PROJECT- (Need: Camera, Glue, Marker, Assorted Cardstock)

1. Take some fun pictures of places you have been, creative angles, colors, etc.

2. Develop your pics in the regular 4" X 6" size (I like matte finish).

3. Cut Cardstock out to glue on the back of your picture. Leave 1/2"overlapping pic on all edges.

4. Design the back of your postcard for whoever you are sending it to. Make sure to leave room for their address on the right side as well as postage.

5. Bundle a few of them together with ribbon or twine add a few 28 cent stamps and VIOLA a nice present for a couple dollars!

I Move Fast

2009-11-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I did get the position I was hoping for in Virginia. HORRAY! They called and offered it to me the 13th of November and I started the 16th. What a relief to watch things fall into place and know I will not have to use my car as a closet anymore! Me and a good friend of mine are still getting situated into a house we moved into last weekend. I LOVE IT. Great neighborhood, decent rooms, basement...really what more could we want?

More importantly.....I HAVE A JOB!...AGAIN...lol. I began work at Family Preservation Services in Roanoke as a Intensive In Home Counselor and have been doing training there these past couple weeks. It will be challenging, but I think I will get a ton of experience, and learn a lot. I am so grateful to have a job and place to finally settle. While it is far from many of my friends and family, I think it will be a great opportunity.

Here's hoping after my stuff gets to the house next week (from both Lexington, KY and Knoxville, TN) I will have the time to post some new creative thoughts and ideas about projects I'm working on!

Light at the End of the Tunnel

2009-11-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

As I have posted earlier...these past 7 months now have been some of the most confusing/ frustrating times. Celebrating graduation and making the transition to adult world has not gone very smoothly. Smoothly is definitely not my style. Lets rewind a bit.

May - Graduation. What a glorious day. All my 7 years of hard work rolled up into one piece of paper. Beautiful. As I began to search out what path to take my wonderful credit union was gracious enough to give me some pretty good hours to hold me over for about a month...or 6 months....haha

The months following I will summarize briefly. I spent a lot of money, gas, and time trying to find a job. Obviously the economy sucks right now so I was told endlessly I was overqualified. Last count I had bugged, emailed, called, and applied to roughly 183 places. That my friend is when discouragement overcame me. Lexington, St. Louis, Knoxville...nothing was seeming to work out.

October 5th, 2009. IT's OVER. I got a call from Child and Family TN offering me a position as LEAP Coordinator. I was ecstatic. All my hard work searching had paid off! I was slightly off guard because the position I accepted was not what I had interviewed for, but nevertheless IT WAS A JOB....WITH HEALTH INSURANCE. I began training the 21st of October, and after 3 days of training was thrown into the position both at a local school and group home. I was exciting about this new adventure although confused about my position still.

To make a long story short the position was not what I had thought it would be. I had come to understand it would not include therapy hours (which would be necessary for me to become licensed), and many other confusing and uneasy additions. Basically, I quit after 5 days. I knew from the beginning it wasn't gonna work out even though everyone I had met had been very helpful and nice. This is not in my nature and was a weird circumstance, but I feel very good about my decision.

Since then I have had a promising interview in a new state: Virginia. I have a second one tomorrow, and hope that it will prove to be the real end to my job hunt. It would be a great opportunity to start out in, and it would be close to my good friend! I have appreciated all the support of my friends and family in this time, and feel very blessed to have so many people who are willing to lift me up in prayer!

The Storm

2009-08-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

At some point I would really like to use this space to post fun things I've made and what type of ideas are flowing through my brain. However right now creativity is far from my grasp it seems...

I graduated in May with a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy/ Professional Counseling. I couldn't believe I was finally done with 7 years of college and ready to leave the papers, late nights, frustrations, firsts and acomplishments all behind. It was a bit of a surreal feeling...Definately exciting, but a little scary as well. But alas, HOPEFUL was the overall theme I carried.

That was about 4 months ago...

Now I so desperatly find myself trying to swim to the surface and find the HOPE life perserver searching for me. Somedays I find it easily and float securely on it..Other days I'm enguled by my Tidal waves of emotion...and struggle to see anything else. Often, I think I can see land ahead, but only get pushed away further by the tide. This has been the ongoing battle in my life lately: ME versus JOB MARKET. I'm sure it is the same story many are facing right now. I was not prepared.

I hope that this month of September brings me some calm in the storm. It would mean so much to me for my heart to be stilled in this storm. I do not wish to drag others through it, yet it seems like that is what is happening.

This verse has been a comfort to me and gives me hope that I will have that peace someday.

Phil 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Cupcakes Galore

2009-06-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

This past week has been a whirlwind. I had the honor of making my friends wedding cake for her reception! This is the first BIG event I have done with my new found hobby, and hope there are many more in the future! We actually decided to do a tower of cupcakes instead of the traditional wedding cakes. It was such a fun project and feel like the end product was great! Everyone seemed to be real complimentary of the cupcakes, so needless to say I was a happy camper. :) Chanti and Derek are one of my favorite couples, so I was glad to help with their wedding.

The Grooms Cake was fun also, it was the Triforce from Legend of Zelda. Not having a very extensive knowledge of video games, I had to do a bit of research to figure out what it was. Derek seemed very happy with it, so I'm hoping I nailed it.

This was a great experience, and I loved getting to be a part of such an important day for my friends! While fun, it was also exhausting and I'm looking forward to relaxing this upcoming week. Cupcake mania is over!

#6

2009-05-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

SMOKIN'- Last night when doing the final clean of the trailer I reflected back on the humerous things that had happened while living there. Much of the night ended up being spent on debating what to do with the vacuum cleaner. This is a necessary component when cleaning, and at a purchase price of $5 at a garage sale 3 years ago, it was certain to quit the night we needed it most. So, there is was smoking and burning up in my closet of a room. The stench it left smelled rancid of what I'm certain a burnt rat smells like...maybe Pablo was living inside. Needless to say we threw out the vacuum cleaner with the garbage. I tried to sleep with the stench, but the headache I had from the smell was not going away ...luckily my roomie is always prepared with good smelling scents from Bath & Body Works. One wallflower later and I was in slumberland.

So long trailer sweet trailer...

2009-05-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow will mark the end of a 3 year stint in good ole JBC's "married student housing". I begin my blogging journey with this post since it has been location of so many memories, events, and emotions over the last few years. I'm very glad to be leaving since I feel it marks the end of a very important moutaintop for me. I'm definately ready for any terrain that lies ahead.

TOP 5 MEMORIES

5. KATRINA- You may think it sounds quaint to fall asleep to the sound of rain on a tin roof. It's not. The mere echo from a small drizzle outside could keep me up all night. Not because it sounds like one of those noise machines you would buy at the mall, but becuase it sounds like a hurricane in my house. A slight breeze rustles the trailers skirt so much you would think evacuation is necessary.

4. WHAT?!?! - I would be shocked if my hearing is still in tact after the last few years. If there is laundry going the house actually shakes and makes it extremely difficult to hear the TV.. even with the volume on 100. U can imagine what it is like trying to talk to someone with all this racket going on..Many humerous miscommunications occured becuase of this situation.

3. MOWING- Who doesn't enjoy cutting grass? Ok many people don't, I for one always loved it until these last two years. Looking at the two tiny strips of grass that needs to be cut weekly, one would think this would only take about 10 mins or so...not the case I found out. Each strip has a small swamp area that if it has rained in the last 2 weeks takes at least 2 more to dry out. This would mean the grass would get cut once a month...making the Trailer trash motiff complete. Now if you do dare to cut it after the hurricane, the mower has a few tricks to learn. After trying to start it multiple times and throwing the throttle up quickly, you must then aproach the yard cautiously. Going too fast or slow through the tall grass (or short grass for that matter) will cause the mower to die. This is one reason i developed the tip and push method. This consists of trying to cut both strips of grass while bending my 6 foot tall frame in half and tiping the mower about a half a foot off the ground. Fun times.

2. HOT or COLD?- One disadvantage to living in a plastic house is that the tempature is remarkably same to that of the outside world. It must be countered constantly. If it is night the heat must be on, or you will be frozen to your bed. During the day you will roast if the air is not on. Good thing utilities were included :)

1. PABLO- Ok I don't know if I ever gave our pet rat a name, but he should have had one seeing as all time he spent with us. Last year I decided he was a wombat. No small mouse or rat could reek havok on our house like this creature has. But after being spotted we indeed find he is a rat. A pack rat. yes that is right, we had quite a few possessions disappear, the most impressive being our rug that was on the floor in front of the sink.

These top five may sound like complaints, and believe me they were at the time, but looking at my experience here and seeing how comical it was I have nothing to complain about. What a blessing it is to live in a place where my biggest complaint is that I can't hear the TV, or that I have to remember to turn on the air. I hope I will never take for granted the luxaries that we have here, no matter how "inconvienient" it seemed sometimes!