....And Things Have Changed Again

Have you been able to keep up with where we are living? I think a lot of people have given up and are probably just waiting for our "this is our new address" post cards. Well....things have changed. Again.

Small recap. In July we put the house on the market and we were going to move to Massachusetts. Had buyers. Backed out. We got antsy and took the house off the market. Danny got a job in Myrtle Beach. We put the house back on the market about three weeks ago. No one has looked at it. Danny interviewed and accepted a job in Wilmington. So the house is coming back off the market. And we are staying.

Seriously. We are staying. I've been living out of boxes and suitcases (because I packed...and travel too much!) since JULY. I've been wearing the same sweaters all winter because all my cold weather stuff is packed. And tomorrow? I'm going unpack all of them and  discover an entirely new wardrobe!

I am so excited that we are staying. Living in limbo is the worst. Not doing a real grocery order because you're not sure when someone will put an offer in on the house and when you'll have  to move out. Not being able to keep anything on your counters and having to hide stuff before people come look at it. Worrying about small cracks, and "is this color right," and having family pictures up. I have lived with NO PICTURES since July. It's awful.

So, it's official. We're staying!

....now I just have to tell my realtor!

Mid-Week Crazies!

It's only Wednesday and it's been a crazy week!

Monday we headed down to Myrtle Beach to find a place for Danny to rent. It was...interesting. Our first meeting was with a 50 year old lesbian who talked with her eyes closed. I'm pretty positive she was high. She had annoying dogs who wouldn't stop barking and the place was s-m-a-l-l. Like, you'd be forced to hangout together. Our second meeting was with a 60 year old grandmother with fibromyalgia. How do I know? Oh, she showed us her infected legs and dirty foot water that she uses for massages. I liked the area though, he would have his own office and room. And I'm all for being secluded! Our third, and final option, was with a guy a little older than Danny who lives with his Boston Terrier. I think we have a winner! So, Danny moves down Friday!

Yesterday my realtor came out. The house is officially on the market. We're going to try to sell it and if we have no traffic, in 30 days we'll put it up for rent too. I've had alot of people showing interest in renting...I just really want to sell! So, if you know anyone who is moving to the Lejeune/Jacksonville, NC area...Sneads Ferry is a great option! It's right out the backgate! I'll post the listing as soon as it's up!

And now? I'm sick in bed. I was sick exactly three weeks ago and now I seem to have the exact same symptoms. TOTALLY SUCKS! Cross your fingers that I get better fast, I have so much to do!!

So Much to Do...

...so little time!

A few months ago I felt like things were in slow motion. We were in constant limbo - not sure where we were going to live, not sure about jobs, everything was a big question mark. But now that Danny has a job we know there will be a move in our future. We just don't know when.

With the holidays we have some traveling coming up. Soon after that Danny starts the job. We have absolutely zero time to sell/rent our house. Right now the plan is for Danny to rent out a room, hopefully dirt cheap. I'll stay here with Miley while the house is on the market. Hopefully it won't be too long before it rents/sells and then we'll all be able to be in Myrtle Beach.

Danny tells me I don't handle news well. I am excited that he has a job. But my mind process the news differently. I see rent, a mortgage, higher child support, more gas while we have to travel back and forth, two grocery orders, and more question marks.

I don't believe in regrets, but sometimes I find myself wishing we didn't buy this house. I love it and wish I could bring it with me wherever I go. But since that's not possible I feel like we are just stuck with it. I'm praying that my realtor works her magic and gets someone in here fast. It's in such a perfect location for both Lejeune and New River AND we are five minutes from the ocean. If you know anyyyyone looking to rent or buy please send them my way!

Don't Call it a Comeback....

Oh yes, my friends...I think you can call this a comeback! I've missed my blog, I've missed sharing my life with you. I tried my hand at a new blog but I just couldn't get into it. So, here I am...after a three month hiatus from Flip Flops and Combat Boots....I'm back!

Let's play catchup! We left off while Kaleb was visiting. Well, Kaleb's visit was great, a lot different than his usual trips. We didn't get to do a lot of traveling, but he had a great time with his friends! Because Danny was getting out of the USMC, he didn't want to take any leave, so unfortunetly we missed out on taking Kaleb to Maine this summer. Here are a few pictures from Kaleb's summer visit...

Next major update? My job. I quit. I just couldn't take it anymore. After switching us to a new program, changing hours & losing benefits, I did 5 weeks of training, took a leave of absence and then quit. I've been selling Scentsy ever since, and I'm seriously wishing I started this years ago. I've been doing fantastic! I've reached every goal the company (and myself) has set for me. So, if you need Scentsy or want to join my team...I'd love to chat with you!

Another development: on July 2 we put our house up for sale. I'll make an extremely long story short: we had an offer, they backed out, and now we have NO CLUE what we are doing. We have two options, pay to get out of the contract or pay for an engineer. At this point, I don't even know what I want. My family should probably just move down here to make it easier for me!

In July we traveled to Ohio and Massachusetts. We went to Danny's cousins wedding in Ohio and got to hangout with the family in Massachusetts.

Mom and her grand-puppies

I've been keeping up with my girls nights. In June we went ziplining, July was kayaking (my favorite!) and in August we did a bike tour of Beaufort. We haven't done anything for September, everyones schedule got a little hectic, but there is still time!

On August 25, me and Danny left early for Massachusetts. We hit so much traffic and made it home at 11:30PM. I made it home to see my Nana for the last time. She passed away August 26 surrounded by everyone who loves her. She was 95. She had a beautiful funeral, so many people came to say goodbye to her. I will always miss her.

We spent Labor Day weekend in Maine, Danny went to golf weekend, I took a cooking class with Mom and I sold a lot of Scentsy!

When we got back from Massachusetts, I packed A LOT. Well, since they backed out of the offer, I'm currently (kinda) unpacking. I mostly just wanted the house decorated for fall! The weather has been gorgeous! I'm still really upset about (possibly) not moving back home. Things have been incredebly stressful right now - but I'm trying to keep upbeat. Danny got his A&P license yesterday, so we're hoping for a job soon. Until then - we're keeping busy!

So, I think we're all caught up. And yes...I'm BACK!

Welcome to our Home!

It's official! We have been homeowners for three weeks. For a process that happened entirely too slow, closing was the fastest (and easiest) part of it. Of course, there were jokes about signing our life away...but we were just so excited about finally getting out of the apartment and into our house that we didn't even blink!

We decided not to move until after vacation. So, on April 20th we officially did the big move! Since everyone had to work, me and Danny moved everything into the UHaul by ourselves. My body still aches thinking about it....

 Not everything fit in the UHaul. We had to cram our dining room chairs into the SUV, leave our grill behind for later, and get a babysitter for Kaleb's bike. After our extremely frustrating final look through with the landlord, we made our 40 minute journey to the new house! Thank God Danny's friends were able to help with the unpacking...my arms felt like Jello!

I was spying on him!

We went from a two bedroom apartment to a four bedroom, three bathroom house. I thought for sure this house was going to be empty. But now....I'm not even sure how we had everything fitting in that tiny apartment!

So far, everything is out of the boxes, everything is in the room it belongs in, now I just have to tidy up....and get on Pinterest for all the final touches!

Here's a sneak peek at a few things...

None of the rooms are 100% complete, but as I finish up...I'll be posting all the progress! There's alot to share, inside and out. This house has amazing flowers and trees...and wildlife.

Now...back to work I go!

Moving On

It's time to say "goodbye" to our first home.

Two years ago I visited our apartment with Katie. I remember I loved this place. Big kitchen, backyard, lots of room. Soon me and Danny were loading up the Uhaul in Cary and moving the few things that we had into our home.

Our first night here we ate on the living room floor. We had one lamp and no kitchen table. The next night I tried cooking dinner....the oven had other plans, it smoked and smoked until I was too scared to use it until Danny got home!

The apartment has gone through many looks. The first year it was pretty empty, last year we gave it a face lift with rugs and new paintings...now we have completely outgrown it!

Not only was this our first home, but it's Miley's first home. I remember she was so comfortable here the second she walked in. She jumped on the couch and made herself right at home. My favorite thing about the apartment is the backyard. Miley is a spoiled apartment dog, she can go outside whenever she wants!

We had Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas here. Kaleb has visited us three times. Lindsey, Michelle, Nana and my parents have all visited. We've had cookouts, girls nights, and poker nights. It's the place I can't wait to be after a long car ride.

As you are reading this we are sitting at an attorney's office signing the papers for our house. I'm so excited about the next chapter of our lives, but still sad to be leaving behind all the great memories of our first home.

Our first picture at our first home

One Year Ago...

One Year Ago..

I moved to North Carolina

to live with my friend, Melissa.

My plan: To live away from home for one year then move back to Massachusetts.

Dad said, "you're going to stop being friends with Melissa and meet a guy."

My response, "Dad, not a chance."

And look where we are. 

Melissa hasn't talked to me (in a civil manner) since July!

I've been married for almost three months!

So. Instead of moving back to Massachusetts

I'm a wife, a puppy-mommy and a step-mom!

woah.

 My first outing in North Carolina.

Bojangles!

(ps. taking the weekend off from blogging again! Guest blogging will happen on Sunday....be sure to check that out! If you are interested in being a guest blogger, please e-mail me fsc200408@yahoo.com)

And Now: The Living Room!

You guys are probably getting sick of my boring posts, but I'm just really proud of our apartment and how much time (and love) we have put into everything. I promise..regular postings will be happening again soon!

Danny picked out our couches (I think it's because he wanted a comfy "gaming chair." Yes ladies, my husband is a nerd!) We both picked out the curtains, but he spent HOURS hanging (and re-hanging) three curtain rods before we decided on one we like. I also love the small touches in the room (pictures, books, lots of art, and inspirtational quotes like "God makes happy endings. So if it's not happy, then it's not the end.")

Painting by Kenny Glenn who even signed the back for Danny!

Playing a silly game in "his" chair

Oh, and like I said before..there's always something going wrong at the apartment. Today while changing my candles I broke glass all over the place and cut my hand. And our brand new microwave doesn't work. I threw away the box without testing it first because, well..how often does something like this happen?! Someday, hopefully soon, everything will be perfect!

Teaser

Entertainment Center (and yes, sometimes I watch Oprah!)

 Party at our place!

A Well Needed Break

Moving in is not fun. I repeat NOT FUN! I'm a pack-rat with no skills for putting together furniture. Night one, putting together our monstrosity of a TV stand...I ended up just handing things to Danny so he could put it together. An hour and a half later..it was together, with the TV on top of it. Thank God that's over! Today, putting together my baker's rack...it's not level and not steady..I pushed it to the side for Danny to take care of tonight. Another annoyance..trying to set up wireless internet, I'm apparently retarded and can't read simple directions. Someone help me!

We have no couch and no dining room table. We found a table we like..but oh, guess what..no longer in stock! We will be very busy getting everything for the next few days!

The good news, everything is basically in it's spot (or is ready for the baker's rack to be set up!) Now, I just have to clean up the mess of boxes!

Moving: Day One

And I think it was the day Danny realized his wife is a nerd and will document everything..from my door not being closed all the way to showing off our new GPS. The picture of my door didn't come out..but here's our new GPS!

We knew where we were going..we just wanted to play with the new toy!

When I moved from Carrboro into Danny's Mom's house, I put everything in storage. While planning the wedding, we got tons of gifts, my room at his Mom's QUICKLY became my second storage unit. Now, I have a corner at Katie's house with everything from Kohls, and a room full of things I didn't want to put in storage. 

Yesterday, his Mom got her room back...today Katie will get hers back!

We filled up a 17 foot Uhaul by ourselves (ok with a little help from his step-dad) and today Katie will help us unload into our own place!

Uhaul has tons of signage in their trucks, probably not to provide entertainment...but they obviously don't know me! Two hours of reading these ridiculous signs made me laugh..including the one that reminded passengers "only one person per seat belt!"

   

And finally, a shot of us..after a hour at the Uhaul shop, two hours driving, too much food at his Moms..and two hours of moving things into the truck. Oh and no makeup..I look HOT!

Ten More

This is post number 90...ten more til the big 1-0-0! Like I said before, hoping to make that the big wedding post!

I have so much to do. Laundry, cleaning, packing (to go home and to move,) making sure everyone RSVP's for the wedding (two weeks til they have to be in...and I'm growing impatient!) I have the hotel tasting next week, I need to make table arrangements, maybe figure something out for a rehearsal (I don't even know when half the wedding party...including the groom..will be getting into Boston!) I have to make goodie bag for out of town guests. I have so so much to do!

The girls are (of course) having a Bachelorette party..bowling in Boston. Sounds lame, but totally not. I have wanted to go to Lucky Strike FOREVER! Remember in 40 Year Old Virgin when the girls are having the "wigging out" party..I want to do that!

I suspect a bridal shower. But I have no idea when or what to expect. How does someone even plan that. I generally don't run ALL my plans by people..so what if I have plans! EEK!

I can't wait til we move into our apartment. I can't wait to get a job. I applied at a few places online today, we'll see how that goes. Since I don't drive, I need to be a little picky, but luckly..I like to walk and I have my bike. So..we'll see!

Happy Happy!

I have so many things to be happy about...
1) This weekend is Valentine's Day. Our first one together. I really hope he doesn't actually buy anything for me though. I'd so much rather get all dressed up and go out to eat. And if he does buy me something, I hope it's not a box of chocolate...unless of course it's the chocolate strawberries or truffles from Godiva. We went to the store last weekend and I could feel my waist expanding just looking at them. I don't care though...they just look so so delicious!

2) I have a huge notebook with our budget and I'm DONE touching it. Seriously, I too EVERYTHING into account (with of course, saving money too.) If all goes according to plan, we will have no problem paying rent, utilities, cell phones, going on trips, date nights, grocery shopping...yada-yada-yada. You get the drift. I'm a worry wart and need to have a plan. And this plan includes me getting my license (ew) and having a job that pays minimum wage (hopefully I find something more, but if not..we will be able to make it work.) Getting another degree might have to wait a little longer..but oh well. Maybe I can find something that I can use my History degree for.

3) We will be in our apartment buy April 1st! I can't wait to have our own place and get all my stuff out of storage. I miss my huge wardrobe and cookbooks! It drives me nuts!

4) We are putting our car on the road Tuesday! YAY!

5) Our wedding is a month away!

Hope everyone has a great Valentines Day..even if your not physically with your guy right now..find a small way to celebrate and make it special. Or watch sappy movies and eat Ben and Jerrys..either way, have a great weekend!

WOOO!!!!!

Moving to Jacksonville on April 1st!!! Sending in our deposit RIGHT NOW!!!!!

Cabin Fever

I don't know how someone can stay in a house for a full week with no excitement at all. The highlight of my week so far has been watching LOST and texting Ashley during the entire thing. If I were home in Massachusetts, we would have had dinner and watched it together.

Other than my exciting three hour viewing of LOST, I have done zip-nadda-NOTHING. It's starting to get painful.

Now, you might be wondering what I would be doing if I were still in Massachusetts. WORKING, hanging out with friends/mom, PLUS I'd have all my stuff to keep me busy. But living in limbo leaves me totally and completly bored ALL THE TIME (Friday 6pm - Sunday 6pm, I'm happy as a clam!)

Less than 6 weeks until we are married. Hopefully soon we will have a place to live in Jacksonville. I can't wait to start working, making friends and having fun again!

Sidenote, me and the girls have been getting weird comments from some strange lady who likes to make her opinions a little too clear. I'm not sure about the other girls, but she totally offended me. Saying that I need to buy a cooking book and learn how to budget. Hi, I can't cook because I lack a KITCHEN...OH, wait...I LACK A HOUSE TO HAVE A KITCHEN. Butttttttt give me the stove and I'll whip a meal for you and all your friends. And a budget? Seriously? I'm pretty sure I still have the very first dollar I have ever made. Yes, I worry about money...BUT I ALSO WORRY ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD, BEING FIVE MINUTES LATE FOR SOMETHING, AND OTHER THINGS THAT I CAN NOT CONTROL. I worry about EVERYTHING. So, lady-with-no-life...please, give me a break..I'm not in the mood for your crap.

Jacksonville Lovin'

I have been in Jacksonville all week, my first time since either November or December. I came down because I wanted to meet Vogt's fiance, Samantha. We have been hanging out in the hotel all week, mostly doing nothing. The first day we were SO bored, we WALKED two miles to Walmart...because there was nothing better to do. Other than that, not a damn thing.

I do love seeing Danny everyday though. We, of course, went to our favorite diner one night. I love it because its so friggin' cheap. And then we went to a Mexican place, which was delish. And last night we went to Ihop. My question is...how many pancakes can one person eat on the unlimited deal? Keep in mind, it also comes with 2 eggs and hashbrowns. I had two pancakes. I don't think I could handle more than that! HOWEVER! It's like Chinese food, I was hungry two hours later, wishing for more pancakes.

We drove by the apartments that we applied to. They look really nice. However, there isn't really much within walking distance for me to work at. There is a CVS, Food Lion and a pizza place. Honestly, anything will do for the time being, until I get my license. We just need money and I really don't care where it comes from!

Speaking of money. Last night we walked around Target and I got a little depressed. All the spring/vacation clothes are out and this is the first year I don't have a vacation planned. Three years ago it was St. Thomas, then Aruba and last year was Jamaica (and many other awesome vacations before I moved.) But as of right now I have no vacations planned this year. Hopefully that changes. Hmm...maybe I can come up with something good for my tax money!

Right now Samantha is on the phone with Vogt. He failed room inspection last night and can't leave this weekend. Which means she doesnt' have a ride back home to Delaware. UGH. I would not be happy if I were in her shoes!

No real plans for this weekend. Buying our car this weekend and probably just hanging out attempting to save money...which needs to happen!

We have been approved for an apartment! Now we are on the waiting list..3 people are ahead of us. Please please have one for us SOON!

Cars, Houses and Other Things We Can't Afford

We need to buy a car. We need a place to live. I need a job, a license, and to stop worrying about everything! I think my worries are fair and make sense...I think wanting a place to live that we can afford is a fair thing to worry about. However, the only thing we can really afford is in the scary part of town. Thank God Katie has visited the apartments before and is forbiding us to live there! Now once we get a place all we need is furniture. HAHA!

Everything for the wedding is coming together! The girls dresses should be in in a month, my dress will be done being alterted next week. The girls have their shoes, and I have their presents. Me and Danny bought our rings and all of our vendors are set up! We invited 110 people, and in a week 35 people have said they are coming.

My only fear (still) is not being able to fit into my dress. And since starting birth control, I feel like my boobs have gotten huge..but I think it's in my mind. However, today I'm headed out to replenish my Slim-Fast supply and maybe get some metabolism pills or something. Has anyone ever used Slimquick?

Perfect

Since September 18th I have spent a grand total of five hours at my own house. The house I pay $365 a month, plus utilities, to live in. I'd say this is a colossal waste of money. You live and you learn.

The first week out of the house I spent with Danny's sister, which completely through off my eating and sleeping schedule. I'm not sure if I'll ever recover.

This past week I spent in Jacksonville at Katie's house. We ate...A LOT. O'Charley's, Olive Garden, lots of home cooking, Pancho Villas, and the Seafood Festival! And me and Danny discovered we have a new favorite ice cream..Hazelnuts covered in Nutella. OH. MY. GOD.

I spent my days with Katie's dogs, Cowboy and Taber, who might look sweet and innocent..but after a few days I realized they were cookie thefts! Good news though, give a dog a high dose of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies..they WILL survive it.

Dinners were awesome, I made my famous cheese stuffed meatloaf, a pork tenderloin stuffed with cherries, raisins and cornbread, and pizzas! Katie made a yummy taco salad. And Danny showed off his sandwich making skills! I love eating dinner with other people, and making dinners together makes me happy and reminds me of being home!

Now I'm back in Carrboro, but only for tonight and tomorrow..and then I'm headed to Boston for two weeks! I have some news to tell my parents..and the next weekend we'll be telling Danny's mom. OH BOY!

Update

*I'm 99.9% positive I can move out of the house I share with my two roommates.
*I'm 100% positive I can move in with Danny's Mom for a few months.

Things I'm concerned about: In Carrboro the public transportation is right outside my door. I have no idea how the busses in Cary work. I need my license, but in order to get it I'm pretty sure I need proof that I'm a North Carolina citizen. Which I'm not. And if I do the citizen thing..I lose my Massachusetts health benefits. Then I think, well..maybe if I go back to Boston for a little bit, I can work at the old place, get my license, save up some money to eventually move in. But I'm SO afraid that things would change between us. Obviously the pessimist in me is writing today.

I know these are things me and Danny need to talk about, but every time I try to bring them up my eyes fill up with tears and I decide not to do it.

It's even more frustrating because I don't even REALLY know if we could get a place together. He says yes because he has joint custody of his son. But for some reason I feel like once I decide to stay down here something will happen that I don't have a place to live..and then I'll just end up in Boston again.

I know plenty of other girls do the long-distance thing, dating a Marine practically guarantees long-distance at some point, but if I'm already down here..why not just stay??

This is the one and only time in my life I have wished I got my license when I turned 16!