Where have I been?

I'm not sure, but I'm sure I was working.

Okay, a quick summary of what I have been doing since my last post.

11/23 - packing to go to Florida for Thanksgiving, while packing to move to a house that I have no idea when I will get to move into.

11/24 - Working on new payroll & hr system for work.

11/25 - Conversion file arrives for new system.

11/26 - Leave for Florida to spend Thanksgiving with Mom & family. Oops! Nope, that doesn't happen because the conversion file, which was FIVE DAYS LATE, is wrong! Stupid stupid people! VP of Client Services calls me direct, from FLORIDA where he is spending Thanksgiving with his FAMILY. (Was not happy this day at all. Can you tell?)

11/27 - spend Thanksgiving at the water treatment plant in smyrna, with my friend, Bonny & kids. We took food over to her husband who had to work the holiday.

11/28 - 11/30 - still waiting for corrected file, so pack, pack, pack.

12/1 - have minor nervous breakdown because I am surrounded by boxes, and don't know when or if I will ever move. Working from sun up to about midnight at this point on system conversion at work.

12/2 - still nothing on house. still working on conversion.

12/3 - Woohoo! House is Mine! Close tomorrow! Pack and work all through the night tonight.

12/4 - Fall down stairs. Close on house. Finish packing while movers load.

12/5 - Clean old apt. Friends arrive from Ohio to help move cats and last items. Cats NOT happy. Leg not happy. Turns out fall was bad.

12/6 - Christmas baking party. They bake, I sit on couch with baby. (not a bad deal.) Did you know that a thigh could swell? I didn't. Until my right thigh achieved twice the size of the left. And both ankles swelled, plus one knee. Not pretty. Definitely not pretty.

12/7 - company leaves. Unpack a few boxes. go back to working on conversion.

Life since 12/7 - work, work, work, work. Most nights until midnight. A couple of nights even later. Worked from my father's basement day after Christmas. (note: basements in Ohio in December are COLD!) Now taking break from work to blog while waiting for new system people to call.

I need a nap, a tequila, and a beach. All at the same time would work for me. :) By the way, isn't my house cute?!

A day off!

Today, I have packed nothing. I cleaned nothing. I worked on nothing. In fact, I left my apt in sweats an tennis shoes, and wandered thru the stores. Even finished a fair amount of Christmas shopping. And bought myself a heated throw. Now I'm curled in the comfy chair, with the new warm blankie, a drink and a book. I feel so much better.
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Weekend...

I have spent all weekend packing and feel like I haven't accomplished anything. Which isn't true. Most everything in the living room is packed. A very large portion of the kitchen is done, and part of the bathroom. The problem is...all these boxes, both full and empty, are giving me a severe case of claustrophobia. Not to mention the paranoia that something will go wrong at the last minute, and I won't get the house. I know I was pre-qualified but I can't help the feeling. Things have just been going too well. Pessimistic, I know. But it has been a really long time since I had so much possibility. You know?
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We're almost there. . .

The appraisal came in and it was good. Better than expected. My home inspector will be there tomorrow. After that, I just have to wait for the USDA to sign the papers, and closing will be scheduled. R is going with me, to see the house. It will be good to have a second opinion. Not that I would back out at this point, but you know what I mean.

In the meantime, I have this weekend completely free to pack. Of course Christmas Village is happening at the flea market and I would like to go. But I have GOT to get serious about packing. Because this place is a mess!!!

Speaking of which, volunteers welcome. :)

Squawk is tired . . .

He doesn't want to pack anymore. Of course, his version of packing involves jumping in the box and swatting anyone goes by.

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And so it begins. . .

For those who know me, the fact that I have commitment issues won't surprise you. Well, it's more like financial commitment issues. I had panic attacks for three days after signing the note on my car. And now I'm buying a house. . . oh, boy. I did well for most of the week. Sometime after the Titans game (Go, Titans!), I started getting that tight feeling in my chest. And now it is full blown panic. I can feel it all over. Can't sit still. Can't focus. Edgy, panicky. I hate this. I hate that I get that way. Especially when I should be packing. But every time I start, I start feeling overwhelmed by the idea of it. I don't know when I close, so I don't even have a deadline looming. I forgot to get packing paper, so I can't pack the breakables. I don't know where to keep the boxes after I pack them. Not to mention, Piper the fat cat keeps eating the boxes.

What's not helping is not really having someone to talk to about it. My friend B just had her second child. The first one is just two, so she definitely has things on her mind. Friend M has things going on. Friend R - well, he has his normal schedule which means he's pretty much unavailable most of the time. And unfortunately, he's the one that I usually run to first.

There's other stuff, too. My parents (one set of them) are in danger of losing everything, thanks to the economy and some, quite frankly, stupid decisions. At their age, they should have been putting money away instead of doubling the size of the house, buying brand new $35000 vehicles, and all new appliances, when the old ones still had a year's warranty on them. Top it off some foreign trade shutting off imports, and they are in serious trouble. I'm hoping, praying (as they are), that this will change soon. Otherwise, my brand new house won't be just mine. I'll have my parents and teenage sister living with me. Yes, it's that bad.

And to top it all off, this guy that I sometimes go out with stopped by last night. He brought something up, completely innocent, that brought back some very old, and very bad memories. Memories that still, to this day, can cause me to wake up screaming in the night, terrified and only remembering parts of the dream. Just like I only remember parts of what happened. I'm actually grateful for not remembering, don't get me wrong. But I try very hard not to think about it. He didn't know that it was a subject that would bother me. He still doesn't. It's not something you can share easily. But sleep didn't come easily last night, and like I said, I've been uneasy all day.

I'll stop here. Jeez, I've probably depressed anyone who reads this. But when the friends aren't available for a post house-purchase whine, there's always the internet. Right?

The definition of eclectic taste in music

Would be in my ipod. Yesterday, while working on a major project, I had the ipod going to keep me focused. Here's how the playlist went...Beethoven's 1812 Overture, Meatloaf - Paradise by the Dashboard Lights, Aaron Tippin - I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way, ACDC - Back In Black, Native American flutes, and so on. I have electronica, classical, country, rap (not a lot), dance, lots of metal, 80's music (Tainted Love , anyone?), pop, christian ... basically everything but bluegrass. Just can't get into the bluegrass. So what do you think? Merriam Webster's definition is selecting what appears to be best in various methods, doctrines or styles. Or composed of elements drawn from various sources. On the other hand, there's eccentric - deviating from conventional usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways. So which am I? Hmmm?
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Feeling confident!

I counter-offered on the house, and I'm pretty sure he will take the offer. Payments are within my range, got the averages on the utilities and quotes on the insurance. Checked the taxes, and sent the pictures to my dad. Hopefully we will close before the end of the month!

The Election

At this point, I'm just glad it's over. That's all I'm sayin'.

Oh me, Oh my!

I made the offer today. I was only sick for about three hours after. :) I should know by Tuesday if he accepts, maybe earlier. Then, as long as nothing goes wrong with the financing or inspection, it is all mine. Scary. I'm halfway hoping something goes wrong. Financial commitments are just not my thing. Anyway, here are the pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/Gwen.Jayne/Batson#

Is it home?

I think it might be! I think I may make an offer on a house that I looked at today. It has a cute porch, 3 bdrms, 2 baths. All appliances, except the washer & dryer. I really, really like it. The master bedroom has an awesome ceiling. Fresh paint, nice carpet. Designer colors. Nice, nice yard, and it's on two lots!

Condo or Condon't

To condo or not to condo

Blah...HGTV lies. House hunting is not fun. I found a house I loved. But something screwy is going on with the owners and the bank so no go there. There is a condo that I like but I'm not sure that is the way I want to go. Advantages - Disadvantages? Come on Lois -"let me have it"
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The first house

I saw my first house today. It 'has potential'. Meaning, it's livable, structurally intact, desperately outdated but I could get it for dirt cheap. I just don't know if I am up to that kind of work.
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More house stuff

So I went driving around in a couple of areas that I have been considering on realtor.com. Ummmm...No. I cannot buy property there. Could I rent there? Probably. But not buy. Criminy, these people are on top of each other. I got claustrophobic looking at them! So if I am going to buy, I will have to resign myself to a commute again. I just can't live there if I can borrow a cup of sugar through the kitchen window.
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Waiting on the edge

I sent my paperwork to a mortgage broker yesterday. I am supposed to hear from her today. This is some scary stuff here. There is a decent possibility I will get pre-qualified and then I have to be an adult about looking for a house. I can't allow porch lust take over, or allow garden envy cloud my judgement. Being a responsible adult sux.

By the way, Lois...if I get approved, you may have to go with me to look. The friend's schedule is pretty erratic.
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Risotto

It may not be pretty but it was my very first attempt at risotto. I discovered, after I started the stuff, that not only did I not have an onion, I didn't have chicken broth. SO... I used frozen peppers and onions (I always have those!), and a couple of vegetable soup packets (the powdered kind you make veggie dips with). And you know what?....YUM, YUM, YUM!!!!!!!!

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It continues...

The first real estate agent called today. She suggested that I talk to a mortgage broker instead of a bank. I need to research that, because honestly I never heard of that. But I also pulled my free credit reports today (did you know that free means you don't get your score?) and was pleasantly surprised. It may not be as bad as I think. We'll see... I bought a book today about buying your first home, and I'm doing the research.

You know, I think this shows a lot of progress on my part. Anyone who knows me has heard me say I have financial commitment issues. When I bought my car four years ago, I had panic attacks for three days. That was largely due to the financial mess that my ex husband left me in. But I'm not panicking over the thought of POSSIBLY signing a 30 year mortgage? Now that's progress.

House, Schmouse...

I found one that I adore from the outside. Enough to send an email to an FHA lender (first time buyer). And to send an email to the realtor. It didn't show any pictures from the inside though, just said it needs some TLC. So it could be a trip straight to the 50s. On the other hand, if that is all that is wrong with it, I'm in heaven. I have painted every place I have lived since graduating college. Stripping wallpaper can be therapeutic. And I plan to rip any carpet out no matter what it looks like. Carpet...ICK. It has a fenced back yard, and just enough land to have my own little veggie garden, and all the flowers I want. :) Okay, this is bad. I'm getting way too enthusiastic. But I do think I'm going to try and get pre-qualified for a loan. Maybe not this house, but a house...soon.

Thinkin' and Debatin'

I'm thinking that I might take a chance, and buy a house. For anyone who knows me, you know what a big statement that is. I have taken fear of financial commitment to the heights of mountains, lol! But the thing is, I'm thinking of buying on "the wrong side of the tracks" otherwise known as Charlotte Pike. The area is rundown, and questionable. But a few blocks down, they have started putting in townhomes & condos. Plus there is a new revitalization project going on, trying to bring in new business. The houses in the area are all under 100K. Decent sizes, just in need of some tlc for the most part. And it seems like, with what is going in, I could double my investment in a few years. If not, then I can rent it out. Houses never stay for rent for long. And some of these houses are around 50K. The mortgage payment would be ridiculously low, even if I did a 15 year mortgage. Anyways, I'm kicking the idea around. I'd really like a bit of a yard again. I miss being able to putter around, grow my own veggies and try new flowers. I really miss the veggies. Have you priced a bell pepper or zucchini lately? Craziness.

(the Squawk wants a garden, too)

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz

I thought about going to bed at 8. I am so tired. But then I got on the net, and here I am. The cats are staring at me again. They are thinking, dang it! If she doesn't sleep soon, we'll have to trip her and knock her out! They are plotting against me, I'm telling you.

I've worked on the same project, the same spreadsheet for two weeks. Last week, my boss sent me home early Thursday and Friday, 'cause I was sick. Of course, I had the laptop and the company crackberry. But, hey, working from my couch, in my pajamas, and blankie is the best way to work when sick. At least I didn't have to take any PTO. Then Friday, I slept 14 hours straight. Unfortunately, that was supposed to last me a while, 'cause I haven't slept much since.

So I think I'm taking the Crackberry to the craft fair tomorrow. I love the craft fair. I can never afford anything, but these people are so talented. It's amazing. Maybe I'll get lucky and find something in my price range.

Ok. Better go. The squawk is looking at me again.

The Squawk is Hungry!!!

Don't want Iams. No Special Kitty. No Purina. WHERE ARE MY FRISKIES?!!!!!

(run, run away from the Squawk-dom!)

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Do you remember?

I recently updated my cellphone contract. My provider has unlimited service but its $50 higher than anyone else. But I still signed with them because they have better coverage. Specifically because I can get coverage at each of my parent's homes (in their respective boonies). Today I made arrangements with my employer to forward my company blackberry to my personal blackberry when I visit the parents. Remember when leaving town meant you just checked the voicemail or answering machine?! Actually I'm old enough to remember not even having a machine. And rotary dial. Heck, I remember party lines and making long distance calls through the operator! (And charging it to made up phone numbers. I was a bad teenager.) My point is, when did it become necessary to be reachable any hour, any day, any place? What happened to thr true break? The real vacation? Why should my office or the wrong number be able to reach me while I'm visiting the boonies? What could be so important?

Ok. Rant over.
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Monday Blues

1. It's Monday
2. I've slept three hours.
3. It's my own fault for staying up to read.
4. I finally bit the bullet and weighed in this AM. I have gained almost fifteen pounds since starting this job!!!!! How the #*!@ did that happen?!
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Sunday morning

Talk about a rude awakening! I was snoozing away when a loud boom woke me up. The transformer in my complex blew so there is no power. And the wind is blowing like crazy! Guess it's our turn for Ike. So I've been surfing on the crackberry. Thinking about going back to church, so I've been looking up churches. I really hate to go to a new church without fixing my hair, or a shower. No power-no hot water, no straightening iron. Guess I could go to the gym and shower. But then I would feel obligated to work out. Ugh! See what decisions I have to make due to the transformer!

On a different note, keep those people affected by Ike in your hearts. My company has many employees in the houston area. We had not heard from two of them by the check in deadline yesterday.

Speaking of my company, I have to say this appears to be the most caring company I have ever worked for. Twice this week, we sent money to our tx employees to prepare for Ike. We institued a check in arrangement so we know everyone made it to shelter. We arranged transportation for some who needed it. Its a great feeling, knowing your company really cares about the wellbeing of the employee. I think I have finally found my place, at least in the work world. Now I just have to work on the rest of it.
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Family History

So what you see above is from a website for the Spinning Wheel Bed and Breakfast. Here is where it relates to me...before that house was a bed and breakfast, it was my Great-Uncle Mark's house. It was Uncle Mark's house as long as I could remember, but actually, it was my Great Grandmother, Myrtle Rigsby's house. My own mama grew up in that house. I honestly thought they tore it down, when Uncle Mark put in a double wide. Instead, someone moved it and made it a bed and breakfast. Now, before you start picturing an old rickety wooden house being towed down the road, let me explain a few things. First of all, the brick you see is not part of my grandmother's house. That's an old school. Also, the house itself bears some resemblance to what I remember but the porch is way off. My grandmother had a wrap-around porch. I know, because I used to run all the way around it with my cousins. It was just high enough in spots to step off into the grass, and an excellent jumping spot in others. I loved that porch. Always shady and cool. The wood was worn smooth in most places. She had an old rocking chair and couple of others out there. When she would visit, they would sit on the porch and break beans and shuck corn. She did the same thing at Mama's house, just down the Hollow. Mama had this huge stone porch, that Papa built all by himself. It was always cool & shady, too. Anyway, when I was looking at these pictures, I would never have recognized the outside of the house without that porch. But the inside? Man, they are almost dead on with how it looked the last time I saw it. It's odd, you know? Seeing your childhood on the internet like that.

Test

Just testing
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