Things have been going very smoothly and we're still getting used to Florida. The humidity is pretty bad and it feels like NJ in Aug but it's still June. Oy. At least our A/C works just fine. :)
Ever since we've unpacked our last boxes (and we've even freecycled our boxes!), we've been on vacation mode pretty much. We've explored different beaches and even stopped along causeways to play in the water. :) The first 2 things that hit us was that the water is so warm and so clear! We've been able to wade in and find live hermit crabs scurrying around (Jana likes to pick them up and eat them) and sometimes tiny school of fish! And where there is sand, it's been very fine and soft (Jana tries to eat this, too). So now we've learned to always keep a spare bathing suit/swim trunks and swim diapers and all that beach stuff in a bag in the trunk for when we spot good patches of beach. We're hoping to make a trip to Honeymoon Isalnd, Fort DeSoto Park and Caladesi Island soon. Rated top beaches in this region! :)
We really love the location of our condo. It's very convenient to a lot of things (esp. Target and Costco!) and it's right next to Ruth Eckerd Hall, a performing arts center! We can literally walk there! There are also a ton of churches in this area. We are still looking into them, trying to figure out which ones to visit. We're thinking an American church that has small groups and is open to the Spirit. :) If anyone has any suggestions, please let us know! We are also very close to Kev's work and to a nearby strip of beach. Yay!
Some fun things about FL: You make an appointment to go to the DMV. We had to get FL licenses to start the process of getting insurance and all that, so we call the DMV and find out we can make an appointment. What a novel idea! Yesterday, we show up at the appointed time and then leave with 2 license in hand within 45 minutes! That's with 2 kiddies in tow. I do have to say that the DMV by the Quakerbridge Mall has gotten really efficient, too! Anyways, there's also a supermarket chain called Publix down here. At the checkout line, they ask you if you've found everything, they bag your stuff (even the manager has bagged my stuff) and they can help you load your stuff into the car, if you'd like! I think I'll take them up on this service when Kev is working. How fun!
Since it's been so warm out, we've been grilled a lot. By, we, I mean Kev. :) We've been getting lots of juicy Kev-burgers and succulent chicken. He's going to try his hand at pork chops and sausages next. He swears by the Cooks Illustrated method and our trusty meat thermometer for good eats. My taste buds are happy. :)
Anyways, we also go thte kids at wooden play kitchen for their summer birthdays. We got a special deal on it and it looks something like this. We'll hafta take pics of the kids playing with it soon. It's been so cute to watch them play with this - Jana just likes to open and close the doors and put stuff into the cabinets and take them out. Aidan really gets into it and we get all sorts of 'gourmet meals' out of it. Haha! Maybe he can make dinner for the family when he gets old enough to see over the stove? :) Anyways, might have to look into some play food for them, though we had just pared down their toy stash for the move and also they don't play with it all. We don't want them to take things for granted from having too many toys, you know? When we saw our they were still jsut as happy play with a few things when we had to put a majority of their toys away from showing the house, we realized that more toys doesn't really make them happier. I mean, we knew that but didn't really believe it. Haha! Anyways, off my soapbox and into bed. It's getting late. One more thing, we hope to have the house ready for pics soon - so you all will get to see what it looks like. Plus, we're having guests over Friday - a major motivation for us to get things organized. Alrighty, g'night!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
...our first few pictures of FL
More details and pics to come...but just wanted to show you all some pics of our trip down (didn't take much b/c we were really intent on just getting there) & where we ended up staying before our stuff arrived (an awesome house right next to the Gulf).
Without further ado: please click here. :)
Without further ado: please click here. :)
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
...what it will be like to move all the way down Rt. 95...
So, we're finally here In FL and have even rested up a whole day. Now, we can started sharing a bit about our move. :)
Moving day: It went really well. The movers from Wade Odell Wade showed up right on time and had no trouble parking their humongorous van in our parking lot. Angel, our driver, and his crew did a great job! They were careful and courteous - we're very pleased at this point. It took them a while to load the truck b/c they had to rearrange a bit to fit everyone's stuff in (we were sharing this truck with several different families) but when they were done, they had room to spare. Since the moving crew will be the same one in FL - we plan on tipping them here. [We did feed them a scrumptious lunch of Stop-n-shop subs, though. We recommend these sub sandwiches - very tasty and easy on the wallet. :)] If the crew does a good job here, we'll definitely leave them glowing feedback here.
Packing: Looking back, we're so glad we colored coded the boxes with the different rooms and numbered them. We wrote the contents on the box on a separate sheet of paper, so we can find things we need without opening box after box. It has already helped us once when we realized we packed something we wanted to give away & found it immediately - yay! Let's hope that it will work just as well when we need to unpack. Will be back to report. We also loved the self-sticking bubble wrap that we got from my sister (she had leftovers when she moved) - this stuff is perforated every 12 inches and sticks to itself and/or your goods to make packing super easy. Plus, it was very entertainment for the kids when we wrapped up their stuff just so they can unwrap it - haha! Thanks to all those wonderful friends of ours - those that helped us entertain the kids so we can get some serious packing done (Jenn, Kathryn, Sandy, Scott, Fanny, Julie), those that lent us packing tape (Dave, Christina), and those that brought us yummy food (Scott, Sandy, Fanny, Tineesha). Without you guys, we might not have been ready on Thursday... :D
Driving down: Goodness, I think it was the longest drive that we've done in a while (even between the 2 of us) by ourselves [we had to drive separately since we had to bring down our 2 cars]. We did get to stop about halfway at my parents in Cary, NC but having the 2 kiddies along was pretty hard. But after about 4 traffic jams (GPS did save the day a few times), several stops, and 1 torrential downpour, we made it to our Auntie's house on Sunday around 11pm.
We did learn a few things, though. 1)Always have lots of snacks on hand that are easy to pass to the back without you having to look. (e.g. Pretzels, Pretz sticks, etc) 2)Have multiple sippy cups available in case the kid throws them somewhere that you cannot access w/o having to stop the car. 3)Borrow or buy some new-to-them DVDs for the toddler that likes videos - it can buy you hours of time! (Thanks, Jonathan, Jeremy and Zach for lending us your DVDs!!) We loved our portable DVD players for this trip. 4) Try to stop every 3 hours or so but make sure you can get food/gas/bathroom all in this trip or you'll hafta make even more stops. 5) Learn how to pump your own gas. (This is for you, New Jerseyans!) 6) Make sure you pack enough diapers and wipes for your entire trip. 7) Definitely get realiable headsets for your cell phone. If you have Verizon like we did, we got to chat, safe and hands free, for about 6 hours total without paying a cent. I wonder what the Verizon Wireless biller will think when he gets our bill of 360 in-network minutes. Haha! :) Alrighty, enough of the unsolicited advice.
So, we picked up the keys on Monday and got to take our first look at the townhouse. It's a great place, guys! We're so thankful and pleased. And when the realtor told us about how we got the place, we knew it was God. Basically, I was just surfing the web in the moring for houses to rent, like I regularly did 3 weeks before we were about to move, when I happened upon the ad for this house. It fit the bill in every way, so we gave a call to Auntie Celina living close by. So she went to see it right away and called us right after she saw it to tell us to take it. What we didn't know was that the realtor has just listed it when I called. Also, after Auntie Celina had called to see it, 15 other people had called about it shortly after. So, if we had hesitated in calling our Auntie or if she had no time to see it that morning, we would not have gotten this steal of a house. Plus, the realtor told us he had initially told her to rent the place out for $2000/mo. But since this woman wanted to rent it out right away, he suggested $1500/mo but somehow she decided on $1200/mo., which was exactly what we could afford. Amazing, eh? Gotta love it!
Anyhow, we're just waiting for our stuff to get here. It's scheduled to arrive tomorrow moring between 9 and 10am. So, I can't wait to get set up. We have some food and cleaning supplies, but that's about it. Oh, one more fun thing. I called to see when our stuff would arrive and my move coordinator also told us that our stuff weighed in less than what was estimated and so it's cheaper than what we had expected. Praise the Lord. He really watches over his sheep, even all the way in sunny Florida! :) Pictures to come...
Moving day: It went really well. The movers from Wade Odell Wade showed up right on time and had no trouble parking their humongorous van in our parking lot. Angel, our driver, and his crew did a great job! They were careful and courteous - we're very pleased at this point. It took them a while to load the truck b/c they had to rearrange a bit to fit everyone's stuff in (we were sharing this truck with several different families) but when they were done, they had room to spare. Since the moving crew will be the same one in FL - we plan on tipping them here. [We did feed them a scrumptious lunch of Stop-n-shop subs, though. We recommend these sub sandwiches - very tasty and easy on the wallet. :)] If the crew does a good job here, we'll definitely leave them glowing feedback here.
Packing: Looking back, we're so glad we colored coded the boxes with the different rooms and numbered them. We wrote the contents on the box on a separate sheet of paper, so we can find things we need without opening box after box. It has already helped us once when we realized we packed something we wanted to give away & found it immediately - yay! Let's hope that it will work just as well when we need to unpack. Will be back to report. We also loved the self-sticking bubble wrap that we got from my sister (she had leftovers when she moved) - this stuff is perforated every 12 inches and sticks to itself and/or your goods to make packing super easy. Plus, it was very entertainment for the kids when we wrapped up their stuff just so they can unwrap it - haha! Thanks to all those wonderful friends of ours - those that helped us entertain the kids so we can get some serious packing done (Jenn, Kathryn, Sandy, Scott, Fanny, Julie), those that lent us packing tape (Dave, Christina), and those that brought us yummy food (Scott, Sandy, Fanny, Tineesha). Without you guys, we might not have been ready on Thursday... :D
Driving down: Goodness, I think it was the longest drive that we've done in a while (even between the 2 of us) by ourselves [we had to drive separately since we had to bring down our 2 cars]. We did get to stop about halfway at my parents in Cary, NC but having the 2 kiddies along was pretty hard. But after about 4 traffic jams (GPS did save the day a few times), several stops, and 1 torrential downpour, we made it to our Auntie's house on Sunday around 11pm.
We did learn a few things, though. 1)Always have lots of snacks on hand that are easy to pass to the back without you having to look. (e.g. Pretzels, Pretz sticks, etc) 2)Have multiple sippy cups available in case the kid throws them somewhere that you cannot access w/o having to stop the car. 3)Borrow or buy some new-to-them DVDs for the toddler that likes videos - it can buy you hours of time! (Thanks, Jonathan, Jeremy and Zach for lending us your DVDs!!) We loved our portable DVD players for this trip. 4) Try to stop every 3 hours or so but make sure you can get food/gas/bathroom all in this trip or you'll hafta make even more stops. 5) Learn how to pump your own gas. (This is for you, New Jerseyans!) 6) Make sure you pack enough diapers and wipes for your entire trip. 7) Definitely get realiable headsets for your cell phone. If you have Verizon like we did, we got to chat, safe and hands free, for about 6 hours total without paying a cent. I wonder what the Verizon Wireless biller will think when he gets our bill of 360 in-network minutes. Haha! :) Alrighty, enough of the unsolicited advice.
So, we picked up the keys on Monday and got to take our first look at the townhouse. It's a great place, guys! We're so thankful and pleased. And when the realtor told us about how we got the place, we knew it was God. Basically, I was just surfing the web in the moring for houses to rent, like I regularly did 3 weeks before we were about to move, when I happened upon the ad for this house. It fit the bill in every way, so we gave a call to Auntie Celina living close by. So she went to see it right away and called us right after she saw it to tell us to take it. What we didn't know was that the realtor has just listed it when I called. Also, after Auntie Celina had called to see it, 15 other people had called about it shortly after. So, if we had hesitated in calling our Auntie or if she had no time to see it that morning, we would not have gotten this steal of a house. Plus, the realtor told us he had initially told her to rent the place out for $2000/mo. But since this woman wanted to rent it out right away, he suggested $1500/mo but somehow she decided on $1200/mo., which was exactly what we could afford. Amazing, eh? Gotta love it!
Anyhow, we're just waiting for our stuff to get here. It's scheduled to arrive tomorrow moring between 9 and 10am. So, I can't wait to get set up. We have some food and cleaning supplies, but that's about it. Oh, one more fun thing. I called to see when our stuff would arrive and my move coordinator also told us that our stuff weighed in less than what was estimated and so it's cheaper than what we had expected. Praise the Lord. He really watches over his sheep, even all the way in sunny Florida! :) Pictures to come...
Saturday, June 9, 2007
...how things will pan out
So, moving day is getting closer and closer and we're packing faster and faster these days. :) The moving van is coming on Thursday and we're driving down on Saturday. We're excited to get down there and be settled already, you know? Anyways, God has taken care of us in so many ways lately, that we are constantly reminded not to worry.
Our condo: We had put it up for sale the end of February and got the offer that we had wanted within a month and a half. However, that was after working with several people on low-ball offers. But we had this impression not to sell it yet and then, lo and behold, we get our bottom line price (we also got this number after we prayed). With the way the real estate market has been going these days, even our realtor was so surprised we got what we wanted. Praise the Lord! We had also wanted someone nice to move in and join the community and we did meet the buyer and he's a really nice guy. :) Getting the place ready for showing and actually showing it was pretty tough. I felt like I was constantly cleaning the house, instead of playing with the kids. :( Then, praise the Lord we got an acceptable offer so quickly, so I didn't have to do it for long. But we did get into a routine about things so it was less effort to clean. FYI - I love Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Not only did it clean the microwave and walls - it also works wonders on soap scum!! I had been scrubbing and using different cleaners but this sponge took it right off without too much elbow grease. I LOVE IT!!!! (No, I'm not working for Mr. Clean. :D)
Our housing in FL: We had been looking since Feb for a place that would be close to Kev's work, not too old (didn't want to be fixing stuff or calling the landlord all the time) and in a great neighborhood for kids. After searching online almost daily and contacting realtors, we finally found something 3 weeks ago. This was exactly what we wanted, at the price that we wanted and the landlady is very nice. We were getting a bit worried about this b/c we didn't even get to sign the rental contract til last week. But apparently, people in FL are so laidback that the realtor said we could sign the day we move in. We must be true Northeasterners, then. :) The whole process was interesting b/c we didn't have the funds to go down to FL again but my MIL remembered her cousin lives 'somewhere' in FL. And a quick call revealed that she lives 20 minutes away from Clearwater - how convenient is that? Plus, she was soooo nice - she even drove around and looked at houses that we were interested in for us and gave us a report afterwards. That's actually how we knew it was OK to get this townhome.
Moving company: We had been getting quotes from reputable companies after researching on this excellent website. Reading all the horror stories of ppl having to pay more money than they were quoted just to get their stuff off the moving vans really concerned me, esp. since we were doing an interstate move! So, I was on a mission to find a reputable moving company and Movingscam.com really helped. We were also toying with the idea of Uhauling it but not having enough friends down there (and I didn't want to deal with the hassle of hiring locals that might not show or didn't have insurance) made us nix that idea. Plus, June is the busiest month of the year to move. So, with all that, we were a bit apprehensive. But when we found Wade Odell Wade and talked to them extensively and asked lots of questions, we felt so much better. Still, we haven't moved yet but will let you know how it goes. We learned so much about this moving process. If you ever want to know more, let us know! ;)
I have also been trying to get to know Clearwater area moms to get recommendations for different things: pediatrician, cable companies, playgroups, babysitters and the like. This website was really helpful for that. I've also been in touch with some MDC moms - so I might have people to get to know already. Yay!
Now that I won't have so much help, I'm thinking I might really need a double stroller. Does anyone have any recommendations? I want one that is pretty lightweight, compact (fits in my Camry folded up) and sturdy. I'm thinking about this one right now. Does anyone have any experience with this? Alrighty, should go pack some more....:)
Our condo: We had put it up for sale the end of February and got the offer that we had wanted within a month and a half. However, that was after working with several people on low-ball offers. But we had this impression not to sell it yet and then, lo and behold, we get our bottom line price (we also got this number after we prayed). With the way the real estate market has been going these days, even our realtor was so surprised we got what we wanted. Praise the Lord! We had also wanted someone nice to move in and join the community and we did meet the buyer and he's a really nice guy. :) Getting the place ready for showing and actually showing it was pretty tough. I felt like I was constantly cleaning the house, instead of playing with the kids. :( Then, praise the Lord we got an acceptable offer so quickly, so I didn't have to do it for long. But we did get into a routine about things so it was less effort to clean. FYI - I love Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Not only did it clean the microwave and walls - it also works wonders on soap scum!! I had been scrubbing and using different cleaners but this sponge took it right off without too much elbow grease. I LOVE IT!!!! (No, I'm not working for Mr. Clean. :D)
Our housing in FL: We had been looking since Feb for a place that would be close to Kev's work, not too old (didn't want to be fixing stuff or calling the landlord all the time) and in a great neighborhood for kids. After searching online almost daily and contacting realtors, we finally found something 3 weeks ago. This was exactly what we wanted, at the price that we wanted and the landlady is very nice. We were getting a bit worried about this b/c we didn't even get to sign the rental contract til last week. But apparently, people in FL are so laidback that the realtor said we could sign the day we move in. We must be true Northeasterners, then. :) The whole process was interesting b/c we didn't have the funds to go down to FL again but my MIL remembered her cousin lives 'somewhere' in FL. And a quick call revealed that she lives 20 minutes away from Clearwater - how convenient is that? Plus, she was soooo nice - she even drove around and looked at houses that we were interested in for us and gave us a report afterwards. That's actually how we knew it was OK to get this townhome.
Moving company: We had been getting quotes from reputable companies after researching on this excellent website. Reading all the horror stories of ppl having to pay more money than they were quoted just to get their stuff off the moving vans really concerned me, esp. since we were doing an interstate move! So, I was on a mission to find a reputable moving company and Movingscam.com really helped. We were also toying with the idea of Uhauling it but not having enough friends down there (and I didn't want to deal with the hassle of hiring locals that might not show or didn't have insurance) made us nix that idea. Plus, June is the busiest month of the year to move. So, with all that, we were a bit apprehensive. But when we found Wade Odell Wade and talked to them extensively and asked lots of questions, we felt so much better. Still, we haven't moved yet but will let you know how it goes. We learned so much about this moving process. If you ever want to know more, let us know! ;)
I have also been trying to get to know Clearwater area moms to get recommendations for different things: pediatrician, cable companies, playgroups, babysitters and the like. This website was really helpful for that. I've also been in touch with some MDC moms - so I might have people to get to know already. Yay!
Now that I won't have so much help, I'm thinking I might really need a double stroller. Does anyone have any recommendations? I want one that is pretty lightweight, compact (fits in my Camry folded up) and sturdy. I'm thinking about this one right now. Does anyone have any experience with this? Alrighty, should go pack some more....:)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
....pictures of our recent trip to CA...
...what you might get via email
The email that I copied below is pretty hilarious, esp. if you're already a parent. And for those that are not, don't worry, think of this as the worst-case scenario - it's usually not that bad! ;)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE READY TO HAVE CHILDREN
MESS TEST
Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick
behind the couch and leave it there all summer.
TOY TEST
Obtain a 55-gallon box of LEGOs (or you may substitute roofing
tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a
blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream
because this would wake a child at night.
GROCERY STORE TEST
Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them
with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for
anything they eat or damage.
DRESSING TEST
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net
bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.
FEEDING TEST
Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend
from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to
insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while
pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on
the floor.
NIGHT TEST
Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8-12
pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3:00 p.m. begin
to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00 p.m. Lay down your bag
and set your alarm for 10:00 p.m. Get up, pick up your bag, and
sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more
and sing these too until 4:00 a. m. Set alarm for 5:00 a.m. Get
up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
INGENUITY TEST
Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and pot of paint,
turn it into an alligator. Now take a toilet paper tube and turn
it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and
a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a Ping-Pong ball, and
an empty box of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel
Tower.
AUTOMOBILE TEST
Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream
cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a
dime. Stick it into the cassette player. Take a family size
package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat.
Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect.
PHYSICAL TEST (Women)
Obtain a large bean bag chair and attach it to the front of your
clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Now remove 10 of the beans.
PHYSICAL TEST (Men)
Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask
the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store.
Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be
directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home
and read it quietly for the last time.
FINAL ASSIGNMENT
Find a couple who already have a small child. Lecture them on how
they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet
training and child's table manners. Suggest many ways they can
improve. Emphasize to them that they should never allow their
children to run wild. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last
time you will have all the answers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE READY TO HAVE CHILDREN
MESS TEST
Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick
behind the couch and leave it there all summer.
TOY TEST
Obtain a 55-gallon box of LEGOs (or you may substitute roofing
tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a
blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream
because this would wake a child at night.
GROCERY STORE TEST
Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them
with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for
anything they eat or damage.
DRESSING TEST
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net
bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.
FEEDING TEST
Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend
from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to
insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while
pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on
the floor.
NIGHT TEST
Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8-12
pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3:00 p.m. begin
to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00 p.m. Lay down your bag
and set your alarm for 10:00 p.m. Get up, pick up your bag, and
sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more
and sing these too until 4:00 a. m. Set alarm for 5:00 a.m. Get
up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
INGENUITY TEST
Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and pot of paint,
turn it into an alligator. Now take a toilet paper tube and turn
it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and
a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a Ping-Pong ball, and
an empty box of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel
Tower.
AUTOMOBILE TEST
Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream
cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a
dime. Stick it into the cassette player. Take a family size
package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat.
Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect.
PHYSICAL TEST (Women)
Obtain a large bean bag chair and attach it to the front of your
clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Now remove 10 of the beans.
PHYSICAL TEST (Men)
Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask
the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store.
Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be
directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home
and read it quietly for the last time.
FINAL ASSIGNMENT
Find a couple who already have a small child. Lecture them on how
they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet
training and child's table manners. Suggest many ways they can
improve. Emphasize to them that they should never allow their
children to run wild. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last
time you will have all the answers.
Friday, May 4, 2007
...what can happen when you get a ticket
Flashback: It's early March 2007 on a typical Wednesday night (already dark out) and I was going to cell group with Jana, who is starting to cry in the backseat. She likes it when I sing, so I'm belting out all these kiddie songs that I know (and I know quite a lot now). All of a sudden, I come to a sign 'Road Closed (to Thru Traffic)'. I'm not going thru and I had no idea where the construction actually is, so I'm debating whether or not I should go through. Seeing that it's already dark and I saw no detour signs and did not no the side roads very well, I decide to go as far as I can until I have to turn around. Sounds like a good plan, eh? WRONG-O! As soon as I pull past the sign, I see the flashing lights. DOH! Now, Jana is truly wailing b/c the lights are right in her eyes and I can't really get out and console her. Anyways, you know the drill - license, registration, and the flashlight in your eyes. I was so flustered I didn't really say much. After what seemed like 15 minutes, I was handed a ticket and I head home to vent to Kev.
A few weeks later: I was praying about this incident b/c I was really mad. I felt like I was treated unfairly b/c I didn't feel like I broke the law. Plus, a previous incident where I was pulled over for nothing didn't help. But I was trying to give it up to God - all my frustrations, negative emotions, and false perceptions. Then one night, I had a dream that my ticket was dismissed when I got to court. I was trying to stay positive and immediately claimed this dream.
Yesterday: The big court date finally arrives. I'm a bit nervous, esp. since I hadn't been praying all that hard. Oops. But this morning, I'm holding on, with every fiber of my being to that dream I had and also to God's goodness and undeserved grace. I'm also asking for God's favor and praying under my breath almost the whole time. I finally get to see the Prosecutor and was trying to explain myself in a not-so-eloquent fashion. He was in the middle of offering me another offense with no points, when he gets a call and gets sidetracked. But when he hangs up, he leans in and tells me my ticket was dismissed, now go wait to see the Judge. Huh? I can hardly believe it. It had come true. Oh. My. Goodness. God. Loves. Me. :D :D :D
Anyways, I'm still pretty flabbergasted when I think about it. Another lesson learned re: grace and I realized more just how much I don't deserve it and how much I'm so glad I don't have to 'deserve it' to get it. Thank you, Jesus!
While waiting for my turn to face the Judge, I was given a tiny glimpse of the Final Judgment Day when all your unrepented sins will be reviewed in front of everyone. For those that have never gotten a ticket and needed to go to court - when you're called up to face the Judge, you get your original offense(s) and also the amended offense(s) [usually one with no points if you plea bargain with the Prosecutor] read aloud in front of everyone. Then He asks you if you want to plea guilty or not guilty. But some people had pretty embrassing or silly offense(s) that they probably didn't want everyone to know about. Reminded me to go home and re-examine my life and repent of anything I haven't yet and let Him work in me to get to that point. Anyways, I'm so glad it's all done and over with. Thank you, Jesus!
A few weeks later: I was praying about this incident b/c I was really mad. I felt like I was treated unfairly b/c I didn't feel like I broke the law. Plus, a previous incident where I was pulled over for nothing didn't help. But I was trying to give it up to God - all my frustrations, negative emotions, and false perceptions. Then one night, I had a dream that my ticket was dismissed when I got to court. I was trying to stay positive and immediately claimed this dream.
Yesterday: The big court date finally arrives. I'm a bit nervous, esp. since I hadn't been praying all that hard. Oops. But this morning, I'm holding on, with every fiber of my being to that dream I had and also to God's goodness and undeserved grace. I'm also asking for God's favor and praying under my breath almost the whole time. I finally get to see the Prosecutor and was trying to explain myself in a not-so-eloquent fashion. He was in the middle of offering me another offense with no points, when he gets a call and gets sidetracked. But when he hangs up, he leans in and tells me my ticket was dismissed, now go wait to see the Judge. Huh? I can hardly believe it. It had come true. Oh. My. Goodness. God. Loves. Me. :D :D :D
Anyways, I'm still pretty flabbergasted when I think about it. Another lesson learned re: grace and I realized more just how much I don't deserve it and how much I'm so glad I don't have to 'deserve it' to get it. Thank you, Jesus!
While waiting for my turn to face the Judge, I was given a tiny glimpse of the Final Judgment Day when all your unrepented sins will be reviewed in front of everyone. For those that have never gotten a ticket and needed to go to court - when you're called up to face the Judge, you get your original offense(s) and also the amended offense(s) [usually one with no points if you plea bargain with the Prosecutor] read aloud in front of everyone. Then He asks you if you want to plea guilty or not guilty. But some people had pretty embrassing or silly offense(s) that they probably didn't want everyone to know about. Reminded me to go home and re-examine my life and repent of anything I haven't yet and let Him work in me to get to that point. Anyways, I'm so glad it's all done and over with. Thank you, Jesus!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
...what can happen in a span of a weekend
This weekend was very packed with 'happenings' - it's hard to sum it up in a few sentences so here's a day-to-day recap.
Thursday: (Technically not a weekend, I know, but I thought I'd include it anyways. Haha!) Jana wakes up and throws up 4x throughout the day. But after each episode, she kinda smiles and acts normal. We're now thinking she has some GI bug - fun stuff. :P
Then that night we got a call from our realtor saying that we got a new offer on the house. We've been going back and forth with a couple for several days now and making slow progress. But she tells me we're being offered our bottomline and it's a take-it-or-leave it kind of offer. Of course we take it and a meeting is set up for the next morning to sign papers and start attorney review. Kev and I are happy but only reservedly so - we've heard that so many things can happen between now and the closing. Still, we are so thankful to God. [This whole house selling process has been a very interesting experience but that's for a later post.]
Friday: After meeting w/ the realtors to sign papers, we get ready to leave for a good friend's wedding in MD. We make good time and get there with plenty of time to spare. BTW, we are now fans of GPS and want to get one for FL - can anyone recommend one? The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner went swimmingly and the kids do great! I was a bit apprehensive about practically going solo to the wedding where I MIGHT know a few people that MIGHT be able to help. But so far, the portable DVD player has been a great help (along w/ a new Crayola Wonders coloring book for Aidan and new snacks for Jana) and we are in the clear. Off to our 1 bedroom suite to try and get some rest. We love 1 bedroom hotel suites and would highly recommend one if you can get it at a good price. :) Aidan also surprisingly stayed in his sleeping bag on the floor and didn't wander the hotel room. Praise the Lord!! And no more vomiting from Jana since Thursday - yay!
Saturday: The wedding is not til later in the morning so we get up and go have free hot breakfast, courtesy of the hotel. [This is another big criteria for us in the choosing hotels, if we can afford it!] Aidan is introduced to Corn Pops and Apple Jacks for the first time. He doesn't love it but ate some anyways - we're not surprised b/c he is more a fan of salty snacks. Funny, eh? The kiddies do well throughout the wedding - thank you, Jesus. The neat thing was I got to reconnect with a friend that I went on a [China/HK/Macau] missions trip with while I was in college. We saw each other and screamed. (Yes, we're both definitely girls. :D) I also got to see some old RCCC Youth Group friends. Then it was off to the groom's parents' house and on the way to there, the kids both fall asleep. I'm thinking we're in the clear again until Jana wakes up screaming, which wakes Aidan up prematurely from his only nap these past 2 days and now he's tantruming. So at one point, I had 2 of them screaming their heads off on my lap and not wanting anyone else but not really wanting me, either. Thank goodness that only lasted 30 minutes and they both finally calm down. The funny thing was there was a friend there who was contemplating have a 2nd kid and when she saw both of them screaming, she had this look on her face that said she might have made up her mind right then and there not to have the other. Haha! The reception was pretty good (esp since I had Kev's help again) and we start driving home around 11:30pm. Unfortunately, we had to make a detour back to the groom's parents' house because I forgot my cell phone there - doh! So, we made it through the pouring rain and got home by the grace of God around 2am. Phew!!
Sunday: Everyone naps lots and recovers from the last 2 days.
Monday: Since the kids are napping a lot, I got to discover how fun YouTube was! I went on a trip down memory lane as I searched through some songs from the 80s. Can I tell you that the first album I ever got was Tiffany? And of course it was on tape. :) (Am I dating myself?) But, man, I loved that album to death. I played it over and over and made up a dance to 'I Think We're Alone Now' with my friends and danced it way too much. (We had no clue what the lyrics meant and didn't care...haha.) So, for those of you that loved it - I know you're out there, you have to watch this video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W6ef_gkTvg
The 80s was so over the top and crazy (Can we say mullets?!) but it was so entertaining, eh?
I also watched some videos of Carrie Underwood - one of my favorite American Idols.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lCfyWJBx_I
Here's hoping she's still down to earth and can withstand the pressures of Hollywood. We'll be praying for her! Enjoy!
Thursday: (Technically not a weekend, I know, but I thought I'd include it anyways. Haha!) Jana wakes up and throws up 4x throughout the day. But after each episode, she kinda smiles and acts normal. We're now thinking she has some GI bug - fun stuff. :P
Then that night we got a call from our realtor saying that we got a new offer on the house. We've been going back and forth with a couple for several days now and making slow progress. But she tells me we're being offered our bottomline and it's a take-it-or-leave it kind of offer. Of course we take it and a meeting is set up for the next morning to sign papers and start attorney review. Kev and I are happy but only reservedly so - we've heard that so many things can happen between now and the closing. Still, we are so thankful to God. [This whole house selling process has been a very interesting experience but that's for a later post.]
Friday: After meeting w/ the realtors to sign papers, we get ready to leave for a good friend's wedding in MD. We make good time and get there with plenty of time to spare. BTW, we are now fans of GPS and want to get one for FL - can anyone recommend one? The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner went swimmingly and the kids do great! I was a bit apprehensive about practically going solo to the wedding where I MIGHT know a few people that MIGHT be able to help. But so far, the portable DVD player has been a great help (along w/ a new Crayola Wonders coloring book for Aidan and new snacks for Jana) and we are in the clear. Off to our 1 bedroom suite to try and get some rest. We love 1 bedroom hotel suites and would highly recommend one if you can get it at a good price. :) Aidan also surprisingly stayed in his sleeping bag on the floor and didn't wander the hotel room. Praise the Lord!! And no more vomiting from Jana since Thursday - yay!
Saturday: The wedding is not til later in the morning so we get up and go have free hot breakfast, courtesy of the hotel. [This is another big criteria for us in the choosing hotels, if we can afford it!] Aidan is introduced to Corn Pops and Apple Jacks for the first time. He doesn't love it but ate some anyways - we're not surprised b/c he is more a fan of salty snacks. Funny, eh? The kiddies do well throughout the wedding - thank you, Jesus. The neat thing was I got to reconnect with a friend that I went on a [China/HK/Macau] missions trip with while I was in college. We saw each other and screamed. (Yes, we're both definitely girls. :D) I also got to see some old RCCC Youth Group friends. Then it was off to the groom's parents' house and on the way to there, the kids both fall asleep. I'm thinking we're in the clear again until Jana wakes up screaming, which wakes Aidan up prematurely from his only nap these past 2 days and now he's tantruming.
Sunday: Everyone naps lots and recovers from the last 2 days.
Monday: Since the kids are napping a lot, I got to discover how fun YouTube was! I went on a trip down memory lane as I searched through some songs from the 80s. Can I tell you that the first album I ever got was Tiffany? And of course it was on tape. :) (Am I dating myself?) But, man, I loved that album to death. I played it over and over and made up a dance to 'I Think We're Alone Now' with my friends and danced it way too much. (We had no clue what the lyrics meant and didn't care...haha.) So, for those of you that loved it - I know you're out there, you have to watch this video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W6ef_gkTvg
The 80s was so over the top and crazy (Can we say mullets?!) but it was so entertaining, eh?
I also watched some videos of Carrie Underwood - one of my favorite American Idols.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lCfyWJBx_I
Here's hoping she's still down to earth and can withstand the pressures of Hollywood. We'll be praying for her! Enjoy!
Friday, March 23, 2007
....what will make the list :)
On a side note: I used to have a list of things I would like to accomplish/learn before I hit 30 (ie drive stickshift, teach myself guitar, etc). I've been thinking about this a lot lately and here's my new list, which I will edit as needed:
-drive a stickshift (I still stall the car WAY too much!)
-go to cooking school
-join an orchestra/band (need to polish up my flute skills)
-have my own vegetable/fruit/herb garden.
What about you? Do you have anything on your list?
-drive a stickshift (I still stall the car WAY too much!)
-go to cooking school
-join an orchestra/band (need to polish up my flute skills)
-have my own vegetable/fruit/herb garden.
What about you? Do you have anything on your list?
...when you'll start loving CLOTH
It all started when Aidan was about 6 months old and I got a personal conviction from God to care more for the environment. I was just recycling as much as I can and driving a fuel-efficient car at the time but felt the need to do more. That's when I discovered cloth diapers (and environmentally-friendly cleaning products - but that's for another post, another time). My sister was using cloth diapers on her 2nd baby and I was intrigued but a bit skeptical. It took a lot of convincing and researching but finally I decided to take the plunge. I told myself I would buy a few cloth diapers and try it out for a few months. If it wasn't for me, then I would stop - no guilt. It helped that these modern cloth diapers are much different than the pins, prefolds and plastic pants. These babies are made of a combination of velcro, snaps, microfleece, WindPro fleece!, polyurethane laminate, oragnic velour, wool...and are cute to boot! :) There are many different designs for the different types of babies. Plus, they have these fun names: bumGenius!, Haute Pockets, Fuzzi Bunz, Snap-EZ, Swaddlebees, Pocket Change diapers, Dreameze, to name a few. Anyhow, it is more work and you have to get up-close-and-personal with poo but it's been so fun for me. I figure, since I'll be changing diapers at least 5-6 times a day, why not make it more colorful & fun? ;)
But there's more...ever since I started down that road, I've discovered and used cloth pads (AKA mamapads) and family cloth (a polite way of saying cloth TP!). The cloth pads are so much more comfortable and come in these funky fabrics that make the cycle a bit easier to endure. And family cloth has cut down the amount of TP that I've used, esp when I was preggo. Anyways, to avoid divulging too much info (ahem), feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments.
Finally, to be more 'green', I hope to, in the near future: drive a hybrid and walk more, use cloth napkins, and have a fun vegetable/fruit/herb garden. :) Happy Friday!
But there's more...ever since I started down that road, I've discovered and used cloth pads (AKA mamapads) and family cloth (a polite way of saying cloth TP!). The cloth pads are so much more comfortable and come in these funky fabrics that make the cycle a bit easier to endure. And family cloth has cut down the amount of TP that I've used, esp when I was preggo. Anyways, to avoid divulging too much info (ahem), feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments.
Finally, to be more 'green', I hope to, in the near future: drive a hybrid and walk more, use cloth napkins, and have a fun vegetable/fruit/herb garden. :) Happy Friday!
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