Items missing in move:
1 suction cup for shower caddy
1 cell phone charger

Items broken in move:
None

Items found in move:
A picture of me en pointe from about 20 years ago (!)

Injuries:
6 bruises on one arm
Too many to count on shins
4 on the other arm
1 pulled thigh muscle

Waking up in my bed in my very own house:
Priceless

I’m still unpacking but things are coming along. Still no phone, though. ARGH! I did hang some pictures up last night. They’re lopsided so I have to have a do over. :censored: At least my little cheapo antenna from RadioShack works on the TV and I can get local channels. I’m looking forward to getting my DVR on Sunday! Which reminds me… I need to call DirecTV and check on the status of my order…

The cat is still following me around which I think is totally cute. He’s also waking me up in the middle of the night. You ever get the feeling someone is just staring at you while you’re sleeping? I got that feeling last night when I opened my eyes. I was laying on my side and turned to look over my shoulder to see my dear sweet kitty staring me down. I patted him on the head then shoved him off the bed.

I’m having a hard time deciding where one of the bookcases is going to go. Not much room left in the living room and it’s too crowded for it in the office, so I’m thinking maybe in my bedroom.

I really need to go by the apartment and clean but I have NO desire to do so. When I went by yesterday afternoon to get the last two things, it smelled just like an apartment. Funny how that happened when I lived there it never smelled like an apartment. It smelled like my home.

Now the house is starting to smell like my home. And the house feels remarkably like home. And all I really want to do is go play in it.

No writing to speak of. Still trying to get settled and find everything. It’s a pain but well worth it.

And tomorrow is Friday! YAY!

Sometime between last week and today, I’ve lost all track of time. I have no idea what day it is anymore and I really have to stop and think hard about it.

Friday I closed and it went okay. I had a few surprises I didn’t like and nearly had a nervous breakdown at the title company. I guess that’s the way it goes at closing — you should always expect the unexpected. But I’m telling you, it was the most stressed out I’d been in weeks.

Saturday started bright and early. I had some help from a good friend of mine and her son getting all my boxes moved from the apartment and the storage unit to the house. I simply could not have done it without the use of a truck. I also started cleaning the house on Saturday as well as put up contact paper in all the cabinets in the kitchen. I even managed to unpack a few things that day. Anyway, friend and son even helped when I bought a desk and hauled it back to the house for me. I just simply could not have gotten it down without them. I would probably STILL be moving boxes had it not been for them.

My very cool black refrigerator arrived on Saturday too. Of course, there was no water to the house because it was turned off at the curb so the guy couldn’t test it to make sure the water line was hooked up correctly.

So that was another thing friend’s son did — he had a wrench and could turn on the water to the house. Do I owe him a six pack of beer or what?

Sunday I moved the cat over to the new digs. I was unhappy about that, needless to say. He hissed and hid for a while. I think he thought I was leaving him there and never coming back. Poor kitty. That morning, the hall bath toilet flooded. Luckily, a mop and a bucket was handy so it contained itself to the bathroom and just outside the door. The carpet got soaked. But that’s not all to that story so more on that later.

The movers came and got all my furniture in one trip. Of course, we discovered upon unloading and arrival of the dry, the cord is the wrong kind. It’s a 4-prong, apparently, and then outlet is a 3-prong. :censored: Aside from that, there were no mishaps. The movers did a great job — nothing broken or scratched.

Afterward, we make a few more trips to/from the apartment and then head over to Home Depot, list in hand. I get a new cord for the dryer (which I installed–even though I nearly electrocuted myself…), outlet covers for the kitchen since one was missing, paint for the kitchen (in that lovely shade of caramel — I can’t wait to paint!), and some other miscellaneous things.

So my friend and her son leave for the evening and I’m there alone, cleaning and organizing and I get a call from My Guy. So we’re chatting away and he offers me take-out (which I simply can’t refuse since I hadn’t stopped all day and I was starving and had no food in the house) and as I talking to him, there’s this horrifying crash. And then a streak of gray and white from the bathroom.

And I thought…oh no.

He says, “What are you doing over there?”

I run into the bathroom to see the cat has knocked the tank lid off the counter. It’s in pieces. But not only that, when he knocked it off, the lid hit the tank and cracked it. So now I have water pouring from the tank all over the floor!

Oh shit. And those were my exact words.

My Guy calmly tells me to shut the water off on the toilet. Thankfully, the mop and bucket was still there so I put it under the leak. I cleaned it up and then said to him, “Save me a seat at the bar. I’ll be there in 20 minutes.”

So- that night, I head up to the restaurant, collect my food, have a drink, and smooch My Guy. It was a nice end to a long day.

Monday I got all but a few smallish items. Last night I got all but my two patio chairs. I hope they’ll fit in my car. Otherwise, I’ll have to bug a friend to get them over to the house. Those are the last two items left in the apartment.

It’s still all very surreal to me that I have a house. I’ve been cleaning and organizing, hanging pictures, and eventually I’m going to tackle that desk. It’s in about a million pieces right now and I’m just not sure I’m smart enough to get it together alone. But we’ll see.

Got a call from My Guy last night and met him for drinks. The man knows everyone. And he’s really cute too. Anyway, we had a nice time. I had a lovely Cosmopolitan with Grey Goose Vodka. It was yum.

My phone jacks are still not working at the house which is completely ticking me off. Hopefully I can get that working very soon though because the thought of no phone and no internet makes me have anxiety attacks.

All right this is way long winded. Hope everyone had a smashing weekend. And I can’t believe this month is nearly gone!

Just a short entry here today. I’m all moved in except for a few small miscellaneous stuff at the apartment still. It was a hectic busy weekend and I worked my bum off but it’s done and I’m glad. I have a really cool new black refrigerator and the new dishwasher will be arriving on Saturday. Satellite on Sunday. Furniture is in and arranged.

I could not have done it without the help of one very good friend and her son. They were soooo wonderful to me this weekend! If not for them, I would STILL be moving boxes and not have as much stuff unpacked.

Lots of funny moments to talk about but I’ll get to that later. As soon as I get boxes broken down and out of the house, I’ll get pictures made and posted.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

After an ordeal (again) at closing, I finally got the keys to the house at 5 pm. I drove to the apartment, loaded up the car, and then took some stuff to the house. I actually have a garage door opener. And my car fits in the garage.

I think I stood in the middle of the living room for like 20 minutes just looking again. It’s so cool.

And so weird at the same time.

Do I really own a house? Is it really mine? I can’t believe I did it. I can’t believe it’s done and after this weekend, I will be living there.

I’ll be up bright and early for a Wal-Mart trip to get some things I need. Then it’s off to wait for delivery of the fridge. I got a new dishwasher, too, but it won’t be installed until the 30th. Looks like I’ll have to wait a while on the stove, though. That’s okay – I can pay off the fridge and dishwasher and then get the stove next year. That’ll be the plan, anyway.

Things will start to slow down now. I’ll get settled in the new place. OH! And I totally forgot – my dear sweet Realtors Extraordinaire (Sherry and Angie – you ladies ROCK!) gave me the nicest card with a gift card to Home Depot inside. I’m truly touched and I can’t say thanks enough. I’m going straightaway to buy paint for the kitchen. HOORAY! I’m going to have my caramel kitchen!

Okay, time to get busy. It’s going to be a fast-paced hectic weekend. The blog will be offline until Tuesday, so have a great weekend and see ya on the other side!

Today is THE day. I close this afternoon on the house!

It’s still a little surreal to me. Can’t believe I actually did it. And in two weeks! Perhaps I should be a little freaked out. I’m thinking I am. When I heard the words “cleared to close” I came very close to breaking down and weeping. Am I really going to be a homeowner? A place all my own?

Wow.

Yesterday was one of those challenging days, too. I didn’t know if I was coming or going. Work was exceptionally busy and add to that the financial guy calling mid-afternoon wanting my August bank statement. I got it to him, though. Stopped by the water department and put in my deposit water so that’s done. Fired Reliant Energy yesterday and started up with TXU. Reliant completely ticked me off and I decided they didn’t deserve my business any more.

Movers on Sunday. Phone on Monday. DSL on Tuesday. DirecTV on October 1 with DVR. WOOHOO! And my good friend will be hanging with me all weekend to help me run back and forth as well as waiting on the arrival of my appliances.

I have appliances! I decided to go with all black. White just seemd boring. Plus you can see my magnetic poetry better on the black.

Had the baby boy last night and took him to Burger King. He played afterwards. Then we went to Lowe’s and I let him pick out paint samples. He wants bright green for his room but I’m not so sure about that.

:hehe:

I found a color for my kitchen and instead of red, it’s called Burnt Caramel. It’s a lovely shade of brown. I can’t wait to paint!

Then I took him home and packed some more. Still not done and I ran out of boxes. Got a call from My Guy at 10:15 and since he was closing the restaurant, he was working late. I decided to throw on some clothes and head that way to hang out while he finished up working. I sat at the bar and chatted with the bartender and had a dirty martini (blech – not a fan). Saw a famous actor at the restaurant too and they finally left at around midnight. So My Guy and I had the place to ourselves for a while. I got home at 1 am! It was fun, though. Had a very nice time. Definitely have a crush.

This may be my last blog entry before I get back up and running on Tuesday. Ya’ll have a happy and safe weekend!

Hey I’m blogging over at the Chicas. Check it out! 

Okay so… after an ordeal on Tuesday, I finally got things worked out and we’re a go for closing on Friday. I had a weight lift off my shoulders about that when I got the final word all was okay to go.

There was a little issue with something that someone wanted me to pay for and essentially I refused because it wasn’t my fault someone jumped the gun and ordered an appraisal on a house I didn’t end up buying. I was still within my option period and so when he called telling me I had to pay for it in addition to the one for the house I’m buying, I blew a gasket.

I called my realtor (who’s still wonderful by the way) and told her I was about 2 second away from killing the deal because of it. Luckily, she was the voice of reason and helped me out. I hung up with her and calmed down and then talked to her later. It was all worked out.

But I’m telling ya, I was completely worked up and ready to just say FORGET IT. The entire morning left me emotionally and physically drained and when I got the final word that it was cleared to close, I wanted to just melt into a big pile of jelly.

The day ended up on a nice note, though. Had a very nice date that included lots of wine (too much wine, in fact) and some great company. Yes, I think I have a little crush. It really helps he’s a hockey fan. Almost as big as I am.

And to make things even better, I got a contract for book 2 of Ransom & Fortune. So I’ve officially sold the second book.

It’s strange to think that in a few days, I will be holding the keys to my new house. I am so ready. Called all the utilities today and got them going. Have to go by the water department and get my water turned on for the new address.

Bought my refrigerator and it’s scheduled for delivery some time on Saturday. Have to measure the dishwasher and stove before I can get those purchased. I’m in the home stretch now I just have to get there.

And now it’s time for work. And :coffee:

REALLY short entry here as I have lots to do today. I have the green light for closing on Friday. Got all the kinks worked out yesterday after a major struggle. I was completely beat down.

But the day ended on a really nice note. Had a very nice date. I think I might have a tiny crush.

More on all this later!

And don’t forget to check out ShoeIQ. I blogged over there on Monday. I’ll be blogging at Southern Fried Chicas tomorrow.

(And I know I’ve been tagged – I’ll get to it soon I promise)

HEY! Run right over to this link and check us Chicas out.

These last few days have been relentless. And I mean with the house business. I have this odd little quirk – I hate uncertainty. Can’t stand it actually. I’m a creature of habit and I like to know and plan for things that are happening around the corner. When I do, it feels like my life is in order.

And really I’m not talking about the little things. You know, like daily life. I’m talking about the big things. House. Career. Money. That sort of thing. Because just when I think it’s all under control, I get blindsided with something else.

I have picked a house. It’s a nice three bedroom in the same area of town as the first one. I close on Friday. However, before I can even get to the closing, a structural engineer has to come out and look at the foundation to make sure it’s sound. I’m okay with that. It’s a 30 year old house after all. But because it’s Texas and the soil is unstable here and we have dry conditions, there is and always will be foundation movement with houses. Every house I’ve ever lived in has had some sort of crack in the wall and foundation movement.

It just frustrates me. Don’t get me wrong – I want to live in a house without excessive foundation movement. I really do. But I also cannot go through this aggravation again if this one somehow falls apart.

A friend asked me what I’d do if that happened. I very succinctly told her I would slash my wrists and get it over with. Of course, that’s extreme and I was joking but still… sometimes it’s enough to make you want to chew your own foot off.

Half my life is in boxes in storage. The other half is in boxes scattered across my tiny living room. I’d like to buy my appliances so I can ensure they’ll be delivered this weekend, but I can’t do that until I know what’s happening tomorrow with the structural engineer.

And as I think about all of this, all I can see are dollar signs. Major dollar signs flashing before my eyes. I know – it’s a house and there are start-up costs involved. But :censored:! Why was this so easy before and so difficult now? Because there was a man in my life that told me not to worry about it? Because I’m doing this all alone? I don’t know. All I do know is, it scares the bloody hell out of me.

I know in the end it’s going to be okay. But getting there is challenging to say the least. Sometimes I think I’m not strong enough and maybe I should rethink this whole house business. Other times I think I can persevere, push through the pain and anguish and just get there. It’s getting there that’s a battle especially for someone who hates uncertainty.

Anyway – enough of that business.

Ransom & Fortune has been final line edited and it’s off to the publisher for final formatting! WOOHOO! I’m so happy! I should be getting official artwork very soon. I sure hope so. I’m ready to see if they’re going to use what I had with Inara or not.

I’ve also readied a game plan for the next few projects I have in mind. First order of business is to finish Nice Girls Do. The next is to get Take Me I’m Yours underway and completed in the next few months. In the meantime, I’ve started a new book and am planning to target one of Kensington’s lines. Very excited about the prospect of this book as I think it has major potential. More on that at a later date though.

I have about three more scenes to write on NGD and then I’m done. Now I just need to carve out the time to get it done. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, though moving is going to put a serious crimp in that.

Now all I need is the strength to get through the rest of September. I’m mentally, physcially, and emotionally exhausted though so finding that strenght is yet another challenge. I’ll get there though and I’ll be so happy when I do.

Got home yesterday afternoon. I had a very nice relaxing weekend. I didn’t even think about the house…much. It was much needed therapy. I relaxed. I ate way too much and drank too much wine. But it was terribly worth it and I’m so glad I went.

It was raining by the time I hit the door. It continued to rain most of the evening. And the best part is a nice cool front came through. I actually opened the bedroom window and let the fresh air in. It was great! And the cat loved it too. I think he sat in the window all night long.

I had lots to do yesterday afternoon. Laundry, dishes, packing. Of course I ran out of bubble wrap again so I’ll have to get more before I can finish up the kitchen area. I have all but the essentials packed in boxes. I’m so ready to move and get this over with!

Wednesday I’m going to purchase appliances. Friday I close. Movers are coming on Sunday. My plan is to be completely moved in by the middle of next week, the apartment cleaned, and the keys returned. I’ll be so glad when it’s done. I’m tired. Mentally and physically.

Short entry here as it’s time to get to work. I need coffee!

:coffee:

I’m leaving town for three days today. I’ll be back on Sunday. This is a much needed respite after the stress of the last two weeks and I’m looking forward to kicking back and taking it easy. Guess I need to get packed, huh?

I have some errands to get done this morning before I hit the road so I best get to it. Oh and I’m taking baby boy to school this morning so it’s about time for him to get up too. LOTS to do today before I can enjoy that drive and get to the relaxing part of the program.

Ya’ll have a fantastic weekend!

My days are all running together in one big blur. I guess that figures since I’ve been going 100 mph for the last few weeks.

Went out to the house tonight for another look and to sign some paperwork. The house used to be a rental – it’s very obvious – but after another look around I can see it needs a facelift. And you know what? I’m so ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work on it. Just trying to decide what to tackle first. It needs fresh paint throughout and that’s something I want to do as soon as possible. I have already made one decorating decision. The room that’s my office has no door so I’ve decided to hang door beads and they’re going to look like this:

Is this so awesome or what? And since I’m really into the Celtic stuff, I thought it’d be great to have in my doorway. I already have two Celtic crosses that will go on the wall in the office. The picture is a little small but you can see the product here.

Of course, my child is probably going to drive me insane with them, but I don’t care. They’re wooden and they’re really rather inexpensive. I found them online and I can’t wait to get them ordered and delivered.

I had the ex come out and take a look at the house, too, since I trust him and I know he’ll tell me the truth. Realtor Extraordinaire is going to shop some inspections for me tomorrow and get me a good deal.

By the time I left the house, I was beat. I had another busy day at the office. It hit me hard and heavy too. I got home, ate dinner, and then started packing. Then I caught my neighbor outside and we chatted for a good hour or so. It tends to happen that way – we both like to talk.

The packing is going well but I’m running out of boxes. I have a lot of sh*t! The kitchen is mostly done. The bookshelves are done. The desk is nearly done. The closet is nearly done. What I’m probably going to have to do it is take some boxes to the house, unpack them and then bring them back and pack them. Either that or find more. Thursday night I’m packing up my mother’s china which makes me very nervous. I don’t want to have to pack it and then move it but it HAS to be done and I will be absolutely heartbroken if anything happens to it. Luckily, I have some really nice thick durable boxes. Hopefully that will help.

And this is a total rambly post so I’m going to close now. I’m off work Friday and the kiddo is spending the night with me and I’m taking him to school Friday morning. I’m looking forward to a long weekend.

Okay. So… they accepted my offer on the house. WOOHOO! I can’t tell you what a relief it was to finally get it done. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It’s a cute little house but there are some things I want to do to it. That will all come in time! It’s a 3/2/1 with an oversized 1 car garage. And the name of the street? Sunrise. Isn’t that so totally cute?

It needs updated appliances and since I was planning on getting a new dishwasher, might as well get the stove and just get it over with.

I close next Friday the 22nd.

Today was super busy at work. I feel like I ran my legs off. Can I just say I am so happy at work? I love my job. For the first time in my entire working career – I actually LOVE my job. I’m excited about the future and I have a terrific boss who can see the potential in people and is willing to take them and say, “Here. Go. Prosper.” It totally rocks. She’s the best boss EVER. And I’m not just saying that to be nice. It’s the god’s honest truth.

I packed some boxes last night. I still have a long way to go. Next week I’m going to get after it hot and heavy. Anyway, since I was restless but tired, I figured it was a good time to just get my hair done. I went to the store and bought a box of color and did it myself. Not bad for $5.00. It so needed it and I was sick at looking at the gray. Yes. I have gray hair. Damn, I’m old.

Oh and have I mentioned I have the bestest realtor ever? (incorrect grammar intentional) I told her I was going to buy her a drink when this was done and over with. We’re going to have happy hour. And once I get moved and start to get settled I’m going to plan that housewarming party. I just wish November 1 wasn’t smack in the middle of the week.

Which reminds me… I need to go design some invitations!

Oh and HEY! It’s hump day! WOOHOO!

(Was this the randomest post ever?)

Well… went out with my realtor last night and looked at about six houses. Turns out the first one I looked at was the best out of the group and I’ll be making an offer today! WOO!

What sold me on this house was when you walk in the door – there this room directly on the right. No doors just an open doorway. It has this plant ledge around the top of the room and the moment I saw it I thought – that’s my office. It needs updated appliances but the carpet was in good shape as all the flooring. It was well taken care of. Needs color though in all the rooms. But I think I could really get it fixed up cute. Has great curb appeal too.

Anyway, so we’ll see what happens. We’re going to try and push this one through fast. It’s a good thing I have a great team of folks working for me.

I finished up a chapter of NGD yesterday. I have one more to write and then it’s done! Slow going, but I am making progress. I don’t think I’ll hit the 40K mark, but that’s okay too. It was just a goal to get to anyway. So I’m very close to finishing. Then I want to work on Take Me I’m Yours next and get that one done and then the Coffee House Chronicles will be finished.

The next project after that – finish One Knight Only.

That’s the plan anyway.

Not much else to report. I’m just relieved I found something. Let the nail biting begin!

Hey I’m blogging today over at ShoeIQ! Don’t miss it, especially since I talk about a shoe hat.

This weekend is kind of a blur. I didn’t get much done. I just layed around like a slug mostly. Guess you need that every now and then to recharge the old batteries. I did manage to get my ShoeIQ entry done and my newsletter out (PS if you’re a subscriber, then you get a special teaser from A Bend In Time WOOHOO).

I’ve been extremely tired lately. Not sure if it’s from too much activity or not enough activity. I probably should have been packing my butt off this weekend. Instead, I didn’t. I lounged in front of the TV and watched back-to-back episodes of Sex and the City. Oh and then I got the adventure bug and watched Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. There were several moments in that movie that made me laugh. It’s been years since I’ve sat through it and seeing it again gave me the urge to write my own adventure story. I just have to come up with the right concept. Maybe it’ll be another Ransom & Fortune book.

I got some words in on NGD. Not many, but I did get some in. I’m closer but not close enough to being finished.

And as we all know, today is the 5th anniversary of 9/11. Has it really been five years? I remember the day so vividly. My son was a week and a half old and my mother and I watched the entire thing on live television. It was horrid and frightening. I remember holding that tiny infant and trying not to shake with fear. But I wondered … what was to become of us now? And by us I meant the U.S. And no I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day that changed America.

Take a moment today and think about those who died in the twin towers and those who tried to rescue them. Those who risked their lives for others and those who are still doing that today – our men and women fighting to maintain our freedom every single day. I thank them for my freedom and I pray for their safe return to American soil. God bless you all.