Recently, I bought these for Hayley Clagg's new addition, Connor. They are too cute! I guess I can't escape owls from all my Chi Omega years. I found them at Bugaloo. If you decide to buy something, please use the link above - I'm an affiliate for them. Hootie Hoo!
How to explain the last 8 months of our lives... more ups and downs than a play school seesaw. We were doing quite well the first few months of the year, then the proverbial snowball started rolling down the hill. So now, we find ourselves with a lot of life experiences that we really could have done with out. Emotions are all over the place. I get annoyed by the smallest things. Gotta love those extra hormones. My latest annoyance is the I-24 rush-hour drivers, particularly the ones who carpool and refuse to use the HOV lane. Seriously... that is what they created for! So move your clown car over to the far left lane and leave my lane alone. I also have recent disgust for those drivers who ride their brakes. I am 99.9% sure that they are the root cause for the parking lot (aka I-24W). However, today I have found a new and bigger annoyance - the jackhammer of a machine located across the street that is chiseling away at what I can only hope is 2 feet of bedrock. If there had been a gun near me, I wouldn’t had been able to restrain myself. Any who, there are a lot of positive things that have happened too...like Jenny overcoming her fear of needles. Let’s just say, I didn’t have a choice and every doctor/nurse/evil person I met wanted to stick me with a needle to accomplish some ambiguous goal that I’m still trying to figure out. We can also successfully check the “in sickness and in health” portion of our marriage vows. We both feel like 2009 is the year for us and we will be able to get back to normal... whatever that might be. It will be the year of fun and no needles, well a girl can dream!
Candace graduated! All the family came up and celebrated. I'm so proud of her. She finished and can now move on to her next step of adulthood. Kris and I are finally going to Jackson this weekend. First time since Christmas. Classes start next week. I can't express my eagerness.Life is funny. Just when you think everything is going okay God throws a curve ball. I had mentioned that Kris and I were thinking about something but didn't want to jinx ourselves. Well, we were thinking about buying a house that I had been eyeing for a while but it is on auction. We looked the house over the other day and were pleasantly surprised with all the features of the house (see below). We have been going back and forth with all the paperwork with lenders, lots of fun there! Not sure what we are going to do just yet. All I know it is in God's hands. Stay tuned!
Kris and I are now a part of the largest wireless network, AT&T. Yes, we joined the dark side and now have what I said I would never own again. We were out of our Sprint contract and of course, we wanted to see what was out there. Naturally, I gravitated to AT&T because of the iPhone. So we went on Saturday and found out that our monthly bill would be lower than with Sprint and then we learned Kris' work give 18% off. So it was a no brainer. We saved money for new phones and just as you would have guessed by now. I got the iPhone.
It is seriously the best piece of technology that I have ever owned and that is saying a lot. It is amazing!! Two thumbs up, way up! Kris got a cool phone too. He didn't want the fancy iPhone because of his job, but he enjoys mine. I can now update my blog from my phone. How cool! So when I'm in class about to fall asleep, I can play on the internet. The real internet, not WAP. Yea! I'm such a nerd. Well, I have much more to write about but I don't want to jinx ourselves. I will explain later this week. Have a wonderful week! Happy Monday!
Seriously, I'm not a stalker. But she may be. Actually, if I had money and time this would be a blog of mine. Every time I take a trip I check to see if there are in film locations in the area. Check out Lindsay's blog, Iamnotastalker.
We are in the midst of the coming and going so much that our townhouse is taking on attributes of an airport landing strip. Kris has joined not one, but two soccer teams and frequents the soccer fields whenever he can. However, lately with all the rain and storms he has been grounded to the house. This Saturday marked his second official games. His teams lost one and tied another. He scored a goal and had 2 assists. He also had a collision with another player and we have been icing down his knee ever since. He is sore right now from his doubleheader on Saturday, but he is loving every minute of it. He also has what appears to be ringworm. He thinks he got it from me, but this has not been proven.
We heard that there is a fake ringworm that is going around. You treat it just like ringworm, but it isn't ringworm. I forgot what it is called but we are putting our money on that theory. Very strange for two people to get weird red rings and have no access to animals or children. Oh well, we got the fancy cream and soon he will be cured too.
I think I have 2 more weeks of school to go. Really, I have lost count. I have been busy with last minute case studies that have to be turned in. Also, I have been assisting my sister with her senior project. She is graduating on May 3rd. My father and mother can't wait for that day. Both grandparents are attending the event. It will be great to see both sets. Besides that, I'm driving my car everywhere. I love it! I can't wait to go on a long trip soon. I continually find new features on it and fall in love all over again with the car.
I had planned to take the summer off from school, but after calculating when I could graduate. I scheduled 3 classes for this summer. I know I am pushing myself, but if I take these 3 classes, I will graduate next May and can space out the really hard classes for this fall and coming spring. I will keep you posted if this idea turns out for the best. I'm sure I will hate it soon enough. It involves a Saturday class for 5 weeks and a Tuesday/Thursday class for a month and half. So for about a month, I will be on campus 3 times a week, which includes all day on Saturdays. Fun, Fun! Oh well, at least I will have my MBA soon enough. And...that's the Doss Rewind for the week.
April 2nd will mark my 1st anniversary with Randstad. I can't believe that time has flown by so fast. Everything is going great. I received my annual promotion and moving right along up the corporate ladder. God has been very good to me in this role. I'm looking forward to the next year and growing with the Stad.
So, Phase 3 was a success! They called early Saturday morning to let us know that we got our asking price for the Touareg, but something didn't sit just right with me. I went on the web and searched. I was hoping for a sign, a message, or at least some deal that I hadn't heard of. The sign did come to me in the form of a car website that had 5 Honda Pilots and 3 Muranos. I felt compelled to go and visit this car lot. I told Kris that we would needed to go there so we could have some peace about our decision, one way or the other.
Phase 3 B: So with a little reluctance, he said okay and we were on our way in his GMC Blazer. We got to Cool Springs early and ate lunch. We were relaxed and in a good mood, but still weighing the pros and cons in our heads about the Touareg. We finished eating and made our way to Driver’s Way of Franklin.
We drove on the lot and prepared ourselves for another car buying showdown. We were met with smiling faces from the entire staff and then one descended upon us. His name was appropriately an 80’s reference, Don Johnson (not pictured.) He explained their “way of doing” business. I was slightly impressed, but knew all bets were off in the sales field. We told him that we were interested in looking at the Muranos and the Pilots. He led us through the huge showroom and out a side door. When we looked around and saw cars for as far as our eyes could see.
He told us that he would lead us to the cars that we requested and stick around for as long as we wanted him to. All the cars were unlocked and we could play with them all. It was like a candy store for grown-ups. There were black squatty cars, white roomy cars, and silver sporty cars. Some cars had prices that were sweet and others whose prices left a sour taste. We set our gazes on 3 CUV’s. We asked for a test drive. From our previous experience with Car Dealership A, we thought that he had to be in the car with us.
Yet, at this car lot, he said, “Meet me in the front and I will pull the car around. Drive wherever you want for as long as you want.” Of course, I suggested an easy route of up and down the street. He said, “No, take it for a spin on the interstate and around town.”
We test drove it and feel in love with this Honda Pilot. (Kassie we made you proud) We came back ready to wheel and deal. Kris had his game face on and I was armed with facts. However, none was needed. We were on a “No Haggle” lot. Bottom prices were already set and there was no negotiation which was fine with me considering the 3 hour episode at Car Dealership A.
Then, the all important question of a trade-in. We quickly offered up that I had a buyer for my car, but we weren't too sure about the price. He pulled the Blue Book. If my car was in "Excellent" condition it would get like $1800. Ha! My car was in “I-would-pay-someone-to-shoot-my-eyes-out-so-I-would-never-have-to-look-at-it-again” condition. We quickly decided to go back to Murfreesboro and get the Black Stallion, aka the ’98 Altima with 144,444 miles on the odometer.
We got home and had a mad dash of “cleaning” my car out. I hadn’t opened my trunk in about a year or two so there was great fun with the “Guess what’s back here” game. I started scrubbing the roof hoping for a little shine. It was hopeless. We said we would be happy for $1200 or at least $1000 for a trade in.
We went back to Cool Springs in the middle of heavy rain storm. For those keeping score at home, you know I hate the rain but I will confess that the rain saved us that day. Did I mention that when it rains my car looks like a new car? Its black exterior gleams elegance. Did I mention that when it rains the brakes don’t squeak at all? It was a beauty and sounded like a car half its age. We rolled up and it looked like a well-oiled machine worthy of the “Excellent” condition title. The appraiser went out there as we held our breaths. Meanwhile, Don asked us for a number for the car. I said, “$2500 or $2100 for my birthday number.” Kris said, “No, we will say $2000.”
And Don came back with the amount. We got was $2500! We almost fell out of our chairs. We both pushed the keys and title towards Don and in our heads we were saying, “No take backs!”
So in the end, we got an amazing deal, a more than generous trade in value, a great financing rate, and the best suited vehicle for us. We were ecstatic! We both wanted to drive all day around Murfreesboro. We had the perfect no haggle, no hassle experience. We got what we wanted and they got a dud of a car and Hairspray Broadway Cast Recording CD (see previous posts.) See below our new baby that we call Amelia – the Honda Pilot.
So we are now in Phase 2 of our plan. Phase 1 went well. We were there for 3 hours. Memories of Designing Women danced in my head while we were there. Phase 1 turned quickly into Phase 1 B plan, when Kris started wheelin' and dealin', which if you recall was not a part of the original plan. Did I mention that we were there for 3 hours!! However, we did get them down a bit, but we are still about $1500 away from our goal.
Yes, we are alive...just not posting. Our days have been filled with school projects, my sister's school projects, soccer, work, and yes... car shopping. We have found the one. We found a Shadow Blue 2005 Touareg! So, we are enacting phase 1 of our car-buying strategy tomorrow after work. We are going to go test drive our DREAM CAR and then a few contenders to throw them off our scent. We will keep you posted on how it goes. I will also take pictures of our outing. So, stay tuned. I will post tomorrow and more often. Hope all had a great Easter! Cross your fingers and toes for the Touareg, or at least that we get through Round 1 of our car buying experience. Kris has researched and studies everything. It is quite comical the way he can spout out facts and figures.
Hmm, where to begin with my going-ons. Work has kicked into high gear, which is a blessing with the recent job reports. My car stopped in the middle of Memorial Blvd. After $220, it is believed that my car was just out of gas. Seriously! Classes have started back. I hate to admit it, but I really could use another week away from my classes to tell the truth. So last week, I noticed a red spot on my neck. First thoughts...dry skin? carpet burn? curling iron mark? They didn't make sense to me either, but those were my initial reactions to this strange, quarter size mark on the base of my neck.
Wake up this morning, there is a perfect red circle. So, I cover up with a turtleneck and head to work. When I get to work, I show and tell. It's unanimous. I have ringworm! Freaking out on the inside, I casually laugh it off. I can't have ringworm. I haven't been in contact with any pets that I could remember. So, I sat down at my desk. Imagining worms crawling around under my skin, which if you know me at all, starts making me woozy. I decided that I needed to see a doctor, quick.
So, I was preparing to go. I moved ever so careful in my office chair and then POW! My chair flung me forward and my chair broke in half. This all happened before 11am. Needless to say, I wanted to call it day. I dashed out the door to my lovely car that awaited me in the parking lot. Sidenote: My car hates me again for taking it into the shop that it is retaliating against me through the radio..again! It open and closes, back and forth. Unless, I physically hold it for more than 5 minutes.
Anyway, I get to the doctor. I waited for her for about an hour. Finally, she comes in and looks at the growing circle located where a trachea would go. She started asking a series of questions.
"Do I own any pets?" No.
"Have I come into contact with any pets?" No.
"Do I have any children?" No.
"Have I come into contact with any children?" No.
"Have I been playing in the dirt?" No.
"Have I come into contact with anyone who has played in the dirt?" Seriously, No.
"Are you a swimmer?" No. "A wrestler?" No, No, No!
Photo: Not my actual ring, my camera can't take the picture correctly. This picture is close to what it looks like though.
Really, there was not a question she asked that I said yes to. So... after a short deliberation. I have ring worm! She said if that isn't it, then I have eczema. So, I have the worm cream and hoping for the best! My dad thinks I got it from the nasty Corolla (that Kris made me rent while the car was in the shop). So, my new name is Molly Ringworm dubbed by Kris.
Seriously the best rendition I have heard from anyone besides John Lennon. The entire time I listened to David Archuleta, I was envisioning Shane Mack. If you don't know who Shane Mack is, I will burn you a copy of his work. Amazing vocals for both of these guys!
All of my class projects are finally done and Spring Break is here. It is really funny to be asked by my classmates where I'm going for Spring Break...hmmm WORK! Too funny! I will catch the blog up this weekend when my sanity is back! Enjoy!
We are in the midst of two busy, busy weeks. Among the current happenings... my Randstad Branch got Branch of the Year (out of our district) at a regional meeting last Monday. Big honor! My classes are in full swing. Projects, Projects, and more Projects. My 27th Birthday is coming up on Thursday! Yea!
So, lately I have been noticing a trend in my life. Police everywhere. There was the hold up at Dollar General. Then, the infamous COPS night. Then, the eery night at O'Charley's. Then, tonight as I'm leaving work and walking to my car in the Jackson Heights parking lot. Across the street at a loan company, a robbery in action or just finished. Police swarmed everywhere on the street corner. Guns a-blazing! I think I'm a magnetic for police action. I have seen more blue lights and guns drawn in the past few months than I care to see. If you are a criminal or you are are thinking about committing a crime, stay away from Broad Street. Good rule of thumb: The police can be at any major street in Murfreesboro less than 5 minutes. So, do yourself a favor and look up the city Woodbury.
My prayers go out to all the families affected by the storms last night. Especially, Jackson, TN. We can't seem to shake the Tornado Alley curse that has been given to the city. Three major destructive tornadoes in 9 years. The following pictures are from my mom. She went to Union University and North Highland near North Side High School. There is so many pictures, but here are the ones that stood out to me. Please pray for the 52 people who have lost their lives and all of the families who are trying to pick up the pieces after one scary night. 
Super Tuesday is here! Go vote! Unless you are voting for McCain or Romney, then you can hang out until the November elections.
Kris and I watched one of my Oprah's from last week that I tivoed. (The Show) This one that we watched was about the book, Gift of Fear. I can't blog about the entire show, but I think I'm putting the book on my must read list. So, we went to out to dinner that night still discussing the stories that were on the show. When I go to this restaurant, I always watch the waiters fixing the meals behind the glass. I don't know why, but I end up always looking over there. This night was weird though. We were talking about the Oprah show and about intuition.
So the story goes like this....
I'm on my MAC. I'm experiencing a PC malfunction. I will be back with my story and another weird story that is chilling as soon I can calm down from my PC problems.
