To the South and Back

So… Sorry there was confusion about our  road trip destination this past weekend.  We literally changed our plans at the last minute.  Our house-shopping process suddenly made leaps forward and we realized that this would be the last opportunity we would both be able to have time off work for a while.  Yes, I am very disappointed that we had to skip our Mississippi trip, especially the wedding.  It was with much deliberation that the change of plans was made.  This was the best we could do.

Thursday was a very long work day for me, but enjoyable nonetheless, finishing up with a fun and successful work event at the Firefly Lounge.  Gabriel picked me up from there around 9pm and we got on the road right away.  The drive was not bad at all, I took the first half and Gabriel the last half, made interesting by the books on tape he’d picked out from the library.  We arrived at our destination at exactly 7am, and took naps after greeting a mom who was all smiles.  There was not much rest for the weary, though, because our house search began only three hours later.  Tammy had taken the list we had compiled of houses we’d seen online and arranged for us to view them along with some she thought we might like.  As it turns out, we liked the houses she picked out more than most of the ones we originally thought were cool.  This was all exciting and fun.  We were tuckered out by the end and took an afternoon nap.  Daniel had an Elias Patriot show that night, so we wanted to be rested enough to go.  This was Gabriel’s first time to hear him play live.  We had a great time and, as usual, were very proud to have such a talented brother.

Saturday became progressively better with each hour, characterized by coffee and online house searching at Rivertown, neighborhood drives narrowing down our list, a UNA football game (which was incredibly comfortable and fun, as it was our first game with my husband present), wrapping up with another one of Daniel’s shows at Rivertown.  We talked for a while after the show with Quinn Erwin from Nashville who also played.  In addition to being a good song-writer, he had a lot of cool things in common with Gabriel and I, including having a heart for missions.  The conversation was encouraging.  Check this out: www.globalsupportmission.com.

Visiting my home church is always refreshing, and this time even more so because I felt like my family was more complete with my husband there.  The smiling faces of our church family were once again faithful to bring joy to our hearts.  They are beautiful people.  After a brief though enriching visit after the meeting, my family including Sharon Taylor had lunch at Maggie’s house before our second round of house-hunting with Tammy.  This hunt was longer, though it was a little rainy outside.  I found one I super like and want to buy, but I’m trying to be reasonable.  Afterwards, Tammy offered some very good insight and food for thought.  We are once again in the thinking stage, this time with a little more understanding of the process.  We could move forward now, but it seems like it would be easier and smarter to wait a few weeks or months.  We’ll see… and we’ll keep you posted.  There are a couple steps we need to take in order for things to progress in the most efficient way.  With that said, does anyone know of some good job opportunities in the Shoals area, particularly for Gabriel?

Today’s journey home was actually quite enjoyable, accompanied by “For Whom the Bell Tolls” on CD.  We are sleepy but happy to be home together, and satisfied with the events of the weekend.  Now we are watching episodes of the The Office and LOST online before calling it a day.  Tomorrow brings us back to the norm.  Time to earn more money.

The Beginning

Well, my best friend recently made fun of me for still blogging on the old xanga I’ve had since … I can’t remember when.  She said, “Isn’t it time for a big girl blog site?”  I suppose she’s right.  I’ve outgrown the emo-woe-is-me vibe of my former years and blogs.  My life is full of changes and new beginnings, so it’s time to reflect that.  So for what it’s worth, here’s my “big girl blog site”. (Thanks, Em, I love you)

I already don’t blog much, mostly because I don’t make time for writing like I used to.  This needs to change.  And though I don’t promise that it will, I can say that I’ll try.

To start, I will give a brief overview of recent events for those of you who are far away.

Gabriel and I have been married for a few months now and have settled into our TINY apartment, which I’ve been living in since June 2008.  We look forward to having our own house, which will hopefully be soon since we’re faxing over the information for loan pre-approval today.  I hope to visit our future city of residence at the end of the month to do some hands-on shopping with the help of a good friend and agent Tammy Hudson.  There is a job waiting for me whenever we move, which is a nice comfort, especially since I will be returning to work with good people and faithful former clients.  Being near my family is a bonus too.  When our offspring have sprung, they’ll reap the benefits of awesome grandparents.

Many people have been asking me if I’m still dancing. The sad answer is, no.  Hopefully it won’t be long until this changes. I’m not finished yet.  I’m just waiting on the right time and place.  I still dance in my head… ALL the time. Dancers, you understand.  Instead, I’ve been devoting my mornings (or afternoons) to running and swimming, just so I’ll be ready when the time is right.  I’ve toyed with the idea of running some short races.  But honestly, I don’t really like running outside anymore, due to pavement and allergies.  Nor would I enjoy feeling like I suck compared to everyone else.  On the bright side, my gym rocks.  I only wish I had a friend to go with me.

In the news of church involvement, Gabriel and I are active members at Rivercity Community Church.  It. Is. Awesome.  Truly, we will greatly miss Rivercity whenever God has us move away.  Our small group that meets weekly is also really good.  I love being a part of such an honest and loving group of intercessors. We have been so very blessed by all the great friends we have out here, not just as a part of our church, but everyone we’re surrounded with.  I’m avoiding the thought that someday we won’t be within walking distance of many of them.

Another recent happening: I cut ALL my hair off. I donated the majority of it to Locks of Love.  This is my second time to donate my hair, but the first time to ever shave it off.  I love it.  It’s so easy… and strangely empowering.  My dear husband has informed me that this is the only time I’m allowed to do this, so I’m enjoying it as much as I can.  It’s growing quickly.

Today is my day off, and I somehow injured myself in my sleep last night, rendering me useless for most of my planned tasks today. So, other than creating this blog and working on loan pre-approval stuff, I am studying for my massage continuing education units required for Alabama license renewal.  This time I’m getting certified in prenatal massage.  I originally wanted to become a doula, but that will have to come later with more time and money.  I’m also waiting for Gabriel to come home from disc golfing so we can resume work on our latest 1000-piece puzzle and next episode of Lost.

Oh my gosh, I just remembered that I have leftover loaded baked potato soup in the fridge.  I am compelled to reheat it now, so I must end this post.  Which reminds me to give credit to Becky Perry for partial inspiration for this blog, particularly her recipes section, which I think is an excellent idea.

classic

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