Chatter Boxes

Sorry for my blog absence lately. Here are a few updates on life around here.

We finally closed on the sale of our condo. Yeah! I was a little sad to leave "my first home" but it's made a little easier when I remember why.

Speaking of leaving, I was also sad to leave my roommate of five years. We're both excited about the days ahead but it's the end of an era! There's a lot to go through together in five years. Happy things like getting a dog...getting new jobs...graduating from grad school...meeting our muscle-neighbor and asking him to move furniture as much as possible. Sad things like break-ups...losing friends...and killing spiders. Sheena misses her (I do too). We're both moved out and getting moved in to our new "eras".

Speaking of moving, I'm snuggly tucked into my 1 bedroom apartment. It's pretty tight quarters but I'll make due. I'll be here with my dog until November when John will join us (in 44 more days!) I already say things like "our" apartment and "we" bought a new entertainment center. It's not really on purpose...that's just what comes out of my mouth.

The apartment itself is not bad but I have nicknamed the complex, "party cove". I've only seen one person that appears to be older than me. The first weekend I counted about 60 cans of beer (that's cumulative...3 cases here...4 cases there). And there's the noise level to go with it. It's acutally pretty quiet when I go to bed but then the bars close and everyone comes home using their "I'm-loaded-and-I-cannot-control-my-volume" voices. This will make me appreciate my house in Spring Hill all the more.

Speaking of the house in Spring Hill, here's a brief update. The old house will be moved no later than next Monday. We'll then be able to get started on digging the basement and pouring the foundation for the new house. Well, we won't but someone will. John has done a great job in coordinating contractors, schedules, loans, etc. I'd much rather plan a wedding...it's a lot less stressful.

Speaking of weddings, 44 days to go! Plans are coming together and I'm checking more and more things off of my to-do list. I was even able to stay home last night, sit in front of the tv with Sheena at my feet, and not worry about what's not getting done. My mom has been a big help. It'll be a fun day for us and hopefully for everyone else.

Speaking of everyone else, I hope you are all doing well and will continue to check back often despite my infrequent posts.

No more "Kansas" jokes after a story like this.

My favorite line is, "The chicken died on the scene."

I had a very productive Labor Day weekend. I know it’s supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation but it is called “labor” day after all…and labor we did. Okay, so we threw in a little relaxation here and there.

Friday night was another thrilling night as a Royals’ fan. We were ahead 7-0 but no Royals’ fan in their right mind would sit back and think, “we’ve got this one in the bag!” They did win but not without a few tense moments, care of the most consistent bullpen in major league baseball. They’re not good…but they are consistent.

The best part was the seemingly prim and proper grandmotherly lady in front of us who appeared to have had a little too much of the bubbly. She would stand up and shake her booty every time the Royals scored. For those of you keeping track at home, that would be seven booty shakes.

We stayed for Friday night fireworks and stopped at Wendy’s where our tickets were good for two free frosties. Free tickets (thanks dad), free fireworks, AND free frosties.

Saturday (and Sunday), John tackled the “ring saw” beast. It’s hard work cutting through 7 inches of concrete, made all the more difficult by a defective ring saw. The defect was actually a blessing in disguise because John could take it back to the equipment rental place, get a full refund, and have someone else do it. He looked up some tips for using a ring saw and tip #1 was, “contract it out!”. Not to go against the advice of professionals…he’ll do just that!

I spent the time collecting twigs and branches to compliment our “rustic” wedding décor. Don’t worry, we’ll be wearing shoes (for the most part) and using appropriate utensils. John joined the fun after deeming the ring saw officially kapoot. Collecting wedding decorations was not at the top of John’s to-do list this weekend but I appreciate his help.

Sunday night we made our way to Pops in the Park. It’s a free concert (are you sensing a theme?) put on by the Kansas City Symphony every Labor Day Weekend. We packed a picnic…in a real picnic basket! (Aunt Marilyn, I’ve been using the basket you gave me as decoration in my kitchen. Since I’m moving and packing things up, it was finally able to fulfill its purpose of transporting food in style and it worked great!)

Monday, after a half-day of work (hospitals never close you know), my loving and supportive family got together for a “wedding work day”. Mom, Dad, Kelly, John (and Tim who I’m sure did not envision this as part of his “best man” duties) worked on projects with a positive attitude and a witty sense of humor. I so wish I would have had my camera to capture the basement as wedding headquarters and my family enveloped in flowers, ribbons, sticks (part of my favorite wedding project), labels, stamps, and more. This was not my idea. It’s great not to have to ask for help. I so appreciate their willingness to help.

I finished the weekend feeling exhausted but happy…which is so much better than feeling well rested and sad if you ask me.