19 days to go until Ross & I finally move-in to our first house! That gives us 3 weeks and 2 weekends to get our to-do list done!! It's going to be another crazy whirlwind of a few weeks of work!
2 weeks ago, life was hectic as I was preparing the house to be painted with my friends the following Saturday. I finished what I needed to do, and painting with my friends last Saturday was a blast! We got the entire master bedroom painted, so the day was a complete success and we felt very accomplished.
After that hectic week though, Ross & I took a break this past week, catching up on some much needed rest.
This weekend, my to-do list was farely light. I touched up paint around the house, painted the kitchen, and finished painting trim.
For Ross though, his to-do list is huge! And I'm praying he can get it done quickly, as long as we get some much needed help from another guy this weekend.
Ross tore down the ceiling in the entryway/den because the old owners had these awful 'office' ceiling tiles up (very similar to the master bedroom ceiling, which we tore down). Then, he tore out all the old ceiling insulation since it was pretty much deteriorated. We bought new insulation (costing us another chunk of $$, ugh!) and are currently stapling that up in the ceiling.
Next, comes the fun part. Ross will need to find another guy to help hang drywall on the ceiling. A tough job since drywall is HEAVY and it's not exactly easy to hang it overhead. So hopefully we can find someone that is free sautrday so he can get that done and I can come in and drywall mud all the seams, sand, mud again, sand, and mud for a third time, and then paint.
AND in between all of this, we need to go carpet shopping and schedule it for installation before we move in!!
Oh, and I guess cleaning the house before we move-in would be smart too. Especially from all of the dust we've created from sanding.
SO even though we knew buying a fixer-upper was gonna be work, it just seems like the to-do list never ends! BUT I remind myself of where we started, and how FAR we've come since then. And I feel a little better :) I'll feel a lot better come May 7th on move-in day!! whew.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Loves of Life
I'm in a much cheerier mood today, so I'm reverting to writing a much more positive post today! Things that I LOVE :)
1. Steroids. And pain killers. Let's just call them miracle drugs 0:) You can thank them for my good mood today. And me not feeling ANY pain today....whoo whooooo. I slept a blissful 12 hours last night, catching up on all the sleep I've been losing due to all the pain I've been in, the throbbing leg, the aching back, and not being comfortable in general. But after starting another (and 3rd attempt) steroid pack, life is blissful.
2. Snow. Ok, ok, I'm as tired as the next person when it comes to this cold and dreary weather, but as much as we are all sick and tired of snow, it never gets old to see the snow blanketed on all the trees. It's a Winter Wonderland out our way, and it sure is beautiful. AND the roads are clear....take THAT mother nature :) The best of both worlds.
3. Physical Therapy. Hopefully they can get me all fixed up. The neurosurgeon is a big-meany head and scared the *bejeesus* outta me yesterday by saying that he thinks I will need surgery! Yikes! So I cried and called my mommy, and she made it all better like when she would kiss my boo-boo when I was a kid (to this day, I thought she made up the word boo-boo b/c I was a kid and it was a cute word. Then I finally realized that that's just what they are called!). Anyway, my dad & I are confident that we can beat this thing with the right drugs and Physical Therapy, so surgery will be my absolute last resort! Take THAT big meany-head doctor.
4. Fridays. Ah, yes, who doesn't love Fridays?! It certainly puts a pep in my step :)
5. Talking to my best friend about her wedding planning details! It brings back those fond memories of my own wedding like it was just yesterday, but it's so much more fun to be on the other side of things this time. I can't wait to start shopping for dresses and see all the fun details come together! Especially now that I realize all the hard work that goes into all the little things.
6. My hubby :) Especially after dealing with me through these times and not complaining about it. Just the occasional nicknames, like 'grandma,' 'slow poke,' etc. *Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.* :P
That's all for today. Hope you are also having a cheerful day and a great weekend!
1. Steroids. And pain killers. Let's just call them miracle drugs 0:) You can thank them for my good mood today. And me not feeling ANY pain today....whoo whooooo. I slept a blissful 12 hours last night, catching up on all the sleep I've been losing due to all the pain I've been in, the throbbing leg, the aching back, and not being comfortable in general. But after starting another (and 3rd attempt) steroid pack, life is blissful.
2. Snow. Ok, ok, I'm as tired as the next person when it comes to this cold and dreary weather, but as much as we are all sick and tired of snow, it never gets old to see the snow blanketed on all the trees. It's a Winter Wonderland out our way, and it sure is beautiful. AND the roads are clear....take THAT mother nature :) The best of both worlds.
3. Physical Therapy. Hopefully they can get me all fixed up. The neurosurgeon is a big-meany head and scared the *bejeesus* outta me yesterday by saying that he thinks I will need surgery! Yikes! So I cried and called my mommy, and she made it all better like when she would kiss my boo-boo when I was a kid (to this day, I thought she made up the word boo-boo b/c I was a kid and it was a cute word. Then I finally realized that that's just what they are called!). Anyway, my dad & I are confident that we can beat this thing with the right drugs and Physical Therapy, so surgery will be my absolute last resort! Take THAT big meany-head doctor.
4. Fridays. Ah, yes, who doesn't love Fridays?! It certainly puts a pep in my step :)
5. Talking to my best friend about her wedding planning details! It brings back those fond memories of my own wedding like it was just yesterday, but it's so much more fun to be on the other side of things this time. I can't wait to start shopping for dresses and see all the fun details come together! Especially now that I realize all the hard work that goes into all the little things.
6. My hubby :) Especially after dealing with me through these times and not complaining about it. Just the occasional nicknames, like 'grandma,' 'slow poke,' etc. *Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.* :P
That's all for today. Hope you are also having a cheerful day and a great weekend!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Gripes about Life
1. Me, walking slower than a turtle. It's ok though. I think it was God's way of telling me to slow down. But don't get me wrong, as soon as I'm back to normal, I'll be back to my 'fast-paced walking' self again!
(are you sick of hearing about my broken back yet?? Yes?!? well TOO BAD! mwahaha.)
2. "If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all." Remember that saying from, like, Full House?! Yep, I still abide by it, or at least try my hardest to (or I just say things to myself only instead). I just wish more people would follow this. Humph. Especially when it's something as stupid as "Well I wouldn't have picked THESE paint colors." Did anyone ask you for your opinion!??! Ok, maybe I did, but can't you lie?! Because in the end, once the house is FINALLY decorated, you'll change your mind and say how great it all looks. Just like everything else.
3. People that are so focused on helping, helping, helping(!) that they forget that most of the time, we don't NEED help, but more importantly, SUPPORT. It would be nice to hear more words of encouragement, rather than them focusing on all things that are wrong in YOUR life. Especially when WE are happy! So why should they care?! Focus on your OWN life and leave ours alone.
4. An un-ergonomically designed chair. I can't get comfortable. Which I blame for my crabby mood behind this post :)
5. Cold weather. We're halfway thru March, and I'm counting down the days to Spring :) More importantly, I'm counting down the days to camping season and relaxing with great friends around a campfire, roasting marshmallows!
6. Not knowing if the title of this post makes sense. I think 'gripes' is the correct word. Or is it just a word I made up?! I do that a lot -- make up my own words -- and then Ross corrects me. And then I keep using my word anyway because I like my new made-up word!
7. Running out of things to complain about for today. I'm sure there will be something else, but for now, that's all I've got!
Thanks for reading :) TGI-almost-F!
(are you sick of hearing about my broken back yet?? Yes?!? well TOO BAD! mwahaha.)
2. "If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all." Remember that saying from, like, Full House?! Yep, I still abide by it, or at least try my hardest to (or I just say things to myself only instead). I just wish more people would follow this. Humph. Especially when it's something as stupid as "Well I wouldn't have picked THESE paint colors." Did anyone ask you for your opinion!??! Ok, maybe I did, but can't you lie?! Because in the end, once the house is FINALLY decorated, you'll change your mind and say how great it all looks. Just like everything else.
3. People that are so focused on helping, helping, helping(!) that they forget that most of the time, we don't NEED help, but more importantly, SUPPORT. It would be nice to hear more words of encouragement, rather than them focusing on all things that are wrong in YOUR life. Especially when WE are happy! So why should they care?! Focus on your OWN life and leave ours alone.
4. An un-ergonomically designed chair. I can't get comfortable. Which I blame for my crabby mood behind this post :)
5. Cold weather. We're halfway thru March, and I'm counting down the days to Spring :) More importantly, I'm counting down the days to camping season and relaxing with great friends around a campfire, roasting marshmallows!
6. Not knowing if the title of this post makes sense. I think 'gripes' is the correct word. Or is it just a word I made up?! I do that a lot -- make up my own words -- and then Ross corrects me. And then I keep using my word anyway because I like my new made-up word!
7. Running out of things to complain about for today. I'm sure there will be something else, but for now, that's all I've got!
Thanks for reading :) TGI-almost-F!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Surprise Birthday
So it's taken me until THIS weekend to finally post our adventures from last weekend! It's been quite a 'roller-coaster' of a week. So sorry! Anyway, last weekend was absolutely fantastic. Some good times spent with some great friends!
Afterward, we ate at '5 Guys,' a delicious burger joint that Ross & I haven't gotten the chance to try yet, even though they finally opened one in Cranberry a few months ago! It was delish! Then we had a few errands to run and the guys had a little too much fun in the "Five Below!"
Next, was my upmost favorite part of the whole trip .....a 2-story TARGET! ...complete with an escalator for your cart!! That's right...I was so excited I got a picture!! ha!
I was even more amazed that this Target had it's own 4-story parking garage...say WHAT!! Crazy-ness is what that is. Ross & Mike were dumbfounded that Ang & I insisted on going to Target, just so I could check out the cart escalator, but not so. Not when there is an escalator solely for your cart! And yes, I was not ashamed to push around my empty cart around the store just to get the full experience!
It was my best friend's, Ang's, birthday this past week. Her boyfriend, Mike, always tries to surprise her with something on her birthday, however, she's too smart and spoils the surprise every year! So he came up with an idea to have Ross & I come down to their apartment in Bethesda, MD to surprise her (since we ended up canceling last minute for their Halloween Party, this would be our way of making it up to her). It was perfect! Mike was thrilled to have finally surprised her! And luckily, no one spilled the beans the week prior about our planned adventure. She didn't find out the good news, literally, until we showed up at her door :)
Ultimately, it was a great weekend. Ross & I got to their place Friday night, and went out on the town with some of their friends to celebrate a few different birthdays. We were up til 4 am just reminiscing and enjoying ourselves. Saturday, Ang & Mike were our 'tour guides' and took us to D.C. to walk around and see the monuments & check out the Air & Space Museum (which I haven't seen since I was a kid). It was a bea-u-ti-ful day outside, and we were so happy to enjoy one of the last sunny days before the cold weather sets in!
Afterward, we ate at '5 Guys,' a delicious burger joint that Ross & I haven't gotten the chance to try yet, even though they finally opened one in Cranberry a few months ago! It was delish! Then we had a few errands to run and the guys had a little too much fun in the "Five Below!"
Next, was my upmost favorite part of the whole trip .....a 2-story TARGET! ...complete with an escalator for your cart!! That's right...I was so excited I got a picture!! ha!
I was even more amazed that this Target had it's own 4-story parking garage...say WHAT!! Crazy-ness is what that is. Ross & Mike were dumbfounded that Ang & I insisted on going to Target, just so I could check out the cart escalator, but not so. Not when there is an escalator solely for your cart! And yes, I was not ashamed to push around my empty cart around the store just to get the full experience!Saturday night we hung out at the apartment with a group of Ang & Mike's friends. They were all so nice and fun to hang out with! We played a few games, and had a lot of good laughs. I think I ended up crashing before everyone left though due to my lack of sleep the previous night. I knew it would catch up sooner or later.
On Sunday, needless to say, was a 'catch-up on rest' day after our 4-hour drive home. The trip was well worth it. It's taken us forever to get out there to see their place, but I'm so glad we finally made the trip. Ang's face was priceless when we knocked on their door and yelled 'Surprise!!' (ok, so maybe I was the only one who yelled surprise, b/c Ross refused to participate), but still priceless :) Happy Birthday Ang!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Jury Duty & Other Fun Happenings...
What's been going on in my life? Too much and not too much all at the same time.
I was called in for Jury Duty last Tuesday, and to my dissapointment, was selected for a trial. So I was downtown Wed. and Thursday as well. Luckily, all of my bosses understood, and were happy I did justice & put a bad guy in jail :) Let's just say this guy was a CREEP! I had all good intentions, and did NOT want to put anybody in jail....but once we gave our 'Guily' verdict (after concluding the DNA evidence was too hard to ignore), we were given some extra information that we were not allowed to know about beforehand, and apparently this was his 3rd conviction!! For the same thing! So I count myself as being productive last week :)
Saturday, Ross & I headed out to the Pirate's game with my friends Ang & Mike, who had Box Seats, thanks to Mike's parents who had won the tickets :) I felt very spoiled. Especially since our box had a flat screen tv, and we were able to watch the preseason Pen's game while trying to also pay attention to the Pirate's game. Nothing like multi-tasking! After the game, O.A.R. performed. I was loving it!!! I've only recently begun listening to them, but Ross has always been a huge fan. And we didn't even know they were performing until a few days prior, so it made going to the game that much more fun! Aside from the chilly weather, and Ross not thinking to bring a jacket, we had a great night!
Sunday was a nice Pedicone cousin outing! HA. We all "watched" the Steeler's win and enjoyed a ton of great food. I like football purely for the social fun of it. But I am excited more for the Penguins :) :) :) and my boy Malkin to be back!!
Anyways, my plans for this weekend are up-in-the-air. Should I go camping myself with a few friends since Ross is all "camped-out?" Or stay home and hang out with Ross and avoid driving 2.5 hrs. each way (by myself) to the campground? I've asked Ross what he would do to convince me to stay home, and he said "Olive Garden." Hmmm....tough life choices, HA! What to do?! what to do?!
I was called in for Jury Duty last Tuesday, and to my dissapointment, was selected for a trial. So I was downtown Wed. and Thursday as well. Luckily, all of my bosses understood, and were happy I did justice & put a bad guy in jail :) Let's just say this guy was a CREEP! I had all good intentions, and did NOT want to put anybody in jail....but once we gave our 'Guily' verdict (after concluding the DNA evidence was too hard to ignore), we were given some extra information that we were not allowed to know about beforehand, and apparently this was his 3rd conviction!! For the same thing! So I count myself as being productive last week :)
Saturday, Ross & I headed out to the Pirate's game with my friends Ang & Mike, who had Box Seats, thanks to Mike's parents who had won the tickets :) I felt very spoiled. Especially since our box had a flat screen tv, and we were able to watch the preseason Pen's game while trying to also pay attention to the Pirate's game. Nothing like multi-tasking! After the game, O.A.R. performed. I was loving it!!! I've only recently begun listening to them, but Ross has always been a huge fan. And we didn't even know they were performing until a few days prior, so it made going to the game that much more fun! Aside from the chilly weather, and Ross not thinking to bring a jacket, we had a great night!
Sunday was a nice Pedicone cousin outing! HA. We all "watched" the Steeler's win and enjoyed a ton of great food. I like football purely for the social fun of it. But I am excited more for the Penguins :) :) :) and my boy Malkin to be back!!
Anyways, my plans for this weekend are up-in-the-air. Should I go camping myself with a few friends since Ross is all "camped-out?" Or stay home and hang out with Ross and avoid driving 2.5 hrs. each way (by myself) to the campground? I've asked Ross what he would do to convince me to stay home, and he said "Olive Garden." Hmmm....tough life choices, HA! What to do?! what to do?!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Camping Extravaganza
I had to use the title since our "Camping Extravaganza" organizer, Ang, decided to call it that on the Facebook invite :) ha. Anyway, this past weekend for camping was absolutely beautiful. No rain, just enough sunshine to warm up during the day, and enough to cool off at night in order to enjoy a nice campfire. I love this time of year! And I'm glad Ross convinced me to pass Dakota off to the in-laws this weekend b/c I don't think she would've enjoyed the cold nights as much.
As for our camping trip, we had quite a few people that were able to make it. Other than our good friends Ang & Mike, our friend Kris, and her new b/f, Josh (who we got to grill just a bit, j/k!) were able to make it, Ang's brother and his wife (first-time campers....I hope they enjoyed themselves and join us again in the future!), and a few other friends of Ang & Mike's who Ross & I got to meet for the first time that were really fun to hang out with. I think we had a total of about 12 people?! It was a great group and I look forward to camping with everyone again ...hopefully we didn't scare away any of the newbies :)
As for organizing the trip...thanks Ang!! It always ends up being more work than you think it will be, so I really appreciate all the time and effort she put into this...especially since she's back-to-school and working 10+ hour days!
Ah....time to reminisce. Hopefully we can get out one more time, but I'm not sure Ross is willing. He was already "camped out" a month ago, and I was lucky he enjoyed himself this weekend. So we'll see. I just may have to go stag :)
As for our camping trip, we had quite a few people that were able to make it. Other than our good friends Ang & Mike, our friend Kris, and her new b/f, Josh (who we got to grill just a bit, j/k!) were able to make it, Ang's brother and his wife (first-time campers....I hope they enjoyed themselves and join us again in the future!), and a few other friends of Ang & Mike's who Ross & I got to meet for the first time that were really fun to hang out with. I think we had a total of about 12 people?! It was a great group and I look forward to camping with everyone again ...hopefully we didn't scare away any of the newbies :)
As for organizing the trip...thanks Ang!! It always ends up being more work than you think it will be, so I really appreciate all the time and effort she put into this...especially since she's back-to-school and working 10+ hour days!
Ah....time to reminisce. Hopefully we can get out one more time, but I'm not sure Ross is willing. He was already "camped out" a month ago, and I was lucky he enjoyed himself this weekend. So we'll see. I just may have to go stag :)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Finance Conference
Today has been a catch-up day at work since I've been gone all week at our Global Finance Conference at Lakeview Resort in Morgantown, WV. I was reluctant about attending the conference ever since I began helping to plan it almost 3 months ago. I really didn't want to go, I was reserved about not knowing anyone, being the youngest attendee there (since most of the invited attendees were managers, controllers, etc.) and just hoped that I could manage to mingle enough to survive. All in all, the conference went really well, and I even enjoyed myself for the most part :) (I guess the free Pedicure didn't hurt!). I hope to get some good feedback from people, but me and the other 2 ladies that planned it have already been voted to be the "conference planners" again next year...so we must've done something right!
I was excited to finally meet a lot of the people that I already correspond with. It always nice to put a face to a name. And it was great to meet some of our Global Controllers from all over the world, a few from Sweden, Japan, China, Germany, Spain, etc. Too bad our dept. won't allow us to plan the Conference in Europe next year :P Now THAT would be awesome, ha.
Anyways, I got home yesterday afternoon after a nasty drive in the pouring down rain, unpacked, did my laundry, and packed again (3rd time in the past 2 weeks! *sigh*) for camping this weekend with a few friends. So far, it looks like no chance of rain all weekend, and beautiful autumn weather!! I love Fall! It's certainly the best time to go camping :) Especially when it cools down at night, and we can hover around a nice campfire, and then snuggle into a sleeping bag. Ah...I'm so excited. Even though I'm not looking forward to another long car ride, it'll still be worth it.
I was excited to finally meet a lot of the people that I already correspond with. It always nice to put a face to a name. And it was great to meet some of our Global Controllers from all over the world, a few from Sweden, Japan, China, Germany, Spain, etc. Too bad our dept. won't allow us to plan the Conference in Europe next year :P Now THAT would be awesome, ha.
Anyways, I got home yesterday afternoon after a nasty drive in the pouring down rain, unpacked, did my laundry, and packed again (3rd time in the past 2 weeks! *sigh*) for camping this weekend with a few friends. So far, it looks like no chance of rain all weekend, and beautiful autumn weather!! I love Fall! It's certainly the best time to go camping :) Especially when it cools down at night, and we can hover around a nice campfire, and then snuggle into a sleeping bag. Ah...I'm so excited. Even though I'm not looking forward to another long car ride, it'll still be worth it.
Monday, July 26, 2010
All Work, No Play
In case you haven't noticed the trend of my blog lately, you'll see that I only update on Monday's. I guess you can blame that on the fact that nothing interesting happens during my work week, hence nothing to blog about, and then the weekend finally arrives and flies by, and I'm eagerly counting down til Friday again! Well, heck, at least I have two days out of the week to look forward to :) Anyway, this past weekend was no exception. It was great, and there's nothing better to perk up the Monday Blues by reminiscing.
This weekend, we got out again with my friend Ang and her boyfriend Mike, to a new campground along the Maryland/PA border. Since they reside in Bethesda, MD, we were trying to find a campground at the halfway point, and I think this particular campground was the best we could find. It was called Hidden Springs Campground, right by Rocky Gap State Park, which was beautiful, and nestled in the PA mountains. It took us about 2 1/2 hrs. to get there (a bit too far if it were just me & Ross) but perfect for meeting in the middle. The campground itself was nice, once Ang & Mike explored and found a good site.
They got there a few hrs. before me & Ross, so they were in charge of checking out our site to see if A) it was wooded and shaded, B) if it was private (to avoid Dakota's insistent barking at ppl) and C) away from all the noisy RV's! ha. Well, they were ready to call it a weekend as soon as they got there! To their horror (and ours), our (original) site was located directly across from all the seasonal RV's (aka fake green grass carpet, and an overabundance of tacky lawn ornaments), provided only a few trees for shade (not nearly enough when they were calling for 105 degree weather!) and the sites were very crammed, sitting one on top of the other (I'm sure Dakota would've enjoyed it!). So after making a quick U-turn back to the campground store to inquire about some other sites, they found a perfect site located in the "Tent Area", which by the way, was the only area in the woods. Again, we're not sure why we weren't originally placed there after Ang specifically asked for privacy, woods, shade, lots of room for 2 TENTS, etc. Out of about 15 tent sites, only 2 were already reserved, so they were lucky to have their pick. I was relieved to show up and see that we had everything we had wanted. So after the initial reaction, we loved our site and the campground.
The only con of the whole weekend (besides the heat) were the rules of Rocky Gap State Park. We had anticipated on going swimming at their "beaches" in the lake, but they didn't allow dogs in any of the areas. We had to do a little of our own exploring on the trails to find a spot to get into the water with Dakota, but nothing was sandy except for what they had reserved as the swimming beaches. It's always dissapointing to not be allowed pets, especially when it's such a family-oriented place, and who doesn't treat their dogs like family anymore these days?! So we didn't spend as much time there as we would've liked. Normally, I don't mind putting her in her crate, but in that kind of heat, I didn't want to take the chance.
So overall, we had a great weekend! We can't wait to go back and try out another site that was even better than ours (but already taken). And hopefully next time the heat won't be so bad. After this weekend, I've finally found a flaw with our tent.... it allows NO air circulation! HA. But I still love it.
On a side note.... Happy 2-Year Anniversary to my hubby :) (wow! can't believe it's been 2 yrs. already!!)
This weekend, we got out again with my friend Ang and her boyfriend Mike, to a new campground along the Maryland/PA border. Since they reside in Bethesda, MD, we were trying to find a campground at the halfway point, and I think this particular campground was the best we could find. It was called Hidden Springs Campground, right by Rocky Gap State Park, which was beautiful, and nestled in the PA mountains. It took us about 2 1/2 hrs. to get there (a bit too far if it were just me & Ross) but perfect for meeting in the middle. The campground itself was nice, once Ang & Mike explored and found a good site.
They got there a few hrs. before me & Ross, so they were in charge of checking out our site to see if A) it was wooded and shaded, B) if it was private (to avoid Dakota's insistent barking at ppl) and C) away from all the noisy RV's! ha. Well, they were ready to call it a weekend as soon as they got there! To their horror (and ours), our (original) site was located directly across from all the seasonal RV's (aka fake green grass carpet, and an overabundance of tacky lawn ornaments), provided only a few trees for shade (not nearly enough when they were calling for 105 degree weather!) and the sites were very crammed, sitting one on top of the other (I'm sure Dakota would've enjoyed it!). So after making a quick U-turn back to the campground store to inquire about some other sites, they found a perfect site located in the "Tent Area", which by the way, was the only area in the woods. Again, we're not sure why we weren't originally placed there after Ang specifically asked for privacy, woods, shade, lots of room for 2 TENTS, etc. Out of about 15 tent sites, only 2 were already reserved, so they were lucky to have their pick. I was relieved to show up and see that we had everything we had wanted. So after the initial reaction, we loved our site and the campground.
The only con of the whole weekend (besides the heat) were the rules of Rocky Gap State Park. We had anticipated on going swimming at their "beaches" in the lake, but they didn't allow dogs in any of the areas. We had to do a little of our own exploring on the trails to find a spot to get into the water with Dakota, but nothing was sandy except for what they had reserved as the swimming beaches. It's always dissapointing to not be allowed pets, especially when it's such a family-oriented place, and who doesn't treat their dogs like family anymore these days?! So we didn't spend as much time there as we would've liked. Normally, I don't mind putting her in her crate, but in that kind of heat, I didn't want to take the chance.
So overall, we had a great weekend! We can't wait to go back and try out another site that was even better than ours (but already taken). And hopefully next time the heat won't be so bad. After this weekend, I've finally found a flaw with our tent.... it allows NO air circulation! HA. But I still love it.
On a side note.... Happy 2-Year Anniversary to my hubby :) (wow! can't believe it's been 2 yrs. already!!)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Relaxin'
As much as I love camping, it's nice to have a weekend at home too. I almost think it's necessary to have at least one weekend in between camping trips, just to get the house and chores back in order before being gone for another weekend. And it makes me think that staying home isn't all that bad anyway.
Friday night we got together with the whole fam as an excuse to celebrate Michelle's birthday. Did I get a family cookout for my birthday?! NO. But then again, I'm not the queen of the family. ha...just kidding. Ross at least treats me like the princess I am, on my birthday :)
Saturday was nice to be home to get some errands done. I had a few to run with mom, and of course, that always means lunch is included, which I always enjoy! That night, I went out with 2 of my girlfriends to the Pirate's game (which also was Skyblast night!). It was great to get out for an all-girls night, which hasn't happened in ages, and was long overdue. We also enjoyed the fireworks since none of us bothered to see any for 4th of July, so it was a good ending to a great night!
I'm declaring Sunday my laziest day of the week, every week. Every Sunday seems to be exhausting, even if it means doing nothing all day, but just being lazy, like yesterday. Ross & I forced ourselves to go grocery shopping (like we normally do on Sundays) but we were both so tired, and boy, did it seem like a chore. Luckily, we had a great dinner to look forward to when we got home. Betsy had recommended a great way of cooking Ribs, so we were anxious to try it out. We bought some Baby Back Ribs, put them in the oven, at 275 degrees for a total of 2 hours. During the last hour, we intermittingly spread on our favorite BBQ sauce. They were delicious!! By far, one of our best dinners yet :) We also lounged around and watched a few movies, one of which was 'Avatar.' Ross saw it in theatres with the 3D effects, but I was still curious about all the hype and wanted to see it for myself, even if I didn't get the effects. But I have to admit, it was actually pretty good, after procrastinating to watch it for so long, but was a bit long. Maybe just b/c it ran past my 10:00 bedtime! So needless to say, I am tired today, ha!
So, the weekend was great, with good weather too. Let's hope we can have another sunny weekend since we'll be camping next weekend again. Nothing like camping in the rain when it's calling for scattered thunderstorms all week :( Finger's crossed!
Friday night we got together with the whole fam as an excuse to celebrate Michelle's birthday. Did I get a family cookout for my birthday?! NO. But then again, I'm not the queen of the family. ha...just kidding. Ross at least treats me like the princess I am, on my birthday :)
Saturday was nice to be home to get some errands done. I had a few to run with mom, and of course, that always means lunch is included, which I always enjoy! That night, I went out with 2 of my girlfriends to the Pirate's game (which also was Skyblast night!). It was great to get out for an all-girls night, which hasn't happened in ages, and was long overdue. We also enjoyed the fireworks since none of us bothered to see any for 4th of July, so it was a good ending to a great night!
I'm declaring Sunday my laziest day of the week, every week. Every Sunday seems to be exhausting, even if it means doing nothing all day, but just being lazy, like yesterday. Ross & I forced ourselves to go grocery shopping (like we normally do on Sundays) but we were both so tired, and boy, did it seem like a chore. Luckily, we had a great dinner to look forward to when we got home. Betsy had recommended a great way of cooking Ribs, so we were anxious to try it out. We bought some Baby Back Ribs, put them in the oven, at 275 degrees for a total of 2 hours. During the last hour, we intermittingly spread on our favorite BBQ sauce. They were delicious!! By far, one of our best dinners yet :) We also lounged around and watched a few movies, one of which was 'Avatar.' Ross saw it in theatres with the 3D effects, but I was still curious about all the hype and wanted to see it for myself, even if I didn't get the effects. But I have to admit, it was actually pretty good, after procrastinating to watch it for so long, but was a bit long. Maybe just b/c it ran past my 10:00 bedtime! So needless to say, I am tired today, ha!
So, the weekend was great, with good weather too. Let's hope we can have another sunny weekend since we'll be camping next weekend again. Nothing like camping in the rain when it's calling for scattered thunderstorms all week :( Finger's crossed!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
3-Days Too Little
Welp, since I'm sitting here at work, on a rainy, miserable Tuesday back from an enjoyable 3-day weekend, I might as well update this blog a little and reminisce about how wonderful my weekend was.
This past weekend was mine & Ross' camping trip with my 2 closest girlfiends and their boyfriends, at a campground near Ohiopyle, which we've all been to before. First off, the weather was nothing short of PERFECT! Nice & sunny, upper 70's/low 80's (but cooler since we camp in the shaded woods), and not a single drop of rain (even though it was calling for thunderstorms Friday night, it somehow missed us). So I guess for scoring such a great weekend, I won't be allowed to complain if we get one rainy weekend of camping later in the season, I guess it's a fair trade?!
Our white-water rafting trip on Saturday was a lot of fun. The best part?! Me NOT falling out of the raft. We all had a great time, and our guide even called us an athletic bunch :) I'll group myself into that category since I was there, even though I'm the least athletic person you'll ever meet! I have so many great stories and memories from that trip, it was so exciting to try something new. Our guide was also perfect for us, he was about our age, and had a ton of experience, so we got a lot of individual rafting time rather than being grouped in with the other 8 rafts who all stuck together. We were also always first into the rapid, or last, depending on whether our guide had to help guide the other rafts through (giving us time to relax on shore and watch the other rafts go through the rapids).
Sunday we explored and walked around the little town of Ohiopyle, checked out the natural waterslide and relaxed on the riverbank. I actually managed to get a little sun on my shoulders....look at me catching up to my Mexican-colored husband!! (haha)
Other than that, we played a little cornhole, phase 10 and Skipp-o, drank a little beer, and ate a LOT of great food. It was the perfect way to relax on a long weekend, and I wouldn't have had it any other way :) I can't wait til our next outing, that has yet to be planned.
But for now, Ross & I have our next camping trip to look forward to in 2 weeks, with Stephen & Betsy, Michelle & Mike, and mom & dad. We're trying out a new campground, about 30 min.'s from Ohiopyle, where we get to tent along the river. Should be great! Or maybe that's when mother nature will make me pay my dues for last weekend's sunny weather....
This past weekend was mine & Ross' camping trip with my 2 closest girlfiends and their boyfriends, at a campground near Ohiopyle, which we've all been to before. First off, the weather was nothing short of PERFECT! Nice & sunny, upper 70's/low 80's (but cooler since we camp in the shaded woods), and not a single drop of rain (even though it was calling for thunderstorms Friday night, it somehow missed us). So I guess for scoring such a great weekend, I won't be allowed to complain if we get one rainy weekend of camping later in the season, I guess it's a fair trade?!
Our white-water rafting trip on Saturday was a lot of fun. The best part?! Me NOT falling out of the raft. We all had a great time, and our guide even called us an athletic bunch :) I'll group myself into that category since I was there, even though I'm the least athletic person you'll ever meet! I have so many great stories and memories from that trip, it was so exciting to try something new. Our guide was also perfect for us, he was about our age, and had a ton of experience, so we got a lot of individual rafting time rather than being grouped in with the other 8 rafts who all stuck together. We were also always first into the rapid, or last, depending on whether our guide had to help guide the other rafts through (giving us time to relax on shore and watch the other rafts go through the rapids).
Sunday we explored and walked around the little town of Ohiopyle, checked out the natural waterslide and relaxed on the riverbank. I actually managed to get a little sun on my shoulders....look at me catching up to my Mexican-colored husband!! (haha)
Other than that, we played a little cornhole, phase 10 and Skipp-o, drank a little beer, and ate a LOT of great food. It was the perfect way to relax on a long weekend, and I wouldn't have had it any other way :) I can't wait til our next outing, that has yet to be planned.
But for now, Ross & I have our next camping trip to look forward to in 2 weeks, with Stephen & Betsy, Michelle & Mike, and mom & dad. We're trying out a new campground, about 30 min.'s from Ohiopyle, where we get to tent along the river. Should be great! Or maybe that's when mother nature will make me pay my dues for last weekend's sunny weather....
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Rain, Rain, Go Away
I have a TON of errands to run today, and it's raining :( I hate running errands in the rain, in case running errands isn't bad enough, now its wet out, and people are dumb when it comes to driving in the rain. O well....I'll gladly let it rain this weekend if that means it'll be nice next weekend for our camping trip with friends :) Hence the reason I have so many things to do....just trying to get ready for our first camping trip of the season and getting things done that can't be done next weekend. I can't wait for next weekend! It's gonna be a blast :) Now I just gotta get through my to-do list for today, and hopefully not be a total wreck at the end of the day. Who knows, if I have any time or energy left, Ross said he would take me to see Shrek Forever After!! I lurv Shrek! I read a few bad reviews, but what do those critics know anyways?! I don't think I'll be too disappointed (just give me a bag of popcorn and this girl is happy!). But don't I just have the sweetest husband that will take me to a movie he could careless to see just b/c I want to go?! I know.. I think he's pretty awesome too :)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Farewell Old Friend...
Even though we technically moved 2 weeks ago, it was only yesterday that we finally turned in the keys to the old apartment. It was a bittersweet moment. 
That apartment was a first for many things, and looking back on it, I can't believe how much has changed since first moving in there. I lived there for 3 years, and Ross, 2 years. It was my first taste of independence, my first taste of adulthood. I never really had the "college" experience, so the first year of living alone really allowed me to learn a lot about myself. I held my first "real world" job while living there. I transferred to GVA Oxford only months after moving in there, and got laid off from GVA months before moving out, so I really relate that apartment to my time spent at a job I enjoyed that also helped carve a path for my future.
Ross & I got engaged while living there and married the next year:
We brought home Dakota to that apartment. She was my first dog (aside from family pets, that don't count) that I had to beg and beg Ross to allow me to get. Of course, I had wanted a pug all along, but we had compromised & settled on a miniature dachshund. Now I could officially call us a "family."
We also hosted our very first party with all of our friends on New Year's Eve 2008. It was a blast and one to remember :)
A lot has changed for Ross as well since moving in. This apartment was his first time not living at home with his parents anymore. He always commuted to college, so he also did not have the "college" experience. Aside from that, he's now a married man :) He also graduated from Robert Morris, and then IUP with his master's. He was studying hard in those days, and now finally has time to relax. He also purchased his first bike (after nicely calling me @ work one day to ask for permission, I'll never forget that phone call!) What a good husband :)
In case you're wondering, he's moved on already to a newer and better bike, for no cost, don't ask how but I guess my husband's a hustler! Don't worry if you can't see a difference, b/c I couldn't either and he was offended, ha!
Even though 3 years may not sound like a lot of time, it's amazing how much has changed! I can't wait to see what the next 3 years holds for us. We hope to own our first house in the next 3 years, and I hope to see us both working full-time jobs that we love and in the careers we had seen for ourselves. Maybe that is asking too much, but you can't have what you don't strive for. So here's a toast to the future and remembering old times :)
That apartment was a first for many things, and looking back on it, I can't believe how much has changed since first moving in there. I lived there for 3 years, and Ross, 2 years. It was my first taste of independence, my first taste of adulthood. I never really had the "college" experience, so the first year of living alone really allowed me to learn a lot about myself. I held my first "real world" job while living there. I transferred to GVA Oxford only months after moving in there, and got laid off from GVA months before moving out, so I really relate that apartment to my time spent at a job I enjoyed that also helped carve a path for my future.Ross & I got engaged while living there and married the next year:
We brought home Dakota to that apartment. She was my first dog (aside from family pets, that don't count) that I had to beg and beg Ross to allow me to get. Of course, I had wanted a pug all along, but we had compromised & settled on a miniature dachshund. Now I could officially call us a "family."
We also hosted our very first party with all of our friends on New Year's Eve 2008. It was a blast and one to remember :)
A lot has changed for Ross as well since moving in. This apartment was his first time not living at home with his parents anymore. He always commuted to college, so he also did not have the "college" experience. Aside from that, he's now a married man :) He also graduated from Robert Morris, and then IUP with his master's. He was studying hard in those days, and now finally has time to relax. He also purchased his first bike (after nicely calling me @ work one day to ask for permission, I'll never forget that phone call!) What a good husband :)
In case you're wondering, he's moved on already to a newer and better bike, for no cost, don't ask how but I guess my husband's a hustler! Don't worry if you can't see a difference, b/c I couldn't either and he was offended, ha!
Even though 3 years may not sound like a lot of time, it's amazing how much has changed! I can't wait to see what the next 3 years holds for us. We hope to own our first house in the next 3 years, and I hope to see us both working full-time jobs that we love and in the careers we had seen for ourselves. Maybe that is asking too much, but you can't have what you don't strive for. So here's a toast to the future and remembering old times :)
Monday, October 5, 2009
Farewell Camping Season
It is officially the end of mine & Ross' camping season. But we went off with a *bang!* this weekend with a few of my close friends, and lucked out with beautiful autumn weather (at least for Saturday & Sunday....Friday was a bit rained out!). I am already counting down the days until next season, as I have quickly realized how much I missed camping (since I went as a kid with my family) and how much I still love it. A few highlights of this weekend were the amazing steak and potatoes we made for dinner on Saturday (we are quite the chefs when we have a fire to cook over, as this is our only version of owning a grill!); the late night snacks of pizza moutain pies, and ham & chs melts; Ang's delicious taco dip (ok, i admit it, we're food-aholics when we go camping); our annoying camping neighbors that felt it necessary to yell "BEER" and "PARTY" at all annoying hours of the night/early morning! And then mimicking Ang when she would yell it back. HA!; and lastly, our cozy and quaint 3-person (but really only big enough for 2-people-and-a-dog) tent that i've grown quite fond of this season after seeing that it can definitely hold its own!Once we got home, Ross & I washed & detailed every inch of my car after the abuse & neglect it has taken since we use my car for camping. Now it is sparkling, and i can't even remember the last time it was so clean :) All of the camping stuff has been cleaned off and put away until next season. So for now, Farewell camping, Hello! fall sports...specifically the Penguins! There's is always something to look forward to in every *season :)
(*except Spring, haha)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)