Jingle Bell Run

Third year running

I did the Jingle Bell Run again this year. Luckily the weather warmed up for us on Saturday so it wasn't so bad. I didn't do as well as I was hoping...I ran a 12:13 mile. But not bad considering I haven't been running outside for a while.

My lungs and muscles were not used to the cold so my muscles locked up during the run and I had to pull over twice to stretch out. My lungs felt like they were filled with fluid because all I did after about a mile is cough and hack. That is what happens when you don't condition your body to the cold.

My mom surprised me and walked all 3 mile. She signed up and then on Monday decided she wasn't going to walk because of the cold. She promised she would at least take me and cheer me on. Well when we got there she changed her mind and decided to go for it.

I was so proud of her for completing the whole thing!

This years shirt was white....love the long sleeved shirts.

I'm now on the search for my next run.

Cookie Weekend

Its a tradition for me to make lots and lots of cookies before Christmas and then hand them out to everyone. My cookie traditions is a very structured and detailed process. Probably more so than most people when they make Chirstmas cookies.

I start out the day before I plan to bake and get out all my cookie books. I have about 5 that I pull from everyone. I try to make the traditional cookies every year than I look for cookies or bars that I've never made just to keep it fresh and to keep people wondering what I'm going to do from year to year.

This part usually takes a hour or so. This year I'm making the following

Chocolate Chip cookies
Snickerdoodles

Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate covered Bon bons
White Chocolate Chip and Macadamia nut cookie
Chewy Red Respberry Bars
Lemon Crumb bar
Doulbe Delicious Cookie Bars

Once the selection is made then I begin to figuring out how much of all the ingredients I need. I have an excel spreadsheet that I put in all the ingredients for each and it calculates how much I need of everything. Once this is done I go into my cabinets and see how much I have on hand and subtrack that amount so I know exactly how much I need of everything.

Here is what I had on hand before I went shopping.

Once I have my list then I go shopping. Once I make it home I have to divide up my kitchen into different working spaces. This saves a lot of time when I'm working.

First I move all my ingredients to my storage area....the kitchen table

Then I set up my mixing area (to the right) and my bagging area (Left). I bag all my dough and refrigerate what I'm not trying to bake at that time.

When it's time to bake I have my baking area, cooling area and cookie bagging area all set up in the same area.

The baking usually takes about 2 days to finish everything. On the second day I clean up all the areas and then set up an area to package my cookies.

Oh did I add that I also enjoy a beverage or two while I'm working. This year I decided to make my own mimosa. Mitch showed me how to make them so while I was at the store I picked some champagne and some OJ. Very tasty treat and helps prevent me from eating the cookies...mimosa and cookies don't go very well together:)

Anyway this year I have to make over 500 cookies or so....well my brake is over and it's time for me start baking again.

Pheasant Hunting

WARNING: GRAPHIC HUNTING PICTURE!!!!

I felt like I needed to put the warning up for those who are faint of heart about hunting...thank you for not being one of those people:)...LOL

To many people are surprised I hunt pheasants. I purchased my first 20g this past Oct and Mitch and I went out hunting in Nov one Sunday. To be honest I didn't have time to practice with it so I was no good at aiming the darn thing. I didn't get a bird:(

Anyway the following Saturday Mitch and I headed out again but this time it was a little different. Mitch went shooting with his gun and I went shooting with my camera. I really enjoy getting a great shot and I did!...take a look at this one.

Yes this is Mitch bringing down a Pheasant and I caught it on film...OK really it was digital!

This was an awesome picture because you can see the hunter, the tip of the gun, the gun smoke, the bird and the feathers behind the bird.

I have other pictures that I like but this is my favorite of the bunch!

Blogville

I seriously need to get better at reading blogs more proactively. I've made a few friends from blogging and have been able to keep up with them through the past several years via blogs**I don't facebook so blogging is my way of staying in touch** However recently I've failed in reading blogs for over two months and have missed a sad moment in one of my friends life.

I feel completely horrible for not knowing.

Os, once again, I'm sorry to hear.

Just let it go!!!

I have to admit that I was extremely upset that my ex of 5 years showed up at my doorstep last night. I didn’t talk to him; he just left an envelope on the front porch with 4 pictures and a letter. I’m not going to go into details but in the letter he left me his phone number.


I was more than pissed that he showed up which caused me to not sleep very well and caused me to have a bad hair day today. I really did look like crap.

As I was festering in my anger and rage a thought popped in my head. I delightful thought that released all the negative energy that has been churning inside. There was this weird inner peace thing that happened.

The thought was that he was pathetic. I know, I know…he has always been pathetic but for some reason it just hit me just right and…BOOM…all that rage I held onto was released.

I realized he was pathetic because he is remarried for a third time and he can’t stop thinking about me. He spends time actually thinking of ways to stay in contact, doing a drop by, whatever. Come on, he left his phone number…what did he really think I was going to do…call him? Nope instead I ripped up the paper into small pieces and threw it away.

It’s interesting that I have left such an impression that he can’t move on. He’s stuck in the past and won’t let go. Yea…I’m so good that once you meet me you can never forget me…LOL.

I’ve moved on with my life and don’t spend time thinking about him (OK except for when he shows up at my door step…I have a tendency to think about him then, but not in a good way). I’ve moved on to a happy life. I love the way my life has turned out and where I am at after 5 years.

Oh, well...the laugh is on him because all I can do is laugh and now know how pathetic he really is.

Fort Ben 5 K Trail run

I just love to torture myself. Today I woke up around early to run a 5k Trail run. I have to admit that I'm a little out of practice. But I got up this morning, drove 35 minutes away to run in the woods with a bunch of other crazy people.

At the beginning of the week I wasn't sure I would be able to make it. During my cruise to the Bahamas I twisted my ankle pretty bad so by the time I got back home my ankle had swollen up pretty bad but after a couple of days the pain went away.

At least the pain from my ankle went away. I began getting shin splints in both legs because of how I was walking to compensate for the hurt ankle. I went to personal training and Kevin told me to ice my shins...so I did and by Friday my legs were feeling better.

Then at 6am this morning I woke up screaming from a severe calf cramp. My muscle in my left leg had contracted so bad that it was as hard as a rock. I slid out of bed and turned on the hot water in the tub hoping that soaking my calf would prevent any additional pain prior to my run. It seemed to help.

I was running late to race so I didn't have time to warm my legs up much...which is not a good thing. The race started and about 10 minutes into it I could tell my ankle was still sore and my calf was starting aching and tighten up.To increase the difficulty of everything the trail was about 50% up hill with some steep inclines. Which I have not been training for.

At the beginning I had the strategy of keeping a steady slow pace which I did my best. After about the 3rd hill I had decided to change my strategy and if I was going up hill I would walk and everything else I would run. This strategy seemed to work well and was able to finish this race in 40.01 minutes. I'm definitely not proud of that time and to be honest that is the slowest time I have ever completed a 5k.

So my lessons learned:
First I need to always warm up
Second I need to add hill repeats into my training

My next race is scheduled in Dec which will mark the start of my third year participating in 5k races.

My Life List

Take a look to the right at "My Life List".

Did you notice I have a new "completed" item? I completed it this past weekend when I went on a cruise with my mom. I climbed a rock wall!

The experience was so energizing! The adrenaline rush was amazing or maybe it was my extreme fear of heights...not sure which but I came down shaking.

Here the Story:
Mom and I were looking for things to do because our ship had to take a detour which meant we were stuck on the ship an extra day. I'm not sure which one of us came up with the idea of trying to climb the rock wall but for some reason we thought it was a good idea.

We get up there and the rock wall looks like this towering monster. I look up and stare at it for a moment and start to wonder if this was a good idea after all. **this is a good idea because it was on my life list, I had to do it**

Mom and I sign the paper that basically says the ship is not responsible for any thing so if you die it's your fault....yep this should be fun.

We stand in line waiting for our helmets and harnesses and while we were standing in line I here this girl behind me say something about how she can't go up because her short are to short and people will see some of her ass.

I turn around and said "who cares besides who hasn't seen a little ass cheek". Her friend just bust out laughing and agreed with me. I added the comment of "if you've ever been at the beaches in Florida everyone has ass hanging out". Her friend couldn't stop laughing.

The girl shrug and gets into the harness and then blames me for persuading her to climb the rock....OK, really you just had to be there.

My mom was first and she climbed the wall half way up. She couldn't go any further but I figure a 61 year old, with bad knee did good to get half way up the wall. Everyone clapped and cheered for her when she rang the bell.

Then it was my turn. As the lady was hooking me up to the harness she gave me some quick instructions and added that she can push me if I need it. I told her that I will need the encouragement and I will need some help once I'm close to the top with my foot placement. She smiled and said I can do that.

I jumped on the wall and started to climb. One foot after another and one hand after another I was almost floating up the wall. Then there was a moment of panic. Of fear as a got a glimpse of the ground and how far up I was and I froze. I mid motion I stop!

My stomach started to twist and my arms felt weak and started to shake. Then I looked up and the bell was just a few feet away. **I can do this, I know I can, I have to do this**

Then I hear from beneath me the lady yelling up "put your left foot on the white step" I lifted my leg and placed it on the white peg and the crowd below started to scream and yell. All of a sudden I felt some strength come back into my arms and started to climb!

After a few seconds I was there at the top, the bell is right there, I just needed to reach for it. My finger wrapped around the rope and I rang that thing as hard and as loud as I could.

DING DING DING

I did it!

Bad doggy

I like to clean my house before people come over.  I like my house to look and smell as good as possible. Not to long ago I was working on washing all fabrics in my house including the doggy beds. Which I have found to be the source of most bad smells.

 At one point I was working in the bathroom scrubbing down everything and then I walk out into the living room and see this....

That is the doggy bed without the covering, which was in the washing machine at this point. My wonderful doggy decided she would be more comfortable if she removed most of the stuffing out of the center of the bed.

I just laughed at it. Even though it irritated me because I was working hard at doing a deep clean of the house it was priceless to see Chaunzie laying in the middle of the mess. I left the mess there until the cover was clean and dry and then attempted to stuff the cover with all that loose stuffing.

Ms E Birthday Party

Well Ms E invited me to her Birthday Party the other day. It was an all girls party so the guys packed there stuff and left. Us girls went out on the trampoline and jumped around for a while, we cracked open some beer and then turned on the music and dance around like crazy girls.

Here are some random pics from that evening.

Ms. E knows how to throw herself a Bday Party.

Redneck Party

I'm at a lose for words when it came to this last party I was at. A friend of Mitch and I invited us to her house, which is out in farm country. She and her husband set up the party area at the back of their property. There was food, music and a keg. About 30-40 people showed up and I only knew 2 people. My friend and her husband.

In a situation like this the best thing to do is mingle and find someone you are comfy with to hang around with for the night. Which I met some really nice girls.

The party was wild from the start.....ummm best way to explain is with pictures...and these were the tame ones...

It was like I was living in the movie JackAss near the end of the night. The sad thing is I'm getting old and I can't party like I used to...we called it quits around midnight....but the story I walked away with are great.

I would tell them here but I can't figure out a way to make them PC. But on second thought I think I will...in a separate post. Until then have a great weekend:)

Florida

Ok, I admit I've been rather lazy about blogging. I've just been so darn busy I barely have time to breath. I have so many things to catch up on. I'd like to talk about South Dakota but that will have to wait until I can get the pictures uploaded to my laptop so I'm forced to talk about Florida:)

The Florida tripped started back in August when I needed a break from life...I'm talking about packing up my stuff for the weekend and leaving to a different state! I had it with my life at this time. I've been to Florida a couple of times before with the girls and I couldn't remember the hotel we stayed at so I texted one of my friends and asked her the name of the hotel.

Of course she gave me the name and then ask why. I told her I just needed to get away and I was going to go soon...well things started to snowball and it ended up that her and another friend would join me and it wouldn't be for a few more weeks.

Well the trip finally came and this is a shot of my feet and the enclosed beached.

When you follow the stones, passed the grass you get to see this....

This is where we spent most of our time.

And this is what I saw when I layed my head back and completely relaxed

 I can't explain how nice it is to be able to have nothing to do but relax and eat, oh and swim in the ocean. The sounds and the smells are something I can't get here. It's nice to be able to get a break from life:)

lia sophia

It's been about a month since I've posted anything...I bet everyone thought I disappeared. I haven't, it's just been a crazy busy month for me.

Anyway, I held my first party in over 10 years. It was a lia sophia jewelry party. Well I kinda got roped into it. So hears the story

Lori (coworker), had a lia sophia party about a month ago and invited me. I love going to parties of any kind so I attended this one. Being a jewelry party I knew it was going to expensive, I just didn't realize how expensive. I was shocked to see items over $100!

I'm a practical person when it comes to money and spending that much money on a piece of jewelry was not something I was willing to do. So I didn't spend a dime...I know sucky of me but there wasn't anything that jumped out at me and scream at me.

So then the next day at work Lori was going on and on about all her "hostess items". It was crazy! However in order for her to get the top hostess items she needed one more person to book a party. So she almost begged me to host one.

I cringed a little because these type of parties are not my thing. But then as she was telling me about all the hostess items I thought why not. I figure I would walk out with at least a free bracelet. So I sent out about 25 invites hoping to get a small group together. The party was very small, only 4 people but we had a good time.

We busted out the alcohol and I fixed some dinner for everyone and we all sat around looking a jewelry, drinking and enjoying each other's company. Everyone stayed until 10pm....which shocked me. I was also able to show Pauline (coworker/friend) my recently installed patio and my remodeled bathroom. Pauline was around when I was installing my patio and she heard all my pains and tears about getting it done. So she truly appreciated the effort it took to install the thing:)

In the end I ended up selling enough to get the following hostess items
20%  of the sales to purchase regular priced items
4 -bonus items which are any item in the book for a ridiculously low price (examples $88 bracelet for bonus price of $15)
5 -1/2 price items
1 item free up to $100

Now here's the catcher....I'm having a hard time using all my hostess items! After everyone left I stayed up until midnight picking out all the stuff I liked. Then I woke up this morning and re-evaluated everything and still couldn't use all the hostess items.

So I called my mom to see if she wanted to use a 1/2 price item but because she purchased some items last night she didn't need anything else. Well crap..then Mitch called and I was telling him all the stuff I was looking at getting and he reminded me that we are trying to save for some ski trips and asked if I really want to spend all that money on jewelry....well crap again!

I hung up the phone, took a deep breath and paired everything down. I went from spending $150 down to about $78. I've selected two necklaces, two earrings and three bracelet's. Now that I've paired everything down I have even more hostess items to use. I went from only having one 1/2 off item to having five 1/2 off items.

So, I think I'm going to go back to all the ladies that showed for the party and see if they are interested in ordering anything else at 1/2 off. I figure they were all nice enough to come and actually order stuff they should get some of the benefit back.

If no one wants to take the items then they wont be used. If I had more money I would definately purchase more but I'm on a budget:(

Over all I enjoyed myself more than I figured I would.

Do Dogs have Taste buds?

This is a conversation Mitch and I had the other night. Do Dogs have Taste buds? We both believe they do however other's out there state that dogs don't taste.

This conversation lead to a little test on my dogs. I have the routine in the morning of grabbing a bowl of cereal and once I'm done I will give the dogs the rest of the milk. I've been doing this for years. So we thought it would be perfect opportunity to set my dogs up.

I grabbed two bowls this morning. One was my normally cereal and the other was water. After I got with my bowl I grabbed the bowl of water and placed it in front of them as normal.

Ladybug took one drink and looked up at me like I was crazy, then she walked away. It took Chaunzie a little longer. She took two quick drinks and then she took two slower drink and then walked away.

Does this crazy little test prove dogs, as a general population taste...no. But I think it's a pretty good case with the possibility to prove that dogs may taste. They just may not have the full range of taste as humans, which is why you see them eating each others poo...LOL.

Name Change?

I'm really thinking about doing it. I'm thinking about having my name changed back to the maiden name. The thought has been burning in my mind for a while and I know it will mess everyone up, even me.

I find it twisted because I used to hate my maiden name and wanted anything to have a different name. Now that I have a different name I want my old name back. There is many things I have to consider when doing this.

First what is the cost? I've spoken to father and he said it would cost a total of about 250 just for the name change. So, there is 250. Then I looked into all my passport..another $110. Then there is the gun permit that I haven't received yet...$20. This is starting to cost some money!

Then there is the tracking of all my credit card, bank accounts, retirement funds, savings bonds and facebook. I have to track down and request my name to be changed for all of these. Ugh! I've already started a list and have added the cost, if any, to all of them. I figure I will go ahead and run a credit report, which is the easiest way to find all my accounts.

But even with the confusion and question from everyone, the amount of work to track down all accounts and financial investment to do this I think I'm going to. I think I will ask father to help me with it (aka get the forms) and start the process in December. It will be my Christmas gift to myself!

New House

I've been looking for about a year for a house I would want to purchase. I've looked at my finances and I know how much I can afford (if I sold my current house and broke even). So I've narrowed my search to that price range and I've come up with nothing.

Then I tryed a different approach. I decided to look through all the houses and find a couple of houses I had an interested in and see what that price range was. To my disappointment the houses I like are out of my price range by about 75,000.

I have some different option.

Option 1
Stay in the house I am in and save for many many years with the hope that I will get some pay increases to help me pay for my dream house.

Option 2
Suck it up and continue on the path I'm on and try to find something in my price range.

Option 3
Start playing the lottery and hope I when $150,000 (remember 50% goes to taxes!) so I can have that 75,000 to fill the gap.

With a purchase this big I really want to make sure I pick the right house at the right price and will be happy with my choice for years to come.

I want my next house to be my "forever" home.

Future Trips

I love to travel and recently I've gone broke planning little getaways. I probably have to many trips planned, at least my pocket book thinks so.

Not in any order, because I have to keep everyone guessing

1)Utah trip to visit my friend
2)Multiple ski trips (ski season is approaching)
3)South Dakota
4)Bahamas
5) Florida

Don't worry I will take some pictures of  the trips and share:)

Friday the 13th

If you are superstition you would think Friday the 13th is a cursed day. But in reality it's what you make it.

Friday was a great day, crazy almost. It started as a team building even at noon.It was your standard team building with dorky games to test your knowledge of the company. It was extremely hot out so the games we had planned were a no go. So we brought out the board game. Then after hours hit and the beer and adult beverages came out.

Then after a short time the team building turned party went to Rick's Boatyard. The drinking and conversation continued and for the first time I started to feel part of the team. Even though this our TM's last day. From there I joined another group at a Mexican Restaurant for more drinks and conversation.

After dinner was over and the daiquiri's were gone a few of us decided to go down to Howl at the Moon and join a few other friends. There was a party going on and we were told that if we just mention this lady's name we would get in free. By the time we get down there the party had ended and there was a cover charge.

The three of us almost left when this lady, whom none of us have every seen before, busted out the door and said "why are you standing out here? the party is inside". We told her what was going on and she said "of forget them and come on". Some how we got in free.

I was a little buzzed but nothing to bad however my friend was drunk and she is a crazy drunk. While we were there, the whole 2 hr, here is what she proceeded to do.

1) steal a strangers phone and drunk dial some people on his phone
2) crazy dance, and while she was doing that she was yanking people from their chairs
3) Some how made it up on stage and proceeded to dry hump some strange from behind
4) while some stranger was sitting in his chair she lifted one leg and acted like she was humping him
5) while some girl had bent over in the bathroom she grabbed her thong and yanked it up.

I'm sure there are some other things I missed but I guess the funny thing was everyone loved her. No matter how crazy she was people chatted up a storm with her. Complete strangers seemed like her best friend.

Anyway the night came to an end and everyone went home. I just wish I had my camera for some of these moments.

Finally got the coffee table

I have to admit I haven't blogged like I normally do. Live just got busy and to be honest after I leave work I don't normally feel like jumping back on the computer after staring at it for 8-9 hours.

Anyway, I finally got my coffee table. It took about 5 weeks to get my table. Once again I will never again order anything from Ashley Furniture again. I will stick with having Mitch build it or shopping at Value City Furniture or Kittles. Value City Furniture had a good stock of items so if you purchase most of the time you can walk out same day and Kittles has killer quality at a good deal.

Ashley's stuff is lower end especially for the price you pay.

Here is my old table. Now before you pass judgement let me tell you the story behind the poor beat up table.

So about 10 or so years ago, back when I had a crappy job with crappy pay I was in desperate need of a coffee table. I searched everywhere, even at garage sales but i couldn't find anything. Anyway, my mom knew this lady who had children and was getting rid of this coffee table set because she couldn't keep the finger smudges off the glass from her kids.

So with $50 in hand me and my mom went to her house and purchased the coffee table, two end table and a sofa table.

Of course after years of abuse, water and food the poor table was looking pretty bad. So about 4 years ago I decided I was going to purchase a new set...well at least until I noticed the price of coffee tables. Then one day I was running around the house trying to get the house ready for a party that night and also trying to leave for work and noticed the legs on the table were loose. So, in a rush I lift the table to tighten the bolts and before I even thought about it two of the pieces of glass tumbled out and shattered on my hardwood floors.

Being the make shift person I am, I grabbed a self from out of my garage and throw it on the table to cover the holes. I have to say it was a big talking point at the party that night. But what could I do? About a year ago I cut the shelf down to fit into the holes.

Here is a picture of the new coffee table and end table. The coffee table has a drawer that I decided was going to face the couch so I could put the remotes in them and any extra paper.

Here is a side by side shot of the end tables. Notice the height difference! The coffee table increased in height also which is really nice when I'm working on my computer.

The positives about the tables

1) easier to clean under

2) less dust to clean off (notice all the curves on the old table)

3) Looks much much better in my living room!

Now the only thing I need to upgrade is my entertainment center. Which I've requested Mitch to create something for me. I've given him some idea's now he just needs to create it:)

Ashley Furniture

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a new coffee table at Ashley furniture. The delivery date was estimated for July 19 however the sales person said it would probably come in by July 11.


OK, I’m willing to wait three weeks for a coffee table I liked and it was rather inexpensive. I was really hoping it would come in by July 4 because I was having some people over on July 6 and I wanted my place to look put together. Well, no surprise, it didn’t come that weekend.

On July 10 I called Ashley’s to find out the status of my order. The sales person got on the phone and said, “well it looks like there was a delay and the order has been pushed out an additional week. So the tables won’t come in until the week of July 26”

WHAT! Internally I was burning up.

So I asked calmly “ what is the delay?”
Sales Person “well they were out of stock when you placed the order”
Me “couldn’t you tell the table was out of stock when I placed the order”
Sales Person “ No, we don’t have any control over what is in stock and we can’t see when it is out of stock”

I quickly ended the call. Ashley has the ridiculous policy for what they consider “delayed”. Only after 10 business days after the original estimated arrived do they consider the merchandise delayed and only after 30 days of being delayed will they consider refunding money.

So I have to wait a total of 70 days before I can do anything about this.

OK, so lesson is learned. I will not shop at Ashley furniture any more and I will tell everyone I know about what happened and about the “fine print”.

I’m glad I learned the lesson when I did because my plan was when I purchased my new home I was going to go to Ashley to furnish most of the empty rooms. But knowing what I know now I think I will stick with Kittles. It’s a little more pricey but the quality is worth the extra dollars and the customer service is as well.

Magic Jack update

OK, I'm impressed. Magic Jack works really well and you can sign up for 911 service so that your address will display on the operators screen. Which I really like that service.

I had my phone registered and up in ready in less than 5 minutes. Of course they try to up sale you on several option which I declined. When I purchased Magic Jack from Best Buy it came with one year of service for free. Which is good since I paid $40 for the device.

The down fall is that you must have your computer on for the phone to work and the phone won't work if there is a power outage or the Internet line is down. Also if you are downloading anything to your computer the quality of sound is not so good. 

The up side is they have a call forwarding feature that will forward all calls to any other phone. Which after a few minutes I figured out how to get to it.

The other down side is there is no instructions on how to find your account online. Finally I just started to click every thing on the magic jack window and found a link to my account and just started to play around with it.

But over all, if I can have a land line for only $20 a year and still have 911 service (safety first) I think I can deal with the short comings.

If your trying to save a dollar I would suggest to look into the magic jack as an option.

Weekend Project

So I really wasn't planning on doing a weekend project but I couldn't help my self. I finally finished the empty, crappy space behind my house and next to my patio. It was this ugly space in my yard that just didn't make it feel very cozy.

Ms E gave me the idea to edge and mulch the space where my swing was sitting and then mulch around my air conditioning and back side of the house. It didn't take any time at all. I completed it in about 3 hours.

BEFORE

AFTER

OK so there is still a little bit of clean up and I really need to work on the grass. Can you tell it's not cut yet...maybe I will tackle that tomorrow.

I even found pots that match the original pots I purchased at the beginning of spring! Very exciting however I will waiting until next year to plant anything in them. So for now they will remain empty.

I really feel like this has completed my patio and has made the back of my house look a little cleaner.

Comments

I have to admit I'm a little irritated about the SPAM Commenters. Not sure how I got targeted so I've changed my comments setting yet again.

I've removed the password verification...only becuase that hasn't stopped them
I'm allowing anyone to post a message...DeAnna that was for you!!!

However, I will monitor the comments before they get posted so I can allow the comments I want and delete the comments I don't. For some reason it makes me feel better knowing I can control what comments get seen on my blog.

If it comes down to it I will just get a new blog...of course if you've posted recently or are a friend/family I will let you know where to find me...but once again that is the absolute last draw.

And personally I really like this blog so it won't happen anytime soon, if at all.

So, comment as much as you want!

Magic Jack

So I’m a penny pincher and am trying to find creative ways to reduce my household cost. I’m trying to save for the huge dream home of mine…LOL!

A lady at work was telling me about Magic Jack and that her and her husband decided to try it. They only use their home phone occasionally and the yearly cost is only $20, plus the initial cost of the equipment ($40) and she said she hasn’t had any problems with it.

I’ve been doing some research and looking at reviews and have decided to try the thing out. Plus I just disconnected my phone today. I really go tired of coming home to a flashing light, indicating I had a message, only to have it either blank or some collection agent asking for ***insert name***. I guess my number has been rather popular with the debt-collecting crowd. I wonder if my number is scribbled on some bathroom wall somewhere telling people to use it as their own.

Anyway, my bill was a whopping $33 a month and when I really looked at the fact I maybe only use the darn thing 2 times a month I decided that was a lot of lost income. So tonight I will go to CVS or Best Buy or wherever and pick up the equipment and install it tonight.

I figure I will be saving about $376 (not include any surcharge and Government Fees/taxes).

My next adventure is to try to find an external antenna and have it install, which then I will cancel my cable. Now if I could only find a cheap and fast Internet, I will keep look!

A moment in my head!

Have you ever just wanted to jump out of your seat and run out the doors never to return? Have you ever wanted to bang your head against your computer and scream WHY!!!!? Have you ever just wanted to walk away from your life and never look back, never question anything that has happened in the past?


Welcome to how I feel today.

Second Fly Fishing Lesson

I had my second fly fishing lesson with Patti and with great excitement I was told I cast very well. She was showing so much excitement for me. She really wanted to move me on to my next casting technique but decided to hold off until I really get the foundation down.


There’s this kinda of peacefulness about fly fishing. I’m not sure what it is but I almost tuned her out and just wanted to be by myself casting. I didn’t care if I caught a fish I just wanted to feel the rhythm of the cast. Watching the way the fly hit the water and created a gentle ripple and then pulling the line between my fingers as the fly danced across the water. Then lifting slowly, then snap, pause, snap forward and lowering slowing as the fly lays gently on the water creating the ripple again.

I can’t wait to go out to South Dakota where the wilderness absorbs you and you lose time just standing on the edge of the water. With the gentle rolling of the water and the occasional disturbance of the water caused by a fish. The rustling of the trees as the wind blow. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the job and the city and just stuff.

The only thing that demands your time is the growling of your stomach when you realize you’ve been out on the water and missed lunch. There is no timelines just you and nature.

Yeah, I’m ready to go out there again.

HumDrum

There are days when things seem so crappy that you just want to walk away. It’s crazy.

I’ve had one of those couple of days that I just want to hide in a corner. Really it’s all referring to work. I had a mentally bad day yesterday but choose not to talk to anyone about it. I was dwelling on it internally, which physically exhausted me.

Anyway, it was time for bed and for the first time in a long time I just threw my hands up into the air and looked up ward and spoke to the man upstairs.

“OK God, what am I doing? Where am I suppose to go?”

Really the conversation was much longer but it’s a private conversation between me, my dogs and God. I just kinda feel lost a little bit, like I don’t really fit in and last night I finally just gave up and handed it all to God.

I’m not an all religious, creepy kinda gal but there is a part of me that believes in a higher power.

Anyway, so today I walked in, still in a humdrum type of mood and was like that for the first half of the day. And then, all of the sudden things started to change for me. I can’t explain it.

I started to get into conversations with people who helped me with some insight. All different types of insight. It was good, all very good. It also helped me network, which is difficult to do when your not involved in a lot of things outside of you workload. For the first time in a while I am excited about things that are forthcoming. Plus one of the conversations was an ego booster for me as well.

I’ll have to talk about that one later.

Today was a good day and for that I’m going to order a pizza and pop open a Strongbow!

Cheers!!

Fly Fishing Lessons?

I just signed my self up for Fly Fishing lessons with a lady by the name of Patti from Reel Women.

Why Fly Fishing? Well because that is what me and Mitch do when we go to South Dakota and to be honest I suck at it and I would really like to be better. Many people have suggest I take lessons from Patti. So I sent her an email today and she called me right up and she was laughing.

She proceed to tell me the email I sent her made her laugh out loud and that she has received several emails and this is the first time she has ever laughed out loud at an email.

Here is part of  the email:

Hello Patti,



I'm interesting in purchasing the 5 session package for Fly Fishing.


I went fly fishing for the first time in South Dakota last year with my Boyfriend. He provided me with most of the equipment and tried his best to teach me the proper technique to fly fishing. I have to admit I'm not very good and I got frustrated because I couldn't get it right and then after some time he went up stream to fish and left me there to fling the line out in the water. I've found I'm very proficient at catching grass and weeds although eventually I caught a fish. I'm also left handed which seems to make it difficult so I ended up fishing with my right arm.
 
I have to admit I did try to make it some what funny but I didnt' realize it was that fun...I guess she was visualizing me flinging the line out in the water instead of casting it. It took a minute for her to stop laughing to give me further information about her services.
 
Oh and she is left handed as well so this is exciting! A left handed person teaching a left handed person...I'm excited about this one.
 
Anyway I start lessons next week and hopefully by the time I go back to South Dakota I will have a little more skill at fly fishing. I will keep everyone posted on my progress.

Hot but fun Weekend

The weekend isn't over but it's been a great weekend so far.

Friday Mitch and I celebrated his birthday by going to Mitchells Fish Market. A very nice restaurant that we only go to on special occassions. Then from there we headed out to his friends house who was having a bonfire party.

Food, Fire and Fun...what more can you ask for?

We stayed there until about 2:00 am and finally with our eye's barely staying open we headed home. I have to admit I dozed on the way home for a few minutes. Poor Mitch was so tired he could barely keep the truck on the road. But we made it home!

One thing I came to realize as I woke up 4 times between 2:30am and 8:00am is that my body can no long compete with my younger self. I use to be able to stay up all night, sleep for a few good hours and be fine for the rest of the day. Now, not only do I not get good sleep but when I get up I drag for the rest of the day.

Maybe I was feeling a little hung over...maybe not..I don't know but I just didn't want to get my butt out of bed.

I'm pretty sure with the way I am feel right now it will be a very short night....ugh, to be young (20 something) again!

NEW AC and FURNACE....Installed

I am doing the happy dance right now. The AC guy is here and is almost done with the installation of the new furnace and AC. It kills me because even though he gave me a small discount I'm still paying out the A$$ for it.

I have to admit I'm glad I went the route of using a company to install instead of some guy I don't know. For some reason I feel more confident this guy will install it correctly and will get the job done. He's already been here for 3 hours, however he did tell me it could take about 4 to completely install the furnace and AC.

 Two weeks of heat exhaustion, because I was trying to find the best deal only ended with me paying about $400 dollars less and sweating to death for two week. Not sure it was worth it...I should have just went with him in the first place.

I just ran back to take a look and the furnace is itty bity...the smallest thing I've ever seen. Which means my laundry room will look bigger!!! OK so the AC is still not installed and the AC guy made a funny by saying "you will have at least heat by the end of the night" I just laughed and said "I hope to have air as well" and I added a big grin. He just laughed and said "well, OK"

I think he is about ready to install the AC.

I've been good because I haven't been under his feet asking questions. One thing I've learn from Mitch is to stay the hell out of peoples way when they are working. They are here to do a job and not here to chat. It really wasn't hard to stay out of the laundry room and watch everything the guy did because I had to much of my own work to get done, phone calls to make and deadlines to meet.

If you don't know me then you won't know I'm a learner. I love to see how things work and how they get put together. So, I never mean to be in peoples way but I like to know what they are doing. But I figure it benefits us both if I just stay out of the way. I was even nice and kept my dog locked in my office and taking them out front to potty instead of letting them out back through the laundry room. I figured my dogs being under his feet wouldn't help get things done any faster. And yes, I've learned to keep my dogs way from Mitch as well. I bet the AC guy, unknowingly, loves my boyfriend right about now!!! LOL

Can you tell my mind is all over the place? Probably better if I stop now.

It's all coming together

I am finally moving forward with the AC/Furn situation. My neighbors friend didn't work out for me. He never called me back! So, I'm guessing he didn't need the extra cash, but I really could have used a break on this one. But no worries because my back up plan was to use one company that came to my house last Saturday.

I called him back this morning and he returned my call with in 30 minutes to let me know that he would call me on Monday to schedule a time. Which works out well with me because I don't have my work calendar with me so I  don't know what next week looks like.

Things are finally looking up. Now if I can just get the darn ants under control!!!

I'm Better!

It felt good to cry and let it all out and I'm happy I allowed myself the little pity party I threw for myself last night. Me and a roll of cookie dough did the trick. I've gathered my thoughts and am working on an action plan.

Part one: I called on another agent to give me a quote. I have to say I like the new quote much better. The truth still remains that I probably won't be able to sell my house this year. Which if I put a new AC/Furn unit in I don't think I want to. I want to reap the benefits of the new unit because I'm pretty sure when I buy my next home the unit won't be brand spanking new.

Part two: Decide what I want to do with my life because to be honest I don't know. I've decided not to move to the west side. So I've narrowed it down to the North side or the South side. Each side has about the equal amount of pros and cons. Maybe I should use a quarter to decide...heads north, tails south. ummmm, maybe not!

Part three: work on part one and two!

I know its a weak plan but what is there to life anyway?

One More Thing to Add to the Crap Pile

You would think I would get some type of break. But no, it's not in the cards of life I guess.

Are you ready to hear the next craptastic day...and yes, I'm still sitting here on my couch stewing.

The real estate agent came over and took a look round my 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom (newly remodeled), 1100 sq ft house and then proceeded to sit down and show me all the comps in my neighborhood. The outcome of the meeting...I'm screwed. The county didn't even appraise the house for as much as I bought it for. I will be lucky if I break even trying to sell the damn thing!

He strongly encouraged me to get a second opinion but would be very surprised if another agent told me I could sell it for more than what he quoted me.

So, I'm stuck for another couple of years. I seriously want to sit here and cry. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs until I have no more air left in me and then I want to scream a little more. I want to throw up my hand and yell to the world that I just give up today. I know it could be worse...I get it. I really really really do. I GET IT!!!!

But for once I want to be allowed to be angry for what I'm going through. I want to be upset and want to hate for just a little bit and I want it to be OK to feel this way. I know, I know...life is really bad for others. I should be grateful for what I have but just once, just once I want it to be OK for me to be upset. For me to feel like I had a crappy day or week.

Everything happens for a reason...ya, I know. I get it. Really I get it, but can't I just feel the way I feel and let it be that for a moment. Let me cry and scream and be mad at life. If one more person try's to cram one more positive thought into my path I'm going to vomit blood. A deep crimson red blood!

Everything happens for a reason...ya, I get it.

Just let me be....

What else can go wrong?

I probably shouldn't have asked the question "what else can go wrong?" because along with Murphy's Law something else will go wrong.

I still don't have any air and I'm sun burnt which makes for a long hot sweaty night sleep. Only to wake up in the morning to discover I don't have any water! Yep, it's turning out to be one craptastic week so far!

So here is where I have to pull out the hat of optimism. I've been blessed by a lot of rain which has cooled down the air in my house. My mom brought over two extra fans which has helped with the air circulation.

The water outage is due to a main break down the street so no one on our street had water. If everything goes right it should be fixed by the time I get home tonight. I'm glad I washed all my clothes yesterday!  I'm blessed because my brother lives a very short distance away so I gave him a call and was able to take a shower. If I couldn't get a shower there then Ms. E volunteered her pool so I could at least rinse off. (THANKS MS. E)

So, it's not so bad but it's also not so good either. At least I'm at work with air and water:) Let's hope there is an upside to all of this!

Oh, please add me to your prayer list ( I'm not bias so what ever God you pray to please remember me), send me wishes of good luck or some darn fairy dust...I'm open to any type of goodness someone has to offer at this point.

AC update

Well, it's Tuesday and I still don't have AC. The repair guy came out (which he reminded me of a 1980 car sales man) and took about 5 minutes to determine that my AC had a leak (well duh!) and he couldn't fix it. WHAT???

His suggestion was that I have a "consultant" (aka sales man) come out to my house and give me all my options. Which he recommended I get a new AC and coil. The whole thing felt like he just wanted to make a sale and not fix my AC.

The conversation went something like this:

Me: So can you fix it?
AC Guy: No, it has a large leak and it's probably in your coil. I decided to save you money and not run a leak test. You will need a new AC unit. You might as well get a new furnace too.
Me: How much is that going to cost?
AC Guy: Well, I'm not the consultant so we will need to schedule someone to come out and talk to you.
Me: You mean a sales person?
AC Guy: No a consultant
**rolled my eye**
Me: OK, I don't want a consultant to come out to my house. I just want to know a ball park of what it will cost.
AC Guy: It will probably be about 5000 for the AC and if you include the furnace it will be about 8000.
**sitting in shock and pretty irritated right now**
Me: How much will it cost to find the leak
AC Guy: $120 ***pause*** but I will need to check the pricing

OK, let me pause here. The guy already knows I have a coupon for a free service call with any repair. If he runs this check then that will be considered a repair and I wouldn't have to pay for the service call. The service call is $89 I figure for $30 more I could at least know where the leak is.

AC Guy: **runs out to van, comes back** Oh, I'm sorry it's really $220. I guessed wrong.
**this is were I lose the nice side of me and turn cold**
Me: No, thank you
AC Guy: do you want me to set up an appointment for a consultant?
Me: I already told you NO! I don't want a consultant to come out to my house. Because I don't want to sit here and wait between 3-7 only to have the guy come here at 7:30 and try to sell me stuff.
AC Guy: you can always say no
Me: yes, just like I'm tell you NO and you keep pushing for a consultant. So, I'm telling you "No, I don't want a consultant to come to my house"
AC Guy: **hands me the paper work** Are you sure you don't want to talk to a consultant.
Me:**deep breath, with a stare of irritation** NO!!!
AC Guy: **says something**
Me: **cut him off** Thank you by!!!

So Saturday morning comes bright and early. At 7:00am I grab my phone book (yes, I still operated the old fashioned way) and started to make calls. By 8:00 I have scheduled 6 companies to either call me back or come out to my house and give me a quote on an AC and for the kicks of it a furnace. So far, two companies have quoted about 4300 for both.

Then I ran into a small company..probably a single owner and started to talk to him. I told him the problem and he said he thinks it's just a leak and the leak can be fixed if its on the outside unit. So he is coming out today to see if he can fix the AC unit. It would be great if he could.

My next door neighbor knows a guy who could give me a good deal on an AC/furnace unit and install. The guy works for a heating and cooling company.  Mitch's knows of a place where they sell AC and furnaces at price. So, here is my thought.

If this guy comes out and can not fix my unit then I will have Mitch pick up an AC and furnace for me at this place. Mitch has read some of the cost and it looks like I might be able to get both units for about $1000. We will have to go back and actually look at the right sizes though. Then I will talk to my next door neighbor's friend and see how much he will charge just to install the two units.

I figure if I can get both units installed for less than $2000 then I will be ahead. So that is my plan...lets see how it all plays out.

Luckily, the weather hasn't been to bad. It rained last night so this morning it was nice and cool. I will probably go to the pool today and try to enjoy the sun a little bit once the AC guy shows up and fixes my unit ( I still have hope!)

to be continued........

It's 11:42 and the AC guy didn't show!!! (he was suppose to be at my house at 11:00am) WTF! I swear, maybe it's just in the cards for me to get a new AC and furnace. OK, so much for plan #1! Moving on to plan #2, Talking to Mitch about the AC and furnace and then talk to my next door neighbor's friend. I'll grab them when they get home tonight.

So now I'm going to put on my bathing suit and head off the the pool...after I grill me a hot dog or two:) Time to make the best of my vacation!

One More Piece of CRAP to Add to the Pile!!!!!

Really I was holding on to the power of three. You know, the thing where only three bad things can happen at once or what ever that saying is. Well, it's not true....maybe they meant three really really bad things.

Just to recap the crap, since Monday I had my car broken into and GPS was stolen, my AC crapped out on me during the hottest days of the year so far and severe pain in my side (which prevented me from exercising!).

Only to add salt to the wound, I got up this morning trying to get ready for work (crappy night sleep so I woke up late) I ran into my kitchen to grab a box cereal and slam down a bowl real quick only to open the box and pour out a bowl of cereal with large carpenter ants...I'm talking hundreds!!!! They exploded out of the box like a bad horror move and crawled all over the counter and my hand and arm. I was totally grossed out!

I ran to the back door and through the entire box outside...my dogs ran out the door with excitement because the cereal spilled all over my patio. Of course eating as much as they could....I just slammed the door and left for work.

I think I'm out of happy thoughts at this point...my AC is still broken and the AC guy still hasn't shown up! I even called the place to double check and make sure I was on their schedule...yep, it's confirmed...anytime between 3-7pm. It's 6:30 and they are still not here. It's only about 82 degrees in my house and I've only lost about 1/2 my body weight in sweat...IV anyone...LOL!

Some good news!!!! I arrived home this afternoon to find a letter stuck in my door. The letter stating a neighbors name and address and informing everyone that her car was broken into on Sunday night because she forgot to lock her car doors! Just like me! The sad thing for her is that she left her purse in the car and they stole her purse. I think it's great that she typed up a letter and went around the neighborhood warning everyone. I plan on walking down to her house and talking to her to let her know she is not the only one hit.

Also my extreme pain in my side has completely disappeared....very odd, but it's gone! I"m thinking it was some type of kidney stone or something...I'm talking I was almost in tears it hurt so back..but it's gone and I can go back to running.

I also had some left over home insect spray and sprayed as much as I could before the little hand sprayer broke, I hope it kills some of the damn ants.

OH...the phone just rang and the AC tech should be here in 30-40 minutes so maybe tonight I will be blessed with cool dry air, which means a good night sleep! I guess everything is working out, lets just hope the bill for the AC is not to high! Gotta go!

Roses from Shit!!!

OK....this has been a bad week so far!

First, starting Monday, my car was broken into and my GPS was stolen. This is what I get  for not locking my car at night, which I normally do, just not this one time! I'm guessing some kids who probably live in the neighborhood.

Then after having a great dinner (because of my promotion at work!) I went to the grocery store and started having pains in my side. I'm guessing I picked  the 24 pack of Pepsi incorrectly straining my back.

Then after the grocery store I come home to my house that was a nice steamy 83 degree...yep, my air was not working.

So, this morning I called my regular Heating and Cooling guy only to be told that he was too busy and I needed to find someone else. I think he was upset because I didn't call him back for three weeks. OK, what ever!!! I found a new company to work on my air conditioner and they will be coming out on Friday.

So now, here is the hard part of life. Is there anything good out of all this crap?!!

Yes, in a way. My car getting broken into just gave me a hard reminder that you are never truly safe. No matter how comfortable you are you need to always lock up everything. So I've put my house on lock down! So who knows, if my car wouldn't have gotten broken into I might have lost a lot more than just a GPS!

My air not working....still trying to find some good in this one. I'm sure there is something I'm just over looking it. Maybe my electric will be down?

The pain in my side. I still don't know what is causing it. It hurts when I breath, when I move...I just can't get comfortable. I still think its a deep strain so I'm taking it easy today. It's nice to just go home and relax and not push your self. I know not the best roses you've ever smelled but its something I can hold onto.

The heating and cooling guy being rude and telling me to find someone else. OK, so I should have called him back sooner and maybe my unit would still be working. Anyway, I was thinking about getting rid of him because I was losing trust in his workmanship.

So this was an easy break from me. I'm going with a bigger company that has more than one person working which means I can get my air/heating looked at sooner. So not such a bad thing, at least in my book.

Anyway, as long as nothing else falls in the wrong direction I hoping this weekend will be good!

House Hunting

This weekend I went and looked at a house. It was a fantastic house. Three bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, .5 acres, fireplace, HUGE walk in closet and much more. Total sq ft was 2600. The cost was almost perfect...if I could talk them down a little bit, it would be perfect.

Here is the picture of the house

The down side is there are no appliances and it's in pre-foreclosure. The house it's self was in amazing condition (almost move-in ready). There is a possibility to do a quick sale but a quick sale is far from quick. First the owner would have to accept the offer and then the bank would have to accept the offer. Which from what the real estate agent said could take months. I still would have to sale my house so the delay would not be a bad thing.

The problem.....I wasn't in love with the house. I walked in and thought "this is a nice house"....I didn't say "OMG what do I need to do to get this house". Which is what I need to feel when I walk into a house. Yes I can look past the paint, carpet and wallpaper but there was something about the house that just didn't feel right...not my home.

I didn't like the lay out to much...the upstairs was great but the down stairs seemed small. There was a formal dinning room but it couldn't hold a table that fit more then 6 and then there was this extra room which I could have made that my office. The extra room felt larger than the living room which had the fireplace.

The upstairs had this HUGE loft area which I could see being my enterainment area...but that didn't make any since because the purpose of having two levels is to entertain down stairs and have my privacy upstairs. The other thing I didn't like is the street behind the house was very busy so if I sat out on the patio I would hear traffic. I would prefer to hear birds. The other thing is there was no trees in the back yard...I want a house that has mature trees.

After seeing that house, I woke up the next morning and realized I like my home. Yah, it's small and old and there is nothing that is unique about the outside. Its a white square house. I realize as I was cleaning it and watching Grey Anatomy that there is nothing wrong with my house.

Why was I so damned determined to leave it? It could be the past but then I realize the past is gone. It's not here anymore and this place is what I want to make it. These wall have had nothing but good in them for 5 years and many happy memories. Plus, I have amazing neighbors all around me and I don't think they are going to go any where soon.

Yes, I will want to move someday. I don't think I will stay in this house forever and I will keep my eyes out for a good home. I really want a home I can keep horses on....it's my dream. To keep that dream I am going to have to save like a crazy woman. I really don't want to purchase a house unless I have 20% down, it really saves a lot in the long run.

But for now I will look at refinancing this house ( mortgage rates are under 5%!) and see what the future brings!

Weekend Fun!!!

This weekend was a crazy weekend!

I was watching my mom's two dogs and Mitch's dog, which is not why it was crazy it just added to it. Tess (Mitch's dog) is hysterical...more on that later.

Friday night was pretty slow..I ended up going grocery shopping after work. I was on a waiting list for this meet up group to play euchre and didn't realize until it was to late that I was moved up to attending. Crap!!! I wanted to go to this one. I was a little bummed but really it wasn't that big of a deal.

On Saturday, I did this other meet up that took me to a local winery to go wine tasting. First time with this group and they were all pretty fun. We started off with a winery tour, then some wine tasting and finished off with a picnic outside.

OK, seriously, I was freezing...should have worn my long johns:) But over all it was really entertaining. This group is really active so I'm planning on doing more stuff with them.

The Mitch made it to my house around 5pm Saturday night. From there we had dinner and then took off to one of his friends birthday party. It was a cold night so eventually the party moved inside. We ended up leaving around midnight or 1am.

Then Sunday we did nothing but lay around the house and watch TV or slept. It was just a lazy Sunday...one of the best!

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Happy Birthday!!!

I am now officially an aunt! The twins were born this morning and both are healthy. happy bouncing babies.

There were both about 6 lbs and as soon I get the OK to come up to the hospital I will get to see my niece and nephew.

I can't wait to see them!

New Table

I had to share my new table I just picked up tonight!!!!

I will start with my before pictures. OK this picture was taken in January when I painted my kitchen and cabinets. At that time I knew I needed a new table to finish off the look and some wall art or pictures.

So I've been looking and looking and looking for the right table at the right price.

Here is the before picture!!!!


My mom and I went shopping this weekend and after a couple of stores we found ourselves at Value City furniture. The last table I looked at I fell in love with. It was exactly what I was looking for and at the right price.

Here is the after!!!!!
OK the picture really doesn't do the table justice it look much darker in the picture than it really is but it gives you a good idea.

Here is a picture of the framed wall art that I purchase as well. I think everything is working very well together:)

OK, now for the short story of the table. I was looking for a table that was contemporary, dark wood and inexpensive. (because we all know I'm a cheap ass!) So, we make our way into Value City and here was my table for about $300. SWEET! I'll take it and scheduled it to be picked up today (Tuesday).

I go to the store today and stand at the front door for a minute and realize all the sales persons are busy. I walk over to the table, just to look at it one more time and notice the price dropped by about $100.

Holly Crap!!! It's on sale for $199. I can't believe it and just at that time a sales lady walked up to me and I explained that I just purchased this weekend and the price has dropped since. She explained that I will get the difference back all I had to do is go to the service counter.

I did and I received the $100 back! So this fantastic table, perfect for my kitchen with chairs only cost me $199. I did spend 2 hour putting the thing together but in the end I love my table!!!