Frustrating Day

Trying to relax after a very long and lengthy "discussion" over the phone with our cable/phone/internet service provider.  In the end it turned out that owed me a credit and it was their equipment that was the problem.

Still in vacation planning mode.  Today I was able to make up a few posters and designs for t-shirts I want to make for our trip.  97 days and counting.  It cannot come fast enough.

While my hubby shares my excitement, just not as openly as me.  I know he is looking forward to getting away and having some fun.  The last time we went to Disney was a blast and I am sure, since this time won't be our first time staying on property.  And since we now are "in the know" about a bunch of tricks of Disney traveling. Again did I mention how excited I am?

Just a little pic of a Stitch.jpg I made using a paint program to change the wording on the sign.  It now says "Production: Ingram Disney Vacation Date: Aug/Sept 2012".  Not sure yet what I am going to use him for, but I made a couple of other decorations and posters.  So we'll just have to see.

Lots of Working, Saving and Planning Ahead

So it's official.  We are going back to Walt Disney World the last week of August.  I am so excited.  But I am also a bit scattered brained.  I have to work twice as hard to make sure our funds are going to be able to handle the trip.  It's crazy.  Working more hours is very very stressful.  Though I know it will be worth it.

I am already driving my hubby crazy with planning talk!

It's a little secret that I am a "Disney Fanatic".  I love all things Disney and would live there if I could.  I have actually thought about it a time or two.  Anyone asks me my ideal watching, I saw Disney.  And this is even after going there so many times.  I just can't get enough of it.  If it's got a Mickey Mouse on it, I want it or wanna go there to see it.  Yes, a little bit strange for a grown woman, but it's an outlet I guess.

At the current time since the trip is still 102 (and counting) away, I am making signs and magnets to put on our car.  Just to let everyone know where I am going.  Safe to say people are going to be more then a little sick of hearing about our trip before we even leave for it. >.< 

Oh and I also have lots of shopping to do for the trip, which is gonna cost even more money.  Not to mention that we are driving, so there is gas cost to factor it.  Wish my luck!

When It Rains.... It Pours!

I can safely say today was not that best day I have had.  But that seems to be a long running pattern lately.  To start this day off, not only did I have to get up for a 6am shift at work.  But on the way to work our car got a flat tire and needed to be replaced.  I knew from then it just was not my day.  Because when I got to work I found us working short a person again.  And where I work when you are missing someone, it doubles your work load.  To make matters worse, we have a patient that also decided to have a not so good day either.  Needless to say my 6am-2pm shift was the shift from hell. 

I guess I shouldn't be complaining since I do have an okay job.  Even though it is a very stressful and draining job.  It can also be rewarding as well.  but those times are becoming few and far between. 

So back to my craptastic day.  After work was the drive with my dad to the tire place to get the tire fixed and we find out it's not just one, but two tires that need to be fixed. Over $250 later that I didn't have to just shell out.  So much for the overtime I put in last week to try and have a little extra money.  I think whoever said money was the root of evil was right.  Though this is becoming a very common occurrence. And my husband can also agree with me.  It does not fail that every time both he or myself try to get a little extra money put aside, something happens to our car.  It's like it knows... creepy huh?  Maybe it's like that car in that Stephen King novel. Just my luck once again.

Ok so enough complaining for now.  Even though venting is a good thing.  I think I need to end this on a positive note.  I did get a very interesting offer today that I am considering but need to do a lot of research on.  Who knows, maybe something will come out of it.

Want Vs. Need

So lately we have been feeling the economy crunch more then ever.  And I have been looking into a lot of ways to save money.  I have been couponing, counting my pennies.  We have even been exploring other housing options.  Like the tiny house movement.  There are people out there that live in 300 square feet or less and seem quite content.  I am not saying I would be totally ok with that.  But the thought is there that we have waaaay more things then we actually need.  We spend more money then we actually need to.  I am starting this new year off not with a resolution, but with a promise to myself to be thriftier, more aware of my money and my needs and wants!

Goodbye Old Friends...

What a sad day.  In fact what a sad and not so great year it had been.  this year we have had to say goodbye to not one, but two family pets.  The first was our beloved Kiki Felicia in August of this year. 

She was the first pet Chuck and I ever had together.  A very beautiful, loving and amazing tabby cat that my husband gave to me as gift on our first Valentines together.  She ended up being the first for everything, and first to pass on.  We love her still so much and miss her.  To this day it is still hard to talk about her.  But we are slowly healing.

And then today my family's very loyal and wonderful yellow lab Windsor ended a very long and fulfilled life.  He made it to 16 years.  All of them spend in my parents home, running the land, tangling with coyotes, guarding the house and getting fed like a king.  Unfortunately the last few days Windsor had stopped eating and wasn't doing so well.  A trip to the vet's office told my Dad that he had to be put to sleep. 

Needless to saw it's been an emotional roller coaster of a day.  There have been tears and smiles as we remember an amazing dog that had a cheerful personality and strong sense of family. Love you Windsor!

Both of them will be in our hearts forever. 

So Glad the Week is Over,,,

So after a double stay in the hospital and even a trip to see my in-laws in Kingston.  I am very glad to see the end to this week. And although I am a big fan of the holidays.  I find myself wishing they were over already.  Part of my just wants to get past all the craziness and get back to normal.  Which is very much not like me.  I used to live for Halloween and Christmas.  But this years our Halloween was a bust with no trick-or-treaters and Christmas just seemed to be looming in the distance like a scare thing you "have to do" and can't avoid. 

My husband and I have decided to go light on the gifts this year.  We always say that and never do it.  But I honestly think i might just do most of my shopping on the day after Christmas when the stores are not marking up their prices.  We'll have to see what happens.  Only a few weeks to go... >.<

A Little Bit About the Blogger

In starting this brand new blog.  I thought it would be a good idea if I introduced myself just a little.  Also it give me a chance to break the ice. 

My husband would describe me as a very girl, but very much not a lady.  That being said, I can clean up pretty nicely when I need too.  But there are times when I just don't feel like being a "girly girl".  Of course this also probably comes from the fact that I get along better with guys that I do with girls most time.  Been burns a lot by so called women friends.  That is very much another vent for another time.

As I mentioned already, I am married.  Two years so far and enjoying it. It took Chuck (that's my hubby) and myself a long time to get where we are.  In all honesty we have had our ups and downs as most couples do.  he is my best friend in the world.  And I would not have it any other way.

I grew up in a small town that I still live in.  A funny fact is that I was born in the hospital that is only a few minute walk from my front door.  Talk about small town life huh?  My parents and younger brother also still live in this town.  As do most of my aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins.  I did move away for a few years to the city.  That is where I met my husband.  But we eventually moved back and have set up shop.

Another thing about me is that I am an animal lover.  I have my own little mini zoo started at home.  Consisting on two dogs, three cats and three rats.  All wonderful and loving pets.  They are our fur babies as we have no children yet.  Maybe someday we'll have non fur children.

At the current time I am working as the PSW (Personal Support Worker) in a nursing home in said small town.  It can be a very trying, exhausting and stressful job.  But it also can be very rewarding.  There are days I like my job and days where I hate it.  Since nothing in life is free and we have yet to win the lottery I still go to work.

So there you have it, just a little bit about myself.  And not a bad start to what is the ups and downs that is me.