You know that saying when it rains it pours? In my world, it's a little more dramatic. Like, when it rains it pours, then hails, floods, blows and shakes the earth. Everything happens at once, and one day you realize you're no longer in Kansas. Also known as my fourth quarter, to which the word "busy" is forever defined in comparison. I'm taking the time this week to enjoy the little things. Like dinner before 9pm, Saturday's and Sunday's, sleep, and a clear head. Come Friday, they will all be distant memories until January. Because this season is inevitable, I invested a lot of time designing  process and procedure intended to help manage this annual influx of work more effectively. I'm feeling more "resourced" than ever before, but the bottom line is this: all the process in the world will not decrease the number of things to do. In many ways I thrive off of it. I'd rather be busy than bored, and for the most part I'm planni...

Change and the unexpected are constant. We as humans aren't comfortable with change, but it's a fact of life and more often than not we end up in a better place because of it.  Even when it's painful. It's life's way of correcting. At times it's in your control, at other times it's the decision of the unmerciful or gracious Universe. Everything happens for a reason. I've had my share of painful change, but it seems the karma police have finally recognized I did my time. Lately, it's been change of the good kind. Change within my self, change in my home ownership status (almost), and coming soon, change in other areas of life. Change I have intentionally, consciously or not, instigated. If it is to be it's up to me. It's the unexpected that has me troubled this week. It happens just about every day. It came in the form of illness on Tuesday that tested my strength in ways I haven't been challenged before. So I will spend the next few...

Interesting day around these parts. Back-to-back conference calls and all kinds of business to conduct. Didn't count on a two hour episode of blurred vision, numbness in my right arm and lips, dizziness and loss of the English language, and am left to wonder how much damage my demented state may have caused that I don't remember. Because naturally I powered through my day, only to be rewarded with a relaxing evening in an adjustable bed, drowsy and writing. Oh, and an IV in my arm. At the Northside Forsyth hospital. Because I was still feeling weak I decided to hit up Urgent Care on my way home just to make sure. I mean, if I'm at a loss for language something might actually be wrong. Nevermind the rest of it. They kindly sent me here, and while everyone is really nice, I feel fine now thanks, and would like to go home. Not to mention the full moon...this place is more happening than Vegas. But I can't. I'm awaiting the CAT-scan and bloodwork results. But damn d...

I stole this. Found it on (where else) Facebook, but tend to agree with it and hate that sometimes life has to be managed around it. It's supposedly from a Bill Gates speech, sometime earlier this decade it appears, but it's still relevant. Words we jaded GenX'ers live by. At least we aren't entitled. Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it! Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity. Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from...

What a weekend. I am still trying to catch my breath and understand exactly what has just transpired other than lots of sobbing and shock. It's a truly odd sensation to be so emotional yet so detached in a single moment. Provided the bank also thinks this is a good idea, we will have our short sale home. We even got to keep the window treatments, which you will soon understand was critical to the point this deal could have been lost over curtains. Yes, curtains. But no (additional) pictures til it's mine. Or maybe it's best to stay in this state as we aren't out of the woods yet. I certainly don't want to be using applications on the iPad like Living Room to plan my layouts, nor make lists of the new things I will need. Or tell Gizmo about the doggy door. Because that would be premature. Right. Truth is,  I could be waiting for days, weeks, or months for the bank to approve, but for some reason I'm pretty optimistic on this point. It's the appraisal th...

I did not know the meaning of the word until now. This house buying process is for the birds. Tons of paperwork, competitive offers on top of a short sale (thankfully approved), high anxiety...and I may not even get it. We are putting our best foot forward, but we're at the top of our price range, the other buyers may not be. We shall see. At least we're well qualified. If only we were buying with cash. The current bright spot is that I have taken that step in accepting a mortgage payment, and as one who hates any kind of debt, that was huge in itself. I have an excellent mortgage broker, who made it much easier for me (e.g. rock star numbers). I heart him. I'm trying my best not to be emotional about it. Keeping my spirits up and staying optimistic (e.g. I think these chairs would be great here, and we should paint the bedroom blue), knowing that if it's meant to be, it will. And if not...well, then I am fully prepared for next time and know exactly where I'm...

Pressure cooker situation with previously mentioned home. Imagine that, competitive situation, in this craptastic market. This would only happen to me. Which means we have to make an offer today if we want it. So, naturally we're going to look at it again to make the decision. I think I love it - but not those spiral steps for my future child. And is it just too damn nice for us? I mean, we are living in a house in the woods right now. Not to mention I was looking for a 10-year home, not a 5-7 year home. But otherwise it's pretty perfect. No one can predict the future, I guess. Except maybe my horoscope: Today is great for signing contracts or finalizing deals. Your financial picture is looking rosier, so going out and spending some money wouldn't be the worst idea. On the personal front, romance beckons. Just be careful not to do anything irresponsible.  Like I said, well, then. Scott is little scared right now that decisions may be made based on my horoscope. 

I think I may have found it. Yes, it. Not him or her. I already found him, just waiting for him to open his eyes. The "it" is my house. The one I intend to buy. This is of course a totally emotional response, having just seen it this morning. But as of 10am everything else is dog shit in comparison. Even the really nice new homes. Yes. Even those. Throughout this process I've learned a few things. First, I am not at the 2.5 kids + dog and family wagon stage of my life, as much as I would like to be. And buying a home in one such neighborhood won't make it so (even with the dog and family wagon already acquired). Second, I don't actually LIKE the homes in the aforementioned  neighborhoods. Zero character, which sadly, can also represent the people if you find the wrong neighborhood. Finally, location really does matter, as four miles can be an eternity. So what did I find? Naturally, something right out of Bucks County magazine, the place where I grew up. ...