Seriously this time

Okay, so we are really going out of town this weekend. We have wanted to go to Williamsburg, VA for a while now. There is a ton to do there, and it sounded like a nice long weekend place to go. Shaun was granted a 4 day weekend, and I just happened to have to same, so we are going. We were gonna do the hotel thing, but changed our minds, and decided to do the camping thing. Yay! Havne't been camping in almost one year, so it will be fun! I can't wait.

New Slideshow

Also posted on myspace, but thought I would show it here too!!

Change of Plans

The weather was a bit too HOT and thunder stormy these last few days. We ended up staying here for the weekend. Got a few things done around the house, and did some more R&R this weekend.

I am finally back to only 36 hours a week. No more working so many hours. I don't need to, so I am not going to. I will pick up a shift here and there, but more like or 2 a month, not 1 or 2 a week.

Shaun has been busy making some cool shelves. I will post a pic if I can get one soon. We also found some neat canvas baskets, and will be making some shelving type units for them to fit into. One for the dining room and one for the yellow room. We are excited. Of course everything wood that I find that would be cool in the house, Shaun is like "I can make that pretty easily". I am sure that he can, problem is, it takes time and money to build all these little projects. Some times it is just more fun (quicker and easier) to buy them and use them right away! But, he likes to be handy around the house, with all his little "projects". I am very proud of him though.

Other up and coming news...none. Don't have any. Shaun still has to go away for a month in Aug. Not looking forward to that. Anyone wanna come visit around that time, I could use the company. We are still thinking of doing Williamsburg this summer. Lots of fun, history and a trip away. Not too far, about 3 hours I think. It will be a long weekend. His commander at work gave him a free 4 day weekend off for a wedding present. That was nice.

Guess that is it, don't have too much to share!

This Weekend

Headed to Harper's Ferry, MD this weekend for a nice relaxing time. Hope the weather cooperates. Been off and on thunder stormy this week. We are camping at the KOA, which was recommended to me by someone at work. She said it is really nice. There are several historic sites to visit, and I am sure some places to go hiking. Can't wait. I am sure it will be a lot of fun!! Here is a few pics I got off the National Park website.

Honeymoon

We were originally going to take a cruise to the Meditteranean (France, Spain, Italy), but decided not to spend the time or money. We decided to spend a week in the Poconos. Nice, relaxing time. We had some decent weather. Mostly 60's, some rainy days. Which, was ok. We shopped a little on the rainy day, and spent most of it inside watching movies and taking naps.

Fist day there we went to Bushkill Falls. It is known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania". It was no niagara, but was still fun. Lots of trails. We decided to do the hardest and longest of them all. It was a 2 hour hike, but very nice. Not many people do that trail, so we only saw two couples the whole time. We chose to do that one, cuz you see the waterfalls on that hike. The others you only get to see one or two, there five or six later on our hike we get to see.

This is one at the beginning. We asked another couple to take a pic for us. They did, that was nice.


This is overlooking PA. It was very serene to look out and see all the trees and no sound. Very peaceful.


The next day we chose to go horseback riding. It was fun. They had 45 minute rides, 2 hour adventure rides, and 4 hour rides. We did the 2 hour adventure ride. It was a ton of fun. We saw some turkeys, but didn't get pics of them. They have like 50 acres of land, and we go on a very rocky trail, up and down and even got to trot a few times. It was cool. I was hurting at the end, my ankles and knees, but after walking back to the car I wasn't hurting as bad. Two days later was another story. Actually what hurt the most was my sides. Probably from wobbling back and forth while on the horse. Oh, and they weren't even horses. They were mules. Mix between a donkey and a horse. They choose mules because they respond better to commands. It was still fun.
This is us on the trails!

My horses name was Cherokee. After we were finished they told us to let the horse go where it wants. It will chose the feeder it wants to go to. Well, my horse had another plan. He was very strong. Frequently on the trail, he would stop to eat the flowers (which is candy to them). They didn't want us to allow them to eat, so they instructed us to pull their heads away and just continue on. I tried. There was no way I could pull his head away. Very strong!! And strong willed. At the end when he would "know where to go", he decided to go everywhere but there.

So, this is me trying to get Cherokee back to where he was supposed to go. I guess my ride wasn't over.


Just a fun pic of us at Friendly's. A restaurant with ok food, but great desserts!!


Last day there, we decided to rent bikes. We chose a place that had a brochure stating "Downhill the whole way, we'll pick you and bring you back". So we thought that would be great. Rent the bikes, ride along the trail (used to be old railroad tracks-now a nice gravel trail) downhill and enjoy the scenery. Not so much. We had signed up to do the 25 mile ride. There was a 10 mile ride, but that didn't seem like much, so we went with the 25. Turned out, It was a 2% grade, so iti felt flat to us. Plus, about mile 15 or so, for about 7 or 8 miles, we had a head wind. It was so cold, and it felt like we were peddling backwards. I swear we weren't moving, but we were.
This is us stopped along the road somewhere near the beginning. It was neat scenery, very fun, even with the wind. I would do it again.



Another fun picture, but just look at the trail, very nice!!


This is one of my favorite of the scenery. I wouldn't mind getting this blown up and put in a frame!!


The End. It was 5 days of bliss and we were ready to get back home. We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast. It was neat, but not our bed. Plus, she made some interesting breakfasts. Most were good, some were not.

A Few More

Let me know when you get tired of these. For now it is just work again. Hopefully in June I can start working only 36 hours a week (fulltime and what I am supposed to be working) instead of the 48 or 60 I have been, and will be for a few weeks.
We don't have anything planned for the summer yet, but are starting to think of a few things. Maybe camping or something fun. We have talked about going to Williamsburg, VA. It is a ton of fun and lots of history. Can't wait. I will leave you with a couple more pics to enjoy of the wedding.


Mara and I before the wedding


Getting Ready


Cutting the cake. Don't you love the BIG green catering truck in our pictures. Silly people.


Butterfly!! They didn't go far after we released them. They are very tame and just stayed on my finger. I found this one on my dress.

A couple to leave you wanting more...

New Name

So, I noticed on Jeffrey's blog, he did a cool name thing. Check to see how many people have the same name as you. So, since I am recently married, I checked with my new name. Results below:

HowManyOfMe.com

There is 1 person with my name in the U.S.A. http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= many have your name?

Here is a cool pic of us at our wedding. Of course, more pics to come. We head home tomorrow (Monday), then off to our honeymoon on Wednesday. We were thinking of doing some name change errands on Tuesday. We will see what we can get done.

Can you believe it??

The countdown is almost complete. We are home and just running the errands that need to be done. We are getting really excited. Can't wait!!

Guests start arriving tomorrow.

Festivities start Friday and go through Sunday. Wow. Just a couple days away till that happens. Tomorrow I get my final fitting for my dress, men pick up their tuxes. Yeah.

Making some welcome baskets and wrapping some gifts. Fun, fun, fun!

I have been pretty tired, but I think that is mostly because I am awake in the day time, switched back to west coast time, and just getting rest from working SO much lately. This vacation time has been nice. I have actually had time to do some leisure reading, took a few naps, and haven't felt rushed.

I have been reading about the FLDS lad that escaped a few years ago. Since the raid has been in the news of the polygamist ranch in Utah/Arizona area, I have been following it. I heard about this girl that escaped and wrote about her life. So far, very interesting. I can't believe these women live like that. The book is really good. I feel bad for all of them.

Oh, Shaun and I also went and got some (more) engagement pictures. Our wedding photographer wanted to meet with us ahead of time, to get to know us, so we can get to know him, and he can see how we do in front of the camera. He said we are naturals and very fun. He is excited to do our wedding. He even had a viewing ready for us the next morning. That was today. We had chosen about 14 really great photos. We ordered one for the wedding. It will be on display as guests arrive. It is REALLY good. I can't wait for the wedding photos. He is a ton of fun, and a great photographer. We made the right choice.

Matter of fact, so far we have been very pleased with almost all the vendors that we chose. We will have to see how Saturday goes. So far, it looks good. See you there!!

Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon

Ok.

I am gonna do it.

Seriously.

I am.

I found someone at work that wants to do it with me, so we will train together. The run is August 31, 2008 in Virginia Beach, VA. I will start training after the wedding/honeymoon. That will give us three whole months to train, plus a couple weeks. Of course, I haven't started running yet, but I will, give me time. Right now I am still working crazy hours. When we get back, I will have two weeks for 60hr weeks, but then will be done with that. Then, I will pick up a shift when I want, maybe 1 or 2 a month, not a week like I have been.

This is a good thing. Not doing it to lose weight (great if I do), not doing to get healthy (great if I do), not doing it to get in shape (great if I do). I am just doing it! No goals, other than to do it!

Now, Shaun is supposed to be gone for a month in Aug. Aug 11- Sept 11th. So, he won't be here to see me run, but I did promise him, there will be others! This is not the end. Just like the last few years haven't been the end. Just took a little break. I am ready to come back.

On a side note: 10 days to go till the wedding. I work the next couple days, then we leave early Saturday morning (7:50 am) to head home to WA. We are getting so excited. Everything is done and ready except the things that have to be done in the days right before the wedding. So, we will have a busy week, but it will be fun! See you all in just a few short days!!!

Before and Afters

Here are some of the updates that have been keeping us busy, and away from bloggerland...

Before: This is a view of the Living Room Wall. We decided it needed a color on it. Although, we didn't want to make the entire room dark, we did want a nice bold color.

After: This is what we chose. It is the background of the accent chair from our living room set. You can see it in the picture as well. We love it.


Before: This is view #1 from our extra bedroom. It is a burnt orange color. Very drab. We live on the terrace level, so we are partly below ground. Having this room dark, with the little bit of light that did shine in, made it feel very small.

View #2-same room.

After: This is our new room. We call it the yellow room. Very pale yellow (although the picture doesn't portray that very well) with a soft green for accents. It is very soothing, and I just love being in here.

View #2 of the yellow room. This pic gives a better idea of the yellow.

Before: This is our entry way. Very small. Soon as you enter, you have to turn left into the condo. We needed to spice things up a bit. All the walls are this very plain creme/off white color. As you can see, we also have a white (-ish) brick wall. Something needed to go here.

After: Voila. We have a beautiful stresses finish, hand-painted table. It is beautiful. Now, the color on the wall, is not that vibrant. It is called "Salsa Diane". It matches the pink/red in the flowers on the table, and just adds to the entry way. Something that says...."welcome to our home" Eventually we will have a mirror on the wall and maybe some candles. For now, still very plain, but plain with color!!

Another view of the table/wall.

Those are some of the things we have done around here. Trying to add our own touch on things. Of course, I am not sure the condo likes it very much, cuz it spoke back to us a couple days ago. Our kitchen sink has clogged up. I have tried plunging, I have tried Drano, I don't know what to try now. I have an email into our association manager. I think these pipes might be covered under building maintenance, because our pipes connect with our neighbors pipes. They left a note on our door asking if we had been having problems. Of course, they just assumed it was OUR problem and proceeded to tell me that WE needed to call and get it fixed. I am sure it was my fault, but that is NOT the point. It all started after I made Shaun his carrot cake. I put the extra carrot scrapings down the drain....I used the garbage disposal, but apparently it wasn't enough, I don't know. I will keep you update on that saga, as more news develops.

As for now, Shaun's Dad and sister will be coming to visit. Deanna (his sister) has graciously decided to throw me a bridal shower, so that is Saturday. I can't wait. I even have a friend from work coming too. Yeah! They come tonight, so I had better get some sleep, so I am well rested when they get here! I am off for two days, I am SO excited!!

Remodeling

Shaun and I are trying to make a few changes around here. We love our new place, but want to add a fresh coat of paint and change things up a bit. I have been keeping him pretty busy.
Our plans:
1. Paint spare bedroom. We decided on a pale yellow. Shaun has some green curtains from his barracks room that will work perfectly in there. We bought a small futon to go in there. Found a small desk from Wal-mart that will go perfectly in there. Most things will be white, but the futon is tan/blue/white. I think it will go well.
2. Paint entry way for color and design. We found a great table at overstock that we ordered. Can't wait for it to get here. It is an antiqu finish, kind of white/cream with some hand painted flowers. Not too much though. We have a brick entry way on one wall, and right now, all the walls are a cream/off-white color. Very bland. Things blend into the wall very easily. So, thinking of painting it a nice mauve color, to bring out the flowers and spice it up a bit. I love accent walls!
3. Shaun wants to build some nice shelves to go in the living room. He has been drawing stuff up for a month now. He has got it all planned out, but I think this one has to wait until after the wedding. It will go on our carribean blue wall.
4. Paint our bedroom. Want it a soft, pale blue. Almost white, but blue. We have a blue/tan/cream colored quilt. Also found some tan curtains that match it perfectly. In order to lighten the room, we need to make it softer. Right now there is a burnt tan on the wall. Its ok for now, but needs to go!

In general, all the walls need something.

Some long term goals:
1. Paint kitchen. Right now all the cupboards are white, but on the inside a bright teal color. It is pretty neat, but I have a pink/black/white kitchen, so I want them pink. Yes, I have discussed this with Shaun, and he is ok with it, but he gets to approve the pink color first!
2. New floors in bathroom. We have this small (1 in x1 in) tile floor (both bathrooms) and they are icky. I think if we take them up, and find a nice flooring that will stay cleaner (easier to clean will do), then it would be way better. Maybe even the kitchen floor too. We'll see.
3. New sliders/windows. They aren't that good. They will do for now, and maybe for a couple years!
4. Some yard work, in the small yard that we have. Want to add some flowers and take out some ugly stuff that is there.

I think that about sums things up!!! Looks like we have lots of stuff to do!

Almost had a night off...

Shaun came home early. We enjoyed an early dinner, and some much needed cuddle time. Was about to head to Target to look at some stuff, then to Lowe's to do paint shopping.


Ring. Ring.

(Look at Caller ID-Hospital where I work) I was thinking to myself, Hmmm, they gonna ask me to come in tonight. I am already working 5 days this week, so I didn't want to go in.

Mary (charge nurse): " You on your way in? (It is about 7:30 pm at this time, regular shift starts at 7pm)

Kathleen: "Uh, no" Thinking, is this your way of asking me to work tonight?

Mary: "You are scheduled to be here"

Kathleen: "No, I am off tonight, I work tomorrow night"

Mary: " I have you on the schedule, we really need you."

Kathleen: Looking at my calendar-"Sure enough, I screwed up. I guess I am supposed to be there. I guess I will be there in a few."

Mary: "Thanks, see you when you get here."

So, turns out, Shaun and I didn't get to go to Target/Lowe's last night. I had to go to work. Luckily I slept most of the day, so it wasn't bad. The only downside, I had to leave. I never get to Shaun anymore, its getting really hard to leave in the evening.

But, I like my job, and the time passes pretty quickly. Last night was no exeption. I had a busy night, and the time flew. However, it was almost too busy the last couple hours. I had a very busy pt, that kept all my time, not allowing me to see my other pts (who were all admitted-waiting for beds on the floors). I don't like it when that happens.

Oh well. I am home now, and tonight I get off. So tonight we will go to Target/Lowe's and do what we wanted to do last night.

Fun Times!!

Wedding Update

Well, 4 weeks to go now. I had an awesome time at home. Jen threw me an amazing shower. I was so excited to see everyone who came. I know many of you missed it-shame on you. Kidding. You missed a great shower, but I know you are planning to come to the wedding, so can't wait to see you there!

I got my dress all fitted. Even had to take an inch off each side. That was nice. Now, I just have to try to maintain that size. Of course, it is the size I have been for weeks/months now, so it shouldn't be too hard.

I think we have everything all planned. We made some consultations with some people. Most aren't used to working with the Bride so far out from the wedding, but it was the only time I will be there between now and the actual wedding. Gotta make some changes when you live across the country. They have all been very accomodating.

**Actually wrote this a while ago, then forgot about it...sorry folks!!**

Bridal Shower

This weekend is my bridal shower(today actually). I got into town Thursday night. Yesterday was filled with wedding chores. We had to approve flowers and finalize those. We had to apply for marriage license. We had to get tuxes squared away. And then some little odds/ends here and there. Lots of fun.
Today is the shower, my final dress fitting. I know it is early, but there isn't any other time I will be here to get fitted, except the week before. So, I think this is it. I will have to try to maintain my weight (which shouldn't be too hard, I have been doing that for months now-just not the weight I want to be at.) so I can fit into my dress in 6 weeks.
I don't think very many people are able to make the shower, so it will be small and intimate, but that is ok. I understand bridal showers aren't exactly on the top of everyone's to-do list, and it is Easter weekend. Oh well.
I am off to my fitting with my bridesmaid, Suzy. She has been hanging with me all weekend. How great it is to spend time with one of my best friends, that I get to see about 2-3 times per year (if I am lucky).

A little break

I get a little break from working so many hours. Next two weeks I will only be working full time hours. That is 36 hrs, three 12 hour shifts (night). I am headed home Thursday for my bridal shower and get 6 (much needed) days off.

Funny thing, I actually feel guilty for only working 36 hours. Like I should be trying to fit more extra days in. I know that is crazy, but the thought has crossed my mind.

I know I NEED these days off, and I DESERVE these days off, but still can't help but feel guilty. Oh well...I am sure I will get over that quickly, when I am headed home to see my family/friends. Yup, will get over that REAL quick!!

I can't wait. So I guess 90% excited and can't wait/10% guilty. That isn't much at all, easy to silence that guilt!! :)

DONE!

Night Shifts

Grrr.

That is all that I can say.

Grrr.

I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't picking up extra shifts and working 5 nights a week (12 hours each night). But, right now, we need the extra money.

I am really looking forward to coming home for my bridal shower in a couple weeks. I fly home Thursday and come back on Tuesday. That will be a really nice break for me. In addition to having 6 days off (in a row), I only work regular full time hours both those weeks, none extra. So that is also a nice break.

Then, 5 weeks after that...Shaun and I fly home to get married. We can't wait. We are getting really excited. We are hearing about more and more people making reservations to come. Alot more from his side of the family are coming, than we originally had guessed. Which is way exciting.

I get three weeks vacation for the wedding/honeymoon. That will be so nice!! We were going to spend a week cruise in the Meditteranean, but when we bought our house, some priorities changed. We cancelled that expensive trip, and decided to take a nice, relaxing week in the Poconos, at a really nice Bed and Breakfast. Hiking, relaxing, swimming, relaxing, horseback riding, relaxing, shopping, relaxing, hottubbing. I think you get the point.

Then it will be back to night shifts, but I am only picking up extra shifts into June. After that, it is only fulltime regular work hours for me. Except an occasional extra shift, here or there.

I know this crazy schedule is only temporary, but it sure stinks while I am doing it. I don't get much done around the house, and I am so tired on my days off. But Shaun is great, he picks up the slack for now. I love that man! He is amazing. And soon, he will be my amazing husband. I can't wait!!! :)

Anniversary

Today, Shaun and I have been together for one year. We have exactly two months to go before we say "I do!"
Nothing major planned. I worked last night, and Shaun works all day. When he comes home, we will go out to dinner and go see a movie. That is our excitement for now.
Countdown for the wedding, we really can't wait for that. I am sure the next few weeks will just fly by.
I get to fly home in a couple weeks for my bridal shower. Yippee!!

Goodbye Sadie

Well, we decided we would put Sadie up for adoption. Some things that made us decide:

1. Puppies are supposed to make you happy, she was making us more frustrated from day-to-day than anything.

2. She wasn't learning. Either that, or we didn't know how to train her. Dachshunds are very stubborn, require a lot of time and training. Neither of us were able to make changes to our schedules to allow more time. We weren't home nearly enough to train her the way she needed trained.

3. She is young, and will learn with a new family better now than later. We figure if we waited, she may still never be trained (since our lifestyle wasn't changing) and then she would be a year old dog that wasn't trained. Most people would rather adopt a puppy that needs training than a dog.

4. Neither of us were really attatched to her. I think mostly because of the reasons above. She was cute, but most days she was frustrating. Rambunctious and destructive at times. Some days were good, others were bad. No consistency.

5. She was bored. It isn't fun staying at home alone all day, and when we came home, we played with her for a while, but not enough for her liking.

So, we put her in the Baltimore Sun and after about 6 hours, we had over 8 inquiries. The couple that adopted her had been looking for a dachshund for a couple months. Looking for the right dog. They have two dogs already (Sadie loves other dogs) and she is a work-from-home type. They like to go everywhere with their dogs and if the dogs can't go, they stay with her mother, who is a dog trainer.

Sounds like they have a huge (1/2 acre) fenced yard for her to play in. Really, we couldn't have asked for a better couple. They seemed to like her immediately. Of course, who wouldn't? She is super cute.

I know this is sudden, but I know we are all better off.

Bye Sadie! Have a great life!!!!

Threatening Mesages

Kidding. But I did get this message from an anonymous person stating that I needed to blog. So here I am. Blogging.

There really hasn't been too much going on. I have been working 5 or 6 days a week. I love my new job in the ER. I am almost off orientation. Actually one more shift. However, all my preceptors have been completely bored since I have been so self proficient. I really like it.

Last night I worked 3pm-3:30 am, as a transition to night shift, shich begins next week. Yeah. I am not sure how I will like it, but I am trying to look at it with a positive attitude. I haven't done straight nights in about 5 years, so it will be a change for me.

Wedding plans are coming right along. We have most everything done. We are getting really exciting. I think it is only 70 days from now. I can't wait.

Of course, with me working all the time, and doing odd shifts, I haven't had a chance to see Shaun much at all. I really miss him, and I live with him. Is that weird? He was great, made me some dinner last night while I was at work, and brought it to me. What a great guy!

Sadie has been another story. We really like her, but she has had some hurdles we have had to jump. She is only 5 months old, but it very rambunctious. She does not seem to learn anything. She still is not housetrained. I know dachshunds are hard to train. Maybe we weren't ready for a dachshund. We should have gotten an easier to train dog. We have considered getting rid of her-adoption, not pound. We talked it over, had some outside advice, and decided to stick with it. I think she can be a good puppy, but we need to get her trained. We found a puppy class that we want to enroll her in. It is at Petsmart, 8 weeks long. It might help, but I need to find the time and budget for it.

Hmmm, what else. I hope that fulfills my blogging requirement. I will try harder to keep up, but when life doesn't throw you lemons, how do you make lemonade?