House Hunting

This past winter we loosely talked about buying a different home in the summer. One day I was feeling really overwhelmed and powerless having my privacy and lifestyle criticized yet again by family. It made me want to run away. While driving to work, listening to X96 Radio From Hell there was an ad about Newdwello having grant specialists who can help you find money for a down payment. I looked into it and was contacted by a man named Sterling. 

Although we don't qualify for any grants Sterling has been a great help. We went from not really looking for a home to placing an offer on an amazing home with a breathtaking view. Our offer was accepted, we received financing, paid the down payment, and signed the papers only to find out the owner's deceased wife's children placed a lien on the property. We ultimately declined to continue with that home. It is a beautiful home in the perfect location, but logically we were biting off what we could chew, but could possibly choke on. The yard may have been too much work for us and I didn't want to cut back on eating out and living comfortably. If it was supposed to work out then it would have. We believe in recognizing signs that guide us. It's all about making smart choices and this home would not have been the smartest choice for us.

We did get a family picture after going to closing and signing.

We've continued looking for houses but we have some specifics that make it challenging. It's a sellers market, inventory is scarce. There aren't enough houses on the market for as many buyers that are out there.

What I love most about our current home is the location. We're in Ogden, but tucked away on the west side. It's close to the river and trails, the freeway, lots of local eats and entertainment and I have an easy drive to drop the baby off at my mom's. 

What we don't love about our place is that we don't have a dish washer and only one bathroom. We'd really like an attached 2 car garage. We don't want to do the old fixer-upper house again. It's a lot of work and money and we're tired. 

The dilemma is I want have to be in Ogden. My favorite activities and groups are in Ogden, like Yogis of Ogden and the O-Town Babywearers. I need the beautiful mountains and quick access to trails. I want to raise my child(ren) in Ogden so they can develop a strong sense of community involvement. Ogden is more diverse than the surrounding areas. It's not California diverse, but my children will be exposed to other cultures and religions as opposed to if we moved to a Davis County suburb(I REFUSE). 

The type of house we want and the lifestyle we want conflict. Ogden is made up of old homes. Many of them have been renovated inside so they're gorgeous, but the whole garage thing, they're all detached and rarely fit two cars. We're looking for 4 or 5 bedrooms because we want a whole tribe of children. We're okay settling for 3 bedrooms and possibly moving later. Here's what I'm thinking, if I can convince my husband that a detached garage is something we can work with, could we settle for a lovely Ogden home tucked on the side of the mountain with trees and a view? The downside is we'd have to carry shit a little further and maybe run from house to car in the rain. I think we'll live. 

Our agent tells me to be patient. We'll find a home that aligns with us. 

New Moon

I've been going to yoga a few days a week with some girls from work. This is about as much spirituality as I get now a days and it's been good. In class the instructor mentioned how the following day was the new moon. She said to think of it as a mini new year and allow yourself to make a fresh start or get rejuvenated to continue a project. I looked at my moon phase app and not only were the sun, moon, and earth in alignment, but the moon was in the zodiac sign Aquarius, my sign. Now I don't really even know what that means or believe in it, but the idea was planted and I was really productive and got this unexplained drive to work on my graduate project. 

#7

Something You Wore Today

I bought this dress from Express two weeks ago. I wanted to wear it last week but since it was the first week of conversion at work they let us wear jeans. I finally got to wear it today.

The Worm Moon

YOGAmazing: Yoga for Strength & Toning

I did this today. It's one of my favorites because it gets your heart pumping and it hurts, so you know your muscles are working. 

I'mReadyForA---Break!

I've never gotten around to writing about how much I like my job. I've been working my ass off and I'm tired, but fulfilled.

Monday was day one of our big system conversion to the program I went to Sioux Falls to learn about.  I went in Saturday until midnight to help get things ready. Everything so far in our loans department is going smoothly.

The deposits department is a different story. 

I know there was no way to fully predict what might not work, but holy shit, I don't think anyone was expecting the chaos we've been having for the past few days. All departments have been trying to filter customer service calls because the queues are filled to capacity and no one can get through for help. It feels good to do CS calls, it's been over a year since I moved to the loans department. Most of the customers I helped were understanding, but there were a few that tested my composure. Poor Denise(my boss) was so overwhelmed she bursted into tears and was sent home early. It has been frustrating and I can feel the tension in my shoulders, but I love my job. I made cookies to take tomorrow. It helped me relieve some stress and everyone deserves a treat for all of their hard work.

I like to wear my Guatemalan apron

Today the Health Department called to see if I wanted to come for an interview for a Health Educator position, I declined, my loyalty is to TAB-they treat me good.  I want the health education experience, but it's not something that is going to work for me right now. I just got accepted into graduate school, Weber's Masters of Professional Communication program. I'm not quite sure where I want to take myself, the major is broad which allows each student to choose their focus. My thoughts are to either continue with health education or do something relating to business. Along with my acceptance letter came two assignments. What a wonderful way to welcome us.

My weekend was busy. I got off at about 6:00 PM on Friday and went over to the hospital to see Angel's new baby. While I was there Stela texted me that she was at the hospital with her baby because he had RSV. Same hospital, so I told her I'd meet her in a bit. I kind of felt in the way, but I just wanted to check on her and the baby. I'm still not past my dislike for Aaron, but from what I see he's a great dad who loves his kids. He also had a Jazz hat on so that's a step in the right direction ha ha.  They're out of the hospital and he's doing better.

So sad, makes me not want kids. He had his mocos sucked out and an IV put in. 

I left the hospital about 8:00 PM to get ready for my date with Ashely. She was supposed to take me to Andy's to eat greek, but we ended up at the Copper Club.  There was a lot of diversity at the club, from cowboys to gangstas, maybe because options are limited in O-town. I saw plenty of familiar faces. It was my first time there and I liked it.

While I was at the hospital I got a call from AGP who was drunk and could possibly need a ride. I never heard from him again. I saw a post on FB from his friend trying to raise money to get him out of jail. This is his second time in about a month. He's screwed! I ignored his calls all night and the next day, pretty tired of trying to help. Still love him though.

Finally went to bed around 3:00 AM then woke up at 9:00 AM for breakfast with my grandparents. We went to Dee's. Yum! Yum!

I went to Yoga at 11:00 AM and then stopped by to visit Kiki & Family.

3:00 PM I had sushi with Taylor & Amanda, friends from jr high/high school.  It was a good time, but not enough time, I had to be to work by 5:00 PM until midnight.

I've had way too busy of a schedule so Sunday I didn't leave the house. I slept until 3:00 PM then just lounged around catching up on Pretty Little Liars.

Now I just need to get past week 1 of the conversion, look how messy my desk is. Full of sticky notes.

Just a few more things...  

I celebrated Fat Tuesday with Sarah. We went out for ice cream at Farr's Fresh, where you pay by the ounce. I thought it was so funny when I asked Sarah why she didn't fill her cup up, she said because she didn't want me to have to pay to much, OK sure I'll pay! LOL 

I've seen chairs like this around work and of course no one wants to sit on them because it looks liked they've been pissed on. 

Well I now have a pee chair. The ice pack I had on my back leaked. 

Receive the Sun

Wednesday morning I attended a yoga session outside by McKay Dee Hospital's pond

Each breath offered liberation as I gazed at at the leaves overhead and the mountains to the east. I can't even describe how good my body felt. The flowing water, crisp air, the warming sunrise soothed my mind and soul. I feel like I never want to do yoga indoors again after this compelling encounter. 

Namaste