Making a pit a home

I moved into a messy, somewhat scary apartment this month.

When I moved in, the previous tenant had left behind not only a bunch of random furniture and junk, but also left an enormous mess. Kathy and I spent most of my first day here cleaning their filth. Normally I wouldn't be so uppity about it, bit I didn't realize people could be so dirty! We scrubbed and scrubbed most of the day...

When I spoke to my landlord, (who couldn't be nicer!) I told him that even the walls were disgusting and would need repainted. I think he was a little embarrassed, but he told me to more or less do what I want, and to save the receipts. Of course, my brain started racing and ideas started pouring out.

Finally, this weekend, I started the task of overhauling my place.

I started in the living room and went bold.
(Once my cabinet is up here for my TV, a.k.a. my computer, I'll have a better picture of my accent wall.)
I also really love the gray! I'm really happy with the colors I chose, although this blue is something to get used to. I think it will be less like staring into the ocean once I decorate it a little more.

I also took on the kitchen. Just clean white in there, but anyone that knows me, knows I'm a fan of vinyl wall decals! I think it turned out pretty cute!

All in all it was a busy weekend. It feels really good to have accomplished so much. Doing it all on my own no less. (Ralph's lack of thumbs rendered him useless.)

Its funny how a few coats of paint can take a scary place that looked like a meth kitchen and make it look like a home.

My next step(s) is to do the bathroom, (that's gonna be a TON of work) and the room off of the living room. I'm excited for that one; its gonna be my crafting space!

Stay tuned!

(I don't know why the photos are out of order, but cut me some slack. Its 2am and I'm posting from my phone. Haha)

Newness

Its the day before Christmas Eve and I'm siting in a somewhat empty room thinking about all the changes and challenges I've faced this last year and how so many things are so different than last Christmas.

Last year I was preparing for a holiday with the in laws and excited to see everyone. I was working at the radio station and feeling so good about things.

This year um preparing for a winter move, and working through the holiday. Even with the stress and chaos, I can't help but think that its strange that although my circumstances have changed so drastically, I still feel good about things.

Anyone that knows me at all knows I'm not a huge fan of change. It scares me to be honest. So with all if the changes I've gone through in he last few months since spring, it sort of shocks me that I haven't combusted.

1) Marriage ending.  Although this is sad, and I struggled in the beginning, I can honestly say its made me stronger and I've learned a lot about myself through it. I'm also very lucky to say that Jeremy and I still get along well, and his Mother and I, as well as Grandma and others, will always remain close. Somethings just aren't what we planned for I suppose.

2) Moving (a few times). I detest moving. Packing and unpacking, the having to buy the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and other miscellaneous supplies stresses me out. But I lived with my best friend and enjoyed one of the single greatest summers of my life. I can't thank Lacy enough for being the person she is. Wine nights with spaghetti and the Xfactor or Investigate Discovery sort of defined our home lives. That and the crazy randomness that always seemed to find us here on East Terry will be some of my best memories. But this Christmas finds us packing our lives and moving to separate homes. New beginnings for both of us.

3) Work. Work has been one of the most rewarding and frustrating parts of my life this year. Lacy and I were able to demonstrate that calm under pressure and working your ass off pays of. In September she took over as manager, and I as trainer. She and I went from reps on the phone to running the center together in just a few months.

I'm so proud of what I have accomplished and overcome. Even though its a bittersweet ending  to so many things, 2012 made me better and stronger in so many ways. (Even if it still kicked my ass some too.)

So for 2013 I look forward to a new place, more projects, and getting back to blogging.

Merry Christmas everyone, and have a blessed new year.

I am still alive...

I am fully aware that I have been absent for months. I'm very very sorry...
So much has changed for me I don't even know where to begin, so I suppose I will start at the beginning.

Firstly, although I have no immediate plans to rename my blog, I no longer live on Drake. Jeremy and I have separated and I moved out a while ago. (Right around the time of my last posting in fact.) As sad as it makes me, we are just two young people that grew apart and want(ed) different things. Jeremy will always be a friend to me, and hold a place in my heart. Same can be said for the rest of his family. I would have never survived initially if it wasn't for them. I will love them forever.

I am now living with my friend Lacy and feel like I'm right where I belong. You will be hearing more about her and her 6 year old Tazech as time goes I'm sure!

I am also down almost 50 pounds! I have never felt better, or looked better if it's not too conceited to say!

I am making great progress at my job as well! I am looking into even more changes there...stay tuned!

I am back and ready to take on the world folks!! I look forward to more projects to share as well as stories and featuring more people!

To all that have helped Jeremy and I during this rough time, I know I speak for both of us when I say thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU. Whether you were a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on, mange tusen taak!!! (Many thousand thanks)

Heeeeeey!

So I have been absent recently.
The first reason was that I got a new job. (YAY!) I took a position at MTI (Midwest TeleSales International) as a call center representative. I am much happier there than I was at the radio station. Although I fund myself missing some of the people that I worked with (Afton) I like having a job that I dont have to take home with me.
Once I had finally gotten good and settled in my new position I got sick. A couple weeks ago I went to the ER with severe stomach pains and vomiting. (Not fun) After being examined by a doctor I was sent home with a bladder infection. I didn't really buy it but then again I'm not the one with an MD either so I filled the prescriptions and went home.
Saturday (the next day) I still had an awful stomachache but thought I just needed to let the medicine to work. Wrong. Sunday I woke up with a migraine from hell and still stomachache and vomiting.
Jeremy took me back to the ER and they finally figured out it was my appendix and had to have surgery to have it removed.
So since then I have been on the mend for the last couple weeks.
I haven't exactly felt up to doing many projects, but today I was invited to participate in a craft show at Honey Creek Resort on the 22nd! I was so surprised to be asked (someone had seen my blog and got the word out!) and I am excited to have a table! You all will have to come see me there!
I will post more info as soon as I get it and more projects too!
Also, to everyone who sent cards, notes and other well wishes during my recovery, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

A little bit of a few things...

Okay, so I have been a bad blogger lately. I admit it. I haven't posted much, and I haven't even done a project in WAY too long...I am not quite sure what to do with myself!

However, I am on the mend from my illness last week, and it is so nice to say that I am feeling SO much better!

In my last post I mentioned that I might be getting something new to post about, and so I am excited to share my newest ink with you!

Pin It

It is on the inside of my right wrist and a little gnarly looking since I took the photo the day after I got it. It is a white ink tattoo which means that once it is all healed up and the scab is gone it is going to look more like a scar than a tattoo. It's gonna be very faint which is the whole reason I wanted it in white...It will be easy to conceal if I need to and just delicate enough...The little heart is right where my hometown (Spring Grove) is. I just love it! I got it done by Jessica at Hold Fast Tattoos in Ottumwa. She did a great job; I love my newest ink! 

(I have a total of 6 now!)

I also celebrated Valentine's Day with Jeremy of course!

He was amazing to send me some flowers at work:

I just love stuff like this! 

The timing couldn't have been better too...

Yesterday I really needed a pick-me-up because I had to quit my job on short notice. 

(That is a WHOLE different post though...there is nothing wrong or anything, just don't want to get into it really...and NO. I am most certainly NOT pregnant either.) 

 I was feeling really bad about it, and then these showed up and kind of turned my day around!

Plus later on, I got a call that I won a 22 piece stainless steel cookware set from Bradley Hall here in Centerville! I have NEVER won anything, so you can imagine that I was VERY excited!

I had a VERY good Valentine's Day! I got flowers, won a prize, and made my husband a steak dinner, and wrapped it all up with a movie. 

I hope you enjoyed your holiday too!

I DO have a certain project in mind that I am hoping to get up on here some time this week (hopefully) with a garage sale find! So keep your eyes open for that!

I am excited to let you all in on some of the changes that are in store for me as they come as well! 

STAY TUNED! :)

Just a break...

Hello lovelies...I have been less than consistent on here as of late, and it bums me out.
This whole week I have been sick with a sinus infection and a case of tonsillitis. Not really my idea of a good week, but I have been trying to get well. I have missed a bunch of work (boo) and have spent almost the entire week in bed. On the upside (?) , I have watched almost 5 seasons of Dexter. Okay that's not really too much of an upside, but I have to try and see the silver lining right? One thing I can say for sure, is that I have gotten some real quality time with Ralph and Boof. They are good company to keep when you don't feel well...
I see the doctor again tomorrow to see if we can't get it all figured out. Then hopefully I will be getting a new something to share with you...
Until then my dears,
Xoxo

Drumroll Please!

I know you have all been anxious to know who won the first give away by The Hobbyist on Drake!

I shall not make you wait any longer!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Kimberlee has won a set of 2 redneck wineglasses in honor of my Ralph's 4th Birthday!

This was her entry:
"My favorite hobby is estate, rummage sales, and flea markets. Buying what others see as junk and repurposing it."

Thank you to all that entered! It was fun reading the responses! 

Look for more giveaways from The Hobbyist on Drake!