forgiveness

Do not be alarmed by the title.  I am by no means that nice of a person.

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This weekend was a whirlwind. We did not close on our house. I also do not have cable, internet or mail anymore. Or shelving or food. *sigh*.

(I’m still whining)

So we left Friday and headed to Sioux Falls. We got to see Brother1's new house that they closed on (not ironic at all) and then we headed to the LaVerne Drive In. We love Drive Ins and if you have never gone, you must. Now. Find the nearest one and go. This was a frequent date night for us in Minnesota. Spiderman was showing and I have to say I found it . . . . delightful. So refreshing to have someone other than Tobey Maguire playing Spiderman and Kirsten Dunst being the girlfriend . . ugh . .
good riddance.

And no, we do not park in the furthest row and make out.  Gross.

Saturday we stuck around and had breakfast with Brother1, Erin, Coop and Cate at Bagel Boy. Cate loves markers and Coop loves cheese.

Obviously we are related.

Brother2 turned 14 on Saturday so the whole famdamily went to Wild Water West to celebrate. I can’t believe he is already 14. It seems like just yesterday that I would have to babysit him as an infant while Boyd and I were dating.

My parents had a great sense of humor.

Or maybe it was a birth control tactic. I’m not certain.

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A few nights ago Sister1 had us over for dinner. You will remember that we have no kitchen supplies. I can’t even fry myself an egg. Or cut a pizza. I feel like a pilgrim.

(Still whining)

ANYWHO. Oli was deliriously tired and doing what very tired children do . . . which is everything but obey. Sister1 sent him up to his room for a "timeout’. He came downstairs a few minutes later with an uncertain expression on his face:

Sister1: "Oli. It is not time for you to be done with your time-out. Get back upstairs."

Oli: "But, I FORGIVE YOU, Mommy!"

Bless his little heart.

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Sale set-up as begun. Now begins the nights of tossing and turning and rearranging furniture in my dreams. Is that strange? Heather Holman dropped off a load of stuff and I went right to work moving this and that . . . so much fun.

And so overwhelming.  I have no idea how to fit everything in the house. 

Yes. I would like some cheese with this whine.

WARNING: this post is filled with whining.   If this makes you cringe . . stop reading now.

Ok.  Let’s begin.

We were supposed to close on our Watertown house on Friday the 13^th.  As in tomorrow.  (AND BEFORE that we were supposed to close on June 25^th) So we have been HAULING CRAP over to a storage unit in Lake Norden in anticipation of being out of  the house tomorrow.  We are down to some random bits and pieces of things that need to be gathered and organized, our clothes and our bed.  This morning I sat on the floor, looking at the blank wall, while eating a bowl of cereal.  We have one bowl left and plastic spoons.  That is my kitchen presently.

I KNEW having a closing on Friday the 13^th was a bad idea.  I was trying hard not to be a silly but now I am officially superstitious.

I got a call from the utilities department this morning saying that our account cannot be taken out of my name because the buyer just called them and said he was no longer buying our house.  SAY WHAT?!  Why am I hearing this from the Utilities lady?

Here is the thing.  We actually own 3 houses right now.  2 are in Minnesota with renters in them. (Keep in mind that being landlords was never on our “wish list”) We had put our Stillwater house on the market this spring and accepted an offer.  BUT they want some “dips” fixed in some of the shingles on the roof.  Boyd claims it is nothing serious and it’s because of some spray foam blah blah blah and it would be expensive to fix so he won’t fix something that is not going to leak and is not noticeable to the naked eye.  So we keep trying to line up people to get out there and test the integrity of everything to prove the roof is fabulous.  People keep scheduling and then cancelling.  Our renters are moving out of that house at the end of July.  If this sale does not go through, I have to find new renters.  Yes . . I should say WE have to find new renters but let’s not kid ourselves. :)

So there is that.

And our Lake Norden property that we would like to start on is constantly being dragged out because the surveyors TAKE FOREVER.  And then once they did survey the land, the main beach area was cut off.  WHAT?!  So . . must figure that out.

And now Watertown.  The house that should not be any hassle is a thorn in my side.  We need to sell it to move forward with purchasing the LN property BUT can’t purchase the LN property until the property lines are officially set, title work ordered, etc.

GADS.  Just stick me in a trailer.  In Kauai.  Yes.  That sounds nice.  I will now go check airline tickets.  Excuse me.

It appears we will not be going to Kauai anytime soon.

To add to all of this . . . . I have a “stress eating” problem.  What do I do when there are boxes to be packed, loaded, etc??? I bake a chocolate cake, dump it in a large tupperware and continuously take chunks from it.  Gaining weight is not on my wish list either.

Have I mentioned that we will be living with my parents during this interim time? 

Party. On. 

Yes.  We will be inhabiting my old room.  For some reason when I was a teenager I decided I wanted this bright blue carpet to go in my room.  BECAUSE IT WAS MY ROOM and for whatever reason I was in love with primary colors.  After a few years, mom scavenged up some leftover neutral carpet (that woman can find just about anything that no one else wants) and did the entire upstairs - but I put my foot down.  I wanted the blue.  And I would not allow her to touch my room.  (side note:  I also used to have several animals that lived in that room.  Mom used to say “It stinks in here! And I would say: “Then get out.” I am such a problem solver.) 

I now get to revel in my late 90’s stylish stubbornness.  Payback is a b*tch.

I couldn’t find my sunglasses this morning after running errands.  It made me angry.  I found them later after being at work for an hour.  They were on my head.  No one told me.

I am 32 going on 72.

Oh.  And I’m trying to prepare for a glorious sale.  With lots of furniture.  I have filled Sister2's garage FULL of items.  All 3 stalls.  I need to stop moving all the time since my main hobby is collecting furniture.  The 2 do not go well together.  Boyd has lamented that if “artsy” is going to be a hobby of mine why can’t it just involve a small paint set.  I pointed out that at least my hobby tends to bring in some cash while his hobbies tend to take my hobby's cash.

Go figure.  

Nonsensical Ramblings.

I’ve been reminiscing lately.  I’m blaming it on packing up my photo albums for our upcoming move.  It did a few things for me: (1) it made me realize how far I am behind on my albums; and (2) Made me cringe at my early 90s clothes.  The 80s may have had shoulder pads and big hair but we, the youth of the 90s, did our best with oafish shoes and large flannel shirts. 

It’s a shame this is all documented in photograph form.

Other than packing boxes and boxes and boxes of photos, albums and books . . . . I have been busy preparing for the Lucky Day sale.  Yes.  Prepare yourselves.  It will take place July 26-28.  I am very excited.  And you should be too.

I recently got hit on by a man in bib overalls.  It made my day.  I had no idea that old farmers were my target demographic for compliments.   All this time wasted . . . . 

Lou puked in my car.

I am embarrassed to admit this, but I can’t get enough of “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction.  I have the musical integrity of a 12 year old girl.  

Hit me over the head if I start to get excited about Olive Garden.  Although - - truth be told - - they do make some mean breadsticks.

I love my book club.  They are all so delightful.  And they read.

Speaking of nerds and books, I am now starting book #5 of Game of Thrones.  I can’t get enough of dragons, knights and that clever little dwarf.

This past weekend O stayed with Boyd and I.  We enjoyed having the little guy.  He did some spray painting, some demo work and we played with kittens.  Owen learned that he really likes sledgehammers.  And kittens.  Imagine that.

We still have not closed on our house or the lake property.  Everything seems to be on hold.  No idea why.  We also have buyers for our Stillwater house. There again . . . on hold.  Good grief.  I keep praying for patience but I think its backfiring.  All I have to say is this:  EVERYONE . . . DO YOUR JOB.  NOW! 

Boyd made the comment the other day that "I'm relieved - - I think four acres will end up being enough room for the house, some extra buildings and the racetrack."  

Wait a minute . . 

I’m trying my best (and failing miserably) to just sit back and enjoy the ride . . like these guys:

Now, if you will excuse me I just spotted some chocolate frosting.

The Hulk

G and O recently saw the Avengers and now they are obsessed with superhero movies.  Their favorite character of the Avengers was the Hulk.  Amateurs.  Obviously Iron Man is the best but there is no use arguing with them.  Who can match that wit, high intelligence and fabulous facial hair?

We had G and O over for Movie Night tonight to watch The Hulk.  I never knew how confusing the movie was until I watched it with an 8 and 6 yr old. 

Does he turn into the hulk if he is sad?

Is he bad?

who are the bad guys?

Who is the Super Villain?

Who is going to win?

Is he trying to get mad?

Who is stronger?  Superman or the Hulk?

Why does the army want to catch him?

What's wrong with his blood?

Why doesn't he want to go with the army?

Sister 1 came to pick them up and as we were talking, O kicked the door and hit G who was putting on his shoes.  Good grief. Sister1 gets after them and then there is silence.  And then a little voice pipes in with: 

“Are your eyes turning green?”

And with that . . . the 2 wild boys were out of our house and into Sister1's vehicle.  I love being an aunt. ;)

Boyd and O getting ready for the Avengers to start

Crazy.

WOW.  Memorial weekend was Crazy.

I am still amazed at everything we managed to do.  Or maybe it is more amazing that I didn't have a meltdown.

Kami (Boyd's sister) was in town for the weekend to celebrate her friend Tonja's wedding.  Which also meant that Tonja's whole family was around which is always a good time.  So . . . Friday was a dinner party at Sister1's.  I was in charge of cheesy hashbrowns.  They are the EASIEST thing in the world to make and somehow I messed it up.  Do not go by "feelings" rather than the directions.  UGH.  I picked up a bucket of potato salad instead.  And beer.  Beer seems to work well as a peace offering.

Saturday my little nephew Cooper turned 3.  Brother1 and Erin had the party at the farm.  We were all supposed to wear football jerseys so that Cooper could experience his first real football game.  Unfortunately, the children were too cold so the adults were the only ones left playing.  I would like to say this is weird but with my family it is not.  Boyd managed to hurt Brother2 which helped keep the normal in our "family football".   *sigh*

Birthday boy and cousins

Saturday night Boyd and I went out to dinner with Sister1 and Kami.   It was fun.  Except for the part of me falling on the way to the bathroom.  Yes.  I fell.  And it wasn't a nice graceful little slip either.  Nope.  Right in front of the bar I wiped out.  At least 5 people asked if I was okay.  My ego is completely demolished but otherwise I am perfectly fine.  I come out of the bathroom and a caution sign was up by where I fell.  Supposedly there was a "divet" i.e. NOT MY FAULT

Sister1, Kami, Me.  I have a billowy shirt on . . . FYI

We found a house we would like to move to our new property.  We drove out and looked at it and liked it!  Hardwood floors, old cool trim . . . the body of the house is boring but has great potential.  We are buying it from them for $6,000.  I find this crazy.

The wedding was on Sunday.  It was a lovely day.  I channeled my "inner extrovert" and was able to chat and be social ALL DAY LONG.  It was amazing.  We then went home and I collapsed on the couch.  Kami called at 7:45 p.m. saying she forgot her purse at the wedding.  Her flight was to leave at 9:45 p.m. from Sioux Falls.  It was stressful.  I was in my nightie.  At one point during the night, I was running through the rain to a gas station in Brookings wearing my nightie and big black furry slippers.  Fortunately my ego was still completely demolished from the Saturday night incident so I didn't care.

AND THEN MONDAY.  Boyd wanted to head to the lake property and do some beach cleaning.  He ran the chainsaw and cut up a tree.  Boyd loves chainsaws.  I was in charge of stacking the wood.  I do not love stacking wood.  Boyd also got to drive the 4 wheeler around with a rake on the back.  He also happens to LOVE driving 4 wheelers.   At one point, I looked up from my raking and saw him smiling as he was driving around on the 4 wheeler and realized that HE was having fun and I was not.   Surprise Surprise.

part of our new lake property!

We found 3 dead foxes and one dead snapping turtle.   There seems to be a turtle vs. fox feud on our property - Or just people trying to scare us off.  It will not work.  My dogs LOVE dead animals to roll around in and it helps Boyd to feel manly if he has to do something "gross" to save the day.

It has been brought to my attention that I have a reader in Cali!  And no, it is not my sister-in-law.  Hi Karsten! :)  Welcome to the masses  of people who read my blog.  There are literally tens of us.

And there ends my Memorial Day weekend.  I need a vacation from the vacation. 

32.

So, I had a birthday recently.  It fell on a Monday.  I hate that.  Birthdays should always be on a Friday or Saturday as a rule.  I typically celebrate birthday week but it falling on a Monday just had me all out of sorts.  Boyd finally caught a break with my high maintenance birthday week tradition.  We were in Minneapolis this past weekend to clean out the backyard at the Stillwater house and to also catch up with friends.  It was fabulous especially since I didn’t have to do any work in Stillwater - - just Boyd.  He’s lucky like that.  I went to a plethora (LOVE that word!) of garage sales.  I got to see some friends I haven’t seen in awhile and ate a lot of fabulous food.

Because of said birthday . . .. . I am now the proud owner of an iphone.  In other words: I am now the idiot who owns an iphone.**Side note:  I have this weird issue of “giving in” to trends.  I typically try and gauge the trend.  How much do I like this trend?  Does it seem like it will be sticking around?  How expensive is it? Is it a hassle?  Can it be justified? Will I look stupid (i.e. skinny jeans)? Why do I think I need said trend? Am I doing it strictly because of peer pressure?  I was explaining this personal war that I wage on myself from time to time and Sister1 informed me that I was a titch crazy.**   

To be honest, I gave in to the whole iphone thing because I want to use the Instagram app.  I can now take pictures that make my life look cooler than it really is. Yes!!  I tried to download it and it asked for my apple ID.  I do not know my apple ID.  This problem would be categorized under “Trend full of hassles”. 

My new iphone is the one that you talk to.  I’m already annoyed with it.  It isn’t paying attention to me.  AND I find myself obsessed with touching it and looking at it and talking to it.  Fabulous.  I am now one of those people who are always messing with their phone while you are trying to have a conversation with them. *And don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about*  I have somehow managed to create another obstacle for me to test/prove my lack of will power.

Lovely.  My self esteem is sky rocketing and plummeting at the same time.  

In other news.  I have not blogged in a really long time.

Why you ask?

I have no idea.

I just didn’t feel like it.

But I felt like it today, so I did. 

Update:   We put our Watertown house up for sale.  We are hoping to move to the country.  And eat a lot of peaches.

Another update: I am no longer doing Shoppe on the Corner.  Instead, I am holed up in my garage painting furniture furiously to get ready for the FIRST EVER Lucky Day Sale which will be held in June.  Prepare yourselves.  It will be . . . . . awesome.  I hope. I mean . . I can’t be certain but it should be pretty awesome.  

I am feeling energetically inspired again.  I’m geared up to work in the garden, clean my house, paint some furniture and dance in the rain.  I MIGHT even start trying to be healthy.  But I don’t want to get too crazy with my new positive energy.  Plus, my mother-in-law baked me a heavenly chocolate cake and I still have 50% of it left sitting on my kitchen counter.  I can’t be rude . . it was for my birthday after all.  I really shouldn’t even share with Boyd because she made it for ME only.  I’m thoughtful like that.

32 years old.   I think 32 is going to be alright.

This and That.

I forgot that I had a blog.  Sorry.  And yes, part 2 for Costa Rica was fabulous.  It was mostly rainforest near Lake Arenal - absolutely stunning.  Boyd took windsurfing lessons and decided he LOVED it.  His positive attitude can by slightly annoying sometimes.

We did a ziplining tour one day and a strenuous hike at a nearby volcano to see the Blue River and waterfalls, etc.  Gorgeous.

Boyd on Lake Arenal

Rainforest

Waterfall at Blue River

Now we are back home and I have a hard time thinking of what has been going on.

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Lou pooped in my Jeep and then napped the rest of the day.  

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Oli stayed overnight.  He is such a funny little guy and so sweet.  He loves to look at books and scold Lou.

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G had his first ever basketball game.  He hasn't developed the healthy fear of coaches yet.

G:  Hey Robb (coach)!  Robb!  Robb!

R:  Yes?

G:  Can I go in now?

R:  In a minute.

G:  What do I do when I get in?  Do I just dilly-dally?

I have no idea what he thinks dilly-dally means but it must be a fierce basketball strategy.  Ry would have been proud. :)

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My niece Cate turned 1 this month!  She is so stinking cute.  We traveled to Sioux Falls to celebrate.  The weather was perfect so we were able to play outside.  She loved her new doll and stroller I picked out for her.

Other than that . . . . . the wind has been blowing like mad which in turn makes me mad.

The Shoppe's next occasional sale is over Easter weekend so I have to get back to painting, painting, painting!