Wednesday Night

TJ is picking me up tonight. That is cool, so I don't have to take the max and be even later getting home, not to mention the bums. That doesn't thrill me either.

I did submit the information for our home situation one last time to Laurel's good friend and mortgage broker but have not had a call yet. I'm thinking the situation is going to be the same, just too much for us. TJ did check out this house we really liked on Division just over the hill from us. When I called on it, it was in pending mode. I told him to check it out again and see if it fell through for other people. That could benefit us. 4 bedroom 2 bath, I don't recall the square footage in the house. Nice neighborhood though, just before 181st.

I got some precious pictures today from Laura from Christina's office before it's cleared out for someone else to move into. I'm keeping them up here, the two cuties! I miss both of them madly and it hasn't been that long since I seen either of them. Seems like forever though.

I made arrangements with Blaine to walk around Glendoveer park twice on Thursday nights and Sunday evenings. I think that is great that I have a new walking buddy. That will be 1.25 miles each way twice a week, and then once with Andrew on Saturday mornings. I might just get in shape yet. I'm certainly working on it. It's almost 7:00 and I'm ready for bed! The heat in here tonight zapped everybody badly!

Tomorrow big wigs will be coming, Dave Moore THE President of Corinthian Colleges will be stopping by, the man himself!! Wow!

I'm over the depression a bit, but still confused in my brain. I keep having very sexual dreams again and it bothers me. Makes me resent TJ when I go through this cycle every 3 months or so. I'm trying to get over it.

The House Situation

Good to hear from you Jen, and glad to know you are still kickin'!! Yes, we had considered looking into different options. Yes, we have spoken with 3 mortgage brokers. The last one is through Laurel and I didn't realize until just recently that she has a butt load of knowledge in this area. She has purchased 10 homes in her life time, which is a lot in my book. I have disregarded the first one, she wouldn't share our credit scores with us, telling us it was against the law. The second one is a friend of Jeremy's who quoted us the lowest price which is $1503 without the insurance and property tax. The third is Laurel's friend Paul and he is currently looking over our situation at this moment. I did finally get our credit scores from another broker with out having to tap into the Credit Scores again. We did get a lot of different quotes and one of them were with my credit score only, because mine is higher. TJ's has more "lines" where he has more credit cards and has made more payments on them than I have, but he makes double what I do, and his scores are lower than mine. So, we tried averaging them out together and it still is coming up with 8.25% interest which Bites on $200,000 loan!! That is for a 30 year loan, and as I had stated, with that in mind, TJ wants to get something before he gets much older.

I had thought of when you and Larry were searching, and then finally got your condo. TJ wants a yard for Tatyana, we do BBQing too. Condo's to him are like big apartments. I liked your set up because it is in a community. I had thought of searching different areas, but child care is a major concern. One of them lives in Damascus and where I have to be at work at 7:30 Mon through Thurs and 8 on Friday, any earlier getting up for any of us is a concern so location needs to be out in Gresham or at the furthest out around 122nd so SE Portland. I am even ok with NE Portland, Fairview, as far out as Sandy but not out towards Beaverton or downtown Portland. So, what we have looked at so far are fixer uppers which would be fine for someone who is not injured or knows what the hell they are doing. That's where the concern is. We were called by a Realtor yesterday but until finances are in order, we have stopped looking at the moment.

Damn, It's Hot

It's 78 up here! Way too hot in these clothes! I've drank a lot of water today. I get to officially close tomorrow, and I guess next Wednesday. Looks like all 3 of us get to rotate this schedule for a while until Laurel gets to hire someone. That could take a long time with the new process it takes for a new hire. They have to be "matched" for the position. One would think it wouldn't take a rocket scientist, but that is for corporate to decide.

We are not going to be able to get a house at the rate of payments that will be required for us. Looks like a minimum of $1503 a month, without insurance and taxes, and including both of those, it's around $1744 a month. Not in our budget for sure. TJ was a bit stressed about it, he wants to get a house before he's too old to get a loan and get it paid off before he dies. At this rate, he'll be 74, I can understand his concern. I'm not in a hurry and all that we can afford is a fixer upper. Not exactly what we want since nither of us are skilled at remodeling. The houses we can afford are $150-175 and those are pieces of shit around our area. He is pissed because I told him to be patient, and he thinks I am waiting for a miracle to happen. Not exactly, but not out of the question either.

Had a lovely conversation wtih Bruce today, he called while I was on a coffee run at Starbucks for Melanie. Talked to him for 20 minutes to help sooth my depression of the current situation. It did help for sure. He was on his way to the Dr. having problems with his shoulder, it's completely numb. They are discussing surgery.

Sadness today

Today began with a message from Christina that she is not coming back. I am sad to say the least. The good thing is she is in good hands and it's the beginning for her. I miss her like mad.

On a good note, there are only 4 more days of this week. Our plans are cancelled for Rose Festival Parade and the zoo this weekend. That sadens me again. But, again on a brighter note, I finally have contacted Jen. I have not actually spoken to her, but we have emailed and I did get to hear her lovely voice on my phone. I saved it too. Sounds weird, but it was the first time I'd heard her voice, and it's kind of special. Especially when I am in the dumps as I am. Telling Chad this morning that Christina wasn't coming back was not an easy thing to do. He was not very happy but he disguised it well. On a sad note, I have to close tomorrow night, 11-8.

Got a lot done this weekend. Cleaned Tatyana's room out completely. Got all of her clothes sorted and given to Sherry with her belated birthday gift which was the CD of Coyote Ugly, the extended version. She loved it too. Walked twice around the golf course at Glendoveer, 1.25 miles one time around. I was planning on meeting with Blaine tomorrow night to walk with him two times around the course but that won't happen now. Bummer....

Got the whole house cleaned, mowed the lawn, made dinner and lunch and we went to see X-Men 3 the Stand. It was great. Next week it's exclusive between he and I to go see the Da Vinci Code alone!! I can't believe he has made those arrangements but I'm happy about it. Nothing naughty will happen, but at least we will be alone without her. Not that I mind, but I would like some time without her squirming, whining, demanding, bitching, crying, complaining all the things that 5 year olds do I suppose. Need that adult time alone.

Tonight, we are going to Rose Festival right after work with Tatyana. That should be good fun, and have dinner down there too. They have great food, kind of expensive, but good. I will miss going with Heather and Christina.

Friday is Here!

I'm so excited! Jen fulfilled my request. Finally I'll be able to talk to her mano y mano! The house we wanted is just too much and we cannot afford what the quote was. Might have been able to negotiate but TJ told them how much we were pre-approved for. That kind of blows it out of the water. I'm going to try to talk with the mortgage broker and see if he can't refer someone to us that can negotiate. We don't have a realtor yet, but I think we might soon. One of the brokers told us that we could afford a $150 home, up to $155 with the payments we can afford, which is no more than $1350 a month. Maybe when the rates drop a bit, we can afford to go higher. One would think we should be able to get better than a $1503 payment every month with our credit scores and how much we bring in together, but not the case. That doesn't even include Insurance or Taxes on the home. Including that, we would be looking at $1744 a month easy. We do have to live, so that is out of the question. We looked at another house last night in Fairview, but it was a piece of shit. A fixer upper, and we don't have the skills to do that. It was $157,500 but even at that rate, 866 sq feet, it was smaller than our now duplex. I'm ok with smaller, but it needed work, and that is why the disregard. Our weather here has been crappy, rainy, but I've walked still every night. Had to cut it short last night because I was getting too rained on. I hope to walk with Andrew tomorrow, if not I will go alone. I still have nuts to feed the squirrels with, they love me!!

Christina made it to Colorado last night even in lieu of losing her wallet! No ID, but Laurel saved her from this disaster. I'll be happy when she returns safely. I'm so glad it's Friday.

Guess what???

We are close to buying a house!!!!! This is so exciting!! TJ is excited too. We looked at the one we really want last night and are working on getting a better quote from a mortgage broker who happens to be Jeremy's best friend. We already have one but it's a bit expensive for us so we are looking at more options. This house has 1722 square feet in it. What it lacks in a garage and a fire place. Other than that, it is very homey. I am very excited about it, but I said that already!!!

We had a wonderful anniversary. I even got called for an interview, but I had to cancel. It is way out on Marine drive where Lombard turns into Marine Drive and then 5 miles past that. With gas as expensive as it is, I'll pass on that. But, now that we are buying, I will have to stay put with this job for at least a year. That was not my intent, but it will suffice. I was getting some calls but will have to quit now. The ugly thing that could happen to make me scream is if Kaiser actually calls me on any one of the 30 positions I have put in for. I don't know what I would do. Scream probably. I would have to take it, it's more money and more benefits, but Let us not put all of our eggs in one basket as of yet. This opportunity has presented itself and we shall see what transpires. Tatyana loves it, and would have her own room. We would need to buy a refrigerator and washer and dryer. It has brand new stove and dish washer. On our anniversary we went to see Over the Hedge. It was cute but not my most favorite. Tonight we are staying home and having steak with pasta and some vegetable. I'll probably cook. TJ had to fast yesterday for blood sugar levels and then we went and had a shitty dinner at a restaurant in Milwaukie.

I was away for a while since Melanie has been out sick and it's start week. I did get caught up on Jen's blog. Interesting, very interesting. I hope you get the pictures for me. That would be awesome!! I think it is a different approach since the church thing, but I like it. To know you is to love you as the song says, and that's it in a nut shell. I wish I had your phone number on the weekends, because I think of you often and would love to call up and chat. Or email either way, but your blog doesn't provide that, so I just think about you a lot. Perhaps I sound like Brian!!?? Just kidding!!~

Christina and I have had some awesome conversations together the last couple of weeks. I'll miss her when she is gone for sure. Good thing we have email and phones!! I think JR is the one for her for sure!!

I'm almost finished with the DaVinci Code and then move on to the Geisha. It is an outstanding book, and what is bizarre about it is the fact that I've heard this information before just not put in this way. Doesn't change my perception, it's the same....

5-17-06

It was definately an awesome time! Lisa has been sick since we left. I'm wondering if it doesn't have something to do with handling the chickens, and all three of them dying?? She has a horrible cough, a tickle in the back of her throat, fever and dizziness. I told her she should go to the Dr., but I don't think she really wants to. She missed work yesterday. I hope today she is feeling better. I can hardly wait to go through Tatyana's clothes and get rid of the ones she doesn't wear and clean her room again. Just in time to get cleaned for her birthday.

I get to meet Andrew this weekend and walk the golf course. Haven't seen him in a long time. He dropped school here, and him and Heather moved to an apartment on 148th and Stark, and he has his son permanently now from California. I guess things are working out well so far. His parents are loving the fact they have their grandson here too. I guess his parents are moving to Coos Bay this weekend. He will be helping them move after our walk together. I am looking forward to a 3 day weekend and hopefully the sun will continue in its glory as it has the last week. Yesterday was in the 90's. They are talking about breaking another record today. I love the sun, makes you have energy. I took my walk last night after missing 2 days. Sunday there wasn't time with the concert, dinner and driving back from Redmond. Monday I was too burnt out on 5 hours of sleep, so last night I did. Felt good and I sleep much better too. I haven't had any problems sleeping though. I'm ready for the weekend!

The weekend

It was awesome to put it most mildly! Great trip down, fabulous stay, weather was outstanding! Even despite making an employee cry here, having another one accuse me of something that I'm not even sure about and! my aunt hanging up on me, I still had a wonderful time and let it all slide. No biggie, it's all nothing that isn't fixable. The concert was radically good. VERY loud, 3 bands too! TJ bought their CD, the opening band. They were like POD kind of and they only stayed 40 minutes performing, and kind of like Lynkon Park. Anyways,
PCD stayed for 45 and they were AWESOME! They were hot too. Little piece of history, Fergie used to be a PCD, 10 years back. Interesting. We paid $30 for a tank top that will fit Tatyana and hopefully for a few years at that price. We got her some stickers with 2 pins too. Had dinner at Jake's Famous Seafood House and it was out of this world. I got salmon fettuccini and it was great! TJ got Pork with JD sauce on it. Also very good. Parking was only $5 for the concert and weather was accommodating until the end. Even today we've broken the high's, it's 95 out there now. We are expecting thunder storms tonight which will suck only for humidity purposes.

We had a great time in the hot tub at Lisa's. The girls played in it a lot on Saturday, and we had Saturday evening all to ourselves. She has lights that change color set up and it was just awesome! So relaxing. My mom said this is the BEST mother's day she has ever had, and that meant a lot to me. Lisa gave me for Mother's Day a doll that resembles one of the show girls (the brunette) in Chicago the play, with clothes to change her from. It's a collector's item and she is just gorgeous! Now I must see the movie so I know who's character I posess. Her Aunt who is dying of lung cancer gave her many of them. So, now I have a small piece of her too for when she is no longer with us. Lisa and I used to live with her in Ballard Wasington when we up and moved to Seattle. Her aunt let us live with her, then 6 months went by and I went home and Lisa went to Prineville to live with her mom. She then met Dave, got a job, and got married. They have a beautiful house with lots of land. The sad thing was that the chicks she had in the house, one died Saturday evening and she emailed me to say that the last two died yesterday after we left. Heather (her daughter) was very upset by this, I can imagine what she was like when the last two died. She kept touching them, but I'm not sure that was the reason for them dying.

Lisa gave Tatyana 2 hugs bags of clothes that we brought home, so next week's project is cleaning out Tatyana's bedroom and drawers, FUN! NOT!

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the mother's out there, here's to you!

I'm really excited for the weekend to start already. Concert, trip to Redmond, hot tubbing, little shopping. Spending quality time with my best friend and Tatyana having a playmate to be entertained with, and she will be getting some new clothes from Heather. They have awesome taste for clothes. I'm packed and ready to go. Pick up mom at 6:00 to have her over for pizza and then we are out of here. Gassed up last night at $2.94 a gallon, ouch! TJ is giving me $40 to take with me to spend. I have Tatyana's new bike loaded in the back. It's been a long day, being by myself, but I've managed. Got a lot done yesterday, got TJ's hair colored, cooked dinner, waked with Tatyana and then she crashed out on me on her bed. It was bath night, but that didn't last long. She packed her own suitcase and did a wonderful job for a two year old. I didn't take anything out or need to add anything. Not bad!? We have extra pillows ready to go and her game to play on the way down so she isn't bored. Sunday night she stays the night with granny. I'm wanting the day to be over so I can get home!~

I'm reading the Da Vinci Code and what an awsome book! After this, I'm going to read Memoires of a Geisha. Crystal was kind enough to lend them to me so I have something to read until the newest Harry Potter comes out. I have no one to ride with today, so I will have myself and my time to read uninterupted until it's time to get off the MAX.

Taty's Play

They did a marvellous job at their singing performance last night. TJ got some really cute pictures, but I don't know how to post them, and they are in the digital camera. I don't mess with it. After the program, we went into the music classroom, and they sang more songs. She was brilliant! I got lots of hugs from the girls in her class, they are so cute! Mom enjoyed herself as well, had a hard time walking the distance from the front door to the lunch room, but she made it.

Jen, what's up with Brian lately? You haven't spoken of him in quite some time, is he still alive?

Heather is spending the night on Friday night and it's Bunco! TJ will be watching the girls. I think we will be having Pizza for dinner on Friday night, perhaps Papa Murphy's pizza and get the cowboy special. Maybe Abby's pizza rather than, not sure which. I'm excited about it, and I know Tatyana will be too. She sure was a pill this morning. Liked to think I'd never get her out of the house without any more drama. Maybe being 5 this is a typical thing, but I was a morning kid, no problem. I got myself dressed, hair done and teeth brushed and walked to school every day, and home. She is acting 2 again, and it was easier then to get her ready than now.

Planned all out to go to Redmond, I'm so excited! Then Black Eyed Peas and Pussy Cat Dolls, and made reservations for Jake's Seafood for dinner for Mother's Day Dinner before the concert. Should be awesome!

May Day Indeed

Yes, It was May Day. My dad was born on that day, May 1st. God rest his soul. I grossed Tatyana out because she didn't realize that my dad's ashes are in the urn right in the cabinet behind our couch. The look on her face was hysterical! But, I told her that is where I want them for right now and that is where they will remain until I decide to move them.

Had a wonderful weekend! Went to Seaside Thursday night right after work. Spent the night in the same motel and room we always do. Had a blizzard just before bed time, and crashed at 10:00 which is way past my bed time. I didn't care. We slept in until Someone tried waking us up~ I pulled on her what she does to me in the mornings when it is time to get up! We got up, went to Pig N Pancake for breakfast and enjoyed ourselves. Came back to the room, got my hair curled and a little bit of make up and packed up and left. We parked around the corner and started in the mall area where the carousel is located. We waited for some kids to join in the ride, it makes it funner when there is more than just one person to ride with. We walked through many stores. Went to the $20 or less leather store and I bought TJ for his birthday a brief case to replace the icky old moldy one that we have had for several years. The train was not up and running so she didn't get to ride on that. We did get her a special t-shirt where she picked it out, and the iron on that says "daddy's princess" on it. It's pink and very cute too. We had lunch at Subway, then went to the beach. It was cloudy but still awesome!~ She played in the sand, he flew his kite that I had gotten him a while back. He loved it, and Taty flew her kite for a while. Then, I pushed her on the swing and she loved that. Found some brand new toys on the beach that someone just left there, so she got those to play with and keep too. We went to the 99 cent or less store and bought some stuff. Got a bag of potatoes for my mom for $1.67, 15 pound bag. We came back home and had Taco Bell for dinner. I unloaded the car after dinner and went for a quick walk by myself. Went to bed again around 10. Saturday we went to breakfast at the normal spot with the normal things and then I took Tatyana to my mom's so I could get some me things done. I completed one of my goals I have had for a long time, which is walking around Glendovere Golf Course. Mile and a quarter all around, and did it rather quickly. Went to Wallmart for some things we needed, got my clothes from the cleaners, went to the video store for TJ, got Sherry her birthday present and baked a cake for TJ for his birthday which was Saturday. I made a spice cake with cream cheese frosting. It was wonderful, and it had sprinkles on it. Picked up Tatyana, and cleaned the house while she ate lunch. We went to the park together with her bike and the weather was awesome! Came back to hook up later with a friend, finished frosting the cake and fixed pork chops, alfredo noodles with mushrooms and corn for dinner. Walked again and went to bed. Sunday was laundry and we were expecting company for dinner and a BBQ. Didn't happen. TJ mowed the lawn after BBQing and he cooked boneless beef ribs, I made corn on the cob and tater tots. It was awesome, and cake for dessert. My mom left and I walked again. Walked last night too.

I made plans with my best friend to go visit her the weekend of mother's day and spend it with my mom, Taty and her. We'll leave after work on Friday night and come back Sunday to prepare to go to the concert and see the Black Eyed Peas with the Pussy Cat Dolls. I get to choose dinner of my choice and I'm thinking Jake's or Allesandro's downtown, it's Italian food. I was thinking RuthCris's Steak house but I'm not so sure about their prices, and he hates to share food even though their portions are enough for two people to share.