Ending Of A New Chapter

I started this blog to replace my former blog Mad Serenity. The purpose of this blog was to document the journey of Chad and I, especially the immigration process. Well, as in every blog I start - I pretty much sucked at keeping up ... But I did want to make at least one final post.. To document a very important event that happened last week...

APPROVED!

I am now, officially a permanent resident of the United States of America, without conditions. It felt good amazing. Something I spent so many hours and so many tears on - was finally complete. Of course I am still married - mostly happy. (ha ha) but our relationship is fairly similar to any other. My life has taken a different path now. Rather than it be all about Chad and I. It's all about the family. The job. The dogs. So - "Chadella" while the foundation - is no longer the main focus.

I may start a new blog. I may still post here. But I am not going to feel guilty if I don't - because this particular chapter has been read. :)

Peace Out.

Surprise!

I don't know who I think I'm surprising as I am pretty darn sure no one reads this blog and if they do - they're total freaky stalkers. Stop stalking me you loser! ha!

For reals - I'm back so soon! Naturally, I have absolutely nothing to comment on. Well actually I do! Halloween has happened, as has the Part 1 - Of Haven's Birthday!

BOO!

Chad beat me up for Halloween. KIDDING! lol That's make up sillies. The plan was to scare the bajebus out of the trick or treaters. We decorated the yard, had scarey music and even bought a fog machine. But due to lousy weather, we had a grand total of 16 trick or treaters. Lame.

You can see the decorations by Clicking Here!

Haven's Sweet 16th Birthday was on Sunday! We had a family thing which pictures will follow when I upload them from my camera. This Friday she has invited friends from school (that's Part 2).

Okay truth be told - I'm not in the mood to write. But I remembered so I thought I would check in.

May The Force Be With You.

I know, I suck.

I think I either need a more interesting life - or a more interesting theme/hobby to write about because coming back here frequently - or more frequently just doesn't seem to happen. I read some blogs that my friends write and they're really interesting - how do I become interesting?

Life has been swell lately *knock on wood*. Sure we've have some moments of ... displeasure but for the most part I would say I am happy. *Gasp* I know I totally just fucking jinxed myself but I DID knock on wood. Even if it's only pressed particle board - it counts right?

The knocking on wood thing began for me in University. I was President of the Athletic Council for Bethune College at York University. We were days away from winning "The Torch" which is like the Stanley Cup for intramurals at the University. So everytime I or someone around me mentioned winning, we knocked on wood. Some folks did so ... reluctantly, but they valued their life and didn't want to piss me off.

By the way? We won The Torch :D

Memorable moments since July?

Went Camping

Site Seeing

 Went Swimming

Spent Time With Family

Had a Birthday

Got Crafty

And more Crafty

Went to Tennessee 

Stayed In A Fancy Cabin With A Private Pool

Went to A Wedding

Met Donald Trump (Okay, Not Really)

Um. Watched My Husband Have A Three-Some With Wax Figurines

Healed Old Wounds

 

 Went To A Haunted House

Until Next Time...

Life On The Home Front

Healthy-wise, Chad has been okay. *knock on wood*. He's had a few days where he's been less than wonderful but he's functioning. The good news is he finally has medical coverage of some sort under the VA - so that is a definite plus. He has a meeting in about a month with the doctor to hopefully get a physical and begin some sort of determination as to what could be going on with him.

Financially, times are difficult. Medical bills we can't pay, a $600 Immigration bill to pay and just life in general gives me no option other than to try and push the stress out of my mind. I just need to keep hoping that there is light at the end of the tunnel and everything will work out.

Work is super busy right now and it's back to school time in a week and a half! Woo-Hoo! Only stressful thing is coming up with the money to Furnish the kids with new clothes and supplies. Sigh. It never ends! :D

I Pray For Good Health.

Chad came home sick again. Not the same stomach issue but more than likely related. After much stress on my end and resting on his, he was moderately better by bed time.

Today, he's reported back to being slightly dizzy and a massive headache. Naturally, he won't come home because he feels some ridiculous allegiance to his boss and doesn't want to anger him. Well, quite frankly - while I am thankful he has employment, his boss is the cheapest most inconsiderate employer I've ever had the misfortune of encountering and I just wish he treated Chad better and showed value for the unwarranted dedication Chad feels towards him. /End Rant.

In other news, oh I have no other news. Life is fairly ordinary and currently the only thing I am looking forward to is the Grey's Anatomy finale. I just hope and pray Chad comes home today feeling alright and we don't have any more fearsome rushes to the hospital or pain
filled evenings. So please God, make my husband feel better. Spread your healing, love and warmth over his beat up body and make him okay. I love his too much to be this scared of losing him or seeing him in pain.

How Do Bloggers Do It?

I didn't think it was that long ago that I had written but according to the time stamp - April 26th was the last day. How do Bloggers keep up with this? I don't get it.

I suppose a lot has happened since then. The big one being that Chad got really sick and was in the hospital. It was a horrible experience all the way around. From the fear of seeing him in such pain to the absolute incompetence of the medical staff. I've heard tell that this hospital has a brutal reputation and I'm hoping they don't represent most American Health institutions.

We still have no idea what's wrong with Chad but he's well enough to function on a day to day basis now.

My foot has been causing me a lot of trouble. It's finally healing a bit but not 100% yet. My gym has annoyed me beyond recognition but my massive headache is disallowing me from getting into that.

Let's See... Oh Yes, Mother's Day!

This is always an interesting day for me. Well it has been for the past two years. I've never given birth. I don't really consider myself a 'mother' so to speak. Yes, I have Step-Children but 3 of the 4 have their own Mom's active in their life. Haven is the one who needs me the most and it's because of her that I allow this day to be 'for me'. I'm not the best parental figure, I don't necessarily have those mother instincts but I try to help her be a better person. I want her to know she has someone in her corner who is rooting for her success. So it feels really nice when my effort or contributions are recognized. Not that I need people to bow down to me and show their appreciation but this was a tough life for me to take on. Family, kids, responsibilities I never images or envisioned for myself. And now, basically everything I do is for the family. Very little for myself. So it's nice that at least for one day a year - that is recognized :)

I have a certificate to the spa to get a pedicure which I've been dying to have ever since I had my last one. I just need my foot to get a little more on the better side. And then Chad surprised me with a new blender. My old (fabulous and terribly missed) blender broke. We had a cheap-o stand in but it was worth about as much as we paid. It'll be nice to have this now that the weather is warming up!

I recently connected with Haven's aunt. Haven's mother passed when Haven was very young - 2 or 3 years old. Her mother's family hasn't really been in Haven's life much at all so it was nice that her aunt reached out to try and follow along in Haven's life. After a few exchanges she mentioned about wanting to come back to Kentucky to visit her sister's grave - which got me thinking. I guess I knew Haven's mom was buried around here but it never even occurred to me that Haven should be visiting and up-keeping the plot.

Needless to say, it felt so akward to bring it up and even more ackward to take her there but she wanted to and when she was finished visiting - said it made her feel really happy. So I'm glad we went. It was an adventure to find it but I do so without trouble and it was very, VERY touching to see her trot down the hill as she likely did as a young girl to visit her mother's resting place. I didn't go with her, I wanted her to have privacy but I did capture the moment.

I hope to make regular visits now so that Haven can feel a little closer to her Mom and so we can care for the grave a little better. She hasn't much family around other than Haven so we need to do her proud :)

Alright, time to get back to work. I'll write again in a few weeks ;)

So Clearly I Failed

In my attempt to blog every day and make it seem special. I forgot yesterday and I think I even had something to write about but I can't remember what that was! Real special huh?

That's my latest obsession. I like to read. Correction - LOVE to read. I finished two books of the same series last week and was browsing my best friend (My Kindle) looking for something new. This book was on the Top 100 for under $3.99 list. It was also noted that it was from Oprah's Book Club. Naturally, I was inclined to read the sample and I've been hooked ever since.

I used to call myself a writer. I sometimes think I could still be one. And if I were, THIS is the type of book I would want to write. Funny, sarcastic, and a little - no okay, a lottle - crazy! The main character Dolores is so complex and confusing and at one point so damn annoying that you can't help but root her on. I'm not finished yet though, so I'll refrain from reviewing the book.

Maybe that's what I'll do. Start a new blog and join the millions of others who think their opinions are important. I'll write Book Reviews.

Yeah. Probably not.

I Wish I Was Rich

 Obviously having an abundance of money would make a lot of things in life more simple (and perhaps more complicated too) but there are times I really wish I had a big bank account.

Something I really enjoy (I mean REALLY enjoy) is decorating, renovating and designing. Mind you, I've never actually done any of that in any major capacity but I find the idea absolutely fascinating. I am sure if I ever did take on a big project I would be quickly overwhelmed and have no idea where to begin.

But - it's still a fantasy of mine someday to have a house and an unlimited budget to decorate it as I see fit. What brought this to mind?

I've been following a blog of a friend of mine from University. Her name is Taylor and she is a Realtor. Her blog (Fresh Coat Of Paint) is about all things Real Estate, Decorating and Whatever else pops into her head. Lately, she is in the process of moving into her new home. She has recently sold her condo and posted some Before and After photos.

Woah! While I don't necessarily share her same taste in decor - she definitely has a fabulous eye! Everything she does looks so expensive! She mixes really unique and interesting pieces that I wouldn't even THINK to pair together.

Here's a sample. This was her dinning room BEFORE.

 

 Pretty typical Toronto Condo from what I've seen. Got to love those Parquet Floors (Cringe)

And - After!

First and foremost - straight out of a magazine eh? Sure, a professional photographer helps but you can't deny this style. A church pew. I mean really? Who would have thought a gosh dang church pew would make such a statement?

Then pair a rustic (and gorgeous) table with a cow hide rud and metallic chairs?! Throw in a classic white side board, respectable art and a fabulous light (Oh and killer curtains bunched at the floor) and you've got a stunning room. Eclectic. And it works so well.

Still? Not My Favorite!

As amazing as that room is, it's still not my favorite. I love the living room. Probably because I love red as an accent color. But before I ramble on: here's the Before! 

 

 And drum roll please... The After!

 

I mean, shut-up. Simplistic in the sense that there isn't a lot of furniture but each piece is so captivatingly interesting. Directors chairs, a furry blood red rug, vintage sofa, fabulous art - unique accessories = totally fabulous. I could never be comfortable in a room like this just because well - those chairs would never fit my big ass and I like to be consumed by furniture, not consume it. Too much glass = too many prints but I still absolutely love it.

 It makes me wish (very badly) that I was able to own my own home again and create my own art. I think my personal taste is more modern with a touch of rustic. Dark wood, metal art, big vases, clean lines. Comfortable and cozy but still stylish.

 Maybe some day. In the mean time, I am just going to live vicariously through Taylor's Blog. Before you leave the computer to return to your normal life, check out the rest of her Condo Pics. You won't regret it!

House Flies Are So Annoying!

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! Here let me land on your leg and your arm and your head and when you swat me away I am going to come back for more, more, more!

I realize most things are part of a larger eco system but really, what use does a house fly serve that couldn't be handled by some other, less air-borne bug.

Life has been pretty routine lately. I spend my time between family, work, reality-tv and a few trips to the gym a week. I am into the Water Aerobics here lately. It makes working out fun =) Not to mention super refreshing on a hot day.

WARNING! NERD JOKE!

 

I'm fairly confident that 0% of the population reads this blog. But that's okay, I never have anything interesting to say anyway. I always envy those people who consider themselves "Bloggers". I wonder how they find the time but more importantly, the motivation. And is their life really that exciting or do they just have an incredible ability to make the most normal day seem special?

I am going to try - for the next three days. To make every day seem special. Or productive. Or something. Wish me luck. I'll need it.

We Skipped Spring.

A few weeks ago I pondered when Spring would arrive. Apparently it decided to take a vacation and Summer swept in early. If this really is how Spring is going to feel, I have an inkling suspicion Summer is going to be hell on earth.

For the record - I'm not complaining. My friends and family to the north are still dealing with snow. While I miss Canada tremendously - snow? I don't miss one itsty bitsy teeny tiny little bit. Nope. Sure don't.

We had a nice family day on Saturday. I was going to take Brenden to a playground to play, enjoy some time outside. He came out to the car and told me Haven was coming. Next thing I knew, Chad trotted along behind her. It's moments like that, that being a Step-Mom and Wife feel great =)


We went to the playground, toured around town, did some grocery shopping and came home. I can't recollect what we did for the rest of the weekend but the beautiful sights and warm weather was definitely the highlight.




I absolutely love these trees they have down here. They bloom these gorgeous flowers before the leaves come out. They come in various shades of white, pink, red and purple!

I wish we had one in our yard but the neighbours will have to suffice. Speaking of which - we finally met one of our neighbours! Chad was pulling out of the driveway the other night and seen a lady cutting down some broken tree limbs with a hand saw. Being the southern gentleman that he is, he offered to cut it for her with his chainsaw when he got back from the store. She had said she wanted to come by but didn't have anything to bring (ha - too cute). Anyways, she welcomed us to the neighbourhood and was very sweet and polite.

The next day she knocks on the door with a gift in hand both to thank Chad and to officially welcome us! How absolutely awesome was that? I thought this shit only happened in the movies? It is absolutely delicious. Naturally Chad didn't want to share but he didn't have much of a choice. ;) The base was chocolate too. Yum. I need to try the whole baking thing again. I actually enjoy baking but I haven't practiced much yet. Chad bought me a mixer for Christmas so I reckon I should put it to good use, EH?

Hello Spring!

After a winter that never seemed to want to end, I am welcoming some nice weather with open arms. Though, I must give a shout out to my fellow Canadians who are suffering through a snow storm. In April. Seriously? Yeah, I don't miss the snow.

Before I carry on, I'll give a shout out to Chanda. Her Blog inspired me to write again, so be sure to check it out! Chanda's Blog!

I last wrote in February and holy smokes a lot has changed since then. Okay, not a tremendous amount but we did move! After years of struggling and all that, we were finally in a position to move into a nicer home. Though, considering the amount of tax money I now owe, I wish we had waited until the Fall. ha. Ouch.

Seriously, I love my job. I am truly blessed to have it but I was a fish out of water when it came to what I had to do for taxes and such. According to the USA I am self-employed and with that comes a hell of a lot of taxes! I will know better for next year - that's for damn sure. The only thing that makes me nervous is that I am still a temporary resident and have an interview some time this fall. The very last thing I want to do is owe the IRS money so I need to pay that off ASAP. I did have money saved, I just didn't realize how MUCH I would need! Oy Vey.

In other news, okay I don't really have any other news. ha. So I'll just tell you more about the house and my relationship/family. I am really proud of Chad. Like really proud. I know I probably don't tell him as often as I should but he's done a 180 since the Fall. While we still have our moments, I think as a unit we're stronger than ever.

I am going to share a personal story now. I waiver about sharing personal stuff online do some things that occurred in the past but this really is a testament and shows not only growth as individuals but growth as a family unit.

The story may not mean much to anyone reading it, or maybe it actually will resonate - I don't know. One of my struggles in this new life has been that I am financially responsible. I pay my bills first, have fun second. I also consider myself empathetic to people and try my best to be a better person every day. I suck sometimes. I mess up. I can be a total bitch on wheels. But I do feel I have a good grasp on who I want to be and definitely who I do NOT want to be. So I tend to preach. It's up to the individual if they listen to me or not. I like to call myself Dr Phillete.

Haven - my step daughter, has had a bumpy life. Both her and Chad have had to overcome obstacles I would not wish on anyone. She is incredibly intelligent, talented and creative but she has some deep seeded emotional scars and she doesn't necessarily have the emotional maturity that she should. With that said, she has come light years in the past year and a half. She was having a moment a couple weeks back while she was out to town with her Dad. When they got back, he was irritated and asked me to talk to her. Naturally, I had no idea what to say but I went to her room and began doing what I do best. Ramble.

Here's the good part of the story. Chad comes into the room. First he apologizes to Haven for getting upset with her and explained his feelings (Wow! Go Dad!) Then Haven apologized back for behaving the way she did, etc., Here's the big one. He not only validated her feelings but told her she got it honestly (From him) but that he has come a long way in the last few months and (I quote) "It's because of that woman sitting right there, so you ought to listen to her. She knows what she's talking about."

Stop my heart and call me dead! Needless to say I looked down into the pillow to hold back the tears. That moment just ... it made everything worth it. As a wife, a mother, a friend. It just made me feel like I actually matter and make a difference in these people's lives. What an incredible feeling.

We have come a long way and we now, as a unit, make better decisions. Bills get paid first (mostly lol) and we're doing better. That's why were were able to provide a nicer, newer home for our family. All because Chad believed in me and I never gave up. I accepted him family as my own and together we strive to always excel - as a unit. It's a good feeling :) He is patient with me and has shown me love in ways I never imagined I'd receive. Life is Good.

Here's some pics of the kids bedrooms!  Haven has a new lamp that looks totally cool in her room. I just haven't gotten a good photo of it yet.

I Know - It's Long Over Due!

I want a blog but I don't think I'll ever have the commitment to maintain it. While living in Canada with the entire immigration process, I had a lot to talk about. Well at least a specific train of thought/topic. Now though, life is much busier and pretty routine. I know the one thing I don't want is a blog that turns into a 'daily log' of what I've done, planning to do. I had one of those while living in Toronto and it was so boring I put myself to sleep!

This blog will still be dedicated to my journey with my handsome husband. If I do make another one, personal, I'll link it here.

Things in Kentucky are trucking along. There were a few bumps in the Fall but the highlight was getting to visit my Mamma and my little sister.

We had a great two weeks! Chad wants to take the kids down there sometime this year for vacation but it's so expensive, I don't know how we'd pull that off.

I'd REALLY like to get home to Nova Scotia for a visit. I still have yet to lay eyes on my nephew :(

Anyways, I must get my butt in gear and hop in the shower. Just wanted to post from the land of the living.

Peace.

Where Have I Been?

Right? It seems the last time I posted an entry was in January. I should be ashamed of myself. It's not that I don't technically have 'time' ... but I am quite busy. I work all day on the computer and check in periodically throughout the evening, but generally speaking I don't have much 'me' time on the blog.

It's a damn shame really because I enjoy writing and I've always secretly wanted to be one of those people who had a blog that people just loved to read. Unfortunately, I don't have an exciting enough of a life to hook any readers :)

This year has had its ups and downs but I would say, generally, It's been a great last 8 months. The best two things that have happened personally is A) I finally got my license! I now have a brand new sense of freedom that I've never had before in my life. And B) I joined the gym! I can't say I've noticed any progress physically but emotionally, I feel better for at least making an effort to be more active. I go to the gym, without fail, 3 times a week - sometimes 4. There's also a pool, so I get to 'swim' once and awhile too. Truth? I can't swim. I can, but barely. So I float and tread water and when I am fortunate enough to have the pool to myself, I try to run. hahaha! If nothing else, it's a good laugh.

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I just got back from the grocery store. I'm showered, in PJs and ready to relax, so I'll see you on the flip side.

Here's a photo of the Cavitt Clan on Father's Day, 2012!

Oh Yeah - It Followed Me

Ugh - Just Ugh.

I forgot to tell you. Guess what apparently followed me down here from the great white north?


Yep. You guessed it. Didn't last long but still..................

Uhhh - Happy New Year?

I Will Always Suck At Blogging

Who are we kidding? I've started how many blogs over the course of my adult life and I've never kept one up. It's not a matter of being too busy, or even my life being too boring. I guess it's just a thought process and one of those things I don't ever make time for.

Well Christmas was lovely (Seriously, I haven't written since before Christmas?!) New Years Eve was spent in Nashville. Chad and I had a nice time but bad shoes and a bad decision on where to go left the night a wee bit less exciting than I had hoped. But, I spent it with the man I love and I was in Nashville, Tennessee so I look back with very fond memories. Next year though? I'm staying home or going somewhere where getting a cab isn't next to impossible.


It's a little blurry but that's what happens when - well, you know.

I was supposed to go and take my drivers test tomorrow but I haven't studied yet so I don't know if I'll bother. I may postpone it until next week. I've waited 31 years to drive, what's another week.

Until Next Time,
Shan

Oops - Busy Life!

Well it appears I am not the keen blogger I pretended to be. It's been well over a month since I posted - Oops!

Needless to say, life is just plain busy. Between work, a husband, kids and the dogs - I barely get a second to breath, let alone to have a hobby such as this.

Hello Christmas!

Tis' the holiday season and as in everything in life, I have mixed emotions. It's hard to go from spending the past 30 holidays with my family members to them being spread out all over creation and none of them, even remotely, close by.

With that said, I now have a family of my own and a whole new extended family, so it will be a totally different kind of rewarding.


If you haven't guessed, that's our tree. I am not having a love affair with it because we have the basics when it comes to holiday decore but it's cute for a couple reasons.

We combined both mine and Chad's ornaments which both had a white and blue theme, so that worked nicely. Chad also bought 'red' lights and originally I said "Uh No" but then realized the whole Red, White and Blue theme could be kind of cool for my first "American Christmas" - so I went out and got some more red ornaments to round out the red.

It also works well because our living room is shades of brown with red accents, so adding the red made it fit our existing living room! And lastly, I still get to use my beloved Angel and the beautiful tree skirt my friend Cheryl made me with her very own hands!

My Ribbon-Tree Card Holder


I watch HGTV a lot and I see a few seconds of this decorating tip add where this woman made a card holder out of ribbon. I thought it looked fabulous so I decided to give it a whirl myself. Mine is an epic failed compared to the one on television but it is what it is!

I hope to have more time to do a big reflection on this year prior to the end of it. So much, so much, SO MUCH has changed in my life it's unreal really. And overwhelming to even consider. Right now? I am 80% pleased with my life. There are some things I still want for myself; like a drivers license and friends (haha) and there are some things I need to improve upon - but we're getting there. Slowly but surely. I am so truly blessed to have the people in my life that I do =)

I will try to get on to post again but in case I don't - Have a Very Merry Christmas!!! Yes, I said it! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Not Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Until Next Time,
Shan

Hello November!

When Did You Get Here?

Is it just me or is life going by really quickly? I wouldn't mind time slowing down a bit so I can enjoy whatever is actually happening around me. =)

As I am sure you noticed, as the stores already have the merchandise out, Christmas is on it's way. It's stressing me out already. Money stresses me out. Or lack there of. Especially since there are now so many kids in my life. I was writing a whole bit about all the kids but I'll save that for later.

Halloween has come and gone and while the night wasn't as fun as I had hoped - it was still cool to be the adult in the scenario. The last time I had any major involvement in Halloween was when I was about 10. With the exception of handing out candy! It was neat! Here are the kids. Haven was a 'Death Angel' and Brenden - a cowboy!


Thrusday was Haven's birthday and today is her sleep over party! Should be interesting lol!

I've been reading a friends Journal and I think it's time for me to resurrect my own personal one. Not one about the family and "Chadella". Just about me. My thoughts, feelings, struggles. I miss me.

Until Next Time,
Shan

Life In Kentucky

I have less time than I thought I would. We do keep busy but I also find that even when I have 'nothing' to do - there's always 'something' to do. Just not something I necessarily want to do. I don't have much free time for computer related things. Yes, I work on one all day long but SingSnap keeps me quite busy.

October's been a great month though and the fun isn't over yet! Halloween is this coming Monday and Chad, Haven and I got in the spirit on Friday night. We went to a Haunted Attraction called Talon Falls. Technically speaking there were three attractions; Talon Falls, Haunted Hayride and Dead End Doll House. I heard not so great reviews on the Hayride so in the spirit of saving cash, we elected to go to the other two. After a lengthy wait in line, only to enter the woods and wait in line some more - it ended up being WELL worth the wait.

We went through "Talon Falls" first which was a series of 3 or 4 different 'buildings' all connected in an assortment of 'paths' for a 30-minute non-stop scare fest. Honestly - it far surpassed my expectations. For the most part, the costumes, characters and actors were great and on spot. I wasn't expecting such a high level of professionalism for some random Halloween thing in the middle of nowhere in small town Kentucky but it was pretty fabulous. The props, staging, costumes, make-up, entire atmosphere - Top Notch. I was so relieved when it was done! I originally thought you lined up, went through one of these buildings, then got in line again., etc., But nope! It didn't stop. The fright kept going and going!


Next, we got into another rather short line for our final attraction. The Dead End Doll House. It was good, but not AS good in my opinion. Your mileage may vary. This was an expensive night at $28 a person but seriously - WELL worth the money.


We finally have the kids costumes all set. Well we've had Bren's for awhile. He is going as a Cowboy. Haven will be this bad ass Death Angel. Don't ask. She was stuck on either that or a Snow Leopard which proved to be next to impossible to find any pieces for. But it looks pretty nifty.

Immigration Report

I got tired of waiting for my SSN to arrive in the mail so Chad and I went to Mayfield on Thursday and applied in person. Apparently there was activity on my account but to ere on the side of caution - we entered everything again anyways. Hopefully it'll arrive shortly so I can open a bank account and stuff. I even plan on getting my license. Finally. After passing the written exam, I only have to wait 30 days to take the driven test and get the full license!

That's All For Now!
Until Next Time,
Shan

Roadtrip Re-Cap!

I Had Big Plans

My concept for the road trip was supposed to be spectacular but due to negligence and empty batteries, it never got captured. Also, it was a lot more boring than I had hoped lol! However, it is partially documented and I thought the best way to share it, would be with a video!






Until Next Time,
Shan!

Busy Life!

- I Need A Routine -

If I ever expect to keep this blog alive, I need to settle into a routine because right now I just haven't got the time. Don't ask me what I do but it's not blogging :)

So we're getting pretty settled here. There's still stuff I want to do and the dinning room isn't how I want it, but here are some photos of our living room and bedroom. I think it's looking like 'home'. :)

Our living room. The plant, couch and funky chair is new. Everything else we already had. The bottom of the walls will still be painted a dark brown and during the winter the fire place (The hideous thing Chad covered with a cloth) will be exposed. We want to get either a new TV to mount to the wall or a new entertainment stand of some sort. And OF COURSE some art for that massive wall.

Any suggestions on how to decorate a huge blank wall? These ceilings are so high, my petty

artwork just looks stupid. ha ha!

The house has a strange layout, to say the least. This is looking into our bedroom from the kitchen. The bed was made by Chad's Dad and with the addition of my mattress equates me needing to stand on a step stool to get into it! ha ha! I love it!

This is standing back by the bed and looking at my chair, into the kitchen. That's pretty much my spot. Chad sits at the desk in front of the TV and I get all comfy over there. Which is awesome because I love that chair and it's had next to no use in over two years that I've owned it, so it's nice it's getting some love!

This final view is looking into our bedroom from the living room. It's an old farmhouse and I am pretty sure this used to be the living room but an addition was added - or something. I'll get some photos of the kids rooms and the dinning room once it's situated. Also, my office when my new computer and office chair arrives and I get this place cleaned up.

Chad has the garage turned into a 'man cave' so he can escape us! lol I hide in my office and sing when I need a break. It's still going to take me awhile to adjust to everything down here. I knew it would be difficult but I thought I would have more patience than I have. I'm just not used to all the noise and whining and all that other fun stuff kids and animals bring about - but - I wouldn't trade it for anything so that speaks volumes!

One Year Together

On my last blog, I mentioned my Anniversary! What an absolutely amazing day it turned out to be. I haven't uploaded any photos yet but I'll tell you what we did.

First we drove out and checked into Lake Barkley Lodge Resort. It was FREE! So it was worth the

price but I am glad it didn't work out for us to stay there for our honey moon. It just wasn't nearly as nice as the photos suggested, lights flickered, Air conditioning didn't work (called Maintenance, no worries) and it was just small and cramped. lol But it served the purpose and did I mention it was FREE?

Once we checked in, we headed to Clarksville, TN where we indulged in some wine tasting at a winery. Then, Chad decided Nashville was our destination. We ended up on the General Jackson Dinner Boat. It was a really great experience. Good food, nice people, fab music and gorgeous scenery when we went through downtown Nashville!

We got back to the lodge and made it a night to remember! It was just a beautiful and spontaneous day and I fell even more in love with my husband. It's nice when we get alone time. Smiles. Shared glances. Lingering touches. It's what marriage is all about in my opinion.

In The Pipe-Line!

Well it's Friday and tomorrow we've been invited to my Father-In-Laws for a 'Fish Fry'! ha ha! So southern. They stopped by yesterday and asked if I liked Fish - I'm like... Hello? Nova Scotian! I didn't say that, I just enthusiastically agreed. ha ha! I'll have my office chair tonight and Gold Willing my computer will arrive today so I'll likely spend some of tonight getting my office organized.

And of course - SLEEPING in. I can't wait to sleep in. This getting up at 5:00/6:00 AM thing is getting really old :)

Oh, I almost forgot - my Green Card arrived on my anniversary! Still no SSN, so next week Chad is going to have to take me into Mayfield to get one so I can get a bank account and get my stuff transferred over to American.

K, Until Next Time - From Kentucky USA!

Shan