God gave me Elizabeth

I seriously needed a pick me up today and someone was listening, because the heavens opened up at just the right moment. I was in the most unusual spot for a Tuesday afternoon and all of sudden Elizabeth appears out of nowhere. She was driving a completely different route than she normal does and then spotted me.

I desperately needed some girl time and chance put us in the same place at the same time.

Thank you Geoff for having me over this afternoon. Thank you Amy for having Elizabeth pick up Willow at a different location. And thank you Elizabeth for stopping and taking me with you. You were just the person I needed to see today. You brighten my day all the time, but this was an occasion where I was extremely grateful for you...just being there.

Today was rough...and God gave me Elizabeth.

Never too old for school?

Joe starts school today. Its about a month into the semester already; there was some paper work and tuition adjustments that set us back. But now he is jumping in...and jumping in deep.

He is taking some classes related to his working field. He will be getting quite a few different certifications for electrical work. He's already doing most of what he'll be learning, but to 'actually' get those certificates will help out a lot. Not only with increasing his pay, but also for his future. He'll be able to work in any field involving electrical work, not just with elevators. Which is a huge range and will definitely help us out, if we were to ever relocate.

The class he is taking is self paced, which is nice...sort of. When he signed up, he was going to go Monday & Wednesday from 5:30p-9:30p. But last week, when he got everything sorted out, he's decided to sign up for the class on Mon, Tues, Wed AND Thurs from 5:30p-9:30p!!! HELLO?!?!? That's a lot of school to just jump into! He already works 8-5ish and now will have to go straight to school and won't be home until late. And he'll be doing this 4 nights a week!!!!!!!

Of course I'm excited for him. (He's totally pysched by the way) But I can't help but feel a little bummed. We are both workaholics and don't get to see each other much as it is. Now we'll only have weekends to be together and I WORK WEEKENDS!?!?!?!? How's that going to work??

I guess I figured, since we are both nearing our 30's, we'd never have to worry about anymore schooling. I had so many friends that were crazy busy with work, school, marriage AND kids, but they were in their early 20's. Maybe I just assumed since I have my career and Joe's got his, our lives would start to slow down...and maybe think of starting a family. (HEY! I said "maybe.") But now life isn't slowing down, its only going to get more complicated. Chaotic. Overwhelming. EXHAUSTING!

Maybe I just needed to vent. Joe and I value the time we get to spend together. And most of you know, we don't get much quality time. We always have something. I'm either working late or long hours, Joe's working late or we have something planned with family and friends.

What do I expect? Other than our simple life at home, my life is my work. Managing a salon is hard work and I'm always overwhelming myself. Now Joe will be doing the same. Its only natural to want to succeed in your own line of work and be the best you can be. This is Joe's way. And I know it will REALLY help his career. His boss will appreciate him more and learning more is never a bad thing. I guess I'll just have to cope and support his decision.

There is an advantage to going to school so many hours a week, believe it or not. He'll get done faster. Of course we don't know how much faster. Joe is currently working as an 'electrician', so we're hoping some of his working hours will work as credit towards school. We won't know until he gets to talk with his professor about it. It could be anywhere from 6 months to over a year!!

I'm sure some of you reading this are probably just rolling your eyes. School is a normal part of life. So is work. Most people have experienced 12+ hours a day of work and school. I did it while going to beauty school. I had 65 hour weeks with school & full time work for 2 years. But that feels like ages ago!!

Really why am I complaining? Sure it'll be tough now, but it will be very rewarding in the future....right???

Thanks for reading...and thanks for letting me vent. We'll take it one day at a time. I'll keep a smile on my face and I'll look to Andee, Kalie and my family to keep me entertained.

Drum roll please.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDEE!!!!!

I told you I would dedicate a post to you, so here you go Smalls.

Andee is 23 today. She is seriously one of my favorite people. Not only because I live with her and I "have" to get along with her, but because I always have such a good time when I'm around her. Anyone who knows us sisters, knows that we cluck like hens whenever we're together. Telling funny stories, gossiping, or just talking about life, its always good time.

And most of you know I make fun of Andee...a lot. I don't know what it is, but she makes it so easy. Whether its her works acronyms for everything, her sleeping schedule, how blond she is or how naive she can be. There is just so much material!! But despite all my jokes, there are some things I just LOVE about her. She adores her family. She would drop everything to hang out with us or go out of her way to make one of us feel special. She's always complimenting people. (Me included) Any new jewelry I get or a new outfit I buy, she's the first to tell me how good I look, even if it looks awful on me. She is a HUGE romantic movie fanatic. Any chick flick, she's seen it or owns it. Definitely a romantic that one and I know she dreams of all those hot guys and unrealistic gentlemen in those movies. Especially the rich ones!! ;)

She can also be very understanding. At times, maybe not, but most of the time she is so accepting and welcoming. Putting up with me and Joe for a whole year is remarkable. And the one thing I love most, is that she's my best friend. Any time I need her, she's there. Any time something exciting or crappy happens in my life, she is the first person I call. We have such a fun time together and I always look forward to hanging out. Especially when we're with Kalie or Jessica. Man we have a great time.

I love you Smalls and I really hope you have a terrific birthday. You are an amazing sister and friend! I'm so pumped up for your "Pretty in Pink" birthday dinner tonight. Enjoy your day.

Happy Annivesary roomies!!!

Villa de Nelda has been occupied by the Blackstroms for a whole year!! Can you believe it? We have been so lucky! Its been a good experience and we've really learned a lot about each other! (Maybe a little too much!)

ROOMIES!!

Wow we've had some good memories this past year. So many parties, get togethers and BBQ's. And quite a few dinners together up in Andee & Kelly's kitchen or on our patio. This house has come a long way in just a short time. The landscaping has probably been the biggest change and we have Kelly to thank for that. The house looks so different. From taking out bushes, cutting down trees, ripping out ivy, to mowing the lawn twice a week!! And even trimming trees a little too much. Our poor Jordan Commons tree hasn't come back...someone got a little carried away! :) (Sorry Kel, we'll never let you live that down!) Our backyard has changed dramatically too. The fire pit and sitting area, party lights and a 90% finished dog run. Things are going so well!! I love showing off our house. Its our home and we are all so proud of it!!

We've shared some good arguments too. I'm sure Andee doesn't want to remember the "pitcher" incident!! The parking controversies, strangers in the kitchen, late nights with surround sound, power bills, dog situations, different schedules. Its hard keeping boundaries and privacy in a communal living arrangement. Walking around naked is just not an option! ;) But overcoming all the "issues" has been so rewarding. The past 6 months have really been the best. We've found our grooves and have really gotten to know each other better. Plus it really is a bonus to have my sister just 10 feet away from me. She's there for long chats, borrowing jewelry, cooking me food. My favorite is when we are IM'ing/texting each other and we're either in the same room or just a few feet away! Plus with Andee [usually] taking Mondays off, we get to spend quality time with each other and our nephew. (Oh and Elizabeth too!!)

It's been a great year. According to our "contract" we only have 1 year left. Well, with the way things are going here and the economy, I'm sure we'll be here much longer than that. We've been so lucky and I can't wait for all the memories yet to come.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY VILLA DE NELDA!!!