Planning and Adjusting!

I plan on posting another round of wedding pics, I'm just not sure when I'll have time to do so.  Maybe on Saturday.  The next day or so is dedicated to getting our place in order for our Super Bowl get-together. 

I can't seem to decide what to serve for our Super Bowl evening.  I thought I had it all figured out then I thought about the fact that people might have to eat with a plate on their lap so it needs to be easy to eat food.  Nothing too messy.

We are continuing to get used to our new place.  I totally enjoy it.  It's by far the nicest place I've ever lived in, same with Brad!  We asked ourselves the other night if it's possible this complex is just "too nice".  I considered that before we actually moved in.  I worried the pugs were not refined enough for this style of living.  They are fitting in though!  We've realized both pugs are still quite confused as to where we live.  We tested Cody the other night to see if he could find our door.  He failed the test!  He walked right past it!  To them it's just a bunch of different hallways with a bunch of different front doors, no way for them to tell which door is which.  Before they had landmarks....real "landmarks"....like a tree or some certain smelling bushes/flowers.  Well not anymore.  Just hallway after hallway with door after door.  We shall see how much longer it takes the pugs to memorize where our place is at in the maze of hallways.  Tonight I noticed the light from the hallway just barely peeking under our front door...that's slightly weird to see!  That's something you see when you're in a hotel.  We do joke about our penthouse/resort style pad we now have.  That's all for now, I'm going to try to get back to my Super Bowl menu planning for a few minutes at least. 

Wedding Pics (part 2)

Here is part 2 of the wedding pics.  At this point I definitely plan on doing a part 3 as well.  There's a limit to how many pics I can share at one time on the blog so that's why it will have to be broken up into different posts. Plus I'm slowly working through the massive amount of pics we've been given from our photographer. I'm carefully deciding on what pics to share.  I'm trying to choose pics that tell the story of the wedding, so to speak!  I want to include pics of the details and surroundings so that people can get a feel of our wedding day.  I'm also trying to figure out what pics to print to display in our home as well as what pics I want in a photo album.

 

Wedding Pics (part 1)

We got our wedding pics this past week.  All pics were sent to us on a CD so we can upload and print any of them we want.  I'm not sure how many people out there are interested in seeing some pics but since quite a few members of my family and friends were unable to attend I thought this would be an easy way to share some of our pics of our special day.  I will title this post as "part 1" there will definitely be a "part 2" and as I sort thru the pics on the CD this weekend I may have more parts of the wedding pics to post.  We'll see!

 

I hope all enjoy seeing a glimpse of our wedding!  I must admit while looking at the pics for the first time I was a little in awe....in awe of the fact that these are "my" pics.  I'm actually the "bride" in these pics!  We are actually married!  It's quite amazing to me still!

 

One Apartment!

Not only are we moved in to the new place.  I'm pleased to say we are down to just one apartment!  We got the last few items out of Brad's place we wanted, donated what was left, then turned in the keys today.  Woo-hoo!  What a relief to have all the different apartments and the 2 moves out of the way!  We're continuing to unpack at the new place.  It's looking pretty good so far.  It's not perfectly in order yet.  But it's in order enough to accept company if we wanted to invite anyone over.

Those that have somewhat recently moved know what it's like when you move.  At the beginning you do your best to keep organized, packing up room by room.  Trying to make the contents of each box make sense.  There's always items that you want to wait on to pack or items you are unsure about taking, at that point the craziness begins!

Then when moving day comes things just take a turn.  You realize you forgot to look in a cupboard.  Or you suddenly find some extra dog toys.  Who knows!  This time around on our moving day my pockets got very full.  I found one of Cody's balls behind the couch once the couch got moved, in my pocket it went. Then a peg to hold a shelf fell out of somewhere, the peg went in my pocket.  Next up was the remote controls to DVD players that made their way into my pockets.  I'm telling you it gets crazy.  When moving there's also this point where you start to question if you'll ever be done?  Question whether or not things are multiplying.

Storm has adjusted well.  She's appalled that she is not allowed in the master bedroom but other than that she's been doing alright with the adjustment. She loves to climb, she has lots of new areas to climb.  Our kitchen cabinets don't go to the ceiling, there's decorating ledges so she climbs on those and she climbs amongst all the cool built-in shelving in the closets. Cody and Simon have been doing well too.  Except they've been barking more than usual.  I can hardly wait for them to get more used to the noises around here.  The worst is when we come home from being gone for awhile.  They can't actually see us from where they are being confined so I believe that is seriously annoying to them.  I do believe the boys are confused.  They never saw their apartment get packed up.  Nearly all of the furniture we're using in the new place is from Brad's place.  Therefore I think the boys think Brad has moved but that we likely have our apartment still.  Every time we're out on a walk and I tell the boys "let's go home".  They look at me as if to say "finally, we get to go back to our place." They've been good actually better than I anticipated.  I thought the elevators would be a horribly difficult adjustment.  I pictured Cody bracing for impact each and every time he set foot on the elevator. I'm loving the new pad.  I don't mind waiting for the elevator since I don't have to do stairs. Brad is having to adjust to not having trees and nature to look out at.  We have a pool view with a well manicured courtyard area but it's not the same as looking at nice wooded areas that he's grown used to.   

We Got Moved!

We're finally moved in. It was quite the endeavor. The work isn't done as we now have to put the place together, so to speak. That to me is a lot more fun than packing up things.

We hired movers for this past Saturday. We stayed up til nearly 4 in the morning packing things and sorting thru other things. We were completely ready when 10:00 am rolled around. The movers were scheduled to come between 10:00 and noon. A little after eleven the movers called saying we would likely need to be bumped til Sunday because of some complications they were experiencing at their current move. We were not ready to give up on a Saturday move so we told the movers to try to do our move if the current complications they were dealing with got worked out in a timely manner. Well the hours went by and no movers. The TVs were all at the new place because our cable had been turned on already. We therefore decided on Saturday evening to pack up our "animal kingdom" and head to the new place. We wouldn't have a bed to sleep in but we would have TV. We ordered in pizza and had a lovely first evening in our new place relaxing and watching the Australian Open. It was fun. We had a good amount of the boxes and other things already at the new place since we decided to take some loads over ourselves as we waited to hear what was going on from the movers. So we did have some stuff, we weren't sitting in a completely empty place.

 Thankfully our movers showed up a few minutes after 8:00 am to get all the major stuff. We were completely into the new place before noon and ready to kick back on the couch for Championship Sunday. I wanted to see Atlanta and Baltimore in the Super Bowl. Well one of the teams I preferred made it. I haven't decided who to cheer for come Super Bowl Sunday but I believe it's Baltimore whom will come out on top.

A Cody Story

Life with Cody is always interesting! I imagine if he could talk he would likely beg me not to tell this story. Sorry Code-man, the story must be told.

I haven't quite got the hang of the pet gate we are now using at Brad's place. I put the boys in their beds for the night and put the gate up so they were confined to only that area. I walked away to go do my own thing. A little while later I heard a loud pop. Brad and I looked at each other, I quickly realized the sound came from the hall where the boys are. I soon decided to go check on the boys. I instantly figured out the gate was not completely latched and the pop we heard was from it popping into place. I then turned on the light so I could see the boys to check on them. I only saw Simon. Cody was nowhere to be seen. I looked around as their area is not very big so I knew he had to be there. I soon spotted half of Cody's face peeking out from behind the nearby trash can. He had crawled under some stuff and was behind the trash can. Apparently he thought that trash can was going to protect him from the loud popping noise. When he gets scared he goes into hiding. I had to hold back my laughter as I encouraged him to crawl out of the area he was in. 

A little while later Brad and I enjoyed a good chuckle concerning Simon's "big" brother. Simon could careless about a popping noise but not Cody. He is so fearful it's ridiculous. I can't help but wonder what Simon thinks of Cody when Cody gets so scared. He likely questions who acts more like a "big" brother? Lol! 

Brrr!

A quick weather report. In the last 10 days we've had just about everything you could imagine. From rain to sleet to hail to snow to one unseasonably mild day. My moving day last week was an awesome 72 degrees. It was great!  That 72 degree day was gone in a flash though! The last two weeks have started off super cold and gradually become more bareable by the end of the week.

By the time this past Sunday rolled around it hailed in the middle of the night. It was so cold out that the pellets of hail were still all around for most of the day. We stayed in all day, focused on watching football and being lazy.

This morning much to our surprise we woke up to snow. I don't believe snow was even in the forecast. It was predicted to get cold but the snow caught people a little off guard. I was certainly surprised when I looked out the windows this morning. I think it's supposed to warm up a bit tomorrow and get into the high 40s late in the afternoon. Compared to what it has been when windchill is factored in, the high 40s tomorrow will feel like we're basking in the sun. Lol!

Packing and Pics!

We continue to pack things up. The pets are in the know. They understand a move to somewhere new is approaching. Storm loves boxes. So she's enjoying exploring the boxes, while the boys constantly watch to see what goes in each box. They're anxiously waiting to make sure their stuff gets packed.

Tonight we loaded up all the wedding gifts and moved them to the new place. We haven't opened the gifts yet. We originally didn't open the gifts until we were actually married. Then once we got married we realized we were going to move, therefore we figured it would be easier to move the gifts while they were still in the boxes they were shipped in.

Two other things I must mention, we will have our wedding pics on CD by the end of the week. Sweet!  Our photographer will send us our pics on CD then we can have them printed wherever. We also have 2 online galleries our photographer set up for us. We have yet to check out those galleries. And the other thing to mention, is that our marriage has been officially recorded with the state of Texas. Yay! We got the marriage license back today with the all important stamps and signatures that it's been officially recorded in Texas. I'm thinking we might need to invest in a small easy to move safe for our birth certificates and now marriage certificate. Or bank deposit box, that actually seems safer to me.

One Move Down, One Move To Go

Since this past Thursday we have technically had in our possession 3 apartments.  The movers came on Friday to move my stuff to the new place.  The move went well. We have a detached garage at the new place which is where we'll be storing some items we still want but won't use in the new place.  My glass table dining set is being kept in the garage as we plan on using it in our house some day. I gave away so much stuff that there were few "big" items that made the trip.  My TV stand and the bed for the spare room were the main items going other than boxes of personal items.  I also kept my dresser drawer set and nightstand.  I got rid of a lot of my kitchen stuff but I likely should have gotten rid of all of it so we can simply start new.  We received so many wonderful wedding gifts for the kitchen especially, we could start fresh in that area for sure.

We went back to my place yesterday to finish up the last few things.  I turned in my keys yesterday afternoon.  Whew!  So glad to be done with my place.  Now we are down to 2 apartments: Brad's place and the new place.  The plan is to pack up Brad's place over the course of this coming week.  The next moving day is scheduled for next Saturday.  By this time next week we will be waking up in our new place for the first time.  I can hardly wait.  I'm ready for all this moving to be done! We both are!

I must say though I am questioning whether storing some of the items we chose to store is the right decision.  Because once we do get a house are those items going to be what we want to have in the house?  We have 2 dining sets.  We will be using Brad's at the new place and storing mine.  But our home someday might have a fomal dining room and in that case my dining set is not going to look right.  Same goes for my dresser drawer set and nightstand.  I wanted to keep those two items for our kid someday but they are from when I was born so they don't match anything that is out on the market today.  When we do have a kid aren't we going to want the furniture to match the crib we choose?  Like I said I'm questioning whether or not we have more items to get rid of.

We Have A New Place!

I am happy to say we have a new place to move into.  After looking around some more this past Saturday.  We added one additional place to our list of those to consider and eliminated another.  Before we started out looking we eliminated the one with loads or space but stairs galore.  So as of Saturday evening we had 2 places to decide between.  We weighed the pros and cons of each one.  It was between a brand new complex that had hardwood floors, nice kitchen, and an attached garage.  Downside to that one was lack of landscape to walk the boys around, lack of closet space, and we couldn't get the top floor.  Brad really wanted top floor so we don't have noisy neighbors above our heads. We were also concerned how that hardwood floor was going to be with the pugs. No traction for the pugs! The other place we were considering was a top floor apartment in a midrise building I previously mentioned in a post. It's an upscale building with indoor corridors, elevators, and a downtown feel. It would be similar to living in a resort with a parking garage.  Now which one did we choose?

It's all about the penthouse folks!  Yep, we chose the top floor apartment in the midrise building! Neither one of us has ever lived in a midrise building with indoor corridors.  I think for me I really wanted something a little different than anything I've experienced before.  Plus it's the benefit of being on the top floor but there's elevators.....no stairs!  There's also a multi-level parking garage so you just drive up to your floor that you live on no need we don't actually have to use the elevator when coming home in our cars.  We'll only have to deal with the elevators when taking out the dogs.  The property is on the edge of a lake and they built a walking/jogging/biking path all along the edge.  That will be perfect to walk the boys plus there's a dog park on site.  Not to mention it was the one property that was easiest access for Brad to get to and from work. I did not want him driving too far, we wanted to stay in the area.  We're both fond of the area. Since our new place is on the edge of downtown where they shoot of fireworks, I'm thinking we might not have to go anywhere for the Fourth of July.  Just look out our windows.   

We pick up our keys tomorrow.  My stuff will be moved on Friday and Brad's stuff we have yet to determine when we'll move his.  Most likely the following week.  We have his apartment until the 25th.  So the main focus is getting my place packed up and moved. It's so exciting...our first place together!  The place we picked together! 

The Benefits Through the Pugs Eyes!

I think the boys are starting to realize it's not so bad having 2 owners. And Storm the cat seems fine with the boys being around all the time. Her and Cody continue to enjoy sunbathing near one another. Today Storm started running at one point and Simon went trailing along behind her.

The boys are used to my schedule and now they have Brad's schedule to get used to.  I have noticed in the last day or two that both boys seem to sense when it's about time for Brad to come home in the evening.  Simon stands ready at attention at the entry of the hallway while Cody comfortably lays a few feet behind Simon looking in the direction of the front door.

Cody has always loved following me around our home seeing what I'm doing.  Well now he has 2 people to keep up with.  He'll come see what I'm doing then decide to go see what Brad is up to.  After seeing what both of us are doing then he'll make the decision as to whom to hang out with. 

On the other hand, Simon sees a completely different benefit of 2 owners.  He thinks first and foremost of his tummy!  Therefore, he believes he deserves a treat at night from Brad and mommie.  Last night Brad gave the boys their nightly treat.  After Simon devoured ,he then looked to mommie with pleading eyes.  Every time I got up he did his best to lead me to the pantry.  It didn't work!  Brad handed out the one and only treat last night.  Sorry boo-boo!  Feel free to keep trying!

Packing and More Packing!

As I work on packing up my apartment this week I'm wondering if more stuff is going with us or if more stuff is being given away?  I think more stuff is being given away at this point. It was a rainy day here, more rain expected tomorrow. Hauling things out to the trash has been quite the task with the weather issues.

Brad finishes one job today and starts a new one tomorrow.  I'm hopeful that he likes this job better than the one he's currently had.  I think it will be a good change of pace for him.

It's going to be seriously busy for the next couple weeks for us.  The plan is to pack up my apartment this week and then start on packing up his apartment next week. Blending two apartments into one apartment is going to be a challenge.  One that we are up for!  We both look forward to having only one place together. 

As for the boys and Storm.  Since we haven't started packing up Brad's place they haven't realized there's a new move in the works.  It will be interesting to see their reaction once we do start packing.  I'm sure Cody and Simon will think to themselves..."Wait a minute, didn't we just move here?".  Technically two moves in a matter of 6 weeks.  Although I feel like I live in two places at this point! 

We're Moving!

The original plan was for me to move in to Brad's after we got married and then of course give up my apartment.  Well plans change!  While we were on our honeymoon Brad received an offer to work for a different company.  He accepted the new job with the new company. 

Since he lives on property and will no longer work for the property he lives at, and since my apartment isn't quite the size we want nor does it have some of the amenities we would like, the decision was to get a new place together. Brad has his apartment until the later part of the month.  I was already supposed to be out of my apartment but we don't have a new place yet to move my stuff to so I extended my lease, I have my apartment for a little bit longer.  I did think about just packing up my apartment and placing it all in storage.  But then we have to move my stuff twice, first to storage then to the new place.

It won't be an easy move because so much of my stuff is going to be picked through as we decide what goes with us and what doesn't. I have a dining room table set, a couch, an overstuffed chair with ottoman, and a queen bed that we're trying to give away before calling Salvation Army. I'm also considering parting ways with my desk. Oh and my butterfly chair!  How sad my butterfly chair has to go!  There were numerous nights I held a little puppy named Cody until he fell asleep in my arms in that chair.  Actually I must admit it wasn't that long ago I held a little under the weather Cody in my arms in the butterfly chair while I watched a movie.  The butterfly chair works for a small chair but it's not "real" furniture in my opinion so that's why I bend the rules and will let him sit on my lap in it. He knows too when the butterfly chair comes out it's time to be held! 

I have spent a good portion of this week looking for a new place for us.  I haven't found too much that fits our needs without too many drawbacks.  I found a downtown urban midrise which I was excited about at first, it was very upscale. First-class all the way!  Plus it seemed to fit most of our needs. But there's some drawbacks, it has indoor corridors, like a resort, and elevators.  Though the elevators are appealing in one way. We're unsure how the boys would react to having to wait for the elevator every time they needed to go outside. It definitely wouldn't be as convenient as simply walking out our front door. I also found another place that is absolutely huge, it's a townhouse.  Awesome amount of space!  Problem is it's on a super busy corner, it lacks grassy areas to walk the boys, and stairs galore.  When the agent was showing me the place I couldn't believe we kept turning a corner and seeing more stairs to go up.  Once you get up all the stairs the living space is on one level which is nice, but it's the thought of packing the groceries up all those stairs that worries me. Plus guests that come over would not like the challenge of those stairs.  Brad's granny would never be able to come over because she wouldn't be able to handle the stairs.  So it's not just us that we have to consider if we choose a place with stairs.  We will be heading out tomorrow to do some more looking, this time together. I hope we find an additional place to consider.  A place that fits our needs without a doubt! Wish us luck!       

The New Year!

Welcome to the blog in 2013! Woo-hoo! We've been busy. The boys are fully moved in.  As for me, I have the most important stuff here including my TV's from my place. We still we have not given up my apartment. More on all that in a later post.

Us newlyweds did our own thing for New Year's Eve.  Just a quiet evening at home.  We played games, watched a movie, and I made Brad's fave....fajitas.  We gave Simon his annual sip of champagne at midnight.  Man, he loves champagne!  He's so funny!  We tried to give some to Cody too as usual, but he acted as if we might be attempting to poison him at the stroke of midnight.  He's funny too, in a different way than Simon!

I undecorated our Christmas tree today.  Now we have a naked tree sitting in our living room.  I almost knocked the entire tree over as I was undecorating it.  I pulled on the light set that was tightly wrapped at the top causing it to bobble quite a bit.  As a result the tree now leans heavily to the right.  Oh well, Brad will haul it out tomorrow.  That was such a difficult tree to get set up that I asked Brad if  he was ready to reconsider a fake tree next year. We almost got a fake tree this year because we got the tree so late in the season we had trouble finding a real one.   

As I type this, we're watching the Cotton Bowl live from Cowboys Stadium.  Texas A&M just scored!  This is a geat match-up.  Kind of like a rivalry!  Texas teams and Oklahoma teams love to go at each other! We've looked forward to this game all week.  I usually look forward to the Fiesta Bowl since it's from my state of birth, but this year that match-up didn't interest my at all.  I get seriously irritated watching Oregon.  I don't know why but they annoy me!  Their duck looks too much like a clone of Donald Duck.  I think Donald should sue! LOL!