Whew... what a year

Well the ball has dropped and I am polishing off the last of the champagne in my PJs reflecting on 2008

This year was crazy. It was crazy, weird, exciting, fabulous and depressing all at the same time.

In January, Jared and I were still riding the "newly married" love train and things were great! The end of January he announced that he had been offered a job in Indiana. Being newly married and anxious to seek out new and exciting opportunities we decided to go for it. What did we have to lose... really?

It has proven to be a much more difficult journey than we anticipated, but we have managed it well.

I have no idea what the future holds in 2009 but I know two things: I wanna be happy with my career (whatever it may be) and I want to have children.

That's it. I don't care if we live in Indiana or somewhere else. I desperately want to feel comfortable enough with our careers and financial situation to start a family. And that, is my goal in 2009.

Happy New Year everyone!!!! Make it a great one!

Made it safe and sound

its good to be home

Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. I made it safely to Indianapolis on Tuesday evening... although it took me 7 hours when it normally takes 3. The roads were not bad the first part of the trip, but then it started raining and the roads were cold so it started to freeze. I never slid, but could tell it was slick so I took my time. Then they closed down the 465 loop to the west (which is the one I needed) because of ice and wrecks. I white-knuckled it and managed to bite off all my fingernails in those 7 hours, but I made it to the hotel.

My plane trips were great, just minor 10-15 minute delays, nothing big enough to whine about. I got into Charleston and the sun was shining, the Palmetto trees were singing in the breeze and a smiling Marla McClelland was waiting for me at the gate. Ahhh.... perfect!

From there we drove to meet the guys at the warehouse and I was so excited to see Jared I could barely stand it! It had been over a month since we had seen each other and it was so great to hug him and see his face again.

The rest of the week was spent eating (Marla and I cooked breakfast for the guys on Christmas morning and then she made quesadillas that evening), opening presents, having a few drinks and playing games. A laid back and fun time with our friends. Jared and I even got in a little alone time when we went for a nice dinner at Red Lobster and then some browsing around the Aiken Mall.

And, the best part is Jared got me a OU Sooners Championship Bowl Game shirt and an OU beer coozie for Christmas! YES! :)

Overall, it was a grand time until I had to leave Jared behind and then get extremely motion sick on the plane ride from Cincinnati to Indianapolis (we had to circle above Indy for 15 minutes because of thunderstorms and then entire time it was up, down, up down, side to side... ugh). To make matters worse it was a small plane. :(

But *sigh* I am home and I have a purring kitty cat on my lap and all is well. :)

Here are some photos from Christmas. I didn't take very many :( so I apologize for the lack thereof.

Jared and I on Christmas with my new OU shirt on. :)

Miss Marla Louise... soon to be Mrs Marla Kraft. :)

Jeremy will hate me for putting this picture on here :) We are enjoying yet another of Marla's fabulous meals... quesadillas.

I hate Indiana in the winter

I am not happy.

I have to be on a plane in Indianapolis tomorrow morning at 7 a.m.

They are calling for snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain starting at 1 p.m. today clear until 7 p.m. tomorrow night.

I am scared out of my mind of driving 3 hours to Indy.

I put the Indiana State Police's number in my phone, just in case. Those boys give me enough grief at coalition meetings, so they owe me. :)

I have a feeling my tension in my neck will return during this adventure.

It will all be worth it when I can throw my arms around Jared and celebrate Christmas with him.

Pray, pray pray for me if you have a second. Maybe if God hears all of us he will magical clear US 31 South for me. :)

Blog-iversary

i just realized that I missed my blog-iversary!

I have been writing, expressing, story-telling, sharing, venting and crying over the Birk Bulletin for a year now and I have no plans to stop.

What started as a way to keep up with everyone, has become so much more. This year has seen many changes for Jared and I and I am happy to have shared my experiences (both good and bad) with my friends, family and other great bloggers out there.

It's not just about documenting your life and your experiences, but looking at your life and the life of others in new light. Being able to support each other, offer reassurances, and laugh at life's little challenges. It's about old friends catching up and finding new friends that make you wonder how you ever survived without knowing them.

It's about empowering women to speak up and speak out; to talk about things that are sad, frightening, scary and even embarrassing. It's about bragging, in a non-judgemental arena, about your accomplishments and the successes of your family. It's about letting everyone know that they are "not alone" in their struggles and challenges.

I have always been a public person... sometimes I share and talk about my life more than I should. The blogging world has given me the outlet to be ME in an environment that is inviting and supportive. Without the Birk Bulletin, I would not have received the great advice, encouragement, laughter, and support that has guided me through a year of changes. A year of changes that included moving to Indiana, starting a new job, starting my Premier Jewelry business, making new friends, struggles with the housing market, my first year of marriage, and getting older.

I am so grateful for all of you! Thanks for listening, thanks for not passing judgement, thanks for the support and thanks for being some of my best friends.

Merry Christmas!

Whew.... off the hook

i have good news and bad news

Good News: I am not babysitting on Sunday now (Apparently God is letting me know I am not ready, haha)

Bad News: Genevieve has to go to Indianapolis on Monday for testing.

Poor little thing. Stacey called me last night and told me that Genna has had trouble eating and she just didn't think things were right... she has been fussy, and won't eat, etc. So she took her to the doctor and now has to take her to a specialist on Monday to run some tests. They think (and this is me trying to understand what she was saying) but they think it has something to do with her white blood cells telling her body she is allergic to everything, especially sugars. It has some big complicated name. Its not diabetic, but something different. If it turns out to be this, they will have to put her on a special diet and it should help her tremendously! Poor little girl. But, As upset as Stacey was (which I would have been too) at least she will find out soon and be able to get Genna feeling better before Christmas. Send a little prayer up for her if you think about it.

Another prayer request (apparently it is one of those days) is for my friend Misty and her daughter Makenna (they call her BMak). She has been pretty sick and found out yesterday it isn't RSV (thank goodness) but she is getting tubes put in her ears next week. It is a normal procedure, but it is still nerve wracking for Misty and Ryan and I hope everything goes well!

Have a great day everyone! There may another random post later I have lots of thoughts running through my head today :)

Completely Terrified

don't judge because I am "baby-ignorant"

I am babysitting my friend's 5 month old little girl Genevieve on Sunday.

I am terrified.

I love babies and I want one of my own more than anything, but when it comes to particulars like diapers, bottles, naps, spit up, etc... I am a rather ignorant girl. Playing, holding, ooohhhing and aaahhhhing over... I am great at! I have always thought that I will have 9 months to learn it all when I am pregnant. :)

So, you may be asking... Why in the name of Jesus did she trust me to watch her child? Because, in her own words, "Genevieve loves you (which she is right about, the kid adores me) and it may make you reconsider having one of your own right now." HA... thanks a lot Stacey (yes, we have the same name... mine has a lot cooler spelling though).

The little turkey does love me though. I hold her and play with her when I come over to hang out and she laughs and smiles and I just love it. But, being left alone with her for 5-6 hours... AAAAHHHHHH...... I think I have changed, maybe, 1 diaper my whole life! I know, it is pathetic for a married, 27 year old that wants kids so bad. But it is true! I have never made a bottle before and I have no idea what to do except panic when they cry. Any babysitting I have done in the past have been kids over the age of 2 and I was pretty darn good with those kiddos.

Stacey just laughed and told me that I would be just fine, she trusts me and said that she is "one of those mothers that has written out, detailed instructions for everything." GOOD DEAL... cause I will need them!

I know I will be fine I just can't let the little thing know I am nervous and I have to let the motherly instinct (that I know is buried in there somewhere) come out.

Wish me luck folks! :)

Complete Randomness

and yes, I am copying your blog Sarah :)

Crazy thoughts running through my mind right now...

Will it ever be 5 o'clock?

How in the world can someone seriously yawn as much as I have today? The yawns are so intense my eyes water and when my eyes water a bunch, the skin around my eyes get dry and crusty. I am assuming I will be toting around large quantities of moisturizer the next few days to douse my eyes every 5 seconds. UGH!

I have had 3 cups of coffee, 2 diet DPs and a bunch of pizza rolls and I still feel like crap

My desk is cluttered to make it "appear like" I have been working. ssshhhh

My skin is getting that winter dryness, especially on my back and my hubby is not here to rub lotion on my back like he does every winter :(

I need to book more jewelry shows for January to re-coup the holiday spending spree I went on this weekend

How the heck am I killing my houseplant already? Go figure!

I heart Sam Bradford (just had to throw that in there) :)

I miss my sister :( and I want her to come visit soon!

I want to eat everything in sight today, but I am chunky and can't

And last, but not least.... I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas and a great New year! I know I will have an awesome Christmas in South Carolina with my bestest friends and my wonderful husband!

Oh and by the way....

eat your heart out Tebow and McCoy fans....

Sooners TAKE the Heisman!

Read all about it HERE

Like I said before.. I heart Sam Bradford :)

It's starting to make me mad

before I get into my blog I would like to announce that my computer was returned to me this morning Spyware and Virus FREE! YAY!!!

Now, on to other things...

I am sick and tired of people acting like it is "soooo weird and soooo strange" that Jared and I live with a roommate right now. It's not like it is a permanent or ideal situation, but it is working for us right now so get over it people!

When Jared and I got married we never wished, or thought, that we would be living in South Bend, Indiana in an apartment with Hicks and still own a home in Kansas. But, it is what has been given to us and we are dealing with supremely well!

When we left Kansas we had a contingency contract on the house and had extremely high hopes of it being sold before summer was over, so living with Hicks was the reasonable thing to do to save money while we were still making a mortgage payment and getting settled in.

Now, it is almost January and our house is still on the market and we are still living in an apartment with Hicks. Hicks is a great roommate and we all get along well and, to be honest, he is really helping us out because the amount of extra money we would be paying without him would amount to about $550-$600 a month (including all utilities, etc.)!!!!!

But, I am tired of people judging us because Jared and I don't live in a brick house with a white picket fence, have great jobs, a healthy savings account and 2.5 kids!

The fact is this: We live in a beautiful apartment with a great friend named Hicks, we have mediocre jobs, little money in savings, a vacation home in Kansas and a great love and support for each other. Isn't that all you need? Really?

Get over it people!

My Dell is in the shop

:( damn spyware wiped it out

You may hear on the news this weekend that I have been placed in a padded room at the nearest mental institution or that I self medicated myself into a trance with chocolate, wine and advil or that I, out of boredom, actually cleaned and organized the house and marked items off my to-do list.

Functioning without my precious computer will be a challenge. No blogs to read, no Facebook status to update and read, no MySpace to stalk old friends, no Yahoo email... what will I do?

Keep my in your thoughts as I go through my "blogging" withdrawals this weekend. Are there 12-Step meetings for computer/blogging addicts? I might need to find a meetin'

Getting older

a few signs that I am getting older

1. I drink coffee. Black with one packet of sweet 'n low. Never thought the day would come but now if I don't have at least 2 cups I am not someone to be messed with
2. I can play a song with all the cracks and pops my bones make
3. I stare at old pictures and say "if only I could be THAT size again" and "look, back when I had no grey hairs"
4. 10 o'clock is considered "late" on a work night
5. Can't quite handle the "work day" hangovers anymore
6. I prefer that Jared drop me off up front at the grocery store and I can get started on shopping while he parks the car
7. I am worried about retirement and social security
8. My high school reunion is in 2009
9. I use the phrases, "remember when, those were the good ole days, and I remember that song from middle school dances"
10. I spend massive amounts of money on anti-aging skin care items, hair color and a gym membership
11. I have a planner and it is full of work commitments and birthdays to remember
12. I don't understand "kids today"
13. I have said, many times "when WE have kids they will NOT act like that"
14. E-mail has become associated with work, therefore is no fun anymore
15. and finally, I have realized that playing "house" is not near as fun as it was when I was 4 years old.

Oh well... *sigh* life goes on. Lalalalala life goes on. :)

I got a bloggie award

I heart my friend Tara. She is special (and not in a short bus kinda way). Although, I have never met her IRL (thanks for this lingo from your blog Sarah). :)

Anyway, Tara gave me an award because my blog is so blog-tastic! YAY!

So, now it is my turn to return the favor and nominate my fav blogs.

This award represents this: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find, and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."

My 8 awards go to....

Denny Daily

Pitt Stop

Among the Wheat

Smith Family Journals

Burke Family Ties

Whiskey Easy Wonderings

Little Diddy from the Life of Jaime

It's On My To-Do List

My Dell has bit the dust

I guess it's what I get for buying a cheap Dell instead of a Mac

It's not completely dead though, but the money it will cost me to get it fixed it might as well be dead. It's infected with that messed up Spyware where it appears to be an antivirus program. So frustrating! I ran my Spy Sweeper and my McAfee and now, both those program don't work properly. How can it just wipe out antivirus and spysweeper software? Some people have WAY to much time on their hands and hatred for people to have to create this junk to infect our computers.

I am not a computer techie, but I know a little (thanks to my Dad). I tried a few things Sherry suggested and no such luck. So, the tech guy from work is coming to get my beautiful pink laptop today and, hopefully (please pray) that he doesn't have to wipe out the entire system and reload everything. I have most of my Premier stuff backed up from about 2 weeks ago, but I haven't backed up my photos and other files in about 6 months! Not even to mention all the iTunes I will lose. AARRGGHHH..... Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this little problem? I am all ears folks!

I heart Sam Bradford

sorry Texas... but it's Boomer Sooner time!

BIG 12 CHAMPS!!!!!

Get ready to run over some gators with your covered wagon boys! It's go time!

Let it go...

I had an enlightening conversation and realization yesterday...

I have a new friend and I am as sure, as the snow is white, that God put her in my life for a reason. Her name is Erica, better known as my Mary Kay lady! I met her several months ago when she came into our office with her usual basket of goodies for us to try and ooohh and aaahhh over. When I started with Premier I sent her an e-mail, despite the fact I didn't know her very well, and asked her if she would like to host a Premier Show for me to help me get started and I also asked her for any advice she could give me as I found my way around the Independent Distributor business.

Her response then and her continued support now is astounding to me! She has rooted me on even when I wasn't so sure I deserved it. She has also helped me out every way that she could (despite the fact that I am not one of her MK girls) and she has provided some spiritual guidance when I have least expected it.

When we were planning our shows (she hosted a Premier party for me and I hosted an MK party for her) she kept the attitude positive by setting our goals high, believing in me, and reminding me to pray for a successful show. And, it turns out, our shows were both pretty successful!

Yesterday she stopped by the office and we were chatting about our jobs and finances, etc. I mentioned my frustration with our house in Kansas, how angry I am that it hasn't sold and how it has made life hard for Jared and I. She very simply asked me, "Have you let go of it yet? Have you let go and just let God take that burden and take care of it for you."

Wow. No, I haven't. This house is something that crosses my mind several times a day. I feel the muscles in my neck tense up everytime I think about it, everytime I hear anything about the housing crisis, or the recession. I really didn't realize until she said that how much anger and frustration I was causing myself because I hadn't just "let it go" yet. Plus, as much as I want it sold, a little part of me will always love that house. I bought it on my own and it was my baby and I was proud of myself and of that house.

Like I said in a previous blog, I have a hard time letting God just take control. I feel like I have to have my hand in everything and it is a constant battle for me to just say, "ok, it's in your hands." But, as Erica talked more about letting God take control and if it is His will it will happen His way I realized that I desperately needed to let go..... hand the mortgage over to Him. :)

So, last night.... I let it go....... I told Him to take good care of it and do what You think is best.

This morning on the Today Show they said interest rates for homes may be dropping. I started to get all excited and could feel myself trying to pull that house back in again. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and let it go... again....

Take good care of it...

Lake Effect Snow.... Round 2

except this time... I have snow boots and a smile on my face

Well, I must say... I am adjusting to the winters up here pretty well. I have determined that if you have the right gear (long wool coat, scarves, hats, gloves and snow boots) the weather is much more tolerable. Plus, it does help that I have a carport now, something that I didn't even have in Kansas! And, people actually KNOW how to drive in the elements up here, which makes me a lot more calmer behind the wheel. Nothing infuriated me more than driving out to Greenbush on HWY 47 and people in their tricked out SUVs are blowing past me.... UUUGGHHH. A small part of me hoped I would see their dumb asses on the side of the road later on and I would just whiz by them and wave. :) I am so evil.

I still wish I lived in Arizona or Florida where is it warm all the time, but I guess this will do for now :)

I am very anxious to start decorating our small, tiny apartment for Christmas, although I have no idea where to put the tree. I think I have Hicks talked into moving one of the recliners into his room to make room for the tree. :) If not, I know that a little Makers Mark and water will change his mind, haha. I hope to go over to the warehouse sometime this week and get my tubs of Christmas garb, my outdoor lights and my tree so I can get it going! YAY!!! I love all the sparkly lights and the ambiance it creates.... ahhhh.... :)

Jared is doing well in South Carolina and keeping busy. I miss him, but he has been going away for months at a time like this for many years, so I am used to it and it really doesn't bother me too much anymore. I always miss him, but absence does make the heart grow fonder and it gives us time to ourselves and realize how much we appreciate and love each other. Sometimes it takes a thousand miles to remember that... haha. I have a feeling he will come home a little spoiled from Marla's homemade cooking. Sorry darlin', your wife is not Betty Homemaker like Mar-Mar... deal with it :)

Have a great Tuesday everyone!