So here I am... a mere two days before we close on the house. I need to pack yet again and I am so sick of boxes and totes. I only unpacked a few things after I moved from the Audubon Center, yet some how over the summer my collection of books has puked out of the boxes and spread throughout the basement. The 6 shirts and 3 pairs of pants that I had unpacked turned into a closet full of clothes... and here I am 2 days away. I feel like I have so much crap and need to purge some of the excess out of my life, but I know when we finally get all unpacked, the both of us will not have enough stuff to fill half the house haha.
Also, I think my body is sensing the end of a long and VERY stressful few months; the past few days I have been fighting off allergies and all I want to do is sleep. I also found out a few of my co-workers have colds. That's all I need is to get sick during our move-in weekend.
Maybe I'll finish the packing tomorrow and go to bed soon...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
It's been awhile...
That's because everything that I've had to talk about - I didn't want to jinx by telling everyone.
We are buying a house in Hutch. We close on the 8th of October!! For the most part - everything has gone okay. We have been watching ads and spending A LOT of time walking around Home Depot! We did luck out and got 30% off a brand new washer and dryer - plus when I signed up for the Sears card - we got an additional 5% off and no interest for 12 months! Can't complain! I realize how much I am growing up when I realized how excited I got that we bought a fridge! Since we don't know how long we are staying at this house, we decided to go with a simple very energy efficient fridge. Drew will have to live without his in door water and ice dispenser. We even got the fridge for less than the advertised sale price - plus 12 months no interest! Energy Star appliances amaze me. With average use and cost of electricity - the fridge we bought is estimated to cost $35 a year!! Granted I never really checked into things like that but to me it seems like a fridge should cost a whole lot more to run for a year! I also decided that I really like the 12 months no interest thing. We have the funds to pay off all of the appliances, but since starting a new house has a lot of hidden costs, it's nice to save some of the liquid funds as a just in case. As soon as we're settled we're gonna pay those puppies off!
We are getting ready to say good-bye to cable. Oh DVR - how I will miss you. On the other hand, we will be attempting the Netflix/internet tv route. Most of the shows that we like to watch are available free online so we'll be hooking my computer up to the TV and we'll see how that goes. We've (me especially) been watching a lot of HGTV in the last month. If you have the ability to watch HGTV you need to check out Holmes on Homes. I have learned so much about houses and building codes from watching his show. I consider watching it research :) It doesn't hurt that I have gotten some great ideas for shower tile remodels and other fun projects.
Keep your fingers crossed that these last few days will continue to go well! I can't wait to get into my house! Pictures to come!
We are buying a house in Hutch. We close on the 8th of October!! For the most part - everything has gone okay. We have been watching ads and spending A LOT of time walking around Home Depot! We did luck out and got 30% off a brand new washer and dryer - plus when I signed up for the Sears card - we got an additional 5% off and no interest for 12 months! Can't complain! I realize how much I am growing up when I realized how excited I got that we bought a fridge! Since we don't know how long we are staying at this house, we decided to go with a simple very energy efficient fridge. Drew will have to live without his in door water and ice dispenser. We even got the fridge for less than the advertised sale price - plus 12 months no interest! Energy Star appliances amaze me. With average use and cost of electricity - the fridge we bought is estimated to cost $35 a year!! Granted I never really checked into things like that but to me it seems like a fridge should cost a whole lot more to run for a year! I also decided that I really like the 12 months no interest thing. We have the funds to pay off all of the appliances, but since starting a new house has a lot of hidden costs, it's nice to save some of the liquid funds as a just in case. As soon as we're settled we're gonna pay those puppies off!
We are getting ready to say good-bye to cable. Oh DVR - how I will miss you. On the other hand, we will be attempting the Netflix/internet tv route. Most of the shows that we like to watch are available free online so we'll be hooking my computer up to the TV and we'll see how that goes. We've (me especially) been watching a lot of HGTV in the last month. If you have the ability to watch HGTV you need to check out Holmes on Homes. I have learned so much about houses and building codes from watching his show. I consider watching it research :) It doesn't hurt that I have gotten some great ideas for shower tile remodels and other fun projects.
Keep your fingers crossed that these last few days will continue to go well! I can't wait to get into my house! Pictures to come!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Time to tell
This has been one of the most stressful weeks of my life... And that is saying A LOT!
First off I'd like to finally tell you my big secret. Drew and I are looking at buying a house in Hutch!!! The plan was that I would go back and work at the restaurant during the winters and work on getting the necessary experience I needed to finally get a full-time job with the state during the summers (which would probably take another 3-4 years).
Then last Sunday on the way to breakfast at Perkins, he tells me that his Dad's farming partner may be retiring in the next few years and he'd like Drew to come back and farm. WOAH!! Talk about dropping a bomb! We did not have many details, so I spent a very long week thinking about it. I don't know how easy this will be to explain without talking to you, but I went from pretty much having the next few years roughly planned out to having my world turned up-side down. We had a really long talk (after my freak-out was over) and decided that while the location of the farm is not ideal for a lively social life, we both really want to end up in the country on a farm in the future. There is just one MAJOR problem with this decision.... there are no naturalist jobs available in that part of the state! I decided that if we want to do this, I need to stop focusing on being a naturalist and start working towards finding a career that will have a better probability of finding a job. I would much rather make a career change now rather than in 5-10 years after I spent so much time and energy working my way up to a full time position.
So here I am. 5 years of college, 1 BS degree, 1 Environmental Ed. Teaching Certificate, and 1.5 years of naturalist positions and I am changing gears. This is incredibly scary and super exciting at the same time! Talk about closing a door and opening a window!! After meeting the parents for a dinner and long discussion, we are thinking that we might have another 2-3 years before things are ready for us to make the move. So the plan, keep looking for a house in Hutch, I'll work at the restaurant this winter, possibly take some classes at the local Tech college, and work towards finding a job that pays decent and has benefits.
Don't worry, I love being a naturalist too much to stop. I will hopefully be starting my own free-lance naturalist business. More about that later.
So in the last week or so, I have:
1) Been looking for a house - which we need to find fairly soon otherwise I will be driving an hour each way to work every day.
2) Working like crazy to finish the work for this position
3) Trying to find the next job that counts as "professional" experience
4) Found out we might be "going back to the farm" - who knows when
5) Looking for a house
6) Buying a brand new bed
7) Meet with the parent to find out it's 89% sure we're "going back to the farm in 2-3 years"
8) Looking for a house and researching costs of appliances
9) Trying to find out how to start my own business
10) Trying to figure out a brand new career!
Keep your fingers crossed that we'll close on a place soon! Once that gets off my plate I think I'll be able to breathe a little more and concentrate on some of these other things.
Thank you so much to my friends and family who are helping me get through these stressful times.
One last thing... what should I be when I grow up???!!!!! HELP!
First off I'd like to finally tell you my big secret. Drew and I are looking at buying a house in Hutch!!! The plan was that I would go back and work at the restaurant during the winters and work on getting the necessary experience I needed to finally get a full-time job with the state during the summers (which would probably take another 3-4 years).
Then last Sunday on the way to breakfast at Perkins, he tells me that his Dad's farming partner may be retiring in the next few years and he'd like Drew to come back and farm. WOAH!! Talk about dropping a bomb! We did not have many details, so I spent a very long week thinking about it. I don't know how easy this will be to explain without talking to you, but I went from pretty much having the next few years roughly planned out to having my world turned up-side down. We had a really long talk (after my freak-out was over) and decided that while the location of the farm is not ideal for a lively social life, we both really want to end up in the country on a farm in the future. There is just one MAJOR problem with this decision.... there are no naturalist jobs available in that part of the state! I decided that if we want to do this, I need to stop focusing on being a naturalist and start working towards finding a career that will have a better probability of finding a job. I would much rather make a career change now rather than in 5-10 years after I spent so much time and energy working my way up to a full time position.
So here I am. 5 years of college, 1 BS degree, 1 Environmental Ed. Teaching Certificate, and 1.5 years of naturalist positions and I am changing gears. This is incredibly scary and super exciting at the same time! Talk about closing a door and opening a window!! After meeting the parents for a dinner and long discussion, we are thinking that we might have another 2-3 years before things are ready for us to make the move. So the plan, keep looking for a house in Hutch, I'll work at the restaurant this winter, possibly take some classes at the local Tech college, and work towards finding a job that pays decent and has benefits.
Don't worry, I love being a naturalist too much to stop. I will hopefully be starting my own free-lance naturalist business. More about that later.
So in the last week or so, I have:
1) Been looking for a house - which we need to find fairly soon otherwise I will be driving an hour each way to work every day.
2) Working like crazy to finish the work for this position
3) Trying to find the next job that counts as "professional" experience
4) Found out we might be "going back to the farm" - who knows when
5) Looking for a house
6) Buying a brand new bed
7) Meet with the parent to find out it's 89% sure we're "going back to the farm in 2-3 years"
8) Looking for a house and researching costs of appliances
9) Trying to find out how to start my own business
10) Trying to figure out a brand new career!
Keep your fingers crossed that we'll close on a place soon! Once that gets off my plate I think I'll be able to breathe a little more and concentrate on some of these other things.
Thank you so much to my friends and family who are helping me get through these stressful times.
One last thing... what should I be when I grow up???!!!!! HELP!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Oops It's been awhile
Last post was on July 25th, oops. Well here are some things that have happened in the last 2 weeks.
My poor car was fixed! $375 and an hour spent by 3 great guys and it was drivable again. Not bad since my brother estimated the damage at around $3000. But I have some bad news. The "Silver Bullet" is no more. This repair brought on a name change. I'd like to introduce you to...(insert drum roll)... the "Calico Car."
Drew has been working 12-14 hour days battling aphids. We've tried to see each other when possible. Last Sunday we went and had a fantastic dinner at Antone's in St. Cloud. It was a great atmosphere and the food was amazing. I think it is our new place to go when we want a special meal.
http://www.antonsrestaurant.com/
On Thursday, we were able to spend a little time together (gotta love windy days). It was a good day, since we both left work early, and being in a good mood we decided to go try the local Mexican restaurant in Litchfield. Carlitos! What a great time. When you walk in, the place kinda looks like a dive, but man is the food amazing! I had a chimichanga and the crust was... wow... words cannot describe! Drew had a Texas Fajita and the meat had amazing flavor and was perfectly cooked! The other fun thing is that it is a self-serve bar. Want another beer? Walk behind the bar and grab it out of the cooler. Need a margarita? Grab a glass and pour it from a dispenser. Too cool. If you are ever in Litchfield - you really need to stop!!
This past week has been a stressful yet productive one. I've been spending A LOT of time working on my new secret project. I can't wait to tell you all what I'm doing, but I think it is better to wait just a bit longer. hehe
The Regional Naturalist came to watch me give both of my programs yesterday. He is the big wig and has given me some great advice over the past couple of months. Even though it was stressful having him watch, and at times join in on the fun, I got great feedback at the end of the day. Whew!
I cannot believe it is already August 7th! Unbelievable! I have one month exactly until my season is over. This summer has gone by so fast!
My poor car was fixed! $375 and an hour spent by 3 great guys and it was drivable again. Not bad since my brother estimated the damage at around $3000. But I have some bad news. The "Silver Bullet" is no more. This repair brought on a name change. I'd like to introduce you to...(insert drum roll)... the "Calico Car."
Drew has been working 12-14 hour days battling aphids. We've tried to see each other when possible. Last Sunday we went and had a fantastic dinner at Antone's in St. Cloud. It was a great atmosphere and the food was amazing. I think it is our new place to go when we want a special meal.
http://www.antonsrestaurant.com/
On Thursday, we were able to spend a little time together (gotta love windy days). It was a good day, since we both left work early, and being in a good mood we decided to go try the local Mexican restaurant in Litchfield. Carlitos! What a great time. When you walk in, the place kinda looks like a dive, but man is the food amazing! I had a chimichanga and the crust was... wow... words cannot describe! Drew had a Texas Fajita and the meat had amazing flavor and was perfectly cooked! The other fun thing is that it is a self-serve bar. Want another beer? Walk behind the bar and grab it out of the cooler. Need a margarita? Grab a glass and pour it from a dispenser. Too cool. If you are ever in Litchfield - you really need to stop!!
This past week has been a stressful yet productive one. I've been spending A LOT of time working on my new secret project. I can't wait to tell you all what I'm doing, but I think it is better to wait just a bit longer. hehe
The Regional Naturalist came to watch me give both of my programs yesterday. He is the big wig and has given me some great advice over the past couple of months. Even though it was stressful having him watch, and at times join in on the fun, I got great feedback at the end of the day. Whew!
I cannot believe it is already August 7th! Unbelievable! I have one month exactly until my season is over. This summer has gone by so fast!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Pictures
Just wanna show off some recent photos I have taken.
Snapping turtle laying eggs near home
Autumn meadowhawk
Saffron-winged meadowhawk
Another angle of a Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
Monarch catepiller
I've recently noticed how beautiful milkweed flowers are
A very cool insect on a milkweed plant
Columnbine
Backswimmer
Snapping turtle laying eggs near home
Autumn meadowhawk
Saffron-winged meadowhawk
Another angle of a Saffron-winged Meadowhawk
Monarch catepiller
I've recently noticed how beautiful milkweed flowers are
A very cool insect on a milkweed plant
Columnbine
Backswimmer
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Yet another reason to hate deer...
Yep that's right I'm coming out. My name is Emily and I hate deer. Stupid big eyed, "oh look at me I'm so cute" deer. First as a little kid they ate my favorite flowers in the garden, now they destroy my car.
So my brother looked at all my pics and estimated the damage to be around $3000. Because I got my insurance policy when I was poor and in college, and it didn't dawn on me that I should have changed anything, I have no help coming from insurance. Crap.
This about sums it up:
Found on the internet... a minor adjustment made by me.
So my brother looked at all my pics and estimated the damage to be around $3000. Because I got my insurance policy when I was poor and in college, and it didn't dawn on me that I should have changed anything, I have no help coming from insurance. Crap.
This about sums it up:
Found on the internet... a minor adjustment made by me.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
"Bring me the horizon
.... and really bad eggs. Drink up me hearties. Yo-ho."
Sorry. Shameless Pirate plug.
Anyway. Just wanna drop a teaser post. I think there are some major changes coming my way. Nothing is official yet so I don't want to go into... well... any details. Just cross your fingers for me that everything will work out.
By the way... I laugh out loud every time I see this pic. hehe
Sorry. Shameless Pirate plug.
Anyway. Just wanna drop a teaser post. I think there are some major changes coming my way. Nothing is official yet so I don't want to go into... well... any details. Just cross your fingers for me that everything will work out.
By the way... I laugh out loud every time I see this pic. hehe
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