Yesterday was at least 3 or 4 days long.

Walk-thru - They took care of all the punch list items. Too bad I missed that one ding on the bathroom wall. oops.

Then we explored the neighborhood. Found the Jimmy Johns, found the liquor store. Well. NOW we're all set. Heh.

Closing. He signed one go-jillion pieces of paper. Holly the realtor and I watched him and ate Snickers bars.

Then - Back to the house... where we could walk in ALL BY OURSELVES, no escort required. This was very cool. Then came the toasting!

Ran some errands, ran a couple loads of boxes over from old house to new house. Hammeh, the very spacious car, came into our family at exactly the right time.

Then there was the shopping.
Oh my LORD, the shopping. Keep in mind, I've spent the last 2-1/2 years training myself NOT to shop. I've got the eagle-eye for clearance and sale items, and I live by the mantra "never pay retail". I used to think that it would be really fun to go out and spend money with wild abandon.

What really happened is this - ragazz' had planned for (and budgeted for) the grand shopping spree, which included washer/dryer/window coverings/home accessories/etc. - so we shopped.

I had MASSIVE anxiety the entire time.

Everytime we threw anything into the cart (or pointed out major appliances to the sales guy), my blood pressure must have risen 20 points or so. Even though I knew in my head that it was okay to do this, it was still hard to make myself believe it.

Ragazz's theory of buying stuff is this - do it once, do it right. Buy the best stuff, and you'll never have to buy it again. It's very wise.
Still.. all I heard in my head was "KaCHING! $$$  KaCHING! $$$  KaCHING!"

(Heh. Please pass this information on to all those people in my past who said that I was a "lavish lifestyle girl")

Now it's Day Two. There will be more box moving, shopping, and painting. And maybe one more toast. Ciao.

After Sod, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

In a little over 4 hours, we'll be able to go inside unsupervised. Then the time of frenzied painting and moving will begin.

Clearly, it's one of the best days ever.

Ciao.

Yep.. I know that the dishcloth I'm working on is a different shade of red. I used up the other skein, that I bought when I was in Palm Springs.

We spent part of yesterday afternoon picking out paint colors for the Chateau. Bedroom, office, bathroom are all known quantities. The kitchen was a tougher choice, and just when we thought we'd decided, I came along and muddied it up a bit. "Hold on.. let's try this paint chip real quick. Oh.. look at that!"

I'm guessing that we'll still go with the original, though. I've learned that, in painting, you should go with your first instinct.

That's how we'll be spending the rest of our days this week after today. I'm digging out the old paint clothes and getting ready to (wo)man the brushes and rollers. It's going to be beautious!

Time for work. Ciao.

I'm adding to the pictures of this post. I love the subtle changes of the summer months.

I would have loved the chance to take pictures at the wedding yesterday! But because I was sort of an integral part of it, I didn't get to do that. Heh. It was just lovely, though. One of the nicest, simplest, REALest weddings I've ever seen. I was thrilled and honored to be there.

Today we're going to hit the Wheels of Italy show. It'll be the first time we've been there that ragazz' hasn't had Italian wheels to show off (damn.. even *I* miss that bike), but it'll still be fun. Then it's off to the Home Despot (heh) to buy paint and supplies.

OMG. Did I mention that it's 49.5 hours until the Chateau del Skar becomes a reality???

So it would be best to put on going-out-in-public clothes soon. Happy Sunday. Ciao.

THERE. Now let that hugely hot sun try to fry me on my deck. There's nothing in the world a 9' umbrella can't fix.

It's an absolutely perfect day, and a great one for my friends' wedding ceremony. Which I will be performing. Yay! What an awesome responsibility, and a great honor.
And I think I should probably rehearse one more time.

As of yesterday, I'm now DVR-less. One of the casualties of the new car purchase.. but really, something I'd been thinking about for a while. The money I give to Comcast every month is mostly for the internet anyway, since I don't watch all that much cable TV. So I dropped all the way back to the most basic cable tier, got rid of the DVR, and now my cable bill is 75% less than what it was a year ago. How's THAT for some saving?

Last night we saw the movie Senna. This was an instance where I consciously decided to NOT spoiler the movie for myself. I went in knowing literally nothing about it.
Well. I must have been the only person on the planet who didn't know that this F1 racer DIED IN A CRASH.. because when they showed it, I was the only one in the theater who gasped and started crying.

I am a dork. Also, I am going to start reading IMDB again so I know exactly how every movie ends.

Time to do the nails, run the errands, be domestic, and then go to the wedding. Happy Saturday! Ciao.

For someone who was so wigged out about buying a different car, I'm rather enjoying this one. Heh.

The dealer told us that there was a problem with the keyfobs, so we should take them to a Chevy dealer (I bought Hammeh from a Nissan store) and they'd fix or help me replace them.

Enter my ragazz', who never backs down from a challenge.

While we were waiting for our delicious Thai food last night (after the house walkthrough.. another story), he was surfing the innernetz on his phone. He was researching all things key-fobby. Then we went to the little grocery store across the street from the restaurant and bought little round button batteries.

We got back to the house, and he was a busy bee.. running back and forth and firing up the soldering iron (!!!) and about 5 minutes later I had two working keyfobs!
Did I tell you.. he's the best????? Oh my God I love this guy. There really isn't anything he can't do. Well, he can't knit, but I think that's only because he's never tried. heh.

OH. And did I mention that my car has an AUTOMATIC STARTER? Granted, I don't have to park outside all that often anymore.. but for those times that I do, this will rule.

And THEN there was the walk-thru at The Chateau™
We made the punchlist for the builder. If there is one thing (besides cooking and knitting) that I'm good at, it's doing walk-thrus and making punchlists. I figure I've built out about 500,000 sf in my previous life as The Facilities Goddess. I can spot nail holes, wall dings, incorrectly-hung doors, and uneven flooring from about 20' away. I was hoping that the realtor wasn't getting sick of me, but hey - this place is brand new, so it should be as perfect as is humanly possible.

Then ragazz' played with the in-lawn sprinklers. By the end he had most of them correctly tuned, and we were only slightly soaked.

Four days 'til closing. eeeep!

Time to head off to the workplace. Ciao.

I dreamed I bought a car last night.

Oh wait. THAT WAS REAL.

Ragazz' has car-buying down to a science. Once there was a target in place, he was like a man possessed. It was like a whirlwind. I was having a little freakout in the morning about it.. but then all the pieces fell into place  like magic. I even got MORE for my trade-in (I can't call her "Audrey" any more, because it still makes me cry a little bit.. more on that later.) than I was expecting to. A LOT more.

The saddest moment came when I had to leave Audrey in the parking lot. You guys, I am a total dork. I cried like a baby.

But now - voila! A new car. It's a 2008 Chevy HHR. One owner, less than 30,000 miles. Unbelievable power everything. Upgraded Pioneer stereo (with XM Radio if I so choose, but I'm not gonna do that yet). Sunroof. Chrome mirrors and wheels. New tires.
And the best part of all - a shiny new 5 YEAR WARRANTY that goes along with it, so we will not have to worry every single second about things breaking.

And the best BEST part - I probably won't have to eat ramen noodles for dinner. The payment is pretty manageable.. so I can spring for generic mac & cheese.

Of course, I had to name it. The minute I sat down to do the test drive, I knew it was a boy car. And his name is Hamilton Hammurabi Rabinowitz (get it? HHR!), Hammeh for short.

While we were waiting for them to clean Hammeh up and get him ready, Ragazz' got a text that the mortgage went through to underwriting. The final walk through is tonight. It's been an expensive week in our family.

Expensive, but exciting. Ciao.

GAH. I am stressified. Thank you very much.

This car-buying thing is coming at the NOT opportune time. If it could have just waited until next Spring, that would have been much better.

I can swing it, financially, but my cushion gets smaller.. and I don't like that. I'd started saving, but I really wasn't ready to pull the trigger this fast.

*sigh*

BUT. You do what you have to do, right? It'll work out exactly the way it's supposed to, because that's how life is. I've learned that lesson over and over again.

It'll be fine. It'll be fine. It'll be fine. I'm just gonna keep repeating it until I believe it. Ciao.

I took these pictures while I was riding in Audrey the Convertible Car... on what might have been one of my very last rides in her.
Yeah.. Audrey the Convertible is getting traded in tomorrow. It's time. She was nickle and dime-ing and dollar-ing us to death, and it wasn't going to get any better.
Many thanks to her for her years of good service.. and tomorrow it's time to look for a new car.

So that made for a lot of craziness last night and today. I'm exhausted.

New day (and maybe new car) tomorrow. Ciao.

Here are all my words from the cabin!

Saturday:

I could get used to this cabin life. Well, especially if I had a cabin that was actually A HOUSE with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, gorgeous kitchen, on the lake...etc etc. This is the life.

I even loved going on the pontoon. Well, after I had some Captain Cokes for added bravery.
Best boat story: we got here and waited for them to come in from the lake. As we were waiting on the dock, I noticed that we were being swarmed by bees. Eeek. So we hightailed it out of there...leaving our poor host behind to get stung twice. But once we got up to the cabin and out on the deck, things seemed okay. That is until our hostess glanced down at the lake and said, "Ross, where's the boat?"
Ha! In our hurry to get away from the bees, no one had actually cranked the boat up out of the water, and it floated away.. Just a couple of houses down.

We got the boat back and went across the lake to the little resort bar, which was the best bar EVER. Then back home where we ate and drank entirely too much, watched football, and played with the dogs.

OMG..these dogs! I just might become a dog lover yet. They have three springer spaniels: Cricket, a lovely little lady. Comet, the most worried girl in the world (her constant expression is "is everything all right? What's going on here?"). And then there's Major. He's deaf...and the most beautiful, friendly boy in the world. I want to bring him home with me!

And now I'm awake first..no surprise there. I went outside and heard the loons on the lake. I'm loving the absolute quiet of the morning.
Note to self: Maybe someday we should have a cabin, eh? Ciao.

Sunday:

After I wrote that, everyone tumbled awake one by one, and we had the HUGEST BREAKFAST EVER. Our friends know how to entertain, that's for sure.

Then we hit the lake again for more boating and jetskiing (well, not me for the latter one). It was a little cloudy, but we could see sunshine down at the far end of the lake.
Yeah - you know where this is going, right? We got to the far end of the lake and Mother Nature let loose like a woman scorned. Rarely have I ever been so completely drenched with my clothes on. Ross had the throttle wide open and we were speeding back towards home when the motor.. died. AAAAAAAAAAAGH. Luckily all that was required was a tank-switch, and then we were on the road (water?) again. We got back to the cabin, peeled off layers off wet clothes and threw them in the dryer, then we had to take a big huge nap.

After a little more visiting, it was time to head back home again. We made it all the way home with only one quick potty stop (it was situation-critical!), got everything unpacked, and then I just about tipped over from the sleepiness.

What an excellent weekend. Good food, good friends, good doggies... it was the best. They've invited us to come back again. This time they promised no bees, no storms, and we'll always know where the boat is!

All the pictures are right here.

Happy Monday. Ciao.

This is my most favorite tree.


I had some time today between work and an appointment in the afternoon, so I stopped at St. Kate's again and hung out on the lawn.
Back on campus twice in one week! That makes me smile.


It's my happiest place. The minute I get there, I'm instantly calm and, well, serene.



Just ignore all the cars. Next time I'll get a better picture of the chapel. This time I was too comfortable in my shady spot to move.

Today I'm up early because we're going to a cabin™ to hang out with our friends. YAY. Weekend. Ciao.

Skyyyy, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

I got to spend the whole workday on campus. The seminar was great, people had a good time, and it was the most fun that one could have at work.
I wish I could do that every day.

And now - whoo hoo! - it's Friday and we're going to our friends' cabin in Wisconsin for the weekend. Although, I've heard this "cabin" is pretty deluxe.. This sounds like my kind of wilderness getaway. Heh.

The State Fair starts next week.. which means that, for all practical purposes, summer is over. What??? MAN that was quick.

Time to head in for the last day o'the week. Ciao.

We went to Brasa for dinner last night.. and while this isn't an actual picture of the blueberry cream soda that I had, it's a pretty close approximation.

And HOLY HANNAH, was it ever good. Also good - seeing the stephenator (okay, I love that name for her..heh), but we missed T-rex.

Also ALSO good - seeing the completed lawn at the Chateau.

ALSO ALSO also good - my one year review yesterday. Clearly, I am awesome. Heh.

Today is the big Science/Math/etc. seminar that our organization puts on each year. We're doing it at St. Kate's, my favorite place in the world. I'm going to just settle in and watch the show. Ciao.

Sometimes it's easy to forget how wonderfully awesome we all are. So here's a little reminder for you!

Speaking of awesome things:

The new chateau now has a real live lawn. Moments after it went in, Mother Nature sent all kinds of rain to water it. Less than two weeks now. Ragazz' is pretty jazzed up about it.

Hooray for amazon.com. I've wanted a new deck umbrella for, oh, about a year now. After months of trolling Amazon, the one I liked best finally went on clearance so I snapped it up.

Simple awesome dinner: cavatappi and cheese with bacon. Yummeh.

Time to go to the workplace and show them how awesome I am. Ciao.

Lamp, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

Here's the Thing(s):

1. Skinny Cow ice cream: tasty, guilt-free treat.

2. I just checked my yarn stash and I now have entirely too much. Note to self: yarn-buying moratorium starts now.

3. Why do people have to BE the way they ARE sometimes? They exhaust me.

4. Hey! We're going to a cabin this weekend!

5. Maybe I *do* like watching the hoarding shows. I feel pretty good about my house now.

6. Uh Oh. I'm going out into the world with extreme chipped-up nail polish. I forgot to repaint last night. See item #5 as to the reason why.

7. Time to make the donuts. Ciao.

It's no secret that  I have a love/hate relationship with ragazz's bike. I think it's pretty (or handsome, really), and it's cool because it's pretty rare. There aren't many of them around. But I get pretty nerved up when he rides. I don't think he's a bad rider. And he never rides without being fully geared-up (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots). I'm fearful of all the OTHER nuts on the road who are stupid and don't see bikes.

I also know that this bike made him so happy and proud. So that's why I (mostly) love it.

But he sold it. The new house is the bigger priority. And, he jokes, with the extra money every month he can add hotdogs to his ramen noodle diet.
(He kids, of course. I'll probably feed him generic mac & cheese, not ramen. Heh.)

So yesterday we said ciao and godspeed to the Aprilia



I'm actually a little jealous, because IT gets to move to California and I don't.
And I'm sadder than I thought I would be. Mostly because ragazz' was pretty sad to see it leave, but I'll miss it too.

Good luck, Motocicolo. We'll come visit you someday. Ciao.

It was a very good day, because I got to see my two most favorite girls (my nieces), and the NEW KITCHEN.
It's getting harder and harder to wait. I would like the closing to be right now, please.

And in other fun weekend events, we had an awesome time at our cousins' house on Saturday. We sang like the rockstars we are (I personally think Kimmeh's and my duet version of The Ramones "I Wanna Be Sedated" was the performance of a lifetime), and we drank three red bull/cherry schnapps shots. The result of that was that I was the most WIDE AWAKE drunk girl in all the land.
Yeah.. like I said: awesome! This weekend ruled.

It's good to have that to hang on to, because there could be some rough sailing this week. I'm crossing my fingers now in preparation for the week ahead.

And now - it's couch and Big Brother time. Ciao.

Swankalicious, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

Hotel date night at The Marriott! Free champagne & strawberries, free movie, free appetizer, swanky room.. and for cheap! Gotta love the groupons.

We watched "Bridesmaids", and it lived up to everything we've heard about it. So funny! I got to do one of my favorite things - take a shower and use EVERY towel possible. Yes, I'm weird. Don't judge.

Now it's time to make a salad and get ready for cousin karaoke time tonight. No one does weekends better than we do.

Ciao.

Plane, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

It's a non-work type day. I have things to do! Ciao.

Numbers, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

I love seeing numbers like this come up on the odometer.

There was no need for fort-time yesterday. Instead, we had deli for dinner and it was deeeelish.
I'm declaring mini-vacation tonight, because we're going to listen to live music and eat pizza.

Even the Dalai Lama agrees with me!

"See if paying attention to the nature of the mind early in the morning makes your mind more alert throughout the day. Your thoughts certainly will be more tranquil. The conceptual mind that runs on thinking of good things, bad things, and so forth will get a rest. A little non-conceptuality can provide a much-needed vacation."

Here's to non-conceptuality. Ciao.

This is my "Really? Seriously?" look. Some days this look appears more than others.

I will sing the praises of my new coffee machine just one more time. YAY for already-made, tasty tasty coffee when I get up in the morning. It almost makes waking up before the birdies worthwhile.

And yes.. I'm awake before the birds now. This is how I know that summer is almost over. Le Sigh.

There are times when I think this whole *Mercury in retrograde* thing really IS a thing. Since last week, I've been off, and so has the vast majority of the world around me. Technology doesn't work, people are cranky, it's just the best, really. Or not the best, but really the worst.
It was such a wacko day yesterday, that once I got home I decided to just play "fort" and not leave the house again. No one can bother you when you're inside your fort. Heh.

Ciao.

Water Tower, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

This is how yesterday started - Mr. Coffee had a freak-out in my kitchen, spewed coffee everywhere, refused to be turned off (that was the weirdest thing...) so I finally unplugged it, chucked it into the sink so it could continue spewing to its heart's content, and left for work.

Got to work. Meetings, meetings. Take a phone call from crazed angry lady (whom I am unable to help). In the midst of this craziness, the alarm on my phone - the one that reminds me to take my medicine - goes off. I turn it off and continue to deal with crazy lady, completely forgetting about my medicine.

Got through the rest of the day, headed out for afternoon errands and dinner & pie with Ms. Loosely. That was lovely.

After dinner, I realize that I'm all achey. I can barely walk back to the car. By the time I get home, it takes herculean effort to get back up the stairs. All I can think about is sitting on the couch.

I throw myself on the couch. Ow. ow. ow. What the heck is going on? I glance into the kitchen, and see Mr. Coffee, still sitting in his place of shame in the kitchen sink.

Well, (*&)*(&&^&*(&*&^%$$^% !!!!!! I forgot that he'd broken earlier in the day. The thought of dragging myself back downstairs, to the car, and to Target made me want to cry. And wtf, man??? WHY was I so achey??

Then my knight in shining armor (AKA ragazz') called and I had a whiney-fit about the coffee maker. Because he is the best guy in the world, he says he will pick one up on his way home and bring it to me. Awww. That's why I love him. Well, one of the reasons why, anyway.

THEN I remembered that I hadn't taken my medicine at 10:00 (during the crazy lady phone call). DUH. *that's* why I was so achey. Huh. I guess that medicine DOES work.. because I sure notice when it doesn't.

So! Now it's today. I have a shiny new coffee maker with a timer! When I woke up this morning, the coffee was ready. Win. I'm taking my medicine early so it has a chance to work right away. I'm hoping for no crazed lady phone calls at work.

It will be a better day. Ciao.

Matt's GTO - DONE!, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

MB, my BIL (could there BE more letters??? m-o-u-s-e!) basically built this car from scratch. Holy Hannah. He had it when he was a kid. He's taken the entire thing apart and rebuilt it with omg such precision. It's gorgeous. And it was so cool.. after years of seeing it in pieces in his garage.. to see him actually driving it.

We went to the muscle car show yesterday and saw many similar cars.. but his was totally the best. Yay!

And now - sigh - back to work. Heh. You know it was a good weekend when work seems like it was a long, long time ago.

That's the goal. Every weekend should be mini-vacation time. Ciao.

Territorial, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

See that Cardinal up there? He spends every afternoon in that tree, telling all the other birds "This marsh is MINE, guys!"

Time to catch up on the weekend!
Friday night: we used a Groupon to go to Nye's (warning - obnoxious sounds). I adore that place. It's like being on the Mad Men set..instant 60's. Ragazz had prime rib, I had a bacon-wrapped filet, we each had a drink...and with the coupon it was $20! Then we came home and fell into immediate beef comas...

From which we did not awake until 10AM on Saturday. What???
That put us instantly behind schedule. But we instantly transformed into the whirling dervish family, and then much mowing, scrubbing, and laundry ensued. We headed to mom & dad's to pick up some house-type gifts and have a snack. Then it was off to the SheridInn (drive to Canada, turn left) for steaks and darts. We each won a game, because we're very egalitarian like that. And also, we're pretty well-matched. Even me! There's no earthly reason I should be able to aim and throw like that. I have no form whatsoever. I step up to the line, flail and throw. And 99% of the time it goes exactly where I want it to go. Go figure!
We didn't get home til the wee small hours..which is usually the case when we play with them. So much fun.

And now it's Sunday and while I paid attention to the alarm, got up and made coffee, that boy is still up there snoring. So I'm having a little quiet, catch up time. We're off to the GTO show today to see MB's car, which after 20 years is finished. I can't wait to see it.

Happy Sunday, Bellas. Ciao.

Red kitchen towel, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

Yeah.. I still do that knitting thing. This time it's for me, though! The new kitchen needs some red towels. I'm going to be a little sad when I run out of this gorgeous red cotton. I bought it in Palm Springs, so it's not like I can just run out and buy another skein or two.

Or maybe it's just an excuse for another trip!

Thursday nights have turned into domesticity time.. and, well, I have to be home to watch the Big Brother live eviction show.
:::: hanging my head in shame ::::
Yes, yes, yes. I'm completely addicted to it this year.

Just a few short hours til the weekend. Ciao.

Ugly Bugly, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

I tried to google what this ugly bugly was.. but the pictures were freaking me out. *shudder*

I hate bugs.

We had huge fightknitting crowd last night, and I've got the first towel for the new kitchen set nearly finished. There was only minimal furry talk, but we did discuss placentas.. so we haven't lost our edge yet.

I'm dawdling.. because I'm just not feelin' the work thing this week. But I'm a responsible adult and I've gotta go. Ciao.

Now I miss it., a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

Because there really IS no pleasing me... I miss this.

Not really. Well, maybe a little.

We hung out with the fam and had cupcakes for Mom's birthday. More sugar, please!!!! They were the yum.

Ragazz' sold his bike and had his mortgage loan approved yesterday.. so YAY. Big big big changes (and lots of packing and moving) coming up soon.

We drove by the house on the way home last night. Yep. It feels like that's the right one.

Offsite meeting at work today (which will make the day go quicker) and fightknitting tonight. I still want a little vacation. Soon. Ciao.

Stormy, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

It got all dark-like-the-night and then the rains fell yesterday. I always like a good thunderstorm in the middle of the workday.

Then: home, nap (!!!!! i love them!!!!), breakfast for dinner, run around and get presents, etc. for mom's birthday, and that was Monday.

And now we get to do parts of that all over again for Tuesday. I feel like I need another vacation already.. Palm Springs was a long time ago, wasn't it?

Ciao.

NO MORE, a photo by chelejean on Flickr.

WARNING: Huge rant ahead.

Remember how I said I wouldn't complain about it? Yeah. Now I'm gonna complain.

Stop. Being. Humid.
I don't even care as much about the heat.. I just want it to stop being so freaking humid that I sweat from just stepping out the door.

I did 45 minutes of yoga, inside the house, mind you, and I was wringing wet when I was done.

This isn't even fair. We have to put up with temperatures in the double digits below zero in the winter. And now we have summer which is pegging the meter the other way.
*whew* Now I'm done. Did I mention that it makes me crabby, too?

I'll be nicer tomorrow, I promise. Ciao.