Our house!

Hello Again! So our house is being built SUPER fast! That’s awesome, but kinda scary since we can’t close on it until the middle of next month when it will probably be done. Because our house is a super tiny cookie cutter house it’s going up at least a little faster than most other houses. So I promised pictures of the construction, and if I figure out how to post them on here then you should be able to see them below, if not, then I’m sorry.

I’m also loving my job, just like my hubbington love’s his. Everyone at my job seems to really like me and I’m learning merchandising really fast. My manager said he even put in several good words for me to his bosses! Talk about feeling appreciated! He also told me he thinks I’m going to move up rather quickly, I laughed, but he said he was serious = ).

Working in a pawn store is so interesting! I keep wanting to buy or sell things to them too but at the moment no employee is allowed to do so. (They had some theft problems in the past) However, that ban may be lifted within the next six months and then I’m going to have be careful with my budget!

Tonight I’m makin’ nutella Cookies, not sure how they will turn out, but the recipie is 1 Cup of Nutella, 1 Cup of Flour, 1 Egg, cook at 350 for 6-8 min, but I had to add half an egg cuz I was worried it was too dry, and then I had to add an extra 4 minutes or so because they were a little too soft…Well I just a tasted some crumbs and it tastes pretty good to me! How could one go wrong with Nutella? Well That’s all for tonight! Have a good one everyone!!

Life After College

Sorry everyone for waiting so long to post another blog, things have been rather busy. First of all I would like to announce that we did get a second car, a cute little fuel efficient one. So now my hubby and I no longer have the excuse of not being able to go somewhere or do something for lack of a vehicle.

Secondly, we signed on a house!!! Yes, however it is not built yet… It’s a little cookie-cutter house in a nice neighborhood, about 1400 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths plus an office with an attached two car garage. The price was perfect, and since we signed, the price of that floor plan has already gone up. It will be August or September before the house is completely finished and move-in ready, but that works great for us because we can’t close until then anyway. We have an appointment for tomorrow to go in to their design center and pick all the colors for the house, we’re so excited!!

Also, once the house is built and we have our stuff moved in, we’re going to get my husband’s family’s dog and bring him down to live with us. We’ll have more yard and more space for him to run around in, plus I’ll get to spoil him a bit.

I’m still working for the gun store, but recently someone asked me if Planned Parenthood would work with my major, and though I for some reason had never thought about it, it certainly would! So this Wednesday (tomorrow) I have an interview for a volunteer position, which may lead into a career path eventually, which would be really awesome! But here in a couple weeks I am also going to be taking on a roofing project with my mother’s boyfriend, and I’m really excited for that! Everyone keeps telling me it’s really hard work, but I’ve never shied away from physical labor, plus the pay is excellent, I can’t wait to learn something new!

My husband is still LOVING his job at the pawn store, and everyone there loves him. I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous of how much he loves to work there. If they hired spouses I’d work there! He had an interview with the sheriff’s department a couple weeks ago, and they told him to call back to find out his place on their roster, but he hasn’t had time to do that yet, so we don’t know how he fared.

Anyway, I have lots of projects for this summer. We have to obtain fencing for our building house, reupholster a couple antique chairs, fix a little bookcase and finish refinishing my mother’s table and chairs. I only have one chair left to do, then the table, which will hopefully be easier and go faster than the chairs I’ve been working on.

Other than that I don’t have much else to say. Things are going well, we’re excited for our house, and we’re going to continue being busy, which is good. Oh yes, and I should add, I beat Skyrim before my husband hehehehe. Alright, well that’s all for now folks. Let me know if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, critiques or anything like that! Thank you for reading!! You’re Awesome!!

And So Ends The Month of March

Hi Everyone! March has been good, despite the crazy weather. I quit working for the tanning supply distributor and started working for my dad at his gun store. Having one car between the two of us working makes things a little tricky, but that’s part of the benefit of my new job, I can take my husband to work then take myself to work and leave in time to pick him up. My dad is also letting me have the same days off as my hubby since the pawn store he is working for randomizes his days and shifts.  Anyway the long and short of it is that with one car, we are both working and it is good.

My husband loves working for the pawn store, and they love having him there. He has learned everything quickly and is liked by everyone.  Although he did just take a physical test for sheriff’s department and has an oral review in April…Then he also has another physical test for a local police department, also in April. After that I told him he could take a break from applying for law enforcement jobs because the whole process is so exhausting, plus he likes where he is now, and there is a ladder to climb if he stays there.

So of course we are looking now for a home. Rent-to-owns are becoming more rare as the economy recovers, but my dad said he’d let my husband and I rent-to-own the house he’s been renting out if we like. It’s a very nice offer, and a good house, and therefore a great back-up plan. We are also looking at a local short-sale house that is a great price, in a nice neighborhood part of an awesome school district with enough room that theoretically we’d never have to move. We’ve started talking with a realtor, and she said all we need is 6 months verified income to get a mortgage, but we are going to talk to her more about what that means exactly. Also I have heard that short-sales can be nightmares and take forever to get into, but I’ve also heard happy stories about short-sale homes, so I guess we’re just going to have to give it a whirl (if we can) and see what happens, and if it is worth waiting for.

We are also looking for a second car now. Earlier this week my hubby and I went out car hunting. After doing a thorough search on Craigslist we found a whole lot of nothing.  The car we wanted sold before we got a chance to see it in person, one we couldn’t find, and the two we test drove were awful. I was scared to go to a dealership because I hate being hassled and don’t trust those sales people, but after this week I might be willing to check one out next time. I have to admit, at the moment I’m a bit discouraged by that whole episode, but I think perhaps the money we would have spent on a second car might be put to better use if we can lock down this short-sale house. Having a second car would be nice, but we’re getting on just fine with the one car for the moment. However, the down side to having a second car of course is the extra expenses of insurance, maintenance, registration, and the initial cost of the car of course. So it’s okay with me if we don’t have a second car right away.

Anyway, lots going on, hopes up high and things are going well. As usual, if you have questions, comments, suggestions, critiques or thoughts you’d like to share please feel free to. Thanks for reading peeps!! Take care, have fun, be safe!!

PS The movie the Hunger Games is really really good. And Yes, I am going to read the

books now = ) Oh and I'm hopeful and excited for Disney's movie Brave!

Welcome To March

Hello again everyone! Hubby got a job at the pawn shop!!!! He gets to start this week and they pay really well, plus he will get to work full time! In addition they are more than happy to give him two days off in the middle of the week so he can continue his law enforcement internship! I am so excited! We are so excited! We knew this was going to be an awesome year!

I have also come to a place where I believe I can forgive the people who were not being supportive or nice and move on. Hopefully those issues can just dissolve and everyone can learn to be kind and thoughtful in the future.  I really hate drama, and I hate having to avoid people. But the main reason I came to this conclusion was just thinking about the Lord’s Prayer, the part that says “forgive me for my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me.” How can God forgive me if I don’t forgive, therefore I forgave.

It has been a busy couple of weeks. A very close friend of mine lost her mother to cancer, and her mother was like my adopted mom. I was at their house a lot 5^th grade through high school. She catered my wedding and often reminded me that I was allowed at their house whenever I wanted. She taught me that I didn’t always need dessert after dinner, and that I didn’t need to finish my plate if I was full. She taught me that it was okay to throw away socks and things if they had holes in them, and a sandwich without mayo was just as good, if not better, than one with mayo. She was a friend to my mom and a blessing to everyone who knew her.

Losing her has been very sad, but I am happy that I’ve been able to here for my friend. It’s like what I said before.  My hubby and I could have gone to Hawaii, there was a police job available there before we graduated and they wanted my hubby to come take the test as soon as possible, but something just told us that even though Hawaii is beautiful and we really want to go there, perhaps live there someday, it was not right for us at the moment. Then there were job openings in the Seattle police department, we thought for a while about going there, but again, something was pulling me (and my hubby since he’s stuck with me lol) back toward my home town, even though there were next to no jobs and it’s not my favorite place in the world.  We didn’t know why or what we’d do when we got there, but it was one of those feelings you have to follow. Then we found out all about my friend’s mom getting sick and I knew that’s why I came back home. I’m sure God guided me back here so that I could be here for my friend through these tough times.

I’d also like to ask my readers for a moment of thoughtful silence or prayer for the family who lost Linda, a fantastic friend, amazing mother, fabulous cook, and shining light of joy to all those who had the opportunity to meet her. I for one (and I know I am not alone in this) will never forget her, her contagious laugh, creative ability or warm hugs all which will always be a favorite memory of her.

I will continue to keep everyone updated on my life and all that it entails as often as I can. Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, comments, or critiques! Thank you very much everyone for reading! I hope you all have a great week! Much Love, Val

9 Months After Graduation....

           Hi again everyone! Sorry I’ve been very busy working and playing Skyrim when I get home, and the last thing I tend to want to see after work is a computer screen, but tonight I write! I told you all this was going to be a good year and it is! My husband just started his internship with the Department of Corrections today. It took them eternity to get back to us after his background check was completed, but “Having Faith in God is having faith in His timing too”. If that wasn’t exciting enough, well, he also has a very good opportunity to be hired at a local Pawn shop. Said pawn shop(s) have just fired tons of people from their store(s) and we have some networking peeps that might be able to help! He turned in his resume and met with the manager there already, and has an interview for next week!

I personally have been so excited that I let myself do some house searches…It’s like wedding dress searches, only for married homeless people lol. My job is going alright, I’m still learning quite a lot and I still have quite a lot more to learn, but that’s a good thing I believe.  It’s great experience, that’s for sure. If my husband get’s this job with the pawn shop then we will have to get really creative seeing as we only have one car and there is virtually no public transportation in this area. My friend who got me the job that I have has said she will car pool with me if need be, plus my mother and grandmother have both offered to give rides if all else fails.

I have not told “said family members”, from my last blog, who were being unsupportive, that I have this job yet. Not because it’s a big secret or anything, if it was I wouldn’t be blogging about it, but because I really feel they don’t deserve to hear it from me. Well I have a second reason too that I less like to admit, and that is I’m sure it would upset them even further that I got a job before my husband and I am working and he is not (they don’t consider an internship to be worth much, and it’s nothing if it’s not earning money to them).  Once he has solidified this job with the pawn shop then maybe, only maybe, will I even consider telling them either of us is working. Mostly that is because I’m still mad at them for being so unsupportive and such that I don’t even really want to talk to them for a while longer.

However, I must say that those family members are few and many of my and all of my husband’s family have been very supportive and kind. We are so blessed to have them, and friends who are so awesome! Things are slowly changing for us, and though patience is difficult, very difficult, it is proving worth it. I still believe that God had us come here for a reason, had us wait for a reason, and sometimes now and again I am catching glimpses of perhaps why, and for that I have to say I am thankful.

Anyway that’s about all I can catch you all up on for now. If anyone has any questions or comments or anything just let me know and I will try to answer. I will keep you all posted on how things go for us. Thank you all so much for reading!

Much Love,

Val

A Great Beginning!

                                          

Guess what everyone, I have a job! A close friend of mine got me a job where she works and I start this Monday (Tomorrow!)!!! I am so excited; I knew this was going to be a good year! I don’t want to name any names on here since blogs are public, but what I can say is that it’s a job with a tanning product distributer, and those of you who are friends with me on facebook can get more information regarding that! It is a full time job and the hours are perfect. The best part is the friend that got me this job may also be able to carpool which will eliminate the single car issue, hurray!

This last week was just crazy, especially seeing as this job suddenly became available and I had an interview and everything. My hubby and I, the day before I found out I might be getting this job, were out getting information on the temp agencies in our area. As it turned out that day, all the agencies were done with new clients at 2:00pm, which was when we had left the house, so we didn’t get to go into any place that day. We did find out lots of useful information though, and that information told us we wouldn’t have been prepared anyway. Apparently, most temp agencies want at least two forms of ID, such as a driver’s license and also your social security card and/or your birth certificate. Half of the places we were going to go to also wanted us to complete applications, surveys and profiles on their website before coming in.

My hubby has now completed all the online work for these agencies so Monday (tomorrow) he gets to go in and complete the application process for each place in person. There are eight different temp agencies he is applying to.  In addition, he should get a call this week about volunteering for the corrections place.  Of course, once all of the temp agencies have his information, he will continue applying elsewhere, and networking within his volunteer work. Once he has a job, then we can finally start looking for a “rent-to-own” home! That, I simply cannot wait for! To be in our own place this year would be marvelous. Then we can have a puppy! Okay I’ll try not get ahead of myself here, but everything is looking up!

As far as the New Year’s Resolution goes to attend church, I’ve discovered is going to be more difficult to start than I had previously thought. I realized Saturday night that I didn’t know what time church started at my old church, let alone any other church in the area. I’m sure I can find that information online, but Saturday my computer wasn’t on at all and by the time I remembered I was going to go to church it was bed time. I know that sounds like a terrible excuse, but I will find out the church times this week and try to figure out which one I want to go to. If anyone in the area has any recommendations, please let me know! I would attend my old church, but I’m a little upset at their management right now for not promoting my most favorite pastor, whom now is leaving that church and I don’t know where he will be going. = (

            In closing I’d just like to thank everyone for their help, support and prayers for us to find jobs, it is really helping! As usual let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions for this blog! I still haven’t figured out how to follow other people on here yet…Take care everyone! Have a wonderful week and God bless!

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and fully enjoyed the holiday season. I have been thinking on what to have as far as New Year Resolutions. For 2012 I will be giving up all alcohol, making it a point to go to church every week, land a job and get into a house of our own. The first two should be fairly easy in comparison to the last two, but if my hubby at least lands a job, getting into a house of our own should be easier, and so should getting a second car so I can get my own job.

It has been an interesting end of the year for us. Most of my family is upset that we don’t have a job yet, and upset that my hubby is only volunteering for Corrections. This caused quite a bit of stress over the holidays but it seems to have simmered down now. I understand that it is hard to see loved ones struggling and not feeling like they doing anything to help themselves because what we are doing has not yet yielded any tangible help, and our work at finding work is not something that they see with their own eyes.  Our plan though, is to hit all the temporary agencies in town and pick up applications at some of the colleges around here and the YMCA. I am even going to be applying this round because we need an income desperately. I don’t know what will happen if we both get jobs and both of us needs the car, but hopefully we can make it work. We are waiting to hear back from the corrections office now about my hubby’s volunteering. They are processing his application and running a background check and all that is supposed to take seven to ten days. Hopefully he will land a job and volunteer at the same time so that he can wiggle his way into the career he really wants while also making some money.

We just got the scrapbooking stuff back into my brother’s room so I can continue scrapbooking when I have time. My hubby got Skyrim for Christmas so we’ve been playing that off and on. It’s actually a good relaxation tool since we’ve been so stressed lately. There’s just something about slaughtering virtual monsters that takes the stress down a couple of notches. Although, according to some of my family members, we shouldn’t have any break from the stress and frustration at all until we find a job. If we were to do that, I would not survive to find employment. We certainly don’t need any more reasons to get jobs, we are motivated to the maximum right now!

A couple things I learned over the holidays are as follows: Oreo cookie balls are really easy and everybody loves them, keeping my mouth shut does more good than not, buying more than one pie is too much for my little family, exercising the task of keeping certain people out of my life but not out of my heart makes life so much easier, and I’m minorly allergic to the fake Christmas tree. In the year 2011 my husband and I graduated college, saw Michael Buble in concert, celebrated our first year together, and learned some hard lessons about family, the economy, and life. All in all I personally think it was a great year despite the stress and problems that we faced. 2012 looks very promising, very good things will happen this year, I am sure.

As usual peeps, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions leave a comment and let me know. I hope I didn’t bore you to death! If you want the Oreo Cookie Ball recipe let me know and I’ll send it to you! Much Love and God Bless!!!!!