Delay...Delay...Delay...

The kid room

The kid room

There's been a long delay of moving into our new home.  We had to do a whole re-wire of the home because the former owner placed insulation on the knob and tube.  We contracted with Bradd who turned out to take our money after doing 50% of the job (we gave him two partial draws) and he took off for 3 weeks.  He kept on noting that "I'll be there tomorrow to work".  This went on for 3 weeks.  Completion date got moved 3 times so we ended up firing him.  While in the firing process, we found out that he was only a journey man who did not have liability insurance and he didn't pull a permit.  Our new electrician is on board but he is busy.  He's going to try to work on two rooms this week so we could move in and work around the mess of the rewiring.  We have been staying out at my in-laws home about 20 minutes from our new home.  Luckily they are in Seattle for a month.  I can't wait until we are in our new home though.  I'm tired of living out of a suitcase and the kid needs a routine prior to school.

The kid wanted a "red, white, and blue room" because he noted "I love my country".  I love how the blue turned out.  It's stunning.  It's a Sherwin William's Cashmir paint that matched Behr's Compass color.  In the room we are having some red and white curtains from Land of Nod along with curtain rods from Target that he picked out because "they have crystals on them".  What can I say, he has a great eye!

Our room is going to be a Copen Blue from Sherwin Williams.  We are going to have to refinish the floor as when we pulled the carpet, the floors were not finished in our room.  It just had some stain that was haphazardly placed on it.  We want it to shine and to show the beauty.  The curtains are going to be a french rod from Target.  Curtains are a Sullivan Khaki from JC Penny because those mini builds have to go!

I really like how everything is turning out.  We have the downstairs and kitchen repainted so I will add those pictures soon.  I love how my kitchen turned out!

Things are moving along...

Well, we are set to close on our old home this Friday and we are set to close on our new home on the 18th of July.  We decided to place our home back on the market and go after a home in the neighborhood that I have been stalking for 4 years.   I just gave up on living there because it was impossible to find a 1920/1930s home because we limited our search to 3 streets.  I found out that someone was selling and we were able to link with the man.  We are doing a FSBO with him and we went with our agent to sell our home.  Our home sold within 5 days at the price we were wanting.  So out with the old, in with the...well old but new to us!

I'm really excited about the house.  It was built by a doctor in the 1920's.  The neighborhood is filled with some beautiful gems.  Plus the kid will be able to take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise where 95% of his tuition will be paid for at a Michigan college because he is starting there in 1st grade.  No college debt for him.  The other positive thing is that Chris can take any job once his company leaves Kalamazoo as we are not doing another move with them.

Front of the home

Kitchen where my retro table will go in

Formal living room

Double ovens and wine (beer fridge!) 

Farm house sink

Bedroom

Oh and Fit Body Bootcamp is amazing!  I'm still going strong and almost 30lbs down :) Woot Woot!  Here's a current pic of me vs. when I was 17 that I came across while moving.

And just another link to add to the chain...

Argh....it's been a rough 9 days.  We were this close getting into our dream house.  Sellers accepted our bid, we had people bidding on our house, and then I get a text from Chris which noted "Call me ASAP".  This has never happened before.  I called him to find out that his office is closing in two years.  F*** me.

Yup.  They are pulling everyone into the hubs.  They can either ride it out, get a sweet ass severance package, or relocate to one of the hubs in Phoenix, Atlanta, or Dallas.  Another F*** me. 

Chris's team is going to Dallas or actually Richardson, Texas.  We could do another relocation with the company but the thought of living in Texas does nothing for us. 

Bah...no more words to express my disgust right now.  This is the second time in our life that this is happening.  Except that before, I lived in my dream home and had my dream job.  Now, I have my 2nd dream job and my second dream house is *POOF* plus we have a six year old who we already are pulling from one school...now to go to another...then a cross country move...I don't think I can do it or want to do it. 

Now Chris has to figure out...does he find a new job, do we ride the wave to the end and get a years pay plus cashing out his vacation time, and do we move.

Yup...

Despite the stress, the workouts and weight is doing great.  I'm down 22 pounds since March 20th.  I'll keep plugging.  The most recent picture is on the left...

One chain of events...

It's funny how one chain of events can lead into something.  We love(d) our son's school.  It was amazing.  Things were rolling great.  He was going to be there until the 8th grade.  The next years teacher strived to create a relationship with each student.  Then right before spring break the head of school pulls us into the office.  It appears that the school struggling financially due to prior administration.  They will be letting go of a teacher and combine 1/2nd grade plus staff has to take a mandatory 10% pay cut.  He noted that it would be awesome for the 1/2nd grade teacher to already have a relationship with the kids.  So we ASSUMED (you know about ASSUME) that it would be the current teacher whom we adore (she is so amazing).  After spring break, we found out that they are letting the first grade teacher go.  Then the current second grade teacher will teach both 1/2nd, though parents just put up with her.  We were not happy. Then the pending 1/2 grade teacher announced her retirement.  Then we found out other information which made us more unhappy and ethically we could not go back to the school next year with a clear conscience.  We didn't want the kid to go to the neighborhood school.  Even though it's rated one of the "best" by state standards, we wanted something different for our son, such as STEM but that was our option.  Then last Saturday, the kid started AYSO in a neighboring district.  Just so happens to be the community where Chris grew up.  The kid was playing on the same field that Chris did as a kid.  Chris did a lot of volunteering with the organization to prep the fields.  He was really impressed with the people.  We get out there and everyone was amazing.  Warm, welcoming, etc.  The kids played well together, they worked as a team and they compliemented the kid at the end.  That night we were sitting in bed and processing the day together.  Chris noted "I might have to eat crow about my[hometown].  The kids and parents were amazing and I want [the kid] to go there".  Funny because when I observed that last week.  I thought the same way.  The schools also offer STEAM for all the children and they have a partnership within the community and companies to have robotics, coding, makers space, etc.  This is what the kid had at his private school but now we can get it at public? Yes please!  This sent on a Zillow search of the area.  We both looked at a home that caught our eye.  It just so happened to have an open house that next day.  We drove out to the open house and it was breath taking.  It had everything I wanted and it even looked like a modern bungalow.  So we called Chris's parents and they came out.  They loved it to.  So we grabbed the relator's information.  She noted that her clients would be okay with a continegency, which would help us.  We discussed the pros/cons of moving after we left.  We are just currently "staying" in our home.  When we moved from GR, we could not really enjoy the transition.  It was stressful, quick, etc.  Nor did we have the time to pick out a house as we had to just pic up a spec home from the builder.  Don't get me wrong, my current house is very beautiful but it's not what we wanted for our forever home.  We called up the relator and noted we were interested.  She made an appointment with us for Tuesday but we cancelled because the kid had his first T-ball game that night so she met with us on Wednesday.  She walked through the house and noted "We can sell this one fast" then we discussed the new house.  We offered a price but knowing we had another price in mind.  She presented the offer to the dream house owners and they countered at the price we had in mind plus threw in the kayaks/paddles, lawn mower, all the sun room furniture, and all the spare bedroom furniture.  Deal!  So our house is slated to list about 1.5 weeks later.  We then start to prep our home.  Yesterday there is a knock at the door and it was a realtor.  They just happen to ask if we are open to selling our house and Chris noted "yes and we are working with a realtor".  They chatted for about 10 minutes and then took our agents number then called her.  Showing on Monday, even before it listed.  Our house is currently in a majorily desired neighborhood and most houses sell within 4 days.  Decluttering is happening this weekend.  Showing on Monday, listing on Friday, and hopefully selling quick.  Here's to new adventures and hopefully getting my dream house!

Amazing....

We loved Fit Body Boot Camp so much we are no official members.  I'm down a total of 14 pounds for the month, 6" in measurements, and over 3% in body fat.  I work out a total of 5-6 times per week too.  I love the program because it never gets old.  It's 30 minutes and you are out the door.  

In part of doing the Fit Body, I incoporated The Whole 30 plan.  So far, I'm 100% following the plan.  I made it through Easter with no issues.  I can walk through Costco and not stop for samples which is impressive. Woot Woot Woot!  I'm planning on doing the plan until school gets out and then add some foods in.  Here's to the next 30 days!

Day 12 out of....

Wow, this Fit Body Bootcamp is amazing.  I cannot believe the results that I am getting from doing their program and incorporating #thewhole30 in the program.  I'm on day 12.  I have to weigh in for the challenge portion of the Fit Body and last week I was down 7lbs...yes, that is 7lbs in one week!  I have no idea of how much I weigh right now but I'm feeling terrific.  I have never, ever, ever had results like this and I'm eating real food which I love to cook.  My favorite meal so far has been the chicken-shawarma.  It takes a marinating time so I marinated the chicken for 24 hours.  By far it was the best tasting chicken ever plus it fits with the program.  The leftovers even tasted delicious!  The second favorite is the homemade spaghetti sauce with roasted spaghetti sauce. I tried using zucchini noodles but I wasn't impressed.

The beautiful thing about being a school social worker is that I get spring break off.  I'm so excited and this was a well deserved break.  Paperwork is done and I have nothing to do except look at a behavior plan while I am out.  I have to say, I have the best gig ever.  I feel so fortunate to be at the school.  This past week, I got to visit some fellow social workers who I clinically supervise in Detroit.  It was neat to visit them in person as I've been Skyping with them since the fall.  I'm just in a great place now compared to where I was 4 years ago.  I always think about April's Fool day of 2013 where I gave my notice to my boss who I didn't click well with.  It was the best decision to get out of that situation.  Nine months was way too long for me to work there.  The next job was good but the commute was just long.  Now I have quality time with the kid.  I think over spring break, I'm going to food prep for the next six weeks.  The kid starts T-ball after break which is two nights a week, he's in lacrosse, AYSO soccer, and he's a lion scout so we are going to be non-stop during the week/weekends.  I haven't put a halt on the activities as he loves all of them so we haven't made him choose yet.  We will be running until June so it will be a quick 9 weeks.  Then summer break!  Can't wait!

Day 5 of Fit Body Boot Camp....

I'm on day 5 of fit body boot camp and things are going terrific! I'm caffeine/ dairy/ processed food/sugar (processed) free this week.  I'm really digging the food and the variety.  Yesterday, I made a homemade turkey tomato sauce with spaghetti squash and it tasted amazing.  This was my lunch today featuring a lovely kale, cabbage, and brussel sprout salad.

The plan is amazing and it's working.  It's the first time ever that I am losing weight when hitting a gym and doing a new meal plan.  The meal plan is similar to the Whole 30 Plan and my body is really responding well to it so far.

The gym is fabulous.  It's nice because my co-workers go and our friend is meeting up with us.  She's 57 and she really rocking it out.

The only thing challenging about the program is that I will probably need to think ahead as the kid has spring sports.  He started lacrosse on Thursday and it will run every Monday/Thursday.  Then tball starts next month sometime. Then comes soccer on Wednesday/Saturday in late April.  It will be an uber busy spring! I think Sunday will be a food prep day and when we get home, we will reheat.  The kid loves sports and he's actually good at it.  His favorites are these three.  I know eventually we will need to narrow them down but right now it's good to expose him to these sports and he loves being active.  He's the type of kid that would be outside non-stop with sports if he could.


It was 76 degrees out today.  The sun was out and there was a perfect wind.  I'm ready for summer.  I have to say the amazing thing about working for school is the breaks.  Never in my life would I have dreamed of having a summer off.  I'm going on my third summer and words cannot say how amazing it is.  We hope to go camping a lot this summer around Michigan so I'm super excited of what's to come.

Fit Body Boot Camp is...

Fit Body Camp is Awesome!  Day 3 of the 28 day challenge and I've been caffeine free for 3 days.  No processed food for 3 days and have been eating clean.  It's pretty similar to the Whole 30 program.  To the left is my yummy dinner from yesterday which was a turkey burger with grilled onions, cauliflower rice, and spring mix salad.  Below are turkey tenderloins with squash/zuchinni with a salad.

The workouts are fast paced but good.  There's a huge amount of support when you are working out.  Today there were two coworkers there and a friend.  Chris had a last minute meeting so he went to the 5:30 meeting.  I'm sore as all heck but I know I'm doing good!

Tomorrow, lacrosse starts for the kid.  It goes from 5:45 - 7:15 so I cooked tomorrow's dinner tonight so that we will be set up for success.

Fit Body Bootcamp Challenge...day 0

I'm getting back on the band wagon.  My coworkers have been extremely successful with Fit Body Bootcamp.   Fit Body Bootcamp is like Curves but no machines, just weights and some equipment.  It's 30 minutes total so you are in and out. I start on the 20th of March. I've been watching my coworkers lose a ton of weight since August.  One coworker lost 50 pounds and even one who is extremely fit lost 10 plus she is getting ripped.  I've wanted to join but I didn't get my motivation until recently because it was impossible to put this first.  I signed up for the little black dress challenge that is a 28 day program.  Chris and our friend signed to try the place out on a groupon deal so we will see what happens!

The interesting thing about my body, it's clung to about the same weight for the past six years.  I did go down when I got sick with my embolism last year but it went back up slowly,  I packed on a few pounds around Christmas time where I went from 215-222 quickly.  I don't know what happened but I gained quickly.  I started swimming again for about 3 weeks and I grew frustrated about the gain.  I ended up hovering about 225 after that, which totally sucked.  Eating wise...well...been eating out a little too much so I am welcoming the change and the challenge.

Life has been awesome in some areas and a bummer in others.  The bad: we had to put our cat to sleep a few weeks back.  He was slowly getting worse since fall and we found out the week of his death after doing multiple tests that he had cancer.  I loved that cat so much.  I also found out that my uncle is dying of liver cancer so this stuff has weighed heavily on me for the past few months.  The good: the kid is doing well in kindergarten.  We love the school and it was the best choice ever to send him to the school.  He has 12 in his class and the teacher is amazing.  We adore her.  Chris is on the PTO so it's nice to be involved.  We are also keeping busy with sports for the kid.  He's in lacrosse, soccer, tball, and hockey. Luckily the hockey season just ended but lacrosse, soccer, and tball will keep us busy.  He really enjoys doing it and it's entertaining to watch.  Work is awesome.  I love being a school social worker.  It's the best job....EVER...I love my team of coworkers.  They are the best.