Yes, I am alive. I know, you probably thought otherwise, especially if you are keeping up with this blog. And yes, I know I have been a bad blogger. Oh well- deal with it, LOL!
Goodness, where do I even begin?? Brian and I moved! We moved into a "townhome", which is like a mini-townhouse. The kitchen, dining room, and living room are downstairs, and then up a short flight of stairs is the bathroom, bedroom, and a little den/office attached to the bedroom. This place has a washer/dryer (something we didn't have before), and tons of closet space. It has it's own little entrance, not off of some hallway or stairwell. There is even a little garden plot outside our doorway to plant or to hang garden signs if we wish!
We are so happy here. It really feels like a home, instead of an apartment. The neighborhood- and yes, it really feels like a neighborhood instead of an apartment complex- is wonderful. Kids playing outside politely, neighbors who smile and wave, no problems with loud noises or rudeness, actual sidewalks and curbs to walk on (versus the nasty old place we were in). The office staff is extremely polite and helpful. Really, we are so happy with it all. Depending on what happens with money and the tax credit, we may stay here more than a year, that's how much we like it, and we are recommending it to anyone who may be looking for a new place. The best part? Since it's designed with a more efficient space plan, we actually have close to 200 sq ft of usable space that we didn't have at the last place (in actuality, it's only 100 sq ft bigger, but it doesn't have weird hallways or back doors)- and when we signed our lease, we signed during a special, and got this wonderful home for only $45 more a month than we were paying! It really has been a blessing, to have a wonderful home now.
Having this home, instead of being in an apartment, has also helped me a little bit. Instead of being stuck in bed all day, and not wanting to get out because why go a few steps when I can stay in bed?, I can actually go downstairs, and feel like I have accomplished something. I know, that probably made absolutely no sense, but it helps with the depression. Having the washer and dryer in the unit are a blessing- I can watch TV while folding laundry, and I don't have to lug back and forth. We are still in the process of unpacking that last little bit and hanging our pictures and all, but it's coming together nicely.
We are on the lookout for a decent couch/loveseat combo, a couch/oversized chair combo, or a loveseat/oversized chair combo. Right now, the furniture we have makes it painful for me to sit and watch TV for an extended amount of time- I get shooting pains in entire leg up to my hip. It's old furniture, and we are glad to have it for now, but we are of the opinion that it's lived a good life and it needs to go to furniture heaven. Since we don't have the money for a brand new set, we would like to find something either gently used or on clearance (floor models, etc). If you happen to know of anyone in the DE/MD/PA area who might be able to help, please, let us know!
We are in the process of adding to our family- and no, not a baby. We are hoping to have a puppy by the end of the year! Back when surgery was still a possibility, Brian had promised me a dog once I was healed- to help me get out and get moving and so I could also have someone to love on me during the day while he was gone. DO NOT get me wrong, I love our cats, but they aren't exactly come when called and lick my face and cuddle under the cover animals. Having always grown up with a dog, I really am yearning for one. Once the surgery was denied, I was really upset about it. Brian talked to my dad, who thought getting me a dog would still be a good idea- it gives me some responsibility during the day, something to do and take care of and get me up and going. Those things have been lacking in my life, and since I really want something that doesn't give me the option, but requires me to step up to the plate, but also gives me positive feedback, a dog seems like a good option. We are on the lookout, from a reputable breeder, for either a yorkie, a yorkipoo (yorkie poodle mix), or a morkie (a maltese yorkie mix). Reason being for the small dog is we can take care of it in a smaller place, we can train it to piddle pads if the weather is bad or it's a bad pain day for me and we can't get outside, and when outside, it doesn't require the long, strenuous walks that bigger dogs would need but I can't provide. I have always wanted a yorkie or yorkie mix, so this is the perfect time to add to our family. I am already so excited about the idea of getting out of bed and taking it for a walk in the morning, and then going on family walks in the evening once Brian is home. Being a girl, I am also excited about the pet fashion world out there- don't worry, I won't go overboard, just some matching leashes and collars, a cute carrier, and maybe a jacket or two for those cold days (which are actually recommended!). We know we want a girl, so that makes it a little harder to find one- but we will, we will. In the meantime, it's teaching me patience. And please, no grief about the not getting a dog from a shelter and buying from a breeder. Brian and I, with the help of my dad, have made the decision that is best for our family. We have talked over all options, including rescue, and right now, this is what we have decided is right for us. No, we are not against shelters- both our cats are rescues- but with other factors playing in, a breeder dog is where we want to go right now.
Wedding related, there's not much to post on. Again, I have slacked off and have not secured the DJ or the Videographer. We had some family drama this past month as well, and I am not sure if I will have 2 or 3 bridesmaids- I am not going to say any more, as it hurts very much emotionally to think about what happened, and emotional hurt causes me physical pain. I can say this: Brian and I, mostly me, have had thoughts of giving up on this wedding day and just eloping or doing a destination wedding by ourselves. Truth be told, I wouldn't mind it after what all went down. But, I love my family, and I love my soon-to-be in laws. My parents were so happy when we got engaged, my grandmother was beaming, and the same with Brian's family, that I can't do that to them. I know my mom, whether she says or not, wants a happy wedding, and I know my dad wants that walk down the aisle. My sisters have been so supportive during this time in my life, the least I can do is honor them with a place in my wedding- I don't see it as them honoring me by standing beside me, but I see it as they mean the world, and I want them there with me as a thank you, to honor them for the important roles they play in our lives. So, at the end of the day, the wedding goes on...which is fine. Because, at the end of that special day, all that matters to me is that I am Mrs. BLW, and married to Brian.
I will end it there for now, except for one thing. Please, if you are reading this, offer a prayer up for my niece, and for my sister's family. Right now, she is going through the diagnosis stage for Autism; she has the base diagnosis and they know she is on the spectrum, but they don't know where she falls yet. Obviously, this is a big blow- She is 8 years old, and it wasn't expected. While there is comfort in knowing what is wrong, and that she will get the help she so desperately needs, there is also the heartache of knowing she is 1 in 150 children on the spectrum, and that will never go away. Brian and I are so profoundly grateful right now, as well, for so many things- for the fact that my sister is an amazing mom and staunch advocate for her children and will do what needs to be done so my niece gets the best she can, for Shannon and Devin and the training and insight they have offered us in dealing with ASDs- we really see the crossing of our lives now as a blessing from the Lord. He knew what He was doing when I started working with Devin, and He knew that my sister and her family would need that training, guidance, and contacts later down the road. Shannon and her family are such a blessing from God, in so many ways, and we really do thank Him for them on a constant basis. It's amazing how things work out, without knowing why. Anyway, please, offer a prayer up for my niece, T. The family will make it through this, but we can use all the help we can get. Thankfully, we know that God has each of us in His arms, and that He will never give us too much- and if the Devil somehow changes that, the almighty Lord will carry us through, in is strong yet comfortable arms. We also know that mistakes will be made, but at the end of the day, our Father in Heaven loves His children so much that He gave us Jesus to die for our sins, and no matter how sick, guilty, or wrong we are, nothing can take that away- nothing.
