Genealogy Obsession

I'm pretty bad about keeping up with this blog because, in all honesty, I don't really think my daily life is all that amusing or entertaining.  I've been pretty tied up with work and what not, and never really had the energy to document my life.  I mean.... I just work, ya know?  Nothing too glamorous going on here.

I've been planning to do this for a very long time.  I'm completely and totally obsessed with my family genealogy.  It's the only thing I really want to get into more.  But, it's overwhelming.  So I created another blog dedicated solely to my genealogy research - and basically starting from scratch.  Well, not totally from scratch, but basically making sure I am doing it right.  I'm learning all over again.  It's been something I've wanted to do for years.  Since I have some free time now, I'm cleaning up and reorganizing.  I just wanted to share it:  The Chronicles of Cheri

Feel free to follow my journey to discovering the past! :)

My Very First Tattoo

Welp, I got that tattoo! My very first one!  And it's perfect. I love it. And now, I want more! Here's my beauty:

Honestly, it did not hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would.  I don't know what I was expecting.... Like, I figured I'd walk in, and they'd laugh at me for being this itty bitty little thing.  Or that it was going to hurt so bad, I'd cry.  It tickled in spots, I didn't feel it at all in others, but man, I did feel it when he was working on my shoulder blade!!  But all in all, it was a fun experience and I'd love to get another one.

Some people have asked me why, and this tattoo has such a long, complicated meaning for me that it is too long to describe everything in a short, simple, and sweet way.  So I am going to tell you what everything means in my tattoo.

For starters, it's obviously a dreamcatcher.  I chose to have a dreamcatcher because, growing up, I always had a dreamcatcher.  My mother is very big into superstitions, and she still held some of the beliefs that her Native American grandmother held.  So of course, I growing up, had a dreamcatcher always beside my bed.

I chose the wolves in the dreamcatcher because I use to have this intense, scary reoccurring dream of a wolf with bright green eyes.  This dream scared the living daylights out of me.  The wolf was always calm towards me and never hurt me, but this wolf always hurt a family member or a friend of mine.  When I say hurt, I mean kill.  It haunted me.  I wanted the dream to go away.  But, someone once told me that wolves are a powerful spiritual guide.  He told me I needed to listen to the wolf and pay attention.  After that, no joke, I noticed this wolf was hurting people that ended up hurting me in real life.  It was like a premonition.  Either they hurt me physically, emotionally, or verbally.  When I realized this, I found the wolf to be much less haunting and scary.  I saw this wolf as a protector.  The wolf was protecting me against those that would hurt me.  Once I got older and started decorating my room with wolves, I stopped having the dreams.  I still have wolf decor in my home.  I do believe that the wolf is my guide - my guardian.

The reason why I chose to only have the green eyes in color is because I will never forget the grey/silver wolf in my dream and its bright green eyes staring directly at me.  It was mesmerizing.  I actually kind of miss it.  This is where it might get a little weird.  Ironically, green eyes are a recessive trait in my family.  Only 3 people in my family that I know have green eyes.  They are my sister, my great-aunt Juanita, and my grandmother Oleda.  Oleda passed away when I was 2 years old.  I never had the pleasure of meeting her.  I strongly do believe that Oleda is watching over me.  She was feisty and fierce.  She always protected children, no matter what.  I will never forget the stories that I heard about her.  Growing up, I knew my grandmother and her strong love for me and my sister, and how she protected children.  My great-aunts and my mother and my aunt told me stories about her and reminded me all the time of how much she loved me and she'd always watch out for me.  And because of that, I believe she is my guardian angel... my spiritual guide... my wolf with green eyes watching out for me.  She's always got my back (hence the placement on my shoulder blade).

Wolves are also a very beautiful creature.  Wolves have 1 mate their whole life.  They take care of their "family" or their pack.  They always stick together and they even mourn when a member of their pack is lost.  They are also very caring and loving parents.  As you notice, this wolf is not alone.  This wolf has a baby with her.

Typically, feathers on a dreamcatcher symbolize breath and air - which are of course essential to life.  I chose the owl feathers because, as some traditional dreamcatchers are designed, owl feathers are a feminine feather (eagle feather for masculinity).  Owl feathers also represent wisdom.  I chose to have 3 feathers.  One feather for each baby that I have lost.  Each feather symbolizes those little lives that I carried for such a short while.

This tattoo is symbolic of my grandmother watching over and protecting my little angels who are no longer with me.

Some say "why so depressing?" But I don't think it is.  I am never going to forget my angels.  I'm happy to know that my grandmother is taking care of them in Heaven.  It's a happy reminder that my babies aren't alone.  And it's commemorative of my grandmother and my babies who played such a huge part in helping me become the person that I am today.  I'm in love with it.  It makes me smile.

Wedding Memories

So I realized, I'm not a very good blogger.  I suck at it.  I'm sorry.  I'm just going to catch ya'll up on what's been happening in my life so far.  Majority of the time I was away was helping plan my brother-in-law's wedding.  He and his bride had a wonderful, gorgeous wedding downtown.  I was a bridesmaid and the wedding coordinator.  It was a lot of work, but it turned out lovely.  My husband was, of course, the best man.  He was such a huge help!!

Here's pictures of the bachelorette party:

Beginning of the night :)

We got this fun couple out on the dance floor with us!

The girls!

Now here's pictures of the rehearsal & rehearsal dinner.  The guys were entertaining themselves.  

The groom & groomsmen at the rehearsal.  I love how Nick is saluting in the background.

My hubby and I being all cute and shit.

The wedding party... it was massive. :)

I didn't get many pictures of the wedding ceremony - since after all I was coordinating it and in it.  But I was able to get a few fun shots of the day's events.

Getting ready to send the guys out!

A pigeon came and crashed the party immediately following that picture.  They had been waiting in that stairway for a good 20 minutes and the pigeon didn't make a sound and didn't move that whole time.  Until we took a picture, then it came flapping around like crazy.  My husband was able to get a hold of it and take it safely outside.  Silly pigeon.

The beautiful bridesmaids posing for photos.

The wedding party (missing Amber & Jessica)

My husband and I <3

It was a fun time.  We all had a blast.  So I am going to leave this awesome video that took place at the end of the night.  Everyone had pretty much left... it was last call... and those who stayed huddled together for one last song...  It was awesome.  Maybe you can hear us all singing... with all the slurring and stuff... :P

Nothing Left to Lose

This is going to be a positive post!  Depending on whether or not an opportunity arises, I am planning on going back to school for a career change.  It is scary, but I'm very excited about the journey.  I know it will not be easy, but I think it will do me well to pursue it.  It is set for me to go to pre-nursing in January 2015.  Until then, I am going to continue on my search and see what happens.

Also, I won a $100 gift certificate for a tattoo at a local studio.  This is the first time I have ever won anything.  So on Saturday, this girl will have a new tattoo.  The tattoo has a lot of symbolic meaning behind it, so I will be giving it its own post this weekend.

I also went to the grocery store and won a 3 year supply of cleaning product and a new mop.  Might not sound like a fun prize to win, but that's free stuff!!  I'm a sucker for freebies.  Plus, this cleaning product has actually proven to work!  We've been using it quite a bit.  That's money saved in cleaning supplies, like toilet cleaner, window cleaner, stain removers, carpet cleaners, and tile cleaners.

Travis and I have also decided to give ourselves a honeymoon/babymoon.  We are going to Disney on September 22nd.  Currently, the only thing we need now are plane tickets.  Everything else has been set and is ready to go!

This year may have started out difficult.  It started out like a nightmare.  But I have faith.  I have found a church that I feel is a good fit for me, and I think that has played a lot into my new view of life.  It's amazing, but I feel that God is changing me.  He is doing work through me to help me become the person I am supposed to be.  It's a confusing and daunting journey to embark on, but I think it's worth it.  After all, I don't think I have much else to lose at this point.  Travis and I have been through a lot together.  We've proven that we can survive.  It's now time to start listening to God and letting Him into my life again.  Only then, do I believe, that things will change for the better.

Be More Like My 6 Year Old Self

Please forgive me as I bounce through all these crazy thoughts in my head and hormones.  I'm slowly getting back to normal, and I've just spent the past week reevaluating my entire life.  Mid-Life Crisis came early?  Possibly....

Divi:  Life Purpose & Passionate Living

I have been having many conversations with my mother.  Surprisingly, she's really opened up a lot to me - more than she has before.  And I have to thank texting for that.  She's texting all. the. time!  She loves texting.  And with texting both of her daughters that live far away, she's opened up a lot.  She's a writer.  She never knew it.  She does a much better job of communicating her feelings and her thoughts through writing.  I don't think my mother has ever really had that avenue to use before.  Now that she's discovered texting - so many things make sense.

My mom is lonely.  Just like me.  Which is ridiculous because we live an hour and 45 minutes away from each other.  We really could see each other whenever we wanted.  But an hour and 45 minutes away is still long enough to consider a "trip".  There's planning and working around schedules and all that hoop-la.  However, it makes a lot of sense that we're both lonely.  We always had our families.  My mom was home the most - and whether or not we got along and had that perfect mother/daughter relationship, we relied on each other's presence.  Now that my sister is like... forever far away (ok ok, maybe 7-8 hours), and I'm on my own doing my own thing... and my mother made a daring career choice and quit her job.  She's bored, and she's lonely.  And the two topics we can bond on now are loneliness and finding a job/career.

Don't get me wrong.  I love my job.  My coworkers are the best.  My boss is very forgiving and understanding.  And the hours are flexible.  I can work from home if I need to, which is cool (and probably something I should be doing right now instead of playing Candy Crush, texting, and writing this blog...).  But... I don't think it's "me."  It's just not my gig, ya know?  Something is just missing, and I can't put my finger on it.  I am very blessed to have a job at all.

In my conversations with my mother and with my husband, I've realized I'm doing everything all wrong in life.  I get online and I compare my life with so many other people.  I degrade myself.  I make myself miserable - and in turn make others around me miserable.  I'm just tearing myself down.  I'm being fake.

Philosoraptor Memes

I've realized that I need to make a few adjustments to my life.  I have this Pinterest board called Secrets to Happiness and I've realized, I'm making everything too complicated and stressful.  This is why I get stuck at home, why I'm tired all the time, and why I feel so "unhappy."  I made a Pinterest board about Happiness because I'm searching for happiness - like there's some miracle cure, some piece of the pie that I can grab, and boom - I'm the most chipper mother fucker you'll ever meet.  But let's be honest now.... happiness isn't a tangible thing.  You can't just grab it.  You can't find it.  No one and nothing can give it to you.  Happiness is a state of being.  And without that state of being and mindset, I'm going to be lonely.  I'm going to sell myself short.  I'm not going to get the next job.  I'm going to be stuck right here in my little pity party... alone.

So I say fuck it.  2014 is a new beginning.  I started putting up cheesy quotes on index cards and taped them to the bathroom mirror.  I've put some on our "Bill Board" where all of our bills go.  Here it is.  Time to stop being fake.  Let's be real.  Because this... this girl from 2010... 2012... and especially the one from yesterday.... she's not me.  I've lost myself in all my struggles.  I thought I was growing stronger, but instead, I became a stranger.  No wonder why nothing makes sense in my life.

I've thought about this today.  Now that I've recognized this... how do I fix it?  What did I do when I was the happiest?  Well... I was probably like, 5 or 6.  I was the most happiest kid around.  I made friends at the doctor's office while waiting for my shots.  I made a new best friend with a little girl in the booth beside us when the family went to dinner.  I ran.  I played.  I had an imagination.  And most importantly, I never thought I had anything to worry about.  This was it, take it or leave it and have fun.  That was my gig.

I've proposed a little list for myself for how to repair the broken Liz.  What would 6 year old Elizabeth say to 27 year old Elizabeth?

1.  Who cares?

SodaHead.com

Didn't get that project done?  Who cares?
Didn't get to the dishes?  Who cares?
Put a run in your hose?  Who cares?
Dropped the dirty kitty litter on the carpet when cleaning it?  So what?
Missed an appointment?  Who cares?
Seriously, though.  Who cares?  Shit happens.  Move on.  Clean it up.  Reschedule.  Take the hose off.  Do it tomorrow.  Who really cares?  When the day is done, you'd done what you can.  So what if you didn't do it all.  You're human.  Life happens.  Don't turn an ant hill into a mountain.  It doesn't really matter.

2.  Listen to your parents.

KeepCalmAndPosters.com

Yep.  Mom and dad were always right.  Sure they didn't have all the answers.  But running off to college without a clue, disregarding what your dad said about starting off at a community college, picking a legit skill or trade that will be lucrative, follow where the stability is.... yeah, he knew what he was talking about.

Instead, you didn't take his advice, yelled at him for not believing in you (when he saw what you were capable of was trying to GUIDE you to a better path), messed up, didn't ask for help, and thought you could do it all on your own without him.  You basically just took his sincere advice and threw it in dog crap, stomped on it, and said, "this is what I think of your opinion."  Forget that he, you know, did just about everything to make sure you were taken care of and fought for you your whole entire life and looked out for your best interest....

Don't do it again.  You parents are always there for you through thick and thin.  They have the BEST advice.  Listen to it, even if you don't think they are right.  Just do it anyway.  Who knows what doors that will open up for you.  It couldn't be worse than what you're feeling when you do it alone.

3. Do SOMETHING.

Anonymous Art of Revolution

Just do something.  Very simple.  Whether it's writing a blog, cleaning the house, go on a walk, read a book, play with the cats, call your parents... whatever it is: do something.  Sitting around all day is BORING.  Get off of Facebook.  Get off of the games.  Do something.  You have plenty of time to do absolutely nothing when you sleep, when you're sick, and when you're dead.

4.  PLAY

Google Images

Very similar to #3 - but play.  Give yourself a recess every day.  Had a long day at work?  Go do something fun.  Play in the snow for once.  Play tag with your husband.  Go visit your nephew and play with his cars.  Live a little.  Nothing here mentioned costs a dime - it's great exercise, and you'll feel like a kid again.  Stay young for as long as you can!  Go play!

5.  Forget the Rest of Them.

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"Do what you feel in your heart to be right -- for you'll be criticized anyway."  Eleanor Roosevelt.
People are going to talk about you.  People are going to hate you.  People are going to think you aren't good enough.  Forget them!

Really, no one cares about their opinion of you.  So stop worrying about it.  Forget them!  Overhear someone saying something bad about you?  Fuck 'em.  They aren't a priority in your life.

Applying for job?  Don't stress it.  Show what you've got and who you are - and if they don't think you're good enough - forget them!  Don't let it eat up your self esteem and self worth.

Travis thinks you are valuable.  Your parents think you are valuable.  Your sister thinks you are valuable.  Forget the rest of them.  I'm pretty sure when you stop caring what everyone else thinks, you'll find peace with yourself and those around you.

6.  Stop with the Negative Talk

someecards.com

Stop talking badly about yourself.
Stop talking badly about other people.
What you reap is what you sow, and no one trusts a gossiper.
Find a lot of backstabbers in your life?  Because you put them there.
Stop it.  You let them and their negativity have power over you.  Just be happy.  It isn't that hard.  Be positive.  Be optimistic.  Never say another negative thing or engage is stupid gossip.  This includes talking to yourself in the mirror!!!
"I'm ok."   That's all you need to verify.
"She's ok." That's all you need to care about.
"He's ok."  That's it - no more thinking into it.
Ok is better than negativity.

7.  Find a Friend Everywhere

We Know Memes

You ARE shy.  That's totally ok.  But you're an extrovert too.  So don't clam up.  Make a friend.  Engage in conversations with strangers.  Be nice just because you can be.  No one gives a shit what you're talking about - just that you are acknowledging their presence.  That says a lot.  Find a friend everywhere you go.  Smile.  If you have to force it, think of something funny.  Be open.  You don't have to talk the whole time.  Just simple gesture is how it begins.  Just a smile.  Just a happy "good morning".

Some random person wants to make a joke - accept it!  Laugh heartedly.  Don't automatically assume they are a freak.  They are offering you kindness and a smile to your day.  You don't have to strike up a long in depth conversation.  Just find a friend and be light hearted.

No one is asking for your direct attention.  No one is asking for a thesis about world peace.  Don't take it so hard.  Just be shy and be sweet.  Find a friend everywhere you go - including the gas station, grocery store, a random trip to the restroom.  It doesn't have to be in depth - just kind.  Don't avoid people - or they'll avoid you too.

8.  Don't Beat Around the Bush

Google Images

What the fuck do you want?  Remember when you were little?  "Mom, can I have a popsicle?" "Dad, can I have a hug?" Freaking ask!!  Don't think everyone has ESP!  Speak up.  Someone made you mad?  "That made me upset."

Someone said something rude?  "That wasn't very nice."  Put it out there!

Say something!  Are you overworked?  "Can you help me?"  OMG, it really isn't that hard - and people will be very appreciative that you even had the balls to just flat out say it.

One of the most impressive things that happened this week was blatantly saying, "I don't think how you treated him was fair given the circumstances he is under."  SPEECHLESS.  It really hit them deep and you could see it!  Just SAY IT OUT LOUD.  Don't assume that people are going to figure out how you are feeling or are supposed to know your emotions are wacked out!  People don't know!  They have their world that they know.  You don't know what is going on in their mind or their life.

9.  Apologize & Forgive

ImgQuotes

It's a heavy burden to carry... Resentment.  Regret.  Guilt.  Hurt.  Anger.  Don't try to carry it.  Say sorry when you know you should.  Forgive, even when you don't think they deserve it.  Do it for your sanity and your peace.  Remember being 6?  When someone said sorry, how did you respond? "It's ok."

That's right!  It's ok.  Move on.  Then after they said sorry and you said it was ok, what did you do?  Continued doing whatever you were already doing!  If you were playing, you moved on and kept playing.  Let it go!

10.  Money Doesn't Control You

Meetville

You'll never have enough.  So stop freaking out about it.
The bills will get paid.  You and Travis have a way of making everything work.  So stop trying so hard to keep tabs on every single cent.  You live once.  Life happens.  It's been proven time and time again that it always works out.  So stop fretting about the dollar signs.

It's ok to budget.  It's ok to keep an eye out and just verify the bank account is ok.  Just don't let it consume you.  Money IS NOT everything.  Sure, it'd be nice to have the finer things, but honestly, you were happy with a stick when you were 6.  You had an old tire tied to a tree that kept you entertained for hours.

And when you are really in a pickle, you've proven that you can do without the extra fluff to get by.  You can make it.  Don't let money own you.  It doesn't control you - you control it.

11.  Take Care of Yourself

Google Images

If you are tired, rest.
If you feel a surge of energy, get up and run.
Listen to what your body is saying. It knows what it needs better than you do.
Discipline yourself and be proud that you CAN brush your teeth and comb your hair.
Wash your face every night, because it makes you feel better.
Eat right, because you feel better.
Drink water, because you feel better.
Exercise because it makes you feel good.
Sleep at night, because you feel better.
Pray every day, because it makes your feel better.

Seriously, do things that make you feel better!  By not taking care of yourself, you're telling everyone else not to take care of you.  You are telling the world you don't need to be taken care of - and you do.  You are inviting the world to make you exhausted, to make you sad, to make you feel gross, to make you feel less than yourself.  Don't.  Taking care of yourself isn't a chore.  It's a recreation.  It makes you feel good - so why not do it?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It may seem a little juvenile, but that's the point.  I get so caught up in being an adult and carrying so much weight (worry, stress, heartache, guilt, pity, etc).  It gets exhausting.  When I was little, the weight I carried was so light, I had energy!  I had life.  That is what I need to go back to.

That is what I need most: to be a little bit more like my 6 year old self....

1993

Getting Busy & Rockin' Out!

Hey all!  I'm just writing this post to inform you that I have not forgotten about this blog!  I have a lot of projects coming up, events to plan and put together, as well as volunteering obligations that are pulling me away.  I will be posting, but not as much between now and April.

So for now, I want to share an event that I put together with the general manager of the hotel.  For only having 2 weeks to plan and get the word out (and having NO marketing/advertising budget whatsoever), we had an amazing turn out!  Not to mention, Travis and I were able to hang out with the band AND hold a Grammy award!  It just so happens that the band had so much fun, they plan on making this an annual event!  YAY!

**More pictures will be posted later on our 365 Day Picture Challenge!**

Cheap Kitty Litter!

I cannot believe it.  I hit up so many discounts today during our shopping trip.  But here's the best thing we got!

Kitty litter that's 100% usable - just in crappy boxes.

Kitty Litter.

I usually budget $40/month for cat food, kitty litter, and flea & tick medicine for two cats.  Kitty litter can be pretty expensive.  However, Travis was able to pick up 4 boxes of Arm & Hammer kitty litter for only....

$4.99!

SAY WHAT?!

Obviously, the boxes are all ripped to hell.  They've been taped together.  Because of that, it cannot be sold on shelves.  It just got destroyed in transit.  So Travis spoke up & bought them.  It's going to take a long time to get through all of these boxes of kitty litter!

So next time you are out shopping and you see anyone stocking the shelves or unloading the trucks, keep your eyes open for products that could be "unsellable" because of damage or defects.  If the product is still good, you can get a super nice deal just by speaking up and saying you'll buy it anyways!  Don't be shy!

Starstruck

I HAVE to brag.  I feel like such an idiot for not asking for a signature or picture.
Way to go Liz!  A big deal walks in the door and you talk to him, and you have this 365 Photo Project but, nah, we won't take a pic or anything to share.  BAH!

Next celebrity I meet, I'm getting a picture!

I work in a hotel.  I love it there.  You never know what in the world the next day is going to be like or who you are going to meet.  A local music.... I don't know what they are called.... they book concerts and make sure the musicians have a place to stay.  Well, majority of their country musicians stay at our hotel.  A lot of times, they are not your super iconic celebrities.

BUT, today, I said hello to Brantley Gilbert.  Ok, ok, you might be saying "who?"  He's growing in popularity in the country/class rock genre.  This is the dude:




It was so funny.  He walked up, was texting or something on his smart phone with all of his luggage, just checking out of his room.  I had to do a double look because I thought he looked familiar.  Hence, this is why I said hi to him - so I didn't seem super awkward or anything. ::rolls eyes::  The hotel manager, Lisa, had a message for him, so she chatted with him for a bit.  I could not figure out why he looked so stinkin' familiar.

Once he left, Lisa asked, "Is he some famous country singer?  He was with *name of client I cannot disclose*"  For some reason, the name sounded familiar but it didn't click this morning.

Gladys, one of my coworkers, replies, "I think so."

Lisa commented that he doesn't look like the typical country singer.  She and I both said he looked more a rocker dude.  Gladys agreed, "I don't know if he's country.  He has way too many piercings to be a country singer."  Gotta love Gladys!!! :P

I looked him up online.  Once I saw his most popular picture on the computer and the titles of his songs, I knew who he was!

I wish I had gotten a picture.  I wish I had gotten pictures of all the celebrities I've met:  Wenona Judd, Ron White, Meg Ryan, Howie from BSB, Angelo Pizzo.... *sigh*  I never think about getting an autograph or picture taken.  Who does that?!?  I cannot believe I spaced it.  I guess this pic will have to do.

WKLB Country 102.5

I have not forgotten about my 365 Photo/Video Project.  Tomorrow is my day off and I'll be uploading all of my pictures onto my computer and what not.  A lot of times, I'll take pictures throughout the day - and then I select the best pic from that day.  It's been a pretty stressful week.  Catch ya tomorrow!

The Liebster Award!

::sniff sniff:: It's so beautiful!

I'm super excited to announce that I've received my first blog award!  YAY!  Special thanks to Ryanne for the nomination!  Definitely check out her blog at A Method in the Madness.  Hop on over to her blog and say hi!
ETA:  A big shout out also goes to Jamey over at A Fraction of the Whole for nominating me as well.  Her blog is super cute - so check it out, too!  And show Amanda some love over at A Whole Lotta Somethin'!  Her blog is pure delciousness!!

So what is the Liebster Award?

The Liebster Award nomination goes to those bloggers who have a following of less than 200 to promote other bloggers to comment and share - even get to know each other!  I think this is great, because it gives you the potential to gather a larger following!  If you get nominated, you cannot nominate the person who nominated you (No tagbacks!).

The point of the Liebster Award is to answer questions, tell 11 secrets about yourself, and nominate 11 other bloggers who fit the criteria.  Here it goes!

11 Things About Me

1. I absolutely hate spaghetti.  I have no idea why.
2. I own land by my great-grandparents old homestead in Kentucky.  It sits high up on a mountain.  Unfortunately, the land isn't really anything I could build a house on or do anything with.  My uncle rents it for his horse pasture.
3. My favorite color is orange, second favorite is teal.  Travis's favorite color is Teal, and his second favorite is orange.
4. I am a Scorpio to a T.  My zodiac sign fits me perfectly.
5. I am so sorry to say this, but I don't like musicals.  ::runs and hides::
6. I always had this dream to write a book - a fiction fairytale-like book.  But, let's be honest, I'm way to lazy to attempt it.
7. I can't stand the sound of my voice.  It's too girly and makes me sound naive.  I wish I had an "adult voice."
8. I am most self conscious about my big ears.  I'm like Dumbo.  These suckers can make me fly.
9. I play Devil's Advocate in most political debates.  1.) I find it funny that some people get way too bent out of shape about it.  2.) It's no one's business who I actually vote for.  3.) It really helps strengthen my points of view and my morals on certain issues from trying to think about it from a completely different perspective.
10. I was a ballroom dance teacher.  I quickly learned that dancing is better as my hobby than a career.
11. I absolutely, 100% hate winter/snow with a fiery, burning passion.  I cannot stand to be THAT cold. And I hate having to drive and walk in it, especially when I have to clear off my car of all the snow and ice.

11 Questions

1. Why did you decide to start a blog?

     A:  This blog is dedicated to the journey Travis and I embark as a couple.  We're building our careers from the start.  We lost so much.  We've endured enough as is.  After losing so much from medical debt, we've persevered.  We're rebuilding our lives together.  That's the point of this blog - to document the journey.  It gives us hope that things will work out.

2. How did you know that your spouse was THE ONE?

    A:  Travis and I just clicked.  It was the way he laughed.  It was the jokes he made.  He had an unbelievably open heart.  It was the way he smiled and looked at me.  It was the way I felt in his arms.  He was the only one that actually got me.  He understood me.  He is such a loving person, inside and out.  He shines and lights up a room.  I don't think I ever had someone that meshed with me so well.  I love him.  He's my rock when I need it.  He's amazing.  I love him with all I have.

3. Name the 3 most important people in your life and why they are so important.

   A:  I'm having a hard time selecting 3 - so I'm going to choose 4.  Number 1 is Travis.  Travis and I have walked together, side-by-side, through the good times and the bad.  We work as a team.  It took us a while to get to that point - and it was pure dedication on both parts.  Travis has saved my life and I have saved his.  We've never left each others' side.  Number 2 is my mother.  My mother has always provided me with the best advice in so many different ways.  She's put me in my place when I need it most, and she's given me utmost love and affection when I needed it most.  She always raised me with the concept of "I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear.  I'm here to tell you what you need to hear because I love you and I care."  I don't know where I would be without her guidance and humor.  Number 3 is my father.  He has always made time in his life for me.  He always dove head first into all of my silly hobbies and activities that I pursued throughout my life.  He has always been proud of me - and he tells me regularly.  My dad will put his life aside for me.  He would give his life for me.  I know this, and I feel truly blessed to have such a strong willed, big hearted, hard working man take such pride in me.  I don't know what I would do without my daddy.  Number 4 is my sister Stephanie.  She has always been my best friend.  We would hang out together on a regular basis.  We stayed up late - just like it was a slumber party with your BFF.  We told stories, we told secrets - and today, we share that same bond.  Whenever I need to talk or escape from daily life, my sister is always there.  I couldn't walk this life without my big sister being around.  When we are old and grey, we'll be sitting on the front porch, watching the kids and grandkids play - as our husbands do what old guys do - and we'll laugh, yell at the kids, and enjoy the sunshine with our Pepsi cold in a glass.  We'll live our lives together - and the husbands are totally fine with that.

4.  How do your personal beliefs (social/religious/philosophical) differ from your upbringing now that you are an adult?  How have they stayed the same?

   A:  I won't lie and say I've always been the same.  I've grown.  I've matured.  When I was younger, I thought life was much simpler.  Even in college, I was very naive.  But I have noticed that life isn't supposed to be taken seriously.  While it is more complicated as an adult - there are questions I still cannot find answers to - it isn't worth the stress.  Life is meant to be lived without a chip on the shoulder.  Don't carry the baggage.  People come and people go - and that's ok.  Life goes on, and new memories are made - new people are met.  But most importantly, I've developed a strong belief that even when I am alone - I'm not actually alone in this world.  I have God and my Guardian Angels always watching out for me.  I'm not as fearful as I once was.  My personal beliefs that have stayed the same - it's best to keep life a mystery and not have all the answers.

5.  If you had a million dollars, how would you spend it?

   A:  I'd buy a house.  I'd pay off my student loan debt.  I'd buy Travis and myself a new car - since our cars are wearing down.  I'd pay off my sister's debt.  I'd pay off my parents' debt.  I'd give my parents back the money they spent on me.  I'd have babies and start college funds.  Whatever is left will go to the American Cancer Society in memory of all my loved ones that have been lost due to cancer.

6.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

   A:  Owning a home, having children, still married to Travis, and working a stable job that provides a decent living.  And having really really old kitty cats named Coheed & Smokey.

7.  What is one way you are seeking to improve yourself in one year?

   A:  Building my career.  It's my main focus.  

8.  What is the best book you have ever read?

   A:  UGH - making me choose only one?!?!  The first one to pop into my head was "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro.  I cried like a baby for hours when I finished it.  I couldn't put the book down. Ask Travis.  I was obsessed - and when the book was done - he left me alone to grieve. lol

9.  What song describes your mood today?

   A:  Even though it was a Thursday... "Manic Monday" seems to be the best fit.  It was stressful.

10.  Do you have any pets?

   A:  TWO adorably handsome kitty cats named Coheed & Smokey. :D

11.  Do you have a Bucket List?

   A:  Only on Pinterest.  I don't think I really have a real bucket list.  

11 Questions for You

1. What is your favorite color and why?
2. So, you have a blog.  Why?
3. What is your goal for this year?
4. What is the best song to describe your mood today?
5. Who are the 3 most important people in your life and why?
6. How did you meet your significant other? (if single, what do you look for in a significant other?)
7. If there was a $100 bill laying on the ground, would you take it?  If so, what would you buy with it?  If not, why?
8. Compare yourself to your 15 year old self.  What would you tell him/her?
9. What is your worst vice?
10. Take your age and double it.  Where do you see yourself at that age?
11. What is the best life advice you can give your followers?

And the nomination goes to:

The top 11 blogs I have chosen are as follows (in no specific order):

1. FrozenOJs Concentrated Life
2. ♥ N and J
3. Trying to Conceive: Swimming Against the Tide
4. In-Patiently Waiting: Keep on Dreaming, Even If It Breaks Your Heart
5. Life Lessons of a New Mommy
6. Rough Around the Edges
7. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
8. Healing Through Tears
9. Crafty Hearts, Warm Home, and Little Toes
10. Schonsheck Shenanigans
11. Laughing in a Beautiful World

He Got a Promotion!

Travis has been working so hard at his job.  He pulls long hours, and he's been working his way up through the ranks in a short amount of time.  Travis works at a local discount factory warehouse - and he started as a temp working in the back putting furniture together.  They hired him full time because he was a hard worker.  After his bosses got to know him, they decided he'd be a better fit on the sales floor during their auctions.  Travis nailed it.  Not only was Travis making great commissions, he still would help out in the back with inventory and set up.  Because of Travis's pure dedication and determination, he has been promoted to Manager in Training!

I'm so proud of him!

Better Than I Thought!

So, all of our hard work and efforts paid off!  Our credit jumped up.  Our debt to income ratio is right where I wanted it at the time being.  AND, we can qualify for more than we originally thought we would.

A dear cousin, Kari, has been giving Travis and I advice about building our credit and paying off our debts so that we can own a home.  The woman is a genius.  I am so totally clueless about this homebuying stuff.  However, Travis and Kari were on the same page the whole time, and they explained things to me in more simpler terms so that I could understand.  There were so many things I learned, I was amazed!

Kari pulled our credit reports and gave us an updated, accurate credit score for each of us.  She sat down with both of us and went through every page on our credit report, telling us what lenders look for.  She pointed out areas that we could fix, and she pointed out areas where we should leave things alone!  I was surprised that there was one thing on our credit report that she told us NOT to touch until after we buy a home.  If we messed with it, it could potentially hurt us because of when it will be reported - and she explained why it would negatively impact us.  This one thing was a collections account.  This debt was actually paid through the hospital between 2008 and 2011.  However, it was not updated on our credit report.  Even though that debt technically does not exist, the agency did not report it to the credit bureaus.  It is not hitting our credit negatively to leave it alone the way it is.  At first, I thought "OMG, that needs to be taken off!"  But Kari explained to me the moment that there is any activity on the account, it will come across as a negative impact on our credit and bring our credit scores down.  She told us to wait until after we buy a home to update it.

Kari also told us where we can dispute things on our credit report.  She told us the best places to talk to in order to handle credit disputes.  There was ONE medical bill that we paid off that had not been reported to the credit bureau.  Unfortunately, because we paid it, it's possible it will bring down our credit score.  But oh well, live and learn.  It'll be ok.  When Kari looked at our previous debts and saw that everything had been paid off completely, she told us we did everything right.  That was a relief to hear!  I was worried that I was messing up.  Kari reassured me that we are not in a terrible position, and because we have a good record of debts being paid in full - even though our credit scores weren't as high as I had wanted them to be - that will look more favorable because it shows we pay off our debts.

She ran our numbers through a program to see how interest rates would fluctuate between FHA and Conventional loans.  She showed us every possible outcome.  She told us the pros and cons for each type, and how they would affect us.  Ironically, where we are, monthly payments won't be much different for either type of loan.  When going through the possible outcomes and different costs of a home and calculating a different percentage for a down payment, we were looking at possibly a $7 - $30 monthly difference between the two.

She asked us if we had been searching for a home at all lately.  I told her one house in the neighborhood we live in that I have had my eye on.  She ran the numbers for both types of loans with the amount the house was selling for and she took taxes into consideration.  This is where I was super surprised.  A Conventional loan was $7/month more than an FHA, but it was also more than likely a better option for us.  Then, we took another home into consideration.  An FHA was a better option for us on that one!  I was really surprised how minor adjustments made a HUGE difference!

After going through adjustments and comparisons, Kari told us that we were "finance-able" where we currently are.  She told us that we could qualify for much more than we originally thought.  Granted, we told her that we were looking for a lower cost home and wouldn't mind doing repairs.  This one really surprised me:  she told us that with where we stand, we should NOT get a house less than $50,000 because insurance and interest would not work in our favor.  The lowest we can look for a house is currently $54,000 without getting hit with huge insurance costs and higher interest rates.  I never thought there would be a minimum amount for getting a better deal.  If you go too low compared to what you qualify for, the bank won't see it as a loan being worth it - and we could potentially get denied because - well - it isn't worth it to invest in that much with where we are.  Interesting....

Again, these were all "approximate" and fairly accurate simulations, but it let us know where we currently stand on getting a home.  Worst case scenario, Travis and I will be home owners in July of this year.  If we continue doing what we are doing, handle a few minor adjustments on our credit reports, we could be homeowners by March!  AHHH!!!

Kari then calculated taxes, down payment, closing costs, appraisal costs, fees, etc. and gave us a total that we need to save for.  It's more or less a "goal" amount for the least that we should save for, and we need to save up that amount and keep it untouched for 2 months.  Only small additions, like $20 or $50 from a paycheck that is easily traced, can go into the savings.

Kari is going to run a few more simulations with another program with a lender.  This is going to tell us where we could be in 3 months up to 6 months.  Kari is going to see how long we should wait to get the best deals, without having to wait forever and not move forward on buying a home this year.  The lender is also going to talk to her about our credit report and give advice on what she would like to see us do before she'd be willing to approve us for certain amounts.  Basically, a lender is telling us what we should do in order to get our credit scores up higher in a short time frame and also what is going to work in our favor this year.

I cannot tell you just how relieved I am!  Travis and I left there feeling so proud of our accomplishments and determined to do whatever we need to in order to put ourselves in an even better position.

Not going to lie, this homebuying process still looks like Greek to me.  But I am glad that I have Kari to hold my hand and mentor me through the process.  Travis is on the same page with Kari - so it makes me feel better knowing that he understands this more than I do.

Here we are... step number 1 towards buying a house is accomplished.  Now on to step 2!

Proposing to the Husband

Previously, on Beautiful Surprise!

Travis and I agreed for Christmas, our gifts to each other were new wedding bands.  Travis's wedding band arrived the other day.  I went to pick it up without him with me, and I came up with a brilliant idea!  Why not propose to my husband just for fun?

I asked a few people what creative suggestions they had.  Everyone gave me some awesome ideas.  I had everything I wanted to say planned out.  I knew I wanted to get down on one knee.  It was going to be the works!

I kept the ring in the box in my purse.  Travis doesn't really go through my purse... ever.  He calls it the endless pit.  BUT, I didn't have my purse zipped up.  It was open and laying on the floor by the bookcase.  I got lazy, what can I say?  Sure enough, Travis came home and lo and behold, there was the box sitting right on top.  ::FACEPALM::

Travis got excited and asked if it was his ring.  I grabbed my purse and tried to hide it from him.  He asked me, "Why can't I have it?  I want to wear it!  Are you planning something?"  I nodded.  He told me that was ok and that he wanted the surprise.  He said he'd wait, but he couldn't wait too long.  This was back on Sunday night.

I still have no idea how to propose, and the poor guy is about to freak.  I'm getting all crazy butterflies.  Jeez... this isn't even for real!  No wonder guys get so worked up about proposing!  I don't know why I'm so shy about it!  I will never give Travis a hard time about his proposal ever again.  I'll definitely share how I propose with all of you.

Anyways, here's his ring!