Since I have moved to Florida ahead of Erik, I am staying with our friends in Niceville. They were going out of town for a week beginning 4th of July weekend. I was going to house sit and dog sit while they were gone. Erik and I had talked about trying to fly him out here last minute so we both wouldn't be sitting at home without anything to do over the long weekend but it just wasn't going to work out.
Our friends left on Thursday night and on Friday it was just me and the dogs. I was continuing my job search when I hear a noise at the front door. My heart immediately starts pounding hard and the dogs start barking. Because I am a scardy cat, I go to the window to look out instead of the front door which has glass. The noise goes away. I go back to the computer and then I hear a knock on the door. Okay, just grow up, go to the door. I did. I see a guy peering through the glass and I can clearly see they are military. Great, I am going to have to tell them that Dan is not here. I open the door, a few seconds go by and I realize Erik, my husband, is standing on the front porch in Niceville, Florida. What? How? Pinch me!
Turns out, Erik boarded the dogs and got a flight to Florida! He traveled with a backpack and never lied on the phone when we were talking but as the weekend progressed I realized why he asked certain things. What is their address? What are you doing tomorrow? Lets wait to see Transformers until we are together. He even went into an empty little chapel at the Atlanta airport, the quietest place he could find without the loud speakers going off. His phone kept "disconnecting" because of bad service every few minutes which was actually the PA system announcing departures. Sneaky kid.
We immediately decided not to waste the day so we headed to Navarre so I could show him our top three houses. Then we went to Pensacola for dinner. A-maz-ing!! Pina Colodas. Chowder. Seafood. We love the coast.
Erik had even called our real estate agent and told her he was going to be in town (yet another person who knew while I hadn't a clue) so we had an appointment to look at houses on Saturday morning. Before that though, we drove by all the other houses so I could tell him why I said no. A few hours later and we had our top house! This house is less than ten minutes from the Navarre beach so we took our picnic to the sand. An afternoon thunderstorm rolled in and cut our first of many beach trips short but that didn't stop us from enjoying the rest of the area.
The weekend past, we went to Transformers, ate tons of seafood -hey we have been in a land locked state the last seven months- researched every aspect of the house, drove and learned the area, tons of fireworks, and not to mention the beach. We parked it for a few hours each day under the hot sun on the different beaches in the area.
Come Tuesday morning, we started making phone calls and went to see the house one last time before he left and started considering putting in an offer. An offer. When did we get so old? Better yet, when did we get so stable? No moving for the next few years, sweet!
July 11, 2011
FL Home Search
Since Erik was taking to long to complete his training, we decided that I would go to Florida with out him. My mission was to get a lay of the land, look for houses, and a job.
I drove around with my GPS and printouts of area maps. I am not just learning one city but instead two bases and four areas. (Navarre, Fort Walton Beach and surrounding cities, Destin, and Niceville) Erik will be stationed at Hurlburt Air Field which is next door to the much bigger Eglin Air Force Base. We want to live in one city, his work will be in another, and I am staying with our sweet friends who have kindly opened up their home to me for the last three weeks which is in another city, and then Destin. Mission one, accomplished!
I arrived in Florida on Monday. On Tuesday, my friend drove me around looking at all the houses Erik and I have taken interest to in Niceville, Mary Esther, Fort Walton Beach, and Shalimar. I didn't see a single house that I wanted to go in. Talk about a disappointment. On Wednesday, I met up with our realtor who showed us the rest of the houses we were interested in. They are all located in Navarre which is a city located west of Eglin and Hurlburt. I felt like I was in an episode of HGTV House Hunters. It was so fun but also overwhelming. I made notes about each of the houses we looked at and tried to keep up with my top four. Six hours and almost twenty houses later, house hunting day one was complete. With it just being me here, I had to try and tell Erik all about the houses I had been too and also explain to him that although the houses I saw on Tuesday with my friend look good in the pictures I was not going to buy a house in those neighborhoods or on the street they were at. We decided that we would keep our top three houses in mind, keep looking, keep researching, and just wait. Wait for Erik to move down here so he could see the houses for himself.
As for the job search, don't get me on my soapbox. With all of the budget cuts in the education world, I still do not have a job. So far I have gotten no where except applying to multiple positions in multiple districts. Nothing yet. We shall see...
I drove around with my GPS and printouts of area maps. I am not just learning one city but instead two bases and four areas. (Navarre, Fort Walton Beach and surrounding cities, Destin, and Niceville) Erik will be stationed at Hurlburt Air Field which is next door to the much bigger Eglin Air Force Base. We want to live in one city, his work will be in another, and I am staying with our sweet friends who have kindly opened up their home to me for the last three weeks which is in another city, and then Destin. Mission one, accomplished!
I arrived in Florida on Monday. On Tuesday, my friend drove me around looking at all the houses Erik and I have taken interest to in Niceville, Mary Esther, Fort Walton Beach, and Shalimar. I didn't see a single house that I wanted to go in. Talk about a disappointment. On Wednesday, I met up with our realtor who showed us the rest of the houses we were interested in. They are all located in Navarre which is a city located west of Eglin and Hurlburt. I felt like I was in an episode of HGTV House Hunters. It was so fun but also overwhelming. I made notes about each of the houses we looked at and tried to keep up with my top four. Six hours and almost twenty houses later, house hunting day one was complete. With it just being me here, I had to try and tell Erik all about the houses I had been too and also explain to him that although the houses I saw on Tuesday with my friend look good in the pictures I was not going to buy a house in those neighborhoods or on the street they were at. We decided that we would keep our top three houses in mind, keep looking, keep researching, and just wait. Wait for Erik to move down here so he could see the houses for himself.
As for the job search, don't get me on my soapbox. With all of the budget cuts in the education world, I still do not have a job. So far I have gotten no where except applying to multiple positions in multiple districts. Nothing yet. We shall see...
Another one bites the dust!
Another one bites the dust...well almost!
We, well actually just me for now, have almost moved out of another house, off another base, and out of another state. Erik hit the flight line on May 24th for his last seven night flights. It is now July 11th and he has completed four rides. He has three more flights to go. We just need the planes to work and the weather to cooperate and then he can join me here in Florida. Yes, the sunny state of Florida. Not for six months, not for a year, we get to be here for at least two years!
Before leaving ABQ, I packed up the house and had Erik help me with the breaking down of some of the furniture and I left him with the bare essentials. Left him behind, he was taking too long! :) I always do the packing to my standard and he packs the truck to his standard.
The dining room is lined with boxes and the poor dogs have a tiny walk way to get to their food and water bowls. I know Tank must be thinking "Not again!" Moose has lived in three states but he's too young to remember so he just moves along like nothing is happening. At least with this move, Moose isn't obsessed with the noise of the tape gun...in Alabama all he wanted to do was eat it. It definitely made building and closing boxes difficult. This move he just wanted to be near you, which is typical Moose; however, he would lay on the wrapping paper as you were wrapping something or he would lay on top of things before you could even get them in the box! Gotta love milk chocolatey Moose. Poor Tankie Poo hears the tape gun and runs. He likes things calm and consistent. He goes to the office to relax and get away.
All I hope for now is good weather and good planes so I can head back to ABQ and help load up the U-Haul, clean the house, and drive cross country and really move. Keep your fingers crossed!!
All I hope for now is good weather and good planes so I can head back to ABQ and help load up the U-Haul, clean the house, and drive cross country and really move. Keep your fingers crossed!!
Giddy Up
Usually when people (kids mainly) find out I am from Texas they ask about horses or assume I own a pair of cowboy boots. Well the answer is no. I do not have cowboy boots, wranglers, nor a cowboy hat. I come from the hill country but we never had horses. I do say "yall", and as I have moved around to NC and NM this year, it is crazy how many people do a double take when I say that word!
I have ridden horses in New Mexico prior to living here and along the beaches of Mazatlan; however, I was always a nervous rider. Riding horses makes me nervous. I don't know why but they just do.
I have ridden horses in New Mexico prior to living here and along the beaches of Mazatlan; however, I was always a nervous rider. Riding horses makes me nervous. I don't know why but they just do.
Our friends found this place to go horse back riding in Socorro, New Mexico and although very skeptical we went. We drove about an hour south of ABQ and after two hours of waiting around (I guess that's what you get when you go through a mom and pop joint) and looking around they finally loaded the horses up into the trailers. We then drove along back roads (poor Zoe got all dusty after I had just washed her) and got out near the Rio Grande River. We all saddled up and headed out. Yee haw! Now mind you I was fully expecting a nose to butt, slow walk, typical trail ride. Boy were we in for a treat! This was not a trail ride, we rode for three hours and ended up soaking wet...talk about a fun ride!
I was loaded down with treats for my horse and lots of deep breathing. I was going to make myself enjoy this ride! We went up and down the hills of the trail, we rode right along the edges of cliffs, and even cantered. We ran our horses! Talk about hurting of the private regions but it was super fun. After we finally wound through the sandy desert, we ended up at the river. Our guides taught us how to canter into the water and after going in and out of water we then proceeded to ride along in the river. Talk about a refreshing afternoon! Another reason this wasn't your typical trail ride is because they taught us how to jump the horse over logs. I didn't do this (cantering was good in my book!); however, the boys did. It was hilarious and successful. It was neat to see all of Erik's horseback riding from his childhood quickly come back to him. As the sun was setting, the horses tired, and our arms tinged with pink, we headed back.
The horse stable were at this old school house
Meredith feeding the horses apples
Erik and John
Ranger and I with Ludo and John in the background. Ludo ran alongside!
Breathtaking views of New Mexico
Our group riding through the Rio Grande
Cantering through the river with Ranger
The horse stable were at this old school house
Meredith feeding the horses apples
Erik and John
Ranger and I with Ludo and John in the background. Ludo ran alongside!
Breathtaking views of New Mexico
Our group riding through the Rio Grande
Cantering through the river with RangerUp Up and Away!
Albuquerque is known for their Hot Air Balloon Festival which is held annually in October. Unfortunately, we were in North Carolina at that time and so only our belongings which were sitting in storage in ABQ got to see it.
My bucket list has always included going for a hot air balloon ride and guess what, we did! Our morning began at six o'clock at the meeting place. We watched as they rolled out the balloon, attached it to the basket, and blew it up. Then, we heaved ourselves into the basket. There were eleven of us and a pilot.
Once everything was ready to go, we lifted off the ground! We went up to 3,200 feet off the ground and rode along the Rio Grande River. The sights were amazing. We watched as the sun rose over the Sandia mountains, dipped down into the river, got to see that green trees actually exist in the area, and enjoyed every second of it.
Some quick facts that we learned from our pilot were that the balloon costs $90,000, it is as tall as a ten story building, the weight of the basket with the tank top in at 1200 pounds, and the balloon measured in at 240,000 cubic feet. That was for our balloon. Our pilot has even flown in a hot air balloon from Maine to Morocco! Could you even imagine doing that?
Some quick facts that we learned from our pilot were that the balloon costs $90,000, it is as tall as a ten story building, the weight of the basket with the tank top in at 1200 pounds, and the balloon measured in at 240,000 cubic feet. That was for our balloon. Our pilot has even flown in a hot air balloon from Maine to Morocco! Could you even imagine doing that?
The experience was amazing and very peaceful. We highly recommend you take a balloon ride or come to ABQ for the festival...we sure plan on going back for it one of these years!
Hopefully you can click on the collage to enlarge!
Hopefully you can click on the collage to enlarge!May 17, 2011
Grand Canyon
This past weekend, Erik and I took full advantage of our location. We packed our bags and the boys and headed west to Arizona. We met up with our good friends who are now in Las Vegas and friends from ABQ also came. It was a great reunion for all of us!!
We stayed in a beautiful cabin out in the woods in Park, AZ. There was not a sole in sight and it was so peaceful! Our dogs were able to run free, we enjoyed the hot tub, hung out with our friends, and then made the hour trek to the Grand Canyon!
Seeing the Grand Canyon was amazing. Erik and I had heard that it was beautiful but until you are there do you actually understand just how breathtaking it is. We were only there for a few hours and only hiked along a small portion of the South Rim; however, it kept going and going. Erik and I would love to go back and hike down into the canyon, camp there, watch the sunrise, and go to the other rims. There is so much to do and although we only saw a small portion we were blown away and cannot wait to go back!
Poor Zoe got a nail in her tire on I-40. Luckily, it was an easy fix and I had a full spare in the back.
Our drive was only five hours and luckily all three dogs (our two and our friends) slept the entire way. Here is Moose and Ludo asking if we were there yet!
Us girls at the Cabin!
In our cozy cabin for the weekend, there were two queen beds and one king. We decided to play Bed Roulette to determine who would get the best room. Guess who won the challenge! :)
If only pictures could capture the pure beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Erik and I enjoying the South Rim as we wait for our table at El Tovar. The restaurant had great food and surprisingly reasonable prices. We all enjoyed our meals and would highly recommend this place.
Erik, me, Amanda, Jay, Nicky, and John
Erik and I on our hike around the rim.
Here is Tank and Nelly, his first friend, his first girlfriend from Del Rio! They were so excited to be reunited!
We stayed in a beautiful cabin out in the woods in Park, AZ. There was not a sole in sight and it was so peaceful! Our dogs were able to run free, we enjoyed the hot tub, hung out with our friends, and then made the hour trek to the Grand Canyon!
Seeing the Grand Canyon was amazing. Erik and I had heard that it was beautiful but until you are there do you actually understand just how breathtaking it is. We were only there for a few hours and only hiked along a small portion of the South Rim; however, it kept going and going. Erik and I would love to go back and hike down into the canyon, camp there, watch the sunrise, and go to the other rims. There is so much to do and although we only saw a small portion we were blown away and cannot wait to go back!
Poor Zoe got a nail in her tire on I-40. Luckily, it was an easy fix and I had a full spare in the back.
Our drive was only five hours and luckily all three dogs (our two and our friends) slept the entire way. Here is Moose and Ludo asking if we were there yet!
Us girls at the Cabin!
In our cozy cabin for the weekend, there were two queen beds and one king. We decided to play Bed Roulette to determine who would get the best room. Guess who won the challenge! :)
If only pictures could capture the pure beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Erik and I enjoying the South Rim as we wait for our table at El Tovar. The restaurant had great food and surprisingly reasonable prices. We all enjoyed our meals and would highly recommend this place.
Erik, me, Amanda, Jay, Nicky, and John
Erik and I on our hike around the rim.
Here is Tank and Nelly, his first friend, his first girlfriend from Del Rio! They were so excited to be reunited!
Crafting
Crafting has become my middle name, my new hobby, my stress reliever, my obsession. I may not be the most creative cookie on the pan; however, I follow several crafting blogs which give me great ideas. Well its not actually an idea, its me following their directions to create my own product.
I have made three wreaths, two for me and one for a friend. It is my hope that it will be decoration on their front door when their sweet baby girl is born.
Not the best picture but here is the Spring wreath I made.
This Monogrammed Wreath is an idea I got from a blog I follow. Bird's Papaya.
For my friends baby shower, I also made a night light for the baby's room. I love Hobby Lobby and all their pamphlets for ideas! Glass block, Christmas lights, paint, ribbon, and decor.
The next idea spurred from napkin rings I bought at Pottery Barn. They were $5 each and I made 12 of these napkin rings for a total of $5 thanks to the Dollar Store. Shower rings, Floral tape, and flowers!
During my last trip to Texas, I got to see two of my best friends from college. One was getting married and one was moving into their first house. I painted them some pottery!
Thanks to another blog I follow, I made this Moss "T" and hung it on our window pane. Can you tell I love personalized things! :)
Stay tuned for more crafts near you!!
I have made three wreaths, two for me and one for a friend. It is my hope that it will be decoration on their front door when their sweet baby girl is born.
Not the best picture but here is the Spring wreath I made. 
This Monogrammed Wreath is an idea I got from a blog I follow. Bird's Papaya.
For my friends baby shower, I also made a night light for the baby's room. I love Hobby Lobby and all their pamphlets for ideas! Glass block, Christmas lights, paint, ribbon, and decor.
The next idea spurred from napkin rings I bought at Pottery Barn. They were $5 each and I made 12 of these napkin rings for a total of $5 thanks to the Dollar Store. Shower rings, Floral tape, and flowers!
During my last trip to Texas, I got to see two of my best friends from college. One was getting married and one was moving into their first house. I painted them some pottery!
Thanks to another blog I follow, I made this Moss "T" and hung it on our window pane. Can you tell I love personalized things! :)
Stay tuned for more crafts near you!!
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