This is kind of long, but if you want to know the whole story, here it is.
Sixteen
years ago this month, Jay and I were newly weds building a house for
our family. Sixteen years ago in October we moved into that house that
seemed so huge at the time (for just the two of us). Along came three
children and our family grew as our house seemed to shrink.
About 8 years ago we felt like we had out-grown our house and decided it was time to find something larger. We started looking and planned to put our house up for sale. We live in a great area so we really wanted to find something in our same neighborhood. People are often looking to move into our area so as soon as a few people heard we were thinking of selling we had an offer without ever putting our house up for sale.
So, we signed a contract to sell our house (for the market value at that time), started packing, hired a real estate agent, and started looking in earnest for our new home. Really looking. A lot. Like every day. At lots of houses. Our buyers were living with family so they were able to be flexible on our closing, so we weren't super worried. But then something strange happened. Houses began selling within an hour of being listed and for much more than the asking price. There were bidding wars on houses that weren't even that great, and lotteries for new homes. Home prices skyrocketed and suddenly we were selling our house for about HALF of the current market value. (Remember this craziness in 2005?) We discovered that couldn't have afford something similar to the house we were selling, let alone buy something larger, even if we could manage to get in an offer before someone else.
Since there was no contingency in our contract we really started panicking. And praying. Really hard. We were stuck, and kind of desperate. We found ourselves willing to make offers on houses we didn't even really like, in locations we didn't want, which really scared me. Suddenly our "little" house looked really desirable again and we just wanted to stay put! There ended up being some complications with the closing so we kindly returned the earnest deposit, and it ended up being best for everyone involved.
So, over the next 8 years we stayed in our home and made the best use of the space we have as our children grew and their stuff and friends got bigger. We like to entertain and continued to do so even with limited space. I really do love this house, and we love our neighborhood and the whole area.
But I never really stopped looking at houses and dreaming. Our "ideal" was still to find a larger house in our same neighborhood, or very close by. We always felt that if we were patient then the right house for the right price would come along at the right time. And it did.
At the end of April, the week before we were to leave the country for 2 weeks, I was out jogging around the neighborhood one morning. As I ran by a house in our "ideal" part of the neighborhood which I had run/walked/biked/driven by at least a hundred times before I saw something different.... a for sale sign! I had never really given this particular house a second glance, but now it certainly caught my eye now! I didn't want to get my hopes up and assumed we probably wouldn't be able to afford it, and figured I probably wouldn't like it anyway (from the outside it wasn't "my style"), but I figured what-the-heck. (I work hard to not get my hopes up.)
So, I called the number on the sign and went to see it about an hour later. Investors had bought it as a short sale and had just started fixing it up in preparation to list it (they had just put up a sign that day but weren't ready to list it yet). I could see it was a nice house but kept telling myself it wasn't my style. But I couldn't stop thinking about it. I told Jay about it and he rolled his eyes. Then I suggested he go see it with me, which he did the next day. The next day we went to see it again.... and I liked it more. The next day I took my stylish sister with me, asking her to point out all the things that were wrong with the house and to tell me why I shouldn't want it. Instead she told me all the wonderful things about it and I finally admitted how much I really liked it. She asked me to list the things that were most important to me in a house. That's when I realized it had everything I was looking for, and more. It was true love.
The next day I took my parents to see it, wanting my dad to give his approval... or not. He has been in the home building business for 40 years so he knows what he is looking at and is very particular. I was braced for his criticism of the house so I was shocked when he only said things like, "This is a really nice house. They are doing a really nice job fixing it up." My construction-management BIL who knows a thing or two about construction came along too and gave his approval. I was sold. Now I just had to convince Jay.... or so I thought. It turns out Jay liked it too.
By the next day the sellers had accepted our verbal offer. The timing was terrible because we were leaving for Europe in a few days, and we knew we would have to sell our house really fast! But I was surprisingly calm about the whole thing. I knew that if it was meant to be that things would fall into place. And they did.
The next day I sent out an email to some family and friends saying, "We made an offer on a house and need to sell ours fast. Let me know if you know of anyone who might be interested." Within an hour I had people calling me. Someone came to look it that night. Another person came the next morning... and came back that afternoon saying she wanted it. The next day we signed contracts on both houses and the next day we left for Europe. It was crazy, but everything fell into place.
I have mixed emotions about the whole thing since this is the only home our family has known. I'm excited about the new home we are moving to,
but feeling a little sad about all the memories we are leaving behind.
Thankfully we are selling our beloved home to someone wonderful, so we
know it will be in good hands.
It's a wonderful little house and it's been good to us! Now, on to the next chapter....
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
June 27, 2013
June 09, 2011
My Super-Sick Adventure
Here is what has been going on with me lately. If you aren't interested in "The Whole Story", you can skip to the "abridged version" at the end. :)
THE WHOLE STORY
A couple of weeks ago I was having symptoms of a UTI over the weekend. On Monday morning I called the doctor and they got me in that day. I was given Bactrim (standard anti-biotic for UTI's) to treat the infection and told to come back at the end of the week to follow up.
By Thursday I had finished the Bactrim but instead of feeling better I was feeling worse.... I still had all the symptoms plus severe "flank pain." I thought it might be a kidney stone.
On Friday I returned to the doctor and she said, "Since the anti-biotic didn't help, I think it might be a kidney stone. We need more tests." So they sent me out for blood work (cultures, which take a few days) and a CT scan to check for more kidney stones, etc. She said a kidney stone can cause a blockage leading to a kidney infection. This worried me. This was Friday afternoon and I was feeling a bit better, thinking I had probably passed a kidney stone and was on the "up and up." (Kidney stones can cause the same symptoms as a UTI, plus pain.)
I felt pretty good on Saturday but by evening I had a high fever/violent shivering, severe head ache, nausea and low back pain, which continued all day Sunday. In my mind I was thinking, "I must have a kidney infection. I have to go back to the doctor on Monday morning."
On Monday morning I realized it was a holiday (Memorial Day) and the doctor's office was closed, so I asked Jay to take me to Urgent Care. The doctor there diagnosed a kidney infection and I was immediately put on IV anti-biotics. Over an hour later I still had a high fever and had not responded as they expected me to. The doctor came back in and said, "You are really sick and we have done all we are equipped to do. We are sending you to the hospital. Right now. In an ambulance." I was a little freaked out, but mostly just so sick that I didn't care what they did to me... I just wanted to get better. Fast!
I arrived in the ER and heard the paramedic say to the admitting nurse, "They are worried about Sepsis." I know that term and that freaked me out even more. I spent the next couple of hours in the ER getting poked and prodded, and was given a nice dose of Valium and Morphine that made me feel pretty darn good for a little while.
I spent the rest of the week at Banner Gateway Medical Center (great hospital) where they pumped me full of fluids (I was quite dehydrated) until I was so swollen I couldn't make a fist, several different kind of IV anti-biotics (and lactobacillus to combat those), phosphates (?) and magnesium to get my levels back to normal, morphine and percocet for the headaches, Zofran for the nausea, and Tylenol for the high fevers. They did several more CT scans, drew blood several times a day (from my pathetic/difficult veins) and became frustrated when my fevers did not abate and my white blood cell count didn't go back to normal. And worried when a CT scan showed on a spot on my kidney that looked like an absess that would need to be drained by inserting a giant needle into my side! Ouch! Thank goodness further tests showed it was JUST a spot of infection. Whew!
They called in the infectious disease specialist (what a character! Dr. House anyone?) who asked a million seemingly random questions about my health, history, and life-style, plus examined, poked and prodded. I was officially diagnosed with Pyelonephritis (kidney infection), pre-sepsis, anemia, and.... pneumonia. Yes, pneumonia, which apparently was a result of some of the extra IV fluids entering my lungs. They altered my medicines to target the pneumonia as well and called it good. (I kept telling all the doctors and nurses that I was having trouble breathing and I was wheezing. They said thing like, "Well, I listened to your lungs and they are clear. It's probably just post-nasal drip/stress/anxiety, etc." Yeah, right.)
I finally got to go home on Saturday with my arms looking like they belonged to a heroine addict, 10 more days worth of oral anti-biotics (levaquin), and zofran for the continued nausea, and they told me to stay hydrated and expect to feel like garbage for a couple more weeks. Great. Thank goodness I'm feeling much better today... I even drove to the doctor! The nausea and light-headedness are gone, as are the headaches, and....unfortunately, I got my appetite back. Darn.
Now they have to figure out why I'm anemic, I have to follow up with a urologist, and probably have a colonoscopy. I feel like I have aged 10 years in 2 weeks.
A word of advice.... DON'T GET SICK!
FUNNY MOMENTS
During the ambulance ride, the paramedic asked, "Are you normally fair skinned?" I replied (through my chattering teeth), "Yes, why?" He replied, "Well, you are really pale and I just wanted to make sure that is normal for you or if there is something else going on." I almost laughed. Yes, I am fair-skinned, but I think I was probably extra pale considering what was going on in my body.
Dr. Oommen, the infectious disease specialist, after doing a preliminary evaluation left the room to check out my test results/charts. A few minutes later he opened the door and poked his head and said, "Do you have any hobbies?" I almost laughed out loud. Was he making conversation? I was surprised and confused and couldn't think of anything, though I know I have hobbies, so I didn't respond immediately. He must have noticed I was confused, so she said, "You know, like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing...." Then I did laugh. "Uh, no," I said. "Nothing like that."
"Do you do anything outdoors?"
I said, "Well, I jog."
"Have you ever had valley fever?"
"Not that I know of."
"Have you had a cold?"
"No, not lately."
"Has anyone in your household been sick recently?"
"No."
"Have you been in a wind storm?"
(By this time the curiosity was about to kill me.) "No, why?"
"Oh, well, you have pneumonia."
(This is how you break it to me?) "Huh?"
"Apparently it's just because of all the extra fluids... some got in your lungs."
"So, now what?"
"Oh, I'm just changing one of your anti-biotics to one that will target pneumonia too."
"Pneumonia! I've been wheezing and no one would believe me!"
"Well, I believe you. See you tomorrow." And he shut the door.
ABRIDGED VERSION
- I got a UTI and was given Bactrim for it (pretty standard for a UTI).
- The infection happened to be resistant to Bactrim.
- The UTI turned into a kidney infection.
- I spent 6 days in the hospital, got pneumonia on top of the infection, and almost got sepsis.
- I'm home now and mostly recovered. I think.
- Being sick sucks.
THE WHOLE STORY
A couple of weeks ago I was having symptoms of a UTI over the weekend. On Monday morning I called the doctor and they got me in that day. I was given Bactrim (standard anti-biotic for UTI's) to treat the infection and told to come back at the end of the week to follow up.
By Thursday I had finished the Bactrim but instead of feeling better I was feeling worse.... I still had all the symptoms plus severe "flank pain." I thought it might be a kidney stone.
On Friday I returned to the doctor and she said, "Since the anti-biotic didn't help, I think it might be a kidney stone. We need more tests." So they sent me out for blood work (cultures, which take a few days) and a CT scan to check for more kidney stones, etc. She said a kidney stone can cause a blockage leading to a kidney infection. This worried me. This was Friday afternoon and I was feeling a bit better, thinking I had probably passed a kidney stone and was on the "up and up." (Kidney stones can cause the same symptoms as a UTI, plus pain.)
I felt pretty good on Saturday but by evening I had a high fever/violent shivering, severe head ache, nausea and low back pain, which continued all day Sunday. In my mind I was thinking, "I must have a kidney infection. I have to go back to the doctor on Monday morning."
On Monday morning I realized it was a holiday (Memorial Day) and the doctor's office was closed, so I asked Jay to take me to Urgent Care. The doctor there diagnosed a kidney infection and I was immediately put on IV anti-biotics. Over an hour later I still had a high fever and had not responded as they expected me to. The doctor came back in and said, "You are really sick and we have done all we are equipped to do. We are sending you to the hospital. Right now. In an ambulance." I was a little freaked out, but mostly just so sick that I didn't care what they did to me... I just wanted to get better. Fast!
I arrived in the ER and heard the paramedic say to the admitting nurse, "They are worried about Sepsis." I know that term and that freaked me out even more. I spent the next couple of hours in the ER getting poked and prodded, and was given a nice dose of Valium and Morphine that made me feel pretty darn good for a little while.
I spent the rest of the week at Banner Gateway Medical Center (great hospital) where they pumped me full of fluids (I was quite dehydrated) until I was so swollen I couldn't make a fist, several different kind of IV anti-biotics (and lactobacillus to combat those), phosphates (?) and magnesium to get my levels back to normal, morphine and percocet for the headaches, Zofran for the nausea, and Tylenol for the high fevers. They did several more CT scans, drew blood several times a day (from my pathetic/difficult veins) and became frustrated when my fevers did not abate and my white blood cell count didn't go back to normal. And worried when a CT scan showed on a spot on my kidney that looked like an absess that would need to be drained by inserting a giant needle into my side! Ouch! Thank goodness further tests showed it was JUST a spot of infection. Whew!
They called in the infectious disease specialist (what a character! Dr. House anyone?) who asked a million seemingly random questions about my health, history, and life-style, plus examined, poked and prodded. I was officially diagnosed with Pyelonephritis (kidney infection), pre-sepsis, anemia, and.... pneumonia. Yes, pneumonia, which apparently was a result of some of the extra IV fluids entering my lungs. They altered my medicines to target the pneumonia as well and called it good. (I kept telling all the doctors and nurses that I was having trouble breathing and I was wheezing. They said thing like, "Well, I listened to your lungs and they are clear. It's probably just post-nasal drip/stress/anxiety, etc." Yeah, right.)
I finally got to go home on Saturday with my arms looking like they belonged to a heroine addict, 10 more days worth of oral anti-biotics (levaquin), and zofran for the continued nausea, and they told me to stay hydrated and expect to feel like garbage for a couple more weeks. Great. Thank goodness I'm feeling much better today... I even drove to the doctor! The nausea and light-headedness are gone, as are the headaches, and....unfortunately, I got my appetite back. Darn.
Now they have to figure out why I'm anemic, I have to follow up with a urologist, and probably have a colonoscopy. I feel like I have aged 10 years in 2 weeks.
A word of advice.... DON'T GET SICK!
FUNNY MOMENTS
During the ambulance ride, the paramedic asked, "Are you normally fair skinned?" I replied (through my chattering teeth), "Yes, why?" He replied, "Well, you are really pale and I just wanted to make sure that is normal for you or if there is something else going on." I almost laughed. Yes, I am fair-skinned, but I think I was probably extra pale considering what was going on in my body.
Dr. Oommen, the infectious disease specialist, after doing a preliminary evaluation left the room to check out my test results/charts. A few minutes later he opened the door and poked his head and said, "Do you have any hobbies?" I almost laughed out loud. Was he making conversation? I was surprised and confused and couldn't think of anything, though I know I have hobbies, so I didn't respond immediately. He must have noticed I was confused, so she said, "You know, like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing...." Then I did laugh. "Uh, no," I said. "Nothing like that."
"Do you do anything outdoors?"
I said, "Well, I jog."
"Have you ever had valley fever?"
"Not that I know of."
"Have you had a cold?"
"No, not lately."
"Has anyone in your household been sick recently?"
"No."
"Have you been in a wind storm?"
(By this time the curiosity was about to kill me.) "No, why?"
"Oh, well, you have pneumonia."
(This is how you break it to me?) "Huh?"
"Apparently it's just because of all the extra fluids... some got in your lungs."
"So, now what?"
"Oh, I'm just changing one of your anti-biotics to one that will target pneumonia too."
"Pneumonia! I've been wheezing and no one would believe me!"
"Well, I believe you. See you tomorrow." And he shut the door.
ABRIDGED VERSION
- I got a UTI and was given Bactrim for it (pretty standard for a UTI).
- The infection happened to be resistant to Bactrim.
- The UTI turned into a kidney infection.
- I spent 6 days in the hospital, got pneumonia on top of the infection, and almost got sepsis.
- I'm home now and mostly recovered. I think.
- Being sick sucks.
June 17, 2010
Roaring Anniversary
So, we had our 13th wedding anniversary a month ago, and I'm just getting around to blogging about it. (Gotta do it.) We celebrated with our weekend date, since our actual anniversary was on a Monday.
[It's always fun to get dressed up to go out. I'm not young and/or hip anymore (was I ever?) but I was feeling pretty good about the outfit I had put together for that night. We ended up stopping by my brother's house later, and my very stylish 16-year-old niece complemented me on my outfit! Now THAT'S success!] :)
We had dinner at Roaring Fork. We were taken to a quiet table displaying this.....
... which was a pleasant surprise. We had an amazing soft shell crab appetizer, followed by delicious fish tacos and a mixed grill platter. We couldn't resist ordering a side of their amazing green chili mac-n-cheese too. Oh yum!
And THEN they offered us a free dessert to celebrate our anniversary. We were too stuffed, so we declined. They offered to wrap it up to go, but we still declined because we were headed straight to a movie. So, they offered to keep it for us in the fridge/freezer (a delicious bread pudding with custard and ice cream) so we could pick it up after the show! (And they kept our leftovers for us too!) What service! They were so gracious.
So, then we went to see Ironman 2. I know, that doesn't seem very romantic or appropriate for celebrating our marriage, but I loved it! (I loved the first one too.) I'm a sucker for a good action flick, and besides, it was very funny as well, and had a sweet little love story to boot. :) Perfect date movie after all!
Thank you, Jay, for making the last 13 years amazing.... and thanks for making me laugh every day!
[It's always fun to get dressed up to go out. I'm not young and/or hip anymore (was I ever?) but I was feeling pretty good about the outfit I had put together for that night. We ended up stopping by my brother's house later, and my very stylish 16-year-old niece complemented me on my outfit! Now THAT'S success!] :)
We had dinner at Roaring Fork. We were taken to a quiet table displaying this.....
... which was a pleasant surprise. We had an amazing soft shell crab appetizer, followed by delicious fish tacos and a mixed grill platter. We couldn't resist ordering a side of their amazing green chili mac-n-cheese too. Oh yum!And THEN they offered us a free dessert to celebrate our anniversary. We were too stuffed, so we declined. They offered to wrap it up to go, but we still declined because we were headed straight to a movie. So, they offered to keep it for us in the fridge/freezer (a delicious bread pudding with custard and ice cream) so we could pick it up after the show! (And they kept our leftovers for us too!) What service! They were so gracious.
So, then we went to see Ironman 2. I know, that doesn't seem very romantic or appropriate for celebrating our marriage, but I loved it! (I loved the first one too.) I'm a sucker for a good action flick, and besides, it was very funny as well, and had a sweet little love story to boot. :) Perfect date movie after all!
Thank you, Jay, for making the last 13 years amazing.... and thanks for making me laugh every day!
June 12, 2010
Biking
Did I tell you about my bike? I don't think I did.
When I started working out with Dixie, it had been many years since I had ridden a bike, and never really for exercise.... just for fun. Because of my lack of ability to run (I "jog") she starting bringing her bike and indoor trainer so that I could get my heart rate up more, and strengthen my knee without making it worse.
That's when I realized I needed my own road bike.... especially since I'm training for a triathlon! (I have to keep saying that so it becomes real.) At first I borrowed my father-in-law's old mountain bike. Not quite the same, but it was better than nothing.
Thankfully I am married to an amazing man who KNOWS bikes. After lots of research, and checking Craigslist everyday, we found a Cannondale and got it for $350. (It's about a $1200 bike.) Hooray for Craigslist! It's about 6 years old, but like new since the owner rode it very little and then it sat in his garage for years until he finally decided to sell it.
So, for the last couple of months I have enjoying my bike rides on the canal path.
Until now.
It's really hot outside.
So I have been on the hunt for an indoor bike trainer. They run about $300 retail. Ugh. I have been scouring ebay and Craigslist for one, and even lost a few auctions after getting into bidding wars on ebay. (I hate that.) Then the other day I found one that received great reviews, and no one else was bidding on it! I got it for the opening bid price.... $50. Sweet!
It arrived this morning, and it looks like new and works perfectly! I'm so pleased.
Wanna know some of the benefits of riding indoors?
- I don't have to wear a helmet.
- No dogs run into my path.
- I'm not worried about crashing and falling into the canal when I sprint.
- I don't get sunburned.
- I can attach an electric fan to blow in my face. (I did, and I need it!)
- I don't run over rocks, mud, potholes, or dog/horse excrement.
- I'm not riding against the wind.
- No bugs fly in my face.
- I don't have to smell the stinky canal.
I suppose there are other "benefits" like, I could watch a movie, but I need to focus on my ride. I could also boss my kids around, but that would keep me from my focus too.
But you can bet that as soon as the weather cools off I will be back riding on the canal.
When I started working out with Dixie, it had been many years since I had ridden a bike, and never really for exercise.... just for fun. Because of my lack of ability to run (I "jog") she starting bringing her bike and indoor trainer so that I could get my heart rate up more, and strengthen my knee without making it worse.
That's when I realized I needed my own road bike.... especially since I'm training for a triathlon! (I have to keep saying that so it becomes real.) At first I borrowed my father-in-law's old mountain bike. Not quite the same, but it was better than nothing.
Thankfully I am married to an amazing man who KNOWS bikes. After lots of research, and checking Craigslist everyday, we found a Cannondale and got it for $350. (It's about a $1200 bike.) Hooray for Craigslist! It's about 6 years old, but like new since the owner rode it very little and then it sat in his garage for years until he finally decided to sell it.
So, for the last couple of months I have enjoying my bike rides on the canal path.
Until now.
It's really hot outside.
So I have been on the hunt for an indoor bike trainer. They run about $300 retail. Ugh. I have been scouring ebay and Craigslist for one, and even lost a few auctions after getting into bidding wars on ebay. (I hate that.) Then the other day I found one that received great reviews, and no one else was bidding on it! I got it for the opening bid price.... $50. Sweet!
It arrived this morning, and it looks like new and works perfectly! I'm so pleased.
Wanna know some of the benefits of riding indoors?
- I don't have to wear a helmet.
- No dogs run into my path.
- I'm not worried about crashing and falling into the canal when I sprint.
- I don't get sunburned.
- I can attach an electric fan to blow in my face. (I did, and I need it!)
- I don't run over rocks, mud, potholes, or dog/horse excrement.
- I'm not riding against the wind.
- No bugs fly in my face.
- I don't have to smell the stinky canal.
I suppose there are other "benefits" like, I could watch a movie, but I need to focus on my ride. I could also boss my kids around, but that would keep me from my focus too.
But you can bet that as soon as the weather cools off I will be back riding on the canal.
May 11, 2010
An Official Announcement
On Saturday, my older sister completed her first triathlon. I am so stinkin' proud of her! She is not an "athlete," plus she has 6 children, and is.... well.... not a spring chicken (2 of those children are adults). She started working out with Dixie last summer and was my inspiration for starting as well.
Well, she has inspired me again. I'm terrified about this, but here is my official announcement: I'm going to do it too!
Yikes! Thank goodness I have a year to get ready.... I'm going to need it!
But first, I'm going to do a couple of other races:
- Turkey Trot (10K) in November
- Ragnar Relay (202 mi.) in February 2011 (this is pretty terrifying too)
- SheROX Triathlon (May 2011)
I must be crazy!
Help me Dixie!!!!!
-
Well, she has inspired me again. I'm terrified about this, but here is my official announcement: I'm going to do it too!
Yikes! Thank goodness I have a year to get ready.... I'm going to need it!
But first, I'm going to do a couple of other races:
- Turkey Trot (10K) in November
- Ragnar Relay (202 mi.) in February 2011 (this is pretty terrifying too)
- SheROX Triathlon (May 2011)
I must be crazy!
Help me Dixie!!!!!
-
April 15, 2010
Crazy Day
Yeah, yeah. I know. I've been terrible at keeping up with what is going on lately. But this is definitely a "journal" kind of day.
I worked out with Dixie (personal trainer) this morning at 5:45. (Killer workout, had a break down.... again!.... and bawled like a baby.) I got home at 7:15, rushed to make breakfast, pack lunches, gobble down some breakfast, fix Mary's hair, nag the boys to brush their teeth, and get everyone out the door and in the car to go to school.
So at 8:00 on the dot I was pulling out of my driveway to make it to school in plenty of time. I looked in my rear view mirror and saw a SWAT team in full get-up running toward the house directly across the street from mine. I was obviously a little concerned, but then immediately an SUV pulled up in front of my driveway, blocking my way out. Then 2 large armored trucks pulled up, along with a number of other vehicles (I counted at least 20) from several law enforcement agencies (DPS, state police, ICE, DEA, local police and fire, etc.)
I immediately pulled back into my garage and opened the car door and looked out. Two guys in armor with sniper rifles jumped out of the SUV in front of my house and waved me back, saying, "Get inside!" My kids were panicked, of course, but we all went back in and shut the garage door. We could hear over the loudspeaker they were calling things like, "This is the state police. You are surrounded. Come out with your hands up or we will shoot," etc.
Mary was on the verge of tears, and Collin was kneeling in the corner praying. :) We spent the next hour holed up in our house, since the street and the neighborhood was blocked off and we couldn't leave. (Nor would we have wanted to, as that would have put us in the line of fire.) We couldn't see much out our window (mostly just the snipers in front of our house) because of the (very large) armored trucks blocking the house, but we eventually saw several men brought out in handcuffs. The snipers in our driveway finally stood up with their guns pointing upward, so we breathed a sigh of relief.
After awhile, I got brave and went outside. A DPS officer came over and spoke to me. He said everyone was out of the house and they were going to investigate further, but that the trucks would be leaving shortly, allowing us to get out. I asked if it was a drop house for illegals, and he said, "Well, it's a lot more complicated than that." I didn't ask anymore questions, because I'm assuming he wouldn't have been able to tell me anyway.
The investigation has been going on all day, with mostly ICE and DEA officers still hanging around. There are still plenty of official people and vehicles coming and going though. Two women were being questioned in the front yard, and 2 very small children are with them. Sad.
I saw on the news that there are several other "busts" like this going on around the valley. Thankfully there were no shots fired, and everyone is safe. And the kids made it to school in time for recess. :)
I was bombarded with phone calls from my neighbors all morning.... of course they wanted to know what was going on.
What a crazy day.
Here is an illustration Jack made of the "incident."
I worked out with Dixie (personal trainer) this morning at 5:45. (Killer workout, had a break down.... again!.... and bawled like a baby.) I got home at 7:15, rushed to make breakfast, pack lunches, gobble down some breakfast, fix Mary's hair, nag the boys to brush their teeth, and get everyone out the door and in the car to go to school.
So at 8:00 on the dot I was pulling out of my driveway to make it to school in plenty of time. I looked in my rear view mirror and saw a SWAT team in full get-up running toward the house directly across the street from mine. I was obviously a little concerned, but then immediately an SUV pulled up in front of my driveway, blocking my way out. Then 2 large armored trucks pulled up, along with a number of other vehicles (I counted at least 20) from several law enforcement agencies (DPS, state police, ICE, DEA, local police and fire, etc.)
I immediately pulled back into my garage and opened the car door and looked out. Two guys in armor with sniper rifles jumped out of the SUV in front of my house and waved me back, saying, "Get inside!" My kids were panicked, of course, but we all went back in and shut the garage door. We could hear over the loudspeaker they were calling things like, "This is the state police. You are surrounded. Come out with your hands up or we will shoot," etc.
After awhile, I got brave and went outside. A DPS officer came over and spoke to me. He said everyone was out of the house and they were going to investigate further, but that the trucks would be leaving shortly, allowing us to get out. I asked if it was a drop house for illegals, and he said, "Well, it's a lot more complicated than that." I didn't ask anymore questions, because I'm assuming he wouldn't have been able to tell me anyway.
The investigation has been going on all day, with mostly ICE and DEA officers still hanging around. There are still plenty of official people and vehicles coming and going though. Two women were being questioned in the front yard, and 2 very small children are with them. Sad.
I saw on the news that there are several other "busts" like this going on around the valley. Thankfully there were no shots fired, and everyone is safe. And the kids made it to school in time for recess. :)
I was bombarded with phone calls from my neighbors all morning.... of course they wanted to know what was going on.
What a crazy day.
Here is an illustration Jack made of the "incident."
January 20, 2010
Exhaustion
Every Wednesday when I workout with Dixie I want to cry, but today I actually DID cry.... literally broke down and sobbed. (I looked at the calendar, and it's not even PMS!) After only 2 sets of the workout! (Five was the plan.) The exhaustion just hit me like a ton of bricks and I felt like I couldn't go on. Of course, she talked me through it and I did two more sets (4 total).
Then I ran 2 miles on Jello-legs. Ugh.
THEN I got back and read an inspiring email from Dixie, and cried again...for a different reason.
THANKS DIXIE! I love you even though I want to curse you sometimes. :)
* I'm down 9 pounds without feeling deprived... eating whatever I want but learning how to control myself and stop eating when I'm no longer hungry.
** If you are ready to change your life, consider signing up at Race Day Training. You can do it anywhere in the world, out of your home.
January 10, 2010
Run!
Remember how I ran my first race last month? Yes, 5K/3.1 miles. Remember how it took me an embarrassing 46:36 minutes? Pretty pathetic.
Remember how I could hardly walk the rest of the day and how my knee hurt like crazy for about a week afterward? Oh yeah, you wouldn't remember that, but I sure do.
Guess what! Yesterday, about a month later, I ran 3.31 miles in 36:43... without walking once! That is monumental for me.
AND, my knee isn't killing me!
My new goal = run a 10K (6.2 miles)
Next goal after that = work up to a half marathon
I have been training with Dixie of "Race Day Training." You can workout with her online even if you don't live near me. You can't beat $10 a month. Try it!
Remember how I could hardly walk the rest of the day and how my knee hurt like crazy for about a week afterward? Oh yeah, you wouldn't remember that, but I sure do.
Guess what! Yesterday, about a month later, I ran 3.31 miles in 36:43... without walking once! That is monumental for me.
AND, my knee isn't killing me!
My new goal = run a 10K (6.2 miles)
Next goal after that = work up to a half marathon
I have been training with Dixie of "Race Day Training." You can workout with her online even if you don't live near me. You can't beat $10 a month. Try it!
December 10, 2009
A Weird Side-Effect of Working Out
I have discovered that lately any time I do some repetitive motion, whether it's grating cheese, stacking dishes, scrubbing something, etc., I find myself subconsciously counting, as if I'm doing reps.... sit-ups/push-ups/squats/lunges, etc. Weird.
November 24, 2009
Run/Jog/Walk
Today I registered for my first "race." It's a 5K on December 12th. Anyone want to join me? I will be mostly walking, but I would love some company....because I'm terrified. Here is a link to register.
November 19, 2009
My New Thing
Years ago (too many!) during my last semester of college, I took a P.E. class in "Beginning Golf." To make a long story short, I needed a .5 credit class to fill a gap and it was the only thing I could get into at the last minute. I certainly never would have taken it otherwise.
I had never played golf in my life so I didn't know what to expect. Actually, I really enjoyed it. The teacher was funny and interesting, and I found that I wasn't half bad at it. It was an easy "A." I learned the rules and how to swing, watched/evaluated a few hours of the "Masters," and played a couple of rounds of golf at a local course. That was about it.
Then toward the end of the semester, the teacher announced that there would a written exam. How annoying. BUT, he said we could opt out of the exam and get an "A" on it by participating in a study for his doctoral dissertation.... he was a graduate student in exercise physiology. (Yes, people actually study it!)
I don't remember exactly what he was studying, though I have wondered a few times what his conclusions were, since, yes, I participated in the study. (I have always hated multiple choice exams.)
It was pretty straight forward; I went to the exercise lab (yes, lab....weird, I know) during my appointed time, where he hooked me up to a bunch of wires and tubes, and made me do stuff, like run on a tread mill and ride a stationery bike, and did a full-fledged EKG, etc.
I was curious. When he was done, I asked a lot of questions, and he showed me a chart of physical fitness levels, from poor to superior. He told me I scored very well. I was pleased and figured I did alright because of all the aerobics classes I went to that my roommate taught, and all the walking I did around campus, and well, everywhere, since I didn't have a car.
Still, I wasn't happy with my body because I wasn't as "skinny" as I thought I should be.
Anyway, pointing to the chart he said, "'Superior' is the professional athlete range. The range just below it is 'Excellent'." Then he surprised me by saying, "You are at the top of the 'Excellent' range, right on the border to 'Superior'." I was speechless. And so proud of myself. And kind of confused. It was the best shape I have ever been in in my life, and yet I wasn't skinny?
That was when I decided that you don't have to be "skinny" to be physically fit.
Then the years went by..... I got married and gave birth to 3 kids, gaining weight with each one. In between I broken a lot of bones in a serious car accident and spent about 6 months in a wheel chair doing physical therapy and learning to walk again. Exercise was no longer part of my life. I have exercised since then for periods of time, but nothing serious.
That's changing.
I'm making exercise part of my life again. (Maybe because I'm rapidly approaching 40? Yikes!) I have started working out with a personal trainer who is working my tail off. I'm more sore than I have ever been in my life.... more sore than I thought was possible. But I'm determined to get back to "Excellent" physical fitness.
Even if I don't get "skinny." (But I'm still hoping.)
Just thought you should know.
I had never played golf in my life so I didn't know what to expect. Actually, I really enjoyed it. The teacher was funny and interesting, and I found that I wasn't half bad at it. It was an easy "A." I learned the rules and how to swing, watched/evaluated a few hours of the "Masters," and played a couple of rounds of golf at a local course. That was about it.
Then toward the end of the semester, the teacher announced that there would a written exam. How annoying. BUT, he said we could opt out of the exam and get an "A" on it by participating in a study for his doctoral dissertation.... he was a graduate student in exercise physiology. (Yes, people actually study it!)
I don't remember exactly what he was studying, though I have wondered a few times what his conclusions were, since, yes, I participated in the study. (I have always hated multiple choice exams.)
It was pretty straight forward; I went to the exercise lab (yes, lab....weird, I know) during my appointed time, where he hooked me up to a bunch of wires and tubes, and made me do stuff, like run on a tread mill and ride a stationery bike, and did a full-fledged EKG, etc.
I was curious. When he was done, I asked a lot of questions, and he showed me a chart of physical fitness levels, from poor to superior. He told me I scored very well. I was pleased and figured I did alright because of all the aerobics classes I went to that my roommate taught, and all the walking I did around campus, and well, everywhere, since I didn't have a car.
Still, I wasn't happy with my body because I wasn't as "skinny" as I thought I should be.
Anyway, pointing to the chart he said, "'Superior' is the professional athlete range. The range just below it is 'Excellent'." Then he surprised me by saying, "You are at the top of the 'Excellent' range, right on the border to 'Superior'." I was speechless. And so proud of myself. And kind of confused. It was the best shape I have ever been in in my life, and yet I wasn't skinny?
That was when I decided that you don't have to be "skinny" to be physically fit.
Then the years went by..... I got married and gave birth to 3 kids, gaining weight with each one. In between I broken a lot of bones in a serious car accident and spent about 6 months in a wheel chair doing physical therapy and learning to walk again. Exercise was no longer part of my life. I have exercised since then for periods of time, but nothing serious.
That's changing.
I'm making exercise part of my life again. (Maybe because I'm rapidly approaching 40? Yikes!) I have started working out with a personal trainer who is working my tail off. I'm more sore than I have ever been in my life.... more sore than I thought was possible. But I'm determined to get back to "Excellent" physical fitness.
Even if I don't get "skinny." (But I'm still hoping.)
Just thought you should know.
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