Bella

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile folks.

I have been beside myself with heartbreak because my kitty Bella has decided she doesn't like change in our household.

Our dining/living room is torn apart because of the water damage...carpet is up in some places, furniture is moved, etc. And she protested by acting out - hiding, being extremely feeble and scared, fighting with Maddie, and piddling on the (remaining) carpet.

So, we have to find a new home. We just can't provide the type of environment she will thrive in - we travel, Jeff leaves for the farm, we change our house around a lot, it's noisy sometimes...she just can't handle us anymore.

I can't bear the thought of her in a cage at a shelter so I have been trying to find a friend, coworker, or foster organization that will take her.

My heart has been so sad, that I couldn't find it in myself to post anything else.

Pentatonix.

What...............what.............what...........mind blown.

Best Fridge Cookie

As the holidays approach and we get ready to turn our focus from Thanksgiving to Christmas, I give you my SUPREMELY seasonal appropriate - and time crunched busy woman cheater - cookie find:

Immaculate Baking Company Gingerbread Spice Cookies

It celebrates folk art, it's made all natural and better-for-you ingredients, and it is DELICIOUS. Oh, and only 70 calories each (2 points if you're on WW).

Get it in your fridge section by the milk!

Yard Sale Joke

Funny joke for the day:

“The only difference between a rummage sale and garbage pickup is how close you have the items to the road.”

…did you know that’s how we got rid of our orange loveseat? Several neighbors were having garage sales on a Saturday morning, and so we hauled it out to the end of the driveway (exactly where our garbage goes on garbage day) with a “FREE” sign.

It disappeared by the end of the morning!!! A little redneck, YES, but hey - it worked!

401(k)-ing

We just finished up 4 solid days of flooring shopping, picking paint out, and accessorizing. More on that later. (I'm too tired to think about it anymore.) Yes, my mom is still here but she might go home today (BOO).

Here's my offical Monday question: If you are 30 years old, how much should you be putting into your 401(k)?

I know everyone's different, with different goals. But at thirty, a lot of us millenials are somewhat established, maybe with or without kids, and are settling into life a bit more. And none of us will have pensions. Or Social Security. (Come on people, it's just a fact of life now.)

So I am just wondering...when it's your annual election time, you have to choose something. So what's the appropriate percentage? 2%? 5%? 10%? What "should" we strive for???

I was talking to a similarly aged colleage (he's 33) and he said they do 15%. Another similarly aged colleage (she's 29) said she does 5%. Another (26) said he does the minimum company match. How is a person supposed to know?

Georgia has 2 Kienows

My momma's here!

After the kitchen flood of '11, we have enlisted professional help to determine flooring replacements.

Schedule:
Arrived Wednesday night (done).
Thursday: Jeff and Mom pre-view 3-4 shops to assess availability, pricing, DIY viability of various hardwood floors.
Friday: VACATION DAY! We all go out, ponder, and select new flooring.
Saturday: If pondering and selection not complete, then more pondering. If complete - maybe Dahlonega!!!
Sunday: Re-lax.
Monday: Home Joe.

I can't wait!!! I love family time...I may have to destroy things more often to encourage my family to visit!!! (Just kidding, Jeff.)

PSUgh

I cannot stop reading about Penn State and the horrible-ness of Sandusky and willfull turning a blind eye of Paterno.

It's disgusting. And sad. And it makes me mad no one caught it sooner.

What about that graduate assistant that SAW an adult having anal sex with a young boy???? He reported it - to the school - the next day...but didn't stop it IN ACTION.

After he reported it...then...NOTHING.

There is a special place in hell for child abusers, and those who tolerate child abuse. I hope every single victim comes forward to tell their story and get the help they need to continue healing, even if it's 15 years later.

My New Phone

I have firmly stepped into the 2010's...I have a smartphone.

Yes, I had a Blackberry for work before but it was LAME.

I am now the proud owner of an HTC Incredible 2 Droid.

My favorite features so far?
Number 1: Navigation.
Number 2: Weight Watchers food tracker.
Number 3: I can ACTUALLY hear people on the phone, and they can hear me.
Number 4: It holds a charge for longer than 6 hours.
Number 5: It doesn't randomly not work.

YIPPEE

An explanation

Sorry I have not posted in awhile. Here are my top 5 excuses for not posting.

1. Jeff is back. WOO HOO!!! We have been spending all our extra free time together.

2. I wrecked our carpet. When I flooded the kitchen with the RO/DI water, I did not realize it also went into the dining room, which is carpeted. And so it sat for 3 days. Upon Jeff's return, we ripped out the padding and carpet in half the room to allow it to dry. I am very depressed about this, since it is 100% my fault and is going to be crazy expensive to re-floor 2 rooms.

3. Work is crazy. I know, I know - it's always crazy. But I literally have no cleverness or resources left at the end of the day...and I if I did, I'd spend them on the hubby.

4. I am on my health journey. I am extremely focused on eating healthier, and I just know you all are tired of hearing about my recipes or how I DIDN'T eat pizza when I wanted to.

5. It's been raining. Ok, I didn't really have a Number 5. But truly - did you guys know it rains A LOT in Georgia in the fall and winter???