Monday, November 22, 2010

Thanksgiving week!

In honor of Thanksgiving, my most favorite day of the year, and the simultaneous celebration of no more workers in my house for a little while, I'm dedicating this week's blog to passing on helpful tips to help you celebrate this week in style, comfort and maybe some free gifts.

So, Monday's Blog Deal of the Day comes from SkinMedica, and it's a special Friends and Family coupon code you can use for Black Friday specials and on to December 1st. I am an online Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopper, so this is my perfect deal.

Use Friends and Family Coupon* Code: FF25 to save 25% on your purchases at SkinCareRx, and start giving to friends, or yourself.

Two Weeks

We've officially been Nashvillians for two weeks now. It's not nearly as sinister as it sounds.

We got that first week of school in, which was a big step and a successful one, I'm happy to report. I think we can all breathe a little easier now that that's over. We still need to get into a routine, but we'll get there. Stevie is already on the hockey team and feeling well, and the little ones are meeting new friends.

On the housefront, almost all of the boxes are now unpacked, and with the exception of the garage and storage rooms in the basement, pretty much set up. Tomorrow the last of the various service people come to fix the last of the broken things. God willing. No longer planning my entire day around service calls will be a much needed reprieve. It seems like that's been the agenda since August.

And next week is another fun one to look forward to. We've got tons of family coming in for Thanksgiving, and we are dining at the governor's mansion on Tuesday. I even found a babysitter so Jessie won't be swinging from chandeliers and otherwise causing an international incident.

Because that would be a little sinister for my little Nashvillian.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Suburban/Urban/Rural Diva

It's a funny place where I live now.

The neighborhood couldn't be more suburban--we've got neighbors that show up with baked goods and an HOA. But we are also 10 miles from the city limits, and when I drive the kids to school I pass at least five sprawling horse farms on the way.

It's hilly--there are hills and valleys that I'm not used to in flat Florida. The colors are vibrant and not just various shades of green. And while nothing can compare to the beauty of the Gulf, it is definitely a pretty place to live. I miss the water in Florida, but in Florida I realize now that I missed the trees.

I'm trying to find my way here--literally and figuratively; but mostly literally. I like turning off the GPS which is so unhelpful at times, and just driving around getting the lay of the land. It doesn't help that every road is called something Pike, but we'll figure it out.

The kids started school yesterday, and they are all loving it so far. People are extremely friendly here, and with exception of things breaking and repairmen here every day, it's been a very nice week to get acclimated to Nashville life. I've got about 80% of the boxes unpacked, and hopefully by the end of the weekend, most things will be hung on the wall for all of the Thanksgiving guests to look at when they're eating their turkey.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Friends

I was having one of those really tough moving days that you know are bound to come along but still piss you off nonetheless, when a neighbor stopped by just as I spilled an entire chocolate shake in the car. She has a first grade daughter born a day after A-Dog and she brought a gift.

She said she was debating between the gourmet cupcakes and a bottle of wine.

She chose the cupcakes but said she almost picked the champagne-flavored variety.

I almost kissed her on the mouth, but didn't want to scare her off on the first day.

Maybe I could get used to this after all....

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Nashville

We are here.

It wasn't easy, and we are all exhausted and cold, but all are present and accounted for in Music City.

I can't begin this next chapter of entries without first acknowledging the fact that I have the world's greatest friends who made it particularly difficult to leave. I miss them already. But if any of them are reading this now and considering sending me a care package of oranges, please include slippers and Chapstick because I don't know if I'll die from scurvy or frostbite because it's freaking cold here!

And just so you know that I haven't changed in the last 48 hours since surrendering my Florida residency, you'll be pleased to know that I am still wearing my cheesy black flip flops as my footwear. Not so much out of protest, but because the movers seemed to have misplaced the box that all my shoes are packed in. Normally, I wouldn't mind these missing articles, but since it's 28 degrees here and I'm supposed to be attending the CMA's tomorrow night, I'm a little concerned. Dude, I seriously can't be walking the red carpet in the $2.50 Old Navy bin specials.

Other than that, things are going well. Ish.

I've discovered that I'm waking up before 6 every morning here, but then exhausted and ready for bed by 7:30. I also have learned that I hate unpacking as much as I hated packing, which doesn't bode well for the next couple of weeks.

The neighborhood is quiet, but we did have some visitors today which was encouraging. I'm still waiting for some homemade cookies or BBQ to show up on the doorstep.

The kids are doing well--they, too are confused on these things people use around here called "clothes" and "closed-toed shoes." It's going to be a tough adjustment.

But Jingle likes the weather. She seems to be particularly dog-like here, running in the backyard and molesting the native wildlife, including the dogs next door.

I hope to post some pictures of the sparkly events tomorrow night, but watch for me on tv. I'll be the one in flip flops and earmuffs.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Hello November

It's pretty sad when I leave on a post like that and then fade away.

Stevie's surgery went well. Although it wasn't what we thought, it still required the same surgery, so we are thankful we found it in time and were able to take care of it so soon.

And now, we move.

The movers are here and if I'm not typing furiously, they will pack this computer along with everything else in this house. It's amazing that it took me 3 months to pack 20 boxes, and they have my whole house boxed in 8. They are actually ahead of schedule, so we will be on the road to our new digs fairly soon.

But until then, we celebrate Stevie's 15th birthday feeling a little more humbled and much more blessed.

Happy Birthday, my Old Soul.