A Working Weekend

Well, that's what it was supposed to be. My grandfather, who lives in Allentown, PA, invited me up to spend the weekend with him, his wife, and my 11 year old half Aunt (I'll give you a second to figure that out). Can I move on? Ok.

They currently live in a house that they want to renovate and add on some square footage, so they flew me up to see the house, take measurements, and take photographs. This is what I figured I would be doing the entire weekend (from Saturday to Monday). Instead, this is what I got in between doing my work:

Saturday:

Sunday:

Not too shabby!

Obama/Bonner 2008!

New Years Resolutions...

I have none, and I make it a point every year not to have them, I guess that's kind of my resolution. No one sticks to them, so why create unreasonable goals for yourself that make you feel horribly guilty when you bail?

I think resolutions are for those who are dissatisfied with their lives and feel that they need to change themselves or some personality trait and people think that the New Year is the perfect time to start. Like a woman saying "I'll start my diet tomorrow" while she shoves a piece of chocolate cake in her mouth, those who make New Years resolutions are doomed to fail, because if it was that important to you, you would have already started them. You wouldn't wait "until tomorrow", you would start this minute. You fail because you are already procrastinating the start of the resolution by waiting until New Years, like magically when the date changes you will have more willpower or you will find your goal more important or you will just happen to have more time to squeeze in that workout.

New Years day is just like any other day, with no mystical powers attached. The only thing that it ushers in are unrealistic goals set by people who are dissatisfied...and the start of the accrual of vacation time at work (I like that aspect of New Years).

I, myself, am happy with my life. Sure, there are things that I'm not thrilled about, like my areas of pudginess and the fact that I still have tons of projects to do around the house. I wish I made more money and I wish my cats could clean their own litter trays. I want to work out more, but I'm not going to start today and be disappointed when I don't stick to it. But, all in all, I'd like this New Year to just roll over from last year and have my life continue on the course it's been on.

Don't get me wrong, I have goals in my life and I have ambition, but I know that the magic of January 1st won't help me to achieve those.

So, those of you out there who do set New Years resolutions, please, let me know how that goes.

Slummin' the streets of Greenville

New HGTV Green Home

Apparently we're getting close to being HGTV's personal architects...(not really)

Check out the HGTV Green Home which my firm designed. Scroll down on the page and watch the video, Neil Dawson (the architect) is one of my bosses.

Let me know what you think!

HGTV 2008 Dream Home Unveiled!

Earlier this year my firm was selected to design the HGTV 2008 Dream Home in Islamorada, Florida. It was built during the summer and it has now been unveiled on their website. The big television premiere is on January 1, 2008 at 9p.m. and I expect all of you to watch it! Pay close attention to the "Doggy Dream Home" which I helped design and draw. I also helped on the drawings for the Main House, but in a limited capacity. I hope you like it!

The Cat Whisperer

Enough said...

Grumpy Grampy

My grandfather "Grampy", or "Grumpy" as I called him when I was little because of his strong, quiet demeanor that I didn't quite understand yet, passed away on Thursday, November 15th from cancer which he was diagnosed with in January. He passed peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by family.

When we lived in Virginia we regularly would take the 3 hour drive up to Pennsylvania to visit my Nana and Grampy. We had our ritual in the mornings. He would bring his "Grumpy" self downstairs with his hair sticking up and I'd laugh and tease him about it, and he'd laugh. As the years went by I grew to understand his understated and sarcastic humor that made him seem deviously funny.

When I would visit by myself, without my parents, he would take me to his favorite restaurant where I would order the open faced turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. Then I would cut it up into little pieces and mix it all together. I'm not sure if I learned that from him, but I remember that was the place it started.

Over the years as we moved away I didn't get to visit him as much, usually only every few years, but even though we spent most of the time apart, we still picked up right where we left off and I'm thrilled that he made it to my wedding and I was happy to have joined him and all my mom's family in Rhode Island for my Nana and Grampy's 35th wedding anniversary in 2005.

Mostly I'll remember his kindness and his care for others, loving life and the people in it.

Withdrawals

Morgan and I just got back on Sunday from a glorious 7 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

Note: Those of you who want to read Morgan's take on the trip can go to his blog – click the link on the right, reading his entry makes me wonder if we were on the same cruise, you know, since I enjoyed probably everything he didn't.

Our cruise took us to San Juan, Puerto Rico;


Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas;


and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten


Our trip was supposed to take us to Coca Cay, Bahamas, but due to bad weather we took a detour to San Juan. No love lost there! San Juan is a very old, historic town with amazing architecture (I know...) and the views from the Fort that we visited are amazing.


It's just a shame that we only had a couple of hours to spend there, but I did find a great deal on a Coach purse – tied to the rack since the “drug addicts run in and snatch them”. I think it was a good first stepping stone for Morgan who has never been out of the country, since it is considered the 51st state.

I enjoyed the island of St. Thomas as a whole. The terrain lends to spectacular landscapes – built and natural. We visited Magens Bay Beach, known as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. What I found most interesting was that besides having salt water and the water being crystal aqua, it seemed like more of a lake. There weren't any waves, just a gentle lapping on the sand. The beach is in a national park so there are also walking trails around the Bay with iguanas and mongoose scattered throughout – no snakes, though – the residents introduced the mongoose to take care of the snake problem.

After the beach we went to Blackbeard's castle which was basically one brick tower and a few British home museums...and a couple of swimming pools.

The island is part of the US Virgin islands, the next step in Morgan's quest to the unknown land beyond the borders. Our tour guide was telling us about the history of the island, mainly how it is impacted by the United States. Their official language is English and they use US currency. The residents pay taxes (although it's through a local agency) and they are assisted by America's welfare program, among others.


Our last island that we visited was St. Martin/St. Maarten – depending on whether you are on the Dutch or French side. I have never studied the island so I was unaware that the island is actually two separate countries...and the French side is technically considered part of Europe. I guess Morgan can't get much more international than that! I took him to the Caribbean and he ended up in Europe. He must have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque.

The beach I visited (I say “I” because Morgan didn't go in the water, in fact, he insisted on keeping his socks and shoes on the entire time because he hates sand between his toes – does he sound like a huge baby or what?) was Kokao beach at the Orient Bay, which is also right next to the nudest club, Club Orient. We took a walk along the beach, through the club's beach, and quickly out. Side note: Morgan got his shoes and socks soaked by the waves, yes, this beach had waves, and he still wouldn't take his shoes off). Morgan did look the most out of place walking down a fully nude beach completely clothed.

We had a lovely meal on the beach, included in the price of the excursion, and served by very delectable looking French men.


All of our other experiences were on the ship since we had four days at sea.

We met a very nice couple from Asheville, NC at our dinner table and our waiter, Francis, and assistant waiter, Wency, are some of my favorite people ever.

So, along with the pools on board, we played miniature golf, Morgan climbed the rock wall, we sipped fruity drinks, spent time and money in the casino, strolled along the ships promenade looking in the windows of the shops, going to the casino, going to musicals (Morgan didn't go – I went with our dinner companions), seeing an ice show (there was an ice rink on our ship), seeing a few comedy shows, going to the casino, playing (and tying for first) sci-fi trivia, climbing stairs and more stairs, spent a lot of time standing at the railing and staring at the water trying not to throw the other one overboard, going to the casino...have I mentioned the casino? I think so. Casino.

The first day we were on board I wasn't sure whether or not I would like a cruise. There were so many people (over 4,000 including the 1,200 person staff) and the ship is so big that it was all so overwhelming. But, by the second day we started to get the hang of things. I think we needed a transition period from taking care of everything ourselves to be completely taken care of. I'm still half expecting my bed to be turned down when I get home from work with a cute towel animal and some chocolates. Instead I have to forage for my own food, feed the cats, scoop litter, and realize that my bed can't be turned down if I never made it in the morning. Sigh.

I am proud to say that I didn't gain any weight – if you stick to the stairs of a 14 deck ship you can pretty much not worry about what you eat – although I still watched what I ate. Our first day there we were told that the average person gains around 1.7 pounds per day on a cruise. I can see how that can happen having about 15 meals a day.

I am amazed at how much I really enjoyed the cruise, and how much Morgan liked it. I say that he liked it but his comment when I asked him if he would be open to going on another cruise (one that doesn't go to the beach which he hates) was “I'm not 100% opposed to going on another one”. That's actually high praise from someone who was dreading this one.

I'm thrilled that we went and that we were able to spend quality time together. We haven't been on a vacation together in a year, and although we don't have children and we live under the same roof, it's still hard to find time, especially time that isn't stressful, to spend together. We both work so much and at night I'm studying for my exams while Morgan is generally working from home. I'm really going to miss the cruise. I've created my top ten list of things I'll miss most – in no particular order:

1.The option of a twelfth meal of the day at 11:15 pm, free of charge, and cooked by someone else.
2.The stateroom attendants – especially the towel animals and mints.
3.Our waiter! He was so entertaining and just a fun person altogether.
4.Our dining experience at dinner with the wait staff and our new friends from Asheville.
5.Sleeping in without a care.
6.Being able to wash your hands in the sink and your hair in the shower while using the toilet – seriously, the bathroom was so small, but very efficient.
7.Fruity drinks (no alcohol).
8.Long walks on the deck just staring out to sea.
9.The entertainment on board - “The Honeymooners game”; “The Quest” Adult scavenger hunt; the musicals.
10.THE CASINO!

For those of you out there that are skeptics or not sure whether you would like a cruise, it's worth going on one at least once in your life. This had to have been the first vacation I've taken where when I got home I was actually relaxed and rejuvenated.

I'm definitely interested in going on another one. We think it would be fun to go with a group of friends (mainly so Morgan won't have to go to the musicals). So, anyone interested just give me a shout!

this just in...

I passed my second ARE exam!!!

I hate playing tag...too much stress

So, through another friend's blog, I've been tagged and asked to fill out this survey. Enjoy...or don't.

A~Attached or Single: Attached, although I can be persuaded depending on the amount of food you offer.
B~Best Friend: Hmm...I know you're supposed to put your significant other, but that's too expected, plus I LOVE my husband, I just LIKE my friends a little bit more. Ha! Um, I'm going to have to go with Jayna.
C~Cake or Pie: Pie! Except for cupcakes, they are my weakness.
D~Day of Choice: Saturday morning...sleepy!!!
E~Essential Item: Jeans.
F~Favorite Color: I never have favorites, I like too many things and I'm constantly changing.
G~Gummi Bears or Worms: Gummi bears!!! preferably on top of strawberry TCBY yogurt in a chocolate waffle cone with oreos on top.
H~Hometown: born in Steamboat Springs, CO, lived in Warrenton, VA, but Boise, ID is my closest thing to a hometown.
I~Indulgences: cheddar cheese pretzel combos
J~January or July: January...I love snow!!!
K~Kids:None, yet. I think I might just take one of my friends' babies, they have plenty to go around.
L~Life is Incomplete Without: Cats and ponies...I mean unconditional love.
M~Marriage Date: May 17th, 2002
N~Number of Siblings: 1 brother, 1 step-sister, 1 step-brother, 1 half-sister, 2 ex-step-sisters...you know, the typical modern family.
O~Oranges or Apples: oranges.
P~Phobias or Fears: buttons, enough said. Anymore explanation would be too incriminating.
Q~Quotes: "These mashed potatoes are so creamy."
R~Reason to Smile: My cats being cute...also sleep.
S~Season: Spring and Fall
T~Tag Two: Oy, no one I ask to do this will, so I'll just say Morgan (yeah, right) and...I can't even think of another person.
U~Unknown Fact: I've grown to like Morgan's Star Trek shows (not the original, ok, I've already gone too far).
W~Worst Habit: Manipulation
X~X-Rays or Ultrasound: Ultrasounds I guess, but all I've had looked at was my bladder and lumps in my boob, nothing fun.
Y~Your Favorite Food: Like I said, no favorites.
Z-Zodiac: Aries. Fire and a Ram. You can tell that breeds stubborness, selfishness, and anger issues.

p.s. blog on my cruise with pictures coming soon!

abc...dance!

I thought I'd spice up everyone's day with a little alphabet dancing!

ok

I know I've been away for a while, although, it's not like people really read my blog religiously, so I think I'm ok. But, know that I have a good reason for neglecting my loyal, and obviously misguided readers.

For the last few weeks I have been held up like a hermit in our office studying for my next ARE exam - which I took today. I feel much better about this one than the last one, so I'll just have to wait my three weeks until my results come.

Also, our internet was, unknowingly and unprovoked, turned off by our internet provider. It wasn't as if they just accidentally hit a button at their office, no, they sent someone out to our house on Friday and they manually disconnected our internet, for no apparent reason. When the technician came out today to fix it, he didn't know why anyone had done that either.

And...two weeks ago I went up to Concord, NC (just outside of Charlotte) to my mom's house to visit and also see the progress of her house renovation. I went up there in May when the house was first purchased. She brought me up there to redesign her kitchen. They gutted the whole kitchen and I helped her select the cabinets, countertops, flooring, etc., came home to draw up the plans for the contractor, and now I was there to see the fruits of my labor! It was pretty exciting. I've included some before and after pictures below. The only thing left to do in the kitchen is the tile for the backsplash. Once that is installed, the stainless steel hood can be installed.


The door that is in the third picture has been patched and the counter was run all the way to the adjacent wall, as well as the soffit (you will see in the pictures below). Also, the blank wall now has lower cabinets, as well as a new opening/pass-thru into the dining room.


Hopefully you can see the improvement! ha!

So, we have been busy in our neck of the woods, but, don't fret, we have a nice, relaxing vacation in our horizon. This Sunday Morgan and I are driving to Florida and hopping on this...

for a 7 night cruise hitting the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten (Eastern Caribbean). It's a belated 5 year wedding anniversary gift to the two of us (although Morgan says it's just for me, but when I have to pay for half I say it's for the both of us :o))

Well, I'm sure this has been quite the thrilling post all of you have come to expect from me. I'm sure I'll be back with glorious photos of our trip in a couple of weeks!

I'm addicted

As a surprise Morgan bought me the new iPod touch, just for being me! (I'm sure he has some other sneaky reason, but I also was desperately in need of an upgrade). I can't explain how awesome this is. It's like the new iPhone, but smaller and thinner, and without the phone capabilities. You can add photos, watch movies, listen to music - of course, browse the internet wirelessly, and much more! Now I'm starting to sound like an infomercial.

Everyone, do yourselves a favor and go to www.apple.com and buy one! Now!

this is exactly how i felt...

"It was as if ninjas attacked me in a group, flashbanged me, disoriented me with mind altering drugs and then said here is some scratch paper and your calculator. The clock is ticking."

This quote is taken directly from the ARE forum where architect candidates like myself go to swap test and study information about the tests (I know, it's dorky, but no one would pass any of them without it). Anyway, this sums up the way I felt leaving my test. I'm looking to take my second one in two weeks!

Southern Wedding

This weekend my friend Jenny and I drove up to Charleston for a friend's wedding. The ceremony was at the Citadel Chapel (the groom went to college at the Citadel) and the reception was at the Charleston Yacht Club. This wedding had so many highlights, although most were in the intimate details. To start with Charleston is a beautiful, old city and the historic charm already lends itself to being a wonderful setting for a wedding.

I think the part I liked most was the fact that our friend, Amanda (the bride), had her dress made from her mom's wedding dress. It was so special, unique and beautiful. Kenny and Amanda are such a great couple (they are the ones I went to Costa Rica with a year ago). I wish them all the best! (It's starting out nice...they're in Jamaica for their honeymoon!).

Don't you just hate it...

when you get some great news and then right afterwards get really bad news? Like the fact that I got my much anticipated "pass" letter for my first ARE test...that's right, folks, I passed (I guess I owe Jayna a phone call to tell her she was right). But, before I could do a happy dance I opened the next piece of mail which was a notice from the South Carolina tax people saying that I made a mistake on my taxes and I owe a LOT of money - due in 30 days. just peachy...yea for me, I passed my test...

No word...

I'm still waiting on the results of my test. It's been two and a half weeks now. It's supposed to take between two and four weeks, although I've heard of it taking six to eight. That's really not fair. I'll keep you updated when I hear something! Meanwhile I'm studying for the next one, but not too excitedly.