Starting the house hunt

It's like the stars are finally aligning or something!
My first contact with our Realtor today, over the phone. Got some excellent info from her today, as well as some names of mortgage lenders (whom we will be calling next week). We are meeting up with her next weekend to actually look at houses!

We're going to be looking in a few areas. See green areas on map below. The D and A are where we work. But we're going to keep things open incase our Realtor knows of a Gem of a neighborhood.

There are certainly a lot of good deals right now, so I don't think Alan and I will have any troubles finding a house we love.

**does good credit dance**

Wow...for the longest time, I thought I had bad credit...well, I probably did. Alan and I were starting to stress because we wanted to buy a house soon, but with the higher standards for lending, we thought we had a lot of work to do to boost the credit. We wanted to buy before June so we can get the tax credit.

Anyways, Alan got his report and score last week. After a bit of whining about MY score (I signed up for the credit monitoring and they have a "score"), we finally just paid the $$ to get my Official FICO score from Equifax. 673...I was flabbergasted. That's in the "Good" range...most importantly, that in the "I can qualify for a house" range! We ran the other 2 credit bureaus to make sure it was not a fluke...and it wasn't!

The next step is getting in touch with a mortgage broker. My co-worker's friend is a mortgage broker that works with FHA loans, so we will be talking with him soon. Our main concern is the difference in credit scores. We expect Alan's to be a lot better in a few months and mine would continue to raise if I pay down some things. If I can boost a few more points, that means lower interest rate. Im sure talking with him and getting information will put our minds at ease....and we could possibly be in a our own home sooner that we think!

MixedUpMarbles update

EDIT: Sorry Guys the original email was incorrect. Its "Forum" not "forums". My bad! I updated the link on this blog.
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Hey guys,

Due to a technical issue (Cox blocks port 80) I've had to create a temporary workaround to get to our website. This is only temporary and within a few days it should be working normally, but in the meantime, to get to the website you need to use the following address : http://forum.mixedupmarbles.com:8080

When you register and go to log in (or any time you log in after being logged out), the :8080 part will go away and you'll have to re-add it. However, once you are logged in, you don't have to keep re-adding it as it should be automatically added by the server. Worst case scenario, just use the above link and you'll get back to the main page.

I'll inform everyone when the DNS issue is fixed and there's no need to use the 8080 any longer.

So...in a nutshell
1. Go to http://forum.mixedupmarbles.com:8080
2. You should be able to register without any issue.
3. Next log in with your username/password and click on the log in button.
4. The page will show up blank, but thats okay, just go back to http://forum.mixedupmarbles.com:8080. It will put you on the index page, but you will be logged in and ready to view and post. You should not have to do the 8080 thing anymore during your visit.

Thanks!

Server down..

Looks like the server or something went down or something. BUMMER!

The cat probably chewed through a the internet cable or something. = ( Sorry about that! Anyways, Alan will fix it when he gets home, not much we can do about it during the day.

We'll get it up soon and it'll be fabulous!

Family Forum is back!

www.mixedupmarbles.com

As of Early morning 1/4/2009, the family forum is up and running! Alan and I made a project of it this weekend. We're even hosting it on our own server...so any problems and we can point straight to Alan, LOL/JK.

All friends and family are welcome with open arms! Spread the word.

I can't figure out....

how to get those really cool blog skins that my Sister-in-laws and other people have. Anyone want to enlighten me?

A Healthier Weigh

I've been on the Healthier Weigh program for 2 whole weeks now and I'm already down 15lbs! Granted, most of that is water weight, but its weight that I'm not carrying around anymore.

This will be the second time on her program. Last time, I went from 234lbs to 168lbs from May to Oct...I am seriously hoping for the same type of success. If I follow it correctly, I will average .5 lbs per day. That's 60lbs in 16 weeks (or by March 24). Then I go on a "refeed" for 3 weeks, then I start again.

What is this Diet, you ask? It's a medically supervised Protein Sparing Modified Fast. Below is the Wikipedia description in a nutshell.

A PSMF is a very low calorie diet. The dieter eats no more than 1000 kcal a day, usually between 600 and 800 kcal. The majority of these come strictly from high quality protein. No carbohydrates** are permitted, and very little fats.

One who is on a PSMF must consume enough protein to maintain lean body mass, which depending on the individual, can be between 80 and 220 g. Also, high quality essential fatty acids must be taken as a supplement, along with multivitamin and multimineral supplements.

The dieter is permitted any amount of low-glycemic vegetables, as long as food energy stays within the limits provided.

**I am actually allowed to have 10 grams of carbs only through veggies. For perspective, Atkin's induction allows 20.

My main problem is that last time, I didn't do the Maintenance correctly. I left the country for 3 weeks and when I got back the holidays started...I slowly gained it all back in and then some in the course of 2 years. I tried low carb dieting, but after I would hit a plataeu I would stop. I TOTALLY need someone to be accountable....also, I know this time around its MORE about the maintenance than it is about the diet. I told the doctor about my worry of gaining it all back again. She said that I will complete it this time, and I will be on the maintenance program and that if I follow her, I won't gain weight again. Its a investment as my insurance does not cover the nutrional counceling and labs, but it is way less than surgery or the cost of being obese.

The doctor even said thate there is a Pregnancy program I can go on if I don't reach goal before Alan and I decided to start "trying".

All in all, I just wanna be a healthy momma who can keep up with the kids as they get older...that is why I am starting now.

Man, for some reason, I'm just itching for the season to start! Can't wait to get Alan on the roof again to hang lights and to pick out a tree. =)

Welcome to the 2008 Holiday Edition of Getting to Know You!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Cocoa--with flavoring, like Hazelnut or Peppermint.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or sit them under the tree? Santa's gifts go in the stockings

3. Colored or white lights on tree and house? Colored, with flashing disco effects!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No...it's poisonous and I'm afraid our cats my get into it

5. When do you put your decorations up? The weekend after the weekend after Thankgiving, (first weekend in Dec.)

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Honey Glazed Ham

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Going to bed with a few gifts under the tree and waking up the next morning with stockings overflowing, gifts everywhere, the fire place roaring, and Christmas music playing on the radio. As and adult-- When I was in college, I spent 24 hours on a grey hound bus on Christmas eve so I can surprise my Dad and brother on Christmas day.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I'm 28 and my parents are still trying to keep me in the dark, LOL. Clothes and books come from the parents, Santa brings the COOL stuff.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We open one gift at Midnight.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Red bows, beads, and simple round ornaments.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Like to visit snow, don't like living in it.

12. Can you ice skate? Sorta...I tend to cling to the edge.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? hmm...Well, probably when Alan actually got me gifts that were on my list...usually people ignore "the list" because they think that what I want is too "practical". =)

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family and paying it forward.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Pie

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Alan and I usually go out to eat on Christmas eve, or a few days before...then we usually, anonymously, pay for the meal of a random stranger.

17. What tops your tree? I think its a star...I don't remember! We bought it last year.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Definitely giving...I like to think long and hard for the perfect gift for people. I usually don't want much for myself

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Any song sung by Bing Crosby.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I usually just use them to decorate the tree...not to eat.

Well now, that was fun!

Updates and scattered brains

Wow...finally an update.
We've been married fore 2 1/2 months now. =) We had our Mini-moon in Vegas...which was a blast. Since we got home we've been kinda on honeymoon hide-away mode, so we haven't had much of a social life....also, I am starting to feel bad that we haven't sent out the thank you cards and pictures out yet. =P Maybe this weekend I'll finish that up.

No much news worthy is going on. We're doing a lot of preparation for the "big" things that we're planning for next year, like buying a home and building a family.

We are taking a trip on Thankgiving to Whidbey Island Washington (in Puget sound). I lived there when I was a little girl and I have not been back in 20 years (my first vacation choice was Hawaii--maybe next year)...I always wanted to go back to see what has changed. Out of curiousity, I looked at Google satillite map and it looks like not much HAS changed. =) We'll be staying at a Bed and Breakfast, the Blue Goose Inn. My main concern is that I may not want to come back to AZ after the trip, LOL. I LOVE the Pacific Northwest.

Well, that's about it for now.

Topper is done

Finally DONE. Seriously though, I'm tired of looking at it. I changed the concept up a little and I am having us both on the second tier then having Alan holding on to a rope that is attached to the balloon cake to make our daring escape. Doing the bust thing was just too hard....then after it is all said and done, what am I gonna do with just a bust? At least now, I can have a keepsake.

ANYhoo...I have to drop it off at the bakery this week. Maybe a few weeks of note seeing it will be good for me.

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Been unlucky with photographers since the beginning. Mom recommended Natalie...she was way to expensive. I really couldn't justify spending $1250 for a CD...and no prints. The second photographer, there was major miscommunication, both a language barrier and just an understanding in general. The 3rd never showed up for the interview. =(

So, 4th times a charm! =) Right price, right attitude, and we have the same taste in photography. We met him last week...so PHEW!

Less than 2 weeks to go. This week is a full week... next week is going to be crazy!

One more month until im officially a Marble

Man, I can't believe its August 6 already! There's like, a lot, yet so little left to do! I'm sure it will hit the weekend before the wedding. Labor day is the Monday before, then I work for 2 days, then I'm off for a week for the wedding.

Right now, I'm tying up reception and ceremony details. I have to go rent props for the ceremony, and take care of ordering flowers. My dress is currently at the tailor for alterations, still need to get ties for the groom and groomsmen. Finish my cake topper. Meet with the photographer. Buy shoes and my trousseau. Meet for my trial hair style appointment, etc, etc. I got enough to keep me busy every weekend.

This weekend, either Friday or Saturday, Alan and I are meeting up with this parents to talk about rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. On Saturday, I have to go to the rental place and put deposits on my ceremony props. Then I have a hair appointment for a trial run on my wedding hair. Then shopping for shoes and trousseau. This whole weekend I have to work on the wedding topper because I have to give it to the baker by next week.

Next week, I have to do a final fitting for the gown, meet with the photographer, find a florist near or on the way to David's Bridal in Scottsdale and order flowers.

The ceremony has become a bit more "formal" than I originally intentioned...but that's alright. It will me really nice and truly the day I was hoping for.

I'm just so excited!

Second try

I was ambitious this weekend...also, Micheal's was having a sale on polymer clays, so I decided to try a full body figurine.

This won't be the final because there are a few things wrong, first off --it doesn't look like Alan, as much as I wanted it to. Also, there are some flaws, like lumps I couldn't fix (due to wire framing being too thick), the eyes are wall-eyed and there is a crack on the back of one leg because I fiddled with it too soon after baking. Anyways, the more I work with and get used to the materials the easier it's getting.

Who knows....maybe once I can master the techniques I can make some money on the side doing commissions. =) The process was about 8 hours.




PS. The hands are positioned like that because one hand is going to be holding a cat and the other will be positioned to hold the hand of another figure.

New job and Alan's head in a vase

I don't know why the date shows May 29th...its really June 10..

Yup. It's the second week on the new job. I get paid on Friday and Alan will no longer have to be my "sugar-daddy"...well, unless he wants to.

Working at another software company, this time in Scottsdale. Thank goodness my friend, Sonia, works near by making it possible to carpool. The company is WAY laid back and I work with good people. Perks are great. Free lunch, gas money, flexible schedule. They're a small company. Only about 6 people in the office and 4 sales people that telecommute...boss just wants to keep people happy.

Oh yeah..I'm a software analyst.

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So anyways, I'm working on a new project. Decided to pick up the clay and start sculpting figurines. Basically I ran into a website that does custom wedding toppers and I thought, "Wow, that's cool...I wonder if I could do that?" So I went out and bought some sculpey clay and attempted to capture Alan. Below is the very first attempt. Keep in mind, I haven't done this before.


Anyways, its not THAT bad...plus I found instructions on proper technique through the website I was inspired by. I also got proper tools...so we'll see how version 2 goes this weekend.

Baby instructions

I couldn't help but laugh! Hope you enjoy!

Okay...moving forward again.

Well, everything has changed.

Our plan is to get married in a small ceremony early Saturday morning (9/6/2008) and take off in a hot air balloon immediately after the "I do" for a sunrise flight. There will be no formal invitations for the ceremony (there will be for the reception) and we'll leave it up to family whether or not they want to run around the desert at 5am to attend the ceremony. Infact we don't even know WHERE in the desert we will be married that day because it depends on the wind. The pilot will let us know that morning. We consider that part of the adventure. =) We understand if siblings won't be able to attend because of the inconvenience of the situation, and that's totally okay. We won't even have time to wait for late arrivals. The main celebration is the reception and we hope everyone will attend.

I figure we can have the few family that does come take pictures and video, then have someone throw together a quick video montage to play at the reception (recapping the wedding ceremony) just before the grand entrance.

Anyways, below is the time line I have in my head, nothing SOLID yet...and believe me, I don't think I will be able to sleep the night before.


4am- Drive to Balloon launch site
5:15am- Start wedding ceremony
5:45am- Take off in balloon. Just before sunrise.
7:30am- Land with parents greeting us.
8:30am- Bride and groom have breakfast with parents.
10am-4pm- NAP TIME
4:30pm- Get ready for reception.
5:30pm- hor d'oeuvres and cocktail hour starts
6:15pm- Grand Entrance
6:30pm-8pm- Dinner buffet served
8pm-10pm- Dancing and fun!
10pm- Bride and groom exit

As far as the bridal party goes, I have explained to my friends that they are honorary bridesmaids and will be introduced and treated as such, however the role in the actual ceremony is optional. Same with the groomsmen and flower girl.

I asked Denise (a long time friend of mine) to preform my ceremony. She's going to get ordained online. Yes, we did our homework and it's totally legal.

Dresses: I planned on wearing 2 that day...maybe. It really depends on my body image issue. A practical wedding dress for the AM ceremony and a nicer, formal one for the fancy reception. I've already purchased the morning wedding dress. It looks like the picture below. I just love it.

Give-aways: So I was planning on marbles for our wedding give away. At first I was thinking, like those tins you can find at Micheal's. But after searching the net I found these bags you can buy for cheap and use an Iron on Transfer. Thanks to Photoshop we can see what the bags will look like. The front will say, "The Marbles--Play for keeps." and the back will have our name and wedding date.

My friend reminded me of the choking hazard, so we'll only pass these out, one to each family.



So there's the update.


In other news, I'm STILL job searching....sigh.

Wedding Plans

We've run into a few "snags" so wedding plans have been put on hold until further notice.

Sorry.

Maricopa dreaming?

Perhaps "Maricopa Dreamin" doesn't have quite the same lyrical endurance as the seminal Mama's and Papa's hit, nor does it evoke quite the same imagery of surf and sand and carefree lifestyle, but it does at least roll off the tongue fairly well, and in this day and age does hold some real promise.

With a couple of weeks of the new job under my belt and a better picture of how finances are going to shape up (on hold, slightly, due to Dawn's circumstances but that's another tale) I have been doing a lot more long-term planning for what will come in the months and years immediately following the wedding. We would both, of course, love to own a home in the near future. A couple of years ago I'd have been more worried, what with the housing prices going through the roof, but since the downturn things have looked a little more promising (at least for us - it is too bad that our own fortune in that sense comes at the expense of those who have fallen victim to the dismal housing market).

Working in the East Valley means looking in the East Valley, which has opened up the somewhat unique prospect of looking out in Maricopa. I'd not have considered it before - it is a bit isolated - but Dawn pointed out that the driving distance is virtually equal to the commute I have now. So I decided to take a peek. Boy was I surprised at what I found.

New homes down there were going for $100,000 less than identical floorplans in places like Gilbert, Chandler, Peoria or even Goodyear. That's huge - based on the down I hope to have in a couple of years and likely financing terms, it's a difference in almost $700 a month. To me, $700 a month is well worth an extra 20 minutes of driving. I was also surprised to find that, in some communities, the prices out there for new homes have fallen some 50% since the peak in 2006. Good news for people looking to buy now, but devastating for folks who bought back then. How would you like to know that folks are buying for $125,000 what you paid $250,000 just two years earlier?

I don't like most of the floorplans I've seen, to be honest - but there are some. Dawn and I looked at a few and there was some that we liked. One that we both rather liked is this model at 1,950 square feet, starting at under $130,000. That's pretty impressive. I took a peek at some of the pictures of the model and found that I liked what I saw. I would almost be tempted to drive down there to check out the model and the neighborhood, except that I know it'd only make me more impatient and wish that I were ready to buy today. Unfortunately, it'll take a couple of years for us to save up a decent amount for a down payment, as well as get the credit situation a little better. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things don't go back up before then.

On one last curious note, I realized that I recognized this floorplan - that community is one of them that was selling and we were building back when I worked for YBC, and I processed some starts out there. I was a little surprised to see that the community hadn't sold out in the intervening timespan. It kind of makes sense, though, as the housing crunch has slammed the builders just as badly as the homeowners.

(crossposted to http://banalrealm.blogspot.com/)

The older I get...

The more I don't look forward to the birthday!
No more..."Woo Hoo! Im gonna go out and party!" I just don't feel up to it. I'm having a self -esteem issue. Everything I want...I just feel like I don't deserve. I have a bad habit of talking myself out of things I want. Like, I found these pants I wanted, but I was all like..."Well, I don't NEED pants and we're trying to save money and I want to lose weight--so I should just buy pants later..." The thing is that Im FINE with money and they were only like $15, and I really DO need pants and I haven't been gung ho about weight loss, so they would fit for quite some time. Im also to the point where I wont get things unless Alan (or who ever im with) gets something too... Like when I was SO in the mood for Starbucks...Alan's not big on coffee so I said, nevermind.
I think that my fear is that if I allow myself to get the things that I want, I might not have self control and go overboard. The SAD part is that I DO allow myself to be over indulgent when it comes to food and we go out to eat ALOT more often than we should. Maybe I SHOULD give in to my shopping inpulses and BUY clothes and home decor...and spend less on going out to eat. At least I will have something to show for the $15 like a throw pillow or sandals, instead of eating and poo-ing my investment.

Marble Family Genealogy Project

Alan has been doing a ton of Genealogy research lately, I have finally convinced him to start documenting his findings. However we are still trying to come up with a good solution to how to do it where we can share it with everyone and without everyone having to sign up for an online service somewhere. We'll keep you posted.

The final groomsman is.....

Abe Penberthy.