(Please ignore the clashing plaid purple shirt. I promise Dave will wear a matching shirt when he wears it to work.)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thanks for the Tie, Mum
(Please ignore the clashing plaid purple shirt. I promise Dave will wear a matching shirt when he wears it to work.)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Surprise Block Party
Last winter, the sensitive stairway smoke detector in our building set off the fire alarm a handful of times--once just after I'd washed my hair (imagine the lovely frozen-hair look I sported after that one) and once three times throughout the night (midnight, two, and three-thirty). I think there was another time, but it was likely in the middle of the night and probably felt more like a nightmare.
With the weather getting colder, Dave and I have discussed the possibility of the early morning wake-up more often. Last night, as a matter of fact, we couldn't stop talking about it. We discussed possibilities for insulating the window in that stairway to keep the area warmer. We dreamed about what it would be like to own a home without the fire alarm worries someday. Dave had even talked about the problem with a coworker earlier in the day.
Last night, I got ready for bed just after nine and settled under the covers with a good book. I had just finished reading a couple of pages when the all-too-familiar sound began: AAAARRRRR!!!! AAARRRRR!!!!! AAARRRR!!!! (That's the best I can do to write what it sounded like.) Dave and I grabbed our coats and shoes and headed downstairs to see which smoke detector set it off. It turned out to be from the building next door, actually from the same apartment that burned toast last Labor Day and woke everyone up from sleeping in that morning.
One of our neighbors called the fire department, and they came quickly. I think the whole fire brigade was there last night. They walked into the building next door with their axes and other firefighting gear. They started to hook up the fire hose. Then one of them walked into our building (where the system is based) to reset the alarm and tell us we could go back to our apartments because the problem was from the building next door.
Uh, are you sure you want us to go back? Our buildings are separated by a thin wall, so if there really was a problem, it wouldn't be a good idea to send all these people back inside. When I asked what had happened next door, they wouldn't tell me, only reminding us we could go back to our homes. We obeyed, and since our apartment is on the other side of the building from where all the action was, I couldn't watch to see if they continued to bring out their gear or if they left soon after.
The good thing about all of it is that we had more people from our building go outside once the alarm went off. The first time the fire alarm went off last winter, we were the only ones standing outside when the fire department came. This time, we met our neighbors from across the hall and caught up with our neighbor from the second floor, who we don't see much once the complex's pool is shut down for the winter. I think I will always be haunted by that awful sound, even years after we move.
If you've lived in an apartment building, have you had to deal with fire alarms? It seems our building is always inviting the fire department over, especially on those cold winter nights. I'd like to know we aren't the only ones suffering. ;-)
With the weather getting colder, Dave and I have discussed the possibility of the early morning wake-up more often. Last night, as a matter of fact, we couldn't stop talking about it. We discussed possibilities for insulating the window in that stairway to keep the area warmer. We dreamed about what it would be like to own a home without the fire alarm worries someday. Dave had even talked about the problem with a coworker earlier in the day.
Last night, I got ready for bed just after nine and settled under the covers with a good book. I had just finished reading a couple of pages when the all-too-familiar sound began: AAAARRRRR!!!! AAARRRRR!!!!! AAARRRR!!!! (That's the best I can do to write what it sounded like.) Dave and I grabbed our coats and shoes and headed downstairs to see which smoke detector set it off. It turned out to be from the building next door, actually from the same apartment that burned toast last Labor Day and woke everyone up from sleeping in that morning.
One of our neighbors called the fire department, and they came quickly. I think the whole fire brigade was there last night. They walked into the building next door with their axes and other firefighting gear. They started to hook up the fire hose. Then one of them walked into our building (where the system is based) to reset the alarm and tell us we could go back to our apartments because the problem was from the building next door.
Uh, are you sure you want us to go back? Our buildings are separated by a thin wall, so if there really was a problem, it wouldn't be a good idea to send all these people back inside. When I asked what had happened next door, they wouldn't tell me, only reminding us we could go back to our homes. We obeyed, and since our apartment is on the other side of the building from where all the action was, I couldn't watch to see if they continued to bring out their gear or if they left soon after.
The good thing about all of it is that we had more people from our building go outside once the alarm went off. The first time the fire alarm went off last winter, we were the only ones standing outside when the fire department came. This time, we met our neighbors from across the hall and caught up with our neighbor from the second floor, who we don't see much once the complex's pool is shut down for the winter. I think I will always be haunted by that awful sound, even years after we move.
If you've lived in an apartment building, have you had to deal with fire alarms? It seems our building is always inviting the fire department over, especially on those cold winter nights. I'd like to know we aren't the only ones suffering. ;-)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thanksgiving Weekend
Dave and I are now back home, where the constant sound of sirens from the nearby police and fire stations is a continual soundtrack, but we had a wonderful weekend at my parents' (quiet) house. We spent Thursday with my aunt and uncle, brother and sister-in-law, and mom and dad before heading to my parents' house for the rest of the weekend. Thanksgiving dinner was delicious, and I think I set a personal record for the amount of food I consumed during that meal. It was all so good, especially the do-ahead potatoes and taffy apple salad. (And I'm not just saying that because I made the salad--it was so good I ate some of the leftovers for my pre-breakfast snack yesterday.)
Dave's birthday fell on this weekend, so we made sure to celebrate. My dad made him a sign for his place at the table that morning.
Then, later on that night, we all went to Bass Pro Shops so Dad could help Dave pick out a bunch of fishing gear with the gift card he got for his birthday. Dave and my dad had a good time going up and down the fishing department aisles, looking for the best bobbers, hooks, etc., to set Dave up well for his next fishing adventure.
We did venture out on Black Friday for some of the sales, but we waited until the doorbuster deals were almost done. That meant I didn't find some things I had hoped for because they'd been sold out, but I still got some great deals and didn't have to miss out on sleep or battle large crowds to get the bargains.
Today was another highlight of my weekend. Because we were staying with my parents, we went to their church, which is the church I also attended before getting married. I always enjoy visiting my old church because it means I get to see some very good friends. Today was no exception. I met up with Julie V. and Nealy, who was in town for the holiday, and we enjoyed lunch at Jason's Deli. I think we were there for almost 4 hours because we couldn't stop talking! I am so grateful for these girls and for a husband who kindly tolerates all the girl talk.
This weekend really was just what I needed. Life can get so hectic sometimes with work and other adult responsibilities. It's nice to take some time off to relax and hang out with the people you love. I'm not quite ready to jump back into the routine tomorrow, but I'm refreshed after such a great Thanksgiving weekend.
BTW--I know that the blog is now decorated for winter, but I wanted to share this find from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I can't walk past a clearance section, especially when it's full of fall decorations. I snagged this beautiful fall tablecloth for $5 yesterday. It will be proudly displayed until I put up the Christmas decorations on December 1.
Dave's birthday fell on this weekend, so we made sure to celebrate. My dad made him a sign for his place at the table that morning.
Then, later on that night, we all went to Bass Pro Shops so Dad could help Dave pick out a bunch of fishing gear with the gift card he got for his birthday. Dave and my dad had a good time going up and down the fishing department aisles, looking for the best bobbers, hooks, etc., to set Dave up well for his next fishing adventure.
We did venture out on Black Friday for some of the sales, but we waited until the doorbuster deals were almost done. That meant I didn't find some things I had hoped for because they'd been sold out, but I still got some great deals and didn't have to miss out on sleep or battle large crowds to get the bargains.Today was another highlight of my weekend. Because we were staying with my parents, we went to their church, which is the church I also attended before getting married. I always enjoy visiting my old church because it means I get to see some very good friends. Today was no exception. I met up with Julie V. and Nealy, who was in town for the holiday, and we enjoyed lunch at Jason's Deli. I think we were there for almost 4 hours because we couldn't stop talking! I am so grateful for these girls and for a husband who kindly tolerates all the girl talk.
This weekend really was just what I needed. Life can get so hectic sometimes with work and other adult responsibilities. It's nice to take some time off to relax and hang out with the people you love. I'm not quite ready to jump back into the routine tomorrow, but I'm refreshed after such a great Thanksgiving weekend.BTW--I know that the blog is now decorated for winter, but I wanted to share this find from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I can't walk past a clearance section, especially when it's full of fall decorations. I snagged this beautiful fall tablecloth for $5 yesterday. It will be proudly displayed until I put up the Christmas decorations on December 1.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Gratefulness
The Gwynnes have a lot to be grateful for again this year. We're grateful for the basics like having food on the table each night, a family to spend time with and love, a good church, and, of course, each other. This year, I thought I would focus on a few more specific things that we are grateful for this Thanksgiving 2010.
This time last year, our Chrysler Sebring was on its last leg. It seemed like Sweetie Pie/Mad Max (Dave gave my car a more masculine name when it became his car, too) was in the shop at least once a month, and we were in that uncomfortable time of debating whether it was worth putting all that money into a deteriorating car. By January, God blessed us with a great deal on a brand-new Hyundai Tucson. We weren't even looking at new cars because used cars offered more value, but this deal was just as good as one we'd get on some of the used cars we'd liked. It has been wonderful having a dependable car, especially now that Dave has a long commute.
Because Dave's parents still live in Scotland, we are unable to see them as often as we'd like. They have spent some of their vacation time to visit us the last two summers. We're grateful for their sacrifice to come to this humid climate in the middle of the hottest time of the year just to spend time with us. This year, we took them to St. Joseph, Michigan, making them walk in the hot sun down to the beach, only to follow that up with the scariest thunderstorm we'd ever experienced on our way home. They were certainly introduced to the sometimes frightening Midwestern thunderstorms this year. Whenever they come, Dave's mum spoils us by making dinner many nights and treating us throughout the visit. We are grateful for the trip they made to see us once again this year.
It seems that, the older we get, the more we appreciate our vacation time. I grew up going to the family vacation spot, but now that I'm older, I enjoy just being able to sit and relax without having to find the next thing to keep me busy. This year, we went with my parents, and we had another great week. Dave discovered his love of fishing, and I took in plenty of beautiful sunsets watching him and my dad finish up the day with a few more casts. We're grateful for the time we can indeed get away instead of having to settle for daydreaming about it.
At the beginning of this year, never in our wildest dreams would we have guessed that 1.) Dave would already be a certified classroom teacher this school year, 2.) Dave would be hired for a teaching job in July, 3.) Dave would have to quit that job for reasons beyond his control in September, and 4.) Dave would find his dream job and be hired for it 3 weeks to the day he resigned from his previous position. During that tumultuous time between jobs, I kept these verses as my promise: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV). God has proven himself true once again through providing Dave's job.
Image courtesy of Tutorial Park
At the beginning of this year, Dave had to take me to urgent care because my heart constantly felt like it was beating out of my chest for a couple of days. The doctor ran an EKG, which came back normal, and told me I was most likely stressed and needed to slow down. Everything seemed fine until a couple of weeks ago when my doctor was concerned by my higher-than-normal heart rate. She ordered a Holter monitor to track my heart for 24 hours, just to make sure everything was okay. Being a twentysomething cardiac patient (albeit outpatient) was a scary prospect, but I went in to the hospital and got hooked up for a day. My results came back normal! I have never thought more about that involuntary muscle or been as grateful for it as I have this year. I'm grateful that God was with me the entire time, that my husband took time off or spent his days off taking me to the doctors, and that I had friends and family lifting me up in prayer.
Thank you, Lord, for the different blessings you've given us this past year. You have been our provider, our deliverer, and our healer. Thank you for providing a car and a job for Dave. Thank you for delivering us in the midst of stressful situations. And thank you for healing my body when the stress of life would affect my health. Amen.
A New Car
This time last year, our Chrysler Sebring was on its last leg. It seemed like Sweetie Pie/Mad Max (Dave gave my car a more masculine name when it became his car, too) was in the shop at least once a month, and we were in that uncomfortable time of debating whether it was worth putting all that money into a deteriorating car. By January, God blessed us with a great deal on a brand-new Hyundai Tucson. We weren't even looking at new cars because used cars offered more value, but this deal was just as good as one we'd get on some of the used cars we'd liked. It has been wonderful having a dependable car, especially now that Dave has a long commute.Seeing Dave's Parents
Because Dave's parents still live in Scotland, we are unable to see them as often as we'd like. They have spent some of their vacation time to visit us the last two summers. We're grateful for their sacrifice to come to this humid climate in the middle of the hottest time of the year just to spend time with us. This year, we took them to St. Joseph, Michigan, making them walk in the hot sun down to the beach, only to follow that up with the scariest thunderstorm we'd ever experienced on our way home. They were certainly introduced to the sometimes frightening Midwestern thunderstorms this year. Whenever they come, Dave's mum spoils us by making dinner many nights and treating us throughout the visit. We are grateful for the trip they made to see us once again this year.Vacation
It seems that, the older we get, the more we appreciate our vacation time. I grew up going to the family vacation spot, but now that I'm older, I enjoy just being able to sit and relax without having to find the next thing to keep me busy. This year, we went with my parents, and we had another great week. Dave discovered his love of fishing, and I took in plenty of beautiful sunsets watching him and my dad finish up the day with a few more casts. We're grateful for the time we can indeed get away instead of having to settle for daydreaming about it.Dave's Job
At the beginning of this year, never in our wildest dreams would we have guessed that 1.) Dave would already be a certified classroom teacher this school year, 2.) Dave would be hired for a teaching job in July, 3.) Dave would have to quit that job for reasons beyond his control in September, and 4.) Dave would find his dream job and be hired for it 3 weeks to the day he resigned from his previous position. During that tumultuous time between jobs, I kept these verses as my promise: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV). God has proven himself true once again through providing Dave's job.A Healthy Heart
Image courtesy of Tutorial ParkThank you, Lord, for the different blessings you've given us this past year. You have been our provider, our deliverer, and our healer. Thank you for providing a car and a job for Dave. Thank you for delivering us in the midst of stressful situations. And thank you for healing my body when the stress of life would affect my health. Amen.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Date Night: Baseball
Dave and I try to attend one baseball game every year, but this summer, as we approached the Labor Day weekend, we realized that time was running short. (I still don't understand how the summer flew by so quickly; it feels like just yesterday we were discussing plans to go to a game with friends "sometime.")
We live about 15 minutes away from one of the local minor league teams, so I checked out their schedule and was pleasantly surprised to see that they were playing on both Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Although Saturday's game would be colder, it won out because of the end-of-game fireworks.
We bought our $5 bleacher/lawn tickets, only to find out that there weren't any bleachers, only the steep lawn. Stink! We lasted through the national anthem before deciding walking around would be better than being pushed around by the large party next to us and the dozens of kids rolling down the hill and throwing errant pitches as they played catch with the squishy balls given out as souvenirs at the gate.
Our view from the cheap seats
After a few pitches on the field, my brilliant husband spotted the promised bleachers (3 whole rows of them) and tables and chairs by the Miller Party Deck behind left field. We headed there and watched the game until an employee asked us to leave at the beginning of the final inning so they could set up for the fireworks.
Our exit led to a pretzel and pop snack before we settled in to a couple of vacant seats behind home plate. Now we know to splurge the next time we go to a game! Our cheap seats were fine, but I couldn't believe how much I'd missed being out in left field!
Enjoying the "luxury" seats
Our team won. (Hooray!) And we celebrated with some of the best fireworks I've ever seen. (Really, there was one that looked like a hose, spraying sparks all over the outfield--and, yes, it was on purpose!)
It may have taken us all summer to catch a game, but I'm glad we got a chance to go. It was one of my favorite activities of the summer.
We live about 15 minutes away from one of the local minor league teams, so I checked out their schedule and was pleasantly surprised to see that they were playing on both Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Although Saturday's game would be colder, it won out because of the end-of-game fireworks.
We bought our $5 bleacher/lawn tickets, only to find out that there weren't any bleachers, only the steep lawn. Stink! We lasted through the national anthem before deciding walking around would be better than being pushed around by the large party next to us and the dozens of kids rolling down the hill and throwing errant pitches as they played catch with the squishy balls given out as souvenirs at the gate.
Our view from the cheap seatsAfter a few pitches on the field, my brilliant husband spotted the promised bleachers (3 whole rows of them) and tables and chairs by the Miller Party Deck behind left field. We headed there and watched the game until an employee asked us to leave at the beginning of the final inning so they could set up for the fireworks.
Our exit led to a pretzel and pop snack before we settled in to a couple of vacant seats behind home plate. Now we know to splurge the next time we go to a game! Our cheap seats were fine, but I couldn't believe how much I'd missed being out in left field!
Enjoying the "luxury" seatsOur team won. (Hooray!) And we celebrated with some of the best fireworks I've ever seen. (Really, there was one that looked like a hose, spraying sparks all over the outfield--and, yes, it was on purpose!)
It may have taken us all summer to catch a game, but I'm glad we got a chance to go. It was one of my favorite activities of the summer.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
It's Game Day, Baby
No matter what month may be featured on the calendar, it doesn't feel like fall until opening day of college football. I love the experiences that come with college football season: watching College GameDay on ESPN on Saturday morning, dressing in my team's colors, relaxing on the couch as my team plays on Saturday afternoon, jumping up and down when my team gets a touchdown. I have so many precious memories of cheering on the University of Michigan Wolverines with my mom on Saturday afternoons. I've continued the tradition in my own home now that I'm on my own, and I hope that my children will grow up to be Michigan fans. (They will be influenced beginning at birth!)
(photo courtesy of ESPN)
Because Dave and I decided to go out a bit this afternoon, I set the DVR to record the Michigan-Connecticut game. I made sure not to find it on the radio as we drove around, because I didn't want to ruin the experience of watching their opening game.
We finally got home 90 minutes after kickoff, and I settled in to watch the Wolverines fight for a victory. I was hopeful but cautious, considering the horrible seasons they've endured for the last two years. Would this game be the shift toward winning seasons that they desperately needed? I yelled, "WOO-HOO!" when they scored the first touchdown and startled my husband. He had forgotten just how excited I get about Michigan football. (Oh, love, one of these years you'll remember!)
Interrupted by a date night to a local baseball game, the game watching restarted with the second half when I got home from cheering another team to victory. Denard Robinson continued to amaze me with his awesome quarterback performance, and I gasped with everyone else when he didn't get up after a tackle. (Fortunately, he returned to the game minutes later.) I yelled a bit more, then gave a final "WHOOOOOO!" when the final seconds ran out and Michigan ended the game with a 30-10 victory.
(photo courtesy of ABC)
My team had won its opener! I'm hoping this is the beginning of a good season for the Wolverines. I know that, no matter what happens with the team, it will be a good season for me because I'll always be able to spend my Saturday afternoons for the next 3 months watching those Wolverines play one of my favorite sports.
M Go Blue!
Today was the beginning of one of my favorite seasons: college football season! I dressed as closely to azure blue and maize, started the coffee, and turned on College GameDay to accompany me while I paid the monthly bills. The windows were wide open, allowing the cool, fall breezes to fill our living room with fresh air. All was right with the world.
(photo courtesy of ESPN)We finally got home 90 minutes after kickoff, and I settled in to watch the Wolverines fight for a victory. I was hopeful but cautious, considering the horrible seasons they've endured for the last two years. Would this game be the shift toward winning seasons that they desperately needed? I yelled, "WOO-HOO!" when they scored the first touchdown and startled my husband. He had forgotten just how excited I get about Michigan football. (Oh, love, one of these years you'll remember!)
Interrupted by a date night to a local baseball game, the game watching restarted with the second half when I got home from cheering another team to victory. Denard Robinson continued to amaze me with his awesome quarterback performance, and I gasped with everyone else when he didn't get up after a tackle. (Fortunately, he returned to the game minutes later.) I yelled a bit more, then gave a final "WHOOOOOO!" when the final seconds ran out and Michigan ended the game with a 30-10 victory.
(photo courtesy of ABC)M Go Blue!
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