Lauren Visits

Last week my friend Lauren, left her 4 boys and husband behind in NC and came clear out here to Phoenix to visit me.  We had us a wonderful time together.  The time went way too fast and before it, 6 days had come and gone and it was time for her to go home.  We did accomplish a whole lot while she was here, but not as much as I'd hoped.  I guess she will just have to come out again to finish up all that I have on my to-do-list.

I finally got my countertops put it!   I love them.  It is so nice to be able to wash my hands and brush my teeth in the sink.  Oh, the things you take for granted.  The kitchen is still a work in progress, but it will be finished soon.

Here are some of the things we accomplished:

The main bathroom:  This included a new shower head, changing the toilet thingy which took some major muscles, adorning the room, painting the bathroom...the paint was suppose to be gray, but on the walls it looks blue.  I like it though.  It reminds me of the ocean, which you can see if the theme of the bathroom.  It needs a matching mirror, but for now this one will work.  I feel like this room is pretty much put together.

The guest room:  I remembered I had this great beachy bedspread.  Lauren has a great idea to put up a long bookshelf and adorn it with great beach reads.  That's going on the to-do-list.

The fireplace mantle:  It's totally coming along.  We needs some greenery or something to put in the jars, but I like it.  I especially like the vase and sticks we got to cover up the weird counter space not there.

Dining Room:  We used Monkey hooks to hang this picture.

Kitchen:  We unpacked the cookbook box, because Lauren is tall enough to put them up in a cabinet that I can't reach.  I now only have 2 boxes in the kitchen that I need to unpack and then the kitchen is about put together.

While Lauren was in town we spent a day at the spa, tried out new restaurants, did a lot of shopping and had lunch with my friends Michelle and Nicole.

Lauren let me cry a lot over my CA-125 which went from 29 to 55 and having chemo side effects, given I had chemo the day after she arrived.  Boo cancer.  I just want it to go away.

A true friend paints your bathroom and puts her hands in your toilet.  Come back soon my friend, next time when I'm not having chemo.

Spring Break FF

1.  Last Friday while I was at work my cousin Alisha called saying she wanted to drive her kids from Boise to Phoenix for Spring Break and she did.  They arrived here Sunday evening.  That night we had dinner, went on a walk, did a little Easter scripture reading and ate some sugar.

2.  Monday and Tuesday I had to work.  But Sunday evening I started having horrible body aches and by 2:15 Monday afternoon I was headed home from work, only the second time in my career that I've gone home early because I was sick.  It was a bad stomach bug, even though the worse part was the body aches and the 102.4 temp.  Thankfully no one else got it and I felt just fine on Tuesday.

3.  Tuesday evening Alisha's Husband flew in and on Wednesday we spent the day hiking.  It was so fun and the weather was in the low 70's, which is perfect for AZ.  We went to lunch at my favorite Pizza Parlor Spinatos.  Then we did a final walk through on my house.  Jason, Alisha's husband told me where to put some fruit tree's, since he knows all about yards as a land architect.  He needs to come back sometime and make my backyard beautiful.

4.  Wednesday after the walk through and before YW Alisha, my friend Jennifer and I went to look at granite and quartz for my kitchen.  Jennifer and I also picked out remnants for the bathrooms on Thursday.  I hope it all looks good when it's finally finished.  Its really hard to judge something from a small sample.  This is the kitchen quartz that I chose to go with the flooring and cabinets.  I can't have anything to dark in the kitchen because the only window is where the breakfast nook is.

5.  For YW we went hiking and had snow cones.  That night Jason the master packer helped me pack up my house.  I'd say it's pretty much ready for the guys from church to come load me up tomorrow morning.

6.  I signed on my house this morning and am just waiting for all of the documents and money to go through so I can get the key.  In the next few hours the moving begins.  

Finally...FF

1.  This week was crazy going back and forth with the mortgage company.  First they said I could close later this week, then it was I couldn't close until March 31.  Yesterday they wanted a letter from my work regarding my hours and starting back to work, etc.  I don't know what my dear friend in HR wrote to them, but after the letter was sent I got word that my loan was approved.  This means I will close next week.  I was worried about having to move out the last day of the month.  I will now have a few extra days to get things moved out.  By the way, I hate moving; totally despise it.
2.  Monday I met with the cabinet guy.  It took forever for him to measure and such, but I finally got an estimate that is in my budget, so much so that I think I'm going to redo the kitchen and both bathrooms.  I'm especially excited for the slotted cabinet for my platters above the fridge and my pots and pans drawer.  My friend Jennifer was such a help that day with picking the colors and adding her experienced kitchen makeover advice.  These are the kitchen cabinets.  I really wanted gray, but did chose gray for the guest bathroom and a dark cherry for the master.  All of the rooms have different tile, which means different cabinets.  Now time to choose the granite.

3.  I had a snow cone date this week! It was a fun 2 hours, too bad he lives in Seattle.  I might have to take more trips to Seattle in the future.
4.  Poor Kirt had a major flood on his land and house from all the rain last weekend.  I felt helpless, but kept myself busy gathering fun things for a box of sunshine that I sent him.  I always love getting surprise mail.  I'm sure he will as well next week.

5.  For YW on Wednesday we put together 12 days of Easter kits.  I think the girls had an enjoyable time doing it and I hope their testimonies of the resurection are increased.  It was an idea I had from an activity we did when I was in YW.  The leaders thought I was so cool to have thought of it, sadly it wasn't my idea.
6.  I'm back to work in full force.  In the last 2 days I've seen 100 patients.  46 yesterday and 54 today.  My feet are feeling it tonight too.  It was almost a 14 hour day today and then add the 40 minute drive there and back and I should be able to sleep great tonight.
7.  Tonight Alisha decided to drive from Boise to Phoenix with her kids for Spring Break.  It will be fun to have them here.  Unfortunately I have to work 3 of the days they will be here.  But we will have fun nonetheless.
8.  It's finally strawberry, mango, blackberry and blueberry season.  Still waiting for the raspberries.
 9.  I like these quotes I stumbled upon this week.

A Simple FF

I've really blogged about the fabulous things from my week, but here are a few simple things that were fabulous:
1.  I've hiked three times this week.  I love hiking.  It's a great workout and lets me appreciate some of the beauty of Phoenix.

2.  Sugar-Free snow cones at Bahama Bucks makes me happy.
3.  Even more happiness comes from hearing last night, "I had a fun time with you this week!"  I need to see him again soon.  I told him I'd have his guest room and honey do list ready soon.  My mom reminded me last night, when we were in grad school Kirt and my dad went to a football game one Saturday afternoon as I sat home studying (this was before I had any interest in him.)  Monday morning he went on and on about bonding with my dad and how family reunions would be so wonderful.
4.  My full-time work status kicks in today.  Bring on 12 hour shifts the next 2 days.  I love my job, 2 days this week, 2 days next week, 3 days the next week and 2 the next week.  9 shifts a month is perfect for me.
5.  Yesterday I had a bid for new cabinets in my kitchen.  It was so much less than the other bids.  I'm excited to see how this kitchen turns out. Trying to decide if I like these...

I really don't like the tile, but I'm not pulling it up. So I have to match everything to it.

I kind of want to go darker.  I'd love to go gray, but it's not likely going to happen.

6.  I got a conditional approval on my loan yesterday, pending a pay stub which I'll get next week.  This means closing is just around the corner.
7.  Speaking of closing, Cathy and I packed pretty much the entire living room and some of the kitchen on Saturday.  I'm so not a fan of moving, but it will be worth it in the end.  And Cathy is a pro packer.
8.  Tanner sent me an awesome cell phone holder in the mail this week.  I love when I get a surprise in the mail.
9.  Tenielle settled on the new job, even though she went back and forth.  I'm happy for her decision and even more happy that she is getting a major raise.  Her hard work has paid off.
10.  I saw tulips in full bloom in New Orleans.  I love tulips and am so sad they don't grow here.

March's First Fabulous Friday

1.  It's Spring here in Phoenix which means the smell of citrus blossoms are in the air.  I love this smell which only occurs for about 3 weeks each Spring.  It always seems to be closer to the end of March for citrus blossoms, but since we've had record temps in the 90's, it's not surprising.  I actually went out to the pool for a few hours this week.  The water was freezing, but the sun was warm.
2.  Sunday I taught Young Womens for the first time.  The lesson was on why the choices we make matter.  I think it went pretty good, except that I only had 25 minutes for 40 minutes worth of material.  I went to choir practice and dinner at my Bishops; which was delicious.  Then onto New Beginnings.  It's been over 20 years since I was in YW.  I must admit it's going to be quite an adjustment from Primary.
3.  I've spent most days this week doing house stuff.  I'm so excited for my new home.  I've decided instead of getting all new cabinets that I'm going to just change out the doors and drawers.  It's way cheaper and is going to look just like new.  I'm still trying to decide on which granite.  I had to send documents to the mortgage company and it all will go to underwriting on Monday.  It could be possible that I may close next week.  That would be perfect, since I have a major leak from my garbage disposal in my apartment and I can't wait to get into my house.  First things first though; packing=gag.

Looking for granite.

4.  I cycled twice this week.  First time since I was diagnosed in June.  It felt so good.  I also went hiking with my friends.  At one point I didn't think I'd make it to the top.  I told them to go ahead of me.  They got to the top and then turned around and went back up with me.  What a sweet gesture.  It was quite the hike, but felt so good.
5.  Alisha talked Tenielle and I into joining a health challenge.  Basically only sugar once a week, exercise 5 times a week, 5 fruits and vegetables daily, keep a food journal and drink at least 60 ounces of water a day.  I do all of those anyway, except the sugar.  Well, in 1 week from not eating sugar I've lost 2.5 pounds.  This challenge is for 8 weeks.  I'd love to lose 2.5 pounds each week which would be 20 pounds in 8 weeks and would mean I'd be back to my normal wardrobe that hasn't been used since I've been going through this dang cancer.  I've totally been into cabbage lately, especially Thai Salads.
6.  I worked this past Monday.  It felt so good to be back to work, even though when I got there, a big bowl of candy sat on my desk.  I immediately put it elsewhere, so it didn't tempt me for my 7 hour shift.  I also got my first paycheck from last week's shift.
7.  Last night for RS we put together kits for the homeless.  There are so many people on the streets here.  It will be nice to have something that I can give them, where they are staring at me while I sit at a light.  I took them with me today, but didn't see a single person on the street corners; so unusual.
8.  I hit a shoe jackpot today!  My feet have been super sore because of the chemo.  I ordered a pair of shoes that I got this week in the mail, which have a nice arch and help, but I wanted more and some that were more than just flip flops.  On my way back from the IRS (because I had to get documents for my house) I stopped at what I thought was a regular Dillards.  To my surprise, it was a Dillards Clearance center.  I have the hardest time finding 5 1/2 shoes.  Well, not today.  I got 4 pair of shoes.  2 pair of Vionic Orthoheals, a pair of Dansko's and another cute pair of shoes.  Oh, and 4 dresses all for $150.  I didn't even make it through half of the store.  I'm definitely excited about my Summer dresses and Summer shoes, since it is always Summer-like here.

9.  This week was Dr. Seus week.  My cute niece dressed up for Cat In The Hat Day.  Isn't she a doll?  I sure think so.   I love her facial expressions.

 10.  Baby Graham is getting so big.  I think he is so darling.  Sure wish we didn't live so far from each other.  It is fun to get Monday photo's from his mom though.

11.  Tenielle got offered a director position this week (still working for the state, but a different department and not at the capital).  Currently she is the Financial Manager for the Governors office.  But she loves what she is doing now.  We've talked a lot about it this week.  It sounds like she is going to take the position.  She is good at whatever position she holds.
12.  My favorite quote of the week, actually it's a scriptures, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Definitely my theme these days.
12.  Sunday-Tuesday I'll be visiting Kirt in New Orleans!  We dated in grad school and have awesome chemistry together...to be continued!  I want to re-create this photo from 2003 when I visited him last.  He took me to this great seafood mom and pop place where I had the best shrimp and my first oyster.  We looked so young, but I guess it was 12 1/2 years ago.

February Came and Went

I know 3 whole weeks of February without a post.  I've been busy with my parents who visited from February 8-25.  We had a whole lot of fun.  But I must post that my friend Sarah from DC and who I've been friends with since jr. high came for a visit.  Well actually I only saw her on the evening I returned from SF, but we had a lovely time in the short hours we were together.  We are looking forward to later this year when we will celebrate our 40th birthdays.

Things we did while mom and dad were here:

1.  Went to Mexico, just over the boarder.  We stayed the evening with our friends the Jensen's in their trailer, well actually I slept in my car, which wasn't bad, but not something I'd do on a regular basis.  It was super hot the days we were there, like 90's.  But we had a fun time buying my favorite wooden soup like spoons, vanilla and medications.

2.  I saw my oncologist and had a PET Scan.  The scan still shows cancer; a spot in my pelvis close to my hip, several areas in the lower pelvis, one on the anal/vaginal wall and something on the lower side of my heart (whether this is cancer or not is up in the air).  I'm disappointed that the chemo didn't kill the cancer.  We did another test that looks more at the cells and I'll see Dr. J on March 9.  For now I'm taking a chemo holiday.  My CA-125 was 28, 3 weeks ago, so I'm still in the normal range.  I keep having to remember these quotes:

3.  So instead of crying all day after seeing the oncologist, we looked at houses. And I bought a house!  I am currently in escrow waiting for my loan to go through.  It is really nice, needs a backyard makeover because it's pretty bare and a new kitchen, which I'm going to do before I move in.  The best part is it's in my ward and one story!  I love the fireplace which gives it character, even though I can't imagine making a fire here and the floor plan is great!  There is a lot of storage in the garage and the bedrooms all have walk in closets.  The master closet has organizers and tons of space.  I love that when you walk into the house there is a dining room on one side (which I want to put wood floor in eventually) and a living room on the other.  I'm going to put plantation shutters in the front windows to the match the back shutters and I'm going to change out the ugly light in the dining room.  There are a lot of cosmetic things that are easy, but need changed, like the bathroom fixtures and the door knobs.  Here are a few pictures.

4.  I got a new calling in church.  I am sad to leave primary.  I loved being the pianist.  But I'm going to love being with the Young Women as the Beehive Advisor.  It's been 21 years since I've been in Young Womens.  I loved my Young Women leaders and still have great relationships with them.  I hope that these girls that I teach will love me as much as I loved my leaders.
5.  We celebrated mom and dad's 40th anniversary by going to The Tenors concert.  It was so amazing.  Tenielle and Tony came last weekend for this event and for the Colleens Dream weekend (will post about that later). While mom and dad did the meet and great, we played cards.  Before the concert we went to a delicious Greek restaurant called Cafe Mix.  I highly recommend it.  We love the Tenors.  Several years ago we were visiting Palmyra, NY and Kirkland, OH.  We drove out of our way to Franklin, PA to see the Canadian Tenors.  The concert was in a high school auditorium and we bought tickets at the door.  This was just before they got big and we were able to talk with them and get autographs after the show.  The best part was that it was all acoustic.

6.  While mom and dad were here we spent a lot of time at hardware stores looking for backsplash, sinks, door knobs, and granite.  This kitchen is going to be darling.  My mom has quite the eye for colors.  I'm excited to make this house my own!  I should be closing mid March.