The Big One

Today, I turned 30. 30 years ago I was brand new and fresh to the world. I don't feel so brand new anymore...
I wore a yellow cardigan, a light blue scarf, and an orange bracelet to work today....because I can, and I thought it might feel spring-y. Plus, I figure I may as well, now that I'm inching my way toward crazy old lady. The day was okay, but I have to admit that I am bothered by that number. 30. But, what's a girl to do? They bought me Chipotle for lunch at work and decorated my cube. Mom and Dad gave me a "What was happening in 1979" book/card that was cute and vintage-y looking. That's right. Vintage. Jas worked, so we didn't get to hang out, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't bother me that he had to work on my birthday evening. He got me some really nice gifts too....but it doesn't look like my dream lens - the Canon 50mm f1.8 will become mine quite yet. Bummer. Like a lot of things today, I'm gonna have to get over it.
I did have fun over the weekend at my "surprise" birthday party. I knew we were doing something, but not what, or where, or with whom. We ate at Ol' Mexico (holy yum!) and then went to Grumpy's for more cocktails and lots and lots of karaoke. The night itself was fun, but there were quite a few people that Jason had said were planning on coming that didn't show. I didn't really feel bad about it until the next day, and I know stuff happens. Whoa. I'll try to keep the self-pity in check for the rest of this post...
I sang lots of times. "Chain of Fools", "Proud Mary", "Wasted" -the Carrie Underwood tune (yes, I was quite tipsy to sing country), and "Summer Lovin'"with David. Karaoke is my new drug of choice. We actually closed down the bar - I haven't done that since college. Luckily, I felt fine on Sunday, otherwise I would have been really upset if I couldn't function. And I am so, so grateful to Jason for planning everything, and for my pals that partied with me. It was a momentous occasion that will not be forgotten.
Here's some shots of the evening - thanks Allison and Dave!

Getting Ahead of Myself

I read this post from Studio Calico April a few weeks ago, and it really has me motivated to get started on selling our house/buying a new one in the country. There is a house we have in mind (okay, we have a house that I completely have my heart set on, that is), and I couldn't be less patient about the whole thing. I can't stop the fantasies about decorating an old house, and gardening, and even coming up with a name. Something "acres", I think….(see. I'm getting WAY ahead of myself again).
I am really trying to stay grounded about the whole thing and be patient and practical. There's a lot of money involved, obviously, in buying and selling, so I can't let my emotions get me too worked up either way. But, to be able to give Owen and Sophie a yard, and Jason a place to garden and grill (oh, and did I mention the "man cave"), and a place for me to scrap and cook and decorate, is pretty overwhelming. I know there are going to be challenges….probably some pretty big ones, but I've gotta believe that the reward will be greater.
We had the place inspected last week, and it was VERY encouraging for an old house - really no major fixes. So now, we just need to get spruce up our place, get a realtor, and sell our house without taking a gigantic hit since the market has changed so much since we bought it. Easy peasey, right? We just really need to get on the ball.
So I am starting with our basement. All I have to say about that is "YIKES". Giving away/throwing away/recycling/shuffling around. I feel like I have a long way to go, and the icky weather is just so unmotivating...
So, if anyone has any suggestions about buying/selling/and living in old houses, please share. I need help.

Use It To Make Something Thursday (the Friday Edition): Using less than perfect photos

I wanted to challenge myself to use some photos that are not that great (and then take an even more terrible photo of the layout- ha ha) - but they are from a really sweet memory. The pictures were taken with my phone, which is all I had at the time, and they are pretty grainy. But, the point is that Owen was just so cute, having such a fun time at Buffalo Wild Wings, wearing his little "wild child" horns, that I just couldn't not make a layout about it.
I've had this paper sitting around a long time as well, including the bright orange Colormates cardstock - not exactly sure what possessed me to buy so much blaze orange cardstock…. So, the Fancy Pants patterned paper, and sparkly overlay, and some American Crafts vinyl stickers for the letters make up this layout. Some crazy journaling directly on the patterned paper, and that's it. Quick, easy, and all documented.