If Your Heart Is In Your Dream, No Request Is Too Extreme

News flash! Jiminy Cricket is not a liar!

Remember years ago, when he told you, "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true." Well folks, I am here to tell you that is a true statement. 

A wish, (a lot of) hard work, and a belief in yourself will take you just about anywhere you want to go. 

Allow me to clarify, we have been presented with an opportunity to move back to Jackson, WY, and have taken it. (please excuse me while I take a dance break)

It has always been our dream to one day be able to move back to Jackson. H is the eternal optimist and believed that we could make it work sooner rather than later. I however, thought this would mean that we would have to simply settle on retiring there. Years ago, as we were pulling out of town with our U-Haul, H told me he had a 5 year plan to be back, with a job in finance. I'm pretty sure that through my tears I was also emphatically rolling my eyes. Jackson is not the largest financial hub as I am sure you can imagine so, I thought he was crazy. Well, guess what, he was right. (please read that again, I don't say it very often so, let it soak in for a moment.)

Five years later, and we, (mostly H) have shot for the moon and have landed among the stars. Or at least landed in a place where you can see the stars. We can't wait to start our next chapter back where it all started.

Despite this being a dream come true for us it has also been a bitter sweet choice to make. We are brokenhearted  to be leaving our beautiful home and the close proximity to our family and friends on the East side, but in the end, we are sure that we are making the best decision for us. 

For now, please join us as we celebrate our very exciting news. Cheers!

Funny story about the picture above: I bought a bottle of champagne which, (shockingly) sat in the fridge for a few weeks UNOPENED. The night that we went through our list of pros and cons and eventually decided to 'take the plunge', we popped the top and indulged in some bubbles. Unbeknownst to us, this shooting star was on the bottom of the cork. We took it as a sign that we were headed in the right direction. 

Follow your dreams friends. 

P.S. Maui is pretty dang excited too! Wide open spaces, no leash laws and, no more Eastern grass allergies!

Fading Into Fall

The summer flew by for us. We have been crazy busy as you may have guessed by my rather lengthy blog absence. 

We are currently working on enjoying what is left of the warm weather, atop the RTD. This is what our perch views have been like as of late. 

It may be a far cry from the Tetons but, I am trying to enjoy it for what it is worth. 

The summer synopsis is coming soon!

Spring Has Sprung!

One thing that I love about living in a different climate than I grew up in is experiencing a true Spring. In Jackson, Spring is known as "Mud Season". This is because of the long winter and large amounts of snow that melt away and making everything a little bit mushy prior. Eventually, Summer comes and everything is amazing but, it's not that pretty getting to that point. 

The blooms are definitely my favorite accessory of an East Coast Spring. 

This must be where Lilly Pulitzer pulled her inspiration from. #pinkandgreen

Do you want to know the best part about pink, flowering trees?

PINK SNOW!

I hope you're getting out and making the best of Spring, just like Jack is.

Two of my other favorite accessories of Spring, are ice cream and baseball hats. 

Charlie agrees. 

Growing Through Life

A few years ago, if you would have told me that my first house would be in this state, this city, I would have told you well... probably something not very nice. Even though my heart will always be in Jackson, Wyoming. I am trying not to be too crabby about it. 

Crabs are for eating, not for being. (or having but, thats another issue all together - ew!)

After 6 months of living in our house and 10 months after we started this project, we have finally been able to convert to our permanent loan. Just a few days ago we made our first true mortgage payment (at least in my mind as previously, we had been making payments to our construction loan). 

So, this bad boy, the property, the finished product, belongs to us. 

It may not look like much to some. Heck, it may look like a castle to others. What really matters is that H and I well, we like it a latte! 

Help! I've Fallen...

... and I am trying to get back up. Clearly, I have fallen off of the posting train. My apologies if any of you out there are still reading (or trying to).

What the heck happened? Well...

Frustratingly, all things house related (wires, electricity, closing, etc) took a serious halt through the December and most of January. In the past week we finally powered through all of that nonsense. (I will divulge details & pictures soon.)

While we were waiting to move things along on the housing front the holidays came and went. Actually, right before the holidays was my birthday. Disclosure: I do not make a big deal about my birthday and prefer everyone else follows suite. The people out there who insist force others to participate in their "birthday week" (or month-yikes!) make absolutely no sense to me. You are not that cool "princess". But, for that night H did just that, he made me feel pretty special. He took me out to a fancy, French restaurant here in Charm City that was beautiful and delicious! 

He also surprised the hell out of me by giving me this bad boy.

I have been dreaming of a big-girl camera for a couple of years now but, had no expectation of receiving one anytime soon. SPOILED! Thank you H! xo

This is where things started going downhill for me. I am pretty sure it is a combination of a lot of things but, here are the top three: 

• First, I.MISS.MY.FAMILY!!! & I.MISS.MY.FRIENDS!!!
• Second, I finally understand why so many people out here dislike winter. It is because east coast winters suck: Cold. Grey. Dirty. Dark. Rain. = Blechh!                                   NOT like J Hole: White. Soft. Fluffy. Activity-filled. Beauty=Amazing!
• Third, I have not been exercising. At least not more than a walk a day with Miss Maui and a day (maybe two) at the gym. We all know that exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. 

Then came Christmas. I was having a particularly difficult time getting into "the spirit" this year (see reasons above) and was hoping to have a little help in that department when we traveled town to Lynchburg. I fondly refer to H's home town as "Pleasantville" and the past few years we have spent Christmas there with H's family. It has been great, we have shared a lot of laughs, and had an all around good time. 

Little did we know, this year, Christmas was canceled in Pleasantville. (For a multitude of reasons that are not mine to divulge.)

After that (not so fun) trip we decided to spend a quiet, uneventful night at home for NYE. Which, would have been perfect had we not gotten into a tiff at 11:58. 

Lesson: Breathe. Then live, learn, & don't sweat the small stuff.

Into 2013 we dove, trying to make the start of this year better than the end of last. It has been slowly but, steadily progressing in that direction. As soon as this awful football season is over (7 hours and counting) I am hoping to start focusing on my goals and what will make me happy. In case you're wondering, this is how I feel about living in Baltimore while the dirty birds are in the Super Bowl.

My new approach at turning things around for myself is this: Perspective is instrumental. Energy is powerful. Align those two in a positive way and (sing it with me now) every little thing is gonna be alright!

Maui, I've Got A Feeling We Aren't in Wyoming Anymore

As the weather turns colder and the sun shines fewer and fewer minutes every day I am becoming more safety conscious. H and I spend a lot of time walking the mean streets of Baltimore, between our walks to work and taking care of lil MauMau, safety is becoming a huge concern. 

Today, at work I received (yet another) "Security Alert" from the Security Department reporting that an assailant robbed a fellow colleague. A "teenager" grabbed her iPhone out of her hand and sprinted away while she was on her way to work. These occurrences happen almost biweekly. 

Then on my way home from work I passed another colleague standing by her SUV with her husband/boyfriend, a police officer, and shards of broken glass at their feet. Her driver's side window had been shattered and she was listing objects that she noticed missing. "...Oh, and my EZ Pass too." 

Photo Credit

After I was home for about an hour I heard some noise in our street. The commotion was coming a few houses down. An ambulance, police car, and a lot of shouting were what I observed. I tried to apply investigative techniques (err, sitting on the floor hunched down with my ear to a cracked window) to gain a better perspective of what was happening. I do believe I missed the majority of the action and I wish I had more details to share. All that  I gathered was it seemed like some sort of domestic dispute had occurred.

Those events occurring all within a few hours of one another plus the usual hum of the Ghetto Birds flying around the city was enough for me to spend the remainder of the night looking up personal safety devices and tips.

Photo Credit

I have an old key chain sprayer from college but, it may not be good anymore. We also have bear spray (duh, I'm from Wyoming!) which, I will probably start toting around until I purchase something more easily concealed. 

I found this Mace Pepper Gun. It seems to be a happy median between the key chain pepper spray and the full on, huge a** can of bear spray. 

Photo Credit

It even comes in Black, Blue, Silver, Navy, and Pink. If anyone is thinking of sending me a, hmmm... Halloween (?) gift this may or may not be on my wish list.

Here is the video that accompanies the Mace Gun.

Looks kind of spiffy right?!

To recap, here is a list of things I learned or were reenforced today: 

• Electronic theft is on the rise
• Victims are being targeted as they talk, text, or use other features on their phone while not paying attention to their surroundings
• Keep your phone or other valuables secure and out of view 
• Always pay attention to your surroundings while out and about
• If you are robbed: stay calm, listen and observe, give up your property, and report the crime ASAP. (do not chase the suspect as apparently, my colleague did today)
• Keep the interior of your care clean. Don't keep expensive or important items inside but, if you do make sure they are well hidden. Remember my car break in?
• Don't play with (some of) our neighbors. 

For more Charm City safety tips go here:

Chowda

A couple of weekends ago H, Maui, and I headed up to the Jersey shore. This is not the kind of dirty, slooty, diseased "Jersey Shore" you're probably thinking of. This is a beautiful place with long, white, sandy beaches and sprinkled with sweet teenie towns and lots of beachy (not bitchy) enthusiasm. 

My family and I have visited Long Beach Island my entire life. The amount of fond memories spent here with family are countless. LBI has also grown on H like a barnacle to a sunken ship. He particularly enjoys those moments spent (mostly drifting) on the surf board. Maui likes anything that involves swimming so, we had a pretty happy crew.

On LBI, after a long summer, once the crowds have died down, and when the kids have gone back to school this particular part of the shore celebrates the CLAM. 

Yes, I said "clam", not "ham", my brother does not know the difference.

In early October, LBI hosts the annual Chowderfest. Where they hoist two large white tents donned with red and white flags to signify which chowder competition is going on in which tent. If you look beyond the adorable clammy beauties you can see the "red" tent behind us. 

Here is my Aunt Julie getting ready to taste the winning white chowder. 

I do not know the boy in blue but, I do know he really, really likes chowder. He slurped down about a dozen cups in the two minutes I was standing in this spot. 

I actually think he may be lost, he was probably looking for crabs at the other "Jersey Shore" when he stumbled upon the clams at this one. (I kid, I kid)

Besides the chowda (and the beer) the best part about that weekend was seeing my family. Not only are they cute but, they are all a pretty darn good time. My brother, Christopher, even to flew out from Wyoming for the festivities. 

Chowderfest sure does bring out the best in everybody. Here's my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Julie showing off their double fisting abilities.

I already can't wait until next year. And...

In honor of Miss Caitlin's bday (today)... Happiest wishes to you my lovely!

Traveling Fools

We are very much enjoying our new home however, it hardly seems like we've been here at all! H and I have been traveling fools as of late (hence the hiatus in posts). 

First we went to Pittsburgh to meet this little angel. 

This is my cousin B's baby, you first heard about him here. It was heaven seeing Jack and my sweet family and some of our Pittsburgh friends. 

While we were there I got the call that my friend who was going to watch our little Maui-kinz the following weekend no longer could. So, my generous Aunt J suggested we just leave our pup with them for the next 10 days or so. "It will be like dog camp!"-she proclaimed. They have a dog and a granddog so there are lots of toys and tennis balls lying around, a huge back yard, and a pool. So, "Dog Camp" it was for Maui.

With heavy hearts (just mine really) we left Maui behind and headed back to Charm City for a short week of work. The next weekend we flew (rather miraculously-it's a long story which, I care not to re-live but, none the less, THANK YOU to H's parents and H's good friend Jud-man!) to Jackson Hole, WY, my home. 

Yes, it is still my home because 'home is where the heart is', and so much of my heart is still swallowed up by those big beautiful mountains.

This quick trip "home" was to watch one of my very best, most beautiful, and always inspiring friends get hitched! 

Here is a sweet moment during their ceremony in which each of their brothers sprinkled rose peddles on the opposite siblings head. It symbolized something very touching but, I was too busy sobbing to hear what exactly. Don't worry, they were tears of joy because my dear friend has met and married such a wonderful match. Plus, who doesn't like a man in uniform?

I loved how colorful...

...and personalized every last detail was.

After an all too brief trip in the Hole which, I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with my family nor get to see all of my friends, we headed back Maryland.

The following day, exhausted from an emotional weekend, traveling, 3 hours of sleep,  and about ten hours of work I made a trip to the other side of the state where my amazing Aunt J's sister lives and where I was going to pick up Miss Maui. Seriously, aren't these people amazing?! They hold an impromptu "Dog Camp" for us AND bring the dog to me! I'm still so stunned and so grateful to have family like I do! 

Just when you think they can't get any better, they do; my amazing Aunt J and Uncle B out did themselves and surprised me with my cousin B and baby Jack (and dinner)! Wahoo! 

So, I got a little more quality time with this guy.

After dragging Maui away from my family and their "Dog Camp" (seriously, she barely recognized or acknowledged me) we headed home to finish out another short week of work before we headed down to the other "-burg". 

H and I hadn't been to VA since June so, we thought it was about time we got our butts down there to see some friends and family.

Our friends hosted a great barbeque so the crew could get together, catch up, and meet a few new family members.

H has four couples he's been friends with since childhood who now have children of their own and all within the last year. These kidos are pretty successful baby makers because I haven't seen a group of better looking babies. I didn't get a group shot but, I imagine Chelsea over at A Page In Our Book will post one soon. I did manage to snap one of H and his BFF's babe, Grant.

These two even share the same birthday which, is so sweet of Matt and Chelsea to have planned that.

So, after another drive home and here we are, whew. Hoping to unpack again and stay that way... at least for a few more weeks. 

While We Were Gone

Terribly sorry for the delay in recent posts folks. We were busy driving from Maryland to Wyoming (and back). No, that is not a type-o, I did mean to say "DRIVE". We returned late Sunday night and swung by the house Monday. This is my recap of what went on while we were away.


(But, if you need a refresher of what things looked like before we left look here.)


The windows were put in.

As well as our front door.

This is a view of those from the outside.



The concrete was poured for the garage and for the patio out back.

The HardiPlank was installed in the rear of the house. HardiPlank is a fiber cement siding.

(gutters were also in place)

The fence posts for the rear patio were set.

 

The house was insulated.

Sheetrock (drywall) was installed.

(kitchen)

(small bedroom)

Some internal doors were installed.

 (they will be painted and the gold hardware will be removed-thank goodness)

The tile man was at the house showing off his goods and I'm not just talking about his stellar 'plumbers' ('tilers'?) crack.

 

(second bath)

If all of that wasn't amazing enough, here is a picture of a transom window that has been framed out. There will be one for each of the three of the bedrooms. Allowing more (all together now) LIGHT into the rooms. You surely remember how I do looooove light! If not, refer to this old post.

We also went on the roof for the first time. This is a picture of our roof ridge. The upper portion of the picture shows the front side's asphalt shingles. The lower portion shows the backside's (hehe) rubber roof. The roofing material is different because of the difference in roof pitch (and for another reason I will get to eventually).


I wonder what else we found while we were up there...