New Apartment and Hopsital Visit

This week has been absolutely crazy! We moved into our new apartment on Saturday and are very pleased with how it looks (there will be a post geared more towards this as we continue to move in and get stuff situated, and when I have a camera that works...) and feels as far as being a 'home'. However, I have not stayed here every night. I had planned on being a bit better with posting since I moved and had less driving time, and that started off great with Monday, but I woke up Tuesday morning covered in hives and went to the walk-in clinic which was not very helpful and found myself in the ER Wednesday morning at 3am, with swollen hands, feet, face, and large hives all over my body. In order to stop the swelling I received a shot of epinephrine, after an IV bag of steroids to try and halt my swelling. I spent Wednesday night at my parents' house once again trying to figure out what it was that had set off this reaction. Turns out it wasn't the new apartment because again around 3am this morning I found myself asking my mother to use her master bedroom tub in order to take an oatmeal bath (those things feel so wonderful on burning skin!) to soothe the rash that had appeared all over my back, arms, and legs. This morning we went to the allergist hoping for some answers. The answers I got were interesting and not what we expected. The theory as of now is that I am actually allergic to a medication that my dermatologist had prescribed for me a month or so ago, when I had developed a cough and this past week had just been when my body and decided it couldn't fight off the infection as well anymore and I kinda exploded in hives. Tonight, I'm back in the apartment (much to my apartment mate's relief) and only have a few markers left of the hives and swollen hands since I stopped taking the medication this morning and went on some pretty heavy steroids to get whatever it is out of my system.
Now, add this to the fact that my boss is gone until Monday and I have picked up a few of her clients and you can probably guess at my current stress level :P. Actually, it's not that bad. I'm not too concerned and I am looking forward to a full day with hopefully a nice run (sadly still inside since Wisconsin weather is being stupid) or at least workout tomorrow.
Anywho, this apartment is really quite awesome and I can't wait to share it with you all! We even have a washer and dryer and dishwasher in the actual room!!! I can't wait to get cooking and decorate this place! Not to mention, there is a Michaels about two blocks down and an Ottos not even 5 minutes away by car, AND a Half-Price Books maybe 10-15 minutes away by car! We picked a nice area! The 15 minute straight shot drive to work is just an added bonus!

How have your weekends been going, dear friendly readers?

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Moving is officially complete!! Well, minus the random three boxes sitting out my the washing machine...I should get rid of those in the morning... We have been settling in quite nicely, had the boys over to visit Sunday for spaghetti and to watch The Lorax (my first time, and it was so sad but soooo good!!! I love that book and the movie too!) and the girls came over Saturday night for a wine night, both nights were super fun! However, it has become a bit more apparent that we are out in the real world now and once you move out of your parents' basement, it is plain to see how much they do for you. Everything from laundry to food to shopping to locking the door at night, it's the little things that we find we miss the parentals for every so often. Now, don't get me wrong, I've been aching to move out ever since I moved back in, just because that's how I am, but it is nice to not ever be home alone or to know what is going around in the rooms surrounding you (I have no idea what the neighbors are doing for instance and they are just on the other side of my bedroom wall,  kinda weird now that I think about it....), or to know how loud you can blast your music before someone complains :P Then again, maybe it's just me. I understand that I am not the center of the world, but sometimes it's nice to pretend?
Our new adventure has reminded me of a song by a band that I really enjoy. They are a more well known band than some of the ones I've featured here before, but that doesn't really mean much now that I'm thinking on it :) Anyways, here is "Ain't It Fun" by Paramore.

What were some of your move-out experiences, when you were left without the help of your Mom and/or Dad for the first time?

Love,
Sara :)

How To Get Rid of Stuff

Through this process of moving, I've run into a bunch of stuff that I either don't need anymore or don't want. The question is now: what to do with it all? Well, for that I have a few ideas!
The largest amount of stuff that I'm getting rid of are cloths and books. Granted, I just went through my cloths when I moved back home after college, but even since then I've changed my collection enough that it matters and shows a bit. A new job with a different sort of wardrobe does that to a person.
Anyways, one of my favorite ways of getting 'rid' of stuff is donations. Around the area I live, we have Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul. Which are both second hand places that will take most everything, especially clothing. I know St. Vinnys will also take kitchen and other knick knacks. They always appreciate donations of any size and the people who use the stuff after you will also appreciate the things you drop off as much as you will appreciate being able to get rid of it.
If you have too many books, more if you ran out of room or are looking to share your books with other people, a great place to do that around us is Half-Price Books, which buys books, CDs, movies, games comics, manga (two separate things!!), and some audiobooks. Now, places like these are not a place to go if you are looking to make a boat-load of money, but Half-Price Books will purchase your things from you at a small rate. While this is no money-making business, it is a great way to get rid of extra things around your house.
A better money making way would be hosting a garage sale. The season for these seems to be early and late summer, at least by us. However, this really is a hit and miss type of endeavor, and is largely based on where your house/condo is located and how many people drive by looking for stuff.
A final way to change up your inventory is by having an exchange with friends. I know some of my cloths I have gotten as hand-me-downs from friends who never or hardly wore the item due to its style or some other aspect. Just spend a day going through each others closets and finding things that you are willing to part with and laying them out for others to browse through.
It is tough letting go of your belongings, especially cloths and books because so many of them have a special meaning to each of us. But what must be done, must be done if just for the sake of someone else enjoying them.
How do you get rid of the extra junk around your adobe?

Also, update: WE OFFICIALLY MOVED!!!! The new place looks great and I can't wait to share it with you al in pictures once it gets together :D Yay!!!

Love,
Sara :)

Finished Chairs

We finished the chairs!!! These chairs have been a long time in the making, but finally Mom and I had enough time to get these done this past weekend and I think they look pretty awesome! Next to the table that Dad also made (he has a carpentry hobby that I have picked up one or two things on) for when we move in, I think they look pretty awesome! The top parts are actually curved, which don't show too well in the pictures, making them harder to do, but I think Mom did awesome with her old sewing machine!

These chairs are going to look awesome in our new place. I can't wait to give you guys a tour when we move in less than two weeks! The countdown starts!!!

We are getting all the rest of our stuff together and I may have more posts coming up with tips for moving and things that I realize along the way. More updates to come!!

Love,

Sara :)

Progress on Chairs

Remember me mentioning a few weeks ago that I started redoing some chairs that are going to be in the new apartment Morgan and I are moving into at the end of the month? Well, I finally got my act together and went out and bought fabric for the cushions! Not only that, but between me, mom, and dad (he supplied our staple gun) we figured out how to get the bottom cushions together. I even managed to make it into a one person job! As of now, all the bottom cushions are done, we are just trying to figure out how to do those pesky top cushions....especially since sewing really isn't one of my strong suits. I think I know how to use mom's sewing machine? (Yea, that bad!)

This is the finished product, what do you think of the print? I'm pretty excited! I can't wait to move and get things rolling! Although it is super nerve racking to go through all the financial stuff, it is entirely worth it in my opinion to get away from home and finally get the chance to do my own thing. What kinds of projects are you guys working on now?

Random fact: I'm dog-sitting this weekend!! Not only that, but I'm joining Matt and part of his family for an outing to an outdoor sports show for her birthday. I'm super excited and hopefully the weekend goes well!!

Love,

Sara :)

Setting A Healthy Example

How many of us hear that we are role models every day? Well, it's true. What we do really has a big impact on what the younger/next generation does. This is a lot of pressure on us to do well and to set good examples in any and all aspects of our lives. Yes, I mean all aspects of our lives. From the little things, like doing your homework and reading to looking for cars when crossing a busy street, to the big things like eating healthy and listening to what everyone has to say, the eyes of whoever admires you are following every move you make and every step you take.
I have a younger sister who I try and set a good example for by staying positive when things are getting rough and teasing her when she gets down. We love to do things together, and while our eight year age gap can be a barrier sometimes, it doesn't stop her from coming down to my room to watch our favorite scenes from Frozen or Rise of the Guardians or looking at Pinterest and listening to music. I've been thinking of even giving her a Musica Monday recently since she has some music in her arsenal that I have not yet heard.
One of the seemingly hardest ways to set an example, especially in our modern society, is to set a healthy example. I found a list at chosemyplate.gov that talked about being a healthy role model for children, and my list here will be loosely based off of that list.

1. Watch what you do. The eyes of your admirers are always watching you, be it fans or siblings or your employees, they look to you for what they should be doing and they will always follow your lead.

2. Have fun wherever you go. It's important to remember that life is not just about being serious, having fun is still a major part and if your siblings or employees see you relaxing and having fun with life, that positive energy is more likely to transfer to them. Even if it's in the kitchen, make food fun or make the workday enjoyable when you can! No one wants to be bored all day.

3. Listen to what they say. Make sure to understand when your sibling asks for your help, they are asking you instead of mommy or daddy. Remember, it might have taken that employee all day to get the courage up to ask you the question or tell you about something. Listen to what they have to say and really take it in, don't ever brush it off, it seems like you are just brushing them off as well.

4. Limit TV, encourage physical activity. There's more to do than watch TV! Get out and do stuff together, it encourages physical activity and is a great way for children to build their social skills. Not to mention, it's fun :)

5. Be a good food role model. Try new foods, and understand that not everyone will like every food (do you?). Don't make anything different for dinner for someone (unless dietary restrictions apply) just because they don't like the food you are serving. Tell them to either eat dinner or make their own (usually solves any sort of problems).

Alright, so this post was a bit different and still feels slightly sloppy, but I wanted to get this small list out there and see what the response was! I've got some things planned for this month and it is going to be a busy month! I'm moving on the 29th!!!!!! Signed the lease!!! So much stuff to get ready! Ahhhh!

Love,
Sara :)

Musica Monday

Some days are not spectacular, but they aren't bad either. Some days are just what they are and not much more. They come and they go, but you find yourself simply exhausted by the end of the day. Has anyone ever felt that before? I came home today thinking that I had a good day, nothing extraordinary, but I was exhausted by the end of the day. I texted Matt saying that all "I want to curl up, watch TV, and maybe have a glass of wine :P". The only issue with that was that I still had to go to bell choir practice and I prefer to not drink wine alone. So, I went to bells with my mom, then came home, hung out with the sister, then proceeded downstairs to my room where I opened a bottle of Clear American Kiwi Strawberry naturally flavored sparkling water beverage which proceeded to explode all over me and my desk. Sigh. C'est la vie.
Anyways, I had no ideas for music for today and asked Matt for a suggestion, and he suggested this song which I absolutely love! Not only do I love the Lord of the Rings both book and movie series, but this man's voice is freaking amazing! I will also say that they lyrics really are quite amazing and can speak to each one of us as we try and find our places in the universe, what do we see on the horizon? Where do we see ourselves going? These are questions that many of us will never fully be able to answer, because we follow wherever life takes us and each day is a surprise, whether we look at it like that or not. I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do!

Love,
Sara :)

ps. Also, we confirmed the date for moving to be March 29th!!

Achievement Unlocked: First Apartment!!

It's official! Morgan and I have gotten our first apartment!! It is all still a bit surreal, we are finalizing a date to move in (probably during March, which is about 3 months earlier than I was originally planning, but I won't complain) but are both super excited. We got quite lucky with where we are ending up, because we will be in a safe area, with both our jobs within 15-25 minutes, which is one of the reasons we decided on moving in the first place. There is also a swimming pool, an exercise room, and tennis courts at this place which are all just an added bonus! I can't wait to get my feet wet and see if I'm still as bad at tennis as I used to be :P (I was not good!).

On the other hand, looking at this change means several other things that make life more interesting. For instance, financially, this is going to be a journey all it's own. I won't be traveling for really much at all for a while because we will be a bit tight on money. We understood that fact when we applied for the apartment and thought about it for a few days before. Also, this means that we are on our own, and other than college, neither of us have done this before. I am farther from Matt for now too, which is simply quite sad because we had gotten used to seeing each other and only having to drive like 15 minutes. But hopefully this will be a step in the right direction for the both of us.

I will let you know when we figure out our move in date, but for now I'm still letting everything sink in. This reminds me that I really need to get a new camera....I'm still not sure what kind I even want...ugh! 

Another mark for this week, we had a day this past week where it was in the 40s!!! Come on guys, Wisconsin is freaking cold like 30% of the year and there's construction 80% (yes, they do overlap).It's been a great week, eventful, and full of information and self-discovery. I've gotta work on this organization stuff...I'm getting better but it's just not good enough yet. But there's always something for everyone to work on and for me it's organization. :)

I'm super excited to start getting things ready for moving! I'm nervous as all hell! But so freaking excited as well!!

Love,

Sara :)

Wait...It's February?!

Where on earth did January go?! Ok, yes, it is a few days into February, but I kind of tend to sign out of reality during the weekends and January just seemed to have gone by so fast. Maybe being busy is what was doing that. I hope that you all had a wonderful beginning to 2014. I've got a few things going on this month that I wanted to try and start now, in hopes that I am able to do much better at posting for this month than I did last month...

Well, first off, a friend and I are looking for an apartment! We are planning on moving before summer (fingers crossed!) to Brown Deer, which is about 30-40 minutes south of where we currently live with our parentals. As of now we have not picked a place, but we are looking and that is super exciting! So, hopefully this month I will be able to update you all on that and the craziness and excitement of moving! This also means that I will be doing some DIY stuff to get ready for moving as well as after moving (because I have not for a while and my mind and fingers are itching for activity!) starting with reupholstering a set of dinning room chairs that we may end up using (stay tuned!).

Also, I'm two months into my new job as a personal trainer, meaning that I am supposed to have a handle on what I'm doing. While I would not say that I am an expert or extremely good by any stretch, I would say that I am for sure learning and I'm getting to that stage slowly but surly :). I'm also working on dropping some of my times at my first job that are affecting my current work. Since personal training is what I want to do (at least for now) I think concentrating on that would be a good idea, so I'm going to try to slowly drift away from my last job in hopes of putting more focus and energy into the training job.

It's February, and that means Valentine's Day! While I did have to remind Matt (twice...) about the date, he now has it written down and we are going to have a date day, probably on the 15th since we both work until late on the 14th. Besides, I think it's all worth it and hopefully we will have some fun :D Any suggestions for a place for dinner or activities?

I also found my camera (yay!!) while I was cleaning this past weekend! This means that I can start trying to take better pictures. Although, I am still saving up for a nice camera (or a video camera, I still have not decided) it's nice to have something other than my iPhone to take pictures.

I can't wait to do more during February and get a handle on everything that I'm doing :P It is going to be a very, VERY busy month!

Love,
Sara :)

ps. As you've probably noticed, we've been playing around with the style of the blog. I owe this to Matt, who really seemed to get into it last night and we found a new style that may or may not be changing again :P