Monday, February 22, 2010

100 Blog Challenge - #14 - Welcome to the Neighborhood

So I've decided to be neighborly and get out and meet my neighbors. Although I kind of new a few of my neighbors at my last place, I did live there for two years, I didn't know all my neighbors. But I figured since I bought this house I should get to know the neighbors.

So I started with cookies. Thats right I whipped up a few dozen of my famous peanut butter-hershey kiss cookies, loaded them on plates and started block walking in my Sunday finest.

My first house was my next door neighbors - the Rodriguez'. They are a super cool family of four who spent all Sunday working in the yard and chasing after their new little puppy Leo. Such an adorable dog!

Next I went across the street to Tom and Inja's house. They were the first people to come over and say hello on the day that I moved in. I remember Tom introduced his wife as Inja - like Ninja Turtle without the N.

Tonight I met Ruth - a sweet little old lady who's lived in her house for 50 years. She was funny, feisty and said she's not leaving her house till she dies hahahaha. She has a rottweiler and is all of 5 feet tall. I invited her to the housewarming party. I want her on my rockband challenge team lol.

I still haven't made all the rounds quite yet. Not everyone was home. But I'm hoping to finish all my cookie deliveries tomorrow night before it gets dark. One of my neighbors has a beware of dog sign and Ruth was telling me there was an "incident" with the dogs awhile back. I want to make sure I can see the exact location of these "puppies" before I go wandering into the yard.

They say good fences make good neighbors but I've always believed that a batch of cookies and a warm smile can seal the deal on a great friendship and so far I like the friends I'm making. Its good stuff.

Friday, February 19, 2010

100 Blog Challenge - #13 - Making a house a home

These past few weeks have been spent furiously unpacking and nesting as I attempt to find a place for everything and put everything in its place in my new home. I've had contractors, electricians, plumbers, gardeners and one very patient boyfriend at my beck and call to get my house in order. And still there is more to do.

Tonight I'm actually sitting on the couch in perfect peace and ease, looking around and going its almost done. Just a few more things to hang on the walls and I'll be done.

Its amazing the peace and serenity I feel in this house. Every morning when I wake up I take my cup of coffee, sit on the couch and thank God for the beautiful blessing that I have been given. This was something that I worked so hard for - for so long that I can't believe its really real.

Sometimes I think George can't believe its real either. It took him a while to get used to the new place. He hid for a few days under the bed and in his litter box not wanting to come out and explore. But now he's just like me - perfectly settled. Tonight he's sleeping on one of the new chairs I bought last weekend - all curled up in a little ball, his little kitten face one of sweet contentment. I haven't told him about the party next weekend - he's not going to like that one bit hahaha.

Next Saturday I'm having my housewarming party and opening up my place to all my friends, co-workers and neighbors. It should be a hell of a party and I can't wait. I love entertaining and this house is perfect for hosting.

Sometimes I wonder how life ever got this good and if it gets any better than this and then it does. Each day gets a little better than the next. I'm so blessed.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

100 Blog Challenge - #12 - Lent

Today is ash Wednesday and for the first time in my life I've decided to give something up for lent. This is actually a pretty big deal because 1) I'm not catholic and 2) I really don't do good with depriving myself of anything. I'm pretty much an instant gratification junkie. I don't have much patience for waiting.

So why am I giving up something for a religion I don't partake in or belong to? Because I have an open mind and I'm always willing to try something new. So I've personally decided to give up sweets. Yes this is a pretty big deal for me. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I am a junk food addict. I love candy, chocolate, cake, cookies, ice cream, sodas and the like. One of the main reasons I work out is so I can indulge my sweet tooth. But no mas! Until April 4th I will be sugar free* (note the asterisk)

Here is the fine print - I am still going to use flavored creamer in my coffee in the mornings and I am still going to drink my sugar free Rockstars. My rationalization for that is they are not cookies, candies, ice cream or regular sugar filled sodas. So there...that's my disclaimer.

I still can't believe I'm going to miss Cadbury Creme Egg season *sigh*

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

100 Blog Challenge - #11 - Henry & The Invisibles

So I was hanging out at the Gatsby for girls night last week and I saw this incredible one man phunk band named Henry and the Invisibles. And let me just tell you this guy rocked. Not only did he jam on the drums, keyboard and mic, he also played a regular ole' pot. That's right a pot that you would find in a kitchen.
Henry, it turns out, is originally from New York and recently relocated here to San Antonio brining all of his funkiness with him. You can catch him at Rebar on Broadway in Alamo Heights every Friday night and he also regularly treks up and down the I35 corridor to Austin and San Marcos spreading the jams to his loyal following.

I have become one of those loyal followers and plan to check him out this Friday night at Rebar.

You can follow him on twitter @henryinvisible or on Facebook at Henry + The Invisibles

Monday, February 8, 2010

100 Blog Challenge - 10 - These Roots Grasp a New Soil

I was transplanting a few little plants tonight that my new neighbors had given me (Yes I can say that I have already made friends with my new neighbors) and I realized that the tender roots of these little plants aren't the only ones that will be grasping new soil. My own roots are now firmly planted here in San Antonio.

If there was ever any doubt as to whether or not I was going to make the Alamo City my home, it has been dispersed with the purchase of my very first home.

This past week and a half has been totally surreal for me. Even now as I sit on my couch, in my candlelit living room, writing this blog its hard for me to believe this house is really mine.

I have had so many amazing changes over the past year and a few months, and its all climaxed with the purchase of my little 3b/1ba home ;)

When I started my journey of self discovery in January of 2009 I was barely a shell of a person, just kind of drifting here and there not really sure who I was or where I belonged. I was scared, insecure and lost.

Today I know myself much better. I know that I am a confident, kind and loving person who knows what she wants out of life and goes after it. I am capable of achieving just about anything if I put my mind to it. Last year I wanted to have fun, travel and go dancing - a lot - and I did.

This year I want to be a little more grown up, buy a house and focus on my career - so I will. I am going to dig in deep, grasp that soil and bloom where I am planted - right here in San Antonio. God I love this city. So much opportunity and a chance to make a difference in so many lives. Bring it 2010 - Lets do it!

100 Blog Challenge - #9 - Haunted House?

So the past week has been spent getting settled in my new house, putting stuff away, unpacking boxes and nesting in my new pad. I'm loving it. There is so much space I don't have nearly enough stuff to fill it and ironically not nearly enough closet space for all my clothes.

I've had contractors in and out of my home doing various odd jobs and installing my Uverse. Finally I think everything is done and if I never have to sweep up a pile of drywall dust or fiberglass insulation that's floated down from the attic opening it will be just fine with me. But here's the creepy thing...I think my house may be haunted!

Nick has told me a few times that he's been sitting on the couch and has heard sounds like the back door opening. And often times I'll walk into the kitchen and find some of the cupboards open. At first I thought maybe it was just my curious cat who was opening the cupboards because they were the lower ones that he can reach but now I'm not so sure. And here's why.

Last night we were all sitting on the couch watching the Superbowl and for no reason at all the dishwasher turned on - all by itself! Can we say Spooky!

So at this point it all seems concentrated in the kitchen. Which is fine with me because I'm not a big cook but still I do have to brew my coffee in there ;)

So I'm thinking its time to bring in the priest and have him bless my house. The dishwasher could have been a fluke thing. I could just have a very curious cat. Nick could be imagining things. But hey why not have my house blessed...just to be on the safe side.