tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52028480659162405522024-03-18T20:29:36.248-07:00Chico and Sophie's MommySarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-75548004180599653072012-01-29T09:40:00.000-08:002012-01-29T09:40:55.355-08:00Some house pics<br />
When we were at the house for the inspection, I took some pictures of the inside. Here's to bringing the house into the 21st Century!<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703090969590917426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTv74qwcIkrrQzk5hu49sNJeH0UGXKMswh99sJljhl65H8f-sc-_3x__cfCfbQP2d1TbGJpDyFjCaeonozSc63CuRug7bUepN8rC6XEDRXhuE2_aI7ox4-1NbIz1x9rUMu2bHi5S7FZgs/s320/Entry+Way+View+of+Front+Doors.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /><br />
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This is the front entryway. Definitely want to update this area soon. The front doors, lighting and flooring are stuck in the 70s, but the entryway is really big. You can faintly see moldings on the wall next to the light switches. A nice touch. There is a large coat closet to the left of the doors. The picture is taken from the stairway leading upstairs.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703093367955372706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrlwLG5r788CcKn7BYvxWGI5Mk_LL4dZp5lcHt8kAP0BBoQ3S59210xkZkwbdw008SV_KycoiqN6L8QaxJaH_uzuTl0kreCtsN6gBG3KYhTC8rThph_K631y8PjGBDJ_kXoaSgUUbtkk/s320/Living+Room.jpeg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 240px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></div>
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Coming into the house, the living room is the to left. The house has original hardwood floors in most living areas. The living room has a large front window and a side window. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703093912266348642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuyf8ixERybLAngk0iKFOSQnpHnDZ4CG4zOnoxurwc89vQDfqv5eAgRoid3G-MzZs0KWlJvQH2CKbzR8SbKWdm6y1hwyFq-q_bqBqv9jfgfEHE280qDmWrhfnqMuOxSNDbhMIUblOHNM/s320/Dining+Room.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></span></div>
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From the living room you walk through to the dining room. Some wallpaper and outdated light fixtures, but it's a good size for our hutch and dining room table. To the right in this photo is the doorway to the kitchen.</div>
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The kitchen will be our first big project. We are excited to play around with the layout of cabinets and appliances to get exactly what we want. It's going to be a lot of work so we are still trying to figure out how it will all come together. We want a designer and contractor to help the project come together, but still want to have a lot of control over pricing and where materials come from.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703095532450588162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HIqk7iNho4AV2vec2CgQ21aCMAWaDZAAwgi_dredBVYXwrYuwBroFUFIbnqDK7ti37qlK7LAtF2NgEQ1z2PcFyKA6UGgAq6SpIDE5HpbSQ0mOTMBkeWK7CYvpJTZqoJBc5-7BthKOw0/s320/Kitchen+3.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></div>
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On the opposite side of the house from the living and dining rooms is the family room. It is the size of the living room and dining rooms combined. The paneling isn't our favorite so I'm sure we'll end up painting it or taking it down. It just depends on how much money we will have to spend. It has a big window out to the front of the house and a fireplace. <br />
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The other end of the family room leads out to the screened porch. The floors are pegged wood floors which are different than the rest of the house and has wooden beams on the ceiling. It's a room with a lot of wood so we are most likely going to tone it down a bit.</div>
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To the right of the family room picture there is a hallway that has a bedroom/bonus room, full bath, laundry, and entry from garage. There is a lot of space in the hallway so we anticipate putting in some kind of storage that helps with laundry and is a landing area for coats, shoes, purses, etc. when we come home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshAqrwx81X76rgSGyWQGASvv2zV55khc7dZ20z9-r2yftY1Axnm6lmGDqszZxGYYitqaAxYyl7QCMlC22kUDLDnpaNvUB1A0EcQN-460EzzJ4mBxzQXacgLmP2OgngdPGEL9Xl0vLLBM/s1600/Bedroom+B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshAqrwx81X76rgSGyWQGASvv2zV55khc7dZ20z9-r2yftY1Axnm6lmGDqszZxGYYitqaAxYyl7QCMlC22kUDLDnpaNvUB1A0EcQN-460EzzJ4mBxzQXacgLmP2OgngdPGEL9Xl0vLLBM/s320/Bedroom+B2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Upstairs there are three extra bedrooms that are all pretty big. They are each unique with the ways the closets are set up and window placement. All of the bedrooms have hardwood floors. I didn't end up taking a picture of the master bedroom for some reason, but it is located upstairs as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-JSMpvz_ayGKF8wdCPde6flld2dVXCOf7MKLCDa6iSi2PNS1uz2OsA7bRHLOQ-d8JD_MErwCcYMp-ElgTGJlGxnsiesNWUM0173OKM85sN4oZsAG9WO2nKZ6hcUt85oOfPj9gFic3sE/s1600/Master+Bathroom+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-JSMpvz_ayGKF8wdCPde6flld2dVXCOf7MKLCDa6iSi2PNS1uz2OsA7bRHLOQ-d8JD_MErwCcYMp-ElgTGJlGxnsiesNWUM0173OKM85sN4oZsAG9WO2nKZ6hcUt85oOfPj9gFic3sE/s320/Master+Bathroom+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFilDUc2fXPOYcjYL8gHyD8QO2GfaTboTpcEkRsqJYfBniMpX2KuihK7VtnWL8motLN5j-Ueo9GbStnBhhjjek30W8OOYfiSLu3Q6bIIzEnX_VWXF7scYDFJF1pyW25gaYN0SYVS4t9zk/s1600/Master+Bathroom+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFilDUc2fXPOYcjYL8gHyD8QO2GfaTboTpcEkRsqJYfBniMpX2KuihK7VtnWL8motLN5j-Ueo9GbStnBhhjjek30W8OOYfiSLu3Q6bIIzEnX_VWXF7scYDFJF1pyW25gaYN0SYVS4t9zk/s320/Master+Bathroom+4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
The master bath needs updating. The fixtures are older and the layout is really cramped. We would like to figure out a way to close off an area for the toilet, put in a double vanity, and make the shower bigger. We may end up consolidating the master closet and bathroom to create a larger bathroom with a closet attached. This remodel is high on the list for sure. <br />
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The other bathrooms in the house are just as outdated, but aren't as pressing to update.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvUJcl49Uyt5BJOtbhiqXCRPkhHEZugp31fIkoZZ66lc6DCS4n-MPjavdqWIzRodktMI5ajpyJA84dgQ7vpCKpV8mCZEiuAN_Xf3AyCA9feLeWr9B7zXaxn2Xx22YGeoNvViuADbz2mo/s1600/Basement+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvUJcl49Uyt5BJOtbhiqXCRPkhHEZugp31fIkoZZ66lc6DCS4n-MPjavdqWIzRodktMI5ajpyJA84dgQ7vpCKpV8mCZEiuAN_Xf3AyCA9feLeWr9B7zXaxn2Xx22YGeoNvViuADbz2mo/s320/Basement+6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The basement is considered finished. It has walls and a tiled floor, but not in any condition to spend a considerable amount of time in. Eventually we want this to be a family room and music area where Sky can play his guitar without disrupting the rest of the house. This is a remodel that will have to wait. For now, he will probably put his music stuff in the bonus room off the family room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQFEctY4g29vGmPUcRge8hTmTn4yDY8sblQrxy9h08V2nyw5KcjAm7vzvdweKqrd9mOGiubQeB5k7H30t0rllPUONHIjo0UyIcRlX_91aRCiUCqKj89dQTzWrnj-uQAdelbWBRieifEc/s1600/Screened+Porch+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQFEctY4g29vGmPUcRge8hTmTn4yDY8sblQrxy9h08V2nyw5KcjAm7vzvdweKqrd9mOGiubQeB5k7H30t0rllPUONHIjo0UyIcRlX_91aRCiUCqKj89dQTzWrnj-uQAdelbWBRieifEc/s320/Screened+Porch+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a picture of the screened porch from the outside. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxSXSIyCsW3pZ7mpyBS8OM_IuzndLnwi-LnLKRcWtD9ZEwIjUpOa9Ku60U-RLhf9jGhuzroqo0EDxUfSJT_QgIVrt_BDXPFqMiO8KfI4LnseOfrzFP4pdptMOQStRjYgerOa4l0Vx0FA/s1600/View+from+Back+of+House.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxSXSIyCsW3pZ7mpyBS8OM_IuzndLnwi-LnLKRcWtD9ZEwIjUpOa9Ku60U-RLhf9jGhuzroqo0EDxUfSJT_QgIVrt_BDXPFqMiO8KfI4LnseOfrzFP4pdptMOQStRjYgerOa4l0Vx0FA/s320/View+from+Back+of+House.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the view from the back of the house. There is a creek in the wooded area called Holly Creek, hence the name of the street.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwPOaFdCzTXN4KIMY5E9kbP3CUq8tm-v_99Io5uhOORPWzWGCfM1H-NAxFqIG_WDk2UD2xQKx_tcYL1TJs0Ns8vxye0wfSlPEKJXx4Ahqip1UZ288wgKYdaJhYxIoI87IeWuwPdlgM18/s1600/Front+of+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwPOaFdCzTXN4KIMY5E9kbP3CUq8tm-v_99Io5uhOORPWzWGCfM1H-NAxFqIG_WDk2UD2xQKx_tcYL1TJs0Ns8vxye0wfSlPEKJXx4Ahqip1UZ288wgKYdaJhYxIoI87IeWuwPdlgM18/s320/Front+of+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a view of the house from Holly Creek Road. The landscaping appears to be pretty minimal, so easy to take care of. We plan to do something different with shutters and take off the criss-cross window panes. We don't have as many ideas for updating the outside as we do for the inside. The updates to the outside aren't as pressing so no rush I guess.</div>
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<br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-8203004507397635112012-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:002012-01-25T19:14:00.791-08:00Making an offer...Upon visiting the house a second time with our realtor, we have decided to make an offer! The general feeling of the house is inline with what we remembered from our first visit. The impression that it is a place that we can make our home held true. There are large and small projects that need to be done which is ok because we wanted to get into a place that we could put our stamp on and make it exactly what we want anyway. <div><br /></div><div>We are excited to take this next step. Once we settle on a price (cross your fingers) we'll have an inspection done to ensure that our impressions of a well-maintained, outdated 40-year-old home are accurate. </div><div><br /></div><div>....about a week later....</div><div><br /></div><div>We were able to negotiate a price that works for us and the sellers. We have our house! The price ended up coming in around 90% of the asking price, which we are happy with. Our realtor did a great job walking us through the negotiations and I think we came out with a great deal! We negotiated a March 2nd closing date with immediate possession which will give us a couple days to move before we have to give our keys to the new owners of our place. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today Sky and I were both able to be at the house during the inspection to talk with the inspector and ask questions. Overall, he said he was impressed with the condition of the house. Other than a few minor things to keep an eye on, he said that the house is in really good shape. What a relief! Our realtor plans to go over the inspection report with us to talk through anything we want to ask the seller to repair. </div><div><br /></div><div>It sounds like our next step is to solidify financing and decide which type of mortgage will meet our needs. February 1 is next week which will put us a month out from closing! That month will fly by I know. I haven't started the packing process, but I know once it gets going it will grow into a huge task. </div><div><br /></div><div>We haven't decided if we want to hire someone to move our stuff, ask family and friends to help, or a combination of both. We also need to think about renovations for the kitchen and master bath, as well as flooring options for a few places around the house. We will certainly have our hands full for a while. The fun begins!</div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-84625342104438732072012-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:002012-01-23T17:44:59.280-08:00This one is interesting...After being out with our realtor for a couple weekends looking at houses all over the metro area, we think we've found a house that we are interested in. I didn't experience a magical moment like I wondered if I would, but when we first looked around the house we started talking about how we would use the space, how our furniture would look and ideas we had for updates to the house to make it our home. I would say that's a good sign!<div><br /></div><div>Initially we weren't head over heals with the house itself, but the location is perfect! It's near 79th Street and Westfield Blvd in the north central part of the city. You can pick up the Monon Trail just around the block practically. The area is wooded where the houses sit on larger, contoured lots. Whole Foods is just 15 blocks north, indoor soccer is about 5 miles north, and indoor tennis is about 2 miles southwest. Living the healthy, active lifestyle we currently drive 30 minutes for each way, will be cut to a 15 minute drive round trip! </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>The house was built in 1970. It appears to have been impeccably maintained over the years. Nothing is in disrepair, however, there are some updates that will need to be done. The kitchen is original but in good shape. Everything is in working order, though not our taste. The exciting thing about the kitchen being out of date is that we can design a new kitchen that fits our needs and taste and it will be exactly what we would like to have, rather than having a nicer kitchen that someone else designed. The master bathroom and closet area will also have to be remodeled. We would like more modern amenities than it currently has and luckily the bedroom/bathroom area are big enough to be able to make it what we want. Likewise, the other bathrooms will need to be updated as time goes on. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for flooring, the entire house has original, solid hardwood floors that look great. Surprisingly the house isn't covered in wallpaper. The dining room and kitchen are the only rooms that have wallpaper and the kitchen would be remodeled anyway. The paint in the rest of the house is off white; not exactly what we would choose but certainly not something that we would have to change right away. It has what I would call a semi-finished basement, an attached garage, a screened porch, a family room and formal living room. Plenty of space for sure! There are five bedrooms which includes the master and a bonus room that Sky will most likely use as a music room until the basement is completely finished. To top it all off, the lot has woods in the back with a creek running from the side yard through the back. </div><div><br /></div><div>We plan to go back for another visit to make sure that we aren't just remembering our fantasy of what this house is. Fingers crossed, if it is as great as we remember it, we might have to make an offer! </div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-84296472995158139582012-01-22T18:09:00.000-08:002012-01-22T18:43:29.103-08:00Finding a new homeA lot has changed in the way you look for a house in the last 7 years, or should I say the way we look for a house. When we bought our current home we used the books of 'homes for sale' in the front of grocery stores and the newspaper to find open houses. Driving around getting to know neighborhoods and looking at paper maps to determine where homes were located before going to open houses was quite a cumbersome process. <div><br /></div><div>Today, though, many things have changed for us when it comes to finding a new home. First of all, this time we are working with a real estate agent to find homes in the areas we are looking. We chose to stay with the same realtor we used when we bought our current home which was nice since she already knew us. We told her about the areas of the city we were interested in and criteria for homes that we feel will fit our lifestyle, and she put the information into www.mibor.com to create a daily email feed with properties that fit our criteria. In addition to the information she gave us, we searched weekly online using the Remax and F.C. Tucker sites to see properties that were available. </div><div><br /></div><div>Using the internet to search for a home had some advantageous and challenging aspects. It was great to have all of the available properties in the city at our fingertips. We could use a map function to find properties within blocks of our desired locations and compare them side-by-side. However, seeing all of the properties could be overwhelming and we became numb to all of the information after a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>To make things harder, we weren't exactly sure where we wanted to be, rather we had a better idea of where we didn't want to be. Our searches were open to Zionsville, Carmel, Geist, Pike Township, Washington Township and Center Township. We wanted a single-family home, with at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Ideally it would have a finished basement or space for Sky to play his guitar, but we weren't beholden to that. In fact, we weren't really beholden to anything except a good place to hide the litter boxes! We wanted to be close to family and friends, near amenities like groceries and sporting facilities, but those wants could be met in many areas. As far as details in a home, we figured if we found a place in a great location that didn't have what we wanted, we could always do some remodeling to make it ours. </div><div><br /></div><div>All of this has made for an interesting search. We've kept our agent busy as we've gone between thinking that we definitely want to be in Carmel with good schools, close to family and grocery to deciding that no, Carmel isn't for us, instead we want to be in the Fall Creek area in an older Arts and Crafts home. She has been very patient with us and has helped us narrow our focus. She has shown us almost any home we have sent her way, narrowing down our list to those she thinks we would be most interested in. Hearing her ideas and feedback has been valuable as we weigh all of the options. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's only about a month and a half before we have to move, so we don't have a lot of time. I don't want to be too romantic about all of this, that really isn't my style! But, I figure with all of the homes we go through, we'll 'just know' when we've found the right one :)</div><div><br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-38211303944214246572012-01-17T18:05:00.000-08:002012-01-17T18:59:30.722-08:00Now's the TimeOver the past seven years I'm not sure how many times Sky and I said that we were going to move. When we first purchased our house we went into it thinking that we would be here 3-5 years; we saw this as a starter home. Originally we chose to buy a house near both of our jobs, which made a lot of sense at the time. However, over the past few years, we have realized that there are things offered in the city that we want to be closer to and all of them are on the north central side of the city. <div><br /></div><div>It is so frustrating when all I want to do is make breakfast on Saturday and the ingredient I need is a 30 minute drive away at Whole Foods! Our entire Sunday has to be coordinated around making a trip to the northside of town. Sky's game is at 12:00, we want to do grocery shopping, we're celebrating a birthday later in the day, but before that we have to get a gift. All of these things have to be taken into consideration because we only want to take one car and even though we both don't want to do all of these things, we end up doing them together. <div><br /></div></div><div>So moving to the north central part of town has been something on our mind for the past few years. We had our realtor come to our house to put it on the market right before the decline in housing a few years ago. The prospect of selling our house seemed too challenging in that climate, so we held off until last Spring. Sky had gotten a new job and we were making considerations for future expansion of our family, so it seemed like a good time to try our luck and sell our place. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't realize how stressful it would be to have our house on the market! I'm the kind of person who does a big clean every couple weeks, so little cleaning jobs daily just 'in case' someone wanted to see the house was pretty stressful. We settled into it though and it has been a good exercise in keeping our house tidy. Showings came in spurts. Good weather, updated pictures, and a drop in price kept interest coming. In November it was time to either do another price drop or do something to set our house apart from the field. We anticipated a drop in showings around the holidays, so we figured that was a good time to put in some granite countertops. By the first business day in January we were right back into it. We hadn't had a chance to update our listing to reflect the updates before we had our first, and last, showing of 2012! The family was interested in the house before they even knew about the countertops. The updates really seemed to seal the deal! </div><div><br /></div><div>So, here we are. We've gone through the inspection process during which they didn't find anything that we need fix. Lucky us! The appraisal is tomorrow and we are home free from there! It will be hard to say goodbye to our first home. It's not real for me yet. I know I need to pack up our things, but I haven't gotten the urgency that will come with a fast coming deadline. The buyers asked to take possession on February 1st, but we were able to negotiate out to March 1. Over the next month and a half I will think about memories made here in this home and look forward to making new ones wherever we end up. My ten minute commute, proximity to international food on Lafayette Rd., and watching reality TV with Mandy are things I'll have to make the most of before we move! </div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-4360870560112118282012-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:002012-01-15T19:58:37.773-08:00Home Sweet HomeSeven years ago Sky and I purchased our home on the Westside of Indianapolis. I was in my first year of teaching in Wayne Township and Sky had just returned to the States and worked in the business park by the 'old' airport. Having not been in the Indy area more than a few months, we weren't very familiar with amenities and personalities of different neighborhoods. We did know that we wanted to be close to work and live in Indianapolis, so it made since to look in Wayne Township. <div><br /></div><div>It's hard to believe now, but when we searched we actually went to the grocery store and got booklets of homes for sale and looked at the classified section of the paper to find open houses. I remember purchasing a paper map in order to see where each of the listings was located. We didn't have a list of 'must haves', rather we worked more by location, square footage, floor plan and overall feel of the house and neighborhood. We found our home when we attended an open house for a different place in the same neighborhood, Parc Estates. We contacted the selling agent (for our home) whom we felt comfortable with right away. She ended up representing us in the sale as well, so we never signed with another agent. </div><div><br /></div><div>We took possession of our house at the beginning of December, 2004. Since then we've learned a lot about ourselves as home owners. Yearly maintenance isn't something we diligently keep up with, but when something needs to be fixed, we are quick to find an economical, practical solution. Flower beds and patios can quickly turn to weeds in our yard, so a wooded lot that can be left mostly natural would be our best bet. White tile in the kitchen and entryway is not our friend; we don't clean floors often enough and white tile shows everything! We like to entertain, so having a comfortable space to entertain family and friends where they feel like they can make themselves at home is a must. These, among many other things, have influenced our search for a new home.</div><div><br /></div><div>We plan to say in Indianapolis, moving to the north, central part of town. We love the established neighborhoods, amenities, and proximity to family and friends. It's farther from work for both of us, but that's ok. Completely detaching from work and having time to catch up on NPR on my commute are things I'm looking forward to. We will miss our Parc Estates neighbors as they have become our friends over the years. We also have a good friend who lives close to our current place, so moving farther away from her isn't going to be easy as we like to get together weekly to watch our favorite shows. However, we'll be closer to our favorite stores, city amenities, and most of our friends and family which will all be nice. The move is bitter-sweet, but I'm hoping, in the end, the sweet things will outweigh the bitter.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I plan to blog about our search for our new home and the process we go through to move into and create our home. We have already done some of the searching and planning, so those posts should be coming soon. It's good to be back :) I hope you stick around!</div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-66522836505994409762011-07-31T12:09:00.000-07:002011-07-31T12:38:18.545-07:00My favorite summer snack......is chips and salsa. <div><div><br /></div><div>Chips and salsa is especially fitting for summer because it requires no cooking, and if you're really creative, no dishes. Of course you eat the chips from the bag, no problem there. The creativity comes when eating the salsa out of the jar. There is an art form to this, that to this day I have not quite mastered. There are a few guidelines though that I have learned to follow. </div><div>1. Choose the size and shape of the chip carefully. Ideally it will be long enough to reach into the jar, but sturdy enough not to break inside the jar. </div><div>2. Tilt the jar just so. Not too far that the juices drip out, but far enough to give you room to leverage the salsa out of the jar. </div><div>3a. Utensils can be used only when there is less than 1/2 inch of salsa left in the bottom. Spooning the salsa out onto the chip is acceptable. OR 3b. Leave the end of the salsa in the jar for someone else to deal with! --Ha, my mom hated when we did that! </div><div><br /></div><div>When I eat this snack I am always reminded of the hot summer days my sister and I used to spend together sitting by the pool in our backyard. My sister was, and probably still is, an expert chips and salsa eater. I owe everything I know to her :) We weren't able to cook, and really weren't on a regular schedule for eating. So, when we would feel like a snack we would go inside and fix ourselves food. Chips and salsa, in most cases, was our 'food' of choice. (We also had Ramen Noodles, but that's another story.) We would argue over who took the most salsa, and many times the jar of salsa wouldn't last more than a day, maybe two. We would usually eat in the sun on the deck of the pool, deciding what to do next. How much time did we have before our parents would get home? What chores did we still need to do before then? We had a lot of fun during the summer together!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Chips and salsa is a good snack year-round, don't get me wrong, but eating it during the summer just feels right! What's your favorite summertime snack? </div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-67885397905643316362011-02-21T16:35:00.000-08:002011-02-21T19:36:23.460-08:00So what!?!I've drafted posts commenting on the debate on education reform and merit pay for teachers, trying to find a balance of raw emotion and rationality that lends one's point of view credibility. I haven't been happy with the ways I have articulated these issues, but have continued to form my arguments and had intended to add to these drafts and post them when I felt they were ready.<div><br /></div><div>Well, all of that went out the window today when I was listening to the <a href="http://thedianerehmshow.org/">Diane Rhem Show</a>. The topic of <a href="http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-02-21/state-budgets-and-public-unions">today's show</a> was the protests in Wisconsin over collective bargaining rights and how they are bankrupting our States and Country. She featured Gov. Daniels at the beginning of the show and from there my blood pressure continued to rise. After listening for most of the hour, I finally shouted, "So what!?!"</div><div><br /></div><div>All politicians talk about is how teachers are overpaid, benefit hoarding free loaders who have cushy jobs that allow them to do the bare minimum without retribution which means a crappy education for our kids. We are then required to repudiate these statements and prove that we are underpaid employees whose benefits are not cost controlled by our Districts; employees who spend our own money to furnish our classrooms with engaging materials and take work home nightly with no extra benefit; who work tirelessly for our students, learning new ways of reaching struggling learners and enhancing education for all students. </div><div><br /></div><div>This causes me to ask, "So what?!?" I don't want to have to prove politicians wrong anymore. Even though their assessment of teacher compensation is completely bogus, I'll go along with it for the sake of making my point, "So what?!?"</div><div><br /></div><div>So what if we get great benefits and job security? So what if our salaries reflect the work of an entire year when we are only in school for 9 months? So what if we are able to collectively stand up for our profession and negotiate terms of our contract to protect ourselves from unfair labor practices? So what!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Teachers should have these benefits and much more. If, as a Country, we really value the education of our children, we should value the position of a teacher enough to put things in place that attract the best of the best to teach our students. Teachers should have great benefits and high salaries considering the future of our Country rests on their shoulders. Instead, teachers are forced to apologize for the compensation we get for doing an incredibly hard job, in which, daily, we are accused of being selfish and free-loading off tax payers. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a highly educated, articulate professional I am unable to move up in my profession. Once a teacher has a few years of experience and/or an advanced degree, we are priced out of the job market. There are few opportunities within my District to move up and going to another District is out of the question. No one has the money to pay me. Experience and higher education make teachers undesirable. In any other profession, you can barely get your foot in the door without an advanced degree and at least 5 years experience. In education you are stuck. </div><div><br /></div><div>All I can say is, "So what!?!" Well, I have an answer to that question. The quality of those in the education profession will continue to decline. Who wants to be a punching bag when things go wrong and ignored when things are going well? Being blamed for the poor choices of others is a position no one wants to be in. Maybe, eventually, our society will realize that a strong economy and civilization lies within those who teach. Until then...</div><div><br /></div><div>Mitch, if you want to fuck me you better buy me dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-26779618768886403832011-02-02T16:54:00.000-08:002011-02-02T19:01:31.647-08:00Pogue's Run GrocerThree things have come together to make me want to drive 25 minutes in city traffic to the east side of Indy to do my grocery shopping: 1. supporting local farmers and artisans, 2. making healthy foods available to low-income neighborhoods, and 3. decreasing childhood obesity. <a href="http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/pogues-run-grocer-now-open/Content?oid=1985286">Pogue's Run Grocer</a> is at 10th Street and Rural, which isn't where one would normally expect to find an organic, local grocer. In fact, aside from the Marathon station down the street, there really isn't any kind of grocer in the community. <div><br /></div><div>I first heard of Pogue's as a dream some local foodies had for Indianapolis through the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Indy-Backyard-Growers-Network/103154723077146">Indy Backyard Growers Network</a> on Facebook. They talked about opining a coop grocery store in a low income area to provide healthy food options along with a community center for healthy living. Fortunately, they were able to bring together volunteers and enough loans to open a small grocery. The store is about 1000 square feet, with local and/or organic produce and groceries. Pogue's has a limited selection compared to other grocers, but you can tell that they have made a commitment to stock their shelves with local foods, and fill in the gaps with commercial brands. Last weekend I was looking to buy some local honey and met the beekeeper whose honey I was purchasing. Pretty cool, huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>They also have a lunch counter where they serve sandwiches, soups, salads, and drinks. Their sandwiches are big and fresh and their soups and salads are made from scratch daily. Their food is reasonably priced, if not cheap. $5.00 for a sandwich. Add soup and drink for $1.00 more. They are sensitive to vegetarian and vegan eaters, which puts the cherry on top! </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the lunch counter, they are holding classes for the community around healthy living. Next week they are offering a class on how to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=195553043788326">nurture plants from seeds</a> and they plan to do some canning classes once fruits and vegetables are in season. What a great way to give the community the tools to eat more healthfully.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since it is a coop, you can pay for a membership that allows you to be a decision making voice for the store. I haven't decided to become a member, so I can't elaborate on the details a membership to this coop would allow you. Most coops have meetings where issues are discussed and voted on, along with the opportunity to volunteer your time for discounts on groceries. You don't have to become a member, though. Anyone can shop their store, eat at the lunch counter and take classes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their prices for groceries are 'at cost', so they aren't making a profit on their groceries and the classes are all free. They are working to get not-for-profit status, but the IRS is giving them a hard time. As far as I know, they are still working on changing their tax status. This is one reason why they have had to take out loans, rather than getting grants. Once their status changes, they expect funding to come more easily.</div><div><br /></div><div>It light of the recent conversations around the updated USDA Nutritional Guidelines, the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act, and the increased emphasis on decreasing childhood obesity, it will be important to see how Pogue's changes the east side community around their store. Federal and State funding is being cut to community outreach programs, which will make it harder for groups like Pogue's to be able to fulfill their mission. For low income families, it doesn't matter how many Guidelines are presented, if they don't have access to affordable, whole foods, they aren't going to be able to feed their families healthfully. Grocery stores move out of low income communities because they aren't profitable, and it leaves these families without choices. This is a void that can filled by local food producers and not-for-profit grocers. I'm excited that Indianapolis is working to create more healthful communities by increasing the availability of healthy food to low income neighborhoods, with a commitment to local food producers. I'm even more excited that I get to be a part of it :) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-88617292049621175632011-01-20T18:21:00.000-08:002011-01-20T18:43:33.763-08:00Things husbands are good for...1. warming up cold feet. Where are the warm legs when I'm trying to warm up my toes at night?<div>2. shoveling driveways. Aren't we setting some kind of record for snow in January!?</div><div>3. having someone to laugh with. Chico and Sophie playing with the laser pointer just isn't as funny when I'm the only one laughing.</div><div>4. answering the door. A single woman can't be too cautious. It might be a serial killer. Darn you Criminal Minds!</div><div>5. picking up milk on the way home. I always forget until I'm home, even with reminders.</div><div>6. carrying heavy things. I want to buy cat litter in bulk, but I can't get the bag upstairs without giving myself a hernia. </div><div>7. making things better after a bad day. Sometimes I just need to be told that it will all be OK.</div><div>8. zipping up dresses. Those back zippers are very challenging with only one pair of hands.</div><div>9. driving. I'm definitely a rider, always have been. </div><div>10. putting air in tires. Do I need new tires? I don't know. I can't even get the right oil change.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can do these things on my own, but having to do them without Sky, endears him to me even more. Can't wait for him to come home :) </div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-16036097931923741882011-01-09T15:15:00.000-08:002011-01-09T15:54:22.667-08:00ResolutionsIt seems like on most of the blogs I am following, the first post of 2011 starts out, "Sorry it has been so long. I've been so busy!" To this I reply, don't worry, I haven't opened my Google Reader account the last couple months anyway. No posts and no readers. It's OK. We'll just call it even. So, I won't apologize for not posting the last few months due to my busy schedule. You've probably not been around to read anyway ;)<div><br /></div><div>A lot of bloggers have been sharing their New Year's Resolutions for 2011. I haven't been one to make resolutions in the past, but this year, after hearing the resolutions of a few people, I have decided to make my own. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was interesting when I sat down to think about what I want to accomplish this coming year. There were so many things to consider; I felt like I needed a game plan. I could approach the process by thinking about areas of my life: food, housekeeping, sewing, exercise... This seemed logical, but then I realized that I couldn't just set a goal for the year, it had to be broken down into smaller time frames: weekly, monthly, seasonally... </div><div><br /></div><div>If you set a weekly goal, you are meeting it, or not, 52 times a year. Monthly goals would be met, or not, 12 times per year...and seasonal items 4 times. It can be overwhelming to think that I would be assessed for success 52 times. So, I thought of approaching it as a sports team would their season. I figured, if, at the end of the year, I have a winning record, I will have successfully completed my resolutions. Seems logical that I will have some "losing" weeks, but if overall, I have more "winning" weeks than "losing" weeks, I can be proud of myself and consider my resolution accomplished.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having chosen a strategy for making the goal (choosing an area and then a time frame) I had to decide what I really wanted to hold myself accountable for. I don't want to say that I will exercise 5 times per week, because I won't. A more interesting take on exercise would be: add a new activity to my routine. Exercising 5 times seems like a hard thing to do, but adding something new sounds like fun! It's all in the way you word it! So, one of my resolutions is to join a Pilates class once a week :) Exercise...DONE!</div><div><br /></div><div>I completed this process with a few other areas of my life and feel like I have a plan for 2011. (I'm a planner, so this is very exciting to me!) I have a new notebook in which I have written my resolutions and plan to record my stats. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bring it on 2011!!! </div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-57387506264561261302010-11-13T09:47:00.000-08:002010-11-13T11:36:26.594-08:00Important Social IssuesIt usually takes me a week or so to get around to reading the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Indy Star</span> Sunday paper. So, today, I grabbed the Sunday paper from earlier this week and was intrigued by the front page headline '10 Indiana Issues Affected by the Election'. I know what I think are the most important issues, and was anxious to see what the Star considers the most important issues to be and how they were affected by the election. <div><br /></div><div>I unfolded the paper to find the top issues listed: Gay Marriage, Education Reform, Abortion, Immigration, Unemployment Insurance, Local Government Reform, Texting while Driving, Gambling, Smoking Ban, and Sunday Liquor Sales. Initially, I agreed with at least the first 6 as being in the Top 10 most important issues and thought that the Star was right on track. As I looked more closely I saw that each was determined to be 'losing traction' or 'gaining traction' per the change of balance in the Indiana government, from split to dominantly Republican. I quickly realized that the Star was on track, but going in the opposite direction than I was.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gay Marriage, Education Reform, Abortion, and Immigration were all listed as 'gaining traction'. What!?! From my perspective it is the exact opposite. These issues have been halted in their tracks, and are more likely 'losing traction' than gaining it. There is no one, with any power, in the Indiana government who is working to further the causes of same-sex marriage, public education, abortion rights, or the rights of immigrants. </div><div><br /></div><div>If the Star was honest with themselves and their readers, they would have more accurately named the issues: ANTI-Gay Marriage, PRIVATIZATION of Education, ANTI-Abortion, and ANTI-Immigration. It would be true then, that these issues are 'gaining traction'. Republicans are working to create a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. They also want to follow Gov. Daniels' lead in cutting education funding and creating more charter schools. Women's abortion rights are being used to scare Hoosiers into opposing health care reform, and immigration issues do not account for the individual immigrants and their families, rather they are worried about how kicking out immigrants will affect the profits of businesses.</div><div><br /></div><div>The idea that our new politicians are doing more to further the rights of the people these issues most closely affect, is a line that Republicans couldn't be happier with. They do a great job, with the help of conservative media, to perpetuate the idea that they are working toward making our state better, when, truthfully, they are marginalizing those in our society who need to be included, and dare I say supported, rather than pushed to the side by the majority. </div><div><br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-20881704177874099782010-10-12T18:57:00.000-07:002010-10-12T19:04:11.452-07:00Jamming OutSo it's been a long time since I have posted. Things have been so busy and uneventful, that I haven't found anything worth sharing. But tonight, Schuyler and I have been jamming to the Who Am I? by Snoop Dogg station on Pandora. Talk about a stress reliever!!! I feel like my girls need to come over for a house party!!! Holla!! It's great to let loose every once in a while. OHHHHHHHH!!!! Gangstas Paradise!!!! Watch out... This is what a bottle of wine and Pandora can do. I highly recommend it!! :)Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-20478730901087025002010-08-23T15:20:00.000-07:002010-08-23T18:36:45.067-07:00What Exactly is the Debate?The American political landscape is a place I usually try to avoid in conversation with anyone outside my comfort zone. Meaning, I tend to discuss issues with like-minded citizens who share a liberal view of how society should function. This doesn't necessarily have to include fellow Democrats to the exclusion of others. There are Libertarians and Republicans whose views are similar to mine and have opinions on which we can agree. I know on which paths to tread with these individuals and can make my point while still being open-minded and empathetic to their views. I believe that this reflects my attitude toward most people and their ideas. I truly do fancy myself as someone who tries to see both sides to things, as long as their ideas are well thought out and come to a logical conclusion. <br /><br />Having said this, the "well thought out" and "logical conclusion" pieces of this narrative keep me from being able to understand and empathize with those who were protesting the construction of an Islamic center near Ground Zero in NYC on Sunday. I do want to say that this characterization is going to be generalized and I'm sure it doesn't pertain to all protesters, but watch this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwaNRWMN-F4">video</a> to see why this generalization is pretty accurate. <br /><br />These citizens claims to believe that erecting an Islamic center so close to Ground Zero flies in the face of those who lost their lives in the Trade Center attacks. This argument could be understood. Those who attacked us on 9/11 were Islamic extremists, and are responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans. I can understand how that could inflame those who are worried about the memories of loved ones who were killed. Again, I don't have to agree to be able to understand where they are coming from. <br /><br />I'm sure that there are people who have well-founded concerns about this project; however, this is not the primary narrative of many of these protesters. They are upset that there are Muslims in the US. Period. They do not believe that they have the right to build their places of worship where they would like to, or, for that matter, be able to practice their religion at all. Now, this is where I really start to take issue with their reasons for protesting.<br /><br />These citizens claim to hold tightly to the constitution, but walk all over it at the same time. At these protests you are likely to see signs about and hear comments made that "We need to protect our country's values." What exactly are the values that these protesters are trying to protect? Property rights? Freedom of religion? They justify their actions by claiming their freedom to assemble and freedom of speech, but conveniently forget the Rights that they are protesting against. <br /><br />I'm not a constitutional scholar and am not trying to claim that I am, but in the same right, I can see when the dots are and are not connected. This faction has undue control over our political system. Those who are wild and scream the loudest, tend to get the most attention, even when their ideals do not match the majority of the country. The sentiments of those protesters account for only 10% or less of our nation. Which is discouraging given that they are deciding what is on the agenda for our politicians. <br /><br />Gay marriage? It goes against the sanctity of Marriage itself. Or does it. The divorce rate in this country is between 40% and 60% depending on which statistic you look at. So that doesn't seem to be anything special. The only argument for Marriage as a special union is within the Christian church, but what about the separation of Church and State? We adhere to this separation in order to keep Muslim girls from wearing head scarves in schools, but we have to leave "Under God" in the pledge and keep Gay couples from having the same civil rights as heterosexual couples. Civil rights that come from the government, not religious rights that come to someone through a church. This is an important distinction since people use religion to keep others from basic rights that are due them from the government. <br /><br />Immigration? Foreign policy? Gun rights? Health care? I won't elaborate on all issues, but I will say that when we claim to be to the land of the free and proudly display our Bill of Rights, we need to extend those freedoms and rights to all citizens. And it's because we are all citizens that we have a right to be protected by our constitution. Not just when it reinforces our ethno-centric views of "white, protestant, evangelic America". We need to take back the political narrative of the country to express the inclusive, tolerant views of the majority of our citizens. We owe it to ourselves.Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-15838629134365839562010-08-07T07:09:00.000-07:002010-08-07T08:27:53.802-07:00Against the Social NormWhile running errands yesterday I had a "driveway moment" in the Walgreens drive-thru. For those of you who are unsure of what a "driveway moment" is, it happens when you are listening to NPR (National Public Radio)and the story they are talking about is too engaging to turn off, so you stay in your car and listen to the rest, even though you have reached your destination. Yesterday, my "driveway moment" caused me to sit in a parking spot and listen for 10 minutes rather than picking up my prescription by going through the drive-thru right away. I wanted to be able to give all of my attention to the story and I'm glad I did.<br /><br />The story was about the <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129025516">1930 lynching</a> of two African American boys who were accused of shooting of a white man and raping his girlfriend in Marion, Indiana. This particular presentation of the story was engaging because they interviewed a woman and a man who were present at the mob lynching. They describe how things escalated from a few dozen people to thousands outside the courthouse calling for the boys to be handed over, and what was done to the boys by the mob. They also interviewed James Cameron, the third boy who was spared by the mob after having the rope around his neck. <br /><br />My reaction to this story, guilt, anger, sadness, distress, sense of social justice, reminded me of how I felt when I read <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/books/19masl.html">The Help by Katheryn Stockett</a>. This book is written from multiple perspectives of black domestic servants and the white women who employed them in the early 1960s. This book looks at the relationships among these women and one white girl who wants to tell their stories. She wants the black women to be treated as equals to white women, which goes against societal norms. <br /><br />In both of these stories, one non-fiction and the other fiction, I wonder which 'character' I would be. In the lynching story, the woman recalls seeing the mob and how they acted, from the perspective of an outside observer. She uses pronouns like 'they' and 'them' to describe something that she was witness to. She describes the actions like they were destined to happen and something she regretted seeing, but not something that could have been stopped. Similarly, there are white female characters in The Help who seem a bit uneasy about how the domestic servants are treated, but take that as the norm. They admit thinking that people won't change, so why try?<br /><br />I can understand how people would feel like there is nothing to be done to change what society thinks and does. How would one woman change the actions of thousands who had already decided they were going to put justice in their own hands? Why would young white women go against their family and friends to treat black women as equals? One person can't change an entire society, right?<br /><br />Probably not, but in each of these stories one person does make a difference for a few. In the 1930s lynching when the mob had the third boy, James Cameron, a man shouted above the crowd that he was innocent and he didn't have anything to do with the killing. The mob let Cameron go, and the actions of the one man saved his life. As far as the domestic servants in The Help, the white girl published the black women's stories and shined a light on abuses and injustices that were perpetuated by white employers. <br /><br />So I keep finding myself asking, which person would I be? Would I be an "innocent bystander" who didn't participate in lynching, but didn't stop it either? Would I be the man who shouted above the crowd to try to save a person's life? Would I expose social injustices by writing about them and caring about those who society is oppressing? <br /><br />I think we would all like to see ourselves as the one who sticks their neck out to help someone else, which is certainly the character I would cast myself as, but do we? Inequalities and social injustices are all around us, but what do we do about them? Poverty, persecution of immigrants (legal and illegal), gay rights...the list goes on. These are issues that society is facing now and actions can be taken by individuals. Looking back, we are appalled at how black people were treated and can't imagine ourselves taking part in it. But, in 40 years, will society look back and feel the same way about the exclusion of homosexuals from basic human rights? Will we talk in generalities using pronouns like "they" and "them" to describe these injustices? Or will we be able to say that we took action, however small, to make a difference?Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-11093314650335952342010-08-04T17:57:00.000-07:002010-08-04T18:48:55.235-07:00Would you do things differently next time?Lately I have asked myself, If I was 20 again, would I choose a different life partner than my husband? Are there things that aren't included in my life currently that would make me feel more fulfilled? If we are honest with ourselves, this is something most (if not all) committed people think about.<div>
<br /></div><div>My husband, Schuyler, and I have always worked from the understanding that there is more than one person in the world who could make each of us happy. If one of us were to pass away or things didn't work out between us, each of us would expect that we could find someone else to make to a happy life with. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Since I've been married, I have seen friends in the 'dating scene' and have been grateful for the fact that I've already found someone to share my life with. I don't have to worry about what I look like at the gym, or look super cute everywhere I go in anticipation of meeting someone. But the past couple weeks I have wondered what kind of fun I am missing in the dating scene. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Being hit on when you are married can be very awkward. I feel like I have to throw it out there right away that I'm married, so that I don't give off the wrong impression. But what if I didn't say that I was married first off, and carried on the conversation like I was available and interested in meeting someone? Since I haven't met someone new in a long time, it's kind of thrilling to think about.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I wonder about what my type would be (dark skinned with an accent? ;). What kinds of things would I like to do on a date? What kind of woman am I? Would I kiss on the first date? Would I ask him back to my place to spend the night? When I was dating Schuyler, I really didn't think about these things. I didn't have a dating identity figured out. I just did what felt right, which is probably what I would do today if I were single. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thinking about dating again seems silly, given the fact that I am very happy in my marriage. Of course, there are always kinks to work out, but the big stuff, we agree on. And the little stuff, we are willing to compromise on. I think that's the most important. Finding someone who is on the same page that I am would be pretty difficult I think, one element that I wouldn't look forward to.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As far as the thrill of meeting someone new, I think it will come and go. Keeping a marriage fresh and engaging is probably the hardest part. Staying interested in one person is a challenge, but one that I am willing to take on and have been successful at for 5 years. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I get excited when I know Schuyler is about to come home from work. Seeing him coaching and having others look to him as an authority figure is sexy. Lying next to him I feel safe and secure, with all of my insecurities. For this, I think I love my husband the most. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So, I'm certainly not saying that I'm scouting out the gym to see who I can drop my towel next to, because honestly, if I had to do over again, I would say that my type is a fit guy, just a little taller than me. Curly dark hair, balding a little is ok ;) He has to be interested in travelling overseas and drinking wine. Good conversation and valuing my ideas are a must. Not too much PDA, but willing to put his arm around me and give me a kiss on the cheek is wanted. Overall, has to be ambitious and allow me to be the same. Most importantly, he has to be a cat person :)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Love you, Sky <3</div><div>
<br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-63686804376900391992010-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:002010-07-24T12:02:05.682-07:00Everyone has their specialty...<div style="text-align: left;">...mine happens to be guacamole! Many people don't think they like guacamole and/or avocados, but my guacamole tends to be a crowd pleaser, even for those who don't think they will like it. A lot of guac recipes tell you to smash the avocado and add mayonnaise to make it creamy. I don't subscribe to the idea that guacamole should be the consistency of baby food. Rather, I like mine chunky with all fresh ingredients!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYf4zWvgQu-eECUZqzHo-oMIVtMuMWkTBu-YgoE4UXcwJh2j3EJWjh1YBlgLSQ2wnV1yUA6jxTt0GGA-FXt0ZlUXcYKQoNu7tzltVjjbHnZ4m1oXWTEaOGPKGsG-qzP9RBYqNnGEceKQ/s1600/DSCN2722.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYf4zWvgQu-eECUZqzHo-oMIVtMuMWkTBu-YgoE4UXcwJh2j3EJWjh1YBlgLSQ2wnV1yUA6jxTt0GGA-FXt0ZlUXcYKQoNu7tzltVjjbHnZ4m1oXWTEaOGPKGsG-qzP9RBYqNnGEceKQ/s320/DSCN2722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497538493285235842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">Gather 3 ripe avocados*</div><div style="text-align: center; ">1 medium red tomato</div><div style="text-align: center; ">1 clove of garlic</div><div style="text-align: center; ">top of bunch of cilantro (about 2 Tbsp)</div><div style="text-align: center; ">1/2 lime</div><div style="text-align: center; ">1 jalapeño</div><div style="text-align: center; ">1/2 small onion (large onion pictured above, only part used)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">*I wanted to discuss how to choose a ripe avo. The sticker says that they are ripe when soft, which is true, there is a very particular soft that you want to look for.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">1. Avo should have some give, but overall flesh should be firm. Think about how a ripe peach feels. You don't want it to be hard, but too soft isn't good either.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">2. The best place to test for softness is at the top (the skinnier end). If you think the avo may be overripe, this is the first place it will start going smooshy. If it is overripe the skin at the top tends to go dry.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">3. The color of the skin isn't a good indicator because there are so many varieties of avocado, it is hard to describe coloring for all of them.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Since the guacamole is going to be chunky, I recommend a rough chop for the tomato, but a fine chop for the red onion. You don't want to get a mouth full of onion! Similarly, you don't want the jalapeño or garlic to be over powering. Mince the jalapeño and garlic, along with the cilantro.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4n7sM6u7_ALrMkEQlhUyhO9pQsezeteLh2QZzIc2Rve5uV2csggVzzOFJKgUS-r9geybtudDY6dDgi3MHFCIEJm5z6rRfS7TE3BZdA1s4ofXlaoIBc4s-sQZvyAod0u52SlImIqIBDM/s1600/DSCN2732.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4n7sM6u7_ALrMkEQlhUyhO9pQsezeteLh2QZzIc2Rve5uV2csggVzzOFJKgUS-r9geybtudDY6dDgi3MHFCIEJm5z6rRfS7TE3BZdA1s4ofXlaoIBc4s-sQZvyAod0u52SlImIqIBDM/s320/DSCN2732.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497541970580000770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Put all of these ingredients into a large bowl and set aside. Avocados will turn brown if left out in the air for too long. Because of this, add the avocados no more than 20 minutes before serving.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Here is my method for cutting an avocado.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">1. Stick knife into avo lengthwise until you reach the pit. Rotate the avocado so you have a cut around the entire avo, constantly keeping the knife on the pit.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk0146Dp3nnZDQ3HxATcAIAsU7Kp9HjmiS6C_ogxX9A6v9AhC3qITwlYgSroNtw8vXTnaCCT0jAXK2OOT7sTNL42Hr7cQHD-wuMzpia2tbt7netHZCom-1p-JpW7AxNgWMn5qhmuRluM/s320/DSCN2737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497543954150684834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Twist the two halves in opposite directions and pull apart. You will end up with two halves, one of which will have the pit. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprv_2ZysJkh9FLBkceNPPV8BdDn1RQwKC1b5FjRBRmvrp1m3-ZLdO6ki9Suf3dIOBT0TaPK6rlhfDpQGw-of4zI8u8NUw9rZ6n3j-ScAPepYUTLh4YrvtpFDQYqc5D3CVViVJmGXXLO8/s1600/DSCN2738.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprv_2ZysJkh9FLBkceNPPV8BdDn1RQwKC1b5FjRBRmvrp1m3-ZLdO6ki9Suf3dIOBT0TaPK6rlhfDpQGw-of4zI8u8NUw9rZ6n3j-ScAPepYUTLh4YrvtpFDQYqc5D3CVViVJmGXXLO8/s320/DSCN2738.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497543960196459538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Put the half with the pit in your hand and let the weight of the knife force itself into the pit. You might have to provide some of the force. The knife should stick into the pit. Use the knife to rotate the pit until it comes out. Gently remove the pit from the knife by pinching the top of the pit. It should drop off of the knife. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5hUisMaUbLxB_bBTGFMMcCTdMLbCCHm6FImNiceEdcddZoyNJI5GQJpsVK94NNfQOOj1MWhrBy8aF_Pl_Yp0iEwO2bv2OtFIDXtChGo7c9KyuhfScDqGVm5WsgKrEUyhjiHvYNBhTdM/s1600/DSCN2741.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5hUisMaUbLxB_bBTGFMMcCTdMLbCCHm6FImNiceEdcddZoyNJI5GQJpsVK94NNfQOOj1MWhrBy8aF_Pl_Yp0iEwO2bv2OtFIDXtChGo7c9KyuhfScDqGVm5WsgKrEUyhjiHvYNBhTdM/s320/DSCN2741.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497543981018595842" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Again, hold one half in the palm of your hand. Gently run the knife through the avocado, touching the skin, but not cutting through it. Make a checker board pattern. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyTH_H1nk5tLegeKXp4kO3JwwWEDz_reblBytMZholwlQHiYZT9_Tna8qmmyQcW7Blj7UiN2E-5vtx7fE_ealeGLMZiLX68g6k0qCXBNnVS-ASFHucM7SGlm_SKAueOFuRsGZOkItuUo/s320/DSCN2739.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497543967815349298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Squeeze the avocado into the bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Continue until all three avocados are used. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXebfcQkg3FHBRDzEt6EPqC43-fuTMmUQC_ToXEzndmt625r115TbthwQuK9DXeTwFpJBu97eZlhOtiA9Yz3fdE58LB67dHqkiawCr-q7ebls0RNcc13T8JV5gyugxBNAAhnL0BfZA_5o/s1600/DSCN2740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXebfcQkg3FHBRDzEt6EPqC43-fuTMmUQC_ToXEzndmt625r115TbthwQuK9DXeTwFpJBu97eZlhOtiA9Yz3fdE58LB67dHqkiawCr-q7ebls0RNcc13T8JV5gyugxBNAAhnL0BfZA_5o/s320/DSCN2740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497543974181591298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Salt, pepper, and lime juice are used to taste. I usually use a little less than the full half of lime with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mix together and enjoy! On the Border and Green Mountain Gringo are my favorite tortilla chips. Don't use Tostitos...they are too salty and won't do this recipe justice. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVLx8R2wdXQAkDgzr5NelDVnGoYImyezgjrgKxmDOwlAC-aI29buGJEQl8cq37AEIWoknbzGrejGUVjmbxE90T7pbjOiE3oGkSxKB3bD7gaW9KCMgzz0FdCw80dYqc0HejAbhOo1I4MM/s320/DSCN2743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497547006448892546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyTH_H1nk5tLegeKXp4kO3JwwWEDz_reblBytMZholwlQHiYZT9_Tna8qmmyQcW7Blj7UiN2E-5vtx7fE_ealeGLMZiLX68g6k0qCXBNnVS-ASFHucM7SGlm_SKAueOFuRsGZOkItuUo/s1600/DSCN2739.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprv_2ZysJkh9FLBkceNPPV8BdDn1RQwKC1b5FjRBRmvrp1m3-ZLdO6ki9Suf3dIOBT0TaPK6rlhfDpQGw-of4zI8u8NUw9rZ6n3j-ScAPepYUTLh4YrvtpFDQYqc5D3CVViVJmGXXLO8/s1600/DSCN2738.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-2421040944930176042010-07-22T17:26:00.000-07:002010-07-22T18:01:27.346-07:00Going CrazySo, for about the past two weeks I have been contemplating the question, "Do you know that you are going crazy before the point of no return?" Like, is there a gray area between the time that you recognize and feel like yourself, and when your family and friends commit you to a hospital? There has been a series of examples of losing myself and my habits and realizing that I'm not sure if I can get them back, or if I really want to. <div><br /></div><div>The main example is that I am having a hard time sleeping. This is completely unlike me because I can usually sleep for 10 hours every night and want a nap in the afternoon. For most of my life, once I fell asleep I did't wake up, not even to use the bathroom. But lately, I have had a hard time falling asleep. If I do, I don't stay asleep. I have been opting to get up and clean the house rather than lay in bed, waiting to fall asleep. This has made me absolutely crazy because without sleep I don't feel like I'm thinking clearly. And I have a constant headache, which makes me crazy, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are other things like: I have completely rearranged the pictures in our house; I have no desire to work outside in our yard and the flower beds are atrocious (but I don't care); I haven't been making dinner or caring to have food in the house; and I have been creating arbitrary deadlines for getting things done and giving myself anxiety. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, again, these actions and thoughts that don't usually describe my personality are making me wonder if I will ever be the same again. I think I will, and I think I have the solution. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have heard stories on NPR and seen in movies how someone with mental health issues would go through an intervention, go on medicine and realize how great "real life" was, and they would be happy...for a while. Since things were great, they think that they don't need the medicine anymore. At first they are fine, but it seems like overnight they are back to being crazy and need another intervention. </div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that this cycle is very real. Luckily, I have not needed an intervention during my life, or have been so out of my mind that others have decided I needed help. But I did recognize it for myself a couple years ago. My anxiety was taking over and I knew that I needed to do something for myself, so I started taking medicine. </div><div><br /></div><div>So my solution to me feeling like I'm going crazy is to take my Happy Pill and start feeling like myself again. It took a while for me to recognize this as a possible cause for my problems, but it makes complete sense to me know. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't want to depend on medicine, but this is what it takes for me to recognize and feel like myself, I am willing to do it. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">**Hope this wasn't too much information. Blogs are just as much for yourself as they are for the readers, right?**</div><div><br /></div></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-75842696747658517112010-07-18T19:15:00.001-07:002010-07-18T20:26:05.732-07:00Hen Weekend<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This weekend I went to Chicago for my friend Hanna's Hen Weekend. I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to go, but I'm very glad that I did. Hanna is one of my Chi Omega sisters from Hanover whom I graduated with in 2003. I happened to be the only college friend who was able to make it for the weekend, which made it even more special for me to be there and celebrate with her :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>For those of you who know my driving preferences, you know that 1. I am directionally challenged and 2. I am more a rider rather than a driver. Because of these two things, I was very proud that I had accepted the invitation to drive myself up to Chicago. With Hanna's great directions and my impressive skills for following them, my drive up was joyfully uneventful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Hanna's apartment/condo (I'm not sure what to call it since it is a unit inside a shared building that she owns with her fiance.) is everything that you would want in a Chicago home. The neighborhood is walking distance from the water and has local shops and restaurants that makes city life appealing. With community gardens and open invitations to backyard BBQs, they definitely live in a community where people care about their neighborhood and the people who live there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Inside, Hanna has created a very comfy, inviting space where you feel right at home. Her ability to collect antiques and unique items and put them together is enviable. She is very creative and has a style that is all her own. Being around her, I hope her artistic skills rub-off on me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We celebrated her wedding by having a Bridal Tea in the afternoon. Her sisters, Jessica and Emily, hosted the affair which they pulled off seamlessly. Everything from the food to the outdoor seating created a space where we could enjoy each other's company and celebrate Hanna's wedding. A few of my Chi Omega sisters went in with me on a gift for Hanna. We got her a indoor wall pouch to plant flowers in. The plants cascade over the side and create a "living wall" indoors. Very cool if I do say so myself! Also, for a more intimate present, we gave her a nightgown that can be worn throughout the house. She was very appreciative for both gifts.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEwgEsrrAKQwtTXxb_-HSWXjFqtl7Ya8L4kp9VrXB5m0jYs6Wmp94qRZNrNRoEg0l4rhe7TWwfWgFRRekrRlG-KwphDgfA9uiyKh65o2DbLPFWT_HmvonKy-YmystB1fQKMAH3ow7kPk/s320/DSCN2712.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495447772602363074" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyaDYAIKGHwQL74Oh-WuLyvEHXGWn4wLZrC4mN4gniXxDIzPBAEcoeBJpMZQLWwbRz5fRylj3Um6uZq77cO-cdySWmLy6wjKRMyRy7ePqkH0bp12irfwvWKxEGs3L-M8LovFtn1mXNSs/s320/DSCN2710.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495447763884290722" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9YA5fAJj6svcvTRm1foLpSM41s0m1t7O74mbsxTpXZACcD-uoK63u7atyTdPvSG89WuSkS247wnTTHlbKJsAIYRdiDEhKqpNuBLNZZW8tHiC2IYYrzrJ5bPXcH2fDTReBE43ju-KXrE/s320/DSCN2706.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495447748845679714" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FeP_cBWEI2DTGNSAbieAPJs9ZFBgccVJc8XeGbpRAPyC88TuSNpBSPhMYgH9coKICJcCMw1TSYrgR6NkMwrBQX8VSVhePuGDlj9FIn26lt39twYmZtkbdYBPy41449BZvYrMuSQA2qo/s320/DSCN2708.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495447740906413186" /><div style="text-align: left;">I had known Jessica and Emily from their visits during college. It was nice to see them, and their mother PJ again. Also, Hanna's best friend from childhood, Erin, was at the shower, too. It was good to catch up with her. Congrats Erin on your baby! Hanna's upstairs and downstairs neighbors were at the shower, too, as were a few of her workmates. It was great to see that they appreciate Hanna as much as her XO sisters do!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Later on in the evening we went to dinner and a show ;) Our XO sisters have a tradition of signing and wearing a Bachelorette sash throughout our special evening. The sash started with Brandi and has lasted 7 years and now, including Hanna, 12 brides! Pam will be the last of us to wear the sash!</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_FXApcZA4vRnOFm0prsxTtF_oNHhkoyGnCiE4rLW9b54nAMnfwxwl-Wyw7YQpy9P8xuTllm1GXwqPH3065yZ3bCrt7w_7-TIltHonRNVg18INNrB4chie7GvlWb83QY4e0Gi_5GFBNg/s320/DSCN2714.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495450221807882674" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ97-1yRsarMAYY6HPzyWQptx3V2P6js_fnq2DiEcRNAPZsuhkIZl6H0QKkWiUddVR0oytmEpr_ypvuUSGsXXWVhCdtUSooUWNb7AK_I4YqGi4IVHSdy3pOwRCoJ76OiHP2S5jImc0K4/s320/DSCN2719.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495451988409236754" /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">We ate at Carnivale, which is a Latin American/Spanish fusion restaurant with amazing atmosphere. It was certainly the place to be! I can confidently recommend their Empanadas de Maiz :) After dinner we went to the The Baton Club to see the Ladies perform. Through a network of friends, Hanna's upstairs neighbor got us GREAT seats to the show. The women were beautiful and I realized that femininity can be worn well by anyone. I was quite jealous of their stage presence and, of course, their bodies! I decided that if I were to have a gay son, I would take him there and encourage him to be proud of himself, however he chose to live his life! These girls had it goin' on!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, it was a great weekend that made me appreciate Hanna for being a unique woman who has created a great life with her fiance! Congratulations to Hanna and Nate! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-89665756765943378642010-07-14T19:52:00.001-07:002010-07-14T20:08:01.342-07:00To Bid or Not to BidIn my last post I stated that I was going to venture into the world of Ebay to get my new, used sewing machine. I found a few that I am interested in through the brand recommendations of a friend's mother who knows a lot about sewing. Her mother has even gone so far as to offer to look at the machines I am interested in to give me input specifically on those :)<div><br /></div><div>The dilemma I am having currently is not on the value, be it monetary, durability and/or specifications, rather it is how to go about bidding. I started bidding on Tuesday evening and have been going back and forth with one person, I'm assuming, since then. My strategy for bidding started out as making a high bid, about $10.00 higher than the other person so I wouldn't have to go back and forth for a couple dollars each time. The strategy of the other bidder is exactly what I don't want to do. Each time "she" bids, it's just a couple bucks. This has become very frustrating for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are still two days left in the auction and I can't stop thinking about whether or not I have been outbid by a couple bucks! I have gone so far as to download the Ebay App on my phone, so I get an alert as soon as I am outbid. When I get my notification I start to get anxious and want to post my bid right away, but I don't want to seem desperate. I try to play it cool and wait so 1. The other person can't smell my desperation, and 2. I don't want to have to keep bidding. I figure, if I wait until there is on 10 minutes left on the bid, I can get in a last minute effort and bypass all of the back and forth that increases bids. This seems like a very good strategy. Holding out until the end seems like a good plan, until my anxiety takes over and I am forced to grapple for a couple dollars! Ahhh! Any suggestions?</div><div><br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-14615430732354457882010-07-12T13:10:00.000-07:002010-07-12T13:30:04.470-07:00Fabric LoverOne of my true loves is going to secondhand shops. During the summer I pass the hours browsing through consignment shops, Goodwill, and antique stores. This love of used items compliments my philosophy of the Three R's, and the hunt for a great deal :) <br /><br />Today a good friend of mine and I went to Gilley's Antique Mall in Plainfield, IN. We spent the entire morning enjoying each other's company while hunting for nothing in particular. When I shop, especially in antique stores, I touch those things I am interested in. This serves a number of purposes, including sussing out the quality of items. <br /><br />While we were shopping my friend, Sarah, says to me, "You are a fabric lover!" She noticed that I had been picking up all kinds of fabric and oooohing and awwwwing over them. I have never really thought of myself as a lover of fabrics, but after she said that, I had to agree. I am a Fabric Lover! <br /><br />In years past I have been borrowing sewing machines from various family members with the intention of eventually buying one for myself . A couple years ago it was supposed to be a birthday present, then a Christmas gift, but I haven't gotten around to purchasing one yet. <br /><br />But, upon being labeled as a Fabric Lover I feel it is my duty to get my own sewing machine. Sarah and I had visions of me using these beloved fabrics to make handbags, fabric napkins, pieces of art...the possibilities are endless. <br /><br />So I am announcing myself as a Fabric Lover and soon-to-be owner of a sewing machine. I have so say, hours of browsing on Ebay is going to have to join my list of ways to buy secondhand items, because they have a ton of good deals on sewing machines!Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-39154697542303689952010-07-10T13:32:00.000-07:002010-07-10T13:34:17.765-07:00MacBook Anyone?So I'm at the Apple store at Keystone Mall and within 10 minutes I'm hooked on the MacBook. I can't help myself, but I imagine that with a MacBook my cool factor will increase exponentially!! I think I deserve a "just because you are awesome" present :)<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202848065916240552.post-41991353340691964492010-07-09T18:31:00.000-07:002010-07-14T19:51:01.524-07:00My Coming OutMy friends have pressured me into creating a blog. I'm not sure what I have to say, but they are convinced that I have an interesting life. They reminded me that I am the only surviving marriage of 2005 as well as a world traveler. So, here I am. Join our blog party!Sarah Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15320052161586809423noreply@blogger.com0