New Apartment Complex

 

We took the following video yesterday for the purpose of sharing with my in-laws.  They live out of state and have not been able to visit to see the property or the inside of what their apartment will look like.  They have driven through this complex before...but it was two years ago! 

As you can see from the video, we pointed out where our apartment will be and then we showed them where their building is located.  

I am a little envious because they are renting their apartment (same type and size as ours) for $502 a month.  We are paying $567 a month!  The apartment is 1100 square feet, two bedroom with a den and one bath.  Not only that, the apartment complex lowered their prices significantly AFTER we applied and got approved. Although, we have not signed a lease yet...so I may ask about the lowered prices...  

They lucked out on their apartment because she called to ask if there was a two bedroom with a den and one bath apartment available and was told "no."  She ended up calling a few days later and talked to another person and said there is one available but it isn't listed yet.  So they basically got the last two bedroom with a den!  

We are all looking forward to living near each other again because Shannon's dad's health is declining and also it would be helpful to have them near if we wanted them to watch Kyle one night if we wanted to go out.  Also, if our car broke down, Shannon could use their car to get to work. 

I am a little relieved that we won't be living right next to each other.  At least we're a few buildings away. 

Grocery shopping and new clothes

We went grocery shopping today!  It had been way too long since the last time we went and I was running out of food!  I was missing eating healthy. 

We bought new pants, shirts and shoes for Kyle.  I bought "big boy" pants from Dickies.  They have reinforced knees which will help since Kyle likes to play hard!  Unfortunately, they are really long on him, so I may have to fold them up.  The waist is adjustable too.  I bought two pairs in size 7 and one in size 8 (on accident).  I guess he can always grow into them!  I bought them in khaki, black and navy blue.  Kyle likes certain types of clothes and to stray from them is very difficult and he does not adjust to it.  I bought him three polo shirts (just like his other shirts).  I also found him a pair of shoes. 

Haircut for Kyle

We gave Kyle a haircut tonight.  He does not like to have his haircut, nor his nails trimmed.  He always runs away. 

His hair was really shaggy and long and he has picture day on Wednesday.  We don't plan on buying pictures but when they send home the proofs of his school pictures, we may buy them!  That's we did last time.  His picture was so cute and they got him to smile that we bought one!

Weekend

Kyle wasn't feeling well all of Saturday.  He kept coughing throughout the day.  Saturday night into Sunday morning, he woke up around 1am and was coughing like crazy.  I tried sitting him up with a second pillow.  He coughed like that for about an hour and he finally fell asleep after that.  I could hear him wheezing too.  Then he woke up coughing around 4am but that didn't last long. 

On Sunday, he seemed a little better than Saturday.  I am going to send him to school on Monday.  He has a short school week this week.  He is off on Thursday and Friday. 

Shannon worked his regular shift of Friday night and Saturday.  He was just called in to work tonight for a full shift!  Hopefully there will be more shifts needing coverage this week! 

Shannon found a full time position with his current employer.  They are hiring for a manager and the pay is really good.  I just hope he actually applies for it.  I told him not to tell anyone at work about it, but knowing him, he will and everyone else will end up applying it and he will forget to apply for it.

Long week finally over

This was definitely a long week, or at least it felt like it.  I hated that Shannon had to go out of town for training.  However, in the end, the "certificate" will look good on his resume.  He will receive a "certificate of completion" but there are more hours he needs to complete before he receives an official certification.  He came home early on Wednesday, Thursday and today. 

He goes back to work tonight.  We hope he will be given more hours this week since he went about two weeks without very many extra hours. 

This week, I stocked up on toilet paper from Walgreens.  Their store brand (Nice!) was on sale for 2 (6 rolls) for $5!  Plus, you earned 250 points when you bought 2.  250 Points = $0.25.  Which equals to $2.38 each.  I ended up buying 2 on Wednesday and went back on Thursday and bought 2 more.  The rolls looks like Charmin too.  We have a pack of Angel Soft (a name brand) and the rolls look so small compared to the Nice! brand. 

Every Friday of this month, we had to pack a lunch for Kyle.  It seems they are practicing/participating in the Special Olympics!  The first two weeks was basketball and (I think) bowling.  This week was track & field.  This morning, I could tell Kyle wasn't feeling good.  He was coughing, but he seemed well enough to go to school.  Today he came home and he's coughing more.  I think it will be a long weekend of him getting better.  Hopefully he will be better by Monday because next week is a short week.  He is off Thursday and Friday and the rest of the week after that for Spring Break.  

Earlier this week, it seemed I received at least 4 or 5 boxes a day!  That only happened Monday and Tuesday.  By the end of the week, it was less boxes.  I am receiving so many pitches for skin care products that I am adding a reviewer to my blog.  Thankfully, the person I added is already a fellow blogger, so I am excited.  She also does reviews and I told her she could do the reviews on both her blog and mine! 

Staying overnight

Shannon is staying overnight out of town.  He packed a few things before he left so that he had the option to stay at a hotel tonight.  His training class is very draining, so he wants to go to sleep and then wake up fully refreshed.  He may have to stay overnight later this week.

I can tell this is going to be a long week with him gone so much.  I hate that he in a different city and has to commute to the training class.  

I did more cleaning today.  I cleaned as much as I could in the living room and went through Kyle's toy box and got rid of toys he no longer plays with and broken toys.

I am also trying to keep the trash and boxes under control.  I am receiving several packages a day so the boxes can easily stack up!  The last few days, I have had to take the trash and boxes out after Kyle gets on the school bus in the morning and in the afternoon before Kyle gets home.   I am also saving big boxes so when we are ready to start packing, we won't have to buy packing boxes. 

I took a rest day on my workout program.  I hope to get back to it tomorrow!  There really isn't a workout schedule, so I am taking it at my own pace. 

Day 1 of 30 Day Shred

Today was the first day of the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels.  It was difficult but I am looking forward to this challenge!

Today is also the first day of Shannon's class out of town.  He plans on coming home every night.  He is pretty much coming home, going to sleep and wake up to do it all over again.

I took the time to throw away our trash and stack of boxes.  I  hope to do more cleaning this week. 

Training all week

Shannon will be gone every day this week for training.  It is a free course given by the State but it's in another city.  He is leaving about two and a half hours before the class starts tomorrow because he doesn't know where it is exactly and he's not sure about traffic.  It's better to get there early than walk in late. 

The class is Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm.  Hopefully he can come home each evening. 

This week, I will be trying a new workout program called Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  I am excited.  I want a new routine to try.  It features 3 20-minute workouts at 3 different levels. 

I passed my certification test!

I had my "big" test on Thursday morning.  After the test, I was unsure as to how I did and I did not feel as confident.  I was told it would take two business days to get my results, which would make Monday the day my scores would be posted online.  I just checked online and I passed!!!

Not only did I graduate with honors, but now I am certified.  Here is a screenshot of my "temporary" certificate:

I am so excited and surprised!  I am very happy to add this to my resume now.  My scores will be sent to the school as well. 

No extra hours

Shannon hasn't been called in to work any extra hours this week.  He did let them know that next week he will not be available and we were wondering if maybe the person doing the schedule may have misread the schedule thinking he meant this week... 

Shannon got his haircut today.  He really needed it.  Kyle needs a haircut badly, however he won't allow us near him for that.  He also doesn't like having his nails trimmed, I was barely able to trim them yesterday.

My mother-in-law called this afternoon letting us know they won't be coming up this week.  Now they are both feeling sick.  First, my father-in-law wasn't feeling well and now my mother-in-law isn't feeling well.  They also started the application process with the apartment complex.  She said she called them today to let them know they would like to apply and after telling the lady their name and talking about the apartment, the lady said, "But you were already approved."  Then my mother-in-law had to explain to the lady that they are our parents/in-laws!  LOL  They had a good laugh and the lady told her that she distinctly remembers working on our application.  Plus, our last name is not a common one, such as "Smith" or "Jones."  They are applying for the same type of apartment we want, the two bedroom, one bath - 1100 sq ft.  They originally wanted the smaller two bedroom but they realized it wouldn't fit their dining room table.  They may even be assigned the same building as us? 

I am pretty sure I am sick...or getting there.  A few days ago, I noticed a tickle in my throat.  Last night, it was difficult to fall asleep with a sore throat.  Today, I had a sore throat and a cough here and there, but not too bad.  I just hope I can concentrate during my test tomorrow.  I have my certification test tomorrow morning!  I have been cramming/studying as much as I can.  I read through my notes little by little throughout the day.  I don't think I am nervous about the actual test, I am more worried about getting their on time!  The test is at 9am but need to be there by 8:30am.  Like my final exam, the certification test is 100 questions.  If it is as easy as my final exam was, I should do fine.  I will be doing a little more studying tomorrow morning before my test too. 

Puppies, Jobs and had to see it!

This morning, we drove by our new apartment complex because we wanted to find the building and where our apartment is located within the complex.  We are slowly working on cleaning and getting our things ready to pack. 

While we were at the mall, we saw a pet store -- an actual store that sells pets!  Shannon and I haven't seen those type of stores in years!  Of course, I always wonder if the puppies come from puppy mills.  The puppies were so cute to look at.  They also had rabbits, rats and beta fish.  I think Shannon and I got a little "puppy fever."  However, we know we can't afford to have one, nor do we have the time for a pet.  We miss having a pet, but we know we are unable to care for one.

Tonight, I decided to do a little job searching.  I looked on craigslist and our local county website.  I found three different "office assistant" positions to apply for.  I updated my resume to reflect my recent certificate and skills gained.  I feel a little more confident with that information on my resume and application.  I hope it will give me a little bit of an edge? 

New Shoes

Shannon and I went to the mall so he could get new shoes.  He bought the same Nike shoes that he currently has.  They had his size too.  After finding what he wanted at JC Penney, we decided to walk around the mall.  It was a nice outing for us.  We had frozen yogurt before leaving. 

Cleaning frenzy

Right after I put Kyle on the bus, Shannon and I went to breakfast and then went to Walmart for groceries.

Shannon's parents are coming to visit sometime this week and want to stay overnight in our second bedroom.  So, we've been cleaning like mad.  He is cleaning the bathroom top to bottom and I have been removing clutter, throwing as much as I can away, going through clothes and vacuuming.  Shannon even bought Comet and a scrub brush so he could use them to clean the bathroom.  He doesn't like my "green cleaning" products. 

They want to stay with us and then go look at a few apartment complexes the next day.  They don't want to spend $100+ on a hotel room.

We still have a ton of cleaning and de-cluttering to do.  Two years ago when we moved to our current place, we went through our things and threw away as much as could.  This time around, we plan on doing the same.  I am going to get rid of anything and everything I possibly can. 

My Certificate

Look what just arrived!!!!  I definitely want to get a frame for my certificate.  We'll need two frames because Shannon earned his Bachelor's Degree a few months ago! 

We got the apartment!

We are approved for the new apartment!  I am looking forward to lower rent, more space and a full size washer and dryer.  However, I am not looking forward to changing our address with our banks, utilities, etc.  Also, Kyle will have to switch schools.  Hopefully he can finish out the school year at his current school, rather than start at a new school with just a few weeks left by the time we move. 

She asked for our move in date and I told her “sometime in May.”  I also asked for a bottom floor and she quickly assigned us one.  It sounded like they have plenty of apartments open, so I am really glad we were able to get a bottom floor.  She also gave me our address!  I have the numbers and apartment number but no street name.  I am sure we can find it within the complex. 

I received a new book to read and review.  I am looking forward to reading it.  It's about a teenager girl who "goes vintage" as in 1962.  It looks like an interesting read! 

So much done!

It isn't even noon and I have done so much today!  I am doing my last load of laundry (I did two loads earlier).  This morning, right after I put Kyle on the bus, I threw away all of the boxes that were taking up our kitchen.  As a blogger, I get a lot of packages.  I also cleaned our floors and washed our mats.  Our sheets have been changed and our towels are being washed. 

In between all of that, I wrote two product reviews.

This weekend, I received a frame and my two salt lamps that I purchased from Walmart.  My poster is now in a frame and it looks gorgeous! 

Since we are moving in May, I am saving every big box we receive.  So far, I have three boxes from Walmart orders that I am saving. 

Shannon called to let me know that he will be working until 8:30pm or so tonight.  There was a call off so he's going to cover another site after he finishes his 8 hour shift. 

Home Alone today

It was a long weekend!  We kept Kyle home on Friday because he wasn't feeling good.  Which left me with him for three very long days.  I was really looking forward to Monday because it would give me some quiet time. 

Shannon is working this morning.  He's working 7am until 3pm or so.  Kyle gets home around 2:40pm or so and Shannon should get home about an hour later. 

Since I am home alone, I am taking advantage to get things done!  I also plan on turning in our notice with the apartment office to let them know we will not be renewing our lease at the end of our lease.  Hopefully, we will hear back from the other apartment that we have been accepted!

I scheduled my certification test for this Thursday morning at 9am!  I am nervous, but definitely want to get it over with.  I plan on studying my notes here and there. 

Tax Refund and Certification Test

This morning, I checked our account and our State refund was deposited into our account!  

I choose to pay for the certification test online today.  I had to wait until today when there would be more money in our account.  I have to wait until tomorrow to actually try to schedule to take the test.  I want to get the certification test done and over with while the information is fresh in my mind.  In the meantime, I am going over my notes and trying to memorize and recall the questions from the final exam.  The certification test is very similar to the final exam. I definitely want to get certified so that I can add that to my resume and it's something to fall back on if we ever need it.  

I am also interested in taking a Medical Assisting course.  There is a school that offers a program, which can be completed in less than a year.  I may look into it more after we move since the apartment complex has a bus line right there! 

We still need to give a 60 day notice with our current apartment complex.  Shannon has been busy working.  I need him to write up a notice so I can turn it in.  But first, we need to figure out when we're moving... 

My in-laws called this afternoon just before Shannon had to get ready for work.  They asked if we were approved and based on what we were told, it looks like we will be.  They said they are going to apply too and get that process going.  I am surprised they don't want to see the property and the inside of the apartments.  They said they drove through the complex two years ago, but I don't think they've seen the inside of the apartments.  Maybe they are just really needing to move and want to save on rent.  Plus, they will be VERY close to us!  I am honestly surprised they are moving back here because they were very happy living near the beach (literally 10-15 minutes away). 

They also asked us if we wanted their artificial Christmas Tree and Shannon said we do.  I had mentioned to Shannon months ago that I would like to have an artificial tree so that we can decorate it.  It would be so pretty to have one!  In all the years we've been together, we've never had a tree at Christmas. 

Apartment Update and Light bulbs

Our closest Post Office is inside of an ACE Hardware store.  I decided to get a shipping box and also pick up the light bulbs I needed for my Salt Lamp.  I also needed a new nightlight for our personalized light bulb that has our picture on it.  I am happy that my salt lamp is working again!

Shannon works every day this week.  He is working 8 hours today and then the next two days, he is only working 4 hour shifts.

This afternoon, we finally heard back about the apartment!  She said "everything looks good."  They are waiting for verification from our current apartment complex.  However, our complex managers cannot release the information until we give notice.  This does not make sense to us.  What if we were to give our notice and then we end up not getting approved at the new apartment?  LOL So, I guess we'll be giving our notice this week.  They are also waiting on employment verification.

We are excited about moving because we will be saving at least $100 every month on rent.  I will also have my Walgreens across the street on the corner and a grocery store with other little shops across the street.  I do hate the fact that Kyle will have to change schools. 

I went to Walgreens earlier this week to stock up on things with my coupons.  We are more than fine on shampoo/conditioner (I have 10 bottles total) and 4 bottles of Head and Shoulders for Shannon.  I also have plenty of feminine napkins and liners!  LOL  Seriously, I am good for at least a year on feminine napkins and liners.  We have plenty of soap to last us a few months as well.

I need to go back to Walgreens this week to stock up on paper towels and toilet paper.  I also need a few other things! 

Blog Conferences

I would love to go to a blog conference, however, they are very expensive.  Most bloggers find sponsors to pay for their trips and in return, they offer advertising, features, etc on their blog and offer to represent their company at the conference. 

Conferences are a great way to meet other bloggers and also network with companies. 

This year, I entered a giveaway to win a ticket to a blog conference, hotel stay and a little spending money.  I figured, it can't hurt to enter.  I also just applied to be a volunteer at another blog conference.  We'll see if I am chosen.  If not, no biggie.  However, if I get chosen to volunteer, I would have to pay for hotel, transportation (airfare) and other expenses (food, etc).  I believe they have meal tickets included as a volunteer but if I wanted to eat outside of the conference. 

I talked to Shannon about attending a blog conference and he is encouraging me to.  I told him that I haven't pursued it in the past because of funding the trip. 

Salt Lamps at Walmart?!

Shannon is working every day this week, which means we won't have time to do any shopping.  As of today, we still have not heard back about the apartment we applied to last week.  If we don't hear anything by the end of this week, I plan on calling!

The other day, I received a 16x20 poster for review that I just love.  I want to put it in a frame.  Ours is personalized with our last name! 

I was also searching for a replacement bulb for my salt lamp because the bulb went out for good!  While I was searching online at Walmart, I found that Walmart sells Salt Lamps too!  I ended up getting two lamps for only $20 each!

While I could not find the right size/wattage of bulbs, I decided to get my picture frame and two salt lamps!  I plan on putting a salt lamp in the living room and one in our second bedroom/my computer room! 

Good news and still waiting on other news

I saw someone post a picture of their Salt Lamp on Facebook and it reminded me that I have a salt lamp but haven't been able to use it because the bulb went out.  I went to wipe down my lamp and decided to plug it in another outlet.  As I was trying to remove the stand, the lightbulb turned on!  Now that I know my salt lamp still works, I have it in the living room on our TV stand.  I will bring it back in the bedroom in the evening.  I am hoping it will help us sleep better and clean our air at the same time. 

We still have not heard back from the apartment.  I hope they call soon. 

I received some great news this evening.  I passed my final exam.  I was taking an online course in Medical Administrative Assisting through Career Step.  As an NC resident, our tuition is greatly reduced.  I had until April 30th to complete the course, but I finished and took my exam on March 1st.  I received an email today letting me know I passed.  When I went to check my score, I realized I passed with HONORS!!!! 

I am waiting for the school to let me know how I can receive my certificate of completion and they will also let me know how to go about taking the CMAA test, which means that I will be certified if I pass that test.  Certification means more pay with employers.  I am unsure if I am going to take the test.  If I can take it online, I will definitely look into it. 

Apartment/Moving, Work and Workouts

Shannon talked to his mom the other day and apparently, they are wanting to move back to NC.  They are interested in the apartment complex we applied to.  They had looked at it two years ago when they were moving out of their house but on a whim, they decided to move to the beach instead.  Now, they want to move back to NC.  After my father-in-law's health scare a few months ago, they realized that it would be better for all of us to be near each other.  They can help us and we can help them.  Plus, they are already familiar with the area.  We also have Trader Joe's and a few other natural foods store that they like.  In their current city, the closest Trader Joe's is a few hours away. 

We still have not heard any word from the apartment complex regarding our application.  They told us it would take around 3 days (we turned in our application on Wednesday), so hopefully on Monday we will hear something.  We drove by that area again.  They have Walgreens on the corner (there is also a CVS across the street on the corner) and Harris Teeter (grocery store) and many other stores directly across the street from the complex.  The entire apartment complex property is on 32 acres of land.  It's a huge looking place.  When we drove through it, it looks so quiet and peaceful.  Very family oriented.  Plus, the office does a criminal background check. 

Shannon worked 12 hours last night.  He had to work from 7pm until 7am.  He had to work one site from 7pm until 11pm and then do his supervisor shift from 11pm until 7am.  But during the 12 hours, he will be paid the same rate of pay!!!   The acting manager (they still haven't filled the position of the former Account manager) told Shannon that he will have more hours for him this week!  I am so glad there are plenty of hours to be given out to everyone.  It sounds like everyone is getting extra hours or overtime if they want it. 

Since I am feeling completely better and no longer have dizzy spells, I started March off to a great start.  February was not a good month for me.  I am back to doing pilates for now.  I am going to continue with pilates and then add yoga here and there.  Once I have done that for a few weeks, I plan on adding Turbo Jam and then Turbo Fire.  I am just taking it day by day. 

2012 Taxes are done and filed

I filed our taxes yesterday.  Luckily, we qualified for free tax filing, for State and Federal.  Unfortunately, our refund isn't as big as we hoped it would be, but it is better than nothing (like last year).