Switched insurance companies

Since we moved, it was time to consider switching or looking for a lower insurance rate.  We have been with Progressive since 2007.  The other day, I shopped for a car and renter's insurance rate with Allstate.  If we switched to Allstate, our car insurance payment would be about $20 a month!  Our renter's insurance was about $1 or so lower. 

I made the switch this morning.  We are paying about $20 less a month for car insurance and about the same for renter's insurance!  I am excited we are now Allstate customers.  Our insurance goes into affect at the end of the month. 

Floor lamp hand-me-down

My mother-in-law stopped by this afternoon and asked if we wanted their floor lamp.  She also brought over a decorative plastic plant in a basket and asked if we wanted it.  Right now, it is sitting on the top shelf with my other plants in our living room. 

Shannon and I agreed that we could definitely the lamp.  They brought it over this afternoon.  I like it.  I have it in our living room for now, but Shannon may decide to move it.  Kyle likes it.  He turned it on and is sitting on the couch watching TV. 

Everything is new and exciting

Last night was our first night at our new apartment.  I did not sleep well because Kyle didn't want to go to sleep.  It didn't help that he was excited about being in a new place and running around.  I also think having soda a few hours before didn't help either. 

The phone rang a few times last night as well.  First, he was called in to work from another manager with the company.  He was asking Shannon to cover another security contract.  He is working 3 hours this evening, as well as Wednesday, Thursday and Friday!  Since he is working the rest of the week, we won't be able to take Kyle to school.  I was really thinking of getting a cab to take him to school in the morning but the expense of it and cabs are so unreliable here. So, Kyle will be missing school the rest of the week.

Almost all moved in

While Kyle was at school, Shannon and I moved all of our furniture into our new apartment.  We had to be at the new apartment at 9am for the cable guy.  We were told he would be there between 9am and 10am.  While we were waiting, Shannon went to pick up the U-Haul.  Thankfully, it was less than a mile away, so he walked there.  While he was gone, the cable guy did show up (around 10:15am) and connected our internet service. 

We arrived at our old apartment just before 11am and got to work loading the U-Haul with our furniture.  It was extra muggy and humid so after carrying a few heavy things to the U-Haul, we were both dripping with sweat!  The weather wasn't nice, it wasn't hot or cold...just really muggy and overcast.  The humid just made us sweat.

It took us a good hour or so to load our furniture.  It took another half hour to hour to get our things unloaded.  We have been unpacking and trying to get settled in this evening.  Kyle is excited and very happy about our new home. 

We still have clothes, dishes and food at our old apartment.  We have the place until the 26th, so we plan on moving everything else and then doing a quick cleaning. 

Buying the big appliances online

Shannon and I were talking about what washer and dryer to purchase.  I would love to get an "energy star" washer and dryer.  I also asked him what he thought of the front loading washer vs the top loading washer.  We decided the front loading washer uses less water and our clothes would get a better wash with the front loading because of the way it spins.  With the top loading, you would have to fill the water level all the way to the top and there is no guarantee that the clothes at the very top will get washed. 

Plus, with the front loading washers, it sounds like you can really stuff them and they have a huge capacity.  That is helpful with bed comforters, sheets and other big loads.  

We're hoping to get a front loading washer.  Although, I do hate that I would have to stoop very low just to load the washer.  I could get the stand but those are usually an extra $300 or so, each. 

Also, Shannon is finally open to the idea of buying the washer and dryer online through the shopping site that I use to earn cash back on online purchases!  I told him that I would need to go to the store first to look at the models and then decide which ones to buy and make the purchase online.  Hopefully we can go later this week. 

Our washer will no longer connect to our kitchen faucet so I have been hand washing our clothes for the last few days.  We did use the laundry facilities at our new apartment earlier this week.  I am really wanting to get a washer and dryer for our apartment quick! 

Washer and Dryer

We still need to get a washer and dryer.  We tried looking at used appliances but realized we really don't know what we are getting with used.  We don't know the history of the appliance.  Plus, we don't have the protection of a warranty that comes with a new washer and dryer. 

We just feel more comfortable buying new from a reputable store. 

For the first few day or weeks we are in our new apartment, we may need to use the laundry facility in our building.  I definitely don't mind and it's not a long walk from our apartment. 

I would love to get a front loading washer because of the energy savings and the use of less water.  I would also love to buy "made in America" appliance.  However, both front loading and "made in America" are usually expensive.  We looked at washer and dryers a few weeks ago just to get an idea of prices. 

U-Haul on Monday

Next Monday and Tuesday are our moving days with the U-Haul.  We just found out yesterday that our apartment complex is repaving the parking lots on Tuesday and Wednesday, so some areas will be closed for parking, which means our parking lot may be full.  We are worried that we may not be able to find a close parking spot for the U-Haul, thus we may have to carry our things farther away from our apartment to the parked U-Haul!  We're hoping that most cars will be gone during the day since people work during normal business hours. 

On Monday, we are scheduled to pick up the U-Haul at 10am.  However, we do have to meet the cable guy at 9am at our apartment.  We hope to move as much as we can on Monday while Kyle is in school.  We only have a few hours to do our moving because he comes home around 2:40pm or so (when the bus drops him off). 

Second visit to new apartment

Yesterday, we decided to take Kyle over to our new apartment for the second time.  This was his second visit there and this time, he saw more of our stuff there.  He saw his blankets there and we showed him where mommy and daddy's room is and where his room is.  We also showed him where his bed will go and he grabbed a blanket to lay down.  It was cute. 

He loved visiting the apartment.  He ran around into every room and saw our things in various places.  Hopefully he understands we are moving.  I think he's used to us moving every so often. 

On our way home, we asked him if he wanted french fries.  He quickly responded verbally with "french fries" and he also started moving his hand and arm over and over again every time we asked.  We wondered if he was signing "french fries."  So, when we got home, I looked up how to sign "french fries" and lo and behold, he was signing it!  You can see how it is signed here. 

Apartment Tour

Here is a video we made today while visiting our apartment. We made it for the purpose of showing my in-laws since they have not been able to see the inside of their apartment. They are going to get the same apartment type as we are. We wanted to give them a video of what it looks like inside.


Our apartment is two bedrooms, one bath, with a den, 1100 square feet with a washer and dryer hookup.

Little by little

This week, we have been moving our things over to our new apartment while Kyle is at school.  We do a few boxes a day.  Today, we did two trips. 

We cannot wait to move our stuff completely! 

Shannon was worried about moving without having to hire someone.  We plan on renting a U-Haul but he and I are going to be moving our things.  He had us practice with the couch because it is heavy and he was most worried about moving that.  He said he and I can do it slowly just to get it from the apartment to the truck and then moved into our new apartment.  It is heavy, but I think we can manage it.  He said he's confident with moving our other things with the help from a furniture dolly. 

So, it looks like we won't have to hire anyone to help us move, which will help us save a few hundred dollars. 

Dreaming of furniture and an iPhone

Shannon was thinking about getting new furniture for our new place and have it set up before we officially move in.  He wanted to get a coffee table, two end tables and a new TV stand.  Our current TV stand is about 9 years old. 

After browsing online for possible places to go to, he found end tables priced at about $250 at JC Penney, which is way out of our budget.  So, he decided we should try Target and Walmart. We found some really cute pieces at Target and then went to Walmart to look around.  One our way home, Shannon realized that we are unable to afford new furniture, even if it's the kind you assemble yourself.  He decided that we should use the money towards a washer and dryer.  We're still not sure if we are going to buy or rent.  I have a feeling we should buy them.

I have been looking/wanting/dreaming of getting an iPhone!  They are pricey but I have it narrowed down to getting one through Straight Talk or Cricket.  I know I don't need a phone now but it would be nice to have.  I like the iPhone 5 because it comes with Siri and a few other perks.  I am trying to save up the money I earn from my blog to actually purchase the phone.  I am making a semi-steady income with my blog that I may be able to afford a cell phone each month. 

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. 

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? 

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. 

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! 

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! 

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.