Tonight, we brought home what will turn out to be a major purchase. A 1893 Baldwin upright piano in INCREDIBLE condition! This is my new baby. And Tommie Cat is PISSED...
Not because there's a new "thing" in the house, but because 1) he's not allowed on the keyboard (when the cover's open) and 2) because I've spent about 3 hours "plunking" it since we've had it moved in. Oh, and I sing along as I play...which he reminds me that he's not appreciative of. My ankles have been torn to shreds in protest...time to start wearing socks.
Now, this purchase is not quite through, yet. The piano itself will need a little work...a tuning for one (although it does sound pretty good!) and probably a revoicing, as some of the tones are a little off. BUT, we only paid $300 for it (plus $35 to move it...you need a mover in the Fort Campbell area? I HIGHLY recommend "A Man With A Truck"! He was AWESOME!!!...tipped him in Girl Scout cookies, and I have a difficult time parting with those!). So, I figure if I have to sink a bit into it to get it sounding perfect, so be it. It's a full-to-floor console. Sound board seems good. Even the strings seem to be in GREAT condition. The cabinet is BEAUTIFUL! This was a great investment.
Which brings me to my husband and our latest "fight"...well, not fight as much as disargeement. And not "latest" as much as completely on going...for all of our married life. But THIS version may be partially the Army's fault...
So, since we've gotten to Fort Campbell, we have -shall we say?- amassed 'things'...furniture, knick-knacks, dishes, books...a lot of stuff. Now, some of this is due to free-cycle and "junking" (seriously, junking used to be a HUGE past time). We have gotten some really great stuff though! Part of this amassment is my addiction to thrift stores and antique shops and yard sales (and whomever decided it was a brilliant idea to put up a website and essentially run an area wide, 24/7 yardsale...FYI my hubby wants your life!). Now...before you label me a "shop-a-holic" or a hoarder...please realize that I am a deal hunter! I am on a search for specific items (although I have been known to purchase something because it's "cute") and specific quality (I don't by aluminum pieces to "supplement" my silver and hollow-ware items). I have a "master list" of items that I want. For example: I have about $1500 worth of silver and hollow-ware with FireKing inserts (think "buffet-style" serveware dishes) and I've only paid about $250...you've GOT to love thrift stores! And, after the work is done on my piano, I'm going to have to up my renter's insurance by like $8000 (after the work, it should appraise as a Grade IV or V, which should value it at near $8000+). So, it's not like I am buying junk here. But the problems I face are this...
1) My husband does not understand that I am on the move to furnish our home with things that will last. It breaks my heart to see "the pile" when people PCS. You will not see that here. We've gotten rid of all our junk this spring. All that's left in they house are good or best quality. It will either be refinished and / or taken care of and treasured; traveling with us until AT LEAST retirement OR refinished and / or taken care of and then donated or sold upon PCS. Now, that being said, I realize that there are pieces in my home that need to be refinish or worked on...and it's on the list for the next 13 months. I will post pictures of the projects.
2) The Army only gives us 8800 pounds for House Hold Goods (HHG) on a PCS. This is only a problem if we're going to let the government move us...which will only happen if the hubby isn't around to help me. If we do a DITY and are over, we just don't "make" as much. So it's not too much of a problem (and an OCONUS move will be self move to and store in Green Bay near Mom...just the basics overseas, Alaska or Hawaii). I mean, the piano weighs probably close to 1000 pounds itself. I just don't do light furniture! Apparently the Army feels that anyone who purchases a piano to move with them then doesn't need any dining room furniture or bedroom furniture...I'm pretty sure on a government move, your weight allowance doesn't "afford" you both
On the same note as reason 1 above...the hubby is pissed because yesterday I spent almost $100 on plants. I want plants outside, what can I say?!?!? The majority of them are perannuals, so it was money well spent. AND I will be digging them up for transport at PCS time, so it's not like I'm "gifting" the new residents of my building anything. He's still not happy though. He must not have faith in my flower growing abitlities... (NEWSFLASH...neither do I, but I WILL MAKE THIS GROW AND LOOK BEAUTIFUL!).
I'm not sure if I bought the piano because I wanted a beautiful showpiece in my home, or because I miss music that much. In high school, I lived and breathed music. And I miss that. I want to be able to sing and "plunk". I don't know. It's in my soul, I suppose.
The cat must have gotten over the jealousy. He's curled up on the couch purring next to me. Maybe he's just telling me it's time for bed.
Music back into my life; that's what it's all about. Now, to re-teach myself to play...
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Questioning....
Mortality. His, not mine.
Note to self: Right now, the sad songs on the iPod are not a good idea to be listening to. So, shuffle is not an option. Please remember that. One song, no matter how great the message, can set me off right now.
I spent a number of hours last night crying my eyes out. And then didn't sleep well. I have a lot of questions now...most that I can't answer.
Like:
If my hubby were to die, would I continue to live near the military community or move back to Green Bay?
How would I support myself?
What can I do to be prepared?
Well, the last one isn't too hard...there are a TON of resources out there. And I read and bookmarked a LOT of them last night. Because, like FRGL training here at FTCKY, Care Team training and training for trauma in the unit pretty much SUCK! (Learned that in March). So, I am going to need to resources and information on hand.
Time to binder some stuff together to be ready for the worst. And get as much preparation for the worst for both of us...
...more tears I'm absolutely sure.
I'm sure that at one time or another during I will need a good cry and will sit and listen to the playlist of sad (yet patriotic) music that I created last night. And I will BAWL! But right now, I need to function and that means none of that music.
And it means that I will need to work on answering some very difficult questions that we've both been putting off his entire military career. But if the worst were to happen, we'd be prepared.
...although, this is going to SUCK!
Note to self: Right now, the sad songs on the iPod are not a good idea to be listening to. So, shuffle is not an option. Please remember that. One song, no matter how great the message, can set me off right now.
I spent a number of hours last night crying my eyes out. And then didn't sleep well. I have a lot of questions now...most that I can't answer.
Like:
If my hubby were to die, would I continue to live near the military community or move back to Green Bay?
How would I support myself?
What can I do to be prepared?
Well, the last one isn't too hard...there are a TON of resources out there. And I read and bookmarked a LOT of them last night. Because, like FRGL training here at FTCKY, Care Team training and training for trauma in the unit pretty much SUCK! (Learned that in March). So, I am going to need to resources and information on hand.
Time to binder some stuff together to be ready for the worst. And get as much preparation for the worst for both of us...
...more tears I'm absolutely sure.
I'm sure that at one time or another during I will need a good cry and will sit and listen to the playlist of sad (yet patriotic) music that I created last night. And I will BAWL! But right now, I need to function and that means none of that music.
And it means that I will need to work on answering some very difficult questions that we've both been putting off his entire military career. But if the worst were to happen, we'd be prepared.
...although, this is going to SUCK!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
My Failure =(
You ever have one of those days? You know, when it just hits you (as you are giving the lecture that it's not "their" fault buddy, it's yours) that you are partially or mostly to blame for the situation? Yeah. 8am today started that way.
Today was weight & tape at the unit. And I knew the hubby was going to need to be taped. I mean, 195lbs? Not in his wildest dreams. He just has too much muscle (and I'm not just saying that...we're both solid...neither one of us will EVER see our "ideal" weight and still be healthy). So the tape was inevitable. And he taped at 24%...his max!
Now, I know that we don't eat the most healthily...and that's pretty much my fault...although I am kinda blaming the parents on that one, too. He doesn't like vegetables. Of course, he also doesn't know what he's missing! But back to how this one is my fault.
I used to push him to go to the gym...go running...whatever. Since he sliced his hand, oh four years ago, I haven't bugged him much about it.
Now, I know, I'm probably not one to talk. If you have met me, you know that. But...I feel that as an Army Wife, I have let my hubby and myself down. And yes I'm whining about it...and being a little self-piting...and possibly a little hard on myself (but....)....deal with it. (It's MY blog and I can!)
So today starts the new chapter in our lives. Both of us are going to get healthy...whether we like it or not!
See you at the gym!
-N
Today was weight & tape at the unit. And I knew the hubby was going to need to be taped. I mean, 195lbs? Not in his wildest dreams. He just has too much muscle (and I'm not just saying that...we're both solid...neither one of us will EVER see our "ideal" weight and still be healthy). So the tape was inevitable. And he taped at 24%...his max!
Now, I know that we don't eat the most healthily...and that's pretty much my fault...although I am kinda blaming the parents on that one, too. He doesn't like vegetables. Of course, he also doesn't know what he's missing! But back to how this one is my fault.
I used to push him to go to the gym...go running...whatever. Since he sliced his hand, oh four years ago, I haven't bugged him much about it.
Now, I know, I'm probably not one to talk. If you have met me, you know that. But...I feel that as an Army Wife, I have let my hubby and myself down. And yes I'm whining about it...and being a little self-piting...and possibly a little hard on myself (but....)....deal with it. (It's MY blog and I can!)
So today starts the new chapter in our lives. Both of us are going to get healthy...whether we like it or not!
See you at the gym!
-N
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Back Home, and Back Behind
So I had today planned. Find the totes of FRG materials in the garage. Finish the FRG powerpoint. Finish the FRG display. Finish the FRG weblink list.
Have I mentioned that I need a root canal? Yeah. It's becoming apparently obvious that I will probably NOT make it to July without one.... =( HUGE SAD FACE!!!!
So, what did I do today? Not much on the FRG front. Of course, it probably didn't help that when I called the orderly room on Thursday, the CO hadn't done A THING to help me. So, I am going to have to finish what I can tomorrow (Sunday) and plan for the worst when I walk into the office for my meeting with the CO on Monday afternoon. (She'll probably forget about the meeting anyway.)
I also need to update the forum stuff...oops, I forgot to post chapter 7. Okay. So THAT'S first thing (sorry Deb!). Then, on to the information exchange stuff and weekly enews. Not too difficult. I can handle that!
The house and yard need some attention tomorrow, too. It's springtime in "Tuckassee" and all the friggen trees have pollenated over, well EVERYTHING! There's a fine layer of greenness on anything outside....EW! So cleaning is in order.
I also need to work out. It never fails, I go to Green Bay, I put on atleast 4 pounds =(
Other than that, it's normal Sunday stuff! Gotta fix Neil's haircut. And Army Wives is on. Let's see if my cable box wants to work tomorrow. Probably not though.
And to Pat, I am sorry that we didn't make it back over tonight. Sleep (tylonel induced) was much needed to help relieve the throbbing in my jaw (Get your head out of the gutter! I need a friggen root canal!!!!). I will be over to just hang out soon.
Now, to cuddle and sleep with my handsome-yet-majorly-geeky hubby.
Night all!
HUGS
Have I mentioned that I need a root canal? Yeah. It's becoming apparently obvious that I will probably NOT make it to July without one.... =( HUGE SAD FACE!!!!
So, what did I do today? Not much on the FRG front. Of course, it probably didn't help that when I called the orderly room on Thursday, the CO hadn't done A THING to help me. So, I am going to have to finish what I can tomorrow (Sunday) and plan for the worst when I walk into the office for my meeting with the CO on Monday afternoon. (She'll probably forget about the meeting anyway.)
I also need to update the forum stuff...oops, I forgot to post chapter 7. Okay. So THAT'S first thing (sorry Deb!). Then, on to the information exchange stuff and weekly enews. Not too difficult. I can handle that!
The house and yard need some attention tomorrow, too. It's springtime in "Tuckassee" and all the friggen trees have pollenated over, well EVERYTHING! There's a fine layer of greenness on anything outside....EW! So cleaning is in order.
I also need to work out. It never fails, I go to Green Bay, I put on atleast 4 pounds =(
Other than that, it's normal Sunday stuff! Gotta fix Neil's haircut. And Army Wives is on. Let's see if my cable box wants to work tomorrow. Probably not though.
And to Pat, I am sorry that we didn't make it back over tonight. Sleep (tylonel induced) was much needed to help relieve the throbbing in my jaw (Get your head out of the gutter! I need a friggen root canal!!!!). I will be over to just hang out soon.
Now, to cuddle and sleep with my handsome-yet-majorly-geeky hubby.
Night all!
HUGS
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Back to the ol' home away from home...Denny's
So, it's another 2am in Green Bay, and I'm at Denny's soaking up some much needed FB time. However there are 2 things on my mind.
First, there is a table of about 8 gentlemen of middle eastern genes sitting near the windows. No, my first thought is NOT terrorists. My ONLY thought (as I shoot them nasty looks) is WELCOME TO AMERICA! WE SPEAK ENGLISH! LEARN IT! I can't stand gibble...and I don't care where you are from.
My second thought is...I should be in bed. I have a cake to decorate at 9am...and I need a shower in the morning. *Sigh...vacations are not really vacations.
PS...no I haven't finished rosters yet. I've gotten a little side tracked in the past 2 months. Oh, wait...it's only been 2 days. Why does it feel like we got here years ago?
My lil' sister is back in the hospital. She's pregnant. About 4 months. But, she hasn't been keeping anything down for the last 3 months. 2 weeks ago they put a pick line into her heart for nutrition. Last night she wound up back at the hospital...sick...with a staph infection. Not just an infection, she was septic. Nice. My sister can't do anything half-way. She's a medical mess.
I'm actually looking forward to seeing my cousin in a couple of weeks...oops, I mean 3 days. I love just chatting with her. I've just got so much to do between now and then, it feels like forever till Monday will get here!
Maybe I have too much on my plate?
Nope, right now the only thing on a plate is my quesadilla. And I'm hungry. Although I'm sure that eating this directly before bed isn't a good idea for my weight-loss plan. But then again, who cares tonight.
..still looking for walkers for WTA....
Right now, on to dinner.
HUGS
-N
First, there is a table of about 8 gentlemen of middle eastern genes sitting near the windows. No, my first thought is NOT terrorists. My ONLY thought (as I shoot them nasty looks) is WELCOME TO AMERICA! WE SPEAK ENGLISH! LEARN IT! I can't stand gibble...and I don't care where you are from.
My second thought is...I should be in bed. I have a cake to decorate at 9am...and I need a shower in the morning. *Sigh...vacations are not really vacations.
PS...no I haven't finished rosters yet. I've gotten a little side tracked in the past 2 months. Oh, wait...it's only been 2 days. Why does it feel like we got here years ago?
My lil' sister is back in the hospital. She's pregnant. About 4 months. But, she hasn't been keeping anything down for the last 3 months. 2 weeks ago they put a pick line into her heart for nutrition. Last night she wound up back at the hospital...sick...with a staph infection. Not just an infection, she was septic. Nice. My sister can't do anything half-way. She's a medical mess.
I'm actually looking forward to seeing my cousin in a couple of weeks...oops, I mean 3 days. I love just chatting with her. I've just got so much to do between now and then, it feels like forever till Monday will get here!
Maybe I have too much on my plate?
Nope, right now the only thing on a plate is my quesadilla. And I'm hungry. Although I'm sure that eating this directly before bed isn't a good idea for my weight-loss plan. But then again, who cares tonight.
..still looking for walkers for WTA....
Right now, on to dinner.
HUGS
-N
Thursday, April 1, 2010
I'm Going Through a Slump.
You have have one of those days when you're just not passionate about anything? Not even coffee today. (Which will probably get me checked in to the psych ward...) Barely about breathing...
I've quit being passionate about relieving stupidity in my little corner of the world. The stupid brick wasn't as effective as I thought it would be, and they took away my knitting needles (wanna know why? ...use your imagination).
I'm also done beating the deadhorse. If people haven't gotten it by now, they're just going to nod and smile and come back to me for answers about it anyway. I'm going to be conserving air this way...
I'm done with my list of dreams. Not enough energy or time or money.
So. There.
*NOTE: I will probably be back to all the above items tomorrow. Tonight, I am just exhausted. And tired. (And yes, there is a difference.)
I've quit being passionate about relieving stupidity in my little corner of the world. The stupid brick wasn't as effective as I thought it would be, and they took away my knitting needles (wanna know why? ...use your imagination).
I'm also done beating the deadhorse. If people haven't gotten it by now, they're just going to nod and smile and come back to me for answers about it anyway. I'm going to be conserving air this way...
I'm done with my list of dreams. Not enough energy or time or money.
So. There.
*NOTE: I will probably be back to all the above items tomorrow. Tonight, I am just exhausted. And tired. (And yes, there is a difference.)
To: Head Doctor, Watson Computer Hospital
Dear Dr. Chris,
THANK YOU for saving the hubby's laptop! It's wonderful to NOT have him logging me out of everything all the time. You are truly a miracle worker and a dear, dear friend.
All my respect,
-N
PS. Please feel free to bill TRICARE for all the necessary procedures you performed in this operation. If they give you any flack, please refer them to their "life, limb, or eyesight" policy that negates the need for a referral to a specialist. Let's be honest...you saved the Dell's life! Thank you =)
THANK YOU for saving the hubby's laptop! It's wonderful to NOT have him logging me out of everything all the time. You are truly a miracle worker and a dear, dear friend.
All my respect,
-N
PS. Please feel free to bill TRICARE for all the necessary procedures you performed in this operation. If they give you any flack, please refer them to their "life, limb, or eyesight" policy that negates the need for a referral to a specialist. Let's be honest...you saved the Dell's life! Thank you =)
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