Allergies, Cactus and T.V.

The month of March has been going by really fast. I can tell Spring it here due to the blooming flowers. Some cactus have flowers on them, which makes the cactus pretty and less dangerous looking. Some of the trees are growing their leaves back and everyone seems to be hitting up the nurseries getting big pots and flowers. I've noticed butterflies all over. Just tons of monarchs flying around in the parks and backyard. All of this blooming gets every ones allergies all flared up. I never would have thought allergies would be so bad around here. I had someone tell me that I must not have allergies because I was sitting outside enjoying my lunch. I don't have allergies, but when I first moved down here I noticed my nose was dry and I'd blow out blood. This has been happening again, I don't think it's allergy related, but more likely because the dry weather lately and the bad amount of dust blowing around from the strong winds we've been having.

Uncle B cut off some of his cactus for us to plant in our yard. I hope they take, but we shall see. I've killed regular houseplants, so we'll see if I kill these too. I didn't do any research before planting them in the ground, which I should have done.

One of my favorite Monday night T.V. shows is Rules of Engagement, I highly recommend watching this show on CBS. It's funny and a great way to finish out a Monday-back to work-night. In fact, the whole line up from 7-9 is great on CBS on Monday nights.

I actually went to the gym on a weekend. Yesterday was day 1 of the new "trying to work out 4 times a week". Tonight was day 2, half way there!

Coffee Anyone?

How is the no coffee for lent working out for me? Well, it's been going fine. I haven't had one drop of it. I've been drinking more water which is better for me anyway. But I can't wait to have some coffee and my first drink will be at my parents. They make pretty good coffee.

Last night the Mutual Funds department was invited to free drinks and appetizers by one of the fund companies. Naturally, I took up on this offer. I sat at Jilly's American Grill from 4:15 until 7:30 and took in as many free drinks as I would allow myself to have in order to still drive home safely. The appetizers were rather tasty and the conversation was interesting. There's nothing like getting to know your co-workers like loosening up at the bar. The stuff that comes out of the mouths of others when they have some poison to loosen their lips. Good stuff. The wind was blowing like crazy, tumbleweeds blowing across the freeway, dust blowing as though it appeared to be foggy. It sure made for an interesting drive home.

Hectic Week

It's been a pretty hectic time for me around here. More of a challenge than hectic I should say. The job has been going well. I've been working and staying busy. That's been fine.

When I took my car into Honda for an oil change, the first time since moving here, they came up with a small list of things that needed to be repaired. Which just frustrates me because I know that I have a lot of miles on the car and that this would happen eventually, but I didn't want it to happen right now. That is how everything happens to me; all at once and in full force. It's something I don't get used to, I just accept it. Well, it's been a pain calling around to see if any other places could do the same thing for less money. Generally, I like to take my car to Honda places since they specialize in them and know what can or can't be done and what's a priority and what's not. The first thing to take care of is the brake pads. Next will be the leaking struts and then someday a new timing belt with water pump. Ultimately, we've decided to take my car to Honda and get the best service and knowledge. It may cost a few bucks more than those other places, but they aren't going to tell me to do something that isn't necessary as some of the places we've visited for an estimate. Honda also has great customer service and a luxurious waiting area.

In the meantime, I've been shopping for car insurance. Since I've moved states apparently you have to get insurance in the state you live in no matter what. I am currently under my parents name which means my premium is discounted and dirt cheap. AZ has the largest auto insurance in the nation. I haven't been able to find insurance cheaper than $549 for 6 months! I just can't believe it. That's how much I've been paying for one whole year. There is one minor problem that is making it a little larger. In 2006 I backed into my parents metal trashcan. I won't get into any details, but there is small claim on my VIN now which raises a flag and won't be erased from my name for another 2 years (5 years total). I have decided to stay under my parents name until the underwriters catch wind that I've moved states. My insurance company was cool with it. Once that happens, then I'll start shopping for insurance all over again. At least now I know what to expect.

I wanted to start going to the gym 4 times a week, but that hasn't been happening. In fact, I haven't been to the gym yet this week. I have been unusually tired the last week or there has been something going on.

Catch Up

Today was another day of "training" which consisted of Operations Orientation which meant I started at 8 and got to leave at 3! Love those days! When I came home I had a nice little surprise awaiting for me. My Bissell Green Tea Steam Mop! I was so excited to see this awesome machine. The price dropped $10.00, so I thought I'd better snatch it up right away. You can only order this mop online; not sure why they don't sell this in stores anywhere. Probably because it's so awesome that they wouldn't be able to keep it on the shelves :) Naturally I dug into the box right away and wanted to use it. It works really well and only requires water. It comes with two machine washable microfiber pads. I decided against the Swiffer wet jet because it wouldn't get in between the grout lines, I'd have to change the pads a hundred times, buy the chemicals and pads continuously, and it streaks.

Tonight I added larger weight in the Body Pump class. They recommend increasing your weight every 6 weeks. I've come along way since I first started that class it's pretty cool to feel yourself making progress. I'd like to start going to the gym 4 times a week rather than the 3, but it can be hard to get the motivation for that extra day.

J and I will be coming to NE over Easter weekend. Plane tickets have been purchased today. We'll spend a day and half with each family to balance it all out. The trip will be another quick one, but with me having Good Friday off, has made it a lot easier to plan.

Over the weekend my brother announced his engagement. It took us by surprise since we thought he never wanted to get married and has never made any mention of it.

We bought curtains for our living room area two weeks ago, but they just sit and wait for curtain rods to be purchased. It seems that stores never carry enough of the same rod. We need a lot of rods so it makes it difficult to find enough of the same ones, but also finding the correct size and color.

The weather has been perfect for the past week. Upper 70's and low to mid 80's. The 80's are my favorite temperature.

Ba ba ba barrraa cuudda!

Our pool vacuum cleaner broke down last week so today J went to buy a new one from Leslie's Pool Supply. He bought the Baracuda. The brand we had was Hayward and they constantly need repairing. We have been getting the pool ready for our first visitors coming in April. We still need to replace the pole to our basketball hoop and will be getting a volleyball net. Lots of pool games to be played! Just need someone to play them with.

The weather has been warming up nicely within the past week getting up in the 80's. This week we will probably see a few days in the 90's. I've been told between now and May the weather is perfect.

It's nice that the price of gas had begun to fall again. We are sitting at $1.87. I never thought I'd ever see it below $2.00 again.