The Importance of a Bathroom!

Bathrooms are taken for granted.

With that being said, I'll explain. We moved into this house thinking that all we were gonna have to do is slap on some paint and install kitchen cabinets and flooring. We were fools. Upon tearing out the kitchen floor and pulling down the existing cabinets, we find that the upstairs bathroom has a great deal of "leakage". So down comes the ceiling in the kitchen. While the kitchen ceiling is down my husband (thank God he's got plumbing experience, and he's good.... real good) replaces the entire plumbing for the upstairs bathroom (tub, sink, toilet). Meanwhile, not only does the plumbing need replaced; we find that the waste line also needs replaced. THAT was absolutely disgusting.

So, after all the plumbing is done and we move upstairs to the actual bathroom we find that the upstairs toilet is cracked. Completely unusable (thank God we hadn't used it since we moved in). Since the toilet is one piece, it couldn't be repaired. Besides, every piece in the upstairs bathroom was purple. Light lilac, to be specific. While I love the color purple, it's not really a color I like to see as the main attraction in the master bath. Beside the fact of the bright colored toiletries, we find that they are so old that they aren't functioning as they should. So we went and picked out a new toilet, new bath and new lavatory. Now the thrown is a bright white, as it should be. The tub is huge and the lav is a pedestal sink (very nice).

The "quick" version of this story is that the flooring in the upstairs bath got pulled up as well a floating wall had to be reconstructed since the new tub is larger than the old tub. The toilet is higher than the old and since we are putting down ceramic tile on the floor the toilet had to be "raised", so it now sits on a platform. Upon our venture of installing the new tub (which I LOVE), we decided to do the same ceramic tile around the shower wall.

It's been a very frustrating process and, not to mention very costly.... but I now see it coming together. And for my husband, one who wasn't a "handyman"; he seems to be coming around to the excitement as well. He's learning new things, which he loves and I must say does an absolute gorgeous job on anything he tackles. He just stood in the living room last night, dust all over him from cutting tile, and smiled. He said he just realized today that he is working on "his" home. I've been so bummed about this entire process that I hadn't even stopped to think of it that way. Now that we both see it coming together, it's rewarding and exciting.

After the master bath is complete, it's on to the kitchen. I'm kind of sad that I'm unable to cook Easter dinner for my family, as that's something I've done since my Mom passed; but I must say that I'm EXTREMELY excited to see how the kitchen is going to turn out.

Here are some photos of the "process" of our master bath:

View of the ceiling from the kitchen.... that's right, it's the sewage pipe. Ewwww!


Bathroom "before"

Bathroom (same view) "during" .... coming along :)

Another view... my husband's idea of having the "throne" on a step up (i like it!!!)

And another

The Beginning

Well, it's finally official; we're residents of Shinnston, WV. I must say that it's been a bit more of an adventure then what I expected, but I'm hoping that in the long run it works out for the best.

I never really took the time to realize the luxuries that we have, that is... until we don't. Take for example; running water. Needless to say that while it's exciting to have the opportunity to be "homeowners", I had at least expected to have running water. Well, we DO have running water actually; the problem is that it's running EVERYWHERE. We have some water leakage in the house and while it's not major, I have to say that I cannot wait for the time that the main valve doesn't need to be shut off between uses. Not only do we have water problems, but also water problems causing our kitchen ceiling to have to be replaced. I keep thinking in my mind "It will be worth it, we WILL conquer". I still can't wait for the time to hop into the shower without having to visit the basement first. If not for point of the matter, I must say I'm not a huge fan of dark cool "underground" places. I'm just glad my husband knows plumbing, and knows it well. Hopefully this weekend all will be repaired and we will be able to regain the luxury of that sweet sound I call "running water".

We also have taken it upon ourselves to totally redo the kitchen (thanks to the skill and craftsmanship of my ex husband), I began to get excited just talking about the changes and updates. Meanwhile we are literally without a kitchen. That's right. No sink, no cabinets, and the refrigerator is sitting in the dining room.... across the room from our stove. Last night a trip to the grocery store resulted in a lot of frozen/microwavable dinners.

Tonight I went to an auction with some friends and as I was dropped off at the house, she went on and on about how cute it was and how much she liked it. I sat there in the car dreading the fact that inside there was so much to be done, however I was able to glare at the outside of the house for a moment. I like it. I like it a lot. And after discussing the updates with the ex husband and current husband (many think that sounds strange, but I'm so glad it's that way... it really is nice to get along so well), I realized that this little place has a lot of potential. It's going to take time and effort; not to mention a very generous loan from my mother-in-law (that woman should seriously have a Superman cape on), we'll get there.

So, tomorrow I'm going to contact the landlord and advise her of what we would like to have stated in the contract and then request that she try to get that drawn up within the next few weeks; before any major purchases are made. After work, it's off to Lowe's to window shop for kitchen cabinetry.

So the adventures begin....... potential is my new favorite word.

"New House" before pics

Puppy Love

Our new family addition; Pudge

When I Hurt

This time of the year is especially hard for me. Christmas since 2001 has never been the same without my Mother. It's sad too because I have my little girl to think about; but without fail the only thing I do is wait and pray for it to be over as quickly as possible. What use to be the most special time of the year has turned into the undeniably worst.

Last year it seemed to get a little easier. I have the love of my daughter and my husband, not to mention my Dad and my brother. But then once I started thinking that Christmas is a little easier, I then start to feel guilty. I don't want to enjoy Christmas. I don't want to be happy on the one day of the year my Mother loved the most.

December 24, 1969 my parents were married in my Grandparents home. December 25, 1972 my Mother gave birth to me. December 24, 1998 my little Faith Ellen was born. So, you see.... Christmas was huge for my family.... from my parents anniversary, to my birthday, to Faith Ellen's birthday.

My Mom absolutely loved this time of the year. You'd think for someone who was in the kitchen cooking from the time she woke up to almost the time she went to bed, it would get old. But not for my Mom. She sat at the kitchen table smiling, singing Christmas songs, lighting Christmas candles and making the most remarkable dinner all for her family. She loved everything about Christmas. She glowed when her little "Pretty Face" was born on Christmas Eve.

All this changed Christmas of 2002. No more smiles, no more Christmas songs at the table and no smell of Christmas candles.

So you see, even though Christmas should be the happiest time of the year; even when I think that it may get "easier"..... it's then I realize it will never be the same for me. Not without my Mom. This time of the year is when I miss her the most. If I could have one last Christmas wish ever...... it would be to be with my Mommy just one more day.

Happy Thanksgiving

What I'm Thankful For

The mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

The taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed.

The clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

My shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.

The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.

All the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

That lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.

The piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.

The lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

My huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.

Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means that I have been productive.

The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.

I am thankful for you because it means that I am loved.

FINALLY.....

..... I'm employed!!!! That's right folks, a working woman. It's good to be in that saddle again!!

I had an interview for a law firm on Friday and they called Monday morning to offer me the job. Even though it's not as much as I was making at my last position, the benefit that they pay 100% insurance sure makes up that loss. I figured it out and I'm actually making cents less after taking that into consideration.

So my first day is November 5. This is my last week of "housewife" duties. THANK GOD!! I cannot tell you how happy I am that I won't be stuck in this house all day long. Another perk is that I'll be working in the same town as my husband and we can carpool together, which will save gas. He'll be getting off about 30 minutes before me, but I'm sure he can find something to occupy his time seeing that we're both pretty much in the "shopping section" of town.

I'm excited and the job just feels "right".

My Life At Home

Well seems that staying home just isn't my cup of tea. I've now been a "housewife" officially for 4 months since my resignation and I can tell you I'm not liking it. At all.

I've had a few interviews, but at this point in my life I'm not going to take a job just to get back to work. I want a career. I didn't go to college and I know that may seem a little too demanding, but I know my skills and work ethic are worth more than a measly $9-$10 hr job. I make that much on Unemployment. So yes, maybe I am being picky... but why not? I've worked for the past 17 years for the Unemployment check every other week, I'm taking advantage of it and taking my time to find a job that I can hopefully retire from. Which I must say, isn't all that of an easy task in this area. Jobs are hard to come by, and to find a "good job".... well, let's just say I'm praying for a miracle.

We are trying to trade in our 2006 Trailblazer for something that will lower our payments a bit. The finance manager is out of town and won't be back until Thursday.... so we're waiting. If they can't cut us the deal we need, we may be better off to drive an hour or so and try there. The salesman, in a nonchalant way, suggested we drive about an hour to the mountains and try to possibly see if we could get a better deal there. We'd be trading a 4x4 so he suggested that a better trade value would be in an area where folks are strictly looking for 4x4 SUV's. It's an idea that we may explore.

One advantage of being off work is the fact that I am more involved with Faith. I actually will be playing the role model of "Homeroom Mother" for her Halloween party on Friday. She is going to be a ballroom princess... the whole nine yards.... long white gown, white gloves, white slippers and of course the tiara. Who can be a princess without the tiara?? I went yesterday and picked up candy and such to make up little bags for the kids. Picked up some cupcakes. I also signed on for the Christmas party, even though I'm hoping to be working by then I hope to be able to attend that one since Faith's birthday is on Christmas Eve.

All in all, life has been a little boring. Some days I feel really down and depressed. I know it's the fact that I'm jobless. I just don't know how women stay home.... it's not in my blood.

Bummed

It's been awhile..... reason being? Nothing to say really. I mean I'm still desperately seeking employment and not had much luck with that at all. I'm actually getting to the point that I'm starting to feel a bit depressed about the whole thing. Second guessing my resignation and wondering if I had made the right decision.

I had an interview on Monday for a localized state facility. The interview went well, but it's now Wednesday and I've still not heard anything. I'm getting scared. I hate not working.

My 2nd Tattoo

Just went and had it done on Wednesday. A bit bigger than my last one; about 7 inches long and 4 1/2 inches wide. Very special meaning.....

Inspiration

I've been kind of in a "funk" lately with blogging. I mean there's nothing really going on to blog about, except drama and I'd rather try to forget about that for awhile.

Please stay tuned for the regular scheduled programming......

Surprise

LOL. Ok, this IS my all time favorite!!

Evolution of Dance

Ok. One more. LOL

Hahaha

Ok.... I'm havin a "YouTube" night. I LOOOOOOVE this one!

Check this out.....

The only time I'd enjoy being in prison.... to watch this!!!

The Family Cometh

Family is here. I thought I would be nervous... well, I was at first but they are so nice and I got comfortable in no time. Of course I haven't really gotten to know them yet. They just got in a few hours ago and I mostly have just been able to sit and listen to stories, but it's been enjoyable. Grandma is so cute!!! She just smiled and kissed me on the cheek as soon as she came in! God I miss female interaction! Family, I mean. I'm usually surrounded by men so the sight of female family gets me excited! Girl talk!!! LOL

Tommorrow evening I'm going to make dinner. A bit nervous about that and hoping that they aren't as picky as Joel. He says that they'll love my deer steak so I'm holding him to that. Deer steaks, chicken breast marinated in Itailian dressing and baked, fried potatoes, green beans. That oughta show 'em us "southerners" know how to cook up a meal.

I think Sunday we'll drive to Valley Falls and show them where we got married. It's not a far drive and this weekend is actually the Blackberry Festival so we may be able to head over there and look around a bit. It's their call.

More updates later

My Biggest Fear

I recently read this article in the news....... it sickens me to even see this man alive, let alone walk away in cuffs. That isn't justice.......

Respiratory therapist Wayne Albert Bleyle was in New York state on a wintry day when investigators called him about allegations he had molested patients too sick to defend themselves.

When they asked how many children he molested, investigators said, he looked out his window and asked, "How many snowflakes are there out there?"

On Wednesday, Bleyle didn't turn to look as a succession of parents and family members of victims spoke at his sentencing hearing. Some wept; others shook with anger.

As part of a plea deal, Bleyle, 56, was sentenced to 45 years and eight months in prison for molesting five of his young, disabled patients and for taking pornographic photographs of others. Prosecutors said he targeted those who were comatose, brain-damaged or too disabled to talk.

"You have violated the trust of your patients, you have violated the trust of your employer, and you have inflicted indescribable anguish on your victims and their families," Superior Court Judge Kenneth K. So told Bleyle.

Bleyle, who told investigators he molested as many as half the children he treated in his ten years working in the convalescent ward at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, stared straight ahead or cast his eyes down at the table in front of him as victims' relatives spoke.

"I just want you to know it doesn't matter what you say or how many years you spend in jail - it's not going to be enough," Lillian Godfrey, whose daughter is now dead, told Bleyle. "I don't think you have a soul. You're just an empty human shell."

Prosecutors said the extent of Bleyle's molestation will never be known because he targeted patients who were comatose, brain-damaged or too disabled to speak.

He was arrested last year after investigators tracing pornography through the Internet found tens of thousands of pornographic images on his computer, including photographs he took of himself abusing his patients.

He allegedly confessed to investigators in March 2006 when they reached him by phone in New York state, where he was visiting relatives. When he was arrested, he was living in a trailer in a casino parking lot because his wife had kicked him out of the house.

Bleyle worked at the renowned Rady hospital for 25 years, the last 10 at the convalescent home, where the most disabled patients live. The 59-bed convalescent hospital treated 176 patients during Bleyle's 10 years working there.

"He wishes to apologize to all the victims and their families," said his attorney, Casey Donovan, who noted that Bleyle himself had been sexually abused as a boy. "He knows he can never make amends for what he has done."

Investigators identified just four of Bleyle's victims: three girls and a boy who were all younger than 14 when the molestations took place. Two of the children have since died. Investigators were never able to put a name to one of the victims, a 2-year-old girl found in pictures.

Janice Frost, whose 10-year-old daughter died in June 2006, three months after investigators discovered her image on Bleyle's home computer, called it a "parent's worst nightmare." Frost said her daughter was under Bleyle's care from the time she entered the long-term facility as a 10-day-old newborn suffering a brain condition. "During her dying moments, I told her I would see this through," Frost said outside the courtroom, as she clutched one of her three older daughters.

Bleyle faced up to 165 years if he had been convicted on all counts in a jury trial. Prosecutors said they made a deal in part because they were anxious to spare one of Bleyle's victims, a teenage girl who claimed Bleyle inappropriately touched her buttocks while she recovered from a stroke, the strain of testifying before a jury.

Bleyle's arrest prompted the hospital to ban cell phones in patient treatment areas, including rooms, and require doors and curtains around patients be left open most of the time, said hospital spokesman Ben Metcalf.

In court, Pandora Johnson said she had asked her son, who cannot speak because of a breathing device in his throat, whether he had been abused. "He didn't give his usual yes or no sign. He just looked afraid," Johnson said. "And when I said, 'Wayne will never do this to you again,' he gave me a big smile. That smile broke my heart."

That Sigh of Relief

Well the test is done and over with.... I passed after a grouling 3 hour call test. Two tests down and now waiting on reference check and background check, other than that looks like the only other obstacle is the interview. The testing administrator advised me that they have interviews booked for the entire month of August, which means it looks like my interview wouldn't be until September. That sucks, really sucks. I was stoked about passing the test, but quickly brought down by finding out that I may have to wait 2 months for the interview. Meanwhile I've pretty much decided that I'll have to keep looking, take whatever comes along and then see how it turns out.

Needless to say the next week or so I'll be shipping out more resumes. Job hunting sucks.

Testing, Testing 1 2 3

Ok, I'm freaking out and I need something to do to occupy my time.... thus, the blog entry.

I go for my second test in 2 hours and I'm finding that my stomach is doing tumblesaults. I haven't wanted anything like this for a long time, well since I met my husband online and was waiting for him to move to West Virginia. Ahhh, the memories.

So far, I've defeated Rome (online game I've been playing), folded 3 baskets of laundry (while watching the Price Is Right), put away groceries, done 3 loads of laundry and barely got down a cup of coffee.

We did get a call from Joel's dad last night advising us that he would be in next weekend, not this weekend. That gives me a bit more time to get things here at the home front situated for their visit. It's also good because my family (2 aunts, my cousin and her baby) is coming in this weekend. I was a bit concerned how I would manage to visit with everyone in just one weekend. It's bad in another sense because Joel is scheduled to work that Saturday, but he's going to talk to his boss and see if something can be worked out. I hope so, I have no clue how I would manage to entertain people I don't know much about. I'm sure I'd come up with something, but I would want it to be something they would enjoy doing. We'll see.

Ok.... times a tickin, I'm off to shower and test. ACK!!!! I'm scared!!!