Burned Out

I had one of those days that happens once in a while where you just have to stop and take it all in so you can move forward. After 4 straight days of unpacking I woke up and decided not to unpack anything. The kids and I went for a long walk around the neighborhood with the 2 older dogs. It was a very beautiful day. It was more typical of a winter day for Seattle. It was overcast, warmer (in the upper 40's), and the air was fresh and clean. It was nice to be able to walk on sidewalks again (we came from a newer place that didn't have them.) We saw many new species of plants and trees, some tropical. There is so much green and it's winter! We came home to find Stucco coughing his lungs out having been sent home from work. I promptly fell asleep in my chair for 2 hours. I love to nap! I felt refreshed upon awakening so I drove down to the Qdoba I found the other day and picked-up dinner. It was yummy! I needed a day like today! Back to unpacking tomorrow...

Still Unpacking...

As I sit here this morning, it is 26 degrees outside (record lows in Seattle) and our living room is full of boxes that need to be unpacked. The good news is that we returned the rental truck last night, so at least all of our belongings are in the house! Stucco is really sick today. He spent quality time driving the moving truck over 1300 miles with Z. Problem was, Z. shared his terrible cold with Daddy. Stucco called in sick today and is trying to get some rest, though I am trudging up and down the stairs putting our stuff away as the dogs follow me to "see what I am up to!" We still don't have email and my phone number is in transition so I will keep blogging and update from here. Love to everyone!

We Made It

Lots of unpacking and exploring to do so I must be brief. We had such a beautiful drive to WA. Some of the mountain passes were absolutely beautiful. It took my breath away. We stopped at a rest stop near the border of ID and OR. It had just rained and the smell in the air was intoxicating. I love the Pacific Northwest! More later...

It Was A Starry Night in Wyoming

We have begun our journey to Seattle after much stress and a whole lotta sore muscles! It is strange to think that all of our possessions fit into a 26 foot moving truck. We started to drive (Stucco the moving van and I the pick-up.) We split-up the dogs and kids. I have A. and the 2 puppies and Stucco has Z. and Wylie with him. Our children have always loved to travel and are great on the road. The youngest and oldest dogs are really calm and great "car dogs." Sal, on the other hand, is a mess. He whines and shakes his collar at us as if to say, "What the hell is going on?" I hope tomorrow will be better. I can't blame him. He has no idea what is in store for him. We had a late start today (after one of the best Thanksgiving meals we've ever had cooked for us by Pants.) We ended up stopping in Laramie, Wyoming for the night. We are exhausted and it will be easier to drive during the day. We are staying in the Motel 8 (a little seedy but there is internet service and they take dogs!) We hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year. Seattle, here we come!

I have been having trouble blogging and posting comments so bear with me. I have almost buried us all in boxes and the dogs are acting so strangely. They have taken to eating the trash and destroying the kids' stuffed animals that they keep swiping from their beds They know something is up. A. and Z. have been so helpful with packing and helping to control the dogs. Sorry this is so short, but I have to get back to packing. I hope all is well with everyone! Happy Birthday, Dad!

OH HAPPY DAY!

What a great day in the politics of the United States! Rumsfeld is gone, Democrats control the House and hopefully the Senate as well. We can harbor feelings of hope that the people hired, as a result of the election, can and will make a difference. The people have spoken. We want change!

Vote!

This photo says it all. We need a serious change in this corrupt administration. I am going to vote and then tune in to the Midterm Midtacular on Comedy Central in the evening to watch the results. I am hopeful that my fellow Americans will vote and we will restore the balance of power.

It is difficult to post a blog entry when I have so many questions whirling around in my brain. Do I take the kids to the Denver Zoo today or stay home and help Stucco navigate the streets of Seattle via the computer? Should we rent a home or buy a home in Seattle? Do I get a job at a preschool where I know I can get hired quickly, or do I try to get on at a hospital? Should the kids and I fly out to Seattle next weekend to look for a house with Stucco and see the place before we actually move there? If we don't find a home to rent, should we get an apartment for a few months? Did I make the right decision by putting our chocolate lab back in a kennel? (He just sits there with a defeated look on his face, no complaints, when we leave the house.) Should we buy furniture, here at our favorite cheap place in town before we move, or do we try to find furniture in Seattle? Do I try to find a Core Knowledge school in Seattle or just send the kids to the neighborhood school and supplement their education at home? Chocolate or vanilla? Coke or Pepsi? Paper or plastic? AHH!

*Please note, I do realize that there are many people in the world who would give anything to have my problems. I am thankful that I do not have to make the decision of whether to pay our bills or feed our family. It just feels good to write-out what I have going on in my head just now. I appreciate any thoughts from you all!

Leaves, Leaves, Leaves

I spent the better part of the day clearing leaves from our backyard. It was a tedious chore but well worth it. The yard looks so much better. This is just a boring test blog for Stucco. Neener, neener, neener. I was able to blog!