What do you do when your home alone for a week?

Besides forgetting to eat, and working alot? Well apparently time goes by faster if you try buying a vehicle. So the truck below was a VERY pretty truck, but the guy was asking wayyyyy too much fun it. He kept saying he put a lot of money into it, and I wasn't really interested in what he had put in it...I wasn't looking for some tricked out truck that I wouldn't even know the first thing about. I spent a long time on websites looking around at how things work, fuel economy, consumer reports, crash tests...everything. I wasn't exactly looking for a ranger...In fact originally I thought I wanted a Toyota Tacoma but do you know how much they are! If I were to buy that vehicle i would've been in a major debt hole. I wasn't settled on the Black Ranger at all, and I kept looking around. When I called Stephanie to complain about how sick I was of people telling me I shouldn't buy a vehicle she said Andrew had stumbled across a newer ranger, less miles and cheaper. It was white, and they could go check it out if need be. I looked into it more, talked to the lady a couple times...Received pictures, forwarded them to Andrew... The problems it did have we found is a cheap fix, and I was getting an awesome deal. So I went through the bank and got everything worked out to see if it was a legit deal, and could work. The bank approved, and Russ Hiatt said the truck had never been in a major accident or even a fender bender. I knew others were looking at the truck so I asked her if Andrew could test drive it this weekend (Saturday) and pending his approval (aha that sounds funny) I will fly down to fill out paperwork and pick up the truck. She said since the bank was already on board and everything she told all others interested in the truck that it had sold. The catch: her bank technically owns it because she still owes on it. US bank does not keep titles in their branch so they have to "order" it. After I sign it, they have to fax it to SFCU who will then have me go to the DMV. Pam from Safeway Federal Credit Union says they run into this all the time, and it's just more paperwork but VERY doable. So Andrew will be driving the potential truck on Saturday and I plan to fly down on Tuesday and drive it home possibly Thursday. Everything is coming together I just hope something major isn't wrong with it. I also hope they have service records so I can see when things were last changed and replaced. (tranny fluid and such) We'll just cross our fingers. So just a newsflash to all, I didn't buy a black 1999 Ranger, even though I wanted it. I'm instead working on buying a 2000 White Ford Ranger, for much less. Wish me luck :D

Ranger?

I have wanted to buy my own vehicle recently, but I wasn't really sure what it was that I wanted. Over the past couple months I realized I wanted something reliable, and that had 4 wheel drive. I have been looking a lot of craigslist and have been very careful to not get into another scam type deal. I came across this 1999 Ford Ranger. I have been emailing this guy back and forth, and today recieved the auto report. The title is clean and it's a gorgeous truck. I HOPE I CAN HAVE IT! The only problem? They're in Bothell, WA...So unless Jeremy can possibly go look and drive it I can't get it. Another, I have no credit...So if mom and dad won't co-sign I can't get it...A third and final problem...SFCU closed my account because I didn't have the minimum in there. I never knew there was a minimum, so now i have to open another account in order to apply for a loan. Buying a new car is so stressful but I really feel it's the right thing for me to do now. I can make the payments, and build credit on top of that. Plus mom and dad will be able to do what they want now with their car without worrying about leaving me without transportation. There is so much to figure out, and I'm so excited to go through it. Here are some picutres and a copy of the craigslist ad :D I hope it all works out!

1999 Ford Ranger XLT – Black
4.0L V6, 4x4, automatic, extended cab, PS/PB, cruise, tilt, CD, Line-X spray in bedliner, rear slider, running boards, alloy wheels, Wild Country Radial tires with plenty of tread left, towing package set up with trailer brake system, 102k miles. This truck has been great to me. I recently purchased a larger truck and can't justify having two! It has new brakes both front and rear, ball joints, shocks, plugs and wires, and a new battery. This is fantastic deal and well below Kelly Blue Book and NADA values. respond to the ad if interested. I will consider all reasonable offers. Thanks for looking.

Starbucks Grassroots Commercial

I was just watching CNN live where i'm learning about Nanci Poloesi and Obama's recent disagreements and issues. It kind of fun to watch this transition as I'm actually understanding what is happening. I saw this commercial and thought it was actually pretty neat :D I felt it really reflected on what is going on in our country. With the new 44th president inaugruated yesterday on the stand to come together and "yes we can" I thought this commercial had a very loud statement for the Obama campaign...We'll definitly have to see how the new government works out.

Washington

welcome to Omak, Washington. On friday morning mom and dad and I traveled the 4 hours to Okanogan to go to Melanie Mills baby shower. Baby Parker Eden will be born soon now, and we wanted to show our love and support for her baby girl. The shower was great. I think they said they counted 38 people there which was really good. Melanie looked so happy! I hadn't seen her since Alaska, but I'm so glad I had to opportunity to go spend sometime back where my story began. Jeremy and Morgan had asked that we go and take pictures of the house on Sandflat road. (I think that's what it was called) the whole way there mom and dad were trying to point out things and memories of Omak, but unfortunately I was so young I don't remember much about it. In fact the baby shower was a little bit daunting as I couldn't remember anyone there except Shawna Law. I'll get to that in a minute.

Carson Mills Aka: my first kiss. We grew up together! Man I missed this kid, it was good catching up with him from the good old days.

I volunteered to write down the gifts and who they were from.

This is Melanie's overflowing gift table. It took like 2 hours to open them!

Growing up Lori was like a 2ND mother. Our families have been great friends over the years, and Lori is one women to really look up too. She has such a positive personality and always wants to see the best of everyone. Something I could really learn to do.

At the shower everyone kept telling me they hadn't seen me since my classic sombrero act. I remember doing a Christmas talent show performance with Stephanie where we beat on some drums and sang some silly song. But I don't remember these people, so it was awkward to hear how much "I've grown up!"

Sunday morning we got up at 5am to drive to Wenatchee. Ricky's ward was at 9am and we knew the roads would be a little snowy. Luckily, the roads were really good, and we got there with 15 minutes to spare. Ricky gave a really good talk. Also on the roster for that morning was sister Wengreen, and lynsie white. It was a very good sacrament meeting. Afterwards we went over to Dicks house to visit and have dinner. Dick prepared a Ham and potatoes for dinner and then we took pictures. They are to follow. I stayed at Brittney's house and mom and dad stayed at the Felty's. Sorry it's so short but American Idol is on and I don't really have the attention span to blog.

When it was time to leave Ricky didn't want to let me go. He held on with all his might. Note: I'm in a dress. Noah and Landon helped try to "rescue" me.

Noah is growing up so much also. He's now 13 in the 7th grade. He lives with Allen and Erin in Moses Lake. I remember when he was a little boy when Stephanie would babysit him.

Uncle Ricky and Landon

Cousinly Love!

I love you Ricky, and will miss you terribly. best of luck on your mission. I have no doubt you'll make the best missionary Ventura, California has ever seen!

Cause I'm a country girl?

YEA NOT SO MUCH!

Well the day was a little bit crazy. It started out fine, all the way up until work. We seemed to be really busy and it was a Tuesday night. . . we had a couple of false brain wraps and a few projector alarms. Nothing major though :D Then, when I was down checking on the crew, I noticed this huge group come in all at once. They began raising their voices and causing a commotion. What they were demanding and threatening was to let 12 of them into the movie for free. Apparently they had called into our automated system and were given the wrong show times. So they showed up to a movie, and we weren't open. They threatened that if we didn't give them the managers name and number AND let them in for free they were going to cause a huge ruckus in town, and write the news paper everyday with letters to the editor about how terrible our business is. Little do they know a recent charged Sex offender named Jewels wrote about the same thing 3 years ago, and it hasn't changed our business. To deal with such abusive ladies, we would rather loose their business than let 12 in for free. Had they approached us nicely and asked rather than yelled and demanded we might have been able to to accommodate some type of compensation....Well they ended up deciding to PAY for the movie after calling mom and telling her she was a stupid stupid business woman. When they came out of the theater the floor boy noticed a wine bottle courtesy of our new 12 friends. This would explain their radical and belligerent behavior.

Next, I clocked off at the theater around 11:45. As I headed around Bottle Bay road I got into some sketchy, hard to pass by areas. You see, it snowed all morning here in Sandpoint, then quickly turned to rain. I noticed the plow hadn't been by but figured the more I got away from the open the better the roads would get. When I got the first hill, I got stuck. Oh dear, I was so tired, and just wanted to get home. I must have attempted it 10 times before finally making it to the top....There was so much slush and a sheet of ice underneath. As I continued my route I realized it was only getting worse? I couldn't even get traction on flat ground, imagine attempting a slight incline. Finally when I got to where I wrecked 3 winters ago...I called mom and dad. They said they were almost to Cocolalla and would be there shortly. Knowing they'd be coming around Bottle Bay I decided to get out, put on my flashers, and break in my chains. (Note: they've never been used) I used everything in my trunk that I though I never would. A) chains B) pliers C) flashlight D) pocket knife E) screw driver. After about 10 minutes the chains were on and ready to go. I was so sick of attempting this small hill. I must have tried at least 25 times, and that's not even exaggerating. I had been in that very spot for an hour before making the decision to put my chains on. I made it up the hill, and slowly but surely continued my journey home. I really can't emphasise enough how bad they actually were. Now some might think to yourselves "well she's just not experienced in those conditions" and you're right! But, let's put it this way... It took Dad longer to come around the Bottle Bay road behind me, then it did for him to come from Coeur D'Alene, to the Bottle Bay Road. I finally got to our driveway at 2:20 am. Exhausted I took off my chains and mom and dad pulled up behind me soon. I was soaking wet, and ready for bed. What a night.

My chains...It was dark and cold getting down on the ground. But - luckily I had my sweatshirt and Carhartt in my trunk, so I didn't have to get my good coat all nasty.

But the lessons I had learned was, had I not hung out with Carson and Del when we've gone on drives, gotten stuck, and had to get out...I wouldn't have been able to make it home. I think I used everything I've observed them do in my eventful drive home. Everything except 4-wheel drive of course... I was pretty wide open and sideways on most hills...until I put my chains on...then it was a slow creep to the top. Dad was so impressed I made it home, mom even said he had a couple of close calls coming home in 4-wheel drive. I don't know but I felt relieved to finally be home, and get in bed. So no I'm not a country girl, but I just kept thinking of Del's ring-back tone that says:

Cause I'm a country boy

Got a 4-wheel drive

climb in my bed

I'll take you for a ride

up city streets

down country roads

I can take you where you need to go

Cause I'm a country boy

Well....my song would be a little more like:

Cause I'm a country girl

Got a 2 wheel drive

climb in my neon

I'll take you for a ride

up the hills

we will fish tail

I will try to get you where you need to go

cause I'm a country girl (with a neon)

Anyways I wouldn't have made it home if i hadn't been out riding with the guys. Thanks boys :D

Winter Escape

I was asking Dad today why we didn't plan our cruise in January...or even February. We established that right after christmas would've been the perfect time to go. We are so sick of the snow. It's freezing cold and I'm ready for a winter escape. So everyone, here's where Dad, Mom and I will be in just 3 months! boy can we hardly wait!

Picture it....us tanning on the beach

yep there we are...can you see us? Wait dad might be snorkling!

aww the sweet escape!

Happy New Years [2009]

Welcome-2009

On Wednesday [new years eve] I asked dad to get up early with me and go into Coeur D'Alene for some grocery shopping. Being that he only had that one day to redeem our Safeway gas pump rewards he agreed. We left the house around 9am, after shoveling and plowing a bit. After a quick stop to empty the stuffed truck bed of garbage we were on our way. We could see bits of blue sky in areas, which was good news for my traveling friends. I had asked Kaynie, (coming from Ephrata) to call me when she left home at 8am. Around 10:30am I realized I hadn't heard from her so I decided to call. She told me she completely forgot and was so sorry. Dad and I went to Costco to A. test samples. B. get necessary new years eve party foods. We had a lot of fun pushing our full cart through the crowded isles. Who would've thought that Costco could be SO BUSY! After Costco, Mom had suggested that we stop by the AT&T store to look for a new mobile for dad. We found a couple he liked and stood for about an hour taking pictures, texting and trying out the features on each phone. I think without me he would've been so lost. He probably would have settled for the cheap plastic one he was looking for online. But I showed him that the touch screen response was too slow, the keys were very small, and the camera had poor quality. We moved on to the Samsung Eternity which is a touch phone but is so neat. I think dad would really love having it because it's also a digital camera combined. With his recent blogging phase I'm sure he'd appreciate that specific feature. On our way home I found out that my friends were just minutes behind us. I helped dad unload the food, and gas cans and came inside to realize that mom had spent all morning picking up the house for my friends arrival. I was so grateful for that, I don't think she realized how much i appreciated that small act of kindness. Kaynie and Nicole came down the driveway and I was so excited. I haven't seen them since October, and boy has it been a long wait. I gave them huge hugs then took them upstairs to drop their bags. After showing them the two rooms, I heard someone else coming up the stairs. It was none other than KIARA! I was so excited. She's been telling me for weeks she was going to have to work, but little did I know she was just going to surprise me. Kaynie never called me at 8am because she had to leave early to pick up Kiara from the Spokane Airport. OH BOY! What a surprise. I knew it'd be a great few days together, but with this addition to the partying group it could only make it more exciting! After playing a few rounds of Guitar Hero on my Wii we made our way to the theater to see the Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston movie called Marley and Me. It was all around a great flick. Alyssa Herzinger met us there, and it's been awhile since I had the opportunity to see her also. Alyssa, Kiara and I balled at the end of the movie, but it was so feel good that I loved it. After that we came home to munch on our finger foods and ring in the new year. Dad had rewinded Dick Clark's Rockin New Years eve to watch it and forgot he could fast forward. We ended up counting down the new year about 3 minutes into 2009! Oh, how memorable! Here are a few pictures of New Years eve. I will be posting another from our bowling and snow adventures as soon as Kiara posts them on Facebook and I get to copy them to my computer! Happy New Year everybody, from a Snowy North Idaho.

Kaynie, Alyssa, Nicole, Me, Kiara

Kiara on drums, Kaynie rocking the vocals, and Nicole testing the waters on guitar!

I would've have missed this smile way too much had I not seen her this week. I'm so happy she surprised me. It was the most wonderful surprise anyone has ever given me!

A toast to a new year!

Dubs :D

When we were in Alaska we frequently made stops at this small store called Myers that had soft serve ice cream. It was like $2.25 for a small cone. I kept telling all my friends that back home we had the best soft serve and it was half the price and twice as large as what we got in Alaska. Well I finally had to opportunity to show them. Last night we went to Dubs for dinner. We enjoyed small cones - and burgers. They loved it, and they loved the good deal too. Dubs is seriously the best, nothing could replace a true small town dubs experience :D