We decided that we needed another vaca... I realize we just spent a week in London last month but that was really work. So we are at Rosemary Beach with the Kipphuts. I walked 2 miles yesterday morning and spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon on the beach. It was a gorgeous day and I was thrilled to finally be at the beach with my toes in the sand. We napped in the late afternoon which is always easy to do after laying in the sun for a few hours. This morning we got up, did our 10k, took a quick dip in the pool, enjoyed a yummy breakfast and spent a few hours on the beach. This is my kind of vacation!
I unpacked yesterday and guess who I found, stowed away in my shoe, Gnoah! He is one sneaky gnome... So come back soon for pics of Gnoah at the Gbeach.
Off for a bike ride... XOXO
Sunday, August 31, 2008
6.2 in 1:24:52
I DID IT!!!
I ran 6.2 miles this morning... okay, so I walked part of it but regardless, I went 6.2 miles! I must say that it felt good once it was over. I am a little tight now and will probably walk funny tomorrow. I am going to keep running in hopes that I will be able to run a full 6.2 without walking. I will be sure to let everyone know how that goes ; )
I ran 6.2 miles this morning... okay, so I walked part of it but regardless, I went 6.2 miles! I must say that it felt good once it was over. I am a little tight now and will probably walk funny tomorrow. I am going to keep running in hopes that I will be able to run a full 6.2 without walking. I will be sure to let everyone know how that goes ; )
Monday, August 25, 2008
Training Update #2
By the way... I ran 3 miles this morning! I ran with my neighbor and good friend, Sandhya. She was kind enough to run my super slow pace. We ran about 1.5 miles, took a 2 minute walk break and then ran the remaining 1.5! I must say I am pretty proud of myself. My goal for this week is to run 4 miles on Tuesday (with a walk break in the middle of course.) I will probably do a short 2 mile run on Thursday and then on Sunday... 6.2!
Just in case you were wondering, Chris ran this morning, too. He had his longest run yet at 10 miles. I didn't even try to keep up with him!
Keep your fingers crossed that I will make it!
XOXO
Just in case you were wondering, Chris ran this morning, too. He had his longest run yet at 10 miles. I didn't even try to keep up with him!
Keep your fingers crossed that I will make it!
XOXO
Another new look...
I have a new look! After talking about it for months, I cut my hair. In total, I had 10 inches cut off and they were donated to Locks of Love. I love the cut... although I must admit it is proving hard to become a custom to not having a pony tail. I can barely tuck it behind my ears! I think Chris was a little shocked that I actually did it. I have been talking about it for about 8 months and he was pretty certain I was all talk... I am pretty sure he likes it but who knows... He is such a good hubby, he would never let on for a second even if he hated it. I guess that makes him a smart man ; )
So with out further ado.... here is the new do!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Training Update
I ran/walked 2 miles on Monday morning at 5:30 am!!! Chris had to practically drag me out of bed by my feet but I did it. We ran 3 minutes and walked 1 minute. Wednesday I ran/walked 3 miles, running 5 for minutes and walking for 2. I don't know if I will reach my goal of running a full 3 miles without walking on Saturday but I am still going to try my best. I have learned that running on a treadmill is significantly easier than running outside... In case you did not already know, I live in "Underwood Hills." The "hills" part is not a cute little cliche either. Chris swore he picked the flattest possible route but at one point I am sure I heard him snickering as I huffed and puffed up a giant 80 degree incline... okay, so it was more like a 10 degree incline but I was still struggling!
Today I am taking a running break and tomorrow I will do a 5/1 combo for 3 or maybe 3.5 miles. Saturday is the big day and I will be sure to fill you all in on every agonizing detail. I am going to go with Chris to the Silver Comet Trail which is incredibly flat and mostly shaded... the 1st 1.5 miles are shaded which is all the matters to this runner! He is running about 10 miles so I will have plenty of time to wait once he is finished... maybe I will hold on to the keys and go get breakfast and coffee while he finishes ; )
FYI: Mr. Trump has yet to reply to my letter... although I have not actually sent it to him. I figure he is the type to Google himself so he should find it. Actually, he probably has a team of people who are paid to Google him on a daily basis. Maybe I should include the words "Rosie O'Donnell" in the post. Then he would be sure to find it and reply to it!!!
And I almost forgot... we are supposed to have a second showing of the house tonight or tomorrow. More on that later so just keep your fingers crossed for now!
Until next time! XOXO
Today I am taking a running break and tomorrow I will do a 5/1 combo for 3 or maybe 3.5 miles. Saturday is the big day and I will be sure to fill you all in on every agonizing detail. I am going to go with Chris to the Silver Comet Trail which is incredibly flat and mostly shaded... the 1st 1.5 miles are shaded which is all the matters to this runner! He is running about 10 miles so I will have plenty of time to wait once he is finished... maybe I will hold on to the keys and go get breakfast and coffee while he finishes ; )
FYI: Mr. Trump has yet to reply to my letter... although I have not actually sent it to him. I figure he is the type to Google himself so he should find it. Actually, he probably has a team of people who are paid to Google him on a daily basis. Maybe I should include the words "Rosie O'Donnell" in the post. Then he would be sure to find it and reply to it!!!
And I almost forgot... we are supposed to have a second showing of the house tonight or tomorrow. More on that later so just keep your fingers crossed for now!
Until next time! XOXO
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
My Dream Jobs
Working in social services for the last 6 years has given me the opportunity to utilize my degree and work towards my desire to (as my mother used to say) save the world. However, the trials and tribulations that come with my job have led me to daydream about what I truly would LOVE to do. So I am compiling a list of my ultimate, nothing standing in the way, in a perfect world dream jobs. Please note that they are in no particular order.
1. Anything that involved cooking but never having to do dishes. I also thought it would be amazing to have a restaurant that was small (6 tables), opened to reservations only and had a set menu. I would go shopping each morning and the menu would be comprised of my purchases. If the peaches looked especially yummy that day... they would be on the menu. If I had an itch to make chocolate chip cookies, they would be dessert. I would drive to farmers markets that I never get to now and I would by all my ingredients local. I would cook and personally bring the food out, taking time to talk to each guest making them feel special! And my family (no matter how extended) would always eat free!
2. Open a Speciality Beer Bar. Chris and I have dedicated the better part of the last 3 years to researching the products. We would not sell any liquor or wine just beer. Belgium beer, German beer, American beer, Micro brews, British Ales, Stouts, Lagers, IPAs, Hefeweizens, Imperial Stouts, Pilsners, ESBs, hoppy beer non-hoppy beer, filtered and unfiltered beer, re-fermented beer, cask ale, and any other beer that I have not yet mentioned.. unless fruit has been added to it. All the pub grub would be made with... you guessed it... beer. We would hire a competent staff to run the place while we conduct research. There would gnomes on the walls, tin beer signs, neon beer signs and other memorabilia collected in our travels. We have even designated jobs for all our relatives... Matt and Michelle are in charge of bringing in the people, Laurie will help decorate, Mike with cook chicken over the grill out back, my dad would grill steaks next to Mike, Lori would tend bar or at least tell the other bartenders how to tend bar, Granny would be in charge of the keg stand line, and Grampie would take care of the books. Of course, Kirk and Nicholas would be our trusty research companions.
3. Cupcake Maker. I don't want to bake everything... just cupcakes. I would be able to make them perfectly every time. I would also be able to decorate them with extravagant details. And they would be YUMMY! I would probably start this business in conjunction with Jennifer Kuhn and we would call it JKs Cupcakes and Scones. She would make the scones. We would have a big fluffy couch in a small store with wood floors, a fireplace, and family pictures on the walls. We would wear pink aprons with Jen and Jenn stitched across the front in brown thread. Laurie would help decorate and take all the pictures. Kuhn would have a perfectly detailed business plan that would cover any and every possible scenario and we would spend the day baking and laughing...
and 4. Host of a travel show. Now this may be the one that I am most likely to pursue. I am addicted to the travel shows and love to watch as the hosts meet locals and see the world. I would be really good at this! I would do different themes such as travel on a budget, travel without a budget, travel like a local, travel like a tourist, or traveling alone. Chris would travel with me but I don't think he would want to be a host. He would be the behind the scenes guy helping to pick the next destination. I would fill the time I was not working by being a travel consultant... not an agent... I would create perfect travel plans for people based on their personalities. I would be the female version of Rick Steve's, only much hipper.
1. Anything that involved cooking but never having to do dishes. I also thought it would be amazing to have a restaurant that was small (6 tables), opened to reservations only and had a set menu. I would go shopping each morning and the menu would be comprised of my purchases. If the peaches looked especially yummy that day... they would be on the menu. If I had an itch to make chocolate chip cookies, they would be dessert. I would drive to farmers markets that I never get to now and I would by all my ingredients local. I would cook and personally bring the food out, taking time to talk to each guest making them feel special! And my family (no matter how extended) would always eat free!
2. Open a Speciality Beer Bar. Chris and I have dedicated the better part of the last 3 years to researching the products. We would not sell any liquor or wine just beer. Belgium beer, German beer, American beer, Micro brews, British Ales, Stouts, Lagers, IPAs, Hefeweizens, Imperial Stouts, Pilsners, ESBs, hoppy beer non-hoppy beer, filtered and unfiltered beer, re-fermented beer, cask ale, and any other beer that I have not yet mentioned.. unless fruit has been added to it. All the pub grub would be made with... you guessed it... beer. We would hire a competent staff to run the place while we conduct research. There would gnomes on the walls, tin beer signs, neon beer signs and other memorabilia collected in our travels. We have even designated jobs for all our relatives... Matt and Michelle are in charge of bringing in the people, Laurie will help decorate, Mike with cook chicken over the grill out back, my dad would grill steaks next to Mike, Lori would tend bar or at least tell the other bartenders how to tend bar, Granny would be in charge of the keg stand line, and Grampie would take care of the books. Of course, Kirk and Nicholas would be our trusty research companions.
3. Cupcake Maker. I don't want to bake everything... just cupcakes. I would be able to make them perfectly every time. I would also be able to decorate them with extravagant details. And they would be YUMMY! I would probably start this business in conjunction with Jennifer Kuhn and we would call it JKs Cupcakes and Scones. She would make the scones. We would have a big fluffy couch in a small store with wood floors, a fireplace, and family pictures on the walls. We would wear pink aprons with Jen and Jenn stitched across the front in brown thread. Laurie would help decorate and take all the pictures. Kuhn would have a perfectly detailed business plan that would cover any and every possible scenario and we would spend the day baking and laughing...
and 4. Host of a travel show. Now this may be the one that I am most likely to pursue. I am addicted to the travel shows and love to watch as the hosts meet locals and see the world. I would be really good at this! I would do different themes such as travel on a budget, travel without a budget, travel like a local, travel like a tourist, or traveling alone. Chris would travel with me but I don't think he would want to be a host. He would be the behind the scenes guy helping to pick the next destination. I would fill the time I was not working by being a travel consultant... not an agent... I would create perfect travel plans for people based on their personalities. I would be the female version of Rick Steve's, only much hipper.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A letter to Mr. Trump
Dear Mr. Donald Trump,
My heart warmed upon hearing about your generosity towards Mr. Ed McMahon this week. You are so kind to help a fellow man in need. I read in an article that you do not even know Mr. McMahon but are helping him because it "would be an honor."
Since I know now that you have a desire to help, I have a business proposition for you. The back story is simple. My husband and I have an amazing opportunity to move to London. The only thing that is holding us back is our home. We have a beautiful, fee simple, corner lot townhouse in the ever popular Underwood Hills neighborhood in West Atlanta. The view from each of our three decks is unbeatable and the floor plan is open and welcoming. Not to mention it is priced to sell! Now, knowing the honor and pride that welled up in your tremendous heart upon offering to help a celebrity who made millions over the years but somehow can't pay the mortgage... imagine how you would feel helping an up and coming couple (who pay their mortgage on time and in full... even double sometimes...) to achieve their dreams! I am getting goose bumps just thinking about it.
So back to the proposition, I am offering to sell you my home at the asking price. You pay closing costs, realtor commissions, taxes and all attorney's fees. We get a small profit and get to move to London, you get a sense of pride and honor that comes with helping! Now, I know that you are a bottom dollar kind of guy so let me take a moment to explain why I think you need a home in Atlanta. As construction of Trump Towers Atlanta gets underway I am certain you will be spending more time in the Atlanta area to ensure this project does not meet the same fate as say... Trump Towers Tampa. Our home... or rather your future home... is conveniently located within minutes of the construction site! You could utilize our home as cooperate housing, saving on the cost of hotels. And finally, you could sit on our, I mean your, master balcony and admire your work as it inches it's way into the Atlanta skyline!
Please think about the plan I have laid out for you and feel free to contact our agent to make your offer official. I have faith in you as an honorable, generous man that you will come through for me in this time of need. You time and attention to this very serious offer is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jennifer L. Kipphut
Attention Readers: Anyone who has any connections to Mr. Trump please forward. Thanks!
My heart warmed upon hearing about your generosity towards Mr. Ed McMahon this week. You are so kind to help a fellow man in need. I read in an article that you do not even know Mr. McMahon but are helping him because it "would be an honor."
Since I know now that you have a desire to help, I have a business proposition for you. The back story is simple. My husband and I have an amazing opportunity to move to London. The only thing that is holding us back is our home. We have a beautiful, fee simple, corner lot townhouse in the ever popular Underwood Hills neighborhood in West Atlanta. The view from each of our three decks is unbeatable and the floor plan is open and welcoming. Not to mention it is priced to sell! Now, knowing the honor and pride that welled up in your tremendous heart upon offering to help a celebrity who made millions over the years but somehow can't pay the mortgage... imagine how you would feel helping an up and coming couple (who pay their mortgage on time and in full... even double sometimes...) to achieve their dreams! I am getting goose bumps just thinking about it.
So back to the proposition, I am offering to sell you my home at the asking price. You pay closing costs, realtor commissions, taxes and all attorney's fees. We get a small profit and get to move to London, you get a sense of pride and honor that comes with helping! Now, I know that you are a bottom dollar kind of guy so let me take a moment to explain why I think you need a home in Atlanta. As construction of Trump Towers Atlanta gets underway I am certain you will be spending more time in the Atlanta area to ensure this project does not meet the same fate as say... Trump Towers Tampa. Our home... or rather your future home... is conveniently located within minutes of the construction site! You could utilize our home as cooperate housing, saving on the cost of hotels. And finally, you could sit on our, I mean your, master balcony and admire your work as it inches it's way into the Atlanta skyline!
Please think about the plan I have laid out for you and feel free to contact our agent to make your offer official. I have faith in you as an honorable, generous man that you will come through for me in this time of need. You time and attention to this very serious offer is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jennifer L. Kipphut
Attention Readers: Anyone who has any connections to Mr. Trump please forward. Thanks!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Quiet weekend...
Still no news. We had a quiet week with no house showings. Several single family homes are now under contract in the 'hood. However, no signs of any townhouses selling. I waiver back and forth with being patient and being... impatient! I am trying a new outlet for my frustration.... running.
You may recall that Chris is in a running frenzy ever since going to watch our friend run her marathon. He is now training for a half marathon and I am trying to train for a 10k. I was ready to give up after 3 run/walks but then Chris told me he has a present for me if I do the 10k... so I did not give up. Nothing like a present bribe to keep a girl running! If it turns out to be a He-Man, I will be upset ; ) So the training goes something like this... run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute... I started off doing 2 miles but today I up'd it to 3! Now I just have to get to 6.2... at my current pace it will take me 2 hours to finish! Did I mention the race is on the 31st of August! Chris promises to hang with me the whole time but I am guessing he will leave me around mile 2... His pace for his last 10k was 52 minutes! He could run 2 races before I finish 1. I guess I need to focus on my pace over the next 2 weeks.
So I am blogging about my running because I am hoping telling everyone in advance will keep me motivated. I think I am up to around 7 loyal readers and I would be too embarrassed to tell you all on the 1st that I bailed! This week I plan to run/walk 3 miles on Sunday (already did it!), Monday, and Wednesday. By Friday I hope to cut the walk and run the full 3. My final goal will be to run the whole 6.2 but that may be an "Olympics" inspired dream. I know I will eventually get to that goal but I am not sure it will happen by the 31st.
I leave you with a picture of Chris at mile 5 of his last 10k...
You may recall that Chris is in a running frenzy ever since going to watch our friend run her marathon. He is now training for a half marathon and I am trying to train for a 10k. I was ready to give up after 3 run/walks but then Chris told me he has a present for me if I do the 10k... so I did not give up. Nothing like a present bribe to keep a girl running! If it turns out to be a He-Man, I will be upset ; ) So the training goes something like this... run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 3 minutes, walk 1 minute... I started off doing 2 miles but today I up'd it to 3! Now I just have to get to 6.2... at my current pace it will take me 2 hours to finish! Did I mention the race is on the 31st of August! Chris promises to hang with me the whole time but I am guessing he will leave me around mile 2... His pace for his last 10k was 52 minutes! He could run 2 races before I finish 1. I guess I need to focus on my pace over the next 2 weeks.
So I am blogging about my running because I am hoping telling everyone in advance will keep me motivated. I think I am up to around 7 loyal readers and I would be too embarrassed to tell you all on the 1st that I bailed! This week I plan to run/walk 3 miles on Sunday (already did it!), Monday, and Wednesday. By Friday I hope to cut the walk and run the full 3. My final goal will be to run the whole 6.2 but that may be an "Olympics" inspired dream. I know I will eventually get to that goal but I am not sure it will happen by the 31st.
I leave you with a picture of Chris at mile 5 of his last 10k...
and yes, that is me handing him a beer at mile 5!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Gnoah's big day is coming...
I don't have anything new to post so I decided to redecorate. Hope you like the new look.
We had a showing on Sunday but the lookers said our kitchen/family room was too small and we were over priced for the market. However, their realtor commented on how they looked at another home that was for sale several months ago so I get the feeling they are not serious buyers. It seems like their are some people out there that think we should just give them the keys for nothing or perhaps we should pay them to take the house off our hands! I hope they do not have to sell their homes any time soon because karma is a... you can finish that sentence how you feel fit ; )
We are a little discouraged but we have a plan. We are trying to be a bit more patient with the process. I don't want to say anything yet because obviously our main goal is to sell the house soon and I don't want to jinx it! Part of the plan does entail sending in reinforcements for St. Joseph... poor little Gnoah Gnome! He is a good gnome... taking one for the team! I promise to provide pictures for your viewing pleasure of the big day.
We had a showing on Sunday but the lookers said our kitchen/family room was too small and we were over priced for the market. However, their realtor commented on how they looked at another home that was for sale several months ago so I get the feeling they are not serious buyers. It seems like their are some people out there that think we should just give them the keys for nothing or perhaps we should pay them to take the house off our hands! I hope they do not have to sell their homes any time soon because karma is a... you can finish that sentence how you feel fit ; )
We are a little discouraged but we have a plan. We are trying to be a bit more patient with the process. I don't want to say anything yet because obviously our main goal is to sell the house soon and I don't want to jinx it! Part of the plan does entail sending in reinforcements for St. Joseph... poor little Gnoah Gnome! He is a good gnome... taking one for the team! I promise to provide pictures for your viewing pleasure of the big day.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
No new updates...yet
There is nothing new to report on the home front. Our realtor assures us that this is normal for the market but we have been calling her every few days for additional reassurance! She is earning her commission and we are making sure of it. Nothing new from London, either.
Going to work is getting harder and harder with each passing day. Yesterday I couldn't even manage to leave the house! I have post it on my monitor at work that says "You can make it!" I read it aloud all day... I am sure people think I am losing my mind ; )
I spent the weekend looking at flats in Nottinghill and Bayswater... via Internet of course... I found some places with potential. I know that none of them will be available when we finally move but I am hopeful about what I am finding in our price range. Chris and I are still at odds over "character" versus "remodeled/new." I think I am going to get the character that I want this time! We can't move to London and not live in a quintessential London flat!
Keep checking back... xoxo
Going to work is getting harder and harder with each passing day. Yesterday I couldn't even manage to leave the house! I have post it on my monitor at work that says "You can make it!" I read it aloud all day... I am sure people think I am losing my mind ; )
I spent the weekend looking at flats in Nottinghill and Bayswater... via Internet of course... I found some places with potential. I know that none of them will be available when we finally move but I am hopeful about what I am finding in our price range. Chris and I are still at odds over "character" versus "remodeled/new." I think I am going to get the character that I want this time! We can't move to London and not live in a quintessential London flat!
Keep checking back... xoxo
Monday, August 4, 2008
Funny
I think the blog listed below is hilarious.
http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/
This lady posts pictures of actual real estate listings. The pictures are terrible, the houses are worse and I find it all very entertaining!
Enjoy!
http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/
This lady posts pictures of actual real estate listings. The pictures are terrible, the houses are worse and I find it all very entertaining!
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
House Update
Our house has been on the market for over 60 days now. We have had about 5 showings, 2 open houses and a realtor caravan of about 16 realtors. We have gotten great feedback from most people who have seen the place but obviously no offers. Chris and I are both ready to move and start the next chapter in our lives but the house is holding us up.
We buried a saint in the front yard but that hasn't done us much good so I am going to have a brainstorming session of our next steps... Feel free to jump in with any ideas I miss.
1. My neighbor suggested we bury Gnoah Gnome in the front yard similar to how we buried St Joe. Gnoah is against the idea. Too bad for him I am bigger!
2. I take house fliers with me everywhere I go and give them to anyone who looks in my direction. I left them at my coffee shop and dry cleaners. I tell every server, bartender, cashier, customer behind me in line and stranger on the streets that they should buy our house. I think people are starting to think I have a screw loose.
3. Prayer. So many people have offered to pray for us. This is greatly appreciated but I hate having people pray for my personal gain. So please don't pray for the house to sell, pray for mine and Chris's sanity. The two are undeniably linked together. If your prayers for us not to end up in a padded room in straight jackets are answered... the house will sell!
4. I am out of ideas : (
I should know better than to brainstorm at 9:30 on a Saturday morning before I've had my coffee. I saw a report on TV a few years ago that showed the brain wave activity of a coffee drinker before their morning coffee and then again after. If you could have seen that last sentence (as well as this one) before I proof read and spell checked you would understand the limited movement of neurotransmitter molecules across my synapse prior to coffee. Hopefully, that made sense! I generally try to limit all activity requiring brain use until after the 1st cup However, my effort this morning shows great dedication to all my loyal readers. See what I do for you ; ) In return, all I ask is that one of you come and buy this silly house! Just kidding, but any ideas you may have are greatly welcomed!
Now for coffee... xoxo
We buried a saint in the front yard but that hasn't done us much good so I am going to have a brainstorming session of our next steps... Feel free to jump in with any ideas I miss.
1. My neighbor suggested we bury Gnoah Gnome in the front yard similar to how we buried St Joe. Gnoah is against the idea. Too bad for him I am bigger!
2. I take house fliers with me everywhere I go and give them to anyone who looks in my direction. I left them at my coffee shop and dry cleaners. I tell every server, bartender, cashier, customer behind me in line and stranger on the streets that they should buy our house. I think people are starting to think I have a screw loose.
3. Prayer. So many people have offered to pray for us. This is greatly appreciated but I hate having people pray for my personal gain. So please don't pray for the house to sell, pray for mine and Chris's sanity. The two are undeniably linked together. If your prayers for us not to end up in a padded room in straight jackets are answered... the house will sell!
4. I am out of ideas : (
I should know better than to brainstorm at 9:30 on a Saturday morning before I've had my coffee. I saw a report on TV a few years ago that showed the brain wave activity of a coffee drinker before their morning coffee and then again after. If you could have seen that last sentence (as well as this one) before I proof read and spell checked you would understand the limited movement of neurotransmitter molecules across my synapse prior to coffee. Hopefully, that made sense! I generally try to limit all activity requiring brain use until after the 1st cup However, my effort this morning shows great dedication to all my loyal readers. See what I do for you ; ) In return, all I ask is that one of you come and buy this silly house! Just kidding, but any ideas you may have are greatly welcomed!
Now for coffee... xoxo
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