"Nice cookies."

I've had hellish allergies since Wednesday; I woke up and thought I had the flu. My head was congested, I was sneezing all over the place, and I had a terrible hacking cough. The only thing was that my body didn't ache; the misery was confined to my head.

I've never really had allergy issues in California; even when I was in South Dakota, I lost my voice and sneezed (sinus issues). That was easily resolved with the Allegra that Andrew had the foresight to pack for me.

Ok, so what? I take a Benadryl, and still can't sleep. This has NEVER happened to me before. Benadryl knocks me flat normally. I tried Allegra, and there was slight relief, but still misery. At Grace's suggestion, I try Claritin, which TOTALLY worked. I'm feeling almost completely better, but still coughing.

There is a point to this, really, stay with me. We had a day of errands, which included meeting the people who sold us their house. When you're feeling really crappy but need to make a good impression, what do you do? Wear something modest and makeup so that you don't look like the corpse that you feel like.

One of our errands was to drop off Cynthia's Aussie cookies (which are AWESOME, they have them at Starbucks, but sell them for way less at Costco), but she was at Baycon. No big, I wasn't planning to go, and with the way I was feeling it was a definite no-go. Last year, I decided that since I did not get my Gopher refund (which I was told that I would, but whatever), I refuse to pay to be ogled by desperate and horny men with no regular personal hygiene schedule. I know, picky, picky. Pesky standards.

As i walk into the lobby of the Doubletree, some fool says to me (while looking at my chest), "Nice cookies."

Ah yes, this is why I decided not to come, I think to myself, delivering the cookies to Cynthia and seeing David and Jason along the way, and slogging my way back to the car.

We met the family that we bought the house from (they were super-nice), and they liked us. Woo for good impressions! They might be out early (moved Thursday and Friday), so they said that they'd let us know if we could get in early (which would be AWESOME).

Plan for tonight? Bonfire at the Shanty, in the backyard (we have a fire pit and backyard available).

More than just a vacuum

Since I've been married, what has been considered exciting has shifted considerably. Andrew and I had a very exciting evening planned: we were going to buy our vacuum cleaner. Our first; a Dyson 14 with the animal hair attachment.

We had seen the Dyson at Bed, Bath and Beyond (at a competitive price). All of our friends and family began looking frantically for the coupon that they send out every few weeks, promising 20% off of one, regularly-priced item.

I'm chatting with Joey on AIM, and Joey finds his coupon. Woo! Vacuum for 20% off! (Which came to about $110 in savings.) To thank Joey, I asked him what he wants for dinner, and he says "A Polish sausage from Costco." The guy saves us $110 bucks and wants a $1.50 sausage?

"Are you sure?" I ask, to which he replies "Yes."

We walk over to the Costco window, which is shutting down and they're no longer serving.

"Do you want to go to Happy Hound?" I ask, then we drive to Happy Hound, which had closed 5 minutes before.

"How about KFC?" ding-ding-ding! We had a winner! Finally a place that was open and acceptable. We had a great time, and made sure to thank Joey profusely. Not exciting, but we were pretty happy.

Savings on a vacuum: $110
Dinner at KFC: $14
Running around looking for food after 9PM in order to thank a friend: Priceless.

Front-loading versus top loading washers

Since we're moving into a new house, even though we got the washer/dryer with it, I want to get a new one. Now, for most people a washer is a washer is a washer. Not so; knitting my own sweaters (that are handwash only), I need a few more options. It's especially convenient because when I finish pieces for other people, then often require washing and blocking.

So, Andrew and I looked at washers and dryers and found some rather interesting information. Front loading washers last as long as dryers.

Which brings me to this observation: Have you noticed that houses tend to have new-ish washers and ancient dryers? My parents still have the original dryer that came with the house that we moved into in 1988. Who knows how old the thing is (although, it is 60's green).

More later, the puppy moves in June 12th. We're thinking Lucy for the name.

Moving into the new house, and graduation/housewarming party!

Hey all!

We are officially moving into our new place on June 4th; come one come all to haul and help. Foodage will be provided, so long as orders are in before then. There will be a refreshment/heckling/morale team, consisting of myself and anyone else who is prohibited by health from moving boxes. It's going to be good times. E-mail me your requests, and reserve your spot for this fun-tastic event today!

I'm graduating on Saturday, Andrew is graduating next Thursday, so we're throwing a dual graduation/housewarming potluck party on Friday the 10th of June from 7PM until the wee hours (or when y'all get tired). Please bring a dish or beverage to share as we will be providing some pretty fantastic cake. If you don't have our new address, please send me an e-mail and I'll get it to you.

Puppy!

This is the puppy, for your enjoyment. Any and all suggestions on names would be appreciated.