...The Hartmans are officially home owners as of 6 days ago! Yay us! The events that went down this weekend in "FYI" fashion...
Signed papers
Received keys
Drove to the house, relished in it for about 10 minutes
Lowes shopping - finalized paint colors (pictures up soon)
Dinner
Back to our home, taped off the trim - prep for paint
Friends stopped by and checked out the place :)
Saturday, woke up in a startled-like fashion...let's go, let's go, let's go!!! Paint awaits!
Prep work - aka primer the walls
Painted ALL day
Sleep time
Woke up in crazy pain. Didn't know I was using my calves so much.
Sunday - PAINTED ALL DAY
(Neil however watched some NFL playoffs, as I listened via radio)
Sleep time, was completely exhausted, and in major pain.
Monday, brought over "kitchen" boxes.
Pictures up soon...
Tomorrow is moving day - pray for good weather :)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cali vs. Cobra
Neil and I have been on a crazy man-hunt for a baby doggie. This dog would belong to me. Mine. (In the end, this dog will probably favor Neil) I have checked high and low w/every dog rescue in the 200 mile radius in hopes that we could rescue a dog. Cleveland Rescue wouldn't adopt out of Ohio. Buffalo Rescue won't adopt out of New York. Pittsburgh didn't have any dogs I'd be interested in. And I know, I'm rescuing a dog - why be so picky? You must ask yourself, have you not met Dawna Editha Hartman? Then the search began in the "puppies for sale" websites.
As of 3 days ago, I was driving 4 and a 1/2 hours to pick up the sweeeetest looking dog (which was a rescue pup): boston terrier, chihuahua mix named Baxter. I was in contact w/the foster family, and it looked to be a done deal. Then snow happened. Then the thought kicked in we'd be traveling 9 hours in 1 day. I had Neil make the very sad phone call that we wouldn't be able to meet Baxter. I was in tears (no surprise there).
In the last 48 hours we've checked every site that is available to our fingertips. This is what our eyes were looking for:
Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Terrier mix
Puppy (6-8 weeks)
White w/tan or brown markings
You must all be thinking? A pit bull? Yes. I adore them!!! If trained and treated properly, they can be one of the most amazing dogs you'd ever be in contact with.
Now, some of you know my husband - and those closest to him know how much he adores Chihuahuas. You didn't mis-read that, it's true. He loves 'em. After I made arrangements to meet the potential Cali, the pit bull - who is located in Pittsburgh - I wanted to take one last glance at the Pittsburgh site to see if I could maybe meet another dog...if they were in the area. And low and behold I come across black and white male chihuahuas. They're precious! Of course Neil's face just brightened right up! He made the phone call instantly and made arrangements.
So here it is: Cali vs. Cobra Commander....
sorry for the small photo: 
As of 3 days ago, I was driving 4 and a 1/2 hours to pick up the sweeeetest looking dog (which was a rescue pup): boston terrier, chihuahua mix named Baxter. I was in contact w/the foster family, and it looked to be a done deal. Then snow happened. Then the thought kicked in we'd be traveling 9 hours in 1 day. I had Neil make the very sad phone call that we wouldn't be able to meet Baxter. I was in tears (no surprise there).
In the last 48 hours we've checked every site that is available to our fingertips. This is what our eyes were looking for:
Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Terrier mix
Puppy (6-8 weeks)
White w/tan or brown markings
You must all be thinking? A pit bull? Yes. I adore them!!! If trained and treated properly, they can be one of the most amazing dogs you'd ever be in contact with.
Now, some of you know my husband - and those closest to him know how much he adores Chihuahuas. You didn't mis-read that, it's true. He loves 'em. After I made arrangements to meet the potential Cali, the pit bull - who is located in Pittsburgh - I wanted to take one last glance at the Pittsburgh site to see if I could maybe meet another dog...if they were in the area. And low and behold I come across black and white male chihuahuas. They're precious! Of course Neil's face just brightened right up! He made the phone call instantly and made arrangements.
So here it is: Cali vs. Cobra Commander....
sorry for the small photo: 
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
10 days to go.
The radon is going to be mitigated this weekend on our home, and should be cleared out by closing. My boss told me today that over the weekend he saw a moving truck at the house... how excited are we?!
For the time being I've been picking out paint colors - and most importantly...looking for a baby doggie to add to our family. I'm looking for anything from a french bull dog, a boston, to a boxer, to a pit bull - I'm just keeping an open mind and heart about this. But I'm super anxious! Neil and I made the decision that we want to rescue a dog, but it's harder then it seems. The application process, going to meet the dog - and the foster family. It's all very nerve-racking to me. As of right now, I've located a really cute baby girl. She is a boston terrier, chihuahua mix - and is just precious! I need to go through a phone interview, which I think is tomorrow night (I'm nervous). The downfall is, this baby doggie is located over 4 hours away. Is she worth the drive? I think so. Neil, however... does not. So, we'll see what happens... We're sort of hoping the foster family will meet us half way. I'm having doubts about that.
Stay tuned.
For the time being I've been picking out paint colors - and most importantly...looking for a baby doggie to add to our family. I'm looking for anything from a french bull dog, a boston, to a boxer, to a pit bull - I'm just keeping an open mind and heart about this. But I'm super anxious! Neil and I made the decision that we want to rescue a dog, but it's harder then it seems. The application process, going to meet the dog - and the foster family. It's all very nerve-racking to me. As of right now, I've located a really cute baby girl. She is a boston terrier, chihuahua mix - and is just precious! I need to go through a phone interview, which I think is tomorrow night (I'm nervous). The downfall is, this baby doggie is located over 4 hours away. Is she worth the drive? I think so. Neil, however... does not. So, we'll see what happens... We're sort of hoping the foster family will meet us half way. I'm having doubts about that.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy 2009!
I was terrible at taking pictures these last couple of weeks - but here are some highlights...
Christmas with the Quiggles:
I did attempt to get a group shot, but that didn't work out. (aka, the Q's are too tall versus what I had to work with.)
Christmas in Erie was amazing! I have to admit, it was the 1st Christmas I've spent where I was totally at ease...no irritation. We did have snow!!! And spending time here, with Neil and my mother-in-law was just amazing. Not only was I spoiled from them, gifts were sent to me (us) from some of our bestest friends in CA. I made out big time:
Two days later, Forward Hall hosted "Decembercon" aka Shockwave. I was completely blown away by the entire night!!! Our friends Ryan and EMS did such a great job putting this show together. It couldn't have gone off any better. Shannon and I spent nearly 4 hours putting the merch together the night before, organizing and what not. Am I glad we did that!!! Here is an after shot of what was a very full cooler of hoodies - and a picture of a packed house...
The night ended by heading over to Fox and Hound, eating and spending time with some of the guys. The week continued with Neil and I both off from work - and being able to hang out with friends. Not only were the Quiggles here in town, but our dear friend Jon was home for a short vacation from his duty as a US National guard. Being able to spend time with him and his wife Laura was awesome!
Today is the 1st, and I pray that 2009 will be as productive for Neil and I as 2008 was... I do have a New Years resolution, which is to take care of myself physically - get myself to the gym more often, and eat healthier. I may even blog about my status...who knows.
Neil and I are just weeks away from closing on our house...we can't express just how excited we are about moving in! I really can't wait because I have waited over 4 years to make a home for us...and paint walls the colors I want to paint them...
Christmas with the Quiggles:
I did attempt to get a group shot, but that didn't work out. (aka, the Q's are too tall versus what I had to work with.)
Christmas in Erie was amazing! I have to admit, it was the 1st Christmas I've spent where I was totally at ease...no irritation. We did have snow!!! And spending time here, with Neil and my mother-in-law was just amazing. Not only was I spoiled from them, gifts were sent to me (us) from some of our bestest friends in CA. I made out big time:
Two days later, Forward Hall hosted "Decembercon" aka Shockwave. I was completely blown away by the entire night!!! Our friends Ryan and EMS did such a great job putting this show together. It couldn't have gone off any better. Shannon and I spent nearly 4 hours putting the merch together the night before, organizing and what not. Am I glad we did that!!! Here is an after shot of what was a very full cooler of hoodies - and a picture of a packed house...
The night ended by heading over to Fox and Hound, eating and spending time with some of the guys. The week continued with Neil and I both off from work - and being able to hang out with friends. Not only were the Quiggles here in town, but our dear friend Jon was home for a short vacation from his duty as a US National guard. Being able to spend time with him and his wife Laura was awesome!
Today is the 1st, and I pray that 2009 will be as productive for Neil and I as 2008 was... I do have a New Years resolution, which is to take care of myself physically - get myself to the gym more often, and eat healthier. I may even blog about my status...who knows.
Neil and I are just weeks away from closing on our house...we can't express just how excited we are about moving in! I really can't wait because I have waited over 4 years to make a home for us...and paint walls the colors I want to paint them...
Monday, December 29, 2008
9 days flew, 2 to go...
Our good friends Dave and Shannon, along w/their daughter Beatrice arrived 9 days, and some odd hours ago - and the time has flown by!!! As cliche as it sounds, time flies when you're having fun. A warm feeling came over me when I saw them for the first time at Shannon's parents house, as if I were back in CA. I was at the stove, frying up my cream cheese wontons (which is usually what I'm doing at a "family" gathering) chit-chatting with Shannon, catching up...and Neil and Davey close by laughing amongst themselves about who-knows-what...
The week continued with us getting together here and there - but it was as if time wasn't precious...they're here for awhile, right? The show came and went (which I'll post about more later) and it was a great time - good people all around us.
With 2 days remaining 'til they fly back to warm, sunny California - I want them all to myself!!! But I can't be selfish, no Dawna - they didn't come just to see you....they have family here. I really didn't think I'd feel this way, its a total shock. I'm naturally not a selfish person.... I think I'm starting to face the fact that I miss CA...and I don't want that. It's probably best they leave, it's making me toooo homesick!!
A part of me feels as if I can just pick up everything I own and just drive back to California - my safety zone - and continue where I left off there. Is this me just giving up? I think so. Thank God my husband would never read this, because if he did - he'd be packing me up the second he laid eyes on this blog. He misses CA more then I do, but I feel it's all emotional, not practical. We have a house just waiting for us, with a SOLD sign leaning up against the post (the wind knocked it down) and screaming for a new interior paint job. The house needs us, and we need it. I truly feel this is where God wants us. At least for the time being...
With that note...I have really enjoyed the time spent w/my friends, and I pray they return to their home safely. I hope it's not too long before I see them again....
The week continued with us getting together here and there - but it was as if time wasn't precious...they're here for awhile, right? The show came and went (which I'll post about more later) and it was a great time - good people all around us.
With 2 days remaining 'til they fly back to warm, sunny California - I want them all to myself!!! But I can't be selfish, no Dawna - they didn't come just to see you....they have family here. I really didn't think I'd feel this way, its a total shock. I'm naturally not a selfish person.... I think I'm starting to face the fact that I miss CA...and I don't want that. It's probably best they leave, it's making me toooo homesick!!
A part of me feels as if I can just pick up everything I own and just drive back to California - my safety zone - and continue where I left off there. Is this me just giving up? I think so. Thank God my husband would never read this, because if he did - he'd be packing me up the second he laid eyes on this blog. He misses CA more then I do, but I feel it's all emotional, not practical. We have a house just waiting for us, with a SOLD sign leaning up against the post (the wind knocked it down) and screaming for a new interior paint job. The house needs us, and we need it. I truly feel this is where God wants us. At least for the time being...
With that note...I have really enjoyed the time spent w/my friends, and I pray they return to their home safely. I hope it's not too long before I see them again....
Friday, December 19, 2008
29 days, if not LESS
Today we found out from Maryanne, our realtor, that the seller doesn't quite have the money to take care of our requests before closing. We did know this, but still felt it was their responsibility to take care of these 2 things:
Radon that was detected in the basement ($1,000 -/+ to clear that out)
Seal on the toilet needs to be re-done, correctly to avoid future problems ($100)
The news continued that they will get the seal repaired. 2nd, the two reality companies: Howard Hanna (seller) and ours, Coldwell Banker came to the decision that they will team up and take care of the radon. Thank the LORD!!! Maryanne told us they sometimes do that, especially in a case like ours. We didn't have a lot of requests, and at the same time, the seller is in a bind & just needs to get out of her mortgage and sell this house.
And yet another positive note - we may close sooner then expected. We initially picked a farther date due to the holidays - but the seller really is just needing to get out. Hey, we're not complaining.
Radon that was detected in the basement ($1,000 -/+ to clear that out)
Seal on the toilet needs to be re-done, correctly to avoid future problems ($100)
The news continued that they will get the seal repaired. 2nd, the two reality companies: Howard Hanna (seller) and ours, Coldwell Banker came to the decision that they will team up and take care of the radon. Thank the LORD!!! Maryanne told us they sometimes do that, especially in a case like ours. We didn't have a lot of requests, and at the same time, the seller is in a bind & just needs to get out of her mortgage and sell this house.
And yet another positive note - we may close sooner then expected. We initially picked a farther date due to the holidays - but the seller really is just needing to get out. Hey, we're not complaining.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Countdown begins - 31 days 'til closing
It's December 17th, and in exactly 31 days my husband and I will be "closing" on our 1st home. That is, if things run smoothly. It has been 11 days since we put an offer on the house, 9 days since we had a conversation w/the seller via the 2 realtors that represented both us and the seller. That night our 2nd offer was accepted. 5 days later we had a "home inspection" which brought to light quite a few negatives in the house, but a majority of them Neil and I will eventually get fixed. Today Neil signed off papers explaining to the "seller" what we would like them to fix before we close. We are now awaiting their answer. I feel we are being reasonable, and I just pray they feel the same.
I can't express how nervous and excited I am about this entire process...and just how anxious I am to make this house our home. I must admit, I've been losing sleep over paint colors, and decorating ideas... my brain cannot relax! Talking with my friend Shannon today made me realize I couldn't live with myself, living in a "neutral" colored home. I'm a creative person. Now, if I can only get my husband to stop thinking neutral/warm colors, I'd be a happy lady. This is what Shannon had to say about that: "tell him if he really wants you to keep your color palate neutral that he should start buying you a collection of teddy bears and a giant glass display case for the living room." One of many quotes that made me laugh out loud today in my office...
I can't express how nervous and excited I am about this entire process...and just how anxious I am to make this house our home. I must admit, I've been losing sleep over paint colors, and decorating ideas... my brain cannot relax! Talking with my friend Shannon today made me realize I couldn't live with myself, living in a "neutral" colored home. I'm a creative person. Now, if I can only get my husband to stop thinking neutral/warm colors, I'd be a happy lady. This is what Shannon had to say about that: "tell him if he really wants you to keep your color palate neutral that he should start buying you a collection of teddy bears and a giant glass display case for the living room." One of many quotes that made me laugh out loud today in my office...
Monday, December 15, 2008
it's 1:20 pm EST
It's afternoon time here, on a Monday - but it feels like a Sunday to me. I made no plans today in hopes I'd hit the gym first thing this morning, to just run my ass off on the treadmill. That did not happen. I woke up late, and got on the computer first thing. Low and behold, it's 10am - I wanted to take a weight class at 10am. Ooops. I'm officially bummed...and hungry. I make my way to the kitchen, and discover there is nothing to eat - that I want to anyway. Head back to my room, with Andy in tow - and turn the tv on.
What to do with myself?!
I need to go to Target...maybe Autumn will join me? Nope, Owen is Mr. Grumpy pants today and isn't cooperating. I shouldn't spend money anyways...
Wegmans! I need to go grocery shopping for lunch items, and rice for dinner tonight. I make a list: turkey lunch meat, votive candles (Christmas scented), rice, rolls for sandwiches. That's it. That is the sadest grocery list to date.
"Plastic okay?" asked the cashier..."Nope, I have a bag - hopefully it all fits." I bought these reusable totes for shopping - and I am amazed at how much can actually fit in them. I love them. I encourage everyone to use them, do NOT use plastic bags if you can help it.
(Or order these: www.baggubags.com - and pick out fabulous colors to go shopping with)
I hit the redbox (Yes I have netflix, but I watched them already!) on my way out and rented Tropic Thunder - which my mother-in-law is watching this very moment, and her reaction is quite entertaining! and I rented Prince Caspian, the 2nd chapter of the Chronicles of Narnia. As Tropic Thunder is booming from the living room, I have started dinner.
It's now 1:38pm EST.
What to do with myself?!
I need to go to Target...maybe Autumn will join me? Nope, Owen is Mr. Grumpy pants today and isn't cooperating. I shouldn't spend money anyways...
Wegmans! I need to go grocery shopping for lunch items, and rice for dinner tonight. I make a list: turkey lunch meat, votive candles (Christmas scented), rice, rolls for sandwiches. That's it. That is the sadest grocery list to date.
"Plastic okay?" asked the cashier..."Nope, I have a bag - hopefully it all fits." I bought these reusable totes for shopping - and I am amazed at how much can actually fit in them. I love them. I encourage everyone to use them, do NOT use plastic bags if you can help it.
(Or order these: www.baggubags.com - and pick out fabulous colors to go shopping with)
I hit the redbox (Yes I have netflix, but I watched them already!) on my way out and rented Tropic Thunder - which my mother-in-law is watching this very moment, and her reaction is quite entertaining! and I rented Prince Caspian, the 2nd chapter of the Chronicles of Narnia. As Tropic Thunder is booming from the living room, I have started dinner.
It's now 1:38pm EST.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Winter in Erie
I'm surviving!
It's cold, yes...but the snow, and the peacefulness it brings - makes up for it. I've learned that as long as my feet stay dry, I won't be miserable. I love wearing jackets, and wrapping myself up in scarves and hats. The shoe department is a challenge, I must admit...but for now, I have boots that keep me warm. They're not all that cute, but I'm still hunting...
Neil and I have had Christmas in CA for the past 3 years, and we are ecstatic to be here this holiday season. The atmosphere of Christmas is completely different. With the snow everywhere, and the lights on houses - it's like straight out of a movie.
A couple months back, I was at work - and I was explaining to some of my co-workers how in California, we decorate our homes, inside and out. And they were floored! "You mean, you put lights up on your houses? But there's no snow!!" Laughter breaks out, and they totally thought I was lying. They just could not believe we hung up lights outside of our homes...
Here are some pictures of what I've experienced so far...
Wiping off snow & ice: Bundling up daily:
The neighborhood I currently live in, and the trucks that will get us through this winter...
You would think hearing that plow at all hours of the night/morning would be annoying...but I've come to appreciate that sound so much. It's a very comforting sound, just knowing you will get out of the neighborhood w/o any trouble.
In the end, I'm taking this winter very slowly - one week, one day at a time...but so far, I love it.
It's cold, yes...but the snow, and the peacefulness it brings - makes up for it. I've learned that as long as my feet stay dry, I won't be miserable. I love wearing jackets, and wrapping myself up in scarves and hats. The shoe department is a challenge, I must admit...but for now, I have boots that keep me warm. They're not all that cute, but I'm still hunting...
Neil and I have had Christmas in CA for the past 3 years, and we are ecstatic to be here this holiday season. The atmosphere of Christmas is completely different. With the snow everywhere, and the lights on houses - it's like straight out of a movie.
A couple months back, I was at work - and I was explaining to some of my co-workers how in California, we decorate our homes, inside and out. And they were floored! "You mean, you put lights up on your houses? But there's no snow!!" Laughter breaks out, and they totally thought I was lying. They just could not believe we hung up lights outside of our homes...
Here are some pictures of what I've experienced so far...
Wiping off snow & ice: Bundling up daily:
The neighborhood I currently live in, and the trucks that will get us through this winter...
You would think hearing that plow at all hours of the night/morning would be annoying...but I've come to appreciate that sound so much. It's a very comforting sound, just knowing you will get out of the neighborhood w/o any trouble.
In the end, I'm taking this winter very slowly - one week, one day at a time...but so far, I love it.
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