Montana landscape

Were driving to Helena to meet up with Lukes mom. It has been really cold and all the trees and bushes are frozen over. These don't do it justice, but they show some of the beauty.
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3+ hours of FUN!!!

Were on our way back from the FCS national championship game (villanova won their first crown) and dealing with road drama. Apparently in Virginia a foot of snow equals a literal state of emergency. We've been stuck outside of christiansburg, va for over 3 hours waiting for traffic to move. Apparently there's a tractor trailer wreck that is taking forever to clear out. What gets me is that the roads aren't that bad, people just drive too fast and irresponsibly, Causing numerous cars to end up in the ditch. If we ever make it to christiansburg, were just going to get a hotel. Its less than 2 miles away.
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On the road again....

Well, were on our way to chattanooga, TN for the FCS national championship game. The University of Montana is playing Villanova. We got free tix, so why not? Chatt isn't too far away. Secretly, my blue and gold Bobcat blood is coming through and I'm hoping Nova wins.
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Cute baby booties...

For my cousin's cute new baby. This is round 2 for the booties. The first pair ended up completely wonky. I honestly have no idea what happened. Thank you www.pooppockets.com for the free pattern!
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Who knew?

You can buy ice at McDonalds! Huh. "I'd like a big Mac with a side of ice and a coke, please."
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I'm official!

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Connection Poem

I recently joined a networking group called The Connectors. We meet every Tuesday morning at my apartment complex in the clubhouse (mmmm convenient!). There are about 15 or so people in the group and the goal is to help each other with connections for new clients. For example, if my friend Joe needs renters insurance, I would recommend him to Wanda at Beverly Insurance. And if he needed a birthday gift for his wife, I might recommend him to the Marvelous Mable of Mary Kay. Its a great way to start off my week and I really enjoy the people in the group. They are just genuine people. Its a very real environment and not snooty and everyone wants to be there and help each other. Plus, we have a lot of fun!! Luke got to meet some of the Connectors at an event and I think he was ready to join the group too! I really can't say enough good things about these people. I had gone to several networking groups and I knew within 5 minutes that this was the group for me.

Every week we have some kind of education, and this week our assignment was to come up with a poem about our business. So, without further adieu, here is my poem. Its okay if you laugh, poetry is not my forte. (yeah yeah, keep my day job, I know)

M is for Montana, the place where I was raised
A is for the anxiety that I take away
S is for spinalis muscles deep within your neck
S is for the smile you’ll have before giving me a check
A is for adhesions, also known as knots
G is for how great you’ll feel, after they are naught
And Finally E is enthusiastic, my attitude for you
For massage is my passion, and I hope you’ll like it too.
And with this little ditty, I hope you are enlightened
So call 525-1118, and make yourself an appointment!

(Feel free to make suggestions!)

Walden Pond

I know I still haven't posted pictures of where we live. Partly because I always forget to take them when the house is clean. Anyways, here are some pics at the pond in our complex. It was at about 730 in the morning and there was fog over the water. And the moon was still out. We live in a very pretty place. There are lots of trees on two sides of our apartment, so I like to call it the forest and then I pretend like were in the woods in MT. Except the trees have leaves instead of needles, which in My opinion is better. Its a pretty place and the people are really nice. And there's a cute walking path by the pond.
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Colors

I know I've been a terrible blogger lately. I don't feel like we've done anything exciting that anyone wants to hear about. Plus I never take any pictures.

The fall here is amazingly beautiful. Gorgeous reds and oranges and pinks even. I am just in awe every day when I drive back and forth to work. Here are some lame pics from My phone. They were taken of a tree next to My office.

P.S. Colby, you're still My fave!!
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New car!

We got a new car! Its not actually *new* but its new to us. Its a 95 Honda Accord. It is SO fun to drive!!! She just speeds along and zips around corners. It reminds me of My prelude days.
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A Good Laugh....

Thank You Alli for brightening my morning.

peopleofwalmart.com

awkwardfamilyphotos.com

My cheeks hurt from laughing....

LOVE YOU!!

Parental Visit

On Wednesday My parents flew in. It was sooo nice to see them. Were both a wee bit homesick, so a visit from family was wonderful! We played tourist and managed to find the Appalachian Trail and hike a ways. And here's a pic of My mom in front of the dinosaur in glasgow, VA. This little town gave Montana a run for its money! We also went to Appomattox Court House, VA National Park. That was kind of fun too.

Were finally feeling settled in our apartment. Can you believe we've been in Lynchburg almost a month? Crazy. I finally feel like I actually live here, rather than just on a temporary visit. Work is great, but I need more clients. Luke likes school and is making some great contacts. And were learning how to be southern. Apparently you can say not so nice things about people as long as you follow it with "Bless their heart." or "God love 'em." its great! And the g on words with ing at the end is not pronounced. I'm lovin it!
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First day of school!

Its Lukes first day of school! Isn't he handsome?
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Lightning bugs

One thing they have on the East Coast that is noticeably missing from Montana, is lightning bugs. Tonight we were watching TV with the lights off and I kept seeing a sporadic flashing yellow-green light. It looked like a flashing light from something electronic. But it was coming from a spot where there weren't any electronics. I finally got up to check it out and figured out it was a lightning bug that was stuck underneath the sticky carpet protector tape thing. It was quite intriguing, especially since the bug appeared to be dead. And I will take the tape stuff off after we move all our stuff in.
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We made it!

Were in Virginia!
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Hello Kentucky!

Look, we could go visit alli in Nashville. Here are some pics from Louisville.
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Indianapolis

We left Wisconsin this morning. So far we've been through Illinois and Indians. Here are some pics from Indianapolis...
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Say NO to the combover!

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Brewers game 1

Were here! Right behind home, three levels up.
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Jewelry for Aunt Janice

Here is some jewelry I made for Auntie J. There are two necklaces and two pairs of earrings. The pendant on the necklace has hold specks in it and the earrings are black and gold. The other set is all black.
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VA Adventure: Part 6 (I think)

I'm having My first bout of homesickness and we haven't even made it to Virginia yet!!!! I miss My stuff! My bed and couch and blankets and everything. Luke's aunt and uncle are beyond generous and have completely made us feel at home, but I am an introvert and home body so I am homesick. Last night we laid on the couch and had an NCIS marathon and that was therapeutic. Hopefully the other realtor will stop being a complete nincompoop and we can move in next weekend. Were about ready to throw in the towel she's been THAT bad. Sigh. Send good thoughts and prayers our way!
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Milwaukee Adventures

On Thursday Luke's foot started hurting. We weren't sure what was wrong with it, but it hurt when he walked. On Friday I made him go to the Doctor. He thought luke pulled some ligaments in his foot. Were still not sure how. Luke has been putting heat on his foot which helps a little bit. Yesterday we went for a drive and made it to Osh Kosh to the outlets and made it across the parking lot before Luke's foot hurt really bad. I made him call the doctor, who made us come and pick up crutches. AWESOME! Now were mid-move and my husband is on crutches. And being stubborn about actually using them. I'll post a pic soon.

Pie!

On our shopping adventure yesterday I bought a mini pie mold at Williams and Sonoma. Tonight I made mini cherry pies for dessert. Cute!
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We went to the ZOO!!

We went to the zoo on Tuesday, not to be confused with a taping of the VIEW, which we did not do. We skipped the farm exhibit, And the exhibits with the animals native to Montana that we've seen in our backyards. We enjoyed watching the elephant break sticks to eat using her trunk and tusk for leverage. And the cheetah that was ready to bust through the glass and eat the little children. Then crazy looking animal is called a Bongo.
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Say cheese!

We're in Wisconsin and the landscape is dotted with "cheese" signs. I think we should stop and check it out at some point. Maybe pick up a wheel! Tomorrow were headed to the Milwaukee Zoo.
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VA Adventure: Part 5

We made it to Wisconsin!!! Here are some pics of the Hudson River. According to the GPS, its a little over 300 miles to our destination: Franklin, WI, home of Auntie J and Uncle Del. We'll be staying with them for awhile until our house is ready.
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VA Adventure: Part 4

Were in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes!! So far I've only seen a few, but I did take a little nap for about 100 miles. Last night we stayed in Fargo. We forgot about the time change and ended up eating at T.G.I. Fridays, and crashing. Fargo had lots of shopping opportunities, but unfortunately we didn't have time to take advantage of any. Of course, I don't know if there's room in the truck!

Random story: yesterday we ate at mcdonalds in miles city and this young man struck up a conversation with us. Turns out he was from Virginia and now living in Montana working for LDS. It struck me funny that he was from VA and moving in MT and we are from MT and moving to VA.
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VA Adventure: I Heart North Dakota

North Dakota is so pretty. I was expecting a south Dakota landscape and was quite pleasantly surprised. Everything is so green. And there's tons of little, pretty lakes along the interstate. I saw this lake in the middle of nowhere with all these white bare trees growing from them with black birds perched in the branches. It was such a neat sight. I wish I could have gotten the camera out in time. Here's a few pics from the open road... There's a picture with a hill with a black and white spot- its like the worlds biggest cow or something. It was huge but far away.
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VA Adventure: Part 3

Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It was a quick stop at the visitors center to stretch our legs. Its actually kind of pretty. It would be fun to spend a day or two here.
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VA adventure part 2

Entering ND
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VA Adventure: part 1

God is good!! This morning we had breakfast with three of My best girlfriends, two who live in Billings, and one who just happened to be there. We went to IHOP with Liz, Dana, Tree, Jon, and baby Caleb. It was so awesome to see them all before we got out of the state. The tears are pricking at My eyes just thinking about it. I love these girls!! Here are some pics...
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The adventure begins!

Its 7:47 on Friday night and were headed out of town. Were staying in billings tonight. The truck is packed to the gills. I am not exaggerating!

More tomorrow!
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Mac river!

Were at Mac river pizza with the parentals and mark. Its a reward for a hard day of packing. Next up is the Foreigner at the Ellen theater.
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9 days...

Its essentially 9 days til we move, not counting tonight, since the days practically over. Luke is pretty much a rock star. He's racking up some major points. I'd say he has "Husband of the Year" in the bag. On Monday we had a potluck for My last AOII corporation board and I had nothing to bring or make because our kitchen is 99% packed. Luke managed to find a pan and bake cherry brownies. They were still warm when I got to My meeting. Yesterday, he had pizza and two newly rented NCIS dvds waiting in the car when he picked me up. Right now he's packing and doing laundry. I'm pretty much the luckiest girl in the world. And he's extremely handsome on top of that. I win.!!!!!
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11 days til we move...

Can you tell?
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New House: Take 2!

We put another offer in on a house (first didn't pan out). Its cuter, cheaper, and in WAY better shape. Were super excited about it. The contract is signed, the home inspection went well (only minor problems), so now were just waiting on an appraisal.

Here are some pics:

Cute bathroom!


master bedroom


big kitchen with lots of counter space!!


living room


The house.

22 days & free coffee!

Only 22 days til we move! Our original house plan is quickly falling through...

Also, McDonald's is giving away free Mccafe mochas on Mondays from now until August 3. 7 am to 7 pm. Yay for free coffee!
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23 Days and Counting...

The countdown has begun! In exactly 23 days we will be leaving Montana behind and heading to the hot, humid land of Virginia. We are SO excited. Things are super crazy busy right now, with packing, work, getting things ready in Lynchburg, and trying to see/hang out with everyone here. Our house looks like a bomb went off because there are packed and half-packed boxes everywhere. We have reserved a moving truck and will take off on August 1. Were still homeless but are trying to buy a house. We put in an offer on a house in Lynchburg, it was accepted, but the home inspection turned up a need for a new roof, which we just can't take care of. If the homeowner will put a new roof on, then were good to go, but if not, were back to square one. We have found a cute house to try to buy if the first one doesn't work. Its been completely redone in the past couple of months and is more convenient to school and work. We'll see what happens. My job as a massage therapist (not "masseuse!")is ready to rock and roll. I got my first sets of scrubs in the mail the other day, and ordered more yesterday. My new boss is WONDERFUL and is very excited to have me. I think it is going to be an awesome experience. It will be so nice to work for myself in an established business doing what I'm passionate about with other professionals. Luke is still kicking around a few jobs, but we should have an answer on what hes doing before we move. He might just telecommute from Virginia.

Twenty-three days seems both long and short at the same time...

puppy fashionistas

Two weekends ago I went to Virginia for a job interview and to look at houses. I flew into DC and stayed with my friends Paige and Katie. I lived with Paige when we both worked for the Senate Finance Committee in DC in the fall of 2004. Paige and Katie and I were also all sorority sisters at MSU. Anyways, They drove me down to Lynchburg and went shopping while I did my thing, then we drove back and I flew out on Sunday morning. It was a quick trip, but fun. The first night, Paige and Katie gave me a doggy fashion show of all of Coach and Maverick's outfits. Here are some pics. They are both of Coach (Paige's baby). I thought they were really funny.