May Goals - Recap

I can't believe that it's already June.  And not only June, but it's June 2nd.  The month of May brought on some very unexpected changes, and I didn't even begin to do as well as I had anticipated.

HEALTH
1.  Get my butt in the gym.  Since started the Advocare 24 Day Challenge on 4/28, I need to up my working out.  I'm going to do the Lean Body for Her Challenge.  While the actual "challenge" is over, I have the work out plan, and I'm going to focus on that for the next 12 weeks.  Goal date:  5/31/2014  This didn't even happen.  I wish I could say that it did, but it didn't.  I did the first week of the Advocare 24 Day Challenge, and found that the massive amounts of pills required for the program was too much.  I couldn't keep up.  So I stopped.

HOME
1.  Hang curtain rod & curtains for living room.  Goal date:  5/11/2014
3.  Hang IKEA shelves above desk, and organize the office space.  Goal date: 5/11/2014

PERSONAL
1.  PASS AUDIT!  I sit for the first section of the CPA exam in May.  I'm nervous, but I'm ready.  I'm prepared.  And by the time the actual test gets here, I will have studied my behind off!  :-)  Goal date:  TBD based on when my exam gets scheduled.

3.  Start work on baby shower decor items.  Goal date:  5/18/2014
3.  Sew maxi skirt from knit fabric.  Goal date:  5/25/2014

Heck, I don't know why I'm even bothering.  I don't know if I passed Audit, although I did take the exam on 5/28.  I won't know results until 6/9.  I didn't hang the curtain rod or the curtains in the living room.  Heck, I haven't even spackled the hole from when I tried to hang them the first time.  I have the supplies for *some* of the nursery decor items, but I haven't started on them.  This week, I promise.  Only because time is sort of running out. LOL.  And the maxi skirts I was going to sew - yeah, I sent the pattern & the fabric to my mom.

Car Buying *HEADACHE*

A couple of months ago, Alex & I decided we should probably start looking for a second vehicle.  We have the Mercedes, but we've been putting off buying another car because we didn't really want a second payment.  We have a Durango that belongs to one of his friends from the Air Force, so it's not like we've been totally without a second set of wheels, but we don't have the paperwork on the vehicle, so once the registration & inspection went out, we decided it wasn't safe to drive.  

We secured financing on our own so we knew what we were up against, and where we needed to start looking.  Basically, we knew our price point, our budget, and where we needed to stay financially.  Once we received the check from the bank, we began our search.  

And let me just say that this car buying experience was a freaking nightmare.  

We were pretty open in terms of what we wanted... the loan specified it had to be a 2007 or newer, with less than 70,000 miles.  Easy enough.  There are hundreds of car dealerships in the DFW Metroplex.  Our first car buying stop led us to Brandon Tomes Subaru in McKinney.  We found a 2011 Subaru Impreza Outback.  The price was decent, but not great, and they refused to work with us on price.  We were told that the car was a Certified Preowned Car, and that it had brand new tires on it.  Now, from the time we originally talked to the dealership and test drove the car to the time of actual purchase was approximately a week.  Three separate times we asked the salesman about the tires, and three times he told us they were BRAND NEW.  Without even disclosing the fact that he was a total jerk to me on the phone re: the actual financing of the car even though he knew that a.) we were bringing our own financing and b.) I already told him that we'd have the down payment needed, he still insisted on discussing the financial aspects of the vehicle.  Fine.  So we go back to the dealership to sign the finance paperwork and get the car.  All is well.  But then it isn't.  This was a Friday, and on Saturday, we got a bunch of heavy rain.  Alex was driving the car back home, I was at a friend's house watching her 3 year old, when Alex slid through the intersection because the tires were so bad.  

I'm sure you are asking, well, why didn't you guys check the tires?  We did.  And while the tread on the tires looked fine, the tires had been sitting in a man's garage for the past 3.5 years, in the Texas heat and cold, which definitely changes the integrity of the tires.  So Monday rolls around, and we take the car back to the dealership to speak with the used car manager.  We told the sales guy on Sunday that we were bringing the car back, and he told us to be there at 9 am.  We got there at 8:45.  After discussions with the used car manager, and the way we had been treated by the sales man up until this point, we decided that walking on the deal was the best overall course of action for us.  

Back to square one.

Over the past week, we've looked online, called various places, etc. looking for a car.  Mind you, it's just a secondary car, so we were pretty open.  Here are the details of what has seriously happened to us over the past 48 hours in regards to car buying...

7 cars found online sold before we could get to the dealership.  

There was a Mercedes C300 at Central Kia - Irving.  Alex went to the dealership to speak to a salesman about the car.  The car was way overpriced, with no warranty, and no chance for negotiation (per the used car manager).  The used car manager was rude, condescending, and just overall a total jerk to Alex.  Mind you, we already have a Mercedes C250 sitting in the garage.  He was also wearing wind pants, a polo shirt and some broken down dress shoes.  

Then there was the Mercedes E350 at e Car One.  We call the salesman and inquire about the car.  We ask him to get the car ready for us to see, that we're on our way.  He tells us to "take our time as it takes some time for valet to get the car to the front on a Saturday."  We wait approximately 15 minutes, then head out.  We get to the dealership, and the car is no where to be found.  We speak to the salesman who says the valet is bringing it around.  Great.  30 minutes passes.  He gets a text from valet stating that the car has been brought to the front.  Still no car.  Wait another 20 minutes.  Finally get someone to investigate where the car is only to find out that the "ticket" to get the car had been marked complete, but the car was never brought around.  The dealership gives us a $50 Visa prepaid gift card for our time.  We're now at approximately 5:00.  Get in the car to leave the dealership.  NO GAS!  So Alex and I drive to the gas station to put $10 worth of gas in the car so that we can test drive it.  While we're at the gas station, we see the valet putting gas in another one of their cars, and we mention, hey could you help us here so we aren't spending our money to put gas in YOUR car.  Nope, he ignores us.  We take the car back to the dealership.  And find out that it's too late to work a deal because they can't get a state inspection done today.  So we leave, annoyed and frustrated.

Then... we're driving around and I find an Acura TL online at Grapevine Ford.  I call and speak to a used car salesman BEFORE we drive to Grapevine.  I specifically ask if they have that car still on the lot.  Yep, they do.  He'll grab the keys and have it ready for us.  We get there.  The car has been sold.  Mind you, it only took us 10 minutes to get there.  We look at a couple of other options, none that we're all too thrilled about, so we leave.  But not before the guy tells us that he regularly gets high, smokes weed in his car, is in fact high at work, etc.  

Home again we go.  I find ANOTHER Acura TL online, but it's in Arlington.  I call and speak with Jay at Vandergriff Acura.  He tells me that the TL has sold, but I give him the parameters I'm trying to stay within, and ask him to call me back if they have something that will work.  5 minutes later, he calls me back with information on an Acura TSX.  Great.  In the car we go.  We test drive the car, and it's not bad.  So we start to work on the details and find that in order to get the TSX, with the loan's NADA values and LTV restrictions, we'd have to put down $2,700.  But instead of sending us on our way, Jay and John work their magic and give us a couple of options.  Granted, it's after 9 when all of this goes down, but they went above and beyond to get us in a vehicle that works for us.  We ended up FINALLY buying a 2008 BMW X3 with the upgraded M package.  It's BMW's smaller SUV, but I've always been a fan of the X5, so the X3 kind of works.  Plus, it gives us more room than the TSX would have given us.  

Needless to say, today has been ABSOLUTE HELL, but we finally found a car that works perfectly for us.  So, a huge thank you to Jay, John, Wes (in finance) AND Vandergriff Acura.

High Five for Friday

It's amazing that the weeks go by so quickly as you get older.  Not than I'm complaining about another Friday being on the books, but man, I really wish time would SLOW DOWN, even for sure a few days.

This week was even more of a whirlwind, because we had Monday off for Memorial Day and then I had Wednesday off to take the Audit portion of the CPA exam.  

High *FIVE* for Friday!  

1.  Well, I've successfully studied and taken the first part of the CPA exam. Whether I've passed or failed remains to be seen, but I'll know in just over a week. The good news is that I've taken one of the parts, I know more of what to expect, etc.  Now, let's just keep our fingers crossed for a PASSING grade.  

2.  We bought & returned a car this week.  It was a decent car, decent price, etc. but when we found out that the salesman completely lied to us about a couple of pretty major things, we decided that this wasn't a car purchase we wanted. Luckily, the dealership took the car back, tore up the checks, and all is well.  But still.

3.  Chloe has been extra snuggly this week.  I think it's a combination of me not being able to spend as much time with her as I've been so busy studying, and the influx of new people in her house.

4.  The boys crack me up, especially J.  That dog will pull the covers up over him, and sleep like a little kid.  It's pretty funny.  It's kind of hard to see in this picture, because I didn't dare use the flash and wake him up.

5.  Can you believe that LJ's due date is only 87 days away?  And the baby shower, even closer than that?  I'm not panicking or anything.  But I haven't even gotten the invitations mailed yet.  I'm still waiting on the final proof so that I can send them to the printer.  Ugh!  They *should* go out on Monday, if everything goes well.

Weekend Recap

Well, I'm back at work for one day before my test tomorrow.  Mentally, I'm doing okay.  I should have spent more time studying over the weekend, but I didn't.  I don't know if the mental break will help or not.  I'm going to spend a few hours today reviewing as much as I can, and do what I can do.  The test is tomorrow at 12:30, and there's only so much I can do at this point.  Just prayers will definitely be appreciated.

I thought I'd do a quick recap of my thoughts & feelings on Memorial Day.  I usually don't publish things like this, but well, it's been bothering me and this is the best way to get it down on paper.  

Alex has been making the trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery for the past few years to remember the men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom.  This year was my second year to join him.  And can I just say that people seriously need to learn some R-E-S-P-E-C-T?  Just because you "show up" doesn't mean that you either a.) understand the significance of what you are experiencing, b.) have any manners whatsoever, or c.)  really care.  

Here are a few of my "open letters" to the events/people I saw...

Ladies;

I realize that you might have a thing for a man in uniform.  I realize that you might think this is a social hour, but this is a time of remembrance and mourning for a lot of people. People who have lost a spouse, a son/daughter/mother/father/brother/sister.  This is not a time to put on your shortest dress, and see what attention you can attract.  Have a little dignity, respect for yourself, respect for the men and women around you.  It's really not too much to ask.  However, I guess I should say thank you to these ladies that actually put a little bit of thought and effort into getting dressed, instead of rolling out in their pajamas. 

Treat this ceremony like you would any memorial service for a loved one.  Would you go to those types of events wearing your pajamas and short dresses?  If the answer is no, then don't wear it here.

Sincerely,
The girl who wishes some women had more self respect.

Mr. Army Recruiter;

You should freaking know better.  Having a conversation on your cell phone during prayer? Are you kidding me?  You should be ashamed of yourself.  Whether you believe in our Lord or not is irrelevant.  Have some respect.  

Sincerely,
The girl who thinks you suck.

To the kids walking through the middle of a burial plot;

You are lucky.  Lucky that I didn't let Alex say to you what he wanted to say.  But for real? How would you feel if you watched someone walk over the location where your loved one was buried?  Or would you care?  If you are walking towards the location where your loved one is buried and you have to step on another, okay.  But to just walk through because you are too lazy to walk around?  Shame on you.

Sincerely,
The girl who WILL teach her kids better.

To the people who can't be still;

Each year, as part of the ceremony, they read the names of the deceased throughout the past year.  It might take 10 minutes.  But really, find a place, get comfortable, and stay put until the names have all been read.  It's just the polite thing to do.

Sincerely,
The girl who just doesn't understand everyone's lack of respect anymore.

High Five for Friday

It's that time again.  :-)  You know, Friday!  And this is a SPECIAL Friday, because well, it's Memorial Day weekend.  

1.  We got J and T on Sunday, and they've settled into our routine and our house quite nicely.  The first night wasn't great, as Mr. T decided to cry all night.  As much as I'd love to let everyone run wild at night, A and I both need sleep, so we've been kenneling everyone when it comes time for bed.  Since then, they've both done exceptionally well.  J even goes to bed on his own when he's tired.  T isn't as accommodating, but even he'll go to his bed reluctantly.  

They are both such sweet boys, and I'm happy things worked out where Alex and I can give them a home.

This is J telling me that Chloe stole his bone, and he wanted it back.  Pitiful, huh?

Mr. T making sure no one is harming his budder, while he gets a bath.

2.  Tomorrow, Alex and I are buying a new "to us" car.  We've been in the market for a second car for a couple of months now, and we finally found one that works well for our now expanded little family.

3.  I am starting to panic a little bit, as I'm less than 7 days from taking the first portion of the CPA exam.  I can do this!  I've been studying at night, while in the waiting room at the doctor's office, during lunch, pretty much any time I can catch a few minutes.

4.  Work has been relatively quiet this week.  We had a team member move onto another company (sad face!) but we had our new accounting supervisor start this week as well.  Close is coming up, so we'll see how things go there.

5.  This weekend is Memorial Day.  Memorial Day is a US Federal holiday, in which we pay homage and remembrance to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that all of us can be free.  That's huge, you know!  And in my humble opinion, these men and women need so much more from us than one day.  They should be recognized, remembered, appreciated, every single day.  

So while everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day cookouts, the day from work, and their family - please just say a prayer for those families that are celebrating without their service member this year.  

And, if you are free and want to attend the Memorial Day services at the National Cemetary in Dallas, let me know!

Doctor's Visit

This post contains a lot of likely TMI material.  If you aren't interested in what's going on with my body & PCOS - you might want to skip this post.  :-)  Don't say you weren't warned...

With all of the fun things going in my life re: PCOS, I made an appointment with my OB/GYN to have a couple of exams done that would show what's really going on with my ovaries, uterus, etc.  

My appointment was today at 11:30.  

Without going into too much detail regarding the actual tests themselves, the results weren't terrible.

Basically, they were looking for possible cysts, polyps, fibroids, a possible miscarriage, and maybe even cancer.  The good news is that the tests showed that all of those possibilities to explain the constant bleeding aren't the answer.  The bad news is that she did see a bunch of little follicles on my ovaries.  Now, under normal circumstances, you want follicles on your ovaries, but when you are on CD13, and none of them have grown to be big, strong follicles, there's an issue.

I found a great article on vcuhealth.org that kind of explains this a little better than I can...

Basically, here's what the article says:

Women with PCOS may {also} have enlarged ovaries which contain multiple small cysts, thus leading to the descriptive term “polycystic ovaries.”  These cystic formations are called follicles and under normal hormonal influence one follicle will grow, rupture and release an egg, while the other “non-dominant” follicles shrink.  This is the naturally occurring physiological process of ovulation that occurs monthly in women of reproductive age.  However, in women with PCOS, whose hormonal balance is altered, these follciles fail to grow and rarely ovulate.  This hormonal imbalance leads to multiple immature follicles in the ovaries giving this “polycystic” appearance.

So now, we try to figure out what to do, either holistically or medically, to get these babies to grow!

High Five for Friday

I think it's been a couple of weeks since I've participated in High Five for Friday, but I thought I'd give it a whirl this week.  

It has been kind of a rough week around these parts.  And, I always find myself going back to this verse.  So I thought I'd share it this week, along with my HF4F.  :-)

1.  I'm almost finished with the homework/simulation part of the audit review.  And I still have a little less than two weeks until my exam.  That's *GREAT* news.  My goal is to have it completely wrapped up by Sunday, and then spend the next 1.5 weeks studying.  :-)

2.  We are getting two new pups this weekend.  They have names already, because they are really not longer puppies, but their current owner is moving overseas and doesn't want to take the dogs with her.  They are brothers, both Boston Terriers.  Should be fun to have more feet in the house!

3.  My doctor is finally scheduling me for a sonogram.  Thankfully!  They want to rule out a variety of different causes, and while the exam isn't until next Wednesday, I'm glad it's finally happening.

4.  Alex got me the most gorgeous roses for my birthday on Sunday.  And they've totally opened up.  I need to take another new photo to show just how big they are, but I can barely wrap my hand around them.  

5.  I'm super looking forward to the weekend!  Birthday celebrations for a dear friend tonight, a girl's lunch to plan Lindsey's baby shower & nursery decor, studying tomorrow afternoon, church Sunday, getting the boys Sunday afternoon, and just an overall relaxing weekend.  I need to make a trip to the store this weekend, and get back on my paleo diet.  :-)