spillin' my own beans

Remember in the three little pigs where everytime another of their houses got blown down they would all travel to the next one. that's kind of what it felt like on Friday when I went apartment shopping in GB with my wonderful friend Anna. We ended up going to four different places, each of which had their own variables and special offers going on. It's not easy being so wanted, but Anna and I kept our heads on straight for the most part.

The first place was the entire upper level of a townhouse... it was a lot like the place where i just moved out of at the end of june, except with only one bedroom and a larger kitchen and living area. it was cute... but there was no garage and a really tight stairway that my bed definitely would not fit up.

the second place ended up being the runner up for the day. anna and i lovingly refer to it as grandma's house. the apartment is part of a 24 unit housing place thingy that is run by a grandma... she was so sweet and nice. she said that she would even take care of my cat (which I don't have) or feed my plants (which I would probably kill) while i'm away on vacation. the place even kind of had that grandma smell in a cute way... there were laundry units in the basement of the building and i could have my own garage with remote. (those of you that know wisconsin know it doesn't get much better than that in the winter) this place definitely ruled the morning, but we still had two more to check out...

the third place was part of a huge complex of apartments... anna and i jumped in and out of this lady's suv to view all of the different choices there were including with a patio, without a patio, larger, smaller... a walk in closet next to a storage room that also houses my water heater... on and on, but who would water my dead flowers when i was gone? and how many hours would i have to spend scraping off my car in the winter time...

it was looking like grandma's was a pretty easy favorite.

anna and i took some of the in between time to go to the high school that i will be working at, and check things out. i got to meet the head volleyball coach at the school as well as sit down and talk some things out with Principal Siekmann. we stayed so long that we were late for our 2.00 appt. at the final stop for the day. Meadow View Apartments... in my head i even wondered once or twice if it was worth it to go.

oh it was worth it. this place was awesome! they had a first floor apt. that they could show me and i think that it was the last of it's kind that was left. we walked through the apt. there was luxurious carpet (just like the add said) and the bedroom and bathroom were a decent size. There is a fridge and stove in the kitchen along with plenty of counter space and lots of cupboards. there was also a storage space right off of the living room. and here are just a few of the other reasons why this apartment was exactly what i needed:

- on the first floor
- view of the outdoor pool from my window (as well as easy access to it from my front door)
- FREE CABLE (you could have sold me on that alone)
- garages spaces that i can rent in the months that i want to
- gas/water included in the low low cost of $450/mo.
- in the apt. community there is also an indoor pool, and a fitness center
- a place of this calibur anywhere around milwaukee would cost at least $700/mo.
- it's right off the freeway and within about 10 minutes of school.
- the first two months i go rent FREE... and if i stay for at least two years then my last month is free also.

but most of all:
- a place where i can confidently start out on my own as a young professional (and watch free cable)... priceless

consider it done

i got the phone call this morning and it is official... i have a job. i'm not going to be a loser and jobless. now if i could only overcome that whole loser thing... ah well, time heals all wounds i suppose.

i'm going to be up in GB looking for an apartment on Friday, and it looks like i might find something entirely suitable for lil' ol me which will be awesome. If your curious and have nothing to do you can check out the schools website: www.newlhs.com it looks like i will be teaching three sections of art, 1 or 2 of keyboarding classes and then possibly a peer ministries class. so there are many more exciting adventures to come as i successfully mess with the minds of the world's next generation of leaders, or underpaid churchworkers... same diff.

now for my next great venture... what is it i want for dinner? perplexing

almost a sure thing

so i found out last week thursday that i might almost definitely, quite possibly have a job... and as of tomorrow morning hopefully it will be a sure thing. the position that i am so desparately hoping for is a position as a teacher at north-eastern wisconsin (N.E.W.) lutheran high school in green bay, wi. as soon as i find out for sure for sure, i'll give ya'll a few more details. if you know anyone in the area that might have a room available please let me know. tanks a bunch.

it's got poo right there in the middle

note: this blog is not about my new niece ava

there is nothing quite like taking a dog for a walk in the morning and then again in the afternoon... how refreshing to have a sure shot at being outdoors in the beautiful wisconsin summer weather!!!! ...except that part about carrying a plastic bag so that you can slightly indirectly pick up their poop and then you can take it home with you to put in the trash can, or those times when you forget the plastic bag and so you hope that none of the neighbors are watching any of your dogs doodooing ways so that you can get away with not trying to touch the fresh warm feeling of that poo.

yesterday i began dog sitting for this sweet doggy named Lilly, and i will continue to do so until the end of the month. i decided this morning (second time picking up doggy doodoo) that i need some serious va-poo-rize action. it's a product that almost safely, but definitely effectively gets rid of the doggy poo without me ever having to touch it.

what a clever name.

That's my girl....

gentlemen start your engines

I just found out that I am the proud aunt of a bouncing baby girl named AVA! It's the hebrew word for 'life'. Ava has already begun winning the challenge of having two older brothers. She has more hair than Elijah, and weighs more (by an ounce) than either of her brothers did upon arrival.

Nathanael and Elijah now you will truly find out what unconditional love and unfaltering competition is...

Ava, God Bless you on your journey.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" - Psalm 118.1

Coming soon: pictures stolen from Ben's website...

nothing quite like it...

yesterday i completed my move to menomonee falls, wi to live with my aunt shirley and uncle al. last night i came home to an empty house... but wait. they, unlike lame ol' me have a tv.

, oh how i missed you. Oh, and not just , but cable . i almost cried i was so happy. we get along so well. especially last night with the second episode of the new season of the real world austin, oh and then real world/road rules inferno II behind the scenes. the whole experience was so refreshing. i know i know it rots the brain. but i think that my brain could use a little rotting for the time being, thank you very much.

Kyle Riabko

while i'm working i tend to listen to and watch videos on launchcast.

kyle riabko popped up during one of those "sessions", and well...

i'm definitely a sucker for a man and his guitar, especially a cute one.

i think that you should all chizzek him out. if you know what i mean