So proud of us

Justin's ceremony was great. Jason was a bit nervous to walk up on stage. It's always a bit nerve racking to do something you've never done before in front of tons of people and cameras. He ended up doing fantastic. A quick hug with Justin and the passing of the certificate. Boy could I tell Justin wasn't my husband. My husband knows when partaking in a special Kodak moment, you stop and pose prior to pressing onward. He ran up there and ran off quicker than my camera could capture. It's a good thing I brought my good camera. . . I would have not been able to capture anything without it.

After the ceremony, we went to Justin's house for pizza and cookie cake. It was really nice getting to meet his friends and family.

Wednesday, January 23

Colin turned 15 today. I can't believe it. 15! Tammie made hot chicken for dinner :) My favorite. It was nice to be able to get together for the festivities. If we end up moving to Naples, these events will be more difficult.

Thursday, January 24 - Saturday, January 26

Jason put a team together for the first annual East RIT competition in Daytona. I had planned on traveling to the competition, but couldn't see driving to my mom's in Jacksonville and back tracking an hour and a half both days to Daytona. We were only able to talk a few times while he was away and for a very brief period. They passed day 1 and made it to round 2. A random onlooker captured a quick video from the first day. Jason is the guy in the back with the red helmet. 

The second day, only 3 teams remained. Jason and his team were first up. Jason told me stories of losing his tool and using a 2 X 4 to bust through the dry wall. He said people in the stands were loving it. They ended up coming in 2nd place (so proud of him). They should have taken 1st, but because the competition was put on by Seminole, they didn't want to make it seemed rigged.

Sunday, January 27 - Tuesday, January 29

Jason and I have been enjoying our couple days together. I had the urge for a baby. I was trying to figure out how it would work with having a new baby in the RV. I thought. . . if we just move out one recliner we could put a pack and play. . . I know people have children in RV's. I think I probably couldn't mentally do it. I have to have a separate room for the baby, laundry room, dishwasher, etc. So baby plans are on hold for now. Doesn't mean I don't want one still :) I guess it's easy to want a baby when you love the person it would be with.

Jason is getting ready to leave for a week long trip to Colorado. I will take off to my mom's for the week with Taylor. The RV will go to a storage unit while we are gone. I brought up the fact that if we were still at the house, we would have no money and Jason wouldn't be able to go on his trip. It's amazing what a little extra cash can do. I am glad he gets the chance to spend time with the guys and relax. I know he loved going 2 years ago. I am happy to spend some time with my mom, Sean, and Dusty. 

I sat here the other day so happy that I said yes to Jason's crazy idea of selling everything and moving into an RV. Being away from the craziness of the city really allows us to remember what is important. 

It's so funny how God works. I have realized over the past couple of days that when we try to plan our lives, it never works out. He has a plan for us and it eventually falls into play. Our life is about to take an amazing turn for the better and I am so glad and proud of us that we are along for this incredible ride. Things are really just falling into place :)

No way in h***

Thursday, January 17, 2013

As I sat here editing pictures on Thursday, I realized at 3pm that we would not be able to move the RV the next day to our new spot. Jason would be working and there is no way in h*** I would be able to move this thing by myself. We rushed on our bikes to the office and pleaded with the lady to move us. After moving 2 other people, we were able to find an emergency spot. The camp office staff and map makers are funny characters. They sold us on a 'large' spot with only 5 sites in the whole circle. Sounds good. Looking at the map showed it to be a great spot as well. . . What a crock of crap! The smallest site ever, no parking space, faces the RV next to us, and right next to the bathroom building which means people walking through our site to get to them and the buildings bright lights shining through our bedroom window as we try to sleep. PERFECT! We booked this spot for a 3 night stay before we move over to the spot we originally were moving to. I can deal with this tiny thing for 3 nights, but not for the month we booked in February.

Friday, January 18, 2013

First thing in the morning I drove right over to the office and switched our February spot. February - March will force us to move twice, but it will be to 3 amazing sites. One site boasts a large open field area on the water with a large shade tree, one with a double paved site and large water view, and the other on the end completely surrounded and secluded by trees. Those should be really enjoyable. Although a bit of a pain moving the rv around, the new surroundings are nice.

I'm learning that one of the most difficult things about RVing is knowing you have something but it's not with you. Tara's boyfriend Justin is graduating fire academy Saturday. I need to wear something nice, but are limited on the dress selection here in the RV. I know I have plenty more, but they are packed away. Heels? I have no clue where those are. . . Do I go out and buy a whole new outfit including shoes or do I just try to find something cute to wear that I have here? What a dilemma.

I spent a majority of my day at dad and Tammie's house. I tend to do that while Jason is at work. It's my time to get all of our errands done. Tara and Justin were kind enough to let me join them for dinner. Sushi Sogo we went. One of my favorites! I haven't been there since before we sold the house, but the employees still greeted me by name. After full bellies. . . there was only one thing we needed. Ice cream! To Coldstones we went.

I returned to the campsite to find a park full of tents and parties going late into the night. Of course our neighbors just so happen to be one of those parties. In fact, of the 5 sites in our circle, 3 were taken up by tents from this one party. Great! Although loud, they seemed to be tolerable and well behaved. I think after being in the park for 2 months has turned me into an old person. I don't like noises :)

Saturday, January 19, 2013

I woke up this morning to the screams of little children riding their bikes around our circle. When peaking my head out the door, it showed our neighbors all up and moving around. The rain forced a lot of them into the tents while others mustered up enough strength to cook breakfast on the camp grill. It was so nice being able to make a cup of coffee and take it out on Taylor's walk. I felt a bit bad that I was perfectly warm and dry with coffee in hand. Oh well. Tent camping sucks. Everyone knows that. There's no way in h*** I would tent camp ever again.

For now I prep for Justin's ceremony tonight. Jason was asked to give the certificate to Justin. It should be a Kodak moment.

2 months and counting

Yesterday marked the 2 month anniversary since we took this adventure on. It's been 2 months since we lived in a cbs constructed home planted in the middle of the city. Our new home may be made of fiberglass, but we are parked in the middle of heaven. How did you spend your day yesterday? Stuck at a 9-5, working stressfully, coming home to a dirty house full of chores? Our day was spent sleeping until 9am, a long morning walk through the woods with the dog, home for breakfast, quick oil change in my car, out to storage to search for a few things, home for lunch, then off to primitive camping (usually just a tent area without electricity or water) for a quick workout with my honey. I have already given up coca cola and fried foods as of January 1st. I plan to keep up with this goal for 90 days and then give something else up. It's my 'Get fit before BABY' plan. After working out, why not go ride bikes. . . Off we went around Markham and then onto the mountain biking trails. Last time I was on the trails I fell only to look up to a laughing and pointing husband. I swore I would never do it again. That cute little face and his "just trust me" line got me to the trails. Off course I knew I couldn't trust him as he took me on 3 separate trails. Luckily I didn't fall, only my bike did. I did make it out alive :) Always a good thing. On the way home from the trails we stopped to admire the sunset. The sky was just gorgeous. At home (8860) we would never have 'stopped to smell the roses.' Here we do. Just taking a second to stop and take in the beauty we would have normally passed by is just so much confirmation that we made the right choice. So while everyone was working, stressing, cleaning, etc., Jason and I were enjoying life. We topped off the night with Jason going to jiu jitsu (first time in over a year), me editing pictures from the shoot the other day, and bowls of ice cream while we sat in our recliners. Yes, Taylor got her Frosty Paws.

Tickets to the gun show

January 13, 2013

I had a maternity sunrise photo shoot this morning on Dania Beach. A friend of Jason's is expecting his first bundle of joy with his girlfriend. The wind was blowing fierce and the salt was definitely in the air. . . and all over my lense. It made it extremely difficult to shoot. I think overall it was a success. My favorite part was breakfast right after at Lester's diner.

After breakfast we headed to the gun show. Jason has been talking a ton about getting a gun. After our good friends allowed me to shoot their gun, I have warmed up to the idea. . . a little. So the gun show was horrible. A flea market type setting. Shows that we have been to have included the Miami auto show and the West Palm Beach rv show. Those shows were spread out over a large area and were very informative. This was wall to wall dudes wreaking of body odor and bumping into you every chance they could get. Tasers were buzzing all around me and dozens of people just walking around with these huge guns. There was no way to ask questions, be fitted, etc. After 30 minutes and $20's in admission fees, we left. . . and fast.

I had to come home and take a nap after that morning. A 20 minute nap was all I was allowed before Jason woke me up to tell me he was going to the store. Perfect. . . hamburgers, buns, and chips and salsa please. Unfortunately I wasn't able to spend Taylor's birthday with her so we decided to have some people out to the dog park for a mini party. So running, fetching, drinking, barking, and panting they did. Us humans sat and watched. A surprise doggie cupcake for the princess was extremely enjoyed in just a few bites.

Dinner at the rv was wonderful. I crave Jason's hamburgers and hot dogs. Only Justin and Tara stayed. Taylor didn't like Justin's dog Gunner being in her house. I think it's when Gunner took her bone that she really got upset. So dinner outside it is! Eating under the stars is always fun. Jason lit the tiki torches and made a fire. It was nice having the TV outside so we could continue watching the game.

January 14, 2013

I'll spend today doing massive piles of laundry and editing pictures from yesterdays shoot. An oil change, running to the bank and the dry cleaners will take up the rest of my day. The Bachelor tonight at 8pm? Yes, I think so. 

3 times in less than 8 hours. . .

It's was 6:00am on Wednesday and I was up and brushing my teeth. My body felt a bit out of whack seeing as it was still dark outside. By 6:20am I was at the 7-eleven filling up on snack and gas and by 6:30am I was on my way to Naples. I had been asked by my cousin to fill in as a baby sitter for their adorable little girl for a few days. No prob! It had been so long since I was up at 6am. How gorgeous of a morning it was. I feel like I noticed everything; the water colored sky, the bare trees, morning fog, etc. It was so captivating. Made me want to wake up early every morning.

I made it to Naples in no time at all. 1 entire CD to be exact. Thanks Jason Aldean. My morning was going well. A bit of playing, laughing, eating, walking, etc. It wasn't until 10:30am that I got a call from my wonderful husband. Turns out I locked the top lock that apparently locks the handle. . . and accidentally locks him out as well. Now my hubby is outside without a shirt or shoes and Taylor is inside. GREAT! He grew even more frustrated when seeing that the raccoons broke into our trash and it was blowing all over the camp site. After trying to get him on board with calling a locksmith, he just said he would break the door lock instead. That a locksmith would cost as much as a door lock and this way he could get in right away. I asked if he wanted me to drive all the way over and unlock the door, but was told no.

The baby finally went to sleep and boom. . . another call from Jason. This time he called even more pissed off. Just when I thought it couldn't hey any worse, he hits me with "I finally got into the RV and realized my keys are in your car's center consul." Wonderful babe. Now I get the "Will you drive over?" I don't think he knew what he was asking me to do. . . Wake a sleeping baby. Oh goodness. After passing her off to daddy, I hit the road. Short story long (as my husband says) I was on the road and headed to Markham park to save my husband.

Thank goodness he didn't break anything to get in the RV. He found another way that I can not disclose :) I was kind of happy that this whole thing happened. I was able to see Taylor one more time on her birthday. My morning singing to her wasn't good enough. It was nice seeing Jason too. So for 3 times in less than 8 hours, I was hitting the Alley again. The 3rd time wasn't as captivating as the 1st.

On a constant trip

January 7, 2013

Jason came home from work this morning feeling like a completely different person. He said those first few days were just unbearable. Although still congested and stuffy, he is feeling a ton better. I have stopped taking my antibiotics. Thank goodness my throat is better. More so, thanks to my dad for never ever throwing any medication away. Antibiotics on hand anytime. If we just continue down the line, Taylor is feeling better as well. I did accidentally miss her antibiotic dose last night. Her constant desire to be outside and on walks all day through me off my schedule.

I know we originally wanted to travel travel travel. It’s funny how even when in the RV our daily life creeps up on us. The holidays were all spent traveling, but when a trip to Ocala costs almost $400 in gas, it’s hard to envision going much further. We will eventually save up and plan a far away destination, a trip of a lifetime. Plus, traveling during the winter isn’t ideal with slick roads and having to worry about a frozen under carriage.

Our Markham life is an amazing one. I wish it were a community with actual homes because I would buy here in a second. I know however with clear eyes that a community of this size and with these amenities would also come with a high costing hoa. After stumbling through the woods on our walk we were greeted with an open path that ran a perimeter around a lake. Jason, Taylor, and I walked catching up on work things, friends, etc. It was so nice to be outside with an unknown destination. Taylor wanted to wonder into the woods then in we went. I felt like I was in Fern Gully, surrounded by high trees, moss, and not a soul in site. It was such a peaceful feeling.

A last minute bike ride lead us to a levy that separated civilization from the everglades. If that wasn’t enticing enough, try doing it at sunset. The colors were breath taking. I road up the hill and just stopped. Jason and I paused a moment and just took it all in. We talked about how so many people travel south for the beach and yet we were viewing something just a beautiful, maybe even more. I didn’t bring my camera for fear of breaking it on our trail ride, but I definitely found my new photography location. Will bring my quick snap with us on our ride today.

The Bachelor started last night. Thank goodness it is on one of the channels we get. Early predictions are as followed; AshLee the organizer is my front-runner. She is just the cutest. Lets hope she doesn’t loose her marbles along the journey like most do. I like Diana (2 kids), and Leslee the Ford model. I like Amanda and not just for her name J I like how she made them get their awkward silence out of the way. Thought that was a cute idea. Jason says she has huge teeth. No, he wasn’t watching it. He actually was outside building a fire and drinking beer. He had just stumbled inside for another beer and heard me say I liked her. Did I mention I found a bunch of wood in bulk trash pick up around my parent’s community? Score!

Our wedding anniversary is November 7^th . . . Yes I know it already passed. Jason and I have taken an anniversary trip the first 2 years of our marriage. Year one was to Savannah, GA and year two we visited Washington D.C. We had plans for our third anniversary to visit somewhere great, but with the move taking up all of our time and money, we missed our opportunity. Because of my personality, I just couldn’t wrap my head around having gone on a trip year 1 and 2 but skipping year 3. It drives me crazy now, I can’t imagine year 19 stating everywhere we have been minus year 3. We have decided to not set our sites so far and extreme. After all, Jason is going on a guy trip to Colorado soon. While visiting Savannah, we stayed in the nicest hotel I have ever stepped foot into called Mansion. It is part of the Marriot Kessler collection. They just so happen to have a sister hotel in St. Augustine. Seeing as Jason and I have never been there together, that it is within driving distance, and a great city to wonder around in and be romantic, we thought it was a perfect quick getaway. It will allow us to take that much needed marriage recharging trip and still count as a 3^rd anniversary destination. Now my brain can relax. We will be booking our trip as soon as Jason gets home from a work meeting.

Blonde moment. . . must be the meds

Jason asked me to start looking into RV parks in the Keys for an upcoming trip. Parks in the Keys tend to be very dated, expensive, etc. So when I stumbled across this one park The Low Key Hideaway Motel. After falling completely in love with the place, even mapping it out, I emailed them showing interest in visiting their little slice of heaven on Earth. Not until after my email was sent did I realize Cedar Key, FL was in fact not in the Keys but rather in the Tampa area. . . Blonde moment for sure.

I emailed again with my tail between my legs claiming my innocence. Although not in the Keys, I do really want to visit them and their park. It's amazing what kind of connection and admiration you develop for fellow RVers. Just reading a few blogs, I have been able to connect with a great group of people. These people are similar to us. I figured all RVers were retired and older. To my amazement, we have found young couples, people who travel with children (Road Map to Nomad), adventure seekers (Every Miles a Memory), etc. Everyone seems to be so friendly on the road. . . all except our current neighbor.

Taylor wondered over to a portion of this guy's site while we all sat outside. She did happen to go # 1 over there and then walk back to us. The guy runs out to the spot where Taylor went with a bag, expecting to pick up # 2. I was so insulted that this guy thought I would allow my dog to go # 2 in his area, not pick it up, and leave him to do it. Not to mention. . . our first couple of encounters with him were so pleasant either.

RV etiquette. . .
1. When waving to a fellow camper, WAVE BACK! It wouldn't kill you to be friendly. After all, we are all on vacation.

2. When the circle we parked in is not supplied with fire rings and you have a brand new one sitting on your spot, it is common courtesy to allow your neighbor to borrow it when they ask. I don't care if you requested it. You aren't using it and we need one. I'll spit shine it and give it right back.

Goodness gracious. Because we didn't have a fire ring, Jason and Justin's brilliant idea to take the grill top off and lay it on the ground as a make-shift fire ring caused us to get in trouble by the park ranger.

Although I like this spot a lot and it lush rolling field view, I can do with out the pissy neighbor. . . and the dozens of spiders I have had to smash.

Sick as a dog

January 4, 2013

Well. . . a new year and a huge wave of sickness has just walked its way right into our lives, all of our lives. Jason had to work for 3 days straight. My new years kiss again was Taylor, the dog. 8 years together and we have had 1, yes 1 new years eve kiss. Ridiculous I know. Anyone, it started with a soar throat for me. Razor blades all down the left side of my neck is a lovely feeling. It was the followed by a horrible headache, body aches, and a constant change of feeling hot and cold. 

It's confirmed. Taylor officially has a UTI. We brought her to the vet yesterday and they found high levels of bacteria in her urine. They sent it off to confirm that it is just a UTI and nothing more, but $179 later we have a UTI diagnosis.

Jason came home feeling like absolute crap. Sniffles, body aches, etc. Pretty much what I was feeling minus the soar throat. I have been pumping him full of liquids and medicine, even a brief visit to the outside world to catch sum vitamin-d from the sun (my mom taught me that one).

Here's to hoping tomorrow is a much better day for us all.

One year gone but a new beginning ahead

December 23, 2012 - January 1, 2013

We spent a few days at Markham in spot A 1. Again, it wasn't my favorite spot. Shady yes, but it's location to the bathrooms was not ideal. We have our own bathroom so there wasn't any need to use he community bathrooms. Other people however aren't as lucky as we are and needed to visit the building often. It seemed to upset Taylor every time someone approached our area. I had also mentioned in a previous blog the poor views. Every window opened to an RV, a building, a car, etc. We had become spoiled with our first gorgeous lake view or our rolling fields.

Jason had spent an entire day searching for my Christmas present. He came home and shamelessly mentioned that he spent the whole day apart from me and wasn't able to find what he wanted to buy me. Days later, he had planned to go shopping again for my gift. Before he left he tells me that he rather I go with him shopping so 1. we don't spend the day apart again and 2. so I get to enjoy the shopping experience also. We went to the mall 2 days prior to Christmas. I thought it would be crazy, but thank goodness it wasn't. A few stores later, we stumbled into Gordon's jewelers. I looked around and found a few rings that I liked. I just love chunky rings. Once I picked out a few options, Jason asked me to leave the store. He was going to select the ring for me. A half hour later we met up and headed home. He wasn't able to hold onto the surprise very long. As soon as we got in the RV he handed me the ring box. My nerves were quite intense. I was nervous to see which ring he picked. I opened the box and saw a gorgeous smoky quartz stone ring. I thought my reaction was great. I was very happy with the ring he picked. Was I thinking about the possibility of a different ring? Yes. However, I was very happy with the one he picked. Jason asked me if I preferred a different ring. . . I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to say yes and risk hurting his feelings. I think I just looked at him and didn't say anything. Before I could respond, Jason pulled out another ring from his pocket. I could not believe it. He bought me two rings. . . and yes, the second one was the one I was secretly hoping for. Such a great hubby!

Christmas Eve was fast approaching. We had plans to spend the evening at my dad and Tammie's for our family party. Maggie, Ryan, and Hannah stopped by the RV on their way over. It was nice having them there. We love having company. They seemed to be fairly impressed with the comfort ability and the size of our RV. I think everyone is. To me it is our house. It's comfortable and cozy. It's very homey.

On our way over to dad's, Jason wanted to drive by our old house. It was a bit weird for me driving down the road. It felt familiar, but I wasn't comfortable. I had a pit in my stomach. Jason said he felt fine. We pulled up to the house and Taylor seemed to get a bit antsy, almost as if she knew where we were and that we should be getting out of the car and going 'home.' Jason felt bad that he upset her, so we left. They had the palm trees wrapped in lights and a few lawn ornaments out.

Christmas Eve was great. We had hours of time with family, tons of pictures and smiles, and great food. We were only missing Tara's boyfriend Justin. I love watching Jason interact with my family. He conversates with everyone. He brings laughter to conversations. He just makes me smile. . . Ok. . . praising of husband is over :)

Christmas day, Jason worked. I came back over to my dad's to celebrate with the kids. We exchanged gifts and had breakfast. The guys wanted all the wives to visit the station for Christmas dinner. 3:00pm I arrived with desserts in hand. Jason and I played a few games of foosball while we waited for all of the family members to arrive. The foosball table used to be at our 8860 house. When moving, we had nowhere for it to go and Jason thought it would be perfect at the station. The guys really love it. Jason actually beat me. He never has before, but he finally did because of all the practice he has had at the station. Dinner was delicious. I love the conversations that come up at that table. I was the proud little wife sitting next to my 'head of the table' husband. Catch phrase is our new go to game. It got pretty competitive in that room. I was glad I got to spend sometime with Jason on Christmas.

I left and went back to dad's house. I was just in time to see Grammy and Poppy, Tee and Teresa before they left for the night. I stayed the night. I didn't want to be by myself on Christmas. Taylor of course was with me.

Jason came home the morning of the 26th and we packed the RV up and left for Cape Coral. The wind was extremely strong on the drive over. Jason had a hard time keeping the RV straight. The distance was much shorter than our trip to Ocala. Only 2 1/2 hours this time. We actually arrived and were able to set up camp in the day time. It was our first time ever. Every other time has been at night. Sometimes even in the rain at night.

Of course Jason's family was excited to see our new house. I of course want it to be all set up and unpack prior to people seeing it for the first time. We finally settled in and were able to host 14 people in the RV. Jason's family all came over to see the RV. I am always surprised to see how many people can fit and also how roomy it is. Our trip was spent with his family members eating great food, talking, playing games, and exchanging gifts. Some of Jason's family from North Florida and Georgia even came down for the holidays. The last night in town, we went to his aunt and uncle's house for a family dinner. It was really nice spending time with them. The though of living in Naples is nice knowing they are only 35 minutes away.

We pulled into Markham park around midnight and set up camp. Another time setting up in the dark. Our next few days were spent unpacking and getting back in the swing of things. Thank goodness we were back to a familiar site with nice views and privacy. Tara and Justin came over to visit. Justin brought his dad to see the RV and go mountain biking with Jason. The boys had a blast. That night Justin, Tara, Jason, and I went for a bike ride to the gas station to stock up on beer. An 18 pack later, everyone was starving. Pizza and fried dumplings hit the spot.

Taylor woke me up 3 times in 1 night to go outside. I was starting to get upset with her. Come to find out, she is urinating blood and I think has a UTI. Of course with the New Year holiday, the vet is closed. I can't afford to take her to the 24 hour emergency. I've just been monitoring her urine and giving a ton of liquids. She is going # 2 normally, eating and acting like normal. She doesn't seem to be in any discomfort. I will bring her to the vet as soon as they open back up.

Jason had to work New Years Eve nigh at the Hard Rock. I am kind of getting used to spending holidays by myself. Of course I have a get a massive soar throat and have absolutely no desire to be amongst a bunch of drunk idiots. To dad's I go. Dinner at Longhorn and a countdown with family is always better than staying at home by yourself.

2012 was a year of change for us. We finally gained the courage to sell our house. It was a hard decision, but I am so proud of us for doing it. I had a year of spending time with my sister. She and I were finally in the same city again for 2012. Jason and I purchased an RV and set out for a more relaxed, less stressful, and more cost conscious life. I have quit my job which although provided us with a steady income, it caused me much stress and upset. Again, another scary decision but no regrets. My husband has allowed me to become a home maker full time and pursue my passion for photography. I have never felt as desired professionally as I do now. I am truly blown away by the response to my work.
For 2013 I pray for guidance. I hope Jason and I are able to find a city that we gravitate to. A place where we feel we can raise children the way we imagine. After a home, maybe a baby. For 2013 I just hope for health and happiness. I know it's cliche, but it is true. I just want my little family to be happy. I will miss living down the street from family and seeing Tara multiple times a week. I know that 2013 will bring us emotionally closer even if it is physically further. 2013 will be a year of opportunity that I am excited to discover.

Happy New Year everyone.