Friday, January 23, 2009

Our New Addition!

Well, times change, and you move on. Joe and I, of course, have been going through a lot lately, but we're trying to keep a positive attitude about things. This week, we went up to the car dealer to see if the part was in for my Mariner. As Joe went to the service center, I decided to look around and see whats new since my lease for my car was going to be up in June. I've been in two accidents with my Mariner, and honestly, I was ready to move on and away from that car as soon as possible.

We talked to a great salesman, Ron, who I've talked to before about my lease and how things were going with everything. Anyways, it was brought to our attention that the dealership was willing to buy back my lease early, particularily because I had very low miles on the car. Well, of course!! Joe and I decided to we would buy his car, the Jeep Patriot, and I would continue to lease so we'd always have a new car around. So, looking around I found what I wanted. We've looked at the Nissan Murano and the Rogue a couple of times new, along with the Toyota Matrix, Highlander, and RAV4, as well as the Honda CR-V. I've also looked at the Saturn Vue, but that really didn't ride well at all.

Low and behold, yesterday Joe and I drove away with the Nissan Rogue. It is great. I has awesome saftey features, All Wheel Drive, Vehice Dynamic Control, side airbags, privacy glass, a moon roof! And we got this for a great price, something we can afford, irregaurdless of our financial situation. There are many more features, but these are the ones that make the car great!

As you all know how I am, I like to name things. Unfortunately, we have not come up with a suitable name! So if anyone has any ideas, please send them my way! All are appreciated!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Here's To A Better 2009

2008 has been a year of many trials. Especially the last quarter. I know we all want the best, but then again, life throws you a curve ball and some how you get over that hurdle, and another one gets tossed your way. The past couple of months have been difficult and I'm not sure it's quite over with yet. First it started with my uncle getting sick. He is still struggling with things, but slowly getting better. Then I had a bit of a scare at the hospital that almost left me jobless. Needless to say, I was able to retain my position, but at a little less pay that previously. A week later, Joe showed up at the hospital unexpectedly with horrible news. He was permanently laid off from his full-time job. Thank goodness for Starbucks and Joe's supervisor being able to give him some more hours; however, that is not enough to get us through this time. A week after this happened, my mother fell outside of her work and sprained her back and broke her ankle. Seriously, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

As of right now, my mom is doing well. She is moving around better than before, but the non weight bearing is difficult. Surgery went great and she has a doctors appointment on Monday to see how things are holding up. She hasn't left their house since the Monday before Christmas. Christmas itself wasn't the best this year, but it was great to see my sister and family and just spend some quality time with them. My uncle, well, is good. We're keeping our fingers crossed the infection is gone. As for Joe, we are both looking hard to find a job. We've applied several places but a lot of them are gone and on vacation until after today. So hopefully we'll hear something soon. If all else fails, he'll be working in the Cities and commuting. (At that point, just an FYI, I'll be getting a puppy to keep my company if this happens.)

It has been difficult to keep a positive attitude right now, but we're both doing our best. We really didn't celebrate the new year last night, but I did spend an hour with my good friends Zack and Mike and Zack's brother Abe. Other than that, the New Year hopefully will be better than the last. So, I wish you all a great start to another year. And please keep us in your prayers during this time and keep your fingers crossed we find something sooner than later.