Two posts in two days! Can you believe it? Well, today I'm not going to blog about pregnancy or the Marines or food or anything like that, so maybe you will welcome a new subject. I normally don't write service reviews. Actually, I'm pretty sure the only one I've ever written was to brag about Paris's old vet back in Arkansas (Jonesboro Family Pet Hospital--the best!) I don't write reviews mainly because I usually have nothing nice to say. I feel like "professional" businesses these days are a complete let down. In the past year or two, I have dealt with so many rude, unprofessional, incompetent businesses that I've come close to losing hope in humanity. For real. I'm not sure what it is about companies, but so many of them just seem like they are out to get you. They feel entitled and often forget that they are dependent upon the consumer. Now, I didn't study business, but I don't think it takes a business degree to know how to talk to people and carry through with what you say. I've just had so many bad experiences with numerous companies that I try my hardest to do things myself. I'm really easy to please. I don't expect much; just do your job for a fair price and in a logical amount of time, and I will be more than pleased.
Today, I'd like to do what I rarely do and write a service review about a company, Emerald Coast Chem Dry, who came to clean our carpets for our move-out inspection. Whenever I make arrangements with companies, like carpet cleaners, over the phone, I always get really nervous. It's just difficult for me to just take people at their word, and if they, for instance, quote a price on the phone, how do I know they won't retract it later or throw in a bunch of extra expenses. So you can really be at someone's mercy when you make arrangements like that. Anyway, I got a call yesterday from Emerald Coast Chem Dry, and the polite man told me that his machine was being repaired. He asked if he could come a little later in the day (today). I said sure. Luckily, I wasn't doing anything. Today, he called an hour before the time he'd given me and asked if he could come a little early. Absolutely! When he got here (I don't know his name), he was super nice and professional. He was sure to explain to me what Chem Dry actually is and how it differs from regular steam cleaning. I am clueless about stuff like that anyway, but I appreciated him taking the time (but not ALL DAY) to tell me what he was doing. He was very fast and very thorough. He even set up little plastic "bumpers" on the edges of our furniture (and giant bed in the middle of the living room) to protect our stuff. Afterward, he got on his hands and knees and cleaned the hardwood where the hoses were. The entire process took less than 45 minutes, but the carpets look BRAND NEW. 110 times better than when we first moved in. Our carpets will be dry in less than an hour, which is kinda cool, compared to steam cleaning, which requires carpets to dry for several hours and a lot of times overnight. He told me that if our inspection person isn't pleased with the carpets, to have him/her call ECCD, and they will take care of the issue. I wish I would have taken before and after photos. Actually, three photos: when we moved in, when we were moving out before they were chem dried, and after the chem dry. It's unbelievable. Our three bedrooms cost $75, which is exactly what I was quoted in the beginning. The guy who came even double checked with me to see what I was quoted. He said he wanted to look at our carpets and make sure we were quoted fairly. When I called around to get quotes a couple of weeks ago, one representative from a company actually said, "Uhhh...that will be at least $125." She couldn't give me a firm price and the "price" she gave me was ridiculous!
I know a lot of people will be moving and PCSing around here, so I thought it may be helpful to blog about a company that doesn't profit by screwing over military families. I am so glad nice, professional businesses still exist. The guy even let Paris get up in his face while I was writing a check and being a negligent dog-parent.
By the way, Chem Dry is a nation-wide company, so if you need carpets cleaned, check with them. Hopefully, you will have a great experience, too:)
Btw, all their chemicals are green. He said you can drink them and be fine, although they taste disgusting.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
visitors
Good morning! Although it's already 10 a.m. here. I woke up at 9 because the alarm company called to tell me our leasing office will be by within the next couple of hours to show our house to potential renters. Bless their hearts. When they see this house, they will either turn away and run or wonder what kind of fools leave their bed in the middle of the living room (perfectly made, I may add). Surely they will keep in mind that we are in the process of moving, but I know they will be taken aback at first. Good for a morning laugh. That's what they get for waking me up;)
I really needed to get the heck out of bed anyway. I have a big day, kinda. I need to clean all the windows and baseboards in the bedrooms before the carpet guy comes tomorrow. I also need to run to town at some point. Derick and I went to the gym last night, and it was so nice, so hopefully I can make him go again tonight. I told him he has to force me to go. I'm pretty good at working out (kinda), but I usually do it during the morning or afternoon, so the gym is busy and I can't help but feel rushed when I use the machines. Last night I just lollygagged around, and it was fun. Plus, I had a pickle in a bag waiting for me in the car. Even better!
I've really skimped on my pregnancy exercise classes. I miss them, but I've had a pretty busy few weeks. Once we're moved and settled, I intend to get back into them. I especially miss the swim class. I did go for a casual swim yesterday with a friend, but I probably got zero exercise. That's ok. It still felt nice to just be in water.
We've been watching old episodes of Biggest Loser on Netflix, and it always makes me want to get off my rear and do something. It is becoming more and more difficult as my body changes and grows and hurts. I told Derick that I wasn't expecting to be able to feel Reeve so often. Not the kicking, but just his little body. He squeezes up against my skin (or that's what it feels like) and I can feel an outline of something or other. It feels like his head or booty sometimes, but sometimes I think I'm feeling his entire back. Was not expecting that at all. I assumed that my body would grow in direct proportion to his. So for every whatever amount he grows, mine would grow that much, and he would always feel the same to me, with the exceptions of kicking and obvious movement. Not true. I guess babies grow at a much faster rate than their mom's bellies. Good to know.
We have less than 12 weeks to go until Reeve's due date! I also have 11 pounds to gain to stay within the doc's recommendation. It's becoming more difficult the further I get from the sickness of the 1st trimester. I love food, and it's hard to always eat healthy when it's so easy to make excuses. We are getting so ready for him to be here. Of course, we want him to hang out where he is for a while, but it gets more real and exciting every day. Derick is pretty convinced our babe is going to be rambunctious and rowdy, and I'm convinced he's going to be polite and respectful. The good thing is that he can be all of the above. I just hope I'm prepared enough to teach him how to act all the time. Who is prepared enough, though?? I know it's going to be a lot of on-the-spot craziness, but I'm excited.
Paris is doing quite well considering our house is in shambles and her family just left her for Arkansas not long ago and her mom is getting fatter by the day. She's a very sensitive girl, and any slight environmental changes can kind of throw her for a loop. But she's eating, so that's my sign that she's ok. She is definitely sleeping a lot, and I think that's mostly because of the heat and her laziness, but she makes time to play, so all is well. I think she's a little weirded out by "Brother" and all his toys that she can't touch. It will be interesting to see how she responds to him. I've been prepping myself (and Derick for that, too). I certainly do not want her to despise him, and I don't want him to be afraid of her. She's touchy, but she's also very loving. I'm just going to be sure not to yell at her all the time and make her get away from Reeve. Mom gave me that advice, and said that if I do that, then she will end up hating him, but if we treat her well, and just teach her how to behave around a newborn, she will see him as hers. I like that. Mom has really good advice, and she lives out her advice. The best.
My military wife blog has officially become a pregnancy blog for the time being, I guess. My life seems that it is everything baby right now (and moving, and cleaning, and all that). But military wife is a 24/7 job. NOT the toughest job in the Corps, btw, but sometimes a tough one for sure. It's so nice to have Derick home after those weeks he spent in California. I love that he gets home around 5 everyday and we get to spend time together. But I also see some of my close friends dealing with deployment or training separation, and I know it's not easy. The cool thing is that they just deal with it. They don't mope around and proclaim that their lives are SOOOOO HARD. Trust me, being away from the one you love is one of the hardest things in the world to do, regardless of the time or circumstances. So for these spouses to just suck it up and carry on, there is a lot to be said. Proud of them. And proud of myself for not totally losing my marbles when Derick has been away.
Well, I've rambled on long enough. I guess I should get prepared for our house to be displayed for the world to see. Ok, not the world, but it is weird to have strangers track through your house, peeping at all your stuff, is it not? "Yes, our bed is in the middle of the living room, and if you look over there, you can probably spot a bra or two because in this house, I do not wear one. The kitchen is this way...." :)
I really needed to get the heck out of bed anyway. I have a big day, kinda. I need to clean all the windows and baseboards in the bedrooms before the carpet guy comes tomorrow. I also need to run to town at some point. Derick and I went to the gym last night, and it was so nice, so hopefully I can make him go again tonight. I told him he has to force me to go. I'm pretty good at working out (kinda), but I usually do it during the morning or afternoon, so the gym is busy and I can't help but feel rushed when I use the machines. Last night I just lollygagged around, and it was fun. Plus, I had a pickle in a bag waiting for me in the car. Even better!
I've really skimped on my pregnancy exercise classes. I miss them, but I've had a pretty busy few weeks. Once we're moved and settled, I intend to get back into them. I especially miss the swim class. I did go for a casual swim yesterday with a friend, but I probably got zero exercise. That's ok. It still felt nice to just be in water.
We've been watching old episodes of Biggest Loser on Netflix, and it always makes me want to get off my rear and do something. It is becoming more and more difficult as my body changes and grows and hurts. I told Derick that I wasn't expecting to be able to feel Reeve so often. Not the kicking, but just his little body. He squeezes up against my skin (or that's what it feels like) and I can feel an outline of something or other. It feels like his head or booty sometimes, but sometimes I think I'm feeling his entire back. Was not expecting that at all. I assumed that my body would grow in direct proportion to his. So for every whatever amount he grows, mine would grow that much, and he would always feel the same to me, with the exceptions of kicking and obvious movement. Not true. I guess babies grow at a much faster rate than their mom's bellies. Good to know.
We have less than 12 weeks to go until Reeve's due date! I also have 11 pounds to gain to stay within the doc's recommendation. It's becoming more difficult the further I get from the sickness of the 1st trimester. I love food, and it's hard to always eat healthy when it's so easy to make excuses. We are getting so ready for him to be here. Of course, we want him to hang out where he is for a while, but it gets more real and exciting every day. Derick is pretty convinced our babe is going to be rambunctious and rowdy, and I'm convinced he's going to be polite and respectful. The good thing is that he can be all of the above. I just hope I'm prepared enough to teach him how to act all the time. Who is prepared enough, though?? I know it's going to be a lot of on-the-spot craziness, but I'm excited.
Paris is doing quite well considering our house is in shambles and her family just left her for Arkansas not long ago and her mom is getting fatter by the day. She's a very sensitive girl, and any slight environmental changes can kind of throw her for a loop. But she's eating, so that's my sign that she's ok. She is definitely sleeping a lot, and I think that's mostly because of the heat and her laziness, but she makes time to play, so all is well. I think she's a little weirded out by "Brother" and all his toys that she can't touch. It will be interesting to see how she responds to him. I've been prepping myself (and Derick for that, too). I certainly do not want her to despise him, and I don't want him to be afraid of her. She's touchy, but she's also very loving. I'm just going to be sure not to yell at her all the time and make her get away from Reeve. Mom gave me that advice, and said that if I do that, then she will end up hating him, but if we treat her well, and just teach her how to behave around a newborn, she will see him as hers. I like that. Mom has really good advice, and she lives out her advice. The best.
My military wife blog has officially become a pregnancy blog for the time being, I guess. My life seems that it is everything baby right now (and moving, and cleaning, and all that). But military wife is a 24/7 job. NOT the toughest job in the Corps, btw, but sometimes a tough one for sure. It's so nice to have Derick home after those weeks he spent in California. I love that he gets home around 5 everyday and we get to spend time together. But I also see some of my close friends dealing with deployment or training separation, and I know it's not easy. The cool thing is that they just deal with it. They don't mope around and proclaim that their lives are SOOOOO HARD. Trust me, being away from the one you love is one of the hardest things in the world to do, regardless of the time or circumstances. So for these spouses to just suck it up and carry on, there is a lot to be said. Proud of them. And proud of myself for not totally losing my marbles when Derick has been away.
Well, I've rambled on long enough. I guess I should get prepared for our house to be displayed for the world to see. Ok, not the world, but it is weird to have strangers track through your house, peeping at all your stuff, is it not? "Yes, our bed is in the middle of the living room, and if you look over there, you can probably spot a bra or two because in this house, I do not wear one. The kitchen is this way...." :)
Sunday, June 24, 2012
OF COURSE I can help!
It has been such a long time since I've updated this thing! The past couple of months have been slightly busy with visiting and traveling and packing. I should actually be packing right now, but Derick (who promised to take apart all the bedroom furniture today) has been sleeping for about three hours or so, so I decided to do a little Pinning. Well, of course Pinterest is going crazy on this computer, so now is a good time to update the ol' blog.
It sure is nice to have Derick back, even though he brought with him this weird obsession with napping. He's never really been big on naps and he hates laying in bed during the day or late into the morning. I, on the other hand, have loved naps throughout our entire marriage. I always beg him to nap with me, but he just thinks it's pointless...Or, he did until he came back from EMV, and now our roles have completely reversed. I was laughing with him last night (and tooting my own horn a little) because I've heard and read that most pregnant women LOVE sleep and can even pass out mid-sentence--especially in their third trimester. But, for me, pregnancy has taken away my napping power. I am usually awake by 7:30 or so, although I lay around until 8:30 or 9, and I just can't fall asleep on command like I used to. This pregnancy has changed so much about me, it's unbelievable.
While we're on the pregnancy topic, I've been feeling really good lately. Looking back, I actually can't complain. Yes, I had a really bad and ever-lasting case of morningalldayallnight sickness, coupled with that weird spitting issue that freaked me and everyone else out. But, even during those early months, I just knew that it would all be worth it. People kept reminding me that, which helped, but I haven't once forgotten just how much of a blessing this little baby is to both of us. He's really a miracle, when I think about it. Now that the "hard parts" are over, I have renewed energy, which people were also kind enough to use as encouragement, and I also feel somewhat prettier than I did before I was pregnant. Weird. I know. But the shirts that I once threw to the wayside because of my spare tire now hug my growing belly quite nicely. I haven't washed my hair in two days, which isn't unusual for me. But what is unusual is the fact that I straightened it for church this morning, and it looked presentable. Unheard of. My skin is clearer than it's been since I was ten years old. Not that it's completely free of blemish (don't think that will ever happen), but it is much better than usual. Hit me up in about a month or two, and we'll see how fresh and beautiful and radiant I'm feeling (and looking). I'm not putting all my ducks in a pond just yet. Is that how the saying goes?
The next two weeks are going to be pretty big weeks for us. Whenever my house is in disarray, my life tends to mimic it, so I'm hoping I can hold it together and not release the crazy. I've done really well so far at keeping crazy at bay, but a move, combined with dealing with our real estate office, combined with dealing with carpet cleaners and bug sprayers, combined with the general heat of July, combined with a giant belly might just push me over the edge. Say a prayer. Or two. I've said about a trillion.
Well, Derick is up moving stuff all over the place now. I guess I should get up and help him, although he's not one of those overly-cautious husbands who won't let me lift anything. So I will actually be HELPING him. He expects me to, and I knew he'd be like that. I'm pretty sure it's because I've spoiled him into thinking I'm a tough chick, which i totes am, but I'm pregnant now (and he JUST NOW said, "think you can help me move this in there?" btw--it's a 6 ft tall bookshelf.) Of course I can help. I'm not a weenie. Pregnancy is not a setback in this hizzie. It's MOTIVATION.
As soon as I picked him up from the base after his trip, he pointed to a 50 lb. backpack and asked me to take it to the car. I was like, "Ok. Things have changed since you left." I did not carry the backpack; I got by carrying the weird yoga mat thing that Marines do not call "yoga mats," but really, it's a tactical yoga mat. Derick is definitely not one of those husbands who won't let his pregnant wife do anything. He has no pity. However, while he was in California, we would be on the phone and he would say, "Ok babe. You need to go to bed. You're pregnant. You need your sleep." Now I realized he was the one who "needed" the sleep. He was just trying to get off the phone so he could hit the rack. In a way, I'm glad he's not looking over my shoulder making sure I'm not lifting too much or straining myself. He knows I know my limits and doesn't feel the need to babysit me, but come on, a little babying would be nice. I'm going to start making deals. "Hey, you rub my back and I'll load that gigantic dresser into the UHAUL." Not really, Mom.
It sure is nice to have Derick back, even though he brought with him this weird obsession with napping. He's never really been big on naps and he hates laying in bed during the day or late into the morning. I, on the other hand, have loved naps throughout our entire marriage. I always beg him to nap with me, but he just thinks it's pointless...Or, he did until he came back from EMV, and now our roles have completely reversed. I was laughing with him last night (and tooting my own horn a little) because I've heard and read that most pregnant women LOVE sleep and can even pass out mid-sentence--especially in their third trimester. But, for me, pregnancy has taken away my napping power. I am usually awake by 7:30 or so, although I lay around until 8:30 or 9, and I just can't fall asleep on command like I used to. This pregnancy has changed so much about me, it's unbelievable.
While we're on the pregnancy topic, I've been feeling really good lately. Looking back, I actually can't complain. Yes, I had a really bad and ever-lasting case of morningalldayallnight sickness, coupled with that weird spitting issue that freaked me and everyone else out. But, even during those early months, I just knew that it would all be worth it. People kept reminding me that, which helped, but I haven't once forgotten just how much of a blessing this little baby is to both of us. He's really a miracle, when I think about it. Now that the "hard parts" are over, I have renewed energy, which people were also kind enough to use as encouragement, and I also feel somewhat prettier than I did before I was pregnant. Weird. I know. But the shirts that I once threw to the wayside because of my spare tire now hug my growing belly quite nicely. I haven't washed my hair in two days, which isn't unusual for me. But what is unusual is the fact that I straightened it for church this morning, and it looked presentable. Unheard of. My skin is clearer than it's been since I was ten years old. Not that it's completely free of blemish (don't think that will ever happen), but it is much better than usual. Hit me up in about a month or two, and we'll see how fresh and beautiful and radiant I'm feeling (and looking). I'm not putting all my ducks in a pond just yet. Is that how the saying goes?
The next two weeks are going to be pretty big weeks for us. Whenever my house is in disarray, my life tends to mimic it, so I'm hoping I can hold it together and not release the crazy. I've done really well so far at keeping crazy at bay, but a move, combined with dealing with our real estate office, combined with dealing with carpet cleaners and bug sprayers, combined with the general heat of July, combined with a giant belly might just push me over the edge. Say a prayer. Or two. I've said about a trillion.
Well, Derick is up moving stuff all over the place now. I guess I should get up and help him, although he's not one of those overly-cautious husbands who won't let me lift anything. So I will actually be HELPING him. He expects me to, and I knew he'd be like that. I'm pretty sure it's because I've spoiled him into thinking I'm a tough chick, which i totes am, but I'm pregnant now (and he JUST NOW said, "think you can help me move this in there?" btw--it's a 6 ft tall bookshelf.) Of course I can help. I'm not a weenie. Pregnancy is not a setback in this hizzie. It's MOTIVATION.
As soon as I picked him up from the base after his trip, he pointed to a 50 lb. backpack and asked me to take it to the car. I was like, "Ok. Things have changed since you left." I did not carry the backpack; I got by carrying the weird yoga mat thing that Marines do not call "yoga mats," but really, it's a tactical yoga mat. Derick is definitely not one of those husbands who won't let his pregnant wife do anything. He has no pity. However, while he was in California, we would be on the phone and he would say, "Ok babe. You need to go to bed. You're pregnant. You need your sleep." Now I realized he was the one who "needed" the sleep. He was just trying to get off the phone so he could hit the rack. In a way, I'm glad he's not looking over my shoulder making sure I'm not lifting too much or straining myself. He knows I know my limits and doesn't feel the need to babysit me, but come on, a little babying would be nice. I'm going to start making deals. "Hey, you rub my back and I'll load that gigantic dresser into the UHAUL." Not really, Mom.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
lists
I went on a list making spree back in the fall. I just realized it's been a long time since I've compiled a list, so I thought I would do just that while I pin things and eat oatmeal.
Things I ate today:
strawberry oatmeal (currently enjoying)
sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit from Sonic
snack size Rolo McFlurry
half a hamburger with pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo. (For those of you that know me, yes, mayo. Weird, but I took a peek at the jar and felt the need to add a tad to my burger. So there's my "weird pregnancy craving.")
stir fry veggies
a potato chip
one piece of German chocolate cake
two peaches
a cucumber. maybe two
an unripe grape off the vine
other miscellaneous things
the night isn't over
A few things I like about Payneway, Arkansas:
my parents
walking my dog without carrying a poop bag
letting my dog run free in the yard without a leash
Buddy and Noobie
the deaths of snakes via Buddy and Noobie
a garden
Golden Girls on tv
large bathtub to stretch out in
bathtub with jets
stir fry veggies
walking on the gravel
fish in the ditch
Well, I'm finished with the oatmeal. I hope you enjoyed my two lists. They were fun. We are headed back to NC on Saturday, and I'm excited but sad to leave. It's nice to just chat with my parents in person, and it's nice to let my mom take Paris out early in the morning:) I've had a good time here, but it is time to snap back to reality and start the long and ever-stressful process of moving. I'm not complaining, though, because our new living arrangements are going to be wonderful! I just have a lot of planning and scheduling to do--all without the help of Derick. Luckily, my parents are really great about helping out. Our entire kitchen is already packed up, thanks to Mom. We are going to tackle the rest of the house when we get back. I'm fine with all that, actually. I'm just not so wonderful when it comes to dealing with the people and businesses involved in a move, and everything is a little harder since I've got Reeve along for the ride. But, I'm remaining optimistic that all will be well and I won't have to lose my self-control. I have just come to understand the fact (and I daily remind myself) that some people just enjoy making things hard on others. They can't just be helpful and easy-going. Frustrating to me, but it's part of life. I just really prefer helpful people over hindrances, but who doesn't?
Anyway, enough for now. I hope everyone has a terrific weekend! Yay, for all you workplace people! Tomorrow be Friday!
Things I ate today:
strawberry oatmeal (currently enjoying)
sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit from Sonic
snack size Rolo McFlurry
half a hamburger with pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo. (For those of you that know me, yes, mayo. Weird, but I took a peek at the jar and felt the need to add a tad to my burger. So there's my "weird pregnancy craving.")
stir fry veggies
a potato chip
one piece of German chocolate cake
two peaches
a cucumber. maybe two
an unripe grape off the vine
other miscellaneous things
the night isn't over
A few things I like about Payneway, Arkansas:
my parents
walking my dog without carrying a poop bag
letting my dog run free in the yard without a leash
Buddy and Noobie
the deaths of snakes via Buddy and Noobie
a garden
Golden Girls on tv
large bathtub to stretch out in
bathtub with jets
stir fry veggies
walking on the gravel
fish in the ditch
Well, I'm finished with the oatmeal. I hope you enjoyed my two lists. They were fun. We are headed back to NC on Saturday, and I'm excited but sad to leave. It's nice to just chat with my parents in person, and it's nice to let my mom take Paris out early in the morning:) I've had a good time here, but it is time to snap back to reality and start the long and ever-stressful process of moving. I'm not complaining, though, because our new living arrangements are going to be wonderful! I just have a lot of planning and scheduling to do--all without the help of Derick. Luckily, my parents are really great about helping out. Our entire kitchen is already packed up, thanks to Mom. We are going to tackle the rest of the house when we get back. I'm fine with all that, actually. I'm just not so wonderful when it comes to dealing with the people and businesses involved in a move, and everything is a little harder since I've got Reeve along for the ride. But, I'm remaining optimistic that all will be well and I won't have to lose my self-control. I have just come to understand the fact (and I daily remind myself) that some people just enjoy making things hard on others. They can't just be helpful and easy-going. Frustrating to me, but it's part of life. I just really prefer helpful people over hindrances, but who doesn't?
Anyway, enough for now. I hope everyone has a terrific weekend! Yay, for all you workplace people! Tomorrow be Friday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)