Still no air - but hopefully a lil closer to relief!

Even though our A/C didn't get fixed today, the guy at least knew how to take it apart and test the necessary components to diagnose an issue. Apparently it just needs to be drained and cleaned thoroughly. He did a partial clean today, but said he'd need to come back with reinforcements to pull the thing apart and do a more thorough clean. Unfortunately, what he did today didn't help our A/C, but at least he didn't charge us. It will probably be Thursday before he can get back out to us - but if we've been a month without air already, a few more days isn't going to kill us :/

I'm thankful my husband is keeping his "cool" (no pun intended) and keeping me semi-sane. I'm thankful for the cheap window unit we bought for our bedroom and the one my boss let me borrow for our living area. 72-75 degrees is much better than 90. Shooooo! 

I am just ready for life to be normal again. No A/C problems, no car problems, no job problems... just me and my boo smooth sailing and working on building our family... Yeah, can I get that asap - please and thank you! 

Life is chaotic!

I could lie and say I haven't had time to blog lately... But the truth is, I haven't been in the mood to write about anything. I can barely get motivated to do homework these days. 

Life is chaotic! The car I bought at the end of April has now been in the shop multiple times already. It even got us stranded in the middle of the freeway this past week, which brought the car thing to a whole new low. I was frankly ready to give the keys back to the dealer and ask for my money back so I could go get a car elsewhere. It's been ridiculous -- But I hope and pray that this is finally resolved and that 'Penny' will not be sick anymore for a lonnnnnng while.

In other news, the A/C is broken in our condo. The condo we just bought in Feb. We started running the air in April, I think, and on the warmer days, it seemed the thermostat couldn't keep up with the temp we had it set on. We'd set it on 70 and in the middle of the afternoon, it'd be 80 in there. Not acceptable. So, after Memorial Day weekend, we bit the bullet and contacted our home warranty company to come take a look. What a joke! Now, a month later, they have sent 2 companies and about 6 different contractors and no one has been able to fix our A/C. Part of that is because we apparently have a unit from the stone ages. But rather than research or try to figure out something they are unfamiliar with, they just keep passing the buck. Meanwhile, we are hot - and now basically confined to our bedroom after we broke down and bought a small window-unit to get us through. I am beyond frustrated. On Friday, I finally made some headway and found the company we think actually installed the A/C units when our condo was under construction. The only catch is - we have to pay out of pocket because they don't deal with home warranty companies. Why? Because they never get paid. What a shocker! With an appointment set for Monday, I am crossing fingers, toes, eyes... whatever I can, that they figure out what's wrong and that we have enough money to pay to fix it!

Such a mess. My head is spinning and I'm sure my blood pressure has been through the roof lately. Lucky for me, I have a husband who is surprisingly calm and doing his best to keep me composed. Hopefully this cluster of storms is on its way out! 

Wordless Wed

Another Father's Day...

I was a bit emotional yesterday. I should've known it was coming. It does every year about this time. Father's Day is hard. It has been for most of my life. For the years my dad was noticeably absent, I missed him and wished he could somehow come back into my life. And for the years since he passed, I've missed him in a different way. As an adult, I guess I feel like whatever kept us apart for so many years could somehow be resolved now. If I only had the opportunity to call him, email him or sit down and have a one-on-one chat, I feel strongly we would be able to put all of the gunk from the past away and finally have the relationship I've always desired. If only...

Daddy, I feel you near me quite often. But it isn't the same as having you here. I wish you could see the things I've accomplished and I really wish you could meet my husband. He is wonderful. I couldn't ask for a more loving, understanding man and I know you would be able to see the ways he completes my life. I hope one day, you and I can have our long overdue conversation and say all of the things that were left unsaid when you passed. I miss you and I love you. Happy Father's Day...

Two years already...

Dear Rodney--

Happy 2nd Anniversary! We've spent the last few weeks saying, "Has it really been two years since our wedding!?" Sometimes it's hard to believe... it feels like our wedding was just yesterday, but then again, it feels like we've been together for a lifetime.  We've been through a mini break-up, living in separate states, job changes, being down to our last pennies --- and yet, we've emerged even stronger after each "battle".  Life is full of highs and lows, but I know that if we stick together, we can overcome whatever it throws our way. At the end of the day, as long as I have your back and you have mine, that's all that matters. I never knew I could feel so fortunate, even when things aren't going my way. But I do... I feel so blessed to be able to share my life with you -- the good, the bad and in between. 

Thank you for being you and for showing me what amazing, unconditional love is all about. I love you more than words can ever express. I hope you know how much you've changed me (in a good way) and how you make my world a better place every moment you are in it.

All my love,

Crystal

A fun Saturday night!

I swear grad school is taking over my life! It seems like everything else revolves around homework and my ability to meet school deadlines <sigh>. Will it ever end?? 

After a day filled with homework, it was time to head out to a double-header evening. First up, a friend of my husband's sent him a text early in the day saying she and her fiance were getting married. At 7:00pm. The same time we were supposed to be at a birthday party. Being the good man my husband is, he wanted to at least stop by, drop off a card and wish them well. So, we arrived around 6:30 - only to be greeted by the groom, who advised the bride was out trying to find something to wear. His bet was that the preacher would arrive before the bride... and he was right! Holy cannoli! A little after 7, we headed outside under a pretty tree and a rose bush and watched the two exchanged vows. It was quick, simple, but nice. We had to jump in the car almost immediately afterward, but at least we were there for the important part! 

Next, it was on to celebrate Marshall's 40th birthday. Unfortunately, we were late and missed out on the "Surprise!" part... but we made it in time for the festivities. Several of our other friends were there - so between that and the rum buckets (yum-o!) floating around, it was a good night :) 

Here's the evidence: