Eric and I seem to fall into adventures, ones we don't always want to be on.
Here is the latest in our world.
Dear Kia,
My story involving a Kia vehicle is long, but well worth the read.
On December 26, 2009, my fiance and I were supposed to head to Bismarck, North Dakota to spend some of the Christmas weekend with my parents. Unfortunately, a blizzard shut down the interstates and we were unable to travel.
We then planned to head to Bismarck on Friday, January 1, 2010. We started loading up my fiance's GMC Yukon with luggage and presents. I went to start the truck to let it warm up since it was thirty below zero with the windchill. The truck would not turn over. My fiance, Eric, had left the overhead light on and the battery died.
We have a single lane driveway. I moved my car into the street. We then proceeded to push the truck out of the snowy driveway and partially into the road so we could get close enough to jump the truck with my car. This was not an easy task. We hooked up the jumper cables and let the battery charge. Nothing doing.
The truck would not even turn over. We called AAA and they were able to get the truck started with boost.
We were then able to start off on our journey from Drayton, North Dakota to Bismarck. We stopped in Grand Forks to have Eric's brother check the truck out to see if it would make the four hour drive to Bismarck. As soon as we shut the truck off, the car would not turn over. The starter had died.
Another unfortunate problem, was that it was New Year's Eve day and they did not have a starter to fit Eric's truck. Also, no auto parts stores were open that day. Eric's brother, John, attempted to call in a favor and have someone open a store so we could get the part and be on our way. However, it was not able to happen.
I began to cry, afraid of missing yet another chance to see my parents and spend time in my childhood home. My fiance went to work and called Hertz. No one answered. He then tried Avis and was able to persuade the clerk who was in her coat and walking out the door to wait twenty minutes so we could run out to the airport and rent a car.
We arrived at the Avis counter and was informed that they had a Kia Sedona or a full-sized Kia car. My fiance is a tall, large man and often finds most cars unable to comfortably fit someone of his size. So, we went with the mini-van.
The leg room on the driver's side was an uncomfortable fit for my fiance so I drove. I loved this vehicle! It was a smooth ride, had some wonderful options like rear heat, MP3 player space, lots of cup holders, and comfortable seating. My fiance found the front passenger seat comfortable. He also enjoyed moving the front seat up all the way and sitting in the back seat with an option to stretch out his legs. This is not normally something he can do and he loved it.
You have two new fans! We joked that if we were to ever get a Kia would we put Kia Power on the license plate, a play upon the super hero powers. Despite the harsh temperatures of the day, the van started right up. The Sedona also got great gas mileage for such a large vehicle.
The GMC Yukon is a gas hog and we definitely saved money on this trip in gas. I drive a Chevy Cavalier and enjoyed the roominess of the van. I also loved the big windshield and the height advantage. An inch of snow was no problem for this mini-van unlike my car.
We are not financially able to purchase a Kia of our own at this time, but will definitely keep it in mind. I also created fans of this van in my parents. I took them both on a spin and they very much enjoyed the ride. They are mini-van lovers and had they not just installed a wheelchair lift in the back of their Chrysler Town and Country, I think they may have checked out some Kias. This is just an expense and hassle they do not wish to repeat.
My fiance is in treatment for leukemia so the option for a new car is not there. However, if we ever find ourselves in better financial shape, we will definitely check out the Kia Sedona. We had never before been in a Kia and don't know many people who own one. But we will pass on our praises to our friends and family.
Thank to Avis and Kia for saving our Christmas! We appreciated the "ride."
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ring My Door Bell and Get a Cookie
Hello Blogland,
Eric and I have been busy with being sick, getting well, Halloween, and all that goes in between. Eric and I had the influenza, which was incredibly not fun. I feel another cold coming on and am wondering how I get to be so lucky to be blessed with such a crappy immune system. I hope it's not a strain of the flu, which would be weird since I just got my flu shot on Wednesday.
We'll see if this itchy, tingly, stuffy nose comes to anything more than what it is now. Because of being sick, Eric and I did not get up any fall/Halloween decorations. Drayton is normally very into Halloween. Last year we had tons of Trick-or-Treaters and nearly ran out of candy. I would say we had at least 60 kids last year if not more. We parked Eric on a chair at the door last year while he was sick since seeing the kids all dressed up brightens his mood. I took over when he got tired and it seemed like it never ended. This year we had 30 kids and we have so much leftover candy. This is unfortunate because neither Eric nor I need to be eating candy day after day.
Eric and I also celebrated three-years of being together on October 31st. We went to Space Aliens, had a good dinner, and then shopped at Menards. We are such a romantic couple. I can't believe three years has passed. It seems like just yesterday Eric and I were meeting for the first time. Sometimes sparked then and still sparks now. I hope everyone finds some love in their lives as Eric and I have.
That's all for now,
Amber
Eric and I have been busy with being sick, getting well, Halloween, and all that goes in between. Eric and I had the influenza, which was incredibly not fun. I feel another cold coming on and am wondering how I get to be so lucky to be blessed with such a crappy immune system. I hope it's not a strain of the flu, which would be weird since I just got my flu shot on Wednesday.
We'll see if this itchy, tingly, stuffy nose comes to anything more than what it is now. Because of being sick, Eric and I did not get up any fall/Halloween decorations. Drayton is normally very into Halloween. Last year we had tons of Trick-or-Treaters and nearly ran out of candy. I would say we had at least 60 kids last year if not more. We parked Eric on a chair at the door last year while he was sick since seeing the kids all dressed up brightens his mood. I took over when he got tired and it seemed like it never ended. This year we had 30 kids and we have so much leftover candy. This is unfortunate because neither Eric nor I need to be eating candy day after day.
Eric and I also celebrated three-years of being together on October 31st. We went to Space Aliens, had a good dinner, and then shopped at Menards. We are such a romantic couple. I can't believe three years has passed. It seems like just yesterday Eric and I were meeting for the first time. Sometimes sparked then and still sparks now. I hope everyone finds some love in their lives as Eric and I have.
That's all for now,
Amber
Friday, July 31, 2009
Rough Ruff
Hello all,
Eric and I have a new doggie in our family. Her name is Oreo and she is four years old. She is a long-haired Chihuahua and has black and white fur, except for her face which has some brown spots. Some pictures will be available at a later date.
She is a very sweet girl and knows an adorable trick. She can pray! She puts her paws together just like hands praying, with the pads of one paw touching the others. She loves being on her back and having her tummy rubbed. But she does not yet show that she is good at playing. Norris loves playing, or used to-we'll get to that. He loves to fetch, to go for walks, to be chased.
However, Oreo went into heat last weekend. This is has been quite an adventure. The couple we got Oreo from didn't know if she had been spayed or not since they had had a number of dogs in their care. We thought we'd wait and see. Short wait. Now, Norris is whining for some loving and we're doing our best to keep them apart.
They sleep in separate as well as spend the day in different rooms while we are gone. But even while they are sitting on our laps, Norris is trying to mount Oreo. Eric is okay with them having puppies. I am not ready for such a task. Though, I am becoming quite furious at the number of people who tell us not to do it. Eric's mom has been through many puppy births and Eric has also been around for them. We are both intelligent people and know that it's now always a smooth process, just like with people.
I took Oreo to the vet for a check up, just to see if she is a healthy girl. She is, but they nagged me about getting her spayed, and how she could get cancer or a uterine infection. Okay, we had only had her for a week, most of which Eric was in the hospital. We weren't really thinking about spaying her at that point. Then, when I have previously taken Norris to the vet, they cajole me about getting Norris neutered. I don't want to neuter Norris. Dogs can gain weight after that procedure and Norris is so cute as is. They also warned that hey may become aggressive. Their eyes widened when I said "Good, he could use a little aggression."
Norris is afraid of his toy basket. Just recently got over his fear of his food and water bowls. So, yes the dog could use some "balls." Anyway, the previous owner of Oreo also contacted Eric and advised not to breed her since Chihuahuas and other small dogs can have problems. Well, what the hell then no one would ever have another Chihuahua. And this lady was a breeder!! How the hell does she know if we have experience or not. Grr.
So, it just makes me think will I get a uterine infection or cancer because I'm not breeding and won't be? Norris has a vet appointment on Saturday for his distemper vaccine and I'm hoping they bring it up to Eric about having Norris neutered. I want to know what he says.
Amber
Eric and I have a new doggie in our family. Her name is Oreo and she is four years old. She is a long-haired Chihuahua and has black and white fur, except for her face which has some brown spots. Some pictures will be available at a later date.
She is a very sweet girl and knows an adorable trick. She can pray! She puts her paws together just like hands praying, with the pads of one paw touching the others. She loves being on her back and having her tummy rubbed. But she does not yet show that she is good at playing. Norris loves playing, or used to-we'll get to that. He loves to fetch, to go for walks, to be chased.
However, Oreo went into heat last weekend. This is has been quite an adventure. The couple we got Oreo from didn't know if she had been spayed or not since they had had a number of dogs in their care. We thought we'd wait and see. Short wait. Now, Norris is whining for some loving and we're doing our best to keep them apart.
They sleep in separate as well as spend the day in different rooms while we are gone. But even while they are sitting on our laps, Norris is trying to mount Oreo. Eric is okay with them having puppies. I am not ready for such a task. Though, I am becoming quite furious at the number of people who tell us not to do it. Eric's mom has been through many puppy births and Eric has also been around for them. We are both intelligent people and know that it's now always a smooth process, just like with people.
I took Oreo to the vet for a check up, just to see if she is a healthy girl. She is, but they nagged me about getting her spayed, and how she could get cancer or a uterine infection. Okay, we had only had her for a week, most of which Eric was in the hospital. We weren't really thinking about spaying her at that point. Then, when I have previously taken Norris to the vet, they cajole me about getting Norris neutered. I don't want to neuter Norris. Dogs can gain weight after that procedure and Norris is so cute as is. They also warned that hey may become aggressive. Their eyes widened when I said "Good, he could use a little aggression."
Norris is afraid of his toy basket. Just recently got over his fear of his food and water bowls. So, yes the dog could use some "balls." Anyway, the previous owner of Oreo also contacted Eric and advised not to breed her since Chihuahuas and other small dogs can have problems. Well, what the hell then no one would ever have another Chihuahua. And this lady was a breeder!! How the hell does she know if we have experience or not. Grr.
So, it just makes me think will I get a uterine infection or cancer because I'm not breeding and won't be? Norris has a vet appointment on Saturday for his distemper vaccine and I'm hoping they bring it up to Eric about having Norris neutered. I want to know what he says.
Amber
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fruit Cocktail
So, what has been happening in our world?
I got to play surgeon one day. Eric's disolveable stitches, not yet dissolved, were sticking out his chest where the port had been removed. Eric called the doctor and was told he could cut the stitch off as close as he could to the skin. From one of Eric's previous visit to the doctor, I had a hospital scissor and set of tweezers. I found the fishing line stitch and snipped it! And there was no blood!
I hit my head twice tonight. Once on an open cupboard door, a door I opened and then on the door jamb of the bathroom. You know, because the door frame gets moved a lot. :P
Eric's sister Tessa came to town from Virginia where she now lives. It was nice seeing her and she seems quite happy.
Norris likes popcorn but will only eat pieces with butter on it. He's a spoiled little dog!
Eric and I watched a movie called Blue Powder and Forrest Whitaker is in it. We watched another show where someone made a joke about Forrest Whitaker's weird eye and I'd never noticed his eye was weird... so Eric pointed it out to me in the movie. I still don't really see it. But don't tell Eric that.
We had to buy some sunscreen because Eric keeps burning his left arm while driving. You know you're fair skinned when you burn your arm just driving.
Well foilks, that all I have for now. I'll let you know when I have more to dazzle you with...
I got to play surgeon one day. Eric's disolveable stitches, not yet dissolved, were sticking out his chest where the port had been removed. Eric called the doctor and was told he could cut the stitch off as close as he could to the skin. From one of Eric's previous visit to the doctor, I had a hospital scissor and set of tweezers. I found the fishing line stitch and snipped it! And there was no blood!
I hit my head twice tonight. Once on an open cupboard door, a door I opened and then on the door jamb of the bathroom. You know, because the door frame gets moved a lot. :P
Eric's sister Tessa came to town from Virginia where she now lives. It was nice seeing her and she seems quite happy.
Norris likes popcorn but will only eat pieces with butter on it. He's a spoiled little dog!
Eric and I watched a movie called Blue Powder and Forrest Whitaker is in it. We watched another show where someone made a joke about Forrest Whitaker's weird eye and I'd never noticed his eye was weird... so Eric pointed it out to me in the movie. I still don't really see it. But don't tell Eric that.
We had to buy some sunscreen because Eric keeps burning his left arm while driving. You know you're fair skinned when you burn your arm just driving.
Well foilks, that all I have for now. I'll let you know when I have more to dazzle you with...
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Oh where oh where
We looked everywhere. On the end tables, in the China hutch drawers, on the dining room table, under the couch cushions, inside the recliner chair, in my purse, in boxes, in bags, and to no avail. We couldn't find it. And it was hot.
We do not have central air conditioning in our house so we make do with window units. Eric used his bargaining skills this spring to obtain a window ac for $20, complete with remote. Our bedroom tends to be very warm, for reasons I don't understand. Eric put the ac in the window and turned it on. The fan started up, but then realization hit. The only way to change the speed, cooling method, and anything beyond turning it on or off, requires the remote. This is what we hunted for, for two days. We did not find it. We wound up putting our window air conditioner for the kitchen in our bedroom.
On Wednesday morning, both groggy and half awake, Eric asked for my hand. I was confused as to why he wanted it, but then placed something small and thin in my hand. The remote!!!
I asked where he had found it. Eric said he had a feeling that it was in the couch so he tipped the couch over, laying it on its back. Many things tinkled against the springs causing Eric to cut the fabric on the underside of the couch. He reached his hand in and saw something thin. He thought Eureka! the remote. Alas, it was only a stack of post-it notes. He cut more of the fabric revealing more items stuck inside the couch. There it was! In the far right corner of the couch.
Now, our bedroom is cool and the remote has an honorable place on the dresser. No more inner couch springs for this remote.
We do not have central air conditioning in our house so we make do with window units. Eric used his bargaining skills this spring to obtain a window ac for $20, complete with remote. Our bedroom tends to be very warm, for reasons I don't understand. Eric put the ac in the window and turned it on. The fan started up, but then realization hit. The only way to change the speed, cooling method, and anything beyond turning it on or off, requires the remote. This is what we hunted for, for two days. We did not find it. We wound up putting our window air conditioner for the kitchen in our bedroom.
On Wednesday morning, both groggy and half awake, Eric asked for my hand. I was confused as to why he wanted it, but then placed something small and thin in my hand. The remote!!!
I asked where he had found it. Eric said he had a feeling that it was in the couch so he tipped the couch over, laying it on its back. Many things tinkled against the springs causing Eric to cut the fabric on the underside of the couch. He reached his hand in and saw something thin. He thought Eureka! the remote. Alas, it was only a stack of post-it notes. He cut more of the fabric revealing more items stuck inside the couch. There it was! In the far right corner of the couch.
Now, our bedroom is cool and the remote has an honorable place on the dresser. No more inner couch springs for this remote.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend
We were unable to have any family memorial day celebrations. My parents had to drive to the western edge of Montana to attend my aunt's funeral, just days after returning from eastern Minnesota for my brother's graduation from guitar building and repair school. My aunt died suddenly and for unknown reasons. She had been diagnosed with cancer of the liver and breast, but that is not what killed her. An autopsy is underway. With this going on, a planned visit to my parents' house was cancelled to give them a rest.
Eric's family was equally unavaible. Two of Eric's nieces graduated from high school this weekend. One had the car packed and was ready to move right after the ceremony on Sunday. Eric's mom also found herself unavailable. She wound up in the hospital with pneumonia. She has been there since Thursday evening. Eric is not allowed to visit her as has a suppressed immune system. This was decided by the hospital staff. Eric's mom has been recieving IV antibiotics, oxygen, and fluids. So, we wish her swift recovery.
So, we went to Sam's Club and bought eight pounds of cheese. I bought new flip-flops since Norris chewed mine up. He stole them right from under me while Eric and I were watching a movie. I went to use the bathroom and tapped my feet all over the floor feeling for my shoes in the dark... no shoes. I found one of them in Norris's bed, teeth marked and all. We cleaned up Eric's man cave a bit. Threw some garbage away, hung some shelves, and watched Seven Pounds with Will Smith. I cried like a baby and Eric mocked me. Fun for all.
Eric's family was equally unavaible. Two of Eric's nieces graduated from high school this weekend. One had the car packed and was ready to move right after the ceremony on Sunday. Eric's mom also found herself unavailable. She wound up in the hospital with pneumonia. She has been there since Thursday evening. Eric is not allowed to visit her as has a suppressed immune system. This was decided by the hospital staff. Eric's mom has been recieving IV antibiotics, oxygen, and fluids. So, we wish her swift recovery.
So, we went to Sam's Club and bought eight pounds of cheese. I bought new flip-flops since Norris chewed mine up. He stole them right from under me while Eric and I were watching a movie. I went to use the bathroom and tapped my feet all over the floor feeling for my shoes in the dark... no shoes. I found one of them in Norris's bed, teeth marked and all. We cleaned up Eric's man cave a bit. Threw some garbage away, hung some shelves, and watched Seven Pounds with Will Smith. I cried like a baby and Eric mocked me. Fun for all.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Saturday Fun
Eric and I pride ourselves on being bargain shoppers. We love sales and being the one to find the best deal. Eric may have won this week for finding us a fairly comfy futon, mattress, and cover for $40.00.
We're rearranging some things in the house and wanted a small place to sit and if in a pinch have something for someone to sleep on. We have a recumbant bicycle and an elliptical machine, however neither are in use because they are accessible. So, we're putting them all in one room. My hope it that I'll use them if this move occurs. We'll see.
So, slow the room is coming together. There's so much stuff in the extra bedroom upstairs and it had just become a dumping ground. Unfortunately, it's nearly all my stuff. Can't make Eric sort through my stuff, or more like I won't let him. :o)
We also hit a few garage sales coming up with some pictures for Eric's man-cave, a couple of books for me, and a brand new Trivial Persuit Pop Culture 2 game. So, if anyone is up for a game night, we have plenty of games to play.
Eric's evening ended early since he wound up not feeling well. We're never sure why he's not feeling well, but are always cautious. One of the garage sales we went to today had its proceeds go towards Relay for Life. They were Team Josie and little Josie died from leukemia much too young. Eric said he just knew the girl had leukemia when he saw her picture, that he just had a feeling. Eric is not feeling up to being part of the Survivor stuff at the Relay For Life this year. Just too close to everything.
We're rearranging some things in the house and wanted a small place to sit and if in a pinch have something for someone to sleep on. We have a recumbant bicycle and an elliptical machine, however neither are in use because they are accessible. So, we're putting them all in one room. My hope it that I'll use them if this move occurs. We'll see.
So, slow the room is coming together. There's so much stuff in the extra bedroom upstairs and it had just become a dumping ground. Unfortunately, it's nearly all my stuff. Can't make Eric sort through my stuff, or more like I won't let him. :o)
We also hit a few garage sales coming up with some pictures for Eric's man-cave, a couple of books for me, and a brand new Trivial Persuit Pop Culture 2 game. So, if anyone is up for a game night, we have plenty of games to play.
Eric's evening ended early since he wound up not feeling well. We're never sure why he's not feeling well, but are always cautious. One of the garage sales we went to today had its proceeds go towards Relay for Life. They were Team Josie and little Josie died from leukemia much too young. Eric said he just knew the girl had leukemia when he saw her picture, that he just had a feeling. Eric is not feeling up to being part of the Survivor stuff at the Relay For Life this year. Just too close to everything.
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