Mother Nature wins the battle

Spring storms are typically normal for me since I have spent most of my life living in Oklahoma, but they now have a whole new meaning when MarinaMan and I are responsible for keeping the family business floating. Early Thursday morning a good storm came through and decided to take with it most of our breakwater dock, Dock A. Thankfully nobody was on the dock and customer's boats took only minor damage. Below you can see the before and after.

Luckily, we have a great staff and everyone has been working hard to get things safe and in working order. We are anxious for the nice weather as traffic is already starting to pick up for the summer lake season. Just another day in the Life as a MarinaGirl.

Simple things in Life

Always late, but guess better than never. Kelsey tagged me to do the happiness list, things that bring a smile to my face or simple pleasure. So here it goes in no particular order:

1. Family
Now more than ever being around family makes me happy. Its the time when I truly don't have to worry about anything and can just be myself. Nights with mom and my sisters. Dinner dates with dad. Small chats with my mother-in-law. Or just hanging out with the whole family at the lake. I love when they get to come visit us in Arkansas and even more when I get to make a quick trip home.

2. Scrolling through old photos
When Scott tried to convince me to get an iMac computer years ago, all he had to do is show me iphoto and I WAS SOLD. Not only do I love taking photos(not very good at it), but I love looking back through them. Next project is cleaning up iphoto with just my favs and best photos because it is starting to slow down because of too many photos.

3. Coke
This biggest addiction- pain in my side. Coke. I would love to be more healthy but this one is always that thing slowing me down. I love coke. I love coke. I can even substitute with pespi.

4. Getting stuff done
I know this is weird. But marking things off a list or just completing a project makes me happy and gives me that sense of self worth and accomplishment.

5. Watching movies
This is one of my favorite activities for Scott and I. We love movies. Going to movie in the theater, going to the mailbox to get the next netflix, or adding to our growing collecting of dvds and blue rays. This seems to be one of the few time when I can just sit and relax. Lets me mind take a break. Cause if you know me, I constantly have to be doing something or I fall asleep.

6. Sleeping in
We all know I love sleep. Feels so great to sleep in on the weekends and not have things I HAVE to get done. These days are too few lately.

7. A clean house
Even though this normally stresses me out during the process and before its complete. I love the feeling of coming home to a clean house. Just puts a smile on my face.

8. Old Navy - especially when new season clothes arrive
Love going into Old Navy and browsing through all of the summer clothes before summer arrives or fall clothes during the summer. They have the best deals. I am a total sucker.

9. Mexican food
Kelsey has this one on her list too, but so true. I swear every time we do make it in to town to go out to eat, Scott always asked what I want but knows deep down I probably just want Mexican food. Love chips and salsa. But love queso and guacamole just as much. Homemade guacamole always make my day.

10. Never-ending love from the dogs
Whether its watching the dogs chat and play, Einstein trying to sneak up on the couch or into the bed to cuddle with me, or them greeting me at the door with excitement. They always bring a smile to my face and keep me entertained.

11. Visits from friends
Now living in another state from all of our friends and family, visit from friends bring me much happiness. Even if its just for a few days. I love sharing our home and beautiful surroundings with them. Catching up like no time has passed.

I could probably go on, but those are a few that come to mind. It was great to sit now and think about the simple things that bring us happiness. I invite you to take time to reflect and share.

So long Rambling Road...

The new year brought a bittersweet goodbye to our first house. After re-locating to NW Arkansas in February of last year, it was a long road in a tough housing market to sell our house in Oklahoma City. After many months, we decided to stage the house thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law. Within a few weeks, we had an offer and a great new couple is now enjoying.

A few pics as we say goodbye...

Snow Storm January 2010

As if the Christmas Blizzard was not enough, more snow has hit Arkansas. Luckily it came towards the end of the week. I am not for sure on total of inches we have gotten, since I rarely watch the news. But think we will be staying put for a few days. Glad we have plenty of food.

Notice MarinaMan's gloves...Go Pokes...think my dad got him those for Christmas and since we didn't have our ski stuff here in Arkansas, he had to manage.

The dogs have been enjoying the snow, but don't stay out for long.

To occupy our time, we luckily bought the first three seasons of 24 on DVD earlier this week. Anybody 24 fans?

Coming out of Hibernation

This past month has been great and busy(hence the not blogging for a month). We were fortunate to make some trips back to OKC for the holidays including getting snowed in with the Oklahoma City Blizzard. 14 inches, come on that is insane.

We have been back home and daily life has been more of survival mode. Weather in the single digits and snow has resulted in frozen pipes (aka no water) and trouble getting around on the roads and up the driveway. Lets just conclude that I am ready for this winter adventure to be over and ready for spring.

You know when the marina starts to get calls about boat rentals and reservations for July - that I am not the only one ready for spring and summer.

I will try to get some photos up soon.

Adventure story: Scott was out working in the well house a few weeks ago, probably adjusting the heater to help the frozen pipes, and he found a package that appeared to have been carried from our front porch down the driveway. Just guessing that the UPS guy delivered the package to the porch instead of just throwing in the driveway. As you can tell from the picture something decide the present inside was worth trying to get. A whole corner of the box had been destroyed and the tin can inside had claw indentations in it, but lucking the animal did not succeed. The can of nuts and candy was still there just with a few addition decorations on the outside.


Lesson learned: Warn vendors about sending packages with food