life of late

wow. so much to write, so little time. the biggest news is probably that I got a job a little over a month ago. I was basically threatened with my life and all that I hold dear that I could not in any way associate myself with my company on the internet, so that's why I haven't made a big deal of it or anything on facebook. it's a good job, interesting to say the least. and I deal a lot with guns, so mitch is jealous :D

other than that...a couple weeks ago we decided that it made sense for mitch to quit his job to do flight school faster now that we are no longer relying on just his income, and we could get a loan to help us finish it up. that sounded good in theory, except that we couldn't get approved for any loans. sad that a 740 credit score counts for nothing these days unless you have months, if not years of monthly payment history (debt) to prove that you are "responsible" and can handle making monthly payments. so even though we have 4+ years' history of rent payments, the fact that we don't have 3 credit cards, 2 car loans and a mortgage counts against us. hmm...ironic.

in the end we are ok with it, because we know that it probably wasn't the right path if we had so many roadblocks going that direction. Mitch can keep his job and finish up school...it will take 4-5 months longer, but we will get through it 100% debt-free, so that is only a plus.

the semi-scaryish thing is that if we couldn't get approved for a small loan, how in the heck are we ever going to get approved for a car loan, let alone a mortgage?? we will need to replace mitch's car soon since it is on its last leg and it kind of scares us that the fact that we have no debt might turn out to be a hindrance in making some of our first big purchases. for this reason, we have decided to start building our credit slowly and smartly through semi-big purchases that we will need soon anyway...our first being a mattress of our own. we will start shopping for that next week. we are both a little excited to say the least...Mitch has been dying for a king sized bed since we got married when he realized he didn't like snuggling at bedtime quuiiiiite as much as I do :D

since I last wrote, I have discovered the intoxicating world of pinterest. I say intoxicating, because once you start, you just can't stop. I have got SO many good ideas from that wonderfully ingenius little website, here are the best that I have implemented that have definitely changed my life for the better:

5. The Best Meatloaf Ever- The only way I can convey to you how monumental of an event this meatloaf was, is to say that Mitch's brother, who is about the pickiest eater on the planet, said that this was his favorite  homemade meal ever....um...WHAT?!?!?  o_O  Also, Mitch, who groaned when I said I was making meatloaf, had SECONDS, and said in so many words, that this is the only meatloaf he has ever liked, and will ever eat again.

4. 2012 Journal Jar- We love adding fun memories throughout the year to our jar, and we anticipate it being a tradition we will continue with our family to help us document the goings-on in our lives and reflect on all our blessings at the end of the year :)

3.  Emergency Binder- Complete with important docs, an evacuation plan/packing list, map of the area, and first aid/survival info. Everything I would want and need in an emergency, and living in a hurricane/flood-prone area, I feel so much more secure knowing it is all organized in a safe place ready to grab if need be.

As a side, preparedness-related note, I have also used many awesome ideas on pinterest to upgrade my 72 hours kits in the last month. This was the manual that I referenced the most...it has everything you could think of...and more!

2. The Two-Minute Mug Brownie- My in-laws still look at me like I'm an alien every time I make this, but it I think it's because secretly they're jealous :D This is the best innovation, hands-down, anyone has ever made with a brownie. The same chocolatey goodness in only two minutes and no dishes! Win-win-win! Perfect for my I-NEED-CHOCOLATE-NOW fix that comes...oh...every other night or so :D

1. My Scripture Journal- You would think that as a book-addict I would have grown up being pretty good about reading my scriptures. WRONG. I have never had a consistent personal scripture reading program until now. I got the original idea from this inspiring lady (who I found on pinterest, of course)...and it just sort of evolved from there. You can tell by the fact that I have dedicated a whole pinboard to it how much research and thought went into creating it. it's nothing fancy compared to many I have seen...but the important thing is that I actually look forward to studying each day now. it gives me the time I need to be still, read, reflect, and create. I have been going for 4 months strong now using it, and I can tell how much greater love and patience (fruits of the spirit) I have developed since using it.

whew. long post today. now I won't feel obligated to write for at least...6 more months or so. haha. jk.