Lessons Learned from Home Buying

So of course I'll write more later but here are a few tidbits and lessons learned from the home buying/ownership process thus far:

1. Home buying is STRESSFUL. No one tells you that either. I'm going to write a book about buying a home - especially as a single woman. It's not that fun.

2. I should have a part time job as a "moving conductor." With a little help from my friends I was able to get the place painted, furniture delivered, light fixtures changed, cable installed, tv installed, carpets cleaned, locks changed and all moved in within a week! Not bad.

3. Women Power! I hung a mirror - all by myself. I measured and everything. Pretty proud.

4. Target is my new best friend and worst enemy. I think you know where I'm going here.

5. My parents were foaming at the mouth waiting for me to move. Just when I thought I had all my crap put away - my dad showed up with a truckload from our basement of ALL of my memorabilia... from my first dance costume, to class photos, yearbooks, prom and bridesmaid dresses... forget my guest bedroom - it's now a storage room.

More later - including a video tour if it works out right. :)

Adventures In Home Buying...

So holy crap - I close on my house this Friday. I can hardly believe it's coming to fruition. I've kind of been in denial just thinking something would go wrong - but it looks like it's all gonna happen - so tonight I've gone into house mode.

What's that entail you say? A grand ole trip to Nebraska Furniture Mart. I used to look forward to shopping for furniture - thinking it was "fun". Tonight - all by myself looking to furnish my home - was not fun. In fact - I was so sick of thinking about options - I just made a decision and got one of those, one those, 2 of those and oh ya - throw one of those in too.

I felt like I was going to throw up. I still do. But I'm also thinking how cute my new home will be and I will have not once had to compromise for an ugly piece of furniture or a paint color I didn't like. So there. :)

So without further adieu - I share my newest home furnishing purchases with you :)

Couch for upstairs. I didn't get it in this color though as this is the color I'm painting my walls. It will be in a darker brown like seen on the pillows. The downfall - I had to special order it so it won't come in until like December or something crazy.

I got a night stand and a dresser and oh yes - a dining room table but no photos. Yet. To come - I'll post later - or you can all come visit!

More to come. Here's a rundown of the schedule incase you really care:

Close - Friday, October 9

Paint - Sat - Wed

Carpets Cleaned - Thurs

MOOOVE - FRIDAY!

Some Funny Sh*t

So amongst buying a house, working a ton, and volunteering my life away - I'm dating a wonderful guy. Not only is he wonderful ... he's HI-LAR-I-OUS.

Case in point - I share this story:
So everyone is giving me trouble for the stupid post/basket that the Shawn dude gave me (refer to previous post titled wrongly - "luckiest girl alive") ... ya know - the one for our "one month anniversary." I'm not gonna lie - it was fun at the time - but in retrospect - that whole piece of my life was ... WEIRD.

So anyway - I'm talking to John about something and he's like oh ya - tomorrow at work - I'm gonna give you a gift basket and guess what's gonna be in it...

"A bag of crap - because YOU'RE THE SH*T"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I don't know if you think this is funny - but I sure do! (Oh and yes - he knew about the "basket" I received previously...) :)

Update-palooza!

MAN! I have so much to update everyone on! It's so true with life - everything likes to happen at ALL at once!

Here's a rundown:
1. I am a homeowner! Well - almost - I don't close until October 9... but needless to say - I purchased a townhome. It's 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and slowly but surely - I'll make it one happenin' party pad. Here's some photos:
2. Work has been GRRRREEAAATT! But sooo super duper busy! 12 hour days are back again. I'm now more on the marketing side (versus the pr side) so I'm still learning new things everyday!

3. I've gone on plenty o bad dates; some mediocre ones and some fabulous ones! Lately I've been hanging out with this WONDERFUL guy named John. :) I don't want to jinx it so that's all you'll get for now. No crazy stories or deliveries of cherries from this one though (which is a good thing :))

Just crazy, crazy getting ready to move, working, hangin, and volunteering. I'll post more as the house project progresses!

First Date Language Translated

1. He yawns during your conversation = he's not interested ... in you or what you have to say

2. At the end of the date if you get a half hug and a "I'll talk to you later" = he will not talk to you later. He will never talk to you again.

3. While having a conversation; he doesn't make eye contact = he's not interested. Again - in you. or anything you have to say.

Hi.Lari.Ous.

So I have a hilarious story from the weekend and yet another "that would only happen to me," but it's so good that I don't want to write about it... someone might steal it for their Bridget Jones Diary type book :)

You let me know if you want the details and after you sign a contract - I'll tell you :)

Talk About a Boost to Your Self Esteem!

Men, women and children - gather 'round... have I got a secret to boost your self esteem! Go to a shady dance club!



I am serious. Here's the formula you need to follow:

- Have a few drinks

- Go about 45 minutes before it closes

- Order a drink at the bar

- Hit the dance floor

- Wait for the guys to make their move



I had one dude do that old school move where he came and "accidently bumped into me" and walked away. Seriously! How hilarious. I forgot how fun going to dance clubs could be... yippee!

The cliches have it ...

Just like they say... all good things must come to an end... things that are too good to be true usually are and so on and so forth. I'm sorry to say my friends that Shawn and I broke up. It's crappy but at the same time all things happen for a reason and God just has another plan for me. I'm thinking that plan might very well be that I'm supposed to write a book. Seriously - I have had more Seinfeld episode like experiences happen in my life the last few weeks... it can only mean I'm supposed to compile all of these episodes into a best selling novel or a tv sitcom based on yours truly!

At any rate - I'm back at it world so if you know of any dudes who are single and are looking to mingle ... send em my way. After all - I'm sexy, cute and popular to boot.

Parties by Sarah

My parents have an annual backyard party by their pool every year. This year I decided to take charge and give it that Sarah swirl... here are some photos from the set-up!

This is the food table inside. Complete with tissue paper lanterns I learned from my friend Martha and a cupcake tower in the far right.


I purchased these bouquets of roses from Target and arranged them myself!

A close up of the flowers


A view of the backyard

I learned this from Martha herself... she made a chiller for around the vodka bottle for the bar. I put limes and flowers in mine here
You know who to call if you need your party planned!

My Newest Hobby ... Cupcakes!

Shawn bought me a book all about cupcakes and how to decorate them so I'm officially obsessed. Thankfully, there have been many birthdays so I have been able to try out my new cupcake decorating skills for well deserved occasions!

Here are a few of my creations:


This was for Melissa's birthday and it's supposed to look like her dog Ruby. As you can see - it didn't turn out so well...

So I scrapped the dogs and just made some other pretty cupcakes for her. Happy Birthday Melissa!

Then came Misty's birthday and Misty LOVES penguins. Of course there were penguin cupcakes I just had to try and make for her! They came out with a little character as you can see... definitely homemade and not quite Martha pristine perfect - but oh well! (*note - there were more, but a few had some casualties on the way into work...)

And then Misty took one of me with the cupcakes! Happy Birthday, Misty!

The Many Faces of Me ...

Everyone knows I'm famous for my "comical" faces ... I guess I do it more than I realized. Here's a little stream of what I do best ... make weird faces!

Two... Four... Six... and another bridesmaid job becomes Eight!

Yes indeed! I have been asked once again to be a bridesmaid and I'm thrilled! Lucky number eight is for my friend Amanda who I've known since college. We were both transfer students and she had a really cool belt. Anywho, I thought I'd take this opportunity to walk down memory lane and list all of the weddings I've been a part of as a bridesmaid (there would be too many to count if you included personal attendants, planner and reading jobs I've also done!)

Jenni (Hayes) Smith & Aaron Smith
Jenni and I met in high school ... this was the first bridesmaid experience I had and boy was it fun! My hair was another story...

PHOTO COMING SOON

Jackie (Lamprecht) Acosta-Trejo & Will Acosta-Trejo
I met Jackie at Creighton and she pulled me into the pi phi chapter there and became my friend forever! It was her wedding where "Breaking News Live from Sarah" originated from... (I'm in the top right hand corner)

Katie (Shillito) Larson & Andy Larson
Also friends since high school, this wedding included a lot of dancing and singing of camp songs... from what I remember...


Molly (Crouchley) Cihal & Dave Cihal
I met Molly in college as well. She is my "birthday twin"! We were both born on the exact same day at the exact same time in the exact same city. You will often find us wearing the same outfit, driving the same car or shopping at the Gap. All accidental of course! This is also the only bridesmaid's dress I've worn again (it was for Halloween when I dressed as a flapper).
Erin Costello (Baker)
This was for my cousin Erin's wedding. We've been best friends all of our lives and I was honored to travel to North Carolina for her wedding. I also came in handy at the last minute and did everyone's hair - including the brides!


Kelly (Lukas) Dennis
Aww - my sweet sister finally getting married. This is where I made my debut as maid of honor and gave the best speech ever (if I do say so myself!) It was a mix of emotions for me that day... I had planned the wedding, was sad to see my sister go, was elated she was so in love and oh ya ... didn't get a wink of sleep the night before and broke up with my boyfriend. Ooops. She tells me I'll get revenge at my wedding when she announces to everyone she's pregnant. :)

Nicole (Chambers) Cook
This wedding was lucky number 7 and also where I earned my title as "most creative in using a bridesmaid dress" when I figured out that the wrapping in the middle could double as a pocket and a drink holder. We were at the bar where Nicole, Tyler and I went out on our first date. Well, it was their first date, I just came along as the wingwoman. This is also where I told Tyler at the end of the date "now this is where you ask for Nicole's number." Obviously - the rest is history!

Next up: Amanda Gartner (soon to be Oliver)

... to be continued!

One of the Luckiest Girls Alive!

Okay girls - I've listened to you, been there for you and got excited for you when good things happened to you ... but now ... it's my turn to gush!

So today is Shawn and I's 1 month anniversary (I know - silly - but what fun is life if you can't celebrate the little things?) ... so we have big plans tonight but he wouldn't tell me what they were (since I like surprises).

So around 10 a.m. he visited me at my office and brought me this gift:

I'm sure you're looking at it and going - what in the heck is that? Well in it, was this card:
Like most, I'm sure you can't read it so here is what it says:
Our 1st Month's Grocery List Sarah & Shawn

Bread: so that we never know of hunger
(a loaf of bread was in the bag)

Wine: bringing spirituality and laughter
(my FAVORITE wine was in the bag)

Bowl of Cherries: remembering that this is what life should always be like
(a bowl of cherries was in the bag)



Butter & Jelly: to smooth out any challenges we may face together
(apple butter and jelly (jarred) were in the bag)

Oranges: may our lives grow together more fruitful day by day
(2 oranges were in the bag)

Flowers: so that we never forget our true colors
(a dozen roses were in the bag)

Time: for all the cherishable moments we can will together

Also ... one of my favorite parts is something that is totally me... it was this bag of chips with a note that says "because you're all that too"
And the best part: our surprise date is revealed...

I can't even tell you how excited I am and how LUCKY I feel to be treated so well, surprised so much and cared for by so many... thanks for letting me tell my story. I know it will be continued...

When One Door Closes ... Another One Opens...

As per usual, it's been "decades" since I've updated you on all of my crazy adventures - and there are many to be told! But I think the most exciting news is that I have a new man in my life. He's pretty wonderful I must admit... and as much as I'm trying not to get too excited about it - I must say - I have never met anyone who has met me on so many levels... intelligence, humor, accents, skill, agility ... and ... he treats me like a princess. :)

I must say - life is pretty perfect right now. I'm gonna "ride the wave" as long as I can... more soon and definitely more to come as things develop!

See you on the flip side!

One of the WORST dates ever

Once again, I've been drop-kicked back into the dating world. I'm not exactly happy to be here, but I figure if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be - so I guess we'll see what fate has in store for me. Upon my arrival back into the dating world four and a half years later, I made it a point to BROADCAST that I was single to everyone and their brother. Thinking back - this may not have been the best approach. As with this comes many blind date offers. Take for example, one of the WORST blind dates I've ever had a few weeks ago. I should have known it was going to be bad as one of my friends - friends set it up. I'd only met her a few times but she figured she knew me well enough to "know my type" and "set me up." I always look at blind dates as the worst case scenario as how bad could it be? If it's that bad - I'll have a HILARIOUS story to tell. And with this one - that I did.

So to begin - his name was a combination of my 2 ex-boyfriends (first name - the same as my first ex; last name - the same as my most recent ex)... I should have seen the red flag there but no - I kept going. We emailed a bit back and forth and talked on the phone too. He seemed pretty normal. He told me he was an accountant, was 5'10", blue eyes and blonde hair. I figured it couldn't be too bad. Well - I was wrong. He ended up taking me to a local keno parlor FOR DINNER. Granted, this could have been fun and funny if we were going to play keno or something - but no - this was for dinner. The conversation was okay - but he had a twitch... so I couldn't really look at him. Not that a twitch is/was bad... it was just distracting. He was also nowhere NEAR 5'10". I think he was lucky to be 5'4" and that's stretching it. He also would burst out randomly into weird 70's songs in the middle of conversations. And I mean LOUDLY. It was so awkward. And embarrassing. He also had about 8 beers - I'm not joking. One after the other, after the other, after the other... I was scared to ride home with this dude. The bill came and I paid for my own dinner too. Good thing it wasn't expensive I guess! More and more went on but those are the "highlights". Needless to say I haven't gone on any more blind dates and I don't plan to for awhile. But like I said... worst case... a HILARIOUS story ensues!

Always a Bridesmaid... Not Yet a Bride...

So this past weekend I was in yet another wedding... this one was number SEVEN for me. Yes, number 7. Everyone I tell this stat to says "you're only 20 more away from the movie!" I always laugh and think - if they only knew that that movie is the STORY OF MY LIFE... I can only hope that one day I'll too find my prince charming and live happily ever after like the main character does.

But all jokes and movie references aside - call me crazy - but I actually LIKE being a bridesmaid. There is a certain power you hold when you wear a bridesmaid dress and everyone looks to you to either get the party started, solve any crisis that arises and look perfect and calm while doing it. I think too that my bridesmaid experiences are all a testament to the type of friend I am... caring, loyal, a good listener and ALWAYS there. Plus, who doesn't love to get their hair and makeup done and look great? Even if the dress is ugly? I'm not complaining...

When I'm not being a bridesmaid, I'm often asked to be the personal attendant. This is a job I am going to say no to in the future as the last time I was a personal attendant (I've been one 3 times), I was asked/forced to drive all over a city I wasn't familiar with running errands the day of the wedding and then drag a cooler full of beer for the wedding party about 8 blocks... in heels... Then at the reception - the mother of the bride asked me to "stand guard" at the gift table while the rest of the party went on. Halfway through the wedding guess who got to take ALL of the presents out to the car (while still in her heels)? Yes. Me. Again - no more personal attendant duties unless I get to just look pretty and party. I would rather be a reader in that case.

Everyone always asks if I've ever worn a bridesmaid dress a second time and the truth is yes - but just one... and it was for Halloween. I was a 40's girl and the dress just happened to look as if it was from the 40's era. Otherwise, they're all tucked away nicely dry-cleaned in the back of my closet. They'll most likely stay there and remind me of the memories of the great times and friendships I've had.

So here's looking towards number 8... I figure there are only about 4 more friends who would deem me "bridesmaid worthy" for their weddings so I'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I'm hoping I'll "trip and fall in love" too so that I can have all (20) of my closest friends stand with me on my day too... and in a dress they'll happily never wear again.

From Crappiness to Creepy: Stories from the Bar Scene

So my newfound single freedom has forced me back into the bar scene. I swear I'm getting too old for this but thankfully there are some entertaining people that keep me at it. Besides, I'm not going to meet anyone - especially a husband - if I stay home every night am I?

So NYE 2009 ... I thought I would be miserable. How annoying ... I was single and all of my friends were hanging out with their boyfriends/fiances/husbands/families and I was all alone. Not to worry though - my sister and her husband rescued me and invited me to dinner and a couples party they were having. I didn't care - I refused to stay home.alone.on new years eve 2009.

So we partied at their house for awhile when we decided to get out and go to a bar (thank goodness - I needed some entertainment!) It was fun and pretty low key... around 1130 we meet these 2 guys. They're nice enough to talk to me and one of them whom my sister and I have nicknamed "Brett the Blowfish" because he was tall; yes... but a little on the puffy side. And I don't mean fat when I say puffy... I mean puffy. Red and puffy like a crab rangoon shell. I think he must have been drinking since noon that day or something.

So Brett the Blowfish and I continue talking and as the night progresses he asks if I want to hang out/post party at their house. I politely declined and said - you don't even remember my name I bet... why would I come over? I was right - he had no idea what my name was. And before that - the best part... he answered my other question (why would I come over/what would we do?) matter of factly and said...

"Well if you come over we will listen to 80's music and drink beer."

Wow... how romantic. Needless to say I did not go to after hours party at their house and hopefully I never run into "Brett the Blowfish" anytime again soon.

New Year. New Stories!

Oh my gosh friends! It has been WAY too long since I updated this and my do I have lots to share!

First off - I got a NEW JOB! And I love, love, love it. It was hard to leave the other one but in order to grow we must experience change. The new job was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I could not pass up! I miss my other job and the people that work there. I also miss knowing a lot of the information and where the staples and the bathrooms are - but I'll get there with my new job eventually. I just know it!

Second of all - no more bootcamps but a new diet program entirely! It's through a hospital so it's pretty drastic (I eat meal replacements and fruit and veggies only) but it's given me drastic results! So far - 15 pounds in 7 weeks which is good for me when I couldnt barely lose 5 lbs in 6 months! I'll keep you updated.

Thirdly - I should start a new blog titled: "From Crappiness to Creepy: Stories from the Bar Scene." I am not joking you - I have met some of the most INTERESTING people over the last month and my, my the stories I have!

Okay. Happy New Year! Happy Blogging! Happy Everything!

A Solution

And just real quick - a quip and a suggestion. I've now switched to starbucks. I like their lattes better. But here is my problem with Starbucks. The line - no matter what time of morning I go - is always miles long! It's really frustrating. And you know why that line is so long? You pull up to order and the people in the window have a 5 minute conversation with you on how your day is going - how do I know how it's going? I just woke up and now I need some coffee so I can function at work. Don't talk to me. Then after you order they suggest about 5 other items on their menu that you could possibly buy to add to your coffee. So here's my suggestion. STOP TALKING. Take my order, my money, give me my coffee and let me start my day on time. Although it's a nice gesture - I think they could make their lines way shorter and increase their effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

An Update. Topic: My Life

I'd like to give a shout out to Amanda for reminding me I need to update this. My life has been crazy. Not a very good few weeks. Here's an update - bullet point style:

• Erik (my boyfriend) and I broke up. Over chinese food. My life is a Seinfeld episode. Need I say more other than I am very sad but I know that God will lead both of us to what is best? At least that is my hope. In the meantime, if you're looking for a girl to hang out with, go to dinner with, go a movie with, babysit your kids etc. I am now available.
• I'm STILL writing my thesis. Make that RE-writing my thesis. It's crap but my interviews are done so now I can really dig in. Nevermind the professor who told me I didn't have any writing skills (note the re-write part)
• I just work and sleep. But on Thursday's I'm taking a calligraphy class. If you need someone to address your wedding invites or christmas cards - I'm where it's at. I've got time and now - I have the skillz.

That's it for now. Although now that I am "single" again - maybe I'll have some enchanting love stories. Or horrible first date stories. Although I doubt it but you never know. This thing is titled from crappiness to happiness. I'm back into the crappiness hoping and praying that someday... I'll find happiness. :)