tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64245440963047286702024-03-05T14:40:27.822-08:00All Natural HutchesonsHappy Healthy HutchesonsAll.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-14725182535756849392016-03-05T08:08:00.001-08:002016-03-05T08:08:57.660-08:00Coffee, and the meaning of life...Even before I was drinking coffee, it had special a place in my life. My dad always drank it, and because he was up and out of the house before we were out of bed most days, the only time I recall smelling it in the house was on Christmas morning. My first memories of coffee were warm and inviting, and associated with the most magical and wonderful day of the year.<br />
<br />
There was also a time when my parents were involved, for years, in a Bible study. Sometimes we'd host it at our house, sometimes it was in someone else's home. Regardless of the location, coffee was served and the aroma filled the air.<br />
<br />
My first job was working in a puppy daycare center (best job ever!) and I would open the place sometimes with my boss, who was also a drill sergeant...literally. I'd been around coffee all of my life, but I have a vivid memory of her asking me to make a pot one morning, and realizing I had no clue how. Momentarily dumbfounded, I thought..."how hard can it be? I can figure it out. "So I filled the filter all the way to the top, and leveled it off before filling the carafe with water. As any normal person might imagine, the result was essentially tar. Lacking any trace of a sense of humor, my boss didn't crack a smile when I poured her a cup and asked her if she wanted cream and sugar...and then she never asked me to make coffee again. I went home and told my dad, who laughed and then showed me how to properly make coffee...a skill that has come in handy way too many times to count.<br />
<br />
In college, I began to drink coffee on an as-needed basis. If I needed to stay up for many hours at a time to study or complete a paper, coffee was my comrade. It was more a tool than anything. Until Jeanne came along...my roommate who taught me to love this precious commodity. We shared many a meaningful conversation over coffee, and traveled distances to have a good cup to accompany our time that we'd share. In fact, I asked her to be my bridesmaid over a latte at the Red Door cafe in Kenyon College.<br />
<br />
I also recall, during my summers off from college, earning minimum wage and measuring things I wanted to buy in hours worked. This was also around the time I discovered Starbucks. There is one memory in particular where I discovered that one grande vanilla latte was equivalent to approximately 30 minutes of work...what a steal!<br />
<br />
My summers were spent obsessing over my new found love, Starbucks coffee. I wanted to share this experience with my sister, who was 11 or 12 at the time, so I took her one day to have her very first white chocolate mocha. As predicted, it was love at first taste for her as well. She was immediately amped on the caffeine and sugar, and we laughed until we cried. We still talk about that day. (Years later, Christy would become a barista for Starbucks...)<br />
<br />
Once I joined the work force, post-college, I began to see coffee as a necessity once more. I've refined my taste over the years from Folgers' Columbian blend, to exclusively drinking Grounds For Thoughts' blends (Candy Bar Classic is my all time fave!) Friends and I would find favorite coffee places in Columbus, and again in Lynchburg, and what a treat those were. I have very precious memories that involve places like Scotty McBean's, Joe's, Stauff's, and The White Hart cafe.<br />
<br />
I had a brief scare when I discovered my atypical heart beat, and was told not to drink caffeine for a spell. Thankfully, coffee was not the problem, and I could go back to <strike>my addiction</strike> drinking as usual.<br />
<br />
Now, well into my 30's, I enjoy my morning cup immensely. I've been a coffee <strike>addict</strike> drinker for a good 15 years now, and am still finding new things to love about it! For example, I ran out of coffee creamer a few years ago, and drank my coffee black. All day long, I kept wondering why my coffee tasted so amazing! Turns out, I like my coffee black. Who knew?! And for Christmas this year, my beloved hubby got me a french press. This is an art form that I'm getting close to mastering, and is a little too labor intensive for daily use, so I save it for my weekends...and it's a treat!<br />
<br />
Coffee been a player in my life for as long as I can remember, and I hope I've given it its due in this little blog post!All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-39503797616270092862016-03-05T07:47:00.000-08:002016-03-05T07:47:08.335-08:00Back in the saddle...It's been far too long since I've written anything. I came across a Pinterest pin that outlined a 30 day writing challenge. While I can't say that I'll commit to writing daily, I do want to get back in the habit of it, as it is something I enjoy. And I think it is, like any practiced skill, something that you lose if you don't use. For a long stretch, I thought that this (writing) would be my career! So, in honor of getting back in to a hobby that I enjoy....here goes!<br />
<br />
Day 1: List 10 Things That Make You Really Happy.<br />
<br />
1. Lists. I enjoy making lists.<br />
2. The beach. There is no place on earth more exhilarating and relaxing to me than the beach. It is my ultimate happy place.<br />
3. Helping people. The joy that comes with helping someone, in whatever capacity, large or small, brings me joy. ..which is probably why I chose a profession in this field.<br />
4. Dogs. Not only to my own three pups bring me immense joy on a daily basis, but really...any dog will do! My heart knows no discrimination when it comes to K9s. If you're a dog, I will love you and you will, subsequently, make my heart leap.<br />
5. Coffee. I enjoy the way it kick starts my day, and have, consequently, becomes something of a coffee snob. In fact, I'm currently writing a separate blog about the meaning that coffee has had in my life, long before I even began <strike>my addiction to</strike> drinking it myself.<br />
6. My friends from college. These girls truly are my life long sisters, and I am immensely blessed not only to know them, but to be loved by them. They are forgiving and understanding of my faults and short-comings, and ultimately, they get me. They really and truly get me. All of them, every single one, is a woman with qualities I'd really love to have, so it's humbling, enriching and honoring to call them friends.<br />
7. Andrew Hutcheson. He's been the love of my life for almost 20 years. I've known him longer than I haven't known him. While things aren't always daisies and rainbows, he makes me happier than I ever imagined someone could, and is my teammate and partner for life.<br />
8. Cooking. When I have the time and energy to, I really enjoy cooking! It's a creative outlet for me. While I admire the chefs on shows like Chopped, who can make a masterpiece out of seemingly uncoordinated objects, I myself have to follow a recipe. Still...I enjoy seeing the finished product that comes from creating something from nothing, and trying new things.<br />
9. Speaking of food, I love pizza. There, I said it. If I could eat pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day of my life, I'd be one happy lady. Consequently, I'd also be one very large lady with numerous health problems...so I don't. But I still love it, just the same!<br />
10. Travel. I am a home body through and through, but really enjoy seeing new things and having new experiences. We traveled to Italy for our 10th anniversary, and it was such an amazing experience to see the history and the lifestyle (not to mention the cuisine!) of the Italians. In college, I spent a month in Belize, which was also incredibly eye opening and humbling. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to see the world from another's perspective. It really makes it seem much, much bigger.<br />
<br />
So there's that. I guess I'm back in to blogging...All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-59172332770125308092016-01-18T13:46:00.000-08:002016-01-18T13:46:05.464-08:003 years ago today...In some ways it feels like much longer, and in other ways, much shorter...but we've been here in FL for 3 years as of today!<br />
<br />
After last year's international trip, we've laid really low this year. No complaints here - we live in a beach town! We've focused most of our energy and resources on making our house into a home. <br />
<br />
As you know, I like lists. Here are the highlights of our 3rd year as Floridians:<br />
<br />
1. Making the trek to Ohio for our 10th college reunion and seeing my girls. The time we had together was precious.<br />
2. Celebrating my grandma's 94th birthday with loads of family members.<br />
3. Multiple trips to Disney (esp with the Fez and Holder families!)<br />
4. Reconnecting with the Cooks in Savannah this summer!<br />
5. A summer full of much needed R&R. Wouldn't change a thing.<br />
6. Seeing Ray LaMontagne live in concert. Aaaaaaamazing!<br />
7. Celebrating 11 years of marriage (the "steel" anniversary).<br />
<br />
<br />
While it was a very tough school year for both Drew & I, we are looking forward to the coming year refreshed, and with optimism. We are healthy, we are employed, and we have each other! All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-90735238536711487952013-09-16T16:31:00.000-07:002013-09-16T16:31:19.353-07:00Another year here!We started our 3rd year here in Palm Coast this summer! Last year, I wrote about the changes we'd experienced. I think I'll continue in that trend...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>In December, we adopted a 3rd dog! Buddy (formerly known as "Chowder") is a Chow mixed with something (we think Shiba Inu...?) who quickly became a part of our family. He is such a snuggler! Loves to sleep, and bark. He really, really loves to bark...<br /></li>
<li>We are still Disney Annual Pass holders, though we haven't been as much this past year.<br /></li>
<li>We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in Italy this summer!<br /></li>
<li>Jason got married to Erin and they are expecting a baby this March!!<br /></li>
<li>I am definitely no longer a rookie in my field, and am starting to establish myself and my reputation as a counselor. This is exciting to me, as I feel confident that I am exactly where I belong.</li>
</ul>
All in all, we love living here. I am excited to see how many things have changed...and how much hasn't! <br />
All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-3876194340047499642013-09-16T16:23:00.001-07:002013-09-16T16:23:06.382-07:00Viva Italia!To say that we had a great time in Italy would be a gross understatement. We made memories that will last us for the rest of our lives. I kept a very detailed journal of our time overseas, and am thrilled that I took the time to, because already, 2 months later, I am already forgetting the details and love re-reading what I'd written. <br />
<br />
In a nutshell, and because I like lists, here are the highlights and the lows:<br />
<br />
Highlights:<br />
1. Meeting up with Kim and John Gridley upon our arrival in Rome, and spending the evening with them at a restaurant near their hotel, in the "Park Ave of Rome."<br />
2. Realizing the moment I fell in love with Italy (while on a tour bus, driving through the city to the Vatican/Sistine Chapel) and seeing how utterly surrounded we were by sheer beauty! Every single place we looked - absolutely gorgeous.<br />
3. The history...the incredible history of it all! During a visit to the Colosseum, we learned that in Rome, anything built after the 1600's was considered "new!"<br />
4. Walking on a mosaic tiled floor that was built in the year 2 AD inside the Vatican. The year TWO!<br />
5. Seeing where St Peter (from the Bible!) was buried - and experiencing the Sistine chapel. It was an experience, that's for sure. No talking or photos allowed in there! I'd been told that it was smaller than I'd expect...not so! It was enormous, and even the walls were ornate and impressive and I can't imagine how Michelangelo did all of that.<br />
5. Sorrento was our favorite city, probably because it was on the coast. I am so proud of Andrew for doing the chair lift with me on the island of Capri, 1100 feet above the sea!<br />
6. In Sorrento, we spent one evening in the best pizza place in the world, eating the best pizza on the planet! This was what it was all about...best meal of the trip by far.<br />
7. We saw The David in Florence and it was even more breathtaking than I could have imagined. I loved learning about Michelangelo's personality! He was such a total introvert and considered himself a sculptor (and boy, was he!) but he still was able to paint one of the very greatest masterpieces of all time.<br />
8. We ditched the 2nd tour of the day and wandered all around through the city, including the leather market, and marveled in the marble structures that were all over.<br />
9. Finding ourselves at the end of a street, and facing Ponte Vecchio - a place I'd read about and seen pictures of, and we simply happened upon it!<br />
10. This was probably the most memorable part of the trip...Ponte Vecchio used to be homes/apartments, but were later transformed into shops (tanners, butchers, etc) but were now nothing but very, very super fancy jewelry shops. I was one of many, many women drooling over the shiny gold and diamonds in their display windows. Andrew and I saw one diamond ring in particular that was just so unique and beautiful - and he BOUGHT IT FOR ME! Andrew bought me an 18k white gold, made in Italy, diamond ring. It was a precious moment, and the shop owners were genuinely happy for me. It was a woman whose parents sent her to Boston to learn English and go to college, and her father, who spoke no English.We'd wanted to purchase something more than a trinket to bring home - Andrew reasoned that this (unlike the furniture and artwork we'd liked) would be easy to pack :)<br />
11. In Venice, we took a water taxi to San Marco Square, where we'd missed a tour. We opted to walk (as opposed to taking the overcrowded, overpriced water taxi) back to our hotel. This ended up being a 6 hour walk where we got completely lost in Venice. It was so incredibly fun picking which street after gorgeous street to wander down, only to find a bridge that led to more exquisite beauty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Lows:<br />
1. After all of that, I am having a hard time thinking of any!<br />
2. Part of Italy's "charm" was that the tables were so incredibly close to one another. This became less and less charming as the time grew on, and we longed for our good ol' American personal space!<br />
3. The bathrooms in Venice and Florence were unbelievable small! The toilets and sinks were practically IN the shower stalls!<br />
4. Like a good girl, I'd picked my seats on our 3 return flights well ahead of time. The day before flying home, we found wifi and logged in to "check in" to our flights...however, at about 7am the morning we were to fly home (at 11am) I checked my email on a whim, only to find that our flights had been cancelled, "sorry for any inconvenience." Loooooong story short, we were re-routed 4 times, and had to RUN through Germany and Canada's airports to make it to our connecting flights as they were finishing up boarding...and our seats were all over the place, so we had to finagle that at the very, very last minute. BUT - we made it home, and made it safely.<br />
<br />
All in all, we had a fabulous time and are eternally grateful that we were able to do all that we did. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience for Drew and I - and to be able to celebrate 10 years of marriage in such a way was amazing to me.All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-44969274369854800622013-06-30T16:46:00.000-07:002013-06-30T16:46:26.582-07:00My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...We leave for Italy....tomorrow! My bags are packed, we figured out airport parking (and snagged quite a deal, thankyouverymuch!) and have cleaned out the fridge. My dad has graciously and generously offered to watch our dogs for the time we're gone, they're all set with food and treats. All that's left to do is slap on a fresh coat of toe nail polish, and hit the road! <br />
<br />
I have been preparing for this for months...looking up restaurants around our hotels and near the places we're visiting - poring over reviews and picking my favorites. We've converted what we assume to be a good amount of American dollars into Euros and have secret compartments so as to avoid pickpockets & gypsies. I've learned a (very) few Italian phrases, and have several translation and map apps on my iPhone. I know which Taxi's to use and which ones to avoid - and even how to order coffee (never order a cappuccino after breakfast, it's so uncouth). <br />
<br />
In other words - we are ready.<br />
<br />
I feel very much like I've felt the night before taking a major exam for my certification, or before an important job interview. I've done all the preparing that I possibly can. This is it! I can do no more - not only because I am now out of time, but I am also out of brain-space. I am as ready as I am ever going to be...<br />
<br />
There is a very strong mix of emotions going on as we count down the hours. (It used to be months, weeks and days - now it is HOURS!) I have been looking at the 10-day forecast for Rome, and remember the feeling when I scrolled down and saw July 2nd - we will BE THERE on that day! I've been playing the "One week from today, we'll be..." or "one week from right now, we'll have seen..." and am just so excited!<br />
<br />
But, at the same time, I have never been to Europe and don't speak the language. I've been told that, since we're in mostly major cities, not to worry. Our concierge staff at the hotels (all of whom I've emailed to insure we have non-smoking rooms) have been incredibly kind already. "What is there to worry about now?" I keep asking/reassuring myself. But my emotions continue to vacillate between incredible excitement and borderline paranoia. I've never been on an airplane for more than a few hours. This one is going over the Atlantic, and is 11+ hours long....GULP! I pray that the claustrophobia I feel during a facial when they put the washcloth over my face doesn't rear it's ugly head when I start to realize the confined (large, though it may be) space that I'll be in for half of a day...and did I mention it is over the Atlantic??<br />
<br />
Ok...back to the positive realm. We have a few hours in the Frankfurt airport. While we won't technically "be in Germany" - I am looking forward to taking in as much of the culture as I possibly can at the airport, among the masses. I plan to forgo a stop at their Starbucks for the local "Erster Weiner" cafe that is house between terminals. My goal is to sample a German pretzel, and plenty of Kinder chocolate, before boarding our flight to Rome. <br />
<br />
So....tomorrow at this time...we will be waiting to board our flight!!!!!All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-23239655921121201382013-04-30T17:22:00.003-07:002013-04-30T17:22:52.673-07:00ItalyOn June 14, 2013, Andrew and I will have been married for 10 years. An entire decade.<br />
<br />
To celebrate, we are going to Italy! I could not be more excited about this. Aside from our honeymoon, we've only gone on one trip, just the 2 of us, that does not involve family. It was a 3-day weekend trip to the Outer Banks, NC for our 5th anniversary. I am not complaining, we are truly blessed and have no regrets - but this is, undoubtedly, going to be a once in a lifetime adventure for us!<br />
<br />
We began planning in February. It was Italy or England. What a tough choice! On one hand, England might be easier as first time travelers to Europe, as they speak the language. However, Italy seems far more exotic!<br />
<br />
First step - we called Sandy Harrison, one of my mom's oldest friends. She has been a travel agent for approximately 1,000 years. We told her our meager budget, and our dreams. Her response was very kind, but not what I wanted to hear. She was encouraging us to try a Caribbean cruise, as it was more suited to our budget. We looked at a few, but felt like we really wanted to do something much more memorable. After careful planning, on her part, she figured out how we could spend 10 days in Italy on a teachers' salary.<br />
<br />
So - we're going to Italy on July 1st! We'll visit Rome, Naples/Sorrento, Florence & Venice. I have absolutely no idea what to expect, but am so completely thrilled to get to see another part of the world. I'm very, very excited to see the Vatican City, the Trevi fountain and David - the Sistene Chapel! I'm also pumped about visiting the Amalfi Coast, and the Island of Capri, and all of the natural wonders Italy has going on. Our hotel in Sorrento has a view of Mt. Vesuvius! Are you kidding me?!<br />
<br />
Then there's the food...Naples boasts having the best pizza on the planet (and if you've met me, this is a major ordeal for me - I love pizza) and if you've met Andrew, you know that pasta is his favorite thing in the world. We are going to be in heaven. We may come back 20 pounds heavier...but we recently joined a gym...so here's hoping that it works itself out!<br />
<br />
Not only that, but we'll be celebrating a marriage that has been through the fire and has come out refined by it.<br />
<br />
I already can't write about what our trip ended up being like. The sights, the people, the food...All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-43984585721003378112013-04-30T17:11:00.000-07:002013-04-30T17:11:58.084-07:00No longer the rookieFound this gem from last June:<br />
<br />
So this was my first full year as a real, live school counselor. What a year it has been...<br />
<br />
When we moved here last July, Andrew and I were 2 of the 5 new employees for the county. There are typically many, many more than that and training sessions are held, orientations are given, etc. Not this year - instead, we were tossed right in and it was a learn-as-you-go experience. Everything from signing up for health insurance, how to take a sick day, to daily job requirements was left up to us to figure out. Luckily, we're surrounded by wonderfully helpful colleagues who made life a whole lot easier for us. I'd be lost without them, that's for sure. <br />
<br />
From day 1, I knew I was going to love the school where I was. I've had some ridiculously difficult days, and some incredibly rewarding ones as well. However, after one year, filled with challenges and breakthroughs, I can still say that I absolutely love my job!<br />
<br />
If I had to pick a high point for the year, it would be difficult. I've had so many great moments with these students. One that comes to mind was fairly recent - I was in the classrooms and was having the students complete a "climate survey" about the school for our county. One young man, who I'd seen on several occasions for his anger issues, called me over to his desk and said: "Mrs. Hutcheson, look - all 3 of these questions are about you!" With fearful trepidation, I looked at the questions. "1. There is an adult at my school who cares about me. 2. There is an adult at my school who I can trust. 3. There is an adult at my school that I feel safe talking to." <br />
<br />
It was all I could do to not get teary-eyed. If students really do think that about me, then I've done my job.<br />
<br />
I can think of two real low points right off the bat. One includes Baker Acting a student. That may have been one of the most difficult decisions I've made to date, accompanied by one of the most sleepless weekends. The other involves me painstakingly and meticulously planning an elaborate event for our students, only to have my carefully laid plans uprooted by my boss' boss - who then blamed me (read: yelled at and berated me) in front of a room full of parents and school board members. I may or may not have used the word "frickin'" in my response to her...because she's the one that caused the chaos in the scheduling, that I, again, had orchestrated perfectly. Not cool.<br />
<br />
I know it's only my first year, and while I have several, several white hairs as a result of it, I can tell that this is where I am meant to be.All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-72268405815203736052013-04-30T17:10:00.001-07:002013-04-30T17:10:42.349-07:00I joined a gym.I joined a gym today.<br />
<br />
I've never belonged to a gym, but today, Andrew and I joined Planet Fitness. It is new to Palm Coast, and in this relatively small town...we were patrons #942 and 943. Should be interesting.<br />
<br />
In college, I went to the gym on campus a handful of times. I even went with my friend, Leah, over the summer when I was done with physical therapy for my broken leg. When we lived in an apartment in New Albany, OH, our complex had a small gym and we visited it a few times. I've never belonged to one before, though. <br />
<br />
This is the dawning of a new era...or at least I hope it is!<br />
<br />
Andrew bought me an elliptical machine one year for a birthday, and I have it, in my house, it couldn't be more easily accessible. But I don't use it. There's always an excuse.<br />
<br />
There are so many benefits to exercising - better sleep, reduced stress, and the health benefits seem endless - so why don't I? I understand that my job is demanding and wears me out a lot of the time, and the only thing I want to do some days is crash on my couch and not see anyone else in the world...aside from Andrew...usually ;) So I hope this sticks. To be honest, I am not 100% dedicated, but I want to be. That's something...right? I have a secret goal of dropping 10lbs before I head to Italy in July. What have I done to reach that goal? Not a thing. Not yet, anyway...<br />
<br />
Wish me luck...All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-2728694738481027912012-07-27T14:15:00.001-07:002012-07-27T14:15:49.842-07:00What a difference a year makes...It was one year ago yesterday that we moved to Palm Coast, FL. Here's what's happened in one year:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I interviewed for a job as a school counselor, one year ago today.</li>
<li>Got the job and have been happily employed for the past year. Also, haven't had to look for a job due to budget cuts. This is very thrilling for me!</li>
<li>Andrew was also happily employed and will return as THE Physics/AP Physics teacher in a few weeks.</li>
<li>We bought our second house and got an incredible deal in this big beauty. AND - we have a fence! What a luxury for a family with dogs.</li>
<li>We sold our first house in Lynchburg and close on it next Tuesday. Hooray!!</li>
<li>We found a wonderful church and really feel like we can love it, get involved and stand behind it.</li>
<li>We've made some really wonderful friends here.</li>
<li>We spent 8 months (what we thought would be two...) living with my parents and formed a wonderful bond with them. The time we spent there was precious. </li>
<li>Christy & Brandon moved to Orlando in April!</li>
<li>We've been to the beach more times than I can count, and have loved every single trip!</li>
<li>We are Disney World annual pass holders. SOOOO fun!</li>
<li>We celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. </li>
<li>I have personally been challenged in many ways throughout the year, and have grown and been shaped in to a better person as a result. </li>
</ul>
All in all, we feel incredibly, overwhelmingly blessed. This move to Florida has been unreal - we still find ourselves saying "We LIVE here!" one a weekly basis. <br />
<br />
Can't wait to see what the next year brings!All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-92129472907788641852012-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:002012-06-25T12:35:19.697-07:00Spoooooooooky Summer<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact: Before we moved in to our house, our next door neighbor said that the man who originally purchased/built the home passed away. Whether he died in the house itself, or at a medical facility remains to be known. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact: When we moved in, Samson spent a considerable amount of time sitting in the closet of the office, facing the wall and wagging his tail. Creepy, right? We sort of got used to the weirdness of it and usually keep the door to that room shut, just because it freaks us out a little.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact: Last night, I was cleaning the kitchen and living room, disinfecting anything Andrew (who has strep) might have touched or looked at. I was bouncing around between a few rooms and came back into the living room and stopped in my tracks. There, in the middle of the floor, was a pile of Andrew's clothes - which included a t-shirt, and two mismatched socks. Now, this isn't entirely strange, and if you have dogs you'll understand. Every so often, Maggie would drag out a piece of dirty clothes and bring it in to show us, and then roll around on it like a maniac. This, we have been told, is her way of getting our scent on to her. Weird, but not creepy-weird. The strange thing is, I had walked through that room several times and never once saw any clothes on the floor - let alone right in the middle of the floor! It gets stranger...so I went into the laundry room to throw a load of clothes in (the door to the laundry room was shut) and there on the floor were the other two partners of the mismatched socks that were on my living room floor!!! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact: Last night I was at the kitchen table and Maggie was drinking from her water bowl, which is right next to the table. All of a sudden, her favorite little squeaky ball shot across the kitchen floor. I jumped to my feet. Now...Maggie may have stepped on it or Sammy could have kicked it...but he was laying in the dining room and was nowhere around.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact: While I was in the shower this morning, the ceramic, sealed/cemented-to-the-wall-towel holder fell to the floor and broke. Only one side - the other side is still sealed/cemented to the wall.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Fact: My laundry room door just slammed shut. No windows are open, neither is the garage. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As I was relaying all of this to Andrew, he got completely freaked out and his response was this: "If there is a ghost in the house, the good news is, he can't do anything to you." I'm not entirely comfortable with discussing this as a real option. If there is a ghost in the house - well, there are a whole lot of other implications that go along with it! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I'm still not entirely sure where I stand on supernatural things like this, but it's beginning to get a little creepy...</div>All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-58198573627451497522012-05-15T18:15:00.000-07:002012-05-15T18:15:30.552-07:00Palm CoastIt has been entirely too long since I've written anything. I'm not really sure what to write but I'd like to get back into the habit so....here goes....<br />
<br />
I like lists. Let's start with that. <br />
<br />
Things I love about living in Palm Coast, FL:<br />
<br />
1. Well, we got a house. It is an amazing house. I love this house. It's far too big for us right now, but maybe some day we'll fill it up. It was an absolute steal and we got it for farrrr less than it's worth. And, it was owned by a bank so we didn't have to feel horrible about taking anyone's house...instead, we stuck it to the man!<br />
2. I love the school where I work. It's great. The people there are wonderful and it's a very supportive environment where I can get my feet wet and grow as a counselor. Plus the kids are such a trip. Never a dull moment!<br />
3. We are peas in a pod with my parents. The time we got to spend living with them was absolutely precious. Who knew Andrew and my dad would become buddies?<br />
4. The vicinity to the ocean is suh-weet. We go there some times just because we can and the stress absolutely melts away....<br />
5. The weather. Today it stormed, hard, for about 15 minutes. Then it went back to sunshine and breezes.<br />
6. We've met some really wonderful people here. It's hard making friends in a new place but so far, we've got a few that are fantastic.<br />
7. We are Disney World annual pass holders. My 8 year old self loves me for that. So does my 30 year old self.<br />
<br />
More to come as I find more interesting things to write about....<br />
<br />All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-61766317749570497032011-12-30T15:58:00.000-08:002011-12-30T16:02:21.264-08:00A New YearI've always said that New Year's is my least favorite holiday of all. I never really got into celebrating a new year, I just feel like it's another day, like any other. A new year isn't going to be a new start for me. In my experience, it takes more than a calendar changing to make major changes. So, in an attempt to get into the spirit, here are some memories of 2011 and things I look forward to in 2012:<b><br /> <br />Best moments/events of 2011</b><br /><br />1. Moving to Florida<br />2. Getting a job (finally!) as a school counselor at Indian Trails Middle School<br />3. Going to the beach just because we can<br />4. Kelli and ZJ visiting me for my birthday<br /> 5. Being bone tired and physically/mentally/<wbr>emotionally exhausted from packing/moving, laying on a half-deflated air mattress, and having Andrew say "I'm so glad I have you to do this with."<br />6. Remembering that we don't have to travel 10+ hours for Thanksgiving or Christmas<br /><br /><b>Favorite discoveries of 2011</b><br /><br />1. Luigi's Italian Ice (lemon flavored)<br />2. Thepioneerwoman.com<br />3. Mezzaluna's Tuesday night pizza deal<br />4. The TV show "Walking Dead"<br /><br /><b>Saddest moments of 2011</b><br /><br />1. Saying goodbye to my Lynchburg friends<br /> 2. Giving "Cat" away<br />3. Ohio State losing to Michigan<br /><br /><b>Things I look forward to in 2012</b><br /><br />1. Our VA house selling<br />2. Finding a home to move into in FL<br />3. Trips to the beach<br />4. Having friends visit us in our new home in FL<br />5. More trips to the beachAll.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-23899807210569867352011-12-27T14:01:00.000-08:002011-12-27T14:03:49.472-08:00A Very Etsy ChristmasMy husband got me this for Christmas and I think I like it more than I'd like a tennis bracelet. I have a fascination with birds, especially those that soar in the sky and glide around without flapping their wings. My favorite song of all time is Paul McCartney's "Blackbird." I also love jewelry. That being said, allow me to introduce you to the cutest thing on Etsy that is now mine. I may never take it off:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthOCHThT9g2jDJt5OMK3UPuxQseqtYJl0z_OAXJ48kNO0PpJdF06AstCoEODN-RugDIYFWif53DLRxILK9kHLs5wkXjXMCG6lxdedsOfrHM-qu4AR2nO6oViQZ6u4j6ZZ0ZTkcJswmUU/s1600/birds.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthOCHThT9g2jDJt5OMK3UPuxQseqtYJl0z_OAXJ48kNO0PpJdF06AstCoEODN-RugDIYFWif53DLRxILK9kHLs5wkXjXMCG6lxdedsOfrHM-qu4AR2nO6oViQZ6u4j6ZZ0ZTkcJswmUU/s320/birds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690932190030372770" border="0" /></a>All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-4177990173719759612011-12-10T10:27:00.000-08:002011-12-10T10:33:31.394-08:00Favorite LinesI read a post on thepoineerwoman's blog the other day that sparked my interest, and made me want to get into blogging again. This one's plain and simple - favorite movie/tv lines that I think of on a daily basis. Or, at least weekly basis. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"If I woke up tomorrow morning with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised"</span><br />-Clark Griswold, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation<br /><br />This is quite possibly my favorite movie line of all time. I think the timing, the delivery and the content are remarkably hilarious.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Break the wrist, walk away"</span><br />-Rex, Napoleon Dynamite<br /><br />More often than not, when I'm walking away from a person, a situation or a place...I think of this line.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I hate you and I hate your ass face"</span><br /> -Corky St. Clair, Waiting for Guffman<br /><br />I have learned to check and make sure my phone is off, but I say this a lot when I'm mad at something silly...or someone silly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"We have so much in common, we both love soup and snow peas, we love the outdoors, and talking and not talking. We could not talk or talk forever and still find things to not talk about"</span><br />– Sherri Ann Cabot, Best in Show<br /><br />This is the true measure of a friend...being able to talk or not talk forever, and still find things to not talk about. <br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"And THAT'S why....you always leave a note."</span><br />-J. Walter Weathernma, Arrested Development<br /><br />This one is used frequently when I (or anyone else) forget something...which is frequently.<br /></b> <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"This is NOT pudding..."<br /></span>-Random Whoville citizen, The Grinch who Stole Christmas<br /><br />Andrew and I will pull this line out of the bag when we find out that something is not what we thought it was, or if we're eating something and it is disgusting.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-58043104748434894502011-09-24T18:56:00.001-07:002011-09-24T19:10:22.930-07:00Fall in FloridaThe things that I LOVED about fall, and will sorely miss, include:<br /><br />1. The leaves changing<br />2. Wearing scarves<br />3. Ohio State football<br />4. Pumpkin spice lattes<br />5. Fall festivals<br />6. "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"<br />7. Making pumpkin baked goods (bread, cookies, etc)<br />8. Apple cider<br />9. Our annual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hutchtoberfest</span> w/the Cooks<br />10. Anticipating snow days<br /><br />Things I will LOVE about Fall in Florida include:<br /><br />1. It is the end of September and it's still so warm - upper 80's!<br />2. Going to the beach in October<br />3. Swimming in the pool on the first day of fall<br />4. Pumpkin spice lattes<br />5. Seafood festivals<br />6. Ohio State Football<br />7. Knowing that it won't be snowing any time soon....or ever, really!<br />8. Wearing flip flops and shorts and t-shirts instead of jeans, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hoodies</span> and jackets<br />9. Have I mentioned the beach? It's still totally beach weather here<br />10. We can swim any day in November (thanks, Death Cab for Cutie!)All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-40988674036837006332011-09-17T12:49:00.000-07:002011-09-17T13:07:45.627-07:00Pen PalsI have a pen pal. Her name is Elexia and she's in the 3rd grade. Right now she's learning her times tables and cursive, so I'm sending her word problems (practical applications.) She sent me a doll named Jessica and asked me to take pictures of Jessica around Palm Coast, doing what it is we do. Here's the first of many more to come.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's Jessica at the pool!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBztDNco8ti3ITreA7eGbRops8B4_UiB_OdahEK1ZNYC3DbQKXd3C_FiLBxF-hFOWm8ueVMTVwJpLrPFS7zNypdXFtXZsVOpA5Rj0jJnpXOWAOIBOc8WJvnDK4HkEk9Xi3F3PepzyBNY/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBztDNco8ti3ITreA7eGbRops8B4_UiB_OdahEK1ZNYC3DbQKXd3C_FiLBxF-hFOWm8ueVMTVwJpLrPFS7zNypdXFtXZsVOpA5Rj0jJnpXOWAOIBOc8WJvnDK4HkEk9Xi3F3PepzyBNY/s320/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653418649889543618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here we are at the park where we walk the dogs every day.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ek_iU23XpIDblEIGqFIXyvdwNcmtCx4AQZ_rSESoUNL73Xz2vHMmNOGkNEksCtB_FVkRYTRFJZTot1eKEZiNOuvKvfEJUQY-9VPaQvGbWu0NphmbofF5vRsV3jFUuD7WuS3aZiGZwYo/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ek_iU23XpIDblEIGqFIXyvdwNcmtCx4AQZ_rSESoUNL73Xz2vHMmNOGkNEksCtB_FVkRYTRFJZTot1eKEZiNOuvKvfEJUQY-9VPaQvGbWu0NphmbofF5vRsV3jFUuD7WuS3aZiGZwYo/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653419568479230066" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Here she is at the lake at the park where we walk the dogs every day.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA0Us7rJXvafAYSFqrst7bGW8aTaLZO0FTfsHJwPATgLux2L6X3eaLmgDFfWqyMtKJUXGpk_XRK-4Y2PyKvCpeXH9iI2pvkvzRwHJnEMYBRXVgQ_ZD_xHhaqYcOxkZ5IUkyM2CqIrrOs/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdA0Us7rJXvafAYSFqrst7bGW8aTaLZO0FTfsHJwPATgLux2L6X3eaLmgDFfWqyMtKJUXGpk_XRK-4Y2PyKvCpeXH9iI2pvkvzRwHJnEMYBRXVgQ_ZD_xHhaqYcOxkZ5IUkyM2CqIrrOs/s320/-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653420659205173890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here she is with uncle Andrew at the lake!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WKvd0-RyyeNhhh5p9oTK6w7DLA2OCp2GQ9RdY6pFRZif0E-MzFS7VvAbBeu2-llOfxv71R-rAOiOriWO2w4_fmpiussZvzmPf2zEtPhLw-XgmD_67pgStA5RekhAkaBwGR4tsFgCUBI/s1600/-7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WKvd0-RyyeNhhh5p9oTK6w7DLA2OCp2GQ9RdY6pFRZif0E-MzFS7VvAbBeu2-llOfxv71R-rAOiOriWO2w4_fmpiussZvzmPf2zEtPhLw-XgmD_67pgStA5RekhAkaBwGR4tsFgCUBI/s320/-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653419672335063826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Here's Jessica and I at the lake. I think she likes it.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI_hz870cGG9VCG-g9KdHUajFUo_2x-_TpZAZioXqzD-FTBfRXLbnJOiMAmr_LheDzirHd3unOtPdu32YWg-s05CUTCD0XskiGqF_GSoFw22TzZemcgaYFA0z-7md7SILmxgvV1AwVHc/s1600/-9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI_hz870cGG9VCG-g9KdHUajFUo_2x-_TpZAZioXqzD-FTBfRXLbnJOiMAmr_LheDzirHd3unOtPdu32YWg-s05CUTCD0XskiGqF_GSoFw22TzZemcgaYFA0z-7md7SILmxgvV1AwVHc/s320/-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653419801838549730" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Here we are in St. Augustine (the oldest city in the United States) at the Oldest Wooden School House in the US.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRojkVUqGk1WoLo-EQLVtnjIdVvGOtXp-g1ZcQnL6zFfWjUObfun_UpTe951mNtqm0_dldv8eKJDldFkPKL_9I8nzFpXhzW9TWzyfF0wsP2GDib_U-mHKvoB4MNMmOiyCzFagfpYPtGo/s1600/StAug.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRojkVUqGk1WoLo-EQLVtnjIdVvGOtXp-g1ZcQnL6zFfWjUObfun_UpTe951mNtqm0_dldv8eKJDldFkPKL_9I8nzFpXhzW9TWzyfF0wsP2GDib_U-mHKvoB4MNMmOiyCzFagfpYPtGo/s320/StAug.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653419948052120818" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />And here is Jessica at my favorite place in the world, the beach.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7UPLZtd-HGaXUq4ic1uVP1Q9UAP8zCZBH3z65vzTxBoTSRB7S9QdtKvIM281wuODrq9qBQ5fb_MAjOBudADfIPIdQ3-o7xIbHbEk-4xfGISQXRExrqKrwrkJaG-dndxrKP6AgXArfKI/s1600/DSC04810.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7UPLZtd-HGaXUq4ic1uVP1Q9UAP8zCZBH3z65vzTxBoTSRB7S9QdtKvIM281wuODrq9qBQ5fb_MAjOBudADfIPIdQ3-o7xIbHbEk-4xfGISQXRExrqKrwrkJaG-dndxrKP6AgXArfKI/s320/DSC04810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653421862226358898" border="0" /></a><br />There will be more adventures to come, stay tuned...All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-45913931594221965562011-08-11T19:38:00.000-07:002011-08-17T18:46:20.898-07:00The Move, Part 2This is where we really started to see God's plan for the steps we've been taking for the past 5-6 months come together. I think it's best expressed through a timeline...
<br />
<br />Wednesday, 7/27/11
<br />8am - Load up the cars and drive to FL from Lynchburg, VA
<br />11pm - Can't sleep. Check FL schools job websites. See a posting for a counselor at Indian Trails Middle School (ITMS). Apply for Job. Send principal email with resume and cover letter.
<br />
<br />Thursday 7/28/11
<br />2pm - Take nap and put phone on silent
<br />2:45pm - Miss phone call from ITMS about scheduling interview for counselor position.
<br />5:30pm - Wake up from nap. Listen to voicemail from school. Flip out.
<br />
<br />Friday 7/29/11
<br />8am - Call school. Am told my application is not visible.
<br />8:01am - Call HR dept. Am told my certification is not visible, therefore my application isn't either. HR person contacts dept of education and finds certification - fixes problem. (sidenote: this could explain why none of the other schools have contacted me at all)
<br />8:05am - Call school back. Application is now made visible to them. Schedule interview for 9am Monday morning.
<br />
<br />Saturday & Sunday - wait impatiently....
<br />
<br />Monday 8/1/11
<br />9am - Interview at school.
<br />
<br />Tuesday 8/2/11
<br />9am - School calls. Set up 2nd interview for 1pm that day.
<br />1pm - Second interview. Am told they can't tell me anything until Thursday when they submit their decision to HR.
<br />
<br />Wednesday 8/3/11
<br />3:45pm - School calls. They offer me the job, even though they haven't gone through HR. I wholeheartedly accept! (We've been in FL one week and I have my dream job...)
<br />5pm - Go out w/Andrew, Mom & Dad to celebrate. I am FINALLY a school counselor!
<br />
<br />Thursday 8/4/11
<br />9am - Visit school board office. Get fingerprinted, drug tested and fill out a variety of paperwork. 1pm - Visit school, meet with principals and office staff.
<br />
<br />Friday 8/5/11
<br />10am - Visit school again, am told I can officially start Monday.
<br />
<br />Monday 8/8/11
<br />8am - My first day of work as a Guidance Counselor.
<br />
<br />It is now Saturday and I've been a counselor for a full week. I absolutely love it! The school staff is great - very helpful and supportive. I already feel right at home. Praise the Lord!
<br />All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-8373843663214179492011-08-09T19:19:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:37:59.389-07:00The Move, Part 1<div>
<br /><div>
<br />
<br /><div>I desperately want to document how amazing this move has been so I'm going to just start writing.
<br />
<br />Packing and getting the house ready was a mad rush and required an enormous, gigantic amount of work and effort. I thought we'd done a really great job of packing little by little from May-July, but boy did we have a lot left to do when it got down to the wire! We literally could not have done it without the help of some amazingly wonderful guys who helped up load the PODS.
<br />
<br /><div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639791093845095602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gxlwF7FmG31wKULK_0CCsu1rng1Q-GQJjNK4YwGhgYH995RvSxSE0_te9-MiY2wGDbvEzxKz-cOyg8spSIYCUQJvWmz3pQtY5RWSUtpeJV5iUUu9AjIp8ND7s82ibhEQCQPlX-Z2Tzw/s320/003PODSBEFORE.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639791301240188610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac6k2wwqRmvjeFAhEP6UNenSGG5giD782SbaVihsF6KMM24IyeguWUYAE18jtAioTjzgC2PD1pjUZnj5DUburub7ti1AyGhSbfsspU11OosdkjfAxf0GwCbgR0IVKqhGjoV-3buTbhk4/s320/004PODSFifth.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>Ask any of them - it was nothing short of a miracle that everything fit into the 16x8x8 little storage container. (Sidenote: If any of you Lynchburg folk plan on moving, call Marcel. The man is brain and braun, he masterminded how to fit all of our crap into one big rectangle.) We began exploring additional options at one point, and I even entertained the idea of trading my teeny tiny Jetta in for some kind of SUV just so we wouldn't have to leave anything behind! (I wasn't really in my right mind at that point...)
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639791240844168546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtax5Ol3FSiEBpPYulhuNJqcRrd_cEx6xOryKa65bla2VRZRCKFJPKqd7-LIBYuDhJIgh1mH8fCmFHz0cdwfPM_A4EmuWPMsCxVZUgjy2p-TvHLPxMBiDO706xlLooOD9Y5cJxFeoQsFI/s320/002PODSFourth.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>But - it all fit.
<br />
<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639791362301108866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugOk-SjphwU7VE7uxUfGksHqwIRZ3VkxPTuOde22X179DQExQ96fu8an5jYmIMHQEHxaBZnP1WOBhrTJK6ySpwnC04ftPEp_jSGMB5RoqU9JwuGgqZo-ntRyqt58eWrZHqmEjZZiF3MU/s320/007PODSLast.JPG" />Every day we were bone-tired, painfully, supremely exhausted. We slept on a raft-like air mattress but I really think we could've slept standing up at that point. It was an adventure and we chose to see it as such. I've heard packing and moving can really put a strain on your marraige, but we grew closer and our marriage was strengthened by working together and choosing to be a team.
<br />
<br />Ok, so we got the PODS packed and the house spotless and loaded up everything we'd need to live (while @ my parents') into our 2 cars. Both of the dogs were in my back seat. They tried to fit in the front with me, but as you can see, space was limited... </div>
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639791907764394674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r-405jTbx1tm0y_OeUqQFxmgc4EQtKkHv-KMhNwm7rpRiLGzMYUJzevXzCfIxhJDuQAZgDiXd2L2L3VVDDeWVRKBO492qpxZZZJgnlBJPCUPbCY4x6v9S5CyCbtV18r2rGyf8RuYPak/s320/004Mag%2526Sam.JPG" />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div>Meanwhile, Andrew's car was so packed, he couldn't see out of the right side of his car. Our solution? Walkie talkies, of course! He'd buzz me to ask if he could get over, and I'd let him know. I had the GPS and lead the way, and we worked well together.
<br />
<br />Our 9-10 hour trip turned into 11 hours once we hit Georgia. The rain was in-freaking-tense. It was the kind where you'd put your flashers on, drove 25mph on the highway and prayed that you didn't veer off the road. We hit 3 20-30 minute patches of that madness and it was nervewracking, to say the least.
<br />
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639792116090110210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUKHU5W-fwIFIqHFMq_H5FmhCMHE0pB-ODwNNokvxaZp41m0x-0ZCRVqttFPVJep-BCHDXvVwhFGJDEz1U2g5z4RrOGLRMJMenfH3PQBFbjKmSLeh_6vbMsMvNwinOu0nZcgFt4skIT4/s320/018RAIN.JPG" />I was so thankful when we pulled into my parents' driveway! I had to peel my hands from the steering wheel, and I doubt the dogs (who did so, so well by the way) will ever want to go for a ride in the car ever again, as long as they both shall live. They were real troopers, honestly.
<br />
<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639792027201554402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUziILLi_Wu6608fxQHUTgA24_kk4e4I7OtllHLO5M_kOVRTUukRl_HyoW3QPEHlaEYACNEk1NL8WHrsj2CeudRmavQmGBrc75DvdkZIYYE7nfzneavx5wHgm_tkUsRedn0X0X7OlYr9E/s320/015Mag%2526Sam.JPG" />
<br />So in one word, I'd describe the process of getting from VA to FL as "exhausting." I'd also like to say that we were so, so, SO thankful to have arrived safely and with everything we'd need for the next who-know-how-many-weeks. We felt so blessed and were just thrilled that the hardest part was officially behind us! </div></div></div></div>
<br />
<br />All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-61498125322464880622011-07-15T19:14:00.000-07:002011-07-15T19:32:51.248-07:00Pros and Cons<strong>These are the things I am looking forward to when it comes to moving to Florida:</strong><br />1. Living near my parents. We get along really well, and the older they get, the more I get nervous about them being so far away. They're no spring chickens!<br />2. The ocean. It is the most relaxing place in the world to be. If I ever get a job, I look forward to swinging by the beach on the way home to de-stress. If I don't get a job, I'll go there as often as I can to soak in the sights, sounds and sun rays.<br />3. No more snow. We watched a movie the other night where the actors were shivering in the wet, freezing snow. No thank you. I've had enough of it and I'll be happy if I never see another flake as long as I live.<br />4. I only have one grandparent left, and she lives in Tampa, FL. That means I'll get to see her more than once every few years and I think that will be fantastic! I also have some cousins there and it will be so nice to see them more often.<br />5. Change. I really crave change every so often, whether it's a hair cut or re-arranging the furniture. This is a rather large change, and pretty much everything is going to change with this trip. I say bring it on!<br />6. The warm weather. We'll be near enough to the ocean that we'll have the nearly constant breeze keeping the humidity away.<br />7. Adventure! There are so many new places to see and explore there! I've already looked up the local festivals and have a few in the fall I'm excited about. There are a ton of nature preserves there, natural springs, and other outdoorsy things for us to do.<br />8. Visitors. I'd like to think that living in such close proximity to St Augustine, Disney, and other various travel destinations will give the Hutcheson Bed & Breakfast some business. (Friends - please come and visit us!)<br />9. The housing market. Once we sell our house, we'll have so many wonderful new homes (at bargain, clearance bin prices!)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Things I am not looking forward to when it comes to moving to Florida.</strong><br />1. I will miss my friends here so, so much. They have become a family and a community to Andrew and I. That's the only thing that is really making this move difficult. It wrenches my heart to think about it, so I'll stop...<br />2. I don't have a job lined up. We'll be fine and I'm sure I'll find something, but I feel like I'm starting over from scratch. It's taken me 2 years to build a reputation in the school system here and I've worked hard to do so. Now, it's back to square one.<br />3. Packing. <br />4. Unpacking.<br />5. Moving is expensive. We have a PODS and it sounds perfect - we load it, they move and store it til we're ready for them to bring it to our new home, whenever and wherever that might be.<br />6. The dogs are going to be cooped up in my dad's workroom for as long as we're staying at my parents' and boy do these pups like to bark! <br />7. Living at my parents' house. Their house is amazing and wonderful and so are my parents, but we hope it's a short visit for the sake of our relationships.<br />8. Trying to sell our house from several states away. We'll see how this works out!<br />9. Scorpions, snakes and alligators. They live in FL, too, and I hope to avoid them.<br /><br /><br />That's all I've got for now. I am so very thankful for my partner in crime, Andrew, for picking up the slack when I get worn out and for being the bread winner and actually getting a stellar job in this daunting and recessed market.All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-42681596648054810742011-07-10T18:58:00.001-07:002011-07-10T19:07:56.748-07:00Boxes boxes everywhere...I was in the zone this weekend. I packed up every blanket in this joint (to take to Florida...where it's warm all the time) along with sheets and towels. I was really surprised at the amount of blankets that we have. Most are useful (comforters, throws, etc) but then there are the nostalgic ones. The Care Bear blankets my mom made for me when I was a baby, Andrew's dinosaur afghan that he's had since he was little. But still...so many blankets!<br /><br />Next, I boxed up the kitchen. I got about 75% of it done. It's no concidence that I boxed up all of my cooking gear first. No more cooking for me!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627909318721379698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CaBFcb_yIh6o5nC_rR2kreRvhSSPv7CQOJhB4Abg8pqvTNpsl7FyP_6g62Ks4HNTGpPiwVqC43AJlJV13iE8qLEWkyVUWgGW-fRMmxkOAI0DMvrl-aKqQ_3bJoPYufILMOn3lteo6yw/s320/002boxes.JPG" /> Thank you, Chick Fil A, for your wonderful boxes!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627909383871967474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaGQAiUx5LipjEoI4fOnY7z_pDXWzdi523UfepR8Ixkohlw8XACqedwd3iy7LyTTJ_Mxiot5VRG9GmbhV-CJRwVzwcNk49K1pPYf2Rsw1jJBSbD2E-5zlEuf8XR2mMlGxjU9CAHTwXXA/s320/004Tapes.JPG" /><br />These have been my best friends over the past few days, and I feel like we're only going to become closer as the weeks pass.All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-23761984424839678042011-07-10T14:44:00.000-07:002011-07-10T14:45:16.055-07:00Book Review of The Canary ListThis book had a slow start, and there were a few spots where I was frustrated with the story-line (with the main character, Crockett Grey, being falsely accused and set up). There was not an overtly Christian message to this book, although there were a lot of nods to the idea of spiritual warfare. I was honestly hoping for more from this book. I am an avid reader of Ted Dekker and Robert Liparulo, and was hoping for more of a page-turner. The book was well written and kept my interest once I got into the middle of it, but it was not as exciting as I'd hoped. The ending is wrapped up neatly and I wasn't left with any questions, and I always appreciate that in a novel. <br /><br />I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this reviewAll.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-29551574928252942422011-07-05T15:50:00.000-07:002011-07-05T15:57:28.619-07:00Side Salads<div>Andrew and I have a problem, and it is late night snacking. We can't seem to help ourselves, now that we have the summers off and are without a bedtime. I like to think that this worked for the good (Romans 8:28 in action!) the other night when he talked me into going to McDonald's somewhere around midnight to get $1 sundaes.<br /><br />As we rolled up to the drive thru, I saw that they had a side salad on their $1 menu. On a whim, I ordered that instead of a hot fudge sundae (I know! What was I thinking?!)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626005625100070306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLljRk6H0LCJTXbAQIEFquRgswj7dNjG7J_JHibhds610xSKYzHY4NldfnsRg0UBpqNSE-F4CTak1wu-Xo1utjCrKtvNN9RmWrZMdoMq31a5WhJcIu91tXuNZC9EbIBnklRpQ4UZntda4/s320/salad.jpg" />Here's the thing - it was awesome! For $1 it is a decent sized salad, and seemed very fresh. I stopped on my way home tonight and picked 2 up to go with dinner! It's cheaper than buying a bag of mixed greens and it comes with your choice of dressing. It's a win-win. </div>All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-61358616653688644002011-07-02T14:30:00.000-07:002011-07-03T09:11:00.502-07:00Florida boundIn a month, we'll be living in Florida. Right now, it really doesn't seem quite real. <br /><br />My parents retired in Palm Coast, FL last fall, and this spring, Andrew got a job teaching AP Physics at a high school there. I'm very excited to be closer to my family. My parents aren't getting any younger, and I am looking forward to living near them again. I haven't lived near them for more than a few weeks since 1999 when I left for college! <br /><br />So we have our house on the market and are waiting for it to sell. The last bit of June and all of July seem like a total waiting period for us. Waiting for me to hear about the ten thousand jobs I've applied for, waiting to sell our house, waiting to pack, waiting to move. It's really not very fun...at all. <br /><br />I've been fervently looking for a job as a school counselor down there, but there really aren't many openings. I haven't given up yet, but it's not a promising job market at the moment, so I guess I'll just plan to be a professional beach bum :) I do look forward to the constant ocean breeze and the warm weather year-round. I'll be happy if I never see another snowflake ever, ever again. Granted, that means no more snow days...but we'll have hurricane days to look forward to! And did I mention that we're only 10 minutes from the beach?? <br /><br />It's an exciting time for us, but also a time of being patient and trusting that God has a plan that is far beyond what we can ask or imagine. When I talk with God I feel like He says to me over and over: "Just trust me." Looking back over our last move (to VA) and several other circumstances where I wasn't sure how things would turn out - He has been 100% faithful and has proven His trustworthiness over and over...so I have nothing to worry about!All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6424544096304728670.post-41711660083225642682011-06-30T14:02:00.000-07:002011-06-30T14:13:09.924-07:00DehydratedI have a new love in my life, and it is dehydrated vegetables. As I posted recently in a post about <a href="http://happyhealthyhutchesons.blogspot.com/2011/06/summertime-snacks.html">Summertime Snacks</a>, I discovered these in the organic aisle of my local Kroger. They're healthy, locally grown and delicious! I'm choosing not to do any research on whether veggies lose their nutrients in the dehydration process. Ignorance is bliss...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>So I went out of my way this afternoon to swing by Kroger and pick up a tub or two of veggie chips. Much to my dismay, they were out of the usual selection and only had dehydrated okra, and green beans. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624123060527703522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOu_tn1XoZJDkje2CirVisDGVJqH-vAbn-eSxB5m0f_zrZwo70CqhL_ZYRZmVZ69K8QQG_cPQBTWtg1TuKFKUmin7RCImiuTRaqMZShG0pQcMeNx1S-TJVXJGzn8NWC_vJofYsV5vhfs/s320/002.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624123129404995842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUhR7wwOFaeg-7VBDLStEuQK_i0Djy3dZrpIiDI7xvCD8vo-qIgjAiRCfJvtAwuPXIlrCrduOtLqTYa6ZteAA8tI_FnhxcpGbtuBqU_ztrq17p9TBkjYIMww43-HdgkyMwz50dqAtKAY/s320/004.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Heaven help me, I am head over heels for them! FINALLY a vegetable I can adore wholeheartedly! Maybe it's the crunch, maybe it's the light dusting of salt that covers them, or maybe it's the delicious, earthy taste that makes my heart skip a beat. I'm not sure, but I do know this: I will never be the same.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624123190853717890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU68fZvxVchVTlRJLaykYdNCB_Ir3rr-_HrskzJLw2eALs-HnTuBnQ4lvI1B61i0xeTrUJEajSDtmvzMAZfKxCKBpu7CGnks_XBlO7oMDDaUZoPat4oFTAnkpZLfnphR5lUTWKEL-2RQ/s320/007.JPG" /></div>All.Natural.Hutchesonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08763434095881521265noreply@blogger.com1