First, I'll start with the newest addition to our family. We have a new puppy. Her name is Bentley and she was born July 7, 2008. We picked her up September 27th and have enjoyed getting to know her and watching her grow.
She is full blood chocolate lab and just as sweet as can be. I've always had female dogs but Brian has always had male dogs. He is used to hyper non-stop dogs and he is amazed at her temperment. She is laid back and easy going all the time. She loves to sleep. She loves to chew on her bones and chew toys. So far, she's learned to sit and shake. We hung a "Christmas bell" next to the door and she nudges it with her nose everytime she needs to go outside to go potty. She's only had a few accidents in the house. She gets to go to work with me at least 3 times a week and she LOVES when Brian gets home. She likes to snuggle with him and play fetch with him and go for walks with him. We are now dog people and she will be attending every family event with us from now on. Welcome to the family, Bentley girl.Now to Brian's job...he works for Sunstate Equipment Rental. He started at the new store in Buda last Monday (10.20.2008). He is one of about four guys down there and he really is enjoying the freedom of the new store. He is no longer just the "yard-guy." He works the counter, runs the yard, answers the phone, and does just about everything else he wants around the shop. Last week, he got to weld almost every day...according to Brian, that is a GREAT day. Right now, he is working down in Buda on a "temporary" basis. This temp basis means they'll pay for his diesel for his commute and they'll pay him for his drive time. It's a great deal for right now but we don't know what it holds for when he is no longer temporary. We're just riding this out for now. Along with Brian's job, comes Brian's transportation. We have had Brian's truck (2006 Dodge Ram 3500) since August of 2007. It has been a huge money pit and has caused us a lot of financial stress. It was for sale from March '08 until now and we've finally decided to trade it in for something more economical and something that will lower our financial commitment each month. We have found a diesel 2006 Jeep Liberty. We test drove it ALL weekend and found absolutely nothing wrong with it. We took Bentley with us and she seemed to really like it...she slept ALL day in the back. We are in the process of getting the truck traded in and getting that load off our shoulders. We'll be happy when that payment is gone...well, lots lower.
And my job...is well, my dream. Unfortunately, it doesn't pay all that well...or at least, not consistent. When it does pay, it does pay well. Just last week, I installed an entire living room for a client and she was beside herself thrilled. I have recieved 2 emails from her since then praising my work. That is the #1 reason that I do this. I started doing it because I love to do it and I'm very good at it but it's even more fun when my clients think I hung the moon. If I could score one big client that wanted to spend goo-gobs of money, I'd be set and I wouldn't feel so bad for spending so much time doing this for a living. In the mean time, I'm trying to pick up odds and ends to bring in some extra cash. As soon as we get out of this monstrous hole we're in, I can focus more on decorating. Here's something I've found in this business....NO ONE thinks they can afford it. They're wrong. We do everything...flooring (wood, tile and carpet), countertops, rugs, upholstered furniture, casegood furniture, lighting, accessories, artwork, window treatments (hard & soft - drapery, blinds, shutters), wall coverings, paint colors, re-upholstery...and the list goes on. It's so much fun to help people bring it all together...taking their existing furniture and making it work with new stuff. For instance, I have a client right now that has an antique sofa and 2 antique chairs. They are family heirlooms and she really likes them but they're not really her style anymore. So, she's moving the 2 chairs to 2 different rooms and we are adding 4 bright, fun pillows to the sofa and 2 contemporary bright, loud chairs. Lamps & tables will help bring it all together and we have accessories that are in the plan but she doesn't want to splurge for them now. SO, in a few weeks or months when she wants to add something else, we'll add 1 vase, or 1 piece of artwork. I just love that I can help her bring together her home and she hasn't had to break the bank over it! Yes, I love it...just wish I could afford to focus all my time on it.
So I guess all that's left is where we live....we're living north of Austin in Leander. We live in a guest house on a ranch/farm type land and we LOVE it. We never have to worry about traffic or loud neighbors. Bentley has acres and acres to run, if she wants. And we have the greatest landlords EVER. God has seriously blessed our lives and we can't wait to see what else He has in store for us!
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