More Condo Shopping!

I have not done a very good job of keep up with my goal of blogging more. So, since I have had a very productive day today, I figure I will use the last few minutes of my day to update all my followers (all 4 of you!) on my house search!

I found and fell in love with a little one bedroom (with a den) bungalow in Oakton. I put an offer, $11,000 less then the offering price and was told thanks, but no thanks. I was thinking I was willing to pay full price, but decided to hold off and wait a little longer. If it was meant to be it would still be for sale! Well, a condo in the same building just went on the market (Short Sale) for $21,000 less then the original--$10,000 less then my offer. I thought, this must be too good to be true. So, Brian and I went to check it out and he warned me of the big ass dog inside (his words!). His thoughts--ripped up carpet, smell, etc. My thoughts--attacked by said dog while trying to view place, etc.

Anyways...all was well at the place. Definitely a mixture of smells between boy and dog. Needs new carpet, paint and professional cleaning (possibly twice). But, all in all I loved it! So, I will be making an offer (tonight at 5:30!). However, since this is a short sale, we will see how this goes.

More to come! But, while we wait to see what the verdict is...take a looky-loo at the condo website: http://www.thefourwindsatoakton.com/ The floor plan I am looking at is called the Windsong.

Let me know what you think!

xoxo

Good Bye Party!!

so, I kind of freaked out when asked to give a speech, but what I should have said was how much I have enjoyed working at Shenandoah for the past 5 years. I have learned so much and am going to miss everyone so much! Thank you for teaching me how to be a good listener, leader and to stand up for myself.

Oh and ...don't believe everything Don says...he can't even remember what happened yesterday let alone 5 years ago...clearly still not over it!!!

I wish I took more pictures, but this is a good start!!!

xoxo, Katie

my bad.

I had the best helpers yesterday! Sarah, Amanda and Jen all gave up their Saturday to help me load the cars and drive to my parents house. They then unloaded and helped me separate my stuff between the basement, my room and Marlee's room. We were able to get everything into my car and Jen's car which was so nice that everyone had a passenger (and a Sunny carrier). However, while we were packing up the cars, Amanda and Sarah noticed that my car's registration had expired...in November. Seriously. What was I doing in November that I totally forgot to get my registration renewed? I think what threw me off was the 10 and 11 on the sticker. Clearly I thought I had until October of 2011. So, I practiced my plea to the police if I was pulled over and we drove to Fairfax. Luckily there was no need to use my speech and we made it without being pulled over. I wanted to take a picture, but with all the commotion I didn't get one, and the registration has now been renewed. I was switching cars with my mom so I could have the bigger car for my big stuff so we had to get this registration debacle situated immediately so I was a law abiding citizen. Done and Done! Thanks Mom.

Sarah, Amanda and Jen saved my life! They were so helpful in every way I needed them to be. I could not have asked for a better day. It was not stressful in anyway (for me at least...hope I didn't stress them out!). I felt like we were not rushed and we just took our time, got everything in the cars and were on our way! Thanks Girls!!!

You would think from all the moving I did in my life, I would know how to pack. However, this is definitely false!! We always had movers, so I never had to pack!! This was a hard move! I'm glad I have some time and don't have far to go.

It is really sad to look around this empty apartment. It's even sadder that I took both my winter coats home because it is snowing! The rain has turned to snow and it is very cold out! Oh well--I have my vest. Guess that will have to do.

I am going to miss this apartment. It is such a cute and cozy home. I love the yellow walls, I love my bed, I love all my closet space. I love my oven that burns the back and under cooks the front! I love spying out the windows. I love the view of my car. I love being the sole resident of Cooley Hall.

Thank you again Jen, Amanda and Sarah. You are the best and mean the world to me. Thank you is not enough!

xoxo.

packing.

I don't know how to pack.

K. That's All.

New Job!

I GOT A NEW JOB! As excited as I am about my new position at Northern Virginia Community College I am sad to leave Shenandoah University. I have had 5 amazing years at SU. I love everything about a small school. The relationships students make with each other, faculty and staff is priceless. I truly believe in education and believe a college education is in no way a right, but a privilege. When I began working at SU 5 years ago I really thought I would be here for a year, and then move closer to the city. I honestly have to say I fell in love with the small town lifestyle and will miss Winchester more then I ever thought.

Five years ago I could have never predicted working one day in Residence Life, let alone 5 years. I never predicted my 2am wake up calls, my midnight conversations with students and most importantly seeing the students grow from first year students to outstanding young adults getting ready to graduate.

The 2010-11 Residence Life staff has been outstanding! I cannot say enough about their positive attitude and courage in approaching their peers. Thank you for all you do for SU.

My new journey is an exciting one. I will be working on creating an Orientation Program for the Distance Learning students at NOVA in Annandale. It will be a completely different experience for me in every way. I will not be able to run over to Funk/Gore to chat with Oscar the amazing housekeeper. I will not be able to take a break and walk around campus just to get some fresh air. Most importantly I will not have the everyday conversations with students that make me laugh so hard I fall onto the floor and cry or attend conferences with them and see the amazing presentations that they create on their own. These past 5 years have been so memorable but I know I will make more memories as I work with faculty, staff and students at NOVA.

The decision to leave SU in the middle of the semester was a hard one. I know leaving SU at any time would be hard, but in the middle of the Spring Semester is incredibly hard. I will be missing all the April Festivities...Leadership Awards, Relay for Life, RA Banquet, Apple Blossom, check out and Graduation! The end of the semester is such a fun time!! I will be thinking of everyone.

I have made such amazing relationships with so many people on campus. I am going to miss everything about working at a college. I am going to miss going to the cafeteria. I am going to miss 3rd floor Funk. I am going to miss staff meetings with my Racey RAs! I am going to miss my staff meetings with Funk/Gore. I am going to miss the office with the Cooley girls...Amanda, Sherri, Jen--You have each made each day so bright! I am going to miss harassing the maintenance boys for everything I need! I am going to miss the cat walk through the Cooley Hallway. I am going to miss my RAs stopping in throughout the day just to see what I am up to. I am going to miss all my RAs constantly asking what I do all day. I am going to miss my Cooley apartment (hot, cold, loud, quiet, etc). I am going to miss walking to work. I am going to miss my reserved parking space. I am going to miss SU.

I can't wait to share about my first day at NOVA!!

love you all!!! Peace out Girl Scouts!! xoxo.