What just happened?

It's 3:20am and I've been up since 1:30am after having gone to bed at around 11:00pm.

I can't go back to bed. I didn't say I can't go back to sleep. I said I can't go back to bed. I mean I physically cannot go back to bed.

There isn't any room there for me.

Two children and a husband have completely spread out sucking up any room I might be able to wiggle into like a black hole sucks up light.

About an hour ago I tried to go and sleep in one of the kids beds. It was a joke so I gave it up and resigned myself to the fact that while my family sleeps blissfully mommy is only going to get two and a half hours of sleep tonight.

Motherhood is SO much fun!!!

No, I won't disturb the kids or my darling husband who sleeps like the dead and can't hear anything when he's hibernating.

If I move the kids that will be the end of sleep for the evening and I'll have to be up anyway but rather than being alone, I'll have two kids demanding things of me.

Did I mention that when I decided that the whole kid bed thing wasn't working for me I came into the kitchen and almost broke my neck with a slip and fall that would have made a Warner Brothers character stand and applaud me? Arms flailing, feet spinning like the road runner and I swear I hovered in the air for about 30 seconds before crashing to earth.

Humphrey peed on the floor.

He now refuses to look at me.

Smart hound...

Of course I was going to use today to run a whole bunch of errands that I need to get done since tonight we are supposed to be socked with a serious snow storm that's going to dump 12 to 18 inches of snow on us.

Yeah. None of those are going to happen today I don't think.

I'm tired and want to go to sleep.

Maybe I'll try the other kids bed.

Just call me Goldilocks.

If the kids don't kill me the dog is going to

I am a food slave to a Basset Hound.
His name is Humphrey but more often goes by Sir Fuzzy Butt.
We got him when he was only 8 weeks old. He's now 10 1/2. He's so good with the kids. Patient and kind and tolerant though in his old age he's become quite the curmudgeon. He spends his day sleeping or surfing the floors for food.

Since the boys were added to our family, his life has few bright spots. Hot Dog night is high on his list. Pizza night is not far behind but his two bright spots are my mother and sister.

Lordy does he love these women. He does back flips for them and turns into a school boy with a crush.
My mother came to visit yesterday and he didn't know she was coming. If a dog could smile, he was beaming like the winner of the lottery. TAKEMEOUTTAKEMEOUTTAKEMEOUTPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE TAKEMEOUT. See, they take him on nice long walks around the block or in the warm weather around the neighborhood. He sees them and he KNOWS he's going out to sniff and mark and be social with any other dogs he might see. He knows when he comes home he's going to get a cookie and a lap to put his head in and he's going to get love. Lots and lots of love.
Not that he doesn't get that from me. It's just different.

Once in a while we will take him out to the yard and let him gallop around. I almost always regret doing it but he loves it so much.
In the summer he always comes back with a tick or two or he rolls in poop left by other dog owners or the cats. Oh the cats.
Two feral cats have taken up residence in our yard and someone has put out a shelter for them and puts out food and water for them.

Yesterday Humphrey made a beeline for their food and before I could stop him he had almost licked their bowl clean.

Today he woke up super duper sick.
Pooping all over the house, vomiting, peeing everywhere, more lethargic than usual...
I'd had plans to take the kids to the movies with my pal and her much loved offspring. (The boys were fighting over the daughter and who was going to hold her hand)
I crossed my fingers and went despite the dog's condition. I figured it was just an hour and he would be fine.
I get a text from PT.
"The dog is pooping and peeing all over. What do I do?"
Did I mention that PT will not take care of the dog. He does not walk him, will not be responsible for him and while he loves him (I think) he wants no part of what the dog might need, or want.
Humphrey is all me and all my responsibility.
I knew I had to leave the movie and take care of the mess. Thankfully my pal offered to bring my munchkins home at the end of the film and I hopped into a cab and zoomed home.

I've spend the rest of my day catering to the hound.
I know he doesn't feel well. I get it but he's starting to become that irritating sick patient who has a bell by their bed and rings it when they need you. Humphrey doesn't ring. He WHINES. It's just 9:00 in the past hour he's gone out NINE TIMES. NINE.
I'm afraid to call his bluff and tell him to stuff it lest he poops all over the floor again. (I've already cleaned up two floor poops and about 6 poopie diapers today. No more poop for me till tomorrow morning.)
Dude, it's 23 degrees outside and I have no idea where your leash or harness are. I've been taking him out using a belt in a loop around his neck and the last 4 times I haven't even put my coat on!

He hasn't eaten anything but he's drinking a whole lot which is why he has to go out.
If he's feeling better tomorrow we will go to white rice and steamed chicken.
If he isn't feeling better tomorrow I'm going to go out for a walk and I might not coming back.
Between him and the kids and PT Monday seriously cannot come fast enough!!!
Mommy needs a break from taking care of folks and dogs!

Five Boro Bike Ride

I'm completely out of my mind. This proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

NOT ONLY am I singlehandedly organizing a really large scale serious bake off Fund Raiser for Autism Speaks in April (which I'm going to be bugging you about when the website is up and running) I've now signed myself up for the Five Boro Bike Tour in May. 42 miles people. I've signed myself up to pedal 42 miles.

Off my flippin rocker.

If I can raise $500 between now and May 1st I will be able to bike with the Autism Speaks team and that's why I'm doing it.

That's why I've signed up for the Bike Tour. That and I think while I slept last night I had a full frontal Lobotomy...

If I can get 100 folks to donate $5 to Autism Speaks I'll have my team entry funds raised.

Think I can do it?

Think I'll survive?

Taking place the first Sunday in May each year, the adventure starts in Lower Manhattan. The ride heads north through the heart of Manhattan to Central Park and continues on to historic Harlem and the Bronx, returning south along the East River on the FDR Drive. From there it crosses into Queens and then Brooklyn, where cyclists take over the highway before making the thrilling climb up--and down--the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Staten Island. The route is 42 miles, mostly flat except for the bridges.


The ride lands on Staten Island at a fun outdoor Festival, including bike demos, a mountain bike stunt show, giveaways, games, a wonderful food concession, product samples, stretching, massage, a photo booth, and official merchandise on sale. Leave plenty of time to check out the exhibitors and activities and then visit the Fort Wadsworth Overlook for a scenic photo before continuing the final three miles to the ferry.

Today

Oy! Boot Camp left me feeling very wobbly today! My arms are like rubber! I'm addicted to that class though. It feels so good when it's done and I'm loving the results I'm feeling in my legs and my arms...
www.hobokenbootcamps.com

Tomorrow I have the Tyra Banks Show taping so today I have to go shopping for something that isn't all black, or all white or have sequins on it...
These three are my go to for dressy items in my closet
Clearly all are rather bold prints and I'm guessing the TV camera has a hard time with this sort of pattern.
My other two items in my wardrobe are two red tops but my pants are khakis. Maybe I'll head to Target and see what they have...

Vicious & Virtuous

On April 17th, 2010 20 bakers will go head to head at Vicious & Virtuous Hoboken, NJ's 1st annual bake off fundraiser to benefit Autism Speaks.

We will have a panel of super cool judges who will decide winners in a few different categories and then a "best in show" winner that will be picked by our guests.

Tickets to the event will be $20 each with all proceeds going to Autism Speaks.

Your ticket gets you a plate and a fork and you get to wander around and taste all the yummy goodness our bakers have brought with them.

The ticket will also automatically enter you into our raffle and at the end of the day we will draw numbers for prizes.

ATTENTION BAKERS, PASTRY CHEFS AND CHOCOLATIERS!

Do you think you're the best baker in all the land? Do you make the meanest cupcakes in the tri state area? Does your family rave about your cookies? Pals lust for your brownies? Co workers drool over your crumble?

Now is the time to put your baked goods where your mouth is!
On Saturday April 17th Cupcake Hussy will be sponsoring a bake off beat down to benefit our walk team Team Brian The Lion and Autism Speaks.

Pit your best effort against those of your peers. (Peers?! More like underlings!)
The winner will walk away with the satisfaction of having romped all over his or her competition,a tummy full of yummy baked goods & the warm fuzzies knowing they helped a really good cause.

We will also have a creative cupcakes area just for kids where they get to decorate their own cupcakes as well as a cupcake eating contest!!!

Our website will be up and running soon and you can enter the bake off there as well as get more information.
www.viciousandvirtuous.com

To make a donation to Autism Speaks through our walk team "Team Brian The Lion" or for more information on Autism Speaks or Autism Spectrum Disorders please go here:
http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/nyc/lionsmommy

For more information please contact Diana at: Viciousandvirtuous@gmail.com

The Tyra Banks Show

So a super long time ago (like about 5 years maybe more) I signed up on a website called RealityWanted.com

I guess I've always felt my life is a bit of a sitcom (or a circus) and that I should be on TV. I think I'd make stellar TV.

There was a posting recently for plus sized something or other and I threw my hat into the ring.
Why not I thought. I think more plus sized gals look like me than what you see on the TV or in print.
I'm confident in who I am and how I look and maybe I could help some other gals feel good about who they are.

Apparently these shows go through more changes than a kid in it's first year because what I signed up for has turned around and changed completely and now I'm going to be a part of the audience asking the panel a question about fat gal etiquette. (You are just going to have to watch to see. Once I have details on when it airs I'll let you know)

So far it's been a super fun process.

I've been told however that I can't wear anything with big bold prints, no all black tops, no all white tops. This eliminates almost my ENTIRE wardrobe.
Seriously.
I think I have one top I can wear that will work but I have to get a belt...Oy...

506 S Main St Lexington, VA 24450

I can't believe I did this...I'm usually so good about keeping my blogs in order and not cross pollinating. This entry was SUPPOSED to go on my blog "From City to Suburbia " http://suburbhunting.blogspot.com/
I have a long standing desire to take a church and converting it to a residence so when I run across one I ALWAYS blog about it...If you are a real estate junkie or admire or appreciate older unique one of a kind homes check out my other blog.


























506 S Main St Lexington, VA 24450
$550,000
6 Bed, 2 Bath | 9,998 Sq Ft on 0.39 Acres (16,988 Sq Ft Lot) |
MLS #123493


Property Information for 506 S Main St
Listing Saved
Message from RICK ALFORD, Broker, GRI, ALC, THE RICK ALFORD TEAM Unique property! The Owners are willing to participate in reasonable rezoning requests or removal of sanctuary building to create more open space with a ratified contract. CALL/TEXT : Rick Alford (540)460-3372 or Natalie (540)570-2000.
Built in 1892 and known as "The Ivy Tower", this property was once a prominent residence on Main Street. Old house lovers will enjoy the original woodwork, high ceilings, large windows and spacious rooms that could be brought back to itheir former splendor. House and sancuary addition are now home to a local church. Check out the Featured Tour for floor plans and additional photos.
Property Features

*
Single Family Property
* Status: Active
* Area: Lexington
* Community Name: Ivy Tower
* Year Built: 1891
* 6 total bedroom(s)
* 2 total bath(s)
* 3 total half bath(s)
* 19 total rooms



* Approximately 9998 sq. ft.
* Style: Historical
* Heating features: Electric Water Heater, Gas, Hot Water Baseboard, Zoned Heat
* Central air conditioning
* Cooling features: Window Unit(s)
* Exterior construction: Concrete Block, Solid Brick, Block, Brick, Solid Brick, Wood
* Roofing: Metal, Shingle, Slate
* Approximate lot is 129.5x162.7x140.3x122.1
* Lot features: Inside Lot



* Approximately 0.39 acre(s)
* Lot size is less than 1/2 acre
* Topography: Level
* Zoning: Residential
* Utilities present: Public Sewer, Public Water, Cable, Electric, Gas, High Speed Internet, Public Sewer, Public Water, Undrground Utilities
* Parcel Access: City Street
* Elementary School: Waddell
* Middle School: Central Middle
* High School: Rockbridge Co

Interior Features
Range, Finished Basement, Heated Basement, Interior Access to Basement, Cable Available, Storm Windows-Partia, Carpet, Vinyl Floor, Wood Floor, Book Shelves, Storage
Exterior Features
Covered Porch, Porch, Screened Porch, Curb & Gutter, Porch-Front, Porch-Open, Porch-Rear, Porch-Screened, Porch-Side, Smoke Detector
Listing Information
Refreshed at 10:43 AM PT (less than 5 minutes ago)
Added on Nov 2, 2009 (89 days ago)
To access this page directly, use
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/506-S-Main-St_Lexington_VA_24450_1113813785
This listing is brokered by
REMAX Town & Country
Office: (540)463-7629

Go here for a TON more photos
http://www.graphicdimensionsinc.com/listings/index.php?HomeID=7839&RInfo=2