Hopefully most everyone knows by now, but maybe there are one or two people out of the loop. In case you have not already heard: Mark and I were married on August 21st. We were supposed to get married the following week, but because nothing is ever easy, because life is always about making as many people as happy and as satisfied as possible, Mark and I changed our plans at the very last minute. We were married in a quick, simple but touching and sweet ceremony in Algodones, New Mexico. (outside of Albuquerque) The ceremony took place in a tiny little chapel that is just over 200 years old. Mark's son, Jacob, was the only person with us, and he served as best man and Mark's witness. The minister's wife served as my witness. The following week, we had a little 'reception' at our house w/ some Rudy's bar-b-q, wedding cake, champagne and a handful of wonderful friends.
Mark and I are moving to Texas. He has been transferred to Kingsville, TX where he is to begin working the first part of November. Between now and then, we need to find a home. (aaarrrggghhh)
so.........
Last Friday Mark and I flew into Houston. We called up my sister at the last minute and were pleasantly surprised that she and Daniel could meet us at the Cadillac Bar for a couple drinks and a late supper. It was the first time the four of us had ever gotten together, and I had a really nice and fun time. I think Mark and Daniel will get along great as brothers-in-law. I'm still wondering about Daniel's drunk story. Mark, Kristi and I all shared our most drunk story and the bits and pieces of memory we have or, more appropriately, don't have from that night. Daniel did not share his story. In the words of Frasier Crane, "I'm listening."
Saturday morning Mark and I headed south to Kingsville and Bishop. Kingsville is the small town where Mark will be stationed. Bishop is a spec of a town outside of Kingsville. Mark was told by other Border Patrol agents that Bishop is a great place to live if one works in Kingsville. Mark had found a few places on the internet that looked promising, so we had a few appointments set up with sellers and/or realtors to look at those houses. We did. It was not promising. It was a bit discouraging. Because of the drought, everything looked so sad, dead and depressing. We tried not to let that bother us, but it did. Let's face it, when everything is dead, it is depressing. Even when one knows and understands the circumstances, it just does not leave one with the most positive impression. Each house we looked at was also a bit discouraging. Every single house needed some work done before we could move in. Obviously some needed more work than others. Obviously some were more comfortable than others. But none of them just felt 'right'. To be making such a big decision and a big move, nothing was feeling like a good fit. I was getting a bit discouraged, but thankfully Mark was not. I kept asking him questions and asking him what he was thinking, and he was staying so positive and so logical he kept me going. After all of our appointments, Mark was going to take another drive through some neighborhoods in Kingsville, drive through Bishop some more, and then we were going to head to Corpus (and the water!) for the night. As Mark is driving around, I'm talking to God. I'm not paying too much attention to where Mark is going or what he is doing, because I'm praying. I'm telling God that I know He has plans for us. I know we can find a home. I know that God has a home for us, but that we just need to find that home. That we just need God to show us that home. As I am praying, Mark remembers another neighborhood he saw on the internet with a house for sale. Neither one of us loved the house, so we didn't set up an appointment, but now that we were so close, Mark decided to drive by. As he drives past the house and out of the neighborhood, Mark takes a turn not realizing he turned down a dead end road. He decided to drive to the end of the road and turn around. I'm still not paying much attention to him, as I am still talking to God.
All of a sudden Mark says, "Hey, this house is for sale. Look." And in the yard is a "For Sale by Owner" sign.
Mark asks, (as he slowly drives by the house) "Should we stop?"
I look and there is a man out in front of the house watching us. "Sure," I say, "He looks like he's probably the owner."
We back up, pull in, get out and the man is quite friendly and quite happy to see us. He had put the sign out that morning. He had not even advertised in the paper yet, as he was planning to do that on Monday.
The man informed us later that, as he saw us driving by, he hoped that we would stop.
Now I do not believe in coincidences. I do believe everything happens for a reason. As I was asking God to show us our home, we stumble across this house. And it's perfect. It felt so right.
The house is an older house. Not sure when it was built but perhaps the 70's, maybe the 80's. But it is in very good shape. We could tell it has been well taken care of and 'fixed up'. New roof, new duct work, new windows, etc. A beautiful, green yard. A nice sized front porch. A flag pole. The back yard has a nice sized patio. An above ground pool with a well constructed deck built around it; complete with bar-b-q pit which will be staying. The house is at the end of a dead end street in a small town which means little to no traffic. Other border patrol agents live in the surrounding neighborhoods. It feels so 'right'. Four bedrooms/Two baths. A small, but not tiny, kitchen. It sits on three acres and has two barns. One barn is a bit older and was built to house equipment, tools, vehicles, etc. The other barn is newer and smaller and was built more as a 'casita' with a man cave.
I love this house. I love this place. It's entirely fenced in and there is nothing that we would have to do before moving in with both Dolce and Georgia O'Keeffe.
It's ten minutes from the station, and it would be the shortest commute Mark has had in years ..... and it's only a half hour away from Corpus and the beach and the island.
I want this to work out so badly.
Please, please pray that we have found our home. That everything works together for us (with God's help) to make this happen.
We would have plenty of room for all of our friends and families (and their dogs!) to come and visit.
Mark had talked to some other border patrol agents living in the area, and the Dragonfly restaurant was recommended. We found it, it's on the island, and it was soooo good. I'm sure it's a place we will take those who come to visit. I found a hot, spicy jalapeno martini that I loved. It's called the "Spicy Jose Martini". Obviously we both had seafood, and it was delicious. The waitresses were adorable and friendly.
Sunday we headed back to Houston and the airport. We got to the airport and were told that our flight had an hour and a half delay. OK. Let's go watch some football. Eventually we head to our gate, and as we are sitting there, a fire alarm begins to go off. Now, considering it's Sept 11, and considering we are sitting in an airport, one would think we would get concerned or worried or upset. However, anyone assuming that, knows very little about my personality. I just sat reading my book while Mark just sat trying to grab a nap. Over the loud speaker came the announcement, "Do not worry. Do not panic. False Alarm. Stay put. Stay seated. No need to panic." This was immediately followed with, "Evacuate the building. Everybody out. Everybody out. Evacuate the building." what? So we get up and start heading out. Thankfully, I didn't see anyone panicking, but some people were rushing more than others. Mark and I were among those who were meandering our way out. I really did not want to go past security, because we knew once we did, we would have to go back through security. So again, we're walking slowly towards the security point. Right before we pass this point, we hear "False alarm. Everybody back to your gate. Everybody back." So we head back to our gate without having to worry about security. As we were lining up for our flight, some were running up to the line still putting on their shoes and belts. After that excitement, the flight was uneventful......
OK, I think that should catch everyone up on my life.
well, except that I have been busier in my personal life than my Mary Kay life, but I still absolutely love this company, love this product, and love all my customers. If anyone is interested in any products, any samples, any questions, please, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Have a blessed and wonderful day, and please continue to pray that God puts us exactly where He wants us.............
