The Crazy Life of a New Floridian & Ongoing TRs

[askelton]

There's a strange, bright thing in the sky!

 

[karajeboo]

DH grew up in northern MS and doesn't have a southern accent until he gets on the phone with someone from there. I can definitely tell who he's talking to!

I'm glad you weathered the storm ok. Except for letting water out of the pool at least once, sometimes twice, a day, we're good too. My BIL gets his MBA in the morning and we're meeting some other DISsers tomorrow evening so I wish the rain would go away! At least for a few hours.

Jeff does the same thing with people from work. I have a way of picking up almost any accent. When I was young we would spend summers at my uncle's cabin in Minnesota. I'd come home asking for a "cohca-cohla" der dontcha know!

My DH does this, but it is with people with Northern accents. He is from NC, and that southern just starts coming out and he doesn't even realize it.

Jeff's is more of single words. I'll hear him drawl out a word and it cracks me up, cause he's the only one of us that does not have a southern accent.

Kara, I'm glad to hear you didn't drown our blow away! Watch out for that backside!

Nope, but I was getting a bit nervous watching these big ditches on either side of our house last night. Even this morning, they are "this close" (picture my thumb and forefinger being "this close" togehter!) to overflowing!

I started reading your trip report this afternoon at work and just now finished all 14 pages. I love reading your stories about life in Florida. You are a very entertaining writer. Thanks for sharing and can't wait for more. ~Jenny

Glad you're enjoying! I"m having fun writing it, and who knows what our next "adventure" might be!!!!

There's a strange, bright thing in the sky!

Don't rub it in!!! We haven't seen it yet! Although I was able to let Bucky out this morning and he didn't come in and give my house the scent of "eau de wet dog!"

Well, I'd better go an entertain the troops today. Jeff is so grumpy from all the rain, and Ally and I have a surprise for him today.

Now we've been die hard Carolina Panther fans since their inception in 1995. We had season tickets the first year they played at Clemson, and we've followed them and gone to several games in Charlotte. But pro sports seem a bit different than college, in that if you're a college fan, you take that with you wherever you go. But, well, we think that, er, um, we'll probably get caught up in the, um, uh, ahem, Jacksonville Jaguars now that we're here. There! I said it! Are you happy JaxJags??? We'll still follow our Panthers, but since we're right in the thick of Jaguar country, might as well do as the Romans, huh?

So last weekend Ally and I got Jags t-shirts for the whole family and we're gonna surprise Jeff today with our new shirts before the game. I wanted to wait until the first regular season game, but Ally just cannot keep a secret!!! I may try to post pics later!

Y'all have a great weekend! Glad Angela is drying out, and everyone weathered the storm okay!

 

[karajeboo]

FINALLY!!! There is a glowing orb in the sky! It looks to be a beautiful day here in not-so-sunny-Florida! More storms yesterday, and the storm drains are still overloaded.

FINALLY!!! Ally is out of the house and not driving us nuts for the day! Poor kid, she had cabin fever so bad. She is such a motor mouth to begin with, but being cooped up for the past several days, I thought Jeff was gonna go nuts! So she's back in school now and Jeff is back at work, so I have the house to myself.... aaaaahhhhhh!

FINALLY!!! We made the switch! This was all Ally's doing. When we were out school shopping a few days ago, she stopped by a store, looked in, and said, "Mommy, we HAVE to get these!"

I emailed this pic to my FIL and I know he's gonna flip! He kept telling us when we moved to FL, "I'd better not see any orange and blue or teal and black!"

Well, no orange and blue for this girl, but being right in the city with the teal and black, well, I guess we're in! We'll still support our Panthers, and Jeff is a Steelers fan, too from his childhood, but otherwise, when in Rome......

Well, off to list some more items on ebay. I'm getting rid of so much stuff! I've sold several pairs of Ally's shoes, all her nice clothes from the past couple of years, now I'm off to sell toys! I just want it GONE!!!! And the nice thing is that I have a nice little balance in my paypal account. Enough to shop for me, without spending a dime (so to speak!).

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Yeah for the Nice family picture! Those shirts look like you are ready for some football. It's 6am and 45 degrees here. I see you already have 91.

 

[jmskinner]

We are a Panther and Cowboy family here, but being in Bucs country we may have to support them. Poor JS was able to get free tics to a Bucs game, but he didn't realize the game started at 8:00pm on a school night. Hopefully we can catch one game.

You know, I never thought of selling DS's stuff on ebay. I have a lot!

 

[karajeboo]

Yeah for the Nice family picture! Those shirts look like you are ready for some football. It's 6am and 45 degrees here. I see you already have 91.

Yes, it's gonna be a scorcher today!!!

We are a Panther and Cowboy family here, but being in Bucs country we may have to support them. Poor JS was able to get free tics to a Bucs game, but he didn't realize the game started at 8:00pm on a school night. Hopefully we can catch one game.

You know, I never thought of selling DS's stuff on ebay. I have a lot!

I made about $20 on the clothes, and I padded the shipping a bit so I think all together I've made $40 on clothes and shoes. Now I'm getting ready to sell her Leapster - hope I can make about $30 on that with all the games....

And with all my new earnings, I've got a brand new OSU sweatshirt on the way to ME!!!

It's so much easier than I thought it would be to sell on ebay! The system is very user friendly. Just take pics, and follow the instructions. Piece of cake! My only problem is keeping track of where and when to ship. The first time I did it I shipped stuff BEFORE they buyer paid for it! Luckily, they paid soon so it worked out.

 

[JaxJags08]

Hi! I'm glad to see that you made it through Fay fine! We lost power for a total of around 12 hours, but no damage. The sun is out here too and I'm SO happy to see it!

Love the shirts! It shouldn't be too hard rooting for the Jags since they aren't in the same division as the Panthers. The Jags-Steelers rivalry, on the other hand, seems to get bigger as each year passes. I think it's because there are a ton of transplanted Pittsburgh natives that migrated to Jacksonville (don't know why). There actually used to be a sports bar in Mandarin that catered solely to Steelers fans. It got so busy that it started becoming an invitation only thing to get in on Sundays to watch the Steelers.

 

[Stasieki]

So glad you made it through OK. Our condo made it through with no leaks and we have new renters!!!!! whoo hoo. They actually moved in on Friday in knee keep water. My management company said it was quite a site. Here's to sunny days

 

[karajeboo]

Hi! I'm glad to see that you made it through Fay fine! We lost power for a total of around 12 hours, but no damage. The sun is out here too and I'm SO happy to see it!

Love the shirts! It shouldn't be too hard rooting for the Jags since they aren't in the same division as the Panthers. The Jags-Steelers rivalry, on the other hand, seems to get bigger as each year passes. I think it's because there are a ton of transplanted Pittsburgh natives that migrated to Jacksonville (don't know why). There actually used to be a sports bar in Mandarin that catered solely to Steelers fans. It got so busy that it started becoming an invitation only thing to get in on Sundays to watch the Steelers.

We used to go to a Steelers sports bar in SC - had lots of fun there, even though I grew up a Browns fan!

Beautiful day here today, eh? But have you seen the tropical forecast??? A TD now that is looking to take a similar path as Fay, plus two more out there that have a chance to become hurricanes!!!

So glad you made it through OK. Our condo made it through with no leaks and we have new renters!!!!! whoo hoo. They actually moved in on Friday in knee keep water. My management company said it was quite a site. Here's to sunny days

Yea! That must be a load off your mind. I cannot even imagine moving anywhere on Friday. That was the worst day for us!!! Tornado warnings, about 5" of rain that day, plus big wind gusts. They must have really wanted to get in, huh?

 

[JaxJags08]

We used to go to a Steelers sports bar in SC - had lots of fun there, even though I grew up a Browns fan!

Beautiful day here today, eh? But have you seen the tropical forecast??? A TD now that is looking to take a similar path as Fay, plus two more out there that have a chance to become hurricanes!!!

Yes, it is muggy and hot - but at least the sun's out!

I saw TD7! I hope it doesn't come here. I'm so sick of rain. My yard's still soggy and I have to wipe our dog's paws every time he comes back in the house.

*Edit* It is now TS Gustav! NO! Go away!!!!

 

[karajeboo]

Just in.... Tropical Storm Gustav is expected to become a hurricane today!!!! And yes, early reports show it following Fay's track! But Fay was so unpredictable, hopefully Gustav will make up his mind and stick to it! I don't know if I can take another 4 day weekend cooped up inside with a 7 year old chatterbox and a 38 year old grump!!!!! Plus a dog who loves to go outside in the rain!!!

Our yard is pretty squishy, too. There are vacant, uncleared lots on either side of us, but they have dug out drainage ditches, that were very nearly overflowing! They must have risen 4-5 feet during Fay. No more rain!!!!! We laugh and say we could take a canoe to both our nearest neighbors' houses!

 

[JaxJags08]

Have you seen a lot of critters since Fay left? We've had 2 frogs on our porch since the storm - 1 tree frog that fell on DH's shoulder (thank God I wasn't there ) and 1 toad I almost stepped on last night! I'm so scared to step foot out on the porch at night because I'm afraid one will get me!

 

[karajeboo]

Have you seen a lot of critters since Fay left? We've had 2 frogs on our porch since the storm - 1 tree frog that fell on DH's shoulder (thank God I wasn't there ) and 1 toad I almost stepped on last night! I'm so scared to step foot out on the porch at night because I'm afraid one will get me!

I haven't seen them but I HEAR them - there is something out in the woods that sounds like a cross between a tree frog, a duck, and a coyote! I swear! It's either a 4 foot frog or el chupacabra!

 

[DisneyJen]

At least the colors for the Jags and Panthers are similar. We had to trade in our Eagle Green for Panther Blue Thank goodness for NFL Sunday ticket

Glad that the weather has improved. We are looking at four days of much needed rain here in NC ... they say it is from Fay but how I don't know. Guess I need to check out the Accu Weather site

Glad all our Floridians are dry and safe.

Sending that Gustav will GO AWAY

 

[askelton]

Well, after following them for four years in college, we're sticking with the Colts & Giants. But good for you for adapting to your surroundings.

Well, no orange and blue for this girl,

You are my new BFF!

Hi! I'm glad to see that you made it through Fay fine! We lost power for a total of around 12 hours, but no damage. The sun is out here too and I'm SO happy to see it!

I'm glad you're ok too.

even though I grew up a Browns fan!

Oh, now you're not my BFF. It's Bengals baby!

Just in.... Tropical Storm Gustav is expected to become a hurricane today!!!! And yes, early reports show it following Fay's track!

Oy vey! Our Florida room has a flat roof and there is some water damage on the ceiling, so DH called USAA and after making sure we can live in the house, and can't see the sky from inside, they said they would call us back sometime this week. They have had 4000 claims!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Just in.... Tropical Storm Gustav is expected to become a hurricane today!!!! !

Yeah, and you know that bad boy is going to mess up my trip

I haven't seen them but I HEAR them - there is something out in the woods that sounds like a cross between a tree frog, a duck, and a coyote! I swear! It's either a 4 foot frog or el chupacabra!

All Carlos' worries about us doing a trip together have just been laid to rest. You know about the chupacabra!

Glad to hear you are okay. You're now a hurricane vet! CONGRATS!

 

[the4princesses]

Just in.... Tropical Storm Gustav is expected to become a hurricane today!!!! And yes, early reports show it following Fay's track! But Fay was so unpredictable, hopefully Gustav will make up his mind and stick to it! I don't know if I can take another 4 day weekend cooped up inside with a 7 year old chatterbox and a 38 year old grump!!!!! Plus a dog who loves to go outside in the rain!!!

Our yard is pretty squishy, too. There are vacant, uncleared lots on either side of us, but they have dug out drainage ditches, that were very nearly overflowing! They must have risen 4-5 feet during Fay. No more rain!!!!! We laugh and say we could take a canoe to both our nearest neighbors' houses!

hi I'm praying the storm does not effect Fla. or La. because we are flying in to WDW Sept. 3 and staying at POP Sept. 3-10 th and we can't wait!!

Please pray it does not come that way or mine!!

 

[karajeboo]

At least the colors for the Jags and Panthers are similar. We had to trade in our Eagle Green for Panther Blue Thank goodness for NFL Sunday ticket

Glad that the weather has improved. We are looking at four days of much needed rain here in NC ... they say it is from Fay but how I don't know. Guess I need to check out the Accu Weather site

Glad all our Floridians are dry and safe.

Sending that Gustav will GO AWAY

I haven't even checked on Gustav this morning, but my luck says he'll come on strong.... Thank you for the good wishes, and I hope you get your rain!!!

Well, after following them for four years in college, we're sticking with the Colts & Giants. But good for you for adapting to your surroundings.

You are my new BFF!

Yup, I just can't do blue/orange.

Oh, now you're not my BFF. It's Bengals baby!

Wait, I thought you said Colts & Giants?

Oy vey! Our Florida room has a flat roof and there is some water damage on the ceiling, so DH called USAA and after making sure we can live in the house, and can't see the sky from inside, they said they would call us back sometime this week. They have had 4000 claims!

Oy vey is right! 4000 claims and that's just one insurance company!!! I've heard that STate Farm is going to cancel all homeowners coverage in Florida. The only way we got it is because we've been with them forever, but they aren't writing any new homeowners policies in the state. Luckily there is no sun peeking THROUGH your roof!

Yeah, and you know that bad boy is going to mess up my trip

All Carlos' worries about us doing a trip together have just been laid to rest. You know about the chupacabra!

Glad to hear you are okay. You're now a hurricane vet! CONGRATS!

I am a hurricane vet now, well technically a tropical storm vet. But I'm gradually getting there!

Of course we know about el chupacabra!!! We saw a special on it one time years ago and ever since then every noise in the dark surely MUST be el chupacabra!!! Is that Mexico thing or Puerto Rico? Actually, I think it was Argentina or something....

And relax, your trip will be fine. I haven't checked on my new friend Gustav yet this morning, but as long as I'm living in NE Florida, you can rest assured that's where the storms will go!

hi I'm praying the storm does not effect Fla. or La. because we are flying in to WDW Sept. 3 and staying at POP Sept. 3-10 th and we can't wait!!

Please pray it does not come that way or mine!!

At least Gustav should be gone by then, but you did notice two more storms forming out in the Atlantic??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!

We're heading to Disney, just Jeff and me, on Sept 17, for 3 nights, so I'm hoping the ATlantic quiets down soon!!!!

 

[askelton]

We're heading to Disney, just Jeff and me, on Sept 17, for 3 nights, so I'm hoping the ATlantic quiets down soon!!!!

How fun but you'll miss F & W so you'll have to come back! Colts & Giants but Bengals against the Browns.

 

[DisneyJen]

Thanks goodness we are getting our much needed rain ... for the next three days!!

Latest I saw on Gustav is that he will make it up to a Cat 3 after entering the Gulf of Mexico. Way too early to tell.