Happy Hot New Years!

While the rest of the US is under like three feet of snow, we are in a heat wave here in the mountains of West Virginia. Today I had all the windows and doors open. It's nuts! I took the baby and dog for a walk on base and we played fetch at the baseball field and I let Hunter swing on the toddler play ground. Then we came home and I opened mail on the front porch and flipped through a magazine. Meanwhile family in Idaho and Washington continue to live under an assault of snow. They keep reporting numbers like 16 inches in a day, 4 inches in an hour, cars completely covered... not here, no here we are sitting on our front porch, watching kids run around on the playground and sunbathing.

FYI - If you are still waiting for your Christmas cards guess what... I'M STILL WORKING ON THEM! I know, I'm so slow! I blame my poor wrists, they are acting up and are very painful these days. I will get the cards out, eventually. Please be patient with me!

It's Official, I'm Old.

So the 28th is my 30th birthday. I am old. Not scary old but just old. I think The Husband and I will go into town and see and movie and go out to dinner at Red Lobster. Hunter is going to get babysat by our neighbors. It should be a nice break. I'm hoping that in January before my wrist surgery we can go into DC for a night and hang out but it depends. I guess the inauguration is going be a zoo around the capitol. We don't want to go down there then... it would be neat to go to but we've heard that they are not allowing strollers on the mall... which is just plain crazy! We don't leave the house without a well stocked stroller! So, we will watch the festivities on TV.
Anyhow, that's the latest update from West Virginia where it was 70 degrees today... I know, it's like Christmas in Hawaii.

Packages? Anyone?

It seems the US Postal Service is having a tough season. I sent out my packages to family and friends on the West Coast from the East Coast on December 15th. All were shipping Priority, which meant all would arrive in time for Christmas. Whatever. A couple did but the big ones to my parents did not arrive until today (the 26th) and my husband's family is still waiting for theirs.
I understand that 90% of the country is covered in snow. That will definately slow down some packages but priority packages usually arrive within 3 days... it's been like 2 weeks! Come on! I'm shocked that the news hasn't picked up on this story. I've seen stories about FedEx having some issues but not much on the USPS. My aunt sent me a package from the west coast around the same time... I still haven't seen that either!
A news organization in Arizona has this little article about the troubles.
Enough of my whining. I'm cool. I'll chill.
I was surfing through my daily news sites and came across this little story out of the pacific northwest -

BOZEMAN - A researcher at Montana State University says Jell-O, ultrasound, microwaves and electroshocking are among the possible solutions to eliminate lake trout in Yellowstone National Park.
Lake trout were introduced illegally into the park and threaten native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake. To find the best way to destroy lake trout eggs, Al Zale received a grant from the National Park Service. Zale heads the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit at MSU.
He and his collaborators will analyze several potential solutions and recommend the best.
If Jell-O is chosen, Zale says it would probably be unflavored. He says workers could spread it over the fish eggs to smother them.
Zale adds that it would seem efficient to get rid of the eggs during spawning season, which occurs primarily during late fall.

So if you know anything about Idaho and Utah and Mormons and Jello then you know the punch line to this story!
That's it for now... The husband has cooked me dinner. I must eat!

Christmas Videos

And another late addition...

Cookies and Cards

Seems like these are the only two items I can never get done one time. Most of my cards are done and will be out by tomorrow. The cookie thing has been a month long project. I keep making a batch here or there and then eating half and then making more. I wanted to have some cookie plates to give to neighbors for Christmas but at this point who knows. I've got two batches of sugar cookie dough chillin' in the fridge... now that it's time to bake them I'd rather go back to bed. Grrrr. Must... get... cookies... done.
The Cheat doesn't make cookies nor does she get to consume them but that doesn't stop her from smelling like vanilla. We took her to Petco on Friday and she got the Christmas Spa package. This included the shampoo, cut, dry and teeth cleaning. They used special soap to make her smell festive. She also got lots of treats and a Christmas bandanna to wear around her neck. She's been prancing around the house and base all weekend long showing off her new look. I haven't even gotten my hair cut since July! The Cheat is one spoiled little lady.

Recycle, Reuse, and Keep it Cheap

About a year ago I talked to some girlfriends about starting up a joint blog about how to save money, organize and reuse items. We are all new mothers and all touched by the economy in one way or another. Talking to one another we found that we all had some nifty ideas and wanted to share them. We also wanted a record of the ideas to fall back to in case we forget. So I started to construct a blog here on Blogger. I never got too far because of life events. Now that things have calmed I am feeling it is time to restart this venture. I will keep you all updated as to when the site is ready and get my lady friends to sign up as co-bloggers. I want it to be a joint venture. If you are still interested then drop me an email or comment here.

Almost Success!

I almost got all my Christmas cards done... almost. Now all I have are like 20 overseas ones. Since I'm paying a buck to send each one I feel the need to write a little more in these ones. So I think I should have them all out on Monday.
This morning we had a little miricle - Hunter slept in until 7:30! I was floored! Then he was ready for his morning nap at 8:30... and it's almost 11:30 and he's still asleep! Thank God for growing spurts!
As soon as he wakes up I am going to feed him a bottle and drag him over the mountains to Harrisonburg. We have a little last minute shopping for The Husband to do. Hopefully this perfect baby groove keeps. Until he wakes up I don't know what to do with myself. I've showered, started a load of laundry, cleaning the kitchen and packed his bag for the afternoon. Maybe I'll go nap a little longer too.

Cards

Dang! I'm still working on those pesky cards! So what is the hold up? Try my wrists. The carpal tunnel has taken a nasty turn for the worst the past couple weeks. I have to wear my braces at night now and during parts of the day. Seems all I can do are like 10 cards a day... and I have 100 or so to do total. So some of you might see a card by Christmas and others will have a longer wait. Be assured that there are PLENTLY of Hunter photos coming your way with the cards, so the wait is worth it.
As for everything else here it is all normal. Andy is gone a lot this week at night going to base functions and bowling - he's on a league. I am busy staring at cards, mailing out packages and picking up packages from the nearby town. Infact, as soon as I get off this computer that's what I am going to go do.

More Hunter Video!

You asked for it... more Hunter video!


And another for your viewing pleasure...

New Hunter Video!

I've finally uploaded some video of Hunter! I now have a YouTube account and will upload video to it on a semi regular basis for family and friends to see. Look forward to lots of Hunter stuff, some animal hijinks and more!

Just Like Sand in an Hourglass...

Holy crapola! Where has all the time gone! Christmas is just sneaking up on me. I finally got my Amazon.com gift box but I still have so many more presents to buy/make and to send off! We are also behind in sending out the Christmas cards! I'm starting to freak out. Hopefully I can get the rest of my gifts this weekend and get those cards finished by Monday. Ugh, I just want to get this all done!
Anyhow, on a totally different note - my wrist surgery is scheduled for mid-January. I've opted to get both wrists done at once. My mother in law is coming out to help with Hunter. I'm looking forward to getting this over with as well... the surgery not the mother in law visiting. My hands have reminded very numb this month. I had planned on doing more knitting for christmas presents but the pain and numbness in my hands is just too much.
Finally, I have major laundry to do today. The Husband was out of town overnight so The Cheat got to sleep in bed with me. Of course The Husband is allergic to the dog so I have to wash all the bedding before he comes home this afternoon. The Cheat is still upstairs all curled up on his side of the bed. What a big baby.

Totally Cryptic Post

I've had a strange night. The past merges with the present and the emotions are strange to deal with. Ghosts appear. Should I acknowledge or simply ignore? Shall I engage or run? I engaged the dialogue. It wasn't the earth shattering information I thought it would be. It was bland. It was unsatisfying. So, do I keep company with the ghost or do I let it fade back into the haunted past from where it came?
I feel no intense connection to this memory. I feel disappointment and loss. I feel that having it around will never make up for the damage it has done. I am no longer the child that played there with those toys and those people.
Adulthood is hitting me again.
I can never go back - and why would I want to?
Quit being a masochist SerineKat.

Too Productive

Yes, I am too productive. I don't know what to do with myself now that I am ahead of my weekly schedule... I am tempted to do all tomorrow and Wednesday's chores. I think the cause is my new Animal Dyson. Yea, you heard me - DC17 Animal Dyson in all it's purple beauty. It arrived this afternoon, it is a gift from my parents for Christmas. As you know we have our little short hair calico cat and a long hair golden retriever. I just finished with the staircase and the bin is already full. Now I just want to vacumm the whole house!
Tonight The Husband is on baby duty while I try to catch up with some office work and get Christmas presents ready. I'm still waiting on Amazon to deliver most of the gift goods. I'm also being a total loser with Christmas cards. I need to get some photos done tonight of Hunter to send out.
That's it here... just doing too much.

SerineKat

Amsterdam

Oh sweet Amsterdam. The Husband and I visited there two years ago. Such potential and such a disappointment. The legalization of drugs and sex there have really trashed the old city center. We were approached often with offers for stronger harder drugs like crack and cocaine. The hash and maryjane were sold openly in coffee shops and even had their own menus. The sex district was dirty (literally and otherwise) and full of drug dealers.
The museums, canals, bikes, and architecture were awesome. It was just such a disappointment to see so much vandalism and so many vagrants obviously drugged out on the streets. It's definately not a family friendly city... more like spring break gone terribly wrong.
Today on CNN.com was this article. It's about the government of the Netherlands clamping down on the sex shops and drugs. I think it's finally gotten back to the economy that drugged out tourists don't spend as much money as families on vacation. I hope the government and city succeed in cleaning up Amsterdam and it's image. There's so much more to the city than drugs and ugly hookers. There's the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and the Cat Museum (I know, it's a hidden gem). The Anne Frank House is so powerful... you get to see where a family hid out for years in close quarters. Van Gogh I could care less about but I went to see the artwork anyhow... it blew me away. I have a whole new appriciation for his work now that I've seen the originals in person. I also went to a coffee house... come on.... when in Amsterdam... but it wasn't the highlight the city. As for the sex district, it's a good reminder as to what happens when you are hooking in your 40s after having 6 kids.... scary.

Surviving Motherhood

How the heck did our mothers do it? For than matter how did our grandmothers and great grandmothers do it? Raising kids is insane. It's like being caught in a warzone of cuddly creatures. They are so cute and loveable but never let you sleep, eat, pee or shower. If it weren't for my Diet Pepsi addiction I would be dead. I need the caffine to keep me awake.
Today dear Hunter was sitting in our living room, which is all corralled for his safety. He likes to crawl around and get into toys. I was in the kitchen, out of sight trying to wash his 12 bottles that somehow got forgotten yesterday. It was pretty quiet then I hear a little smack. I assumed it was Hunter hitting one of his toys on the wood floor, a new past time. I go in to investigate and our floor lamp is laying on the floor next to Hunter and he is pulling the on/off cord and smiling. Nice.
Then after a couple of hours I'm sitting in the corral with him watching TV and eating brunch. I have a full can of Diet Pepsi or as we call here 'Crack' on the table next to my chair. CRASH! Hunter pulls on the table cloth and soda is everywhere!
I'm exhausted.
I've noticed today that he's also trying to stand up by climbing furniture and legs. He's almost figured it out too... I predict walking by Friday. God help me.

Side Bar १.०: Big Kitties

So my mother goes out and buys me a Cat Fancy magazine the other day. This month's issue is all about the Norwegian Forest cat. My mother's gay cat Ozzie looks just like one of these things.
Anyhow, that's not the kicker here. While looking through the magazine I come across this picture:

My first thought is, "What the HELL!?"
They are real cats called Savannahs. I show The Husband and he is hooked. "Oh we have GOT to get one of those things!" I tell him I'm sure the cost is over a $1000 but he keeps pressuring me so we look up the link online...
http://www.a1savannahs.com/
To get the highest quality cat for breeding purposes the cost is a mere $22,000 USD, 14,000 GBP and 154,300 NKr. I know, crazy. Still, the pictures are pretty amazing.

Black Friday

The sales this year suck. It might have something to do with the products sucking as well. I didn't get up at the crack of dawn but I did get into Harrisonburg at 10am on Friday morning.
Walmart was my first stop, the parking lot was not full but the hitching posts for the Mennonite horse and buggies were all taken. Inside the deals were many but all one items I'd rather pass on or things I already had. I did find deals still available on Thanksgiving food staples like stuffing and baking supplies.
I then had to take a time out, due to disappointment and get some lunch. I hit the local hotspot - Taste of India. Yummy. After several servings of masala, paneer and other strange things I was ready to take on Black Friday shopping.
So I drove up the road to Target. Boring. It was packed but again, boring. No big sales on Christmas decorations, no sales on kid toys that I was interested in. Blah.
Kmart was next and again, it was disappointing. I will say that they did have a decent mark down on the Martha Stewart Christmas stuff that i took advantage of.
Finally I thought that Kohl's would be a sure bet. The mark downs were great but the line to check out was an hour long. I think not.
My decision for shopping this year is to take to the internet. After all that driving I think I only spent $200 not counting groceries. It just wasn't worth the hassle. I compared prices at Amazon to those at all the stores I shopped at today and there was little to no savings. So, tomorrow it's off to my office and to Amazon to get these gifts bought and done.
I'm pooped now. I must get some sleep!

Too Much TV

We are a family of couch potatoes. I admit I watch way too much TV. It's always on. Because our viewing is continuous you could say that we've developed some strong relationships with some of our favorite personalities.
Vince:
Wow, or shall I say Shamwow. This guy is annoying but somehow makes me want to dial them up and order those dumb towels. The Husband and I are now always quoting Vince.
"You know the Germans make great stuff."
"You following me camera guy?"
Out of pure boredom yesterday I Googled our buddy Vince and found that he's quite popular on the internet.

Flo:
Oh Flo, you are so loved. Our son is totally in love with the lady who plays 'Flo' on the Progressive insurance commercials. He stops what ever he is doing and stares at the TV when ever the commercials come on. He smiles very big when Flo is on screen. She's his first big crush.

Bringing Sexy Back

Not. This week has been an exercise in growing old gracefully. First, I finally found out about what was wrong with my wrists then I got a yeast skin infection. Trust me that's all the information you want to know about the latter. Luckily I have an appointment with my doctor next week to resolve the infection and get me more drugs (DRUGS!). I still don't have a consult with the surgeon who will do my wrist surgeries.
Other than my aging body I am gearing up for the holidays. The Husband is planning to host his single co-workers at our house on Thanksgiving. Since we've never cooked a Thanksgiving dinner before this ought to be memorable. This week I will gather all the necessary ingredients. I'm also hoping to get my hands on a free range turkey.

Speaking of turkey - Hunter finally ate a meat he liked tonight - turkey! I had to mix it with apricots but he ate it all. We got three solid meals down him today... which is hard to do with our schedules and laziness. Hunter just eats them up now within 10 to 15 minutes.
We still haven't decided on Christmas cards yet... gotta get on top of that. We also still have masses of Christmas shopping to do. Thank god for the internet!
That's it for now.... remember to keep wearing your WRIST STRONG BRACELETS!

Blue Jays & Overcast Days

We've got some colorful neighbors here in West Virginia. I first noticed them a few weeks back but today they are going crazy nuts in the bushes behind my house. Olivia Kitty is very excited by their presence. They are Blue Jays. They're very pretty but look like trouble makers. I watch them as I work in my office. Olivia has a little bed on my desk where she too spies on the birdies and salivates.
After weeks of temperatures in the 70s we are finally deep into fall weather here. It's 40 something and overcast. It's one of those days best spent in bed. Unfortunately I can't do that. I have Mr. Man to take care of. Speaking of Hunter he is getting his first tooth. It's coming in on his bottom left side. He's been pretty fussy the past few days - doesn't want to sleep and is never satisfied. I've tried doping him with Tylenol but he stays awake. Even Olivia is concerned about him. After an hour of screaming yesterday she came in my room and meowed until I picked him up. She thinks the cry out method is too cruel and too annoying. The Cheat can sleep through anything.
I'm on a mission today and tomorrow to get our house and routine back to normal. The Husband's father was in town over the weekend and we all got a little off. Unfortunately I'm still not on task myself. I wanted to do a cleaning spree this morning but really didn't get far at all. Hunter is down for a nap and I might join him. Hopefully this afternoon I'll get some motivation and energy to get going.
Ok, I'm too tired to type anymore... must go take my meds and lay down.

Wrist Strong

Like Stephen Colbert I now realize the importance of the wrist. It's a nifty little joint that when working is like a ballerina, so swift, graceful and talented. When something goes wrong with the wrist life loses it's gracefulness and beauty.
i have struggled with my wrists for about a year now. It became noticeable during my pregnancy and then raged last month. I had numbness and pain. The numbness consumed my hands and the pain shot up through my elbows and into my shoulders.
I finally saw the neurologist today and the diagnosis was confirmed - carpal tunnel in both wrists. The condition is common in my family and isn't totally surprising. For many years now I've been typing up a storm on computers, doing downward dog during yoga and knitting. All these activities have slowly become more taxing on my wrists and hands. I knew in college that I was on the road to this condition... I'm just surprised that it happened at 29!
I'm now waiting to see a surgeon about a proceedure for both wrists. I'm also going to buy myself a WRIST STRONG bracelet. We must protect our wrists!

Progress Halted?

For those who know the details of my daily life then you will understand what this post is in reference to. After months of work a project I was a part of was permanently stopped today. To say the least it was a totally bummer.
Now, after a little chit chat and a couple hours of digestion I feel totally deflated. It's tough when you put a lot of your time, talents and heart into something only to see another just say 'no'. I understand the justification behind the no, still the way in which it was done was tough on the soul. I'm not alone in this. I served next to others who also worked to bring this project to light. They too are upset this evening and in a state of shock and disappointment. For those folks I hear ya, let's remain positive and back the new direction of this endeavour. It may take a week or two to get back on our feet and reconnect with the new team but I still believe this project is needed in this place and at this time.
I'm going to go hit my head against a wall...

Da Vote

I finally got a quiet moment to fill out my absentee ballot tonight. I've always been pretty goos at going out to vote, even in boring school district elections and off year elections. I know my vote is just a drop in the bucket but I feel like I'm taking my country and my rights for granted if I just ignore each election, despite the popularity of one side or another. I know some people feel overwhelmed by the choices this year. I was one of them. I've been going back and forth on a few races. Because it was such a tough choice I think it's double important to get out and vote! We need to be very sure of who we pick at the state and federal level.
Anyhow, I filled out the absentee ballot, not all the races got filled in, because I live so far from home now I only vote in the races I know something about, and that have websites. FYI candidates - get internet sites! Military people in your district need to know who you are and the web is the best place! After the Presidential race and state senate... hardly anyone had websites.
Now it is back to organizing my office and drinking water to get rid of my nasty cold. The poor baby has it too! We are in hell over here! This is one of the drawbacks to moving to a very small base, the viruses make the rounds fast. I know that every family on our block has had this cold... I think we were some of the last.
Anyhow, please get off your duff and vote. I don't care who you vote for... it's just important to get everyone's vote in - otherwise the election results will not be representative of what America wants. Even if you think you know who is going to win vote anyhow! The more you vote and become involved the more you can actually make change come about. I'm living proof with my 'skinny house' crusade a few years ago in downtown Boise, Idaho. I was vocal, I went to meetings, I networked with the neighbors, talked to media and voted! Just recently one of those developers got in trouble with the Idaho Supreme Court. So, see, eventually your hard work does pay off but it starts with a vote.

FYI - Although I currently do not endorse any specific party I put the picture up because it's funny, and most of my family would agree with it.

Back In the Saddle

Finally, our phone and DSL are working. All is well in the world, except for me. I've come down with a virus. It includes horrible headaches, sore throat and a general cotton head like existence. In addition ever since the move began I have been suffering from numbness and pain in my hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, fore arms, arms, shoulders and neck. In fact after typing this much both hands are now numb. It's that bad. I went to the doctor today and he is ordering a consult with a neurologist. He believes there's something strange going on in my neck. Of course, with the approval process through my insurance it will be up to a month before I make it to the neurologist, so I must suffer until then.
Ugh. I want to keep typing but I'm so out of it. The two Sudafed are really kicking in. Maybe I can sleep now...

Communication Meltdown

When you live 45 minutes from civilization and have NO CELL PHONE SERVICE, things get hairy.
It's been a over a week without a phone or decent internet service. I'm starting to develop a tick. Verizon is in charge of our internet service and they failed to show up for two days in a row, now it's Monday or Tuesday or Never. Of course I can't call and chew them out because I have no phone. We're doing that Vonage thing. Ugh.
So I'm getting a little lonely up here. It's totally my fault. The neighbors are very nice and people are always out and walking around here. I'm just busy unpacking and getting everything in it's place. I do have a deal planned for Monday. I'm going to help decorate the local baby/kid thrift store with the Spouses Group President, Jen. As for the rest of the week I have lots to do online like change our address on all our accounts, make phone calls to get about 4 doctor appointments made, and book a flight for our dog to come out here. Grrrr.... Verizon better be here Monday.

Home Base

We are done with the bulk of the move. Our old place in Harrisonburg is cleared out and cleaned. We've turned in our keys. I probably have about 50 to 60% of the unpacking done. Now I'm starting to miss the old place. I'm not saying that it sucks here or there are any issues... infact it's perfect. Still, you miss what's been your norm. We really had some great neighbors in Harrisonburg. We were also so close to fast food, grocery stores and other marks of civilization. Here we have deer in the front yard and a small commissary.
Hunter and Olivia seem happy with the new digs. Olivia spent the first 48 hours running from room to room with her tail straight up and wiggling. She was so excited. she loves the big windows, the view of the park and walk ways and the newness of everything. Hunter was so happy to get his crib back up and is sleeping very well now. I am enjoying the nice walks, views of mountains & deer, and the ability to decorate again and again.
Today we will get the 'good' internet up and going. Right now we have a spotty wireless network. I will blog more soon and update the Flickr site with photos.

SerineKat

Boxes & Stairs

The two should never be mixed together... especially with a landing. I've been moving all The Husband's office boxes down to the dinning room in some sort of fung shui moving plan I've conjured up. It's sort of working. I want all boxes and furniture on the first floor for moving day for several reasons:
1. So we can lessen the damage of others banging up our 2nd floor and staircase.
2. So I can clean, patch and paint the 2nd floor to lessen my work on Monday.
3. I'm controlling.
4. My ritalin is really taking me on a ride this week!
So there you have it. So far I've got most of two rooms down stairs along with the living, dinning and some of the kitchen stuff. Alright, enough with my break. I need more Diet Pepsi and another 3 boxes to get down stairs!

SerineKat

Do I Like?

I'm sitting here tweaking this website. In some ways it's not much different from what I had before. The format is lame, though. I miss my pretty colors. I guess until I get proficient in HTML code I will just have to deal with my blogger template. Wah.
Today we are working on packing up the closet and bedroom. By we I mean me and the baby. Olivia is napping. I'm hoping to have the offices cleared of boxes and furniture by this evening. I also want to go to the grocery store at some point to get my precious crack (see previous post).
Oh boy... little man is screaming... must be time for a nap!

SerineKat

Packing Up Day 746

The packing continues. Just a few more days then it's MOVING DAY! My poor body and mind have had it though. Like a moron I gave up Diet Pepsi and all forms of soda a week ago. Dumb time to do this. Now I am plagued with headaches and laziness. I can't focus on anything! I have finally given in and will be at a soda asile near you tomorrow morning. In addition to reunited with my addiction of choice I will also be taking the day off of packing to go up to base and meet with the Spouses group and check out the progress on our new house. They've been doing a remodel on it since August and I'm guessing it should be almost done.
That's all for now. I really miss posting on my old mac site but it is still being a pain in the a*&. I am still trying to bring this site up to speed and working on the layout a few hours each week. Hopefully I can have it up and going by Halloween.

SerineKat

Deconstructing Your Life

So I am taking apart our house again to move onto the base my husband currently works at. This is only temporary because we will be moving again in a year or so. The more I move the more a life without possessions sounds more ideal and less hippy-ish. I mean, honestly, when the hell am I going to go through all the crap I have? I have already gotten rid of half my junk between England and Virginia... still I am sure more can go. It's quite liberating to toss out stuff and get down to the essentials. My husband and I are trying to combine our offices into one at our new house... it seemed doable at first, then I took a long look at all the combined boxes for both offices... YIKES!
Anyhow, just a bit overwhelmed here... I will peek out again from the boxes soon!

Version 3.0

Ok, what the heck am I doing with yet ANOTHER blog?! There are several reasons for the change.
1. Hosting my website on Mac costs $150 to $200 a year. Yeah, ouch! It wasn't an issue before because we were traveling and it was a good format to use....
2. But now the support sucks at Mac and the bugs in iWeb are just too much.
3. Also, the biggest reason I quit posting to Blogger in the first place was the inability to share photos in mass quantities... that was fixed a year ago when I opened a Flickr account for $25 a year.
So there you have it. I am paid up for the year with Mac but over the fall I will slowly start running both sites parallel and make the big change in 2009.
Thanks for your patience as always!

SerineKat