One Week Closer

Hello Friends!

I am writing for Dan this week as he has been busy packing and the public computers have been very busy.

I finally bought a car - a new '09 Corolla. It should arrive by the end of July. Dan was very excited. He told me that I was over-researching my purchase. I asked him what he meant. How did he research buying a new car and he said, he goes to the dealership, test drives the car, and if he likes it, he buys it. For those of you who know me - this simply won't do. I need to pour over Consumer Reports, test drive the car and it's competitors, search the area for the best price, hem and haw for a week or two, and then take the plunge. And then, after all that, I always have buyer's remorse and wonder if I got the best deal. It's quite the process and why it's taken me over two months to buy a car.

I also went up to our cabin for our annual vacation. It's the 79th year that the "Erickson Sisters and their families" have been going up to Kilworry Resort in Pine River, MN. Only two members of our immediate family were missing - Dan and my cousin Matt, who is serving in South Korea. We had beautiful weather, caught lots of fish (yes, I even fish), and had a good time chatting and catching up.

I also drove into Brainerd to look for a new car. If anyone is looking for a Hyundai, (the Elantra is a Consumer Reports recommended) there is a nice man named JD Grimsley that would love to help you. He was so low pressure and very friendly. I almost wanted to buy a car from him because he was the exact opposite of what you think a car salesman should be like. I told my parents that I didn't feel like I needed to take a shower after talking to him. I also found out the Hyundai offers a $500 discount to military members and their family.

As the days pass by, I'm getting more and more excited to have my hubby back. He left last April 9. It's been 15 months! I'm trying to clean the house, but I think I'll have to give in and hire a cleaning lady. I just bought a cute little wall hanging that says "I can't clean the house and save the world at the same time." I thought I'd display it prominently in the house so he can see it when he comes home.

Lastly, due to Dan's army schedule, we have to reschedule Dan's welcome home party, so I'll email out new details as soon as I figure out when to have it!

Hope to see you all soon!