The Fit is Go! Wednesday, August 19, 2009

It's official. We said good-bye to the Love Boat after over 10 years of having it as our main ride.

Here, you can see the Love Boat fading in to the background as the Fit is ready to come home with us.

As a keepsake, we kept the middle row captains chairs from the van and we're going to make a "love seat" out of them. I'm thinking they'll look great in the living room.

Here's a pic of me giving the van one last hug before we traded it in. You will be missed you big Boat of Love...

Cash for Clunkers - Would you take advantage of it? Monday, July 27, 2009

I'm sure you've heard about it by now. It seems that every time I turn on the radio or the television (I've even seen it advertised on some websites) I'm bombarded with "cash for clunkers" offers. It just passed through our government, and is EVERYWHERE!

I'd heard rumblings about this government incentive to rid the roads of gas-guzzling rides for the past couple of months, but there was no official announcement until just recently. It turns out that the start date for this program was on July 1 and it will be in effect until November 1 or until the $1 billion set aside for this program runs out (whichever comes first).
In short, the Cash for Clunkers (officially "Car Allowance Rebate System" or CARS) program is a government stimulus package that essentially provides a rebate to any person trading in a car that gets a combined (hwy and city) fuel economy of 18 mpg or less. The rebate amount you get depends on how many miles per gallon the new car that you buy gets compared to your old "clunker". Buying a car that gets more than 4, but less than 10 mpg more than the car you're trading in yeilds a $3,500 rebate. Should your new car have a combined fuel economy of 10 mpg or more than the car you're trading in, you will receive a rebate of $4,500.

There are some restrictions, but cars.gov does a great job of answering a bunch of questions you may have. One caveat is that this only works with new car purchases. There are also some limitations with particular work trucks. I encourage you to do your own research if you think this a good idea.

Now that all of the technical stuff is out of the way, I get to the point of this blog post. Should we trade in The Love Boat for a couple grand towards a new car? More specifically, a black 2009 Honda Fit Sport with a manual transmission, some flashy rims and a thumpin' stereo? Raise your hand if you're ridden with me lately and have heard the "doo-doo bass".
I did the math and found out that our trusty old van gets 18 mpg (even the original listing when the car debuted says 18 mpg, combined). The Fit gets an average of 31 mpg. That's roughly a 55% increase in fuel economy. (31 / (18 - 1) = % difference) So, if we currently spend $150/mo. on gas for the van (we like to travel), then I could assume that we'd be spending $82.5/month on gas. Wait...is that right? Somebody help me with the math. I manage projects for a living now. My math skills have gone out the window. Assuming that's correct, we'd be saving $67.5/month...minus the monthly cost to actually pay for the car.

And therein lies our dilemma. All the numbers out on the table and we're probably looking at around $100/month to own a spankin' new Honda Fit Sport (and helping out the environment that much more). Oh yeah, the cool thing about the "cash for clunkers" program is that the car you trade in MUST be sent to a scrap yard and "...be crushed or shredded so that it will not be resold for use in the United States or elsewhere as an automobile." Kinda hard to stomach the thought of that happening to the van, but it is nice to know that we were the last ones to drive it and that the terrible emissions from that car will cease upon selling it.

So, with all of that said, I'm asking for your help and your opinion. What should we do? If you were in our situation, with a van worth (maybe) $1,000 and over 260,000 miles, would you pull the trigger on the new car and take advantage of this rebate? Whatever your answer, tell me why you think what you do.

Our Cat, The Celebrity Thursday, April 02, 2009

Have you ever heard of a LOLcat, a.k.a. "cat meme", or just simply a "lol"? In short, a LOLcat is a picture of a cat, with some text captioned on the photo expressing the cat's thoughts or explaining the photo in what is known as "lolspeak".

Confused? You'll just have to visit icanhascheezburger.com to really get it. If you're interested, check out the history of I Can Has Cheezburger or this Wikipedia entry about LOLcats.

Well, tonight I got a flattering email from one of the folks over at ICHC. They hand-picked this photo of our cat Beedie and want to use it in their next book! How cool is that?!


Not only is Beedie going to be a star, but the ICHC peeps want to give us props in the book, which will be titled I Can Has Cheezburger?: Lolcats Teach U How To Take Over Teh Wurld. Let's hear it for Beedie!!

Oh, and if you want to see the original caption that went with this photo, you can see it here on icanhascheezburger.com. Don't forget to vote for it! We'll keep you posted when we know more.

April Fools Day Prank Wednesday, April 01, 2009

This afternoon, we had probably one of the best April Fool's Day pranks played on us EVER! Read this email thread first, then I'll explain what happened. (images will expand when clicked)

So, here's how it all went down. Sean creates a Gmail account of luchauer.sonya, which is flipped from what her actual account is. From that account, he sends the first message (disguised as Sonya) to himself about us being pregnant. He then replies to Sonya with what he says in the first email above and also CC's about 50 people (some we know, some we don't) to the email. ALL of these people get an email from Sean with what looks like a legitimate email from Sonya saying that we're pregnant.

After some time passes, and after my heart jumps back into my chest from thinking that Sonya told these friends of ours that we're pregnant before even telling ME, Sean follows up with the second email above saying that he was mistaken and that we're having twins.

Well, now I'm thinking "okay, okay...you got us good, Sean", but he follows up with a third email saying we're having triplets, but then goes on to smooth everything over, explaining that it was all an April Fool's joke. Phew! Sonya and I didn't know what was going on and I'm sure the people that were all copied on Sean's emails REALLY were wondering. I'm just glad he didn't have our parent's email addresses in his contact list!!

I talked to another friend who received one of these emails and he said that people were going to think one of three things after reading them:

1. Sonya and I are pregnant with 1 child
   
2. Sonya and I are pregnant with twins
3. Sean is a jerk

Hahah! Just know that NONE of the above things are true. This was, by far, the best prank that has ever been played on us. Props to you Sean for being so sly, but like Sonya said, you're still are a turd. I love you, man! Thanks for thinking we were "worthy" enough for this prank. LOL!

The Love Boat Reaches a Milestone Friday, March 06, 2009

Sony and I have been rockin' the minivan ever since my brother totaled my green '94 Ford Escort GT. Some days I miss the old green machine, but when I start to think about the van, and all the travels and fun we've had in it (keep your mind out of the gutter), I can get a little choked up.

There she is in all her glory. Back in her home-state of Michigan, she was looking beautiful that evening as the sun-lit waves of Torch Lake reflected playfully off of her rusted and paint-chipped body. And check out that rack!

In all seriousness, the "Love Boat" as it was affectionately dubbed while we were at Harding, has been the best car ever. It's been to/through at least 15 U.S states that I can think of and we've finally reached a milestone. This is no bit of camera trickery that you are about to witness. Behold, we've reached a quarter of a million miles!

Can you believe it? It's been SO nice not to have any car payments over these past couple of years, but we know that someday, she'll travel her last mile. When that day comes, I think I'll hold a ceremony in memory of all of the good times we had together. Thanks little Love Boat. You'll always be my #2 girl (unless we have daughters someday).

If you have any special memories with the Love Boat, we'd LOVE to hear about them in the comments, below. Thanks!

The Last of 2008 Thursday, January 15, 2009

Some of my favorite things about 2008:

1. New community and involvement with Christ Community Church
2. Our travels in EUROPE
3. Rootclip officially launched, and was featured in the Traverse City Film Festival
4. I officially started Grad School full-time, working toward my Nurse Practitioner Degree
5. Ran my 1st 1/2 Marathon
6. President-elect Barack Obama - hopeful future for our country
7. Many of our friends brought new little lives into this world in '08, plus a few via adoption!
8. Erik and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary

I'm sure there are many, many more awesome and amazing things that God allowed me to experience in 2008, but these were just the highlights.

The last few weeks of December were filled with visits from friends and family - much laughter and love all around. Here's a link to our photos chronicling all of the fun :)

Christmas so far... Friday, December 26, 2008

We hope everyone had a lovely Christmas this year...we're actually not even done around here! Erik's family arrives Monday for more celebration. Can't wait! As always, I will let our photos do the talking. We had a wonderful time yesterday with my family in Oak Ridge. It was such beautiful weather, we even took a long family walk after dinner. Sunny and about 55 degrees. This month is always so crazy for us, Erik's birthday was this past Monday, my birthday is next Monday, then our Anniversary is Tuesday! Crazy, but fun.

This morning we woke up (LATE!) and enjoyed some fresh French-pressed coffee. It was so good, I drank my entire cup black. I've always wanted a French Press...this year my wish came true!

Amber and I on our Christmas afternoon walk. My Dad gave us all walking sticks to use! It was cracking me up, there were 6 of us walking down the street in their neighborhood with walking sticks! We lovingly became known as the "asphalt stick-walkers". True originals.

My Mom and Dad are so cute. Get a room you two! :)

Matching toe-socks! These things are super uncomfortable, everyone knows it, but for some reason we're still fascinated by them. Must buy some! And wear them once...

Warning: Erik got a new camera for Christmas, so this very well may turn in to his photo blog. Just yesterday, we took over 200 pics! It's crazy. Thanks to a very generous gift from his grandpa, he got a Canon Rebel XSi. He may even take a photography class at UT this coming semester. I don't think he's put it down since he opened it!

Go to our Flickr page for a complete album of our Christmas '08!

What's so funny? Wednesday, November 05, 2008

This was the shot we were going for:


Not sure how we digressed...


Laughter from Sonya Luchauer on Vimeo.

A quick trip to New York Monday, October 27, 2008

Hi friends and fam,
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their calls, thoughts, and prayers as Erik's Grandpa has been in the hospital after his hemorrhagic stroke. We were so thankful that we got to go up to Long Island to be with him for a few days. He's doing better! Still has his jaw wired shut and has some rehab to go, but compared to where he was even just last week he's made a remarkable recovery. We just heard last night that he is home now after a long 3 weeks (or more?) in the hospital. We had a great trip and got some quality time with Bob, Nancy, Mark and Jess.

Just thought I would leave you with this classic shot of Mark, Erik, and their Dad (Bob) walking down to Jones Beach (notice the hand...).

Mawage, sweet mawage! Thursday, April 17, 2008

I absolutely love this picture of Mark and Jess. This seriously gives you an idea of how much joy there was surrounding the entire event, as we watched Mark (Erik's brother) marry his best friend. It was amazing. Jessica is a precious person whom I have grown very fond of, and I have no doubt that she is the absolute perfect person for Mark. Their love for God and for each other is...just beautiful. The wedding took place in Fort Myers, FL this past weekend. We met up with family and friends we hadn't seen in ages, it was a wicked good time. Lots of dancing, eating, laughing, and it wouldn't be Florida without the torrential down pour thrown in for good measure. We'll spare you all of the crazy (and embarrassing) pictures of the bachelor and bachelorette parties, all you need to know is that the weekend ended with two lovers headed to Hawaii on their way to a fabulous honeymoon. Actually, they're STILL honeymooning as I write this. No fair.

I throw this picture in to remind us of the hilarious dueling sound systems at the park during pictures. These groomsmen are dancing to "Soulja Boy" courtesy of the people who were having a birthday party in the pavilion next to us! It was so loud, all we could do was laugh.

About 30 minutes before pictures started, Erik realized he forgot his PANTS. Kind of important. Yeah, if it weren't for Rob, he would have walked down the isle in jeans.

Gramma Myrtle Thursday, August 09, 2007

Yesterday morning, my precious Grandmother died, peacefully, after a long 2 weeks in the hospital fighting a bad infection in her lungs. There's so much that I could say about what this special woman meant to me. She was an artist in the truest sense. Her talent for painting and drawing was passed on to my Mom and my sister...regretfully, however, it skipped me! I always appreciated the way she saw the world. Beauty to behold around every corner, especially in nature. Capturing God's creation on a canvas was her passion.

Her love and dedication to our creator is what spoke to me most. After she had to go into a nursing home about 3 years ago, I was really worried about her spirit...we didn't want her to be lonely! Being the amazing woman she was, she never complained, but met each day with a new joy and positive energy. I hope I am every bit as joyful and loving as she was when I reach that age. I'm so thankful for my gramma Myrtle and what a beautiful soul she was.

These pictures were taken back in November at her nursing home in Clinton, TN.

It's been a really hard couple of weeks. Sadness, exhaustion, and joy that she will be escaping her frail little body, and continuing on to a beautiful life in heaven. Her funeral is tomorrow night. I am excited to honor the life of such a wonderful woman.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!
-Sonya

Fun with Mark Saturday, July 28, 2007

This past weekend, my brother Mark came to visit. We had the best time while he was here, hanging out in Downtown K-town, hiking and engaging in stimulating conversation. The above picture was taken out of the sun-roof of "The Love Boat" while we were driving around Cade's Cove to Abram's Falls. We leisurely hiked the 2.5 mile trail to Abram's Falls, taking pictures and falling in the creek. Mark was videotaping us out in the water and completely slipped off of a rock, which sent him reeling into the water. He had his video camera on the whole time and I'm hoping to get the video to post here. It was hilarious...I mean...I'm glad he was alright. Below is a picture of us at the water's edge near the base of the falls.

We also got to talk a lot about faith and God's purposes in our lives. Mark's growing and vibrant faith is so refreshing, we were encouraged just by talking to him. I'm so thankful to God for the work that He's been doing in Mark's life through his job, his friends and his girlfriend Jess. (Yay for Jess!)

Memorial Day Hike Monday, May 28, 2007

We spent Memorial Day hiking 10 miles on the Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion. In 1929, this hike was named after Charlie Conner who paused for a rest on the rocks, took off his boots and exposed a bunion or two that rivaled the surrounding stones! His friends promised to get the site named after him! We found Charlie’s Bunion to be one of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done this year.

When one gets a blister while hiking in the Smokies, whatever is one to do? Why, stuff a huge leaf in your shoe, of course! At least, that’s what Erik does...

Hot-lanta weekend Wednesday, January 17, 2007

This past weekend, we went to Atlanta with my sister and her husband. There were two things to accomplish while in Hot-lanta:
1. See the Detroit Pistons play some b-ball.
2. Experience the beast that is called IKEA.


This is the craziest shopping experience I've ever had. Thank goodness Amber and Kevin were there to help guide us through it (they had been to the one in Detroit). It's this huge showroom of furniture and home accessories on one level, then you go downstairs to the "warehouse" and pick out your stuff. It was founded in Sweden, and from the moment you step in, you feel like you're in a different country. There was an assorment of swedish food upstairs in the cafe. One of my favorite (and only) purchases of the day was a box of Cappuccino flavored cookies!


This is Erik and Kevin enjoying the $0.99 breakfast that they had at the IKEA cafe. Oh yes, you read that correctly...$0.99! For a huge plate of Eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns. I played it safe and stuck to my cup of coffee. We spent 3 hours in this crazy place, needless to say it was a bit overwhelming. Good prices. Interesting stuff. Will we ever go back? Maybe...


On Friday night, Erik and Kevin took the Marta downtown to see the Pistons play the Hawks. They snuck down to some wicked awesome seats, just 8 rows behind the bench!

This is Erik's angry fit after the Pistons LOST! Can you believe it? Lost to the Hawks?! Whoever heard of such nonsense?

Christmas 2006 Thursday, January 04, 2007

Hello friends and family! After a brief hiatus, we are back into the world of blog. Here are some random photos of this Christmas...time with the fam. (April, the Christmas tree photo is just for you!)

Here is our humble abode...we really need to take all of this stuff down. Maybe tonight! (are you up for it Erik?)

My Dad and Erik, after a long afternoon of opening gifts. Isn't it weird how we all think we need to buy so much STUFF for one another? Don't get me wrong, I love to open gifts, but sometimes I think what if there wasn't the pressure to buy anything at Christmas? What would that look like?

This photo is awesome. Except for our ghetto lamp in the background with no shade on it!

Mother and daughter...

Two sisters and their hubbies...

Erik was SO excited about his new Leatherman knife...this will be his 4th one. He looses about one a year. Let's see how long this one will last!

Oh yeah, me and my new skiiiiiiis. If only the weather would cooperate, I would have hit the slopes long ago.

We were truly blessed this Christmas. God is so good. We had a wonderful time with family, laughing and playing games. The best of which was FARKEL! (If you don't know what that is, go immediately and find out). We were also honored to have a few friends visit. Shawna, Will, and Gaines Tucker stopped in and spent the night with us last week on their way back to North Carolina. (Orbithon!!!!!!!!) Then, Aaron and Amy Etheridge made our anniversary complete by staying with us on their way back to Searcy! Good times... We are so blessed by these friendships and it was good for the soul to be with them again. Hope you all are having a fabulous start to your New Year.

Derek Webb In Concert Monday, November 06, 2006

This past Friday night I went to the New City Cafe with Kevin and Chris to see Derek Webb. It was an incredible show! Even Sean McConnell, the opening act was amazing. I just wish we would have arrived a little earlier to see more of him.

Derek played a bunch of songs from his new album, Mockingbird, as well as some old stuff from the Caedmon's Call album 40 Acres. He has a lot to say about how we should live if we truly want to live like Christ has called us to. His lyrics, though sometimes cynical, really strike at the heart of what it means to be a Christ follower and not just a Christian in name only.

After the show, I got the opportunity to meet Derek and I must say, he was extremely kind and I was impressed at how he seemed to genuinely enjoy talking to each person that came up to him after the show. After everybody was done talking with him, I approached him and told him about how his music has had a lasting effect on me, but even more so on my brother, Mark. He once told me about how Derek's music made such a profound impact on his life and how it was a conduit in helping him come to a faith and love for Jesus that he hadn't yet known. I just wanted Derek to know that God was using him, through his music, to bring people to Jesus. He was quite humbled and very appreciative of the comment. Here's a picture that Kevin took with my cell phone. Sorry for the poor quality and the crazy guy in the background!