Chasing Butterflies

Another Edition of It's O.K.!

2012-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hey All! Today I'm doing a link up for It's O.K. Thursday! Every so often I do need to remember that IT'S O.K., so this is a good reminder for me.

It's Okaaaaay...

...that I drink 3 or 4 steaming cups of hot tea a day when it's cold outside! What can I say? It's yummy and soothing and warms me up.

...that D and I have watched 10 episodes of Homeland in less than 4 days and that that is ALL I want to do ever. I have no idea how I will live until FALL for season 2. WHAT?!?!!!!

...that every morning when I get up I come straight to the couch and get under my blanket and stalk blogs for a couple of hours before I do anything.

...that I have a huge stack of very good books waiting for me, but again, all I do is read blogs and watch Homeland.

...that I watch Teen Mom 2 episodes over and over and cry each time. Poor Leah and Corey. Makes me so sad.

...that I still have a pile of pictures laying on the floor to be hung and we moved in 4 months ago already.

...that I don't like Glee anymore, but keep watching it in hopes it'll go back to being the old Glee. :(

...that I ate TWO dark chocolate peanut butter filled Trader Joe cupcakes yesterday!

...that all I want to do is go drink my cup of hot tea. ;)

Homeland and Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

This is what we've been up to...watching the Showtime series Homeland...and not much else. We don't have Showtime, but can watch it on demand and we are definitely taking advantage of that. There are 12 episodes in the season and we just finished episode 8. Have you watched this show???

It centers around Carrie, a bipolar CIA agent, her boss Saul, Sergeant Brody and his family. Sergeant Brody was a POW found in a hole in Iraq. They brought him back and Carrie thought he'd been turned! The drama starts from there, but I don't want to spoil anything. All I can say is WATCH IT! Every episode is INTENSE, ADDICTING, and the characters really become a part of you. There are so many twists and turns it NEVER get boring in the least. I'm not normally into these shows, but you have to go for it! You won't regret it. I think it's on Netflix too, if you don't have access to on demand.

On a much less intense note...VALENTINE'S DAY! My sweetie bought me the cutest little bear, old fashioned style like I like, some cute stickers and paper, and this cute cup from Starbucks filled with my favorite Dove candies. I love my morning tea and this will come in super handy. I'd call it a win for V Day! We ate steak, baked potatoes, NY Steak, and watched Homeland of course. :)

Source: wallquotes.com via andrea on Pinterest

This quote has special meaning to me. The love is always there, whether written, said, or in our hearts. It's there. I hope all my lovelies had a very wonderful holiday. Thank you to Janelle for picking me as the winner of her giveaway. I'm so excited for my new little goody.

Yeah So...

2012-02-11T23:12:00.000-08:00

Today we had to drive to Apple Valley (about an hour away) for my step daughter's soccer tournament. I don't mind the soccer, but I was really dreading the freezing winds up there. But something made it a whole lot better.

Hmmm...what's that????

Well, well, well...

Yepp, that's David Beckham that you see there. He was there watching his son play soccer in the tournament. He had his bodyguard with him, but was very kind to all the kids who asked him for an autograph. Then he watched his little boy play soccer. That kid's got a good foot on him and is a cutie too. Nice to know that he's at least trying to be a bit normal and give his kids a bit of a normal life.

So, if that's what is going to happen when we go to soccer tournaments I guess I won't complain so much anymore. ;)

Insta Friday!

2012-02-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today I'm going to be linking up for Insta Friday. I love looking at other people's pictures. I hope you enjoy mine and a little peek into the week.

It's always nice to read a blog post and see a picture of feet first thing. So here's your treat. ;) My granny treated my mom and me to a pedicure this week. Three generations getting pedicures together. I thought it was cute. I went with a dark red for Valentine's Day.

This little guy has been my constant companion during my off time. He always knows when I need a good cuddle. This was not that time. He was getting in trouble right here. Right above where he's standing he has taken to clawing the door frame. It's so deep now that it'll probably have to be totally replaced. Bad boy!

I TOLD you! I've spent way too much time here lately. I've got to find a way to curb this sweet tea addiction I've acquired. It's so bad. I don't drink that much sugar at all, but this I can't stop! Help! On another note, look at that BLUE sky. Beautiful day in So. Cal!

More proof of this insane winter weather we are having!

And...a pair of my new kicks! Payless was having BOGO and they actually had some really cute choices! A new pair of shoes makes everything better, right?

That's it for this week. I was kinda ignoring the phone this week. Some weeks are like that. Tonight we are going to a "favorite character" costume party so I am sure that I'll get some pics from that. I'm going as Bernadette from Big Bang Theory and D is going as Leonard. I can't wait! Come back to see the results!

Valentine Cutie, A Giveaway...and Jesus!

2012-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

So Valentine's Day is coming up. It's not my favorite holiday, but I do love all the red and pink out there. What I don't like is when people say ValentiMe's Day. That is such a pet peeve of mine. I can understand kids saying it, but I always made a point to teach my second graders that it was N not M. Here's where I get really heated...a teacher I worked with used to say ValentiMe's Day! Are you kidding me??? O.K. just had to get that out there.
On another note, I saw the cutest Valentine wreath on pinterest and then I saw it on Janelle's blog too. Hers is super cute, so I got inspired and made one of my own. Let me tell you...not very cute and it took forever, but at least my door has a bit of Valentine goodness on it.

Speaking of Janelle, please go on over to her blog. She is the sweetest blogger ever. I started reading her blog recently and I just love her honesty and her heart. This month she is having a Valentine GIVEAWAY! We all loooooooove giveaways right?!?! So head over and show her some LOVE!

On a different note completely, today I went with my mom and grandma to get a pedicure and look who was watching me the whole time. He's always with us. ;)

Happy Wednesday Folks!

More Weekend Blessings - Sunday

2012-02-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a good day. We woke up and went to church, where my parents joined us for the first time. I loved that. At church, we started a new series, which promises to be a good thing. I hope it is! After church we came home and started to get ready for our little Super Bowl get together. The most exciting part of this for me was that I got to wear my C.U.T.E. monogrammed apron!

I made chili, which I don't even like, but it seemed like the thing to do so I did. Our friend Wayne made chicken wings on the BBQ (He said it was to get the cute little lines on them.).

The boys enjoyed some outside man time while I pestered them by taking pictures. Hey, I was the ONLY girl besides the two 12 year olds screaming upstairs. I'm allowed.

Then we had to watch the game. :( That part bores me and causes me to take completely unattractive photos of myself. I tend to do that when I get bored. (Baaaad lighting!)

Then the game was over! Hurray! I got to end my day the way I like.

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Weekend Blessings - Saturday

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Super Bowl is O.V.E.R.!

Do I hear a huge YAAAAAAY out there?!?!

I don't know why, but I'm glad it's over.

I had fun, but bye bye until next year dear football...

As I sat down to type this post I was going to call it Weekend Haps, but I typed Weekend Blessings instead. The more I thought about it, the more I felt that this weekend was a huge blessing for me and I hope for my family as well. To begin with, I felt well all weekend. That in itself is a huge blessing. I did not have one panic attack, nor did my stomach bother me. I might be jinxing myself by typing that, but for now I'm going to take joy in it. Thank you Jesus! We got so much done this weekend, had a lot of fun, and spent time together as well as with friends and family. I feel so blessed that I got to take part in even half of that.

On Saturday, D went and picked up Laurel and on their way back they went to Sports Authority (new swim goggles for D), Lowes (paint for our powder room and a new porch light), and Chick - Fil - A (sweet tea for the new addict - ME!). When they got back, they started to their work and I started to mine. Though we were doing chores, there was an overwhelming sense of peace here for me. I felt Him here. My soul was calm. Definitely a blessing. D might disagree since it was mostly he and Laurel doing the hard labor, including painting AND installing a new porch light, but it felt good to me. Sorry my love. And THANK YOU!

I did a bit of this.

While they did a lot of this.

This made me calm.

After all that, my aunt and uncle from up north gave us a surprise visit and brought my 96 year old grandma! Yet another blessing.

Finally, we ended the night with this.

If you stuck around through all of this, thank you. Enough ramblings from me. Please leave me a comment to let me know you were here. I love hearing what everyone has to say and meeting new blog peeps! Stay tuned tomorrow for our Sunday blessings!

It's OK!

2012-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday! Friday is almost here! Can you see it???

Are you ready for another linky party? I decided to take part in It's OK Thursday. I need to remind myself that, indeed, it's OK!

It's O.K. that...

this is the first day I've gotten up before 10:00 in a while! This is one of the little luxuries of not being a mom yet and of being off work for a long time. I can handle it!

I have to turn on the little heater in my downstairs even though it's 80 degrees outside. I'm freeeeezing and I sit with a blanket and a little heater on me almost all the time. Am I 90 years old?

I haven't washed my hair in a week. One of the BEST things of having this Yuko straightening treatment on my hair is that my hair can go over a week without being washed! It hardly gets oily. Score!

I drive miles out of my way every. single. day. for no other reason than to go to Chick - Fil - A to get a sweet tea! Obviously I have a slight problem. Count those calories!!!

there is a ginormous pile of clean laundry in my room and rather than fold and put it away, I just keep picking out of it. It'll disappear eventually, right????

I wait all week, every week, for Monday night to come back so I can get completely pissed off at Ben The Bachelor for being such an enormous dweeb. Courtney? Really? And the way he talks to these girls..."tread lightly, be careful?" Give me a break! They deserve better than him. At this point I'm rooting for my faves to get sent home. It'd be a blessing for them! For real! See, I've got a little emotion about this going on don't I? Yikes. It's O.K.!

So, what are you all O.K. with? Some things we just have to say ehhhh and go with it, right?!

WIWW - The Skinny Jean Trilogy

2012-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies! Thanks for joining me for another week of WIWW. This week I kind of dropped the ball. I was doing really well and then....well....I just didn't. Some days it's just so much easier to throw on jeans and a little tee and just go without thinking about anything. Then there are the days where it's yoga pants and a sweatshirt all day.

But luckily I did get three outfits. The funny thing is that I have on the same skinny jeans in all three. So this is now a trilogy of skinny jeans. This particular pair is sooooo comfy. As usual, I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy. If you stop by just to take a look, please, please, prettttty please leave me a comment. I see traffic, but don't get a lot of comments always. I'll take them all, positive, negative, or indifferent, just let me know you stopped by. Thanks bunches!

I have no recollection of what I was doing on these days, probably just errands. I know the last one is church, but other than that I've lost my mind.

Top - Old, no idea
Brown Cami - Old Navy
Skinnies - Kohl's
Flats - GB Macy's
Hairband on Wrist - Target (can't leave home without it)
Necklace - Forever 21

Oh look, I at least put the day on this one. Still no idea what I did.
Top - Tommy Hilfiger outlet
Skinnies - same ones!
Shoes - Toms
Bracelets - Forever 21

Love, love, love these bracelets. They came as a set for just $5.00!!!

Top - Kohl's
Brown Tank - Anchor Blue
Skinnies - Day 3!
Shoes - Toms
Necklace - Nordstrom (old)

So there ya have it! I think I'm doing pretty good mixing it up and doing stuff a little different for me. Thanks for looking!

Also linking up here:

Pretending It's Cold Outside

2012-01-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

When it's 85 degrees in January I like to pretend it's cold outside. I guess that's the only way I will get winter. So soup it is. This is the easiest, yet most flavorful soup to make when you're short on time. It freezes well too, so I usually make a huge pot and then freeze in individual containers for lunches or whenever I don't feel like cooking. Look at my wooden spoon. It's burnt. Now it actually even has a hole in that burnt part. I have tons more, but for some reason I'm always drawn to use that one. I remember growing up my mom had a burnt wooden spoon too. Maybe that's why.

1. Cut up any veggies you want.
2. Heat a little EVOO and saute the veggies that need to soften up. I salt and pepper them too.
3. When they are beginning to soften I add 1 to 2 cans of diced tomatoes depending on how much flavor I want.
4. Add about 4 or 5 beef bouillon cubes. (Buy the MSG free kind!)
5. Add a couple of cans of water depending on how much soup you want to make.
6. Stir it all together and let simmer for however long you want. I feel like the longer it simmers the more flavorful it is.
7. When it's about ready, I add either some sort of small pasta or white beans. I also add corn and peas at this time since they don't need to cook as long. (I got carried away and forgot to take a picture of this part. I was HUNGRY!)
8. Serve up and sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top. Mmmmmmmm

So there you go, easy, always a hit and kind of makes it feel like winter!

Weekend Haps

2012-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday night everybody! Is Sunday night a happy time? It wasn't for me when I worked, but now it's all good! Annnnyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

So on Saturday, we Dean did this.

Yep, chalkboard paint as a surprise for Laurel. Isn't it the coolest? It actually didn't take him too long. One coat of primer and then 2 coats of paint. It took us longer in Lowe's to buy the paint than to actually paint the wall. It was worth it. I think it'll bring her many hours of great fun.

I didn't feel too good so I went to Lowe's with him to get paint samples for our downstairs powder room and living room, but then ended up spending a lot of time napping.

When I finally woke up we watched Moneyball with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. It was really good. I'm not a Brad fan, but he was great and Jonah Hill was too. He was so unlike his normal self. Is that bad for me to say? I mean it in a good way. Lol.

Sunday was a much better day health wise. We went to church in the morning. Can I tell you how much I love our new church? Love. Love. Love.

After church we went to Target. Doesn't everyone need a Sunday Target trip? We got what we needed and left, just to realize we'd forgotten a few things. Back to Target I will go tomorrow. Oh darn! BTW! Have you heard of Shop Kick? It's an app for iphone or Droid. Look it up! It's the neatest. It locates you and the stores around you. When you walk into one of the stores you click on the store and it gives you "kicks" which are like points. When you earn a certain number of points you can get gift cards to the stores! So awesome!

Came home and took a nap. I know! I am very fond of naps. I can't help it. Then we went back to church for an open house of sorts. It was a night to get kind of plugged in, meet people, and learn about the church's mission. Love. Love. Love. I'm sooooo excited to be involved and to actually know people at church. This is my first time where I've felt like really getting involved and serving. Very excited!

I didn't take this picture. From Facebook. :)

So anyway, that's about it. Came home and now watching the SAG awards. I am not sure why I watch these award shows. I'm going to say it's for the dresses. I love to see what these ladies are wearing. Pretty!

Have a great week peeps!!!

I'm Skeeeered and Some Other Stuff

2012-01-26T18:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Almost Friday!!!! That phrase meant A LOT to me when I was working. I can relate to the relief that seeing Friday on the horizon holds.

Now on to the scary part...Today I was asked to do a MUD RUN with my friend Mitzy. Of this, I am truly scared. I can barely walk across the house to the kitchen and back to my comfy couch. I can't imagine RUNNING, let alone in the MUD, heavy and soaking wet. Really???!!!! Who does this? Uhhhh, well maybe me. I'm getting lots of encouragement so I might have to bite the bullet and try it. That's where the skeeeeered part comes in. Have any of you done this? I watched a video of one online and got even more scared. Then I read the helpful tips on the site and wow...tape the ankles? Huh? I have a lot to learn before the run actually gets here. Help!

As for the other stuff. It's a much more enjoyable note...my dear husband won an ipad2 at work! How cool is that??? I've been wanting one a lot. I must remember that it's ~~mine~~ his. No really. I will remember. Hopefully.

During the day I've been doing a lot of Bible reading along with the two books I posted about before. Wow! So much to think about. I like the books a lot. I think it might be more beneficial to go through them with a girlfriend or a group, but for the time being just reading them on my own will do. I'd definitely suggest them to anyone who has trouble trusting or finds fear in everyday life.

This week I've done some cooking and cleaned things that have been annoying me for weeks. Finally, a little energy and motivation! The other night I cooked chicken stir fry with Quinoa. It was delicious, I must say. I could eat it every night if everyone else was o.k. with it. The picture makes my mouth water.

We also bought a juicer and I made fresh squeezed juice the other day. I've had fresh juice before, but this tasted like none other. It was so sweet and smooth. I put in an apple, two small oranges, a kiwi, and a few raspberries. Try it if you have a juicer. You won't be disappointed!

O.K. enough rambling for you? I'll leave you alone now. Have a happy Friday and a great weekend. I might have a fun home "improvement" project to share with you on Monday. Stay tuned!

You, Lord, give true peace. You give peace to those who depend on you. You give peace to those who trust you. So, trust the Lord always. Trust the Lord because he is our Rock forever. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

WIWW - Edition 4

2012-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hi there Wednesday Peeps! Happy Hump Day!! Linking up again with The Pleated Poppy.

This week I actually had places to go, so I got dressed! Here are a few of the results. I'm addicted to my Ugg sweater boots, but unfortunately it's now back in the 80's for awhile so I have to put them away. Very sad about that. :( Booooo

O.K. Here we go....

No idea where I was going here. I think Target was one place on the list. It usually is! ;) Excuse the face. I think I was mid sentence or something....or maybe I just look weird like that!

Blue top - Bloom at Riverside Plaza
White Tee - Target
Skinnies - Kohl's
Boots - Ugg
Necklace - Target

On Saturday we went to my friend's nephew's birthday party. It started at 1. We got there at 1:30ish. Most other people got there at 4 or 5!!!! :) It was a fun day though! Oh and I'm addicted to these skinnies too. They are so comfy!

Black Tee - Old Navy ?
Sweater - Charlotte Russe
Skinnies - Kohl's
Boots - Uggs
Bracelets that you can't see - Forever 21 and soooooo cute!

Next day...church, lunch and cupcakes with in - laws. It was a super relaxed, fun day. I'm not too sure about the shirt. It needs a belt I think, even though it does tie in the back. I got compliments that it was cute, but I'm still not sure.

Shirt - Target online
Tee - American Eagle
Scarf - Payless Shoes !
Leggings - Target
Boot Socks - Target
Boots - ? Can't remember

Going out Monday night in the rain and cold for an appointment. Please ignore that my foot looks excessively big!

Beanie - Target
Scarf - regular turned infinity (made by friend's mom)
Grey Top - Aeropostale
Tank - Aeropostale
Jeans - 7 for all Mankind Dojo's super old Nordies
Shoes - Rocket Dog
Puffy Coat - Macy's

And...that's it for the outfits this week. Have a great Wednesday!!

A Big Day For My Brother

2012-01-23T23:38:00.000-08:00

This is my brother Ricky and me (about 3 years ago maybe).

He is the love of my life. I was an only child until I was 13. I spent probably 11 of those 13 years wanting a sister. When I was 13 I was blessed with this little brother. He stole my heart from day one, even though he wasn't a sister. He stole my heart and never gave it back. Love this look. Love his face. Love his laughter. Love his heart.

Then all the sudden he changed. He got in lots of trouble. My love never died though. I loved him more. They live in Virginia so I have to love from afar, but on this day I got to love on him right there.

He kept getting in trouble. We prayed and prayed and prayed. God answered ours prayers by putting it in Ricky's heart to join the United States Marine Corps. A couple of months later, while waiting to leave for bootcamp he met Mahnoosh. I've yet to meet her, but he's changed for the better. She's a dream come true. See this smile on his face? I haven't seen that in a long, long time.

Yesterday, my little brother left for Marine Corps bootcamp. Saying goodbye is hard.

I'm so very proud of him and I believe he will become a better man for it. He told me he was scared, but prepared. While he's there I hope he keeps in his heart how much we all love him. We are behind him every step of the way and pray for him all the time. I ask that you all please keep Ricky in your prayers. He's a smart, caring, guy who is now well on his way to becoming a man.

Our 1st Anniversary!

2012-01-21T23:50:00.000-08:00

Hi there Bloggy Peeps! I've missed you these past couple of days. Been kinda busy, but kinda lazy too.

Last Saturday my Mr. of one year and I drove out to Laguna Beach (my fave) to eat lunch and just hang around on our anniversary. It was a coolish day, but still lots of fun. We got there quickly. Thank you Toll Road!!!! Seeing as how we were both starving, we went straight to Nick's and let me tell you...GOOD CHOICE! It was delicious! I was so hungry that I didn't take a pic of our food, but boy was it yummy. I had Halibut fish and chips and D had a steak sandwich on grilled parmesian bread. I love the skinny little frites they include. Tasty! The service was wonderful and all in all it was a good time. Here we are taking our own pic. Don't we all these days?

Ohhhh and btw, this is what I woke up to that same morning. Do I have a sweet hubby or what?

After Nick's we walked around the stores for a little while and then it started getting cold so we headed up into the hills to admire the views and the homes. I can't even imagine having the view that those homes have. AMAZING! On our way out we stopped at this precious little chocolate shop and got a few little snackies. There was Gelato right next door that looked soooooo delectable, but oh there was no room in our tummies. Trust me on that one.

If you ever get the chance to visit Laguna you MUST. Yes, I said MUST go to Nick's and also get at least one piece of candy from the adorable little chocolate shop next door.

I LOVE Awards!

2012-01-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

I received this super sweet award from Barb over at Saturday's Mail

This award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers, in the hopes that it will bring many new friends/followers.

Leibster is German and means 'dearest' or 'beloved' but it can also mean 'favorite'. The idea of the Leibster award is to bring attention to blogs with less than 200 followers. So, in the spirit of good fun I am passing this award on to five other bloggers. Please stop by and visit them.

The Rules are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.

5. Finally and the best rule of all..........have fun and spread the love!

My five picks for the Liebster award are:

Living the Dream

Diary of an Army Wife

Little Miss One Big Mess

Cheeky Wee Brat

The Babblings of Mere

Now head on over and visit their sweet blogs - make some new friends! :)

WIWW - Third Shot

2012-01-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here we go again. Linking up with The Pleated Poppy. I've kinda fallen off the wagon. We'll see if I can do another week after this one. It IS fun to try to mix it up though. I'm combining things and trying things I haven't before, yet still sticking to my very simple style. And, through all this, I've learned that skinny jeans are actually not too bad, comfy even.

Friday Night - Going down to Irvine to pick Casey up for the weekend. He wanted to come home. I can't imagine living in a dorm. Never did it. I can imagine feeling homesick though. Anyway, the outfit was not fancy by any means, just threw it on and went.

Jeans - Dojo 7 For All Mankind (super old)
Tank - Aeropostale
Top - Target (so comfy, loooove it)
Scarf - Old Navy (i think)
Jacket - Gift from Mom. She bought it in NYC.
Shoes - Toms (of course)

Saturday - Our 1st anniversary! We went to Laguna Beach. More on that in another post.

Skinnies - Mudd Kohl's
Top - Old Navy online
Cardi - Target online
Necklace - Forever 21
Shoes - GB Macy's

Sunday - Church and lunch

Jeans - Dojo 7 for All Mankind (loooove)
Top - Old Navy online
Cardi - Old Navy (old)
Necklace - Forever 21
Shoes - Guppy Love Kohl's (soooo comfy)

So...that's all I've got for the week. After that, it all went down hill. I did wear my cute little beanie yesterday, but I think it makes me look like an equestrian. Hey, at least I was warm.

Beanie - Target :)

That's it, friends! Show us what you wore!

Hope on the Horizon

2012-01-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

Can I tell you something? It's kind of a secret, but kind of not. I only share it with people I trust. I trust people who read my blog, my lovelies, my blog friends. Anyway, I want to share this as an exercise in trust and so I choose here to share. I hope that's o.k.

So on with it...I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (or some such name). My anxiety spans so many areas of my life. I have anxiety about getting up in the morning, going to work, making phone calls that are necessary, visiting family, having important discussions with my husband or my mom, being a good step mom, being a good wife, friend, daughter. Being good enough for God. I have anxiety about having anxiety. Weird, right?! I struggle with each one of these things on a daily basis. I sound a mess. I don't always feel a mess, but it's there lurking beneath the surface of every facet of my life. People see my smile. Smiles hide a lot.

Today... I found out what we think is most likely the reason that I suffer from this and by suffer I mean really suffer, more than even my closest family and friends know. I didn't even realize I was suffering so much until we started working through it. Then I realized where my fears come from, most likely why I have them, and best of all that I can learn to get past them or at least not feel the effects of them anymore. I'm hopeful. This is the first time in YEARS that I've felt hopeful, very hopeful.

Trusting

2012-01-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

Today I got these. I've been reading the Girlfriends in God website and it's so good. I found these books through them. I'm so excited! In an effort to calm myself, to relieve my anxiety, to get some true rest, I am searching. I have the hardest time trusting in God, though I know I should. I know He's got my back. I know that everything that happens happens in His time, His plan. I KNOW this, but do I trust it? Do I trust Him? I guess not. That's horrible. I've been thinking so much about this and it's so weird because now everywhere I turn, something about trusting in God pops up. It's so strange...blogs I read, shows I turn on, websites I happen upon, people I hear talking. Strange! Anyway, my heart and my head hurt right now. I don't even fully know why. They just do and I need to TRUST in God that there is a reason for it. I watched a sermon yesterday from my old church (that I miss soooooo much) and wouldn't you know, the message was on trust in God. There it is AGAIN! Anyway, on my path to trusting God I found these two books and oh how I hope that they'll open my eyes. By the way...if you ever think about it, please ask me how it's going. I need accountability. Nowhere better to get it than here.

WIWW

2012-01-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends! Going to give this What I Wore Wednesday a try again. So I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy. Not the best outfits, but I don't really go anywhere too great, so this is what I got. It's just fun to try to liven it up a little bit. :)

Not sure when this was, but we went to lunch at Market Broiler. Yummmmm!

Skinnies - Target, Scarf - ?, Top - Old Navy (wish you could see the sparkles on top), Toms - Nordies

Just running out at night to an appointment. Wanted to be comfy and was!

Leggings - Target, Thermal Cardi - Target, Top - Bloom, Sweater Uggs - Christmas gift :)

Taking Casey back to school after the winter holiday. Still not feeling well at all.

Skinnies - Target, Top - Kohl's, Tank - Target, Necklace - ?, Toms - Nordies

I wore this one out running errands and it was my favorite. I love, love, love mustard color right now.

Jeans - Vigoss Nordies, White tank - Anchor Blue, Cardi - Target online, cami - anchor blue, Necklace - Forever 21, Flats - Gianni Bernini Macy's

Like I said, not great, but way better than pj's all day right?! I could be very tempted to stay in those all day long, so doing these posts helps motivate me a little more. I definitely feel better when I actually get dressed, but still those pj's are just. so. comfy. ;)

Good News!

2012-01-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovelies! I've missed you all for a couple of days, but not a whole lot going on over here. Over the weekend we continued to rest this illness away. We played a little of this. We are ADDICTED. I won!

Then we drove Casey back to college at UC Irvine. We dropped his stuff off in his dorm room and went out to dinner at Panera, where, since I'm still not eating I had this and it was what I like to call DELISH! Must try!

And theeeeeeennnn, one very important thing happened for me this evening. I got the news that I WILL NOT have to go back to my old school. I will be off the rest of the year and transfer to a new site next school year. Hopefully this means that I can get a kindergarten or 2nd grade position. If I do that and still feel at a teaching crossroads, then I will know the best choice for the future of my career. I am so thankful and blessed to be have given this time. This makes me crazy happy and the following is my crazy happy face. Not pretty, just crazy happy, and right now that's ALL that matters!!!!

Thanks for enduring my insane on camera moments!

By the way lovelies, did anyone watch The Bachelor? There is a whole lotta cray cray going on up in there! Jenna....what?!?!? Courtney....hmmm, true self? Blakely....has GOT to go!!! Kacie B.... loooove! What do you all think on this extremely important matter? Tell all!

Friday Fill In

2012-01-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

1. Discussions are being had about what to do in regards to going back to work. Do I? Or do I call it a good run and move on?

2. I think it might be time to bid teaching a final goodbye.

3. I think it's time to do more with my life than I can at this stand still I've come to.

4. Being well and finding peace in my heart and with my decisions puts a smile on my face.

5. Maybe sometime things won't be so hard.

6. Prayer gives me strength.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to continuing to get better, tomorrow my plans include hopefully finally getting out of bed and doing something and Sunday, I want to feel 100% again!

I think I see a trend here. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

P.S. I PROMISE to be back with something more interesting once I feel better...still not there.

In the meantime, I leave you, my sweet friends, with this little guy. He's been my trusty little companion the whole time I've been sick. He couldn't be any sweeter. <3

Derailed

2012-01-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

That picture, my lovelies, has been my life for the past couple of days and nights. Please excuse my absence. Sunday night at 8, something we call the Stomach Flu reared it's ugly head, taking over my life and everything in it. I'll be back when I can sit up for longer than 5 minutes.

May Your New Year Start With a "Big Bang"

2011-12-31T18:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone! Let me start off with this...since when is it 85 degrees in December and on New Year's Eve?!?!?! I remember getting dressed up to go out on NYE and being freeeezing. IF I were going out tonight, I would NOT have to worry about that one bit. Look at this!

This picture pretty much sums it up, though I must say it's not entirely correct because today it was 85! Too hot for almost January. Luckily it's freezing in my house, so I can go inside and pretend it's winter.

So, since it's NYE, I thought I'd share 5 of my favorite things from 2011.

1. We got married!

2. We bought our first house together!

And now for the less meaningful, but STILL very important.

3. I'm in love with this place and these things.

Yummmmmm!

4. This show NEVER disappoints! We watch this almost every night and the laughs never stop. Finally a good sitcom back on T.V.

5. This sign kept me laughing the entire month of December. I need to send it to Ellen or Kathie Lee and Hoda. Can you spot the problems and see the irony in the whole thing?

So there you have it! 5 things that are my faves right now. Some special, some silly, and all make me smile. There are so many blessings we've been given this year to be thankful for. I wish everyone a wonderful NYE and a very happy 2012!

Some Things You Don't Know About ME!

2011-12-30T00:41:00.000-08:00

1. I love, love, love coffee, but am banned from drinking it because of my health issues. :( BIG sad face!
2. I've been off work for almost 3 months now.
3. My sister is my absolute best friend, yet she's 16 years younger than me.
4. I am addicted to parmesian cheese in any form.
5. I have major anxiety problems. Hoping that they're getting better.
6. Having a few health issues at the moment. Need lots of prayers if you are into that. :)
7. I love driving around L.A. and looking at the houses, celebs, stores, etc...
8. I don't think I could ever have an epidural. Having someone touch my spine gives me MAJOR heebee
jeebies.
9. I have a problem with Target. I'm there 4 times a week, AT LEAST!
10. I'm dragging my feet on this Russian adoption because I'm nervous.

WIWW - Going to Give it a Shot

2011-12-28T22:40:00.000-08:00

Got the What I Wore Wednesday idea from Genn at Life in the Hass House. She's always dressed so cute and well, I'm just NOT, but I still wanna play. I'm not too excited with any of my outfits this week, but since I'm not working lately these three days are the days I actually did something. I like to keep it comfy. ;)

Christmas Eve Day was spent at my in-laws house in Vista. It was warm outside, but cool inside, so I bundled up. (Yes, another messy undecorated bedroom. We just moved in. Give me a bit.)

Cardi - Tommy Hilfiger Outlet
Dress - Old Navy
Sweater Tights - Old Navy
Boots - can't remember
Boot Socks - can't remember
Scarf - handmade by my friend's mom

Christmas Day - You've seen this pic before. :)

Scarf - Homemade by friend's mom
Top - Nordies BP
Leggings - Target
Boots - Uggs
Black Tank - Target

Out to lunch with friends at Cheesecake Factory, a little shopping, and then dinner at Chili's. YES, waaaay too many calories consumed, but YUM!

Top - Kohl's (I love this top. So comfy!)
Black Tank - Target
Jeans - Vigoss Nordies BP
Shoes - Tom's Nordies
Watch - Hello Kitty at Macy's

This one is just because I LOVE my new purse that Santa (my mommy) brought me.

And this one because I'm soooo loving my new haircut. I just wish it were maybe a bit shorter.

So, what did YOU wear?

Christmas....Blaaaahhhhh

2011-12-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

Does Christmas make you tired? It does me. We went to D's parents' house in Vista on Christmas Eve Day to celebrate with his family. It was fun, but it was the start of the exhaustion. Then we drove home, got all of our stuff and drove to my parents' house in Beaumont. A lot of travel in a little time. My parents were overly generous and we ended up with a lot of wonderful gifts. Thank you, Mom and Larry! We had a great day hanging out and playing Clue. Yes, Clue. I'm addicted to a kids' game. Later, we ate and as soon as we ate I was sick and have been sick ever since. The food was delicious and no one else got sick, so I know it wasn't that. I'm going to say it's my continuous stomach problems mixed with exhaustion. Oh well. It was fun and now it's over. I want all the decorations gone, but I will probably wait until the 1st. We'll see how much they annoy me between now and then. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. Are you as happy that it's over as I am???

Before Sickness!

Wilson Creek Almond Champagne...Can you say YUM?!?!

Finally got my sweater boots!

My Sweet Baby Boy...Nap Time...

I have a hard time not making faces at the camera.

Until next time...

Little Things

2011-12-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

It's the little things making me happy this week amidst all the Christmas madness out there. Here are a few. Please excuse the bad pic quality, all taken with my iphone. I'm totally too lazy to get out the real camera.

My cheeeeeap slippers from Old Navy. These, by far, are my best Black Friday deal. $8 and sooooo soft and cozy. If I'm home, I'm in them. I'd wear them out if I could.

Love the back of my new top. So, so cute. Of course the day I wore it was freeeeezing and I didn't take my coat off the whole time, so I'll show you instead. Sorry about the mess in Laurel's room. Ignore that part.

And the front, just for good measure. :)

O.K. really, really, ignore the coloring of this picture. Look at the curtains! I bought them on Etsy and they took FOREVER to get them, but I love them. We are going to paint the walls grey and they are going to pop. Love.

Another flower creation. Love this too. They are so fun to make and look so cute added to an outfit.

Finally, a soothing cup of hot tea on a VERY cold and windy evening at Panera while waiting for Laurel to hang out with her old youth leader. Looky at my glittery red Christmas nails. They look so much better in person. Love the contrast with my vampirish white skin. Yikes!

All

The Time is Coming...

2011-12-20T23:52:00.000-08:00

...for me to make my decision on whether or not to go back to work. Some of you may know the struggles I've been having with my career choice. I'm a teacher. I LOVED it for awhile. As the years have passed it's gotten worse and worse and worse. You see where this is going I'm sure! Luckily for me I've been well respected in my district and have worked very hard to make it that way. But, for some reason no matter how much good I try to do, I seem to keep ending up where I don't want to be. Last year my principal asked me to transfer to a new school with her. I did it. Not my smartest decision ever. This year has been AWFUL to say the least and it ended up with me out on a 3 month stress leave due to stress causing some major health issues. :( Sad, right? lol. But, really, it makes me sad. My leave is coming to an end and I think it might get extended, but am TERRIFIED that it won't. Do I quit? Do I suck it up and stay? WHAT do I do? I'm honestly at a complete loss and all I can do at this point is pray, pray and pray some more that some answer will fall upon my lap. I love kids. I love helping them learn. I love that light bulb moment. I DO NOT love what education has become today or the type of people education seems to be attracting into it. Enough said.

Oh, and I don't dress like Alice in Wonderland on an everyday basis. If I did, teaching might be a much better place. ;)

Etsy Love

2011-12-13T00:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, I looooooove, looooooooove, loooooooove Etsy. I don't have much talent, but I can make cute little flowers. Sooooo, I decided to sell them. They are cute, inexpensive little finishings for so many things. I wear them on scarves, coats, put them on purses, throw pillows, headbands, barrettes and so many more things. If you're interested let me know. Click HERE for a little peek at some things I have on there so far.

Reading This

2011-12-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

I have something I'm struggling with. I want to put it out there, just to get it off my chest, but do I even have any readers anymore? lol. I think I lost everybody. I guess that happens when you never post, right? ;)

Right Now

2011-12-09T22:44:00.000-08:00

O.K., so...yeah....I keep thinking I'm going to REALLY start blogging and I get all of these "GREAT" ideas. Sounds good right? No. Problem is I get these ideas while I'm laying in bed falling asleep and think how wonderful it is. Then I wake up and BAM! It's gone. The idea for a post is no more. So on that note, here's one I stole from The Pleated Poppy . I've done these in the past and love reading them on other blogs. So here you go, for your reading enjoyment. ;)

watching: Friends With Benefits - Did not expect to like it, but really did. Lots of funny parts and I can't help but love JT and Mila Kunis. She's gorg!

eating: Mint Chip Ice Cream - It's become a bad habit. Must break it soon.

drinking: Waaaay too much hot tea with honey. Now I have a sore throat so I can use that as an excuse. Right?

wearing: Jammie pants and a sweatshirt. It's cooooold and I love it!

avoiding: Wrapping presents, folding and putting away laundry, and thinking about anything having to do with going back to work.

feeling: sick..AGAIN. Last time the left side of my throat hurt. Two weeks later, it's the right side.

missing: my sister...Living across the country sucks.

thankful: That I have been able to stay home for the past three months and hopefully more.

weather: It's 54* and while that isn't cold, cold, it does feel cold and I LOVE it. I can't wait for the rain and cold that is supposed to be here on Monday!

praying: all the time

needing: to find some direction about what I'm supposed to be doing. Do I keep teaching? Or are these health problems indication that I'm at the end of that road?

thinking: a lot about everything, which is probably one of the reasons I can't sleep at night, ever.

loving: hot tea with honey, my amazing family, Christmas lights, my cuddly furbabies, warm blankets, being off, jammie pants, shorter hair, our new house, time to read, scarves, and soooo many more things.

But enough about me! What about you?

Mar 3, 2011

2011-03-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

Babies and BBQ

2010-10-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Have you seen "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant?" I have not, but I've been having the most random dreams. I suddenly give birth to this faceless baby, but I don't have to do anything with it. I feed it and love on it and then I'm allowed to "put it back." I don't think that's a good sign. Oh and let me say...there is NO way that I am pregnant so don't freak out on me. But, I wonder why I'm craving BBQ chicken so bad, morning, noon, and night. A faceless baby, putting it back, and bbq chicken? Oh my!

Trusting

2010-10-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

As I'm walking through a tough time at work, I'm realizing that i need to pray and trust in God that He'll guide me or help me with these problems. I need to listen carefully for His word and what He wants me to do. I wish it were easy for me. I tend to flip off the handle and my stress level shoots to the sky. I've given this particular situation a good 1.5 year try and I'm at the end of my rope. All I can ask if for God's guidance, and to give me the wisdom and courage to do what's right, even if it may hurt someone else or get someone else in trouble. If you're a praying person, or even still reading this blog, please keep me and my work situation in your prayers. :) I thank you so much!

Am I Back? (Friday Fill In)

2010-04-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

1. In 1992, I was a sophmore in high school, probably not doing much of anything.
2. I feel good when there is a lot of laughter and smiles.
3. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
4. Taking a nap, in my cozy bed, is where I'd like to be.
5. The trees and flowers are telling me spring has sprung.
6. I can't believe that just keeps going on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a yummy crock pot dinner, tomorrow my plans include enjoying the weather outside somewhere and Sunday, I want to savor the last of my spring break!

Challenge Update

2010-01-05T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I did fail my book challenge. I read 33 books. I was really into it at first, but as things got busier and I got more tired reading became less of a priority. I will go for it again for 2010. We shall see what happens.

FAIL!

2009-11-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

I think I'm gonna fail my book challenge. I was doing so well and then life got the best of me. Still reading, but don't think I'm gonna make it. Oh well...at least I tried. Can't stop living life just to read....off to Vegas for the weekend. YIPPEEEE!!!!!

Still Sad

2009-11-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

Today was the memorial of my Uncle Bob. I am so sad. I can't even begin to express the awfulness of this day. It was a wonderful memorial, but I can't stop crying now. I am so sad for my aunt, my cousins, my grandma, my other uncle, aunt, and my dad. This is not eloquent or well written in the least, but it's what I'm feeling now. SAD!

Sad

2009-11-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

My uncle Bob passed away unexpectedly today. Even though I don't see him often I cannot imagine my family without him in it. So very sad for my aunt, my cousins, my grandma, and my dad. I've never heard my dad cry. Today I did. Please keep my family in your prayers.

Boring

2009-10-28T18:13:00.001-07:00

Blogging is boring. I need to figure out how to get back into it. Life is soooooo crazy right now. More later! :)

WOWSAAAAAAAAAAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!

1. GOT A TATTTTOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've wanted one for sooooo long and I DID IT! Scott, Joleen, and I went to High Voltage Tattoo yesterday...the tattoo shop on L.A. Ink and they agreed to do me! So, I got a small heart on the back of my neck. Adrian did it and I saw Kat. She wasn't tattooing, but did come out for a minute in a blonde wig! So exciting. It was painful, but MUCH less so than I thought it would be. YAY ME! Rebel! Goes with all my life changes and I LOVE it!

2. Bought a new CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2009 Nissan Altima. My Highlander had 130,000 miles on it and though it was still running fine I started to think why am I making payments on this when I could be making payments on something new. So off I went and ended up with a sparkly new Altima. AND......it was a show car so it has after market rims and tires and that makes me GANGSTA! hahahaha I'm excited and SCARED. Payment city....for YEARS!

So, that was my last weekend of my SPECTACULAR summer vacation! I'm sad to go back to work, but happy to have a job and see everybody. This was definitely a summer to remember!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

2009-07-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

As I type this I am at 37,083 feet and have 949 miles to go. We are flying over Iowa. Yes! This plane has....TADAAAA.....wireless! I love it! Can you get any better than a long flight and still being able to use the internet?!??!?! Tonight is John's Pizza and Magnolia Bakery! Yay! NYC here we come!

Summer Questions

2009-07-07T07:41:00.001-07:00

Off to the beach AGAIN today with my little student Natalie, Jenn, and Pinky, but first some summer questions. Oh....anyone want a Sprinkles? It ends our weekly beach trip with such delight. YUM!

1. Any vacations planned this summer, if so when/where?
*** Yepp, NYC, Philly, Jersey Shore! Can't wait!!!! 16 more days...

2. Any home improvement/landscaping projects planned for this summer, if so what?
*** Nope.. just maintenance of the yard, and minor inside maintenance.

3. Did you purchase flowers to plant yet? Or is that not your thing?
*** I did not. It could be my thing if I had more time, but this summer has been a whirlwind!

4. Do you plan on hitting the beach this summer?
*** We go every Tuesday! Fun times. On the radio yesterday they said you know you're having a great summer if you go swimming every day. Mission accomplished! ;)

5. Have you got any new summer wardrobe items? If so what?
*** Lots of tops, some cute shoes, bathing suits.

6. Flip flops or wedges?
*** FLIP FLOOOOOOOOOPS!!!!

7. Do you tan or burn?
*** I burn easily. SPF 50 is my friend!

8. Any good summer reads you care to share?
*** Reading a lot. Right now Lessons in Heartbreak and I love it so far.

9. Favorite summer beverage (alcohoic or non)
*** Iced Tea

10. Do you enjoy any summer sports or activites, if so what?
*** This summer it's swimming and hiking. Loving the hiking...never thought I would!

11. Any goals your working towards this summer?
*** Paying debt, have as much fun as possible, and find a home for these 2 abandoned dogs that have become mine.

12. Favorite summertime food?
*** Seaaaaaaafood

13. Favorite summertime fruit?
*** Strawberries!

14. Favorite summertime song/music?
*** I'm hearing lots of Radio Disney these days. Yikes!

15. Plans for any summer lovin' ;-) ??
*** Nope, love stinks! ;)

Summer Fun!

2009-06-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

I can't even express how much fun I'm having this summer. Taking full advantage of freedom!!!! :) Just gonna share some pictures.

BOOKED!

2009-06-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. Today I booked my trip! Jenn, Madison, and I are going to spend 3 days in NYC, 1 day in Philly, and 3 days at the Jersey shore. We are sooooooooooo excited and already have a wealth of plans. We get to shop, eat, meet Heather from Cups of Coffee for dinner (If Madison gets to climb I want to climb too!), see Angela at the shore and just have an all around good time. I can't believe I actually get to do it. I'm going to keep this short and just say that this is an AMAZING summer so far!

Life

2009-06-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Interesting. You just never know. :)

The Best Night Ever

2009-05-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom and me and 8 other friends went to see DIRTY DANCING (my favorite movie of all time) at the Pantages theater. My mom gave the tickets to me as an early birthday present. Seriously...best present EVER! We ate at Maggianos at The Grove first and then drove over to the theater for the big show. Our seats...9th row! They were amazing and so was the show. I actually almost cried at the end. Thank you Mommy for one of the best nights of my life!

They're Baaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!

2009-05-19T19:49:00.001-07:00

Could I be any happier? Uh no! Much to my surprise my handy dandy DVR switched itself on tonight. And...what did I find...TORI AND DEAN!!!!! They're back! I am sooooooooo excited. This is definitely a sign of summer! Love that girl! Ok, enough exclamation points for one post????? Nope! One more just for good measure! :) I'm giddy!

Summer Beckons

2009-05-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Things I'm excited for this summer:

1. Sleeping in
2. Waking up and watching my shows on my new 47" LCD (WOOOOHOOOOOOO!)
3. Jenn's and my trip to NYC and the "shore" (heehee)
4. S'mores
5. Beach days
6. Beach nights and bonfires
7. Sea World
8. Seeing my brother and sister again
9. Angela and Billy coming out
10. BBQ's
11. Reading whenever I want
12. Trips!
13. Warm nights with cool breezes
14. Tons of Angel games!!!!
15. So many more...

The Price is Right

2009-04-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ok people! You have to watch Price is Right on Wednesday morning at 10. My principal is going to be on it. He won a stainless steel refrigerator and $500! This is so funny. He has a Triple Crown t-shirt on. Go watch! :)

STRESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

2009-04-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

The CST starts on Monday. Can you say STRESS? I feel like I'm walking around dead.

Spring Pic Update

2009-04-18T20:02:00.001-07:00

I've had a lot of fun in the past couple of weeks. Vacation with my brother and sister. Fun times with friends. Cute new clothes. I'll let the pics speak. :)
(All pics taken with phone so excuse the quality!)

Heather's happy! haha

Dad...trying to figure out how he got kids like us.

My little beauty is growing up!

Shiny sisters!

Love this guy!

Easter

My Heart is Happy

2009-04-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Today Mommywood was placed in my hands. I feel complete now! ;o)

Ooooopsie!

2009-04-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I forgot all about blogging. The reason you ask....FARMTOWN! Have you seen it? Have you played it? If not, you must try it now. I admit it. I was resistant, but one of my friends told me that I'd just love it. I didn't play. I didn't play. And...then...I played. And now I can't stop playing. It's definitely safe to say I'm addicted. I've gotten a lot of other friends addicted. My family is addicted. Help us please! It's bad when I'm at work and just want to get home to my farm. Haha. At least I know I'm not the only one...Jenn, Sandy, Scott, Selina, I could go on and on listing names. :) So, if you have a facebook, go there and play Farm Town. It's fun! I promise!

Vacation

2009-04-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

Just a super quick post. Enjoying vacay with my brother and sister. Pics to come. YAY SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Time!!!!!!!

2009-04-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Tickets are bought. Plans are made. Our season is in order. I'm so excited baseball is FINALLY back. Can't wait for hot summer nights at the stadium with good friends and family. Lovin' it!

Weekly Recap #7

2009-03-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

WHAT I’M READING: Barefoot by Elin Hildebrand. During the week I read The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and would very much recommend it. It's a moving story.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Extreme Makeover Home Edition so I can see the one we recently went to.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: News and House Hunters

WHAT I’M WEARING: JEANS and Converse!

WHAT I’M EATING: Cheesecake Factory last night with MIL and S. They changed their Orange Chicken and it sucked.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: People who love me without conditions.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Homemade veggie soup and cheesey bread. Yummy to my tummy!

White Horse

2009-03-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late to the party...as usual...but I have fallen in love with Taylor Swift. This song in particular speaks right to my heart. I love it.

The Friday Night Knitting Club

2009-03-16T09:42:00.001-07:00

I just finished this book. If you have not read it, please do so. I almost gave up on this book, but then I got sucked in at just the right point. I cannot stop sobbing. Good thing I'm reading at home and not out in public somewhere. This book explores relationships between a group of strangers who become the best friends. I won't say anymore as to spoil it if you haven't read it. Please read it now.

Weekly Recap #6

2009-03-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

WHAT I’M READING: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. This one took awhile to get in to, probably 100 pages, but then it picked up and now I really feel connected to these characters. It's made me think a lot about unconditional love. More on that in a later post.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Dancing with the Stars and American Idol...oh and the new season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Gotta love em.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Silence is GOLDEN!

WHAT I’M WEARING: Sweaters when it's cold and a few cute new tops for the warmer weather.

WHAT I’M EATING: CPK today with S and Mom. Mexican yesterday with the in laws.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: Knowing that my friends and family love me and are here for me no matter what.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Not a thing right now.

HOLY CUTENESS!!!

2009-03-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

So I had an amazing Saturday. Started off with Mexican food and ended up with me sewing the CUTEST APRON EVER. My MIL taught me/reminded me how to sew and I am making the cutest vintage style apron ever. Sooooo.....as my mind is always working....I think I've found my newest craze. I think it's gonna stick and I have plenty of ideas up my sleeve. I'm so excited. Anyone want to buy an apron? ;)

HELP!!!!

2009-03-09T19:04:00.001-07:00

Please, Please, PLEAAAAAAAAAAAASE take these AWAY from me!!!

Weekly Recap #5

2009-03-08T08:17:00.001-07:00

WHAT I’M READING: Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston. Loving it! I'm doing so well on my reading goal this year. YAY ME!

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Nights in Rodanthe and The Changeling (hopefully).

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Myth Busters (geeks for sure)

WHAT I’M WEARING: As usual, jammies, but at least it's only 8:20 a.m. this time. I promise I'll get dressed later. Lovin' the sunshiney weather.

WHAT I’M EATING: Yesterday PF Changs with S and J. Today crockpot chicken. Right this moment a cinnamon and raisin bagel.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: My students, the sunshine (not too hot, not too cold), my family, my friends, feeling free and not so weighed down, my crazy pets, reading.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Coffee and bagels.

Dr. Seuss Week

2009-03-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

I have a lovely parent of one of my students who made me the CUTEST Cat in the Hat hat! It's pink and black, my fave colors. Anyway, here we are! **Kinda blurry...it's a phone pic**

Who Will It Be?

2009-03-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

The anticipation is killing me. I have read so much drama and major spoilers and I just HAVE to know what happens. I am actually even going to stay up until 11 to see every last detail. I'm sure this is going to be the most dramatic finale EVER!

Treasured Moments

2009-02-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

It's funny how when I'm laying in bed at night I can think of these really catchy blog posts, however when I sit down in front of the computer it all escapes me. Hmmm.... so this isn't going to be catchy or exciting, but I want to brag on my students! This class I have this year has captured my heart. They are the sweetest, funniest, most caring individuals that I have ever met and who are children at the same time. It even makes me teary writing about them. First off, their senses of humors rock. I can't even tell you how much we laugh in my class this year. It's pretty much all day. They get my sarcasm and dish it right back to me. For 7 years olds that's pretty good and I LOVE IT! Second, they love me from deep in their little hearts and I love them back...and they KNOW it. It's so cute to see in their journals how much they write about the fact that they love me and that I love them right back. I cry almost everytime I read a journal entry. And NO...they aren't just sucking up. If I'm having an off day or sad or just in general grumpy, they really CARE about me and know just how to cheer me up. I get more hugs and love than I ever have. And it's real love, not fake love like some people like to dish out. It's amazing that these little 7 year old humans are so capable of filling my heart up every single day. We had a rough start (my mom says we have a rough start every year), but sometime around Christmas they just mature into the best little individuals. They are SMART too! Today was our Principal's Honor Roll and Honor Roll assembly. I had 13 on Principal's Honor Roll and 10 on Honor Roll. That is TWENTY THREE Honor Roll kids. I am amazed, proud, and so happy with and for them. I love these kids and I'm going to miss them so much come June. For now I'm going to treasure every last minute with them, even the ones where they frustrate me. ;)

Footnote: When I get my computer back I'll add a picture. For now I'm on a borrowed laptop until mine gets pack from the laptop emergency room. :)

Dream Dinners

2009-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

In this busy life it's always nice to find a way to cut corners. This week my friend Jenn helped me do just that. She invited me to join her at Dream Dinners. Ok, so this type of thing is totally not my thing, but I went and ended up having a great time and coming home with some yummy already prepared dinners. After work I drove to Jenn's work and waited for her outside while she finished her team leader meeting. I sat in my car and enjoyed a wonderful phone conversation...killing two birds with one stone. I love when I can get multiple things done at the same time. Love it! Anyway, after that we went to J's house and had dinner and then off to Dream Dinners. It was pretty interesting. You go in and choose what you want and then you go off to the stations to put together the ingredients for the meals you've chosen. Pinky and I made Parmesian Chicken and Kentucky Pork Chops. We had a sample of the chicken and it was delicious. If nothing else, it saved me some time making dinners in the week to come and it was fun to try something new.

Weekly Recap #4

2009-02-15T18:25:00.000-08:00

WHAT I’M READING: Water for Elephants and I will finish it in about 15 minutes. I started it yesterday afternoon. This book is soooooooooooo amazing. I had no desire at all to read it, but after it got recommended to me by so many people I had to give in. I'm so glad I did. I think it's become my favorite book of all time.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Not much of anything really.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Right now the news. California is in big trouble. I can't wait to get out of here!

WHAT I’M WEARING: As usual, jammies. It's freezing and I'm sick so I'm allowed!

WHAT I’M EATING: Sloppy joes and asparagus tonight. Yesterday for Valentine's Day we found a yummy Mexican restaurant close to home. It's been there the whole time, but never thought of going there before. Go figure

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: Reading this book, the fact that tomorrow is a day off, the fact that it snowed here on Friday and is supposed to rain tomorrow. Oh and seeing a movie tomorrow with my mommy.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Sloppy joes!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all. I hope you had a wonderful day! The fun treat I recieved is below.

Catch Up In Photos

2009-02-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so lazy me hasn't downloaded pics off my camera since before HALLOWEEN! Yikes! But I did tonight (only because a girl at work wanted them for the year book)! So, boring as it may be, here are a few random pics in no particular order.

The girls and I at work on Halloween.

Our house after the FREAK snowstorm!

My new baby, Marshmallow.

The Extreme Makeover Home Edition house that I went to on Saturday.

Another one of the house...getting the bus and limo ready. About this time my toes broke off from being frozen and we left.

SURPRISE!

2009-02-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

There's nothing better than an AMAZING surprise on a BAD day! I have had the days of all days, but I came home to something WONDERFUL.... I got the mail...and in it...a $1,000 check from my grandma (my dad's mom). On her note she wrote that if you "live until the ripe old age of 90 something, then it's time to share!" Isn't that the cutest and most sweet thing ever?!?! So here is a public THANK YOU to my grandma.

Gooey and Mushy...OH MY!

2009-02-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

I just caught myself standing over the stove, cutting and eating forkfuls of delicious, gooey, brownie goodness. It got me thinking that I'm a texture person when it comes to food. It wasn't the chocolate that was heaven in my mouth. It was gooey, mushiness that came with it. It's this texture that caused me to eat almost half the pan of brownies on my own. Sheesh! I made the brownies with applesauce this time, rather than with oil. Let me tell you...DO NOT try this unless you want to be leaning over the stove scooping forks of brownies directly into your mouth! How do you like your food? What's your food sense?

Weekly Recap #3

2009-02-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

For the week of February 1 - 7:

WHAT I’M READING: Just finished Emily Ever After. It was a light chick lit type of book. It was so good and fun to read. Anyone who enjoys fluffy reads should read it for sure.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: This week not much of anything. I've been reading and enjoying time with family and friends. Oh, but I did watch The Secret Life of Bees and would highly recommend it. Definitely have the tissues handy!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Leona Lewis and Jason Mraz are my current faves.

WHAT I’M WEARING: Clothes that keep me warm in this rain. I LOVE IT!

WHAT I’M EATING: Last night for our slumber party we got takeaway Outback. So delicious. Right now I'm baking brownies so I'm sure I'll be eating lots of those.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: The rainy weather, my little student Natalie who makes me smile every day, reading, laughing with Jenn.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Chicken and salsa in the crockpot. It smells heavenly.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2009-02-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today we visited the "set" of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. They are doing an Exotic Animal Sanctuary near my house. They built the family a house (beautiful) and a building (just as beautiful and large) for the sanctuary. They have tigers, snakes, etc. It was quite interesting. This is the second time I've visited one of these. The first time it was a lot more fun, but it's always neat when it's so close by. Ty was a cutie as usual and Michael is so smiley and sweet! Anyway, it was about 27 degrees out, about to snow, and just FREEZING. By the time we left I couldn't feel my toes, my fingers, my legs or anything else for that matter. They moved the bus in front of one part of the house and started doing test shots with the limo, but I couldn't handle it anymore so we left. We did take pictures, but I am too lazy to download them lately. I still have pics on my camera from Thanksgiving. I'll try to get up my motivation tomorrow. As for now I have a slumber and movie watching party to prepare for. :)

A Wonderful Friend

2009-02-05T16:53:00.001-08:00

At work during each staff meeting we do recognitions. If someone has done something special or has just inspired someone recently we can recognize them in front of the whole staff. Anyway, this got me thinking that there is someone in my real life that I'd like to recognize. She is my friend Jenn. Over the last 2 or 3 years Jenn has become one of the best friends I could ask for. I have known her for 7 years, but we just became close the last couple of years. Jenn saved me. I've gone through some tough times and she is always here to make me laugh, to make me see the light, to make me realize what's really going on, to help me know what's worth thinking about and what's not worth thinking about. Jenn gets my jokes and banters back with jokes of her own. She appreciates nicknames for people as much as I do. Our current fave is Cherry. Jenn has picked me up and made me realize how some people are not worth my time or my heart. She's made me see who is truly a friend and who is not. There was a period of time where I got taken away from her (in a way) and I'm just so grateful that we were able to repair our friendship. This year she's accepted me into her family, taken me on trips, emailed me back and forth like she was just sitting next to me chatting, and given me some of the best laughs over stupid things (clouds) that I've ever had. I appreciate this truly genuine friend and person. Thank you Jenn. I love ya!

**Picture taken at STEAK(Las Vegas) January 17, 2009.

A Fake Blog

2009-02-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

While I have sooooo many things I'd love to blog about lately, I'm simply too tired to even think. My tired little brain can only handle so much in one day. So, I resort to a fake blog. Someone sent me this, so I'll fill it in here. If you're reading this...consider yourself tagged! :) Save it for a tired brain day! You'll thank me then. :)

1 MINUTE AGO :I was reading the blog of a girl I work with.
1 HOUR AGO : I was taking a shower.
1 DAY AGO : I was working, reading, eating Chinese food.
1 YEAR AGO : I was happy.

First word that comes to your mind

I LOVE : Family
I HATE : Heat
I FEAR : Death
I FEEL : Drained
I HIDE : Nothing
I MISS : Sister
I NEED : Sleep
I KNOW : Something you don't know.
I THINK : Hungry

Random
last long drive: Can't really remember. Maybe to No. Cal.
last movie seen in theaters : Not sure on this one either.
last food consumed : Pizza
last person you called : Scott
last CD played : Taylor Swift
last drink drank : Hot tea

Short Answer

I AM : reading a lot of books
I HAVE : to make dinner
I LIKE : laughing so hard I cry
I WISH : I could go clothes shopping!
I DANCE : not that often
I CRY : not that often anymore, thankfully.

Favorites

Number: 23
Color: Pink
Day(s): Friday night and Saturday
Month(s): December
Season: Fall and winter
Ice Cream flavour: Mint choc chip

In the last two days, have you

Cried : Nope
Helped Someone: Yes
Got Sick : Nope
Gone To The Movies : No
Written In A Diary : No
Had A Serious Talk : Yes

Worst

1. time of day : Early morning
2. day of the week : Monday
3. food : sushi
4. memory : wow, after the year I've had I have a lot of those.

Tomorrow

1. is : busy
2. got any plans : not tonight
3. goal: sell this house and get the heck out of CA
4. dislikes about tomorrow : staff meeting (blah)

ME

How tall are you? 5'5 ish
What is your middle name? Marie
What is your first name? Heather
How old are you? 32

Weekly Recap #2

2009-02-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

For the week of January 26-31:

WHAT I’M READING: Still reading The Hour I First Believed. I'm ALMOST done. It's so long and I don't get a lot of opportunities to read these days.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: The Super Bowl with the in-laws and friends.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: A whole lot of nothing since my surgery left me with very muffled hearing.

WHAT I’M WEARING: Jeans and cute t-shirts. Gotta be cute. ha

WHAT I’M EATING: Chinese food from the place by my house. How did I not discover this earlier? Yum!

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: Hanging out a lot with a good friend, reading, The Bachelor.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Toffee Nut Latte from Starbucks. Fills the whole house with a delicious scent.

Weekly Recap

2009-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Got this idea from someone's blog, but can't for the life of me recall who.

For the week of January 18-24:

WHAT I’M READING: The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. Took a little while to get into it, but now I'm loving it and can't seem to stop. Still in my jammies because I've been reading.

WHAT I’M WATCHING: The Bachelor...I love this guy. The Real Housewives of Orange County...such drama, but I can't seem to stop watching. House Hunters International...helps me get in the mood for our trip to Costa Rica next year with the family and Jenn.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Wind and rain...I love this weather.

WHAT I’M WEARING: It's been warm. Hate it! So, layers. Right now, jammies.

WHAT I’M EATING: This week, in light of my exhaustion (right Jenn?), a lot of easy to cook stuff and OLIVIA's.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: Reading, being with my family and friends, my Las Vegas trip with Jenn, a day or two off from being stalked.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Pork chops and sauerkraut in the crockpot. Later it'll be banana bread baking.

I Have a Stalker...Oh Yay...

2009-01-24T18:58:00.001-08:00

Isn't it a little ironic that I'm being stalked during Stalker Awareness Month? Yes, I said STALKED. A parent of my new kid is stalking me. It's great to be scared to walk out of my classroom by myself. Thank God my principal is taking this really seriously and backing me completely. I've never heard him yell, but when I walked in the back door of the office and heard two people screaming at each other I knew what was going on. Anyway, just found it a little ironic.

I am...

2009-01-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

stolen from Emily!

I live: in a spanish style track house that i love, but also would love to sell so I could go back to Riverside or even better OUT OF STATE!
I work: really hard and long every day...definitely harder than I am paid for.
I smell: clean laundry hanging to dry.
I listen: to a lot of talk radio.
I hide: shoes under my bed.
I walk: in comfortable, but cute, shoes as much as I can...FLIP FLOPS!
I write: in my blog.
I see: a white kitten stalking my already ripped apart hands.
I sing: with my kiddos.
I can: cook pretty yummy food when I have the time.
I watch: too much television.
I daydream: all the time, especially on my long commute.
I want: to move back down the hill so bad.
I cry: at a lot of things...very emotional for sure.
I read: a lot of fiction, and a lot of blogs!
I love: my husband, my parents, my family, my pets.
I rode: a horse a lot when my grandma had one.
I sometimes: spend money when I should not.
I fear: death (myself and family members).
I hope: that Obama is everything we want him to be, and more.
I eat: a lot of Mexican food.
I drink: hot chocolate from Starbucks.
I play: Wiiiiiiiii
I miss: my grandpa.
I forgive: myself.
I drive: a cute little car and a neat SUV.
I lost: myself for almost a year.
I dream: a lot and they are weird ones!
I kiss: a boy.
I hug: my husband, my mommy, my pets.
I have: the best friend in Jenn.
I remember: what everyone wears all the time.
I don't: remember movies I see.
I believe: that I'll be a good mom someday...hopefully.
I owe: credit cards!
I know: who deserves love and who doesn't.
I hate: bad meals, irritating people, people who are idiots, people who claim they know a lot and really are clueless.
I wish: my kitten wasn't tearing my hands up.
I wear: jeans whenever I can.
My ex: is thankfully an ex.
Maybe I should: sleep more!
People would say that I'm: dependable and quiet.
I don't understand: anything about the inner workings of the male brain.
Life if full of: highs and lows.
My past is: the past thankfully.
I get annoyed when: people don't know what they are doing, speak without thinking, expect the impossible, drive like idiots. (good answers emily)
Parties are: fun if they include the right people.
Tomorrow: I'm leaving for Vegas with my friend Jenn.
Never in my life have I: pee'd outside. (Shan inspired me on this one.)
When I was younger, I: always wanted to be a teacher.
When I'm nervous: I bite the insides of my cheeks and I shake a lot.
When I was 5: I got my ears pierced.
My life is not complete without: my family.
If you visit my hometown: you will see a lot of really nice houses that I didn't live in.
The world could do without: people who think they know EVERYTHING and make false predictions that scare people.
If I ever go back to school: it'll be online.
And, by the way: Life is good!

Life Lately

2009-01-15T14:32:00.001-08:00

I'm a blog neglecter. Not much going on lately. Life is just at an even keel. Home is nice and comfortable. Work is comfortable. I am getting harassed by a parent, but that's a different story altogether. Nothing I can't handle with my principal's help in keeping this guy away from me. BUT, I AM going to Vegas with my friend Jenn this weekend to celebrate her birthday. I am so, so, so, excited. We are going to stay at a very nice hotel, eat yummy food, enjoy a tasty Mojito, and have an all around good time. Can't wait!!!

Layers of Me

2009-01-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

An easy blog for my first day back at work after 2 WONDERFUL weeks off! I got this from my friend Mere.

Layer One:
Name: Heather
Birth date June 15, 1976
Birthplace: Redlands, Ca
Current Location: So Cal
Eye color: Blue
Hair Color: Red
Height: 5′ 5″
Righty or Lefty: Righty
Zodiac sign: Gemini

Layer Two:
Your Heritage: British
The shoes you wore today: pink Roxy slippers
Your weakness: napping!
Your fears: someone i love dying
Your perfect pizza: canadian bacon and pineapple
Goal you’d like to achieve: being a mommy

Layer Three:
Your most overused phrase on AIM: hmmm, not sure i have one
Your first waking thoughts: Do I really have to get up now?
Your best physical feature: Smile :)
Your most missed memory: living in riverside

Layer Four:
Pepsi or Coke: Coke
McDonalds or Burger King: Gross
Single or group dates: both
Adidas or Nike: neither...converse
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: yuck...starbucks or my own
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or coffee: latte

Layer Five:
Cuss: sometimes
Sing: depends on the day (not well of course)
Take a shower everyday: always, usually 2
Do you think you’ve been in love: yes
Want to go to college: already did
Like(d) high school: by some
Want to get married: already did
Believe in yourself: depends on the day
Get motion sickness: not really
Think you’re attractive: depends on the outfit
Think you’re a health freak: not really, but when i cook it's a healthy meal
Get along with your parents: usually, not my dad so much
Like thunderstorms: love, love, love them
Play an instrument: does the recorder count?

Layer Six:
In the past month….
Drank alcohol: No
Done drugs: No
Made out: wouldn't you like to know
Gone on a date: yes
Gone to the mall: yes
Eaten an entire box of Oreos: nope
Eaten sushi: no, yuck
Been on stage: nope
Been dumped: No
Gone skating:No
Made homemade cookies: Yes
Gone skinny dipping: No
Dyed your hair: No
Stolen anything: No

Layer Seven:
Have you ever….
Played a game that required removal of clothing: No
Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: just a couple of times, a very long time ago
Been caught “doing something”: No
Been called a tease: No
Gotten beat up: No
Shoplifted: No
Changed who you were to fit in: maybe faked it for awhile

Layer Eight:
Age you hope to be married: i was 29
Names of children: no children yet, do harley, jakie, and marshmallow count?
Describe your dream wedding: big and fun
How do you want to die: haven't decided that and it's not in my hands
Where do you want to go to college: went to csusb
What do you want to be when you grow up: i'm a teacher and want to be a mom
What country would you most like to visit: england

Layer Nine:
Number of people I could trust with my life: Not Many...
Number of CDs that I own: Good Question
Number of piercings: 3
Number of tattoos: 0
Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper: a couple
Number of scars on my body: at least 4
Number of things in my past I regret: a couple

Sooo Excited!

2009-01-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

This cutie is looking for a wife. Out of all the guys who've ever been on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette I think Jason is the most sincere. I hope so, as he gets his turn to choose starting tonight. I'm so excited!

Word(s) of the Year

2009-01-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Each year the lovely Ali Edwards challenges us to choose a word to define our year. For 2009 I have decided to choose 2 that I think I need to work on. My words this year are BECOME and CULTIVATE.

I hope that this might be the year that I can BECOME what I was put on Earth to be. I can BECOME a better me a better woman. I can BECOME what I want to be, authentically, not living the way someone else wants me to. I will BECOME the true Heather.

Along with BECOMING me, I also need to CULTIVATE everything that is my life. I need to work on CULTIVATING different aspects of myself in order to BECOME the true me. I need to allow myself to grow in areas I'm lacking, in areas that are important to me, not in areas that are important to other people, but in areas that I see necessary. I want to cultivate my relationship with my husband, with my friends, with my family. I want to cultivate my independence and learn to do more things on my own and to stand up for what I believe in.

Both of these words will be very challenging for me and I know that at times I will become lazy, but even if I just make a little bit of progress in each area I will consider my 2009 word goals a success.

2008 in Review

2009-01-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?

I got to spend a day out and about with my Granny (just the two of us). She just moved here a few months ago.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make them usually. This year I'm going to try not to worry about things beyond my control. Not sure how successful I can be at that one though.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my cousin Beth.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, but my husband's grandpa died.

5. What countries did you visit?

Stayed in the U.S. this year. Maybe I'll go somewhere with Jenn this year. I can hope!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

True happiness and contentment. No worrying about stupid stuff and people.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

End of November and December when I got my life back.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Being #1 teacher in second grade in the whole district(by test scores) for the second year in a row.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Believing too much in people who failed me.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Just mental...haha

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Our new Wiiiiiiiiii!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Scott, he's come a long way. :)

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

It's not worth focusing on, but appalled is certainly the word.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Paying off bills.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My granny moving down, my new kitten, a fresh start.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

I Kissed a Girl (not because I did..haha...just because it was always playing and at bad times)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder?  b) thinner or fatter?  c) richer or poorer?

Not necessarily happier, but more content. Thinner for sure. About the same probably.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Not believing in people who don't deserve to be believed in. Spend more time with Jenn.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressing about things I have no control over.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

Christmas was spent with my family and in laws. It was actually a lot of fun.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

with my new kitten

22. How many one-night stands?

zippo

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Privileged, House Hunters, My First Place

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, but I have a strong dislike for someone who has hurt one of my friends. (I agree with Jenn on this one.)

25. What was the best book you read?

Breaking Dawn

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Didn't really have one I guess

27. What did you want and get?

Too many things to list!

28. What did you want and not get?

A trip to NYC.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

Hmmm, not sure...cheesy, but maybe Mamma Mia. I'm sure I'm forgetting one.

30. What did you do on your birthday?

Went to an Angel game.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Being smarter.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

More casual

33. What kept you sane?

Jenn. Mom. Reading. Jenn will appreciate this...prayer.... :o)

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

At first Sara Palin, until she became a ditz.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

The presidential election.

36. Who did you miss?

I missed Jenn for awhile, until we reconnected. I miss my brother and who he used to be.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

I remet a lot of good friends from high school, one in particular that I am so happy to be in contact with.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

Bad situations aren't forever. Only depend on yourself.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I can't think of a single one right now! (ditto this jenn)

Christmas Kitten

2008-12-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from my new kitten....Marshmallow. :) Pictures soon to come!

SNOWED IN!

2008-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Good Snowy/Rainy Morning!!! The Cajon Pass is closed and I'm snowed in. No work for me today! Love the weather, but disappointed because I was working for no absences this trimester. Oh well! What can I do?! :o) How's the weather where you are?

Whoa Doctor!

2008-12-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so as I sit here watching T.V. and enjoying a nice COLD Sunday I see this commercial. My first thought! That guy just said F#$& YOU to his wife/girlfriend (whoa!). Then she runs out of the apartment crying. My next thought....what is she wearing??? Very weird outfit. Anyway, the crying girl follows a path of pebbles or rocks out of the building into the park. It's a commercial for the United Methodist church! WHAT?!?!?! I am a Christian and I get the need for God, but whoa, this commercial weirds me out. Have you seen it?

Sleepless Nights

2008-12-12T23:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight is one of them. Usually, on Fridays especially, I am zonked out...like almost immediately. Not tonight! Today was our Polar Express party at school so I have been in my jammies and ready for bed all day. That's not quite working out though. I have a TON of nervous energy. I have cleaned like I've never cleaned before. I built a dog proof fence (Me build something??? That would normally be a JOKE.). I have done work. I've done fun. I could stay up all night. WIRED! Does anyone else have trouble sleeping???

Getting to Know Me (And YOU!)

2008-12-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!! Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then post this on your blog and tag 5 people. Tis' the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? Right after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually New Year's Day

5. Do you like eggnog? Not really

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Kid - Dodi Fay

7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad

8. Easiest person to buy for? Ricky

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Used body lotion

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

13. When do you start shopping? November-ish

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but I am this year! heehee

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Chocolate Hay Stacks, Oatmeal Shortbread

16. Lights on the tree? White

17. Favorite Christmas song? Donde Esta Santa Claus right now...doing it for our Christmas program and can't get it out of my head. Normally O' Holy Night

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home sometimes, travel sometimes

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? the spanish ones!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning...sometimes one on Christmas Eve

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Mean people in the stores

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Childhood favorites

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Usually ham or turkey and all the regular sides

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? My ear to get better again

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Hopefully lots of people

27. Who is least likely to respond to this? Probably a lot of people

BUT MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!

Thump, Thump, Thump

2008-12-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

...is all I can hear. My ear issue is BACK. Last year I had an ear problem that came on suddenly and lasted for 4 months. I went through tons of doctor appointments and was scheduled to get tubes put in when one day it went away as quick as it had started. Needless to say I didn't get the tubes. A year passed and I held my breath that it wouldn't come back. Tuesday night I was just minding my own business when in the space of I'd say 5 seconds the problem came back. It's a constant thumping of my heart, but it's in my ear. It also clouds everything up and it sounds like I am in utero. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO annoying. Trying to hear is awful. It makes talking hard, like a microphone in my head...sleeping is about the only time I can "get away" from the sound and even then it's still there. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, I got a doctor appointment to get the tubes in AGAIN....BUT it's on January 27th. So I have to wait for almost 2 months! YIKES!

Blog Challenge

2008-12-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Here's today blog challenge by Heather...

So, today's blog challenge will be fairly easy. I want you to make a list of the "consummate" blogs that you read. Whose blog is the first that comes to mind when you hear the category? The same blog can certainly win more than one category, and the winner doesn't need to be someone that you know, but obviously, one of the themes of their blog would be the category for which you select them. Then link the blog (unless it's a secret blog!), so it would look like this:

Random Blog I Don't Really Read

Here are the categories; who comes to mind when you hear -

Animal Lover/Pet Theme - Laura Kurz
Mom - Shan
Single Gal - Cups of Coffee
Political - not really into the political ones
Spiritual - Ragamuffin Soul
The Real Simple Gal (keeps her home immaculate, has great ideas for making her life more efficient) - Blah, Blah, BlogCrafty
Foodie (either cooking or eating out)- The Sunday Baker
Fashion
Home Decorator
Reader/Bookworm
Music
Photos - Jessica Claire
Humor
Deep Thinking
World Traveler - Cardinal Red/Jenn

This is just a few of the blogs I read. I could have listed multiple blogs for some of the categories. I'm excited to see the blogs YOU read!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful. As weird as it sounds, we spent it at my grandma's new "old folks home." She recently moved down from Oregon into a really nice senior apartment building. They had a lovely Thanksgiving meal. It was actually really good and I'm happy that we made her day by spending it at her new home. We had a house full of people and animals, including the cutest little 4 week old kitten named Marshmallow. He's a little stinker and just got weaned off his bottle. It's cute to watch him try to drink from a bowl. Then we all came back to my mom's house and played 500. That was fun and for once I didn't lose. I didn't win either, but at least I played well. People stayed pretty late and then we took Granny back home. I'm thankful for a wonderful day spent with our family and close friends. Now...off to the mall...

Thankful #3

2008-11-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

1. Rain - We need it so much and I just LOVE it. I love the feeling on a cold, gloomy, rainy day. If I could move to Washington or Oregon I would in a heartbeat.

2. Friends - Heard from my friend in England. Glad she's having fun. Mended a friendship with another friend who realized friendship is more important than misunderstandings.

3. Family - My family who lets me stay with them whenever I want to and Mom who always cooks me a warm meal, even after working all day.

4. Job - I hope my kids are having a good Thanksgiving break.

5. Home - Happy to be home with loved ones and able to cuddle up and watch movies.

Thankful #2

2008-11-25T16:16:00.001-08:00

I'm thankful for the barista (coffee master) at Starbucks in Redlands today who offered to make me a special drink out of the blue. I wanted hot chocolate so she gave it to me, but with Peppermint whipped cream. She said that is usually saved for some other drink, but wanted me to have it and try it with dark chocolate shavings on top. I must say it was delicious and I'll be requesting it from now on. It was just enough peppermint! Yummy. Thank goodness for Starbucks baristas. ;)

Thankful #1

2008-11-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for:

1. family
2. friends who tell me how it is
3. internet friends who care about me even though they don't know me
4. my pets
5. this vacation (tons of stuff shredded, closet cleaned out, shoe organizer put together, shopping done, reading, more shopping, spending good time with friends and family who love me)
6. clouds that might carry rain this week
7. that i still have a lovely house to live in (even though i hate my neighbors)

More to come....

Two YAY Moments Today!

2008-11-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

As I was driving home today guess what I saw! Gas for...you'll never guess....$1.99! Can you believe it? I never thought I'd see the day again. I'm so excited. I drive a lot and far so this is a BIG DEAL to me. YAY #1!

YAY #2 is that Real Housewives of Orange County is coming back for another season and starts on Tuesday. I am so, so, so excited. I haven't liked any of the other ones (NY or Atlanta) so I'm so excited to see the originals come back. It'll bring a little bit of joy to my Tuesday nights!

Funny how 2 very simple things made my day!

What Have YOU Done?

2008-11-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

It's kind of interesting to see all the things people have done. Mine are bolded. What have YOU done?

ETA: Oh my gosh! I just looked at it and you can barely see the bold. Look close. It's just a tad more pink.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis actually a few...we hatched them in class
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Vacation!

2008-11-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

A teacher perk.....ONE WEEK OFF AT THANKSGIVING! I'm free! Yippeeeeee!!!!!!!!