You know what's the worst part of a weekend "Spring Tease" in January? We somehow forget that this is a temporary thing that is sure to go away as quickly as it came. This weekend was absolutely beautiful. Saturday was bright, sunny and the warmest day of January (until Sunday came along)...55ish. Sunday was even more beautiful with a high of 58. On the up side, it was a great day for having outdoor pix made! :) On the down side, it did not prepare us for Monday...which dawned gray and much cooler...with a predicted high of 40.
I did not do my "week in review" which I've decided to abandon. Mostly because I realized why I couldn't remember what I did in 2010...I do nothing. Ok, not nothing...but not so much that it's worthy of writing a weekly blog post. Anyway, if I do something that's fun or exciting, there's a good chance that I'm going to commit it to the blog anyway. So, I don't think I want to repeat myself every Saturday. So, for now...unless I just have a week of non-blogging that I need to recap for you (or myself as the case may be)...I will not be doing a week in review.
I know you are sad.
Also, if you read my Friday post...I teased that I *might* write a funny post for today...that didn't happen over the weekend either. So, maybe tonight or tomorrow I'll get around to that. I just hope you find it as funny as it sounds in my head! :)
And if you are wondering, which I know you have to be, I took notes on this one...so I didn't try to commit the entire post to memory before putting it down on paper...errr computer screen.
My Monday is not too terrible so far...the sunny, Spring like weekend helped to boost my spirits for the week ahead. Which I desperately needed...
And in 11 days, I'll be leaving to chaperone our Youth trip to DC! THAT is something I'm excited about and looking forward to.
So, happy Monday so far...hope your's isn't too terribly horrible either.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Finally Friday
Can I just tell you how thankful I am that it's Friday? And moreover I'm thankful that I don't have to be anywhere tomorrow at any certain time so I can SLEEP IN! Of course, that means I'll be up bright and early...but I'm going to try my hardest to at least lay in bed for a while...even if I do wake up early!
I know I've been quite depressing...the NC weather has been depressing this week...I sometimes wonder if I have seasonal affective disorder...and I'm not even being funny about that. The dreary weather kills me...I need more sunshine than gray clouds. Thankfully, the sun finally came out yesterday...and it's back today...and promises to be here all weekend! Plus it's going to warm up...is it sad that I'm excited about seeing the 50 degree mark?
Plus...I'm super excited about Sunday. Finally, it looks like Dylan & I will be able to have our pics done! I'm super stoked. Leah (our photographer) did a session with my sister's family last weekend...OH. MY. GOODNESS. I'm in love...
See why I'm so excited???? Leah is amazing!
And if sunshine and warmer temps are not enough to make my moods lift, I'm hoping to write a post for Monday that will surely make you smile. A more hopeful post...we shall see what happens over the weekend! :)
And now...I love Mama M's 5 Question Friday...always the best questions. I know this has to be hard work pulling this all together, but I appreciate her dedication to this meme!
1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose?
That'd be really tough...there are so many great charities to choose from. Ronald McDonald, Susan G Komen, our local pregnancy crisis center...it'd be really tough to choose. Most likely if I had that opportunity, it would take me a bit to make a decision.
2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt?
I *heart* snow days...I did as a child...I do now as an adult. Just a day, most often unplanned, to be at home in warm PJ's with maybe a quick trip out in the snow...awesomeness...love them.
Having to go back to work once the roads are clear and the snow is still on the ground is a pain in the butt though...
And our kids losing out on days "off" is kind of sad...
3. What talent did you wish you had and why?
Well, forever and always, I wish I knew how to play the piano. I'm hoping one day to have the time and money to put towards this dream...we shall see...
4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?
I don't watch the news...it's depressing...
I don't get into politics...I don't even want to go there...
Celebrity gossip...that'd be my choice of the three...although I would call myself a "junkie" per se. Although, one of the main reasons I love going to get my hair cut is that I have the opportunity to catch up on reading People Magazine. I love People...
5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't hafta be alcoholic!)
Well, I'm not a drinker. So, I don't have a favorite...but I have had some Cheerwine punch that was fabulous.
And for those wondering what "Cheerwine" is...check out their website. You can't find it everywhere. But I'm blessed to live in a state that does sell it! :)
Have a great weekend!
I know I've been quite depressing...the NC weather has been depressing this week...I sometimes wonder if I have seasonal affective disorder...and I'm not even being funny about that. The dreary weather kills me...I need more sunshine than gray clouds. Thankfully, the sun finally came out yesterday...and it's back today...and promises to be here all weekend! Plus it's going to warm up...is it sad that I'm excited about seeing the 50 degree mark?
Plus...I'm super excited about Sunday. Finally, it looks like Dylan & I will be able to have our pics done! I'm super stoked. Leah (our photographer) did a session with my sister's family last weekend...OH. MY. GOODNESS. I'm in love...
See why I'm so excited???? Leah is amazing!
And if sunshine and warmer temps are not enough to make my moods lift, I'm hoping to write a post for Monday that will surely make you smile. A more hopeful post...we shall see what happens over the weekend! :)
And now...I love Mama M's 5 Question Friday...always the best questions. I know this has to be hard work pulling this all together, but I appreciate her dedication to this meme!
1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose?
That'd be really tough...there are so many great charities to choose from. Ronald McDonald, Susan G Komen, our local pregnancy crisis center...it'd be really tough to choose. Most likely if I had that opportunity, it would take me a bit to make a decision.
2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt?
I *heart* snow days...I did as a child...I do now as an adult. Just a day, most often unplanned, to be at home in warm PJ's with maybe a quick trip out in the snow...awesomeness...love them.
Having to go back to work once the roads are clear and the snow is still on the ground is a pain in the butt though...
And our kids losing out on days "off" is kind of sad...
3. What talent did you wish you had and why?
Well, forever and always, I wish I knew how to play the piano. I'm hoping one day to have the time and money to put towards this dream...we shall see...
4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie?
I don't watch the news...it's depressing...
I don't get into politics...I don't even want to go there...
Celebrity gossip...that'd be my choice of the three...although I would call myself a "junkie" per se. Although, one of the main reasons I love going to get my hair cut is that I have the opportunity to catch up on reading People Magazine. I love People...
5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't hafta be alcoholic!)
Well, I'm not a drinker. So, I don't have a favorite...but I have had some Cheerwine punch that was fabulous.
And for those wondering what "Cheerwine" is...check out their website. You can't find it everywhere. But I'm blessed to live in a state that does sell it! :)
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Winter Doldrums
I swear...I had no idea I hated January as much as I do until I needed something to write about. And I began to think back and realized just how much every January just seems to drag by. Don't get me wrong...my sis' bday & my nieces bday both occur in this month...but I think my sister would most likely agree that this is one of the worst months - for sanity, for emotion, and yes, even birthdays. Many a birthday would find NC covered in ice (no snow back then...you know global warming and all)...which would inevitably either cancel a birthday celebration but in some cases, it would extend a birthday celebration...since the birthday sleep over attendees could not get home!
Whatever the case may be, I am ready for January to be over.
It's cold.
It's gray.
Our weather forecasters forecast snow...and then change their minds and say it's gonna rain.
I have no money.
I have no where to go (not in the depressing "I'm at the end of my rope kind of way", but in the literal sense).
I get cold at night and go to bed hoping my feet will eventually warm up.
oh, my...I'm depressing!
But, unless it's going to snow, I'm done with winter. I'm ready for warm sunshine-y days...flip flops...windows down...music loud kind of days. I'm ready for the winter doldrums to be behind me.
Again, if it choses to snow, all bets are off and the winter doldrums will be forgotten.
There's no reason for cold, gray days unless it snows.
At least in my little world.
Whatever the case may be, I am ready for January to be over.
It's cold.
It's gray.
Our weather forecasters forecast snow...and then change their minds and say it's gonna rain.
I have no money.
I have no where to go (not in the depressing "I'm at the end of my rope kind of way", but in the literal sense).
I get cold at night and go to bed hoping my feet will eventually warm up.
oh, my...I'm depressing!
But, unless it's going to snow, I'm done with winter. I'm ready for warm sunshine-y days...flip flops...windows down...music loud kind of days. I'm ready for the winter doldrums to be behind me.
Again, if it choses to snow, all bets are off and the winter doldrums will be forgotten.
There's no reason for cold, gray days unless it snows.
At least in my little world.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Week In Review
Today, I'm in such a lazy mood...I don't really wanna do this, but I'm gonna make myself.
And if you knew how many typos I've already corrected, you'd probably tell me to give up!
Anyway, this is my week in review...yeah, I was supposed to do this yesterday...give me a break!
Last Saturday was Aly's bday party...just like a 7 yr old's bday party. This was the first party where she had school friends over...I could've stayed home! :) She was all about being with her friends that I'm not sure she really knew who else was there! But, of course I loved being there and visiting and playing with Ayden! :)
Sunday was church day...love church day. This is my month in Children's Worship...although we spent a good bit of time in the regular worship service for music and a baptism. But, it was still a good morning! Then Dylan spent the afternoon with Seth...and then later that day, he went back to the church...for Nerf wars. Our Worship Pastor (who lives next door to the church) has started an "unofficial" weekly "Nerf war" event for his son (who's 9 or 10), Dylan & Seth, Zac, and a couple of guys who attend our church from the Rescue Mission. And when I say, "war", I mean they are all dressed in black, in the dark and skulking around trying to sneak up on each other. While they were attacking each other with Nerf darts, my eyes began to get irritated. By 9:30, my eyes had a nice gunky film on them...which impaired my vision...which of course, I didn't realize until I left to go pick up Dylan. Thank goodness, I didn't have to go to far and I know the way pretty well...because things were a bit fuzzy!
Monday was a "blue" day...I wrote about it earlier this week. It kind of set the stage for the whole week. And the week just dragged on and on and on. Work was slow...as it often is in January/February. We didn't have much going on in the evenings...and we finally got to the weekend!
Friday night I went to a Mary Kay party with Ashley...Saturday I kept Ayden while Missy & Zach took Alyson to cheer at a basketball game. Then I took Dylan to my parents to help with the living room project. I cleaned the house - dust, clean bathrooms, vacuum, mop. My house is sparkling today! The rest of the day was just kind of lazing around until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore!
Today was church again...another great morning in Children's Worship...and now I'm tucked in under my heated throw blanket watching You've Got Mail. I watched it last night before I went to sleep...and have realized that I slept through a good bit of the movie last night! :) I'm seeing parts that I didn't see last night!
We are due for another snow this week...possibly...we shall see. It's always a crap shoot here in NC. Trust me, I remember many 100% snow chances where we got nothing. But, they are saying this is shaping up to be similar to the Christmas snow...but more moisture in the atmosphere than our last snow/ice event. Somehow, though, we missed a snow storm yesterday that actually hit our beaches! Yes...on the coast of NC, they were treated to 3-6 inches of snow...which is so strange! I'm sure the kids that live in that area are loving it because I don't know that they get much snow ever!
I'm hoping this week will be a little more "uplifting" and not so blue! Next Sunday, we go to get pix made...I'm so excited! My sister & her family went yesterday...and I've already seen two of the pix...AMAZING! Can't wait to share them with y'all!
Have a good week!
And if you knew how many typos I've already corrected, you'd probably tell me to give up!
Anyway, this is my week in review...yeah, I was supposed to do this yesterday...give me a break!
Last Saturday was Aly's bday party...just like a 7 yr old's bday party. This was the first party where she had school friends over...I could've stayed home! :) She was all about being with her friends that I'm not sure she really knew who else was there! But, of course I loved being there and visiting and playing with Ayden! :)
Sunday was church day...love church day. This is my month in Children's Worship...although we spent a good bit of time in the regular worship service for music and a baptism. But, it was still a good morning! Then Dylan spent the afternoon with Seth...and then later that day, he went back to the church...for Nerf wars. Our Worship Pastor (who lives next door to the church) has started an "unofficial" weekly "Nerf war" event for his son (who's 9 or 10), Dylan & Seth, Zac, and a couple of guys who attend our church from the Rescue Mission. And when I say, "war", I mean they are all dressed in black, in the dark and skulking around trying to sneak up on each other. While they were attacking each other with Nerf darts, my eyes began to get irritated. By 9:30, my eyes had a nice gunky film on them...which impaired my vision...which of course, I didn't realize until I left to go pick up Dylan. Thank goodness, I didn't have to go to far and I know the way pretty well...because things were a bit fuzzy!
Monday was a "blue" day...I wrote about it earlier this week. It kind of set the stage for the whole week. And the week just dragged on and on and on. Work was slow...as it often is in January/February. We didn't have much going on in the evenings...and we finally got to the weekend!
Friday night I went to a Mary Kay party with Ashley...Saturday I kept Ayden while Missy & Zach took Alyson to cheer at a basketball game. Then I took Dylan to my parents to help with the living room project. I cleaned the house - dust, clean bathrooms, vacuum, mop. My house is sparkling today! The rest of the day was just kind of lazing around until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore!
Today was church again...another great morning in Children's Worship...and now I'm tucked in under my heated throw blanket watching You've Got Mail. I watched it last night before I went to sleep...and have realized that I slept through a good bit of the movie last night! :) I'm seeing parts that I didn't see last night!
We are due for another snow this week...possibly...we shall see. It's always a crap shoot here in NC. Trust me, I remember many 100% snow chances where we got nothing. But, they are saying this is shaping up to be similar to the Christmas snow...but more moisture in the atmosphere than our last snow/ice event. Somehow, though, we missed a snow storm yesterday that actually hit our beaches! Yes...on the coast of NC, they were treated to 3-6 inches of snow...which is so strange! I'm sure the kids that live in that area are loving it because I don't know that they get much snow ever!
I'm hoping this week will be a little more "uplifting" and not so blue! Next Sunday, we go to get pix made...I'm so excited! My sister & her family went yesterday...and I've already seen two of the pix...AMAZING! Can't wait to share them with y'all!
Have a good week!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Five Question Friday! :)
I hope you enjoyed my late night post from VERY early this morning. I can't say that my late night didn't have its effect on me...dragging myself out of bed was difficult...but I made it all better with a Grande Non-Fat White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks...and yes, I DO want the whip on that. I trade my fats out.
Anyway, I love Fridays because it's the end of the work week...tonight I'm going to a friends for a Mary Kay facial (I'm super excited since I've never had a facial before!)...and I have next to nothing planned for the weekend. Oh, wait...I have nothing planned for the weekend! I probably should at some point clean my house...specifically the kitchen & bathroom floors...but we shall see. I promise nothing.
I also love Fridays because of Five Question Friday, brought to you my Mama M! It's easy...simple...and I don't have to think too much. So, if you want to play along, go on over, grab the questions & link up!
1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love?
Well, I'm out on this one...maybe, hopefully, one day I can share this story with you...but since it hasn't happend yet, you'll have to wait to hear it. I mean, I've been waiting a looooonnnnnggggg time...so the little bit of time you possibly have to wait isn't that much.
Hopefully.
Fingers crossed...prayers lifted!
2. What is your favorite room in your house?
No question - my bedroom. My bed is comfy & cozy. The color is sage green. It's all mine.
I thought I had a pic on my work computer or phone...but it's a no-go.
3. Can you wiggle your ears?
Sort of...
I had to try it out...
4. What is your evening ritual?
Well, usually I get home, fix dinner, clean up (or make Dylan clean up), do laundry if need be, watch a lot of TV, go to bed, read and/or watch Gilmore Girls until I fall asleep.
Obviously my evening ritual did not work last night...
5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
I prefer at least 6. That's my goal each night. Usually I get close to 7, which is even better. I can tell you that 4 or 5 is not enough...
Well, today should be a pretty hum drum day...just like the rest of my week has been. Both of my bosses are out today, which means that the office is quiet. Hmm...lack of sleep...quiet office...do not disturb! :)
Hope you have a happy Friday & a great weekend!
Anyway, I love Fridays because it's the end of the work week...tonight I'm going to a friends for a Mary Kay facial (I'm super excited since I've never had a facial before!)...and I have next to nothing planned for the weekend. Oh, wait...I have nothing planned for the weekend! I probably should at some point clean my house...specifically the kitchen & bathroom floors...but we shall see. I promise nothing.
I also love Fridays because of Five Question Friday, brought to you my Mama M! It's easy...simple...and I don't have to think too much. So, if you want to play along, go on over, grab the questions & link up!
1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love?
Well, I'm out on this one...maybe, hopefully, one day I can share this story with you...but since it hasn't happend yet, you'll have to wait to hear it. I mean, I've been waiting a looooonnnnnggggg time...so the little bit of time you possibly have to wait isn't that much.
Hopefully.
Fingers crossed...prayers lifted!
2. What is your favorite room in your house?
No question - my bedroom. My bed is comfy & cozy. The color is sage green. It's all mine.
I thought I had a pic on my work computer or phone...but it's a no-go.
3. Can you wiggle your ears?
Sort of...
I had to try it out...
4. What is your evening ritual?
Well, usually I get home, fix dinner, clean up (or make Dylan clean up), do laundry if need be, watch a lot of TV, go to bed, read and/or watch Gilmore Girls until I fall asleep.
Obviously my evening ritual did not work last night...
5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
I prefer at least 6. That's my goal each night. Usually I get close to 7, which is even better. I can tell you that 4 or 5 is not enough...
Well, today should be a pretty hum drum day...just like the rest of my week has been. Both of my bosses are out today, which means that the office is quiet. Hmm...lack of sleep...quiet office...do not disturb! :)
Hope you have a happy Friday & a great weekend!
It's late
I missed my "prime-going-to-sleep-time"...so now it's after 12:30 and I'm still awake.
:(
So...you get to see my late night rambling.
Lucky you.
:)
Today, I sent my BFF Ash an e-mail...part of her response said "I can always tell when you're in a 'venting' kinda mood because you begin to number things."
This was probably more noticeable because I've been in a "venting kinda mood" a lot here lately...and I realized she's right. When I vent, I make lists. I have no idea why.
Although, I like to make lists a lot...
Sometimes the list contains important things...like something that's troubling me or the fact that I'm in a snarky mood or that I'm feeling quite shallow...
And then sometimes the list contains things like "I bought 27 Dresses after Christmas and we need to watch it some time" because that's one of our fav movies...
Or the list contains this very important nugget: "I wish that Jersey Shore came on earlier and not on a Thursday so that we could get together and watch it."
Yes...I'm a Shore watcher.
Don't judge.
Hopefully sleep's going to come soon...I hate lying awake with nothing to do but think and worry and over analyze my entire life...because it just leads to more not sleeping.
*sigh*
BTW - are any of my blog friends watchers of the now obviously cancelled show Life Unexpected? 'Cause I watched the "season" finale aka the series finale...and was very confused. I read somewhere that the CW caused the writer to change the direction of Season 2. Hmmm...maybe the networks don't always know what's best...you think?
And I'm only half way through Tuesday's Parenthood...I'm loving this show but it always makes me cry...
My other current favorite show is Hawaii 5-0. Love it. It's the bomb-diggity. One weekend Dylan & I came across the original series...not even close to the current show.
And we want the table that they have....it's like a big computer...you can type on the tabletop and then swoop it up on a TV/monitor on the wall...
I have to have one of these...too cool...
Of course, I don't plan to use it to look up criminals and gang leaders and review medical examiner pix of dead people.
But, I still think I could make pretty good use of this table.
These are my late night thoughts when I'm trying not to dwell on everything and waiting to be tired enough to fall asleep.
I'm going to play Mahjong tiles or solitaire or something until I fall asleep...
:(
So...you get to see my late night rambling.
Lucky you.
:)
Today, I sent my BFF Ash an e-mail...part of her response said "I can always tell when you're in a 'venting' kinda mood because you begin to number things."
This was probably more noticeable because I've been in a "venting kinda mood" a lot here lately...and I realized she's right. When I vent, I make lists. I have no idea why.
Although, I like to make lists a lot...
Sometimes the list contains important things...like something that's troubling me or the fact that I'm in a snarky mood or that I'm feeling quite shallow...
And then sometimes the list contains things like "I bought 27 Dresses after Christmas and we need to watch it some time" because that's one of our fav movies...
Or the list contains this very important nugget: "I wish that Jersey Shore came on earlier and not on a Thursday so that we could get together and watch it."
Yes...I'm a Shore watcher.
Don't judge.
Hopefully sleep's going to come soon...I hate lying awake with nothing to do but think and worry and over analyze my entire life...because it just leads to more not sleeping.
*sigh*
BTW - are any of my blog friends watchers of the now obviously cancelled show Life Unexpected? 'Cause I watched the "season" finale aka the series finale...and was very confused. I read somewhere that the CW caused the writer to change the direction of Season 2. Hmmm...maybe the networks don't always know what's best...you think?
And I'm only half way through Tuesday's Parenthood...I'm loving this show but it always makes me cry...
My other current favorite show is Hawaii 5-0. Love it. It's the bomb-diggity. One weekend Dylan & I came across the original series...not even close to the current show.
And we want the table that they have....it's like a big computer...you can type on the tabletop and then swoop it up on a TV/monitor on the wall...
I have to have one of these...too cool...
Of course, I don't plan to use it to look up criminals and gang leaders and review medical examiner pix of dead people.
But, I still think I could make pretty good use of this table.
These are my late night thoughts when I'm trying not to dwell on everything and waiting to be tired enough to fall asleep.
I'm going to play Mahjong tiles or solitaire or something until I fall asleep...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Almost Wordless Wednesday...
Saturday was Aly's bday...and of course, that meant I went home with a goody bag...
And...Dylan had to try them on too...
Happy Wednesday! :)
And...Dylan had to try them on too...
Happy Wednesday! :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Blue Monday...
Until this year, I've never heard of "Blue Monday"...but evidently today is that day. The saddest day of the year. I've always disliked January in general...I truly believe it's because December is SUCH a big month with so much crammed into it...fun stuff, family stuff, friend stuff, church stuff...that when you come off the "Christmas High", you fall into January. In NC the grass is brown, there are no leaves on the trees, there is often cold, cold rain...and if not cold rain, then snow...which is OK, except when it's accompanied by it's friend ICE. Or when ICE comes alone. It seems there are more cloudy days than sunny days and, of course, I have no money...whatsoever. It's an "Eeyore" of a month.
See...Blue Monday, huh?
Of course, it didn't help that I woke up at 3:30am with my eyes matted shut.
'Cause...yep, you guessed it! My friend Pink Eye has returned. My own fault this time...I'd rather not go into it other than to say - I've learned my lesson.
The nightmare that I had sometime between 3:30 & 6:00am didn't help either.
So, yeah...I'm buying this Blue Monday stuff.
I'm trying to focus on the silver linings of the day:
- that the doctor's office didn't make me come in to be seen for the recurring pink eye...the first nurse I spoke to said I most likely would...which of course, made me so overjoyed knowing that we are knee deep into flu season
- that the meds the doctor called in are NOT the $60 prescription that they called in the last time...these are $10 *sigh of relief*
- that when I reconciled my checkbook, it looks like January will be tight...but February's looking up
- that I've secured February 11th off to chaperone our Youth trip to Washington DC
- that I got a lot of stuff "purged" over the weekend...you have no idea how happy this makes me!
Although...this poor item is most likely not going to make the cut...and will be purged to my local Goodwill...
See...Blue Monday, huh?
Of course, it didn't help that I woke up at 3:30am with my eyes matted shut.
'Cause...yep, you guessed it! My friend Pink Eye has returned. My own fault this time...I'd rather not go into it other than to say - I've learned my lesson.
The nightmare that I had sometime between 3:30 & 6:00am didn't help either.
So, yeah...I'm buying this Blue Monday stuff.
I'm trying to focus on the silver linings of the day:
- that the doctor's office didn't make me come in to be seen for the recurring pink eye...the first nurse I spoke to said I most likely would...which of course, made me so overjoyed knowing that we are knee deep into flu season
- that the meds the doctor called in are NOT the $60 prescription that they called in the last time...these are $10 *sigh of relief*
- that when I reconciled my checkbook, it looks like January will be tight...but February's looking up
- that I've secured February 11th off to chaperone our Youth trip to Washington DC
- that I got a lot of stuff "purged" over the weekend...you have no idea how happy this makes me!
Although...this poor item is most likely not going to make the cut...and will be purged to my local Goodwill...
As you can see, this bag has seen it's better days. I bought it at Cracker Barrel on clearance ages ago. I loved the colors...and the "thatched" looking bottom. For a couple of years, this bag toted my "workout gear" while I still had my Curves membership. Probably, I shouldn't have ever stopped carrying this bag.
But as I was cleaning, I set this bag out of the closet where it was hanging...holding some of those receipts from 2008. Then I moved it further out in my bedroom...closer to the door. And right now it's very close to the door.
But, other than the dirt...it still has a good number of years left on it.
So...it's hard to send it off.
We'll see....
Here's to Blue Monday...hoping it won't return until next January...
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Eleven in '11 Update
So, how's my "Eleven in '11" going so far??? Or my "Thirteen in '11", if you prefer...
Let's see...
1. Paint my bathroom - I've been wanting to do this since shortly after I moved. I have yet to decide on a color, but I would like to commit to doing this this year.
No progress on this as of yet...but I do have a color swatch sitting in my bathroom...I'm trying to decide if it's a good color or not...I'm leaning towards "no".
2. Have professional pics made of me & Dylan - When I was generating this list in my head, this was on the list. However, I've already taken strides to have this completed! My sister introduced me via Facebook to a photographer friend of hers. I fell in love with her pictures and in January she was offering FREE sessions. How can I pass that up? So, we are having pics done NEXT SATURDAY! I'm beyond excited!
Well, this hasn't happened yet. The lady who is to do the pictures has been sick! :( But, we are hopefully going to have this taken care of in a couple of weeks!
3. Watch Casablanca, The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke - I have been intending to watch all three of three movies for a while...and actually have The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke on my DVR. So, I'm well on my way!
Even with a lazy snow day, I have not watched any of these movies yet. But, hey...I've got 11 and 1/2 months left, right???
4. Take a trip with Dylan, somewhere - I'm hoping to repeat my September Caswell trip with my BFF's as we did last year...but I would like to take him somewhere...just us. I've already been thinking on one trip in my mind...just don't know if I'll have the $$ to do it this year! :)
Still in the hopeful planning stage...
5. Go to Boone - I didn't make it to Boone AT ALL in 2010...despite being very homesick at one point. So I WILL make a trip to Boone...once it warms up, because Boone is in the mountains. :)
Since Boone had blizzard like conditions last week (Appalachian State actually gave the students a "snow" day...which is unheard of), it's gonna be a while before this happens!
6. Begin a running/exercise program - I started Couch 2 5K this fall, but my greatest fears were not having time and the fact that it would soon be getting dark earlier - and our local park would be closing earlier. And that's exactly what happened. So, I'm hoping to get something started - something I will stick with.
No progress... *sigh*
7. Make better eating choices - I know that I need to make better choices with my eating. I can't continue eating like I do now and expect to remain healthy.
Again...no progress....this is depressing. I still have Christmas candy in the house...need tofinish eating that get rid of that.
8. Read my Bible at least Monday-Friday - This is one of those things that I do for a while, then fall off. I allow a lot of things to get in the way of spending time reading my Bible. I want to spend less time on the computer and watching TV and invest more time in reading my Bible.
Not doing this...yet
9. Along with reading my Bible, I want to have a quiet time DAILY - Another thing that I have a hard time keeping up with - especially on Saturday's & Sunday's.
Need to work on this, too...
10. Be more diligent in watching my finances - I hate paying bills and doing my checkbook. So I tend to put it off. I usually have a good idea of what's available...but by keeping up with this better, I think this will help me to be better at spending my money and planning ahead.
I *think* I'm doing OK with this...of course, I remembered today that my vehicle property tax is due at the end of this month...so, I might not be doing as well as I had hoped.
11. Spend less time on Facebook, Blogger & Twitter while at work - I have a tendency to just "jump on" real quick anytime I need to do something on the internet that IS work related...and then I forget what I was doing for work. It has become a bad habit and I want to be a more focused employee!
HAHAHAHAHA! Yeah right...
In all seriousness, I've always found that a decrease in my workload usually results in an increase in time spent on these websites. I'm not saying that justifies it...but I think I do put my actual work first.
Still, I'd like to see myself looking for more productive ways to spend my time at work when the workload decreases.
And what about the extra two items that were inadvertantly left off??
Run a 5K - once I start my running and/or exercising program, I'll be more likely to achieve this goal for this year.
Go through the receipts/bills/statements/paperwork that needs to be filed/purged - I actually did work on this A LOT today and have a huge bag of garbage and a huge stack of papers that need to be shredded or burned! This really makes me happy!
So, I don't plan to do these updates often...maybe once a month just to see where I'm at. I know I'm only a couple of weeks into the new year...so I'm not feeling defeated yet on the items that I haven't made progress on! But, as I see every year...the months tend to fly by...so I need to get moving! :)
Let's see...
1. Paint my bathroom - I've been wanting to do this since shortly after I moved. I have yet to decide on a color, but I would like to commit to doing this this year.
No progress on this as of yet...but I do have a color swatch sitting in my bathroom...I'm trying to decide if it's a good color or not...I'm leaning towards "no".
2. Have professional pics made of me & Dylan - When I was generating this list in my head, this was on the list. However, I've already taken strides to have this completed! My sister introduced me via Facebook to a photographer friend of hers. I fell in love with her pictures and in January she was offering FREE sessions. How can I pass that up? So, we are having pics done NEXT SATURDAY! I'm beyond excited!
Well, this hasn't happened yet. The lady who is to do the pictures has been sick! :( But, we are hopefully going to have this taken care of in a couple of weeks!
3. Watch Casablanca, The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke - I have been intending to watch all three of three movies for a while...and actually have The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke on my DVR. So, I'm well on my way!
Even with a lazy snow day, I have not watched any of these movies yet. But, hey...I've got 11 and 1/2 months left, right???
4. Take a trip with Dylan, somewhere - I'm hoping to repeat my September Caswell trip with my BFF's as we did last year...but I would like to take him somewhere...just us. I've already been thinking on one trip in my mind...just don't know if I'll have the $$ to do it this year! :)
Still in the hopeful planning stage...
5. Go to Boone - I didn't make it to Boone AT ALL in 2010...despite being very homesick at one point. So I WILL make a trip to Boone...once it warms up, because Boone is in the mountains. :)
Since Boone had blizzard like conditions last week (Appalachian State actually gave the students a "snow" day...which is unheard of), it's gonna be a while before this happens!
6. Begin a running/exercise program - I started Couch 2 5K this fall, but my greatest fears were not having time and the fact that it would soon be getting dark earlier - and our local park would be closing earlier. And that's exactly what happened. So, I'm hoping to get something started - something I will stick with.
No progress... *sigh*
7. Make better eating choices - I know that I need to make better choices with my eating. I can't continue eating like I do now and expect to remain healthy.
Again...no progress....this is depressing. I still have Christmas candy in the house...need to
8. Read my Bible at least Monday-Friday - This is one of those things that I do for a while, then fall off. I allow a lot of things to get in the way of spending time reading my Bible. I want to spend less time on the computer and watching TV and invest more time in reading my Bible.
Not doing this...yet
9. Along with reading my Bible, I want to have a quiet time DAILY - Another thing that I have a hard time keeping up with - especially on Saturday's & Sunday's.
Need to work on this, too...
10. Be more diligent in watching my finances - I hate paying bills and doing my checkbook. So I tend to put it off. I usually have a good idea of what's available...but by keeping up with this better, I think this will help me to be better at spending my money and planning ahead.
I *think* I'm doing OK with this...of course, I remembered today that my vehicle property tax is due at the end of this month...so, I might not be doing as well as I had hoped.
11. Spend less time on Facebook, Blogger & Twitter while at work - I have a tendency to just "jump on" real quick anytime I need to do something on the internet that IS work related...and then I forget what I was doing for work. It has become a bad habit and I want to be a more focused employee!
HAHAHAHAHA! Yeah right...
In all seriousness, I've always found that a decrease in my workload usually results in an increase in time spent on these websites. I'm not saying that justifies it...but I think I do put my actual work first.
Still, I'd like to see myself looking for more productive ways to spend my time at work when the workload decreases.
And what about the extra two items that were inadvertantly left off??
Run a 5K - once I start my running and/or exercising program, I'll be more likely to achieve this goal for this year.
Go through the receipts/bills/statements/paperwork that needs to be filed/purged - I actually did work on this A LOT today and have a huge bag of garbage and a huge stack of papers that need to be shredded or burned! This really makes me happy!
So, I don't plan to do these updates often...maybe once a month just to see where I'm at. I know I'm only a couple of weeks into the new year...so I'm not feeling defeated yet on the items that I haven't made progress on! But, as I see every year...the months tend to fly by...so I need to get moving! :)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Week In Review
Well, it's been another week...and it's time for me to review what I did for the week so I can know what happened in 2011! :)
Last Saturday ended up being more productive than I planned. Dylan went over to my parents' house to help remove fixtures from a bathroom in their old bedroom....which is now the living room! I know it sounds strange, but about 15 years ago they added a room to the house so that my great-aunt could live with them. So, it was basically a large bedroom with a bathroom and walk in closet. A few years later, she had to go to a nursing home...and she has since passed away. With Dylan & I still living with them, they moved into my great-aunt's old room and I took over their old "master" bedroom. The only thing "master" about this room is that it had a half bath attached. After we moved out, they've been working here and there to turn my old room into a "girl" room (for Aly) and Dylan's old room was going to be the boy room. Last year, Mom & Dad decided to move their bedroom into my sister's old bedroom and open my great-aunt's room into a family room. Until Dad retired, though, they didn't really have much time to work on it. And now they do.
If you kept up with all that, congrats. And to confuse things more, they are now going to move their room into the "boy" room and turn their current bedroom into the "boy" room.
Oh yeah, and their old living room is now the dining room...better used, though, as Mom's craft room...since they never eat in there anyway.
I'm tired...
Wait...I'm not even close to finishing my week in review!
Anyconfusinghouseplan, Dylan went over to their house to help out...so, I took the time to catch up on my TV shows. Then, I debated on doing housework since I had a feeling Monday and/or Tuesday would turn into a snow day...and I decided to work on Saturday so I could be lazy on the snow day. I finished off the day by having spaghetti at Mom & Dad's. I love spaghetti...but I think I overdid it when Dylan & I first moved...so he doesn't want to eat it ever.
Sunday was church...Dylan's friend Seth came for lunch and then they went over to my parents to do some little odd jobs for the afternoon. I had a little "veg" time and then went over since my sis & her family were over at Mom & Dad's. I needed to see the niece & nephew!
Monday was crazy...#1 - I was working with the hope/thought that I might have to leave early and be out on Tuesday due to predicted snow. #2 - My boss had jury duty. I honestly think it was more stressful having him sitting in jury duty with nothing to do but e-mail me via his Blackberry. At one point I told him to stop e-mailing me so I could get the stuff done that he asked me to do via e-mail. Sheesh! #3 - I spent the whole day waiting & watching for snow. By the time I got to work, only 15-20 minutes south of where I live was getting snow...and a bunch. At my office, we were getting NOTHING. Later in the morning it started snowing...but then it stopped. This off & on snow kept up until about 3pm when the snow actually set in.
I live in a very large county, geographically speaking. Population-wise, not so much. But since the county runs long North-South...and this storm was coming from the south...the southern part of our county was getting hammered by sunrise...which meant that Dylan didn't have school. A friend of mine who lives about an hour south of us got 6-7 inches of snow. We got maybe an inch...with a 1/4 of an inch of ice on top.
Ice messes EVERYTHING up.
Tuesday morning, I determined very quickly that I would not be going in. All I heard on the news was ice, ice, ice. So, I called in and lazed the day away. It was great.
Wednesday morning I decided to wait a bit before going in...mostly to allow the sun to get up and melt away some of the ice and allow all the stupid people to get out of my way before I headed to work. Of course, since I had been out on Tuesday, work was crazy trying to get caught up. We had missed "bill paying" day on Monday due to the fact that my boss was on jury duty...and we couldn't make it up on Tuesday since neither of us made it in. Plus all the other crazy-ness that results from missing a day of work. No church that night due to the ice that was remaining, since the temps were barely getting above freezing. In the shade, there was no hope for melting ice/snow.
Thursday was a fairly normal day...except that the stapler on my main copier broke and I was having trouble doing color prints. So, I didn't leave work until 6pm.
Friday was Friday. Thank goodness! Several of the guys in my office had a meeting out of town, so from 10:30 on, I was basically by myself for the rest of the day. I got so much done. :)
Unfortunately, due to the snow/ice and the cold temps, Dylan missed school all week. This was supposed to have been their exam week and then they were supposed to get Monday-Wednesday off next week. Monday is a holiday and Tuesday/Wednesday were to be teacher workdays to process exams. Well, since students haven't taken exams, this won't work. So, our school system has re-arranged the schedule for the next two weeks. Dylan is still out on Monday for the holiday, but has school Tuesday & Wednesday (he doesn't have to go Wednesday because he's exempt from his exam). Then he goes to school on the following Monday and then will be out for two days for teacher workdays to process exams.
Also, it appears that this storm has taken their entire spring break...and extended the school year to June 10th...which by law is the last day students are supposed to go to school. However, using all of these days doesn't help make up these 5 days...so I'm not sure what's going to happen in order for them to make up the days. We shall see. Hopefully he'll be out of school by July.
Today I got up early to go & get my tires rotated....spent a little early morning shopping at Target...and spent the afternoon at Aly's birthday party.
All in all, a good week. Nothing huge or earth shattering in this week...but that's OK by me!
Not sure what this week holds, yet...we shall see!
Last Saturday ended up being more productive than I planned. Dylan went over to my parents' house to help remove fixtures from a bathroom in their old bedroom....which is now the living room! I know it sounds strange, but about 15 years ago they added a room to the house so that my great-aunt could live with them. So, it was basically a large bedroom with a bathroom and walk in closet. A few years later, she had to go to a nursing home...and she has since passed away. With Dylan & I still living with them, they moved into my great-aunt's old room and I took over their old "master" bedroom. The only thing "master" about this room is that it had a half bath attached. After we moved out, they've been working here and there to turn my old room into a "girl" room (for Aly) and Dylan's old room was going to be the boy room. Last year, Mom & Dad decided to move their bedroom into my sister's old bedroom and open my great-aunt's room into a family room. Until Dad retired, though, they didn't really have much time to work on it. And now they do.
If you kept up with all that, congrats. And to confuse things more, they are now going to move their room into the "boy" room and turn their current bedroom into the "boy" room.
Oh yeah, and their old living room is now the dining room...better used, though, as Mom's craft room...since they never eat in there anyway.
I'm tired...
Wait...I'm not even close to finishing my week in review!
Anyconfusinghouseplan, Dylan went over to their house to help out...so, I took the time to catch up on my TV shows. Then, I debated on doing housework since I had a feeling Monday and/or Tuesday would turn into a snow day...and I decided to work on Saturday so I could be lazy on the snow day. I finished off the day by having spaghetti at Mom & Dad's. I love spaghetti...but I think I overdid it when Dylan & I first moved...so he doesn't want to eat it ever.
Sunday was church...Dylan's friend Seth came for lunch and then they went over to my parents to do some little odd jobs for the afternoon. I had a little "veg" time and then went over since my sis & her family were over at Mom & Dad's. I needed to see the niece & nephew!
Monday was crazy...#1 - I was working with the hope/thought that I might have to leave early and be out on Tuesday due to predicted snow. #2 - My boss had jury duty. I honestly think it was more stressful having him sitting in jury duty with nothing to do but e-mail me via his Blackberry. At one point I told him to stop e-mailing me so I could get the stuff done that he asked me to do via e-mail. Sheesh! #3 - I spent the whole day waiting & watching for snow. By the time I got to work, only 15-20 minutes south of where I live was getting snow...and a bunch. At my office, we were getting NOTHING. Later in the morning it started snowing...but then it stopped. This off & on snow kept up until about 3pm when the snow actually set in.
I live in a very large county, geographically speaking. Population-wise, not so much. But since the county runs long North-South...and this storm was coming from the south...the southern part of our county was getting hammered by sunrise...which meant that Dylan didn't have school. A friend of mine who lives about an hour south of us got 6-7 inches of snow. We got maybe an inch...with a 1/4 of an inch of ice on top.
Ice messes EVERYTHING up.
Tuesday morning, I determined very quickly that I would not be going in. All I heard on the news was ice, ice, ice. So, I called in and lazed the day away. It was great.
Wednesday morning I decided to wait a bit before going in...mostly to allow the sun to get up and melt away some of the ice and allow all the stupid people to get out of my way before I headed to work. Of course, since I had been out on Tuesday, work was crazy trying to get caught up. We had missed "bill paying" day on Monday due to the fact that my boss was on jury duty...and we couldn't make it up on Tuesday since neither of us made it in. Plus all the other crazy-ness that results from missing a day of work. No church that night due to the ice that was remaining, since the temps were barely getting above freezing. In the shade, there was no hope for melting ice/snow.
Thursday was a fairly normal day...except that the stapler on my main copier broke and I was having trouble doing color prints. So, I didn't leave work until 6pm.
Friday was Friday. Thank goodness! Several of the guys in my office had a meeting out of town, so from 10:30 on, I was basically by myself for the rest of the day. I got so much done. :)
Unfortunately, due to the snow/ice and the cold temps, Dylan missed school all week. This was supposed to have been their exam week and then they were supposed to get Monday-Wednesday off next week. Monday is a holiday and Tuesday/Wednesday were to be teacher workdays to process exams. Well, since students haven't taken exams, this won't work. So, our school system has re-arranged the schedule for the next two weeks. Dylan is still out on Monday for the holiday, but has school Tuesday & Wednesday (he doesn't have to go Wednesday because he's exempt from his exam). Then he goes to school on the following Monday and then will be out for two days for teacher workdays to process exams.
Also, it appears that this storm has taken their entire spring break...and extended the school year to June 10th...which by law is the last day students are supposed to go to school. However, using all of these days doesn't help make up these 5 days...so I'm not sure what's going to happen in order for them to make up the days. We shall see. Hopefully he'll be out of school by July.
Today I got up early to go & get my tires rotated....spent a little early morning shopping at Target...and spent the afternoon at Aly's birthday party.
All in all, a good week. Nothing huge or earth shattering in this week...but that's OK by me!
Not sure what this week holds, yet...we shall see!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday!!!
Shew...what a week. Monday was crazy because I was working with the thought that I most likely wouldn't be at work on Tuesday...which I didn't...which meant that Wednesday was crazy...and then there was Thursday.
Needless to say, I'm SO ready for Friday. Plus we have a busy weekend - our picture make up day is tomorrow, as well as Aly's birthday party! :)
Anyway, it's time for Five Question Friday with Mama M. If you'd like to participate, go on over, grab the questions and link up!
1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of?
There are so many to be able to pick just one...of course the classics - Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins. Pretty much any John Hughes movies - Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Pretty in Pink. Then there's Breakfast at Tiffany's...yeah, I watch that everytime it's on TV! I love movies...and could watch many of them over and over and over.
2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?
Well, there's nothing that's bugging me more right now than at any other time. Always and forever, I hate things that beep or rattle incessantly.
3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?
funny
tenderhearted
silly
loving
loyal
4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?
Probably teach...although, my ultimate job would to be just be a mom...without an "outside" job.
5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?
Salon shampoo...I've said it before and I'll probably say it again...buying salon shampoo really does make a difference. My personal fav is Clear Moisture by Redken.
Hope you have a great Friday & a fabulous weekend! :)
Needless to say, I'm SO ready for Friday. Plus we have a busy weekend - our picture make up day is tomorrow, as well as Aly's birthday party! :)
Anyway, it's time for Five Question Friday with Mama M. If you'd like to participate, go on over, grab the questions and link up!
1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of?
There are so many to be able to pick just one...of course the classics - Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins. Pretty much any John Hughes movies - Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Pretty in Pink. Then there's Breakfast at Tiffany's...yeah, I watch that everytime it's on TV! I love movies...and could watch many of them over and over and over.
2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?
Well, there's nothing that's bugging me more right now than at any other time. Always and forever, I hate things that beep or rattle incessantly.
3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?
funny
tenderhearted
silly
loving
loyal
4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?
Probably teach...although, my ultimate job would to be just be a mom...without an "outside" job.
5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?
Salon shampoo...I've said it before and I'll probably say it again...buying salon shampoo really does make a difference. My personal fav is Clear Moisture by Redken.
Hope you have a great Friday & a fabulous weekend! :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Happy Birthday, Alyson! :)
Today is my niece Alyson's 7th birthday. And since I haven't been blogging since she was born, I get to share with you some of my fav pix of her over the years. You agree, right???
Only a day old...
We call this her "pyrex dish" pic...she was actually in the hospital basinet...but doesn't it look like a big pyrex dish? And look at all that hair...she never, ever lost it...promise!
How about this cutie? Look at those big brown eyes! My heart melts...
And those curls...so sweet...
Truly the cutest ladybug!
And this summer...at the beach, we were partners...
It's hard to believe that this pic is only 6 months old!
The best lemonade sales girl ever...
And to top it off she's a GREAT big sister...
A daredevil MarioCart driver...
And definitely a snow angel :)
I love my Aly-gator. Dylan was a 7 year old boy when she was born. When I was much younger, I thought I'd like to have all boys as children. Then I had one boy...and I thought, maybe one is enough. When I found out my sister was having a girl, I was overjoyed. And so were most of her inlaws! Alyson was the first girl on her Dad's side since his Mom and an Aunt (his dad's sister). So, needless to say...they were thrilled.
But Aly & I "click" in ways that I never remember clicking with my aunts. Maybe it's because our family is so close...not sure. When my hair was long, Aly spent hours "fixing it"...and I may or may not have been the person who introduced her to M&M's. I also will admit that I *might* have taught her to say to her Mom - "You drive like a madwoman!" And I love that when I haven't seen her in a while, she will make a beeline to hug me, sit on the couch beside me, force me to "droll" (draw) with her and laugh while I say silly things to her. I also love our sleepovers...the ones where I invite her and the ones where she invites herself! :)
She is my Aly-gator...and I'm so thrilled to be her Aunt Jenn!
Happy Birthday, Alyson! :)
*sorry for the picture quality...a few of these were scanned copies of printed copies...and others were taken from Facebook...I don't have all my pics here at work with me! :)
Only a day old...
We call this her "pyrex dish" pic...she was actually in the hospital basinet...but doesn't it look like a big pyrex dish? And look at all that hair...she never, ever lost it...promise!
How about this cutie? Look at those big brown eyes! My heart melts...
And those curls...so sweet...
Truly the cutest ladybug!
And this summer...at the beach, we were partners...
It's hard to believe that this pic is only 6 months old!
The best lemonade sales girl ever...
And to top it off she's a GREAT big sister...
A daredevil MarioCart driver...
And definitely a snow angel :)
I love my Aly-gator. Dylan was a 7 year old boy when she was born. When I was much younger, I thought I'd like to have all boys as children. Then I had one boy...and I thought, maybe one is enough. When I found out my sister was having a girl, I was overjoyed. And so were most of her inlaws! Alyson was the first girl on her Dad's side since his Mom and an Aunt (his dad's sister). So, needless to say...they were thrilled.
But Aly & I "click" in ways that I never remember clicking with my aunts. Maybe it's because our family is so close...not sure. When my hair was long, Aly spent hours "fixing it"...and I may or may not have been the person who introduced her to M&M's. I also will admit that I *might* have taught her to say to her Mom - "You drive like a madwoman!" And I love that when I haven't seen her in a while, she will make a beeline to hug me, sit on the couch beside me, force me to "droll" (draw) with her and laugh while I say silly things to her. I also love our sleepovers...the ones where I invite her and the ones where she invites herself! :)
She is my Aly-gator...and I'm so thrilled to be her Aunt Jenn!
Happy Birthday, Alyson! :)
*sorry for the picture quality...a few of these were scanned copies of printed copies...and others were taken from Facebook...I don't have all my pics here at work with me! :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Snow days and stuff
Well, our snow event wasn't as spectacular as the Christmas snow...but the ice that came afterwards has wreaked havock on our lives here in NC. To the South & East of where I live, they got more snow. The word on the snow in Winston-Salem is that there was a VERY dry part of the atmosphere...so it was snowing, but not reaching the ground. We ended up with about an inch of snow...with a nice ice coating over it.
So, I stayed home from work yesterday...and did absolutely nothing. It was great. I got up early to call in to work...well, I actually "texted in" that I would most likely not be there. Then I went back to bed and slept for a bit. Then I got up and worked a jigsaw puzzle...watched TV...played Wii...and that's about the extent of my day. I was very one with my couch...and the amazing heated throw I bought myself after Christmas! :)
There's something about a snow day that just puts me in a complete vegetative state. Outside of checking Facebook, Twitter and e-mail, I really didn't have the "brain strength" to read blogs or post blogs. You would think that with nothing to do I'd get all caught up...but seriously, I just couldn't.
So, if I missed your fabulous blog posts, I'm truly sorry. I'm trying to catch up tonight...so, we shall see.
I went back to work today...which was crazy since my boss had jury duty and we both were out yesterday. Plus my co-worker is sick...with the flu. I hope she stays home and keeps her germs away!
Tomorrow is another snow day for Dylan...he hasn't been to school all week...but he will pay! Especially next week when he goes back for exams! Now if this ice will just melt so he can go back to school at least on Friday! We shall see...
OK - so this was mostly about snow days...and not so much about stuff...oh, well. I'm not changing the title! :)
Happy Wednesday!
So, I stayed home from work yesterday...and did absolutely nothing. It was great. I got up early to call in to work...well, I actually "texted in" that I would most likely not be there. Then I went back to bed and slept for a bit. Then I got up and worked a jigsaw puzzle...watched TV...played Wii...and that's about the extent of my day. I was very one with my couch...and the amazing heated throw I bought myself after Christmas! :)
There's something about a snow day that just puts me in a complete vegetative state. Outside of checking Facebook, Twitter and e-mail, I really didn't have the "brain strength" to read blogs or post blogs. You would think that with nothing to do I'd get all caught up...but seriously, I just couldn't.
So, if I missed your fabulous blog posts, I'm truly sorry. I'm trying to catch up tonight...so, we shall see.
I went back to work today...which was crazy since my boss had jury duty and we both were out yesterday. Plus my co-worker is sick...with the flu. I hope she stays home and keeps her germs away!
Tomorrow is another snow day for Dylan...he hasn't been to school all week...but he will pay! Especially next week when he goes back for exams! Now if this ice will just melt so he can go back to school at least on Friday! We shall see...
OK - so this was mostly about snow days...and not so much about stuff...oh, well. I'm not changing the title! :)
Happy Wednesday!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Week in Review
Well...one of the things I wanted to do in 2011 (and also was conviently left off of my Eleven in '11 list) was do a week in review every Saturday. This, my lovely readers, is not necessarily for you...nope, it's for me! I can't keep up with what I did in 2010...so, I'm going to fix that. This will most likely be bo-ring for you guys...but at least I'll have some kind of record of what I did in 2011! :)
Monday was my sis' bday...so we celebrated with Olive Garden take out. I gave her Just Dance 2...and I can't wait to try it out with her...of course, when her hubby's not there! :) He tends to make fun of me...but it's all in good fun.
The rest of the week just kind of crept on...work was slow...life was slow. I think after December, you need for January to be slow so you can catch up.
Today we were supposed to have pix done...but our photographer was sick. So, we have to reschedule. Which means that I now have longer to stress over what to wear! :)
This week has been good...kind of nice to get back into a normal swing of things. Dylan went back to school and is in those last few weeks of his 1st high school semester. His school does "block" periods - meaning he only has four classes each semester...when the next semester begins he will have four new classes. It's kind of nice and geared more like college. Next week, unless we get more snow, he will have exams.
Speaking of snow...Yep! It's in the forecast again! This storm is taking the same track as our Christmas snow storm...so, we are probably in for another round of beautiful snow. At least I hope so. If we are going to have any winter weather, I'd prefer snow over ice. We shall see. Of course, we were supposed to get snow yesterday...and got nothing! Which is typical in NC! :)
Oh, yeah...Mom caught Ayden on video saying "kitty cat"...which would be his first words other than "dadadadada" and "mamamamama". We are all excited!
Next week is Aly's 7th bday...and we are due to party on Saturday! Looking forward to celebrating this special day with my favorite niece.
Well, it's back to my lazy Saturday...I may or may not do a little cleaning/laundry...but I haven't decided whether to do it today or put it off until Monday or Tuesday, hoping for snow. Decisions, decisions!
And, guess what? I have a post that I'm rolling around in my head that I actually took notes on! So, I won't forget what I was going to write! :) Stay tuned!
Happy Weekend!
Monday was my sis' bday...so we celebrated with Olive Garden take out. I gave her Just Dance 2...and I can't wait to try it out with her...of course, when her hubby's not there! :) He tends to make fun of me...but it's all in good fun.
The rest of the week just kind of crept on...work was slow...life was slow. I think after December, you need for January to be slow so you can catch up.
Today we were supposed to have pix done...but our photographer was sick. So, we have to reschedule. Which means that I now have longer to stress over what to wear! :)
This week has been good...kind of nice to get back into a normal swing of things. Dylan went back to school and is in those last few weeks of his 1st high school semester. His school does "block" periods - meaning he only has four classes each semester...when the next semester begins he will have four new classes. It's kind of nice and geared more like college. Next week, unless we get more snow, he will have exams.
Speaking of snow...Yep! It's in the forecast again! This storm is taking the same track as our Christmas snow storm...so, we are probably in for another round of beautiful snow. At least I hope so. If we are going to have any winter weather, I'd prefer snow over ice. We shall see. Of course, we were supposed to get snow yesterday...and got nothing! Which is typical in NC! :)
Oh, yeah...Mom caught Ayden on video saying "kitty cat"...which would be his first words other than "dadadadada" and "mamamamama". We are all excited!
Next week is Aly's 7th bday...and we are due to party on Saturday! Looking forward to celebrating this special day with my favorite niece.
Well, it's back to my lazy Saturday...I may or may not do a little cleaning/laundry...but I haven't decided whether to do it today or put it off until Monday or Tuesday, hoping for snow. Decisions, decisions!
And, guess what? I have a post that I'm rolling around in my head that I actually took notes on! So, I won't forget what I was going to write! :) Stay tuned!
Happy Weekend!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A Confession
Hi!
My name is Jennifer.
I'm 34 years old.
And I'm a cheapskate.
(HAHA - I almost wrote "I'm cheap"...but I didn't want y'all to get the wrong idea!)
Some of you may call this being frugral...some may call it "making your money go farther"...some may even call it "being resourceful". Maybe it is all those things...but I think I may have crossed the line into just being downright cheap.
There are many people in my life that I can probably blame this on. My boss is very high on that list. He's taught me the value of asking for a deal...the greatness of using a coupon that will get us a whole month's worth of office supplies for free...of using what you have. True story - just yesterday I asked him to order me some business card holders...the ones you can put in a notebook. I didn't ask for the notebook...or even the top of the line product. Just the plain old Staples brand...the total cost was less than $4. Yes - you read that correctly...$4. And he turned me down...asked if I couldn't find another way to store the business cards I was collecting. Which, on the flip side, I did...but really, $4?
But the person I most hold responsible for this way of thinking is my best friend, Ashley. I love her. Really I do. She's one of the most fun people I know...she has a big, kind heart...but she's one of the cheapest people I know. She's coupon crazy...she shops double coupons and gets a 1000% off of everything. I'm amazed by her frugality. I haven't crossed over to the coupon craziness...but I told her this morning I figured it was just a matter of time.
Let me give you a few examples of how Ashley operates...
Once we went shopping at an Outlet mall about an hour from here. We were all excited because we went during the week...just us...no boys...we were going to shop, shop, shop...eat lunch...and shop some more. One of the first stores we went into was Eddie Bauer. I'm not a huge Eddie Bauer fan...but if it's on sale, I can be persuaded. I found a couple of shirts that I liked...she found a shirt that she liked. We wandered around the store a little longer and then made our way to the check out counter...only then did I notice that I was the only one making a purchase. I asked her about the shirt and she said "I just decided I didn't want it". I've honestly seen her carry an item around an entire store, only to eventually talk herself out of buying it.
I now do this too.
Another example - Ashley called me one day and said "Do you know what I just did?" She proceeded to tell me that she had found a Target giftcard and thought she had about $20 on it. She decided to splurge and buy some "want" stuff using her giftcard. Unfortunately, when she got to the counter, she found out that she did NOT have ANY money on the giftcard...so she put most of her splurges away.
This in and of itself is not bad...but let me tell you what her "splurges" were:
Socks, Glade air freshners and Redken shampoo
I told her then that she had a problem.
Back to current times...
Yesterday one of my co-workers mentioned that when he went to pay his power bill, he noticed that he could get 15 fluorescent light bulbs free. So, I checked my e-bill today to see if I could get the same deal and noticed at the bottom of the e-mail there was a place to order free lightbulbs. So, I did! I e-mailed Ashley to make sure she was aware of it (of course she'd already ordered & received hers) and I said, "Is it sad that I'm so excited about getting free lightbulbs?"
And then it hit me just how "cheap" I've become...
- For two months I did not buy any paper towels...not because I'm a big environmentalist...but because I thought it was ridiculous to pay $3 for 2 rolls of paper towels. Especially because I have napkins...which are way cheaper...and I had bought some microfiber cloths for cleaning my mirrors. I have washcloths and towels...why do I need to spend $1.50 per roll on something I'm just going to put in the garbage?
**I did finally break down and buy paper towels, in spite of my very valid arguments above.**
- I talked myself out of buying a $2 box of tissue at Wal-Mart the last time I went to buy groceries...because I already buy toilet paper and that works just fine.
I'm sure there are other examples of my "cheapness" but these are the only two I can actually think of at this moment.
Maybe this attitude isn't such a bad thing...maybe it's just a "sign of the times" in a downturn economy...maybe I'm just more aware of my spending habits and this has forced me to be more frugal.
I'm all about frugality. I use store brands more often than not. There are a few things - like cereal, syrup, peanut butter, bread, laundry detergent - that must be a name brand. But where I can get away with it, I shop store brand.
But is it really frugality when I decide to forego a $3 package of paper towels?
Just another interesting look into my mind...and how it works! :)
My name is Jennifer.
I'm 34 years old.
And I'm a cheapskate.
(HAHA - I almost wrote "I'm cheap"...but I didn't want y'all to get the wrong idea!)
Some of you may call this being frugral...some may call it "making your money go farther"...some may even call it "being resourceful". Maybe it is all those things...but I think I may have crossed the line into just being downright cheap.
There are many people in my life that I can probably blame this on. My boss is very high on that list. He's taught me the value of asking for a deal...the greatness of using a coupon that will get us a whole month's worth of office supplies for free...of using what you have. True story - just yesterday I asked him to order me some business card holders...the ones you can put in a notebook. I didn't ask for the notebook...or even the top of the line product. Just the plain old Staples brand...the total cost was less than $4. Yes - you read that correctly...$4. And he turned me down...asked if I couldn't find another way to store the business cards I was collecting. Which, on the flip side, I did...but really, $4?
But the person I most hold responsible for this way of thinking is my best friend, Ashley. I love her. Really I do. She's one of the most fun people I know...she has a big, kind heart...but she's one of the cheapest people I know. She's coupon crazy...she shops double coupons and gets a 1000% off of everything. I'm amazed by her frugality. I haven't crossed over to the coupon craziness...but I told her this morning I figured it was just a matter of time.
Let me give you a few examples of how Ashley operates...
Once we went shopping at an Outlet mall about an hour from here. We were all excited because we went during the week...just us...no boys...we were going to shop, shop, shop...eat lunch...and shop some more. One of the first stores we went into was Eddie Bauer. I'm not a huge Eddie Bauer fan...but if it's on sale, I can be persuaded. I found a couple of shirts that I liked...she found a shirt that she liked. We wandered around the store a little longer and then made our way to the check out counter...only then did I notice that I was the only one making a purchase. I asked her about the shirt and she said "I just decided I didn't want it". I've honestly seen her carry an item around an entire store, only to eventually talk herself out of buying it.
I now do this too.
Another example - Ashley called me one day and said "Do you know what I just did?" She proceeded to tell me that she had found a Target giftcard and thought she had about $20 on it. She decided to splurge and buy some "want" stuff using her giftcard. Unfortunately, when she got to the counter, she found out that she did NOT have ANY money on the giftcard...so she put most of her splurges away.
This in and of itself is not bad...but let me tell you what her "splurges" were:
Socks, Glade air freshners and Redken shampoo
I told her then that she had a problem.
Back to current times...
Yesterday one of my co-workers mentioned that when he went to pay his power bill, he noticed that he could get 15 fluorescent light bulbs free. So, I checked my e-bill today to see if I could get the same deal and noticed at the bottom of the e-mail there was a place to order free lightbulbs. So, I did! I e-mailed Ashley to make sure she was aware of it (of course she'd already ordered & received hers) and I said, "Is it sad that I'm so excited about getting free lightbulbs?"
And then it hit me just how "cheap" I've become...
- For two months I did not buy any paper towels...not because I'm a big environmentalist...but because I thought it was ridiculous to pay $3 for 2 rolls of paper towels. Especially because I have napkins...which are way cheaper...and I had bought some microfiber cloths for cleaning my mirrors. I have washcloths and towels...why do I need to spend $1.50 per roll on something I'm just going to put in the garbage?
**I did finally break down and buy paper towels, in spite of my very valid arguments above.**
- I talked myself out of buying a $2 box of tissue at Wal-Mart the last time I went to buy groceries...because I already buy toilet paper and that works just fine.
I'm sure there are other examples of my "cheapness" but these are the only two I can actually think of at this moment.
Maybe this attitude isn't such a bad thing...maybe it's just a "sign of the times" in a downturn economy...maybe I'm just more aware of my spending habits and this has forced me to be more frugal.
I'm all about frugality. I use store brands more often than not. There are a few things - like cereal, syrup, peanut butter, bread, laundry detergent - that must be a name brand. But where I can get away with it, I shop store brand.
But is it really frugality when I decide to forego a $3 package of paper towels?
Just another interesting look into my mind...and how it works! :)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
How I Roll
Have I ever mentioned that I write most of my posts in my head? I roll things around...think about what I can post next...write posts while I'm driving or cleaning the house or whatever. It works well. Well, except when I finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keys, as the case may be) and realize just how bad my post is in print. In my head, it's funny or gripping or truly thought provoking. But when the words finally hit the screen, they just come out looking like "blah, blah, blah". And inevitably I just open a new page and read someone else's awesome post on how they are being stalked by a magazine. Magazines never stalk me.
The other problem with writing in my head and not on paper (or computer screen) is that sometimes I forget what was supposed to go in the post. Like my Eleven in '11 post the other day...do you know how long it took me to write it? I seriously had to edit because I kept referring to "yesterday", meaning New Years Eve and I FINALLY finished the post on Sunday - January 2. And why did it take me TWO days to come up with ELEVEN things I wanted to do in 2011??? Because I couldn't remember them all. Which means, that some of those items weren't on the original list that I wrote in my head.
Like the fact that I want to run a 5K in 2011. I EVEN REFERRED TO BEGINNING A RUNNING PROGRAM and still didn't remember that one of my 11 things was supposed to be "run a 5K". OR the fact that I want to go through all of the receipts that I have in my closet, on TOP of the filing cabinet and throw away what doesn't need to be kept and file away the statements/receipts that do need to be kept. Because I seriously have Wal-Mart receipts from 2+ years ago. And not the Wal-Mart receipt for a small appliance that I bought there...no, I'm talking receipts for groceries, gas receipts, restaurant receipts...basically anything I purchased. I discovered this the other day when I was trying to find the receipt for my laptop that is not working right.
I am not going to back and edit my Eleven in '11. It's just so frustrating that I come up with these awesome posts in my head...but then they don't ever translate like I want to my blog.
So, I guess now I have Thirteen in '11...which doesn't have the same ring as Eleven in '11...but whatever.
And, I also thought I heard the garbage trucks again this morning at 6am...but I stayed in bed this time and didn't go wake up Dylan to take the garbage to the street. Because I'm an awesome Mom like that. And because he would've been right again...because the garbage didn't actually run until 7ish, like it's supposed to. If you're not sure what I'm referring to...click here.
Yup, this is how I roll in the blog world.
The other problem with writing in my head and not on paper (or computer screen) is that sometimes I forget what was supposed to go in the post. Like my Eleven in '11 post the other day...do you know how long it took me to write it? I seriously had to edit because I kept referring to "yesterday", meaning New Years Eve and I FINALLY finished the post on Sunday - January 2. And why did it take me TWO days to come up with ELEVEN things I wanted to do in 2011??? Because I couldn't remember them all. Which means, that some of those items weren't on the original list that I wrote in my head.
Like the fact that I want to run a 5K in 2011. I EVEN REFERRED TO BEGINNING A RUNNING PROGRAM and still didn't remember that one of my 11 things was supposed to be "run a 5K". OR the fact that I want to go through all of the receipts that I have in my closet, on TOP of the filing cabinet and throw away what doesn't need to be kept and file away the statements/receipts that do need to be kept. Because I seriously have Wal-Mart receipts from 2+ years ago. And not the Wal-Mart receipt for a small appliance that I bought there...no, I'm talking receipts for groceries, gas receipts, restaurant receipts...basically anything I purchased. I discovered this the other day when I was trying to find the receipt for my laptop that is not working right.
I am not going to back and edit my Eleven in '11. It's just so frustrating that I come up with these awesome posts in my head...but then they don't ever translate like I want to my blog.
So, I guess now I have Thirteen in '11...which doesn't have the same ring as Eleven in '11...but whatever.
And, I also thought I heard the garbage trucks again this morning at 6am...but I stayed in bed this time and didn't go wake up Dylan to take the garbage to the street. Because I'm an awesome Mom like that. And because he would've been right again...because the garbage didn't actually run until 7ish, like it's supposed to. If you're not sure what I'm referring to...click here.
Yup, this is how I roll in the blog world.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy Birthday to my sis! :)
Just a quick post to say Happy Birthday to my sister, Missy! :)
I won't tell you that we've been best friends since her birth in 1980...or that we got along so well in our teenage years...or that I've always understood her as we moved through our 20's. I mean, we were sisters for goodness sake! But at this point in our lives, I think we can finally consider each other friends...Missy definitly makes our family life interesting. These are things you can always expect from my sister:
- She has a severe shoe addiction, in spite of the fact that shortly after she was married her husband cut her off from buying shoes. She still appreciates shoes, and owns several pair, but I believe the addicition has now moved to purses & handbags.
- Zebra prints make her happy.
- Missy wears a sweater to work, every day. Even when it's 95* and a 1000% humidity. She's the most cold natured person I know...well, except for my co-worker who not only wears a sweater everyday, but also runs her space heater every day. But this post isn't about her! ;)
- Her daughter is a recreation of her. Completely.
- She was fortunate to marry a man who actually enjoys cleaning & cooking. She does her fair share of cooking, as well...but I like to remind her often that she has a "househusband". He also cleans her car...I'm completely jealous.
- Her son is adorable. And mischievious. And makes me laugh constantly.
- She also loves all things Target.
Happy 31st Bday Missy!
Even though, most likely, she will never read this! :)
 |
| This is an old pic...actually from the summer she was pregnant with Ayden...but it was one I could find quickly of us! :) |
- She has a severe shoe addiction, in spite of the fact that shortly after she was married her husband cut her off from buying shoes. She still appreciates shoes, and owns several pair, but I believe the addicition has now moved to purses & handbags.
- Zebra prints make her happy.
- Missy wears a sweater to work, every day. Even when it's 95* and a 1000% humidity. She's the most cold natured person I know...well, except for my co-worker who not only wears a sweater everyday, but also runs her space heater every day. But this post isn't about her! ;)
- Her daughter is a recreation of her. Completely.
- She was fortunate to marry a man who actually enjoys cleaning & cooking. She does her fair share of cooking, as well...but I like to remind her often that she has a "househusband". He also cleans her car...I'm completely jealous.
- Her son is adorable. And mischievious. And makes me laugh constantly.
- She also loves all things Target.
Happy 31st Bday Missy!
Even though, most likely, she will never read this! :)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Eleven in '11
Well, after a very whiney post on New Year's Eve, things quickly turned around. As the day went on I realized that my pink eye was not nearly as bad as the case I had a couple of weeks ago. So, I decided to proceed with my day as originally planned! We got the Christmas decorations put away, I went to play with the niece & nephew and brought in the new year with good friends and a lot of laughter! :) The only thing I didn't get done was my 2010 recap...which I've decided to forego. I will tell you that my favorite 2010 memory was our family beach trip to Kure Beach. The very close second is my September beach trip to Fort Caswell. Do you see a trend??? ;)
Anyway, I've decided in 2011 to be a little more goal oriented. I guess that's a resolution...but I'm not calling it that! But I'm not too terribly ambitious with this task...which may be good for a potential success! So, I decided to come up with "Eleven in '11". These are eleven things that I would like to accomplish in 2011.
1. Paint my bathroom - I've been wanting to do this since shortly after I moved. I have yet to decide on a color, but I would like to commit to doing this this year.
2. Have professional pics made of me & Dylan - When I was generating this list in my head, this was on the list. However, I've already taken strides to have this completed! My sister introduced me via Facebook to a photographer friend of hers. I fell in love with her pictures and in January she was offering FREE sessions. How can I pass that up? So, we are having pics done NEXT SATURDAY! I'm beyond excited!
3. Watch Casablanca, The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke - I have been intending to watch all three of three movies for a while...and actually have The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke on my DVR. So, I'm well on my way!
4. Take a trip with Dylan, somewhere - I'm hoping to repeat my September Caswell trip with my BFF's as we did last year...but I would like to take him somewhere...just us. I've already been thinking on one trip in my mind...just don't know if I'll have the $$ to do it this year! :)
5. Go to Boone - I didn't make it to Boone AT ALL in 2010...despite being very homesick at one point. So I WILL make a trip to Boone...once it warms up, because Boone is in the mountains. :)
6. Begin a running/exercise program - I started Couch 2 5K this fall, but my greatest fears were not having time and the fact that it would soon be getting dark earlier - and our local park would be closing earlier. And that's exactly what happened. So, I'm hoping to get something started - something I will stick with.
7. Make better eating choices - I know that I need to make better choices with my eating. I can't continue eating like I do now and expect to remain healthy.
8. Read my Bible at least Monday-Friday - This is one of those things that I do for a while, then fall off. I allow a lot of things to get in the way of spending time reading my Bible. I want to spend less time on the computer and watching TV and invest more time in reading my Bible.
9. Along with reading my Bible, I want to have a quiet time DAILY - Another thing that I have a hard time keeping up with - especially on Saturday's & Sunday's.
10. Be more diligent in watching my finances - I hate paying bills and doing my checkbook. So I tend to put it off. I usually have a good idea of what's available...but by keeping up with this better, I think this will help me to be better at spending my money and planning ahead.
11. Spend less time on Facebook, Blogger & Twitter while at work - I have a tendency to just "jump on" real quick anytime I need to do something on the internet that IS work related...and then I forget what I was doing for work. It has become a bad habit and I want to be a more focused employee!
I'm thankful this year for a new beginning and am actually looking forward to 2011 and what it has to bring for me, my friends & my family! :)
Happy New Year!
Anyway, I've decided in 2011 to be a little more goal oriented. I guess that's a resolution...but I'm not calling it that! But I'm not too terribly ambitious with this task...which may be good for a potential success! So, I decided to come up with "Eleven in '11". These are eleven things that I would like to accomplish in 2011.
1. Paint my bathroom - I've been wanting to do this since shortly after I moved. I have yet to decide on a color, but I would like to commit to doing this this year.
2. Have professional pics made of me & Dylan - When I was generating this list in my head, this was on the list. However, I've already taken strides to have this completed! My sister introduced me via Facebook to a photographer friend of hers. I fell in love with her pictures and in January she was offering FREE sessions. How can I pass that up? So, we are having pics done NEXT SATURDAY! I'm beyond excited!
3. Watch Casablanca, The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke - I have been intending to watch all three of three movies for a while...and actually have The Godfather & Cool Hand Luke on my DVR. So, I'm well on my way!
4. Take a trip with Dylan, somewhere - I'm hoping to repeat my September Caswell trip with my BFF's as we did last year...but I would like to take him somewhere...just us. I've already been thinking on one trip in my mind...just don't know if I'll have the $$ to do it this year! :)
5. Go to Boone - I didn't make it to Boone AT ALL in 2010...despite being very homesick at one point. So I WILL make a trip to Boone...once it warms up, because Boone is in the mountains. :)
6. Begin a running/exercise program - I started Couch 2 5K this fall, but my greatest fears were not having time and the fact that it would soon be getting dark earlier - and our local park would be closing earlier. And that's exactly what happened. So, I'm hoping to get something started - something I will stick with.
7. Make better eating choices - I know that I need to make better choices with my eating. I can't continue eating like I do now and expect to remain healthy.
8. Read my Bible at least Monday-Friday - This is one of those things that I do for a while, then fall off. I allow a lot of things to get in the way of spending time reading my Bible. I want to spend less time on the computer and watching TV and invest more time in reading my Bible.
9. Along with reading my Bible, I want to have a quiet time DAILY - Another thing that I have a hard time keeping up with - especially on Saturday's & Sunday's.
10. Be more diligent in watching my finances - I hate paying bills and doing my checkbook. So I tend to put it off. I usually have a good idea of what's available...but by keeping up with this better, I think this will help me to be better at spending my money and planning ahead.
11. Spend less time on Facebook, Blogger & Twitter while at work - I have a tendency to just "jump on" real quick anytime I need to do something on the internet that IS work related...and then I forget what I was doing for work. It has become a bad habit and I want to be a more focused employee!
I'm thankful this year for a new beginning and am actually looking forward to 2011 and what it has to bring for me, my friends & my family! :)
Happy New Year!
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