She Did What She Could

She did what she could.
She was a girl.
God chose a girl to act.
God chose a girl to change the world.

She did what she could.
She acted.
She didn't just think about acting.
She didn't act out of obligation.
She didn't let others act for her.
She didn't wait to be invited.

She did what she could.
She acted out of what she had, not what she wished she had.
She did what she could, not all she could.

She did what she could.
She was a specific woman with a specific story who acted out of the particulars of her life.
She acted because she knew she was loved and wanted to love back.

She did what she could.
She acted with what she had.
She acted where she was.
She acted when it mattered.

As a result of her action... she was ridiculed.
As a result of her action... she was honored.
The relationship resulted in a response.

What if I did what I could?
I'm a girl.
What would it mean for me to act?
What if I could change the world?

What if I did what I could?
What if I acted?
What if I didn't just think about acting but actually acted?
What if I didn't act out of obligation?
What if I didn't let others act for me?
What if I didn't just wonder about what difference I could make but actually took a step?

What if I did what I could?
What if I quit focusing on what I don't have and considered instead what I do have?
What if I let go of the pressure to do everything I could and instead did the one thing I could do now?
What if I started right now, in this moment, in this season of life, to do what I could?

What if I did what I could?
What if I offered my story and my skills?
What if I didn't wait until I had it right or finished or perfect?
What if I believed God loved me so much that I wanted to love him back by doing what I could?

What if I did what I could?
What if I acted with what I have?
What if I acted right where I am?
What if I acted because it might matter?

What if I did what I could?
As a result of my action, someone would be helped.
As a result of my action, I would be better.
As a result of my action, the world would be better.
What if I had a relationship that resulted in a response?

What if we did what we could?
What could we all accomplish if all of us did what we could?
What could we do together that we couldn't do alone?
What if I did what I could and you did what you could and then we did what we could?

What if we did what we could?
How would we change?
How would we change our world?

This is taken from the book She Did What She Could by: Elisa Morgan. This book shares the story of Mary of Bethany and what she did for Jesus before his death. Many of us are familiar with this story, but have we really taken the time to think about what it really meant for Mary. Jesus was gathered with close friends at Simon's house just hours before his death. Mary was there listening to him speak. At a specific moment Mary rose from her seat and slowly approached him clutching a special gift. When Mary was standing in front of Jesus she displayed a very expensive jar of perfume. This specific jar was equivalent to the pay from a years work. In order to open the bottle the neck must be snapped off and could not be closed again. This resulting in any unused perfume to go to waste. Mary took the jar and broke the neck and then poured the contents over Jesus' head. Gasps from those around her broke the silence as many called out judgements over her. Some said she could have sold the jar and fed the hungry with the money. Jesus looked up and smiled at Mary, hushing the crowd and said, "She has done a beautiful thing. Yes, her gift was expensive, but the money that went for it would never pay from the food needed for all the hungry in the world. She meant this as an offering uniquely for me, to prepare me for what I am facing. She did what she could. And because she did what she could she will be remembered as long as I am remembered."

You see, Mary probably could have done much more with that bottle of perfume, but she acted in the moment and showed her true love for Christ. Too often we get caught up in the excuses of why we aren't "doing" and therefore never truly do for others. I challenge you to look for areas that you can do what you can. We must find the balance. It is important to not take on too much, for then we can only half heartedly do each "job", but if we focus on a few things we can do them to our best ability.

Be a women that others will say of you, "She Did What She Could and her relationship with Jesus was surely strengthened."

The Road is Never too Long Between Friends

I remember the first time that I saw this quote, it was stitched on this very ugly quilt that had a path and two old ladies with huge sun hats on, walking toward each other. I remember it so clearly to this day. Although the quilt was not the most visually appealing piece of fabric, the quote really stuck with me. At this time I was still in High School and had a very small group of good friends, but really felt like my whole class were friends. I lived in a very small town and didn't really see the world outside of that. It was a very carefree way of life and I remember thinking that these friends would be friends forever.

Then I went away to college and formed yet another group of friends. This group was very different. We had a different connection. Up until this point, I had friends that knew everything about me, simply because they grew up with me and grew up with the same beliefs and outlook on life as me. This new group was like a Glee mash-up (if you don't understand this reference I recommend you check this out and then make sure to catch Glee Tuesdays on Fox... so good). Many people from many backgrounds, walks of life, beliefs and childhoods in one group. I am still amazed at just how quickly these friendships formed and how close we all became. These friendships became a huge part of my life and yet began in a very different part and different way.

Then I moved out of college and some friendships strengthened, some were stretched, some were almost non-existent, some ended and some require a little TLC. Yet all of these friendships hold a special little place in my heart and have had some part of making me who I am today. As I reflect back on the past and the people that have had an impact on my life, I am so thankful and my eyes begin to well with tears. How many times have I taken certain people for granted, how many times have I simply neglected a friendship, how many times have I become too busy to make a phone call or simply send a text, how many times have I failed as a friend?

Looking back I can think of one, two or a handful of people from every area and age of my life that I still have some type of contact with and I am so thankful for.
If you are reading this and you are one of those people, thank you for caring, thank you for having a part in what makes me, me.

I leave you and myself with a mission.... contact those people in some form and catch up, tell them you care, thank them for being them or simply send some encouragement their way.

We'll meet in the middle of that old country road, we'll save a lot ground if we both give a little......

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!

Anyone that is close to me knows that I love pictures. I usually have my camera with me at all occassions and have numerous photo albums and frames about my house. I just love the concept of capturing a moment in time and freezing it there to think back on and re-visit for years and years to come. This is exactly why I LOVE Shutterfly. This website is my go to when it comes to personalized gifts and memory keepers. A calendar is hanging from my cupboard as we speak and each time I look at it I am quickly rushed back to a little over a year ago in the warmth of Mexico for our honeymoon.
I also love sending personalized greeting cards to friends and family for their Birthdays, Anniverseries and Just Because days. Recently, I have received many of these cards from a great friend who has made it her mission to encourage me throughout student teaching. Those encouraging notes are always better with a picture of the cutest Goddaughter on the front,smiling back at me.
Before I was married I waited for the day that I had a reason to send out Christmas cards. It was actually one of the first things I thought about once we returned from our honeymoon last August. I simply used a postcard format with a navy blue background. ( Of course our wedding color )It looked very similar to this one.
This years card might just have to be one of the following:



All of them are simply yet super cute. I love all of the options, but man does it make it super hard to make a decision. On top of finding the perfect card, it is also very hard finding the perfect picture to compliment the awesome card. (The best part is that it is so easy to upload your own photo)
I am also currently working on my wedding album on Shutterfly... however this is very time consuming and is not even close to being done. I am very particular and there are SO many options.
I will be using Shutterfly for my Christmas cards again this year and for every year after. I am simply in LOVE!!!

Dynamic Backdrop

Today was a very long day. My students were walking barometers and the weather change was not nice to me. :) When I got home I felt completly exheausted and then I looked out the front window and witnessed a gorgeous sight. In the background the sky was very dark covered from the storm that went through today and in the foregroung was a gorgeous golden orange tree, with the sun shining just right and illuminating it. It is hard to explain the beauty of it, but it is gorgeous.

Today was an emotionally challenging day, but as the cutest little six year old came up to me with a huge smile on her face and simply sad, "you looked like you needed a hug," I realized that it was all okay. I love the simple way children think and the tenderness of their hearts that are not hardened by the world and the pain. I am coming to realize that that very reason is one of the best things about being a teacher. As a teacher you get to spend every minute of your day looking through the "eyes of a child."

Some day the same children that drive me crazy also keep me sane. For example; one of my little boys was having a very hard time listening today and we had many one on one talks. At the end of the day he ran up to me and gave me a huge hug and said, "I'm sorry about today, Mrs. Talicska. I'll try harder tomorrow." How in the world do you be mad after that.

Is anyone out there????

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you are simply talking to yourself? If you have kids or are a teacher (or have a husband :) ) you probably know what I mean. Today was one of those days for me. I know that it is Friday, but come on!!!!!
Needless to say, first grade was extremely talkative today. I was planning on staying after today and making sure that everything was ready to go for Monday, and then.... I looked around and realized I did not want to be in that room anymore today.
I came home and walked into my recently cleaned and fall smelling living room and simply sat there. Listening to only silence. I didn't even realize I was doing it until the annoying hoodlums rode by my window on their super-loud motorized scooter. Don't they know I want some peace and quiet!!
I am now officially halfway through first grade and feel more and more like a teacher every day. However, on days like today, I wonder if the students are even "getting it." That is if they can even hear me over their CHIT-CHAT!!!!! I am in desperate need of one of those "this is why I do what I do" moments.

I am happily welcoming the weekend and for now will put off Monday for a few days.

Is it bedtime yet?

Today was one of those never-ending days. It was the start of the second week of little kiddos and boy what a start. WHEW!!! I decided to tackle the phonics lessons starting today. We have a very scripted phonics curriculum and it takes a lot of sitting and listening on the studnets parts. Well, today was definitely not one of those days.

After my semi-successful carpet time I had the students move to their seats. Somewhere within the twelve steps back to their desks they morphed into monsters that did not have ears. Oh MY Word!!! I thought I was talking to walls and really wasn't sure what to do as I watched the clock tick away to lunch time.

I was feeling pretty down on myself all through lunch and into the beginning of the afternoon. I then took over the read a loud right before we transitioned into math and writing workshop. During this time the kiddos were angels. I was starting to feel much better about myself.

Then it came to math.....thankfully, I was not teaching this lesson....my host teacher was and this is when I realized that it wasn't just me and my teaching, but instead the crazy kiddo's and the odd day that we were having. WHEW!!!!

Let's just say I was definitely ready for today to be over and have been vegging on the couch over since. Except of course, for when I needed chocolate so I made no bake cookies.

What a day!!

Entering the Teacher World

Well, after a 2.5 month blog-leave, I am back!

A lot has changed around here and life is full of excitement again. Kyle started a new job. I am not the proud wife of a Kindergarten teacher. I am so incredibly happy for him. We spent hours cleaning out his room and getting ridding of the educational materials from 1960 that "had great educational value still." Not to mention the amounts of mouse terds we found in his room. G-R-O-S-S!!! However, it was worth it and his room looks awesome.

As for me, playing school a.k.a student teaching has started and I am loving it. I love my kiddos and actually enjoy having a purpose again every day. The host teacher that I am working with said this is going to be his most challenging year so far. We have a lot of little testers.

I thought I would share one of my favorite stories about a little boy in my class. This particular boy is very very short, has a very round face and has a very high pitched voice. He always uses the best manners, can always make me smile and laugh and has a very large vocabulary. Last night his parents brought him to the open house that we had at our school and I learned that he can to our school from a chistian school. As the parents were talking with the host teacher, he looked up at me and said, "Mrs. Talicska, we don't talk about God very much at this school, do we?" To which replied, "No, we don't." Without missing a beat he said, "But we still like Him a lot." Yes, we do....yes, we do. :) His mom also told us that on the first day of school he came home and said, "The only thing disturbing (yes, he is six) about this school is that they don't pray before snack." :) So, darn cute and innocent. It really made me stop and think.

Speaking of thinking, if you think of it please lift one of my students up in your prayers. She is 6 and is simply the nicest, sweetest little girl ever. We just found out that her dad has more than 80 tumors in his body and that Hospice has come in. His goal is to make it until Christmas. Please pray for a miracle. As you know, this would really shake this little girls life.

Oh, the joys of being around kiddos again. They can make you laugh, cry and blow smoke out of your ears all within seconds of each other. I am sure there will be many more stories to come.

Welcome to my adventures of student teaching.

Alive and Well

Yep, I'm still here. I know that I have taken a very long break from blogging, but I am BACK! My schedule got a little crazier and the job that I had that I sat at a computer all day went away for the last three weeks. Therefore my internet time was cut by 3/4 and blogging went out the window. But here I am...I've missed it. It is always kind of fun to type my thoughts out. Even if no one else even reads it.

I am headed to work shortly, but I thought I would share a funny story from work the other day. It had been a really slow day and I was becoming very bored. I looked at the clock and noticed I still had 2 hours to go. I had cleaned everything possible in the entire store and was starting to daze off when I heard a loud engine revving. Just when I heard it I looked toward the window anticiapting a motocycle to go speeding past the window... to my surprise a little old man in his amigo appeared and putzed across in front of the window followed by his wife in her matching beige button down sweater and amigo. HAHA
I laughed right out loud. Soon after the cute old couple passed by the window a motorcycle went zooming past with music blaring. I just smiled to myself.

The story is not extremely funny, but I was completely bored and at that moment that tickled my funny. :)

Well, I am off to work. We are having a big sale this weekend. Chamilia and Staxx buy 2 get 1 free.

Production at its Finest

This weekend was absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! The hubster and I were super productive and we had tons of fun along the way as well. The weekend started on Friday night when we had a date night. Hubster parents were heading to CT to visit Kelli and David. They had Loons tickets for Friday night and asked if we would want to go in their place. Well, of course.... the hubster and I LOVE baseball! When I got home from work hubster took me out to dinner at Logan's and then we headed to the game. The best part was that there was firework's after the game. I absolutely LOVE fireworks. They seem so magical to me, I love the glow they cast on the faces of those gazing at them, the sound of the booms and pops and the graceful way they float through the night sky.

Saturday started with the hubster watering his parents flowers, getting my oil changed and then picking me up to go shop for flowers for our yard. We headed to Essexville and left with beautiful blooms. We then headed back for our planting adventures. Before the planting began hubster power washed the house. My hubby is absolutely amazing and dug each hole and placed each flower in the ground as I handed them to him in the order of color that I wanted and told him where they went. (It seems he is very particular about how to plant flowers.... which makes our yard look great) We had great teamwork and knocked it out in no time. I will add pictures shortly of the finished product. In all we planted light purple and white Alysum around our light post in the front yard, a planter for our front porch that include pink and white geraniums, ivy, impatiens and a spiky plant thing, a strip of flowers along the sidewalk and side of the house that include snapdraons in shades of pink, orange, yellow and white. Next we planted shades of pink and white impatiens by our fence and rose bushes and lastly we planted two plantes for by our back door and the back corner of our yard. These included pink and white geraniums, diamond frost, ivy, spiky things and pink impatients. The day was interrupted briefly when I locked us out of the house and had to climb through a window to get back in.
Such a fun and productive day.

Saturday evening we headed to Brent's house for a cookout and hanging out. Talk about a fun time filled with ladder golf, ladderball, redneck golf... whatever you call it and simply sitting around and talking with friends.

Sunday we had church and then hit up Pride and Country Village of Unique Shops on the way home. We had a gift certificate from our wedding and we had to use it by August. They had some of the cutest stuff. I have a hidden love for country decor and that is exactly what this was. I found some really cute stuff including a large red star for our door and a candle holder. It was a great sacrifice on the hubsters part, definitely not up his alley. :) Then we headed home to paint his Grandpa's shed. It was HOT, but we got it done. We just have to paint the roof. As we were painting the hubster said we needed to get it done at a certain time because we were going on a date that night. :) WHAT?!?! Sweet!
We headed home to shower and then jumped in the car headed for Frankenmuth. They were having the Dog Bowl festival and there was Hot air balloons there. They had a balloon glow and fireworks at night. It was so much fun. We had dinner at Tiffany's and it was so nice to not leave smelling like smoke... thank you Michigan Smokeless Law.

The fun continued on Monday as we headed home for a party with old friends. My youth pastor from high school moved to PA when I was a senior and he was coming back to visit. So we got the old group back together for a party. It was good to see some old faces again.

What a weekend!! It was a lot of fun, a lot of work and well worth it. Now I start the adventure's of Gems by Em and working every weekend! Oh well, I will just focus on the moola!

Pictures will be added to this post at a later time, but for now enjoy the mental pictures.

Another Itch that I Better Start Scratching

I find it interesting that as I look back over the blog posts found in the content of this blog, I dream a lot! I like dreaming and usually a dream begins with a little itch that I get. Yet again, I've got an itch. I believe I have shared with the blogosphere about all of the downtime I have at work. Well, it isn't getting any better. So, today I spent sometime on Craig's list and other random websites dreaming... again.

This time my search took me to houses. The hubster and I are not at the point in our lives where we are planning on buying a house, financially we could, but it just doesn't seem practical for us right now. Hubster is looking for other job opportunities and I am not even at the job market stage yet, so who knows where we will end up. However, this does not take away the fact that I really, really want to call something my own and decorate something exactly the way that I want to. During my searches I found some very reasonably priced humble abodes in the area. And then there it was.... I fell completely in love. Super cute on the outside, three bedroom, two bath, nice size back yard.... (insert big sigh)... I fell in love.

To add to my dreaming my gorgeous sister-in-law decided to do a giveaway on her blog and of course it had to be for a gift card to csnstores.com. They sell so many cute housewares items that I could decorate my "new" house....er... DREAM. Check out her giveaway here.

I will be scratching the itch as soon as I push Publish Post, but for now it is fun.

Nervous Nancy

From the time that I was little I have always had a nervousness about me. I'm not really sure why, but even making a simple phone call brings little beads of sweat to my forehead and makes the heart race just a little faster. No matter how much of a pep talk I give myself the outcome usually doesn't change.

I often find that this nervousness has negative effects on my brainwaves and causes me to have a humongous brain fart. This was definitely the case yesterday at my new job.

***Pardon the interruption***
I have recently started my job at Gem's by Em. This is a very cute store that sells Chamilia, Staxx, jewelry, Littlearth, purses and other accessories. I finished up my last day of training yesterday.

***************************

Yesterday as I was completing my end of day routines the training manager decided to tell me that she was there a half an hour after closing because the girl that trained yesterday was not able to count down the drawer and take out everything above a certain point that we keep the drawer at. As soon as she told me this guess what happened to me?? You guessed it. The heart began to race, beads of sweat started to form on my forehead and the brain seemed to go dead. It took me almost an entire half an hour after closing to figure it out and after I couldn't for a while she tried a couple of times. Finally we figured it out.

I really don't understand this nervousness, but it can go away at anytime.

On a side note: I work my first day today all by myself. Wish me luck and wish away the Nervous Nancy side of me. :)

So Fresh and So Clean

It never ceases to amaze me the differences that the hubster and I discover about our upbringings. There were a few things right off of the bat that we realized and had to discuss and form our own way of doing things or our own belief system. But I guess I never thought about the little things that would come up out of the blue. When we visit the grocery store together some things surface, like the brands to buy, the types of cleaning supplies and the way things go in the cart. As I am sure you can imagine, mini tiffs have come from some of these topics. However, not big enough that I would give up our sporadic trips together. (For some reason we are not on a schedule for groceries and simply go when the cupboards are bare or we realize the milk is a week and a half old)

The latest discussion has been over the choices of cleaning supplies. I grew up as a Pledge and Swiffer girl. Mostly the Pledge, but the smell seems to give me a headache. The hubster grew up on Murphy's.... Murphy's Oil Soap that is. Oh the tragedy when I finished dusting the entire house and he walked in the door from work only to tell me it didn't even smell clean in our house and it doesn't ever seem clean to him unless he can walk in the door to the frangrance of Murphy's tickling his nose.

Being the stubborn person that I am I was determined to get him converted to Pledge and show him that it does clean. So through headaches and dust clouds I attempted to prove him wrong. Attempted is the key word.

Yesterday, I finally gave in. I had the entire day off and decided to spend it doing a semi-spring cleaning of the house, trim and all. I pulled out the scrub bucket and filled it with water from the tub and poured in some of the famous Murphy's. I'm not exactly sure it cleaned any better than the Pledge does, but it put a smile on my face as the hubster walked in the back door and immediately said, "It smells so good in here." I had to confirm what he was smelling since I was doing laundry, I had scrubbed the kitchen, washed dishes, cleaned the bathroom and of course Murphied (I created this word. :)) He confirmed the smell by telling me it smelled so clean and he loved the smell of the Murphy's.

Well, I am glad he is happy and I will admit it does smell pretty darn good in my house and it seems to sparkle. Maybe that is just to my own eyes because I feel accomplished, but none-the-less it looks B-E-A-utiful!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I remember quoting a little rhyme as a child on each day that the sky was filled with gray clouds and droplets of wet junk would fall from the sky. I hadn't a word of this rhyme for a few years since I have come to enjoy these rainy days. They have turned into great cuddle/movie viewing days. However, on Friday my thoughts changed a little.

My alarm went off at the dumb time of 6:00 am and indstead of rolling over and hitting snooze a couple of times I was wide awake and jumped out of bed. I left my groggy husband in bed and hit the shower. I think I like this showering first thing the water is always HOT! (sorry, Kyle)

After my HOT shower I made my way to my personal beauty salon. (aka the guest room where I have a floor length mirror to apply my makeup and do my dair) The primping lasted a little longer than normal today because today I had to look REALLY good. :)

I finished my primping routine almost an hour before I had to leave for work and spent some time online before I headed out the door. I made it into work and into about a half an hour of my day when I looked out the window and saw it..... the trees were swaying, the sky was dark and the puddles were forming before my eyes. UGH! I HAVE AN INTERVIEW TODAY AND DID NOT BRING MY UMBRELLA!!!

Normally, those few minutes on my computer before I leave for work is used to check the weather, but no, not today. I also, do not care what my hair looks like, but yes, yes today!

Luckily, my co-worker had an umbrella that I could borrow, but on the way to the interview I realized something.

I smiled knowing that God was showing me that it did not matter what I looked like on the outside, but instead what was on the inside was what really mattered. :)

PS. I got the job! Thanks, God.

Times are a'changing

I've noticed that this blog has turned into something other than its original intention. I have been thinking about this and decided that I am okay with that. I enjoy writing and have always been one to keep a journal. However, I find that finding time to journal is not as easy as it used to be, but I spend a lot of my day in front of the computer at work. I do not consider myself a good writer by no means, but I enjoy it and that is all that matters.

Motivation is something that has been lacking lately in my life. I started working out and then my birthday hit.. which of course through everything off. Then I started convincing myself that I should simply be okay with my new weight. But I know that I am not okay with it and will be even less okay with it when swimsuit season hits. I want to put my honeymoon bikinis back on this year. I am not enjoying any of my work out dvds at the moment and simply want to be outside, however I am a little paranoid. You see I would love to venture out and go rollerblading, go for a walk or even a run, however I am afraid to go by myself. This is the one time that I really need a dog.

I know that being outside will help with my motivation, but I am lacking a partner. It seems there is just never enough time in the day for Kyle to go with me and all friends live too far away to decide spur of the moment. GRRR!!

Eating healthy is still going okay. I say okay because Kyle and I kind of cheated on Monday night. But it was waaayyyy worth it. Kyle has started softball again, so every Monday and Thursday night from here on out is booked. With a few sporadic times when we don't have games. Which means we are going to have to try a little harder to eat healthy. By the time the earlier game gets over it is already almost 7:30 and we are both extremely hungry. Usually by the time we get home it is almost 8 and it is getting late to eat. Therefore, we are often tempted to run out and get something quick, which equals unhealthy. (Like Culver's on Monday night. At least I had a BOGO coupon) We usually don't come home before the game because there just isn't time so we are either forced to eat really late or grab something. I am going to do everything I can to have us eat late, instead of grabbing something. This might be nights that I actually venture out into the crockpot world. I asked for a crockpot meal book for Christmas and haven't taken the time to use it yet.

I guess I just needed to talk it all through. Maybe the motivation isn't as buried as I thought it was. Tonight is going to be a rollerblading, walk and possibly run night. Thanks for letting me talk it out.

Lacking Purpose

This week is going to be VERY long. I can already tell, yes, I realize it is only Tuesday. Please, don't remind me. This week is making me take back all of those times that I wished I had nothing to do and that my busy life would slow down. I take it all back and wish I could go back to at least half of the fast paced life.

This week I am working on campus for Counseling and Disability Services. This would normally be great. I enjoy the people I work with, I am getting paid for 40 hours a week (during the school year I only got 10...basically rolling in the dough after this week) However, this is the week that happens to fall between Winter semester and Spring semester which means SVSU is basically a ghost town. I honestly think I saw a tumbleweed roll down the hallway a few minutes ago. The only reason I would know is because I have all the time in the world to sit and stare out of the office window into the hall.

Last year at this exact time I used each spare minute for wedding prep... this year there is nothing to prep for. No babies... which apparently is the only next step in life. :)

Instead I sit here each day waiting for the little bell to ring to let me know that there is someone that is alive and breathing that needs my help. I am so willing to help right now it isn't even funny. To make it even better, each and every staff member (besides me) is out at LUNCH! Not me, nope I am still sitting and staring.

I thought I would take a few minutes to type.... nothing exciting, nothing witty or grand.... simply type without purpose. :)

However, I do have some purpose for you. :) Check out the following blog for a great giveaway (it just so happens to be one of the best blogs EVER... written by my beautiful Sister in law) Check it out here! Also check out this website for the info on the giveaway loot.

Hope that gives you a little purpose today... and again I say, NO, I am not pregnant. The giveaways would simply make a great present and possibly something to hold on to for future use

My Derriere, Tookus, Keister, Fanny, Bum, Caboose, Rear, Cheeks, Tush, Booty, Hinney = SORE

That's right folks. My bum is sore today. I started my 30 day workout again yesterday. I have used this workout a few times and this time I decided to up the intensity and change it to high instead of medium. It can't be that bad, right.... wrong. Well, while doing the exercises it wasn't that bad.... however, when I tried to sit on the toilet this morning for my morning purge.... I quickly realized how "bad" it really was. OUCH! I guess that means it is working.

My hubby and I have started our diets. Grocery shopping consisted of fresh fruits and veggies, low fat everything, lots of lettuce and healthy snacks. The last two nights for dinner we have had a 0 point vegetable soup ( weight watchers recipe) which is AMAZING and yet so good for you, fruit salad and water. For dinner last night we had a large salad with taco meat on top and fruit salad (consisting of pineapple, cantaloupe and strawberries). For lunch yesterday I had chicken salad on crackers and a fruit salad. And each night consists of me working out and then going on a walk with my cute hubby.

It's a start. I'm just hoping it is a finish this time too.

If you've got any healthy recipes out there shoot them my way... especially if they involve sweets. I love me a chocolate chip cookie. :)

Today is going to involve a roller blading adventure, special K for breakfast, a salad for lunch and soup for dinner. YUM! It all sounds so good right now... in a week I'll let you know. :)

Roller Coaster Rides are not Always Fun

Life never seems to get dull. I guess it keeps things interesting, but sometimes I just wish I was on a merry go round instead. At least it would go at a constant speed, in the same direction, without ups and downs. (I'm sitting in the sleigh :) ) This past year has been pretty crazy and there have been many changes when it comes to friendships and life in general. It seems that no matter how hard I try there is this constant cycle that takes place. Just when I think things are getting better and everything is back to normal, a hill on the ride comes into view and the climb begins.

I think one of those climbs is starting again and I am hoping it is just a bunny hill (yes, I know I mixed skiing with roller coasters) I am hoping to find a way to change the outcome of this one and to intervene before the hill becomes too big.

I realize this post is filled with a ton of analogies and really no content, it was simply a way for me to vent a little and think it through.

This time I will get off the roller coaster ride before it starts going again. (I hope)

"Honey DIY" List

Another semester is coming to an end. Three of my four classes are over and all assignments are finished for the rest of the semester. It feels great to breathe a breath of fresh air.

There are so many things that I am looking forward to getting done. Every week I make a "to do" list for myself and up to this point it has involved all homework assignments. Not this time, no, this time it's all about me, my husband and my house. The sad part is that many of these items have been on the list over Spring Break, Christmas Break and almost every weekend in between and none of them are crossed off. This time is GOING to be different, I think.

My motivation came yesterday in the form of a solicitor. As Kyle and I pulled into the driveway last night I watched as a lady went door to door with her daughter. My first thought was that she was selling something for a fundraiser and I am a sucker, so I was simply going to do the next best thing to buying candy, popcorn, and more junk..... RUN and HIDE!

Little did I know this woman and her "not-so-much fundraising" daughter would be the motivation that I needed. To my surprise she was not selling a single thing and I was able to wipe the word "Sucker" off my forehead. Instead she handed me a flyer that said

2010 Annual Neighborhood Garage Sales

Spring Date: Friday, June 11 and Saturday June 12

Fall Date: Friday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21

Time: 9-5

The top two things on my list are cleaning out my closet and cleaning out the basement. This sale is a lot sooner than I thought I would be. This is probably a huge blessing. However, I am in my gorgeous friend, Alex's wedding on the 12th. But my hubby already has it under control.

I cannot wait. A shout out to all friends and family: Bring your stuff if you wish just price it out first. :)

So the Honey DIY List is beginning. Let's see how far I get.

- Clean out Closet

- Clean out Den Closet

- Clean out Basement

- Organize old school notebooks

- Start and Finish Blanket project

- Exercise regularly

- Finish the book I started in December

- Start a regular cleaning and laundry schedule (and STICK to IT)

- Plant Flowers

- Purchase Wedding Gifts for all summer weddings

The list will probably go on, but this is good for now. Let's see how far I get.

Birthday Hoopla

These past two weeks have been jammed packed with birthdays and celebrations. Starting with my A-M-A-Z-I-N-G husband that recently reached 25 (or a quarter of a century) whichever you like best. :) If you haven't heard the "surprise" party was RUINED, but it was still a great time and my second attempt at an ice cream cake. (Which was yet again, scrumptious.) The night ended with a little more dreaming with some fun couples about a possibly vacay in December. (If the price is right, of course)

Today is my cute little nephews 1st birthday. I cannot believe he is one already. It seems like just yesterday we were taking picture with the few-minutes-old Alex with my brace face and all. My how a year changes things and how quickly it flies by. His cuteness is now crawling everywhere and pulling himself up to everything. To check out his one year pictures go here and use your own email to sign in with the password avw. So cute!!! For a sneak peek (in case you are lazy and don't want to check them out yourself look below. )


His b-day party will be held on Sunday at Dave and Buster's. So fun!!

You may be asking yourself why I said the past weeks have been FILLED with celebrations when there was only two. Well, there was one more.

Sadly, this one passed as if no one knew. The day went on as normal and even I forgot until my head was hitting the pillow that night. For this celebration there was no balloons, no cake, no ice cream, no party hats, no noise makes, and no presents. No, this birthday did not have a party, did not have invitations and simply continued on like no one even noticed it. However, my friends this birthday was one of the best birthdays a person could ever have. This birthday was one that changed a life of one person and in turn this person touched so many other lives because of it. This birthday gave someone a purpose, a plan, a direction and guidance.

My friends, this birthday was my spiritual birthday. April 13, 1998 was the day that I accepted Christ as my personal Savior and the day the story of my life and its ending changed drastically. (And it is my Uncle Jay's birthday :) ) It's funny how much emphasis we place on our birthdays with present and cake and parties. But if we really stop and think, why don't we do it for our spiritual birthdays too. I think it deserves more hoopla, if you ask me.

One day when I have children of my own and they have their own spiritual birthdays.... we will have cake and ice cream and they will get a present. I want them to know how special that day really is and I want them to cherish and thank God for it. On that day "Happy Birthday" will not be a song, but instead a prayer of thanks.

Any other ideas out there for spiritual birthday celebrations?

Steak and Sewage

Another weekend has come and gone, this particular one helped me reach the 11 class day marker for this semester. I guess I can't complain. Today was definitely a lazy Sunday and it was a great one at that.

Kyle and I rolled out of bed early this morning because we both had volunteer commitments at church. It is never fun to watch the clock turn 2:00 am and have an alarm go off at 7:00 am. Oh well, it was well worth it, we had a great time with friends last night for Kyle's non-party/ ruined surprise party.

After attending church, we came back home only to get back into pj's and crawl back into our still-almost-warm bed. Have I mentioned how much I love our bed. It was a wedding present from Kyle's parents and it is the most comfortable thing I have ever rested my tired little head upon. This little escape lasted almost three hours and it was perfect. I had great intentions of getting right up after my nap and working on some procrastinated homework- well, folks... no homework is done and when I am finished here, I am retreating back to the comfy escape.

The rest of the day was spent simply chillaxing... that is until the gurgling in our shower started and the toilets would not flush. If you have ever been in a bathroom after a man has had nacho cheese dip in abundance the night before and the toilets are not able to flush you will begin sympathizing with me right about.... NOW!

After some investigated my amazing-handy-man husband discovered it was time to call a plumber. To which I did not argue. It was not a few seconds later when my cute hubby was on the phone to the closest plumber around and they assured us they would arrive within the next 2 hours. Kyle and I headed to the basement to move some things away from drains to prep for the handy man plunger himself... mind you I am in pj bottoms and a tank top without a bra when I man in coveralls shows up at my back door ready to take care of our little issue. :) I don't think I ever ran so fast in my life. I dashed right up the stairs and promptly hid.

After a few minutes of loud noises echoing up the stairs from the basement I began to smell it... and smell it did. The pungent scent of fresh sewage climbed the staircase and began filling my living room like a cloud of nasty smelling smoke. It didn't take long before the handy plumber man was getting back in his handy man plumber van with a freshly signed check and a 90 day guarantee. Come to find out the culprit was a HUMONGOUS root that was protruded through our sewer pipes. Apparently it can come back after 90 days... great.

But the crisis is averted. My shower does not gurgle and the waste can be flushed away.

The living room cloud was quickly replaced with the smell of steaks cooking on the grill. I simply have the best hubby ever.... saving a sewer system and cooking some steaks all in one day.

What a day! I am very thankful our problem was simply a root.