I feel like I haven't stopped since 2012 began! It seems like there is always something to do, whether it is work, having fun, meeting up with friends, cleaning the house, knitting, or working on reading my next book club book.
So instead of a "real" post, I think I am just going to make a little list of the things that we did this weekend.
Friday night of course meant work, which was SUPER slow and that is an understatement. The night felt like it went on forever because of the snowstorm. No one was out, even though we live in Cleveland and it snows here all winter.
Saturday morning Ben went to the market to get some meats and cheeses and delicious bagels and bacon for breakfast. After enjoying some bagels and coffee we ran lots of errands and then headed back to work which was much busier, which equals more fun and more money!
Sunday was the perfect day. We went to church in the morning and then took a quick trip to Earth Fare which we just can't get enough of. Then we headed to Tap House for brunch with some of my absolute favorites. The bloody marys were delicious and the breakfast pizza Anthony had was way better than my omelet, so I know what I am getting next time we head up there.
We came home and I really wanted to use the new Kitchen Aid mixer that we got for Christmas and I had this desire to make homemade dog biscuits so I tried out this recipe and they were great. (at least I think so because I did not try them but Breckyn seems to love them!) It was a fun recipe and I am glad I got to use the mixer. Plus I bought two new cookie cutters since I didn't have a dog bone cookie cutter and I had to use them since I went everywhere to find them.
I also made this to take over to my moms for dinner and it was a hit. I altered it a little because I could not find peanut butter chips or regular rice crispies at Earth Fare, so I used a little extra peanut butter instead and puffed rice cereal. It makes it a little bit harder to bite into, but it is great with a little bit of milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
I ended the night hanging out on the couch with Ben watching Chef Jonathon Sawyer from The Greenhouse Tavern cook up a few great meals on Iron Chef America. Even though he did not win the battle, it was a great way to represent Cleveland and lots of fun to watch.
What a great weekend! Let's hope this week is just as good!
Showing posts with label all about me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label all about me. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
closet clean out
One of my favorite bloggers, Ashley at Our Little Apartment, is working on cleaning out her closets this month. She inspired me, and I'm sure many others, to clean up around the house.
Since I had today off, I started last night with the one linen closet we have. Here is what it looked like before...
Pretty much a mess. There were plenty of things that I didn't even know I had anymore and lots of things that I just don't need. I realized that I have way to many sets of sheets for only one bed, and more towels than Ben and I could ever use in a month without doing any laundry. I also apparently hoard liquid bath soap because I had 7 bottles of it for myself and 2 bottles for Ben.
I pretty much went shelf by shelf and decided what I was going to keep, what I was going to put somewhere else, what I was going to donate, and what was just plain garbage. Here is what came out...
Oh yeah, I also had an empty curling iron box, a broken hair straightener, and a set of twin sheets that don't fit our bed. There were also some old lotions that had glitter in them and why I had them I really have no idea. A few things were thrown away but in the process I am donating two bags of towels and sheets to Purple Heart tomorrow. This was another motivation for me. Purple Heart is stopping at my house tomorrow to pick up any donations we had and now we have two bags to give!
Here is the finished, clean, organized closet...
I did go to Target and purchase three 6 quart clear containers to organize medicines, everyday things, and nail polishes and misc. items. I can't believe how much room is actually in this closet. It is so nice to see the back of it and to even see the floor.
Now, the hardest part is keeping it this clean. That is the real challenge for me, so my goal is to keep this clean and once I can accomplish that, it's on to more closets!
Thanks for the inspiration Ashley!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
yoga at force
So right before Christmas my mom asked if I wanted to do a yoga class with her. Considering I don't do much physical activity and that is definitely not good for me, I thought yoga would be a great way to start out. She was interested and she is crazy about working out and keeping to a schedule so she would be a great motivator for me.
Right after we had a conversation, there was a great deal on Fox 8's Website for 55% off of 10 yoga sessions at Force Indoor Sports in Rocky River! What a deal right? We signed up and we ready to start.
Of course, the holidays were right around the corner which made it difficult to start right away, so yesterday we went to our first class. It was amazing! We did the slow yoga class with an instructor whose name I cannot remember right now and I feel so bad because she was great. She explained everything because neither of us were super familiar with yoga and there was one other newer girl in the class.
I really liked that the class was small, only 4 of us total, and it was a great pace and an awesome workout. I can't wait to go back next Monday. I'd love to go more than once a week but I'm starting out small and seeing how it goes.
Plus, Thursday I am going to be participating in my first Jazzercise class with my mom. Yep, Jazzercise. Yikes!
Right after we had a conversation, there was a great deal on Fox 8's Website for 55% off of 10 yoga sessions at Force Indoor Sports in Rocky River! What a deal right? We signed up and we ready to start.
Of course, the holidays were right around the corner which made it difficult to start right away, so yesterday we went to our first class. It was amazing! We did the slow yoga class with an instructor whose name I cannot remember right now and I feel so bad because she was great. She explained everything because neither of us were super familiar with yoga and there was one other newer girl in the class.
I really liked that the class was small, only 4 of us total, and it was a great pace and an awesome workout. I can't wait to go back next Monday. I'd love to go more than once a week but I'm starting out small and seeing how it goes.
Plus, Thursday I am going to be participating in my first Jazzercise class with my mom. Yep, Jazzercise. Yikes!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
holidays, hocking hills, and a little lack of blogging
So I'm a little late on the 2011 recap and the 2012 new year's resolution posts. I also haven't posted anything in over two weeks! Yikes!
With the holidays, then a short vacation, then the new year, I just haven't taken the time to sit down and spend time writing. I know I need to get better at that. Hmmmm...maybe a new year's resolution right there! More for that later though.
Christmas flew by so quickly this year, as it usually does. It was a wonderful holiday and I enjoyed every second of it. Ben and I were able to spend all of Christmas Eve and Christmas day together which is exactly what I wanted. We spent time with both of our families and enjoyed just being with everyone. I am so thankful for the wonderful holiday we had.
On Tuesday after Christmas we took a little trip down to Hocking Hills with our friends Melissa and Anthony. We spent 3 nights in a little cabin with Breckyn and had a great time. We ate, we drank, we slept in, we hiked, we ate and drank more, we played Phase 10 too many times, and even exchanged some Christmas gifts. It was a great little break from all of the holiday 'hustle and bustle.'
Ben and I spent New Year's Eve at work, which was better than spending money right? That's what I am telling myself at least! It was fun to be with our work friends, but after midnight I was able to go home and did so quickly. Today we spent some time with my dad's family for the annual New Year's Day potluck lunch and now we have the rest of the evening to hang out and relax. What could be better than that?
Since I did not take one single Christmas or New Year picture, I have lots of Hocking Hills pictures to share. We didn't do very much, but we did got to Old Man's Cave which was beautiful. I still have no idea how to put pictures into a collage, so unfortunately I will just be adding them one at a time and this will end up being an extremely long post. Any help with this problem would be much appreciated!!
With the holidays, then a short vacation, then the new year, I just haven't taken the time to sit down and spend time writing. I know I need to get better at that. Hmmmm...maybe a new year's resolution right there! More for that later though.
Christmas flew by so quickly this year, as it usually does. It was a wonderful holiday and I enjoyed every second of it. Ben and I were able to spend all of Christmas Eve and Christmas day together which is exactly what I wanted. We spent time with both of our families and enjoyed just being with everyone. I am so thankful for the wonderful holiday we had.
On Tuesday after Christmas we took a little trip down to Hocking Hills with our friends Melissa and Anthony. We spent 3 nights in a little cabin with Breckyn and had a great time. We ate, we drank, we slept in, we hiked, we ate and drank more, we played Phase 10 too many times, and even exchanged some Christmas gifts. It was a great little break from all of the holiday 'hustle and bustle.'
Ben and I spent New Year's Eve at work, which was better than spending money right? That's what I am telling myself at least! It was fun to be with our work friends, but after midnight I was able to go home and did so quickly. Today we spent some time with my dad's family for the annual New Year's Day potluck lunch and now we have the rest of the evening to hang out and relax. What could be better than that?
Since I did not take one single Christmas or New Year picture, I have lots of Hocking Hills pictures to share. We didn't do very much, but we did got to Old Man's Cave which was beautiful. I still have no idea how to put pictures into a collage, so unfortunately I will just be adding them one at a time and this will end up being an extremely long post. Any help with this problem would be much appreciated!!
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| pierogies step one |
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| working so hard |
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| ready for cooking |
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| ready for eating! |
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| a cabin is not complete without a massage chair |
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| very serious game of Connect 4 |
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| Melis and Anthony on our hike at Old Man's Cave |
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| Breckyn, Ben and mysefl |
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| some serious tree roots |
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| Phase 10 |
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| a very serious game that is addicting |
Sunday, December 18, 2011
2 years in the making
So two years ago I decided to cross stitch my sister a Christmas stocking. I had a cross stitch stocking that our grandma had made me. She passed away before my sister was born so she never received one. No big deal, all these years she has had a cute little stocking, but I thought it would be nice if she had one that was handmade too. It is just so much nicer and has meaning to it, and I like to try new crafts so I thought why not.
Well, I never finished it before Christmas. The holiday season gets so hectic and we lived together at the time which made it really hard to work on when it was supposed to be a gift!
At Christmas I gave her what was done and told her I would finish it. Then the following Christmas came around and I still didn't have it done. Grad school got in the way, other projects came up, plus work, and a house, and a million other excuses.
Eventually the cross stitch part of the stocking was finished. Then it came to sewing it. So I put that off for awhile too. Well I finally got my sewing machine from my mom's house and decided the stocking needed to be finished.
I spent two hours this afternoon putting it together and I couldn't be happier with the finished product. It was my very first cross stitch and the first time I have sewed in awhile! She loved it and it is hanging on my parents mantel already.
Merry Christmas Heather...hope you love it!
Well, I never finished it before Christmas. The holiday season gets so hectic and we lived together at the time which made it really hard to work on when it was supposed to be a gift!
At Christmas I gave her what was done and told her I would finish it. Then the following Christmas came around and I still didn't have it done. Grad school got in the way, other projects came up, plus work, and a house, and a million other excuses.
Eventually the cross stitch part of the stocking was finished. Then it came to sewing it. So I put that off for awhile too. Well I finally got my sewing machine from my mom's house and decided the stocking needed to be finished.
I spent two hours this afternoon putting it together and I couldn't be happier with the finished product. It was my very first cross stitch and the first time I have sewed in awhile! She loved it and it is hanging on my parents mantel already.
Merry Christmas Heather...hope you love it!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
i'm finally on Pinterest
After almost two weeks of waiting I've finally been invited to join Pinterest!
I am very excited to have something else online to waste my time on, I mean find new ideas on and organize all the things I like. There are so many great things on Pinterest and to be honest, I'm pretty overwhelmed just looking through a few pages.
So if you will excuse me, I will be spending the rest of the evening browsing. Join and follow me!
I am very excited to have something else online to waste my time on, I mean find new ideas on and organize all the things I like. There are so many great things on Pinterest and to be honest, I'm pretty overwhelmed just looking through a few pages.
So if you will excuse me, I will be spending the rest of the evening browsing. Join and follow me!
Monday, December 5, 2011
merry christmas charlie brown!
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| courtesy of mommylife.net |
I love Christmas movies. I could watch them all season long. Sitting on the couch, snuggled up with a blanket, the tree lit, a Christmas candle burning, and a good movie on TV.
I like two movies more than any others. Charlie Brown Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life. Of course I own both of them on DVD, but that doesn't stop me from putting everything on hold and watching them when the are on TV.
So if you would excuse me, I have a Christmas movie to watch!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
reindeer run
Yesterday, I ran my first 5k that I signed up for all on my own, without the help of Girls on the Run.
Since 2008 I have been part of this program and I love every minute of it. I have run a 5k in the fall and spring every season with a group of girls and it is so rewarding. Seeing 10 and 11 year olds cross the finish, which they never thought would be possible, is awesome.
Before I became a part of GOTR, I never, ever ran. Like, never. So it was a big deal for me to finish my first 5k. Saturday, I participated in the 12th Annual Reindeer Run in Lakewood Park. Melissa, Anthony, Ben and I ran the race (somewhat) together. It was a little chilly at first but once we got going and the sun came out, it was the perfect weather for a race.
We all finished at just about 33 minutes, which isn't bad at all for me. I was happy with my time and glad that I ran the entire time. That is an accomplishment for me and I'm really happy that we all decided to run together.
We finished the morning with brunch at Borderline Cafe in Lakewood, which never disappoints. What a wonderful little December weekend!
Since 2008 I have been part of this program and I love every minute of it. I have run a 5k in the fall and spring every season with a group of girls and it is so rewarding. Seeing 10 and 11 year olds cross the finish, which they never thought would be possible, is awesome.
Before I became a part of GOTR, I never, ever ran. Like, never. So it was a big deal for me to finish my first 5k. Saturday, I participated in the 12th Annual Reindeer Run in Lakewood Park. Melissa, Anthony, Ben and I ran the race (somewhat) together. It was a little chilly at first but once we got going and the sun came out, it was the perfect weather for a race.
We all finished at just about 33 minutes, which isn't bad at all for me. I was happy with my time and glad that I ran the entire time. That is an accomplishment for me and I'm really happy that we all decided to run together.
We finished the morning with brunch at Borderline Cafe in Lakewood, which never disappoints. What a wonderful little December weekend!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
NaBloPoMo...it's been nice
So way back at the beginning of the month, I decided that I would participate in a little blogging activity. I did my very best to blog everyday, and including today's post I will have blogged 23 times in the month of November.
This is a really big deal for me. I just started this blog less than a year ago, and I'm still trying to figure out where to take it, how to best design it, and what exactly to write about.
I followed a few of the NaBloPoMo prompts from BlogHer, but I also just blogged about what I was doing and the (what I think is) fun things happening in my life. There were probably one or two posts asking for advice, or complaining, but hey, that's what this is all about for me. It's my place to write and share/document what I/we do. Some of it is fun, some of it is boring, but all of it I love.
I'm really glad I took on the challenge to blog everyday this month. I wish I could have done a little bit better, but this really opened me up to the blogging world and gave me so many more ideas. I'm looking forward to many more days of blogging ahead!
This is a really big deal for me. I just started this blog less than a year ago, and I'm still trying to figure out where to take it, how to best design it, and what exactly to write about.
I followed a few of the NaBloPoMo prompts from BlogHer, but I also just blogged about what I was doing and the (what I think is) fun things happening in my life. There were probably one or two posts asking for advice, or complaining, but hey, that's what this is all about for me. It's my place to write and share/document what I/we do. Some of it is fun, some of it is boring, but all of it I love.
I'm really glad I took on the challenge to blog everyday this month. I wish I could have done a little bit better, but this really opened me up to the blogging world and gave me so many more ideas. I'm looking forward to many more days of blogging ahead!
Monday, November 28, 2011
thanksgiving recap
I've been spending the last hour trying to figure out how to use Picasa to create a photo collage. Well, let's just say that I have not been successful and since it is late, I've given up.
So instead of a really cool post with an awesome layout, you are going to get a little list of family pictures from our first Thanksgiving at our house.
Just a few of the things that I am thankful for.
So instead of a really cool post with an awesome layout, you are going to get a little list of family pictures from our first Thanksgiving at our house.
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| the boys watching football and playing with the dog |
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| the hosts! |
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| mom, grandma, and uncle joe |
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| heather, mom, grandma, and me |
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| beautiful ladies |
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| ben's family |
Sunday, November 27, 2011
busy weekend wrap up
What a wonderful weekend. I have so much to be thankful for, and this weekend was another reminder of lots of those things.
Friday morning at midnight I went out shopping with my mom and we were able to accomplish lots of Christmas shopping. I got home about 6 am and was completely exhausted but had a great time. We've been Black Friday shopping for a few years now and I can't imagine not being a part of that crazy hectic day.
When I got home at 6 am I went to bed (if you can call it that), slept for a few hours and then woke up and went to work Friday night. By the time I left you could barely make it through the bar without having your feet stepped on 20 times and a million people rubbing up against you. Why people pay to drink at a place that is wall to wall crowded is just beyond me. I don't get it!
Since I had slept so late Friday I was not tired enough to go to bed when I got home, so I started decorating for Christmas! As of right now all of the decorations are up and the tree is in the process. I ran out of lights so I have to stop tomorrow so that it can be finished (I love Christmas decorating).
Saturday morning we woke up and did lots of house chores. We had to paint the chipping wood on the garage door and the side of the garage, we cut back the rest of the rose bushes, and we tore out the attic insulation. Yes, a very busy morning/afternoon, but very productive!
I had the night off work so I went to dinner with my mom and sister, and then ran a few errands to try and finish up my shopping. I met up with Ben after he was done at work for a quick bite to eat in Tremont, and then we met up with Melis and Anthony for a drink. It was so nice to be out on a Saturday night like most of the other people our age. What a change from what we are used to!
Today started with church, then more errands, then brunch, and ended with cleaning up/organizing the house and a quiet little dinner here. I am so thankful for everything this weekend brought, and even more thankful for all of the other blessings in my life!
Friday morning at midnight I went out shopping with my mom and we were able to accomplish lots of Christmas shopping. I got home about 6 am and was completely exhausted but had a great time. We've been Black Friday shopping for a few years now and I can't imagine not being a part of that crazy hectic day.
When I got home at 6 am I went to bed (if you can call it that), slept for a few hours and then woke up and went to work Friday night. By the time I left you could barely make it through the bar without having your feet stepped on 20 times and a million people rubbing up against you. Why people pay to drink at a place that is wall to wall crowded is just beyond me. I don't get it!
Since I had slept so late Friday I was not tired enough to go to bed when I got home, so I started decorating for Christmas! As of right now all of the decorations are up and the tree is in the process. I ran out of lights so I have to stop tomorrow so that it can be finished (I love Christmas decorating).
Saturday morning we woke up and did lots of house chores. We had to paint the chipping wood on the garage door and the side of the garage, we cut back the rest of the rose bushes, and we tore out the attic insulation. Yes, a very busy morning/afternoon, but very productive!
I had the night off work so I went to dinner with my mom and sister, and then ran a few errands to try and finish up my shopping. I met up with Ben after he was done at work for a quick bite to eat in Tremont, and then we met up with Melis and Anthony for a drink. It was so nice to be out on a Saturday night like most of the other people our age. What a change from what we are used to!
Today started with church, then more errands, then brunch, and ended with cleaning up/organizing the house and a quiet little dinner here. I am so thankful for everything this weekend brought, and even more thankful for all of the other blessings in my life!
Monday, November 21, 2011
the lights are up!
This past Saturday, the afternoon weather was gorgeous. It was sunny and warm...the perfect day for putting up Christmas lights!
I know, I know, Thanksgiving is on Thursday and Christmas decorations should not be up yet. I (kind of) agree. Let me explain.
No one really wants to put Christmas lights up in the freezing cold when there is a blizzard. The best time to put them up is when the sun is shining and your fingers are not turning into little icicles.
Ben and I had the time Saturday before work and we got all the lights up outside. I just need to get the wreaths put up and we are all set. Don't worry, they are not turned on yet (but I really want them to be!) To be completely honest, if we were not hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year, I would probably have my tree up already!
Here's to the start of another happy holiday season!
I know, I know, Thanksgiving is on Thursday and Christmas decorations should not be up yet. I (kind of) agree. Let me explain.
No one really wants to put Christmas lights up in the freezing cold when there is a blizzard. The best time to put them up is when the sun is shining and your fingers are not turning into little icicles.
Ben and I had the time Saturday before work and we got all the lights up outside. I just need to get the wreaths put up and we are all set. Don't worry, they are not turned on yet (but I really want them to be!) To be completely honest, if we were not hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year, I would probably have my tree up already!
Here's to the start of another happy holiday season!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
just a tab bit frustrated
My phone is not working right...AGAIN.
About 2 weeks ago I was unable to make a phone call at all. Pretty strange because that is the main function of a phone. Now, I rarely make a phone call, but it is still a pretty important function.
So I took it to the store and they "rebooted" it or whatever you have to do to fix a broken phone.
And yay! I could make phone calls. Except I couldn't tweet pics, access my alarm clock, or listen to an entire song using Pandora. One problem fixed, three more began.
So today I spent about 2 hours on the phone with customer service and now I have no contacts again. What a huge waste of time and I've basically gone backward!
I guess if this is my biggest problem right now I should be happy. I know there are people out there dealing with much worse than a malfunctioning phone, but it's driving me crazy!
Ok, enough complaints for one night.
About 2 weeks ago I was unable to make a phone call at all. Pretty strange because that is the main function of a phone. Now, I rarely make a phone call, but it is still a pretty important function.
So I took it to the store and they "rebooted" it or whatever you have to do to fix a broken phone.
And yay! I could make phone calls. Except I couldn't tweet pics, access my alarm clock, or listen to an entire song using Pandora. One problem fixed, three more began.
So today I spent about 2 hours on the phone with customer service and now I have no contacts again. What a huge waste of time and I've basically gone backward!
I guess if this is my biggest problem right now I should be happy. I know there are people out there dealing with much worse than a malfunctioning phone, but it's driving me crazy!
Ok, enough complaints for one night.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
a thank you
The month of November is a wonderful time to remember to be thankful. I've been trying to think of one thing everyday that I am thankful for and tweet it but there are just those days when not even one tweet makes it's way into the Twitter world.
Today is a day that I am thankful for being thanked. Sounds weird right? I feel wrong even being thankful for such a thing, but having someone thank you is such a great thing.
I try not to talk about work too much on here. I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else, but working in a school is something that I have a hard time mixing with this blog. I worry so much about being scrutinized for anything and everything that I post (even though there is only one person who know that I am even writing this blog!)
But today, I just feel the need to share something great.
Tonight was the first night of parent teacher conferences. Everything went well and I have no complaints about this at all, but I do want to brag just a little.
After one of my conferences ended tonight, before the family left, they stopped and said how thankful they were for what I do with their child. They were so happy with everything and they just wanted to make sure I knew how thankful they were.
It was such a nice thing to say, and I'm not even sure if they realize how much I would appreciate it. After many crazy things that have been going on these past few weeks, it was exactly what I needed to get me through the night. Being appreciated for what you do, what you love to do, and what you can't imagine not having in your life, is just an extra bonus.
Today, I am thankful that someone appreciates what I do and is thankful for that. What a nice little day I ended up having.
Today is a day that I am thankful for being thanked. Sounds weird right? I feel wrong even being thankful for such a thing, but having someone thank you is such a great thing.
I try not to talk about work too much on here. I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else, but working in a school is something that I have a hard time mixing with this blog. I worry so much about being scrutinized for anything and everything that I post (even though there is only one person who know that I am even writing this blog!)
But today, I just feel the need to share something great.
Tonight was the first night of parent teacher conferences. Everything went well and I have no complaints about this at all, but I do want to brag just a little.
After one of my conferences ended tonight, before the family left, they stopped and said how thankful they were for what I do with their child. They were so happy with everything and they just wanted to make sure I knew how thankful they were.
It was such a nice thing to say, and I'm not even sure if they realize how much I would appreciate it. After many crazy things that have been going on these past few weeks, it was exactly what I needed to get me through the night. Being appreciated for what you do, what you love to do, and what you can't imagine not having in your life, is just an extra bonus.
Today, I am thankful that someone appreciates what I do and is thankful for that. What a nice little day I ended up having.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
a favorite place
Do you have a favorite place? I don't know if I can pick just one, but one of my favorite places has to be my parents kitchen table.
This is the place where we sat as a family every night as long as I can remember for family dinner. It was something my parents were big on. The only time we were excused from dinner was for sports or work once we were in high school. My mom always prepared dinner, and we were always there to enjoy it. I can't imagine what people do who don't eat dinner together every night.
Most of the time we talked about our days and caught up with what was going on. Sometimes we just ate in silence because we all had so many things to do. Either way, I can't imagine my days without dinner at the kitchen table.
Now when I go home, I love sitting around the table for basically the same reason. We talk, we eat, we laugh, and we have a great time. It is the perfect place to catch up with the family and feel exactly like I did every night growing up.
What's your favorite place?
This is the place where we sat as a family every night as long as I can remember for family dinner. It was something my parents were big on. The only time we were excused from dinner was for sports or work once we were in high school. My mom always prepared dinner, and we were always there to enjoy it. I can't imagine what people do who don't eat dinner together every night.
Most of the time we talked about our days and caught up with what was going on. Sometimes we just ate in silence because we all had so many things to do. Either way, I can't imagine my days without dinner at the kitchen table.
Now when I go home, I love sitting around the table for basically the same reason. We talk, we eat, we laugh, and we have a great time. It is the perfect place to catch up with the family and feel exactly like I did every night growing up.
What's your favorite place?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
book club
I recently posted about how I finally have my best friend back in CLE. I am still so happy about this and enjoying all the time we get to spend hanging out and having fun.
While she lived in Columbus, a few of her friends started a book club. Since she had such a good time with them, she wanted to start one here. The group e-mail started and everyone got excited. I think she said there are 8 people who are all signed up, ready to read and drink wine of course, at our monthly meetings.
I am so excited for it to start. We were thinking after the holidays will probably be best, but I'm already looking forward to our first book!
While she lived in Columbus, a few of her friends started a book club. Since she had such a good time with them, she wanted to start one here. The group e-mail started and everyone got excited. I think she said there are 8 people who are all signed up, ready to read and drink wine of course, at our monthly meetings.
I am so excited for it to start. We were thinking after the holidays will probably be best, but I'm already looking forward to our first book!
Friday, November 11, 2011
three wishes
I'm working through NaBloPoMo to post every day this month. I've only used a few of their prompts, because I've been doing my best to write about things that come to my mind, but sometimes I like the prompts and don't have anything on my own mind!
Today is 11/11/11. Of course everyone is making a huge deal about the numbers. Today is also Veteran's Day. I would like to take a minute to thank every veteran in this country. If it was not for the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom, who knows where we would be today. I don't think we as a country can ever thank them enough. Happy Veteran's Day to all of you!
Today's prompt was to make 3 wishes, so here it goes.
I wish for my parents to be able to see me walk down the aisle and see their grandchildren grow up.
I wish for their to be a cure for Lymphoma, so I did not have to worry so much.
I wish for healthy happy children, when the time is right.
What do you wish for?
Today is 11/11/11. Of course everyone is making a huge deal about the numbers. Today is also Veteran's Day. I would like to take a minute to thank every veteran in this country. If it was not for the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom, who knows where we would be today. I don't think we as a country can ever thank them enough. Happy Veteran's Day to all of you!
Today's prompt was to make 3 wishes, so here it goes.
I wish for my parents to be able to see me walk down the aisle and see their grandchildren grow up.
I wish for their to be a cure for Lymphoma, so I did not have to worry so much.
I wish for healthy happy children, when the time is right.
What do you wish for?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
everyone has a different definition of clean
There is never enough time in the day/week/month for me to feel like my house is truly clean. Of course it is livable and I think by many peoples standards, it's really clean. But I live in it, so I know where all the dirt is and what should be getting clean.
I think the house needs to be vacuumed everyday, especially with one of these hanging around.
She is covered in hair and seems to shed all year long. She sits on the couch and sleeps on the bed, which means her fur is EVERYWHERE.
Does it bother me? Of course it does. But do I really have time to vacuum the house everyday? Not if I want to have fun, relax, get papers graded, or work a second job. I have learned to live with the fact that sometimes there will be dog hair on the bed, on the couch, and on my clothes. I do my best to vacuum as often as possible, but I'm getting better at just not doing it too. It is not a matter of life and death, so sometimes I just have to give it up.
The kitchen and bathroom are my pet peeves. When those are clean, I really do feel like the rest of the house is clean, even if it is not. I always clean them once a week, including swiffering or shark mopping the floor. I often wipe them down throughout the week with a Clorox wipe just so they feel extra clean.
To me, this makes all the difference in my house being clean. Some people probably think this is to much, while others think I'm not clean enough. I try my best, and Ben is really good at helping me, especially when we are having people over. That is the exception to me trying to be calm about cleaning. When people are coming over, I flip back into crazy mode and feel like it has to be absolutely spotless. On a typical week though, it is just light cleaning with some maintenance throughout.
What are you cleaning musts?
I think the house needs to be vacuumed everyday, especially with one of these hanging around.
She is covered in hair and seems to shed all year long. She sits on the couch and sleeps on the bed, which means her fur is EVERYWHERE.
Does it bother me? Of course it does. But do I really have time to vacuum the house everyday? Not if I want to have fun, relax, get papers graded, or work a second job. I have learned to live with the fact that sometimes there will be dog hair on the bed, on the couch, and on my clothes. I do my best to vacuum as often as possible, but I'm getting better at just not doing it too. It is not a matter of life and death, so sometimes I just have to give it up.
The kitchen and bathroom are my pet peeves. When those are clean, I really do feel like the rest of the house is clean, even if it is not. I always clean them once a week, including swiffering or shark mopping the floor. I often wipe them down throughout the week with a Clorox wipe just so they feel extra clean.
To me, this makes all the difference in my house being clean. Some people probably think this is to much, while others think I'm not clean enough. I try my best, and Ben is really good at helping me, especially when we are having people over. That is the exception to me trying to be calm about cleaning. When people are coming over, I flip back into crazy mode and feel like it has to be absolutely spotless. On a typical week though, it is just light cleaning with some maintenance throughout.
What are you cleaning musts?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
country music
I am a huge country music fan. I've been listening to country music for as long as I can remember and I can't imagine not hearing a country song at some point during the day.
Why country music? I really don't know. My parents listened to it for years as we took weekend trips to "the land" and while we were there camping with our cousins, it was just on the radio. I mean, we were in the middle of Cosochton, Ohio, where there isn't much on the radio except country music.
So it's kind of just something that stuck. Is it always the best music? Probably not. Are many of the songs about the same old country stuff? Yep. But that's part of what makes them what they are.
You always know what you are getting when you turn on country music and I like that. I've seen Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flats (twice), The Dixie Chicks, and yes...Billy Ray Cyrus in concert. Maybe that's what started it all. A concert in 1995 with our neighbors from across the street where we all sang "Achy Breaky Heart" at the top of our lungs.
Oh, the good old days!
Why country music? I really don't know. My parents listened to it for years as we took weekend trips to "the land" and while we were there camping with our cousins, it was just on the radio. I mean, we were in the middle of Cosochton, Ohio, where there isn't much on the radio except country music.
So it's kind of just something that stuck. Is it always the best music? Probably not. Are many of the songs about the same old country stuff? Yep. But that's part of what makes them what they are.
You always know what you are getting when you turn on country music and I like that. I've seen Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flats (twice), The Dixie Chicks, and yes...Billy Ray Cyrus in concert. Maybe that's what started it all. A concert in 1995 with our neighbors from across the street where we all sang "Achy Breaky Heart" at the top of our lungs.
Oh, the good old days!
Monday, November 7, 2011
balance
I'm working on being a better blogger and trying my best to participate in NaBloPoMo. This means that today I'm actually going to follow the prompt and write a little about balance.
Making family time is important to me. How do you balance your children, relationship, and work life?- Ricki Lake
I'm still trying to figure out how I balance my own life, let alone how I make time for the other important people in my life. So here is my best attempt at explaining how I balance all the important stuff.
Ben- We see each other Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, sometime Thursdays if Ben gets the night off. We try our best to make dinner those nights and eat together. Of course during the week we both have school work to do, so we always have to squeeze that in somewhere. We try to spend time together Saturday morning before work, but that is also a good day to run errands and get house stuff done.
Family- Sundays are typically our family day. We either head to the eastside to see Ben's family or hang out at home and have dinner with my family. This is important to both of us since we spend so much time working and we enjoy spending time with our families.
Friends- Of course I always have my monthly dinners. This is something I look forward to all month and can't imagine not having. Since Melis and Anthony finally moved back to CLE, we spend time with them about once a week. Sometimes on Sundays for Browns games, or other times during the week for dinner. We do our best to hang out with couple friends and our own friends to keep that balance.
Work- There is never enough time for this. I often take things home and leave them in my bag because I need a break. I need time with my dog and Ben, or time to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. I do my best to keep the balance in my work life and still do the best job that I can.
Balance is hard. I'm finding there are so many things I want to do and just not enough hours in the day. It takes awhile to figure out how to prioritize and decide what can just get left alone (like vacuuming everyday, totally not necessary). I'm working on balance and trying my best, but I'm sure it will be something I always have to work on.
Making family time is important to me. How do you balance your children, relationship, and work life?- Ricki Lake
I'm still trying to figure out how I balance my own life, let alone how I make time for the other important people in my life. So here is my best attempt at explaining how I balance all the important stuff.
Ben- We see each other Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, sometime Thursdays if Ben gets the night off. We try our best to make dinner those nights and eat together. Of course during the week we both have school work to do, so we always have to squeeze that in somewhere. We try to spend time together Saturday morning before work, but that is also a good day to run errands and get house stuff done.
Family- Sundays are typically our family day. We either head to the eastside to see Ben's family or hang out at home and have dinner with my family. This is important to both of us since we spend so much time working and we enjoy spending time with our families.
Friends- Of course I always have my monthly dinners. This is something I look forward to all month and can't imagine not having. Since Melis and Anthony finally moved back to CLE, we spend time with them about once a week. Sometimes on Sundays for Browns games, or other times during the week for dinner. We do our best to hang out with couple friends and our own friends to keep that balance.
Work- There is never enough time for this. I often take things home and leave them in my bag because I need a break. I need time with my dog and Ben, or time to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. I do my best to keep the balance in my work life and still do the best job that I can.
Balance is hard. I'm finding there are so many things I want to do and just not enough hours in the day. It takes awhile to figure out how to prioritize and decide what can just get left alone (like vacuuming everyday, totally not necessary). I'm working on balance and trying my best, but I'm sure it will be something I always have to work on.
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