Monday, December 29, 2008

The Simple Woman's Daybook


For today, December 29, 2008

Outside me window...starry skies and crisp cold

I am thinking...what a day it's been! I love days when I wake in a totally different place from where you end up going to bed and I'm able to look back on a such a full day.

I am hoping...that the rest of the week is restful and productive

I am wearing...my Nick and Nora night gown. I've never been a night gown kind of girl and would laugh at Chelsea last year when she got into them. I got my first one this year and have become quite fond of it. While it is long sleeved it's not floor length like I remember my great grandma wearing when I was little. It is quite stylish as far as night gowns go I would have to say.

I am thankful for...the time we spent in Abilene this weekend. Although that drive gets old, it's always worth it.

From the kitchen...Mom and Dad fixed some venison fajitas tonight. I went out for dinner so did not join them but the remnants are still on the counter. Everything else is all cleaned up.

I am creating... some storage solutions. My closet is a mess and I absolutely must get some things packed up and stored away else where before I move this weekend.

I am reading... ETBU Student Teaching Handbook. I will start it tomorrow.

I am hearing...Mystery Diagnosis on TV. Mom and I love to watch these shows and try to diagnose everyones ailments. When it's very obvious and we're right we feel really smart. My guess for this guy is West Nile Virus.

Around the house...Things have quieted down in the past few minutes since Dad has gone to bed. He's spent the evening telling us every detail of his weekend duck hunting trip. Lydia is babysitting and the cat and dog are resting.

One of my favorite things...nights out with girlfriends. I went out with Deanna tonight for the first time in way too long. We ate Mexican food, I took her to see the back house, picked up some things from Wal Mart and visited a lot. I love nights like that.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Mom and I are staying home together tomorrow. I plan to do some cleaning, packing, etc. Tomorrow night I'm keeping the Trueloves and then Wednesday night the Roths and Trueloves together. Thursday more time at home before starting the move to the back house over the weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Lydia sitting in my lap in what is probably Christmas of 1993. The side pony tail accompanied by the large bow is a signature look of mine from those days.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Christmas in Pictures

I'm home alone tonight as Mom is buying groceries while Lydia is at the movies and Dad is on a duck hunting trip. The house is in a disarray as the tree has been taken down but nothing else really has. There are a few boxes piled up by the back door and my Christmas presents are piled up by the love seat. Suit cases are out around the house as we're getting packed for a quick after Christmas trip to Abilene early in the morning. All of this is the sight of a Christmas come and gone. On an upbeat note we have many pictures to remember such a special time and it is my joy to share them with you now. Enjoy!

Our Christmas started last weekend on a little family weekend get away to the Gaylord in Grapevine. They have a fabulous ice sculpture exhibit and Mom hopes to make it a tradition to visit every year. Took so many pics that I had to be pick and choose. These are my favs.

Posing in front of the pretty (and warm!) fireplace

Lydia, Dad and I in the ice cave

The whole fam on the way out of ICE. Everything in this picture is ice, including my hands at this point.

Christmas Eve came and after the candle light service at church we went to Carthage to Uncle Jake and Aunt Lacy's for the Jones Christmas.

Mom and Aunt June looking on as Lydia opens her goodies

Aunt Lacy recovering from knee replacement and checking out her new slicer

We always open presents from Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve night. In our earlier years this would just be a few gifts as Santa would visit during the night. Now this is all of our gifts from them except for a few stocking goodies on Christmas morning.

Lydia and I with our treasures. I got a lot of teacher stuff and Lydia got a few things for her room and other various things she asked for.

Dad looking on as Mom digs into a gift

Dexter finally got the Santa that has been in his stocking for the past few weeks. He violently rips the stuffing out of any stuffed toy he gets and is content with playing with just the skin until Mom finally throws it away. Santa was still fairly stuffed in this pic but his remnants are laying beside me now wet, tattered and completely empty.

On Christmas day we headed back to Carthage to the Getsay's for the Thomas Christmas. We had a great lunch and opened the presents that our Secret Santa had selected for us. Aunt Kim had me and I received a beautiful jacket and more teacher stuff. She did good!

Baby Daisy in her Christmas best

Shelby and Dad looking on as Dale opens the cooler bag that I carefully picked out for him at Bass Pro the day after Thanksgiving

Daisy working on her present
Me checking out my classroom decor letters. So cute!


We were all so blessed not just materially but with such memorable time together as well. Can't wait to read of your families Christmas adventures!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Two Sleeps til Christmas!

Last night I had the best time with Cass and Ada. Conner ended up bailing on us and hanging out with grandma. We ate some pizza and cookies and watched Shrek the Halls and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Cass has really impressed me lately. He's really acting like a first grader. The door bell rang while we were working on dinner and since I didn't know who it could be I asked him to walk with me out to see who was there. It turned out to be a relative dropping off a gift and when I closed the door he asked, "Why did you need me?" I said "Well I guess because I didn't know who it was and didn't want to go by myself. I needed you with me." He perked up. He felt so grown.

After we were stuffed with more pizza and cookies than I would usually allow, the three of us were cuddled up in the den. Cass turned and said, "It's two sleeps til Christmas!" Ada and I started cheering and clapping and Cass looked back at me and with the sweetest smile said, "Merry Christmas Miss Lee Ann." "Merry Christmas to you too Cass-man"

Monday, December 22, 2008

The Simple Woman's Daybook


For today, Monday, December 22, 2008



Outside my window...It's cold! I personally haven't been out but it's that kind of cold that you can just look out and see.


I am thinking... that this little break of mine is getting shorter by the day. I wish it would just sloooooooow down a bit.



I am thankful for...Marcy and Brendan opening up their guest house to me. We spent part of the afternoon yesterday moving boxes of family mementos up the narrow windy stair case to the upstairs bedroom for storage to open up the bottom floor for me. I'm excited to finally have some space that's all my own, (even if Henry wants a sleepover or two) and be a little part of their family out in the back yard for a few months.


From my kitchen...nothing yet but I'm getting hungry! Mom is doing Christmas baking on Tuesday. We went out of town this weekend so shes running a little behind on the Christmas goodies. I might round up something today.


I am wearing...the same maroon long sleeve tee from last week, it's my favorite, and some blue pajama pants with showmen who are wearing bright colored sweaters, hats and scarves, riding on sleds. This will probably be what I will be wearing if you were to ask around 3:00 this afternoon as well.


I am creating...a student teaching wardrobe. This weekends shopping helped a lot! The Parks in Arlington has a huge Forever 21 and if I hadn't been so rushed by the family I could have stayed for hours. I got several tops and a pair of pants.Still looking for shoes. Will get on that after the holiday I guess.

I am going...to keep Cass, Ada and Conner all together tonight. I haven't seen Conner in about three weeks and am so excited. It should be a good time.


I am reading...still nothing. I've really just needed a break. Don't judge.


I am hoping... that everyone has a lot of fantastic fun on our trip to Abilene this weekend. Christmas with that side of the family is going to indeed turn out better than expected.


I am hearing... Alvin and the Chipmunks. Such a sweet movie. "Dave,how do you feel about an indoor pool?" "Toaster waffles!" Love it!


Around the house...Mom cleaned a lot yesterday! Everything is tidy for Christmas.


One of my favorite things... Christmas snacks. Cookies, Chex mix, sausage balls, fudge, etc. Yummy!


A few plans for the rest of the week... a little bit of shopping tomorrow, Christmas festivities, Abilene on Saturday. Can't wait!


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

A wine bottle Christmas tree at the Gaylord this weekend. So cool.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Favorite Christmas Clips

A short conversation at work led to the discovery that a dear coworker, who shall remain nameless, has never seen Christmas Vacation. This little talk got me to thinking about my favorite Christmas movies and it is with great joy that I share with you some of my favorite clips. The embed thing wouldn't work so you're going to have to click the link. I don't have time to figure out whats going on. Enjoy!



We didn't buy a lot of movies when I was growing up but I remember the day we purchased Home Alone on VHS. I love it to this day.

We've been watching Frosty at work a lot this week. So sweet!


This Sesame Street makes me cry. I know I'm a baby. Forward to about 4 min in to miss the singing. This is the best clip I could find. We have the Sesame Street Christmas special on VHS recorded right off of PBS by my grandma- the queen of VHS bootleg movies.

This is my all time favorite! I can't remember a time when I haven't watched Christmas Vacation. This is my favorite part!


There are so many more and I know I'm forgetting some good ones. What are yours?

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

What's wrong with the toilet?

Nap time has started 15 minutes early for the second day in a row. The quiet that has been afforded to us due to this pleasant phenomena has led us to discover that we have some kind of issue with the toilet and it continues to run. In turn our relaxation causes it to keep running as nobody is in the mood to get up and check it out. I guess sometimes you just need to slow down and hear the toilet.

I spent part of the morning shopping downtown. I had three special gifts to buy. I meandered through Charley and Bella's for the longest time sipping hot cider and contemplating the best buy. I ended up with this beautiful Santa for my boss to go with her blue Christmas decor. The kids all wanted to feel his fuzzy coat when she brought it in during lunch. We both cringed as little pizza sauce fingers reached up for just a little feel.

Next I picked out a ball with a hand painted Texas flag. We're doing an ornament exchange at a preschool only Christmas get together. The gal whose name I drew is from Utah so I wanted to give a little Texas to her tree. I've seen these ornaments for years and always wanted one. I guess giving one as a gift is close enough. Every year they also have some with the old court house on them. That's really what I want. Someday I'll start a collection.
Last but not least I went across the street to The Dressing Room and picked out a little lotion and lip balm set for the last special person. I ran into a friend and we visited while I looked. Time got away from me and before I knew it I was almost late for work, again. Going in there is such a great time. I'll finish off today shopping with Dad for Mom after work. I have some ideas but will not divulge them here since apparently she does look at this occasionally.
Ok so is it weird that I enjoy going to the dentist? I tell Chelsea this all the time and she can never understand. I'm going this afternoon and I'm excited because having my teeth cleaned is like a massage for my mouth. I could do without the scraping behind my permanent retainer but I love leaving there feeling so fresh and smooth. I've heard of these dental spas. I would be so up for that! Having my feet rubbed while I lay back in a massage chair with Carol cleaning my teeth. Ahhh lovely! Carol does fix me up that's for sure. If only she could just fix me up with her son...

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Keeping the Spirit

Today started slow. I set my alarm so that I would have time to lounge around a little bit before getting ready for work. The lounging got out of hand a little bit and I ended up nearly running late, especially after I stopped at El Chico for a last minute gift card for my Secret Santa for the staff party tonight. Don't get me started on how long I think it should take to produce a gift card and how long it actually took the El Chico employees today.

Lunch is never good at work when I go into it frustrated. I don't know how many times I said "HURRY UP!" as children continued to fart around all over the room. When everyone finally got on their mats, I ended up turning Frosty off early and extending nap by a few minutes. I needed some time to get myself back together. It worked although I don't think anything short of three weeks will help much at this point. After work I visited with the Peteet's and picked up my lovely Christmas gift. After a quick run in Big Lots I headed to the party. It was good but I couldn't get home and into my pjs quick enough. Two more days of work and the true break begins. I'm trying to stay in good spirits and enjoy everything. My kid's tendency to tune out all words of instruction and take twice as long as usual to accomplish anything isn't helping. I'm trying.

I got a text from Kristen this afternoon asking for Rockette pics. As promised, here they are!

Opening

Toy soldiers. Mom's favorite

Christmas in NYC

Santas kept coming from everywhere and then they put them on the backdrop. My favorite

This nativity was absolutely beautiful! There were sheep, donkeys and camels, and children reading the Christmas story. So sweet.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Simple Womans Daybook




For today, Monday, December 15, 2008



Outside my window... An empty playground sits under a grey sky encompassed by near freezing temps



I am thinking...what am I going to do while the kids sleep today? I should probably put on my makeup and plan something for them to make/do this afternoon.



I am thankful for...the pay checks I deposited today. Some in savings and some in checking. It's a good feeling to be financially secure.



From my kitchen...nothing today. Dinner tonight will be take out or every man for himself as everyone will be doing their own thing.



I am wearing...jeans, a maroon long sleeve tee with a black puffy vest, my new gold and black necklace and some slip on Ugg knock offs.



I am creating...crafts for my class for the week. Apparently we're not going to have much outside time so it will be my job to keep everyone busy and in line.



I am going...to see the Rockettes tonight with Mom.



I am reading...haven't started anything. I echo Christina. My brain is just tired.



I am hoping...that Christmas with my mom's side of the fam turns out better than I expect. It's the second Christmas without my grandma and it will be the first that my uncle and aunt in Abilene hasn't been here. I understand that they feel the need to begin their own traditions with their baby in their new home but I selfishly want them here. My other aunt is having a knee replacement so I don't even know what their status is going to be. Overall it's just much different from the Christmas' of my childhood.



I am hearing...silent sleeping children and the heater blowing in warm air to keep them toasty warm until they wake.



Around the house...the cat is probably destroying everything. I didn't take the time to lock him up. I really don't like that cat.



One of my favorite things...Christmas. I'm sure you could tell. I love the parties and special events but most importantly I love love love to talk about Christs birth with kids. It's the sweetest joy.



A few plans for the rest of the week... work and work parties, shopping with Dad, Dallas on Saturday and Sunday. I need to find time to help Marcy clean up the guest house, aka my new humble abode.



Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...




Savannah and I at the Christmas parade in what I believe would have been 2006. She was psycho over candy canes and yelled "CANNIES" though the whole thing.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Corn Dip

I'm posting this for Kristen but it's wonderful if you've never had it. This was the dip at my birthday party for those of you who were there.

Corn Dip
1 can Mexicorn- drained (it's a little can on the can veggie aisle)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Mix together. It's better if you let it sit covered in the fridge for a little while if possible before you serve. Eat with corn tortilla chips (Plain Doritos or something similar)

Visions of Christmas

My week of joyous holiday cheer continued on to make for a wonderful weekend. Mom got me up early Saturday morning to help her finish up Christmas shopping. We stopped at Walgreens and printed Christmas cards, went to Academy for guy gifts, the mall for more gifts and an amazing sale at Bath and Body Works, Cheddars for lunch, Knowledge Nook because I can't stay away, and Fisherman's Market for fresh fish to cook tonight. We ended with grocery shopping back in Marshall. We got home and rested for just a few minutes until it was time to get ready for the parade. I had Cass and Ada and Lydia had her babysitting clients and we were honored to be able to watch the parade amongst friends and fellow Trinity family members on the square. We threw all the kids in the back of the truck and although they all ended up in the street before the hour long parade ended, everyone had a great time.

I'm posting pics from the weekend activities. There's a lot going on this week so I will try to keep the pictures coming of all the fun.

Kids watching the parade

Ada and Maggie

Olivia, Henry, and Maggie

The little Rudolphs headed to Taco Bell

Annabelle, Savannah, Christina, Meadow and Emily passing by in their float


The stars of the show


Friday, December 12, 2008

Dressing Up

Here lately I've really gotten out of the tee shirt rut I was stuck in. Yesterday I was going to wear a tee shirt to work and couldn't do it. My grandma always said that a lady should get up and get dressed in the morning, "put on her face" (aka makeup) and wash her hair even if she was just staying home because it makes you feel better about yourself. I'll be the first to admit that when I do get a day off I'm not up putting on my makeup but I understand exactly what she was talking about. I feel that since I am out and about all day and most importantly keeping peoples kids that I should look presentable and stylish. The downside of this new attitude is the cost of said stylishness. I went to The Dressing Room during my break today and spent most of what I made last night on a necklace. This will be the test to see if my mom really reads my blog. Whats the point in making money if you aren't using it to live and enjoy yourself? I enjoy myself when I feel pretty and apparently that costs money. There you have it.

Soooo speaking of new looks and such, you might I have noticed a new look around here. This was my nap time project today. I've been trying to create a unique signature look. I don't know if this was exactly what I had pictured but then again I'm not even sure what that was so this will do. I know the Roth kids are missing from the header. In my search of all of my pictures I have yet to find one of all three R's together. I'll be working on that.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Loving the Season

With school finished I'm having some time to finally get into the spirit of the season. Yesterday at work I only had our three girls stay until craft time and we finger painted giant Christmas trees to work on decorating the rest of this week and next. They had a great time and are so excited about our project. Today I brought all of my favorite children's Christmas books for us to start reading. The kids are all tucked in extra tight and napping in preparation of our exciting afternoon. I'm trying to not miss a moment and take it all in since this is my last Trinity Christmas. Speaking of taking it in, oh what a fabulous lunch we had today! Our cleaning lady prepared an authentic Mexican feast as a Christmas gift to us. We had tortillas, mole, rice, beans, guac, hot sauce, and some taquito things. It was all out of this world and homemade of course. We don't have the opportunity to visit with her a lot and she probably doesn't know much about us but I'm sure she could tell by the ever increasing size of our waist lines that a meal was the way to our hearts. Mrs. Silvia is truly a blessing.

Last night I had the pleasure of spending the evening with the Trueloves. The weather was nasty when Jennifer brought Cate to me at the preschool and we grabbed Maggie from her class and went to pick up Walt and go home. Despite the cold everybody was in happy spirits and we got home and ate a meal of gourmet fish sticks and Doritos before playing trains with Walt and cleaning up a slight slime mishap in the girls room. Jennifer got home and I got plenty of "bye bye meme" kisses and made the drive home to Elysian Fields. I've never been more relieved to be in my own bed.

Tonight Henry, Maggie, Cate and I are off to see the Budweiser Clydesdales. They come to town every other year for Wonderland and the parade. I've gone with my family every year they've come and it's slipped up on us this year and until Marcy mentioned it this morning I wasn't planning on going. The kids are excited and so am I.

I'm working Santa's Workshop again tomorrow night. Marcy seems to be raising quite a bit of money and I'm glad to be able to help her and CASA. My dad's company party is tomorrow night as well. My buddy Doug has been in charge of orchestrating the whole thing so I hope to be able to make an appearance there as well. My family has been so blessed in the past few years by Dad's job move. He had worked at his previous job my whole life and was constantly stressed about them not having enough work and the future of the company. He went to work for Lewis Engineering and it's truly been a blessing for the whole family.

Saturday night is the Christmas parade. It's a wonderful tradition for my family and for the last few years I've had friends and kids come with us too. This year I'll have Cass and Ada. I might see if Dad will take the truck down early enough to get us a good spot. It should be a good time.

I'm falling more in love with this time of year everyday. I'm so thankful for the family, friends and town God has given me to enjoy it all with.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

My Last Night

So just now as I pulled into the library parking lot and took my place it hit me very hard that this is my last night at school. Of course memories began to flood my mind and a few tears began to flow. It's been that kind of week really. It started on Monday when I worked the Christmas program practice with my class. I had just gone through the motions consoling the worried and disciplining the out of control when I looked up and the 4 year old class, my kids from last year that includes Maggie, Henry, Annabelle and Ada, were singing in their sweetest angelic voices "Thank you God for all the gifts you give us. Thank you God for all the gifts, you give us." I lost it. I felt a little silly and tried to move on and stay busy but the scene played over and over in my head for the rest of the day. After next week my class won't be my class anymore until I come back for a few weeks in May. The preschool has been huge in my life for three and a half years and even three day weekends are hard for me. This is going to be an adjustment.

As for my last night at school, I couldn't have spent it better. The big finale of the Christmas program was tonight. It was beautiful. As the opening remarks were given I looked around and saw Chelsea and Matt slipping in on the back row. How can I stay upset with her? I'm getting much better. We've had some good times over the past few days. After it was over and I came in from the cold, I watched a few episodes of The Office on the couch with Chelsea while I finished up all of the assignments that are due tomorrow in order for me to check out and be done. As I worked and IMed Cort on Facebook, we decided to go look at Christmas lights. That's kind of our thing I guess you could say. We drove around for a while before I decided that I needed to go to Wal-Mart and get a new laundry hamper to aid in the packing up of my room. I have a ton of dirty clothes and am becoming increasingly bothered by the week at having to carry all of my laundry down the stairs and out to the car in about 3 super heavy baskets, bags or hampers. I found a huge hamper with a lid on wheels! Let's just say I think it will be worth the money. On my way home I stopped off at the library to see Traci and decided to stay and blog on the faster computer. I have the finishing touches to put on my research paper, I have packing and cleaning still and must get a little rest before my test at 8:00 in the morning although I know it won't be much. I thought about doing some kind of Top 10 memory thing but there are too many to list and some that although they are classic college memories I'm too ashamed in my now adulthood to post them here. Ok no more sadness. I'm not even graduating yet. This isn't the time. Good night! My last night!

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday, December 8, 2008

Outside my window...sun is shining on a cool crisp December morning in Marshall.

I am thinking... of my plan of action for the day. I need a pumpkin pie by 11:00. I guess I'll just run in Wal Mart. I've taken a shot to my domestic pride. I'm not a store bought pie kind of gal and if I do buy my sweet treat I want it to be in a little white box suited with a label from a little down town cafe. I'll make it up to them.

I am going...to help the preschoolers practice for their Christmas program. I usually go to all of the programs but the Christmas one always falls during finals week were I have a little bit of free time in the mornings making me ever so available.

I am thankful for... Christmas break! Although I'll still be working for another week, there will be no school! The month holds so many fun adventures.

One of my favorite things...getting up in time to relax a bit. I'm a snooze hitter like no other and to actually turn off the alarm and have some time before actually having to get ready is very nice. I tend to actually run late on the days that I get up early. Go figure.

I am reading...nothing until I go home on Wednesday. Then it's back on the road with the Twilight saga.

Around the house...is not as clean as it was last week. I have to pack my entire room up by Wednesday. Maybe I can find some friends to save the day. Hint hint....

From the kitchen...nothing of mine. Definitely not a pumpkin pie.

I am wearing... my favorite new Christmas plaid pj pants with a Marshall Mavs tee

I am hearing... absolute silence for what will quite possibly be the only time today.

A few plans for the rest of the week...work, Christmas program, finish finals, move out. Too boring for details

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... the finished Christmas tree that Mom, Lydia and I created. The best one yet in my opinion. I wish the pic had turned out clearer.

Click here for more Daybook fun!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

I'll blog with you....

Savannah is sitting in my lap and as soon as the blogger page came up she said, "Is that your blog?"I said,"Yeah it is. Let's write." She replied with an excited, "Ok I'll blog with you!" So here we are. Savannah's blog...

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"I'm just going to type! I don't want to write my name. I love all those f's" Oh what fun!

In other news, Santas Workshop was a total joy last night. Bundled up families of all kinds came in out of the cold to write letters to Santa, make a toy, have their picture made and of course give $1 to CASA to sign Santa's List. There was a large elf crew assisting in the toy making and periodically they would jump up on their stools and break into song. Such a joyus time.

This morning I helped Mom and Lydia finish the Christmas decorating at home. There was way too much stuff for the places we had but we made it all work and with the purchase of some ribbon and other various decor this afternoon the tree will be complete and all work done.

Mark and Christina are off to a Christmas party and Savannah and I are going to join in on the trip to the pottery in a little while and will probably grab some dinner too. She quickly became bored with the whole blogging thing and has gone down to the sun room to work on her treasure map. I asked her if I could finish this before I joined her and she said, "Sure if I can have another snack." Sneaky little thing.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Faster than Phelps

Periodically Capital One sends Mom to various meetings about people skills and being a good manager, boss, etc. One of the last ones she attended involved some kind of personality test in which you were categorized as a doer, a follower, etc. and they were challenged to categorize themselves, their employees, and family. Mom told me later that night that she only had to read the first few characteristics under the doer list to know that was so me. Boy is it true! When working on our big unit project this semester I had to catch myself several times in the meetings as I was beginning to sound a bit too bossy, although I still wouldn't hold back much and would just begin my sentences with "I don't mean to be the boss, but...." Luckily for me I had the best group in the world and they would laugh and teasingly (I think) call me "the boss." If you listen in on a shopping trip between my sister and I, especially when Mom is present for me to feed off of, it won't be long before Lydia will proclaim the famous, "Shut up Lee Ann you're not my mom!" It's a classic.
All that said, you have to imagine that when the possibility of Chelsea and I moving off campus next semester came up, I jumped in a swam with it faster than Phelps. I was on a mission. I knew what I wanted and even though there was never a lease in my hand, I would remind classmates who suggested car pool arrangements for next semester and my boss who was looking for a place for a few coworkers to stay that I would be living off campus. I was figuratively out of there. Well this morning all reality hit and the dreams of off campus quiet and freedom came crashing around me as Chelsea revealed that she wouldn't be able to go in on the deal due to some unforeseen financial aid situation. I was really upset and hurt as I thought about all the time and stress I had put into this whole thing and how next year when I need a house more than likely there won't be one in that neighborhood, my dream neighborhood. As I thought about all of these things and was not happy with Chelsea, my best friend, I kept trying to remind myself that technically it was never a for sure thing and I had just made it that way in my mind. I should be used to this feeling as my strong willed personality has led me into it many many times and it has a prominent place in my life, although it hurts just as bad everytime.
On the bright side, it never lasts long. Rather it's disappointment from a car that I had picked out and didn't get or a boy who turned out to be a jerk, something better always comes along. I know plain and simple that God must have something better in store for me. I keep reminding myself that next fall when I really will have to get a house, that I'll be able to do it all on my own and that more than likely my bathroom won't have blue tile walls with mauve floors.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Does that include an Advil?

What a headache of a day it's been! Chelsea and I are still in the very midst of the house hunt. Yesterday we looked at a house on Shirley St. that we loved. It's yellow and cute in the perfect neighborhood (just 4 down from Christina!) This morning we checked it over again, met with the owner and the only thing keeping us from writing a check was him wanting to only do a year long lease. I understand this is pretty standard and I don't want to sound as if I have little faith that God is going to provide, it's just a big step. 6 months- I can do. We left there and called the owner of another prospective property and set up an appointment to meet at the house at 12:00. At 12:40 when she had yet to arrive we left and went on about our day. I heard from her at 4:00 to learn that she had forgotten our appointment. We'll try again tomorrow with her. After a long day of debate and discussion, we've decided on a few propositions to present to the Shirley St. house guy and see if we can make a deal tomorrow.
The figurative headache of the rental property market has created a very literal one that is pounding away as I sit in the library. There is a lot I should be working on but I finished the lesson plan I needed for tomorrow and for now that's all I can will myself to do. Getting down here was a chore in itself. I've watched at least 3 episodes of Reba, eaten 1 large bowel of spaghetti, and sent more text messages than I can count in the hours between work and homework. The dreary weather seems to be directing my thoughts toward a possible movie rental and early bed time. Oh, and an Advil.

Monday, December 1, 2008

The Simple Womans Day Book




For today, Monday, December 1, 2008

Outside my window...the sky is dark and the air cold.

I am thinking...that there has to be something I have to do in the morning. Surely it's not possible that I'll be able to not set the alarm tonight.

I am going...to bed when I finish this. I stayed up way too late last night and want to fully enjoy the benefits of sleeping in tomorrow.

I am thankful for... having my best friends back safely with me in Harrison County. Traci, Kristen and I spent all morning together in class, breakfast, class again and lunch and I couldn't have been happier. I missed them terribly over our short little break.

One of my favorite things...hanging out with the Roth kids. Marcy and Brendan both had meetings tonight and Jackson was out with a friend so Caroline, Henry and I shared in soup and bread for dinner while the radio played in the background and we all sang along to our favs while we visited and laughed. It was a great time.

I am reading...the research paper over and over again. One more short section and it will be dones-o. I'm waiting until it is finished before I begin the second book in the Twilight series. I learned today from a co-worker that the 4th book is the best so I'm ready to get there.

Around the house...everything is tidy for the most part. We just got back so all the junk that usually makes its way into the common areas is still neatly stashed away in our bedrooms.

From the kitchen...nothing. A trip to the grocery store is planned for tomorrow in order to stock up a few essentials to last us these last few days.

I am wearing... jeans, a purple long sleeve tee and a black and white paisley Forever 21 pull over with hair in the signature messy bun on top of my head.

I am hearing... the Dr. Phil episode that came on after the show I was watching when I started this. I usually don't watch it and if our cable was working I might would find the remote and change it but this episode has me somewhat intrigued. It's two women who married brothers, had children and divorced. Their ex husbands have now taken their children and left without a trace. I'm sure Dr. P will save the day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...work and keeping Conner tomorrow. I haven't seen him in two weeks now and miss him like crazy! Wednesday night I'll work the CASA donation station at Santa's Workshop downtown (stop by and see Santa and give us a buck!) Dad's going out of town this weekend so I'm sure I'll be spending some time with Mom and then keeping Savannah on Saturday night. Don't forget the paper and other random assignments that need to be finished.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... this image comes to mind each time I hear something about Twilight. Edward. Oh la la!




















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