1 after work snuggle time (give me a down comforter, my nook, and 2 puppies...perfect)
2 "Wicked" (saw it this week..amazing!)3 playing Scrabble with Husband (even though he makes up words and I usually quit before finishing the game)4 spring time in Tennessee 5 HGTV (all day, every day)
6 any and all fairs/festivals 7 curled hair (when I actually do it)8 milkshakes (Husband makes the best)
9 pillow talks 10 clorox wipes (I seriously wipe down everything with those things.)
Working part time and subbing occasionally leaves me at home alone a lot, with no one of human intelligence to talk to. Bailee and Olive are super great listeners, but awful advice givers. So, lucky you. I'm grasping for human contact. Listen to my words so I stop talking to dogs and the walls around me.
Things have felt pretty slow this week. Especially in comparison to the first two weeks of March.
My brother and his girlfriend came and visited us for a week and then one of our old youth from Florida came and stayed also. Our house was full of memories and fun times. The best way to spend days if you ask me!
Last week, the stomach bug hit us hard. First Husband, then it inevitably hit me. Only mine decide to stay and turn into a cold/flu. (And I didn't even lose a single pound. What good is a stomach flu if you don't lose some extra weight?!) Today was the first time I woke up and was able to take a full breath. Which is perfect timing because next week is our Spring break and we are taking 30 youth to Ohio for a mission trip. I've never been to Ohio, so I'm pretty excited to explore. Bonus, it's only 5 hours away (compared to our Spring break mission trip last year, which was 14 hours away in Arlington, TX.) I'm a Texas girl through and through (fun fact: my 5 times Great Grandfather was one of the signers for the Texas Declaration of Independence) but I'm not a fan of 14 hour road trips with hormonal/crazy and teens. (But if you are one of those teens reading this, I love you so so big.)
My friend had a small birthday celebration in Nashville this past weekend. We tried to get into The Pharmacy but an hour and a half wait was not so appetizing. So, we found the cutest Mexican restaurant and still ended up waiting an hour and half, but totally worth it. We live down the road from Nashville, but I always forget about it. I'm sure there's all kinds of exploring to be done in that grand city. I'm a lover of big cities. Not a fan of cow towns. I've had my fill of those. I like knowing there's something cool happening at any given moment. Good or bad, I know...but I focus on the good.
I found a wood wick candle look alike without the crazy expensive price tag. So, there's that.
(Insert rant of bad hair experience #45867. If I've seen you face to face in the last month, you've already heard this story and you can skip to the next paragraph.)
I got my hair cut a few weeks ago. I was forming dreads and my ombre was boring me, so I figured I needed a trim and new color. Well, can I just say, there are few things more frustrating than finding the right hair stylist. We've been here almost a year and half and I still haven't found "the one." I may be too picky, but it's my hair! I'm allowed to be picky! Now, my hair is thick. Like, too thick. And every time I go to a new hair lady, they go on and on about the thickness of my hair. They call all the ladies around to touch and feel and lift my crazy amount of hair. I'm 100% used to it. I don't know any different, because I've always had this hair. Well, this new lady kept on commenting how much hair I had. After the 20th time, I started to get nervous. I started to realize maybe she didn't exactly know how to cut and style this kind of hair. I had a roommate in college who had crazy gorgeous curly curly hair and I remember her struggle of finding people who would dare touch her locks. (She did however let me cut it once, only once though. Maybe that's a sign.) Never did I think my thickness would cause a professional to stumble. Well, homegirl stumbled. Instead of thinning my hair (you know, those scissors that don't cut all the way through?) she straight up cut chunks into my hair. I'm not talking layers. No, random chunks missing. And, because my hair was "too thick," there's spots all over where she didn't put any dye at all. Folks, my hair is half the amount it usually is. Of course, that probably puts me in the average of how much hair people normally have, but I don't know what to do with it! I've got a half mullet on one side where she was trying to "get rid of the thickness." I have to wrap the ponytail holder another time, I don't have as much volume, goodness. Not cool.
Our lease is up in December and we are not going to renew it. Which means.... house hunting and buying our first house! I'm so so so ready. I LOVE moving and unpacking and painting and decorating. Ahhh, I get so carried away on Pinterest. So ready to put some of those pins into action. Maaaaybe I've already been "window shopping" for houses. Probably not the best idea since I get too emotionally attached to items, but I can't help it! Sue me.
Actually, don't sue me. We have nothing you'd want.
After taking a year away from teaching, God has shown me that perhaps I do belong in the classroom. The desires have come back, I will admit. Although, just the other day I woke up wanting to be a doula and then a photographer and then "You've Got Mail" came on and my biggest dream of being a children's bookstore owner came back to me. So, whatever it is, a full time job is in my near future (hopefully.)
I really wish I loved vegetables and running like I love cheeseburgers and sleeping.
Thank you so much for sitting with me and talking. I really enjoyed it. Same time next week?
(A picture with two of my favorite 8th graders at our last youth event. So classy.)
Dear July,
Oh, hey! Kind of crept up on me. Can you believe it's been 6 months since our big move to TN? I love it. And I'm looking forward to see what a TN July is all about!
Dear Husband,
I'm glad you decided to stop being a man. Well, that's awkward. Let me try that again... I'm glad you're finally going back to the doctor. I promise he won't bite.
Dear Important Phone Calls,
Yeah, both of you. Happen.
Dear Bailee,
First Olive, now you? I bet if you both stopped eating spiders and junk in the yard you would feel better.
These are random thoughts running through my mind.
(Hey new iPhone, thanks for being awesome and making self portraits easier with the front facing camera!)
We have officially been TN residents for over a month now and I couldn't be happier. My only issue is having 2 measly days of snow. Now that I'm aware of what TN is capable of, I don't understand why we can't have that more often.
Speaking of curtains (just go with it.) Our living room is my favorite place. I'm so proud of how the decorations have come together. There's just one thing missing...curtains. It drives me crazy. Not only are most curtains expensive, there are so many choices! I want these curtains to make a statement in my living room. Oh, the troubles.
I have come to the realization that I am about as domestic as a toddler. Scratch that. I think the preschoolers can make yummier meals and play house on the playground better than me. I wish I had the skills to sew like crazy. Then I could make my own curtains and not have to buy many clothes. And then there's cooking. Don't even get me started. I have about 3 things I can successfully make. Chili, scrambled eggs, and brownies. That's it. Truly, for real, not joking...that's it. Poor Husband, I have completely failed as a wife in those areas. Going grocery shopping intimidates me. What are the main things every house needs? I don't know! How do you go grocery shopping when you don't know what you need? Are you supposed to have tons of recipes memorized so you automatically does on the list? Clearly I need help. I need a grocery fairy. And a cooking fairy. And throw in some money while you're at it.
I want to lose weight. I want to work out. I want to eat healthy. Yet, I'm so overwhelmed I do nothing and feel miserable.
I think I want to dye my hair red.
Valentines day is coming up and I am kind of dreading it. I become this crazy hopeless romantic when it comes to gift giving and receiving. I imagine these wonderful, romantic, unattainable gifts that inevitably let me down when I receive or give to others. I need to realize every present, big or small, is special and thoughtful. I also need to calm my imagination down. Most people truly just want to know you thought of them. I feel as thought I have to prove my love for them in crazy big ways, therefore I expect the same. It's not a good habit. I'm working on that.
I hate doing laundry. No, more than hate. I loathe. Super loathe. I'd rather get rid of all my clothes and keep 7 outfits to rotate. Hmm, maybe.
Confession: I watch The Bachelor. There, said it. If you also watch this trainwreck of a show and don't know why, visit Alycia at (The Crowley Party) She has the funniest recaps of all the episodes. She gets it. She gets me.
I miss having my brother nearby. He is truly one of my best friends. Even though he is younger than me, he is a worthy role model in my life. No one can make me laugh like him, or get me angry like him. I was spoiled these last few years to have him live in the same city. Now, I miss him like crazy. We still talk almost every day via Facebook and texting (most of our conversations are about new YouTube videos and Downton Abbey.) It's just not the same. I love you, Brother!
Now I feel all sappy. Stupid.
Well, I guess I'll sign off here and scope Pinterest for an hour, searching for motivation to do something more with my life...
Wearing your hair down, while teaching at a preschool, almost always turns out bad. What starts out as cute little girls playing "hair do-ers," quickly turns into a form of Chinese torture. A painful form of torture for sensitive scalped, migraine prone people like me. I went to school Wednesday and learned my lesson. Top knots are my new favorite thing.
Husband got an iPad recently, (thanks, Mom and Dad!) and we put our wedding pictures on there. I made one of our favorites the lock screen background. The next time I opened it, I was greeted by a picture of "The Avengers." Not sure how I feel about that.
I've been trying to eat healthier, work out, etc, and part of my "training" is to log what I eat. I downloaded a super nifty app on my phone to help hold me accountable. It tracks how many calories I've eaten, how many I've lost after exercising, and how close I am to reaching my goal. After a week of logging, I hate that stupid thing. Nobody likes being told they aren't doing the right thing. I'm slowly getting there though. I have become more conscious about what I eat and how much exercising I'll need to do to work it off. Tough stuff.
It's raining right now and I want nothing more than to jump into a pool. Swimming is so much cooler in the rain. Unless there's lightning, that's not very cool.
My Husband is actually off tonight and the other house dwellers are gone for the weekend...you know what that means! Frozen pizzas and board games. Can I get a "woohoo" for poor newlyweds?!
I am always trying to convince Husband that I'm funny. After 4 years, he's still not convinced. I think he's the one with the problem. I'm clearly hilarious.
To start the weekend off right, I leave you with some Christmas spirit. Can't go wrong with Chrimma music.
(Late Night Bike Rides are back! With hats! Pictured: Brother, Catron, Me, Husband)
It's Friday. Although, when you have a job that allows you to be off during the summer, all weeks seem like weekends. But, Husband still works and that's what keeps me on track. Here are some of my joys to start the weekend off!
1 waking up to Husband kissing me goodbye before he leaves for work 2 a clean house 3 scary movies- I love to hate them 4 Pottermore.com 5 re-reading my favorite books 6 Husband telling me he can tell I've lost weight- instantly makes me feel like I've lost 50 pounds 7 finally trying sushi- not so bad after all! 8 newly printed pictures 9 phone calls from family with news of unexpected road trip to visit 10 chalkboard paint- if I had it may way, I'd probably paint the entire house with it.
and now, a few random ramblings...
I've been playing Sims3 for...ever. I've loved the Sims games since they came out way back when. Of course, I'm a fan of the less raunchy types. I just love games that have story lines that I can control control. (Before Sims, it was The Game of Life. Still a favorite, actually played it last night!) Anyways, as of late, I seem to be playing Sims non-stop. I started with a girl, who reached her lifetime goal, got married, then died. Husband lived, remarried, had a baby, reached his lifetime goal, and died. New wife lived, reached her lifetime goal, died. Baby grew up, reached his lifetime goal, got married, had a baby. Now, I'm a couple generations into the game, I own half of Sim town, I have the coolest house, and I'm loaded.
aka
I'm a nerd.
What's worse is I now think of the world around me as a great big Sims game. For example, when your Sims is talking to someone and they get hurt or offended, a red minus sign appears above their head. When they are talking and enjoy the person, a blue plus sign appears. The other day, I was talking to the other house dwellers and I kept imagining a blue sign above my head when I was happy, and a red sign when I didn't like their conversation. Another example, throughout the game, wishes will appear on the screen. Most are opportunities that will help your career, friendships, etc. You can either accept or decline the wishes. Yesterday, I saw an ad at a restaurant for a political complaining meeting and I promptly "declined" the wish. I think I might have a problem.
We still don't have any wedding pictures printed. Not even a wedding album. Sort of depressing.
I had an amazing dream the other night. I think the best ones are ones that portray real life problems, and allow you to react in ways you normally wouldn't. In this particular dream, I was finally able to stand up to a former "bully, hater, loser, drama-maker, meanie, etc" and I tore into her. It was like my minds way of letting it all out. I woke up feeling like I won the lottery. I sure told her!
I wish fingernails grew colored. No more painting. No more keeping up. Perfect.
Within the next month, Husband and I could receive information that will change our lives. It's like trying to sleep on Christmas Eve, every single night. Patience is a weak point for me.
I'm having serious hair ADD. Usually, every 6 months I change it up. Cut it short, layers, highlights, etc. But, I've been growing out my hair for almost 2 years now and I'm fighting the urge. I love my long hair. I want it longer. I also loved my short hair. Oh, man. I need to change the subject.
Another urge I'm fighting is to put the Christmas tree up. Right now. I know, I know. Crazy, right? I just get so much joy from the Christmas season, I want it year round. The lights, music, trees, ornaments, books, cards...swoon. I asked Husband if I could, you can guess his response.
Hint: I have to wait.
As if this post hasn't convinced you I'm a complete nerd already and you should leave now, let's just talk about Pottermore, shall we? Oh, man. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, books and movies, then you have got to try it out. It an online experience that takes you through each chapter of the books, allowing you to become a part of the story. I received my letter from Hogwarts, visited Diagon Alley, got all my school supplies, picked up an Owl, my wand chose me, and I was sorted into the Hufflepuff House. It's basically amazing. Filled with behind the scene information from author J.K. Rowling. So cool.
I better quit while I'm ahead, and maybe even post something cool before the weekend is over....
While drinking water is super healthy for you, no one tells you about the bajillion bathroom trips you have to make. Seriously, one bottle of water=6 bathroom visits. That makes life so difficult.
I've been growing my hair out for almost 2 years. I want loooong hair. I have never been so excited for my hair to get caught in my arm pit, or slammed in the car door, or pulled whenever I get hugged. Why? Because that means my hair has finally decided to grow.
I am way to excited about my Hulu routine. If you don't know of Hulu, I need to pray for you. Hulu is magical. You can watch (almost) any t.v. show online the day after it airs. Every Monday I watch Sunday's episode of "Once Upon a Time" (he's Pinocchio!) Every Wednesday I watch "snippets" of Tuesday's episodes "Glee" and "New Girl." I say snippets because there tends to be too much raunchiness/moral issues in some episodes. So I edit them myself. Then, Friday's I watch Thursday's episode of "The Office." If you can't tell, we don't have cable. People keep telling me more shows to check out, but clearly my schedule is packed.
Speaking of Glee, is it weird that I like Glee-versions of songs 99% more than the originals? I'm okay with it.
This week I started my cut-down-on-soda-and-drink-more-water-then-workout-an-hour-a-day routine. I'm so fat and out of shape that my soreness isn't even funny. I can't move my legs. At all. Which stinks because I have to get up every 20 minutes to use the bathroom. Who's idea was this again?
For about 3 days I thought I wanted to be a cosmetologist. I went to Aveda online and asked them to mail me some more information. I received a call about an hour later. I talked to a sweet girl from Aveda named Katie for a few minutes. She asked how long I've known that I wanted to be in cosmetology. I said, 3 days. For the next week and a half Katie from Aveda called me every day, 2 times a day. I stopped answering. I don't think I'm going to get anything in the mail.
On the topic of what I want to be when I grow up, I had a wonderful interview yesterday followed by an observation scheduled for tomorrow. I'm going back to where it all started, Pre-School. A teaching position opened up recently and so far things are lining up perfectly! Hello full-time, year-round teaching! It's been a while!
I'm hoping this summer brings: long(er) hair, Disney World, weight-loss, that one ring I'm in love with from c28.com (ehem...Husband), bigger paychecks, family road trips, pizza, steaks, tan lines, a hedgehog, pigs in a blanket, weddings, internet at the house, and many more happies.
Last time, I left you with my favorite version of Goyte's "Somebody That I Used to Know." I think I lied, because this is totally my favorite version. P.S. I met Kevin, the "percussionist!" Sweetest guy!
"I will walk through the valley, if You want me to."
There's a reason God has my husband and I going through this junk.
He is always in control and things will not always be this hard!
Amen.
Now, I ramble.
These are the things on my mind.
I spend 87% of my time thinking about such topics.
The other % (I've never been good at math) just pop into my head and flee before I can really think on them.
First and foremost, I must say that I miss Michael Scott. I have been an avid "Office" watcher, and I feel incomplete without him. I truly wish I had a real-life Michael Scott friend. How stinkin' amazing would that be?! Oh man, the things we could get away with. P.S. I still watch and still laugh. It's just not the same.
Shaving- I hate it. It takes so much time and so much remembering. Like, I don't remember that I haven't shaved in 2 weeks until I put on a dress 5 minutes before leaving. Ugh. Plus, I really only grow hairs below my knee, at least that's the darker, more noticable hairs. So annoying. Sorry Husband.
I really, really want to be able to rock a middle part. I don't know if it's my side-swept bangs, or the shape of my head, but it doesn NOT look cute. I'm slowy parting my side part towards the center of my head. Maybe I can trick myself.
I can't get enough of flowy clothes. Boho-style all the way. So much so, I get uncomfortable if my clothes cling even the smallest amount to my body. Which could also be due to the fact that I'm unhappy with my weight and flowy shirts/dresses camoflouge that for me.Yeah...
Speaking of bodies. I hate mine. There, I said it. First part is admitting, right? Well, I have gained 20plus pounds since being married. There, I said that too. It's mortifying really. Husband is super sweet and claims it's unnoticiable, but I know he's totally lying. Have I done much to change? Truthfully, no. Which, I also hate. But finding a workout routine that fits in my random schedule is near impossible. The school I work at has a gym. But do I know what the heck I'm doing in there?! Yeah, right. Don't even get me started on food. It seems impossible to purchase healthy food we can afford. Cheap food=fat food. But, when that's all you can afford... I hate this cycle. Which is why posting it on this blog should (let's pray) motivate me to keep on riding bikes and try to eat healthier!
I don't want permanent makeup, unless it's permanent mascara. Is that even possible? I am a full fledged mascaraholic. I spent 25% of my getting ready routine on my eyelashes.
Trying to stick to my 24 before 24, I have been keeping my nails looking decent and polished. This week, I asked Husband to pick out a color for me. He chose neon orange. I feel like I have traffic cones on my fingers. Yes, I bought this color...but that was years ago. I'm glad it's chipping. Time for a less Lisa Frank color.
Sad, sad, sad news. My mini-shnauzer, Olive, broke herself yesterday. Here's the story: We have two little ones, Bailee (a Malti-Pom) and Olive. Olive eats non-stop (if we'd let her) and she is kind of slow in the brain processing. Well, everyday we fight with her about eating Bailee's food after gulfing hers down in 2 minutes flat. Last night, Olive started to eat Bailee's and Husband popped her (P.S. Yes, we discipline and we will spank when we have children!) When Husband popped Olive, she lost balance and hit her front left paw on the door. Now, I was laying in bed in the other room when I heard her "scream." I thought nothing of it because she is a d-r-a-m-a q-u-e-e-n!!! She wails before you even touch her! But, last night she kept screaming and when Husband was saying "Olive, it's okay. You're okay. Shhhh, babygirl." I knew something was wrong. I flew out of bed, into the room, and immediately tears came to my eyes. Babygirl had her paw as close to her body as she could hold it, just whimpering! We felt around the leg, compared it to the other one, and came to the conclusion that she was okay, just scared. She is still silly, happy, Olive and "runs" as much as she can. We think it's sprained because she still favors it and won't put all her pressure on it. We wrapped it to keep it straight, and man does it break this mama's heart! I get sick just re-thinking about it and seeing her hobble. I don't know what's gonna happen when we have for real children and they get hurt! Oh, man.
How in the world can you eat a Snickers without chocolate flakes and caramel getting everywhere?
I wish I had 10 striped shirts and cardigans. All colors. All combos.
New favorite go-to hairstyle: Braid hair and flat iron over the braids. Let cool. Spray a little hairspray. Undo. Awesome-ness. I have super-duper-notevencool thick hair, so I have to do 2 braids. Also, the tighter the braid, the kinkier the "wave." I do loose braids and I love the messy beach hair look it makes.
Husband and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary this June and I've had fun planning "dream" vacays. I say dream, because in all honesty, we can't afford a super big trip. BUT, I would love *hinthintHusband* a few days at Disney World *hinthintfriendsthatcangetusinforfree*. And, I keep saying Honeymoon instead of anniversary, which I'm okay with. I like having Honeymoons once a year.
Ladies and (maybe) Gentlemen,
I need a job. Desperately. I work at the college I graduated from as the Staff Writer, but it is NOT, I repeat, NOT making ends meet. Plus, as of May 10, I'm off for summer. I have applied for close to, if not over 50-75 places. With no sucess. Not very promising.
I like this song. I love this version. I actually like any version but the original. Whoops.
Dear 2 random black hairs that grow on my arm,
I'm sorry my Husband can't accept us and pulls you out every time you grow back. Hang in there, guys.
Dear Summer,
I am a-ok with your arrival, BUT I need a few things first. A pool, new bathing suit, new bathing suit body, and a source of income. Kthanks.
Dear Summer source of income,
Please show yourself. I need you. Like, really really need you. Especially if I'm going to get any of the above needed things for Summer.
Dear Jared's Jewelers,
Please make things easy for us. Yes, I lost a diamond, but let's not dwell on that and let's be quick on fixing it! (P.S. we found the little booger, but it will still take 2-3 months for fixing. Lame.)
Dear creepy guys,
Just because I can't wear my wedding rings (see above message) doesn't mean you can or should look at me like you anywhere near my type of guy. Unless you're 6"2', freckled, black hair and beard, and go by the name of Brandon Kyle Crews, you are not my type. Sorry, not sorry.
You can call it hopeful wishing, but I do realize that it is not Friday, but Thursday. I am one day early for the weekend. Why? Because mine starts today, at 4:00pm. Not only does my weekend start, but so does Spring Break!! It's times like this that I really, really love my job. Working at a school allows me to still have Christmas break, Thanksgiving break, Spring break, and Summer break. I am a-okay with that.
Seeing how I will be in a car, with 3 boys, for 8 hours tomorrow, I decided to do my joys today!
(My girls are always joys of mine!)
1 51 followers on this little blog! Woohoo! Thanks guys, I appreciate the constant flow of sweet comments and friendships I've made through blogging! 2 Going "home." Since being married, I do realize that my home home is with my husband. But, there's just something about going to your "old" home that makes you fuzzy inside! 3 Late night tandem bike rides with Husband. This seems to be a weekly/daily thing and I love it!
4 Girl talks. I work in a mostly all girl office and I love our random (albeit-distracting from work) talks!
5 Eyebrow waxing. I hate the process, but love the outcome. Especially when it's been....oh, 4 or 5 months since they've been done. 6 Fun hair styles. I've been throwing around the idea to do this. Yes? No? 7 Filling out the silly quizzes in magazines. 8 Thinking something is 100x funnier only because it's not the right time to laugh and you're trying so hard to stay quiet. 9 Sleeping in with no regrets.
10 This song, on repeat, all day, every day.
To those who have to work tomorrow: have a happy last day of work and enjoy your weekend!
To those who don't: have a happy 3 day weekend!
To those who are cool, like me: have a happy week off from life!
I'll be posting here and there, keeping you all up to date on my spring breaking, and you bet your bottom dollar there will be pictures!
1 long hair 2 finally doing something from pinterest (see picture) 3 days off from work 4 weddings 5 husband having days off from work 6 leaves falling like snow on windy days 7 making Husband laugh, even if it is at me 8 handwritten love letters 9 yummy wraps 10 chick-freakin-fil-a
I hope you have fantabulous weekends! My family is in town this week, Brandon's comes this weekend! love fun times with loved ones!
Oh, and a happy early bday to my Handsome man!
(He'll be getting a super special (probably lovey-dovey) post all to himself!)
Being sick all week caused me to wake up Sunday morning with no voice. It wouldn't have been such a big deal, except that I teach Children's Church and we happened to be FULL with 9 kids and myself. So it's easy to understand why I wanted to cry when I saw this handsome man walking down the hall to help me. So what do you do with a class full of kids and no voice? Play-Doh of course!
Love these precious kids! Thanks for your help, Husband!
------------------------------- Mini Messages----------------------------------
Dear Summer,
You came and left way too fast. Teacher work week in 2 weeks? Yuck.
Dear Running,
Take it easy on me! I've been fat and lazy for way too long!
Dear Shins,
Quit hating me while I run.
Dear "New" Car,
Please make everything work out so I can get you.
