Paisley and Dots

My 32nd Birthday!!

2012-01-23T20:17:00.000-06:00

Today I turned 32!
I can't believe I am 32.
31 was amazing.
32 can only get better!
My birthday weekend was great!
Friday spent time with Lou and Jake!
Saturday went to Dave and Buster's!
Also had an amazing cake from Julia's!
Sunday spent the day with Lou!
Today went to lunch with my parent!
Went to get a pedicure and manicure!
Went to eat AMAZING pizza at Angelo's with Lou!
At home just relaxing and catching up on TV.
Took the day off, but I am ready to see my kiddos!
I have had a great day so far!
Thankful for 31 and praying 32 is better than ever!

2011

2011-12-31T21:59:00.000-06:00

2011 has been a great year!!
Taught for the entire Spring semester as an interim!
Was in an amazing friend's wedding in May!
Met an amazing man in June!
Got an amazing job in August!
Went to Charleston right before Christmas!!
Had an amazing Christmas!!

Lots happened in between, but boy has it flown by!
I can't wait to see what 2012 will bring me!!
I wish everyone a wonderful New Year full of great things!

Random Thoughts on a Sunday Night...

2011-10-30T21:57:00.000-05:00

Been a crazy busy month, but I LOVE my job more than anything!!
I seriously cannot believe that Tuesday will be November!
Lou and I are great! He brought me roses to school a few weeks ago!

I do ask for your prayers for a few things that are going on...

First, I LOVE my home church, but I just don't feel that it is where I should be right now...
Lou and I have been sporadically attending a United Methodist church, but of course with my family being deply rooted in the Cumberland Presbyterian church, it's not easy. I want to find a place where both of us feel comfortable, and that was Lou's request when we first started dating - to find a place we both like. I will be honest - I haven't been going to church like I was raised to go, but I feel a bit lost lately.

Second, there are some things that have been weighing HEAVILY on my mind and are greatly upsetting, but there is nothing I can do about it, but it affects me indirectly. I just wish I could sit and talk about it without people being in denial. It's hard to just sit back and watch, but I can only pray...so I ask you to pray also.

That's about it right now...I am just incredibly blessed with a wonderful job and staff to work with, a fantastic family, and an amazing boyfriend who puts up with me :)

Liz

Fall...

2011-10-10T19:43:00.002-05:00

Loving Fall, even though the weather is a bit crazy - but I will post pics soon of my classroom now that I have revamped it and decorated somewhat for Halloween!! I'll post more soon - lots and lots on my mind :)

Life Update :)

2011-09-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say hey!
Things are going great at school and with Lou!
Life is good!
One of these days...
When I get a free minute...
Or when I get my classroom the way I want...
I will post pics :)
I am absolutely loving being a teacher!
Everyday my kids teach me more and more!
And I thought I was the one who is supposed to be teaching them.
I am truly blessed!!
Last night Lou and I went to a pre-season Predators hockey game...
And had a great time!!
It was just so nice to get out of Murfreesboro!
I had not been 20 miles from my house in about 8 weeks!
I didn't realize you can get cabin fever from a town - haha!
Fall Break is in one week!
I am glad to have a few days to really work in my room!
And go see my nephews!
I am LOVING this fall weather!!
I didn't want the warm weather to go...
But after getting a taste of Fall...
I am ready!!
Going to put out my Fall/Halloween decorations soon!
MTSU Homecoming is next weekend!
My friends get to meet Lou!
Well I am going to finish catching up on some TV...
And get to bed...
Ready to see my students tomorrow!
Hope everyone has a great week!

Ten Years Later...

2011-09-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

I thought I would put into words how I felt 10 years ago - not that I will ever forget, but just because....
I had just started my senior year of college. Sorority Bid Day was the night before. I had an 8 o'clock class. I was wearing a blue pair of pants and a white tank top both from American Eagle. I went to class and had a horrible feeling that I had left my hair rollers plugged up, so I told my teacher and she said it was okay to go home and check. I was on my way back in a truck of a guy I had dated (I had used it for Recruitment hauling) and I was on Greenland Drive, almost back to campus, and I heard on the radio that a plane hit one of the towers. My first thought was that it was a little Cesna plane and it probably bounced off. I got back to class and after class one of the guys said that another plane hit and we were being attacked. There was a girl in one of my classes that started taking off running - I later learned that her sister worked at the Capitol in DC and had heard that they were going to hit that. She had gone to the ROTC building and was able to get into contact with someone. My teacher in my second class didn't care about what was happening and we had class - she actually said that nothing was going to stop us from having class. My third class was right down the hall and my teacher turned on the TV and let us watch and then told us to go home and be with our families. I went home and laid on the couch all day until it was time to go to flag football practice. We got to practice and just prayed together. One of our coaches had just gotten out of the Navy and had already gotten a call to be ready. We also saw a C-130 flying and later I found out it was the only plane allowed to fly in the US and it was taking an organ to Texas for a little girl who was waiting for a transplant. I remember going home and crying my eyes out begging my mother not to go to work the next day since she worked in the courthouse. I will never forget.

Teaching...

2011-08-18T21:40:00.000-05:00

I love it!!! It is so amazing to know that I am doing exactly what God chose for me! I will write more later and put up pics of my classroom, but I am going to go to bed and get some good sleep :)

I am a teacher!!!

2011-08-10T15:51:00.000-05:00

I signed my paperwork this morning and I start teaching tomorrow!! Gotta run back to the school to work on some things for tomorrow!

Good things....

2011-08-10T10:26:00.002-05:00

...are happening!! Will fill you in asap!!

Sad Face...

2011-08-03T21:51:00.000-05:00

I found out tonight that I did not get one of the jobs. I am disappointed, but it just means something bigger and better is around the corner :)

Keep on Keepin on...

2011-08-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

Well bad news first - I don't have a teaching job...Yet.
I had an interview last Friday with a great school! I had another interview yesterday with a great school!
I got a call back yesterday afternoon to come in for a second interview from the interview I had on Friday.
And then I got a call this morning for a second interview from the interview I had yesterday.
Both would be amazing schools to teach in and I am just praying I at least get an offer from one of them.
God is in complete control and I don't want to get my hopes up too much because I cold end up with no offers at all, but I am so incredibly thrilled that I have two second interviews!! To me it means they saw something they liked!! Even if I don't get a job this year, I will be okay. I have a back-up plan and I know I will be okay financially, but I REALLY want to teach!! I am just going to sit back and watch God work in my life whether it be through teaching or something else. At church on Sunday, the preacher talked about not telling God what you don't have, but telling Him what you do have. That really made an impact on me this week and it was a swift kick in the rear! HAHA!!

Lou and I are doing great! I got to meet his son last Friday at Chucke-Cheese (sp?) and I gave him all of my tickets so he could rack up some good prizes!! Of course it is nothing like the old ShowBiz, but it's fun and I loved beating Lou in SkeeBall!! Saturday we just hung out at his house and then Sunday went to church and hung out at his house again - it was a really good, relaxing weekend. We have the type of relationship where he can sit there and play hockey on the playstation and I can sit there and play SkeeBall on his iPod (which I have beat his high score and then beat my own high score) and just hang out - we don't have to be sitting next to each other all the time or talking all of the time. But if you know me well, you know I like to talk. He even has to tell me to stop whispering n church - haha!! But I am learning that quiet is okay and I actually enjoy it when we are together but doing separate things. Of course I like it when we are sitting on the couch watching a movie too or going out to eat :) Speaking of movies...I am 31 and had never seen a Star Wars movie until this weekend. I watched the very first one made an then started to watch The Empire Strike Back, but fell asleep (in my defense it was a Sunday afternoon and I nap on Sunday afternoons) :) It was an all around great weekend!

I am a little sad that I have not been stocking up on school supplies this year. In years past I have gone and gotten the great deals to have on hand, but this year I don't have the money and I don't want to buy supplies that will sit in my extra room for another year if that is the case. BUT, this weekend is Tax Free Weekend in TN and all school supplies will be tax free!! SO...I am hoping I will know something by this weekend so I can go crazy buying school supplies!!!

I found this one blog that had a precious little sign that I must copy because if any of you know me well, you know I always have a Sonic Route 44 drink in my hand or near me. It used to be Diet Coke, but now it's Sprite Zero! So I thought I would add this in...

And....I am OBSESSED with the pennant banners!! I cut one out of all of my back to school paper (just in case and because it is really cute) and hope to hang it on the wall or door to my hopefully soon to be classroom! I am really REALLY trying not to get my hopes up, but it's hard and I am really REALLY trying to prepare for the worst at the same time. So that's all for today - hopefully I will have some sort of news, whether it be good or bad, to tell you about...

The Waiting Game...

2011-07-29T14:17:00.000-05:00

I am getting really good at playing the waiting game in regards to a job...
Had an interview this morning and I think it went really well...
But I won't know anything until next week...
And it will be a call back for a second interview...
So I am just waiting :)

2011-07-24T22:51:00.001-05:00

Just trying something new and blogging from my phone :-)

Thoughts and Ramblings...

2011-07-21T23:05:00.000-05:00

Today I did something I never thought I would have to do since going back to school to teach. I applied for other non-teaching jobs. It absolutely makes me furious to even think of having to do it, but if I don't get a teaching job again this year, I have no choice. I cannot live off of sub pay, there is just no way. I am in no way giving up on my life long dream of teaching, but I have to be smart and make plans for what might happen. I want to teach more than anything! I have so much to offer students, but right now I am going to have to be patient and wait for God. And if you know me like I know me, that is the hardest thing for me to do. I know God wants to just grab me by the shoulders and shake me and tell me to wait on Him and His timing, but it's so incredibly hard for me to do that, so I move on to the next plan. He has supplied my every need and beyond, He has never let me go hungry (even though that might help in the weight loss area), He has never let me down. Yet I continue to let Him down every single minute worrying about a teaching job. Last week I wanted so badly to go and work a camp I have been to the last two years, but I knew I needed to stay back and see about jobs and interviews. I guaranteed that I would not even get a call about an interview and boy did God show me who was in control because I had two interviews scheduled. I did not get either job, but that just means that there is something better out there for me, and again, I have to be patient and not worry, but when I don't know how in the world I am going to make my next mortgage payment, and I don't go out and do anything so I don't spend money, worry is about all that I do. I have been reading tons of books, putting together multiple puzzles, putting off cleaning and organizing because I am afraid once it is done I really won't have anything to do but sit and worry. I could always read, but eventually my massive stack of books will all be read and I won't have any money to go and buy more. I know I will be taken care of more than I could imagine and more than I deserve. I just continue to fight the worry and fear of what lies ahead.

Lou and I are going to my sister's house tomorrow for my nephew's 6th birthday party!! Lou and I came up with the invitations - it's a Star Wars theme - and I think they are pretty fantastical! (I stole that word from a movie...) At least I will have someone to ride down there with me and talk to me so I don't have to be alone with my thoughts.

I have a preliminary interview tomorrow morning, but nothing scheduled after that - but schools have not even had registration so I am going to keep my head up and keep going :) Not really much else I can do :)

Please pray for me to get the job God wants for me :)

Here he is...

2011-07-15T00:22:00.000-05:00

The flash made our faces look really bright...
But this was the best one of me :)

I think he's a cutie :)

Well there is this guy....

2011-07-12T23:06:00.002-05:00

And his name is Lou...
And we have been dating for 5 weeks...
And I feel like I have known him for years...
He makes me laugh...
More than I have laughed in a long time...
He makes me smile everyday...
He is a man of God...
I was happy and content before I met Lou...
But now my happiness is at a whole new level...
I am truly blessed!!
And the funny thing...
He is just like my dad...
And you know what they say...
Girls try to find a guy just like their dad...
And I swore I wouldn't do that...
And here I have found one...
And he is great :)

And on another note...
I have two interviews scheduled...
One tomorrow (Wednesday)...
One next Tuesday...
Please pray!

No News is Good News?

2011-07-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

I sure hope so!!
I cannot get frustrated.
I just haven't gotten any interviews.
And I know people who have.
So I am trying to figure out...
My next steps to take.

I have learned a great way to save money!!
Don't spend any!!
I am having to be EXTREMELY careful
Because after July, I won't have any.
No income...parents cannot support my anymore...
Mom and dad both retired...
It's going to be tough if I don't get a teaching job.
I will have to work somewhere full time.

On another note....
I have been dating an amazing guy for a month!!
He makes me laugh and smile...
He cooks amazing food!
I have met his family and he has met mine...
He has suprised me at church...
He is the sweetest, kindest man...
He is just like my dad.
I was happy before...
But this is a completely different kind of happy!!
He calls, he texts, he likes me for me!!!

Keep praying for me to get a job!!

Things...

2011-06-23T19:45:00.000-05:00

Things are good :)
Exciting things are happening :)
No job yet...
But I know God has a plan...
And I an feel Him working in my life...
I will fill you in when the time is right :)
But things are good :)

My mom retired from her job...
Her last day was supposed to be the 30th...
But they said they had her covered...
So she doesn't have to go back!!
We went to her luncheon today...
And it was really good!
She has worked for the last 28 years....
With some of the most amazing people!

Vacation Bible School has been this week...
Morgan has done an AMAZING job!
I am so proud of her!!
I taught the Bible Adventures this year...
And I learned a lot myself!!

Well I will update soon...
With my fun news...
And hopefully a job!!
Please Please pray for me to have a job!!

Summer is here!!!

2011-06-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

School is out!

The last two weeks of school were great, but a little sad...

We had field day on a Thursday and then a field trip that Friday!

We took the kiddos to KY Down Under - we got to pet kangaroos!!!

The kids learned A LOT and so did I! I even got to milk a cow!

The last week of school was bittersweet because I don't have a full-time job lined up and our principal is leaving and many of the teachers are being moved around...

I am sad though because I don't get to see my teacher friends that I have become close too :(

But we all get together during the week so that makes it better -

I also miss just being in the classroom -

I loved my interim positions and miss the kids!

My first big news is that I bought a Kate Middleton ring!

The last week of school I went to get a spray tan for Sara's wedding....here is the day after...

You should have seen my legs - haha!!

Friday after school was out I had to hurry and get out

because I had to get ready for the rehearsal and dinner!

After the rehearsal we went to the Bell Buckle Cafe...

and the desert was oatmeal cake with caramel icing - WOW is all I could say!

I was worried about the way my spray tan looked on my legs and face...

the rest of mybody looked fine...but you should have seen my legs - haha!

I went to my parents house and met my sister who had to use fingernail polish remover to get it off my hands and feet and my upper lip which looked like I had dirt on my upper lip! It was cray cray!

The next day was busy getting hair and makeup done and then pictures!!

Here is one of me on the way to the church!

The back of my hair - I always wear my hairup at wedding, but decided to wear it down this time!

It's long now - and I love it!

The rest are just of me...

I have been busy getting resumes out to the schools and will hopefully get a job!!

This summer I told myself I would not just sit around and be bored and sad, but if I get a chance to do something I will do it...who cares if my house is a mess...I am going to enjoy my summer!!

So I am also hoping to keep this blo updated more and another outlet to help me on my weight loss journey...I am just stuck at the same weight because I love to eat everything I am not supposed to, but I have got to get back on track!!

Hope everyone has had a great summer so far!!

Nothing New...

2011-05-15T20:49:00.000-05:00

I really have nothing new to share...
Been busy with school and sleeping...
Slept more this weekend than I have in a while...
My house is still messy...
But slowly getting put together...
Two more weeks of school...
Then hitting the pavement hard to find a job...
I know God knows exactly where I will be...
But I am going to do my part as well...
My credit card is almost paid off...
Less than $150 to go!!!!
I am soooooo excited!!!!
Only one more bill to pay off...
And then chunking some money at my student loan...
Ready to paint some furniture...
Spruce up my house a bit...
It will be a while before I can buy another house...
Or I may just wait for a few more years...
I can't believe I have been here for 6 years!
Well that is all for now...

Whirlwind...

2011-05-01T22:38:00.000-05:00

That's been my life lately...I've started a few posts, but then just didn't have the words to finish them...
I have been in the third grade for 4 weeks - four weeks that have flown by - and creeped by...
It has been challenging, but I have faced every challenge head on and I have not let it get me down...
I love these students more than anything and hoping I am doing my best to provide for them...
I have also been working (along with another teacher) as a substitute site-director for ESP...
I stay til 6 many days, worked Good Friday, but the money is great!
And I trust that God always provides and He has!!
I've been a little emotional lately, nothing bad, just lonely and waiting for a man to come into my life...
But right now I feel like I am crazy busy, so would I really have time for a relationship?
There are 4 weeks of school left and I am figuring out my options for the summer.
I have to work and I have to find a full-time teaching position...
I have been blessed more than I could have ever imagined!!
Last weekend I went to Easter service at my parents church (I have stayed at my home church)...
And my sister and her family were there...
But it didn't feel like Easter to me.
I don't remember a Sunday in 21 years that I was not at Jenkins...
But it was one Sunday, but I am very much a tradition person and it is very important to me...
But I wanted to be with both of my families that day, but both churches start at the same time :)
My weight loss has been on a rollercoaster as well.
I am still in the 46 to 50 range of pounds lost, but I LOVE to eat, especially the food I shouldn't.
Wednesday we got out of school for horrible weather...
Alabama and other places were devastated...
Took me a few minutes to realize one of the small towns they said was hit by an F5...
Was where my cousin and her family live...
We tried to get ahold of them for hours, and heard they were safe...
They are staying at my parents, their house is fine, just their yard is destroyed.
Unfortunate circumstances have allowed us to hang out a lot this weekend!
I went to the zoo with them yesterday and have spent time at my parents with them.
My cousin's husband had to go back and do security with the National Guard...
But Mandy and her precious children are staying at my parents until they get power.
It's crazy how close they are and we rarely get together, but I am going down this summer!!
I also got up early to watch the Royal Wedding!!!
So loved the traditional Christian ceremony and that there are over millions who heard the Word!
Makes me want to go back to London now!!
I think I could live there.
Well I have a lot more I could write in my head, but the words are just not coming out on here...
Hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Transitions...

2011-04-03T23:46:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I will be transitioning to the 3rd grade from the 6th grade...
I have LOVED the 6th grade!!
The students are amazing and the teachers are wonderful!!
I am always up for a new challenge....
And I know it will be challenging, but I am prepared...
LOTS of prayer and encouragement are making me feel good about tomorrow...
On another note...
Got to meet MckMama today!!!
I was going to get a photo shoot, but bills come up and have to be paid...
But she was nice enough to let me watch and say hey!!
It was cool to meet someone who you read about a lot!
Things are great and I know that God is definitely working in my life!
Will catch up more later...
I have got to go to sleep!
Happy April!

Almost Halfway There!!

2011-03-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

Today I weighed in and I am at 51 pounds lost!! 53 is my halfway point of the total amount I am trying to lose and it feels SOOOOOOO good to almost be there!! I have really stayed on track this past week and praying that I continue to stay on track!

Spring Break

2011-03-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

This week I am on Spring Break, but I went and worked 15 hours for ESP while one of the site directors was out of town - I got A LOT done in the classroom - even though I will only be there one more week :(

I have really enjoyed 6th grade! They are enthusiastic and the majority of them want to do well and care about their grades and ask how they can improve! It makes me happy!!

After 6th grade I am headed down to 3rd grade for the rest of the year! I was a bit worried about money for the rest of the year, but I decided to let go and let God. I have to constantly remind myself that He is in control and I have no control over what is going to happen, but that I just have to follow what God is telling me - and He tells me everyday that He is in control!

Everyday I wake up and I feel truly blessed - I have everything I could ever want and more than I will ever need and then to top it all off the weather has been ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!! I have not been a huge outside person in the past, not wanting to sweat or get eaten up by bugs, but lately I have been craving to get outside. Sunday after my nap I sat out on the back porch and read and then did the same after I got home from work yesterday. Today was rainy, but I got in a good nap - thanks to the allergies or other crud that has set up shop in my head. I know there will not be many days that will be this beautiful and I need to take full advantage of them!

I am almost down to 50 pounds lost! It has been a HUGE struggle to get these past 10 pounds off, but I just keep telling myself to look at how far I have come so far and to keep looking forward!! Of course I have revverted back to my old eating habits every once in a few weeks, I am such a binge eater, especially when it comes to chocolate!! I won't even talk about what I ate in one afternoon :)

I really don't feel like I have had much of a Spring Break, headed to Memphis this weekend to help my brother-in-law with the boys (sister is going out of town and they have a jam packed weekend). So I won't get back until late Sunday night and then hit the ground running with TCAP preparations! I also need to get all the information I can on the 3rd grade class to start the next week :)

I feel like I am constantly doing something and have no time for myself, but there will be days this summer that I will be begging for something to do and I need the money to survive. But it is all worth it :)

Hope that everyone is having a great week!!

Saturday...

2011-03-12T08:52:00.000-06:00

I was hoping to sleep in a bit this morning, but since I went to sleep before 8 last night, I would say that waking up at 6:30 was sleeping in :)

I have been sooooo tired the past few weeks...just staying busy making as much money as I can...

Of course this weekend I have more work than I have time for, and of course it would be the weekend we LOSE an hour!! HAHA!!

I was praying for more time - maybe that is why I was up so early! I have pretty much cleaned my kitchen, sorted some laundry to be done and made my bed, ate breakfast, about to do some more - going to lunch with some great friends and going to get to workin on my school stuff!

I am so saddened by the news in Japan and worried about our CP churches there - one in which I have visited. A man from church is over there right now on business, but he is okay. It is still hard to watch the videos of the tsunami coming across the land and literally wiping out everything - it just looks like a movie - so unreal - but so real...

I never even thought about an earthquake when I was in Japan and even when my parents were in Japan. Even when I went to San Francisco and looked on the back of the hotel door and saw evacuation routes in case of an earthquake, I still did not really even think about it. It makes me really concerned about my sister and her family living so close to the New Madrid fault...but God is in control!

My weight loss has been slow, but it's coming off. Up to 44.5 or 45 pounds lost - just gotta stay on track!! I decided to give up anything that was not on program for lent and the first day I had a baby shower at school - so I ate there. Special occasions are allowed for me. And then yesterday was a half day and there was no salad bar, and the PTO supplied lunch, but it was a bit healthy...except for the chips...but dinner was on program and so was breakfast so I am off to a good start today!!

Well I am going to keep getting things done!!

Randomness at its best...

2011-03-05T20:37:00.001-06:00

My mind is just constantly swirling with thought about the future, thoughts about what I should be doing right now, thoughts about what I wish I had done differently in the past...just lots of thoughts...

Today I really have done nothing. I cleaned my kitchen a little, did some dishes, caught up on some tv shows, and took a nap, but I felt guilty that I really didn't do anything productive. I almost feel as if I wasted a day. But this past week has been crazy busy so I really shouldn't feel guilty about taking care of myself.

Monday I stayed at school til 6:30 tutoring and then had a meeting...Tuesday I left before 3, weighed in, got my toes done, and fell asleep at 6 pm...Wednesday I tutored and then tutored again and got rid of some clothes to the girl I tutor and her fabulous step-mom :)...Thursday I tutored and went to dinner with some amazing ladies from school for a birthday and had a great time!...and Friday I weighed in and then went and helped a friend with her daughter's spa birthday party! It was a great week!

I am down 44 pounds - all that stupid food that I cannot say no to has caused me to not lose fast enough, but I showed great will power today!

It is getting colder again here and as mush as I LOVE winter and snow - I am ready to wear sandals and cute dresses and lots of clothes that I have not felt comfortable enough to wear! I think I have a stylish side of me, it just needs to come out (and not cost a lot!)...but I still have my very casual, and what I consider "preppy" look that I usually go for.

Good news - I paid A LOT on my credit card today - thanks to my tax return! It was a lot smaller this past year, but I did not work much at all, so I didn't really expect a big return, but enough to where I cut my credit card bill in HALF!! One of my goals for the year was to pay off my credit card bill and I will be able to do it!! I have other bills, but this was the only one that was charging interest, even though the account has been closed for a long time. I also have to make ONE more payment on my hospital bill from TWO years ago!! So much for having insurance! HAHA!! Of course I still have my student loans, but still trying to work all of that out with who I owe and how much I owe - that has been a HUGE mess to deal with - who would have thought that by trying to make one lump payment a month it would turn into a 6 month ordeal of lots of crud to sort through - but hopefully I will know what is going on soon enough - just gotta find about 2 hours to spend on the phone - that's how long it took me last time I called :(

I cleaned out my closet last Saturday - the day I was VERY productive - and had 3 bags of clothes that I could no longer wear!!! I also rearranged everything in my closet, something I do every year or so - sometimes more - haha! I would love to rearrange my room all the time like I used to when I lived at my parents house, but there are not a lot of options in this room, but I can live with it :)

My extra room is in desperate need of organization, even the Christmas tree is still up, but I am the only one who goes in there so it's really not bothering anyone but me - haha! Most of the stuff in there is my huge collection of classroom supplies, so hopefully this summer I can move those out :)

Please pray that I am able to find a full-time teaching job next year - I am TERRIFIED that I will not find one, and if that is the case, I will have to find another full-time job because I cannot live on a sub salary for another year...my mother is retiring and my dad retired last year and they have basically been supporting me and paying all of my bills - I have been blessed with their generosity, but I cannot ask them to help out anymore...it is way past time for them to enjoy their life and hard earned money!! So I just ask for prayers for a job!

Well that is enough randomness for one night...I am watching Ghost Adventures and loving it!! May rent a movie on OnDemand...lots of good ones out right now!

What's New?

2011-03-02T20:41:00.001-06:00

Nothing much - haha!

Lost 43 pounds total...

This is my 4th week in the 6th grade...

Kinda ready for Spring Break...

Worried sick about finding a job next year...

Excited to get my new Vera Bradley bag...

Haven't seen my parents in over a month...

Having parent withdrawals...

Working A LOT...

But loving it A LOT...

Been blessed more than I can imagine...

God has always provided...

Thankful!

And this is what I hope to look like in 63 more pounds...

M.I.A.

2011-02-10T22:26:00.000-06:00

That's where my brain must be :)
This week has been very long, even with a snow day...
But a VERY GOOD week!

I started teaching 6th grade on Monday - I LOVE IT!!
I miss my 4th graders a lot, but I am really loving the kiddos in my class :)
And let me say that the content of the lessons is something I am having to really study!

I have forgotten a lot of things in the last few weeks...
A friends open house...
A friends kids bday party...
Weigh-ins...
My mind is just going on overdrive.

I will write more later, but things are good!
And God is great!!

What a great weekend!!!

2011-01-30T21:50:00.001-06:00

Friday I decided I was not going to stay at school past 3 pm.

It had been a crazy week - first full week since before Christmas.

I went home and took a much needed nap!

Saturday I got up and got ready to go shopping!

Bridesmaid dress shopping for Sara!!

All the bridesmaids, the bride, and the mom of the bride went!

We got there and found our dresses and I LOVE MINE!!

I am SOOOOO EXCITED!!

I think I am the most excited that it has pockets :)

Mine will be a beautiful purple, strapless, knee length style!

All the girls have different styles and different colors...

But all the same length and the same designer :)

It is going to be awesome!

I have had a purple obsession lately, so when she said jewel tones...

And purple was on the list - I was ecstatic!

I went ahead and got the size that I am now...

It's much easier to take in than let out :)

After we were done at the shop, we went to eat!

When Sara told me where we were going to get the dresses...

I knew exactly where to eat!!

Chef's Market is one of my favorite places to eat!

I don't get to eat there often because it's all the way in Goodlettsville,

But soooo worth it when you go!!

We got back and I took a short nap and then got ready!

The girls were going out for my birthday!!

We had planned to go to Margaritaville...

But by the time we got there, it was a 2 and a half hour wait...

So we headed down Broadway and went to Big River Grille!

The eight of us crowded around a bar table because it was first come, first serve.

We had the best time! At least I know I did!!

I am so thankful for a great day with great friends!

Two different groups of people, but great people!!

At church today they announced who our new pastor is...

And to say I am excited is an understatement!!

I really really like the man who is our new pastor!

I have worked camps with him and he has an amazing family!

I am so incredibly excited!

Well, it has been a great weekend and I am going to finish laundry...

And lesson plans...one more week in 4th grade...

And then onto 6th grade!

I am excited to go to 6th grade, but sad to leave my 4th graders!

Hope everyone has a great week!!

My 31st Birthday!

2011-01-23T18:32:00.003-06:00

Today is my birthday!!

I am 31!!

I went to church!

And then to lunch with my parents and my second family!

We went to the Franklin Chop House!

It's a tradition with me and my birthday!

I was going to get my free Red Velvet Cheesecake Blast from Sonic...

But they gave me a free ice cream sundae at the restaurant...

And I came home and took me a good nap!

I hate to sleep my birthday away...

But I needed the sleep...

So now I am going to work on lesson plans...

And do some crafts!

I am just doing what I want to do!
Update - I went to Sonic to get a blast...
And they gave me another free one!!

I am not alone...

2011-01-22T00:30:00.000-06:00

I put my information out on Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life - Singles...
Thought it would be a way to see if there was anyone out there...
What I found is that I am not alone...
I am not alone in being single...
I am not alone in wanting a meaningful relationship with a guy...
I am not alone...
And while that is reassuring in some ways...
In other ways it is disheartening...
There are so many of us out there looking...
And sometimes when you are single...
You get left out...
I know in my heart it is not intentional...
But it still feels kinda crappy when someone says...
Hey we are going to get some couples together for dinner...
And you know you won't be included because you are single...
I don't want a relationship just to be invited to dinners...
I want someone to grow with...
To learn with...
To experience more of what life has to offer...
Someone to come home to...
To talk to about my day...
To talk to about their day...
A spiritual leader...
A man of God...
Maybe I still have a lot of work to do on myself...
Maybe I just need to be patient...
(But I don't dare pray for patience...)
Yes, I am having one of my moments...

All About Me!

2011-01-21T00:04:00.001-06:00

Since Kelly's Korner is doing a Show Us Your Life Singles - I thought I would join in!!

My name is Elizabeth...

I live in Murfreesboro, TN

I will be 31 on the 23rd...

I am a K-6 certified teacher...

I love Jesus!

I love my church!

I love my job!

I am 5'9...

I have brown hair...

I have blue eyes...

I am looking for someone who loves Jesus!

And their family!

I am passionate about a lot of things...

I love to read...

Watch movies...

Sing at the top of my lungs in the car...

Enjoys life!

Ready for anything!!

2011-01-18T23:22:00.000-06:00

Even though I do not have my "own" classroom...
I am 150% invested in making sure the children I teach know their skills...
We had a faculty meeting today about test scores...
And even though I was not there last year...
I am still ready to do whatever it takes to help these children succeed!!
It won't be easy, but I have told them for the next 2 weeks...
We are going to work HARD!
I asked them to work hard and I would do everything I could to help them!
I was excited leaving the meeting today because I know regardless of my role...
I can help these students!
I know I am doing exactly what I am supposed to!
I still have A LOT to learn about the classroom...
But it takes time :)
But I am ready for anything!!
I am SO INCREDIBLY BLESSED by being at the school I am in currently!
I could not ask for a better setting!
Please pray that I can make a difference while I am there :)

The weekend...

2011-01-17T22:05:00.000-06:00

This weekend I went to Gatlinburg with my sister - a spontaneous trip for me...
She had a conference and her husband got sick so he was unable to keep the boys and had to stay home...
So I packed up my things and we headed east!
I love going to the mountains!
Of course there was still LOTS of snow and ice everywhere, but the roads were good...
I took the boys swimming Saturday morning and they had a blast...
Now, I was not happy about having to get into a bathing suit as I am nowhere near swimsuit ready...
But I was more concerned with the possibility of blinding people with my ghostly white skin...
I was walking a long and slipped and fell and now have a gorgeous scrape, bruise, and knot on my knee...
And a lovely scrape on the top of my foot - only I would slip and fall!!
I was so worried about the boys slipping and falling and I did!
We were going to head out and do some stuff after Susan was done...
But we were all so tired...and we needed to get water...
So we went to the Walgreens in Pigeon Forge and then went back to the hotel and took a nap...
I took the boys out to get dinner later and we went back to the hotel and watched Toy Story 3...
For the 10 millionth time! I still have not seen it all the way through!
Sunday we hung out the hotel in the morning and waited for Susan to get done...
And we had planned on taking the boys Ice Skating in Ober, but there was so much traffic...
And all the parking lots were full, so we turned around on the mountain road and headed to Wal-Mart...
The consolation prize for not going ice skating was "Big Buzz" (Buzz Lightyear that does everything!)
And then we stopped at the Disney Outlet to get another toy...
We headed back to the hotel and took another nap!
I took the boys out to dinner and my food was not great, but it was good to get out of the hotel...
The boys wanted to go back so we did...
And watched Toy Story 3, again...and again...
We packed up to go home and I made it home and crashed I was sooooo tired!!
Gotta be up early in the morning!
The weekend went by really fast!!
So I have no pics except for the boys swimming...
There were a lot of youth conferences so it was not going to be a good idea to get the boys out...
With so much ice and snow still on the sidewalks and tons of youth out and about...
I decided not to take them by myself...
So I am going to catch up on my DVR - lots of shows!!
Have a great 4-day week!

SO EXCITED!!!

2011-01-12T13:15:00.000-06:00

My Vera Bradley Very Berry Paisley Vera Bag came in the mail today!!!

Yes I know, It's very superficial - but I have wanted this bag for a LONG time!

I found it on eBay for a lot less than what it would go for in the store.

And they are completely sold out everywhere - even in the Vera Bradley store!

So to say I am excited is an understatement!

It is soooo pretty!!

On another note, the new Spring Vera Bradley patterns come out tomorrow!!

I have to mail my sister my $20 certificate so she can buy me something!

Well, we have another snow day today - I have mixed feelings...

I am on sub pay and if I don't work, I don't get paid...

I enjoy the time off, well, some of it - I get a little bored...

And I have put off cleaning and doing other things that need to get done...

I have a ton of crafts that I want to work on, but I know other things take priority.

I did go and buy Red Vines to go in one of my apothecary jars...

And I found bags of conversation hearts at the Dollar Tree to go in the other!

I LOVE THAT PLACE!!

We have a new one and it is so clean and nice!

I had a third jar, but when I was cleaning out the Halloween candy...

It broke :( So it is on display, but I can't put anything in it.

I also found these long pics that are sparkly pink hearts that I put with the Red Vines.

Well I am off to clean some more - just going to take it easy...

But I don't want to be scrambling at 10 to get things done...

Gotta be up at 5!

I couldn't resist...

2011-01-10T16:09:00.000-06:00

I know it's a month away from Valentine's Day...
And with all of the snow we have had and are getting...
The previous layout was fitting...
But I am ready for it!!
I usually detest Valentine's Day...
Not sure why I am so gung ho about it this year!!
But I am going to spend some time working on some fun crafts...
And I have another day off tomorrow!
The only downside is that if I don't work, I don't get paid...
And we were supposed to have our first day back from Christmas today...
But I am not going to complain...
I am watching the news and looking out the window to see if the snow has started again.
Supposed to get more!!!
Just have had a good day - had to get out for a bit so I wouldn't get cabin fever...

Lots of snow!!

2011-01-10T09:03:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to bed knowing there would be lots of snow when I woke up...

But around 11, there was nothing sticking...

About 20 minutes later the ground was already covered!!

Thank goodness I already took pics this morning...

A guy with a plow is making lots of loud noise and ruining the snow!

Well on the road.

It is sooooo pretty outside!!

And it is still falling!

I would love to go out and make a snow angel on my back porch...

But I do not have the proper clothes here - I think my ski clothes are at my parents.

I set an alarm to wake up, but woke up about 15 minutes before.

Called my momma hoping that she wouldn't have gone into work -

And thankful she stayed home!!

She has a 42 mile commute to Nashville.

So I've had my breakfast...

And hot chocolate (provided by the weight loss center)...

Put a little peppermint extract in it :)

I am snuggled in my bed, going to read a book...

Catch up on my DVR...

Be crafty...

Maybe do some Zumba...

Who knows...

Snowy Saturday...

2011-01-08T10:53:00.000-06:00

I decided to come home late last night - left Collierville around 8:30 and made it home right before midnight!! I did not stop at Sonic for anything on my way home. I knew I would need to go and weigh in first thing this morning and I was ready to get home since it was so late that I made one stop for gas and made it home safely!

This morning I woke up and there was snow!! Not a lot on the ground, but it was coming down pretty good!! I love snow! I don't really mind driving in it - I made myself do it one day in college and I survived, but I know how to be careful. I ran to weigh in - stayed the same - but it was worth every single bite of the blast from Wednesday - if that was what caused it. Oh well - I got back on track immediately and I do not plan on splurging at all until my birthday!!

Today is going to be a lazy day - I need to work on a few lesson plans for the week, but I am pretty much set, unless what they are predicting for Sunday night hits as bad as they think it will. I plan on catching up on my shows that were DVR'd while I was gone and maybe working on a few crafts - I have found even more that I am in love with, but will have to wait until next week to get the supplies - I need to finish up what I have now.

So this post is a bit boring, but it's life! HAHA!! I will post pics of my crafts when I get them finished :) I have a huge stack of books I am wanting to read and I am also reading some cute books that I want my class to read - I just hope they enjoy them as much as I have! I am just going to enjoy my day!!

Random thoughts...

2011-01-06T17:52:00.000-06:00

Today I dropped of Braxton at school, he looks like such a big boy walking into school!
I was planning on taking Thatcher to their local Barnes and Noble to play on the trains...
The whole way there he said "Let's go to the bookstore to play with the trains! WOOHOO!"
So we got there and we were a bit early - they didn't open until 10 am.
So we headed to where I knew I would have a dilemma - Vera Bradley.
They have an actual store here and of course it is amazing!
If you are in their system and it's your birthday month, they will send you a card for $20 off your purchase!
Well since I hadn't received mine yet, and I wouldn't be in town anytime the rest of this month...
I called to see if they would go ahead and let me use it - and they said of course!
So I walked around and walked around - of course they were out of the pattern and style that I wanted...
And their new patterns come out next week. So being the "patient" person I am...I have decided to wait...
I am going to see what they have out next week and any possible new styles that I may love.
But I am glad that I got to see a particular style in the store and I really like it. Just not the price.
They did say that my sister could go for me and use my birthday thing and get what I want.
(And I am currently bidding on Ebay on an item I have been wanting for forever - and they are completely sold out everywhere of this partivular style and pattern.)
So back to the bookstore we went - and Thatcher fell asleep on the way there.
So I took him home and he slept until 1:30.
Then we went to pick up Braxton from school.

And then we went outside to play
And one of Braxton's "friends" didn't want to play with him because he was playing with an older kid.
They learn way to young to pick and choose. You could tell that Braxton's feelings were hurt because he wanted to play with Airbender and didn't understand why the other boy didn't want to play with him when he alwasy plays with him at the house. Well, it made me furious. How dare you treat my nephew like that. Braxton is smart and knows that they were not being nice, and we had a talk about it. Braxton even told me that the other kid doesn't like to play with him when so and so is around.
Now I know how my mom felt when the neighbor kids, or kids at school treated me the same way.
This other little boy is in Kindergarten and is already trying to act cool around the older kids. Well I sent a text to my sister and was like "I do not like this kid because..."
Well I am going to get off of my soapbox on that issue...

We are headed to eat dinner - have a great night!!

Oh yes I did...

2011-01-05T15:17:00.000-06:00

I was on my way to Collierville this morning to keep my nephews for a few days...

(The amazing girl who keeps them had a death in the family, so thankfully I am off this week and was able to come down and help.)

And of course I have been dying to try this new Sonic blast.

So I knew where a Sonic was - I actually know where most of them are on the way down here...

And I pulled in and ordered the Red Velvet Cheesecake Blast.

OOOOOHHHHH

MMMMMYYYYY

GGGGGGOOOOOODDDDNNNNEEEESSSSSSSSS!

It seriously has to be the best thing I have ever put in my mouth!!!

Every single bite just got better and better!

Now, it is red and it will make your teeth red...

(and it made me wonder if they used the same red dye as they did in the old red MandM's - haha)

But it is worth walking around with a majorly red tongue for the rest of the day!

This is something that I would recommend to anyone - SOOOO GOOOOD!!!

Did I say it was good?

I am a rambler...

2011-01-04T21:02:00.000-06:00

Down 34.5 pounds! That was yesterday - probably less today :)

Funny story about that.
I went to weigh in yesterday and get my measurements.
And then headed to a supermarket survival class at the Publix that the weight loss place gives.
Got some great info.
And then headed to the Sonic to treat myself for losing 2.5 pounds!
I pull in...
Push the button...
Order the Red Velvet Cheesecake Blast...
And they tell me they are out.
Coincidence? I think not. (I'm not a fan of coincidences anyway.)
So I ordered a Sprite Zero.
And they bring me a coupon for a free blast!
Soon. Very soon.

So tonight as I went to pick up my prescription at Kroger...
I was thinking how right across the street there is a Sonic.
But I didn't have any money to tip so I did not go and get a blast.

Can you tell I am obsessing over this thing?
And it probably won't even taste good once I take a bite.
Oh but I bet it will!

And I am just rambling on about a ice cream drink...
Speaking of shakes and things...
I decided to try out a meal replacement shake from my weight loss place.
It was soooo good! Tasted like a frosty!

Well that is all my rambling for tonight.
Hoping Arkansas can pull off a win tonight.
And I will wear my sweatshirt tomorrow!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T22:28:00.000-06:00

Last night I didn't go out, but stayed in with a great friend who is getting married in May and asked me to be a bridesmaid!! I am so excited because I will be at my goal weight!! Speaking of goal weight - I am 32 pounds down as of Thursday! I know I could have lost more, but I have enjoyed some food off of program - I have quite a bit left to lose, but I am confident that I can do it - I have never lost this much weight at one time in my life!!

So I am not making any resolutions because I NEVER keep them. One year I was not going to eat chocolate for the entire year...a friend of mine gave me a king size snickers for my birthday (which is coming up!) and I ate it and enjoyed it!! They are very encouraging at the center and it's great to hear that most people gain 10-15 pounds over the holidays and I am coming out of the holidays 32 pounds lighter!!

Speaking of enjoying food - Sonic has a Red Velvet Cheesecake Blast. Enough said. I will allow myself to enjoy one of these in the near future. The one thing I love about this weight loss program is that if I eat off one meal, my day is not ruined - just get back on with the next meal and I start getting back into the chemical balance soon.

I just have a great feeling about this year! I know that God is in control and that whatever happens is His will! I am also very excited about a few craft ideas I have found in the last few days and cannot wait to get started on them!! I went to Michael's today to get a craft punch with a coupon I found and ended up getting the punch, and 4 other items for what the original cost of the punch would have been! The cashier had an additional coupon for 40% that she used and it made my day! It's the little things :)

I am a little under the weather today and so is my momma, but I think mine is just allergies. I am hoping to make it to church tomorrow, but today when I was running a few errands I was hurting and just wanted to lay down - and wouldn't you know that I went to Kroger and bought three cases of water and Diet Sprite and some activity books (crossword type stuff) because my intention was to come home and put on my pj's and lay in the bed for the rest of the night - well I got home and realized I left the bag of books there - one was not really that cheap so I went right back and ended up waiting in line for a good 10 minutes - the customer service counter was busy! So I decided to buy a paper for the new year - got home and realized it was last Sundays :( Oh well - there are some good coupons - haha!! Really not sure why they were still sitting out, but oh well. I wanted to mark the beginning of a great year!

There were some great things that happened in 2010 but in all honesty, I am glad to put it behind me.

I hope everyone has an amazing year!

I have OCD...

2010-12-30T19:46:00.000-06:00

Obsessive Crafting Disorder.
It's the internet's fault.
And blogger's fault.
I love cute, bright, stripey, polka dotty, paisley.
I have found tons.
TONS of ideas.

Here is an example of what I have been working on.

My plan is to print it out on colored paper and then make a bow to match the paper and put it on a white frame. Well, I already have a frame the right size painted white, and I already have the bow made...just needed to make a few adjustments...
I am usually an anti-Valentine's Day person, but I have always loved the decorations...
I am going to embrace the holiday and enjoy it and decorate my house :) Not like Christmas, nothing near like Christmas, but make a few cute things to put up :)
So that is all so far...there will be more for sure, just not at the moment :)

Crafts and More...

2010-12-27T20:28:00.000-06:00

So I have been looking at tons of craft blogs - mostly for Christmas ideas, those can wait for a while, but when I see all of the things I can create, the treats I can make, the fun ideas for parties I can put together, all the stuff I can do.....I need a bigger house...one that definitely has a fire place!! OH MY!! How many ideas can one person fit into a house!! And then there are so many ideas for my classroom!!

I went to Hobby Lobby tonight and did not find anything that I needed - I was shocked because I even have a giftcard!! I think I am going to go through my craft stuff tonight and start a list of all the things I have planned on doing for the past year and actually finish or start them :) I really need a color printer to do a lot of them - haha!! Hope everyone has a great week!

Twas the night before Christmas....

2010-12-25T00:21:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-23T22:06:00.000-06:00

This Christmas...

Is a little different for me...

Usually, I want as many gifts as I can get to open...

I was all about quantity than quality...

But this year...

My parents lowered the amount they were spending...

And thank goodness...

Cause I still had a hard time figuring out what I wanted...

There is nothing I need...

Well, I need to pay off some bills...

But I want for nothing...

And it's hard for me to want want want...

When there are so many who have and will have nothing...

And I just can't get in the Christmas spirit...

I thought by decorating my house early that it would help...

But to be honest...

I am a bit tired of it already...

I didn't even put out the outside decorations...

And I LOVE my yard stakes...

But I just didn't do it...

Kept putting it off...

So I am trying to get into the Christmas spirit...

Excited to spend time with the family...

Go to Christmas Eve Communion...

Which will be weird because for as long as I can remember...

It has been my dad giving communion...

But this year...he gets to take it instead...

And then go home and eat our traditional finger foods...

And watch the boys get excited about Santa...

And watch my parents open their gifts...

And then go and eat lunch at the Opryland Hotel...

And then go home and nap...for a LONG time...

Hope everyone has a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Santa...

2010-12-16T21:29:00.000-06:00

Tonight I got to play Santa...I am exhausted...my legs ache...but when a child tells you they have written a letter every year and have not gotten gifts...all of that doesn't matter...with two generous donations...I was able to purchase a lots of gifts and clothes for 2 children in my class...I hope they will never know it is me...but will be so excited on Christmas morning when they see the gifts...I am blessed beyond measure....and have more than I will ever need...and I take for granted what I have...and complain about what I don't have...and I don't make much money at all...but I can't stand the fact that there are children with nothing...I want to fix it all...I want to buy them all new clothes and shoes...but I can't...and that makes me mad...I would rather skip a meal and provide food or clothing to a child who needs it...when a 10 year old writes a letter to Santa and asks for clothes and shoes...they should be asking for toys!! And they did...and they will get toys...but also new clothes and shoes and socks and underwear and belts...and I would give them everything I could if I could...but right now I can only do so little...but I am hoping that it will bring hope into their lives...this is a lot of rambling, but I can't think straight right now...too emotional...

I get it now!

2010-11-30T21:12:00.000-06:00

Day 2 of my interim and I totally get why teachers stay so late - I could have been there all night and I'm already thinking about going on Saturday...not sure yet, but there are not enough hours in the day to get prepared for everything and this week the plans were written out for me (I am taking over for one of the most organized teachers ever!)

I love every minute of it, and I am so thankful to have this opportunity and an amazing group of teachers and other staff that have been just absolutely wonderful! I am also learning how to use a Mac. I'm a PC girl and it's hard, but I'm confident I will have it down soon!

Well it's cold and I am tired so I am going to bed - hope all is well!!

My Advent Calendar

2010-11-22T23:58:00.000-06:00

Growing up we had an Advent Calendar that would hang from the kitchen pantry door and we would move the little cloth mouse to the next nnumber - I have always wanted to make one or find one that I really liked, but I never found one that I just loved, so I decided to make my own. Hobby Lobby carries the little box kit and it was 40% off so it was less than 10 bucks!! I already had a ton of scrapbook things to make it cute and one night I went on a huge hunt for numbers and found some that I could live with but found Christmas ones that I already had tonight so I was excited!! Here is the almost finished project - I have to go and hopefully find the same kind of numbers that I have - wish me luck! Also, I want to put either verses or nice things to do for the day in them. Any suggestions?

Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T22:34:00.000-06:00

All of my Christmas decorations are up, well almost all...

And I know it's not even Thanksgiving...

But this Thanksgiving I won't be able to eat my momma's cooking...

I will be eating my own cooking...

Not sure how that will turn out...

But I am determined not to gain weight...

And if I lose even a half a pound...

I get three weeks free of my weight loss program!!!

You better believe I will be losing...

But today I got a taste of some of the food I will be cooking...

And it was really good!!!

Except for the turkey - YUCK!

I can't have ham this year...

So I am going to make some kind of chicken...

And I keep reminding myself that it will only be one year...

Next year I can eat my momma's cooking...

And I even asked my momma if she would make dressing on Easter...

Because we will already be eating her potato salad...

She only makes it twice a year...

Thanksgiving and Easter...

So why not add some dressing on Easter so I won't have to wait a whole year...

Oh, and as of today I am 24.5 pounds down!!

I hit a platuea for a week, but not anymore!!

I am currently decorating an Advent Calendar...

And ready to go to my parents to spend Thanksgiving with everyone!!

And that is all for tonight...

Decorating

2010-11-20T13:50:00.000-06:00

I had started my decorating early this week and I am almost done!!
I have to completely organize my spare bedroom....
Then I can put up my third tree!
I wanted to put my big tree that is always downstairs in front of the window...
But that is where my love seat is and there is no where else to put it...
Due to cable outlets, bar area, not being able to get it up the stairs and into the spare room for the duration...
So I decided to put it in the other corner and I must say I am really enjoying it!
I have got a few more things to get cleaned up and organized and I will be set!
On another good note - I get HBO and Cinemax for free this weekend!!
Not so crazy about the Cinemax because there are no good movies, but HBO!!
I have already DVR'd a lot of great movies that I have been wanting to see!
About my funk...Still kind of in it - but y'all have been so encouraging that I know it will pass ASAP!
Also, I haven't lost a pound in a week, but at least I haven't gained...
I think I have hit a mild plateau...which does not sit well with me, but what can I do?
Going to finish up my house so I can make a massive run to the grocery store! WOOHOO!!
Can you sense the sarcasm here ;)
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Can I be honest?

2010-11-16T21:08:00.000-06:00

I'm in a funk.

A huge funk.

I know it will pass.

They always do.

But lately a lot has been on my mind.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, my 31st Bday.

Alone, again.

Not really alone.

But no special someone to spend it with.

Again.

I'm having my own private pity party.

And I am allowed to.

On a bright side, I don't have to buy extra presents.

Meaning money saved - haha!

But still just really lonely.

I put out most of my Christmas stuff.

All but the trees.

But I am still in a funk.

Most of my friends have someone to spend the holidays with.

I am just tired of being alone.

I know I am never alone, I just don't know why I feel so down.

So there it is.

Thank you for letting me be honest.

I don't tell many people because I am tired of hearing the same things.

It will happen when I least expect it.

Be patient.

God has someone for you.

I know all of this. I tell myself this EVERY DAY.

But it doesn't take the loneliness away.

It doesn't make me feel any better.

So I will stop whining, but I needed to get it out.

I have a confession...

2010-11-15T12:47:00.002-06:00

I am putting out my Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.

I have always been a "What about Thanksgiving?"
"You CANNOT put up your tree before Thanksgiving!"

But I could not wait.

So I am at home today not feeling good with some crud.

So I decided to put up my Christmas stuff.

I had pulled out everything from the storage closet but the tree.

Saving the tree for tomorrow probably.

Most definitely will be putting up all three trees tomorrow.

I will wait until after Thanksgiving to put out my outside decorations.

I'm really excited about my new wreath!

So there is my confession.

Exciting I know.

And I am listening to Christmas music to help me put up the decorations.

Dave Barnes has a new Christmas album, LOVING IT!

Being Busy...

2010-11-11T17:05:00.000-06:00

Last Friday I decided to travel down to my sister's house to see my nephews - we had a great weekend!! Saturday I took the boys to get haircuts and then to McDonalds and then to the grocery and then they played outside in a huge pile of leaves my bro-in-law made for them...I have lots of pictures on my phone and when I can find my adapter I will definitely put them on here. Braxton kept putting leaves on me and called it my Fall shirt - I have pictures of that also! My sister was at a meeting so I let my bro-in-law get some stuff done that he needed to do around the house. The four of us then went to the square to get frozen yogurt and they had PUMPKIN PIE flavored. I could not resist and knew I would be cheating but it was definitely worth it! There was a fire trusk on the square and some bridesmaids walking across the street and later we found out that the fire alarm had gone off at the church...hopefully not during the ceremony. After a good nap, I cooked turkey burgers for Jaime and I, not sure he really liked them but he ate them - haha! Went to church on Sunday and they got pizza and I suffered through the amazing smell and ate my own meal...it was worth it because when I got home on Monday, I went and weighed in and I had lost a pound! Of course on my way down to Collierville, I stopped at Sonic and ate a hamburger and the new Holiday Spice sugar cookie blast - YUM!!!! It was definitely worth it too!!
Tuesday and Wednesday I subbed for Kindergarten and I loved it!! But of course with all the weather changing there are lots of sniffles going around and it's made me not feel so great, but I have to be better by tomorrow because I am booked for the afternoon and then going to Christmas Village!! WOOHOO!! I have a busy weekend planned, so there is no time for sickness - and I weighed in this afternoon and I lost 3 more pounds for a total of 20 pounds!!! YAY ME!!! So I will put up some pictures soon!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Soooo behind...

2010-11-03T17:02:00.000-05:00

I am so behind on updating my blog, especially the back ground!! I need to get on that pronto! But as soon as I put the Thanksgiving one up it will be time to put the Christmas one up! I am soooo excited that it is closer to Christmas! I would put my stuff up today if people would not think I was crazy - haha! Hopefully things will calm down soon - I know this is short, but I am tired so I am going to take me a nap - I've also lost 16 pounds and 20 inches in 30 days!!

You are always on my mind...

2010-10-13T22:31:00.000-05:00

Not sure where that came from, but oh well...
Been really busy but still have a lot on my mind...
Got two calls to see if I was interested in teaching positions in Memphis...
Going to call to see if I need to come down there...
Or if I can do a phone interview...
Been subbing all week and will be the rest of the week...
Really enjoying it and it just feels natural to me...
It's hard though going into someone elses classroom and trying to do everything right...
Every teacher has a different classroom management style...
I am still trying to tweek mine...
All the subbing I have been doing has given me so many ideas...
I know I was all upset about not having a job...
But this has been great for me!!!

There are a few other things on my mind...
How what I wanted more than anything...
Was not in God's plan for me...
And I am seeing that more and more now...
I have been humbled...
And I needed it...

I am also cooking and washing dishes more than I think I ever have...
This weight loss program has really made me think about food...
And cook a lot...
And clean a lot because I haven't gotten into a routine yet...
I feel like I wash dishes every day in the dishwasher...
I used to only wash them once a week...
Only because I would eat out so much...
I wouldn't dirty dishes as often...

Last night I went to the grocery and bought some chicken...
It said something that I cannot even remember at the moment...
But it made it sound like they took the boneless chicken breasts and sliced them in half...
So I was like HECK YEAH!!
Thinking that I would be able to cook smaller pieces or not half them myself...
Boy was I wrong...
It was a whole chicken breast...
Skin and BONE and all...
So I cooked it...
And then I separated it...
I am not a touchy meat person...
Raw meat makes me dry heave literally...
But I did it...even though it was cooked...
It was still gross!!
Next time I will read and investigate carefully :)
One would think that when it said "with ribs" that meant there was bone...
But I am used to seeing "with rib meat" so I just assumed...
And you know what it means when you assume...

I am flat out exhausted and going to bed - I will try to add pictures of something soon!

Happy.

2010-10-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up happy, even at 5:45 am.

Maybe it's because I have nothing on my agenda today...

Well, nothing that I have to do...

I can make my own schedule...

Maybe it is because next week is Fall Break...

Could not sub even if I wanted to...

I would love to because I enjoy it and it's money...

But I can't...

So I am going to do a lot....

Things I have put off until now...

Because I knew I would have a whole week off...

To really deep clean things...

Decorate for fall and Halloween...

Ween myself completely off of Diet Coke...

Sonic may take a hit in sales when I stop...

It's really up in the air right now...

But I am just completely happy at the moment...

I also started a new diet...

In the pre-conditioning phase that I did for 4 days...

Lost 3 pounds already...

I always say that I am going to lose the weight by such and such...

And I never do...but gain weight instead...

This time it's for real because I have paid some money...

And I am very happy about it!!!

I have seen results from friends...

I know others who have done it...

And I know it works...

It's going to take a lot of self discipline...

And headaches from the lack of caffeine...

But the end results will be worth it...

MOST DEFINITELY!

And I am now a fan of the new blogger...

Change just takes some time to get used to...

And somehow there are now spaces where I want them...

And no more code to mess with...

Hopefully it will all be good :)

New Blogger Template

2010-09-29T19:43:00.005-05:00

I am not a fan...not in the least...

It took me almost 2 hours to get it the way I want...

Only to know that in a few weeks I will be changing it back...

I was able to still keep it customized, but it was not easy :(

And now I can't even put spaces between my sentences.

On my mind...

2010-09-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I have had a lot of stuff on my mind lately....
Nothing to do with a job...
A lot to do with attitudes...

I remember all too well that when I was a bit younger...
I was self-absorbed and I thought the world revolved around me...
I deserve this and I deserve that...
Why not me...
Blah Blah Blah...

I don't know what made me make a turn for the better...
And I do have my moments at times...
But I am quick to snap out of them...

But there are others that I know that are so completely self-absorbed...
It's all about them...
All about what they want...
They are the most important person...
And if you don't give them the attention they need...
Well their life is in shambles...

Here is my thought...
I have realized that life is way too short...
Yeah, I get into arguments with people and get upset with people...
But one of the best things I have learned is to get it off my chest...
And LET IT GO...

I can't hold on to the things that used to bother me...
My sister and I got into a HUGE fight a month ago...
I swore I was done...
But hello...
She's my sister...
How could I ever be done???

People are going to do things that hurt you...
But does that mean that we let it consume every bit of our lives?
People are going to do things that we don't agree with...
People close to us are going to hurt us...
It's a part of life...
A not so fun part...but a part...
We are human...

But there is something called forgiveness...
And Jesus tells us to FORGIVE...

We cannot hold on to grudges...
Because ultimately, the person who you are holding a grudge against...
Is freely living their lives...
While you are sitting there complaining how they hurt you...
MOVE ON.

You don't have to talk to them...
But sheesh...
You don't have to let them consume your life with hatred...
We can spend our whole lives thinking...
"Woe is me..." or "I can't believe they did that" or other things that I have heard...
Where is the fun in that???

I learned the hard way years ago...
No one wants to be around those types of people...
And I was one of those types of people...

I have close friends that no me all too well...
They know my burdens and that it's good for me to talk...
But I am not going to let these problems consume my life...
I'm 30 and I am not getting any younger!!

I don't want to look back and think "Wow...I wasted all that time..."
I don't want to look back and think that I held a grudge over something so teeny in the big picture...
I don't want to look back at my relationships with my friends and family and wish they were different...

It's not all about me...
It will never be about me...
Who cares if someone hurt my feelings three weeks ago...
Deal with it and move on...
Cause if I/you don't...
You/I will be missing out on something that we can never get back...

This has been hard for me this summer with the whole job thing...
But I have learned A LOT from the experiences I have had in the past few weeks...
And I have gained A LOT of confidence in myself...
And there may be more that I am supposed to learn...
And you know what...
I am ready...

I can no longer sit still and wait for the world to be on my side...
Or everything to go my way...
Or expect everyone to be at my beck and call...
And expect everything to be the way I see it...
And get mad when someone does something to hurt me...

I don't want to look back and wish that I didn't do something...
I don't want to regret anything...
It's hard - really hard!
But do I honestly have a choice but to move forward?
No!

There is so much more that I want to write...
But I can't on here...
There are some people I just want to take and shake...
And say HELLO!!! WAKE UP!!! The world is not all about you!

I had to do that to myself...and my friends helped me also...and my family...
It's a huge wake-up call...
But once I realized...
It was such a relief!

And now I would like to step down from my box...
And thank you for listening...

Workin Day and Night...

2010-09-20T22:55:00.001-05:00

Well sort of...

Subbed three days last week...

On Wednesday my dad called...

Said they were having their house appraised for a refinance the next day...

OH MY...

So I headed over and attacked their closets...

We had a good time and I worked really hard...

For real...

I was there from 1 to 9...

Mom works basically 24/7 and I have been wanting to tackle her closet for a while...

Dad is just like me, or the other way around...

He had a lot of stuff...and got rid of some stuff...attached to some of it...

Now both closets are so organized :)

Today I had A LOT to get done and I got almost all of it done...

Had to make a trip to the Wal-Mart...

Always a pleasure...

Picked up a few things to put into these...

For Halloween...

Candy corn...and I was looking for brown and orange M&M's only, but I saw Gummy Worms...

Perfect!!

Started working on some new Halloween placemats...will take pics soon!

Got ribbon for the wreath in the post below...

Ready for FALL!!

Halloween Craft

2010-09-13T23:31:00.001-05:00

I ran across this wreath by chance...

I immediately ran to get all the Halloween color ribbon I could find...

I am SOOOOO excited to start on this!!

Click here to see how to make it and to see some other adorable crafts!!

Decisons Decisions...

2010-09-11T11:07:00.000-05:00

Tuesday I helped out at my church's MDO - it was the first day and there were lots of first day jitters and separation anxieties for the kids - but they did awesome once they got into the routine!

Thursday morning I got a call to sub for a half day in Kindergarten - their was a student teacher in the class so it made for an easy morning - then they asked me to stay and sub for the rest of the day for 6th grade - I was excited because a lot of the students that I had during my internship were in the class!!

Friday I babysat for the cutest little girl ever!! She is a little over months old and possibly one of the most laid back babies I have cared for in a long time!!

Tonight I am babysitting for another friend for twins and a 10 month old! The twins are absolutely adorable and the boy is too cute for words!!

So I wanted to treat myself and get something off of my wish list - of course it would be the Vera Bradley bag...so I got on the website...and I just couldn't do it...do I really want to spend 78 bucks on that when I need to be saving my money? Definitely a decision...wow - I feel like I'm growing up a bit! HAHA!!

I know I will have lots of sub calls because I had three calls for Friday - so I am going to wait and save my money to pay bills so my parents will have a break from helping me...

Vera can wait - plus the Winter colors come out in a little over a week and even though I have had a sneak peek of them, I want to see them for real...not a fan of any of them, but I still want to see a close-up of one of the patterns to make sure...decisions, decisions...

Well I am going to relax until I need to get ready to go and babysit :)

Lots of people are reflecting today on 9/11 and I am too, but I am reflecting on how thankful I am to still live in a country where I can drive down the road and feel safe - most of the time - I'm worried about the other crazy drivers :)

A story...of some sorts...

2010-09-09T00:38:00.001-05:00

I used to think as soon as I got a job, I would immediately start chunking money at my credit card bill - it's not big at all, I just want to get it paid off...then I would chunk money at my hospital bill from a year and a half ago - again it's not big at all, but I just want to get it paid off...and then I could start chunking money towards what I owe my dad - this actually grows daily...and then I would be able to start chunking money towards the student loans I took out to go to school to be a teacher...well, we all know that hasn't happened yet...so after all of that money chunking, I was considering (and had already been looking) buying a new house...I want a house...not one connected to another...not one where my neighbor lets her plethora of roommates park in my spot (I'm giving them one more day and then leaving a note that says they can pay me $25 a month to park there, but obviously they can't read or they would have clearly seen the numbers on the spot)...I want a yard...a front porch...a back porch...nothing big or fancy, just a house...

Well I came down from that dream real quick...so I decided to work on some projects that I have been putting off for a while...because I am going to be living here for a while...
It's been 5 years already...who knows how much longer it will be...

This project has been thought about for over a year...

I bought the material last summer...

Just never did anything with it...

And so the other night I turned on the sewing machine and got to work...

It was really simple to do these...

I have four pillows of different colors...

and now I have four pillows with black and white!

Then I decided I wanted to spruce up my kitchen and make it not look so drab...

So I took my curtains...

And added a little ribbon...

Then I decided to spruce up my canisters...

I want clear ones, but no job, no money honey...

Then I got an idea to take books and material that I have had for a while...

And make book covers and then set my lamps on them...

Just needed to add a little something...

And then I had wanted to spray paint this box...

But I used the leftover pillow fabric to cover it...

My ironing board is a great place to do crafts! HAHA!!

I ironed out some fabric and ribbon...

And burned myself with the glue gun multiple times...

But hey...it was worth it!

I have been doing a very strict diet for the past three days and as of this afternoon I have lost 5 pounds!!

You are supposed to eat what it says for three days and then eat normal for 4 days...

But I am going to do another three days and then let myself have Sunday as a day to eat normal...

I went grocery shopping and only bought what was on the list...

I have GOT to lose weight for my health and so I will feel better about my appearance...

Well, it is off to bed I said...this story was brought to you buy the letter E and the number 30!

Yes, it is late and I am tired :)

What....

2010-09-08T18:23:00.000-05:00

have I been doing the last few days?

I have been very crafty...

Pics to come soon!

Labor Day 2010

2010-09-06T23:53:00.000-05:00

Today I woke up early...

And for some reason I decided to deep clean my kitchen...

Now, this would be great if it were clean to begin with...

But there was/is still sewing stuff on the table...

So I decided to organize the cabinets...

Clean out the refrigerator...

Clean out the pantry...

Match all the plastic wear lids with a container...

And recycle everything that could be recycled...

Then Ashley came over and we ate lunch...

And headed to Charming Charlie's...

And I did not buy one thing...

Had a necklace in my hand...

But I put it back...

Yay for me!!

Came home and started watching the first season of Glee...

Ashley had not jumped on the bandwagon...

And of course I helped her start the addiction...

Cooked some dinner...

Watched some more Glee...

And then I finished up one of my projects...

I have some serious ADD...

I start a project and then leave it to start on another...

So I have a million projects going...

And my goal is to finish the ones I have started this week...

One project was to take all the magazines and cut out the pages I liked...

So after I was done with the magazine I put it in this cute bucket I have had for years...

I added the bow because I love the blue and red...

And now it has magazines in it...

Another idea I had came to me while I was looking under one of the cabinets...

I have a wine bottle rack/holder thingy...

But I don't drink wine...

But I have a ton of dish towels...

So I made use of the rack and stored my dish towels...

So I put it on top of my fridge because my counters are already decorated...

I also had bought clothespins a while back...

And glued ribbon on them...

And put a magnet strip on the back...

And put them on my fridge to hold all the pics...

Going to help out at the MDO at my church tomorrow...

And then come home and finish up a few projects...

So I can start on some new ones...

Hope everyone has had a great Labor Day Weekend!

Sunday mornin rain is fallin...

2010-09-05T22:12:00.000-05:00

...okay, well there was definitely no rain here, but reading Amy's blog title made me think of that song...

Started the day by going to church at a little country church where my dad was preaching...

Harpeth Lick CP Church...

Here is a pic of dad doing the children's time...

After church we went to Minami - I haven't been in a LONG time and it was SO good!!

Headed up to Ashley's and we headed to the Frist Center for the Golden Age of Couture exhibit!

Being Labor Day weekend and the exhibit ending next weekend it was PACKED, but really cool!!

We headed upstairs to see part of the Chihuly exhibit, but there were only a few pieces on display here.

Now, I decided that I have been avoiding the camera way too much and not had any pictures to look back on....and there is a reason why...I love this dress, but after seeing a picture of myself in it...seriously, the dress even sticks out in the front of my belly - which is not a flattering thing AT ALL...I am seriously contemplating taking out a loan for full body liposuction!! (only kinda kidding...it has crossed my mind more than once)

So here we are!

Then we headed down to Cool Springs and decided we were hungry and headed to Cracker Barrell!

Of course they already have their Christmas stuff out it's a good thing I didn't have any extra money to buy stuff cause I would have bought a ton! Some of there stuff is toooooo cute!!!

Went back to Ashley's and watched Hoarders...

makes me want to throw all of my stuff out and I am not a hoarder...

Hope everyone has/had a great Labor Day weekend!!

Oh weather, how I LOVE thee....

2010-09-04T18:25:00.000-05:00

I know it's a huge football day

but honestly, not really rooting for anyone today,

well Arkansas, but they play later...

I got up and went to an eye doc appt...I love that she is open on Saturdays!!

I had some time to kill before my sister and her family got to my parents...

so I drove down the long road to my middle and high school is...

Seriously haven't done that in years and today was a perfect day!

Brought back lots of great memories of my friends...

and driving the 22 miles to school everyday...

and going to sleepovers but not planning on spending the night...

because I was a homebody...

and then we would have so much fun...

that I would BEG my mom to bring me stuff to stay...

so she would finally give in...

and drive over 30 miles to bring me a bag...

and then drive 30 miles back home...

and then drive 30 miles the next morning to pick me up...

I owe her BIG TIME!

All the football games...

all my friends that I have not kept up with...

Even though I would not go back and do HS again...

it was nice to remember...

and so I kept driving...

and it was gorgeous!!

The road is long and curvy, but not too curvy...

but there was a part of the road where the trees completely covered the road...

and the sun was peeking through...

and it was perfect...

And then I went to my parents...

and ate a GREAT lunch...

and then my sister, my Aunt Jennie, my mom, and I sat out on the back porch...

and the boys played in the yard...

Thatcher would put the end of the air pump in his ear like he was pumping air in his head :)

My momma!

Braxton

B and T kicking the ball around...

My sister Susan and my mom's sister Jennie

And then I looked up in the corner and saw a massive spider...

and two HUGE egg sacks...

and my Uncle Bill sprayed that sucker til it died...

and then my brother-in-law knocked the egg sackes down...

and my mom saw a spider on my leg...

and I screamed like a little girl and did a funny dance...

and then I decided it was time for me to go home...

The weather is gorgeous here and it really reminds me how much I LOVE Fall!

I love the cooler weather...

Making chili...

Bonfires...

Opening all the windows in the house and letting the breeze come in...

Decorating for fall...

Mums on the porch...

Pumpkin candles...

LOVE IT!!

Project Night...and Project Runway...

2010-09-03T01:00:00.000-05:00

Just for me :)

I haven't felt like doing anything today because of wonderful allergies and has stayed inside all day and I decided to finally work on my shower curtain that I have had the material for for a few months now...

did it all tonight!!

Now, I am jumping on the animal print bandwagon a little late, as I usually do with things...

I like to really take the time to see if I really like things...

well I love it now and I think it looks great in my bathroom!!

I have some extra material that I am going to use to make something to hang on the wall :)

I started watching Project Runway about the 4th season and I was hooked!

This season, I am ready for Gretchen and Ivy to go home...they have bad attitudes.

One thing I find interesting is that I have noticed this season that Tim Gunn will not like something and the judges will LOVE it...or vice versa.

I still haven't picked a favorite, but I really like Valerie and Mondo and

So that was my Thursday night :)

A new item to the wishlist...HBO in Espanol...and more...

2010-09-02T14:07:00.000-05:00

I have discovered a new love!! The Farm Chicks

They have a book called The Farm Chicks Christmas and I am dying to get it!!

This is where my renewed found love for light blue and red have started up!! Makes me want to redo my room, again! I already have a blue bedspread and red shams at my parents house with my initial monogrammed into it! What could be more perfect, but I have a fairly new bedspread set and a habit of constantly changing what I want for my room...I may change it for Christmas though and then change back! Trying not to spend any money here...and it's actually working!

Very random post, but it cracks me up to be flipping through the channels and all of the sudden see a movie that I've seen before, but spoken in Spanish - I just laugh!!! HBO is the only extra I have and so I will punch in 815 and it will take me to the Spanish HBO...seriously just cracks me up! Eagle Eye was is on and I went up to far and it was great to hear Shia LeBouff (have no idea how to correctly spell his name) speaking another language...and that movie is a bit freaky in English!!

I also have some crazy allergies going on right now...so I am taking it easy for today...busy day tomorrow, but if I don't start feeling better in a few hours I will head to the walk in clinic...I am loving the slightly cooler weather, but it wreaks havoc on my sinuses!!

I ran to Sonic to grab lunch because I have been craving a hamburger, even though I am really not supposed to eat red meat (I can eat it every once in a while), but I had a steak the other night and have been craving a hamburger since...so I went to get one and what do ya know?...I had left my check card in my purse and only had my id thing with 3 bucks - enough to get a Route 44 diet coke. So I came home and made lunch - a much healthier lunch than what I had ordered, and I saved a few bucks as well...

And now I will stop rambling :)

I'm cheating...and telling...

2010-08-31T23:55:00.000-05:00

...and doing my own desktop background calendar this month...unless the website that I have been using to get them from has just an absolutely irresistible one!! Leelou Blogs Desktop - this is where I found them last August and have been using them ever since and the great thing is that they are free!!

But...here is my very own!!

This is one from Leelou Blogs for this past August! I love the colors and just the fun of it! She pays for her kits, but I download the free ones and therefore cannot charge, but she doesn't charge for these either :)

I am doing all of this on PowerPoint and then saving it as a picture. I can't sell any of them, but they do take a lot of work! Had to work out the kinks, but hey, the first time is always the hardest and then after that you just have to continue to be creative! I am enjoying doing all of these things, but there is sooooo much out there that I cannot possibly use it all, even though I desperately want to!

Also, tonight my parents and I went to Longhorn Steakhouse, and it was my second time to go there and my parents first time, but it was sooooooo good!! I got the grilled chicken and stuffed portabello mushroom and it was absolutely delicious!! My mom got the grilled shrimp and my dad got a steak and all three meals were excellent!! Even the side salads were so fresh and yummy!

I am including a picture of myself from today before I met my parents because I rarely take pictures of myself or allow myself to be photographed. I don't want to look back and think that I have nothing to show for the year because I was too embarrased or would put myself down everytime I saw one I was in, so here is one from today!

I have gotten into a habit of wearing my reading/driving at night glasses almost all the time...here's the story - I have HORRIBLE eyesight. HORRIBLE. If you wear contacts then you know what I mean when I say what my negative power is...mine is -8.5....I think they only go up to a -9 or a -9.5, but I am way up there. So bad I'm not even eligible for Lasik. I would have to have an implantable contact lens for me to be able to see without putting in contacts or wearing glasses and that surgery is too expensive for a girl with no job. It was too expensive even when I had a job. The doctor who teste me said he could not in good faith do teh surgery because it really wouldn't benefit in the long run and it would cause halos or something...

So, I wear contacts. I've worn them since I was 10 and glasses since I was 5. At one point my sister and I both tried the hard/gas permeable ones (I was under 10), but they hurt to bad and even though they cost bookoos of money back in the late 80's, my parents were tired of us throwing fits about them so they said chuck 'em. So I got soft contacts in the 5th grade...

Two summers ago, the doctor told me I had an astigmatism. So I tried two different pairs of contacts for an astigmatism. They only felt better when I cried and I usually ended up wearing my old glasses most of the time...so I said I could live with the astigmatism...

That Fall I ordered brand new glasses - I had not had a new pair in 6 years!! They are gorgeous JLo frames and worth every penny that I put on my credit card that day...well last summer the doctor was giving the eye exam and she asked about the clearness, which was better, 1 or 2, all that stuff, and she said that where I was seeing better was with an astigmatism correction...so in comes the second pair of glasses...

I honestly thought I would only wear them to read and to drive at night, but it got to the point when I was in class I was squinting to see the board (partially due to the fact that I sat in the back for every class)...and I was also squinting a lot to see things on the computer...so after the initial headaches went away, I started wearing them all the time. To read, to drive, to watch tv, to go to Wal-Mart...I put them on as soon as I enter a store and take them off to put my sunglasses on...they have grown on me and I did not know how much I was not seeing without them...so much clarity!!

So that's the story of my eyes! Lucky me! It could be a lot worse though - one time my sister threw a hair pick (when we all had perms) at me and I doubled over on the floor saying that she had hit my eye and I couldn't see but had to stop her before she called 911. We were/are so nice to each other...

Another new one...

2010-08-31T16:46:00.000-05:00

Well I am seriously addicted to new blog backgrounds and headers - oh and The Farm Chicks products!! Makes me want to really move to the country and learn how to bake really good stuff and be crafty!! Going to eat with my parents! Have a great night!

Double Dose...

2010-08-29T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today I went to church twice...

I went to the 9 am service at Jenkins and then slipped out to head to Madison to hear dad preach at 11...

The Madison church (as we call it) was where I was first brought to church and where for 7 years I grew up...

Today my dad went back to preach and it was so nice to be back where I have great memories of being in church...

At 7 years old I thought everyone was old, so when going back and a lot of them are still alive, well I was honestly a bit suprised! HAHA! And they haven't changed a bit!

We went out to lunch in Madison and ran into people from Nolensville that were eating at the same place!

Also, on the way to Madison I passed by Opry Mills and the Opryland Hotel - it hurt my heart to know what happened there and that less than a year ago we were enjoying Christmas Day brunch...hopefully we will get to continue our tradition this year - if not, we will be cooking - haha!!

Got some fun projects I am excited to get started on and hopefully will keep my mind off of things...

I have sub training on Wednesday and then I can be on lists for people to call...

Just want to teach...

Oh my new addiction...

2010-08-27T23:54:00.000-05:00

...is now creating things with all of the free digital scrapbooking papers and embellishments I have downloaded :) I am just amazed that I have not found this before :)...

Another new addiction is the TV show Pretty Little Liars...I must say my sister turned me on to this show and she seriously suprises me with some of the shows she watches (they aren't bad, just funny)...

And now I have found this whole new way to compose on blogger...have I just been living in the dark ages?

And I successfully found Blueberry Pomegranate Gatorade at my local Kroger - couldn't find it in Memphis while at my sisters...and it was only 88 cents for the big bottles...if I had grabbed a buggy or a basket I would have bought more, but I had my hands full already :)

I am already working on my new Fall/Halloweeny background and header and then it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas! To be honest, I want to put up my tree right now - I love it!! But I will wait so people won't think I need to go to the looney bend.

Had a good day doing pretty much nothing but vegging and watching tv, and I cooked dinner and it was yummy!!

Oh, and I had an interview for substituting in a local school district and I go for my training next Wednesday! This should hopefully help me get in next year - but still there are so many teachers and not enough teaching positions...I am not worried anymore...just looking forward to whatever the day brings me :)

Never...

2010-08-24T22:49:00.000-05:00

Never would I have imagined that it would be this hard to find a teaching job...

Never would I have imagined two years ago that I would not be teaching and would still be tiredlessly searching for a teaching job...

Never would I laugh out loud and make a big "HA" sound when other people I know will be graduating soon and they talk about all of the stuff they are buying for their new classroom and how excited they are to get to use it...

Never would have thought the "HA" would be followed by "yeah, you go right ahead and think that"...

Never would have imagined that all my stuff is still sitting in my spare bedroom...

Never would have imagined how jealous I have become of those who have found jobs...

Never would have wanted to teach so bad only to get turned down time and time again...

Never thought today, August 24th, the day I had an interview scheduled with Shelby County, I would end up going because I did not have a teaching job yet...

Never would have cringed when the phone rang and it was certain people and the first words out of their mouths are "do you have a job yet" or "have you heard from so and so"...(it's only two very specific people who I know only want the best for me, but still, can you ask me how I am first?)

Never thought I could actually walk into a Vera Bradley store and not buy a single thing for myself, and the only reason that happened is because I don't have a job and I have no money...

Never imagined I would be 30 years old and still having to borrow money from my parents to pay my bills and survive...

Never imagined I would doubt/regret the decision I made two years ago to quit my job and go back to school to be a teacher...

Never wanted to be negative about all of this, but sometimes I need to get it out...

I know God has a perfect plan for me, but I am human and I like to know when things are going to happen before they do...I just need to feel these things for a bit and lately I haven't been letting myself feel anything...I just made myself numb...but right now I am getting it out because I need to for myself...and I know in my heart something will come along and I will be blessed beyond measure...and I already am blessed beyond measure...but it will be more than I could have ever imagined...and there are people out there who have nobody and sometimes I feel bad for feeling down about things, but again, I am human and I need to feel to process it all...

Never say never...

OHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH!

2010-08-23T20:44:00.000-05:00

Well here it is folks!!! Now it's not perfect, but this sucker took a LONG time - no wonder people charge an arm and a leg for it!! So I am going to enjoy this for a while, my own personally put together blog background and custom header :)

Been a busy day, but I will write more about that later!

WOOHOO!!!

2010-08-22T23:38:00.000-05:00

Well I know I can do it!! It worked, but not exactly the size I wanted so still gonna figure that part out!

Trying...

2010-08-22T20:59:00.002-05:00

...to get the new blog background I created all on my own to work! At least I know it's possible, just have a few kinks to work out :)

If it was a snake it would have bit me...

2010-08-20T19:17:00.005-05:00

A friend had this link on her facebook page, so I posted it as well...this is the same magazine that had a great Valentine's Day article that I posted one Valentine's Day.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/blog/22616-what-it-means-to-wait-on-the-lord

After two tries of creating a link, please just copy and paste it into your browser :)

News from the day...

2010-08-19T22:33:00.002-05:00

I have PCOS...Polycystic ovarian syndrome...but I am getting the medicine to help with it - so no big deal :) BUT, I did wake up at 7:18 this morning when I should have woken up at 5:30 to my alarm...I vaguely remember turning it off, but I set three alarms, so I didn't wake up to the others...made it to el doctoro at 8:28. Two minutes later and I would have had to reschedule.

Came home and got ready to go eat lunch with a friend and then apply to be a sub in Rutherford County...they wont' interview until September, but hey, it's a possible money maker :)

Also!!! I have been wanting to try this whole digital scrapbooking thing, not for scrapbooking, but to make my own custom blog header and I found free kits and downloaded a bunch of them and made my own custom header!!!! Yeah, I stayed up WAY too late and is probably the contributing factor to my oversleeping, but it was fun!! I made a Christmasy looking one, and I have lots of practice to do, but I was so excited!! Here is my first attempt :)

Gonna watch The Last Song...night all!

What to do...well apparently a lot!

2010-08-18T22:08:00.003-05:00

I have a million projects running through my head everyday, especially after looking at so many craft blogs, and most of them, well 85% of them, are for a classroom - but I know that one day I will have a classroom to call my own, all in God's time :)

I am actually pretty okay and content with the fact that I will most likely not be teaching full time this year. Of course, I need the money and the benefits, but hey, I have been living well for the past 2 years with individual health insurance and my absolutely amazing and wonderful parents, but I don't want to borrow money from them anymore...I am so incredubly thankful that they are willing to be there for me and help me out whenever I need it - and I need it A LOT.

I have signed up to sub in two districts and I am going tomorrow to sub in another one.

Also, I have a doctors appointment at 8 in the morning in downtown Nashville. I have no earthly idea what I was thinking when I did that, but I will have to get up super early and drive through rush hour traffic to make it on time, but hey, it's only one day - I can manage :) The appointment is nothing real important, just gotta talk to the doctor about hormones and all that fun stuff and then she will tell me to lose weight and everything will be fine again - well I hate to tell her but when I was skinny it wasn't fine, trips to the er and throwing up in the hallway of the dorm are not fun and I was thin then...hahaha! I have some great stories to tell!!

I have been in the process of making an inventory of all of the stuff I have for a classroom such as books, resources, and decorations, etc...I have A LOT of stuff when I put it down on paper...and like I said up top I have so many more ideas!

I have also decided to take all the magazines that I have, which mostly consist of Southern Living and Martha Stewart Living, and make a notebook of all my favorite ideas - that way I won't have to search through all of the individual magazines to find things, they will all be right there! Of course I already have a really cute notebook that I got a few years ago and sheet protectors to put the pages in :) yes, I am an organizing dork, but at least it's fun for me!

Another project I want to be working on is making a new shower curtain - I got the fabric months ago at a great price and now I just have to make it - and of course it makes me want to paint my bathroom a color I would have never thought I would have liked before - purple. I have never been a purple fan, but it is growing on me fast. Don't worry dad (if you are reading) I am not going to paint until I pay off my credit card, hospital bill, and you :) Unless someone is gracious enough to donate the paint and the labor - haha!!

Well I have been typing for almost 15 minutes so I am going to stop and go do a bit of organizing and then go to bed to make the long trek to Nashville in the morning :) At least I don't have to really do anything to get ready - haha!!

Well...

2010-08-18T13:33:00.001-05:00

It's looking like I didn't get the teaching position I interviewed for last week, but that just means that there is something better around the corner :)

My eyes are feeling much better and I am absolutely loving this rain and storms that are happening...not really sure why but I am :)

Eventually going to get around to cleaning my house...watching a few back episodes of a tv show I have missed this summer so once I am caught up I will clean away and do laundry...my house is not really dirty, just needs some organization and a little dusting...

Phone...Waiting...Eyes...Sleep...

2010-08-17T20:46:00.004-05:00

Just got off with my phone interview with Memphis City Schools...it was tough, but I think I did good, considering I have never had my own classroom.

I am also still waiting to hear from my interview from last Thursday...I called today and they said they had not made a decision, but when they did they would only call the person who got the job...so byt tomorrow afternoon I should get a call or not, or they may have called today and it wasn't me...either way I felt very confident in my interview and I know I can go in there and do it right...

Also went to the eye doctor today and thought I had an infection, but only really bad allergies in the eyes...just another sign of getting older...sigh..haha!

Went to the grocery store and then came home and took a NAP. It was a long nap and then I woke up just in time for my phone interview, so I was well rested :)

Not much else is going on around here - just trying to get life in order, but who knows...just enjoying life now :)

Restraint and Prayer

2010-08-15T22:30:00.003-05:00

I am within 25 miles of an actual Vera Bradley store...have been since Friday...was last weekend...and I have not gone in. I haven't gone near it - well I may have been near it while at church this morning, but I don't know...let me tell you how much restraint this is taking. There is a bag I want...I want to just go in the store and see all of the stuff...but I know I will get the impulse to buy the bag because hey...I won't have to pay shipping...unless the shipping is free when I order it...so...there is also a store on the square that carries Vera Bradley...I have ignored that as well...and there is a store that carries boots that I want...but I have ignored that as well...and there is another really cute store...and I have ignored that as well...haven't bought anything but Sonic Diet Cokes and my lunch today...

I will have to show even more restraint until I get a job...I have a plan to pay off my credit card, which I don't have much to pay on that, a medical bill, pay my dad back, and start chunking money into my student loan payments...all while saving up for the day I will eventually have to get a car, and I don't want a car payment so I will save as much as I need to...and that's all for now about money and restraint...

I will hear or not sometime this week about the job, hopefully I will hear something, but if not, I will keep on truckin :) Please Pray!!

Another interview...

2010-08-12T13:59:00.001-05:00

I have one at 8:30 in the morning - please pray I get the job!!

When I get a job....

2010-08-12T00:36:00.003-05:00

I'm buying this Vera Bradley Tote...

and a pair of boots!

Prayer...again...

2010-08-10T22:00:00.001-05:00

So today I realized something...I had prayed specifically for an interview - not a job, just an interview....and I got an interview...now I am going to pray for a job...well, an interview that leads to a job :) Not giving up hope at all - just really want a job :)

Spell Check...

2010-08-10T11:41:00.001-05:00

Why is it automatically on Word but not on email?

Nope...

2010-08-09T13:23:00.001-05:00

Didn't get the job, but something will come along :) I have a phone interview with Memphis City Schools on the 17th and an in-person interview on the 24th with Shelby County Schools.

Driving...

2010-08-07T23:59:00.002-05:00

I must say that my trip down to Memphis and my trip home were amazingly fast - not the speed, but it just seemed like I had so much on my mind that I didn't even care being on the road. Those hours past by so quickly!

I keep thinking about the call I will be getting next week to let me know whether or not I got the teaching position. I am constantly praying it works out in my favor!!

They grow up way too fast!

2010-08-07T13:06:00.001-05:00

Spontaneousness...

2010-08-05T23:16:00.002-05:00

Not even sure that is a word, but hey, who really cares :)

Decided about an hour ago (it's 11:17 pm here) that I am going to head to Collierville in the morning to see my nephews! Well and my sister and brother-in-law, and my dad who is there helping out while my sister recovers from foot surgery.

Braxton starts Kindergarten in a week or so and I wanted to have some Aunt Liz and Braxton time since he won't talk to me on the phone - haha!

I need to go somewhere where I am not constantely thinking about the interview and analyzing every single detail, so yeah, 3 to 4 hours on the road by myself will help a lot - hahaha! Can you tell I am in a sarcastic mood right now?

I plan on coming home on Saturday night so I can go to church at Jenkins on Sunday. I haven't been in 5 weeks and I am missing it and I want to go, so that is my plan :)

Please keep praying for the job! I know God already knows where I am going to be and I am completely content with that and the interview is done and all I can do is wait and pray that they loved what I had to say and know that I want to teach there!!

Have a great Friday!!

Interview...

2010-08-04T19:25:00.001-05:00

Had an interview today and I think it went really well, but I won't know anything for a few days...hoping and PRAYING I get the job!!

Over...

2010-08-03T11:18:00.002-05:00

Being depressed....

Sleeping past 10 every day and then sleeping in the afternoon and then sleeping at night only to wake up and sleep again til 10 the next morning...

Being fat...weighed myself this morning = scary...

Messy house...it's amazing how when you don't do much for a week the house turns into a disaster...don't worry - the Hoarders show won't be coming by anytime soon...

Worrying...not gonna do me a bit of good...

Lazy...I could get a medal for all the work I have done from my bed the past week...email after email has been sent out and resumes have been sent out and all sorts of other stuff...I moved my laptop to the desk in my room a little while ago so I would not be tempted to lay down on my bed...which I made this morning...and get comfy and continue to search for new jobs and drive myself absolutely insane...

On a lighter note...somehow I miraculously unclogged my bathroom sink with a tension rod curtain thingy and a plunger and a little elbow grease :) Now, I don't know how long it will stay unclogged, it's obvious there is a LOT of hair down there, but for now it is unclogged!! YAY me!! And I cleaned out my bathroom cabinet :) Im about to hang up and put away a HUGE load of clothes from Triennium that have been sitting in the kitchen (and yes, they were folded) from when I did laundry sometime last week. I honestly could not even tell you what day it is, I think it's Tuesday ;) Which means that school starts tomorrow and I still have no job, but I am ready the minute someone says here are your keys to your classroom...got all my supplies ready.

So I am going to stop writing and clean up my house since I have neglected it the past week...maybe I will actually enjoy being at home in a clean house...even though I would rather be teaching!!

Job Postings...

2010-08-02T14:44:00.001-05:00

There are three postings in Rutherford County and 1 in Williamson County. Please pray that I get an interview!! Thank you!!

These are a few...

2010-07-31T23:49:00.006-05:00

...of my favorite things!

Just a random list of things I love...you will see a theme with most...

Vera Bradley...enough said.

Tostitos Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips

Love shopping at Target...right now I have to avoid it.

Route 44 Sonic Diet Coke...again...enough said.

Painting pottery

Polka dots...hence part of the title of my blog...

Pearls...this is a rather new like...I think they are just classy.

Paisley...again, hence the title of my blog...

Reduced Fat Jif Peanut Butter and Nestle Milk Chocolate Morsels...

Nestle water...

A very new discovery...sooooo goooood!!

I love the beach, but I don't get in the water...long story...

Lots Better...

2010-07-30T14:50:00.003-05:00

Today I am better :) Still no job, but I read A LOT in the Bible last night and found stuck in some papers a verse that I needed to read...

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day."

Habakkuk 2:3

Breaking Point

2010-07-29T23:37:00.002-05:00

I think I am at mine...

Can't for the life of me figure out what is keeping me from getting a job...I have applied and emailed and dropped off and talked to everyone I know who works high up in the schools, etc. etc...and still nothing...

I am trying soooo incredibly hard to not get discouraged and I know God has a plan for me, but I am not perfect and it got the best of me tonight and I broke down and cried...

I honestly feel like I am a total failure in my family...I can't keep a boyfriend, and right now I can't even get a boy to talk to me...I am overweight...I LOVE food...I quit my job to follow my dream and now I almost feel like I should have just stayed miserable because I had a job with an income...just feel like everyone else has the perfect life and I am just here...I am not waiting for my life to start...I am living my life...but sometimes it's just hard...

On another note, here is the plate I made! Turned out exactly how I pictured!!

My mind...

2010-07-27T01:22:00.003-05:00

...is all over the place...too much going on around me...making my mind go in a million different directions...had a great week, but the ride home gave me 6 hours of thinking time...where is my life going...what am I supposed to do...I need to be patient and trust in God...I'm working on that...really trying to work on that...

Pouring my heart out...

2010-07-11T21:50:00.002-05:00

It's gonna be one of those posts...

The past week has been an up and down rollercoaster. Not sure even where to begin...

Left last Friday, the 2nd, for CPYC staff training...all the youth arrived on Sunday and I learned how to make snow cones!! The week started off with seeing God in creation...Sunday night we met with our small groups and had communion and a picnic dinner in honor of July 4th! We gave all the youth sparklers and had a great time!

Monday morning we woke up bright and early for a sunrise service and it was really a great experience with the first day's theme being creation. It is so peaceful that time in the morning :) Tuesday was seeing God in others and it was really an eye-opening experience for me as well. I want people so desperately to look past my outward appearance but I have a hard time doing it myself. Wednesday was seeing God in ourselves. Let me tell you I could have cried all day long. I have a really hard time seeing the good in myself and I am very critical about myself and seeing God in me is HARD. I feel like I have failed at so many things that I am not worthy, but I have to constatnly tell myself that God created me and that I need to embrace that. The message that night really got to me and we had to go up and look at ourselves in a mirror and I was balling my eyes out and could barely even look at myself in the mirror because I have such a hard time seeing God in me. Thursday was seeing God in the unexpected and that was a really good day for me because I realized that everything I had been going through with church and stuff in the last year was God working and preparing me to leave my home church. Definitely something unexpected, but great! Friday we all said our goodbye's, well most of us will see each other in a week, but it was good to get home.

There is so much more I could type, just really can't find the words to say about CPYC right now...

I am gonna just pour my heart out right here...I am really frustrated with this whole looking for a job thing. I know God has a plan for me, but that part of me that wants to have control is creeping in and as much I am trying to smack it down, it's very resilient. I haven't had any interviews, well a prelim interview, but no bites at all...it makes me wonder what is wrong with me that people don't want to interview me...my plan for this week is to take my resumes and cover letters out to the schools so they can see my face. My last attempt at this failed when my air conditioner borke...so if my air breaks tomorrow I will know I am not supposed to teach here. I am just so wanting to teach and I know that I would be a wonderful teacher (I have to brag on myself a little), but I need an opportunity and there are jobs out there but I am not getting them. I am supposed to go and interview at a preschool tomorrow, but I do not want to do that so I am going to call in the morning and cancel. Well, I just sent an email...I just don't feel that is where I need to be. I am going to spend tomorrow working on redoing my resume and cover letter and getting lots of folders put together and go on Tuesday and Wednesday to schools to drop off my information...Just hope I get something. I have lots of people praying for me and it's really hard for me to ask people to pray for me, but I really need prayers for guidance and to know what to do. Do I need to move, do I need to stay...

Also, there is a lot of drama going on that I am trying to completely avoid, but it is creeping up and people are thinking I am rude when I say I want to dtay out of it, but it's just best for me to keep out. I don't want to be in the middle of it whether it involves me indirectly or not. I have enough on my plate than to have to add other stuff. And it's not even a huge thing, but I am going to stay away. I really need to just have some alone time and figure out what God wants me to do. I am not alienating people, but I need to focus on myself and not worry about other stuff that is going on. If it's not gonna matter in 5 years, then I am not gonna deal with it. That may be harsh, but oh well.

I need to be able to be open and honest with people and it's not working out the way I had hoped because they are taking it the wrong way, but it's just something I need to do and I need to be open and honest with myself. I can't keep pushing my feelings away because I don't think I should feel a certain way or let others tell me that I shouldn't feel that way...I need to be able to feel that way and then deal with it accordingly. I am so freakin tired of people dismissing my feelings becasue they think I shouldnt feel a certain way. Let me feel how I want to - it's my way of processing things - if you feel that I shouldn't feel a certain way, keep it to yourself. let me figure out if they are real or irrational. Sorry, had to get that out.

There are lots of other things I could write, but whoever is reading this probably stopped way up there...I will continue later on...

Pottery Project

2010-07-10T23:20:00.002-05:00

One of the songs we sang at CPYC was "The Potter's Hands". I loved the lyrics and knew that as soon as we finished singing the song I had a project in my brain. I went to paint pottery, stopping at Michael's on the way to get stickers to put all the words on the pottery. Four hours and I am still not done. They let me do a test run on a broken piece of pottery and it turned out just like I wanted!! So I went to work. I have brought it home to finish the stickers (we were there an hour past closing, but we weren't the only ones) and then I will take it back to paint the piece. Then I will have to take off all of the stickers and it will be beautiful!!