I am out of words for my blog.
I can't do it right now!
I need a break!
I'm so grumpy!
I have so much to do for the holiday season!
I'm completely stressed out.
So...
I only ate the red skittles out of the candy jar tonight.
I'm sure Randy will fuss at me.
Oops!
Just so you know, it was worth it.
Peace out, folks!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Rrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
My pirate is feeling much better. Who's the pirate?
That would be Rands. He had a terrible freak accident at work. He was in San Marcos for a meeting, and as he was gathering up a big thick stack of sharp, crisp engineering plans, the person helping him pushed too hard and Randy pulled too hard and in some odd way, the papers sliced across his eyeball!!!
Wow, paper cuts suck...I can't imagine how that would feel across your eye!
Well he went to an ophthalmologist who was seeing patients with an emergency. (Insert my panic here).
She responded after putting in numbing drops, "How on earth did you do this!!!!??"
It was pretty bad. The paper sliced across his cornea in three places. We're talking a medicated lens on top of the cuts, antibiotic drops, pain drops, and eye patch. (Insert Rrrrrr here).
I felt so bad for him. Our house has been a bat cave the last couple of days, but we're making progress. Today his medicated lens came off, and we were working on returning to normal lighting. His vision is still blurry, but the doctor said everything will return back to normal after several days.
Funny story:
Side note: Randy doesn't drink. Repeat DOES NOT DRINK. He has no idea what alcohol even tastes like.
Ok back to the story.
One of his co-workers approached Randy on the morning before his eye doctor appointment.
Coworker: "Umm Randy, I never thought I'd have to ask you this, but do you need someone to drive you?"
Hahahaha. I think that's hilarious!
Say a prayer for my hubby!
That would be Rands. He had a terrible freak accident at work. He was in San Marcos for a meeting, and as he was gathering up a big thick stack of sharp, crisp engineering plans, the person helping him pushed too hard and Randy pulled too hard and in some odd way, the papers sliced across his eyeball!!!
Wow, paper cuts suck...I can't imagine how that would feel across your eye!
Well he went to an ophthalmologist who was seeing patients with an emergency. (Insert my panic here).
She responded after putting in numbing drops, "How on earth did you do this!!!!??"
It was pretty bad. The paper sliced across his cornea in three places. We're talking a medicated lens on top of the cuts, antibiotic drops, pain drops, and eye patch. (Insert Rrrrrr here).
I felt so bad for him. Our house has been a bat cave the last couple of days, but we're making progress. Today his medicated lens came off, and we were working on returning to normal lighting. His vision is still blurry, but the doctor said everything will return back to normal after several days.
Funny story:
Side note: Randy doesn't drink. Repeat DOES NOT DRINK. He has no idea what alcohol even tastes like.
Ok back to the story.
One of his co-workers approached Randy on the morning before his eye doctor appointment.
Coworker: "Umm Randy, I never thought I'd have to ask you this, but do you need someone to drive you?"
Hahahaha. I think that's hilarious!
Say a prayer for my hubby!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Celebrations!
December is a month of celebrations!
I'm so excited about all of the great things going on in my life right now, I can barely sit still.
-December is one of my favorite months of the year. Two more weeks of work, then I'm off for two full weeks. I can hang.
-My pajama/accessory party is coming up. I'm pumped about spending some relaxing time with my girlfriends watching "Elf" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." The food theme is appetizers. Man, how can you not like an appetizer party? It's a definitely, "Bring your stretchy pants" kinda party.
-Our house is decorated (finally). I finished the decorations today and the tree is up. I recited "the stockings were hung with care in anticipation that Saint Nicholas would soon be there" while I hung the stockings. Man, I'm so rad. I got the look from Randy but this is expected. What else is expected? His reaction to my Christmas tree. Randy likes lights and ornaments. Well, I can't be boring. I have to add picks and wispy things. I stick all my picks up at the top and he usually has a comment. This year, he's been singing the under the sea theme song from "The Little Mermaid." He thinks it looks like I have seaweed fluttering and swaying. Some people just can't be pleased.
-Tomorrow I turn in all of my internship logs. I will no longer be a graduate student. I graduate on December 18th!!!!
I WILL HAVE A MASTER'S DEGREE....FINALLY!!!!
-"The Christmas Spectacular" with Jana is coming up. I can't wait to see the new version. I saw it on Broadway when I went to NYC in 8th grade, so it's been awhile. I'm ready!
-Denver!!!! Randy and I will be traveling to Granny's house on Christmas day! I'm excited to build a snowman and relax with family. Randy will be skiing and attending a Broncos game. I just want to go to the Denver Mint and take a tour. They make pennies there...duh!
-Christmas music! Christmas lights! Hot chocolate! Finding the "Griswald's house" in our neighborhood! Grouchiness, I mean Christmas cheer on everyone's face! Christmas cards! Christmas stamps! Egg nog! Gingerbread cookies! Spritz cookies! Fires in the fireplace! Gift wrap and bows! UT ornaments! Cookie exchanges! White Elephant Gifts!
-And the most important thing, celebrating the birth of Christ!
More posts to come this week...including my adventures of having dinner with a pirate!
I'm so excited about all of the great things going on in my life right now, I can barely sit still.
-December is one of my favorite months of the year. Two more weeks of work, then I'm off for two full weeks. I can hang.
-My pajama/accessory party is coming up. I'm pumped about spending some relaxing time with my girlfriends watching "Elf" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." The food theme is appetizers. Man, how can you not like an appetizer party? It's a definitely, "Bring your stretchy pants" kinda party.
-Our house is decorated (finally). I finished the decorations today and the tree is up. I recited "the stockings were hung with care in anticipation that Saint Nicholas would soon be there" while I hung the stockings. Man, I'm so rad. I got the look from Randy but this is expected. What else is expected? His reaction to my Christmas tree. Randy likes lights and ornaments. Well, I can't be boring. I have to add picks and wispy things. I stick all my picks up at the top and he usually has a comment. This year, he's been singing the under the sea theme song from "The Little Mermaid." He thinks it looks like I have seaweed fluttering and swaying. Some people just can't be pleased.
-Tomorrow I turn in all of my internship logs. I will no longer be a graduate student. I graduate on December 18th!!!!
I WILL HAVE A MASTER'S DEGREE....FINALLY!!!!
-"The Christmas Spectacular" with Jana is coming up. I can't wait to see the new version. I saw it on Broadway when I went to NYC in 8th grade, so it's been awhile. I'm ready!
-Denver!!!! Randy and I will be traveling to Granny's house on Christmas day! I'm excited to build a snowman and relax with family. Randy will be skiing and attending a Broncos game. I just want to go to the Denver Mint and take a tour. They make pennies there...duh!
-Christmas music! Christmas lights! Hot chocolate! Finding the "Griswald's house" in our neighborhood! Grouchiness, I mean Christmas cheer on everyone's face! Christmas cards! Christmas stamps! Egg nog! Gingerbread cookies! Spritz cookies! Fires in the fireplace! Gift wrap and bows! UT ornaments! Cookie exchanges! White Elephant Gifts!
-And the most important thing, celebrating the birth of Christ!
More posts to come this week...including my adventures of having dinner with a pirate!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
I'm not kidding!
Street tacos at Taco Cabana are LEGIT!
These little bad boys are yummy! Marinated steak, chopped onions, and cilantro all wrapped up in corn tortillas with a lime squeeze. Oh man, Oh man! I'm glad they give you three. That's how legit they are.
Want to know what else is legit?
TC's green tomatillo sauce. I could stand up at the salsa bar with a straw and just gulp it.
Lovely, huh?
Delicious? Definitely!
Crushes
Every girl remembers their junior high crush. In my case it was plural, as in crushES. I was boy crazy. But I wasn't obsessed with boys in my class. I was Jollyana the green giant and towered over the boys in my class. Therefore, I had massive crushes on celebrities.
Why am I writing about this?
Well, funny you should ask. I walked into a 6th grade art class and started cracking up. One of my kiddos had an empty chair next to her. It had a piece of paper propped on it, and I was heading straight for that chair to chat with the kids at her table.
"Mrs. Lueders, wait you can't sit here!"
umm okay...this kid loves me. Something is up. After closer inspection, I notice the piece of paper is actually her "fiance." Her word, not mine. It was the current middle school celebrity heart throb, Justin Bieber. His name is annoyingly synonymous with "Baby, baby, baby."
Oh how I love my job in situations like this!
I couldn't sit down because Justin was too busy oogling his girlfriend, oops I mean fiance, paint a picture of a meadow full of pink and purple flowers. Romance is definitely blooming:)
I got to thinking, "Who was I obsessed with in middle school?"
And then....I immediately turned red.
It's so embarrassing.
But here folks is the person who adorned my bedroom walls courtesy of BOP magazine (and every other teenage heart throb magazine I could beg my parents to buy for me.)...
Who is this stud puppy?
Clue number one!
Junior Floyd was the best looking quarterback ever. Oh how I wanted to be Becky "the Icebox" O'Shea.
Clue number two!
"Can I keep you?"
As in the movie "Casper." Why did he only appear for approximately 45 seconds at the very end of a near 2 hour movie? Pure disappointment for my raging adolescent hormones.
This would be Devon Sawa. I have seen the following movies a gazillion times for the pure joy of watching him bop along with his surfer bowl hair cut.
"Now and Then"
"Casper" -couldn't he have had a bigger part?
"Little Giants"
"Wild America" -an added bonus at slumber parties because JTT made an appearance as well!
As I sigh now, I can clearly ask, "What was wrong with me?"
And I can also stop asking, "What does he look like now?"
This adds to the embarrassment.
Ohh this is painful.
Who was your middle school crush?
Why am I writing about this?
Well, funny you should ask. I walked into a 6th grade art class and started cracking up. One of my kiddos had an empty chair next to her. It had a piece of paper propped on it, and I was heading straight for that chair to chat with the kids at her table.
"Mrs. Lueders, wait you can't sit here!"
umm okay...this kid loves me. Something is up. After closer inspection, I notice the piece of paper is actually her "fiance." Her word, not mine. It was the current middle school celebrity heart throb, Justin Bieber. His name is annoyingly synonymous with "Baby, baby, baby."
Oh how I love my job in situations like this!
I couldn't sit down because Justin was too busy oogling his girlfriend, oops I mean fiance, paint a picture of a meadow full of pink and purple flowers. Romance is definitely blooming:)
I got to thinking, "Who was I obsessed with in middle school?"
And then....I immediately turned red.
It's so embarrassing.
But here folks is the person who adorned my bedroom walls courtesy of BOP magazine (and every other teenage heart throb magazine I could beg my parents to buy for me.)...
Who is this stud puppy?
Clue number one!
Junior Floyd was the best looking quarterback ever. Oh how I wanted to be Becky "the Icebox" O'Shea.
Clue number two!
"Can I keep you?"
As in the movie "Casper." Why did he only appear for approximately 45 seconds at the very end of a near 2 hour movie? Pure disappointment for my raging adolescent hormones.
This would be Devon Sawa. I have seen the following movies a gazillion times for the pure joy of watching him bop along with his surfer bowl hair cut.
"Now and Then"
"Casper" -couldn't he have had a bigger part?
"Little Giants"
"Wild America" -an added bonus at slumber parties because JTT made an appearance as well!
As I sigh now, I can clearly ask, "What was wrong with me?"
And I can also stop asking, "What does he look like now?"
This adds to the embarrassment.
Ohh this is painful.
Who was your middle school crush?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Fire drills in college?
Oh what a great sound that treacherous alarm made tonight!
"There is an immediate fire threat in the building. Please evacuate immediately."
Yep right smack dab in the middle of class.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So as we are filing out of the building like cattle awaiting the auction pen, murmurings of "is this for real?" starts happening.
All of my classmates, who are school counselors, were reporting to everyone that they need to stand in a straight line, face the building, and no talking. HAHAHA! All we needed were green and red cards to hold up to show we made it out of the building safely.
So we stand there in the cold with all of our things. About 20 minutes later, our professor said "Let's just call it a night."
You don't have to tell me twice. Shortly after that the police officer came out and said building is clear and it's safe to go back inside.
What? I didn't hear anything! And apparently neither did my friends who were dancing and singing (literally) to their cars.
Hooray for an hour class as opposed to three.
So now I've been home relaxing. I have not cooked dinner (thank you the ever delicious Taco Bell!). Nor have I decorated my Christmas tree. I'm thinking we might go with the au natural look this year. Evergreen and lights! Start the tradition with me! But I am about to watch Modern Family we recorded last week with my sweet family. Ahh how I love my hubby and puppy!
"There is an immediate fire threat in the building. Please evacuate immediately."
Yep right smack dab in the middle of class.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So as we are filing out of the building like cattle awaiting the auction pen, murmurings of "is this for real?" starts happening.
All of my classmates, who are school counselors, were reporting to everyone that they need to stand in a straight line, face the building, and no talking. HAHAHA! All we needed were green and red cards to hold up to show we made it out of the building safely.
So we stand there in the cold with all of our things. About 20 minutes later, our professor said "Let's just call it a night."
You don't have to tell me twice. Shortly after that the police officer came out and said building is clear and it's safe to go back inside.
What? I didn't hear anything! And apparently neither did my friends who were dancing and singing (literally) to their cars.
Hooray for an hour class as opposed to three.
So now I've been home relaxing. I have not cooked dinner (thank you the ever delicious Taco Bell!). Nor have I decorated my Christmas tree. I'm thinking we might go with the au natural look this year. Evergreen and lights! Start the tradition with me! But I am about to watch Modern Family we recorded last week with my sweet family. Ahh how I love my hubby and puppy!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Ready Set Go!
It's so hard to gear myself up back for work after a nice relaxing week of coughing and spitting up all my gross sickies. I am still sick. It stinks. Oh yah and my poinsettia that I paid way too much due to a school fundraiser, "hey it's for the kids" is dying. Aren't those like aloe vera plants? I'm pretty sure I'm killing it. The leaves are all curling and stuff. I'm so good at plants.
Tomorrow night is my second to last grad school class. Three hours of pretending to listen while I construct all of my lists. Tomorrow my lists will include...
"Things to do at school"
"Things to do at home"
"Things to do to prepare the house for Christmas"
"Things to bake for gifts"
"People to buy gifts for" -why am I the only person not done with Christmas shopping?
"Things to cook for the next week"
"Reasons Penny rocks"
"Reasons Mopac would win America's Next Top Dog"
"Things Randy should buy me because he loves me." :)
You know, a typical lists of lists to be made.
Oh yah and I'll turn in my project (which will undoubtedly be completely wrong!) My professor is obsessed with us doing corrections. This class is pass/fail! What happens if I don't correct it? Can't you just say "Oh it's their last class. They've accumulated close to 50 hours of graduate work. I'm going to let them graduate without having to redo my assignments to the standards I have set that even Jean Piaget and Sigmund Freud couldn't achieve if they were still alive." (Insert evil laugh here)
grr...almost done! I can't wait to wear that silly hood! Bring it correction lady!
Tomorrow night is my second to last grad school class. Three hours of pretending to listen while I construct all of my lists. Tomorrow my lists will include...
"Things to do at school"
"Things to do at home"
"Things to do to prepare the house for Christmas"
"Things to bake for gifts"
"People to buy gifts for" -why am I the only person not done with Christmas shopping?
"Things to cook for the next week"
"Reasons Penny rocks"
"Reasons Mopac would win America's Next Top Dog"
"Things Randy should buy me because he loves me." :)
You know, a typical lists of lists to be made.
Oh yah and I'll turn in my project (which will undoubtedly be completely wrong!) My professor is obsessed with us doing corrections. This class is pass/fail! What happens if I don't correct it? Can't you just say "Oh it's their last class. They've accumulated close to 50 hours of graduate work. I'm going to let them graduate without having to redo my assignments to the standards I have set that even Jean Piaget and Sigmund Freud couldn't achieve if they were still alive." (Insert evil laugh here)
grr...almost done! I can't wait to wear that silly hood! Bring it correction lady!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
HEB is a no Go!
How many grocery carts can fit down the baking aisle?
Stay away from the grocery store. People are plum crazy. They've got turkeys and fried onions dancing in their eyes. I went in to grab a couple of things I forgot. Next year, I'll try extra hard to remember. I told one woman with much sarcasm, "Isn't this fun!"
Hey I tried to lighten the air. She had that, "I'm going to run over your big toe with my full basket" look.
And just a little tip for all you hard going late shoppers, we are all in a hurry. There's no need to charge forward with your full basket, toddlers falling out, and samples in hand. I appreciate those samples, but can't we pick a better time to taste test off brand potato chips? Just steer your cart and stay out of my way. I'll stay out of your way. This could all be solved if grocery carts had blinkers.
Stay away from the grocery store. People are plum crazy. They've got turkeys and fried onions dancing in their eyes. I went in to grab a couple of things I forgot. Next year, I'll try extra hard to remember. I told one woman with much sarcasm, "Isn't this fun!"
Hey I tried to lighten the air. She had that, "I'm going to run over your big toe with my full basket" look.
And just a little tip for all you hard going late shoppers, we are all in a hurry. There's no need to charge forward with your full basket, toddlers falling out, and samples in hand. I appreciate those samples, but can't we pick a better time to taste test off brand potato chips? Just steer your cart and stay out of my way. I'll stay out of your way. This could all be solved if grocery carts had blinkers.
Blessed
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it's a great opportunity to reflect over the many blessings I have in my life.
1) That I have a personal relationship with Christ. That I can talk to Him like he's sitting at Starbucks with me, and I know He hears me. Even if something doesn't happen or change, I know that He is working in my life. That He is in complete control, and I am hopelessly and utterly lost without Him guiding me.
2) I'm married to my best friend. I found the love of my life early, and while everyday isn't rosy or peaches and cream (hello, it's marriage! it's not suppose to be rosy every stinkin' day.) I know that he loves me for me. I am so blessed to have someone who cares for me and encourages me every day.
3) My family! I adore my parents and brother. They make me smile and scratch my head all at the same time. (hello, it's your family! They are not suppose to make sense every stinkin' day.) I also have amazing in-laws. I'm lucky to be loved by so many people. They are my friends as well as my family.
4) My friends are amazing. I know that at the sound of their cell phone, they'd drop everything for me. They post blog comments for me to get excited about, meet me at Mesa Rosa, embark on weird Austin festivals with me, and chat with me about nothing on the phone. I'm lucky to have such loyal and fun friends.
5) Mopac!!!! I'm so blessed to have such a sweetie pie to greet me with a wagging tail everyday. I love, love, love her.
6) My job. I'm thankful to have a job in which I enjoy (most days;) in this economy.
7) My education. Master's degree in 3 weeks! Whoo hooo!
8) My health. And amazing doctors to help get my hormones right on track. Randy appreciates this too;)
9) Common Sense. I think this is overlooked in today's society.
10) A sense of humor. It's important to be able to laugh at yourself and not take life so seriously. Randy helps me with this one for sure!
Hope you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
1) That I have a personal relationship with Christ. That I can talk to Him like he's sitting at Starbucks with me, and I know He hears me. Even if something doesn't happen or change, I know that He is working in my life. That He is in complete control, and I am hopelessly and utterly lost without Him guiding me.
2) I'm married to my best friend. I found the love of my life early, and while everyday isn't rosy or peaches and cream (hello, it's marriage! it's not suppose to be rosy every stinkin' day.) I know that he loves me for me. I am so blessed to have someone who cares for me and encourages me every day.
3) My family! I adore my parents and brother. They make me smile and scratch my head all at the same time. (hello, it's your family! They are not suppose to make sense every stinkin' day.) I also have amazing in-laws. I'm lucky to be loved by so many people. They are my friends as well as my family.
4) My friends are amazing. I know that at the sound of their cell phone, they'd drop everything for me. They post blog comments for me to get excited about, meet me at Mesa Rosa, embark on weird Austin festivals with me, and chat with me about nothing on the phone. I'm lucky to have such loyal and fun friends.
5) Mopac!!!! I'm so blessed to have such a sweetie pie to greet me with a wagging tail everyday. I love, love, love her.
6) My job. I'm thankful to have a job in which I enjoy (most days;) in this economy.
7) My education. Master's degree in 3 weeks! Whoo hooo!
8) My health. And amazing doctors to help get my hormones right on track. Randy appreciates this too;)
9) Common Sense. I think this is overlooked in today's society.
10) A sense of humor. It's important to be able to laugh at yourself and not take life so seriously. Randy helps me with this one for sure!
Hope you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Disgusting
Everyone I know loves turkey. We are all on board for Thursdays' feast. Yes! Fried turkey here I come. My parents bake a turkey and fry one as well. Now you know where I get this cooking obsession from.
Turkey should be left as turkey. The white meat that you carve up or find sandwiched between two slices of bread.
And not in bacon. I know so many people who love, love turkey bacon. "Oh Penny you can't even tell the difference. And it's so much better for you."
Right, I get it. So when HEB offer a coupon...buy this, and get turkey bacon free, I took them up on it.
I should have given my free bacon to a bum. It was disgusting. It even looks yuck. Picture shoe leather. Well I crisped some up. I did appreciate that my house didn't reek from the odor. The reason, there's no grease. I can't say I appreciate that. The reason bacon is so good is because it's unhealthy.
Well we gave it a go. We both couldn't even finish one slice. It was wafer yuck! I'm throwing away the whole package. I think I'll stick to the good stuff.
I think this has squashed any future attempts to try ground turkey. "You can't tell the difference." Ummm I'll stick to my ground hamburger meat. My daddy is so proud right now.
Turkey should be left as turkey. The white meat that you carve up or find sandwiched between two slices of bread.
And not in bacon. I know so many people who love, love turkey bacon. "Oh Penny you can't even tell the difference. And it's so much better for you."
Right, I get it. So when HEB offer a coupon...buy this, and get turkey bacon free, I took them up on it.
I should have given my free bacon to a bum. It was disgusting. It even looks yuck. Picture shoe leather. Well I crisped some up. I did appreciate that my house didn't reek from the odor. The reason, there's no grease. I can't say I appreciate that. The reason bacon is so good is because it's unhealthy.
Well we gave it a go. We both couldn't even finish one slice. It was wafer yuck! I'm throwing away the whole package. I think I'll stick to the good stuff.
I think this has squashed any future attempts to try ground turkey. "You can't tell the difference." Ummm I'll stick to my ground hamburger meat. My daddy is so proud right now.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Of Course
I'm so thankful that I'm on vacation. Nine days off from school sounds amazing. I had so many amazing things planned for next week. I'm getting my eyes checked. I hate dilation and that dreaded question they ALWAYS ask you, "Do you need sunglasses?"
Even though my eyes are on fire, I will not take those grandma inspired plastic glasses that cover 90% of my face. "No thank you."
It's also a given that whenever I'm on a break from school, I get sick. It never fails. Every stinking vacation, I get this nasty cold that won't go away. Well, today I'm getting the first signs of a nasty head cold. My throat burns every time I swallow. It's completely appropriate since today is day 1 of relaxation.
Disinterested could be my middle name right about now. I'm so blah about so many things. I don't even enjoy reading anymore. Gasp, I know! I've been on chapter 2 of my new book all week long.
I even asked Randy how upset would he be if we didn't decorate for Christmas this year? What is wrong with me? But this Grinch just sees it as a ton of work. Since we are going to Denver this Christmas break, it feels even more daunting because I'll be putting up decorations once we're back in school (who am I kidding, I'll probably be putting up decorations sometime around Valentine's Day). Hopefully the bah humbug spirit will leave, and I'll get some jolly spirit back.
Don't get me wrong, I'm pumped about other upcoming Holidays. Like the one that involves stuffing...and pecan pie...and fried cajun turkey...and green bean casserole...and broccoli cheese rice. Man, I can't wait for Turkey Day.
I hope you have an amazing week of family, fun, and praises for your blessings.
Even though my eyes are on fire, I will not take those grandma inspired plastic glasses that cover 90% of my face. "No thank you."
It's also a given that whenever I'm on a break from school, I get sick. It never fails. Every stinking vacation, I get this nasty cold that won't go away. Well, today I'm getting the first signs of a nasty head cold. My throat burns every time I swallow. It's completely appropriate since today is day 1 of relaxation.
Disinterested could be my middle name right about now. I'm so blah about so many things. I don't even enjoy reading anymore. Gasp, I know! I've been on chapter 2 of my new book all week long.
I even asked Randy how upset would he be if we didn't decorate for Christmas this year? What is wrong with me? But this Grinch just sees it as a ton of work. Since we are going to Denver this Christmas break, it feels even more daunting because I'll be putting up decorations once we're back in school (who am I kidding, I'll probably be putting up decorations sometime around Valentine's Day). Hopefully the bah humbug spirit will leave, and I'll get some jolly spirit back.
Don't get me wrong, I'm pumped about other upcoming Holidays. Like the one that involves stuffing...and pecan pie...and fried cajun turkey...and green bean casserole...and broccoli cheese rice. Man, I can't wait for Turkey Day.
I hope you have an amazing week of family, fun, and praises for your blessings.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
meetings
I was in meetings ALL...DAY...LONG!!!
Lucky for me that Snapple drinks include cool facts under the lids.
Did you know that honeybees have hair on their eyeballs?
You can thank my meetings and my inability to pay attention longer than 5 minutes for that interesting fact!
Lucky for me that Snapple drinks include cool facts under the lids.
Did you know that honeybees have hair on their eyeballs?
You can thank my meetings and my inability to pay attention longer than 5 minutes for that interesting fact!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Weekend Recap
Randy and I had a fun and busy weekend! Friday night we went to Chuy's for dinner with our usual Friday night dates. Hooray for great friends! What better way to end your week than with creamy jalapeno dip?
Saturday Randy and I tackled some totes in the garage. Well he tackled them, I was busy making cupcakes and dip for the non-longhorn watching party. I also treated myself to these...
Because sometimes a girl just needs a pick-me-up!
A group of us got together to distract ourselves from how terrible the Longhorns are this year. The game was on, but I didn't really watch. I wore burnt orange because I'm not a bandwagon fan. Hook'em no matter what, but who couldn't stand to have some distractions when we're playing this year? Yikes, we are terrible. It's so hard to admit that because we haven't been terrible for so long. See that pride just doesn't go away;)
Today we just relaxed and watched football. I made a trip to the mall. Boy did I immediately regret that decision. It's a winter wonderland out there. People are nuts already. I think I need to start buying gifts online. It's a jungle out there.
Highlights of the day...
1) my soup!
Classic, homemade chicken noodle soup is just what you need on a cloudy, cold day. It was fantastic. And I practically followed the recipe to a "T."
This was my first time to make chicken noodle soup. And to tell you the truth I'm quite proud of myself.
I did do a minor recipe detour. And I think it was for the best. The recipe called for parsnips. I'm not going to lie. I omitted these because I have no idea what a parsnip is. I know it's in the produce section, but Randy isn't exactly a vegetable lover. He complained about the cooked carrots. How on earth was I going to get away with parsnips?
Look how proud I am. I took two pictures of our fabulous dinner.
Let me point out to you Randy's favorite part of dinner.
It's the cup. I know. Who would count that as your favorite? But he even ran over to his place mat right before I snapped the picture. He wanted to adjust his retro Astro cup so my blog readers could see it was an old school Jeff Bagwell souvenir cup.
FYI all blog visitors: The cup is a retro Astro cup featuring Jeff Bagwell.
It was the highlight of my dinner as well.
Speaking of more highlights...
Look at my sweet Mopac and her persistence in trying to get her daddy to play with her. His nightly push-up routine is always interrupted by Mopac and her eagerness for someone to throw her toy.
Last thought of the night...
The chorus from one of my new favorite church songs...
I'll stand with arms high and heart abandon.
In awe of the One who gave it all.
I'll stand my soul Lord to You I surrender.
All I am is Yours.
Have a great week!
Saturday Randy and I tackled some totes in the garage. Well he tackled them, I was busy making cupcakes and dip for the non-longhorn watching party. I also treated myself to these...
Because sometimes a girl just needs a pick-me-up!
A group of us got together to distract ourselves from how terrible the Longhorns are this year. The game was on, but I didn't really watch. I wore burnt orange because I'm not a bandwagon fan. Hook'em no matter what, but who couldn't stand to have some distractions when we're playing this year? Yikes, we are terrible. It's so hard to admit that because we haven't been terrible for so long. See that pride just doesn't go away;)
Today we just relaxed and watched football. I made a trip to the mall. Boy did I immediately regret that decision. It's a winter wonderland out there. People are nuts already. I think I need to start buying gifts online. It's a jungle out there.
Highlights of the day...
1) my soup!
Classic, homemade chicken noodle soup is just what you need on a cloudy, cold day. It was fantastic. And I practically followed the recipe to a "T."
This was my first time to make chicken noodle soup. And to tell you the truth I'm quite proud of myself.
I did do a minor recipe detour. And I think it was for the best. The recipe called for parsnips. I'm not going to lie. I omitted these because I have no idea what a parsnip is. I know it's in the produce section, but Randy isn't exactly a vegetable lover. He complained about the cooked carrots. How on earth was I going to get away with parsnips?
Look how proud I am. I took two pictures of our fabulous dinner.
Let me point out to you Randy's favorite part of dinner.
It's the cup. I know. Who would count that as your favorite? But he even ran over to his place mat right before I snapped the picture. He wanted to adjust his retro Astro cup so my blog readers could see it was an old school Jeff Bagwell souvenir cup.
FYI all blog visitors: The cup is a retro Astro cup featuring Jeff Bagwell.
It was the highlight of my dinner as well.
Speaking of more highlights...
Look at my sweet Mopac and her persistence in trying to get her daddy to play with her. His nightly push-up routine is always interrupted by Mopac and her eagerness for someone to throw her toy.
Last thought of the night...
The chorus from one of my new favorite church songs...
I'll stand with arms high and heart abandon.
In awe of the One who gave it all.
I'll stand my soul Lord to You I surrender.
All I am is Yours.
Have a great week!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Soup's On!
Lloyd: "What is the soup du jour?"
Waitress: "It's the Soup of the Day."
Lloyd: "Mmmmm…that sounds good, I'll have that."
Oh that's the best Dumb and Dumber quote!
I love this soup. It's easy, and it tastes just like Olive Garden's version.
Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients:
Servings: 8
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 cup diced onion
* 1 cup julienned carrot
* 3 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans (with liquid)
* 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans (with liquid)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (12 ounce) can v-8 vegetable juice
* 1 teaspoon vinegar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1 teaspoon basil
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon thyme
* 1/2 lb ditali pasta
Directions:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs
1. Brown beef in a large stock pot over medium heat-drain off fat.
2. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute for 10 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and simmer for 1 hour.
4. After 50 minutes boil pasta to al dente.
5. Drain well.
6. Add pasta to the large pot of soup and simmer for 10 minutes.
(Weight Watchers Points for 1 Serving: 7).
Tip: I cook the noodles, drain and store separately in a ziploc bag. I add the cooked noodles to the soup right before serving. If not, the noodles will absorb all of your broth. The longer you have noodles in your soup, the more likely you'll have goulash.
Waitress: "It's the Soup of the Day."
Lloyd: "Mmmmm…that sounds good, I'll have that."
Oh that's the best Dumb and Dumber quote!
I love this soup. It's easy, and it tastes just like Olive Garden's version.
Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients:
Servings: 8
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 cup diced onion
* 1 cup julienned carrot
* 3 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans (with liquid)
* 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans (with liquid)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (12 ounce) can v-8 vegetable juice
* 1 teaspoon vinegar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1 teaspoon basil
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon thyme
* 1/2 lb ditali pasta
Directions:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs
1. Brown beef in a large stock pot over medium heat-drain off fat.
2. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic and saute for 10 minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta, and simmer for 1 hour.
4. After 50 minutes boil pasta to al dente.
5. Drain well.
6. Add pasta to the large pot of soup and simmer for 10 minutes.
(Weight Watchers Points for 1 Serving: 7).
Tip: I cook the noodles, drain and store separately in a ziploc bag. I add the cooked noodles to the soup right before serving. If not, the noodles will absorb all of your broth. The longer you have noodles in your soup, the more likely you'll have goulash.
Motley
Wow...things have been happening. And I have not been recording any of it. Sorry blog followers, but energy levels are at an all time low. Tonight I'm definitely crossing off "Blog Post" on my things to do list. Sad, that "blogging" makes my things to do list.
The fall wall is definitely here. I'm so ready for Thanksgiving break.
Many updates:
1) Randy and his softball team are champions of his league. They played last Monday for the glory of saying "we're number 1!" The game started at 9:30 pm, and it ended at 11:40pm.
I know what you're thinking. "How on earth did you manage that long at a baseball event?"
Oh but it was so exciting. It was a great game that ended with a grand slam.
The not so exciting parts were all the delays and injuries. There was a massive delay as we waited for the ambulance to arrive. A guy from the other team broke his ankle as he was sliding into home. Unfortunately, the wives got a front row view of this (and we heard it pop) since we were sitting behind home plate. The guy didn't realize the damage, so he attempted to stand. It was the most gruesome sight to see his ankle completely give out and have his foot just dangling. Ewww!
There was another injury as well that involved numerous stitches. A ball popped up and hit our third baseman in the face. You can imagine my level of delight when Randy took his spot at 3rd.
2) Field trip chaperoning stinks! I attended a field trip with some 8th and 7th graders on Tuesday. We went to visit the campus of UT San Antonio. I was so pumped about our eating options though. Hello, we're in San Antonio. It's a rule that you must eat Mexican food.
You can also imagine my level of delight when we pulled into Red Robin (groan).
Well let me tell you that this trip was one of the most frustrating field trips I've ever been on. Our bus driver was an idiot. I know that sounds harsh, but I couldn't believe the safety of our kids (not to mention me) was in her hands. She actually asked me where Hwy 183 was? Ummm I'm pretty sure that this is a major highway and splits our district in half. How do you not know that?
Other memorable quotes from our fearless yellow dog leader.
"I just hate how they keep throwing all these extra exits everywhere."
"Wait, I need more notice than that to exit." (We were in an exit lane. I gave her at least 3 warnings.)
"I've never been this way before."
"Wow, things have changed since the 80s. That's the last time I've been to San Antonio." (I was born in the 80s).
"I'm so proud of how well we did today." (proud can be interpreted to mean many different things to different people on board)
"They usually don't let me drive on field trips because I get so confused."
Thank you Lord for allowing me to safely return to my car.
3) A huge shout out to all the Veterans out there especially to my favorite Veteran, my dad! My dad was drafted for Vietnam. He was a paratrooper in the United States Army. Thank you for all the men and women who have served and are continuing to serve our country. You are the definition of hero!
The fall wall is definitely here. I'm so ready for Thanksgiving break.
Many updates:
1) Randy and his softball team are champions of his league. They played last Monday for the glory of saying "we're number 1!" The game started at 9:30 pm, and it ended at 11:40pm.
I know what you're thinking. "How on earth did you manage that long at a baseball event?"
Oh but it was so exciting. It was a great game that ended with a grand slam.
The not so exciting parts were all the delays and injuries. There was a massive delay as we waited for the ambulance to arrive. A guy from the other team broke his ankle as he was sliding into home. Unfortunately, the wives got a front row view of this (and we heard it pop) since we were sitting behind home plate. The guy didn't realize the damage, so he attempted to stand. It was the most gruesome sight to see his ankle completely give out and have his foot just dangling. Ewww!
There was another injury as well that involved numerous stitches. A ball popped up and hit our third baseman in the face. You can imagine my level of delight when Randy took his spot at 3rd.
2) Field trip chaperoning stinks! I attended a field trip with some 8th and 7th graders on Tuesday. We went to visit the campus of UT San Antonio. I was so pumped about our eating options though. Hello, we're in San Antonio. It's a rule that you must eat Mexican food.
You can also imagine my level of delight when we pulled into Red Robin (groan).
Well let me tell you that this trip was one of the most frustrating field trips I've ever been on. Our bus driver was an idiot. I know that sounds harsh, but I couldn't believe the safety of our kids (not to mention me) was in her hands. She actually asked me where Hwy 183 was? Ummm I'm pretty sure that this is a major highway and splits our district in half. How do you not know that?
Other memorable quotes from our fearless yellow dog leader.
"I just hate how they keep throwing all these extra exits everywhere."
"Wait, I need more notice than that to exit." (We were in an exit lane. I gave her at least 3 warnings.)
"I've never been this way before."
"Wow, things have changed since the 80s. That's the last time I've been to San Antonio." (I was born in the 80s).
"I'm so proud of how well we did today." (proud can be interpreted to mean many different things to different people on board)
"They usually don't let me drive on field trips because I get so confused."
Thank you Lord for allowing me to safely return to my car.
3) A huge shout out to all the Veterans out there especially to my favorite Veteran, my dad! My dad was drafted for Vietnam. He was a paratrooper in the United States Army. Thank you for all the men and women who have served and are continuing to serve our country. You are the definition of hero!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Everybody loves parfaits!
Shrek: "NO. Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. You get it? We both have layers."
Donkey: "Oh, you both have layers. Oh. You know, not everybody likes onions. You know what else everybody likes? Parfaits. Have you ever met a person, you say, 'Let's get some parfait,' they say, 'Hell no, I don't like no parfait?' Parfaits are delicious."
Oh how I love Shrek. Jana and I saw Shrek today at Bass Concert Hall. It was fabulous. The special effects and backdrops were incredible. I loved the dragon under Princess Fiona's castle.
Jana looked so cute in her green top. Why didn't I think to wear green? I'll never be as cool as my friend Jana. She radiates coolness!
gotta go....
must.do.my.homework.
p.s. 7 weeks until Christmas...who's stressed?
Donkey: "Oh, you both have layers. Oh. You know, not everybody likes onions. You know what else everybody likes? Parfaits. Have you ever met a person, you say, 'Let's get some parfait,' they say, 'Hell no, I don't like no parfait?' Parfaits are delicious."
Oh how I love Shrek. Jana and I saw Shrek today at Bass Concert Hall. It was fabulous. The special effects and backdrops were incredible. I loved the dragon under Princess Fiona's castle.
Jana looked so cute in her green top. Why didn't I think to wear green? I'll never be as cool as my friend Jana. She radiates coolness!
gotta go....
must.do.my.homework.
p.s. 7 weeks until Christmas...who's stressed?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
LoVe It!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13
Romans 15:13
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Celebrity encounter
Guess which famous person I met last night?
Hint: a person who has influenced you by making your tummy smile.
I met Mr. Cathy- the son and CEO (chicken executive officer-his joke, not mine) of ChickFilA!
Can you believe it?
I was so pumped.
My awesome friend knows all the right people. She got an invitation to the Austin Customer Appreciation Banquet at the Austin Music Hall. She could invite 3 people. I was one of the chosen ones:)
Oh boy! I was so pumped. I kept telling all my 8th graders. They were so jealous.
Why is ChickFilA so stinkin' good??
Well, there's a reason ChickFilA is not a buffet operating restaurant. And the reason is my pants would not allow it. Wow, did we eat a lot of food last night.
The serving line included spicy and regular chicken sandwiches. The man practically congratulated me when I chose the spicy version. Heck yah I'm not a sissy! And trays and trays of chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, wraps, and brownies. Oh yah, I think they had this thing called fruit. But that was a tad overlooked in the smoorgezborg of food.
Then after you sat down, waiters came around serving additional tenders and nuggets. Oh stop the madness.
I love ChickFilA. It was so great to hear the story and how the mission of the restaurant is centered around honoring God. Thank you Mr. Cathy for helping me like your amazing restaurant a little more.
P.S. Talks are in the works for going internationally. Asians love chicken!
I also scored a goodie bag with a stuffed cow and free coupons.
It was cool, and I'm way cooler now for getting to be in attendance:)
Hint: a person who has influenced you by making your tummy smile.
I met Mr. Cathy- the son and CEO (chicken executive officer-his joke, not mine) of ChickFilA!
Can you believe it?
I was so pumped.
My awesome friend knows all the right people. She got an invitation to the Austin Customer Appreciation Banquet at the Austin Music Hall. She could invite 3 people. I was one of the chosen ones:)
Oh boy! I was so pumped. I kept telling all my 8th graders. They were so jealous.
Why is ChickFilA so stinkin' good??
Well, there's a reason ChickFilA is not a buffet operating restaurant. And the reason is my pants would not allow it. Wow, did we eat a lot of food last night.
The serving line included spicy and regular chicken sandwiches. The man practically congratulated me when I chose the spicy version. Heck yah I'm not a sissy! And trays and trays of chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, wraps, and brownies. Oh yah, I think they had this thing called fruit. But that was a tad overlooked in the smoorgezborg of food.
Then after you sat down, waiters came around serving additional tenders and nuggets. Oh stop the madness.
I love ChickFilA. It was so great to hear the story and how the mission of the restaurant is centered around honoring God. Thank you Mr. Cathy for helping me like your amazing restaurant a little more.
P.S. Talks are in the works for going internationally. Asians love chicken!
I also scored a goodie bag with a stuffed cow and free coupons.
It was cool, and I'm way cooler now for getting to be in attendance:)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Check it out
Click on the link below to see the prettiest model in the world.
Autographs are negotiable.
http://www.maganslens.com/
Autographs are negotiable.
http://www.maganslens.com/
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Angry Birds
I am completely addicted to Angry Birds. It's this amazing game Randy showed me. The perfect solution to "what do I want to do to waste time?"
It's Itunes no. 1 game right now.
It'll be the best .99 cent app you'll ever buy for your phone.
It's Itunes no. 1 game right now.
It'll be the best .99 cent app you'll ever buy for your phone.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Gasp!
Better Homes and Garden has really cute pumpkin ideas. I found this link of popular dog breed stencils for your pumpkins.
They didn't want to make any dogs feel bad, so that's why there wasn't a Westie.
I mean why would you have a Westie when you could have this as a pumpkin stencil...
Gasp!
Mopac is hiding under the bed as we speak. Poor poodles! They just can't help it.
Check it out!
Free Pumpkin-Carving Stencils of Favorite Dog Breeds
They didn't want to make any dogs feel bad, so that's why there wasn't a Westie.
I mean why would you have a Westie when you could have this as a pumpkin stencil...
Gasp!
Mopac is hiding under the bed as we speak. Poor poodles! They just can't help it.
Check it out!
Free Pumpkin-Carving Stencils of Favorite Dog Breeds
While I'm Waiting
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
grrr...
Bad news bears...
The lady at Mighty Fine took my milkshake order on Monday night. I was meeting up with Randy and some members of his softball team and their fab wives. We got out of class early:) Well, I did my usual when asked, "Name please." I said, "Penny, like the coin."
I'm not sure why this garners snickers. If I don't say it, they put Jenny. Someone has even put Kenny before. Shocking! Someone would rather me have a boy's name than a coin name.
This woman said with a stupid grin on her face, "Oh I heard you. I just haven't heard that name from someone your age."
hahahahashutup!
sigh....story of my life
more bad news...
I went to the capital today with the 8th graders for the No Place for Hate Youth summit. We learned so many cool things. I can't wait to see these kiddos put them into action as we foster a school culture full of acceptance and tolerance. The bad part of the day was when I fell. Yep right down on my butt. Those stupid marble steps are slippery. And my zebra print flats have no grips. Well, I stepped too far off the step and missed the grippers. My shoe came flying off and sailed down 10 or so stairs. I followed closely behind.
Was I embarrassed? A little.
Was I surprised? Not at all. I almost walked into the wall in the faculty room the day before. I'm a huge klutz.
Was I hurt? Well my ankle is still throbbing. I hope I didn't do anything to it. I kinda twisted down so I could allow my shoe to win the down-hill race. My thigh and ankle are sore tonight. I'll live. But I will definitely start using the booger-hand rails.
The good news...
My parents are celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary today. They are my heroes! I love them both so much, and it's been so cool to see their selfless love continue to unfold in my life. Love, love, love them!
it kinda makes me stop and wonder, what would my mom do about the Rudy's nightstand/cup debate?
I'm not moving them still.
The lady at Mighty Fine took my milkshake order on Monday night. I was meeting up with Randy and some members of his softball team and their fab wives. We got out of class early:) Well, I did my usual when asked, "Name please." I said, "Penny, like the coin."
I'm not sure why this garners snickers. If I don't say it, they put Jenny. Someone has even put Kenny before. Shocking! Someone would rather me have a boy's name than a coin name.
This woman said with a stupid grin on her face, "Oh I heard you. I just haven't heard that name from someone your age."
hahahahashutup!
sigh....story of my life
more bad news...
I went to the capital today with the 8th graders for the No Place for Hate Youth summit. We learned so many cool things. I can't wait to see these kiddos put them into action as we foster a school culture full of acceptance and tolerance. The bad part of the day was when I fell. Yep right down on my butt. Those stupid marble steps are slippery. And my zebra print flats have no grips. Well, I stepped too far off the step and missed the grippers. My shoe came flying off and sailed down 10 or so stairs. I followed closely behind.
Was I embarrassed? A little.
Was I surprised? Not at all. I almost walked into the wall in the faculty room the day before. I'm a huge klutz.
Was I hurt? Well my ankle is still throbbing. I hope I didn't do anything to it. I kinda twisted down so I could allow my shoe to win the down-hill race. My thigh and ankle are sore tonight. I'll live. But I will definitely start using the booger-hand rails.
The good news...
My parents are celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary today. They are my heroes! I love them both so much, and it's been so cool to see their selfless love continue to unfold in my life. Love, love, love them!
it kinda makes me stop and wonder, what would my mom do about the Rudy's nightstand/cup debate?
I'm not moving them still.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A little bit of everything
1) I had dinner tonight with three fabulous ladies. My former teaching partners rock. Oh how I miss them (and teaching too)!
2) Update: Randy's nightstand is completely covered with cups. He's up to at least 12 cups. Am I going to take them downstairs? That would be a big fat no. Is he going to take them downstairs? I'm not certain. What I am certain of is that I can be just as hard headed as he can be. I will win! ahhahhahahahahaha (this is my evil laugh)
It's a good thing we have about 20 more Rudy cups in the cabinet for him to add to the current dresser collection.
3) I.have.to.be.at.school.tomorrow.at.6:45!!!!
I'm taking some awesome 8th graders to the capital for the "No Place for Hate" Summit. Looking forward to hanging out with kids all day!
4) My Halloween menu has been set. I am way excited about our heavy Hor'ourves!
Swamp Punch
Boogie Monster Dip
Halloweenies with Mustard Dip
Spider Web Pizza
Goblin Popcorn
Cauldron Chicken Enchilada Cheese Dip with Bat Wing Dippers
I'm so pumped about lighting my blood wax candles.
5) I've never been as exhausted as I feel right now. I'm taking a mental health day soon! It's calming just to plan what I'm doing that day. It sounds a little like this...
sleep-in, coffee on the back porch (out of a mug), reading, lunch out, pedicure, shopping, nap, make gourmet dinner.
Gourmet dinners at this house have been limited to chicken tenders and frozen pizza.
I did up the ante and splurged for the DiGiornio's pizza kit. You know the pizza and the bread sticks! I paid three dollars more for measly bread sticks. But something about that addition makes you feel like you're going above and beyond the dinner making call. Hey, they even give you this tube of red sauce. Fancy, I tell you!
Everyone needs a mental health day. I just need to find time to take one...grr!
2) Update: Randy's nightstand is completely covered with cups. He's up to at least 12 cups. Am I going to take them downstairs? That would be a big fat no. Is he going to take them downstairs? I'm not certain. What I am certain of is that I can be just as hard headed as he can be. I will win! ahhahhahahahahaha (this is my evil laugh)
It's a good thing we have about 20 more Rudy cups in the cabinet for him to add to the current dresser collection.
3) I.have.to.be.at.school.tomorrow.at.6:45!!!!
I'm taking some awesome 8th graders to the capital for the "No Place for Hate" Summit. Looking forward to hanging out with kids all day!
4) My Halloween menu has been set. I am way excited about our heavy Hor'ourves!
Swamp Punch
Boogie Monster Dip
Halloweenies with Mustard Dip
Spider Web Pizza
Goblin Popcorn
Cauldron Chicken Enchilada Cheese Dip with Bat Wing Dippers
I'm so pumped about lighting my blood wax candles.
5) I've never been as exhausted as I feel right now. I'm taking a mental health day soon! It's calming just to plan what I'm doing that day. It sounds a little like this...
sleep-in, coffee on the back porch (out of a mug), reading, lunch out, pedicure, shopping, nap, make gourmet dinner.
Gourmet dinners at this house have been limited to chicken tenders and frozen pizza.
I did up the ante and splurged for the DiGiornio's pizza kit. You know the pizza and the bread sticks! I paid three dollars more for measly bread sticks. But something about that addition makes you feel like you're going above and beyond the dinner making call. Hey, they even give you this tube of red sauce. Fancy, I tell you!
Everyone needs a mental health day. I just need to find time to take one...grr!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Treasure Hunt
This afternoon I took some Penny time. I headed to Starbucks and got a nice iced caramel macchiato. Then I headed over to the antique mall.
Oh how I love all those booths of junk and hidden treasures. It's overwhelming, but fun all at the same time. I spent about an hour there just browsing and trying out brooches with my necklace. I had major success!
Here is my necklace unadorned...
Cute but missing some pizazz!!!
Check out my goods! I bought all three for 18 bucks! What a deal!!!!
This was 2 bucks! It was made for my necklace. How grateful I am for those bratty grandchildren cleaning out granny's jewelry box and selling it to the antique mall.
This pin is my favorite. It's from the 1950s!
Are you green with envy? Hehe. Hey, if you ever want to update a strand of jewelry, go to the antique mall. Heck, take me with you! I really am regretting not buying that owl pennant. Why am I obsessed with owls?
Oh how I love all those booths of junk and hidden treasures. It's overwhelming, but fun all at the same time. I spent about an hour there just browsing and trying out brooches with my necklace. I had major success!
Here is my necklace unadorned...
Cute but missing some pizazz!!!
Check out my goods! I bought all three for 18 bucks! What a deal!!!!
This was 2 bucks! It was made for my necklace. How grateful I am for those bratty grandchildren cleaning out granny's jewelry box and selling it to the antique mall.
This pin is my favorite. It's from the 1950s!
Are you green with envy? Hehe. Hey, if you ever want to update a strand of jewelry, go to the antique mall. Heck, take me with you! I really am regretting not buying that owl pennant. Why am I obsessed with owls?
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Brooches
I am pumped about brooches. Randy refers to them as "old lady pins." But I wouldn't exactly call him a male fashionisto.
I bought a really cute necklace from one of the teachers at my school who is a stylist for Stella and Dot. They have cute, cute stuff. It's a little pricey, but precious nonetheless.
I bought this Coco pearl necklace.
Stella & Dot • An invitation to style
I love the necklace, but I want to find a cute vintage brooch to clip on it to vary the look.
It's word reference time!!!!
Vintage means antique, which means I'm going to the Antique Mall tomorrow!
I was perusing etsy today, and I found all kinds of cute brooches.
Perfect for my black cardigan. Well and my gray one, and perhaps my white one too. Did I mention I'm the cardigan lady? It's only appropriate to add a brooch.
This would work great with my necklace!
This one belongs on some creepy person's black cape. Really! Who made this?
This is the exception to the cute brooches I found. This just creeps me out.
This one would have looked great in my hair on my wedding day. We don't go anywhere fancy enough to pull this off now. I could wear it when I'm doing laundry though.
This one is my favorite!!! I hope the antique mall has something this cute to add to my necklace.
I bought a really cute necklace from one of the teachers at my school who is a stylist for Stella and Dot. They have cute, cute stuff. It's a little pricey, but precious nonetheless.
I bought this Coco pearl necklace.
Stella & Dot • An invitation to style
I love the necklace, but I want to find a cute vintage brooch to clip on it to vary the look.
It's word reference time!!!!
Vintage means antique, which means I'm going to the Antique Mall tomorrow!
I was perusing etsy today, and I found all kinds of cute brooches.
Perfect for my black cardigan. Well and my gray one, and perhaps my white one too. Did I mention I'm the cardigan lady? It's only appropriate to add a brooch.
This would work great with my necklace!
This one belongs on some creepy person's black cape. Really! Who made this?
This is the exception to the cute brooches I found. This just creeps me out.
This one would have looked great in my hair on my wedding day. We don't go anywhere fancy enough to pull this off now. I could wear it when I'm doing laundry though.
This one is my favorite!!! I hope the antique mall has something this cute to add to my necklace.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Calming
Well today sucked. I knew it was going to be a bad day at about 8:10. Today was dealing with crisis after crisis. I'm so mentally drained. I think I'm going to need a therapist myself.
So what do you do to calm yourself after a long, hard, exhausting day?
I'm proud to say I didn't go shopping. Shocking, I know. But it's believable after I found out the price of a root canal.
Here's what I'm not doing...
1) my homework. I will be so busy this weekend with all of my assignments.
2) paying bills
3) crying (yay! this is huge for me!)
Here's what I'm doing to calm my mind...
1) Searching funny youtube video clips
Let's play a game... who knows which clip these quotes come from?
"Obviously"
"You are so dumb. You are really dumb, for real."
2) watching Office Space
"So Peter it looks like you've been missing work lately."
Peter: "Well I wouldn't exactly say I've been missing it."
3) rubbing my tummy from the yumminess of Mr. Gatti's take-out pizza we had for dinner. (Does this mean I bought something? I don't think food counts.)
So what do you do to calm yourself after a long, hard, exhausting day?
I'm proud to say I didn't go shopping. Shocking, I know. But it's believable after I found out the price of a root canal.
Here's what I'm not doing...
1) my homework. I will be so busy this weekend with all of my assignments.
2) paying bills
3) crying (yay! this is huge for me!)
Here's what I'm doing to calm my mind...
1) Searching funny youtube video clips
Let's play a game... who knows which clip these quotes come from?
"Obviously"
"You are so dumb. You are really dumb, for real."
2) watching Office Space
"So Peter it looks like you've been missing work lately."
Peter: "Well I wouldn't exactly say I've been missing it."
3) rubbing my tummy from the yumminess of Mr. Gatti's take-out pizza we had for dinner. (Does this mean I bought something? I don't think food counts.)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Willy Wonka's Fate
Oh my goodness, I was just talking about Randy's obsession with candy yesterday on the blog. Well, it's deja vu because I got a phone call today.
This weekend, Randy and I were dining at a fabulous Mexican restaurant in San Angelo. Fuentes is off the chains. Well anyway, in the middle of lunch Randy said "I think one of my fillings came out."
Can I get a shout out from all the cavity free people out there?
Whoo hoo!!!
Back to the story...so he did something he hates to do, he made an appointment to go to the dentist today to get it refilled.
Well I got a phone call at 3:45. This is school hours people. Randy never calls me when I'm at work, probably because I'm never at my desk. So I know it was important. Well I called him later today, and he reveals to me that he had an emergency root canal.
What? My Rands, who has zero tolerance for pain, had such decay all the way down to his root that the tooth was almost abscess.
So I feel sorry for my sugar. I just got through coaxing him and preparing him for this "minor" filling. I was trying to get him to be a big boy and not get the sedation.
Oh he got the sedation, and lots of it!
So much, that he threw up twice during the procedure. Can we talk about the dangers of throwing up when sedated? I was so glad I found this out after the surgery. He could have choked. Let me at these dentists!
When it rains, it pours.
In 2 weeks he goes back for his permanent crown. It turns out the missing filling was a crack in his tooth all the way to the gum. When they did the x-rays and were preparing to put a crown on it, they discovered that the root was completely rotten.
Of course there's a funny part to the story...
R: "I was so knocked out. I remember thinking, 'man I'm so relaxed, I hope I don't piss my pants."
R: "After I woke up, I immediately felt my pants. I was so relieved to feel that they were dry."
I think it's time to put up all the Halloween candy.
This weekend, Randy and I were dining at a fabulous Mexican restaurant in San Angelo. Fuentes is off the chains. Well anyway, in the middle of lunch Randy said "I think one of my fillings came out."
Can I get a shout out from all the cavity free people out there?
Whoo hoo!!!
Back to the story...so he did something he hates to do, he made an appointment to go to the dentist today to get it refilled.
Well I got a phone call at 3:45. This is school hours people. Randy never calls me when I'm at work, probably because I'm never at my desk. So I know it was important. Well I called him later today, and he reveals to me that he had an emergency root canal.
What? My Rands, who has zero tolerance for pain, had such decay all the way down to his root that the tooth was almost abscess.
So I feel sorry for my sugar. I just got through coaxing him and preparing him for this "minor" filling. I was trying to get him to be a big boy and not get the sedation.
Oh he got the sedation, and lots of it!
So much, that he threw up twice during the procedure. Can we talk about the dangers of throwing up when sedated? I was so glad I found this out after the surgery. He could have choked. Let me at these dentists!
When it rains, it pours.
In 2 weeks he goes back for his permanent crown. It turns out the missing filling was a crack in his tooth all the way to the gum. When they did the x-rays and were preparing to put a crown on it, they discovered that the root was completely rotten.
Of course there's a funny part to the story...
R: "I was so knocked out. I remember thinking, 'man I'm so relaxed, I hope I don't piss my pants."
R: "After I woke up, I immediately felt my pants. I was so relieved to feel that they were dry."
I think it's time to put up all the Halloween candy.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
What Next?
When I was in elementary school, I did something that squashed my mother so badly. I took something she was so proud of and just annihilated it. I did this all with one simple but very honest comment.
"Mom I want to change my name."
She.cried.big.fat.TEARS!
My mom loves my name. I was her favorite birthday present ever. See my mom was ticked when she went into labor because she was peeved my dad wasn't going to take her out for her birthday celebration. But hours later, she was comforted with something way better than a steak dinner. ME!!!!!
So she named me her lucky Penny because I was born on her birthday.
She gave me a very unique name. A name that has caused more teasing and picking on than one can imagine.
I hate coin jokes. They are not funny, nor original. My name is not Nickel, nor Dime, nor some other currency. So wipe that stupid grin off your face when you make that knee-slapping joke.
Hardy-har-har
But I'm over the bitterness. Can't you tell?
Sure, as an adolescent/child it was painful to be teased. But really I just gave them great ammo. My name is perfect for teasing. Now when I hear a joke, I just shrug and go on. I actually love my name now. So Mom I'm sorry I made you cry when I ranted the whole, "When I'm 18, I'm going to the court house to legally change my name" comment.
So I've heard everything before from copper to Lincoln, to my dog's name is Penny. What can I say it's a gosh darn good name. I even share my name with loving grandmothers.
I'm determined not to let my newest discovery set me back in my state of name acceptance.
But this is a little too much... Scentsy has taken it too far.
I love my new Scentsy! My fabulous mother-in-law gave me my first Scentsy for my birthday. I have been so excited about it that I sat down tonight to peruse the catalog. I'm way pumped about buying some new scents for the upcoming holiday season. In addition to their cute little warmers, they have a kids line.
Scentsy buddies are stuffed animals with little zippers on their back. You stash a scentsy fragrance near their little spines, and bam you have a fresh smelling stuffed animal. Because really, what little kid wouldn't want an "apple pie" lamb?
I'm not sure if I think this idea is brilliant or silly. (probably the latter) But just look what they went ahead and did...
What's this you ask?
Well it looks like a pig.
A pig that they so happened to name... dum dum dum
Penny!
I'm in scentsy shock.
Here's the awful description.
Penny the Pig
Neat and tidy, Penny never has a hair out of place—even her tail is a perfect curlicue! Find a special place for Penny to call home and she’ll clean it up in no time.
Penny loves to laugh, but can be a bit self-conscious. She can’t help but blush when she lets out a snort! Tell Penny all your jokes, but be sure to laugh along with her—it might even help to throw in an oink now and then!
I have no words left to utter or oink in this case.
"Mom I want to change my name."
She.cried.big.fat.TEARS!
My mom loves my name. I was her favorite birthday present ever. See my mom was ticked when she went into labor because she was peeved my dad wasn't going to take her out for her birthday celebration. But hours later, she was comforted with something way better than a steak dinner. ME!!!!!
So she named me her lucky Penny because I was born on her birthday.
She gave me a very unique name. A name that has caused more teasing and picking on than one can imagine.
I hate coin jokes. They are not funny, nor original. My name is not Nickel, nor Dime, nor some other currency. So wipe that stupid grin off your face when you make that knee-slapping joke.
Hardy-har-har
But I'm over the bitterness. Can't you tell?
Sure, as an adolescent/child it was painful to be teased. But really I just gave them great ammo. My name is perfect for teasing. Now when I hear a joke, I just shrug and go on. I actually love my name now. So Mom I'm sorry I made you cry when I ranted the whole, "When I'm 18, I'm going to the court house to legally change my name" comment.
So I've heard everything before from copper to Lincoln, to my dog's name is Penny. What can I say it's a gosh darn good name. I even share my name with loving grandmothers.
I'm determined not to let my newest discovery set me back in my state of name acceptance.
But this is a little too much... Scentsy has taken it too far.
I love my new Scentsy! My fabulous mother-in-law gave me my first Scentsy for my birthday. I have been so excited about it that I sat down tonight to peruse the catalog. I'm way pumped about buying some new scents for the upcoming holiday season. In addition to their cute little warmers, they have a kids line.
Scentsy buddies are stuffed animals with little zippers on their back. You stash a scentsy fragrance near their little spines, and bam you have a fresh smelling stuffed animal. Because really, what little kid wouldn't want an "apple pie" lamb?
I'm not sure if I think this idea is brilliant or silly. (probably the latter) But just look what they went ahead and did...
What's this you ask?
Well it looks like a pig.
A pig that they so happened to name... dum dum dum
Penny!
I'm in scentsy shock.
Here's the awful description.
Penny the Pig
Neat and tidy, Penny never has a hair out of place—even her tail is a perfect curlicue! Find a special place for Penny to call home and she’ll clean it up in no time.
Penny loves to laugh, but can be a bit self-conscious. She can’t help but blush when she lets out a snort! Tell Penny all your jokes, but be sure to laugh along with her—it might even help to throw in an oink now and then!
I have no words left to utter or oink in this case.
Things I know...
1) Halloween decorations have me giddy! My awesome pal Les bought me this amazing candy corn banner for my birthday to hang under the bar. I love it!
(Sorry the picture is crud)
2) Halloween definitely brings out my husband's sweet tooth. Mr. Wonka has me replenishing my Frankenstein candy dish weekly. This is fabulous for his dentist who collects Randy's money when he SEDATES him to fill a cavity! Can you believe it? W-I-M-P
3) I have a new pet peeve. Now, you're probably wondering how someone can just "have" a new thing that drives them crazy. Let me show you a picture to exhibit my frustration.
Whoa, someone is thirsty!!!!
Guess who's nightstand this is? Here's a hint: It's not mine or Mopac's.
Apparently my husband is addicted to candy and accumulating water glasses. Every night he brings his agua up stairs, which he doesn't drink by the way. And every day he adds to the collection. Umm go ahead and count 'em up!
I'm determined not to say anything. I'm irritated, but I kinda want to see how far this goes before the mini bar spills onto the floor. If he starts stacking cups, I'm going to flip. Besides, do you happen to notice what the cups are concealing? Pictures of me...gasp! I can barely believe it myself! It's a double whammy as far as I'm concerned.
4) My middle school is super cool. We had an author come to the library to do a book signing. I know! The author wrote the book, Savvy. It's a Newberry Award Winner, and I remember my sixth graders reading it last year. Well, obviously, I had to buy a copy and get it signed. I mean, I met someone famous. Of course, I'm going to buy a copy of her book. I can't wait to read it! Why wasn't my middle school cool? The coolest thing we did at school was career day.
5) There are more Texas Rangers fans now than there ever were. T-shirt fans if you will. Why am I talking about this? Because my facebook status wall is stacked with "Go Texas!," "Rangers Rule," and "Yankee Pankee." (yah! no comment on that last one) So if you can answer "YES" to the following question, I encourage you to tweet, post, sing, dance your Texas Rangers tune.
"Were you a Rangers fan three months ago?"
Well? if you said no or who gives a care, do us all a favor and stop posting on facebook how you're going to give you left arm away if the Rangers beat the Yankees. Seriously, we're over this!
The real question I want to know is "When does baseball end?"
(Sorry the picture is crud)
2) Halloween definitely brings out my husband's sweet tooth. Mr. Wonka has me replenishing my Frankenstein candy dish weekly. This is fabulous for his dentist who collects Randy's money when he SEDATES him to fill a cavity! Can you believe it? W-I-M-P
3) I have a new pet peeve. Now, you're probably wondering how someone can just "have" a new thing that drives them crazy. Let me show you a picture to exhibit my frustration.
Whoa, someone is thirsty!!!!
Guess who's nightstand this is? Here's a hint: It's not mine or Mopac's.
Apparently my husband is addicted to candy and accumulating water glasses. Every night he brings his agua up stairs, which he doesn't drink by the way. And every day he adds to the collection. Umm go ahead and count 'em up!
I'm determined not to say anything. I'm irritated, but I kinda want to see how far this goes before the mini bar spills onto the floor. If he starts stacking cups, I'm going to flip. Besides, do you happen to notice what the cups are concealing? Pictures of me...gasp! I can barely believe it myself! It's a double whammy as far as I'm concerned.
4) My middle school is super cool. We had an author come to the library to do a book signing. I know! The author wrote the book, Savvy. It's a Newberry Award Winner, and I remember my sixth graders reading it last year. Well, obviously, I had to buy a copy and get it signed. I mean, I met someone famous. Of course, I'm going to buy a copy of her book. I can't wait to read it! Why wasn't my middle school cool? The coolest thing we did at school was career day.
5) There are more Texas Rangers fans now than there ever were. T-shirt fans if you will. Why am I talking about this? Because my facebook status wall is stacked with "Go Texas!," "Rangers Rule," and "Yankee Pankee." (yah! no comment on that last one) So if you can answer "YES" to the following question, I encourage you to tweet, post, sing, dance your Texas Rangers tune.
"Were you a Rangers fan three months ago?"
Well? if you said no or who gives a care, do us all a favor and stop posting on facebook how you're going to give you left arm away if the Rangers beat the Yankees. Seriously, we're over this!
The real question I want to know is "When does baseball end?"
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Pondering Thoughts
1) Everyone needs a weekend get-away every once in awhile. I feel so refreshed!
2) We drove through a town called Eden. I was so stinking sleepy, but I wanted to see with my very own eyes any references to businesses named "Garden." Ha ha ha I knew it. There was a restaurant named "The Garden." Oh man, I so called that one.
3) Gas station fajitas don't look that bad. What has the culinary world come to? What did I just type? I know, everyone is cringing! But Stripes in Brady was sporting some good looking tomatillo salsa. I didn't buy anything because I can't quite buy a meal at a gas station. Call me a snob, but it's something about those refrigerated gummy bread sandwiches that have stuck with me for years.
4) Excelator hand dryers are amazing! I love how fast and powerful those hand dryers are, and they are keeping our bathrooms cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Concern: hand wrinkles (my skin was just getting whipped around,that can't be good with the elasticity factor)
5) We arrived to the wedding separately. A huge shout out to my friend Sidd for taking me to the wedding. Randy was fashionably late, but with a huge Longhorn victory grin. (I told him he could stay behind and finish watching the UT/Nebraska game at the hotel.) I'll be polishing my "Wife of the Year" trophy sometime this week;)
5) Lindsay was beautiful! I love weddings, and it was great seeing old friends. Pictures to come, but Randy is pestering me for the computer to track fantasy. Oh the joys of Sunday and limited computer time!
Have a great week!
2) We drove through a town called Eden. I was so stinking sleepy, but I wanted to see with my very own eyes any references to businesses named "Garden." Ha ha ha I knew it. There was a restaurant named "The Garden." Oh man, I so called that one.
3) Gas station fajitas don't look that bad. What has the culinary world come to? What did I just type? I know, everyone is cringing! But Stripes in Brady was sporting some good looking tomatillo salsa. I didn't buy anything because I can't quite buy a meal at a gas station. Call me a snob, but it's something about those refrigerated gummy bread sandwiches that have stuck with me for years.
4) Excelator hand dryers are amazing! I love how fast and powerful those hand dryers are, and they are keeping our bathrooms cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Concern: hand wrinkles (my skin was just getting whipped around,that can't be good with the elasticity factor)
5) We arrived to the wedding separately. A huge shout out to my friend Sidd for taking me to the wedding. Randy was fashionably late, but with a huge Longhorn victory grin. (I told him he could stay behind and finish watching the UT/Nebraska game at the hotel.) I'll be polishing my "Wife of the Year" trophy sometime this week;)
5) Lindsay was beautiful! I love weddings, and it was great seeing old friends. Pictures to come, but Randy is pestering me for the computer to track fantasy. Oh the joys of Sunday and limited computer time!
Have a great week!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Martha = Love
2 great ideas from my October issue of Martha Stewart Living...
This will be my Halloween wreath next year. Simple but fun!
Chili Toppers!
I'm ready for some cool fall weather and a piping hot bowl of chili. Next time I will be adding corn muffin croutons.
Corn Muffin Croutons
Cut corn muffins or corn bread into 3/4 inch cubes, toss with olive oil and salt. Bake at 350 degrees until golden, about 20 minutes.
Oh man, I'm so ready for chili season!
This will be my Halloween wreath next year. Simple but fun!
Chili Toppers!
I'm ready for some cool fall weather and a piping hot bowl of chili. Next time I will be adding corn muffin croutons.
Corn Muffin Croutons
Cut corn muffins or corn bread into 3/4 inch cubes, toss with olive oil and salt. Bake at 350 degrees until golden, about 20 minutes.
Oh man, I'm so ready for chili season!
weekend get-away
What a week!!! I have so many emails/drop-ins/phone calls coming my way, I don't even know where to start. Yesterday I just laid on the floor of my office and thought of that Jiffy Lube man I saw in the morning waving his little $10 off sign...ahhh blissful!
Things at work are getting busier. I eat lunch close to 2pm every day. A good thing is that I'm learning the kids' names. They are getting to know me! Now calling me by my last name is a challenge. I have officially become Ms. Penny to several of my sixth graders. A mom called the other day and asked to speak to Ms. Penny.
Hmmm it's cute and endearing but also geriatric sounding. And it makes me feel like I should weigh 300 pounds. Oh well...least I'm getting to know the kids.
I am so pumped about this weekend. We are going on a much needed weekend get-away. I'm so excited to have a date night with my husband, to escape from our current lives and just relax reminiscing with old friends and spending some quality time together. My friend from college is tying the knot on Saturday, and I'm so excited to get to witness their big day.
What else am I excited about?
The new outfit I'm going to treat myself to after school tomorrow. :)
Happy Friday eve!!!
Things at work are getting busier. I eat lunch close to 2pm every day. A good thing is that I'm learning the kids' names. They are getting to know me! Now calling me by my last name is a challenge. I have officially become Ms. Penny to several of my sixth graders. A mom called the other day and asked to speak to Ms. Penny.
Hmmm it's cute and endearing but also geriatric sounding. And it makes me feel like I should weigh 300 pounds. Oh well...least I'm getting to know the kids.
I am so pumped about this weekend. We are going on a much needed weekend get-away. I'm so excited to have a date night with my husband, to escape from our current lives and just relax reminiscing with old friends and spending some quality time together. My friend from college is tying the knot on Saturday, and I'm so excited to get to witness their big day.
What else am I excited about?
The new outfit I'm going to treat myself to after school tomorrow. :)
Happy Friday eve!!!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Mini Church
I am so pumped about tonight. Our church is starting a two week in depth study over the book of Ezekiel.
The book of Ezekiel tells a very important message...
"We must be overcomers or we will be overcome. Ezekiel challenged us to experience a life changing vision of God's power, knowledge, eternal presence and holiness; to let God direct us; to comprehend the depth of and commitment to evil that lodges in each human heart; to recognize that God holds His servants responsible for warning wicked men of their peril; to experience a living relationship with Jesus Christ, who said that the new covenant is to be found in His blood."
I can't wait to see His plan continue to unfold for my life. It's refreshing and calming all at the same time.
Happy Hump Day!
The book of Ezekiel tells a very important message...
"We must be overcomers or we will be overcome. Ezekiel challenged us to experience a life changing vision of God's power, knowledge, eternal presence and holiness; to let God direct us; to comprehend the depth of and commitment to evil that lodges in each human heart; to recognize that God holds His servants responsible for warning wicked men of their peril; to experience a living relationship with Jesus Christ, who said that the new covenant is to be found in His blood."
I can't wait to see His plan continue to unfold for my life. It's refreshing and calming all at the same time.
Happy Hump Day!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Educational Shows
I think the History channel is beyond boring. I even like history. But they are doing this new thing where they don't talk about history at all. I know, completely weird concept here. They talk about things that have you shaking your head in disbelief. "Where do they find these people?" comes to mind. I mean don't get me wrong, they still do have some high quality informative shows, like Ice Road Truckers.
I'm a closet fan of IRT. If you make it an acronym, you automatically gain street cred'
How can you not get drawn into that show? I mean black ice, frozen terrain, men and one sole woman (who I'm convinced they put on the show as the sex factor,) risking their lives to deliver a trailer full of goods. It's addicting. Don't knock it. Watch one episode and you'll be hooked.
This clearly makes me an avid history fan. Nothing screams history like a bunch of burly men hauling goods through an Alaskan icebox.
But I have to draw the line somewhere in regards to the high quality shows the History channel is broadcasting, and that line is right before "Swamp People."
Once again, "Where do they find these people?"
Answer: In the swamplands of Louisiana.
The whole show is based on these extremely unrefined people hunting alligators. I'm not making this stuff up! I'm also not playing the hoity toity card. These people put the "red" in the word "redneck." They actually say, "OOohhh doggy! That dang' on gator almost bit my hand off. It's dangerous here in these ole' swamps."
Wait, I think I just quoted "Happy Gilmore."
Randy would be so proud.
So get some history in your life by tuning into "Swamp People." It may not be an educational show, but it definitely shows the justification for an education.
adios alligator affecionados!
p.s. happy birthday to my fabulous sister in law! Love you Kaytlyn!
I'm a closet fan of IRT. If you make it an acronym, you automatically gain street cred'
How can you not get drawn into that show? I mean black ice, frozen terrain, men and one sole woman (who I'm convinced they put on the show as the sex factor,) risking their lives to deliver a trailer full of goods. It's addicting. Don't knock it. Watch one episode and you'll be hooked.
This clearly makes me an avid history fan. Nothing screams history like a bunch of burly men hauling goods through an Alaskan icebox.
But I have to draw the line somewhere in regards to the high quality shows the History channel is broadcasting, and that line is right before "Swamp People."
Once again, "Where do they find these people?"
Answer: In the swamplands of Louisiana.
The whole show is based on these extremely unrefined people hunting alligators. I'm not making this stuff up! I'm also not playing the hoity toity card. These people put the "red" in the word "redneck." They actually say, "OOohhh doggy! That dang' on gator almost bit my hand off. It's dangerous here in these ole' swamps."
Wait, I think I just quoted "Happy Gilmore."
Randy would be so proud.
So get some history in your life by tuning into "Swamp People." It may not be an educational show, but it definitely shows the justification for an education.
adios alligator affecionados!
p.s. happy birthday to my fabulous sister in law! Love you Kaytlyn!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
the excitement list
In case you didn't know, it's 10/10/10...
We know people! I saw it on the calendar too. I can read a calendar very well.
Okay, I'm moving on because this is my "what makes me smile" list and not what peeves me list.
Smiling list!
1) My banana nut chocolate chip muffins I made today. I'm presenting to the 8th grade teachers at 8am tomorrow, so I whipped up a little breakfast treat for them because I feel bad they have to listen to me talk about riveting testing procedures for the upcoming pre-Psat test first thing in the morning.
2)Halloween is almost here. After much pondering, I decided to host my annual Halloween party. Last year, we had friends over,and I served spooky themed food. It was so much fun. I almost have to host a party. I will be so bummed if I can't create a weird Halloween menu. Plus, our house is definitely in the holiday spirit. Now if only I can get people to dress up.
My new candy dish!
We are ready for the trick or treaters!
Please direct your eyes to the bottom right corner. My rats are fabulous!
3) My friend Lindsay from college is getting married on Saturday! We are driving to San Angelo for a weekend get-away in order to help celebrate her special day. Lindsay and I were in Texas Lonestars in college. We worked together at the Freshman Admissions Center, and she is a dear friend of mine. She now lives in Minneapolis, so I'm very excited to see her. Also it'll be fun to have a mini- Lonestar reunion.
People/animals not so happy... Mopac and Randy.
R: "Penny that's the day of the Nebraska/UT game."
P: "Umm we will probably lose."
R: "I just don't understand how people would want to get married during football season. We got married in the summer for a reason."
geez...he should probably be more worried about listening to me complain in the car about how bored I am/how uncomfortable the seat is/how long it's taking to get there/how boring the scenery is/etc...
Mopac was a little sad after we told her tonight. But she's feeling better once she figured out she's going to her Aunt Leslie and Uncle Derryk's house. She loves staying with them! They spoil her rotten, and Derryk can't seem to say "No" to her.
4) Kohl's cares continues...
Dr. Seuss, you steal my heart. I hope one day I can share these treasures with a little one. If not, Randy will be hearing me recite these fabulous tales, him and Mopac:)
How cute are the accompanying stuffed animals?
So, I'm not going to admit this to Randy, but the pink stuffed toy might be a tad/eenie/tiny/bit/barely noticeable/a super insignificant amount of scary. But keep in mind, Kohl's made these. Dr. Seuss did not create the stuffed toy. The foul is on Kohl's, but really can you get mad? They are bringing the love of Dr. Seuss to kids around the world.
Have a great week everyone!
We know people! I saw it on the calendar too. I can read a calendar very well.
Okay, I'm moving on because this is my "what makes me smile" list and not what peeves me list.
Smiling list!
1) My banana nut chocolate chip muffins I made today. I'm presenting to the 8th grade teachers at 8am tomorrow, so I whipped up a little breakfast treat for them because I feel bad they have to listen to me talk about riveting testing procedures for the upcoming pre-Psat test first thing in the morning.
2)Halloween is almost here. After much pondering, I decided to host my annual Halloween party. Last year, we had friends over,and I served spooky themed food. It was so much fun. I almost have to host a party. I will be so bummed if I can't create a weird Halloween menu. Plus, our house is definitely in the holiday spirit. Now if only I can get people to dress up.
My new candy dish! We are ready for the trick or treaters!
Please direct your eyes to the bottom right corner. My rats are fabulous!
3) My friend Lindsay from college is getting married on Saturday! We are driving to San Angelo for a weekend get-away in order to help celebrate her special day. Lindsay and I were in Texas Lonestars in college. We worked together at the Freshman Admissions Center, and she is a dear friend of mine. She now lives in Minneapolis, so I'm very excited to see her. Also it'll be fun to have a mini- Lonestar reunion.
People/animals not so happy... Mopac and Randy.
R: "Penny that's the day of the Nebraska/UT game."
P: "Umm we will probably lose."
R: "I just don't understand how people would want to get married during football season. We got married in the summer for a reason."
geez...he should probably be more worried about listening to me complain in the car about how bored I am/how uncomfortable the seat is/how long it's taking to get there/how boring the scenery is/etc...
Mopac was a little sad after we told her tonight. But she's feeling better once she figured out she's going to her Aunt Leslie and Uncle Derryk's house. She loves staying with them! They spoil her rotten, and Derryk can't seem to say "No" to her.
4) Kohl's cares continues...
Dr. Seuss, you steal my heart. I hope one day I can share these treasures with a little one. If not, Randy will be hearing me recite these fabulous tales, him and Mopac:)
How cute are the accompanying stuffed animals?
So, I'm not going to admit this to Randy, but the pink stuffed toy might be a tad/eenie/tiny/bit/barely noticeable/a super insignificant amount of scary. But keep in mind, Kohl's made these. Dr. Seuss did not create the stuffed toy. The foul is on Kohl's, but really can you get mad? They are bringing the love of Dr. Seuss to kids around the world.
Have a great week everyone!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Quote of the night
Randy and I are about to settle down with our ice cream/sherbet combos and Modern Family we have on the DVR. Well Mopac has become quite the beggar, and since her MiMi gives her Blue Bell vanilla ice cream as a treat when she goes to visit, Mopac thinks this stuff was made for her.
So she begs, and she's in your face. Literally, you have to push her away so she doesn't lick the sugar off of your face.
Penny: "Mopac when have you become so dependent on hand outs?"
Randy (under his breath): She's a democrat.
lol lol lol lol
So she begs, and she's in your face. Literally, you have to push her away so she doesn't lick the sugar off of your face.
Penny: "Mopac when have you become so dependent on hand outs?"
Randy (under his breath): She's a democrat.
lol lol lol lol
Highlights
3 things have me smiling today...
1) This email arrived in my inbox today...
"Brilliant Bags under $200, plus 20% off." -Coach Factory Store
2) The whole "I like it..." bit on Facebook actually means "where do you like to put your purse?" Thank goodness! Because seeing status updates that read, "I like it on the floor or the kitchen table" had me gasping. I was worried there for a second. I mean how many perverted friends is too many? You gotta draw the line somewhere.
Mother Penny found this out the old-fashioned, ultra hip way...Google!
3) I saw my kiddos today!!!!! I had a training this morning near my old school. Well, the seventh graders were on lunch, so I just had to swing by and see my all grown-up former sixth graders. It totally made my day. I left there with such an amazing feeling. Randy asked if I need this kinda reinforcement to feel good. The answer, shamelessly, is heck yes! What a reinforcement squasher!
Affirmation is a great thing! I had 20 something girls shriek out "MRS. LUEDERS!!!" and give me great big bear hugs. The boys were even doing that whole "should I hug her or do fist bumps, arm up, oh no half down, scratch my head/awkwardness?"
Oh how I miss them!
Oh the joys of the awkwardness of middle schoolers!
They've grown up so much over the summer! It was great checking up on them and hearing how well they are liking 7th grade. It's also nice to hear that they remembered some of the things I taught them last year. I loved getting to hear about all of their extracurricular activities they can now participate in as 7th graders.
One kid said, "Mrs. Lueders I've been waiting all season long to play your new school because I know you'll be there." I can't wait to show up and cheer on both sides.
Sorry this post is me tooting my own horn...but somedays you just need to toot it!
1) This email arrived in my inbox today...
"Brilliant Bags under $200, plus 20% off." -Coach Factory Store
2) The whole "I like it..." bit on Facebook actually means "where do you like to put your purse?" Thank goodness! Because seeing status updates that read, "I like it on the floor or the kitchen table" had me gasping. I was worried there for a second. I mean how many perverted friends is too many? You gotta draw the line somewhere.
Mother Penny found this out the old-fashioned, ultra hip way...Google!
3) I saw my kiddos today!!!!! I had a training this morning near my old school. Well, the seventh graders were on lunch, so I just had to swing by and see my all grown-up former sixth graders. It totally made my day. I left there with such an amazing feeling. Randy asked if I need this kinda reinforcement to feel good. The answer, shamelessly, is heck yes! What a reinforcement squasher!
Affirmation is a great thing! I had 20 something girls shriek out "MRS. LUEDERS!!!" and give me great big bear hugs. The boys were even doing that whole "should I hug her or do fist bumps, arm up, oh no half down, scratch my head/awkwardness?"
Oh how I miss them!
Oh the joys of the awkwardness of middle schoolers!
They've grown up so much over the summer! It was great checking up on them and hearing how well they are liking 7th grade. It's also nice to hear that they remembered some of the things I taught them last year. I loved getting to hear about all of their extracurricular activities they can now participate in as 7th graders.
One kid said, "Mrs. Lueders I've been waiting all season long to play your new school because I know you'll be there." I can't wait to show up and cheer on both sides.
Sorry this post is me tooting my own horn...but somedays you just need to toot it!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
animals + extra sense
So I never really understood the notion that animals have a sixth sense? I mean can dogs and cats really be that intuitive to their owners' lives, emotions, and feelings?
I never thought so until now! Oh boy! Here comes another "Mopac is wonderful" story. You better believe it she's wonderful! She lights up my life.
Things are tough in life right now. Randy and I have tons of things going on. We are learning to trust in Him and His will, when we really can't see through the mirk. We are waiting patiently to see His promises unfold. I'm juggling a new job-figuring out if this really is my career...eeek! Why does the word "career" sound so permanent?
The bottom line is...I'm a mess!
The beauty of this is...God loves me! I am a completely broken, ugly, confused, wet hot mess. And He loves me more than I can fathom!
Mopac's love is pretty amazing too. She always knows when I need her the most.
Wow... you're thinking, "this lady is nuts."
But let me explain...Mopac is little Miss Independent. She never sleeps with us. She usually roams around at night or sleeps on the couch. But lately she's found her way to my side of the bed. She's curled up with me lately to be my security blanket. She twitches her little butt close to my stomach and snuggles with me all night long.
Another example> My right arm is slowly going numb because Mopac's face is draped over my wrist as I type. Did I tell you she can read now? That's why she's here. She's providing me some writing feedback.
She really is super dog. I will beat up anyone who disagrees with me. Don't mess with me this week, people! I am definitely getting some fight back in me;)
I never thought so until now! Oh boy! Here comes another "Mopac is wonderful" story. You better believe it she's wonderful! She lights up my life.
Things are tough in life right now. Randy and I have tons of things going on. We are learning to trust in Him and His will, when we really can't see through the mirk. We are waiting patiently to see His promises unfold. I'm juggling a new job-figuring out if this really is my career...eeek! Why does the word "career" sound so permanent?
The bottom line is...I'm a mess!
The beauty of this is...God loves me! I am a completely broken, ugly, confused, wet hot mess. And He loves me more than I can fathom!
Mopac's love is pretty amazing too. She always knows when I need her the most.
Wow... you're thinking, "this lady is nuts."
But let me explain...Mopac is little Miss Independent. She never sleeps with us. She usually roams around at night or sleeps on the couch. But lately she's found her way to my side of the bed. She's curled up with me lately to be my security blanket. She twitches her little butt close to my stomach and snuggles with me all night long.
Another example> My right arm is slowly going numb because Mopac's face is draped over my wrist as I type. Did I tell you she can read now? That's why she's here. She's providing me some writing feedback.
She really is super dog. I will beat up anyone who disagrees with me. Don't mess with me this week, people! I am definitely getting some fight back in me;)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
tuesday=movie release
Look what I'm going to buy on Tuesday!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
One of my favorites is now going to be on Blu-ray! This is one of those rare occasions when I get to say, "I love Randy's PS3."
Belle is beautiful. I wanted to be her when I was little! Who didn't want to be a Disney princess when they were little? Because let's face it, I was never going to pull off red hair and achieve the Ariel look. Oh what a shame. Because if truth be told, I could belt out "Up where they walk, up where they run, up where they stay all day in the sun" just as beautifully as she did...My mom can vouch for this;)
So Belle is my close second. I loved how she was a reading nerd. And little chip just steals my heart and I could have adopted Mrs. Potts as my grandmother...that Walt Disney is so clever. He has kids around the world wanting dishes for grandparents.
Thanks Walt for turning me into the biggest, most hopeless romantic ever!
bon jour!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
No Way Jose!
Randy hates shots, needles, blood, etc. He would be a terrible doctor! Last time he had to give blood, he passed out. What a wuss!
Well he didn't sleep one night last week because he had to give blood. His company and insurance performed wellness tests on all their employees.
He got his results back today and get this...
He is overweight!
Umm...I don't want to know what they would say about me.
I could barely believe it. His risk is a "high alert" for his BMI.
Some stats: He's 6 foot tall and weighs 190 lbs. His legs look like noodles.
I would demand a retest! Stay away from wellness tests. It could get ugly.
Well he didn't sleep one night last week because he had to give blood. His company and insurance performed wellness tests on all their employees.
He got his results back today and get this...
He is overweight!
Umm...I don't want to know what they would say about me.
I could barely believe it. His risk is a "high alert" for his BMI.
Some stats: He's 6 foot tall and weighs 190 lbs. His legs look like noodles.
I would demand a retest! Stay away from wellness tests. It could get ugly.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
bad wife of the year award
Well I couldn't take it anymore. Pooh bear had adorned our mantle for long enough. If you aren't a frequent visitor of my blog, let me recap.
Pooh bear is Randy's childhood best friend. He loved, correction loves, this stuffed toy. Now this is coming from one of the most unsentimental people I know. Pooh bear was discovered this summer when cleaning out Randy's childhood home. Ever since these two have reunited, they have been inseparable. Pooh bear stares at us and all his scariness every day. He now lives on our mantle. I think it might be possessed. Do you need a reminder of what it look likes?
.JPG)
Eek, it like watches me whenever I walk by it. I'm terrified of Pooh. Can I admit that I think it looks a little possessed? Maybe deformed? Maybe not the best resident of our mantel?
So does it make me bad wife of the year by removing it from our mantel? Nope, because it's worse!
Besides I've tried to causally remove Pooh, and I got this, "What were you thinking? Pooh needs to be on the mantel."
Umm I was waiting for the "he's part of the family" comment.
So I know what you're going to think when I update you on Pooh's current status.
"Pooh murderer!"
Well, not exactly. I snuck Pooh upstairs because the phrase, "out of sight, out of mind" could work for me here.
Let's just say the responsibility definitely shifted from me to Mopac.
Since Pooh is so scruffy and dingy and since Mopac is so intelligent, she definitely made a logical connection... She thought it was her chew toy!
I'm telling you nothing gets by this dog. Well she found where I placed Pooh, and took it upon herself to finish him off. I came upstairs last night, and she was violently shaking Pooh like it was a t-bone steak. She was grunting, drooling, and pawing at his barely attached limbs. Granted, Pooh is used to this type of love and affection. If Pooh could talk I'm sure he was saying, "End this now, just go ahead. It's been 27 long years of pain and agony. Just look how I look. I'm as depressed as Eeyore."
Well Mopac is doggone lucky she has stolen her daddy's heart. He didn't even fuss at her. I managed to wrestle Pooh away in the nick of time. I know you're all very concerned of Pooh's health status, but we have not planned a proper burial service at the time. I think he's going to be fine. Heck, he might live for another 100 years. Shoot, he might reappear on our mantel as my punishment for my "reckless care with Pooh."
Ooops! (Nice try little Mo!)
Pooh bear is Randy's childhood best friend. He loved, correction loves, this stuffed toy. Now this is coming from one of the most unsentimental people I know. Pooh bear was discovered this summer when cleaning out Randy's childhood home. Ever since these two have reunited, they have been inseparable. Pooh bear stares at us and all his scariness every day. He now lives on our mantle. I think it might be possessed. Do you need a reminder of what it look likes?
.JPG)
Eek, it like watches me whenever I walk by it. I'm terrified of Pooh. Can I admit that I think it looks a little possessed? Maybe deformed? Maybe not the best resident of our mantel?
So does it make me bad wife of the year by removing it from our mantel? Nope, because it's worse!
Besides I've tried to causally remove Pooh, and I got this, "What were you thinking? Pooh needs to be on the mantel."
Umm I was waiting for the "he's part of the family" comment.
So I know what you're going to think when I update you on Pooh's current status.
"Pooh murderer!"
Well, not exactly. I snuck Pooh upstairs because the phrase, "out of sight, out of mind" could work for me here.
Let's just say the responsibility definitely shifted from me to Mopac.
Since Pooh is so scruffy and dingy and since Mopac is so intelligent, she definitely made a logical connection... She thought it was her chew toy!
I'm telling you nothing gets by this dog. Well she found where I placed Pooh, and took it upon herself to finish him off. I came upstairs last night, and she was violently shaking Pooh like it was a t-bone steak. She was grunting, drooling, and pawing at his barely attached limbs. Granted, Pooh is used to this type of love and affection. If Pooh could talk I'm sure he was saying, "End this now, just go ahead. It's been 27 long years of pain and agony. Just look how I look. I'm as depressed as Eeyore."
Well Mopac is doggone lucky she has stolen her daddy's heart. He didn't even fuss at her. I managed to wrestle Pooh away in the nick of time. I know you're all very concerned of Pooh's health status, but we have not planned a proper burial service at the time. I think he's going to be fine. Heck, he might live for another 100 years. Shoot, he might reappear on our mantel as my punishment for my "reckless care with Pooh."
Ooops! (Nice try little Mo!)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Prayer
I should be in bed. Really, it's 10:40, but there's something about avoiding the inevitable...Monday morning. I hate Mondays. The weekends go so fast and the work week drags so slowly. So by posting blog post 2 of 2 for the day, it avoids thinking about tomorrow.
Sundays are filled with this slight dreadful feeling due to the upcoming work week. But my favorite part about Sundays is church. I love that we have found a church home where we are excited to attend. God is definitely moving in that building. One of these days I'm going to throw my hands up during a song. I know, as Randy always kids me, "Look at my little Catholic girl."
We feel truly blessed to be apart of a church that encourages, motivates, and pushes us.
Today in church we focused on prayer. One of the big questions I've always had was, "Why do we need to pray when He knows our every heart's desire?" Throughout the years, I've discovered it's not for God to draw near to us. He's always there. But it's for us to draw closer to Him. I took so many good notes, and my prayer journal will be hearing from me this week.
The big theme around prayer was doubt. Doubt is one of the biggest obstacles to our prayer lives. It is what prevents us from connecting to Him. We doubt God in so many ways. Shamefully, I doubt Him. I doubt His power, His grace, His plan. Doubt is not something that will go away on it's own. Doubt will only leave when we make a conscientious decision to say, "Doubt will not control my life." Trusting in Him is difficult especially for control freaks like myself.
The take home message was...
"In order to be connected to God, you have to walk through the process. That process might be painful, it might be one full of agony. What we endure, makes us stronger."
My prayer for the week is this...
"Lord thank you for your perfect plan for my life. Draw me near to You, so my doubt is stifled. Please help me accept your plan while I endure the process."
"So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours:
Sundays are filled with this slight dreadful feeling due to the upcoming work week. But my favorite part about Sundays is church. I love that we have found a church home where we are excited to attend. God is definitely moving in that building. One of these days I'm going to throw my hands up during a song. I know, as Randy always kids me, "Look at my little Catholic girl."
We feel truly blessed to be apart of a church that encourages, motivates, and pushes us.
Today in church we focused on prayer. One of the big questions I've always had was, "Why do we need to pray when He knows our every heart's desire?" Throughout the years, I've discovered it's not for God to draw near to us. He's always there. But it's for us to draw closer to Him. I took so many good notes, and my prayer journal will be hearing from me this week.
The big theme around prayer was doubt. Doubt is one of the biggest obstacles to our prayer lives. It is what prevents us from connecting to Him. We doubt God in so many ways. Shamefully, I doubt Him. I doubt His power, His grace, His plan. Doubt is not something that will go away on it's own. Doubt will only leave when we make a conscientious decision to say, "Doubt will not control my life." Trusting in Him is difficult especially for control freaks like myself.
The take home message was...
"In order to be connected to God, you have to walk through the process. That process might be painful, it might be one full of agony. What we endure, makes us stronger."
My prayer for the week is this...
"Lord thank you for your perfect plan for my life. Draw me near to You, so my doubt is stifled. Please help me accept your plan while I endure the process."
"So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You
So I'll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours:
Sorrowful Sunday
Well the Longhorns lost yesterday. Sad, I know. Now most people have moved on to focus on other things, like NFL and fantasy football. Not us. Well, more like, not Randy.
See, when the Longhorns do badly, or heaven forbid lose, my beloved hubby gets depressed. He sulks, doesn't eat, and gets even more quiet. I know that's hard to believe since he's so quiet to begin with, but it just breaks my heart. He reverts to this infant-like state that just stirs that inner yearning to comfort and coddle.
Randy doesn't coddle.
Nor comfort very well...
So I let him sulk.
There was a reason it was cloudy in Austin this morning. God was mourning as well.
On to TX/OU weekend!
See, when the Longhorns do badly, or heaven forbid lose, my beloved hubby gets depressed. He sulks, doesn't eat, and gets even more quiet. I know that's hard to believe since he's so quiet to begin with, but it just breaks my heart. He reverts to this infant-like state that just stirs that inner yearning to comfort and coddle.
Randy doesn't coddle.
Nor comfort very well...
So I let him sulk.
There was a reason it was cloudy in Austin this morning. God was mourning as well.
On to TX/OU weekend!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Pecan Street Birthday
Well I'm now 27 years old...(insert groan here). So I've been thinking all week, "What fun things can I do to forget it's my birthday?" Overall it was a great birthday because well, I did fun things!
Our assistant principal led the sixth and eighth graders in a very loud "Happy Birthday" song at lunch. Super sweet:)
My office was t-peed by my lovely co-workers. I love how they've included me in their little family. How did they get me to leave my office? It was a mean trick. One of the AP's came in with this serious face and said we have a student emergency. "I need you to come with me right away to the academic wing." Well I immediately go into counselor mode and start thinking of all the awful things that could have happened. What a mean trick! But it did get me out of my office stat!
Last night we went to my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin. Matt's El Rancho is amazing! I think they have the best salsa in town. I know you're wondering if it's better than Chuy's? That's a hard question, because I love both for different reasons. If I was forced to pick, I'd go with Matt's. Stop gasping! It's close people. I feel so ashamed to give Chuy's the silver right now. Maybe we should eat there tonight to lessen the shame I'm feeling right now:)
Today was definitely the highlight of my birthday weekend! Jana and I went to the Pecan Street Festival. Sixth street was formerly called Pecan Street, and twice a year they have a festival with all these amazing vendors. Mostly all of the items are handmade. If you scroll up to the picture of my office, there is evidence of purchases from Pecan Street Festival. I know you all want some of those circle rugs, but I scored those from IKEA:) The Longhorn on the wall is actually a copper wire bent and then wrapped with burnt orange beads. I paid way too much for this several years ago. Every fall and spring, Jana and I visit the festival to spend our paychecks. Well we both got paid this week. Let's just say I spent quite a lot. It's an in-person etsy experience.
But in all fairness, it is my birthday weekend. And I did get some birthday cash that will go toward my purchases. And the last two or three times, I didn't buy anything. And this year they had tons of new vendors making it one of the best.
Check it out!
Okay, okay I didn't get this at Pecan Street Festival. But I did get it when we took an a.c. break in this amazing store on Pecan Street/6th Street. Austin, Texas is the coolest city I know. Why? Because they have a hot sauce shop...with samples...in the a.c. I wasn't going to buy any, but I left with two jars. That salesperson was good. Did you know that the green salsa won first place at the Chronicle's salsa festival this year? I have no idea if he made that fact up, or if there were only two competitors, but it worked!
Marblies are the coolest things ever. They are figurines made from marbles. I know, it's the cutest thing ever! I can't wait to put it by my computer. I think I'm going to call him Mevo. You know a word blend between marble and Bevo. Sometimes, my creativity just blows my mind!
The rest is jewelry I fell in love with and couldn't fathom leaving without owning. I already have certain outfits pictured with my new jewelry! Plus, it's all handmade. You can't buy this stuff at Target people!
Hoot wouldn't love these earrings?
For a more sophisticated look...
Carved out of wood! I could barely believe it myself!
I did plan on ending my birthday weekend with a pedicure, but now I'm thinking that might not be such a great idea.
Oh by the way, I'm kinda regretting not buying the cute little bobby pins I saw today:(
Our assistant principal led the sixth and eighth graders in a very loud "Happy Birthday" song at lunch. Super sweet:)
My office was t-peed by my lovely co-workers. I love how they've included me in their little family. How did they get me to leave my office? It was a mean trick. One of the AP's came in with this serious face and said we have a student emergency. "I need you to come with me right away to the academic wing." Well I immediately go into counselor mode and start thinking of all the awful things that could have happened. What a mean trick! But it did get me out of my office stat!
Last night we went to my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin. Matt's El Rancho is amazing! I think they have the best salsa in town. I know you're wondering if it's better than Chuy's? That's a hard question, because I love both for different reasons. If I was forced to pick, I'd go with Matt's. Stop gasping! It's close people. I feel so ashamed to give Chuy's the silver right now. Maybe we should eat there tonight to lessen the shame I'm feeling right now:)
Today was definitely the highlight of my birthday weekend! Jana and I went to the Pecan Street Festival. Sixth street was formerly called Pecan Street, and twice a year they have a festival with all these amazing vendors. Mostly all of the items are handmade. If you scroll up to the picture of my office, there is evidence of purchases from Pecan Street Festival. I know you all want some of those circle rugs, but I scored those from IKEA:) The Longhorn on the wall is actually a copper wire bent and then wrapped with burnt orange beads. I paid way too much for this several years ago. Every fall and spring, Jana and I visit the festival to spend our paychecks. Well we both got paid this week. Let's just say I spent quite a lot. It's an in-person etsy experience.
But in all fairness, it is my birthday weekend. And I did get some birthday cash that will go toward my purchases. And the last two or three times, I didn't buy anything. And this year they had tons of new vendors making it one of the best.
Check it out!
Okay, okay I didn't get this at Pecan Street Festival. But I did get it when we took an a.c. break in this amazing store on Pecan Street/6th Street. Austin, Texas is the coolest city I know. Why? Because they have a hot sauce shop...with samples...in the a.c. I wasn't going to buy any, but I left with two jars. That salesperson was good. Did you know that the green salsa won first place at the Chronicle's salsa festival this year? I have no idea if he made that fact up, or if there were only two competitors, but it worked!
Marblies are the coolest things ever. They are figurines made from marbles. I know, it's the cutest thing ever! I can't wait to put it by my computer. I think I'm going to call him Mevo. You know a word blend between marble and Bevo. Sometimes, my creativity just blows my mind!
The rest is jewelry I fell in love with and couldn't fathom leaving without owning. I already have certain outfits pictured with my new jewelry! Plus, it's all handmade. You can't buy this stuff at Target people!
Hoot wouldn't love these earrings?
For a more sophisticated look...
Carved out of wood! I could barely believe it myself!
I did plan on ending my birthday weekend with a pedicure, but now I'm thinking that might not be such a great idea.
Oh by the way, I'm kinda regretting not buying the cute little bobby pins I saw today:(
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
New Calling?
So let me sum up today for you in two words...
it sucked!
On the way home from work, I saw the Jiffy Lube person standing by the road waving his "manager special's" sign. I actually thought, "Hmm that looks stress-free. I wonder what they pay?"
I did, like really, I thought about pulling my car over and inquiring. I mean, I know it looks boring, but hey I can make that fun. I could sing and dance, maybe dress up. I could take this notion and go places! The only stress that person encounters is the thought of "hey I hope no one gets distracted, runs off the road, and hits me." Other than that, you just wave the sign.
I could do that gig.
My current gig, however, I'm not sure if I can do that.
Maybe God is telling me something. Maybe this is my trial preparing me for His will. Maybe he wants me to work at Jiffy Lube or enjoy discounts as a Hobby Lobby employee. There are tons of possibilities.
it sucked!
On the way home from work, I saw the Jiffy Lube person standing by the road waving his "manager special's" sign. I actually thought, "Hmm that looks stress-free. I wonder what they pay?"
I did, like really, I thought about pulling my car over and inquiring. I mean, I know it looks boring, but hey I can make that fun. I could sing and dance, maybe dress up. I could take this notion and go places! The only stress that person encounters is the thought of "hey I hope no one gets distracted, runs off the road, and hits me." Other than that, you just wave the sign.
I could do that gig.
My current gig, however, I'm not sure if I can do that.
Maybe God is telling me something. Maybe this is my trial preparing me for His will. Maybe he wants me to work at Jiffy Lube or enjoy discounts as a Hobby Lobby employee. There are tons of possibilities.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
supercalifragilisticexpalledoses
that title is how my life feels right now...
I'm not sure if I'm coming or going. I did two days of guidance last week, and I was off on Monday. I went to the beach this weekend and chilled. So work kicked my butt today. I worked 11.5 hours today. I'm so behind on voice mails and emails.
I'm not sure if I'll ever get through my mountain of work. But just so you know, I'm still important. People need me all the time. It's a little frustrating and endearing all at the same time.
What I'm enjoying right now while I'm chugging through my emails...
The movie "Mean Girls!" Oh how I love this movie!
The mom is by far the best!
"Hi it's nice to meet you. There are no rules at this house. I'm not like other mom's. I'm cool."
5 minutes later, "Girls it's happy hour."
girl in movie, "Is there alcohol in these?" (referring to the drinks mom just brought in, ironically enough this is coming from Lindsey Lohan. When is the last time she didn't want alcohol in her drink? Just sayin' Oh how they grow up so fast!)
Mom: "No!! Would you like alcohol? Because I'd rather you have it here than elsewhere."
This is a good laughing preview for tomorrow night's "Modern Family" premier. I love, love, love Modern Family. I can't wait!!!!
I'll leave you with an engineer joke.
P.S. If you don't laugh, don't read my blog. That's how serious I am about this joke. Partly because it's true and partly because it's making fun of Randy:)
How do you tell the difference between an introverted engineer and an extroverted engineer?
The introverted engineer only looks at his shoes. The extrovert looks at everyone else's shoes.
Ahh what a scream!!! Speaking of scream, halloween is coming up. Oh how I ramble. I'm really going now. Peace out yo!
I'm not sure if I'm coming or going. I did two days of guidance last week, and I was off on Monday. I went to the beach this weekend and chilled. So work kicked my butt today. I worked 11.5 hours today. I'm so behind on voice mails and emails.
I'm not sure if I'll ever get through my mountain of work. But just so you know, I'm still important. People need me all the time. It's a little frustrating and endearing all at the same time.
What I'm enjoying right now while I'm chugging through my emails...
The movie "Mean Girls!" Oh how I love this movie!
The mom is by far the best!
"Hi it's nice to meet you. There are no rules at this house. I'm not like other mom's. I'm cool."
5 minutes later, "Girls it's happy hour."
girl in movie, "Is there alcohol in these?" (referring to the drinks mom just brought in, ironically enough this is coming from Lindsey Lohan. When is the last time she didn't want alcohol in her drink? Just sayin' Oh how they grow up so fast!)
Mom: "No!! Would you like alcohol? Because I'd rather you have it here than elsewhere."
This is a good laughing preview for tomorrow night's "Modern Family" premier. I love, love, love Modern Family. I can't wait!!!!
I'll leave you with an engineer joke.
P.S. If you don't laugh, don't read my blog. That's how serious I am about this joke. Partly because it's true and partly because it's making fun of Randy:)
How do you tell the difference between an introverted engineer and an extroverted engineer?
The introverted engineer only looks at his shoes. The extrovert looks at everyone else's shoes.
Ahh what a scream!!! Speaking of scream, halloween is coming up. Oh how I ramble. I'm really going now. Peace out yo!
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