Thanksgiving came and went and I haven't stopped going since. Boo! I've been meaning to update so many things but I haven't made the time.
-Matthew finished his lego set. It took 17 hours. Pictures to come. It is still connected but hiding in the office. Someday we'll make a trip to Ikea to see if we can find some shelves we can put it on in the office. If not, he's agreed to take it apart and put it back together next Christmas
-The Baylor vs Texas Tech game was INCREDIBLE, especially for this girl who grew up in Raider Land (Lubbock) and is the only person in her family to not attend a single semester at Tech.
-A few Christmas Decorations
-Rough start back to school. The week long break is nice but it doesn't do any good for the kiddos or teachers.
-My asthma doctor won't sign off on the medical form for me to start a half marathon training. Boo. But, if I can get things under control, he will sign off on the 201 class which builds the milage from a 5k.
- Angie's wedding shower is this weekend! Yay!
-Mom is coming into town for the shower! Yay! I'm sooooo glad that she can also call Angie and her mom friends.
-My 3rd period class is the only class that doesn't have a single kiddo failing! Yay! This class used to be my lowest but is now my highest and even though they're high maintenance, I love them and am super proud of their hard work.
-I really just want to spend an entire day in silence, meditating on the Word.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
She's Here!!
Yesterday my cousin Vanessa and her husband welcomed their first child into the world! Riley Jean came 4 weeks early but she is absolutely perfect! Riley Jean came in weighing at 6 pounds even and 18 1/2 inches long. Apparently she came out screaming so no need to worry about her little lungs. They went to the hospital at 2:30 in the morning and little Riley didn't come until 4:00 in the afternoon! All 3 are exhausted but doing well. I can't wait to meet her but I don't think I'll be able to meet her until January :(
Here's the proud daddy. I love this picture.
Here's the proud daddy. I love this picture.
Pretty little baby with a head full of hair.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Birthday, Matthew!
Yesterday was Matthew's Birthday. We both woke up super early (for a vacation) so that Matthew could spend 3 hours at the DMV to renew his driver's license and so that I could make homemade cinnamon rolls that I make for his birthday every year. Yeah, I'm impressed to that I can do it and do it successfully. After way too many hours at the DMV he came home, had his cinnamon rolls and then opened his birthday gifts of all birthday gifts.
I love the way Joey is looking at Matthew in the picture above.
What's the gift of all gifts? A Star Wars Super Star Destroyer Lego set!! What else would a 33 year old want for his birthday? It's only 4 1/2 feet long and consists of over 3,000 pieces.
Oh, and the instruction manual is 220 pages.
He has been working on it non-stop since yesterday afternoon. He's almost finished. Pictures to come soon.
For dinner we met his parents and two youngest siblings for dinner. Matthew and I got to dinner early (which was planned) to have a few drinks before dinner. The bartender was great, she put a little bit extra in our drinks. Won't say much about dinner but I have to end with this notable quote that she whispered to Matthew, "You know, when I was your age I was pregnant with my 5th child" and the one I hear all the time about my weight. Oh well.
We ended the evening by watching The Biggest Loser special, Modern Family, and Revenge. I went to bed and Matthew stayed up until 2:00 (I had to go get him to tell him what time it was) working on his lego set. :)
Monday, November 21, 2011
Fired Up 5k
Yesterday Matthew and I skipped out on church to run in the Fired Up 5K. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to run. Stupid asthma and allergies have been out of control lately. I don't complain about my asthma when its my fault that its bad (not taking my meds, hanging out in smokey places, playing with animals I shouldn't...) but this time it was not my fault. All day Friday and Saturday I was using my nebulizer every 4 hours, taking allergy/sinus medicine every 6 hours, and using my sinus rinse (nedi pot on steroids) every other hour. Nothing was helping. I finally decided to bust out the big steroids Saturday night and I'm glad I did! I was actually breathing like a normal person on Sunday morning.
I made the mistake of assuming it would be chilly in the morning, I mean it was November 20. So I didn't do laundry and all of my shorts were dirty so I wore my capris. Bad idea. It was in the low 70's with 90% humidity. Crazy Texas weather. I will never get used to Texas weather.
During the run, the first two miles I ran a 10:07 mile but that last mile was a killer. It started to sprinkle but the humidity was really bad and I had to walk a minute and ran a lot slower, about an 11:15 min mile. I finished strong and I was able to sprint on the last leg through the finish line. I finished in 32 min 20 sec. I was hoping to finish faster than 31 minutes but the weather plus the asthma didn't help out. Matthew finished in about 37 minutes. I'm proud of him. He really didn't want to join the running club but he did (and he likes it) and he really didn't want to wake up so early Sunday, and he definitely did not want to run in 90% humidity but he did. He was able to run the entire time. Way to go Matthew!
We stayed for awards hoping we would win a 5 day trip for four to Hawaii but we didn't win. The only other awards they were giving out were for the winners for all of the age groups. We definitely weren't winners. How in the world can people finish 3.1 miles in less than 20 minutes? It blows my mind. There was was 92 year old woman that one for her age division :)
I want my next class to be a half marathon class but right now all of them start at 5:15am on Tuesday and Thursdays and I would be late to work twice a week and that won't work out. My next class is just going to focus on more speed work and building up miles. Hopefully RunOn will get tired of me asking when they'll have an evening half marathon class and decided to get one going soon!
I made the mistake of assuming it would be chilly in the morning, I mean it was November 20. So I didn't do laundry and all of my shorts were dirty so I wore my capris. Bad idea. It was in the low 70's with 90% humidity. Crazy Texas weather. I will never get used to Texas weather.
During the run, the first two miles I ran a 10:07 mile but that last mile was a killer. It started to sprinkle but the humidity was really bad and I had to walk a minute and ran a lot slower, about an 11:15 min mile. I finished strong and I was able to sprint on the last leg through the finish line. I finished in 32 min 20 sec. I was hoping to finish faster than 31 minutes but the weather plus the asthma didn't help out. Matthew finished in about 37 minutes. I'm proud of him. He really didn't want to join the running club but he did (and he likes it) and he really didn't want to wake up so early Sunday, and he definitely did not want to run in 90% humidity but he did. He was able to run the entire time. Way to go Matthew!
We stayed for awards hoping we would win a 5 day trip for four to Hawaii but we didn't win. The only other awards they were giving out were for the winners for all of the age groups. We definitely weren't winners. How in the world can people finish 3.1 miles in less than 20 minutes? It blows my mind. There was was 92 year old woman that one for her age division :)
I want my next class to be a half marathon class but right now all of them start at 5:15am on Tuesday and Thursdays and I would be late to work twice a week and that won't work out. My next class is just going to focus on more speed work and building up miles. Hopefully RunOn will get tired of me asking when they'll have an evening half marathon class and decided to get one going soon!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Call me Martha Stewart
Today I was crafty. All sorts of crafty (not really but that's my story). If you know anything about me, you know that I usually hate crafts.
Today I spent the day at Christina's house to make party favors for Angie's Bachelorette party. We're going to Painting With a Twist and then head on over to Cru Wine Bar. There will be a lot of wine drinking that night. We thought that the little bottles of wine would make the perfect gift.
The picture isn't perfect and only a few are completely done, but you get the idea:
Little wine bottles with their own sexy corsets! We kept with the wedding theme of black and white but the red wine has red ribbon and the blush has pink ribbon. The wine is Michael Buble's new wine. Kroger had a killer deal on them. The tag says "Thanks for the memories."
I'm proud of myself. I think I should call Martha Stewart and let her know she has competition! :)
Today I spent the day at Christina's house to make party favors for Angie's Bachelorette party. We're going to Painting With a Twist and then head on over to Cru Wine Bar. There will be a lot of wine drinking that night. We thought that the little bottles of wine would make the perfect gift.
The picture isn't perfect and only a few are completely done, but you get the idea:
Little wine bottles with their own sexy corsets! We kept with the wedding theme of black and white but the red wine has red ribbon and the blush has pink ribbon. The wine is Michael Buble's new wine. Kroger had a killer deal on them. The tag says "Thanks for the memories."
I'm proud of myself. I think I should call Martha Stewart and let her know she has competition! :)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday Tid-Bits
-School is still going great. However, the students (7th graders) are realizing they have to set priorities if they want to pass, and play sports/band/choir, etc. We are in the 3rd week of the 6 weeks and I have way too many kids that are failing or just barely passing. They aren't turning in their work and then not serving the detentions to make up for the late work. Grrr! I call about 10 parents everyday, let coaches know, but these kids are something special this year. They don't want to do anything; and its not just homework but in class work too! I bet some of them wouldn't even turn in their homework if I gave them a dollar. In a few weeks I'll be assigning a year long project but I'm afraid to do so. This year it will be more work on me than the students.
-I had a former student commit suicide this week. He was a junior in high school. This is the 3rd suicide of a former student from the school I teach at. That's hard to deal with and accept.
-I learned that 80% of our 7th graders can only read at a 2nd grade level and only a handful of them can read on grade level.
-I have a new student who is 16 and in the 7th grade. He has only had maybe 2 years of formal education. According to state standards, this kid is expected to pass all of the tests next year so he can go on to high school. The district has a learning center for students who are a few years behind and want to graduate on time, for students who want to graduate early, for teenage moms, but there aren't any services for teenagers who are illiterate in both English and their native language.
-Running is going great! I'm so glad I joined another RunOn class and I'm planning on signing up for the 201 class. I'm okay with the fact that I can do 2 miles in 20 minutes on an easy run. I'm looking forward to actual race day!
-I want to take piano lessons. I haven't started yet but I've already been through 3 teachers. When I signed up online I had to write about my music experience. Apparently nobody reads the survey. Once I am able to schedule a time for lessons the teacher tells me that they'll buy the books and I'll pay them back. I reply back with I'm not a beginner; I received piano scholarships, and I started taking lessons before I could read, and I want to be able to play and memorize these certain songs. 2 teachers replied back letting me know that I have more experience than they do and the other one said that she wouldn't be the right match for me. Sooooo frustrating!
-I'm getting homesick. I'm ready to go home and spend time with family. Next weekend will be that time! I'm headed home for Nessa's baby shower :) I think I'll get somewhat homesick over the fall and holidays. My family does a lot of stuff together at this time (we have a lot of family birthdays that we like to celebrate together). Matthew's parents live only an hour away but we haven't spent time together since last Christmas. I try to act like their actions/ways don't bother me, but it does, sometimes.
-I love the surfer guys on Amazing Race. I don't have an opinion on the other people. Usually they always put a couple on there that I can't stand but that hasn't been the case so far.
-Today's sermon was really good. It was about work ethic. (Taken from two different passages in Proverbs). More details on that to come.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
I'm Calling Myself A Runner
I'm officially calling myself a runner. 6 weeks ago I signed up for the Running 101 at RunOn. I am so thankful that I did. I met some great people and made some friends and running buddies! To "graduate" from our running class we ran in the Mary Kay 5k this weekend. The weather was PERFECT. It's finally starting to feel like fall down here. My goal was to run the whole time and to finish between 10-11 minutes miles. I met those goals! I wasn't sure if I could really do it but I did. Well, I did walk through the water stations. My final time was 32 minutes 20 seconds and I felt pretty great after the run. I wasn't dying for air or water. Now that I know I can run 3.1 miles without walking and I can set new goals for myself. That's what makes me feel like a runner.
Today, Matthew and I both signed up for the Turkey Trot classes. He'll be training for the 5k and I'm not sure if I'll train for the 8 mile or a faster 5k. I would like to finish a 5k in 30 minutes or less. For the 8 mile class, they do their long runs on Sunday mornings at 6am and I'm not sure if I'm willing to commit to that right now.
I thought I would get a little skinnier with all of this running. I lost about 5 lbs; yay!! but my butt got bigger. Not really the result I was looking for. :p
Today, Matthew and I both signed up for the Turkey Trot classes. He'll be training for the 5k and I'm not sure if I'll train for the 8 mile or a faster 5k. I would like to finish a 5k in 30 minutes or less. For the 8 mile class, they do their long runs on Sunday mornings at 6am and I'm not sure if I'm willing to commit to that right now.
I thought I would get a little skinnier with all of this running. I lost about 5 lbs; yay!! but my butt got bigger. Not really the result I was looking for. :p
Best Job Ever!
Gee whiz! Time flies by when you're having fun!
Life is pretty perfect right now. I absolutely love my job. Instead of dreading Monday I actually look forward to it. My students have kept me pretty busy. They're really sweet (for the most part, they are 7th graders) but my goodness are they LAZY or maybe I should say uninspired. I've never had a problem with getting stations going in my classes but the majority of these kids aren't mature enough or motivated enough to work in groups on their own without me babysitting them. It gets a little frustrating at times. It would be a lot easier if they had just a little bit of initiative. Hopefully we'll get there. They will be starting a new project this next 6 weeks in which they have to create their own videos of modeling math and then they have to upload it on our class blog. I'm hoping that will get them working on their own without being so stinkin' needy.
I'm working with the world's greatest 7th grade teachers. I love them. It's so nice having people to plan with that are organized, hard workers, and know what they're doing. Also, planning for only one grade is so much better than planning for 3. I don't do work over the weekend and that is super nice.
I work for the most incredible boss. He's already done my PDAS evaluation and it wasn't nerve racking at all. In the past I would watch my evaluator make facial expressions that I didn't know how to read which made me super nervous. The new boss man had his laptop up doing my PDAS but for the most part he was on his iphone texting and reading e-mails. Its so great knowing that he trusts us and he only wants what is best for the kiddos and he knows that what we want.
The first 6 weeks have been pretty busy getting all the lesson plans, technology stuff, and just school stuff in place. I think the rest of the semester should be pretty smooth.
I'm so glad I'm back at my "home" school. Of course there will always be drama and crazy coworkers but those are now few and far between.
Life is pretty perfect right now. I absolutely love my job. Instead of dreading Monday I actually look forward to it. My students have kept me pretty busy. They're really sweet (for the most part, they are 7th graders) but my goodness are they LAZY or maybe I should say uninspired. I've never had a problem with getting stations going in my classes but the majority of these kids aren't mature enough or motivated enough to work in groups on their own without me babysitting them. It gets a little frustrating at times. It would be a lot easier if they had just a little bit of initiative. Hopefully we'll get there. They will be starting a new project this next 6 weeks in which they have to create their own videos of modeling math and then they have to upload it on our class blog. I'm hoping that will get them working on their own without being so stinkin' needy.
I'm working with the world's greatest 7th grade teachers. I love them. It's so nice having people to plan with that are organized, hard workers, and know what they're doing. Also, planning for only one grade is so much better than planning for 3. I don't do work over the weekend and that is super nice.
I work for the most incredible boss. He's already done my PDAS evaluation and it wasn't nerve racking at all. In the past I would watch my evaluator make facial expressions that I didn't know how to read which made me super nervous. The new boss man had his laptop up doing my PDAS but for the most part he was on his iphone texting and reading e-mails. Its so great knowing that he trusts us and he only wants what is best for the kiddos and he knows that what we want.
The first 6 weeks have been pretty busy getting all the lesson plans, technology stuff, and just school stuff in place. I think the rest of the semester should be pretty smooth.
I'm so glad I'm back at my "home" school. Of course there will always be drama and crazy coworkers but those are now few and far between.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Week 1
I survived the first week of school and even though it was exhausting it was a great week back. I'm ready for "real" school to start though. Our first week of school is really like a camp. We call it "Gimme 5" and the entire week is spent on team building and working on procedures. 90% of our kiddos are classified as economically disadvantaged and they have more gaps and things to deal with out side of school so the Gimme 5 week is a time for teachers to build those trusting relationships that will make the year go better.
Highlights of the week:
-7th grade won the spirit stick at the pep rally!! It was one of the best pep rallies this school has had in a long time
-I love the two math teachers on my team. We are going to work really well together.
-My students call me Mrs. Awesome or Mrs. Awesome Peck. They didn't change up my name tag and last week when Matthew went to help me move some furniture around he changed it to Mrs. Awesome. The other day, I was in my neighbors classroom and a special ed student came by looking for me and he was convinced my real name was Mrs. Awesome. That made my day.
-I love having only 4 classes, granted, they are 75 minutes long but I'll take it.
-I already love having only one lesson to plan. I don't have 3-6 different lesson plans to turn in each week.
-My duty is after school in the middle of the parking lot where parents wait to pick up their kids. Its a dangerous job but it usually doesn't last more than 10 minutes. I am looking forward to the day when I don't have to stand in the parking lot in 105 degree weather.
-I looked forward to going to work every single day this past week. I hope that pattern continues!
This past week I struggled with making time to workout but I think this week will be better. Last week my excuses for not running were i was absolutely exhausted and it is hot as hades outside. This week my only excuse will be is its hot as hades.
Highlights of the week:
-7th grade won the spirit stick at the pep rally!! It was one of the best pep rallies this school has had in a long time
-I love the two math teachers on my team. We are going to work really well together.
-My students call me Mrs. Awesome or Mrs. Awesome Peck. They didn't change up my name tag and last week when Matthew went to help me move some furniture around he changed it to Mrs. Awesome. The other day, I was in my neighbors classroom and a special ed student came by looking for me and he was convinced my real name was Mrs. Awesome. That made my day.
-I love having only 4 classes, granted, they are 75 minutes long but I'll take it.
-I already love having only one lesson to plan. I don't have 3-6 different lesson plans to turn in each week.
-My duty is after school in the middle of the parking lot where parents wait to pick up their kids. Its a dangerous job but it usually doesn't last more than 10 minutes. I am looking forward to the day when I don't have to stand in the parking lot in 105 degree weather.
-I looked forward to going to work every single day this past week. I hope that pattern continues!
This past week I struggled with making time to workout but I think this week will be better. Last week my excuses for not running were i was absolutely exhausted and it is hot as hades outside. This week my only excuse will be is its hot as hades.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A Must Read!!
If you don't have the book A Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent, then you need to go by it ASAP! It is an incredible true story about pride, fear, prejudices, the rich, poor, homeless, stereotypes, listening to God, obeying Him, and loving the "unloveables". It made me laugh, cry, hurt, reflect, miss Mission Waco, and it made me want to get back into spending time with the needy. That's all I'm going to say about it. Happy reading!
New
A lot of "new" has been happening lately...
-A new reason why I don't want to shop at Wal-Mart. This was taken at the Wal-Mart in Addison. Should I call a manager or something?
On Friday, Matthew and I decided we would like to be the new regular customers at Paciugo Gelato. We go there about once a month but I won't complain if we go there every week! The one by our place is owned by the nicest Italian couple. The just moved to the states at the beginning of the summer. When the store isn't busy they'll walk around and get to know the customers that are there. They are sooo nice!
On Thursday I went to RunOn to get fitted for some new shoes. Texas is having the tax free sales this weekend so they held my new shoes and socks for me until Saturday. They were giving away free mimosas that morning too. :) I tried out the shoes today and I LOVE them!! They aren't the prettiest shoes but they are a lot more comfortable than the other shoes I was wearing.
After I picked up my new shoes, Matthew went with me to do some final touches on my new classroom.
I start the new running club on Tuesday. They post-poned it a week hoping the temperature would get below 100 but I don't think that's going to happen.
I am kind of teaching a new prep. This is the first time ever that I will only be teaching one grade. Yay 7th graders!! (really, 7th graders are usually my least favorite but I still like them).
Tomorrow starts a new school year and I am soooo excited!!
Lastly: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creationg. The old has passed away; behold the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
-A new reason why I don't want to shop at Wal-Mart. This was taken at the Wal-Mart in Addison. Should I call a manager or something?
Joey has a new toy! I know Halloween is still a long ways away but this little spider was on sale. Joey is already in love with him.
On Friday, Matthew and I decided we would like to be the new regular customers at Paciugo Gelato. We go there about once a month but I won't complain if we go there every week! The one by our place is owned by the nicest Italian couple. The just moved to the states at the beginning of the summer. When the store isn't busy they'll walk around and get to know the customers that are there. They are sooo nice!
On Thursday I went to RunOn to get fitted for some new shoes. Texas is having the tax free sales this weekend so they held my new shoes and socks for me until Saturday. They were giving away free mimosas that morning too. :) I tried out the shoes today and I LOVE them!! They aren't the prettiest shoes but they are a lot more comfortable than the other shoes I was wearing.
After I picked up my new shoes, Matthew went with me to do some final touches on my new classroom.
I start the new running club on Tuesday. They post-poned it a week hoping the temperature would get below 100 but I don't think that's going to happen.
I am kind of teaching a new prep. This is the first time ever that I will only be teaching one grade. Yay 7th graders!! (really, 7th graders are usually my least favorite but I still like them).
Tomorrow starts a new school year and I am soooo excited!!
Lastly: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creationg. The old has passed away; behold the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Power of the Cross
We sang this song in church on Sunday and I can't get it out of my head but I'm perfectly okay with that.
Friday, August 12, 2011
RunOn 101
Earlier in the week I went to RunOn to learn more about their running classes. The woman I talked to was soooo nice and encouraging. She's only been running for about 3 years and she started with the RunOn 101 class. On the first night they have you run a mile and they place you in groups based on how long it takes you to complete a mile. She was the last one to finish the mile and now she runs half marathons and is training for her first marathon. And she has heart problems and a few other health problems. She ensured me that everyone is encouraging and that no matter how slow you are, you are never left in the dirt all alone. She did a good job at convincing me to join so I took a form home and talked to Matthew about it. He told me to go for it.
Since I have heart problems, major asthma problems, passing out problems, and awful allergy problems, I had to get a written letter from my doctor for permission to join the class. My asthma doctor is the coolest doctor in the world and really encouraged me to do the class (he did lecture me on paying special attention to pollution levels and not going outside when I really shouldn't be outside) and wants me to send him pictures on my race days. Since I get to see this doctor every 3 months and his nurses every week, I know them pretty well. They were all encouraging. Hopefully they'll join with me.
I am super excited!! We were supposed to start next Tuesday but since it's still a million degrees outside they postponed it until the next week. Hopefully Dallas can at least be 99 instead of 109 outside.
Since I have heart problems, major asthma problems, passing out problems, and awful allergy problems, I had to get a written letter from my doctor for permission to join the class. My asthma doctor is the coolest doctor in the world and really encouraged me to do the class (he did lecture me on paying special attention to pollution levels and not going outside when I really shouldn't be outside) and wants me to send him pictures on my race days. Since I get to see this doctor every 3 months and his nurses every week, I know them pretty well. They were all encouraging. Hopefully they'll join with me.
I am super excited!! We were supposed to start next Tuesday but since it's still a million degrees outside they postponed it until the next week. Hopefully Dallas can at least be 99 instead of 109 outside.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Melon Dash
This morning I woke up bright and early to participate in the Melon Dash! It was a much better experience than the St. Paddy's run. I don't know how many people were there this morning but it was definitely fewer than the 7,000+ at the St. Paddy's run. It was in downtown McKinney-through the square and around the neighborhood which was absolutely beautiful! I love those old victorian style houses. It was really hot outside but not as hot as I was expecting. There was a nice breeze and since it was around an old neighborhood there were tons of big trees that provided some much needed shade.
I didn't do so well on this run. I knew I wouldn't. I knew the heat would slow me down and I have definitely been slacking in the running area. I've only run once since the beginning of August. I'm doing a great job at using this out of control heat wave as an excuse when I shouldn't because I actually enjoy being outside at 5:30 in the morning, even during the summer. I do better at following a schedule when I'm busy. I'm sure I'll be running more often and on a regular basis once school starts up again.
I love being at the races. The people there are so stinkin' nice and encouraging! Its amazing to me how so many people stay at the finish line to cheer everyone on.
I really want to be a "runner." I was doing a good job with the running until I had my surgery back in May. It took me a full 2 months to recover from the surgery. I could barely walk the dog around the block for the first 6 weeks. Once I was able to work out I was discouraged about not being able to do as I could before the surgery. I love running, especially outside. It does wonders for my attitude and self esteem--not to mention all of the health benefits. Not a single person in my family is a runner. No one (this includes parents, brothers, brothers ex wives, aunts, uncles and all 3 of my cousins and their families). My dad and I are the only ones who work out on a regular basis. I'm okay with changing up the family tree.
I'm seriously considering joining a RunOn running class. I know it would help me out a lot and I could meet some running buddies who live near me but I don't want to spend the money. I'll go visit RunOn and see if they can talk me into it :)
I didn't do so well on this run. I knew I wouldn't. I knew the heat would slow me down and I have definitely been slacking in the running area. I've only run once since the beginning of August. I'm doing a great job at using this out of control heat wave as an excuse when I shouldn't because I actually enjoy being outside at 5:30 in the morning, even during the summer. I do better at following a schedule when I'm busy. I'm sure I'll be running more often and on a regular basis once school starts up again.
I love being at the races. The people there are so stinkin' nice and encouraging! Its amazing to me how so many people stay at the finish line to cheer everyone on.
I really want to be a "runner." I was doing a good job with the running until I had my surgery back in May. It took me a full 2 months to recover from the surgery. I could barely walk the dog around the block for the first 6 weeks. Once I was able to work out I was discouraged about not being able to do as I could before the surgery. I love running, especially outside. It does wonders for my attitude and self esteem--not to mention all of the health benefits. Not a single person in my family is a runner. No one (this includes parents, brothers, brothers ex wives, aunts, uncles and all 3 of my cousins and their families). My dad and I are the only ones who work out on a regular basis. I'm okay with changing up the family tree.
I'm seriously considering joining a RunOn running class. I know it would help me out a lot and I could meet some running buddies who live near me but I don't want to spend the money. I'll go visit RunOn and see if they can talk me into it :)
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Shark Week!
Do you know how I know that shark week is this week (not counting the commercials)? Matthew has been kicking like crazy in his sleep because he keeps on dreaming that baby sharks are nibbling at his toes. Silliness.
Friday, July 29, 2011
A Praying Life by Paul Miller
I recently just finished reading this book about prayer and I highly suggest you read it. I really struggle making time for prayer for a lot of different reasons and Paul Miller touches on every single reason why I struggle. It turns out that he struggled with the same things as I struggle with! I haven't perfected my prayer life, not even close but this book has definitely helped out. I know I'll be re-reading this book.
Here are some, a lot actually, of my favorite quotes from the book:
-"Since a praying life is interconnected with every part of our lives, learning to pray is almost identical to maturing over a lifetime. What does it feel like to grow up? it is a thousand feelings on a thousand different days. That is what learning to pray feels like. So don't hunt for a feeling in prayer. Deep in our psyches we want an experience with God or and experience in prayer. Once we make that our quest, we lose God. You don't experience God; you get to know Him. You submit to Him. You enjoy Him. He is, after all, a person." p, 21
-"The quest for a contemplative life can actually be self-absorbed, focused on my quiet and me. If we love people and have the power to help, then we are going to be busy. Learning to pray doesn't offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart." 23
-"The difficulty of coming just as we are is that we are messy. And prayer makes it worse. When we slow down to pray, we are immediately confronted with how unspiritual we are, with how difficult it is to concentrate on God. We don't know how bad we are until we try to be good. Nothing exposes our selfishness and spiritual powerlessness like prayer" 31
-"If you are not praying, then you are quietly confident that time, money, and talent are all you need in life. You'll always be a little too tired, a little too busy. But if, like Jesus, you realize you can't do life on your own, then no matter how busy, no matter how tired you are, you will find the time to pray." 49
-"You don't need self-discipline to pray continuously; you just need to be poor in spirit." 65
-"A praying life isn't simply a morning prayer time; it is about slipping into prayer at odd hours of the day, not because we are disciplined but because we are in touch with our own poverty of spirit, realizing that we can't even walk through a mall or our neighborhood without the help of the Spirit of Jesus." 68
-"When you stop trying to control your life and instead allow your anxieties and problems to bring you to God in prayer, you shift from worry to watching. you watch God weave his patterns in the story of your life. Instead of trying to be out front, designing your life, you realize you are inside God's drama. As you wait, you begin to see him work, and your life begins to sparkle with wonder. You are learning to trust again." 73
-"Thankfulness isn't a matter of forcing yourself to see the happy side of life.... Thanking God restores the natural order of our dependence on God. It enables us to see life as it really is" 89.
-"If you are going to enter this divine dance we call prayer, you have to surrender your desire to be in control, to figure out how prayer works." 128
Saturday, July 2, 2011
June Recap
What? June is already gone? How does that happen so quickly?
June was one crazy month. I still haven't found a job and I still allow myself to blame myself and feel depressed. I don't think I've ever had this kind of "patience or completely lean on your faith" lesson. This month I've had 4 interviews. 2 of those were practicing interviews. I knew I didn't want the jobs but I wanted to refresh myself on the interview process. Another job interview was for an Algebra 1 position in Garland and the magnet school. I really liked the principal and all of the technology the school had to offer. The principal was impressed on my technological abilities and the fact that I taught some professional development courses about the SmartBoard. Smart Boards are new at his school so no one has the experience like I do. My first 3 years I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade remedial math. That looks good on a resume because I know what its like to have 3 or more preps but I've only had to teach the struggling students. Algebra 1 would be a lot of fun to teach but definitely not what I'm used to. The principal personally e-mailed me and said that he hired someone with experience teaching Alg. 1 and he thought that there might be a 7th regular math opening up that he would definitely consider me for. I haven't heard from him since. I had an interview at a charter school to teach 6th grade math. I did an initial interview with them and the told me about all the technology they had and the hands on materials they used. They asked me to come back to teach a lesson to one of their summer school classes. I assumed that since they said they had technology that they would at least have a document camera. Nope, they only have those old school projectors that you use transparencies with. I was shocked. I didn't get that job and I'm okay with that. This coming Tuesday I have an interview at the school I used to teach at. They have a new principal this year. I'm hoping I get the job. I know of 5 math teachers that have talked to him about me. We'll find out soon, I hope.
My body is pretty much completely healed from the surgery. When the doctor said I could start working out I thought that meant that I could start where I left off. Nope, the first workout I did, did me in for about a week. I've had to start from scratch--as in walking for maybe 20 minutes. That's been frustrating but this past week has felt good on the working out part.
Fun things that happened:
My best friend from college, John, got married on June 10. Long story short. John and I both worked at the same church. The secretary's granddaughter, Katie, graduated from highschool early and was moving to Waco to attend MCC. She really wanted us to take Katie in and be friends with her. Well, John and Katie spent a lot of time together but they didn't really care for each other. Now, 7 years later, they are married :) There are so many stories I could share about them but I think only a few people will actually enjoy them. They had to pay for most of the wedding on their own. Matthew and I convinced them to have a somewhat inexpensive wedding so that they could have a nice honeymoon. They listened to our advice and spent about 10 days in Hawaii.
I took pictures at the wedding but I used my old camera and not a single one came out. Boo!!
On June 19, Matthew and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We took a quick trip up to Raleigh, NC. We've been thinking about moving out of Texas so we want to travel to places where we think we'd like to live. We had a nice, relaxing time but I don't think Raleigh is for us. Maybe Charlotte. We came back on our anniversary. We had some Anniversary wine- Deux Terres 2006 Estate Red from our favorite winery, Michel-Schlumberger. We have 2 more bottles that we hope to drink on our 5th and 10th anniversaries. Later that week we also had some fancy champagne that one of Matthew's groomsmen gave us as a wedding gift. People weren't joking when they said that the first year is the hardest. It has been a great year but we definitely had some disagreements. It took as awhile to figure out how to communicate and figure what we wanted/needed from the other person. We are not experts, but we're figuring it out. I'm looking forward to spending many many more anniversaries with him, like 69 more anniversaries. (Matthew really wants to be married for 70 years). We didn't take any pictures on our trip for some reason. But here's a few of my favorite pictures from our wedding.
When we got back from our trip, we had some of our good friends over for dinner. They announced that they are getting married next June 30 next year! I am sooooo happy for this couple. It isn't official yet and because of job stuff, they've had to keep their relationship a secret for an entire year. Its still a secret but its one of those things that if people find out, it won't be the end of the world. They are having a beach wedding not in the US. I am looking forward to this wedding!
Here's a picture of one of the beaches on the island that they'll be getting married at.
June was one crazy month. I still haven't found a job and I still allow myself to blame myself and feel depressed. I don't think I've ever had this kind of "patience or completely lean on your faith" lesson. This month I've had 4 interviews. 2 of those were practicing interviews. I knew I didn't want the jobs but I wanted to refresh myself on the interview process. Another job interview was for an Algebra 1 position in Garland and the magnet school. I really liked the principal and all of the technology the school had to offer. The principal was impressed on my technological abilities and the fact that I taught some professional development courses about the SmartBoard. Smart Boards are new at his school so no one has the experience like I do. My first 3 years I taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade remedial math. That looks good on a resume because I know what its like to have 3 or more preps but I've only had to teach the struggling students. Algebra 1 would be a lot of fun to teach but definitely not what I'm used to. The principal personally e-mailed me and said that he hired someone with experience teaching Alg. 1 and he thought that there might be a 7th regular math opening up that he would definitely consider me for. I haven't heard from him since. I had an interview at a charter school to teach 6th grade math. I did an initial interview with them and the told me about all the technology they had and the hands on materials they used. They asked me to come back to teach a lesson to one of their summer school classes. I assumed that since they said they had technology that they would at least have a document camera. Nope, they only have those old school projectors that you use transparencies with. I was shocked. I didn't get that job and I'm okay with that. This coming Tuesday I have an interview at the school I used to teach at. They have a new principal this year. I'm hoping I get the job. I know of 5 math teachers that have talked to him about me. We'll find out soon, I hope.
My body is pretty much completely healed from the surgery. When the doctor said I could start working out I thought that meant that I could start where I left off. Nope, the first workout I did, did me in for about a week. I've had to start from scratch--as in walking for maybe 20 minutes. That's been frustrating but this past week has felt good on the working out part.
Fun things that happened:
My best friend from college, John, got married on June 10. Long story short. John and I both worked at the same church. The secretary's granddaughter, Katie, graduated from highschool early and was moving to Waco to attend MCC. She really wanted us to take Katie in and be friends with her. Well, John and Katie spent a lot of time together but they didn't really care for each other. Now, 7 years later, they are married :) There are so many stories I could share about them but I think only a few people will actually enjoy them. They had to pay for most of the wedding on their own. Matthew and I convinced them to have a somewhat inexpensive wedding so that they could have a nice honeymoon. They listened to our advice and spent about 10 days in Hawaii.
I took pictures at the wedding but I used my old camera and not a single one came out. Boo!!
On June 19, Matthew and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We took a quick trip up to Raleigh, NC. We've been thinking about moving out of Texas so we want to travel to places where we think we'd like to live. We had a nice, relaxing time but I don't think Raleigh is for us. Maybe Charlotte. We came back on our anniversary. We had some Anniversary wine- Deux Terres 2006 Estate Red from our favorite winery, Michel-Schlumberger. We have 2 more bottles that we hope to drink on our 5th and 10th anniversaries. Later that week we also had some fancy champagne that one of Matthew's groomsmen gave us as a wedding gift. People weren't joking when they said that the first year is the hardest. It has been a great year but we definitely had some disagreements. It took as awhile to figure out how to communicate and figure what we wanted/needed from the other person. We are not experts, but we're figuring it out. I'm looking forward to spending many many more anniversaries with him, like 69 more anniversaries. (Matthew really wants to be married for 70 years). We didn't take any pictures on our trip for some reason. But here's a few of my favorite pictures from our wedding.
This was when Matthew's best man was giving the toast. I wasn't sure how his toast was going to turn out but it was sweet and funny.
When we got back from our trip, we had some of our good friends over for dinner. They announced that they are getting married next June 30 next year! I am sooooo happy for this couple. It isn't official yet and because of job stuff, they've had to keep their relationship a secret for an entire year. Its still a secret but its one of those things that if people find out, it won't be the end of the world. They are having a beach wedding not in the US. I am looking forward to this wedding!
Here's a picture of one of the beaches on the island that they'll be getting married at.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
I'm Baaaack!! (Hopefully)
This past month has really been a struggle for me. I've struggled physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I had surgery about a month ago and for 3 weeks of that I couldn't do very much. I am always on the go and I wasn't even able to walk my dog around block. I couldn't even sit like a normal person, most of the time I had to lay down on the couch or the bed. Towards the end I was incredibly frustrated, bored, and impatient. Poor Matthew. I'm finally doing better. My doctor finally gave me permission to work out starting this Wednesday. Now I feel like I'm incredibly out of shape but I know it won't take me long to get back up.
The job search isn't going well at all. I'm glad I took this year. I'm the healthiest I've been since high school and I'm ready to get back into the classroom. However, the people who don't have a clue what its like to run a classroom are making budget decisions and new laws. I have been in very close contact with the new principal at the school that I used to teach at. Right now, the district is having to do a lot of transfers in order to keep from laying anyone off. There isn't a time line of when that will be finished. As of right now there is at least one math position open, maybe 2 but he can't hire me until the district gives him permission. This whole budget crisis is incredibly depressing and upsetting. I really want to have a teaching job next year. I know that its what I'm supposed to do. I also know that it will be okay if I don't teach next year. I'll be able to find another job, even if it is just secretarial/administrative assistant stuff. Something is better than nothing. Until school starts up again I will pray everyday for the right teaching job to open up and I will continually check the job openings several times a day ever day. I'm not giving up until September!
The past month I've really allowed negative thoughts to enter in. Things like, "I'm not good enough" thoughts questioning my decision to take a year off, thoughts of I'm not smart enough to pass the high school math certification test (i don't remember a whole lot about calculus or trig but I'm working on reviewing). This past week has been full of encouragement from my the Lord in my quiet time, my dad giving me random calls telling me it'll be okay, to just having to change my mindset. I'm thankful to be getting back to normal.
I had surgery about a month ago and for 3 weeks of that I couldn't do very much. I am always on the go and I wasn't even able to walk my dog around block. I couldn't even sit like a normal person, most of the time I had to lay down on the couch or the bed. Towards the end I was incredibly frustrated, bored, and impatient. Poor Matthew. I'm finally doing better. My doctor finally gave me permission to work out starting this Wednesday. Now I feel like I'm incredibly out of shape but I know it won't take me long to get back up.
The job search isn't going well at all. I'm glad I took this year. I'm the healthiest I've been since high school and I'm ready to get back into the classroom. However, the people who don't have a clue what its like to run a classroom are making budget decisions and new laws. I have been in very close contact with the new principal at the school that I used to teach at. Right now, the district is having to do a lot of transfers in order to keep from laying anyone off. There isn't a time line of when that will be finished. As of right now there is at least one math position open, maybe 2 but he can't hire me until the district gives him permission. This whole budget crisis is incredibly depressing and upsetting. I really want to have a teaching job next year. I know that its what I'm supposed to do. I also know that it will be okay if I don't teach next year. I'll be able to find another job, even if it is just secretarial/administrative assistant stuff. Something is better than nothing. Until school starts up again I will pray everyday for the right teaching job to open up and I will continually check the job openings several times a day ever day. I'm not giving up until September!
The past month I've really allowed negative thoughts to enter in. Things like, "I'm not good enough" thoughts questioning my decision to take a year off, thoughts of I'm not smart enough to pass the high school math certification test (i don't remember a whole lot about calculus or trig but I'm working on reviewing). This past week has been full of encouragement from my the Lord in my quiet time, my dad giving me random calls telling me it'll be okay, to just having to change my mindset. I'm thankful to be getting back to normal.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A Sweet Little Poem
This is probably a "been there" moment and a "you need to know Matthew first" in order to find it funny.
Next month Matthew and I will celebrate our one year wedding anniversary! We will be going to North Carolina for a long weekend get away for our anniversary. Tonight Matthew asked me if we should give each other gifts and what we should give. I told him that we shouldn't do gifts since we're going on vacation and I don't have a job. I did, however, tell him that I want a card (he has to be reminded that I'm a card person and he always forgets to buy a card) and a sweet hand written poem. Not 2 seconds later Matthew had a poem ready:
Roses are red
They don't grow well in China
I love you
So let's go to Carolina!
That's not the kind of poem I was thinking of but that's my fault; I didn't explain thoroughly and Matthew needs detailed explanations.
I don't know why but it made us laugh. I love that my man is corny, silly, clever, and has a great sense of humor. He's so great. He told me that I didn't need to remind him that I want an anniversary card so we'll see if he remembers :)
Next month Matthew and I will celebrate our one year wedding anniversary! We will be going to North Carolina for a long weekend get away for our anniversary. Tonight Matthew asked me if we should give each other gifts and what we should give. I told him that we shouldn't do gifts since we're going on vacation and I don't have a job. I did, however, tell him that I want a card (he has to be reminded that I'm a card person and he always forgets to buy a card) and a sweet hand written poem. Not 2 seconds later Matthew had a poem ready:
Roses are red
They don't grow well in China
I love you
So let's go to Carolina!
That's not the kind of poem I was thinking of but that's my fault; I didn't explain thoroughly and Matthew needs detailed explanations.
I don't know why but it made us laugh. I love that my man is corny, silly, clever, and has a great sense of humor. He's so great. He told me that I didn't need to remind him that I want an anniversary card so we'll see if he remembers :)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Heavy Heart
Breaking news of the night is that Osama Bin Laden is dead. I was watching something that I had recorded earlier so I wasn't getting the breaking news coverage. Angie texted me saying that Obama had been killed. I was like "What? Someone killed the president??' then got online and saw that is was osama and the iphone auto corrects to Obama. I had a minor freak out moment. Silliness. I got on facebook to see what people were saying about it and it literally brought me to tears. So many of my Christian friends were glad to hear that he's dead! I know know know that he is an evil man and is "loved" by the devil. I know that he has murdered thousands and thousands of people. I know that it is about time he be captured. (I'm surprised he's alive. He's been on dialysis for years!) I also know that justice will be served by God. I'm convinced Christians should rejoice in death when another Christian dies because that person is just physically dead their spirit is basking in the glory of the Lord! The non Christian is in hell where there is constant burning and gnashing of teeth. And it is for ETERNITY. I am not for murder, I am not for war (well this is something I really do struggle with and I'm not sure if I'm for war, against war, or will just be struggling with this my entire life), and I'm not for the death penalty. I think its wrong to knowingly take the life of another person.
Here are some verses that popped into my heart and mind this evening
Luke 6:35-36 "But love your enemies, and do good and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Proverbs 24:17 "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles"
Proverbs 25:21-22 "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if eh is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head and the Lord will reward you.
Philippines 3:20 "For our citizenship is in heaven..."
I am so thankful that first and foremost I am a citizen of Heaven, then a citizen on earth, and as of right now a citizen of US.
Here are some verses that popped into my heart and mind this evening
Luke 6:35-36 "But love your enemies, and do good and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Proverbs 24:17 "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles"
Proverbs 25:21-22 "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if eh is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head and the Lord will reward you.
Philippines 3:20 "For our citizenship is in heaven..."
I am so thankful that first and foremost I am a citizen of Heaven, then a citizen on earth, and as of right now a citizen of US.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Someone else likes the garden
How Does Your Garden Grow?
I'm so excited for the balcony garden!
We have red tomatoes! One is about ready to be picked and one that will be picked in just a few more days. We also have a 3 green tomatoes! I'm so excited! I didn't know if i could grow tomatoes in a pot and I have! Yay!!
We have red tomatoes! One is about ready to be picked and one that will be picked in just a few more days. We also have a 3 green tomatoes! I'm so excited! I didn't know if i could grow tomatoes in a pot and I have! Yay!!
I don't have any peppers just yet but the plant has grown quite a bit.
As far as the gerber daises go...they are no more. Matthew wanted to zip tie the containers to the balcony to ensure that they don't fall onto the sunbathers down by the pool. We have had some CRAZY weather lately. It has been incredibly windy (so windy that I feel like I'm back in Lubbock) and some pretty bad hail storms. I was able to bring the tomatoes and peppers in but the daises were left out on their own. They didn't survive.
I don't know if i want to replace them or not. I might decide to turn the pots around so they're hanging over our floor instead of the pool. That way they don't have to be zip tied to the balcony and we can bring them in during the storms.
I can't wait until I have a house and have my own vegetable garden. I would love to grow cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, zucchini, potatoes, onions, garlic, basic herbs, and maybe even a lemon tree!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
My Little Garden
I think that if I had a house with a yard that gardening could definitely become a hobby. I don't really know a whole lot about keeping flowers alive or growing my own produce but I would love to learn. For the first time I have a balcony that actually gets a decent amount of sunlight so I decided I would try to grow some things on our tine balcony.
I love tomatoes and growing up my dad and I grew our own tomatoes. I don't know if they'll survive in a pot but I'm hoping they will. I loooooooove tomatoes! I already have a few green ones :)
On the other side of the balcony I have some green bell peppers and some red bell peppers. I'm really nervous about these guys.
And I have my favorite flowers growing over the rails. I love Gerber Daisies! They look like happy flowers.
The past few days it has been incredibly windy (so windy, that I feel like I've been out in west Texas again!) and I've watched these flowers completely bend over. They're doing okay with the wind. The orange ones have taken the hardest beating it looks like. They are zip-tied to the railing so they won't accidentally fall over to the people in the pool. I don't know what I'm going to do if there's a heave storm. They're going to be hard to get off in a hurry!
It was really windy the day I planted the flowers and there were some people laying out by the pool. I tried my best not to get soil, water, and stuff on them but I couldn't help it. They were pretty understanding though. Next time I water the plants or plant new plants, don't sunbathe right here...
Wish my little garden luck!
When He was on the cross, I was on His mind.
The past few days my quiet times have been about the crucifixion- the reason for it, the illegality of how Jesus was arrested and in trial, and the body's physical response to being crucified on the cross. All this week I've had this song in my head. This was one of my granddad's favorite hymns as well as the favorite hymn of one of my sunday school teachers from Waco. I love old hymns.
Yes the song is slow and long but I still love it.
Here are the words. Maybe you can put it to a different tune :)
I’m not on an ego trip, I’m nothing on my own
Yes the song is slow and long but I still love it.
Here are the words. Maybe you can put it to a different tune :)
I’m not on an ego trip, I’m nothing on my own
I make mistakes and sometimes slip
Just common flesh and bone
But I’ll prove some day just why I say
I’m of a special kind
For when He was on the cross
I was on His mind
A look of love was on His face
The thorns were in His head
The blood was on that scarlet robe
And stained it crimson red
Though His eyes were on the crowd that day
He looked ahead in time
For when He was on the cross
I was on His mind
He knew me, yet He loved me
He whose glory makes the Heaven’s shine
So unworthy, of such mercy
For when He was on the cross
I was on His mind
For when He was on the cross
I was on His mind
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Incredible Faith
My heart is hurting for this family but at the same time rejoices with them and praise God that they have an incredible amount of faith. I'm embarrassed and saddened to admit that I don't know if I would have they faith that the Hunt's have. Keep them in your prayers. Here's their story.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Dash Down Greenville 5K
Today Matthew and I headed towards Greenville and participated in the St. Paddy's Dash Down Greenville 5K. Matthew came home sick yesterday and had a bit of a coughing fit at 4 in the morning. He knew that I've been excited about going so he decided to tough it out and we went! He's much better now, just exhausted and still a little congested. We knew that parking would be a problem so we tried out the Dallas Rail system. I'm not a fan. Germany spoiled me. In Germany, (from my experience) the trains are rarely no more than a few minutes late, if that. (Side note: one time in Germany we had to wait a really long time for our train to come because someone had decided to commit suicide by jumping in front of one. Apparently, that isn't a rare occasion. Sad :( ) Anyway, we should not have waited more than 15 minutes for our train but we ended up waiting for nearly 40 minutes! They only had one train and it was PACKED with people ready to party. Once we got off the train station we had to run to even start the race.
I knew that last year about 5,000 people participated and I was prepared to be around a lot of people. This year, at least 7,000 people participated in the 5k. It was ridiculously crowded. I wanted this to be my first "official" race but we got there kind of late and we weren't able to start at the front. It was so crowded that we walked for the first couple of minutes. Once the crowd spread out we were able to run. We ran the first mile and the Matthew was having coughing/breathing problems again. I decided to walk with him for a little bit and then I left him in the dust for the last 1.5 miles. Again, it was really crowded so at times I had to walk just so that I wouldn't run over people. The race wasn't that organized. You would think that with that many people running you would close the roads but they didn't close all of them. It took me about 40 minutes to finish the race which I'm not proud of but I learned several lessons. One is that if you want to take timing seriously, arrive early with the other serious runners so you aren't stuck behind walkers. At the finish line the provided free beer. Gross. Why would anyone want to drink beer at 9-10 in the morning and right after you run 3 miles. I was surprised at how many people skipped the water and went straight to the beer. I don't get it. It would be a different story if they if they had margaritas..
I'm thankful that we were able to go. I didn't think Matthew would feel up to it and I really didn't want to go down there by myself. This is the first time that I've run more than 10 minutes outside in about a year. My asthma/allergies held up a lot better than I thought they would! I've been in fear that I would have an asthma attack if I ran outside by myself. Running outside is soooo refreshing so I think I'll get into doing that more.
Matthew hates crowds and he isn't a fan of running but toughed it out with me. I love him.
I knew that last year about 5,000 people participated and I was prepared to be around a lot of people. This year, at least 7,000 people participated in the 5k. It was ridiculously crowded. I wanted this to be my first "official" race but we got there kind of late and we weren't able to start at the front. It was so crowded that we walked for the first couple of minutes. Once the crowd spread out we were able to run. We ran the first mile and the Matthew was having coughing/breathing problems again. I decided to walk with him for a little bit and then I left him in the dust for the last 1.5 miles. Again, it was really crowded so at times I had to walk just so that I wouldn't run over people. The race wasn't that organized. You would think that with that many people running you would close the roads but they didn't close all of them. It took me about 40 minutes to finish the race which I'm not proud of but I learned several lessons. One is that if you want to take timing seriously, arrive early with the other serious runners so you aren't stuck behind walkers. At the finish line the provided free beer. Gross. Why would anyone want to drink beer at 9-10 in the morning and right after you run 3 miles. I was surprised at how many people skipped the water and went straight to the beer. I don't get it. It would be a different story if they if they had margaritas..
I'm thankful that we were able to go. I didn't think Matthew would feel up to it and I really didn't want to go down there by myself. This is the first time that I've run more than 10 minutes outside in about a year. My asthma/allergies held up a lot better than I thought they would! I've been in fear that I would have an asthma attack if I ran outside by myself. Running outside is soooo refreshing so I think I'll get into doing that more.
Matthew hates crowds and he isn't a fan of running but toughed it out with me. I love him.
Here he is in his kilt while waiting for the train.
And here I am after completing the race :) The weather was PERFECT!!
Friday, March 11, 2011
My Lazy Magical Pooper
I have the world's greatest dog. He also happens to be really spoiled, high maintenance, super lazy, and our sir poops a lot. On any given day he will usually poop about 4 times even though we only feed him once a day. This morning, as I was taking him in a walk, he pooped 4 times! He's magical or something. I have no idea what to do with this problem and the vet says each dog is different. Really? My dog can poop 4 times in 15 minutes. He is also super duper lazy. All he does is sleep. He might play and run around for 20 minutes every other day or so. All the pictures I have of my dog are pictures of him sleeping because that's all he does :)
Joey's favorite place to nap is on the couch. It's sooooo comfy :)
His toys are never far away when he naps
Joey's favorite place to nap is on the couch. It's sooooo comfy :)
His toys are never far away when he naps
He loves snuggling with Matthew for Sunday afternoon naps.
He usually sleeps on top of the couch but sometimes in his sleep he just slides down. I love this picture. He didn't bother waking up long enough to go back to a normal sleeping position
When we can't find him we always look under blankets or pillows...
Just like humans, he sometimes wakes up with bed head.
Matthew and I are dog-sitting 3 other dogs for the week of spring break. I have a feeling Joey will be exhausted and ready for those crazy dogs to leave.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thankful I'm Not in Charge
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28
This week (Monday and Tuesday really) have been full of discouragement, worry, and the thinking of "What now?" I quit my long term sub job on Monday. Technically, Thursday was going to be my last day but thankfully things worked out so that Monday was my last day. Before I took the job I had doubts on it because of how things were going before I even got started! I should have gone with the instincts.
I know that quitting was the right thing to do even though I hate that it happened. I never quit anything! I always see a tough job as a way to prove to myself that I can do it. I did do the job for a really long time but I couldn't finish it out. I'm not one to talk bad about anyone (or at least I try not to), I don't throw people under the bus, I do an honest job, I work to the best of my abilities, I'm not perfect, I mess up all the time but I always do the very best that I can possibly do, especially when children are involved. I can quit knowing that I did what I could, did the right thing, and now I know that I will never work under that administration. When I started the job, the teacher didn't leave my any lesson plans, seating charts, class rules/procedures. I left with 2 weeks worth of lesson plans done, all copies finished, seating charts, updated grade book, and a list of the procedures I put in place that the kids have been used to since I've been there. So I know by doing that I didn't put anyone in a super stressful situation. On Monday I felt fine about the situation, yesterday I felt sad, mad, frustrated, defeated, discouraged, the list goes on. Now I'm at peace with what's happened. The Lord is all knowing and I know that He'll take care of the situation.
I don't know what will happen next but I know God does. In fact, for the past month He's been preparing us for this, we just didn't know it. My paycheck wasn't a whole lot but it did pay for all of my medicine, groceries, and extra money to put onto Matthew's car payment so we can get that car paid off asap. A few weeks ago Matthew had to get his car fixed. We were debating on how much would be too much to fix it and we started to look at new cars. (Turns out that looking at cars is fun and exciting but man are they expensive!) Well, it turns out the cost to fix the car was just a few hundred dollars! We were thinking it was a major engine problem that would be a few thousand dollars. Praise God! Our insurance approved a shot that I'm on. Without insurance this shot costs about $800 a month, all we pay is $30 a month! We had prepared a good chunk of our budget to go towards that one medicine. Then, I got all of my other prescriptions set up on the home delivery pharmacy stuff that our insurance does. Instead of spending over $400 a month on prescription medicine that I literally can't live without, we only pay $150 a month! We were thankful when we found all of this out thinking we could get the car paid off even faster and now that I don't have a job, we are incredibly thankful for God's provision. I am thankful that Matthew has a great job that pays well, I'm thankful that we (well, I had to teach Matthew first :p) have been taught how to be smart with money and that we have the self control to be smart with our money. Even though I'm not bringing in the bacon we're ok and that is a good feeling to have, especially in these times.
I'm trusting that God will open doors for a job but these times are scary. All districts are on a hiring freeze, some are in better shape than others, and some districts are having to lay off a lot of people. I don't want to take the first job that becomes available but I know that I can't be picky. I know of one math position that might open up, (the teacher is moving) but the principal isn't allowed to actually hire anyone right now. He said the job's mine if they can replace that teacher. I have a lot of connections in the district I was in last year and have been in contact with several principals there but they can't hire right now until the district says so. We'll see what happens! This is a great lesson for me in learning how to completely trust in the Lord and being patient.
This week (Monday and Tuesday really) have been full of discouragement, worry, and the thinking of "What now?" I quit my long term sub job on Monday. Technically, Thursday was going to be my last day but thankfully things worked out so that Monday was my last day. Before I took the job I had doubts on it because of how things were going before I even got started! I should have gone with the instincts.
I know that quitting was the right thing to do even though I hate that it happened. I never quit anything! I always see a tough job as a way to prove to myself that I can do it. I did do the job for a really long time but I couldn't finish it out. I'm not one to talk bad about anyone (or at least I try not to), I don't throw people under the bus, I do an honest job, I work to the best of my abilities, I'm not perfect, I mess up all the time but I always do the very best that I can possibly do, especially when children are involved. I can quit knowing that I did what I could, did the right thing, and now I know that I will never work under that administration. When I started the job, the teacher didn't leave my any lesson plans, seating charts, class rules/procedures. I left with 2 weeks worth of lesson plans done, all copies finished, seating charts, updated grade book, and a list of the procedures I put in place that the kids have been used to since I've been there. So I know by doing that I didn't put anyone in a super stressful situation. On Monday I felt fine about the situation, yesterday I felt sad, mad, frustrated, defeated, discouraged, the list goes on. Now I'm at peace with what's happened. The Lord is all knowing and I know that He'll take care of the situation.
I don't know what will happen next but I know God does. In fact, for the past month He's been preparing us for this, we just didn't know it. My paycheck wasn't a whole lot but it did pay for all of my medicine, groceries, and extra money to put onto Matthew's car payment so we can get that car paid off asap. A few weeks ago Matthew had to get his car fixed. We were debating on how much would be too much to fix it and we started to look at new cars. (Turns out that looking at cars is fun and exciting but man are they expensive!) Well, it turns out the cost to fix the car was just a few hundred dollars! We were thinking it was a major engine problem that would be a few thousand dollars. Praise God! Our insurance approved a shot that I'm on. Without insurance this shot costs about $800 a month, all we pay is $30 a month! We had prepared a good chunk of our budget to go towards that one medicine. Then, I got all of my other prescriptions set up on the home delivery pharmacy stuff that our insurance does. Instead of spending over $400 a month on prescription medicine that I literally can't live without, we only pay $150 a month! We were thankful when we found all of this out thinking we could get the car paid off even faster and now that I don't have a job, we are incredibly thankful for God's provision. I am thankful that Matthew has a great job that pays well, I'm thankful that we (well, I had to teach Matthew first :p) have been taught how to be smart with money and that we have the self control to be smart with our money. Even though I'm not bringing in the bacon we're ok and that is a good feeling to have, especially in these times.
I'm trusting that God will open doors for a job but these times are scary. All districts are on a hiring freeze, some are in better shape than others, and some districts are having to lay off a lot of people. I don't want to take the first job that becomes available but I know that I can't be picky. I know of one math position that might open up, (the teacher is moving) but the principal isn't allowed to actually hire anyone right now. He said the job's mine if they can replace that teacher. I have a lot of connections in the district I was in last year and have been in contact with several principals there but they can't hire right now until the district says so. We'll see what happens! This is a great lesson for me in learning how to completely trust in the Lord and being patient.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Music Therapy
This past week was an incredibly stressful week. I feel like last Monday was two weeks ago. For the past couple of years I haven't really learned how to manage my stress. I know of some things that help me out but nothing is as big of a stress relief as playing the piano. I've had my grandmother's piano ever since I moved to the area but I really haven't played it that much. Partly because I'm spoiled and her 100 year old upright piano doesn't compare to the grand piano I have waiting for me at my parents house and I don't won't to be the loudest and most annoying neighbor in the apartment complex. Yesterday I decided to walk across the street to visit the new piano store just to see what they have. It turns out they sell my dream piano! Petrofs are 100% hand made and are the only pianos that actually appreciate in value. So you make an investment when you put down all that money for the Petrof. One of the salesmen said that I could come in and play the pianos anytime I want, they even have a side room where they have classes, recitals, and small concerts. He said that I was welcome to play in that room as well. What? OK! So I've decided to get back to actually practicing the piano and learning new music now that I know I can walk across the street and play on the world's greatest piano.
Here is a picture of my dream piano (but the one I want is a little bigger) :) It is waiting to be picked up by its new owners so I thought I would take a picture and text Matthew that I bought a new piano.
Here is a picture of my dream piano (but the one I want is a little bigger) :) It is waiting to be picked up by its new owners so I thought I would take a picture and text Matthew that I bought a new piano.
Matthew has been at the North Texas Irish Festival selling kilts so I've been able to practice all afternoon long with worrying about being to loud and annoying. I busted out the old piano music and I've decided my next "big" piece to learn is Bolero by Chopin. I'm looking forward to playing it on a tuned piano :)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Happy Early Valentines Day!
About a month ago Matthew bought a rifle and I'm using that as my v-day gift for him :) That was easy.
Yesterday, Matthew picked up my gift and he wanted me to open it before Saturday so I could show it off. He decided he couldn't wait that long for me to open it so I got to open it yesterday.
Those of y'all that know me know that I LOVE Baylor and I love watching all Baylor sports. Matthew isn't really connected to such a great university and he has a hard time understanding why I still wear Baylor shirts and watch all the games. Slowly, I am converting Matthew. He is now willing to watch the sports with me and he even owns a Baylor shirt of his own!
Back to the gift. This is by far the best gift ever. I love it! I shopped online for more outfits to go with it!
Here it is...
Fancy Baylor earrings! The jeweler that made my pearl necklace and earrings, and my engagement ring made this just for me! They are made of green emeralds and yellow diamonds. I love it! Earring have a tendency to fall out of my ears so the jeweler made a "hug" style earring. Now see why I've already shopped for some new clothes just to match the earrings? Matthew really wants me to wear them Saturday night but I don't have any warm clothes that I can wear with the earrings. I'll see what I can do though.
A Blah Week. Warning: I wouldn't read this if I were you
Hi, my name is Kristen and I definitely have a Type A personality. I enjoy full busy and scheduled out days (not necessarily busy with work, I'm just a go go person that likes to have stuff going on) and sometimes, most of the time, it takes me a while to adjust to change. With that being said this week hasn't made me feel normal.
We had a normal, easy weekend. Matthew and I both came down with the start of a cold and by Monday my voice was barely audible. On Monday I went to school, manage to squeak to my students and reminded them to dress in layers on Tuesday. It is amazing how many kids will come to school in shorts when it is in the 30's and 40's. Hello parents, are you around?
I definitely wasn't feeling so hot on Monday night and even though I hate taking snow days I was praying for a snow day. Matthew woke up super early to see if school had been canceled and it had! He also tried to turn off my alarm without me noticing but failed since this body is used to waking up at 5:30. He is so sweet when I'm sick. He is definitely a care taker. Matthew stayed home on Tuesday as well and it was nice being home with him. Matthew worked from home some on Tuesday but other than that we didn't do anything productive. We did go see the Dallas Stars play an awful game of hockey but we still enjoyed the game.
Same verse on Wednesday but this time Matthew was really sick and I was just sick. Again, we didn't do anything productive except ventured out to buy a vaporizer and groceries. Did I mention that the fire alarms went off from 12:00-1:30 in the morning? It sucked.
Same verse on Thursday but Matthew actually went to work. Again, I was still sick and unproductive. The fire alarms went off again for an hour while I was trying to make the most delicious butternut squash soup ever! Recipe will be coming soon. I was getting sicker so I decided to call my favorite asthma doctor to schedule an appointment. I was really excited to know that they were going to fit my in on Friday! :)
Friday. Same verse, except this time in snowed ALL night long and now it is 3:30 pm and the snow is still on the ground! What's up with that? The snow isn't supposed to stick here in this part of Texas. For some reason, the city completely shut down. My favorite doctor's office called this morning to let me know that they weren't going to be open and they encouraged me to go the the Emergency room if my problems don't get any better. Matthew and I live above the Firehouse Subs and they were closed today too! And the fire alarms went off again today and this time the sprinklers went off in a few apartments. I watched the tenants sweep water out of their place. I feel so bad for them.
Matthew is feeling much better but I think I'm coming down with pneumonia. :( Definitely not good for a person with severe asthma. I usually end up in the hospital when I have pneumonia.
This little guy hasn't minded this week at all. He loves to sleep and snuggle. I know that once everything dries up he will be excited to go play at the dog park.
This little guy hasn't minded this week at all. He loves to sleep and snuggle. I know that once everything dries up he will be excited to go play at the dog park.
Anyway, this has been the most unproductive week ever. I did do the laundry, cooked and cleaned the dishes but that's it. I could get way ahead for school, I could do some cleaning, I could organize my school stuff, I could organize the office (again) but I haven't had the energy to do anything. I'm ready for life to get back to normal.
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