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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