So as I was sitting at work on Friday I got a wild hair. {Thanks, Pinterest!} I decided that I wanted to paint the laundry room. It's the (your house came this one shade and that's the way it's been for 7+ years) color of off-white whatever. I decided on lime green. Why? Because it goes with turquoise, pink, black, yellow. So many options for accessorizing and such. I kept looking on google.com images of bathrooms and Pinterest as I could the rest of the day. And immediately after work I drove past my house, straight to Lowes. I didn't like any of the shades of green I was seeing and was drawn instead to a lemony yellow. So a quart I got. Thinking that would be enough. It is a small laundry room where the washer and dryer are on opposite sides of the door from the garage and to the kitchen. This small pass through that is a laundry room. {Oh how I dream of a fantastic and large laundry room where I can have containers for each darks, colors, whites, towels, and linens. But that'll never happen in this house, so it will remain in the "someday" dream section of my brain for who knows how long until I might have a different house. No plans on that anytime soon.} While there I also picked up a galvanized metal container in silver/aluminum natural metal color. And off we went, to check out any miscellaneous items I might just "have" to have at Ross. Surprisingly I found none. I did, however, grab a funky rug that I'm thinking I can conveniently pin down under both the washer and dryer to keep in place. When it's all said and done and I'm at that point to accessorize, I'll try it out. If it doesn't work like I would like it to I will take it back to the store and get a refund. No worries.
So then after supper I get crack-a-lacking and remove everything from the tiny, boring space to the loveseat and dining room. (It's gotta go somewhere, so this is what I must go through for now. It takes making a mess before it can be beautiful!) And I wipe down the walls, dust the woodwork and floors, and wipe down the appliances. Good to go! Have I told you before how I {love} to paint?! Well, not on the blog I haven't, but some of you that know me may have heard this before. Maybe once or twice. =) So I cut in without taping (so proud of myself!) and painted away, but not wanting to get too close to the ceiling and deal with all of the issues there (orange peel textured walls), I decide to add to my project ... solution being crown molding! Oh yeah, baby! I've never worked with it but have always wanted to. I love how it looks. And I'd have no problem mitering the corners to 45* angles, but I don't feel like it since this house wasn't built to perfection (you should see the kids' bathroom wall to understand what I mean!) I decided that I'd do those corner thingees and straight molding with no angled cuts. Yep. I think that will be easy enough and look fantastic.
Long story short, I finished up painting after midnight. But it's not done. I didn't have enough in the quart that I bought. Stupid textured walls! So I had to go back today for another quart. Lady at the paint counter asked if I just wanted to get a gallon and I told her, "You're a day late, lady. If you had asked me last night and I had remembered the texture on the walls when ordering my paint I'd have taken you up on that. But since I'm almost done, I'll just get another quart, thank you." {Smirky smile on my face the whole while I said it.} I also picked up some brackets and shelving to add (3) 12" x 36" shelves; one replacing that ucky ugly white wire shelf that was previously installed. I decided to put two of them above the current shelf (all of this above the washer) instead of the furniture piece that was laying sideways to give me extra storage. And when I got home I thought how cool it would be to do a wrap around shelf at least on the 3 walls above the washer, but it'd be over the door jams, too, so maybe (now that I'm thinking about it) it would be cool to do the entire span of the tiny not so boring anymore room. Hmmm?!?!
And we shall see how this dilema unfolds. Later. I'll post pics (hopefully of the original space, then what I had last done to better organize,) and what I'm currently working on. Later. I'll be finishing up the painting tonight.
And did I tell you that while trying to paint on the sides and behind the washer and dryer I had another wild hair - that makes the 3rd - of bead board around the entire bottom part of the room? I just don't know if I'd have to remove the baseboard molding and haven't looked online to see how to do that. Yet. So there may still be more to come one of these days. Hmmmm?!?! {wink}
What are you doing for DIY/Weekend warrior type stuff??
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
3-day
I am soooooooooo glad this has been a 3-day weekend. It allows me more time to get things done around the house and a little down time, which I sooooooooooooooo desparately need! I could use extra time to get lots of projects done, too, but that will have to wait and/or be done in itty bitty pieces of time. Drats! Anywhoosers. I have the chores done, including laundry. Yeah!! Kids will have to empty and reload dishwasher with the few things on the counter, but that's it. And I'm excited that we are going to have one of our family fave dinners tonight ... make your own pizzas! Each person gets to design 1/2 a pizza any way they want to. We love it! Been doing this for about 2 years now I guess. Gives them what they want on a budget that I can afford! And it's healthier and we know what's going into it, unlike eating out. I don't know why I haven't put it on the menu lately. Such an easy supper to do. And the leftovers, if there are any, are even better the next day!! So let me share this week's menu with you ...
So tonight as we eat our homemade pizzas we'll sit in the living room and enjoy last week's and yesterdays episodes of ONCE UPON A TIME together. It's our favorite family show and I {love} that there is a show out there that we can all enjoy. As a family. How often can we find that anymore?!?!?!
Enjoy your day!!
- Make your own pizza
- Mac-n-cheese with veggies, and a grilled chicken salad
- Church night!
- TV dinners (basketball games)
- Eat out night - Chick-fil-A with coupons from kids good behavior at school so I'll only have to pay for my meal!
- Brats and dogs (since the girl for some strange reason won't eat brats!) with carmelized onions, baked beans and pasta salad
- Roast with baby new potatoes
So tonight as we eat our homemade pizzas we'll sit in the living room and enjoy last week's and yesterdays episodes of ONCE UPON A TIME together. It's our favorite family show and I {love} that there is a show out there that we can all enjoy. As a family. How often can we find that anymore?!?!?!
Enjoy your day!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Carumba!
I am feeling sad that I haven't blogged since last Sunday - a whole 6 days ago! It feels weird. I wanted to blog daily, but it can be a burden some days and there are some days I don't feel as if I have anything worth writing/sharing. So let me catch up ...
Oh, and I'm excited because we started another round of BIGGEST Loser at school; our first of this school year. I ALWAYS enter, but haven't won yet. I like participating even though, like in slots, you mainly deposit without getting a return! ;) It's fun to participate and help encourage those who, like me, would like to become healthier and lose weight/get in shape. I like it for that aspect. Now if I win, I'll be all over that, too! I can handle an extra $120 in my pocket before Spring Break!! And that's the kind that is TAX FREE!!!! Oh yeah, baby!
I hope that you have a wonderful holiday weekend.
- Monday - work, gym, supper, and bed.
- Tuesday - work, gym, supper, and bed.
- Wednesday - work, church, bed.
- Thursday - work, basketball game, bed.
- Friday - work, basketball tournament, chores, bed.
Oh, and I'm excited because we started another round of BIGGEST Loser at school; our first of this school year. I ALWAYS enter, but haven't won yet. I like participating even though, like in slots, you mainly deposit without getting a return! ;) It's fun to participate and help encourage those who, like me, would like to become healthier and lose weight/get in shape. I like it for that aspect. Now if I win, I'll be all over that, too! I can handle an extra $120 in my pocket before Spring Break!! And that's the kind that is TAX FREE!!!! Oh yeah, baby!
I hope that you have a wonderful holiday weekend.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Ewwwww
I've had it with bagless vacuum cleaners! I've tried. I tried being environmentally friendly with my vacuuming but can no longer do so. With dogs that shed it is not feasible for me. Too much hair combined with dirt and nastiness that I have to stick my hand in to clean. And far be it for anyone else to help with this. So it's all on me. Well I've had it. After today I have decided that I am buying a regular old fashioned bagged vacuum cleaner on payday and this thing can make it's way to a friend who may want it or to the Goodwill. What's the point in *cleaning* when it only makes a mess to empty the stinking thing?! It is a time sucker that makes absolutely no sense in my life and I will no longer stand for it.
I didn't even take a photo of what my hands looked like from cleaning the stinking thing out. Absolutely disgusting! And I can no longer do this. Well, I guess I will have to for about a week or so, but that's it. As soon as possible I *HAVE* to get a new vacuum cleaner. And this will make me MUCH, MUCH HAPPIER!!! No fuss. No muss! That's how I like it!!
So on a separate note ... I cleaned out the boxes by flattening them and getting them to the curb last night for someone who is preparing for a move. {Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.} And I straightened the pile of whatnot that is going to Goodwill to one area. It is my plan to drop it off still today. It's going to take a long while to get the garage done again, but here are photos of how it looks now even with the donation pile. I *will* get this done before summer arrives. I want it nice, neat, and orderly. I want to do that as a gift to my husband. I want to wow him with a fantastic garage that is (mostly) his. I cleaned out the hallway and part of one bedroom with things from my oldest moving out - sort to keep memorabilia, things that can be donated, and garbage. Done. Boxed and labeled, ready to go into the attic and also added to the Goodwill pile! But I went to clean the carpeting and that's what lead me to have to empty the vacuum and the mess that ensued. Seems wasteful of my time, which is very valuable to me. I don't have time to do many things that I want let alone need to do, but I have to spend time cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. That's why in 2012 I vowed to myself that I will get organized and keep it that way. It is my mission.
Stay tuned for mission status reports ...
This is the pile of dirty crud left on my carpeting after emptying the vacuum cleaner.
This is what my vacuum cleaner looks like after the emptying process. It looks as if it's been in some old lady's attic for years and years and years. Disgusting!
And this is what I was actually able to get into the trash can! Tons of doggy hair and nastiness. {Blah!}
So on a separate note ... I cleaned out the boxes by flattening them and getting them to the curb last night for someone who is preparing for a move. {Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.} And I straightened the pile of whatnot that is going to Goodwill to one area. It is my plan to drop it off still today. It's going to take a long while to get the garage done again, but here are photos of how it looks now even with the donation pile. I *will* get this done before summer arrives. I want it nice, neat, and orderly. I want to do that as a gift to my husband. I want to wow him with a fantastic garage that is (mostly) his. I cleaned out the hallway and part of one bedroom with things from my oldest moving out - sort to keep memorabilia, things that can be donated, and garbage. Done. Boxed and labeled, ready to go into the attic and also added to the Goodwill pile! But I went to clean the carpeting and that's what lead me to have to empty the vacuum and the mess that ensued. Seems wasteful of my time, which is very valuable to me. I don't have time to do many things that I want let alone need to do, but I have to spend time cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. That's why in 2012 I vowed to myself that I will get organized and keep it that way. It is my mission.
Stay tuned for mission status reports ...
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Funk
I had to sleep with my legs propped up on some pillows last night. Couldn't get comfortable otherwise. Once I slid them suckers under my knees it was 1000% better and I could doze off. I didn't make it through Oprah's new show on the DVR after I did that! Slept in today. I {love} sleeping in! Have I said before how much alarm clocks annoy me?! Got up and did some laundry that I should have done last night, but didn't. Then worked on my budget some more and found a way to pay off an extra almost $700 in credit card debt by tweeking my order of repayment. That makes me happier! I got so lost in doing that that I lost track of time and didn't get to my friend's yard sale to help her. She text me wondering if I was coming, and then I got there an hour later (I had to get ready 'cuz of course I was still in my pajammers!). I went to grab Sonic drinks {gotta love HALFY HOUR!} for her and her other friend (and I treated my daughter and myself, too, with the gift card I received for Christmas!), then went off to do some of my errands. I had some shopping to do today with sales that were ending and coupons ready to expire.
First stop - Walgreens. Dasani water was on sale for $3.99, which is $2 off the normal price. Not too shabby for 24 16.9 oz bottles of my fave water! I got two, although the limit is 3. I'm trying to be good with my budget and I'm tight right now until payday on the 13th. Spent $7.98, saved $4.00. Outside there were Girl Scouts selling cookies. Yes. It's that time of year already! So I treated my daughter and she got to pick one box. Thin Mints. Cost $3.50.
Second stop - CVS. Shick Intuition refills offered $3.00 Extra Bucks, limit of 1. I found two different varieties that had a freebie bonus "3+1" so I picked one of those to maximize my money/savings. Originally $11.79, I used my $2 coupon and earned a $3 Extra Bucks to use before the 6th. At the register there are lots of candy bars that are on sale for 75 cents and you earn 75 cents Extra Bucks, limit 1, so I grabbed that, too!
Third stop - Mrs. Baird's Outlet (the day old bread store). I had a full punch card which entitled me to a FREE fresh loaf of bread. I got that, a $2.15 savings, and a sale loaf of mini rounds for $1.29. Of course I presented my new punch card to earn that $1 stamp towards another freebie!
Fourth stop - Brookshire's. There were a few items advertised that I wanted to look at with my coupons. Nature Valley Granola Thins - bogo 1 cent with 75 cent coupon, so 2 boxes for $3.25. 8 cans of Progresso Soup for $8 with coupons. SlimFast shakes were buy 2, get a FREE snack/treat and I had coupons to buy one 4-pack get one free. So I combined and got 4 4-packs and 1 freebie (I didn't think it would be right to ask to get a free snack on items I got for free; I'm not greedy!). Spent $23.23, saved $36.54. And at the check out I received some printed BONUS Box Tops - 90 of them for my kids' school!!
Total spent: $39.91.
Total savings: $48.69.
Savings of 55.96%.
Not my best, but not the worst. I could have paid full price for it all, right?!
Here's a photo of today's haul.
First stop - Walgreens. Dasani water was on sale for $3.99, which is $2 off the normal price. Not too shabby for 24 16.9 oz bottles of my fave water! I got two, although the limit is 3. I'm trying to be good with my budget and I'm tight right now until payday on the 13th. Spent $7.98, saved $4.00. Outside there were Girl Scouts selling cookies. Yes. It's that time of year already! So I treated my daughter and she got to pick one box. Thin Mints. Cost $3.50.
Second stop - CVS. Shick Intuition refills offered $3.00 Extra Bucks, limit of 1. I found two different varieties that had a freebie bonus "3+1" so I picked one of those to maximize my money/savings. Originally $11.79, I used my $2 coupon and earned a $3 Extra Bucks to use before the 6th. At the register there are lots of candy bars that are on sale for 75 cents and you earn 75 cents Extra Bucks, limit 1, so I grabbed that, too!
Third stop - Mrs. Baird's Outlet (the day old bread store). I had a full punch card which entitled me to a FREE fresh loaf of bread. I got that, a $2.15 savings, and a sale loaf of mini rounds for $1.29. Of course I presented my new punch card to earn that $1 stamp towards another freebie!
Fourth stop - Brookshire's. There were a few items advertised that I wanted to look at with my coupons. Nature Valley Granola Thins - bogo 1 cent with 75 cent coupon, so 2 boxes for $3.25. 8 cans of Progresso Soup for $8 with coupons. SlimFast shakes were buy 2, get a FREE snack/treat and I had coupons to buy one 4-pack get one free. So I combined and got 4 4-packs and 1 freebie (I didn't think it would be right to ask to get a free snack on items I got for free; I'm not greedy!). Spent $23.23, saved $36.54. And at the check out I received some printed BONUS Box Tops - 90 of them for my kids' school!!
Total spent: $39.91.
Total savings: $48.69.
Savings of 55.96%.
Not my best, but not the worst. I could have paid full price for it all, right?!
Here's a photo of today's haul.
It's rumored (Working Mom Coupons on facebook) that there are going to be six coupon inserts in the Sunday newspaper tomorrow! That's better than the 4 from last week. Sure is exciting! I am eager to get to the market to find out what's in there. I can see what she has listed on her site, but I like to physically look at the coupons. I'm a visual person like that. It'll be fun to see what I can do with those coupons, the new weekly ads, and the market (grocery store for those of you that don't like my country term) ads for both this week and next week!
What did you do for savings for yourself and your family today?!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Friday Sweet Friday
I woke up in a fairly good mood today. Not because I had to get up to that awful alarm clock, but because it's Friday and that means an end to the work week, the ability to wear jeans to school, and the weekend is for me and mine to do whatever or nothing at all!! Whoooooo Hooooo!!
Work. Gym. Home.
That was my day today. I'm excited about most all of it. {Hee Hee} I wasn't really feeling it at the gym, but neither was my workout buddy. We kinda slacked at a lower pace on the treadmill, although I did put it to an incline with my 3.0 to 3.5 pace that I moved at today. Regardless of how much time, what incline, and all of that gobble-dee-goop ... the point is that I am *MOVING* and that is fantastical!! That makes 5 days out of 6 that I've been physically active - and the one day I didn't was because we were at church. Rock on, me!! So proud of myself. It takes 3 weeks to make or break a habit. I'm 6 days out of 15 on my way! I learned that when I subbed for the middle school Teen Leadership class 4 years ago. 3 weeks. Perserverance. Determination. Goal setting. Support group. These are things that will help you obtain your goals. I keep going. I am determined to get and stay healthy. I have set my goals. And I have poeple that know my goals and are helping me to obtain them - by cheering me on and/or by going and working out with me. So thankful. So thankful for each and everyone of my cheerleaders and my workout partner, which I believe will be growing to partnerS after learning that one of my fellow teachers is trying out the same gym as me! Coolness.
Since I didn't start my soup this morning, but on my lunch instead, it wasn't ready when we got home so I hurried to cook some hot dogs which the kids devoured as they are watching this POWER RANGERS MORPHENOMENON marathon on tv. I'm not keen on this show, but whatever. I remember when it first started and my oldest used to watch it. Guess it's fitting that they all have had some sort of POWER RANGERS to enjoy. {Could be worse, like Barney or Yo Gabba Gabba or something.} So my soup is still cooking in the crock pot - Senate Soup aka Navy Bean Soup. I like "Senate Soup" better. That's what they called it at one of my childhood favorite restaurants (was it Union Hotel or that other old fashioned place?!). So easy to make. Navy beans. Onion. Bacon. Chicken broth. Salt & Pepper. Garlic powder. You throw it all into the crock pot (uncooked) and cook it. It's a "Fix it and Forget it" recipe for sure!! So as that continues to cook, I am blogging after having checked emails and facebook. But I'll be doing laundry here shortly so that I can have that done and out of the way for the weekend. I really do like doing the laundry on Friday nights. Then we can enjoy the weekend. And we rarely go out on Fridays so it really works well. For me. Maybe not for you, but that's what is so great about time management and being the logistical leader of your family. We are all trying to find what works for us. It's a never ending mission. Don't you think?! I say all of the time that organization is an ever evolving process that must be re-evaluated every so often. Times change, therefor your organization must, too. Here is a picture from my laundry room organization in 2011. I added the broken shelf sideways on top of the shelf that the builders put there and instantly added space! That's thinking outside the box. I had added the wire shelf unit a few years ago for my laundry products. I still use this as it is displayed in the photo almost a year later. It's still working for me. Coolness. One thing I don't have to have on my to-do list. At least not now anyways.
Speaking of organization, I hope to do some around the house this weekend. I want to work on the craft/game room. I add the "game" part because I do store all of the Board games in the closet and the old PS2 is in there, but I doubt much else will be done gamey in there. {Hee Hee} I am just excited at the notion of being crafty again! Scrapbooking. Sewing. Miscellaneous crafts. I like a lot of stuff and thanks to Pinterest I am finding a WHOLE lot more to inspire me! And with having more "me" time in 2012 as well as family time, I anticipate a lot of crafting - individually and with the kids - this year. Yeah! I think they'll like that a lot. My kids love being artsy fartsy. Like their Momma. Like their Grandma. I guess it's "in the genes" as my Mom says. Maybe it is. Maybe it is. Below is a project I did that I absolutely love. I think I did it in 2011, also. I learned from Teresa Collins (fabulous designer of scrapbooking products) how to make the paper flowers. I was instantly hooked and wanted to flower EVERYTHING. I did this altered photo frame for my daughter's room. It still has no photo, but sits on top of one of her tall bookshelves. I love the quote, too. SO true!
So what are you doing to start your weekend??
Happy Friday to you, blog world. Enjoy!
Work. Gym. Home.
That was my day today. I'm excited about most all of it. {Hee Hee} I wasn't really feeling it at the gym, but neither was my workout buddy. We kinda slacked at a lower pace on the treadmill, although I did put it to an incline with my 3.0 to 3.5 pace that I moved at today. Regardless of how much time, what incline, and all of that gobble-dee-goop ... the point is that I am *MOVING* and that is fantastical!! That makes 5 days out of 6 that I've been physically active - and the one day I didn't was because we were at church. Rock on, me!! So proud of myself. It takes 3 weeks to make or break a habit. I'm 6 days out of 15 on my way! I learned that when I subbed for the middle school Teen Leadership class 4 years ago. 3 weeks. Perserverance. Determination. Goal setting. Support group. These are things that will help you obtain your goals. I keep going. I am determined to get and stay healthy. I have set my goals. And I have poeple that know my goals and are helping me to obtain them - by cheering me on and/or by going and working out with me. So thankful. So thankful for each and everyone of my cheerleaders and my workout partner, which I believe will be growing to partnerS after learning that one of my fellow teachers is trying out the same gym as me! Coolness.
Since I didn't start my soup this morning, but on my lunch instead, it wasn't ready when we got home so I hurried to cook some hot dogs which the kids devoured as they are watching this POWER RANGERS MORPHENOMENON marathon on tv. I'm not keen on this show, but whatever. I remember when it first started and my oldest used to watch it. Guess it's fitting that they all have had some sort of POWER RANGERS to enjoy. {Could be worse, like Barney or Yo Gabba Gabba or something.} So my soup is still cooking in the crock pot - Senate Soup aka Navy Bean Soup. I like "Senate Soup" better. That's what they called it at one of my childhood favorite restaurants (was it Union Hotel or that other old fashioned place?!). So easy to make. Navy beans. Onion. Bacon. Chicken broth. Salt & Pepper. Garlic powder. You throw it all into the crock pot (uncooked) and cook it. It's a "Fix it and Forget it" recipe for sure!! So as that continues to cook, I am blogging after having checked emails and facebook. But I'll be doing laundry here shortly so that I can have that done and out of the way for the weekend. I really do like doing the laundry on Friday nights. Then we can enjoy the weekend. And we rarely go out on Fridays so it really works well. For me. Maybe not for you, but that's what is so great about time management and being the logistical leader of your family. We are all trying to find what works for us. It's a never ending mission. Don't you think?! I say all of the time that organization is an ever evolving process that must be re-evaluated every so often. Times change, therefor your organization must, too. Here is a picture from my laundry room organization in 2011. I added the broken shelf sideways on top of the shelf that the builders put there and instantly added space! That's thinking outside the box. I had added the wire shelf unit a few years ago for my laundry products. I still use this as it is displayed in the photo almost a year later. It's still working for me. Coolness. One thing I don't have to have on my to-do list. At least not now anyways.
Speaking of organization, I hope to do some around the house this weekend. I want to work on the craft/game room. I add the "game" part because I do store all of the Board games in the closet and the old PS2 is in there, but I doubt much else will be done gamey in there. {Hee Hee} I am just excited at the notion of being crafty again! Scrapbooking. Sewing. Miscellaneous crafts. I like a lot of stuff and thanks to Pinterest I am finding a WHOLE lot more to inspire me! And with having more "me" time in 2012 as well as family time, I anticipate a lot of crafting - individually and with the kids - this year. Yeah! I think they'll like that a lot. My kids love being artsy fartsy. Like their Momma. Like their Grandma. I guess it's "in the genes" as my Mom says. Maybe it is. Maybe it is. Below is a project I did that I absolutely love. I think I did it in 2011, also. I learned from Teresa Collins (fabulous designer of scrapbooking products) how to make the paper flowers. I was instantly hooked and wanted to flower EVERYTHING. I did this altered photo frame for my daughter's room. It still has no photo, but sits on top of one of her tall bookshelves. I love the quote, too. SO true!
So what are you doing to start your weekend??
Happy Friday to you, blog world. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Lost and Found
I woke up this morning feeling so ... "Ugh. Do I have to get up?" and could barely get myself moving. I slummed it again just throwing my hair up so that it'd take less time to get ready. But I've never been one to view work as a fashion show that I gotta get all dolled up for. Maybe every once in a while, but not normally. So I got there and did a whole lot of stuff, which was fun. I went and mentored, which I *love* doing. I was most excited about the 4 o'clock whistle blowing so I could dart out of there and head to the gym!! Which is what I did. After a pit stop at home to change and grab the munchkins. It just feels soooooo good to be doing something good for my heart and soul (and all the rest of my body parts). Afterwards we came home and I needed to make spaghetti and meatballs, because that's what my menu said to do tonight! I *love* my menus!! I do. I cooked some fresh asparagus and zucchini to go with it - separately. Heaven forbid my kids should eat zucchini! That was all for me. (Hee Hee) And we shared the asparagus.
So as I was cooking I did something that I haven't done in almost a year and a half. I called my Mother. She asked in a text yesterday if the kids could call today or tomorrow and I replied that they would. So they did. And they talked to both Grandma and Grandpa, filling them in on how school is going, how during football season they made it to playoffs but lost this year, how he isn't interested in baseball this year but would rather play soccer but can't because Mom won't let him until his grades are up, how she isn't getting into trouble at school, and thanked them for Christmas gifts. Then it was my turn. She wanted to talk to me. So we talked. Caught up. Learned a lot of good and bad things that have happened in both households since that day (September 16, 2010) when she left for unknown reasons as I was working shortly after my knee surgery on August 26th. I talked to my Mom, and then my stepDad. When I hit the red button to end the call I looked at the timer. 1:33 and some odd seconds. Wow! That was a long first conversation. That was nice. I hope there will be more and we can rebuild our relationship. This makes my heart happier.
But then I folded a load of laundry, put away food and cleaned the kitchen from supper and was losing momentum and steam, feeling oh so tired. Until I spoke with a friend that I hadn't talked to in almost two weeks. Now, this is a friend that we normally don't go more than 3 days maybe without even a few minutes to chat. So it was quite refreshing and even though that conversation lasted nothing near the length that the convo with my Momma did, it gave me the energy to actually post to my blog. 'Cuz before that ... I had considered skipping a post today! {Shrieks, "egads!"} I'm glad that my energy, although lost earlier, was found. But I don't think it's gonna last too long!
But as I go to bed tonight and wake up to that dreaded alarm clock in the dark hours of the morning, I can rejoice in knowing that it's FRIDAY!!!! And that means not only is the weekend eminent, but that I can relax and wear jeans to work. Oh yeah, baby! I *love* me some jeans days!!
What was "lost and found" in your day today??
So as I was cooking I did something that I haven't done in almost a year and a half. I called my Mother. She asked in a text yesterday if the kids could call today or tomorrow and I replied that they would. So they did. And they talked to both Grandma and Grandpa, filling them in on how school is going, how during football season they made it to playoffs but lost this year, how he isn't interested in baseball this year but would rather play soccer but can't because Mom won't let him until his grades are up, how she isn't getting into trouble at school, and thanked them for Christmas gifts. Then it was my turn. She wanted to talk to me. So we talked. Caught up. Learned a lot of good and bad things that have happened in both households since that day (September 16, 2010) when she left for unknown reasons as I was working shortly after my knee surgery on August 26th. I talked to my Mom, and then my stepDad. When I hit the red button to end the call I looked at the timer. 1:33 and some odd seconds. Wow! That was a long first conversation. That was nice. I hope there will be more and we can rebuild our relationship. This makes my heart happier.
But then I folded a load of laundry, put away food and cleaned the kitchen from supper and was losing momentum and steam, feeling oh so tired. Until I spoke with a friend that I hadn't talked to in almost two weeks. Now, this is a friend that we normally don't go more than 3 days maybe without even a few minutes to chat. So it was quite refreshing and even though that conversation lasted nothing near the length that the convo with my Momma did, it gave me the energy to actually post to my blog. 'Cuz before that ... I had considered skipping a post today! {Shrieks, "egads!"} I'm glad that my energy, although lost earlier, was found. But I don't think it's gonna last too long!
But as I go to bed tonight and wake up to that dreaded alarm clock in the dark hours of the morning, I can rejoice in knowing that it's FRIDAY!!!! And that means not only is the weekend eminent, but that I can relax and wear jeans to work. Oh yeah, baby! I *love* me some jeans days!!
What was "lost and found" in your day today??
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Pooped Out
I did NOT want to get up this morning. No, sir. I was a slugbug in pajammers! I think the notion that students would be returning today (I run the in-school suspension class at a middle school) didn't help put some "giddy" in my up!! But I did eventually get out of bed and get moving - coffee and oatmeal helped. I got a lot of miscellaneous things done at work, helping here and there. I like doing that! I like helping people; it makes me feel good. Is there a position that is for a knowledgeable go getter to just "float" and do miscellaneous things for all kinds of people? I want that job! Actually I'd like no job, but like most of us I must work to help pay the bills. {If only ... (sigh)} I was proud of myself for actually leaving on time!!!! That's a new thing for me. There's always that "one last thing" that I want/need to do while students are gone and/or to prepare myself for the next day. Not today. Nope. I finished with bus duty, signed off the computer and was outta there.
I had a reason to want to leave in such a hurry. I was excited for church tonight. I mean there hasn't been any Wednesday night church the last two weeks and I have missed that time. Time to eat a nice supper that I didn't have to plan, prepare, cook, serve, and/or clean up after. And for such a nominal amount. I love it. And then the kids have missed their classrooms, friends, and teachers. And I miss my friend that I spend my "me" time with if I'm not involved in a class at the time. It's a win/win/win situation! Every Wednesday night when I plan my menu for the week says "church" and I know that I have nothing to do that night to feed my family except to drive to the church. =)
So interestingly enough, the kids said they had a hard time staying awake in choir tonight. I guess going back to school tuckered them out. So they came home, tucked themselves into bed (clothes and all) and crashed. It was so quiet. You know that quiet that as a Mom you know something's up or someone's asleep? THAT kind of quiet was happening in my house. So I went to check on the kids. I thought maybe they had decided to start reading a book without me since we had discussed our group reading time together tonight before bed. Nope. Not what I found. Nothing in the first bedroom. Then I spied with my little tired eyes, one girl tucked in bed with a boy on the outside edge, both sound asleep. So the interesting part about this is that it was just after 8pm!!! I was happy. Happy that they knew they were tired and went to sleep. Happy that I wasn't going to have to have the "it's bedtime" battle with one or more of them. Happy that I can have some peace and quiet time before I myself sink on into the sheets to read the story written on the inside of my very own eye lids.
Zzzzzzzzzz.
I had a reason to want to leave in such a hurry. I was excited for church tonight. I mean there hasn't been any Wednesday night church the last two weeks and I have missed that time. Time to eat a nice supper that I didn't have to plan, prepare, cook, serve, and/or clean up after. And for such a nominal amount. I love it. And then the kids have missed their classrooms, friends, and teachers. And I miss my friend that I spend my "me" time with if I'm not involved in a class at the time. It's a win/win/win situation! Every Wednesday night when I plan my menu for the week says "church" and I know that I have nothing to do that night to feed my family except to drive to the church. =)
So interestingly enough, the kids said they had a hard time staying awake in choir tonight. I guess going back to school tuckered them out. So they came home, tucked themselves into bed (clothes and all) and crashed. It was so quiet. You know that quiet that as a Mom you know something's up or someone's asleep? THAT kind of quiet was happening in my house. So I went to check on the kids. I thought maybe they had decided to start reading a book without me since we had discussed our group reading time together tonight before bed. Nope. Not what I found. Nothing in the first bedroom. Then I spied with my little tired eyes, one girl tucked in bed with a boy on the outside edge, both sound asleep. So the interesting part about this is that it was just after 8pm!!! I was happy. Happy that they knew they were tired and went to sleep. Happy that I wasn't going to have to have the "it's bedtime" battle with one or more of them. Happy that I can have some peace and quiet time before I myself sink on into the sheets to read the story written on the inside of my very own eye lids.
Zzzzzzzzzz.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Oh, yeah!
I had the {joy} of having to get up and go to work today. Why can't I have money without HAVING to work?! I mean, come on. I don't know why, but getting up was pretty painless though. Shocking, I know. I am normally so sleep in until the last minute possible, pressing the snooze button as many times as possible. But today I didn't. My dearest friend since 7th grade, Char, called and it's the first time we've spoken since before the Christmas break two weeks ago. It was GREAT to catch up, but sad that she lost her sweet doggie, Zach. I actually made myself some oatmeal with dried cranberries and golden raisins (thank you, McDonalds, for introducing me to this yummy morning treat that I was able to do on my own at home for WAAAAAAYYYY less money - instant apples and cinnamon oatmeal, add cranberries and raisins followed by water and remember to add a smidge more since the fruit will soak up some of it, too) and loved having a *warm* breakfast in my tummy on a cold day. It was only 24* outside today. Brrrr! Luckily, being that no students were at school today, I could wear yoga pants, t-shirt, hair up messy like and be good to g-o! LOVE it!
Work. Training. Blah. Blah. Blah.
I actually did well for eating my leftovers that I took for lunch, which WAAAAYYY filled me up. I only ate the pasta and my cheese. I left my yogurt for later, but wasn't hungry before leaving. Yeah! Oh, and NO SODA POP today!! Whoo Hoo! Go, me! I drank my coffee and sweet tea that I took with me in the morning.
Grabbed my kiddos right after work and went straight to the gym and onto an eliptical machine. 20 minutes later switched to a bike, then after another 15 minutes there went with Stef to do some arms and abs. We went outside, where no one seemed dare go, and flipped some of those big honking tires like you see on THE BIGGEST LOSER. There was this one and it was just too stinking heavy, so even though I tried ... it gets to stay right there and rest a little bit longer. Hee Hee. I did find a smaller one (still good size, like 4' in diameter) that I could lift up and throw around for a bit. It was kind of fun flopping that big ol' thing around. THEN ... I started kicking that body thingee with my foot and just kept kicking and kicking and kicking! It was so much fun to kick! Felt really good to workout. That's 3 days in a row! Total workout today was about 1 1/2 hours. Yeah!!!
Happily home, I grilled up some yummy sammies (Rachel Ray's term that I love!) for the fam. Choice of meats (turkey, turkey pastrami, honey ham) and cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, pepperjack). Too bad the bread I intended to use had gone bad and were molding in the pantry, but luckily I had some honey wheat in there we could use. Sliced avocado, tomato, and mixed salad greens for me. Can I tell you how much I *love* using my George Foreman grill?!?!?! So fast and easy and healthy! Here's a picture to make your mouth water! We had it with leftover baked beans or pasta salad from last night's supper. Super yum and super quick.
Work. Training. Blah. Blah. Blah.
I actually did well for eating my leftovers that I took for lunch, which WAAAAYYY filled me up. I only ate the pasta and my cheese. I left my yogurt for later, but wasn't hungry before leaving. Yeah! Oh, and NO SODA POP today!! Whoo Hoo! Go, me! I drank my coffee and sweet tea that I took with me in the morning.
Grabbed my kiddos right after work and went straight to the gym and onto an eliptical machine. 20 minutes later switched to a bike, then after another 15 minutes there went with Stef to do some arms and abs. We went outside, where no one seemed dare go, and flipped some of those big honking tires like you see on THE BIGGEST LOSER. There was this one and it was just too stinking heavy, so even though I tried ... it gets to stay right there and rest a little bit longer. Hee Hee. I did find a smaller one (still good size, like 4' in diameter) that I could lift up and throw around for a bit. It was kind of fun flopping that big ol' thing around. THEN ... I started kicking that body thingee with my foot and just kept kicking and kicking and kicking! It was so much fun to kick! Felt really good to workout. That's 3 days in a row! Total workout today was about 1 1/2 hours. Yeah!!!
Happily home, I grilled up some yummy sammies (Rachel Ray's term that I love!) for the fam. Choice of meats (turkey, turkey pastrami, honey ham) and cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, pepperjack). Too bad the bread I intended to use had gone bad and were molding in the pantry, but luckily I had some honey wheat in there we could use. Sliced avocado, tomato, and mixed salad greens for me. Can I tell you how much I *love* using my George Foreman grill?!?!?! So fast and easy and healthy! Here's a picture to make your mouth water! We had it with leftover baked beans or pasta salad from last night's supper. Super yum and super quick.
So we got done in time to watch the latest episode of NCIS - my fave show! Dishwasher going. Kids' lunches made for school tomorrow. Blog updated. And there's still stuff recording on the DVR and NCIS: Los Angeles to follow on the television. Oh, yeah, y'all ... me likey!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday to my blog! It was just born. Welcome to the world, little blog of mine. I've named you "a coffee lover's life" because of how much I love coffee (and what was available, and what I could think of to name you). {giggles} I don't know what this will be like, but it's worth a try. No regrets! I hate regret. I had pondered starting a blog, so here you are. This is something I thought of to try for myself with the New Year here.
I plan to share information on a lot of things that I've learned in life, from family and friends, things shared from friends, magazines, websites, and such. It could be a lot of fun. Time will tell. Hopefully readers will come. And hopefully information will be useful to someone. You just never know who and what will affect anyone/everyone. So I'll type and share and see how it goes.
Coupons. Cooking. Health and Fitness. Crafting - Scrapbooking, Papercrafting, Sewing, and so much more. Baking. Decorating. Homemade this and that. Organization. Gardening. Cleaning. Family. Education. Budgets. Shopping. "Me" time. Friends. Gift giving. Home. And who knows what else will come up?!
I plan to share information on a lot of things that I've learned in life, from family and friends, things shared from friends, magazines, websites, and such. It could be a lot of fun. Time will tell. Hopefully readers will come. And hopefully information will be useful to someone. You just never know who and what will affect anyone/everyone. So I'll type and share and see how it goes.
Coupons. Cooking. Health and Fitness. Crafting - Scrapbooking, Papercrafting, Sewing, and so much more. Baking. Decorating. Homemade this and that. Organization. Gardening. Cleaning. Family. Education. Budgets. Shopping. "Me" time. Friends. Gift giving. Home. And who knows what else will come up?!
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