I haven't forgotten about blogging, friends. I just haven't written in a while. lol :) Onward to summer moments...
Jason and I have were able to experience our first Atlanta Braves game in Atlanta, Georgia last Saturday. It was fantastic! I loved watching his excitement as he pointed to every aspect of the stadium and action. My husband has an enormous amount of patience when it comes to explaining sports to me (which I adore about him). Our seats were comfy and we were able to listen to the B52s perform immediately after the game. Yes, they did perform "Love Shack", but not 'til the very end of their retro-ifed concert. :) The day before the game we visited Zoo Atlanta. A bit over-priced for a single admission, but a great walk-date. :)
Typically, most people enjoy the beach during their summer vacations. This makes complete sense. :) However, due to my huge hatred towards the heat, I prefer cool locations or at least areas that have shade & a continuous breeze. At times, I admire those who say, "Oh, I'm spending a week at the beach with family..." or "We just arrived home from a month of soaking up the sun..." When my envy sinks in, I quickly become aware of one MAIN fact: I absolutely could not stay at the beach for that long! lol Money does play a small factor in that; however, the BIGGEST factor of all is the truth that I just cannot stand the sun or heat. Therefore, my upcoming weekend beach trip couldn't be more perfect. I can definitely survive two days at the beach with shade and the occasional rain to cool down the atmosphere. :)
I have also enjoyed taking a stab at painting & pottery at two locations: Sips 'n' Strokes and the Color Clay Cafe. It's relaxing to me to be able to sit and just use colors to express emotions. Absolutely loved doing these activities throughout the summer. :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Nutrition...really?
Imagine this: You are great friends with people at some point of your life and it couldn't be better. Hang out times are excellent, movie times are hilarious, the laughter is contagious, and memories just keep on growin' & growin'. Then, things begin to dwindle down outta the blue because life took over. And by life I mean...dating, marriage, distance, new people,...all sorts of milestones like that. Before you know it, those close friends are no longer your great friends and you can't even remember why or how it became that way. That ever happened to you?
Well, it's happened a few times and I realized that it's me who tends to lose the connection.
Here's one classic situation: College buds. You gain a handful of dependable, trustworthy friends while you're experiencing the most life-changing, academic years of life. Lunches, dinners, nights out....the works! You think to yourself, "I'm never going to lose contact with these people...ever!" I try so hard to hold on to that and sadly, it seems to fade away. However, I am thankful that I'm still terrific friends with some of my college friends despite where we all are in our walks of life. Thank God for the postal service & Facebook, right? lol :)
But, then comes---sticky, awkward situation: You're friends and then a disagreement or conflict arises. Words are exchanged and you regret 95% of what was said. A person tries so hard not to spit out stupidity and it somehow manages to creep out. Boom! Friendship falls apart and the next thing you know you're trying to avoid anyone who even knows the person you verbally fought with. Crazy, isn't it? It happens. And you know what the worst part is? Ready for it? Here goes: You can't even remember--years later--why you disagreed or argued in the first place! It's quite insane.
I think back to the people God has put in my path and try to analyze why He has placed them there. I truly believe our Lord puts different people in our lives to teach us a lesson about ourselves and to GROW. My problem: I never seem to grasp the concept of growing. Now, keep in mind, I'm short for many reasons--never really liked vegetables growing up (lol), soda was a sugar-filled dream, hated the taste of vitamins, and doctor visits were rare.
But, how about this--> I think I'm "spiritually short." I don't hold on to good memories, but only to the negative ones created by past conflicts. I replay the bad times which is very scary because that's what brings anger or tears to the surface. My mind (and heart) need to get "taller" in the sense that I have GOT to shake the bad memories out the dangerous cookie jar and dig for the positive (fun!) ones. I'm not taking the experiences that God places in my life as "spiritual vitamins." I'm spitting them out like a small child or as Amy Poehler does in the movie Baby Mama. I need to take His dose of spiritual growth medicine. It may not taste as good as soda or some sweet treat, but it's definitely better for me!
Gosh, I love my husband. He's made me realize that I do miss those friends that I'm...sadly...no longer friends with. I goofed up. I didn't see their points-of-view or try to work things out. Instead, I would push 'em away and hope they wouldn't show up at some random concert, shopping mall, or wherever else I tend to be at. Horrible, horrible. But, you know what else? Their lives went on...they're still laughing, growing, and living life. I'm still a bit stuck on how to let go. But, hopefully...if I keep taking my spiritual vitamins...I may just be able to reunite with them at some point. Don't know when, don't know how...but some time.
But, until then I'll keep listening to my husband---who God has placed in my life---and eat my green vegetables.
Well, it's happened a few times and I realized that it's me who tends to lose the connection.
Here's one classic situation: College buds. You gain a handful of dependable, trustworthy friends while you're experiencing the most life-changing, academic years of life. Lunches, dinners, nights out....the works! You think to yourself, "I'm never going to lose contact with these people...ever!" I try so hard to hold on to that and sadly, it seems to fade away. However, I am thankful that I'm still terrific friends with some of my college friends despite where we all are in our walks of life. Thank God for the postal service & Facebook, right? lol :)
But, then comes---sticky, awkward situation: You're friends and then a disagreement or conflict arises. Words are exchanged and you regret 95% of what was said. A person tries so hard not to spit out stupidity and it somehow manages to creep out. Boom! Friendship falls apart and the next thing you know you're trying to avoid anyone who even knows the person you verbally fought with. Crazy, isn't it? It happens. And you know what the worst part is? Ready for it? Here goes: You can't even remember--years later--why you disagreed or argued in the first place! It's quite insane.
I think back to the people God has put in my path and try to analyze why He has placed them there. I truly believe our Lord puts different people in our lives to teach us a lesson about ourselves and to GROW. My problem: I never seem to grasp the concept of growing. Now, keep in mind, I'm short for many reasons--never really liked vegetables growing up (lol), soda was a sugar-filled dream, hated the taste of vitamins, and doctor visits were rare.
But, how about this--> I think I'm "spiritually short." I don't hold on to good memories, but only to the negative ones created by past conflicts. I replay the bad times which is very scary because that's what brings anger or tears to the surface. My mind (and heart) need to get "taller" in the sense that I have GOT to shake the bad memories out the dangerous cookie jar and dig for the positive (fun!) ones. I'm not taking the experiences that God places in my life as "spiritual vitamins." I'm spitting them out like a small child or as Amy Poehler does in the movie Baby Mama. I need to take His dose of spiritual growth medicine. It may not taste as good as soda or some sweet treat, but it's definitely better for me!
Gosh, I love my husband. He's made me realize that I do miss those friends that I'm...sadly...no longer friends with. I goofed up. I didn't see their points-of-view or try to work things out. Instead, I would push 'em away and hope they wouldn't show up at some random concert, shopping mall, or wherever else I tend to be at. Horrible, horrible. But, you know what else? Their lives went on...they're still laughing, growing, and living life. I'm still a bit stuck on how to let go. But, hopefully...if I keep taking my spiritual vitamins...I may just be able to reunite with them at some point. Don't know when, don't know how...but some time.
But, until then I'll keep listening to my husband---who God has placed in my life---and eat my green vegetables.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas fun is over...
So, friends...Christmas fun is over. Sharing family memories, creating new memories, unwrapping gifts, decorated church services,...are all over until next year. It was great fun, though! :) Jason & I opened gifts at midnight and were blessed to spend another Christmas holiday together. We had a Christmas brunch at Denny's with my family and exchanged gifts there as well. It was fun, relaxed, and comfortable.
We both dreaded the Christmas dinner that was next on Jay's side of the family. First, we went home to relax and digest the brunch meal. Jay's sister and brother-in-law joined us. Tianna & I played a good round of Scrabble, while Jake & Jay played on the Xbox. I put in some cinnamon rolls in the oven and they were soooo good. lol I hadn't had cinnamon rolls in such a long time. Then, it was off to my father-in-law's house.
We sat around for half an hour waiting for dinner to be ready once we arrived. The whole time we were waiting, I thought to myself, "Geez, I should've brought along Apples to Apples or some board game to play." lol My ADD got the best of me while waiting! Christmas dinner was good (However, I did have to do the unthinkable and add salt/pepper to the mashed potatoes. I could never eat bland mashed potatoes. They need flavor! lol). Then, rounds of gift exchanges and family pictures took place. I was glad to see snow falling heavily as we were leaving. It reminded me of snow days in New Jersey. I suddenly thought of my Grandma and sledding down large hills. Great times! :)
Overall, Christmas was awesome. Jason and I were blessed to receive what we did and glad to see that both family events went well (no insults, fights, or anything took place! LOL) Now, that was definitely a terrific Christmas memory... :)
We both dreaded the Christmas dinner that was next on Jay's side of the family. First, we went home to relax and digest the brunch meal. Jay's sister and brother-in-law joined us. Tianna & I played a good round of Scrabble, while Jake & Jay played on the Xbox. I put in some cinnamon rolls in the oven and they were soooo good. lol I hadn't had cinnamon rolls in such a long time. Then, it was off to my father-in-law's house.
We sat around for half an hour waiting for dinner to be ready once we arrived. The whole time we were waiting, I thought to myself, "Geez, I should've brought along Apples to Apples or some board game to play." lol My ADD got the best of me while waiting! Christmas dinner was good (However, I did have to do the unthinkable and add salt/pepper to the mashed potatoes. I could never eat bland mashed potatoes. They need flavor! lol). Then, rounds of gift exchanges and family pictures took place. I was glad to see snow falling heavily as we were leaving. It reminded me of snow days in New Jersey. I suddenly thought of my Grandma and sledding down large hills. Great times! :)
Overall, Christmas was awesome. Jason and I were blessed to receive what we did and glad to see that both family events went well (no insults, fights, or anything took place! LOL) Now, that was definitely a terrific Christmas memory... :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Holiday families lol
Of course, the holidays bring a time where you have to decide which "family" you are going to spend time with. This can be very difficult! It's easier when both families hang out on a consistent basis or at least have a weekly phone chain going on. But, what do you do when both families are pretty much on different wavelengths? lol
Jason and I are very simple---at times goofy--, but mostly simple when it comes to our daily lives. We wake up, go to work, wait for one another as we arrive from work, and spend time with each other. It's a schedule that we truly love! :) However, both of our families are a bit more complex. lol Their schedules involve working, babysitting, daily errand-running, etc. It's a fast-paced life out there for 'em.
So, you can only imagine how difficult it can be to combine families and rearrange your schedule for the holidays. No wonder some call this time, "the holiday rush of chaos"...it really is! You don't want to make either family upset or hurt, but you also want...peace, relaxation. Why? Well, after all....it is Winter break and that calls for rest, doesn't it? :)
Jason and I are very simple---at times goofy--, but mostly simple when it comes to our daily lives. We wake up, go to work, wait for one another as we arrive from work, and spend time with each other. It's a schedule that we truly love! :) However, both of our families are a bit more complex. lol Their schedules involve working, babysitting, daily errand-running, etc. It's a fast-paced life out there for 'em.
So, you can only imagine how difficult it can be to combine families and rearrange your schedule for the holidays. No wonder some call this time, "the holiday rush of chaos"...it really is! You don't want to make either family upset or hurt, but you also want...peace, relaxation. Why? Well, after all....it is Winter break and that calls for rest, doesn't it? :)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wow! It's been a while...
Wow, it's been a while since I've posted something on here. Sometimes, I couldn't even remember if I already had an account on here or not. I think I slack on blogging or posting mainly because I don't know if there's anyone out there reading it. A person tends to feel a bit better if they know at least one person in this big, wide world full of billions of people is listening. Hmm...I always wonder and continue to do so.
Well, since my last post many things have happened (of course lol). I was recently voted as Teacher of the Year at my school. I thought it was a huge honor just to be nominated. I had no expectations of winning. God has blessed me very much with that. I'm not big on being in the center of the spotlight. In the past, when I was in the center of the spotlight I was made fun of or mocked. So, the past continues to haunt me even with my strengths. Weird, isn't it? Do you ever feel that way sometimes?
Jason started a new job (about 5 months ago) which he absolutely loves and enjoys. Financially, it has helped our family a great deal. I'm so proud of him. He wanted to pursue bigger, better dreams and he did just that. I believe he's on the road to breaking all the walls he couldn't destroy earlier in his life. He's such a strong person and knows exactly how to get there, even if he has to ask for directions. :)
Yes, we definitely went out and conquered Black Friday again this year. 3 straight years in a row and still having fun standing in lines in cold weather. lol Deals are what drives us and saving is definitely a big plus. I appreciate the fact that I had to do a lot of things on my own when I was younger. Even at a young age, I had to buy groceries and things that most teens received regularly from their parents. I believe this showed me early that spending money in crazy ways just doesn't feel right. In the back of my mind, I always think about the necessities first and then the special extras. Sometimes I wonder what life would've been like if I was raised in a rich family. Would I still be the same as I am now? I doubt it. I am thankful that I had to start working at 14 years old to provide things for myself. I don't wish things were different back then because I wouldn't have the financial knowledge that I share with Jay now.
Well, since my last post many things have happened (of course lol). I was recently voted as Teacher of the Year at my school. I thought it was a huge honor just to be nominated. I had no expectations of winning. God has blessed me very much with that. I'm not big on being in the center of the spotlight. In the past, when I was in the center of the spotlight I was made fun of or mocked. So, the past continues to haunt me even with my strengths. Weird, isn't it? Do you ever feel that way sometimes?
Jason started a new job (about 5 months ago) which he absolutely loves and enjoys. Financially, it has helped our family a great deal. I'm so proud of him. He wanted to pursue bigger, better dreams and he did just that. I believe he's on the road to breaking all the walls he couldn't destroy earlier in his life. He's such a strong person and knows exactly how to get there, even if he has to ask for directions. :)
Yes, we definitely went out and conquered Black Friday again this year. 3 straight years in a row and still having fun standing in lines in cold weather. lol Deals are what drives us and saving is definitely a big plus. I appreciate the fact that I had to do a lot of things on my own when I was younger. Even at a young age, I had to buy groceries and things that most teens received regularly from their parents. I believe this showed me early that spending money in crazy ways just doesn't feel right. In the back of my mind, I always think about the necessities first and then the special extras. Sometimes I wonder what life would've been like if I was raised in a rich family. Would I still be the same as I am now? I doubt it. I am thankful that I had to start working at 14 years old to provide things for myself. I don't wish things were different back then because I wouldn't have the financial knowledge that I share with Jay now.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
November News :)
It's been a long time since I have posted. I still wonder if anyone reads my blog. Part of me thinks "What's the point of writing one if there are no active readers?", but then my other half says "It's a form of expression, do it anyway." So, here I am....whether talking to myself or others out there in blog world. :)
I graduated with my Master's degree back in August. Yahoo! :) It feels great to get something like that accomplished in one year. I was glad that I was able to commute back and forth as well as teach during this year. I can't believe it: I started my first year of marriage as well as my Master's degree in 2008-09. I must've been nuts to have so much on my plate! lol But, I wouldn't change it for the world. :) I adore Jay and feel relieved to have moved up in "degree world." lol! On top of that, Jay and I bought our first house in July. Yay! :) We have the freedom to paint, decorate, and change anything we'd like without the hassle of a rent office. Plus, having a backyard for nieces/nephews and friends is terrific.
Our next stop? Well, Jason will be starting his Master's soon at USC in the area of Music Composition. :) He's also painting away on canvas in the office/workroom of the house as he's chomping on chocolate. lol He entered a music contest a while back which is always a good way to network and get your talent out there. I'm proud of him. :) As for me, learning never stops. I'm hoping to start my doctorate's degree soon either after Christmas or in the summer.
For right now, Jason and I are both looking forward to Thanksgiving breaks and "black Friday" shopping for random sales and goodies. :)
Until next time... :)
I graduated with my Master's degree back in August. Yahoo! :) It feels great to get something like that accomplished in one year. I was glad that I was able to commute back and forth as well as teach during this year. I can't believe it: I started my first year of marriage as well as my Master's degree in 2008-09. I must've been nuts to have so much on my plate! lol But, I wouldn't change it for the world. :) I adore Jay and feel relieved to have moved up in "degree world." lol! On top of that, Jay and I bought our first house in July. Yay! :) We have the freedom to paint, decorate, and change anything we'd like without the hassle of a rent office. Plus, having a backyard for nieces/nephews and friends is terrific.
Our next stop? Well, Jason will be starting his Master's soon at USC in the area of Music Composition. :) He's also painting away on canvas in the office/workroom of the house as he's chomping on chocolate. lol He entered a music contest a while back which is always a good way to network and get your talent out there. I'm proud of him. :) As for me, learning never stops. I'm hoping to start my doctorate's degree soon either after Christmas or in the summer.
For right now, Jason and I are both looking forward to Thanksgiving breaks and "black Friday" shopping for random sales and goodies. :)
Until next time... :)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Summer is starting now...
Well, today was the last day for students in the elementary school. Most teachers were able to leave today and they are officially starting their summer break. Yay! :) I'm moving from one hallway to another hallway for the upcoming school year. So, I'll be back Monday (my true last day) to organize things and turn in my key for the summer. Moving wasn't too bad with the exception of the humidity and impatient people. lol I'll be teaching 4th grade next year, so I acquired lots of ancient goodies from teachers who are retiring. A way to economize! :)
I have graduate school this weekend, but thankfully....no class on Sundays! :) I'm still working on my action research paper. It's hard to put data together and then paste it to your paper. I just really wish for that paper to be done. It's very time-consuming, unlike our other assignments that can be done in a small amount of time. Tomorrow I meet with a study group to start/finish a group project on the technology and learning. I'm just ready for graduation. lol
Jason and I have also been talking to our realtor and put an offer down on a house we truly liked. Buying a house is a long process and I'm kinda glad it is. It's important to choose a house that you like before committing to that mortgage. lol :) We'll give more details as our house-buying adventures progress.
Alright, friends. That's it for tonight. This was a refreshing break away from my research paper. Thanks! lol :) If you're out there reading this, please let us know. It's always cool to know if you are. Plus, it gives us motivation to continue writing and blogging. Take care. :)
I have graduate school this weekend, but thankfully....no class on Sundays! :) I'm still working on my action research paper. It's hard to put data together and then paste it to your paper. I just really wish for that paper to be done. It's very time-consuming, unlike our other assignments that can be done in a small amount of time. Tomorrow I meet with a study group to start/finish a group project on the technology and learning. I'm just ready for graduation. lol
Jason and I have also been talking to our realtor and put an offer down on a house we truly liked. Buying a house is a long process and I'm kinda glad it is. It's important to choose a house that you like before committing to that mortgage. lol :) We'll give more details as our house-buying adventures progress.
Alright, friends. That's it for tonight. This was a refreshing break away from my research paper. Thanks! lol :) If you're out there reading this, please let us know. It's always cool to know if you are. Plus, it gives us motivation to continue writing and blogging. Take care. :)
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