Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Day 30 - A Dream for the Future

I dream that one day Matthew and I...

...will be able to have better paying jobs that will allow us to live comfortably instead of paycheck to paycheck!
...will have a couple children, or five!
...can live in a home that is large enough for our needs, and maybe some of our wants too!
...will travel as much and as often as we would like without worrying about how much it costs!
...can give our children all of the opportunities we had and more!
...will be debt free (in terms of student loans, not the mortgage) and will be able to save for our childrens' futures!
...will be able to retire before we are too old so that we can enjoy ourselves and the world around us!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Day 29 - Hopes, Plans, and Dreams for the Next 365 Days

I have a few things I want to accomplish over the next year.

- begin working out on a regular basis (at least 3 or 4 times a week)
- learn how to eat a healthier diet (and cook healthier as well)
- lose 75 pounds or at least get down to a size 6 or 8
- graduate from college (both of them)
- spend less and save more
- learn how to budget our money more efficiently
- set aside a date night for every week
- finish the home projects (painting the kitchen and bathroom, fixing the laundry room doors, refinishing the dining room floor, finish landscaping, get a fence put up)
- grow a better garden next summer

I probably will come up with a million more over the next few months, but these are the main ones that I have been aiming towards for a while. We see how well that's going!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Day 28 - What's In My Handbag/Purse

Well, this morning there was way more stuff in it! But I was going shopping, so I took some things out.

- flash drive
- neosporin
- migraine medication
- pen
- orbit wintermint gum
- coupons for food
- coupons for clothes
- two checkbooks
- a wallet full of cards
- a wallet type thing full of gift cards
- vaseline lip care
- an overflowing key ring
- lots of receipts for things

Friday, August 27, 2010

Day 27 - My Worst Habit

I have a couple bad habits. I'm not sure which would be my worst.

Matthew always fusses about how whenever I get a new roll of toilet paper out, I never put it on the roll. I don't do it on purpose like he claims! I just don't think about it. He also doesn't like how I can't seem to get my dirty clothes in the clothes hamper. My mom fussed about both of these from the time I could walk, talk, and use the bathroom on my own. Apparently I never learned.

Another habit is when I am nervous or anxious, I bite the inside of my cheeks. Weird, I know. But I have always done that. I guess it's comforting to me.

Day 26 - Your Week In Great Detail

This week has been very long and super eventful! So you're in luck. Usually, I wouldn't have many details to give you!

Monday I worked all day. For those of you that don't know, I go to school full-time between two different schools. So my class at the University started. It is an online class and so I added everything into my planner!

Tuesday I, again, worked all day. After work, I went to the community college for one of my classes. They were of course out of books, which is funny, because I am the only person in the class. I have the same teacher I had for a class during the spring semester. And she's great! I'm so glad I have her again this semester! The class is supposed to last 3 hours but since there were no books, I couldn't do any of the work.

I told you in detail about Wednesday already.

Thursday, I went to work yet again. For lunch, I went to a cookout at my mom's work for their charity fund they have. We had grilled porkloin, butterbeans, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, potato casserole, rolls, and watermelon. It was all very good! I got off work at 4:30 because I had another class starting at the community college at 5 p.m. I rushed to get there and eat a little something before it started. The teacher showed up at 5:30 and didn't start teaching until well after 6. But it wasn't really teaching. It was just her going over the syllabus. There are actually two classes in the room at once (it's a computer lab), and I could not concentrate at all on my work while she was answering questions for the other class. So I ended up leaving at 6:40. It's a work at your own pace kind of class. I didn't just up and leave!

Today, which is Friday, I have been at work all day. I went to lunch with Vickie! Tonight, I hope that when I get home there will be dinner on the table since Matthew is off. And I don't know what the plans are for the rest of the night, but I sure hope I can wear my pj's and get to sleep early!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Day 25 - Your Day, In Great Detail

I will tell you about yesterday since it's already over with and so I can tell you about the entire day.

6:30 - Woke up way earlier than usual.
6:40 - Started searching the house for a textbook that I never found.
7:00 - Decided to get online and see if I had sold the book. And I didn't.
7:25 - Finally got in the shower.
8:12 - Left for work.
8:23 - Arrived at work.
11:30 - Went to lunch.
2:15 - Left work because I had a terrible migraine (which I'd had all day but it was just getting worse and worse).
2:30 - Got home, took Cinnamon out, and changed into my pj's.
2:45 - Went to sleep.
7:45 - Woke up and ate dinner and watched some tv. And my head was feeling much better at this point.
9:15 - My head started hurting so bad I couldn't even stand to turn my head.
9:30 - Took some medicine.
10:00 - My headache was gone, but I couldn't get to sleep.
12:00 - Finally got to sleep!

This is definitely not a typical day for me by any means! But I feel much better today!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Day 24 - Where I Live

I live...

...in a town that's not too big and not too small.
...close to a city but right around the corner from the country.
...five minutes from where I've lived my entire life.
...where I don't think there's much to do for entertainment, but it's a lot more than some places I've been.
...close to my family. And as much as I want to move far away, I don't want to leave them.
...where I know my way to just about everything.
...two hours from the beach and four hours from the mountains.
...where I know most people (or at least recognize them) that I interact with on a daily basis.
...in a place full of history, and I love that.
...less than ten minutes from everything: the mall, several grocery stores, two Wal-marts, Target, several drug stores, and tons of fast food places and restaurants.
...in a state that has incredible colleges and universities and hospitals.
...in a place that offers more opportunities, choices, and variety than any place I've been.
...in a place that means something to me.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Day 23 - A Youtube video

I honestly do not like Youtube.. at all.

Day 22 - A Website

I look at a lot of websites every day. I mostly look at the same blogs, the local paper, and the local news channel. But sometimes I start looking at http://www.craigslist.com/ because I get in the mood to fix things! Or to redecorate! And I also love to look at http://www.homegoods.com/ and see what people have been finding! It's so inspiring!

Day 21 - A Recipe

I never know exact measurements of things, but this is a recipe I found a while back online and Matthew just loves it!

1 pound penne pasta
1 pound sausage
Red, Yellow, and Green peppers sliced
1 onion diced
1 can of crushed tomatoes
1 cup of mozzarella cheese

Cook the pasta as directed on the box. In a separate pan, brown the sausage. Add in the peppers and onions and cook until tender. Add in the tomatoes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and return to pot. Stir in the sausage and pepper mixture as well as the mozzarella cheese. Stir. Add more or less cheese depending on your tastes.

It's super gooey and cheesey and it's got that kind of spicy kick from the sausage and peppers! So good!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Day 20 - A Hobby of Yours

My life is far too jam packed right now to really have any hobbies, but I used to have them, and I hope to have them back once I graduate from school and have some free time again!

I enjoy scrapbooking, baking, traveling anywhere and everywhere, sports (despite the fact that I am completely out of shape and can't even walk a block or two without feeling like I'm dying), and shopping for clothes and house decor. Although right now I refuse to do any clothes shopping until I lose enough weight to buy something two sizes smaller than what I am currently wearing.

But right now I don't have time for scrapbooking, money for traveling, the energy and stamina for sports, and the money or desire for shopping. But by the time I turn 23, I will have my time back and I will have my energy and stamina back and I will have my desire for shopping back. Money is a whole 'nother issue!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Day 19 - A Talent of Yours

Hmm.. I don't have any super amazing talents like being able to swallow fiery swords or anything like that. But I will tell you a few things that make me feel more confident and boost my self esteem and that I consider to be a talent since not everyone can do these things well.

I have a natural affinity for cooking and I always have. I don't have to try hard to cook food that tastes good. I just get in the kitchen, make the food, and there have been very few things to turn out badly. And I'm not skinny, so obviously I feed myself well!

I have been told that I'm good at decorating. Of course I think I am good at this because I decorate according to my tastes. But when someone else tells you that they like what you've done, then you know you've got it going on!

I consider myself talented at saving money and couponing. I know that's not really a talent, but it's not like everyone in America can limit themselves to a $50 a week grocery budget, and not necessarily always spend that much. And not everyone can train their minds to reason and have limits on spending in their nature. If an item of food costs over $1 or $2, I seriously reason out in my mind if it's worth the cost and could I ever get it cheaper.

I have a talent for typing fast as well as proofreading for errors. I am studying to be a Medical Transcriptionist, so these are great talents to have!

I am sure that as I grow older, I will discover more and more talents that I have been given!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Day 18 - My Wedding

Well this is all still very fresh in my mind! And I have already gone into story mode in past posts about the wedding day. So since I have been going through the pictures, I will put some of them up here as a little preview!

 
 

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Day 17 - An Art Piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.)

My absolute all-time favorite piece of art is...



Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night. I just love it! And this is a close second (and I have it in my living room over the fireplace)...




Another Vincent Van Gogh Almond Blossom. Can you guess who my favorite artist is? Vincent Van Gogh!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Day 16 - A Song That Makes You Cry (or nearly)

I think I've said this before, I don't know names of songs. I know very few words to songs. I just know them when they come on and I can sing the whole thing. But I can't remember them afterwards. So I will just say that any song (and mostly country) that talks about a grandpa or an old man losing his wife or child or dog or house or losing anything really makes me cry (or nearly).

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Day 15 - Your Dream House

My dream house would be a huge old farmhouse, or a new construction that looks old but with the modern conveniences. I want the big porches on the front and the back, lots of rooms, a couple old barns out back, a pool in the back yard, lots of flowers and big shade trees and patios all over. I want it to be in the country with green fields all around. I want thick white moldings in the house, big bathtubs and showers, a huge gourmet kitchen, and lots of big fireplaces.

Day 14 - A Non-Fictional Book



I think the only non-fictional book I have ever read, apart from school books, is Nickel and Dimed. And I read that for a school paper, so I guess technically it's a school book as well.

Day 13 - A Fictional Book



My favorite fictional book ever is Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss!

Day 12 - Something You Are OCD About

I am OCD about planning and time management, which is extremely ironic considering I am a huge procrastinator. I am also OCD about stacks of things being completely straight and even, whether it be cans and boxes in the pantry to papers on my desk at work.

Day 11 - A Photo of You Recently

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Meet the Newlyweds!

Today, Matthew and I are being featured over at The Newlyweds! So please go check it out! We had so much fun with the interview and hope that all of you enjoy reading all about us!

And for those of you visiting from The Newlyweds, welcome! We hope that you will look around our blog! It may not have a ton of posts yet, but we just started our lives out together and will have a lot to share with everyone over the rest of our lives! And that's a lot of future posts! So if you don't think we're interesting today, just come back tomorrow and see what other adventures we've gotten ourselves into!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Day 10 - A Photo Taken Over 10 Years Ago of You

I do not have any pictures of me at this age, as they are all at my parents' home. So I will promise to look for one and put it up here by the end of August! But please don't hold your breath for it because I was a pudgy and dorky child with glasses and braces.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Day 9 - A Photo You Took


This was last year when we went to Charleston and visited the Magnolia Gardens.

Day 8 - A Photo That Makes You Angry/Sad

I don't have a picture of this, but a photo that makes me sad would be that of my grandma's house with the for sale sign in front of it. I have dreamed of living in this house since I was 5 years old. This is the place that feels like home to me! And now it is for sale. I cried when I saw the sign in front of it.

Day 7 - A Photo That Makes You Happy

Friday, August 6, 2010

Day 6 - 20 of My Favorite Things

These are in no particular order, apart from the order in which I thought of them which has no affect on their order of importance because I have a terrible memory and it takes time for me to think of things.

1. Wearing my pajamas around the house, out in the yard, and late night outings for food and visiting family!
2. Pumpkin anything!
3. Traveling anywhere and everywhere! My goal is to see all 50 states in my lifetime. So far I've been to 22!
4. Couponing!
5. Matthew!
6. Chocolate pudding and anything that has chocolate pudding in it!
7. Road trips!
8. Miss Bambi Bunn!
9. Cinnamon Raisin Bunn!
10. Staying up late and sleeping in to make up for it!
11. My dad!
12. Satellite radio because it's commercial free!
13. Guacamole! Or Mexican food in general!
14. Receiving gifts for any occasion!
15. Budgeting! And saving money!
16. Pizza Inn!
17. A good salad with really good ranch dressing or vinegar and oil!
18. Decorating!
19. Diet coke! And sweet tea!
20. Spaghetti! Or all Italian food really!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Day 5 - Favorite Quote

I have a few favorite quotes, so I will tell you all of them!

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

"Obstacles cannot break me, all walls break to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star cannot fail." - Leonardo da Vinci

"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly." - Langston Hughes

"Never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

"I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am." - John Newton

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Day 4 - Favorite Book


My all time favorite book is Where the Red Fern Grows. I think I read it when I was about 12 or 13 years old. And I cried. I remember going to my dad's office and I had my own "office" where I would sit and do homework. I would read and read and read that book for hours on end. And I felt everything that the book described as if I was there myself. If anyone even came close to my "office", I would wipe my tears because I didn't want anyone to see me crying over a book. But I have a tendency to do that with books, imagine that I am that person and that the book is describing my life. I was so attached to those hunting dogs as if they were my own. And at the time, I had a 4 year old dachshund, Bambi, who I just loved to pieces and still do! All I could do was think that she was one of the dogs. It was just so sad and so real! Definitely a must read for all!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Day 3 - Favorite Television Show

My absolute favorite television show of all time is Seinfeld! I could watch that all day, every day, and never get tired of it!


A close second would have to be Criminal Minds, then CSI. I love the drama and the process of solving a mystery! Any time there is a marathon on, I cannot walk away from the tv.

And I also love King of Queens, The Office, Teen Mom, Intervention, Everybody Loves Raymond, and anything on HGTV.

Day 2 - Favorite Movie

Hands down, my favorite movie is Forrest Gump! I love it. I can quote nearly the whole thing. It's just great! What other movie has history, drama, and comedy?

But a few other favorites are Remember the Titans, Blindside, Field of Dreams, The Rookie, etc. Anything that is about sports and anything based on history I just love!

Day 1 - Favorite Song

I haven't thought about this in a really long time! I used to be obsessed with Hanson and their song "Mmmbop". I knew every word, and sound, in that entire song! I'm sure if I really thought about this, I'd come up with something else, but honestly I am the worst for remembering names and artists of songs! I really cannot remember no matter how hard I try. But Hanson, I will never forget!


I do also like Brad Paisley's "She's Everything". I always have to sing that when it comes on the radio. Most all of Brad Paisley's songs I have to sing when they come on the radio. They're just good!

30 Day Blog Journal

I read about this over at http://adayinthelifesonya.blogspot.com/ and that it would be a fun little activity for the month of August. I know I am a couple days behind, but I can play catch up.

Day 1 - Favorite Song
Day 2 - Favorite Movie
Day 3 - Favorite Television Show
Day 4 - Favorite Book
Day 5 - Favorite Quote
Day 6 - 20 of My Favorite Things
Day 7 - A Photo That Makes You Happy
Day 8 - A Photo That Makes You Angry/Sad
Day 9 - A Photo You Took
Day 10 - A Photo Taken Over 10 Years Ago of You
Day 11 - A Photo of You Recently
Day 12 - Something You Are OCD About
Day 13 - A Fictional Book
Day 14 - A Non-Fictional Book
Day 15 - Your Dream House
Day 16 - A Song That Makes You Cry (or nearly)
Day 17 - An Art Piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.)
Day 18 - My Wedding
Day 19 - A Talent of Yours
Day 20 - A Hobby of Yours
Day 21 - A Recipe
Day 22 - A Website
Day 23 - A Youtube Video
Day 24 - Where I Live
Day 25 - Your Day, In Great Detail
Day 26 - Your Week, In Great Detail
Day 27 - My Worst Habit
Day 28 - What's In My Handbag/Purse
Day 29 - Hopes, Plans, and Dreams for the Next 365 Days
Day 30 - A Dream for the Future

Monday, August 2, 2010

And It's Monday Again...

Well, Matthew did not get the job. He heard back late Thursday. They said they would keep him in mind for future openings, so perhaps it will turn into something good!

This weekend went by so fast, I don't even remember most of it. Friday at work was very hectic and left me with a major migraine by the time I got home. We got a $5 pizza for dinner, because we're just that cheap! And I think I was kind of ill the rest of the night. Then the worst thing that could have ever happened, happened. It was quite humorous to me, but Matthew very much disagreed. Lately, our toilet in the master bathroom has not been flushing on the first flush. It has been taking maybe two or three flushes. And this does not matter if there is nothing in the toilet or a ton of paper in the toilet, it just hates us. So Friday night, close to midnight, I used the bathroom and it would not flush. I waited and flushed again, and it still would not go down. So I reverted to my begging for Matthew to help, which he hates because I just want him to fix everything, and he can't fix everything like I think he should. Matthew is impatient and wouldn't wait for the water to go down before he flushed it again. There was yelling from his end and laughing from mine... because the toilet was overflowing onto the bathroom floor!

Saturday, I wanted to wake up early and go to the farmer's market and to a yard sale they were having for the Red Cross. But Matthew was too tired to wake up due to the previous nights activities (a.k.a. the toilet overflowing) so we did not go! I was kind of disappointed but I was just fine with staying in bed. Matthew had to be at work at 10:30 and I managed to wake up before he left. I laid around the house with Cinnamon just relaxing and watching television. We were watching some movie but I can't remember what it was. It was good though, because I didn't even change the channels during commercials for fear that I would miss something! I went grocery shopping late Saturday afternoon, but only made it to one store because my headache was getting worse. I did eat lunch with Matthew at Chick-fil-a though! And it was soooo good!

Saturday night, I babysat 4 kids. Yes, I said 4. I kept the two kids that were in our wedding, their older brother, and a friend of their parents' little boy. They were 1 1/2, almost 4, 6, and 8. They really weren't that hard to handle though! They had pizza for dinner when I got there and kind of took care of themselves for the most part! I just had to keep the baby from eating toys, change a couple diapers, and keep getting juice and snacks for everyone! It was a lot of fun though! I think that I could easily handle children of my own one day as long as they were like these kids and could entertain themselves for the most part. I also babysat on Thursday night after work for about 4 hours. That was a 3 month old and a 2 year old. I would have to say the 4 kids was easier than just the 2. And I think that has to do with the age. I have never kept a 3 month old before. I used to keep a 6 month old on a regular basis (obviously he aged the longer I kept him), but the 3 month was totally different. I'm not used to babies not being able to even sit up or roll over or crawl. It was very strange to me! She was so cute, even though she cried for a really long time and wouldn't go to sleep! But I fared quite well I think! All of this proves that I am not ready for a baby any time soon, but I can definitely handle children of age. So maybe adoption is the answer haha! Just kidding. It will be a long time before I want any children running around. I need to catch up on sleep first!