Good Reason!

Ok, I know it's been a while.  And while I do think about posting.... there is just so much going on!

It's spring, which means it is time for my junior high musical.  We are just 17 days away from....

The kids are doing a fantastic job, but it is a LOT of work!  My friend Staci, from Let's Teach Something and To the Moon and Back, has been incredible.  She's been a slight slave driver, getting any cast member who is just sitting around to work on our sets.  As soon as they are finished, I hope to be sharing pictures, because I think they are amazing!

In addition to the normal duties of the spring, I have been fighting voice problems.  As a music teacher, it is extremely frustrating!  I have been having the problem since Christmas Eve that every time I sing, I go hoarse and have a "gravel" voice.  It makes it very difficult to teach.  I've finally gotten a diagnosis (yes, after over 3 months!).  There isn't anything wrong with my vocal cords, but they think I did damage on Christmas Eve, leading to a compensation that is now stuck.  I will be starting vocal therapy at the end of this month.

However, in the process of finding this out, the ENT found something else.  I have a deviated septum (the divider in your nose) that has allowed one of my sinuses to become too large.  It is entirely possible that this is contributing to my migraines - something else that I would love to reduce.  I'll be having surgery over the summer to fix this, and hopefully help.  I would love to be headache free, or at least majorly reduced!

This is all to say - I think about updating, but other things have been WAY more demanding of my time.  I've had more sick days for doctor's appointments this year than any other year of teaching - even though I'm technically healthy.

How do you deal with things that prevent you from doing your job to the best of your ability?  What coping mechanisms do you use when crunch time approaches?

Date Night!

Saturday night, Josh and I had an old-fashioned date.  He picked me up, opened doors, helped me with my coat.  It was a sweet change, although I'm not sure I could handle it all the time!

We went to Ertel's Winery in Batesville.  The place is gorgeous - here are some pictures from their website.

We had a nice little table for 2 right next to the windows.  Josh ordered us a bottle of their strawberry wine - yum!  I haven't had a wine from there yet that I don't love.  He ordered a shrimp dish, and I got the filet Mignon.  We shared a crab cake appetizer.   Everything was absolutely delicious, and presented so well that he kidded we should take pictures.  I almost pulled my camera out.... but didn't.

It was nice to be out just the two of us, and this was a change from what we normally do.  We ended the evening sipping a honey mead on my couch, watching "Supernatural" season 4.  We wouldn't want to get TOO fancy all at once :)

What's your favorite date night or special date night?

Yup... Oops again!

It's been about a month again.  Oops.  But really.... I've been in a funk lately, and I try to stay positive in what I post to the world.... so there wasn't a whole lot to say.

A couple of days of warmer temperatures, SUNSHINE... and it has helped tremendously.  I mean really, I think I was born to live somewhere warm and sunny, because it makes me feel so much happier!

It was a busy month - we've already held auditions for our spring musical, Catholic Schools Week is wrapping up, and the slopes have stayed open.  There's not been a lot of down time, and I have projects that NEED to get done!

In the interest of trying to be more positive, some things I'm thankful for.

• Great friends, like Staci.  No matter how much I whine and complain, she helps me pick myself up off the floor and continue on with my day.
• Seeing the outpouring of love for families who need it.  John and Mandy's baby came 7 weeks early and is going to need surgery - they are waiting to let her grow a bit first.  They are completely wrapped in love, and the pictures they share of little Kaylynn are incredible.  Heartbreaking, but so full of hope as well.  I am enjoying seeing the growth - it's amazing how much difference a week makes when you only weighed 3 lbs 2 oz at birth!
• SUNSHINE!
• Josh.  Talk about someone who puts up with a lot - he is amazing.

Time to go to the gym - I've been doing good about going multiple times the days I don't have to work at the slopes.  This will make visit number 7, and I've still got tomorrow morning to go!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

When 2011 started, I was still heartbroken and missing someone.  April 17, 2011... that all changed.  It defined the rest of the year, simply because I am happy.  Extremely happy.  Others are waiting for an event.  I know it will happen in time, and I'm not in tooo much of a hurry for it.  I'm content that I'm loved and that I can love in return.

2012 started fantastically - a kiss from the one I love, surrounded by friends, and the hope that this year will be better than the last.  I was lucky enough to attend the weddings of many friends last year.  Seeing others so happy and in love just makes me feel luckier to be able to love.

Hoping 2012 is a great year for everyone!

That White Stuff

Yup.  It's December.  I have very mixed feelings about snow this year.  On the one hand, I LOVE fresh snow.  On the other hand... it means I have to work at the slopes (not ready for the running around like crazy part) but I also have to drive in it.  I don't mind driving in it.... except for all of the crazy drivers who see a flake and forget what they are doing!

I can't WAIT to have enough snow to go outside and play in the snow - but I don't want any snow days before Christmas break!  If we miss a day between now and next Friday, we have to come back the following week... and I want a super long Christmas break!

There's some flakes falling outside as I type this.... I'm hoping it doesn't stick to the roads, as my choir is supposed to perform at a Live Nativity tonight.  But fresh falling snow while we sing would look pretty sweet!

Tailgating! IU vs. PU

Over Thanksgiving (which was busy!) we went to Bloomington, IN to tailgate for the Indiana University vs. Purdue University game.  Being two Indiana universities, it is a big rivalry.  Even though I'm not strongly partial to either team, it was so much fun!  Our friend Brie insisted I needed team apparel, so I rooted for the gold and black.

The whole gang went to a local establishment to watch the game, and we had so much fun with the friendly rivalries!

That night we hit the college scene.  Some of the bars in Bloomington are legendary for different reasons.  I was just glad we could sit and not stand all night!  This is Dan with me and Josh - his wife couldn't make it, but we sure did have fun!

It was a great break and short getaway - I can't wait for the next group outing!

Another month gone, another friend married!

This is becoming a bad habit, isn't it?  For the lack of posts, I apologize.  My friend Staci politely nudged me the other day, so here I am!

November was the month of Erin's wedding.  It was so much fun, and what a beautiful bride!  Josh and I drove up that Thursday, so we had Brad and Erin to ourselves that night.  It was a great opportunity to relax with them before everything got started. 

Friday Josh was kind enough to tag along with us girls.  First pedicures for both of us, I could get hooked on THAT habit very quickly!  We met up with Erin's parents for lunch and to drop our dresses in their hotel room.  Then it was time for the rehearsal.  Josh was a dear and got almost the entire reception set up while we practiced - he's amazing!  Somehow, I was so focused on getting everything ready, I never took pictures of the room.  Trust me when I say it looked great!  Dinner was at an awesome restaurant called Flanagan's in Fort Wayne.  Dinner was both relaxing and delicious, although it was impossible to finish a dish.  I highly recommend it if you are in the area.

Saturday was the big day!  There were little snafus all day long, but nothing tragic.  Josh was again a life saver, playing chauffeur to get us where we needed to be on time.  We couldn't have made everything go as smoothly without him, plus he put up with me!  Maid of Honor sure is a big job, but I was glad to make sure Erin's day went perfectly.  There's even some great pictures from the day!

Hopefully I will have a tailgating post soon - IU vs. PU and so much fun!

Ooops

Hi there.  Yup, it's me, the missing blogger.  I've been busy living life and trying to keep up with all of my "real" responsibilities.  I wish I had a way to talk and compose blog entries in the car - you would probably get one every day!

So, let's sum up October.  I got sick with bronchitis, but got a Rx and got better pretty quick.  I saw two good friends get married in the same day.  Kristina, aka Kik, from Misters and Misses was an absolutely gorgeous bride!  I was lucky enough to be able to attend her ceremony with friends from work, and then meet Josh to go to Abby and Bryan's reception.  No pictures from Kik's ceremony - I wasn't in a good spot to pull out my camera.  Some pictures from Abby's reception though, which was held at the beautiful Chateau Pomije, where we were definitely at the best table.  Great company, great wine - it was a great way to celebrate Abby and Bryan's marriage!
 
Me and Josh (and you can see some of their beautiful decorations!



Me, Brie, and Andrea


Andrea and Abby, the bride :)

 
Her beautiful toss bouquet, which came home with me! ;)

The day after the weddings was my birthday.  I got new hubcaps for the Mustang!  I have to wait for the spring to put them on because she's in storage for the winter, but they will definitely help with sprucing her up.

The following weekend was Erin's shower and bachelorette party.  Everything went off without a hitch, for which I am so grateful.  It is definitely more difficult to plan things from 3 hours away, especially when you don't know the area.

Her wedding is next weekend, so I am super excited!  The next two weeks are incredibly busy for me - speech team competition, some work time at the Slopes, her wedding, watching some of my students perform, and my own 5th grade performance.  Here's hoping it all goes smoothly!

Perspective

Sometimes, God sends you perspective when you least expect it.

As a teacher who is also a coach and director, I become very close to some families in our school.  One of these families was expecting baby #6, and their other children were ecstatic.  The kindergartener was hoping for a girl, because they would have 3 girls AND 3 boys and it would be even again.

He got his wish - a baby girl born with an uncertain diagnosis.  At first it was positive for Trisomy 18, then that was negative.  This week they got a positive for Trisomy 13, but she seemed to be making progress.  they had moved her out of NICU to a step down unit, and there were a lot of positives happening.  The other children were so excited, even though her difficulties meant their parents were spending most of their time at the hospital.  Throughout this whole ordeal, the father has found time to send email updates to a teacher who redistributed them, and then to update a "blog" provided through the hospital with daily updates and pictures.

This afternoon, I found out that this little girl was called to Heaven last night.  After just 17 days here with her earthly family, she's home with the angels. 

Yet her father's last post is extremely full of hope and thanksgiving.  He knows his little girl is with God, and God's will had been the prayer from the beginning.  It gives me such a wake up call.  I take my faith for granted - I know God is there, and I know it is always HIS will that is done.  Sometimes it is hard to understand why, but especially with the events of the last two years, I've accepted that we're not always supposed to know why.  But do I pray continually for God to do things His way?  Or do I selfishly pray for the results I want for myself and loved ones?  I know it is the latter most of the time, even if that just means to wrap them in His love.  The father mentioned things he is thankful - they never had to discipline or argue with their youngest daughter.  Most importantly, her life was about love.  Everyone who heard about her showed love - to her, her siblings, her parents, her faith community.  He is thankful for all the people who have been praying for this daughter, and he is thankful for the people who were brought to prayer because of her life.

Over the past few weeks, all of this has made me stop and think. 

• A lot of times I will compose a blog post in my head while driving, but then I'm too busy to type it out.  How can I be too busy, when he was taking time away from his daughter or other children to type an update?
• Someday, I hope to be having children of my own.  Could I place their lives into God's will so easily?  Or would I fight to keep them with me, no matter His will?
• I offer my prayers to God, but I don't think I stop and talk to him.  Maybe I need more of this in my life.

This little one was with us for 17 days, but made such an impact with her short life.  If all I gained was a little perspective, I can only imagine what others gained.

A wonderful, restful weekend

This weekend was absolutely wonderful... and yet I never did pull my camera out.  I need to get better about that - it's one of my goals!

Friday night was spent putting things away from the week.  I've almost finished a very thorough cleaning of my house, and yet the clutter catches back up with me too quickly.  My kitchen table isn't used for eating - it's used for holding everything that comes through my door :/  Yet another habit I need to break!

Saturday was date day!  Not very often that I get to be selfish and claim Josh as my own, but it happened.  We went to the Newport Aquarium, and had a blast!  I absolutely love places like that, and Newport's is very nice.  There was a good crowd there, but it didn't feel too bad.  The Navy Divers were in town, so we watched the dive show with them.  It was pretty interesting - I never thought about the fact that have to replace 800 pound propellers in the water!
After that, we walked up to Pompilios Restaurant.  If you've ever seen Rain Man, you should recognize it.  So much fun to walk through Hollywood in our own town!  And their food is delicious!  Josh had spaghetti and meatballs and ravioli in a huge bowl - I don't know how he ate it all.  I had an Italian panini which I couldn't finish - came close, but it just wasn't worth feeling bad the rest of the afternoon!  We walked to the Running Spot down there - Josh needed new shoes for the Chicago Marathon.  I was looking at their sports bras, but they didn't have my size.  The guy recommended going to their "main" store.  It was only 10 or 15 minutes out of the way, so we went.  Found exactly what I was looking for, we'll see how I like it!
Then it was nap time.... I don't know how, but I was so tired!  It's like the week catches up to me on the weekends and all I want to do is sleep.  We had an invite to go swimming and what not, but decided a night with Indiana Jones sounded better :)

Yesterday was a packed day.  Church in the morning, then getting ready for everything else!  Josh's family was celebrating his grandmother's birthday at his house, so that's where we started.  Then we headed to one of his co-worker's house, who is also uncle to Josh's friends.  Their food was amazing.  Grilled porkchops that were absolutely incredible!  We headed back to Josh's house for another hour or so, then on to the next gathering at one of his friend's house.  Finally got home around midnight I think, I was so tired by then!

Josh is off running 17 miles right now - Jenna and Lori are with him.  Glad they have a nice cool day for it!  Me, I wimped out and did Jillian.  Time to (finally) cut my grass.  When Josh is finished, I finally get to watch last night's "True Blood" - the wait is driving me crazy!

School starts tomorrow... and I'm not ready!

So much has happened in the past week and a half!  My new air conditioner finalllllly made it in about 10 pm Thursday night.  Lots of hours put in by my dad and uncles, and I am so appreciative!  They saved me money by doing it with love, so I feel very lucky once again.

We went to the Journey concert last Wednesday!  Their openers were Night Ranger and Foreigner.  Not bad, but definitely were there to see Journey.  It was so much fun, especially since I haven't been to a concert since last August!

All of my furniture is finished and put back together.... I guess I forgot to take pictures though.  Whoops.  It definitely looks nicer than the flowers, but now I'm considering adding some shells instead.... we'll see what I can dig up.

This weekend a dear friend is getting married.  Josh is in the wedding, so that means rehearsal Friday night and craziness Saturday!  Should be a good time though, I'm pretty excited about it.

School starts tomorrow... and I'm not ready.  I finally got my motivation to do home stuff, but apparently it doesn't spread over to doing school stuff.  It seems like summer just got started, and it's at an end already.  Sadness, but at least it means I get to see people like Staci and Kristina again!

Hot, Hot, Hot... and how I found my motivation

It has been HOT here.  I finally borrowed a window unit for my bedroom, and my new A/C is in my garage.... it will finally be installed Tuesday.  It's made getting hot projects accomplished a little difficult.  But never fear, I found my motivation!

First up, no pictures - finally finished unpacking the guest/hobby room and office.  Made it through the boxes in the garage.  I'm so excited to see clean spaces!

My first project - painting the back doors.  Dad added a screen door with doggie door, but they have needed some paint.  Waiting for the A/C to get fixed to paint the inside parts - I don't want to let buggies in the house when I take the screen off!

Ah, the project that lead to a 2nd degree burn on my index finger (seriously, like the whole fingerprint.  Ask me how it is in a few weeks - right now it can't take any pressure without serious pain!).  This is the mirror from my dresser.  It was plain Jane white.  I painted the channel to match the other two walls of my bedroom, then we added shells.  I love the way it pops, and it adds to the beachy feel of my room.  Worth the burn?  I'll decide when school starts!

And.... a project I've wanted to do for years.  I've had the same furniture for at least 20 years, probably longer.  It's white, which is classic, and matches well in a blue room.  But.... you see that flower decal?  It's on all of the top drawers.  And after so long, I don't love it anymore.  So, I'm sanding all the drawers, removing the decal when necessary, and painting them light blue!  You can see in the top shot the demo of what it will look like.  I'm pretty excited - it's the same blue as two of the walls, but I think it will really pop against the dark blue.  Mostly, I'm excited that the flowers are gone!

It took a while, but I'm motivated to get things accomplished around the house.  Well, I have been.... my Kindle came in this morning! (and I got it free, even better!)  I might have to set limits on how long I can play with it....

SocialSpark - an update!

If you haven't yet, you should really check out SocialSpark's sponsored blogging.  It's one of those things that truly sounds too good to be true: you choose which companies/causes you are ok with, write a post, and bang! 30 days later, if it's still active, you get paid.
I'm here to tell you - this is for real.  They ask you to wait until you have $50 to withdraw (you can do less, but there is a fee).  I waited until I had a little more than that, just because there were a few things close together that I wanted to be able to withdraw all at the same time.  I'm here to tell you - the money was in my paypal account quickly after I withdrew from SocialSpark, and was in my bank account today.  It really works!

They do have some restrictions - your blog has to have been active for so long, etc, but it's really easy to do.  Just another way to earn a little extra money in your pocket!

When one goes, they all do....

You know how sometimes, the avalanche starts and all you can do is sit and watch?  That's what happened at my house this week.  The air conditioner went out (and we're under heat advisories).  It's dead, I'm going to have to get a whole new system.  My lawnmower won't start - and it appears that it's never going to.  My electric fence for the dog was all tangled up... but Dad did manage to fix that.  My front outside lights won't work... tried changing the light bulbs, but apparently that's not it.  Someone bashed my mailbox in... for the third time since I moved in.... it's currently being held together with duct tape.  The door that keeps my garbage can hidden from the dog busted yesterday morning... so he made a huge mess while I was gone.  Josh not only helped me clean it up but fixed the door for me.

After a week like this, I just want to say "I quit!"  It's so frustrating that I can't fix any of it without just throwing money at it.  Hopefully things will turn around soon!

Oh, hi there

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I'm a little ashamed it's been so long.  So much has happened, let's start with some quick pictures from the Cumberland trip.

Was such a great weekend.  I felt like summer had started, even though I still had two more days of school.  Then I went and saw Megan, attended Hilary's wedding, Josh and I attended an old friend's wedding, and I did this.

I was Miss Gloria Rasputin in "Bye Bye Birdie".  What, you don't see me?  I'm hidden under that huge blond wig :)  I absolutely had a blast doing it.

There was Josh's cousin's wedding reception (they got married in CA, we went straight to the reception from a performance!) and my trip to FL.  Panama City Beach was fabulous to me, it was nice to just do nothing for a while.

That pretty much sums up June... 4th of July weekend was of course busy too.  Party at our friends' house Sunday, complete with me learning how to shoot a gun.  Monday was a party at Josh's, which meant lots of time in the pool.  And yesterday we did a lot of NOTHING!  Watched some movies, caught up on TrueBlood, and worked on crocheting blankets.  I have 2 out of 3 done, so I'm pretty excited!

Now you're up to date again, and I'm going to try to do better!  Exercise log in a short bit.

Oh, hi there!

I feel slightly ashamed - I haven't forgotten about you all, but life gets in the way.  This time, it's in so many good ways!

• The secret I kept hinting around?  Surprise 16th birthday party for my principal's daughter.  It was a huge success!  I acted as DJ, her dance teacher gave some ballroom-ish lessons.  It was fantastic!
• My junior high kids perform in 8 days.  EIGHT.  That requires a little bit of attention on my part :)
• I have bronchitis, caused by my allergies.  Which means I have next to no voice.  Combine with above, and it causes some more stress.
• My choir performs for First Communion on Sunday.  I'm supposed to sing.  Probably not happening, but at least I can still play the clarinet!
• But in good news... Josh is back.  Long story, not necessarily for public consumption.  But I think it's safe to say that when he walks back in and his first words are "I love you" that it's ok to trust him again.  Because that's not something that's just said by him.  Ever. Means a lot, and made my heart sing.

Are you still stopped by that last bullet point?  It's ok, I understand.  I tell people that I know (you know, face to face), and their jaw drops.  In a way, it's totally worth everything that happened, just to see the reactions.  Not that I would ever go through it again.  But obviously, that has meant some of my free time has become not so free :)  Dinner last Friday night with a couple we hang out with quite often, Saturday night with his parents, and then Sunday was Easter!  It's nice to have someone at my house a few nights of the night to relax with - I hadn't realized how lonely I was getting.  It is always harder the closer I get to the musical.

We start rehearsals for Bye Bye Birdie Monday night.... yes, I have a one week overlap between shows!  I'll run from my rehearsals to Birdie, hopefully with time to grab something to eat in between.  Josh is convincing me to join the YMCA out here, so expect to see some exercise logs starting next month!  I knew he was good for me :)

What do you do when the stress levels rise?  Does your body revolt and get sick?

Happy Easter!

As you celebrate today, make sure you take a minute to reflect on what today is really about.  Christ died for YOU and for ME.  Pretty incredible.

Enjoy time with family and friends!

Stormy Weather

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We've had a lot of storms lately.  Jager, my dog, HATES storms.  He shakes and wakes me so he's not by himself.  Needless to say, I've had quite a few interrupted nights of sleep lately.  Last night was the worst though - we were under a tornado warning for around half an hour.  Thankfully Josh called to wake me, as I didn't hear the sirens!  Me and my 65 pound dog in the bathtub.... that was an experience.  I've decided my next house MUST have a basement - then I could just go back to sleep!

What do you do when you are under the threat of a tornado?  Do you prepare any differently for the night if you know storms are coming?

Beautiful Day

I know it won't last, but the weather here is PERFECT today!  Warm enough to feel great, cool enough that you're not sticky.... sigh.  Even though they are calling for rain, it's not even very humid.  It makes me wish I was at home - I would love a nap in the sun!

Happy Monday!  Hope you're enjoying the weather if you're not stuck inside :)

It's an addiction, but it's so much fun....

The Vera sale was AMAZING!  Seriously, it was overwhelming, but once I got over the sheer volume of discounted product, it was amazing.  I feel like I did well (not pictured are items bought for others as gifts or requested (some are delivered) as well as a laptop backpack that I had to special order).

Yeah, I'm a happy girl.  My stash from the Vera sale, from upper left, going clockwise: Water bottle in Night and Day, One for the Money in Barcelona, Small Duffel in Frankly Scarlet, Apron and Box gift set in Night and Day, Beach Towel (highly coveted!) in Simply Violet, Sunglass Hard Case and Lanyard in Loves Me, Morgan in Night and Day, Curling Iron Cover in Calypso, Flip Flops in Deco Daisy, Lanyard Keychain in Deco Daisy, Slim Case in Deco Daisy.  Not pictured: Coin Purse in Frankly Scarlet, and the Laptop Backpack in Deco Daisy that I had to have special ordered!  THRILLED!

Other good news: I was cast as Gloria in "Bye Bye Birdie", so I'm pretty excited!  She's the tap dancing secretary, so I should get some dance experience in :)
School visit went well, I'm glad it's over.  Now to dig out my back room, where I stashed everything that cluttered my room at all!

Can't update on the secret yet - after it happens, I will. I've spent a lot of time and effort on it, so I definitely don't want to ruin it.  Excited for everything this week, it definitely is ending on a higher note than it started!