Monday, January 31, 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

30 Day Challenge- Day 4

4. A picture of your favorite night.

This was another hard one. I have several! Seeing as how I don't have any pics of my wedding night (heh-heh) I only have one other one that stood out to me, and that was mine & Brew's first date! We went to the Marietta brewing co. for dinner & then went to see the sternwheel festival fireworks at the Marietta levee. This is the only pic I have of the night, the fireworks that was taken on my old cell phone camera.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Creativity Struck...

And I made 2 banners for my site :)

I realized later, we are wearing WVU attire in both pics LOL. The first one is from an engagement pic of ours, and the second was at Coopers Rock-- right after a WVU football game. Haha. Anyway, I suppose I could use them as links if anyone wants to put it on their site! Just save the image and make sure you include the link :)




30 Day Challenge - Day 3

3. A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Ok, I'm picking more than one. Even though I don't watch TV hardly ever, these are probably my three favorites...

19 Kids and Counting



Say Yes to the Dress




Secret Life of the American Teenager


lol that being said I can only watch past seasons on Netflix and occasionally some on Hulu. :)

Friday, January 28, 2011

30 Day Challenge- Day 2

2- A picture of you and the person you've been closest with the longest.


This was a tough one because I had a couple in mind but I ended up with my cousin and friend, Stefani. We grew up together & even when we've not spent time together for a while, its like no time passed in between. She's always been there for me no matter what., Love you Stef!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

30 Day Challenge - Day 1

1. A picture of yourself with 10 Facts



1- I'm married to an awesome guy :)
2- I'm a Christian
3- I have a B.A. in Elementary Education that I graduated with in 2009.
4- I'm left handed
5- I'm 24 years old, soon to be 25 in a few months.
6- I'm the oldest of 3. I have two younger brothers 22 and 17.
7- I'm a substitute teacher. I would LOVE to be a full time teacher.
8- The farthest from home I've been is Thailand, but I've not been farther west in the U.S. than Wisconsin.
9- I love clogging. I've been doing it since I was 9 years old.
10- I also love to sing. I was in concert and chamber choirs in high school and LOVED it. I truly miss it now!

Thirty Day Challenge

So I've seen people doing this on Facebook but rather than do it there, I think I will here on my blog! Here's what the 30 Day Challenge is all about...

Here's the list of what to upload during the 30 days:
  1. A picture of yourself with 10 facts
  2. A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
  3. A picture of the cast from your favorite show
  4. A picture of your favorite night
  5. A picture of your favorite memory
  6. A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
  7. A picture of your most treasured item
  8. A picture that makes you laugh
  9. A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
  10. A picture of the person you do the most goofy things with
  11. A picture of something you hate
  12. A picture of something you love
  13. A picture of your favorite band or artist
  14. A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
  15. A picture of something you want to do before you die
  16. A picture of someone who inspires you
  17. A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
  18. A picture of your biggest insecurity
  19. A picture and a letter
  20. A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
  21. A picture of something you wish you could forget
  22. A picture of something you wish you were better at
  23. A picture of your favorite book
  24. A picture of something you wish you could change
  25. A picture of your favorite day
  26. A picture of something that means a lot to you
  27. A picture of yourself and a family member
  28. A picture of something you're afraid of
  29. A picture that can always make you smile
  30. A picture of someone you miss

I will do another post right now for Day #1!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Yet another snowday...


Winter Weather Advisory for Parkersburg


Yes. Another snow day. I was supposed to work today. Boo.
And it's still pouring snow now. Double Boo.



Now that the day is basically half over, I should probably do something besides watch tv, read blogs, facebook, and watch youtube videos. I've got about 4 loads of laundry that need done. A sink heaping with dirty dishes (and well an entire kitchen that needs cleaned). Oh and the living room and bathroom could use a cleaning/straightening up. And we won't even talk about the office/guest room where I'm sitting right now that not only needs majorly cleaned up and decluttered- but it needs done in the next 3 weeks to be ready for our Europe trip because my dog sitter(s) are staying at our house. I don't know what it is about snowdays but something just makes me NOT want to be productive at ALL. Of course the cramps I've had all morning also seem to hinder my productivity. :-p

Alright. I need to quit wasting time and get crack-a-lackin' on housework. I have approximately 2.5 hours before I'll have to start on dinner. Lets see what I can get done...

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Devotions

So I've been thinking lately... when Brew & I did our pre-marital counseling, our pastor talked about the importance of studying the bible together. Well life's been busy for us so we haven't made time for this. However, I would like to start. The problem is that I'm not sure where to start.

I'd like to find a devotional book or something, preferably something for couples, that will have relevant things to our relationship. I've thought about getting "The Love Dare" devotional. Have any of you read it? I saw the movie Fireproof and I will be totally honest- I thought it was perhaps one of the cheesiest, corniest movies EVER. [I'm not saying I disagree w/it because honestly I thought the message they were trying to get across was a good one but just the acting in general I thought was cheesy.] But I'm interested in the Love Dare devotionals because I think they might have some good stuff for newly married couples. Although I wouldn't say we are a "struggling" couple, I mean is it more for couples that are having problems [not that we don't have our share of arguments and such but I'd like to think our relationship is pretty solid now].... Just wondering what you all thought, or if you had something else to recommend.

So my long-term is going well so far, I am working this week on getting my schedule done and figuring out my plans for the first week. I'm excited to be working w/gifted kids :) I was in the gifted program as a kid [ok, stop laughing, it's not THAT hard to believe right? Well, maybe so, but I was considered "gifted" lol] so I am looking forward to it :) I start actually teaching next week. It's nice because I have sooo much freedom, I can pretty much do whatever I want with them. (There is no SET curriculum for gifted since it's all enrichment and such). I'm not sure what to do w/all this freedom :) My mind is flooding itself w/all sorts of fun and creative things for them to do. It's going to be so much fun!

In other news, can't believe that January is almost over! That means February is here and THAT means that our Europe trip is fast approaching! I don't know if I posted when we are actually going-- we're going from Feb 20-28. I'm excited to see Stefani & Bas and of course little Johannah! Not to mention I've never been to Europe before so that'll be fun!

So tomorrow will be mine & Brew's 7 month wedding anniversary! I feel like it's flown by! It doesn't seem like our wedding was 7 months ago. But on the other hand, it feels like I've been with him forever. It's strange really. I'm sure it'll be the same during our 50th anniversary ;)

Well that's all I've got for now! If anyone else reads this that's not already following me- please do! I am kind of curious if more than 3 people actually visit our blog ;)

Friday, January 21, 2011

Newness!

Ok so I have a few things to actually update you on! :)

First of all- I'm now officially selling Avon! You can either ask me in person OR you can go to my Avon site online and order & have it sent directly to you! (I still get the sales credit- woohoo!) Anyway- head on over to My Avon Site!


Annnnd starting on Monday I have a part time, long-term sub position!!!! :D I'm not sure of the schedule yet- That's what I will find out on Monday, buuuuutttt I'll be working w/gifted kids!!! So exciting! The principal at the TREK (that's the intermediate gifted program site in Wood Co.) called me the other day & said that there are no subs in Wood Co. right now that are certified to teach gifted (except a few retirees that didn't want a long term) sooo she called some schools that have lots of gifted kids, one of which was the school I did my long term last year in Multi-Categorical Special Ed- and the principal recommended me for the job!!! (Super ego boost there! ;)) But basically they are looking to open a new position actually in the fall because the current gifted teachers are way over caseload (which she also mentioned seeing about getting me some training/tuition wavers/etc. and possibly my certification- big bonus!) The position was originally slated for a half day every day, but she is trying to get it worked out so that I can work 2 full days and 1 half day instead, that way I'm open to work at other schools when I'm needed the other 2 days (which means more money for me :)) But yea I didn't want to say anything before it was a definite and she just called me a couple hours ago and it's a GO! I'll write more when I know more, but I'm excited :) This might just be my "foot in the door" towards a full time position if they can help me get my certification! We shall see!!!

Right now I'm waiting on my hubby to get home from work. He's working late, as per usual here lately. Blah. When he does get home we are going out to Bdubs tonight. I do NOT feel like cooking (not to mention my kitchen is a mess. Yes, today was a snowday and I pretty much did NOTHING productive! I'm gonna half to buckle down this weekend because I'm getting tired of the mess!

Until later!!! :)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Wee bit Wednesday


{one} name one thing you worry about running out of.
that's easy... Money!

{two} what is your favorite pizza topping?
pepperoni, and pretty much all veggies!

{three} what is your favorite harrison ford movie?
Indiana Jones series!

{four} apple juice or orange juice?
apple. oj gives me heartburn :S

{five} what’s your favorite thing to do on a sunday afternoon?
well except during summer I have clogging practice, and if not then just relax

{six} what is the wallpaper on your cellphone of?
a pic of my gorgeous goddaughter.

{seven} do you have a favorite tv commercial?
hardly watch tv commercials anymore- only have basic cable and we pretty much exclusively watch netflix through wii.

{eight} what is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
umm probably some of the Thai stuff. Which I didn't ask btw. LOL

{nine} what is one piece of clothing you can’t live without?
slippers!

{ten} if you were a character from “lost”, who would you be?
well I've never watch that show, so you tell me! LOL

Monday, January 17, 2011

Random things to make you laugh...

Saw this on a friend's facebook notes :) I bolded my favorites ;)

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Nothing's worse than that feeling you are going to die the split second you lean your chair back just a little too far!

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu-Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.



Hope it made you smile! :)

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Just to clarify...

In my previous post I mentioned I was no longer taking the pill... BUT we are using other forms of birth control (aka condoms). I didn't want anyone to think we were actively trying yet, I'm just stopping the actual pill to get myself back on my normal monthly schedule :) It'll still be at least 2 months before we "try" without anything, possibly longer. My gyno said to wait a month using other bc ANYWAY just to be safe. So we are just going to take it month by month. Like I said it'll be March at the EARLIEST and honestly it wouldn't bother me to wait longer, that way we won't run into Christmas. My brother's birthday is the week before Christmas and that's not much fun. Or we could decide to wait until our first anniversary or even later in the summer or fall.

And actually, most people I know don't read this blog, only a couple, so we're keeping the baby-making plans on the down low ;)

I also realized how incredibly rambly and whiny I sounded in that last post. Next time I promise to give myself time to process/think before I just go typing away lol.

Until later! :)

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Saturday = serious discussion lol

Hey, so I thought I'd share with my few readers something that my husband and I are going back and forth on right now and that's about when we're going to [try to] have a baby.

So here's me- I have officially caught the baby-crazy bug. I don't know if it's because lots of my friends/people I know have either gotten pregnant or had babies recently, or what. But I can seriously not see a little newborn without this new and strange feeling in my stomach like "Oh my gosh... I need one". lol It's crazzzzzyyyy. I am just so ready for that next step. To make an adorable little bundle of joy with the love of my life. AND, I don't know but I've had this feeling that it's going to take a little while. As far as I know neither one of us have any issues with fertility or anything. At least no pre-existing conditions. But for some reason I'm just thinking it'll take a few months. Plus, I'm going to be 25 in a few short months and that's by no means old, but when I'd like to have 3 kids, a couple years apart, all before I turn 35, I'm going to have to start pretty soon. SO basically, I'm ready to in a month or two, start trying (So we're talking April-ish)

Here's my hubby's stance- He wants to have a house of our own at least, if he can't get a better job before having a baby. He says he's not sure if he's "ready" and is concerned about our finances.

Now, I have some of those same concerns, but my feeling is- in 5 years we could be in exactly the same situation. I may NEVER find a full time job. Brew may be stuck in his current job for who knows how long. And I don't want to put my life on hold because of that. I am confident that we can make it work.

*Sigh* I KNOW I need to suck it up and wait until he's ready. But it's just hard. I don't want to rush either but when you know what you want and are ready for it, it's hard to not get excited about it. And he mistakes my excited-ness and wanting to talk about it as "pressuring" him. Which I don't mean to at all.

I'm currently no longer on birth control pills. I was on a progestin-only pill (because of my family history of blood clots) but I am TIRED of it screwing up my periods, so I stopped it a couple days ago. When we originally first talked about it, we were going to start trying in 2 months. Buuutttt, now he seems kind of apprehensive about it, and so I don't know. Blah.

I guess I just need to pray for patience, right?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

A day late...

So I should've done this yesterday, but I didn't get around to it. So pretend it's still Wednesday for now, OK?



{one} have you ever been on tv?
Yes, several times actually on the local news, and once on the PBS show "Zoom"... all for clogging things!


{two} what was the best movie you saw last year?
Oh hmm... I think that would be "The Last Song" and the "Harry Potter" movie :)


{three} do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
top sheet isn't tucked in. bottom sheet is fitted so obviously it is.


{four} do you cut coupons?
Yes. I am poor so every little bit helps ;)


{five} do you ever count your steps when you walk?
no.


{six} what sauce do you dip your chicken nuggets in?
Ranch. All the way. It's amazing on everything :)


{seven} do you have any magazine subscriptions?
yes. Got a free one to Better Homes & Gardens when I bought kitchen chairs lol. And I have one to Good Housekeeping.


{eight} when was the last time you wrote a letter on paper?
An actual letter who knows, but I do send cards & such in the mail occasionally.


{nine} what’s your favorite fruit pie?
Blackberry.... mmmmmm.... Though even more than pie I like cobbler!


{ten} black olives or green olives?
Just black. I think green ones are too sour.



your turn!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Snowdays...


^ Thats what it looked like looking out my living room window around noon today! ^

Another snowday today... that's two in a row. Two days that I conveniently had jobs scheduled. Poo. But it's been nice being off work. I wish I could say I got a lot accomplished, but I didn't really. I managed to get the kitchen cleaned and get caught up on dishes. Which it was pretty bad but considering I had the whole day, it's not saying a lot lol. They probably will cancel school again tomorrow, at least I'm guessing. We're supposed to get some more snow tonight and I'm sure they haven't gotten the back roads treated yet. But we shall see. I'm hoping I know tonight :)

Today started off pretty lazy for me. I got dressed (in sweats lol) and spent the day gradually working on dishes, watching tv, and playing with Duke. I didn't even shower! Haha. I'm vowing to be more productive tomorrow though. My goal is to get all the clean laundry put away (which is overtaking our guest bed as I speak), AND get the living room cleaned. My pain in the butt puppy decides that he needs to make a mess in there daily. Especially when I'm not paying attention to him lol. I'm hoping to work some more on my brothers/sister-in-laws wedding scrapbook. I've been working on it since the end of August it's high time it was finished! But if we DO have school I'm willing to bed none of that will get done!

So I'm on the search for other blogs with neat topics to link to other bloggers (like the "try it tuesday" I did yesterday) I think they are fun :) And I'm finding more bloggers to stalk follow :)

I've also decided with this new year (and a new camera)- I'm going to start videoing more stuff. I kind of wished I'd of started it right after we got married BUT the new year is a good place to start right? I'm hoping to combine video of things we've done/seen/etc., along with pictures, and maybe some narration, into monthly video updates. We'll see how it goes! I'm excited about finding something new to get into, and it'll be neat to have more stuff documented :) I did an introductory-type vlog, go to my YouTube channel, to see it and other updates later!

Ok I'm going to end this incredibly disjointed blog now! Bye!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Top 2 Tuesday...




This week's topic- Top 2 Strange Addictions:

I have several strange quirks but these are probably two of my true addictions ;)

1. Making lists- This may not seem strange but it seems I can't do ANYTHING without making endless lists... I make to-do lists like they are going out of STYLE. Long term, short term, I do it all. I can't pack for a trip without making a list, for example... and the strange part is, most of the time (with the exception of the packing lists) I lose the lists, or forget to check things off. So why do I make the list to start with? Good question. My best guess is that it helps me to initially organize my thoughts. But who knows.




2. Sweet Tea- Ok I don't suppose that this is that strange, but it's definitely a major weakness of mine. There was a time when I had the equivalent of a large McD's sweet tea daily (it sometimes came from other places or was made at home). I've tried to cut back though, I know tea is good for you, but when you load it with sugar, not so much. Still, I hardly ever drink pop, and there's almost always a gallon of sweet tea in our fridge! (I just try to drink more water than tea ;)) Oh and I know some places it's only a summer thing, but in WV it's available all year long, and I drink it all year long!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Happy Birthday dear Johannah...

Ok so I NEVER blog this early lol. But it's a 2 hour delay and I had a few minutes... AND my cousin had her baby early this morning!!! (9:45 there, 3:45 here). I'm so super excited and looking at her precious little picture just makes me wish I could be there NOW instead of in a month and a half! But here's our beautiful little God daughter... Miss Johannah Jeane Maxine Smit!


Isn't she precious? Yay so excited :)

Ok I have to get in the shower & hurry & get ready, seeing has how I have about 45 minutes before I need to leave! Bye!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
It's sunny & cold

I am thinking...
About fixing dinner in a few minutes

I am thankful for...
The fact that my hubby will actually be off work on time for once! (So far at least lol)

From the kitchen...
I have a pile of dirty dishes that need washed, and going to start dinner after that... steak, mac & cheese, and mixed veggies on the menu tonight!

I am wearing...
Brown dress pants, teal button up shirt & socks.

I am creating...
Working on my brother & sister in law's wedding scrapbook. I'm about half done now (finally 5 months later lol)

I am going...
to handbell practice later this evening

I am reading...
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

I am hoping...
That the fact my dog is quiet means he's NOT getting into something lol.

I am hearing...
Duke's collar jingling

One of my favorite things...
my phone.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Bells tonight, working a 1/2 day tomorrow, and a whole day Friday, Friday night= date night for me & hubby <3

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
A collage I made w/some pics from mine & Brew's honeymoon... to be ordered from Shutterfly soon & hung in our bedroom along w/some vinyl stick on words I got that says "Always Kiss Me Goodnight"


The End. :)

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!

It's 2011! Crazzzzzy!!!

Here's just a few things I'm looking forward to in 2011....

* Going to Europe to visit Stefani, Bas, and their soon-to-be-here baby! Our God daughter is due on Jan 4! We're going to see them February 20-28. I'm super excited!!!

* TWO of my close friends are getting married this year! Whitney is getting married in July, and Abby in October!

* My baby brother is graduating from High School!

* Celebrating mine & Brew's one-year anniversary. I want to go somewhere even if just for a weekend to celebrate :)

* HOPEFULLY purchasing some land to build a house on (or buying a small house in an area we want w/"build-on potential")

* Starting a family :) Yes, I'm going to go ahead and say it on here because it's not as widely publicized as facebook lol. I think a total of 3 people read this? lol. We're not sure exactly when we'll officially start trying, we're still talking about it, but it will definitely be in 2011. :)



I'm sure this year will have even more great things in store! I'm not making any New Year's resolutions because they are a waste of time lol.

I will leave you with a few pics from last night's New Year's party at my brother's and sister-in-law's house!


Me & my friend Whitney!!!

Hubby & I just before midnight! :)



Me, Amanda (sis in law), and Whitney!




Happy 2011 everyone!!!