... and 2 Geese

Hawaii Trip: Day #1 - Saturday - Huggo's on the Rock's

2009-03-08T01:54:00.000-08:00

Lunch at Huggo's on the Rock's in Kailua-Kona
We arrived at around 3:30, they took our order at 4pm, and we finally got our food (Everyone but Jenny) at 4:40pm and Jenny got her food at 5pm and we ordered additional food at 5pm since several of us (mainly me and Jon) were still very hungry.

Dining in the sand

View from Huggo's

Brian and Jon at lunch

Jenny & Alan at lunch

Jessica and Erika at lunch

Ashlee & Brian

The little crabs that were behind us on the rock at lunch

The view from our table

Brian and his beer at lunch

Brian the shark, Jon the mermaid, and Alan the sea turtle

Hawaii Trip: Day #1 - Saturday - Kailua-Kona Farmers Market

2009-03-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

Our first day in Hawaii was amazing. My times are probably not too accurate, since I haven't paid too much attention to time since I'm on vacation but I'll approximate. :) We slept in until 10:30am (although we went to bed after 3am, so it wasn't really sleeping in too much), and then we got showered and dressed and headed out to the Kailua-Kona Farmers Market.

Photos taken from our balcony (Lanai)

Brian

Brian

Erika

Ashlee & Brian

At the Kailua-Kona Farmers Market
Jon & Brian (Brian is laughing since Jon called me a pumpkin)

Erika & Jessica

Ashlee, Jenny, Jessica & Erika

The tropical birds we saw while walking around

Hawaii Trip: Friday - Travel Day

2009-03-08T00:39:00.000-08:00

Friday started as an early morning. We finished packing, took care of the animals, and ran a few errands around town. Then we met up with the group and headed to the train station. We took the train to LAX airport, had 'On the Border' for lunch (at the airport, once we made it through security), and settled in for our 5 hour flight. The flight was relatively uneventful. The doctor advised me that I needed to wear support hose, drink double the amount of water, and walk on the hour every hour while on the plane. I thought walking that often would drive me crazy, but every hour on the hour my legs would start twitching and I was dying to walk anyway. We arrived around 10:30pm PST, and 8:30pm Hawaii time. After we arrived we got our bags and rented our car (we were upgraded to a convertible, so we're driving around in a Chrysler Sebring), and then spent the next 2 and 1/2 hours looking for our condo. FINALLY, we found the condo, and settled in. At 1am, we decided to go out for our first Hawaiian meal... to Denny's :) After a (relatively good, anything is good when you're really hungry, right?) meal we headed home and to bed. And that was our travel day to Hawaii.

Baby Shopping List

2009-02-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

I got an e-mail from Parents.com this morning that has an 'essential shopping list' so I went through it and edited my registry per its instructions. This is what I came up with. It's crazy to think, the baby is going to be here in around 115 days, this registry list isn't for a hypothetical baby, it's for the one growing inside me right now. It's just an amazing thought. I figured I'd load my registry with as much stuff as possible. Then when the baby is here I can use my coupons I get for % off of un-purchased stuff to get anything I didn't get. Plus, it helps me keep track of all the essentials! I can't believe a little person needs so much stuff! Ha!

~Around The House~
Nursery furniture
It's nice to have:
__X_Changing table
____ Bassinet (though it's only safe until 3 months or 15 pounds) On registry
__X_Rocking chair or glider
__X_Humidifier or vaporizer Possibly looking into buying a smaller one
____ Hamper On registry

No-nos:
*A secondhand crib (get a new one for safety) I actually have searched a lot of secondhand cribs, but I think we're just going to stay away from a crib in general

Linens
The necessities:
____ 2 fitted crib sheets On registry
__X_Several thin cotton receiving blankets we also have 5 we were given
____ 2 waterproof mattress protectors On registry

No-nos:
*Pillows (a SIDS risk)
*Sleep positioners (yet another SIDS risk)
*Mattress padding (ditto)

Babyproofing
The necessities (not an issue until 4 months or later): Our situation is going to be 'unique' as well so we'll need to figure this out as wel go
____ Gates at the top and bottom of all stairs We have a gate at the bottom of the stairs, will need one for the top, or possibly will have moved by the time we'd need one
____ Cabinet latches will probably need
____ Drawer latches will probably need
____ Outlet covers On registry

It's nice to have:
____ Toilet lock will probably need
____ Corner guards for low tables probably won't need

~Feeding~
For breastfeeding
The necessities:
____ Nursing pillow on registry
__X_2-3 nursing bras
____ 2-3 boxes of nursing pads Looking at buying a box of disposables and then making some re-usable ones
____ 6 or more cotton bibs on registry
____ 6 or more burp cloths (cloth diapers do the job) Need to ask mom to make me some and need to pick up a pack of cloth diapers

It's nice to have:
____ Breast milk storage bags or containers will decide on later
____ Several bottles and nipples if someone else will be feeding baby pumped breast milk will decide on later
__X_Nipple cream (for the first few weeks)

Solid-food feeding
The necessities (not an issue until 4 to 6 months):
____ High chair on registry
____ Plastic bibs on registry
____ Infant feeding spoons on registry
____ Infant bowl will pick up later

It's nice to have:
____ Mess mat for under the high chair Need to find smaller one
____ Baby food mill (if you're ambitious enough to puree your own baby food) on registry

~Basic Baby Care~
For diapering
The necessities:
____ 2 packs of newborn diapers to start on registry
____ Wipes on registry
____ Diaper rash ointment Butt Paste on registry
____ Waterproof changing table pad on registry
____ 2-3 changing table pad covers (usually cotton or terry cloth) on registry
____ Diaper pail or trash can with a lid will buy

It's nice to have:
____ 4-5 waterproof square or rectangular pads for under baby's bottom (protecting the cover that's protecting the pad -- you won't be sorry) on registry
____ Baby cream (if your baby has dry skin) on registry
____ Non-talc powder (to help the diaper area dry faster) want to buy cornstarch

Strictly optional:
____ A wipe warmer probably won't get
____ A diaper stacker (though they're pretty) on registry

For bathing and grooming
The necessities:
__X_2 hooded towels I have about 8 I swear
____ 4 washcloths on registry
____ Infant tub (for after the umbilical cord falls off) not sure about
____ Bath seat or inflatable tub-within-a-tub (for after 6 months) not sure about
____ Baby bath wash on registry
____ Baby shampoo on registry
____ Baby comb and brush set on registry
____ Nail scissors/nail clippers/nail file set on registry
_X_ Cotton swabs
____ Cotton balls Need to purchase

It's nice to have:
____ Bath toys
____ Mesh bag to hold bath toys
____ Bath thermometer

Strictly optional:
____ A baby-size robe (it's hard enough to get baby dressed in her real clothes!) On Registry

Clothing
The necessities:
____ 7 or more snap-crotch bodysuits/onesies
____ 3-4 T-shirts and/or side-snap shirts
____ Several snap-up rompers
____ Several shirt-and-pant sets
____ 7 pairs of pajamas and/or sleeping gowns
____ Sun hat
____ Cold-weather hat
____ Cardigan sweater
____ Bunting or snowsuit if it gets cold
____ 6 pairs of booties and/or socks
____ Baby hangers for the closet

It's nice to have:
____ A special outfit to bring baby home in and/or show her off
____ Several diaper covers
____ A wearable sleep sack, to use instead of a blanket

Strictly optional:
____ Shoes (until baby is walking outside, i.e., the toddler years)

~Going Out~
The necessities:
____ Car seat that fits a newborn on registry
____ Stroller that accommodates a newborn on registry
____ Diaper bag filled with diapers, wipes, and a spare outfit Mom's going to make me a diaper bag, and then I'll have to make sure it's stocked!
__X__Front carrier, like a Snugli or Baby Bjorn We have a Beco carrier that works as a front or back carrier

It's nice to have:
____ Sling (for the newborn stage) mom's making!
__X_Baby backpack (for after 6 months) Beco will work
____ Stroller that your car seat fits onto on registry
____ Rain cover for the stroller on registry
__X_Warm blanket or "boot" to wrap baby in during winter strolls
____ Sunshades for the car windows on registry
__X_Big diaper bag for overnight trips

No-nos:
*Mirror to see baby in the car (it can be a hazard if there's an accident) I still have one on my registry, I'll look into it, but I'd prefer to see the baby safely then have to turn around constantly
*A secondhand car seat (always get a new one)

~Just for Fun~
First toys
No necessities, but it's nice to have:
____ Soft books and board books on registry
____ Rattles on registry
____ Plastic links on registry
____ Soft blocks on registry
____ Activity gym/play mat on registry
____ Crib mirror on registry
____ Toys that attach to the stroller on registry
____ Something plush that crinkles, rattles, and squeaks on registry
____ Baskets to store toys in all the key places: baby's room, the living room, the kitchen on registry

No-nos:
*Car seat toy bars (an added risk if there's an accident)

For sitting baby in
The necessities:
__X__ Stationary activity center (once baby is 4 months old)
__X__Heavy blankets and quilts to lay on the floor

It's nice to have:
____ Swing on registry
____ Portable play yard on registry

No-nos:
*Walker (get a stationary center instead, for safety)
*Jumper (also generally considered unsafe)

~When Something's Wrong~
For soothing
The necessities:
____ Several pacifiers (try different brands to see which one your baby prefers) I have registered for a few different types
____ Mobile for over the crib or changing table on registry
____ Lullaby CDs or other soothing music I have a few CDs now, I'll look into others though

It's nice to have:
____ Music box made for the crib Look into

The medicine cabinet
The necessities:
__X__ Thermometer
____ Petroleum jelly Need to buy
____ Infant Tylenol
____ Nasal aspirator
____ Electrolyte drink (such as Pedialyte, to treat dehydration) Will purchase later

It's nice to have:
____ Teething ointment or other teething remedy Will purchase later
____ Vapor cream and/or vapor bath Will purchase later
____ Saline nose drops Will purchase later
____ Antigas medicine Will purchase later

House - To-Do

2009-02-01T23:29:00.000-08:00

February: Upstairs
I want every drawer, cupboard, closet, etc, to have been completely cleaned out, organized/re-organized, to work as efficiently as possible, and to make it as easy as possible to move.

Piles:
*We use now (on an every day/weekly basis)
*We want to take with us next year
*To store
*To sell/donate
*Trash (broken, stained, etc)

Office
~Chinchilla's - take inventory of supplies, re-organize supplies
~Teaching Supplies - Put together stuff to sell, organize stuff to keep
~Desk Supplies - take inventory, toss anything that isn't working
~Papers - shred, file, toss
~Books - Any to sell?

Bedroom
~Clothes (this is actually pretty much done, we've gotten rid of the clothes we don't use, and the clothes that don't fit because of the pregnancy are stored to use post-pregnancy)
~Closet - Go through again to make sure that it just has clothes and bags/purses in it
~Cedar Chest - repair the one latch, clean out so appropriate things are being stored in there
~Books - Any to sell?

Upstairs Bath
~Toss expired items (this was done recently, but I want to double check everything)
~Take an inventory of items on hand (so items we have are used first before purchasing new items)

March & April: Downstairs
March is such a busy month I think it may take the 2 months to get enough time to work on the house

Living Room
~DVDs - Cases and Organization
~Decorations/Shot Glasses/knick knacks - Storage

Dining Room
~Closet - take inventory
~China Cabinet - Pack away for storage
~Side table - Pack away for storage

Kitchen
~Cupboards - Inventory/pack items away for storage

Laundry Room
~Organize/Re-Organize cupboards and room

To do before the baby arrives

2008-12-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

Finish reading my stack of novels
Go to the dermatologist about my keloid (must be done by 3/09 anyway)
Decide what we're taking with us on the road, what is being donated/given away, what is being stored
Find a work-at-home job that I can start ASAP and continue part time at least after the baby makes his or her arrival
Transfer childhood VHS tapes (of birthday's, etc, not movies) to DVD
....
To be continued...

Christmas Survey

2008-12-23T12:55:00.001-08:00

Since Jacque did it first :)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper, definitely, and I'm not opposed to wrapping it, putting it into a bigger box and wrapping again. :)

2. Real tree or Artificial?
I'd much much much prefer real, but the last 3 years have been artificial, California is WAY too expensive to have a real tree.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Typically it's the week after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down?
Umm... you know, I'm not sure, before New Years normally (I think)

5. Do you like eggnog?
I love eggnog, yum! I've never had it spiked though (and couldn't have it spiked this year if I wanted to)

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
My parents always did an awesome job with Christmas presents, not sure my favorite though.

7. Hardest person to buy for?
My brother, what does one buy for a 16 year old boy??

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My sister, I can always think of a million things to get her.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
I do, it's a Willow Tree set that I love.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail! I am with Jacque on this year though, I am actually doing New Years 'holiday' cards :)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
umm... not one I could think of

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I'm a fan of the made for TV Christmas movies. And of course the 'classic' cartoon movies

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually once Thanksgiving is over Christmas shopping begins. I sometimes pick up 'sale' items earlier, but I try to not think of Christmas until after Thanksgiving, otherwise it takes all the excitement out of it.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I'm not into re-gifting

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Crab Legs!!!

16. Lights on the tree?
White lights, I love white lights on Christmas trees

17. Favorite Christmas song?
I love hearing a variety, too much of one song drives me nuts. I love 'Silent Night' though, it'll always be a huge favorite.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Well, I'd rather stay home, I'm a homebody that way. But I LOVE being with family on Christmas and if that involves traveling then I'm up for it!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
ugh... Dancer and Dasher and Prancer and Vixon and Comic and Cupid and Doner and Vixon and Rudolph... was that right? That's how the song goes in my head, hehe!

20. Angel on the tree-top or a star?
I have neither, I'd prefer a star though, one day we'll find one we love

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas Morning, definitely Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
MALLS and TRAFFIC (ugh!), I wish it was Christmas Joy and Happiness and Contentment and not Christmas stress

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
We've done Gold and Maroon for all 4 years we've been married. We may do a new theme next year. We'll see :)

24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner?
didn't I already say this??? Crab Legs, duh!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
An amazing day with my family

That next step

2008-12-15T09:32:00.001-08:00

Soon we won't be California Geese! It's not *that* soon, but still, it's going to be a sad day when we 'move on' from this stage of our lives.

The last 3 and 1/2 years have been wonderful, interesting, stressful, full of love, and job changes, and lots of late night studying, and they've just been great. They've been our 'life.' Every moment has been our life. I cannot imagine spending my life with anyone else. Brian is just an amazing husband, and person, and he'll be a wonderful father. This next 'step' means so many different things. It means being parents, it means traveling, it means Brian being one step closer to graduation and his career goals. It's just the next step in our adventure of life together. I can feel our feet walking on the path we belong on and I'm excited for it all.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

Since I'm not a negative person, don't curse, and want to get back into positive energy I figure I'll talk happy topics. Plus, "Being cheerful keeps you healthy." Proverbs 17:22 (TEV)

What I'm Thankful for:
My Husband - and his caring nature, his dedication to veterinary medicine, watching him start to develop as a father, and how incredible he is as a husband
Our Baby - how grateful I am for the little tiny human growing inside of me, and how thankful I am for all the possibilities that come with it
My Family: My animals, my sister, brother, my mom, dad, my sister-in-laws (and their hubby's), my grandma's and my grandpa, my mother and father-in-law, my Aunts & Uncles (including Brian's aunts and uncles), my cousins
I have a job I really enjoy - and how powerful it is to actually be able to say that
My friends - and their support
My church family - especially the All Stars team
That we're still in our house
That I have been deeply humbled by the last few years

Taggies

2008-11-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

Apparently anything with a ribbon on it is copyrighted by some fucking bitch ass mother, because obviously in the early 2000's they were the first one to ever think of it. They want you to go out and buy a FUCKING AUTHENTIC Taggie 'cause they're safe and they have the copyright. Well I'll tell you this, this copyright WILL be fought and it WILL be beaten because countless people having contacted me letting me know they ALSO have documented proof that taggies are NOT a fucking original idea. I'm sorry put a fucking tag on a blanket and copyright it so you can charge $20 for a children's blanket and spend all your time tracking down people. Devote an entire page to your webpage on 'Authentic' Taggies, on a webpage no one has ever found before they are attacked by the 'copyright' police that is taggies, maybe they could work on FUCKING marketing or making a website that didn't look like a bunch of shit spewed all over it, instead of attacking people who make a fucking blanket here and there. 8 blankets, I'm sorry, was I really hurting you that badly? (and don't fucking come on here and talk about copyright blah blah blah, 8 fucking blankets, so I could make a little extra money as I'm losing everything else in my life) So here's to you Taggie, Inc, FUCK YOU, I hope you read this, since I'm sure you stalk the internet for the word taggie, so taggie, taggie, taggie. And don't even DARE tell me to bring this post down, it's called freedom of speech fuckers.

Anyone ever tell people to not mess with a pregnant woman? hehe :)

To Do List:

2008-11-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've used my blog as a to-do list, but being that today is my day off, I figure it's a good thing to do.

To Do Today:
*Make Green Bean Casserole
*Make Stuffing

To Do sometime between now and Tuesday night (I work Wednesday morning and leave Wednesday afternoon for Fresno(yay!), so Wednesday is out)
*Update Etsy with all the new inventory
*Put clothes back in the closet
-separate out clothes to donate/sell/trash
-separate out clothes that do not fit but I want to keep for my post baby wardrobe
*Re-organize my living room, so it doesn't look like we are still evacuated!
*Bring Brian's textbooks back inside (or more specifically have Brian bring his textbooks back inside)
*Bring Vesper back from my mom's (I miss him/her!)
*Buy maternity pants (well if I find any on sale, if not, I'll wait on this one)
*Work on Christmas presents
*Find a time to take Christmas Photos

Well I think that's it (and plenty!)

Craft Fair

2008-11-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

Come see us on December 13th from 9am-3pm at La Habra HS!

More Info here: http://lhhsmbacraftshow.blogspot.com/

Taurus

2008-11-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

That's me, the taurus... and this actually describes me pretty well

TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20) Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard - passionate. Express themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge themselves often. Very generous.

Our House

2008-11-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is probably the most depressing topic one could talk about. At least at this point in my life. Let me start at the beginning.

Brian and I graduated May 15, 2005 with our Bachelors of Science's (mine in Business Administration and Brian's in Biology). 6-Weeks later we got married, on July 3rd, 2005. 2 days after we tied the knot we moved to California. I still can't remember exactly why we decided to make the move to California. Brian was taking the year off to work full-time and take a few extra classes before applying to vet school, and my parents were (and are) in California. I can't remember if it was the change of scenery we wanted, the California residency (for UC Davis), or what. It's bizarre to not remember why we moved out here.

We spent our first year living in a 1 bedroom apartment (it was 1,000 sq feet, so it was a big apartment for a 1 bedroom), we paid $1000 a month in rent, and lived less then 1/2 a mile from the beach. Brian got a job working for a 24-hour hospital, working graveyard, and he applied to vet school that October. After months of not so good news, some interviews, and a lot of waiting, in March he found out he had gotten in to Western! We decided we wanted to move closer to the school and the price of rentals were sky high that we decided to look into buying.

We got a real estate agent and we were pre-approved for $390,000. We were never asked how much money we made (ever, throughout the whole mortgage process), only what we could afford for a payment. We told them. We spent a few months house hunting, we made a few offers and were mainly the 3rd backup offer, and stuff like that, even though we were offering full price. Then we found our current house, we put an offer (it had been on the market for 2 days), they accepted and the process began.

They did an inspection, but we weren't present for it, (which later on we've learned we had the right to be), we had 30 days to close... and our mortgage company was moving slower then molasses. Our closing date came and went, about 30 days late, we finally closed. On closing day we were finally told our monthly payment, it was $800 higher then we originally had said we could afford, and we were told instead of the 30 year fixed we had asked for, we were given a 'special' loan. If I could have gone back ot that moment in time, I would have walked out the door, never signed a single document, and started looking for rentals. I knew that wasn't the way it was supposed to be, but all the 'professionals' and 'experts' in the room assured me (us), that this was the right thing to do.

We've now been in our house for 2 years and 4 months and we have paid -$9,000 in principle, and the loan we took out is now $40,000 more then what we originally borrowed. Our payment has gone up twice, and now it's not $800 higher then we could have afforded, it's about $1200 higher.

I've spent the last few weeks staring at the budgets for the last few years. Every month we managed to balance it, we even were saving money. But the mortgage was about 75% of our income, and since I lost my teaching job, it's substantially more then I make. We've tried to make it work for the last 8 months since I started my current job. We used all the savings we had saved up over the last few years, we stopped going out to eat, we stopped doing anything really that would qualify as 'entertainment' or extra expenses, and there is no way to make our ends meet. So I think we're finally at the point that we're going to say goodbye to our house, which I can't even begin to think about how much money it's cost us over the years, because then I'll just start crying all over again. Originally, I wanted to keep it until the baby came and we started our '4th year adventure,' but I think making it through the New Year and then moving on, is probably our best bet. Obviously, nothing is set in stone, nothing is planned, right now, we're just trying to get from one day to the next.

I just feel like a fool... but I take responsibility for my part, I know there are other steps I should have taken, advice I should have seeked, but I didn't, and it cost us a fortune for our mistake, but now we know, and hopefully we'll be able to make a better decision in the future.

A Mini-Vent ...

2008-11-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

I'm finding that pregnancy is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. My co-workers keep telling me I need to relax and not stress. I am trying so hard not to, but it feels like my life is falling apart around me. Plus, I thought we were past the high school stage of gossiping behind others back for our own amusement, yet, some people are still doing it. As if gossip isn't harmful. As if inside jokes did more then just make the ones 'inside' feel great and those 'outside' hurt. I'm probably being a bit sensitive about it all, but it's just frustrating, everyone knows how much being on the 'outs' hurts. Good thing I have amazing co-workers, awesome friends in CA and back east, and a great family.

I keep praying about my house, I just don't know what we can do. Without more income coming in, I just can't imagine us being able to keep it. But with rent being so high in the area, I have no idea how we'd even be able to move. Tomorrow is the election and so many people have high hopes that a new president will automatically make everything better. I can't see that happening, I have friends everywhere losing their houses, not being able to pay their bills, America's people are struggling and if only money was spent on the American people and not the mortgage company or the American people and not the political agendas.

More book talk and an actual update on other stuff

2008-10-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

I'm working my way through the books I purchased. I have 4 read so far, all the non-fiction ones. I have the 4 fiction books left. I should have known that I would breeze through the non-fiction ones. My preference for books has always been for non-fiction, but having just gotten off of my high of reading the Twilight series I felt I needed to indulge in more fiction. I know I'll enjoy the books, I just have to begin them. :)

Once I finish those 4 I am going to go back to non-fiction and start reading baby and parenting books. If anyone has any recommendations pass them along! I check out the used books every time I go to the thrift store, so maybe I'll come across one of them.

Brian's been out of town for 2 weeks now, he comes back tomorrow (yay!), and I got to see him over the weekend. He'll also be away for 2 more weeks in December, and then next year he'll be away for 6 weeks. Not sure how that'll all go. It has to be done, so I don't have much of a choice but to be supportive (and I'll always be supportive of my wonderful husband, he does so much for me and our family), I just wish he didn't have to go away at all!

School seems to be going well for Brian this year. I cannot believe he's 1/4th done his 3rd year. The time is flying. He's working on Saturday nights at an emergency animal clinic, and he seems to really enjoy it!! Veterinary medicine truly is his calling.

For me, it's more job hunting and figuring things out. I'm tired a lot, but that's to be expected with the pregnancy. I just keep praying and try to not let everything stress me out too badly.

Baby Book Recommendations

2008-09-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

Gathering recommendations for books to read during pregnancy! From my half.com 'wish list'

The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night (Paperback, 2002) Author: Elizabeth Pantley
Week by Week Gift Set: Your Pregnancy & Your Baby's First Year (Paperback, 2008) Author: Glade B. Curtis, Judith Schuler
Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife (Hardcover, 2002) Author: Peggy Vincent
The Girlfriends' Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood: Wise and Witty Advice on Everything from Coping With Postpartum Mood Swings to Salvaging Your Sex Life to Fitting into That Favorite Pair of Jeans (Paperback, 1997) Author: Vicki Iovine
The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy: Or Everything Your Doctor Won't Tell You (Paperback, 1995) Author: Vicki Iovine
~~Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn As a New Mom~~ (Paperback, 2006) Author: Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
~~The Other Woman~~ (Paperback, 2006) Author: Jane Green
~~Notes From The Underbelly~~ (Paperback, 2005) Author: Risa Green
~~The Vegetarian Mother and Baby Book~~ (Paperback, 1997) Author: Rose Elliot
~~Tales from the Crib~~ (Paperback, 2006) Author: Risa Green
~~Diary of a Mad Mom-To-Be~~ (Paperback, 2003) Author: Laura Wolf

~~Purchased~~

Christmas plans ... again

2008-09-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

Well -- initially, (as you can see by the post below), Christmas in Pennsylvania was a GO. Well now that we have a little Gosling on the way, we're not so sure. I'm torn really, part of me REALLY wants to go for Christmas, and part of me thinks we should stay. There won't be a resolution on that tonight, unfortunately. I am open to advice and ideas :D

But I do want to announce our NEW baby blog! http://ourgosling.blogspot.com The pregnancy is still in the very early stages (4 weeks), so pray for me that everything goes smoothly. I'm THRILLED to be a mom-to-be. I can't wait to hold my baby, he or she, in June!

Currently I'm in my

starts on November 17, 2008

starts on March 2, 2009

Christmas

2008-09-13T23:44:00.001-07:00

The start of the school year (can you believe it's the start of the school year again? wow what a year it has been), always makes me start my countdown to Christmas. I love the holiday's! Halloween next month, Thanksgiving in November and then Christmas and New Years!! It's the most fun part of the year! I'm hoping I'll get some of the holiday's off. I worked Labor Day and will likely work most of the holiday's this year, but lets hope not all! Since we've gotten married we've tried to alternate the Christmas between the 'parents.' Brian and I were married July 3, 2005, our first Christmas together was spent in California in December 2005. The next year we made the trip from California to Pennsylvania and spent December 2006 in PA. Last year we intended to spend in California, but Lauren decided to get married in January, so to PA we went again. We spent Christmas day in California and flew out early the next morning and spent late December and early January in Pennsylvania. Therefore, technically this year should be a PA year. I want to go to PA and visit family (but we've been out there twice in one year! January and June), and friends, but not sure if that'll happen. Either way, there is less then 3.5 months 'til Christmas!!!!

Pregnancy and Baby Related Links and Websites

2008-09-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

I'm an over-researcher. I over-researched my wedding, I could probably plan 10 weddings with the amount of information I collected over the 2 years I planned my wedding (the 6 months BEFORE I got engaged and the year and 1/2 of engagement). Well I'm the same way with starting a family and more specifically having babies. I've been researching baby-related stuff for about a year and 1/2 now. I'm still far from having one of my own, but I figure I might as well share my research. Especially since I collected it in a user friendly way. Enjoy!

Toys:
Wooden Animal Toys: http://www.anamalz.com/
HABA: http://www.haba.de/Baby.baby_en.0.html maker of cloth and wooden toys that are certified under stringent international environmental standards (ISO 14000); its products come with a lifetime guarantee (for ages 0-6; prices vary).
Peace Baby Blocks: http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=3949&cc=go sustainable-maple blocks with nontoxic dyes; for ages 1-4 ($28).
Organic Veggie Crate: http://store.babycenter.com/product/...=08-32493897-2
Our Green House: http://www.ourgreenhouse.com/foundat...sp?category=31
Toy Boxes: http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/...Toy-Boxes.html
Storage Tower: http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/...r:-Purple.html
Toys: http://www.oompa.com/
Baby Flashcards: http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/...ollection.html
Wooden Toys: http://www.willowtreetoys.com/category/3a/
Montessori Toys: http://www.wonderbrains.com/montessori-toys.html
Natural Toys and Crafts: http://www.novanatural.com/
Natural Easter Egg Dyes: http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa042003a.htm

Articles:
How to Green Your Baby: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007...-your-baby.php
The Green Baby Guide: http://greenbabyguide.com/
How Ovulation Happens http://www.babyzone.com/mom_dad/wome...on-happens-pg2
Aphrodisiac Foods http://www.babyzone.com/preconceptio...rodisiac-foods
Vaccines: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/...n4296175.shtml
Amazon List: 'have a natural baby without spending a fortune' http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syl...res_rpsy_alt_2
Amazon List: 'Create a minimalist baby shower registry' http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syl...res_rpsy_alt_9
Aromotherapy http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/...ld-bearing.htm
Dr Sears Website: https://www.askdrsears.com/splash-ne...ialoffer_A.asp
Can you afford to stay home?: http://www.todaysparent.com/preconce...nt=3254&page=1

Book Recommendations
Baby Chronicles: My Very Own Story: from pre-natal to pre-school (Spiral-bound) http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Chronicle...3805968&sr=1-1
Top 40 Pregnancy Books: http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/books/
Your Pregnancy Week by Week http://www.amazon.com/Your-Pregnancy.../dp/1555612601
The Mother of All Pregnancy Books by Anne Douglas http://www.amazon.com/Mother-All-Pre...0484389&sr=1-1
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-.../dp/0375710477
The Vaccine Book by Dr Sears http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031...SIN=0316017507

Organic & Natural Products:
Bumkins: http://www.bumkins.com/shop/pc/viewC...?idCategory=52 (coupon code: 5off08, $5 off purchase of $50)
Our Green House: http://www.ourgreenhouse.com/foundat...sp?category=31
Green Items http://debraslist.com/
Milk Paint http://www.milkpaint.com/
Zero VOC paint http://afmsafecoat.com/
Organic Sun Protection: http://www.saffronrouge.com/skin-care/facial-sunscreens
Natural/Organic Skincare: http://www.avalonnaturalproducts.com/
Hydrating Creme: http://www.aveda.com/templates/produ...CT_ID=PROD5883
Hydrating Facial Creme: http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/0...and=FacialCare
Natural Face Creme: http://www.kissmyface.com/natfacecar...carepage.html#
Organic Lotion and Body Products: http://www.soorganic.com/home.php

Baby Showers:
Favors and Games: http://store.bigdotofhappiness.com/index.html
Baby Shower Theme: http://pregnancy.about.com/od/babysh...howertheme.htm
Packaged Shower Themes: http://www.socialcouture.com/
Baby Shower Themes: http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/

Pregnancy:
Stretch Mark Creams: http://www.vedababy.com/vedaMAMA.asp?item=supple
Moisturizer plus SPF: http://www.juicebeauty.com/za/JB?PAG...&PRODUCT.ID=42
BBuckles (to extend the life of your jeans): http://www.mybbuckles.com/shop.html
http://baby.ourlittleuniverse.com/ed...post&p=4971485
Pregnant Vegetarian: http://www.babycenter.com/400_is-it-...505139_1000.bc
Pregnant Vegetarian: http://www.ehow.com/how_5354_be-preg...egetarian.html
Jessica Scott, versatile pieces https://shopping.24-7intouch.com/js/...8&idproduct=93
Cute Pregnancy Tops: http://www.mollyanna.com/
Pregnancy Clothes: http://www.babystyle.com/default.asp

Diaper Bags:
Fleurville Recycled Bag: http://fleurville.com/product/rerun%E2%84%A2-lark
Ju Ju Be http://www.ju-ju-be.com/
Diaper Swap Message Board: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/babybags/
Ju Ju Be Diaper Bag Store Online http://www.littledudesanddivas.com/d...aper-bags.html
Petunia Pickle Bottom and other diaper bags http://www.duematernity.com/pepidiba.html
Fleurville Diaper Bags http://www.fleurville.com/products/sling_tote.html
Diaper Bags and Purses http://www.ebags.com/ju_ju_be/be_sma...?modelid=87670
Changing Case http://www.dearbornbaby.com/product....&cat=65&page=1
Pottery Barn Changing Case http://www.potterybarnkids.com/produ...key=gthmoccbsh
Skip Hop http://www.skiphop.com/

Gadgets/Products:
Timer for the first few months for baby: http://www.itzbeen.com/
Personalized Shirts, Plates, etc http://www.emtannerdesigns.com/shop/
Changing Table: http://www.patemm.com/
Baby Language: https://www.dunstanbabyorders.com/or.../orderform.asp
Beaba Babycook http://www.williams-sonoma.com/produ...key=ggftthsnew

DIY/Crafts
DIY Wallet http://www.replayground.com/pages/diy/wallet.asp
No Sew Wrap http://www.mamatoto.org/Default.aspx?tabid=121

Babywearing
Getting Started With Babywearing: http://www.mamatoto.org/
Slings: http://www.hotslings.com/
Slings, Nursing Covers, and Hospital Gowns: http://www.goo-ga.com/

Names
Babynamey http://babynamey.com/

Announcements
Magnet Announcements: http://www.magnetstreet.com/store/home/market/524
HTML E-mail Announcements: http://www.firstannouncement.com/

Cloth Diapering
Cloth Diaper Store: http://www.mtdiaperstore.com/
Cloth Diapering Service in So Cal: http://www.dy-dee.com
Cloth Diapers: http://www.clothdiapersnmore.com/
Frugal Baby Cloth Diapering Tips: http://www.borntolove.com/frugal-diapering.html
Cloth Diapering/Pattern/Fabric Online Retailers: http://www.thediaperhyena.com/reap.htm
Sewing your own cloth diapers: http://www.diaperjungle.com/sewing-cloth-diapers.html
Sew your own diapers: http://www.diapersewing.com/
All-in-one diapers: http://www.diapersewing.com/all_in_one.htm
Dream-eze fitted diapers: http://www.diaperpin.com/diapers/itemdetail.asp?id=1303
Cloth Diapers: http://greenbeanboutique.blogspot.co...h-diapers.html
Fabric: http://www.milldirecttextiles.com/
Sewing Cloth Diapers: http://sewingclothnappies.com/
How to cloth diaper: http://home.att.net/~ofuzzy1/diaper.htm
How to Sew Diapers: http://sewdiapers.com/
DIY Diapers: http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/diy.php
Frugal Diaper Sewing: http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html
'the next generation in cloth diapering' http://nickisdiapers.com/catalog.php?category=214

Newborn
Books to Read to Babies: http://pregnancy.about.com/od/pregna.../aa031703a.htm
Infant Clothes: http://www.giggle.com/category_listi...=622&viewall=1

Nursery
Land of Nod Furniture: http://www.landofnod.com/default.aspx?srccd=
Wood Letters: http://www.3dwoodcraft.com/indoorunpainted.html
Vinyl Letters/Decorations: www.vinylattraction.com
Art for Nerds and Nurseres: http://www.tiffanyard.com/

Breastfeeding
Nipple Butter: http://store.babycenter.com/product/...r.do?asc=false

Registry
Create a Registry http://www.thenestbaby.com/registry/home.aspx
registry 'jumpstarts'
http://www.giggle.com/registry_jumps...t.aspx?oid=719 - organic
http://www.giggle.com/registry_jumps...t.aspx?oid=669 - the basics
http://www.giggle.com/registry_jumps...t.aspx?oid=711 - Ultimate nursery
http://www.giggle.com/registry_jumps...t.aspx?oid=712 - home from the hospital
http://www.giggle.com/registry_jumps...t.aspx?oid=713 - first 6 months
http://www.giggle.com/registry_jumps...t.aspx?oid=714 - toddler

Childbirth Resources
Doula World: http://www.doulaworld.com/doula/cfml/main/index.cfm
Doula (Dona International) http://www.dona.org/
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association: http://www.cappa.net/
Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators: http://www.alace.org/

'Baby Shower Resources' - organic cotton clothing, stuffed animal resources plus nontoxic wood toys, etc
Organic Clothing - www.underthenile.com
Bamboo Clothing www.bamboosa.com
Organic Clothing and Bedding www.sagecreeknaturals.com
Organic and Natural Toys (lots of wood toys) www.organicgiftshop.com
Organic, and Natural clothing, toys and furniture (etc) www.organicselections.com
Organic Clothing www.organicwearusa.com
Eco-friendly products for the home and baby www.ourgreenhouse.com
Organic Beds, Mattresses and Bedding www.crystalbabyorganics.com
Wooden Toys www.islandtreasuretoys.com
Wooden Toys www.rosiehippo.com
Wooden Toys www.thewoodenwagon.com
Natural Toys and Crafts www.novanatural.com
Practically Everything Baby www.giggle.com
Organic Mattresses, bedding and clothing www.ecobaby.com
Slings, Cloth Diapering, Haba toys www.peppermint.com

For organic wood and cotton bedding, receiving blankets, bassinets, co-sleeping accessories, cotton and wool futons and mattresses.
Green Living: www.gaiam.com
Organic Sheet: www.coyuchi.com Sold Here: http://www.organicstyle.com/
Organic Mattress: www.daxstores.com
Earth Friendly Store www.ecowise.com
Diaper Covers www.babybunz.com
Organic Sheets, Mattresses and Covers: www.heartofvermont.com
Eco Sleep Shop: www.kushtush.com
The Natural Sleep Store: www.thenaturalsleepstore.com
Natural Bedding: www.whitelotus.net
Creating a Healthy Home: www.greennest.com
Co-sleeping Bed: www.humanityinfantandherbal.com
Blankets, Crib Sheet, and Changing Pads: www.littlemerryfellows.com
Organic Mattresses: www.theorganicmattressstore.com

Blogs Worth Following:
Green Bean Boutique: http://greenbeanboutique.blogspot.com/

The Dirty Dozen: Top 12 Foods to Eat Organic

2008-09-01T00:49:00.001-07:00

I didn't write this, but I felt it worth posting in its entirety, this entire article is from MSN.com

Check out the top 12 foods you should buy organic whenever possible

Not all of us can afford to go 100% organic. The solution? Focus on just those foods that come with the heaviest burden of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones. Whenever possible, deploy your organic spending power to buy organic versions of the following foods (in no particular order). Can't find organic versions of these foods? In some cases, we've listed safer alternatives that contain similar valuable vitamins and minerals.

1. Meat. Contrary to a widely reported "fact," meat typically contains less pesticide residue than plant-based foods, according to Debra Edwards, the director of EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs.

That said, raising animals with conventional modern methods often means using hormones to speed up growth, antibiotics to resist disease and pesticides to grow the grain fed to the animals. As the EPA puts it in an Ag 101 feature, "Antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones are organic compounds which are used in animal feeding operations and may pose risks if they enter the environment."

Consumers looking to avoid meats raised with these substances can seek out certified organic meat. To meet USDA standards, this meat can come only from animals fed organic feed and given no hormones or antibiotics.

Publications as varied as the Wall Street Journal, in its 2007 When Buying Organic Makes Sense and When It Doesn’t, and Consumers Union, in its 2006 Tips on Buying Organics Without Breaking the Bank, recommend seeking out organic meats when possible.

2. Milk. Pesticides and other man-made chemicals have been found in human breast milk, so it should come as no surprise that they have been found in dairy products. While any residues detected have been rare, and of low concentration, milk is of special concern because it is a staple of children's diets.

Organic dairies cannot feed their cows with grains grown with pesticides, nor can they use antibiotics or growth hormones like rGBH or rbST.

3. Coffee. Many of the beans you buy are grown in countries that don't regulate use of chemicals and pesticides. Look for the Fair Trade Certified Organic label on the coffee package or can; it will give you some assurance that chemicals and pesticides were not used on the plants. It will also mean that fair prices were paid for the end product in support of the farm and that farm workers are treated fairly.

4. Peaches. Multiple pesticides are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: watermelon, tangerines, oranges and grapefruit.

5. Apples. Scrubbing and peeling doesn't eliminate chemical residue completely so it's best to buy organic when it comes to apples. Peeling a fruit or vegetable also strips away many of their beneficial nutrients. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: watermelon, bananas and tangerines.

6. Sweet bell peppers. Peppers have thin skins that don't offer much of a barrier to pesticides. They're often heavily sprayed and victim to pesticides commonly used to keep them insect-free. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: green peas, broccoli and cabbage.

7. Celery. Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the chemicals that are used on conventional crops. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: broccoli, radishes and onions.

8. Strawberries. If you buy strawberries out of season, they're most likely imported from countries that use less-stringent regulations for pesticide use. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: blueberries, kiwi and pineapples.

9. Lettuces. Leafy greens are frequently contaminated with what are considered the most potent pesticides used on food. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

10. Grapes. Imported grapes run a much greater risk of contamination than those grown domestically. Vineyards can be sprayed with different pesticides during different growth periods of the grape, and no amount of washing or peeling will eliminate contamination because of the grape's thin skin. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: blueberries, kiwi and raspberries.

11. Potatoes. America's popular spud ranks high for pesticide residue. It also gets the double whammy of fungicides added to the soil for growing. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: eggplant, cabbage and earthy mushrooms.

12. Tomatoes. A tomato's easily punctured skin is no match for chemicals that will eventually permeate it. Can't find organic? Safe alternatives: green peas, broccoli and asparagus.

Green V. Organic

2008-08-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

This is a question I always debate with myself ... I want to be green to save the environment and I want to be organic to save myself (lol)

Although being green and organic often go hand and hand, they are sometimes completely contradictory.

Take Makeup ... the green thing would be to use up every last bit of every piece of makeup and recycle all the packaging you could and then buy your next makeup in packaging and materials that are completely biodegradable and less harmful on the environment ... the organic thing would be to throw it all out throw it out now, and then buy makeup with natural ingredients, ingredients that stop putting toxins into your body.... so what is one to do?

I strive for a balance. At the grocery store I buy organic, but I'll buy anything at the farmers market, since it is all local.

Sometimes I feel ... well I'm only one person ... but then I realize ... it only takes one.

The demand for more 'green' and 'organic' products is on the rise.

Check out the ideal bite for little tidbits on going both green and organic

BTW - Breaking Dawn was awesome, I'd definitely recommend reading some Stephenie Meyer

Credit Cards

2008-07-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Information from Jim Anderson financial coach, and musician. :)

"Here is some scripture I have on why you should NOT agree to a credit card contract.

There is a lot in the Bible about this.

Eccl 5:4-5When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. NASU

Matt 5:33-3733 "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. NIV

My problem with credit card contracts is that they are intentionally written so that you will default on them in one way or another, regardless of your intentions and paying on time. This is you breaking a vow or an oath. If you enter into the agreement and default on it, God considers you a fool. We don't read contracts anymore because we don't understand them. How can we sign something we don't understand? How can we be sure we can keep our promise? Credit card companies and banks are advertising how it is financially "smart" to use a VISA or MasterCard, when they know it means they get to pick your pockets. Many people are convinced of their lies because their marketing is extremely successful." ~Jim Anderson

My Amazingly Talented Husband

2008-06-22T03:15:00.000-07:00

What a year it has been...

2008-06-16T00:26:00.000-07:00

A year ago I was accepted into TFA and had quit my 'well paying' insurance job to work for free all summer ... I did TFAs induction ... then I survived LA institute ... then I worked at Abbott Elementary as a 4th grade teacher for four weeks ... within the first four weeks I was already threatened by my principal that I would not have a job for next year ... 4 weeks into the school year I was switched to kinder ... I taught kinder for 6 weeks ... then I switched schools to Marshall Elementary and taught 3rd grade as a team teacher ... after 16 weeks as a team teacher I was asked to leave, and given no support from TFA, no sympathy, empathy or help. I spent a few weeks laid off, then a few weeks working for an insurance brokerage company run by Scientologist, and now I am working at the front desk of a massage place. I'm finally in a job I really enjoy, but I can't pay the bills with it. I can't win. Boy oh boy ... What a year it has been...

2008-06-07T02:48:00.001-07:00

http://www.50waystohelp.com/

Switchfoot

2008-06-07T02:13:00.001-07:00

You've been living your life like a sequel
And you're already bored with the plot
As if the cast and the score are more money then before
But the script and the backdrops are stock

We've got the rest of our lives to regret
All the words that we've said here
Did not put our bet,
In the morning
Let the morning find us in bloom

So come on, come on, come on
Lets not be our parents
Oh come on, come on, come on
Lets follow this through
Come on, come on, come on
The skies are on fire
We will rise with the wings of the dawn
And everythings new
And everythings new

Let us rise up like the summer sun
Let these songs awaken the dawn
Let us breathe every breath like a gift to be kept
Let us breathe it all in till its gone

We've got the rest of our lives
To live out all these dreams
That we stayed up tonight talking about
In the morning
To start hoping
But nothing to soon

So come on, come on, come on
Lets abandon this darkness
Oh come on, come on, come on
Lets follow this through
Come on, come on, come on
Everythings bleeding
Well be lit up like fire and gold

When everythings new
And everythings new
When everythings new
And everythings new
When everythings new
When everythings new
When everythings new
When everythings new
So come on, come on, come on

A Republican Hippie

2008-06-04T17:00:00.001-07:00

As my husband so nicely refers to me as ... one giant walking contradiction

I'm...

pro-life
against the death penalty
for education reform
Christian (and see no problem with God in schools ... because if God isn't in schools then they're run as if everyone is atheist, and why should we let Atheism run our schools?)
for anything and everything green

Sustainability
Walking lightly on the planet
Stopping artificial chemicals from going into our bodies, our homes and our earth
Using less
Recycling
Donating
Buying used
Re-making items
Stopping junk mail (does anyone really look at the Valpak or the Clipper??? or use the coupons from the mailbox? or am I the one and only person to throw them in the recycling bin on the way in from the mailbox)

for an organic lifestyle (which ties in nicely with being 'green')

Less meat (and in our case ... no meat, other then fish from sustainable environments)
Chemical free cosmetics, and paints, and food

for doing as much as I can for "Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." ~Edmund Burke
I'm pro and against big business

I love Starbucks but miss the mom & pop shops
I love the big franchise, when they don't forget where they began
I believe big business has the ability to make our world an even better place, we just have to make them

imagine a company that make a product, that when it's at the end of its useful life, comes back to that company and is re-made, again and again ... the natural resources it would save, the overhead, all the costs of 'being environmental' would begin to pay for themselves

not for war, but I believe there are times where there are no other choices, no other decisions that can be made
a believer in affordable healthcare, but not at the expense of the physicians who have worked hard and continue to work hard in their profession

I have many more beliefs and opinions, but that's all for now

StoryofStuff.com

2008-05-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

10 Little and Big Things You Can Do

Power down! A great deal of the resources we use and the waste we create is in the energy we consume. Look for opportunities in your life to significantly reduce energy use: drive less, fly less, turn off lights, buy local seasonal food (food takes energy to grow, package, store and transport), wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat, use a clothesline instead of a dryer, vacation closer to home, buy used or borrow things before buying new, recycle. All these things save energy and save you money. And, if you can switch to alternative energy by supporting a company that sells green energy to the grid or by installing solar panels on your home, bravo!
Waste less. Per capita waste production in the U.S. just keeps growing. There are hundreds of opportunities each day to nurture a Zero Waste culture in your home, school, workplace, church, community. This takes developing new habits which soon become second nature. Use both sides of the paper, carry your own mugs and shopping bags, get printer cartridges refilled instead of replaced, compost food scraps, avoid bottled water and other over packaged products, upgrade computers rather than buying new ones, repair and mend rather than replace….the list is endless! The more we visibly engage in re-use over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm, or actually, reclaim an old one!
Talk to everyone about these issues. At school, your neighbors, in line at the supermarket, on the bus…A student once asked Cesar Chavez how he organized. He said, “First, I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” “No,” said the student, “how do you organize?” Chavez answered, “First I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” You get the point. Talking about these issues raises awareness, builds community and can inspire others to action.
Make Your Voice Heard. Write letters to the editor and submit articles to local press. In the last two years, and especially with Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the media has been forced to write about Climate Change. As individuals, we can influence the media to better represent other important issues as well. Letters to the editor are a great way to help newspaper readers make connections they might not make without your help. Also local papers are often willing to print book and film reviews, interviews and articles by community members. Let’s get the issues we care about in the news.
DeTox your body, DeTox your home, and DeTox the Economy. Many of today’s consumer products – from children’s pajamas to lipstick – contain toxic chemical additives that simply aren’t necessary. Research online (for example, http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/) before you buy to be sure you’re not inadvertently introducing toxics into your home and body. Then tell your friends about toxics in consumer products. Together, ask the businesses why they’re using toxic chemicals without any warning labels. And ask your elected officials why they are permitting this practice. The European Union has adopted strong policies that require toxics to be removed from many products. So, while our electronic gadgets and cosmetics have toxics in them, people in Europe can buy the same things toxics-free. Let’s demand the same thing here. Getting the toxics out of production at the source is the best way to ensure they don’t get into any home and body.
Unplug (the TV and internet) and Plug In (the community). The average person in the U.S. watches T.V. over 4 hours a day. Four hours per day filled with messages about stuff we should buy. That is four hours a day that could be spent with family, friends and in our community. On-line activism is a good start, but spending time in face-to-face civic or community activities strengthens the community and many studies show that a stronger community is a source of social and logistical support, greater security and happiness. A strong community is also critical to having a strong, active democracy.
Park your car and walk…and when necessary MARCH! Car-centric land use policies and life styles lead to more greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel extraction, conversion of agricultural and wildlands to roads and parking lots. Driving less and walking more is good for the climate, the planet, your health, and your wallet. But sometimes we don’t have an option to leave the car home because of inadequate bike lanes or public transportation options. Then, we may need to march, to join with others to demand sustainable transportation options. Throughout U.S. history, peaceful non-violent marches have played a powerful role in raising awareness about issues, mobilizing people, and sending messages to decision makers.
Change your lightbulbs…and then, change your paradigm. Changing lightbulbs is quick and easy. Energy efficient lightbulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional ones. That's a no-brainer. But changing lightbulbs is just tinkering at the margins of a fundamentally flawed system unless we also change our paradigm. A paradigm is a collection of assumptions, concepts, beliefs, and values that together make up a community’s way of viewing reality. Our current paradigm dictates that more stuff is better, that infinite economic growth is desirable and possible, and that pollution is the price of progress. To really turn things around, we need to nurture a different paradigm based on the values of sustainability, justice, health, and community.
Recycle your trash…and, recycle your elected officials. Recycling saves energy and reduces both waste and the pressure to harvest and mine new stuff. Unfortunately, many cities still don’t have adequate recycling systems in place. In that case you can usually find some recycling options in the phone book to start recycling while you’re pressuring your local government to support recycling city-wide. Also, many products – for example, most electronics - are designed not to be recycled or contain toxics so recycling is hazardous. In these cases, we need to lobby government to prohibit toxics in consumer products and to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, as is happening in Europe. EPR is a policy which holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, so that electronics company who use toxics in their products, have to take them back. That is a great incentive for them to get the toxics out!
Buy Green, Buy Fair, Buy Local, Buy Used, and most importantly, Buy Less. Shopping is not the solution to the environmental problems we currently face because the real changes we need just aren’t for sale in even the greenest shop. But, when we do shop, we should ensure our dollars support businesses that protect the environment and worker rights. Look beyond vague claims on packages like “all natural” to find hard facts. Is it organic? Is it free of super-toxic PVC plastic? When you can, buy local products from local stores, which keeps more of our hard earned money in the community. Buying used items keeps them out of the trash and avoids the upstream waste created during extraction and production. But, buying less may be the best option of all. Less pollution. Less Waste. Less time working to pay for the stuff. Sometimes, less really is more.

2008-05-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

Gas is $4.07

It cost me $52.45 to fill up my VW Bug

I get paid $9 an hour currently (and am understandably searching for a second job)

Who can live in this economy??

Ashlee's To Do List

2008-05-25T02:53:00.000-07:00

Writing things down helps me actually DO them:
(in no real order...yet)

Tax Audit 1) Get Extension ~~2) Call Fi 3) Fill out form for all transactions~~
~~Begin GRE Prep~~
~~Sell Used Books Online~~
~~Clean up~~ and Clear out teaching stuff in office
~~Hem Dress for SILs wedding~~
~~Keep looking into classes~~
~~TCC Last two essays~~
~~Closet~~
~~Bills~~
~~Financial Counseling~~
~~Budget~~
~~New Job/Second Job? ~applied~~
~~EE site~~
Rings re-sized
~~Hair for wedding~~
~~Jewelry for wedding~~
~~Laundry~~
~~Time Management~~
~~itemize expenses and figure out places to cut back~~

Hey Lookie Lookie

2008-05-25T02:09:00.001-07:00

AshleeG.etsy.com

I've decided our name is

EE - Stuff Made by Shirlee, Ashlee & Whitnee

unless I hear a better name :)

Blast from the past

2008-05-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

on my wedding day :)
2 years, 10 months, 2 weeks & 5 days ago

The interesting thing about a wedding is, or at least my wedding, it was probably the day I felt the prettiest I ever have, but it wasn't the best day of my life. It began the best time of my life.

Psssst New 365 Blog

2008-05-11T01:32:00.001-07:00

In the event that you haven't found it I have started a new blog JUST for my 365 project

What is my 365 Project you ask? ... well it is one self portrait a day for an entire year. I have decide to capture my entire 25th year. From May 1st 2008 ... through May 1st 2009 ... so 365 + 1 :) ... I'm doing my best to capture an important moment or something that relates to the day. Sometimes they won't be the most flattering photos, but that's ok. This project is about watching change, and seeing how life is spent, from the little to the big stuff. I'll still be blogging all my thoughts and random-ness here ... but keep checking back on my 365 blog for a photo a day!

Here it is!!!
http://my25thyear365.blogspot.com/ My New Photo-a-Day Blog

A re-arranged house

2008-05-11T01:25:00.000-07:00

Well a living room and bedroom that is

New Roman Shades from IKEA (and a Jamie on the futon)

lots of doggie toys on the floor and Vesper's (the birdy) new spot

and the bedroom

which needs some paintings or photos or something on the wall!

my new sewing machine!

My very messy closet which still needs work ... but it's all eventually getting moved so it is what it is ... for now at least

Go Green... everyone else's doing it

2008-05-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

:D

As I think more and more about becoming a mom (no, I am not pregnant), I think more and more about the world my children will grow up in. The world Brian and I grew up in is far different then our parents and even more different then theirs. I've been trying to move our lives in a more 'green' direction. Treading lightly on our earth is important to me, and I've been researching doing even more. I've got a ton of products and websites and ideas I've come across and I'll begin posting them here bit by bit. But for today I am just going to sleep.

A Day

2008-05-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

I'm always curious what a day in the world of {fill in blank} is like. I just love hearing about peoples days. From feeding the dog, to doing the laundry, to refilling the stapler at work. It's always interesting to hear how people spend their time.

So since I'm always curious, I figure I'll explain a day in my life. Lets take today. This writing is a bit un-blog like but it makes a pretty boring day, more tactile.

My alarm goes off at 7am which is only a few short hours after the 2am bedtime I've become accustomed too.... and then again the alarm rings at 7:30am, and I'm still not moving ... then at 8:00am my phone starts ringing, normally I don't have 8am phone calls, but unfortunately being off work for a few weeks, not having received a check from my new company yet, and fighting with the school district for my last check leaves me with a few unpaid bills and therefore a pretty consistent 8am wake up call... I get up, rush myself into the shower, and take a (not record breaking but still short) 10 minute shower. While in the shower Galway and Entropy take turns poking their noses in and Entropy does a bit of a whine (since she's hungry). I hop out of the shower, and dry off ... well really I turn off the shower, grab a towel and dry off behind the closed shower curtain before I have to experience the cold bathroom ;) ... I run into my bedroom and start frantically searching for clothing and mentally telling myself 'one day I will pick out my clothes the night before, one day I'll be on time every day for work and one day my clothes will actually be ironed' ... I run back into the bathroom and can't find my deodorant. 'I guess I can smell like a guy for a day' I think to myself and I put on Brian's deodorant. I quickly put in some leave in gel stuff in my hair, grab a brush, grab my cell phone and run downstairs. I climb over the barrier at the bottom of the stairs.

Galway is already over and I heard her whining to come back up during the majority of my post-shower routine. I then open the barrier up so Entropy can walk downstairs, and inevitably the second her foot steps from the stairs to the cold floor she growls at Galway. Jamie comes over to say a quick hi and then all three of them bolt for the kitchen. I open up the back door, Jamie runs out and goes potty as quickly as possible. I put down the stuff I was carrying and open up the dog food. Galway sits calmly underneath the side table in the dining area and Entropy starts dancing in circles hitting EVERYTHING with her paws, making sure I know it's time for her to eat. I get a full scoop and walk outside and Jamie is already sitting nicely in front of her bowl, I pour in her food and find that Entropy has followed me outside. I walk back in, make Entropy sit (since she does know better) and measure out a bit less then 1/2 a scoop. I place it in Entropy's bowl, and she sits patiently until I say 'ok.' Then I turn to Galway, who's already drooling EVERYWHERE, but sitting perfectly still. I measure out a bit more then 1/2 a scoop, place it in her bowl and then GRAB her and pull her back when she lunges in for it. Normally she's good about it and waits until I say 'ok' but not today. She sat nicely and looked up at me waiting for the command. 'ok' I said and she dove into her food bowl. As the three dogs eat I watch the cat as he hangs out under the table, eyeing the open back door. I check to make sure they all have water. Today they didn't, so I took their jug and set it upside down in the sink and leave it to fill up. I look through the fridge, 'nothing that I can eat in under 5 minute?' I think ... Today I decide the answer is no.

I grab the bottle from the sink, and place it in the water dish back in the corner. I call the dogs inside, all of which have had a chance to go potty. Entropy comes right away, but the other two are refusing to come in. They're really interested in a spot that connects with the neighbors yard. With a bit more persistence Galway joins Entropy inside. But no luck with Jamie. I had to sternly as Jamie to come inside, and when that didn't work I had to march outside. Well that caught her attention and she headed towards the door. Of course at this point all of us were outside, since the other two followed my march. Well a few moments later I corralled them all back in and closed the back door. Entropy and Galway race ahead and sit politely in front of the gate.

I check under the table, 'good Amanita is still in the house, one less thing to worry about.' I check the time... 'I'm going to be late ... again' ... Now I have to say I hate being late, but I can't seem to be on time. It's not for lack of trying, the days I leave early I end up just as late as the days I leave late, it boggles my mind. As I was leaving I resolve for the umpteenth time that 'I will stop leaving so late for work' and I really meant it, just like the last 100 times I've said it. 'I really do though... I mean it'

I grabbed my keys, the garage door opener, both purses and my sunglasses. I let Galway and Entropy know that papa (aka Brian) is getting ready for school (I had heard the shower turn on as I was trying to get Jamie to come inside) and that they couldn't go back up. They always seem to 'get it,' it never ceases to amaze me, but they just walked over to the couch and laid down. I double checked all my stuff, then I left, locking the door behind me, and opening the garage door as I walked down the carport. I entered the garage, climbing over a printer and a box of books, that are a reminder that they're my responsibility to try and sell. I unlock the car, and get in. Placing my purses on the passenger seat, and my cell phone and brush on my lap. I take out my GPS, even though I already have my trip to work memorized, it still my crutch. I start the car and back up, watching for my neighbors as I reverse. I close the garage door and put the clicker away. As I go down the driveway I check twice to make sure the garage door is closed and then I make my way to work. A left at the first stop sign, and a quick right. I then turn on the GPS, 'no I don't want to go home' I say as it tries to direct me back home. I cancel the route and re-route it to work. A stop sign, and then I'm at the stop light. 'I'm going to sell something today' I pep talk myself and turn left as the signal changes. This part of my day is one of my favorite, not my favorite really of the day, but of the drive. It's the few minutes I can listen to my radio station. 95.9 The Fish. I love listening to the morning show with Bobby Shaw and Reba Tony. Unfortunately my route inland only allows me 10 minutes of it. As the fish slowly fades away I turn on the CD. Hotel Paper by Michelle Branch. I love this CD. I think a bit about my choice of music. It's changed so much over the years, yet remained the same in a bit.

The GPS continues giving me instructions and I remember how Kristen, my co-worker from AAA, and now my co-worker at this insurance company always listens to Ryan Seacrest in the morning. I stop at the light, about to get on the freeway, and I text my boss 'I'm on the freeway, I'll be late, sorry' ... As I enter the freeway I flip through the stations... 'fuzzy, fuzzy, in Spanish, fuzzy, uuggh no, oh yup I think that's his voice' ... I catch it half way through a segment and I have no idea what's going on. I listen, something about life is all decisions, and everything we do is a result of a decision and if we don't like a decision we've made then change the decision. It's all a series of decisions. And although I didn't find that to be profound or amazing or a revelation, it did get me thinking. If I'm at this job I either need to learn to love it and really love it or I need to make the decision to leave. I think a bit about my teaching career. Hindsight being 20/20 I wish I hadn't left, but I'm glad I left. It's a bit bizarre. Not knowing what you are to do, but I was just calm about it all. Not to worry I kept thinking, we aren't meant to worry. My thoughts were interrupted by Ryan talking again. This time talking to a woman who seemed to have just woken up, even though it was already after 9am. Apparently her daughter, a 10 year old, and two of their friends were selling lemonade for $0.25 a glass and were looking to raise $600 for a dog that had been abandoned and had a tumor that needed to be removed. I must say I was saddened by how un-enthusiastic the mom was being. Her daughter was being amazingly caring AND she had the opportunity to talk about it on the radio and get more donations. She just talked as if it was a burden, and that was all. I don't know, it miffed me a bit. That aside the kids were close to 1/6th the way to their target and had only been raising money for ONE Sunday. Amazing.

Before I knew it the GPS was directing me to my exit. Foothill Blvd on Route 66. 'wow I work in the middle of nowhere' I thought to myself as I exited. I got out my cell phone and called Kristen. 'I'm pulling in, are you almost here' I said, I was about 15 minutes away she said. I pulled into the parking garage and grabbed my purse. I glanced at the second one. It contained the newest SHAPE magazine, my One Month to Live book, and the journal I keep with it. It contained The Big-Ass Book of Crafts Whitnee had given me for my birthday and the Complete Organic Pregnancy book, both of which I had red in a day. I decided I'd be too distracted if I brought it in and I left it on the passenger seat for lunch.

I made the walk out of the parking garage and into Victoria Gardens. Even though it's a far drive I love working there, I get to see all the new clothes, it's pretty sweet. I walk past where I should turn and into the Coffee Bean. I know I'm already late, but I'm starving. I get a double shot Cappuccino and a Jalapeno Cheese Croissant. I know I shouldn't be spending money, or eating that kind of stuff, but I was starving. I remind myself, 'find something to eat before you get to work tomorrow.' I wait a few minutes for my drink, I watch the big flat screen TV as the weather report goes by. It's already 83 degrees out in Rancho where I work. I think it's going to be a hot day. The lady making my coffee is chatting with another girl waiting for her coffee, I didn't pay much attention to what they said. They mainly did small talk, and a few things about allergies and eye make up itching. I then realize. I don't have makeup on! I didn't even put on lotion or SPF today... great...

I grab my coffee, put in two sugars and grab two more and head to work. As I leave the coffee shop I through out my coffee lid. It's one of those 'do not use plastic numbers' and remind myself 'next time ask for your coffee without the lid'...

I walk into my office and it's already a buzzing. A veteran agent greets me at the door I ask 'how are you today?' he replies great and returns the greeting. I look around. Almost every desk is taken. Two co-workers left on Friday, quit ... I missed seeing them. One of their desks was already taken by a new girl that starts today. She's a bit old, acting like she's young, and acting like she knows it all. I put her out of my mind and get into my seat.

'I left my desk a bit of a mess, didn't I?' I think as I start tidying up. One of my co-workers, a young guy, very early 20's, relays a message that is also written in chicken scratch on a post-it, 'he just called' he said. 'Thanks' I reply.

I clock-in and get ready to start my day. I call the guy back and he tells me he'll be in today, between 2 and 3 with the check to complete the paperwork for his sons policy. We've been going back and forth on this for weeks. 'Finally' I think. I hang up and start my morning routine. I login to my online leads, I look through my e-mail, I open up my quoting software and within minutes I'm ready to begin the day. '100 call outs' I think.

I take a sip of the foam, that's my favorite part of a cappuccino, and then add the two other sugars. 'I need to cut down on sugar' I think as I add it in. 'next time I'll only use 3.' After a few bits of my croissant I realize it would just be that much better warm, 'why did I say no when the lady at the Coffee Bean asked if I wanted it warm' I thought as I walked into the break room, put my croissant into the microwave and set it for a minute.

It's interesting how sometimes a minute takes forever and sometimes it flies by. I go back into the break room, and stop the microwave at 00:15 seconds left. I take out my croissant and take it back to my desk. I enjoy the buttery morsels bit by bit. I take out my cell phone and place it on my now clean desk and send a quick text to my sister. 'I took the cutest photos of my kitten last night' it read.

... more continued in the next post...

Wow it's May

2008-05-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

May 1st never creeps up on me, since well, it's always my birthday and I'm always counting down the days. But still I cannot believe it's already May. I feel like I'm barely used to writing 2008 and we're approaching mid-year quickly.

My mom and I are starting a bit of a sewing adventure and are going to make stuff for etsy and for a few craft fairs (once we get our inventory up). My mom bought me a sewing machine for my birthday. I've sewn a lot over the years but it's the first I've ever owned. I'm excited by it.

I'll post as soon as we have some products available. For now we're just getting started. Any name ideas are welcome though! We'd like something to put on our fabric labels, but need a name and a design first.

One month and 19 days 'til we're in Pennsylvania!!! I'm so excited! I got shoes for Kristen's wedding today in Fresno (my mom and I went up to visit my awesome sister this weekend) for $7!

Not much else to say, for now I am just glad to be starting a hobby, and I keep praying that the perfect job falls into my lap.

An April Update

2008-04-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I updated.

On Monday we put our sick kitten, Macchiato, to sleep. It was a hard day, and made it a hard week. She was barely 2. A pathologist at Brian's school was nice enough to do a necropsy on her. It turned out she had FIP, and un-curable, fatal disease. It was what Brian and the vet that was helping him had thought it was, but we did not know definitively. Knowing the diagnosis did not make the week any easier, but at least we knew we made the right decision.

Then this afternoon we went into our office and found Faith, one of our chinchillas, dead. :( We don't know what happened to her, and we probably never will. We got Faith 6 weeks before we got Macchiato, she was just over 2 years old.

So this week our family is down two furbabies.

I started my new job this week. I had been offered two positions, with two different companies, and making the choice on which one was hard, and time will tell if it was the right one (but I think it was). I was in training all week, and should hit the floor on Tuesday.

I'm back to selling insurance. Auto, home, commercial, etc. And their auto rates are amazing (So if you're looking for auto insurance and you live in CA, let me know!). I'm excited though, and I'm happy to be away from teaching. Hopefully I can pay the bills that I incurred while in TFA all off soon.

Brian turned 25 on the 4th. His birthday was fun, his friends organized a dinner out and about 16 of us went to a Hibachi restaurant and had great food and a ton of fun!!! I got Brian a new teapot for his birthday, nothing too exciting, but I think he liked it.

My birthday is in 18 days!!! And it's 2 and 1/2 months until Kristen and Seth's wedding!!!

Well, that's all for now. Much love!

A quote from my pastor

2008-03-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

"Trying to figure out God is like an ant trying to understand the Internet. It doesn't have the brain capacity to understand something that great. The greatest stress reliever I can recommend is that you remember and repeat this often: GOD IS GOD AND I'M NOT!"

In Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
In Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
In Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
In Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
In Every moment, THANK GOD.

Pastor Rick Warren

Frittata Pans and Bamboo Sheets

2008-03-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

I'm currently drooling over two things:
1) Calphalon's Frittata Pan that Williams-Sonoma carries

$99.95 for the 8" and $135 for the 10"

and

2) Bamboo Sheets (the best sheets for the environment!)

These sheets feature natural bamboo fiber that is spun into a soft yarn and woven, creating a silky twill fabric for your bed. Sheets are all natural, hypo-allergenic and bacteria resistant, allowing for a clean and restful sleeping environment. 100% bamboo fiber yarn with a 230 thread count.
$89.99 for a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and 2 pillow cases at Bed Bath & Beyond

or $100 for a flat sheet, $100 for a fitted sheet and $35 for each pillowcase at Gaiam

Either item I'm going to have to wait for a sale. But for now I can drool.

Job hunting

2008-03-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Finished bathroom photos coming soon... Brian just finished this amazing painting, which will be part of the bathroom, so once it's dry and hung I'll post the bathroom photos.

The job hunt is continuing. I've got a few things in the works, no offers yet. I'm hoping I'll have an offer by the end of next week. It's odd job hunting. I just hate that I have a minimum salary that I cannot go under. I just don't want to be working 80 hours a week just to 'get by.' Plus, what jobs do I apply for? I've applied to all kinds. The crazy thing is, I used to get recruiter calls (CONSTANTLY) and now I kind of feel like they're just not interested. I'm sick of just having jobs, I want a career. But I don't think that's going to be coming out of this job hunt.

Lots of Animals and an adorable T-Shirt!

2008-03-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Chinnie Cage Update!
Before

After (bigger doors!)

Faith

Faith (White) & Serenity (Grey)

Entropy (I love her!)

Entropy & Funny Face (or Galway!) ETA: boo it's cutting off part of the photo, you may click on it and enter password 'ashlee'

And my poor, sick, baby Macchiato

So cute!

$27

Interview!

2008-03-10T21:38:00.001-07:00

On Thursday!!!

woooooo!

Every Monday Matters 05 & 06

2008-03-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

I must remember, post about it every Monday. :) Anyway, last weeks and this weeks.

These are two topics I stand strongly behind!

05 Eat Healthy
Annual cost for chronic conditions and diseases is big money:
$117 billion for obesity
$66 billion for high blood pressure
$432 billion for heart disease and strokes
$50 billion for weight loss aids

A 79% likelihood exists that an overweight child will become an overweight adult.
A 75% of adults don't eat the recommended daily 5 or more servings of fruits or vegetables.
Snack consumption by children has increased 300% from 20 years ago (meaning for OUR kids over OUR snacking AS kids)
400,000 people die annually from poor eating habits and laziness.

Action Steps:
1. If you suffer from or have a family history of any of the aforementioned chronic conditions or diseases, consult your family physician for dietary counseling. There is no history of any of those diseases in either Brian's family or mine, nor do we have any of those conditions.
2. Although every individual is unique in his or her dietary needs, here are some ideas to help:
-Eat fewer foods with refined grains and sugars (working on this); reduce your intake of fatty foods (working on this); eat smaller portions (do this well).
-Eat more dark green vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, low-fat milk products, and lean meats (do all these!).
-Eat slowly so that you will feel full before you've overeaten. (working on this)
-Don't reward yourself or children with food. (Don't do it with myself and will NOT do it with my future children)
-Develop a routine and eat at similar times each day. (We do this, but the times aren't the best, we probably eat dinner way too late)
-Drink plenty of water. (do this!)
-Limit snacking. (try my best to do this!)
3. Eat to live; don't live to eat.

05 Get Rid of Junk Mail
-Junk -mail deliveries surpass the number of U.S. Postal Service 1st-class mail.
-Even though 44% of all junk mail is discarded without being opened, people will still spend 8 months of their lives opening junk mail.
-Only 2% of junk mail gets a response.
-100 million trees are needed to produce the annual supply of bulk mail-that's the equivalent of deforesting the entire Rocky Mountain National Park every four months.
-Over $350 million taxpayer dollars are spent annually to dispose of junk mail that does not get recycled.
-5.6 million tons of catalogs and other direct-mail advertisements end up in landfills annually.
-The average person receives only 1.5 personal letters each week compared to 10.8 pieces of junk mail.
-Paper will take up 48% of our landfills by 2010.

Action Steps
1. Write 'please do not rent or sell my name' next to your name whenever you enter a contest, make a purchase or donation, join a buyer's club, order a product by mail, subscribe to a magazine, or return a warranty card.
2. Call the customer service number of the company or organization that is sending you unwanted mail and ask to be removed from their list.
3. Remove your name from several national mailing lists through the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. You can register online or by mail.
4. Contact major consumer credit bureaus to have your name removed from mailing lists used for credit offers. (I'm off these because I use lifelock.com ... it's amazing how much it cuts back the junk mail!)

Job Hunting

2008-03-09T00:16:00.000-08:00

Job hunting gets more urgent, more important and more stressful when you're out of a job. And currently ... as of Friday at 3pm ... I am out of a job. I have had several good interviews and am waiting for call backs so I'm hoping to have something soon. Who knows though. Wish me luck, cross your fingers and send prayers my way.

Job hunting is the one time I dislike having a Mac ... seriously companies, make your websites Mac friendly ...

Some Vet School Research

2008-03-04T22:49:00.000-08:00

to alleviate the stress of trying to find a job, not being sure of my dream job, and not being able to be a mom yet. Focus on the future.

We're looking at moving in 2010 and then I'll apply as an in state resident wherever we are. Just have to figure out how long I have to live where to become in state, and there opinion of non-traditional applicants.

Vet Schools in the Country
Cornell University (NY)
Colorado State University
University of California--Davis - they're not a fan of non-traditional applicants
University of Pennsylvania
North Carolina State University
Entering Class: 80 (62 resident)
Tuition: $10,246, non-resident $33,009

Animal Nutrition 3
Biochemistry 3
Biology (or Zoology) with lab 4
Business/Finance 6
Calculus or Logic 3
Chemistry, General with labs 8
Chemistry, Organic with labs 8
English Composition/Communications 6
Genetics 4
Humanities/Social Sciences 6
Microbiology with lab 4
Physics with lab 8
Statistics 3
Total semester credit hours 66

Ohio State University
Entering class: 140 (97 OH residents)
Tuition: Resident $21,530 Nonresident $53,585 (WOW)
Admissions decisions are made between November and April

How do I establish residency?

Out-of-State Applicants, once admitted, are eligible to apply for residency after the first year of attendance in our DVM program. Please contact the
University Registrar for more information as well as for other qualifications for establishing residency.

Requirements:

Ohio State Quarter Subject	Course	Credit Hours
English	110	5
General Chemistry	121, 122, and 123	15
Organic Chemistry	251 and 252	6
Biochemistry	511	5
Biology	113 and 114	10
Molecular Genetics	500	5
Microbiology	520 and 521 (or 509)	10 (5)
Mathematics (Algebra and trigonometry)	150	5
General Physics	111 and 112	10
Humanities and Social Sciences^*		20
Electives^**		10
Total Quarter Credit Hours		96-101

Texas A&M University--College Station
University of Wisconsin--Madison
Michigan State University
University of Minnesota--Twin Cities

University of Florida
Entering Class: ?
Tuition: Resident $16,775 Nonresident: $37,750

University of Georgia
Entering class: 96 (10 non-resident & 61 resident spots & others for contract states)
Tuition: Resident $11,978 Non-Resident $32,378
Admissions decisions are made
Requirements:

6 hours of English;
14 hours of humanities or social studies;
8 hours of inorganic chemistry (full year with laboratory);
8 hours of organic chemistry (full year with laboratory);
8 hours of physics (full year with laboratory);
3 hours of biochemistry;
8 hours of general biology (full year with laboratory);
8 hours of advanced biology courses (recommended: comparative anatomy, microbiology, cell biology, genetics).

The GRE General, Analytical Writing and Biology Subject tests are required.

Tufts University (MA)
Auburn University--Main Campus (AL)
Purdue University--West Lafayette (IN)
University of Tennessee--Knoxville
Washington State University
Kansas State University
University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
University of Missouri--Columbia
Virginia Tech/University of Maryland
Louisiana State University--Baton Rouge
Oklahoma State University
Mississippi State University
Oregon State University
Tuskegee University (AL)
Iowa State University
Western University of the Health Sciences (CA)

A course in animal nutrition is required effective with the 2008 admissions cycle (October 1, 2007 application deadline). If you attend a college that does not offer an animal nutrition course, you may want to consider taking one via distance learning, such as an internet course or correspondence course offered by an accredited college or university. Animal Nutrition courses are offered via distance education at:

North Carolina State University

Oklahoma State University

Purdue University

Rutgers University

Ok... to bed .. will update later!

Job Thoughts and an almost finished bathroom!

2008-03-02T00:33:00.000-08:00

I've been applying to jobs like a crazy person. I feel quite obsessed with it. For the most part I haven't gotten much of a response on anything, but I feel that 3 of the jobs I applied to today could lead to something. Here is hoping. One is a job that won't pay much (and would require me to have a second job), but it will give me experience for the future. The other won't pay much either, it's retail, but it does have commissions and after 6 months to a year I could move up into management (which would be nice), but it would mean a second job for awhile (hmm, 1 & 2 may work together...) The third combines my education and sales background, and pays enough for me to only hold one job. So we will see. I'd love to get 1 & 2 together, or just 3, or 3 and do some hours with 1. Here is hoping.

Bathroom -- day 4 (I think?)
We put down the extra tiles and installed the vanity

While installing the plumbing it BROKE

We fixed it (Thanks to Ace Hardware and a nice guy that worked there!!) and finished the plumbing, and installed the mirror

We still have some touch ups to do, the tile grout needs to be colored all the same, and we need to put up the baseboards. We may be adding a wooden chair rail or wainscoting. We decided to take back the tile chair rail (we didn't want to tile the whole bottom half of the bathroom). Of course we need to put up decorations (paintings, etc) but overall we have a WORKING bathroom.

2008-02-29T14:40:00.000-08:00

I’ve been here before
Now, here I am again
Standing at the door
Praying You’ll let me back in

To label me
A prodigal would be
Only scratching the surface
Of who I’ve been known to be

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I’ve become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can’t do this myself
You’re the only one
Who can undo what I’ve become

I focused on the score
But I could never win
Trying to ignore
A life of hiding my sin

To label me
A hypocrite would be
Only scratching the surface
Of who I’ve been known to be

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I’ve become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can’t do this myself
You’re the only one
Who can undo what I’ve become

Make every step lead me back to
The sovereign way that You

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I’ve become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can’t do this myself
You’re the only one who can undo
You are the only one who can undo
You’re the only one who can undo
What I’ve become

One step at a time...

2008-02-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

I try and update often, because I find the more I have to say the less I actually say. So here goes. I'm feeling the stress of finding a job right now. My principal would like to see my resignation, he let me know today, and a big part of me wants to give it, but there are still the parts that want to continue teaching or at least hold out until I find an amazing job opportunity. Problem is, I don't even know what I'm looking for. I'm not really looking for a career. I'm more looking for a job that will allow me to volunteer, or take on a second 'lower' paying but experience driven job. And a job that will allow me take classes. But it's hard ... balancing what I do for the next few years to ensure success for the years and years following.

I'm really pursuing assistant manager and manager jobs in retail. I think that'll give me the flexibility, but I just don't know if I'll get the jobs. Or if they'll really pay enough. It's going to be a tough few years ahead.

I'm trying to be positive about it all. Sigh ...

Trying to make this motto my life:

“Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is. Today. Now. So that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you by.”

A Reminder

2008-02-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

I was browsing blogs and found this poem tucked in one of them. It really touched me. I struggle with the 'identity' Christian sometimes and failing so horribly at reaching the expectations set before me. But this poem really describes how I feel. It's a great reminder...

WHEN I SAY, "I'M A CHRISTIAN!"
By Carol Wimmer

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"

I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way."

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble -- needing God to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all.

I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name.

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge.

I have no authority -- I only know I'm loved.

Right now I feel feeble and uncertain about my direction. I feel I'm being pulled in so many different directions and that I should just *know* what's next. But I don't know.

Every Monday Matters 03 & 04

2008-02-25T01:17:00.000-08:00

I read 03 but forgot to post about it. And knowledge is best shared. :)
03 Have AMBER Alerts Sent to You
AMBER stands for "America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response"
336 Children have been reunited with their families because of AMBER alerts.

I see them often while driving down the road, on the passing signs. I take note of the license plate #, the make and the model and watch out for the possibility of the vehicle. It's a little thing to do, but if it could reunite a child with their family, then it is worth it.

04 Prepare For An Emergency
39 states are considered at risk of an earthquake ... hmm ... I think I live in one of those states :D

Action Steps:
1. Develop a family communication plan by selecting a person outside your local area (my in-laws would be a good start!) for everyone to call in case of an emergency.
2. Ensure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card for calling the emergency contact. Cell phones often get jammed due to high call volume during disasters.
3. Designate a primary and secondary meeting location. (great idea but what if I go to the primary and Brian goes to the secondary ... or is it that we both try and go to the primary but if for some reason it's unreachable then go to the secondary? I think that must be it!)
4. Create an emergency supply kit with a 3-day supply of basic items such as:
fresh water, food, first aid, towlettes, garbage bags, a flashlight with extra batteries, local maps, a whistle, dusts masks, tools, a can opener, and cash. Check and rotae supplies every 6 months. (we'd also need access to collars, leashes and crates. Plus food for the dogs, cats, chinnies and bird.)

Do-It-HERself (Part 2) and some thoughts on the future

2008-02-19T22:27:00.000-08:00

Progress:
More Sanding
More Spackling
And finally PAINT!

Still left ...

*cleaning the floors (which I'll do tomorrow and probably again on Thursday, that grout just doesn't get white and it really needs a good cleaning now)
*Painting the door and baseboards (the baseboards have been primed but need to be painted, the door needs to be primed AND painted)
*Install the vanity (this weekend)
*Install the faucet (this weekend)
*Install the tile insert (there is about a 3-6" gap that doesn't have tile since the new vanity is much smaller, so we're going to get a pretty decorative tile and try and make it look very purposeful) (this weekend)
*Install tile chair rail (still debating if we'll do one, it we do it'll match the tile floor insert, I think at least) (this weekend)
*Buy Hang Mirror and Lighting fixture (this weekend)
*Hang Paintings (this weekend or maybe next week, depends on what pieces we're using)

The goal is to have a 100% functional bathroom by the end of next weekend, so we will see!

I've *really* been thinking a lot about the vet thing. aka me becoming a vet. And it's a huge, long process, and I want to get some direct vet tech experience before committing long term but I'm still really drawn to this idea. Particularly because I never want to retire, I know that sounds so weird, but I just can't imagine myself 'idle' and I think for me not working would make me idle. And being vets could be something Brian and I could do for the next 60 years. It's tons of pre-reqs (I've counted before, it's 30 units I think, which isn't too bad, but most can't be taken at the same time, and I have no idea where I can take them at!), PLUS it's competitive and hard to get into AND it's another 4 years AFTER all those pre-reqs. So who knows. If anyone has a good suggestion on how someone with a business degree can get a ton of biology and chemistry pre-reqs done, let me know!

Anyway ... off to shower and bed. I'm not doing a great job at the going to bed by 10pm thing. Ooops

Do-It-HERself (Part 1)

2008-02-18T21:48:00.001-08:00

Day One was a success. Although, not as big of a success as I would have liked.

We took all the stuff off the walls and removed the mirror

We removed the sink (after much demolition help by Brian and his hammer!)

Brian and my mom removed the vanity

We patched

We primed

And we called it a night

Proof I was there (not a good picture but still proof indeed!)

When construction takes over your house!

... and begins the job search

2008-02-17T22:35:00.000-08:00

Not much more to say about that. I've become a craigslist stalker and have started looking at government jobs. I wish I was on a path like my husband. He's wanted to be a vet since he was 8, and although he's derailed from that path here and there, he's now 24, in his 2nd year in vet school, succeeding and close to becoming a vet. I'm so excited for him, he deserves his success and he works for it. It's hard though, not knowing where to go from here. I'm 24, and I have a good 60 years of work ahead of me. I've never been a big believer in the idleness that retirement causes, and maybe I'll just make a career change in 40 years. But still, I'm so unsure about the direction I want to go in.

I need a new job in 4 months. In what? That's the question. I'm not afraid of more education, so what I spend the next 40-60 years doing doesn't have to be the same field that I join in 4 months. But it needs to be a field where I could potentially go back to school. And it needs to be a job I can stay at for at least 2 years. I don't want to make any more job changes between the next one and whenever (if we ever) move out of the state, or when we have our first child and I take an extended break off, or when I switch to my more 'permanent' career.

In re-doing our bathroom we need new artwork! We're not putting the shelves back up, and we may or may not put the art that was already in there back up. But I found these awesome pieces of art. They are ONE PAGE books! An entire book on ONE 27" by 40" page. How incredible?!

An example, Much Ado About Nothing

Currently they have 13 OnePage Books:

9 Shakespeare Prints

A Midsummer Nights Dream
Hamlet
King Lear
Macbeth
Much Ado About Nothing
Othello
Romeo and Juliet
Sonnets
The Merchant of Venice

4 Bible Prints

Book of Exodus
Book of Genesis
Book of Proverbs
Book of Psalms

Each has an original piece of art in the center and is fully readable. I'm thinking of purchasing one for the bathroom. But the sheer size might overwhelm the bathroom. Depending, I may put it in our bedroom instead. hmm... $29 for the print $99 for the print mounted and laminated

Do-It-HERself

2008-02-16T21:56:00.000-08:00

with her mom's help :)

My mom and I are working on Project: re-do the downstairs bathroom

The project area, when we moved in July 2006

I painted this all myself - 5 coats of paint

My mom put up chair molding

And now ... we're re-doing it again!

We're keeping the floor and the toilet and replacing everything else!
The Vanity we're putting in ... Cherry Vanity with a Ceramic Sink

With this faucet

And this toilet paper holder to install next the toilet on the wall (and not on the vanity!)

We're adding a new mirror and lighting fixture (we still need to pick them out)

And painting the room a light tan and the baseboards white

Still undecided if we will put the chair rail back up (and if we do, if we'll paint the bottom a slightly darker color)

Giving and Receiving (er.. buying)

2008-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

I believe in tithing, firmly. I think tithing shows your trust in God over anything else in this world. But I also really believe in giving to others in addition to the church. Yesterday, there was this lady whose car had broken down, it was the afternoon and I was at the gas station. She frantically came over to me, asked if I could spare $3.00, I didn't have any cash, I felt awful. Then I realized I had a container of change in the car, I don't know how much was in there, but I handed it over, and apologized for it being change. She looked at me, a bit teary eyed, said it's all money, thanked me profusely, and kept repeating God Bless You. Now I don't normally give money to people randomly on the street, it's the unfortunate reality that people sometimes are trying to con you, but it was nice to be able to give and feel good about it.

My friend Ashley is walking in the Susan G. Komen walk this fall and she needs donations. The money is definitely not going to some random person on the road, it's to an amazing cause. I've donated $150, but you don't have to donate that much, she could use anything, $5, $10, $20, whatever you can give. :)

Ashley's Site

Now on to the receiving ... or well ... buying :)

I finally got it!
I've been eyeing this set since I got the first e-mail a few weeks ago, I went to buy it that day and ... sold out. Then my sister forwards me an e-mail with it in it, I go to buy it again... sold out. I then put myself on an e-mail list for when it's back in stock, I get the e-mail after being at work all day one day, I'm thrilled and ... sold out. Finally ...today I got it! I know I shouldn't be that excited but I am!
Sephora.com $37

Description: The set includes six eyeshadows (0.35 oz) in Enlighten, Celebrity, Vintage, Star Quality, Designer, and Stylist, one blush (0.12 oz) in Superstar, and a double-ended eyeshadow brush.

And a bit of a teaching update
I have started the application process for the fall for schools. It's weird, I'll be the first to admit, I don't know if teaching is right for me, if it's what I want to do for forever, or even if it is what I want to do next year. But right now I feel like I want another chance, another school, another situation. Time will tell.

My love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

Learn something new ... The History of Valentine's Day as presented by the History Channel

I've always had a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. Most women swoon over it, but I've always thought it was a bit ridiculous that the only time of the year you did something extra special was on Valentine's Day. The you must do it or else attitude behind Valentine's Day is hard. As I've grown older and realized more and more what adult life is like, I realize the importance of Valentine's Day. When you're married and your day to day life starts to take over, and then kids come into the picture, it's not that you avoid telling each other or showing each other, it just seems like it gets hard to do. Or it's not the number one priority. Then Valentine's Day is the one excuse a year to do it. And when you look at it that way, it's a lot more refreshing. For me, I hope - as I say this without having kids yet - that my relationship will continue to be full of expressions of love and surprises, just like the last 6 years have been.

For us - for today - I have no Valentine's plans. I plan on enjoying my husband's company, plus he bought me daisies on Tuesday. :D

After much browsing on Etsy I decided to pick up two pieces!

A Claddagh Stamp! $9.99
From TerbearCo
Which I love! I'm not really sure what I'll use it for. The claddagh is an important symbol in my relationship so I'm always drawn to it.

Lucky Necklace
$9.99
Made out of Resin and Confetti
From CBTSCloset

And for buying one item I got one free!!!!
So I picked this necklace (normally $9.99)

And lastly,
Happy Valentine's Day

Every Monday Matters 02 (on Wednesday) & the love of custom jewelry

2008-02-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

Every Monday Matters 02
Although I always read it on Monday's, I rarely am able to reflect and digest it until later in the week. This weeks topic: Turn Off Your TV

Facts
Good thing I never have my TV on, on Mondays. :) Joking aside, this statistic startles me
"Children spend 1,023 hours a year watching TV compared to the 900 hours in school." that is probably one of the most shocking in your face comparisons. Especially when all 900 hours in school aren't spent learning. There is the hour of breaks each day (lunch, recess, bathroom), plus the classroom disruptions and not to mention the sick days. Wow. The TV gets more attention then teachers. -- Possibly even more shocking "On average, 38.5 minutes per WEEK of meaningful conversation happens between a parent and their child" - so lots of parents watch their 2 shows a night, and spend more time with the TV in one night then talking to their parents all week. Wow.

Action Steps
1. Turn off your TV today. - This I did on Monday - today was a different story. And while the TV is currently off I watched a total of an hour and 1/2 of TV downstairs. Then I came upstairs and watched another 10 minutes before turning it off for the night.
2. Designate certain TV-free times throughout the week to reduce viewing hours. - not sure when these will be yet, oftentimes I watch very little TV. But then there are the days when I watch on and on and on and on. I waste whole days. Plus, I find every time I talk to my mom, who I love and adore, I hear another story about a TV special. And as fascinating as they are, it is sad to me that her life is spent at work or in front of the TV. I know who I need to lend this book to next ;)
3. Remove TVs from bedrooms, kitchens, etc. - we have one TV in the living room, and one in the bedroom. I've been thinking about getting rid of the bedroom TV for a really long time now. Problem is, what do we do with it? I'd much prefer a TV free bedroom. We haven't made a decision on this one yet, but we're working on it.
4. Make a list of activities to do besides watching TV. - my list: reading (oh how I love and miss reading), gardening, walking/running, scrapbooking, sewing, crafts, home improvement and of course, hanging out with friends, family, the hubby, and cuddling with the animals.
5. Avoid using TV as a reward - this only increases its power. - I never thought about how true this statement is. I'm definitely going to make sure that's the case with our kids, and I'm sure my hubby will agree.
6. Be more selective about programming and choose history, travel, cooking, home repair/design, and other educational themes. - Brian's reaction was, that's the boring channels. :) However, as much TV as my hubby watches, it's actually almost always while he's cooking or cleaning. He just doesn't sit their and veg. It's DVD's, and Tivo. TV without all the commercial crap. I actually watch a lot of these 'educational' themed channels, so this isn't as much my concern, BUT it'll definitely have me focus on not just watching to watch.

You Matter - one last thing
"70% of people say that no matter how hard they try, they never seem to have enough time to do everything they need to do...If you give up TV for just ONE day a week, you can exercise for the recommended weekly amount necessary for healthy living, read over 20 books a year, or spend more time with your loved ones."

I love Etsy, If you've you've never been you should go now! www.etsy.com
While searching on Etsy today I found an amazing jewelry designer. A.N. Original Jewelry http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5549497 the artists name is Ashley (gotta love it!) and she's got her own website (http://www.anoriginaljewelry.com/) and some great pieces.

She does initial jewelry, which I'm really considering.

However, which would I go with?
My last initial G

Or my first initial A

She also does custom work. Depending how much a custom piece would cost I'd love to get a piece of an Incubus song as a necklace. Like she did this John Meyer "Gravity" piece.

Some phrases I've thought about: Our Movements Echo - from Echo, Something Infinitely Interesting - from Echo, At least we dig eachother - from Dig, Could I Push Rewind? - from 11am. I'm sure I'll think of others.

All you need is friends, family and Red Lobster

2008-02-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

I'm a first year teacher ... I have to be hired back each and every year until I am tenured. Same as any other public school teacher. I started this year teaching 4th grade. I was hired to teach 4th grade, I spent the summer teaching 4th grade in summer school, and was excited to be a 4th grade teacher. Two weeks into the school year I was told I wasn't a good teacher and I couldn't become a good teacher and I wouldn't be hired back until I really improved. Four weeks into the school year I was moved to Kindergarten. With no experience with 4 to 5 year olds, and barely 2 hours notice. I then proceeded to spend the next 6 weeks as a Kindergarten teacher. Working as hard as I could, soliciting help from everyone I met or knew that could possibly help me with teaching that age group. Then I walked in to school one day, and was told that one of the 4 new teachers would be leaving, we were 1 teacher over. I took the opportunity and the sacrifice and decided to go. Mid-week, right before Thanksgiving I was moved to another school. The first day of school I was told I would be teaching 3rd grade, I would not be a home teacher, I would not have my own classroom. I would be 'helping' the two other teachers in each classroom. I would be the third teacher for the 60 students and I was expected to carry the wait of a third teacher. all things which I could grasp. and then the principal said 'I didn't hire you, and I've hired and brought in every teacher to this school since it's beginnings and I can't see myself re-electing you for next year unless I see an incredible teacher' these words stung ... I was a FIRST year teacher ... I had taught 2 grades in 10 weeks and was now being put into a 3rd at a 2nd school ... they stung

I struggled with teaching, with whether or not I was going to stay in teaching and what I would do with my career. With what my future would look like and all that entails. I was VERY close to quitting the second week of January, right before classes began. I wanted to quit with all my being. But instead of quitting I decided I was going to try harder then I had ever tried. I went back to school and let everyone know that I was in it for good and I was going to prove it to everyone. I talked with my team teachers and they were impressed, and even a bit amazed at my re-commitment. They didn't fully know my wavering, but still they saw my strength. They knew I had had challenges and were impressed that I was able to overcome those.

Fast forward 10 weeks ... to this week. Today we went on a field trip ... we took 48 students to the space museum. It was a great day. We returned around 2pm, and at about 2:30 I went to the office to ask a question. Our phones were out and it was important so I ran for the other teacher. While down in the office I was asked to sign for a letter. I did. As I walked back to my classroom I opened it up and written is ...
February 08, 2008

Dear Mrs. G,

It is with regret that I must inform you that I have exercised my administrative prerogative and have submitted your name to Human Resources for non-reelection of employment for the 2008-2009 school year.

I am available if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Sincerely,
C.H.
Principal

I was given this letter today, and not Friday as it was dated because I stayed so late at school, that I didn't leave until 6:30pm, 2 and 1/2 hours after the principals secretary had left. I was putting in my time, at school and away. My first formal observation is in 2 days. I've only been observed once informally, and I got all positive marks.

It's hard not to feel completely dejected. It's hard not knowing what the next steps are. It's all so hard.

I called about a million people it felt on my drive home. Friends and family. It was amazing. No one said too much, offered bits of advice here and there. Offered sympathy, and words of encouragement. But overall, were just there for me.

So right now it's February 12th, 2008 and I will have a job for the next 4 months and 11 days, and then... I don't know what.

If teaching was all teaching it'd be an amazing profession ... unfortunately only maybe a quarter of your time is really spent teaching. And yet, teaching does not make students learn.

When I got home I did my normal routine. I got the mail, I fed the dogs, I checked my e-mail. And then I just let myself relax for 20 minutes in the bath. Sometimes I get carried away and spends hours in the bath (and I wish I was kidding, but oftentimes I can spend an hour or two soaking away into nothingness) but instead I spent 20 minutes. I rejuvenated myself and I decided instead of draining my sorrows in wine and ice cream. Which was my original plan. I decided I would go out and have a bit of fun.

When Brian (that amazing husband of mine) came home, we ran an errand for his school and then we spent an amazing hour at Red Lobster. Talking, venting, arguing, making up and eating. That's the wonderful thing about marriages, it's not just the ups that are amazing, it's the ups and the downs.

Part of me is devastated that I no longer have a placement in the fall. But the other part of me is a bit relieved. At least it's 4 and 1/2 months away. At least I am not out of a paycheck tomorrow. At least I have time to figure it all out.

If I wanted to add to it all by making matters worse I would add ... I applied to a local college to get a second baccalaureate in Biology with a concentration in Zoology, to purse Veterinary Medicine. After we got home from Red Lobster I went through the mail and in it was a letter saying thanks for applying, however, we have decided due to budget cuts not to take anymore second baccalaureates in the sciences for the fall of 2008. So I guess I can at least say I tried ... but I really want to say ... I succeeded ... what can one do with two half finished masters degrees?

On the other hand there was one other piece of mail

The Joffrey Ballet School's Ballet-Fit
All about the adult ballet student. Very exciting stuff! Although I did not go to my observation day today. Which I should have... but now I must start next week ... no matter what

Every Monday Matters 01 Continued

2008-02-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

What I love about blogging, is that it has the benefits of a personal journal - getting your feelings onto paper, reflection, goal setting, anger management - with accountability. In the blogging world I read tons of blogs, and oftentimes I never post a comment, I take it in - a little piece of that persons life - and I move on. So even without a comment on a specific post I know, it's likely someone is reading it. And that likelihood keeps me accountable.

Another thing I love about blogging is it forces you to write things down. And in doing so steps IV and V of Monday 01, the steps that I just couldn't figure out, just 'came to me' right as I was falling to sleep.

Sleep .... Sleep has always been a precarious thing in my life. I know I need 7-8 hours to be comfortably functional, and yet I choose to go to bed each night at midnight and let the time I need to get up in the morning dictate how much sleep I get. Then I wonder why I'm exhausted. Or why I sleep half my weekend away. My ideal wake up time M-F is 5:45am. I am not by any means a morning person, and ideal does not mean ideal for me, it means ideal for my schedule and my health. I need to set myself a bedtime and be asleep at 10pm.

Exercise - I have been saying for awhile now how I want to start Yoga or Ballet. Well tomorrow I'm sitting in on a ballet class. If I don't like it then I'll look for a Yoga studio on Wednesday. The few hours it'll take from my week to exercise, will benefit me 10x's.

Due Dates & Deadlines - I thrive under pressure, I like to wait until 10am to do an assignment do at noon that same day. My goal is to move all due dates and deadlines up 24 hours, and stop the rushing.

Faith - I haven't been to church in ... weeks. I do an awful job of prioritizing time, and then I end up missing out on things that are extremely important to me. On top of church is devotional time. Which I just can't seem to find time for. But since I cannot change the 2 hours I spend in the car each day, I want to change those times into productive days. I've already listened to several books on tape, but I'm now looking for a devotional. If anyone has any ideas, pass them my way.

Every Monday Matters 01

2008-02-11T00:33:00.001-08:00

By Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza

(see EveryMondayMatters.com for more details)
It's this wonderful book I picked up at Borders about a week and half ago. It's a book re-defining what Monday's are for. It contains 52 activities, for 52 Monday's that will help you make a difference.

Tomorrow begins Monday 02 for me. But a quick blurb on what I did for Monday 01.

Every Monday Matters 01
What Matters Most ... to Me
"Time spent on what matters most is never a waste of time."
Step 1, My List:
*Faith
*My husband
*Our immediate families
*Our pets
*Career (but I don't know what this means to me)
*Health and Fitness (including exercising and eating homecooked meals)
*Decreasing my own 'Carbon Footprint'
*Living a green, natural and organic life

Step 2, How do I spend my time?
The mornings are pretty similar - Monday to Friday
6:45am - wake up
*get dressed, feed the dogs, pack my lunch and leave
7:00-7:15am - Leave for school
8:00-8:30am - Arrive at school
*an hour to an hour and 30 minute commute, one way, I am supposed to be there at 8:00am
8:30-11:30am - teach, observe, prepare, grade, etc
11:30-12:10pm - Lunch - eat, gossip and oftentimes grade
12:10-2:45pm - teach
2:45-3:00pm - reflect on the day with my team teachers, and supervise dismissal
3:00-3:30pm - prepare for the next day
*and try and avoid teachers who just want to distract me by talking about nothing important

Monday afternoon
3:30pm leave for grad school
4:00pm pick up food, get coffee, review notes for the days class
4:30-9:45pm - sit in class

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon
Anytime between 3:30 and 5:30 - leave school
5:30-6:30 drive home
6:30-7:30 eat dinner and veg
*on the computer and by watching TV
7:30-midnight prepare for the next day, take a shower

Friday afternoon
I try to leave by 3:30 ... but oftentimes I'm still there until 5:30
5:30-9:30 watch tv, veg, waste time
9:30 usually I'm asleep by 9:30pm since I've been exhausted all week

Saturday and Sunday
Activities vary, they should include cleaning, laundry, grading papers, but oftentimes they consist of cuddling and sleeping

Step 3, Organize my schedule to identify what is required and what is optional and a waste of time and Step 4, Rearrange my schedule or reduce the optional so I can spend time on WHAT MATTERS MOST
I'm not through with this point yet. And it'll take some serious re-prioritization. I have a lot to think about still.

Will update with progress.

It's time for a blog about life outside of teaching

2008-02-11T00:12:00.000-08:00

I'm a teacher ... a very busy, first year, 3rd grade teacher. My life currently revolves around teaching and taking grad school classes (so I can legally continue to teach). I find all I talk about is teaching, all I do is teach (or grade papers, lesson plan, make copies, or one of the million other things a teacher does in one day) and I'm sick of it. I want a life! And I want to be able to talk about teaching in an honest way without people asking do you really want to commit yourself to helping these kids in that community for the long term? I don't know, I barely know what I want for breakfast.

The focus of this blog will be to post about life, wants, dreams, random thoughts and lots of animal talk.