4 and 9

Only four more days until I can officially feel my liberation from Lindenwood.

• Complete coursework: Check
• Pay all balances: Check (Can I hear an amen for no student loans?)
• Attend graduation: Check (yes, I did walk for those who are wondering)
• Receive diploma: To be mailed June 22

I am so unbelievably happy right now, you can't imagine. I've fought my last battle over my account balance and I'm free!

Let me enjoy this for a moment.

Okay, moving on... 

... The newlywed 9... ahem, 10? Hmmm... I've decided it's time to start some sort of exercise routine. Fortunately, I haven't really had to focus too much on my weight since the wedding. I didn't diet for the wedding. Now, I'm finding the scale creeping upward. It's the scale, right? That's what I was telling myself, when much to my dismay, after a little trip to the doctor, I've seemed to have gained approximately 10 pounds. I don't like it. I don't like it at all. 

I blame it on my job. (I have to blame it on something, right?) I've always worked jobs which require a bit more physical activity than most. I worked for close to 5 years shelving books at a library (quite the romantic spot, if you ask me) which required a lot of repetitive lifting and squatting. Lifting and squatting. Now, say it with me, lifting and squatting. Oh, and walking. And lifting and squatting.

Proceed to teaching. Anyone who is a teacher knows how much time is spent on your feet. And, as a middle school teacher I was always trying to keep the energy alive in my classroom by moving around, "dancing," and doing other random activities that outright make me look like a complete idiot. Nuff said. Oh, and the lack of real lunches probably helped. I was usually able to sneak in a fruit and jello cup (one of my favorite snacks) and some yogurt. Quite the diet.  And dinner? Dinner and student teaching don't mix.

Fast forward to the present. I found a summer job working retail. The hours suck, that's a given. And, I'm sure to bring a book with me every day. Isn't it exciting? This sedentary job has taken me off guard and my traditional eating habits just will not do anymore. 

I'm now beginning an adventure in meal-planning and an exercise  regimen. Meal planning so far has been pretty fun. Exercise? Not so much. I've thought about taking up running. Doing the couch to 5k seems fascinating. I may try it, though I fear I will regret it with my plantar fasciitis. Bring on the pain. If that doesn't work, I may pull out my old bike. It's not too rusty. Do you think it's still cute? It's purple. I got it around the time I was 10. If those don't work out, I'm not sure what I'll do. Any suggestions? I'm probably going to pull out the Wii Fit. Just for some more "relaxing" work. I don't imagine that will fix my 10 pounds though. 

Okay, I'm done with my weighty woes. Tell me I'm not the only one though. How did you keep your weight in check? And hurry, I had to pull out my swimsuit yesterday... my legs don't quite look as nice as they did last time that thing saw the light of day... Here's to losing 10 pounds.

Let Summer Begin!

While I've technically not done anything regarding school in the past 3 weeks, Saturday will mark the beginning of summer - the end of school. I graduate from college Saturday! Wait, it's been 4 years already? You mean I've been with my husband for 5 years (almost) already? Huh, let me let that sink in for a few minutes...

Okay, I'm done. I'm going to have quite the weekend! I have a (hopefully final) job interview tomorrow at 10am that I've been mentally prepping myself for all week. I'm really hoping I get this job! I don't know if my nerves can handle much more of this interview stuff. It really just throws me all off...

Then, I'll be cleaning all day on Friday to prepare for my graduation party on Saturday. God, please keep the rain away. I don't think I can fit all these people in my house. Amen.

Which, brings me to graduation. Did you walk in your college graduation ceremony? I'm debating this. If I walk it's really going to cut me close on time to get ready for my party. Like, really close. As in, I may be late to my own party.... I know its a great accomplishment and all, but I really have no attachments to Lindenwood. No one I really need to say "goodbye" to. Part of me wants to walk, but then I think it's probably going to be a long boring ceremony that I'm going to wish I had skipped. It's not like I actually get my diploma that day. What did you do?

Meanwhile, while I go contemplate the decisions I need to make, I'll leave you to contemplate my newest favorite photo:

What do you think? Pretty? Creepy? Let me know!

Done!

I finished my portfolio for school today! I've been working non-stop on this thing for the past two weeks and I'm glad to say it's finally finished!

Also, I've had my second job interview with a school district and will have my third on Tuesday. Then, onto a building interview, hopefully! I've got the inside scoop on a couple of positions and I hope something works out.

As for tonight, I've spent entirely too much time in front of my computer and I fear my eyes might just fall out of my head. I think I've got blisters on my fingertips. I'm done for tonight. Cheers!

Christmas Pre-lims

I was planning on making a big Christmas post with video and everything, but my computer is wheezing as I type this. It just can't handle much anymore and until my darling Hubby lets me have the new laptop, I'm stuck... :o)

So until then, I have a picture from our Christmas decorating extravaganza. We spent an entire Saturday watching movies, listening to Christmas music and spending some great time together decorating the house for the first time. It was so awesome to start thinking about our own traditions as a new family. I'm content. :)

Here's Rob and I hanging "Our First Christmas" ornament on our first Christmas tree in our first house as a newly married couple... life is good.

Another happy bit of news, I have one more final tomorrow and I will officially be finished with general undergrad classes! I passed my college algebra exam (I tested out of the course) and I student teach next semester! I am SO nervous! I have my placement at a middle school close by my house and my cooperating teacher seems really nice. But that doesn't cover the fact that I'm envisioning vomit and hives (TMI... sorry) the few days before it starts in January. I just keep praying that God will be with me and everything will be perfect.

I'm so afraid I'm going to get there and hate it. That I'm going to go through my student teaching thinking to myself, " Why did I do this? Why did I decide to be a teacher?" Am I going to be a good teacher? Will I be able to find a job? Ugh... I'm just so nervous. Someone tell me it will all be okay. Are my fears completely unfounded? Oh well, I've reached the point of no return. Suck it up, Stephanie. Suck. It. Up.

Christmas is 14 days away!!!

Decisions, Decisions...

I hate decisions. Especially the small ones. See, usually the big ones aren't that hard to decide on. But when it comes to deciding where we're going to eat tonight or where to put that picture in my house, I totally sink.

Getting married? A lot of people say that is the biggest decision of their lives. For me, there was no question. How could I not marry Rob?

This is different, though. I have a really big decision to make. One that could, and will, ultimately effect the rest of my life. I don't even know where to begin. The worst part? I have to decide by Friday.

I've mentioned before about second guessing my decision to become a teacher. Especially a public school teacher. Let me start from the beginning.

Last summer I landed a job working at a summer camp mainly helping in the preschool. I was working with 2, 3, and 4 year olds all day. At the time I didn't really like the job too much, because I never knew what I would be doing from day to day and if I'd be stuck doing something I didn't really want to (teaching the elementary kids). This is one of the places that made me realize that I don't want to teach elementary school. Well, I'm back at summer camp this year and am loving it! I'm teaching 4 year olds in my own classroom. It's awesome. I really love the age group and the atmosphere of a private Christian school. This is where things turned on me.

One of the assistant teachers had a baby in June (he's so cute!). She won't be coming back. This means there is an opening in the fall for an assistant teacher. They wanted me to do it! I was so super excited and said yes right away. Of course I want a full time job working with the kids I love! Then my little bout of joy came to a screeching halt. This job is for the school year. Which in the fall is cool. I'm only taking night classes (boo.). But... I'm supposed to student teach in the spring. NOOOO!!! I DON'T WANT TO!

I don't want to be an elementary school teacher anymore. I don't want to teach middle school math anymore. I don't want to have a full time job I don't get paid for and not have a job to pay bills with. I don't want student teach!!!

Then the wheels started turning. Maybe I don't have to student teach. I can graduate in December with my bachelors in educational studies, work full time at the preschool, go back and get my masters (which I planned on doing anyway) and get certified in early childhood there. But, if I student teach, I can graduate certified in elementary and middle school math, take my Praxis in early childhood and get certified that way. But, then I'd be losing out on an awesome opportunity to get some experience for my resume, which is SOOO important in finding a job!!

Then, another idea popped into my head. I could take all of the early childhood classes in the next two semesters and student teach in the summer. Well, they don't do student teaching in the summer (boo, again!). So, maybe I could student teach in the fall.

Or, I could take all the early childhood classes and not student teach at all. And go get my masters.

I don't know what to do!!! I REALLY want to work next year. Rob and I want to pay off some bills and start saving. I really DON'T want to student teach next spring. But, maybe I should anyway? I'm so confused and hate this feeling. I wish I could fast forward time and see what each decision's effect would be on my life.

Anyone have any advice?

I feel like a horrible slacker.

I am hanging my head in shame as I write this first blog post in almost a MONTH. Yes, a month. What have I been doing? Well, wouldn't you like to know. I have spent the last month doing everything from painting my entire house (well, almost), setting up our furniture, having my first shower, starting on my invitations, attending the most fun and amazing bachelorette party ever, researching alarm systems and phone companies, and homework. Notice how homework is last on that list? Not only am I a blogging slacker (I haven't even stalked my most stalked blogs daily!), but I'm a total slacker of a college student. Prepare yourselves, ladies and gentlement. Miss 4.0 GPA my actually get her first "C" this semester. Why? Because I'm so not motivated! I have a house! I have things to do! Is studying for that midterm really that important? I guess it should be.

I'm going to touch on some random news and then sign off for tonight...

• I've printed off all the envelopes for the invitations (woo-hoo!) This took a ridiculous 3 days and I'm currently waiting on 4 addresses from my beloved fiance (whom I'm about to strangle) that I have so kindly reminded him to get daily for about 3 weeks. I'm also in the midst of deciding how to tie the ribbons on the invites... that will be fun.
• The bridesmaid dresses and flower girl dresses are in! Yay! I hope there aren't any problems!
• My house is almost entirely painted. I only have two bathrooms to do and possibly the third bedroom. I'm so done with paint. This is the main reason I haven't blogged... I can't bring myself to make my humungo before and after post until it's complete... will this ever happen? Yes, it will. At least this is what I keep telling myself. I promise the post is coming and you will love it! My house looks fantastic!
• I've found a full time job for the summer. Let me tell you, this is a relief. I'll be back at Westgate Christian summer camp working with three year olds all day. They are so cute! Well, they have to be, or I might be contemplating mass murder ... ;)
• I had my first shower! It was so much fun! My wonderful, amazing, fabulous, beautiful maid of honor threw it for me and she did a fantastic job. I'll post pics later.
• I hate new carpet. I have vacuumed my house quite a few times (this is much less than I would have liked...) and I have to change the bag in the vacuum cleaner every time I do it. I also have to stop about every 10 feet to pull out fiber balls to keep them from clogging the vacuum. This sucks... hopefully it won't last much longer. I wonder if getting an Oreck will help alleviate my stress...?
• I'm getting married in a little more than 10 weeks! WOW!! I'm still very ready for it to be here!
• Speaking of weddings... my good friend Sam is getting married in less than 2 weeks. I'm so excited for her! She had a bachelorette party a couple of weeks ago. It was a blast. We went to the Melting Pot (amazing!) and then back to her apartment to just hang out. I had so much fun! Very low key, exactly my kind of party.
• I'm tired.
• I'm a terrible blogger. I'm too freaking lazy to upload pictures from my camera to show you some of the things I've mentioned in this post. I apologize. At this point I have too many things to care about to care about putting pictures on my blog. Hopefully the facelift is enough to hold you all over.

Thank you all for your patience. I'm on the verge of losing my grip on all of things I'm holding so tightly to. As much as I want to let go, if I do, I'll lose it. Someone tell me it will get better after the wedding? I don't know how much longer I can stretch myself this thin... I don't even have time to blog anymore, which is my main outlet. Maybe as soon as we get internet at the house I can take my babies and escape for some much needed alone time and blog there... I need to get the invites out and caught up on my online class first... I also need to finish painting. :(

I need a vacation. Good night.

Here goes!

I've been tagged by Julia!

The rules:
Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.
Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
Leave a comment on their blogs so that they know they have been tagged.

1. I have a perfectly irrational fear of spiders. I can't believe I just typed that word in my blog. I can't even look at the word anymore... it gives me the heebie-jeebies. I don't know where it stems from, but I need therapy or something. Although, if I went to therapy I would at some point have to confront my fear, right? Um... no. Not gonna happen. I couldn't even shelve the books at the library with pictures of spiders on them, hence the lack of pictures on this particular point. I can't kill them either. That's what Rob's for. :o)
2. I hate girls with small boobs. Okay, hate is a strong word. I am extremely jealous. I have huge boobs (I won't go into details), and I carry a very large grudge against those girls who can go to the store and buy a bikini (or wedding gown for that matter) without worrying about spilling out. Oh, and don't get me started on Victoria's Secret. Apparently they think that DD is as big as it gets. Think again! So, I'm stuck ordering my "granny bras" (because they don't make cutesy bras for us "full-figured" girls) from a website direct from the UK. We always want what we can't have, right?
3. I am very shy around new people. In fact, I think people often take it as me being stuck up. Rob has actually told me before that I have this air of being better than other people. I'm really not like that! I'm just totally uncomfortable around new people! Especially crowds of new people!
4. I have a thing for forearms. Yup, forearms. Most girls like the "eyes," or "the butt." Nope. I like the forearms. From the elbow to the wrist. There's just something about a man's forearm. Mmmmm...
5. I can't stand the thought of becoming a teacher. Actually, I can't stand the thought of practically devoting my life to teaching. Call me selfish, but I want my life to be devoted to my family and friends. Those who are near and dear to me. I don't want to "grow up" and have a full time job. I want to be a stay-at-home mom and a wonderful wife for my husband. I want to what I want to do with my free time, not what I HAVE to do. I'm setting myself up for disappointment on this one. I pray that God changes my attitude with this one (although I'll never give up my hope at being a SAHM).
6. I am ashamed at my lack on knowledge on all things historical. I'm hanging my head right now as I admit that I had no idea what the Cold War or the Cuban Missile Crisis were until college. I blame it on my schooling. Okay, I'm really good at memorizing all those dates and aced every history class I took, but did I remember it? Also, is it necessary to spend so much time on the Civil War and WWII? We never even broached the subject of Vietnam because we always ran out of time. Even after memorizing all those dates, I couldn't tell you who, what, where, when, or why about anything historical and it's sad.
7. Julia, this one's for you. I was the epitome of the geek in school. I graduated with a 4.3 GPA and was in the top 5% of my class (25 out of 500). I nearly killed myself with stress senior year and still missed hitting the top 10. I also got a 30 on my ACT. I'm pretty proud of this, but I'm a good test-taker. My GPA so far is definitely less dorky, as Julia would say, but it's still pretty up there (3.8). I decided there was more to life than good grades. Blame it on Rob, we met senior year....

I'm supposed to tag 7 people, but now that I'm finally catching up on reading everyone's blogs, I've found that most of the people's blogs I've visited have already been tagged... but nonetheless, here's mine: I tag Clary, Brigid, Yara, Lisa, Kristal, Amber, and Nikki.

Snow Day Miscellany

A little miscellany to fill a lovely snowy day...

• I have a snow day today! While the morning part of it was self-imposed... Lindenwood actually called off the afternoon classes, people. I'm not joking. They haven't called off school for weather in 20 years or something like that. I'm glad I didn't make myself drive for my morning classes. Woo-hoo for snow days!

• I'm so sick of winter. This year has been especially bad with the multiple storms we've had. But overall I'm just tired of being cold. I want summer sun and 90 degree weather, people. Mmmm.... love it.
• We're coming down to the wire with the house. Rob and I bought a dryer on Saturday during Sear's appliance sale. Now all we need is a refrigerator, and furniture, and various other things... :o)
  

• Good news with the house: they fixed our carpet! The seam was REALLY noticeable in the great room and we complained about it, not really expecting much, but they fixed it! Our real estate agent said he's going to get us in on Saturday so we can walk through ourselves before the final walk through with Vantage. I hope so! I want to see it! Say a prayer that everything else that needs to be fixed, gets fixed.
• I'm currently researching home security systems. I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm clueless as far as this is concerned, so any suggestions are welcome. Rob and I really want one when the house is done. I've checked out ADT and Brinks websites, so I'm going to make some appointments and talk to some people... we'll see.
  
• We DESPERATELY need to order our invitations for the wedding. We've been waiting until after the house is done because it's quite an expense, but now that I'm not on the loan, I can purchase them. We've pushed our time frame to the max... must do that this weekend.
• I'm officially the computer genius of my house. I successfully fixed the wireless internet on my brother's laptop, after Rob tried and failed. Go me!
• Deanna, who is doing the girls hair for the wedding, gave my hair a trim on Monday. She cut off about 2-3 inches. It should grow back nicely for the wedding. Right now though, I feel as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders (pun intended).
  
• We are approaching the 100 day mark with the wedding. I really need to get back in the gym. I've been successfully using the cold as an excuse to not go. I refuse to go outside in 10 degree weather in those thin gym pants when I'm miserable enough from the cold. But I really want to tone up for the wedding!

• I have a love-hate relationship with blogger. I LOVE blogging, but I hate putting pictures in my posts. First, it only lets you upload five photos at a time. Then getting them where you want and how you want them is a pain as well. But it doesn't help that I'm lazy and hate uploading pictures from my camera to my computer.
• I found out while watching Show Me St. Louis today that a woman that goes to my church is a pet photographer! She comes to peoples houses and takes pictures of their pets! I'm so doing this when we get the house to a livable point! She's got a website here. How fun!
  
• My dad is watching a show on TV about doughnuts, and I'm really growing a craving... Care to join me? Mmmm... chocolate long johns...
  

• My cell phone has gone off the deep end. It keeps turning itself off and on, off and on. The buttons aren't working right. Rob and I are going to go look at a plan on Saturday... I'm kinda bummed because I love my phone: I've had it for almost two years. But compared to my last phone, that's nothing. I had my first phone for about 5 years. It was great. Hopefully we get something good!
• Mom and Dad may be going on a vacation to Hawaii this year. I really hope they can go, they deserve it. But at the same time, I'm VERY jealous. I really want to go on a vacation. We thought about going, too, for our belated honeymoon, but I really don't think we can afford it. That, and our good friends Greg and Valerie (Valerie is a bridesmaid in my wedding) may be getting married in the Caribbean this December, so we'd need to save money for that trip! I can dream though, right?

• I'm now going to take advantage of this dreary, cold period and make some cookies and chicken and dumplings. Mmmm... since I can't have doughnuts....
  

Happy snow days everyone! Drive safe!

Breathe in, Breathe out.

We're almost there. It's almost done. I'm so ready for it to be done. I'm beginning to lose count of the "nervous breakdown" moments I have felt in the past week or two. There's times when I literally just stop, close my eyes, take a deep breath, say a little prayer, and keep pressing on. I feel like I'm running a race.

This weekend has been one of those extremely busy, yet unfortunately unproductive ones where you look back and wonder what the heck you did that made the time fly by so fast. Friday we met up with Rob's friend Ryan and his new girlfriend Stephanie - that was pretty confusing all night... :o) But we had a blast. We went and ate at Ethyl's (delicious!) and then went bowling at the new Brunswick Zone bowling alley (beautifully smoke free!) where Rob relived his days of being 6-time junior league bowling champion and putting everyone (well, me...) to shame. It was so much fun!

Saturday, I woke up to an absolutely beautiful day (I think it hit 65 degrees?). I took my babies for a walk. I love walking my dogs, but I'm too intolerable to cold to do it when it's below 35 degrees outside. Guys, I don't shiver, I convulse. Seriously. So, the puppies had a fabulous day and went home to take long naps after expending so much energy. Then Rob and I took his aunt Camille who was in town from Chicago to see the house. She loved it! They've got the doorknobs on as well as the stopper things. Not much else has changed though (e.g. my list has yet to be acknowledged - they still have time though!). Then Mom and I went shopping at the mall for a few things and I came home to go out to eat with Rob's family for his grandmother's birthday. She turned 79 this year (I think...)!

Sunday, I got up for church - running late again... and then went to work for the afternoon. Boring. Rob came over last night and we just bummed. Not very productive.

That's what I did, but here's what is causing me such mental distress... Tracy, our loan officer, called and said he wasn't sure if the loan was going to go through (my worst nightmare). He said we are great candidates (we both practically have perfect credit and Rob has no debt to speak of), but they are being EXTREMELY picky with the market the way it is. Awesome. So, he says he needs to re-figure a couple of things, get some updates on Rob's account balance and try taking me off the loan. This brings us to point number two. I hate my financial status right now. It sucks. I work when I can, but come on people, I'm a student. I'm POOR. I'm not a very good contributor to the newlywed fund, but I can't help it if Lindenwood is sucking the life out of me. So, my financial status is hurting us more than helping us... go me. That makes me feel loads better about how much I don't help out to begin with. Once I get out of school it will be different. Rob is such a good sport about everything too. He's the best and just listens to me and my little pity parties telling me he loves me no matter what. :) That's why I love him!

So, we get that figured out and now we're playing the waiting game again, hoping the loan goes through at our pretty good interest rate. Say a prayer everyone.

So, I just add that to the list of things constantly flowing through my thoughts all the time and try and make a habit of writing that mental list down every once in a while.

By the way, I apologize for the Debbie Downer posts lately, but I have to vent somewhere...

Happy New Year!

Obviously I have to make a New Year's post, but I've been debating on what to write. If I made resolutions, I'd post those, but I've never really made a resolution and have no reason to start that tradition now. (Maybe I should?)

I must say, though, this is going to be one heck of a year. Why? Because I'm getting married!!! We're almost at the 5 month mark and I couldn't be more excited/nervous/anxious. The house will be done in a couple of months, and I can finally move all of the things I've been collecting for it out of my parents' basement. It seems I get more and more everyday and find less and less space to put it.... By the way, thanks to my Grandparents and Aunt Liz for the decorations, shelving, and other misc. items that will come in very handy!

The house is coming along quite nicely. I haven't posted pictures in a while because, quite frankly, it doesn't look any different. They have just finished pouring the basement floor, garage floor, and front porch as well as started wiring for electric and running the plumbing. My shower and tub are sitting in their respective bathrooms! We will have a pre-drywall walk-through soon. It's going so fast! I hate this feeling I have of desperately wanting the house to be done, but at the same time wanting them to take as long as possible... I want to see the completed product, but don't want to start paying for it yet!!

We also registered this weekend. We spent 4 hours armed and dangerous at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I'm not sure Rob ever wants to go back. That was just for the kitchen! I didn't realize just how much we needed. We are also going to register at Sears and Macy's, but I think I should give Rob a little rest... :) It was great fun though! I loved finding everything and thinking about where I am going to put it and when I'm going to use it. I'm so excited to cook a meal in my own pots and pans on my own stove! Hopefully, I don't burn it. I'm going to have to learn how to cook again with electric as I've grown up on gas. Rob's a good sport though :)

I'm also looking at another semester of school. Or, I should say, dreading another semester of school. Actually, I'm not dreading school itself, I'm dreading the bill that comes monthly. I am so grateful for my scholarship situation and as stressful as it is paying for what little I pay every semester, I can't imagine paying full tuition and room and board.

Subbing will be starting up again next week also. I feel a little irked at myself because I'm dreading going back. I really love subbing and it's an awesome job, but the not knowing where I am or what I'm doing, if anything, gets really old. Is it selfish of me to see the posters for bridal showers for employees at the schools and to think that I wish I had a job where I was at the same place with the same people everyday so I could get one? Yeah, it probably is, but deep down, I'm kinda bummed. It's not even just because I'm not getting a shower (those are great though!) but I'd love to have a place where I'm there enough to make friends with coworkers and actually know the names of the people I work with. Every job has it's downsides...

I suppose I'll call this a miscellaneous Monday post. I've kind of rambled a bit, but I've had a lot on my mind and it's nice to let it all out. Thanks for listening! Good night and happy new year!

I'm Finished!

It's 12:48 AM and I just finished all of my homework for school. Well, not all of it, but the rest is nothing. I'm going to take a shower and go to bed.

Peace.

I'm Worried...

So, I'm very excited about getting Dudley. I can't wait to meet him and I know I'm going to love him to death. But now that I know we're getting him, I'm really starting to worry about Oliver...

He's my baby! My first born, if you will and I am so afraid that he won't get along with Dudley or he'll get all mad at me when I first bring him home. Obviously, Dudley will get a lot of attention,

1. Because he's a puppy and will need to be housebroken, trained, etc.

2. Because he's new

My biggest reason for getting a second dog is for Oliver to have a friend and now I'm worried that Oliver won't like Dudley. I've never had more than one dog before and so I don't know really how to handle it. I'll be sure to give Oliver plenty of attention, but I am so sensitive about it! I get all upset everyday about the fact that Oliver always wants to go to sleep in my mom and dad's bed at night instead of mine.

Mom says it's because he likes me to come and get him and that he sleeps in my bed all day long, but still!! He's MY baby!!

Someone ease my mind a bit please!


On a lighter note, today is my last day of Art Methods. I turn in a project for that class tonight, a project for math tomorrow, have my last Reading class and my last Math class tomorrow and hopefully will get my Social Studies project done in time for tomorrow. Then a History of Film class next Thursday, and I'm DONE!!!! WOO-HOO!!!

Also, Jocelyn comes home two weeks! Yay! We miss you!

Just Keep Typing, Just Keep Typing

This is what keeps going through my head at the present time. I'm finishing up my projects for the end of the semester and I keep picturing Dory from Finding Nemo



Saying "Just keep typing, just keep typing" instead of, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming."

I'm almost there... I'm so ready.

:::Sigh::: It's over...

Well, my weekend of heaven is over. Technically, it was over yesterday, but I had a good day yesterday, so I won't count it. I'm currently sitting in the library at Lindenwood fuming over the fact that they are raising tuition and room and board again and thinking about how the heck I'm gonna pay the extra money out of pocket.

See, there are few things that I take pride in. However, one of them is the fact that I scored a 30 on my ACT allowing me to attend Lindenwood University on a full ride academic scholarship. The stipulations of this scholarship are that I have to pay a $300 "student family contribution" (a.k.a. we call it that to get free money out of you) and $120 in activity fees. This is what I pay to go to school, and I can handle it. I work enough to pay it off every semester (on top of books and bills). Well, this past semester they upped that $300 to $500. OUCH. I'm afraid of what it's gonna be next semester. I really don't want to have to take out a loan. Pray for me.

On a lighter note, I had a great Thanksgiving weekend filled with family and fun. The food was wonderful on Thanksgiving day and it was so nice to spend the weekend with my family and not have to worry about what "I have to do tomorrow." We stayed up all night on Thursday rocking out on Guitar Hero 3 and Rock Band and went shopping on the day after Thanksgiving, getting our traditional Starbuck's Hot Chocolate at 4:00 in the morning and heading to the mall. I got all of my Christmas shopping done! Woo-hoo!

I also splurged a bit and bought myself a new MP3 player, which I absolutely love:


On Friday we went and saw our hole for the house (see below)! Very exciting! Then we had a really fun evening with some friends and went to see "August Rush" which is quickly becoming one of my favorite movies.

This movie has an absolutely amazing soundtrack which I am currently listening to on my brand new MP3 player. The movie is just beautiful - dialogue, cinematography, music, acting. I loved it!

Afterwards we went to Ariake Japanese Steakhouse which is always a good meal! Sunday I stayed at home and relaxed all day. It was such a great weekend....

Back to reality! But, on the bright side, it's officially the Christmas season!!! I love Christmas! I'll have pictures of our gorgeous tree up soon.

Finally...

I get a bit of a break! I feel like I've been going non-stop for the past three months (oh wait, I have!) and I finally get a break! I have no school or work until next Monday, thank you public schools! Although, that does mean no pay... :( What can I do though?

I'm contemplating getting another job. I really need the extra income, but I don't need to stress myself out any more. I just pray for guidance!

I'm so excited for Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving because its a time to finally relax and enjoy the gift of family and friends, love and laughter. It also ushers in the holiday season and you can't forget black friday!

Yes, I'm one of the crazy people in the mad rush line at Best Buy at 3:00 in the morning. What can I say? It's a rush! I love a good deal, and I love the out of the ordinary feeling I get staying up all night and standing in the cold drinking Starbuck's hot chocolate. Mmmm...

But it'll all be over soon enough... I know this is kind of a hodge-podge entry, but I'm in kind of a hodge-podge state right now. With more homework on the horizon and a weekend of fun and activities I'm kind of in a limbo.

Now I'm off to look up cookie recipes! I'm going to visit Casey - my future sister-in-law - and baby Isabella tomorrow!

Oh, and here's a picture of her - my new niece! She's trying very hard (and succeeding) to become the third love of my life... :)

Welcome, Isabella Rose

Proud Parents: Jeff and Casey

October 28, 2007

9:37 AM

8 lbs. 7 oz.

20.75 inches

Disclaimer

I'd like to post a disclaimer regarding my posts in my blog. I'm a sarcastic person. That is part of my personality that has really emerged since I started dating Rob. However, I am usually not very sarcastic unless I'm in an extremely comfortable environment - I don't want to offend anyone! But this blog thing is a whole new ballgame! I feel like I can totally be myself, even though I'm extremely exposed to everyone. It's kind of liberating. Even on the message board I frequent I'm not my sarcastic self, because I'm always afraid to tick someone off.

Therefore, I feel I must post a disclaimer:

If in any way, I offend a reader of my blog, I'm sorry, I in no way meant to, but hey, I have my moments and if you don't like it you don't have to read.

That said, two down one to go! WOO-HOO!!! I'm so excited! I just finished my cross-curricular project for Social Studies methods. I'm so ready to be done with these methods classes. I hate sitting through science listening to how to teach science to elementary school kiddos - at least that's what they are supposedto be teaching in this class - when I'm going to be a middle school math teacher. I'm so ready to be done.

And... they start building our house in two days!

Have a great evening everyone!

A Semi-Productive Day

Don't you love it when you have an ultra-productive day? One where you get up in the morning and do everything you've been meaning to do for weeks? It feels so good! Well, I'm feeling about half that good right now, because I had a half-way productive day.

I'm super excited though because I got up and went to register for next semester's classes this morning and... wait for it... NO ONE WAS THERE! I know! Lindenwood registration was EMPTY! Woo-hoo! So, not only did I not have to wait in line, but I got all the classes I wanted. I can't wait for next semester when I'm only taking 15 hours (not including my online course which bumps it to 18) instead of 19 and I have no methods classes. Here's a rundown of what my life will consist of for about four months next year:

All Tuesday/Thursday courses, so I can substitute teach on Monday/Wednesday/Friday...

• 8:00 am - History and Philosophy of Education (hey it's not a methods course...)
• 9:30 am - Intro to Computer Science (um... I'm marrying a computer nerd, I think I'll be okay)
• 11:00 am - Concepts of Mathematics (I'm a math major (sort of) it'll be fine)
• 1:00 pm (for the first 8 weeks) - World History (A Gen. Ed!)
• Wednesdays at 7:00 pm - Middle School Psychology

I'm so excited!!! After the first 8 weeks I'll be out of school by 12:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can have time to focus on homework and wedding stuff. I'm looking forward to a much less stressful semester.

Now, watch, next semester is going to be horrible...

The rest of my day was spent doing my usual routine of homework (aka surfing the internet to avoid facing the pile of homework I have to do) and more homework. I can't wait to be done!

I did get a good start on my Social Studies project, which is, well... a start.

What can I say? See below.

Procrastination

The story of my life as a college student - procrastination. See, right now, I'm supposed to be doing one of my three major, end-of-the-year, waste-of-time (at least that's my current viewpoint) projects that will seriously take me hours to complete a piece and I'm writing a new post on my blog. Hmm... I think I fit the bill perfectly.

I'm a procrastinator.

There, I've admitted it, no shame. Funny thing is, until I met Rob I was never a procrastinator about anything. I would always do things when they needed to be done. None of this putting it off stuff. What can I say though. Never before in my life have I had so many things going on at once. It's hard though, too when school doesn't quite hit #1 on my priority list - even though it should be.

I have to say though, wholeheartedly, I am in love with my life. Yes, I am more busy now than I've ever been, but I'm happy. I am in love and I am loved. I am planning my wedding! I'm building a house! I have been so blessed and God is so good. Granted I find myself saying, "If only" quite a few time on a daily basis, I wouldn't change my life for the world. Even the chaos that it is. I look forward to finishing another semester at Lindenwood and taking another step toward finishing up my college career. I look forward to another day spent with a wonderful family and a fantastic husband-to-be.

But, with that said, I must allow myself a little room to complain and be cranky sometimes and I hope that those around me understand, especially Rob. He is so wonderful and understanding and flexible. Able to deal with my stress-induced mood swings and constant rantings and ravings about various aspects of my day - and, being a substitute teacher, consistency is only hoped for. But, I digress.

IF
If freckles were lovely, and day was night,
And measles were nice and a lie warn’t a lie,
Life would be delight, —
But things couldn’t go right
For in such a sad plight
I wouldn’t be I.

If earth was heaven and now was hence,
And past was present, and false was true,
There might be some sense
But I’d be in suspense
For on such a pretense
You wouldn’t be you.

If fear was plucky, and globes were square,
And dirt was cleanly and tears were glee
Things would seem fair, —
Yet they’d all despair,
For if here was there
We wouldn’t be we.

~E.E. Cummings