The past two days I have tried to write a variety of posts on different topics. I really think I should make a schedule of topics and stick to those for posts, or they may get pretty random (enter today).
I have noticed a change in myself lately. I thought I just had a case of the "in betweens" like many people are blogging about with this time of year, the weather, etc. I think some of my blahs come from being conflicted with myself. There are so many things that I want to do, but it's not my 8-5 job and I am not to the point of making those WANTS a career yet. In fact, I am no where close to that. It's a vicious cycle. Must continue to work, to support the crafting/project habits, but that takes up time and energy that I could spend crafting, thus I don't craft very frequently and can't get anything going without the ideas to blog about. See, I told you. It's vicious.
I guess I just need some encouragement, a few more hours in my day, and lots more energy. I guess the supportive husband is going to read this and give me an ear full on being able to do anything I put my mind to. Man, I love that guy!
Sorry for the random-ness. I guess I just needed to blog about how the things I really want to do are the things that I don't do daily and I'm conflicted within myself about that. Any suggestions?!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Deadlines
.... They are fast approaching. I thought deadlines were a thing of the past once you were out of school, but they are not. You may wonder what type of deadlines am I facing? Well, here are a few:
1) the Memorial Marathon- it's in a little over 2 months and I am no where close to where I need to be in the training schedule. I have a feeling it may be a walk/run marathon again this year. The most exercise I've done lately is stair climbing 2x a day with a girl from work. We climb about 7 flights of stairs and then come back down them. It's a nice little break, but it is not 13.1 miles
2) Passport- we are going on a cruise to Alaska this summer with Chase's family. Well, in order to get to Alaska, we have to go through Canada and I need to get a passport. You see, I've never been out of the USA and I don't have a passport. That takes about 6-8 weeks. I'm planning on the side of error that it will take longer because I don't want to be stuck home while everyone else is enjoying a great time!
3) Taxes- thankfully, I (think) I finished our taxes the last snow day we had, but I still need to get them filed before April. And the sooner the better because that means we get a tax return sooner (and I may or may not already have plans for that money. I think I will have to make Dave Ramsey happy a little bit and buy something to make Chase and Brie happy a little bit)
I guess these are just a couple of deadlines that I have, and really they are self-imposed deadlines. I guess I function better when I think I have to have something done by a certain time. I have lots of house projects that I would like to have deadlines on, but those need funding too, not just deadlines, and that's a story for anothre day.
1) the Memorial Marathon- it's in a little over 2 months and I am no where close to where I need to be in the training schedule. I have a feeling it may be a walk/run marathon again this year. The most exercise I've done lately is stair climbing 2x a day with a girl from work. We climb about 7 flights of stairs and then come back down them. It's a nice little break, but it is not 13.1 miles
2) Passport- we are going on a cruise to Alaska this summer with Chase's family. Well, in order to get to Alaska, we have to go through Canada and I need to get a passport. You see, I've never been out of the USA and I don't have a passport. That takes about 6-8 weeks. I'm planning on the side of error that it will take longer because I don't want to be stuck home while everyone else is enjoying a great time!
3) Taxes- thankfully, I (think) I finished our taxes the last snow day we had, but I still need to get them filed before April. And the sooner the better because that means we get a tax return sooner (and I may or may not already have plans for that money. I think I will have to make Dave Ramsey happy a little bit and buy something to make Chase and Brie happy a little bit)
I guess these are just a couple of deadlines that I have, and really they are self-imposed deadlines. I guess I function better when I think I have to have something done by a certain time. I have lots of house projects that I would like to have deadlines on, but those need funding too, not just deadlines, and that's a story for anothre day.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Simple Things in Life
I think holidays have become such a marketing hype. I mean, we are not even out of July and the Christmas decor is bursting forth from the aisles in Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart (don't get me wrong, I do love me some Christmas spirit, just not in mid-summer).
This year, Chase and I decided for Valentine's Day that we were doing "homemade" gifts. This was a neat experience. I decided that I was going to make him this LOVELY red-velvet, heart-shaped cake. It was a great plan, until I started trying to put the plan into action. Let's just say that the beautiful heart shaped cake ended up being a single layer (yes, it was supposed to be 3), round cake. It was rough, very rough. I did not inherit all of my mother's cake baking/decorating abilities. The 2nd layer of cake fell out of the pan into my sink. Unfortunately, I was too disgruntled to take pictures. However, Chase loved it (and if he didn't love it, he was great at convincing me that he did love it).
He made me a "Coupon Book." It was thoughtful, and sweet, and homemade. And I loved it. Plus I won't be cleaning for a while! : ) He made me two copies of the coupons, so I have double coupons. It's great!
I am glad that we simplified this holiday. We loved our gifts (despite the imperfections) and they meant so much more. Just remember that great gifts don't have to cost a great deal of money, and they will still be very heart-felt.
Happy Valentine's Day!
This year, Chase and I decided for Valentine's Day that we were doing "homemade" gifts. This was a neat experience. I decided that I was going to make him this LOVELY red-velvet, heart-shaped cake. It was a great plan, until I started trying to put the plan into action. Let's just say that the beautiful heart shaped cake ended up being a single layer (yes, it was supposed to be 3), round cake. It was rough, very rough. I did not inherit all of my mother's cake baking/decorating abilities. The 2nd layer of cake fell out of the pan into my sink. Unfortunately, I was too disgruntled to take pictures. However, Chase loved it (and if he didn't love it, he was great at convincing me that he did love it).
He made me a "Coupon Book." It was thoughtful, and sweet, and homemade. And I loved it. Plus I won't be cleaning for a while! : ) He made me two copies of the coupons, so I have double coupons. It's great!
I am glad that we simplified this holiday. We loved our gifts (despite the imperfections) and they meant so much more. Just remember that great gifts don't have to cost a great deal of money, and they will still be very heart-felt.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Recap of 10 in 2010
2011 is RIGHT around the corner. How scary is that? It seems like the years go faster and faster! As a segue way to the year 2011, I thought I'd post the top ten things/adventures/memories that happened to us in 2010.
10. Ice Storm we got last January-- weather is always unpredictable in Oklahoma. We had the added enjoyment of a broken heater during this ice storm. Now, it wasn't necessarily a blast, but Chase and I spent a few days snuggled up in front of our fire place (literally we moved the couch right in front of it), to keep warm. Showers were miserable, but it's all part of the joys in our first year of marriage.
9. Exterran-- Chase works for Exterran, and they are one of the better things that has happened to us. He LOVES his job, which makes me so happy. Exterran has drug Chase away for me for training and other random jobs, but it has made our year great so far.
8. Dave Ramsey-- (with the help of Exterran) We are working towards paying off debt. So far, we have paid off our credit card and are working on my car now, and after that it's student loans. It's a slow but steady process. The hoidays were a little rough this year, and we weren't as good as we could have been, but we also didn't buy presents on credit, which was great!
7. Hailstorm from May-- this ranks as a top 10 for the memory of it. I am not sure I'd want to relive that nightmare. We had to deal with the insurance companies, landlords, weather debris. The storm was real powerful and seeing the aftermath was unbelievable. We were safe and I'm glad we weren't at our house when it happened. Thanks to the hailstorm, we have a car payment since my car got demolished by tennis-ball sized hail. Just another adventure for us...
6. I discovered the Pioneer Woman in 2010. I actually got her cookbook for Christmas '09, but with a week left in the year, I think I really discovered her in 2010. I am a huge fan of all things PW; her food, her photography, her blog, her book. She has been a big part of 2010. I have cooked some pretty good meals/cookies thanks to her. I have also shared her with everyone I come into contact with (almost).
5. Our 1 year anniversary-- It was great for the obvious reasons, we had been married a year. We are still on a honeymoon I feel, and I love it. Chase is a wonderful husband and an even greater best friend. He fills all my voids! He got me a DSLR camera for our anniversary that I love. I plan on devoting more time to it in 2011. I gotta make my man proud!
4. Thanksgiving Break-- yes, we were in the working world and still got a Thanksgiving break. We took the week off and went to Illinois to spend it with my family. It was nice going home and getting to stay there the full amount of time. We got some cold weather, and saw lots of loved ones. It's sad not being able to be with both of our families on holidays, but we are making it work the best we know how to with 800+ miles between my parents and his.
3. Montana-- I introduced Chase to Montana this year, and he loved it. I think he's converted! It's such a beautiful and magical place. I have spent my childhood going to Montana for vacations and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I have made some great friends there and I have such an admiration for the state. I got to share something special from my childhood with Chase, and I loved that.
2. Projects (see #1)
1. OUR NEW HOUSE-- we love being home owners. We bought a house in Yukon, Oklahoma and we love it. Since we have boughten the house, we have done projects on it (reference to #2). We built a pergola (with a lot of help from my dad) on to the back of the house, painted the inside (thanks mom), built a tool bench in the garage (thanks Chase), and poured concrete (thanks Jeff and Austin). Chase and I love to do projects. Tools was the only thing on Chase's Christmas list. I swear to you. He was like a little kid in a candy shop when he opened the Dewalt boxes. I am sure there will be more projects to come in 2011. There's a master bedroom project in the works now. I just can't sit still.
With all this said, I know there's no pictures. I am sorry (I can't get my work computer to work with blogger). I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in 2011. We have some projects planned, some trips planned, some funny moments that are unplanned, but sure to happen. I think I am ready to ring in the new year.
10. Ice Storm we got last January-- weather is always unpredictable in Oklahoma. We had the added enjoyment of a broken heater during this ice storm. Now, it wasn't necessarily a blast, but Chase and I spent a few days snuggled up in front of our fire place (literally we moved the couch right in front of it), to keep warm. Showers were miserable, but it's all part of the joys in our first year of marriage.
9. Exterran-- Chase works for Exterran, and they are one of the better things that has happened to us. He LOVES his job, which makes me so happy. Exterran has drug Chase away for me for training and other random jobs, but it has made our year great so far.
8. Dave Ramsey-- (with the help of Exterran) We are working towards paying off debt. So far, we have paid off our credit card and are working on my car now, and after that it's student loans. It's a slow but steady process. The hoidays were a little rough this year, and we weren't as good as we could have been, but we also didn't buy presents on credit, which was great!
7. Hailstorm from May-- this ranks as a top 10 for the memory of it. I am not sure I'd want to relive that nightmare. We had to deal with the insurance companies, landlords, weather debris. The storm was real powerful and seeing the aftermath was unbelievable. We were safe and I'm glad we weren't at our house when it happened. Thanks to the hailstorm, we have a car payment since my car got demolished by tennis-ball sized hail. Just another adventure for us...
6. I discovered the Pioneer Woman in 2010. I actually got her cookbook for Christmas '09, but with a week left in the year, I think I really discovered her in 2010. I am a huge fan of all things PW; her food, her photography, her blog, her book. She has been a big part of 2010. I have cooked some pretty good meals/cookies thanks to her. I have also shared her with everyone I come into contact with (almost).
5. Our 1 year anniversary-- It was great for the obvious reasons, we had been married a year. We are still on a honeymoon I feel, and I love it. Chase is a wonderful husband and an even greater best friend. He fills all my voids! He got me a DSLR camera for our anniversary that I love. I plan on devoting more time to it in 2011. I gotta make my man proud!
4. Thanksgiving Break-- yes, we were in the working world and still got a Thanksgiving break. We took the week off and went to Illinois to spend it with my family. It was nice going home and getting to stay there the full amount of time. We got some cold weather, and saw lots of loved ones. It's sad not being able to be with both of our families on holidays, but we are making it work the best we know how to with 800+ miles between my parents and his.
3. Montana-- I introduced Chase to Montana this year, and he loved it. I think he's converted! It's such a beautiful and magical place. I have spent my childhood going to Montana for vacations and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I have made some great friends there and I have such an admiration for the state. I got to share something special from my childhood with Chase, and I loved that.
2. Projects (see #1)
1. OUR NEW HOUSE-- we love being home owners. We bought a house in Yukon, Oklahoma and we love it. Since we have boughten the house, we have done projects on it (reference to #2). We built a pergola (with a lot of help from my dad) on to the back of the house, painted the inside (thanks mom), built a tool bench in the garage (thanks Chase), and poured concrete (thanks Jeff and Austin). Chase and I love to do projects. Tools was the only thing on Chase's Christmas list. I swear to you. He was like a little kid in a candy shop when he opened the Dewalt boxes. I am sure there will be more projects to come in 2011. There's a master bedroom project in the works now. I just can't sit still.
With all this said, I know there's no pictures. I am sorry (I can't get my work computer to work with blogger). I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in 2011. We have some projects planned, some trips planned, some funny moments that are unplanned, but sure to happen. I think I am ready to ring in the new year.
Monday, December 27, 2010
I have no idea why it has been so hard for me to write lately. I am sure that it's not a lack of things to say, just not really sure what to say. Probably the lack of pictures... it's the time it takes to edit them and put them on the blog, while working an 8-5 job. It's the pits, haha.
The holidays came and went so fast. I hate that the holidays fly by. Chase and I didn't get to do half of the stuff we wanted to do. It was probably really me that wanted to do those things... I don't think I watched one full Christmas movie. I didn't get to sit down and watch one. I watched Love Actually while we put up our tree and watched Elf while wrapping presents. Neither got my full attention. I didn't watch any of The Christmas Story on Christmas Day, which is a first. I also didn't get to see White Christmas, which is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies. I guess I will just be watching Christmas movies in February, so sue me.
We spent Christmas day with his family. It was a great day. I love his family, but desperately missed my own! I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday season, whether it ends now or in February like it will end for me.
The holidays came and went so fast. I hate that the holidays fly by. Chase and I didn't get to do half of the stuff we wanted to do. It was probably really me that wanted to do those things... I don't think I watched one full Christmas movie. I didn't get to sit down and watch one. I watched Love Actually while we put up our tree and watched Elf while wrapping presents. Neither got my full attention. I didn't watch any of The Christmas Story on Christmas Day, which is a first. I also didn't get to see White Christmas, which is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies. I guess I will just be watching Christmas movies in February, so sue me.
We spent Christmas day with his family. It was a great day. I love his family, but desperately missed my own! I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday season, whether it ends now or in February like it will end for me.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Holiday Savings
It is now November 4th and the holidays seem to be quickly approaching! Holidays seem to translate to lots of cash outflow for the next couple of months. Now, don't get me wrong! I LOVE the holidays!! I just cringe at the thought of all the outflow of cash. I mean there's decorations you want to buy, cards to buy, presents, candy, baking supplies, wrapping supplies. I don't regret buying any of these things. I just know that it means a flux of cash is going out, so I thought I'd post some adds and coupons that I have found that may be beneficial to you.
My favorite one right now is http://www.canvaspeople.com/ Their deal right now is a free 8x10 canvas print. I believe you do have to pay shipping and handling, but that's a heck of a deal! My dilemma now is to decide which print I want in a canvas wrap. Oh the dilemmas I get myself into...
If I see any other good deals, I will be sure to let you know. I'm hoping if you see any, you'll leave me a comment and tell me what and where!!
Another idea that I'm toying with... a gold party. You turn in your old tarnished, broken, tangled gold/silver jewelry for some cash (on the spot). I am thinking I could use some extra holiday dough and some extra room in my closet/drawers. What do you think?
My favorite one right now is http://www.canvaspeople.com/ Their deal right now is a free 8x10 canvas print. I believe you do have to pay shipping and handling, but that's a heck of a deal! My dilemma now is to decide which print I want in a canvas wrap. Oh the dilemmas I get myself into...
If I see any other good deals, I will be sure to let you know. I'm hoping if you see any, you'll leave me a comment and tell me what and where!!
Another idea that I'm toying with... a gold party. You turn in your old tarnished, broken, tangled gold/silver jewelry for some cash (on the spot). I am thinking I could use some extra holiday dough and some extra room in my closet/drawers. What do you think?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Any idea...
On how I can get paid to read blogs?! You may laugh, but I'm serious. I LOVE reading blogs. Anyone's and everyone's. Chase wonders how I stumble onto all of these blogs of people I don't know, and then come up with ideas that I want to try. Those ideas range from recipes to crafts to DIY (do-it-yourself) projects. I end up reading so many things and getting so many ideas that my brain becomes overwhelmed and consumed. I think someone should create a job where you read blogs and try different projects... Really, if anyone knows where this dream can become a reality... you know where to find me.
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