Nothing tastes as good as thin feels...

It's stressful to be creative...

2012-01-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today, I decided to do centers with my kids. Yikes! That's all I did all day during my off time is finish up those centers. It's been really fun, though. The kids got excited about them and enjoyed doing the activities. Hopefully, they will learn a lot from these centers! We'll know after their test on Fridays.

Report cards came out today. They are finally finished!! Whoo hoo!

Tonight, I'm going to get a haircut and then work out!! :)

That's So Silly!

2012-01-23T18:58:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about ways to feel more healthy, well balanced and fulfilled. Since setting and trying to achieve some goals, I've done well and not so well, but even though I haven't been perfect at it, I feel happier. I think it helps to give yourself some grace as long as you are moving in the general direction you want to go.This week, I have been laughing more.

Here's a SILLY story from school that made my kids really laugh:So, we're reading this book about American history and God's role in shaping our nation. (It's a really good book - The Light and the Glory.) As wonderful as it is, it is NOT a silly or funny story. HOWEVER, when your teacher adds mistakes in, it livens up a lesson. Sometimes I read sections of the book just to speed everything up. This particular day I started reading quickly and I read "The soldiers were FARTING and marching," instead of "fighting and marching."

I'm sure you can imagine the uncontrollable laughter coming from my 8 and 9 year olds. It was fun. :) Everyone needs to laugh at themselves occasionally.

How are you doing on your New Years Resolutions?

Here is the list of mine (so I can keep up!) and the updates.
1. Work out 12 times a month - 3 times a week! (I have only worked out 5 days this month so far, but I've done a lot of house cleaning. That counts... right?)
2. Read through the Bible (Read almost every night so far. I've made up the days I've missed! :) Last year I only stuck with it for four days!)
3. Go on one date a month with Jordan - It has to be out of the realm of what we usually do... something creative. (Um... not yet!)
4. Leave work before 5PM every day. (Err... I started off great, but I've been bad lately. Report cards ARE coming out though...)
5. Be early to EVERYTHING. (uh, no.)
6. Get the mail situation under control. (nope.)
7. Craft at least once a month - stress relief!!! :) (Yessss! I LOVE CRAFTS!!)
8. Invite one person to church each month. (Not yet.)
9. Eat at least 2 servings of fruits and veggies every day. (I'm doing better at it.)
10. Drink at least 4 cups of water everyday. (I know this isn't the full recommended amount, but it's still a step up for me!) (I've been close everyday.)
11. Complete lesson plans at least a week ahead - all Monday lesson plans are done this Monday for next Monday. (stress relief!!) (Uh, no. But I have been doing better...)
12. Have one coffee date every two weeks with a girlfriend. (at least!) (I probably have even though I haven't been seeking out friends just for this. By the way, the Coffee Shack is LOVELY. It is so relaxing. Charity and I knitted over there the other day and it was so much fun. They have comfy couches!)

Hopefully, these things will help me begin to have a more well rounded, healthy, and happy life. What are your goals for 2012?

Ooooh! Mom came to dinner last night! She actually came to MY house. If you don't know how amazing this is, put it in this context: my parents divorced when I was in high school. Mom came to my high school graduation, but I didn't know her very well any more because she wasn't living near us anymore. She moved to Colorado to live with her (new) husband. She came to my wedding although I didn't really get to spend much time with her. She missed my college graduation because her husband was sick. She's said she would get together with me other times while she was in the area (which is not often), but for some reason it didn't happen. So, to make a long story short, I've seen my mom a total of MAYBE 10 times in the last 9 years (or so). She had never seen my house, until last night, even though we've been married 4 years. I've been wanting to spend time with her for a long time, but it was very hard since she was in Colorado. She moved out to Wilson, NC last month. It's kind of a random place, but I like that it's close to me! Any way, we had a wonderful dinner and we introduced mom and Mark to BrrrBerry! :) Yay! I hope we do it again soon!

Guess what? Next week, I turn 25!! 2/2 :) I also get to go to Savannah, GA with many of my favorite people. We're staying Wednesday to Sunday. We've been the last 3 or 4 years in a row and we always have a great time visiting with our friends and spending time with the staff!

Also, we're going to Japan for at least 3 weeks this summer. We may also be going to Hawaii for a week (if we can save up money) and Florida for a week for the North American Christian Convention at Disney. It's going to be a great summer!!!

12 Goals for 2012

2011-12-31T20:48:00.000-08:00

1. Work out 12 times a month - 3 times a week!
2. Read through the Bible
3. Go on one date a month with Jordan - It has to be out of the realm of what we usually do... something creative.
4. Leave work before 5PM every day.
5. Be early to EVERYTHING.
6. Get the mail situation under control.
7. Craft at least once a month - stress relief!!! :)
8. Invite one person to church each month.
9. Eat at least 2 servings of fruits and veggies every day.
10. Drink at least 4 cups of water everyday. (I know this isn't the full recommended amount, but it's still a step up for me!)
11. Complete lesson plans at least a week ahead - all Monday lesson plans are done this Monday for next Monday. (stress relief!!)
12. Have one coffee date every two weeks with a girlfriend. (at least!)

Hopefully, these things will help me begin to have a more well rounded, healthy, and happy life. What are your goals for 2012?

New Friends and Fixing My Food Issues

2011-06-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

I love summer! Today, I went to church, had lunch with fantastic friends (Jordan Clark, Paul - our neighbor, Lorie Pittman, Michael Pittman, and their wonderful kids, Josh and Julianna). When we got home, Jordan and I took a FOUR HOUR NAP! :) Yes - it was awesome. Got up, spent some time with Paul at Wal-Mart.

Then, I made a healthy dinner and read more in my book - Fit For My King: His Princess Diet Plan and Devotional. This is a very good book that takes you through 30 days of dieting and fasting from artificial things. Hoping to see good results!
- I am going through this book with a new/old friend. :) We've known each other for a few years now, but have never really been close.

Starting June 4th, we are meeting every Saturday to encourage each other and ask each other the "hard questions." We are also reading this 30 day devo together and another book called "Made to Crave: Satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food" by Lysa TerKeurst. When we meet, we'll talk about the books, what we've learned about God and ask each other the "hard questions" that we don't want to be asked - those things that we know we should do, but usually don't.

My questions are: Have you worked out this week? Have you read your Bible and prayed every day?

I hope this will help me to be more accountable for my actions/laziness and finally see the results that I've wanted for years. I pray that I will grow closer to God, my accountability partner, and become more healthy in the days to come. I'm claiming victory today! It WILL happen!

Tired but productive...

2010-08-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the school from 11-3 and I put up my math meeting board, cleared off two pods of desks, sorted many materials, found a home for many things that were just sitting around, and I set up another "shelving unit" - a shoe holder I brought from home :) I got a lot done and I can't wait for my room to be just right. It's coming along very well :)

Laura, the other second grade teacher, and I bought showerboard today at Lowe's for dry erase boards. Out of one $11.87 piece, we got 48 7"x8" boards and 2 large ones for us to use with small groups. Can you believe it? What a good deal! I want to test them out tomorrow. I think they will work just fine :)

I have worked out a LOT this week! I'm so proud of myself :) Here is what I have done so far:

Sun - 3.2 mi. walk
Mon - 3.2 mi. walk
Tues - 16 mins elliptical, About 1.5 hrs doing machines, 30 mins at Zumba (SOOOOO much fun!)
Wed - 3.2 mi. walk
Thurs (today) - REST! (well, I'm going swimming but I doubt it will be intense)

I plan to:
Fri - Babysit ALLLLLL day - first for Josh and Julianna (a lot of running around will be involved) and then for twins, their younger sibling and older sibling - I think that counts for something.
Sat - Weekend Warrior Water Aerobics at Viquest (9:30am) and possible walking
Sun - Weight Machine Circuit and maybe swim

Jordan and I have really been making healthier choices. I hope we can keep it up this time!!

Eclipse

2010-06-15T14:02:00.001-07:00

comes out June 30th! Who wants to see it with me?!

Hawaii

2010-06-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hawaii was wonderful. Best vacation of my life. Most beautiful place I have EVER been. I think I want to live there... one day. I would move there right now... if all of my friends and family would come too :) Here are some pictures from the last couple of weeks.

By the way, these pictures are in a completely random order. You can see more on my facebook or Jordan's :)

Hello, again, old friend.

2010-06-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

I want to blog again. I think it is good for my sanity :)

I'm looking forward to starting my job - 2nd grade teacher at a private school in Winterville. We start training in July. I have already bought SEVERAL books and decorations for my room :)

I love my husband. I love him so much. He is the most generous, loving, patient person I have ever met. He never gets tired of me squeezing him tight or asking for "just one more" kiss :) He treats me like I am very precious to him. He makes me feel safe and loved. I can't thank God enough for blessing me with such a wonderful husband. I know I'm lucky. Thank you, Lord.

I am going to be an aunt... again! :) My sister is pregnant again. I am very excited. I love my sister and my nephew and I can't wait to meet my new niece/nephew. Please pray for a smooth pregnancy. She is due near the end of January.

Please pray for these prayer requests for my family:
That my sister finds a good job that she is happy in
That my mom finds a house to move to (she wants to move to Va or NC from Colorado)
That Jordan and I would continue to follow Weight Watchers and our workout routines so we can get healthy! (a prerequisite to having a baby)

If you don't have goals, you can't meet them. I hope to accomplish most of these goals for summer!
This summer I want to:
Organize my house
Redecorate at least the bedroom and spare room
Find a new shower curtain
Work out at least 3 times a week
Follow Weight Watchers again FULL FORCE!
Prepare my classroom
Cook at least 2 healthy meals a week (from scratch!)
Read books about education and classical education
Finish the Twilight series - I know some people hate the books, but I love love love them

Kids are soooo funny!!

2009-08-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

My dinner conversation with Samantha (2 years old) :)
*poot*
Me: *smile*
Samantha: *giggle* That was just my hiney. *giggle*
Me: What was that sound? (trying to get her to say something else funny)
Samantha: Pfffff *cute smile* HAHAHAHA

So, yeah, it's immature, but I laughed so hard. Like a belly laugh. I love kids :)

News about the Kraft offer...

2009-07-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

If you spend $25 in Kraft products you will get $5 toward your next purchase and $20 rebate in the mail.

HERES THE CATCH:
You can only do it at SuperValu stores (Farm Fresh is among them)
I found out that there is a Farm Fresh in Wilson so I will probably go... we use lots of Kraft things. It's only 30 minutes away.
You have to spend the money between 8/7 and 8/30.

Good news: You can really milk it if you use coupons.. :)

2009-07-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Staples has several things for .25 (School supplies!) Check out their weekly ad: http://staples.shoplocal.com/staples/default.aspx?action=entryflash&sneakpeek=y&adref=email

Five dollars off of $30 purchase at Staples:

Another Good Blog w/ Deals

You can also get $3 for each empty ink cartridge you bring to Staples. You can do up to 10 each month. They will mail you a check for them and you don't have to purchase anything to take advantage of this!

Print off coupons:

2009-07-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

$1.00 off Dial Soap

Register with All and get $1.00 off of Laundry Detergent

Booklet with $30 worth of coupons

$1.00 Wisk coupon

Sample of Always Infinity Pads

That's all for now... I'm tired of being on the computer!!

Being frugal...

2009-07-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

We are forced to find ways to be more frugal. I have been doing coupons for a while now (as many of you know) and now I am trying to squeeze a little tighter and get a little more creative.

I have gone back to this website that I got from Lindsay awhile ago and requested coupons from these companies. I did it before and I got several coupons and samples in the mail. It is super easy if you use an automatic form filler-outter :)
Companies to contact for coupons
Here are some letters that I just copy and paste and change out the product names.
I was wondering if you offer any samples or coupons for the Scrubbing Bubbles cleaning products. I love to use them but I am operating on a small budget.

Thank you,
Becky Clark

I was wondering if you offer any samples or coupons for your yogurt. I love to keep it in stock at my house, but I am operating on a small budget. Anything you can do would be great!

Thank you,
Becky Clark

My husband is a huge fan of your Low Carb Monster drink. I was wondering if you offer any samples or coupons for them. We are operating on a small budget and anything you can do would be great!

Thank you,
Becky Clark

I also joined this RSS feed so that I know about the latest deals at several stores. Stretching a Buck

I also found this site: Penny Pincher Gazette and it has the circulars for about 5 local stores which you can use to make a shopping list (it specifies which stores, prices, and products). It also has coupons that you can print out.

Great Grocery Deals

2009-06-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

So I just have to share these in case you don't research deals... here are some going on this week.

Kroger (through 6/6-TODAY!)
Cantaloupes 10 for $10 - usually you can buy just one or two and still get the $1 price
Watermelon $3.98 each
Corn .29 an ear

Harris Teeter (through Tuesday)
Cottonelle Toilet Paper - 24 rolls or 12 double rolls for 6.99 ($5 off!!) and they also have .75 coupons on the aisle (although, these do not double)
Hefty Zip Bags - they are on sale for 2.99 (I think) and they each have a .20 coupon on the box and there are 1.00 off coupons on the aisle

Is that lightning?

2009-05-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

LOL Exie... Pictures from our Easter lunch :)

LIGHTNING!

Gotcha!
That's my hunk :)
The neighbor's yard :)

That's right, folks. We're in love :)

2009-05-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Kirby's wedding. I was the matron of honor :)

Cleaning House

2009-05-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been working on ALL today. Looks nice, huh?

I did almost everything (including moving the closet rod/shelf up higher and adding two shelves in the bottom) by myself. Jordan helped tighten 3 screws that I couldn't get any tighter. lol. I am so proud of myself.

Free things that I just don't need anymore!

2009-05-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

An old gift basket - cotton smell - has a scrubbie thing, lotion, and soap

2 razr chargers (is that how you spell it?) - I could NOT get a good picture, but you can kind of see the plug.

Headphones with microphone on it - bought it a couple of years ago and used it once... it looks like brand new
Computer camera with built in microphone - looks like new also

3 cds: "Musical Massage" - I used to fall asleep to these all the time - they are so relaxing - "Renewing Rainfall" "Rainy Day State of Mind" and "Tranquil Streams"

A couple baskets

A couple of plastic drawer things (if you want to give me a couple bucks for these, that would be awesome but there's no obligation)

Hello Friends!

2009-05-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Just thought that I would update since it HAS been a month :)

I am in summer school at ECU so that I can graduate next May. I am taking three classes each semester and so far, it seems like it is going to be chaos! I am expected to spend 25 hours each week for each course! Dude. I hope I can do it!

I am pet sitting for Ivy. This is the first time that I have ever done this but I'm enjoying it. It is nice to see Ivy also :)

Budget-This month Jordan and I are trying to stick to a strict budget. So far, I think we've flopped. We started using envelopes and then moved away from them and just got receipts to put in the envelopes and now I don't even know what we're doing. I just have a pile of receipts. The good news is that I will have an OK idea of what we have been spending and where after this month because I can look at all of the receipts!

Funeral-We had a Celebration of Life for my Great Uncle Bubba on Tuesday night. It was nice and there was lots of yummy food afterwards. I was really happy to get to spend time with my family that I don't get to see very often. I got to see my nephew and my sister, dad, mom, grandma, cousins, aunts, uncles.... It was really nice.

Beach-Yesterday, I went to the beach with Jean (Aunt), Leilah (Cousin), Adam (Cousin), Jessi (Sister), Wyatt (Nephew), April (Cousin), Donna and her two kids (Jessi's Friends). It was really fun. I miss my cousins :(

Oh! My sunburn is peeling! Yuck! It has been so long since I have gotten a sunburn that I forgot what it was like. I definitely hate this. I will be a religious sun screen user now. (P.S. Is it possible to get tan when using sunscreen? Anyone know?)

25 pounds down! 42 to go!

2009-04-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

I got my 25 pound award today with WeightWatchers. It has taken me awhile to get it but I am proud of myself! I think it helped a lot that Exie and I exercised for a few hours yesterday and we ate really healthy all day! Yay!

Also, I made a website for my facepainting. Check it out and let me know if you think I should change anything: http://web.me.com/beckyclark/Site/Home.html

Who is interested in a coupon club? Theresa DeLeon at our church plans to start one up (and keep it up unlike the one I tried to start lol).

Does anyone want to facepaint on Saturday May 2nd? You will get a $25 gift card to a local restaurant and I will train you. It would be from 10-1PM. They will be: cooking BBQ, having a bike show, a bike wash-off (Hooters ~vs~ Tie Breakers), and a motorcycle stunt show (done by the professionals; StarBoyz). I will not be able to make it but I will help yall in any way I can. I need 2 painters. The lady said that "We hold this event to benefit the Ronald McDonald House every year." Let me know if you're interested. It would be best to email me at becky.lane.clark@gmail.com.

Time for homework!!

Quick Update

2009-04-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

So Jordan and I may begin managing a coffee shop on the weekends to boost business. You've probably heard of Notes in Washington (its only like 30 minutes away)... Jordan plays there occasionally and we think that we could really help them out. We'd need the help of friends though. We need some art to put up in there... we could put prices on them and customers could buy them. Here are my other ideas. Tell me things that would really draw you into a coffee shop or things that you think would not work so well.

Create menu board - expensive drinks high lighted
Frequent customer cards
Menus (laminate and leave in store - no take out menus)
Bulletin board for ads & cards
Wireless (eventually)
Music in the Streets (every 3rd sunday)
Karaoke Nights
Open Mic Night (once a month)- $10 for entering artists, 3 judges, $3 cover charge - get tickets that give them $.50 off of a drink, winner gets a portion of the pot
Halo tournaments- also charge $10 to enter and winner gets a portion of the pot
More seating (inside & outside)
reverbnation.com account for a calendar - make a mailing list for customers
website w/ photo album & calendar
have games on book shelf
-card games
-board games
-magazines
-bibles
cards with trivia questions (laminated) on each table
advertise to local churches and have them book events

Phi Sigma Pi!!

2009-01-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

I was invited to join Phi Sigma Pi because of my GPA. I went to an informational meeting about it tonight and I REALLY enjoyed myself. Everyone was so nice and down to earth. It is a co-ed honors fraternity.

Interesting facts: Even girls in a co-ed fraternity is called a brother. Phi Sigma Pi is the oldest fraternity on campus.

I met a "brother" who happens to be a girl tonight and we are going to work out tomorrow at the gym. I'm excited. Yay for new friends :)

Plans have changed:
Friday - staying here
Saturday - Wmsbg for Kirby's shower
Sunday - Stay for church at CrossWalk and then go to Nanny's house to visit
Monday - Come back

I SUBBED TODAY! Yay! I made 40 dollars and I had fun. I missed subbing at Christ's Covenant. Everyone there is so nice and I actually talked a lot with one of the other teachers. I feel so social! :)

Gabe Collage

2009-01-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

Exie, I found this picture and decided to play with it on that website. Thought I'd share it... :)

Craft Pictures :)

2009-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Decorations for Exie's Church's Toddler Room

"We Love Jesus" - We used watered down acrylic paints on banner paper and then cut them out.

Then we made pictures with each of the student's names

A mosaic that I made (with a little bit of help from Exie :))

Wine Glasses - Monogrammed - they will spell out CLARK but I only have CLA so far :)

Soon, I will take pictures of the scrapbook pages that I did today. They came out really well. Thanks for all of your help Amy, Ivy, and Eugina (sp?) :)

Here is my next project: http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/posts/3269-Making-Wall-Art-out-of-Styrofoam

Also, Exie told me about this great picture editing site called picnik.com. I can't believe I have gone all this time without using it!! I can't wait to play around on it and its FREE!!

What?! IT'S 2009?!

2009-01-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Haha. Isn't that weird? 2009.

In 2009, I plan to:
-Get good grades (again :))
-Get scholarships
-Try new crafts that I haven't done before
-Attend a few women's ministry things at the church
-Learn to cook a few more meals
-Really TRY HARD to do Weight Watchers - I keep doing it and then stopping. I have seen results and I just need to stay motivated.
-Lose 50 pounds to get to my goal weight
-Get out of credit card debt and stay that way
-Visit VA friends more often. I miss them so much. Brianna, Kirby and Obie especially :(
-Go to the French Film Festival with Liz
-See Mom (she lives in CO)
-Build up some savings
-Babysit whenever I can to bring in extra money
-Make new friends here

I was invited to rush a fraternity this semester because of my good grades. It is Phi Sigma Pi. I'm not sure if I will have time for it, but it sounds nice. I am going to an informational meeting next week about it.

SCHOOL STARTS TUESDAY!!! (for me)

Did you know?
Jordan is going to be in like five weddings this year. It's going to be very exciting!!!

So... I'll update you guys on a few things:

MARLEY & ME: Lauren loaned this book to me and I'm excited to read it! I have read the first few chapters and hope to finish it soon.

PAINTING: Desi and Jared have offered to let me paint their living room (and get paid!) :) So I'll be working on that the next few weeks in my spare time.

BABYSITTING: I only have 3 days lined up this ENTIRE month! I'm so nervous... I really need to work more than that. If you know anyone that needs a sitter, please give them my name.

FACE PAINTING: I am going to really start giving out business cards for face painting. Please contact me if you are interested in having a face painter at a birthday party or if you have a friend who needs a face painter.

CRAFTING: I have been doing so much lately. I've made: a mosaic with Exie, decorations for Exie's toddler room, monogrammed wine glasses (are almost finished - they will spell out CLARK), working on an afghan (crocheting it)
** I will be putting pictures up soon **
Sassy Scrappers is having a craft weekend this weekend. I will only be able to go to Saturday, but I'm excited :)

THIS WEEK WE WENT TO:
-BATH: Sunday night to visit family and had a good time.
-WILLIAMSBURG: We visited Williamsburg on Monday because it was our ANNIVERSARY!! :) YAY! We went to Colonial Williamsburg and ate at the Cheese Shop (where we had our first date). We took our one year old frozen cake and ate it for dessert after our delicious sandwiches. Then we went to see Kirby and got our haircuts. JORDAN HAS A FAUX HAWK! It's freakin' awesome. I just got a trim.
-MASSANUTTEN: Jordan and I went up Monday after stopping in Williamsburg. We had a good time with dad and got to visit with Jessi and Wyatt a little bit on Wednesday. The only terrible thing about it was that JORDAN AND I HAD TO SLEEP IN SEPARATE BEDS. It was TERRIBLE. The beds were so uncomfortable and my back hurts so bad!!! We felt like Lucy & Ricky from I Love Lucy. Hahaha.

Greeting Cards

2008-12-20T14:47:00.001-08:00

Here is our first greeting card ever. It came out so good!

:)

We're going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship...

2008-12-15T23:03:00.000-08:00

I have the little einsteins song stuck in my head!!!

This is what I was up to tonight: hanging out with Desi, Melissa, Jeff, Jordan, and Marty AND making Christmas cards.

Here are my creations!

I made the one at the top with a white and a yellow crayon and then I painted over it with green watercolor paint. I saw the idea online. I think it's cure. Also, the one with the red background, then the hollys and then a plain green rectangle, I am planning on getting a piece of white cardstock and writing "Merry Christmas" or something inside of it. I haven't gotten around to it though.

Coupon Swap

2008-12-13T22:37:00.001-08:00

Who's interested? I've talk to Christy and Bobbie Jo about setting one up for the women at church.

I've been saving so much money with coupons and following the sales - I saved 16 tonight at Harris Teeter and spent 38. That's a 30% savings :) Whoo hoo!

UPDATE: Bobbie Jo brought the little boxes to put the coupons in SOOOO I put them out on a table in the fellowship hall. Go check them out and see if there is anything you can use. If you looked at them before, there are new ones because my sister sent me another coupon package!! :)

Tar Heels Room in 2 Days

2008-12-13T22:24:00.001-08:00

So, it's really late. I stayed up until 2AM yesterday too, but for a good reason!

Desi and I decorated Jared's (her boyfriend's) office with all UNC stuff. It looks GREAT. It's all organized and we even made a mural (I think it can be considered that) on his wall - It's of the UNC symbol - the N and the C... We used a projector, outlined it in pencil, and then painted it in. I'm so proud.

Here are a few pictures of our work:

FL Free Milk Coupons?

2008-12-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Does anyone have two of the Free Milk coupons from Food Lion? They aren't giving them out anymore. You can still redeem them until the 19th though. I only have four. Does anyone want to give me the two I need to get a free gallon? Please :)

FREE AT LAST!

2008-12-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

No school.
No work (consistently anyways).

I don't have to wake up tomorrow until I feel like it. I am going to get the house cleaned tomorrow. I'm very excited.

I'm also excited about the Christmas play this weekend because that will take even more stress away. I wish Jordan was getting the break I am. Please be praying for him. He has so much on his plate with the three jobs and money being tight. I will be able to help out a lot more, now that I don't have to study all of the time, but he is still very overwhelmed.

Grades so far...
ELEM 3236 A
ELEM 3235 A
ART 3850 A
MATE 3050 A
MATE 3051 A
SPED 2000 A
EXSS 1000 A
PSYC 3206 A

UPDATE: Yes, folks. That's a 4.0 GPA. Thank you very much ;)

MATE 3051 and ELEM 3236 are practicum classes. It looks like I had a whole lot of classes but here is how many credit hours they are each worth:
ELEM 3236 1
ELEM 3235 4
ART 3850 3
MATE 3050 3
MATE 3051 1
SPED 2000 2
EXSS 1000 1
PSYC 3206 3

Yep, that's 18 credit hours. And hopefully I got all As. And as far as I can tell, I'm not dead yet :) I survived ANOTHER semester :) whoo hooo!!

COUPONS AND SALES!

2008-12-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I went to Food Lion to get a sale flyer and then went home. Then, I got together all of my coupons that corresponded with the sales and went to get stuff. I save 46.00! and I spend 64!

My favorite steals:
Jordan's Gillette Fusion Razors - Usually 11.99 on sale for 9.99 - I had a 4.00 coupon... that's a 6.00 savings folks. :) And, he's always going to use them! So, I got three because I had three coupons.
Wheat Thins/all Nabisco crackers are buy two get one free - so I got 4 things of Wheat Thins so I got one free and then I had a coupon that said buy 4 get 3.00 off so I did... I'm not sure exactly how much I saved but I think it was about 5 or 6.00

Has anyone see what the Extra Care Bucks deals are this month at CVS? I need to get over there and look at them.

"I'd like a tall nonfat peppermint mocha!" (I'm addicted to them)

2008-12-06T16:51:00.001-08:00

Okay, I know I've really been slacking, BUT I have good posts...

WEIGHT WATCHERS UPDATE! This is our 13th week on the plan and....
Jordan has lost 45.2 pounds!!! and FOUR INCHES off of his waist.
I have lost 15.2 pounds and one inch off of my waist :)

We've really been noticing a difference. I LOVE WEIGHT WATCHERS! I am excited to see my grandparents at Christmas... I think they are going to be like "Who are you guys?" :) Very exciting.

JOB UPDATE
After Monday, I won't be watching the Eubanks anymore. I'm not sure exactly why, they just said that they "won't need me after Dec 8th" and not to take it personally... so I'm trying not to. I love those kids and I was looking forward to watching them around Christmas and being a part of all of the excitement... :( Well, it has been a great 6 months. I love those kids so much.

I did, however, pick up another babysitting "client" :) A woman called me one day and said that one of her friends referred me as a good babysitter and she wanted to meet me. Next thing I know, I am babysitting for her that Saturday. I sat for her baby today and I am scheduled for SEVEN other days this month :) That is very exciting. Her kids are very sweet too. They have three girls, one is 6 mos. One is 6? and one is 10? I think... But, they are really sweet.

Because I got "laid off" or whatever, Jordan is picking up yet another job (yes, that makes three - one full time and two part time)... He is going to be working for the mentoring company again with one of his old clients.

CHRISTMAS
We will be spending christmas in Pennsylvania with my dad's family (sisters, brothers, my cousins, my grandparents on his side). Unfortunately, my sister cannot come this year! I'm so sad that I won't get to see him! I thought that I would get to see him for a whole week... but she has to work :(

The Christmas play is Dec. 14th at 6:30. I am excited. We have some great people acting in it and some really awesome people working on the set design ;)

Jordan got an early Christmas present from his cousins on Thanksgiving... they bought him ROCKBAND 2! He has been asking for Rockband since it came out and he is soooo happy. He invites everyone over to play it. It's kinda cute :)

SCRAPPING
I went to Ivy's to scrap last night and I had a really good time. I finally started my wedding album! I can't wait for the next "Sassy Scrappers" meeting (It's a "Girlfriends!" group at Christ's Church).

Well, we have visitors coming over so I better peace out. BYE!

Weight Watchers Update

2008-10-25T08:07:00.002-07:00

Jordan is down 26 pounds.
I am down 7 pounds.
This is our 7th week doing it. I'm pretty excited.

FUN!

2008-10-11T12:47:00.001-07:00

Last night we went to Briley's Corn Maze with Marty and Exie. It was Jordan's and my first time going to anything like that. It was fun to hang out with everyone but I don't really like being scared so I don't think I will go back for that.

I bought pajamas for my nephew, Wyatt, yesterday because his birthday is coming up next month. They are Superman and the shirt even has a CAPE!! It is so sweet.

Today was very exciting...
I got a rental car.. a Dodge Nitro which is pretty cool.. it's growing on me
I got contacts (FINALLY!! I HATE my glasses.)
I got Wii Fit to help me with my exercise and to track my activity... Jordan found one this morning at GameStop. No one has had them in stock since they came out. I'm pretty excited.

Now the not so exciting things that need to happen tonight...
I need to finish my ELEM 3235 exam and mail that to my teacher.
I need to finish writing my lesson plan and send that to my two teachers who need to review it.
I would like to clean the house up a little.

That's pretty much it. I want to have a little "girlfriend time" here soon. Anyone wanna hang out? Coffee? Movie? Walk & Talk? I'm up for anything.

I'm getting really excited about the Women of Faith conference! WOO HOO!

Oh and a nice little tidbit... Jordan and I are going out of town to Cary next Tuesday and coming back Wednesday. We can afford it because Jordan worked so much overtime this month and got a raise. So, we are treating ourselves to a little pampering. I'm so excited!

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

2008-10-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

After Jordan got home last night, we went out for dinner, went to a movie and then went to Starbucks. It was such a good night. We haven't gone on a date in awhile because we're so tired all the time when we're not working, we don't want to go anywhere. But, we finally got a chance to go out and it was a lot of fun. I totally recommend Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. It was so cute and funny! I think it's my new favorite movie!

Last Weeks WW Results

2008-10-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Weight Watchers Update!

Jordan lost 5.8 lbs this week so he is down
14.6 pounds :)

I lost 1.2 lb this week so I am down
3.4 pounds.

WALK WITH ME!!

2008-10-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

Today is so beautiful. I want to walk and talk with someone but no one is picking up!! Am I going to have to go by myself? I'm sure I'd like that too, but if I can catch up with a friend, that's even better.

Current Thoughts & Struggles

2008-09-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

I'm listening to Shane & Shane. I love their music. It always makes me feel better. I remember blasting it when I had just gotten my car. I loved it.

Anyways, Jordan is playing at Notes tonight. I had to stay home to:

Clean the living room

Write a five page paper on the interview that I did with Amanda :)

Prepare a presentation for Tuesday

Study for my midterm on 9 chapters that I have not read for my art class

I am so stressed right now. Please pray for me. I got myself into this hard spot - I should have been reading all along, but now I am freaking out.

I need to get more sleep. It's so hard to stay sane and function without sleep. Any good tips on how to make sure you get to bed early? I've been saying that I needed to all week but I haven't made it happen.

Also, I've been having a LOT of wrist pain in the past two weeks. Any ideas on how to make it feel better? I feel like it may be involved with all of the typing I've had to do lately. Owww.

Has anyone seen Mama Mia? My mom told me that it was great, but I have never seen it.

Jordan and I had a good weekend visiting family. I saw Nanny, Grandaddy and my cousins April (who's my age) and Kenny (who's a couple years younger than me). We also saw a lot of Jordan's family. He had such a good time with his sister. I'm so happy he got to see her. He misses his family so much.

Please keep Jordan in your prayers as well. He is very tired and stressed out right now with everything that is going on at Casual Male. He had a really busy week last week, a full weekend with going out of town and officiating a wedding, a busy day today with church, choir, and playing at notes, and next week, he has to work 52 HOURS!!! on top of all of his church work. I hope he can do this... Lord, please prepare him for this week and help him to get as much rest as he needs.

This song has been on my mind. It's beautiful.

White as Snow

Jon Foreman

Have mercy on me, oh God

According to Your unfailing love

According to Your great compassion

Blot out my transgressions

Create in me a clean heart, oh God

Restore in me the joy of Your salvation

The sacrifices of our God are a broken and a contrite heart

Against You and You alone have I sinned

Would You create in me a clean heart, oh God

Restore in me the joy of my salvation

Wash me white as snow

And I will be made whole

Wash me white as snow

And I will be made whole

2008-09-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted lately because life is CRAZY!

I had a wonderful and relaxing trip to PA with my family and I loved getting to play with my nephew. It was just awesome. But now, it's back to everyday life. The house is a WRECK! Assignments are creeping up on me and I have like 4 due tomorrow that I haven't finished! So, today will be busy.

Weight Watchers Update!

Jordan lost 2 lbs this week so he is down

8.8 pounds :)

I lost 1 lb this week so I am down

2.6 pounds.

Magnificent.

2008-09-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today, I had a great day. It was beautiful outside, I babysat a really sweet girl and made a nice chunk of change, and I was granted residency at ECU. This means that I get FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS back in loans. This is great news and definitely an answered prayer.

I'm surprised at myself. I haven't missed one class or been tardy yet (except for once and it wasn't my fault). I have turned in all of my assignments early or on time and I have not forgotten an assignment yet. WHOO HOO!! I do need to actually read though. Some exams are coming up in the next couple weeks.

I love my life.

Money

2008-09-15T19:14:00.001-07:00

Money sucks. Our financial situation is ridiculous. I wish I had a really lucrative job but for now, I'm just a student. I PAY to work. Crazy. Does anyone know of any odd jobs I can pick up? Anyone need a babysitter?

Jordan's WW Success

2008-09-15T19:13:00.001-07:00

Jordan has lost 6.8 pounds this week! GO JORDAN!

I went to my second meeting!

2008-09-15T17:12:00.001-07:00

I really like the meetings for WW. They are very encouraging and informative.

Officially, I have lost 1.2 pounds.

It isn't as much as I had hoped but it has only been a week! It will just keep getting better.

This weekend I will be going to Pennsylvania (without Jordan :( ) to visit with my dad, sister, brother in law, nephew, and my grandparents and possibly aunts, uncles, and cousins. I'm excited especially to spend some time with Wyatt. He is so sweet. I haven't gotten to see him since he's been speaking in sentences so I'm excited.

I need to exercise tonight but I can't because I have to study for my PSYC exam tomorrow :( Oh well, I will be getting a lot of exercise tomorrow.

My cold is still here! It's moved from hurting my throat to stuffing up my nose and I have been sneezing all day and sounding really stuffy. I don't like being sick.

Hope everyone had a good day today!

Weight Watchers

2008-09-13T19:58:00.001-07:00

So far, it is working. I have lost 3.5 pounds since Monday night when I was weighed at the meeting. It is surprisingly easy. I am so proud of Jordan for committing to this too. He really is going at it with full force, giving his 110%. He's eating healthy and walking 30 minutes everyday. I LOVE MY HUSBAND!! :)

Upper Respiratory Infection

2008-09-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

So I've felt like crap the past few days... postnasal drip, sore throat, hard to swallow, exausted, ear aches... I didn't think that they could treat me but I went to the doctor anyway just to make sure it wasn't an ear infection. The doctor said it was and Upper Respiratory Infection and I just have to go buy a cold medicine from the drug store. That was a little disappointing. But she said it should be over in a few days.

The good news? My doctors appt. was free because I went to Student Health Services. I had no clue they were free there!

The bad news? I won't get much rest between school and babysitting. I still have to wake up at 5:30 tomorrow morning and I have a few assignments to work on tonight. Yuck.

I have my first exam next week. I'm scared. I have to read 3 whole chapters in my PSYC book before next Tuesday and know what is covered in those chapters.

I have a few cool assignments this semester:

Research project for PSYC - I chose to research prenatal nutrition and meal planning. I have to make a seven day menu for a pregnant woman and research the things that she should be eating. I have to present a powerpoint in class on this subject.
Research project for my Special Education class - I have to watch a movie about someone with a disability and present the information about the disability that I saw to the class.
Another research project for SPED - Research Autism with my group of four other people and teach our class about it using a powerpoint presentation.

Well I should go work on one of the five assignments due in the next week. Does anyone know how to set your blog so it notifies you when someone makes a comment? It's hard to keep track of the ones I've seen and the ones that I haven't. I knew how to do it on xanga.

Watching My Weight

2008-09-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

Jordan and I went to our first weight watchers meeting and then went grocery shopping. Jordan's mom was very successful with it and we are hoping that we will be too. We have both been making a conscious effort to exercise. Jordan has been walking every morning for 30 minutes and I have been doing random things including my aerobics/Self Defense class. I really hope this lasts. We need to get healthy. Bottom line. Anyone want to join us?

Awesome Labor Day

2008-09-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

I had today off! I wasn't expecting to but I talked to the family that I babysit for and they were like "Oh, yeah. We're both off work so you don't have to come." So I was really excited to find that out (even if it does mean less income).

So here's how today went:

Slept in til 9ish

Watched the last two episodes of House Season 4 - IT WAS AMAZING! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Read a chapter out of my SPED book and my ELEM book.

My best friend in VA decided to call me randomly and say Hey... that made me happy!

Went to Notes to chat with Marc about being Jordan's manager for his gigging and whatnot. (which is really exciting)

We went to Jersey Mikes for a snack and got a free sandwich thanks to a friend at church who gave us a filled up frequent buyer card.

We went to the Pittman's for dinner. We had delicious cheeseburgers and CHEESE CAKE!! Mmmm. And we had so much fun just talking with Laurie and Michael. I played a little with Josh too. He's so sweet.

We went to the church to move a few things.

We went to Barnes & Noble. Jordan and I both got a few things for the first time in a long time.

We came home.

What a great day. All day with Jordan. Very relaxing. Saw some great friends. Couldn't ask for a better day.

Learning to Breathe

2008-08-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

That is my slogan for this semester.

I WILL learn to breathe even though I am COMPLETELY overloaded. WHY?! did I sign up for 18 hours in school and working 20-24 hours a week? I may go insane. All of my teachers seem to think that they are the only class that I have. I have weekly quizzes and reading due each class. It's crazy. I also have like 10 big projects that I am totally overwhelmed by at this moment.

Jordan is working open to close a lot. We haven't really gotten to spend much time together this week. :(

We got to talk to Jordan's mom on the phone tonight... from Japan!

I had my first Self Defense class today with Desi. It was fun. It will be very good for my health but I am questioning whether or not I have the coordination to do well. I hope so!

SIDE NOTE: Most Tuesdays and Thursdays I start and end my day with Desi. I really like having two classes with her. She's cool.

2008-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Jesus Paid it All is stuck in my head. Do you know how to add YouTube videos up here?

My fame, friends, and Bob Russell

2008-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hey! I was on TV!! Thursday I went to the bookstore and this guy was outside and asked me my opinion of the decorated pirates around town. Not the most flattering shots but I'M FAMOUS! Haha. Apparently our church doesn't watch the news very often but I did have 3 people tell me they saw it.

Here's the link if you want to see it: http://www.witn.com/countryrover/headlines/27286014.html

So, this morning I was thinking "When I went into the bathrooms at CrossWalk (my old church) I would see all of my friends and make jokes while we were washing our hands" which sounds weird but I miss that kind of thing... I knew a lot more people there. But, as I was walking out, 3 women said hello to me right there. It made me realize that I do know people here and I am getting pretty attached to Christ's Church.

Bob Russell is awesome. He's so sweet. There is something about him that just makes me want to hear more. He's very personable and a great speaker. I like him. :)

Well, I should go to bed so I can babysit tomorrow. I have to be up at 5:30! PARTY ON!

Life..

2008-08-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

So, I like my classes. It looks like it is going to be a long, busy semester though. I have only had each of my classes once and I have about 4 chapters to read in the next four days. FUN! I do have a lot of cool people in my classes though and my teachers are really interactive and fun to listen to so that is GREAT.

I am fighting for residency now so please be praying for that (if anyone is even reading this). If they do find that I am a resident, I will be getting FIVE THOUSAND dollars back from the loans I had to take out. Here's the deal: If you have lived here 12 months, you have technically met the residency requirement for tuition status. If you get married, whoevers residency is the longest counts for both people. Jordan has lived here for 13 months so as far as they are concerned, so have I. I want to get that money back!

Babysitting is going to be kind of hard this semester with all of these classes. Luckily, the kids will all be in school for like 2 or 3 hours (maybe more) where I will get to study and then go pick them up.

We have been selling CDs like CRAZY.

I need someone to design a facepainting card for me. I want to kind of start a business but just have cards floating around Greenville and see if anything comes of it. I'd do like birthday parties and stuff.

On a side note, I was interviewed at UBE yesterday about the pirates showing up around town. Will I be on TV? I think I kind of stuttered so it will be embarrassing BUT it would be cool!

Pampered Chef Consultant Idea? Will be put on hold for the time being. I have enough going on.

Where is Jordan at? He should be home by now. Ugh. Men. Haha.

Will post more tomorrow. I'm exhausted. G'night.

Hello again, blogger.

2008-08-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone's moving over here. So here I am. I have used blogger before, but it has been awhile. I remember it is really easy to post pictures and videos which is very unlike xanga. I can't figure that out at all! Haha.

So life is great. I love Jordan and we are trudging through this every day stuff together that keeps coming up. I am thinking about making extra money by selling pampered chef or by starting a face painting business and doing birthday parties and stuff. Which do you think would be more successful? Would you host a show? Would you pay me to come to your child's birthday party?

I think I may do both. I'm not sure.

Well today has been an incredibly long day so far. I'm going to lay down before I have to go pick Jordan up from his job at Casual Male.

I will update more soon.