Eyelash Tinting Escapade

Joel and I received a bunch of coupons from local businesses when we moved to NJ. A free haircut and an eyelash tinting session were included in this little batch of savings.  Joel encouraged me to make an appointment.   I put it off because I'm still recovering from salon mishaps I've previously endured.

Joel asked me every month, "WHY don't you use the FREE haircut?"
I always replied, " I don't trust that salon.  I KNOW nothing about it.  I don't know ANYONE that goes there.  This is my HAIR.  Obviously, you don't understand women and their hair.  _____'s wife completely agrees with me!  Don't you remember when I had fire engine red hair?" So on and so forth...

We quibbled about the free haircut for three months.  Finally, he appealed to my thrifty side.  I gave in and made an appointment.

Today was the big day.  I made it through the haircutting session unmarred, I think.  I still haven't seen the back of my hair AND I was charged $20 for the blow dry.  WHAT?  How is that not part of my hair cut?  Who lets their client leave the salon with dripping locks and no clue of what their wet hairdo looks like from behind.  I digress...

Anyway, then came the eyelash tinting session.  DUN DUN DUN.  I started getting a little nervous.  All sorts of questions started popping into my brain.

"What if they tint my eye-lashes hot pink? Or leopard print?"

"What if the tint leaks into my eye?"

"What if I look ridiculous?"

The tinting lady calmed my nerves.

"Relax.  It will look great!"

It did until I got home.  Somehow, the dye leaked from my eyelashes to my skin during the drive.  An angry dark streak of dye decorated the skin of my under-eye.  So, I scrubbed.  I rubbed.  I steamed.  I panicked.  I called the salon.

Me: "I have a HUGE ring of black under my eye."

Salon: "Relax.  It comes of with soap and water. Rub it in a circular motion."

Me: "OK."

So, I tried rubbing my under-eye with soap in a circular motion.  The black MARK still marred my eye.
I tried again.  I rubbed counter-clockwise, up and down and stood on my head (just kidding).  I still looked like a raccoon, only worse.  NOW, my eye was pink, puffy and tinted.  GREAT.

I called the salon again.

Me:"Yeah, the soap and water definitely is not working."

Salon: "Okay, why don't you come back in."

I returned to the salon. They started the rubbing process all over again.  It burned, stung and hurt like heck. In fact it still smarts...Luckily, the black streak has vanished.  My fear of trying new salons has not, though.

Do you think the free haircut was worth it?  The whole escapade ended up costing me $40 plus gas.  Blurg.  I want my old hairdresser back.

Couch Cushion Day

I hate cushion-cleaning day! Before you freak out and blame my adorable dog, I want to state that this was my doing.

See.  Maddie is harmless. 

I'm the one you should worry about.   I was able to de-stuff this cushion in mere seconds.  It took a few hours to wash/dry the covers.

No worries, though.  Things were back to normal in no time at all..

Christmas in NYC!

Yesterday we met a friend in the city. We took exactly TWO pictures.  Here is ONE of them.

Here is a shot of us 4 years ago in (almost) the exact same spot!

We have spent our first Christmas season in NJ starting new traditions. So far, we have:
1)  Gathered supplies for an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox
2)  Visited NYC
3)  Baked special Christmas cookies
4)  Watched Christmas movies every weekend.  We have enjoyed, "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Story."
5)  Planned to donate chickens to a needy family through World Vision.
6)  Partied with our new church family.  Joel wore a suit coat and tie. I dressed up in a cocktail dress.  We should have taken pictures!

We are really enjoying our new life in NJ.  It still doesn't feel QUITE like home, but it's getting  there.

Cookies, Cookies....

On Saturday, Joel and I decided to make cookies. We baked a batch of gingersnaps speckled with chocolate chips.

Joel is a sucker for any cookie with molasses in it.  He also looks incredibly manly in his apron, right? :)   

Yet, another unflattering close-up taken by US. 

The final product. Num. Num.

We are enjoying the Christmas season, making new friends, and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Grow Where You Are Planted

I've been really struggling with the fact that I'm not employed.  Today my mom offered excellent advice when she stated, "Grow where you are planted."  So, even though I'm not making any money or using my plethora of education (8 long years to be exact),  I can still THRIVE and strive to be the best stay-at-home wife/volunteer/job-hunter ever.

The following is a list of how I'm attempting to "grow where I'm planted."  I'm learning how to 1) manage my household more efficiently 2) take one day at a time 3) trust God (this is definitely a slow process).

We Are Ready For Christmas

Our house is all decorated and Maddie sported a bow long enough for me to take a picture!  We are really missing family and friends this holiday season.  We're excited to travel south for Christmas!

Our First Thanksgiving in NJ

Our realtor gave us this turkey made out of cookies.  Delicious!

The flowers Milt and Linda gave us

Linda stirring up Oma's famous stuffing

Milt enjoying the Macy's Day Parade 

Maddie being herself

Me...in a very close self-portrait

Joel in all his morning glory!

We had a great Thanksgiving!  Hope you did, too!  I'm still missing my MN and VA family, learning the Jersey way of life and blogging.

We May Not Have Kids...

...but we have a cute dog that has to wear a sweatshirt.

Joel refuses to take her outside when she's wearing her pink hoodie.  Whatever.  I guess I don't have to give up a "man-card" to walk my bundled, furry friend.  At least she's not shivering anymore!

Wondering what I'm doing since our big move?  Everyone seems to be.  I'm still walking my dog, avoiding the mailman, studying for exams and blogging.  Life is good.

Why?

Why? I've been asking my poor husband this question a lot lately.  God, my mom, sister and friend have all heard me rant, rave and inquire,

"Why did I go to school for eight years if I'm just sitting at home?"
"Why did I choose the per diem job when all the recruiters were calling me?"
"Why aren't the recruiters calling me now?"
"Why am I at home with no children?"
"Why did I have to leave my job in VA?"

Nobody, can answer these queries.  Obviously.   I am continually concluding that God is testing my patience and humility.  It's not fun telling people,  "I'm in-between jobs right now" and "No, we don't have children."

So, that's where I am at, folks.  I'm learning patience, humility,  asking "why?" far too often, walking my dog, taking certification courses and blogging.

Nice People

Yesterday, someone dropped our LOST keys off at our local gym.  Crazy.  I thought they would forever remain on the Appalachian Trail.  Thanks! I'm glad to see how nice people can be!

Me, Maddie and The Mailman

Have you ever changed your daily routine in order to avoid someone?  I have.  My story begins here.

Friday-Our very friendly mailman brought a package to our door.  Somehow, we broach the topic of my career as a trauma nurse in VA.  He mentions a few hospitals I could look into.  I thanked him.

Monday-Our very friendly mailman asks me if I had a job, yet.  I said, "Well, I just turned my applications in today."

Tuesday- Our very friendly mailman asks me AGAIN if I had a job.  I reply, "Well, I turned my application in yesterday.  They probably haven't processed it, yet."

Wednesday-I peer out the window before taking Maddie for a walk.  No mail truck in sight. I like the mailman, but don't want to answer ANY MORE questions about my job situation.  Maddie and I amble along and run INTO THE MAILMAN.  You already know what he asks me:)

Thursday-Maddie and I go for our daily walk an hour earlier.  I feel guilty.  I did all of this just so I wouldn't have to answer questions about my job.  I'm so lame, sometimes!

Wondering what I've been doing since moving to NJ?  Most people do.  I am studying for certifications, putting in applications,  and avoiding the mailman.  I'm also writing.

Because of The SNOW...

Because of the snow:

1) Joel stayed home on Monday!  There are STILL lots of power lines down.  There are also MANY people without electricity.  We aren't one them.

2) We were able to finish HALF of our Christmas shopping.

3) We had visitors!!  One of Joel's bosses came over on Sunday.  He and his wife had not had power for 24 hours.  It was nice having company.  We like Joel's boss and his wife.  So, does Maddie.

4) We bought an ice scraper.  We might need that here :)

5) We played Super Scrabble.  I beat Joel for the FIRST time in our marriage. I think I may write this victory on the calendar!

6) We ordered pizza and were DENIED.  Nobody wanted to go out in the snow.  We had to settle for cheese and crackers (I didn't go grocery shopping BECAUSE of the snow).

The snow was pretty and it was fun hanging out with my hubby for an extra day, but we're hoping it doesn't happen again until ALL the leaves are off the trees!

Wondering what I'm doing since I've moved to NJ?  My mailman sure does:)  Anyway, I've been applying, applying, applying.  Studying for new certifications and writing.  I'm staying sane...for now.

Things About Jersey I'll NEVER Understand

1) Yielding on green.  Was this not required in NJ drivers ed?  I received a shake of the fist for taking MY right of way the other week.  The aforementioned fist lady was turning left into traffic.  I think my neck hairs are still bristling with a twinge of anger....just a twinge.

2)  It's going to snow on Sunday.  I thought I moved to NJ...not back to MN.

3)  Apparently, hospital inpatients still have to share rooms.  I seriously thought that was a phenomenon from the 70's.  No wonder nosocomial infections are so rampant in the USA.

4)  One of the first questions I'm greeted with when telling people I'm not from around here is "What did you move HERE for?"

5)  Apparently, NJ people don't move much.  People give me a very inquisitive look when I explain my past dwelling places.  They scratch their head and say "So, your from MN, but you moved from VA...and now you're HERE." I say, "yes."  (I don't even bother telling them I lived in OH for 2 1/2 years).  The next question that always follows is "How did you EVER meet your husband."  Guess I lead an exciting life folks.

6) People live in castles here and our property taxes our ridiculous.  How is it that people are living in castles?  Come visit me.  You'll see what I mean.  There's actually a house with a mote around it.

7) There have been bear sightings in my neighborhood.  What?  Why are bears living in the most populated state?

8) Why do so MANY middle-aged women born with DARK hair insist on dying it platinum blonde?  I've seen a lot of this since moving here.

9) Halloween.  Whoa.  People REALLY decorate up here.  I passed a hedge filled with fake cut-off limbs.  I threw up a little. Okay. Not really..but it grossed me out.

10) Radio stations.  I don't care if you've "Got the Moves Like Jagger."  I want some real music.  You would think with such a dense population of people you'd have more radio station options.  maybe not.

This is what I don't understand thus far.  Maybe once I've lived here a while it will all become clear to me.  Let's hope.

Wondering what I've been doing since moving to NJ ? Here's my repertoire.   1) Applying for jobs 2) Signing up for certification courses  3) this.

I'm A Nerd. I Don't Care.

I have decided to split my blog.  New In Jersey will be exclusively about our family, friends, activities and pet. So, if that's all you want to read about, stay here.   If you want to read about saving money tips, recipes and ect., go here.  I know.  I'm a nerd and I totally accept that label. What can I say?  Moving is a bit of a transition. I blog when I go through change.  This is the only justification I have for my increased nerdiness of late.  :)

Poll Results and MY Thoughts...

Should I get my MSN?  (Masters of Science in Nursing)

Yes...100% Definitely.

  1 (12%)

More Yes than No.... It's good to have options for a career in the future.

  2 (25%)

More No than Yes....Student Debt takes a long time to re-pay.

  1 (12%)

Definitely NOT...It's time to focus on family...not your career.

  4 (50%)

This poll reinforced the fact that New in Jersey has a lot of lurkers. Whatever.  I'm okay with that.  Feel free to share your opinion at anytime, though!

I was surprised that 50% (plus one verbal opinion) voted that I need to focus on family and not my career.  I do NOT get this feeling when talking to others in the work force, church or any other location for that matter!  I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom and I'm glad that there are SOME people in the world who clearly support that choice.

I voted more yes than no.  I must admit that my thoughts resemble a pendulum from week to week. 1/2 a month ago I looked up every on-line MSN program in my area.  Today I "reminisced"  about the time I was threatened to be pooped on and another moment when a patient tried to strangle me with my stethoscope (they were clearly confused so I have no hard feelings)  I also recalled agonizing days I've been sworn, swung and yelled at.  Don't get me wrong, there were VERY fulfilling moments at my old job.  Some of my patients have really challenged me to be a better person because of the way they responded to their difficult situations.

Joel voted "more no than yes."  I will always appreciate that he finds worth in the fact that I would love to stay home with our future children.  He's okay living with less money and will never push me to work, have children and go to school.  I married a great guy!

That being said, I haven't completely decided my future (fancy that)! I'm positive God will show me what's best....I'm just not sure when!

Hikin' the Appalachian Trail

Our happy little family.

Maddie was such a sport.   We could hardly keep up with her

Joel getting his senior pic pose on.

Perfect fall colors

I think this is the best picture of Maddie we have EVER taken.  It's like you can see into her doggy soul.

Me...makin' our trip a little cheesier

I'm guessing this is the rock that stole our keys (read below)

Yesterday, Joel and I made a mistake that every hiker dreads.  We LOST our keys on the Appalachian Trail. Our house and car keys-GONE. They disappeared and left us in a huge mess.  Luckily, we were with a group of teachers from Joel's school or we'd probably STILL be trying to find our way home.  It was a long Sunday night that will spill into our Monday evening as well.  (Joel still has to go pick up our car in some far away NJ town). The above pic's were taken while we were still blissfully ignorant of what was waiting for us at the end of the trail.  It was still a BEAUTIFUL day and we were able to get to know a handful of teachers a little better.

A Few of My Favorite Fall Things

1.  My husband with Maddie and her spooky scarf.  The bones even glow in the dark.

2.  The blanket my grandma quilted for me when I was 12.  I always think of her when I cuddle on the couch with it at night.  

3) Mini Pumpkins...I'm a sucker for anything mini.

4.  Fall flowers from my Hubby!

I'm lovin' fall in the NE.  I think it's the PERFECT temperature.  Sweaters, Jeans and Sweatpants.  I love it.  Today we are going on a hike...more fall pic's to come!

Saving Money-Day 10

Reading blogs about saving money and personal finances has really motivated me to be frugal.  Last month we cut $100 out of our grocery bill.  I believe we were able to do this because I read quite a few blogs on the topic.  We've also decreased our energy bill by about $90/month. I also attribute this to my blog reading.  There are definitely some quirky money saving ideas out there, but it pays to educate yourself in this area.  
$100/month on groceries=$1200/year
approximately $90/month on electricity (this will obviously change some months due to weather conditions)=$1080/year.

$1200 + $1080=$2,280...that's a pretty good amount!

Here are some blogs I like to read
1) The Simple Dollar
2) Frugal Dad
3) Passionsaving.com

Options...Options...Give Me Your Opinion.

After moving to NJ, I've realized many things about my career.
1)  There is an economic depression going on...and that affects my job opportunity A LOT.

2)  I'm not as marketable as I thought I was. BSN (bachelor of science nursing).  That's the name of the game up in the north...as well as IV certification and countless other things.  I feel like I've moved to a different country.

3) I may have amazing experience in step-down trauma...but I need more...like a masters degree in nursing.

Yikes.  Not sure I'm ready to fork over that kind of money.

It also makes me sick to think about the amount of my life I've spent in school.  Seriously, I could be a doctor by now...I've already spent approximately 8 years in college ( have a BS degree in Kinesiology and a diploma in nursing).

On the more positive side...I could find that a master's in nursing is an absolute fit for me.  Since I moved, I've come to realize how much I love the critical care setting.  Collaborating with doctors, residents and other nurses was such a great learning experience for me.  I miss that huge team  (even if I did laugh at *ahem...with* the resident doctors sometimes [I seriously had a resident suggest I get a rectal temp on a gun shot wound patient when we already knew his temp was well over  101...I definitely still chuckle at this]...)

So, what do you think.  I'm almost thirty.  I want to have a family....but I also want to make sure my life is dedicated to others.  I feel I can do this in the nursing career...I could also do this as a mom. Vote on the poll.  I need your opinion.

One of THOSE Days...

It is almost 4 in the afternoon and I have NOT
1) Brushed my teeth or hair
2) Exercised
3) Showered

I HAVE
1) Talked to my sister, boss, father and husband on the phone.
2) Walked my dog.
3) Thought about brushing my teeth
4) Decided NOT to exercise.

I know.  I'm a filthy creature, right?  Whatever...I'm just glad I got to talk to the people I love (I'm not saying I love my boss...that was a business call!).  I brush my teeth, shower and exercise every other day I'm alive.  One day of rest won't kill me, right?

Kudos to Milt and Linda

Joel and I have been working opposite shifts.  My work day starts at 3 and ends at 11p (or later) and he's at his job from 7a-5 or 6-ish.  Needless to say, we have not really seen one another since Monday....and it will be a while before we do have time together (I'm off today, but he has an evening commitment).  We've been communicating through handwritten notes and text messages.  Here's what he wrote AFTER I requested he do the evening dishes!

"Caron, I miss u! Wanna go on a date on Thurs. for dinner? Heart, me"


Thank you Milt and Linda!! You did an excellent job raising my husband!  What other guy would say they missed their wife AFTER she asked him to do the dishes!

All the Way to TEXAS!

This weekend we flew to Austin, TX and back. We were able to visit with Joel's uncle and 91 year old grandmother (Oma).  Enjoy the pic's. 

One of Joel's high-school friends, Josh, and his family (minus their son).

Joel looking tough next to the tin man

We ate lunch with Chris, Mickey and their kids at El Arroyo

Just in case you forgot what we looked like....

I'm starting to understand what my sister-in-law meant by the phrase "keeping Austin weird."  What's with this bus full of  mannequins?

View of Austin from a far

Another view of Austin

This is what happens when Joel gets a hold of the camera

This is out by Oma's home....

The terrain is much different in TX than it is in NJ!

A donkey on Uncle Dennis' farm

The goats in front of Oma's house

Oma and Joel.  She was really happy we "brought the rain from the east coast with us."