New in Jersey

Visits and Other Big News...

2012-01-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend Johnnie, Jenny and family visited us. We went to NYC and tried out some local favorites in NJ. Here's a couple of pic's....

Hanging out in one of our favorite NYC spots-Central Park.

Levi is always running...his parents must be tired!

Yeardley playing in Central Park. She also took her first taxi, train and subway ride. I'm pretty sure she was MORE excited about her visit to the big NYC American Girl Store, though!

This smiling face is now employed FULL TIME! I start my job on Wednesday. I'm pretty excited.

This Clip Made Me Homesick

2012-01-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

ps..Please excuse the swear word in the title...He never says this word in the clip.

Family Vacation

2012-01-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

Joel and I visited my family at the beach this week! It was fun seeing everyone!

Hunting for sea glass despite the wind and chilly weather

Can you tell that Joel takes all of the pictures?

Joel deserves "the best husband award ever" as he drove many many miles to see my family for a short period of time

Some (notice I did not say ALL) of my favorite kids learning to play the wii.

Kalen is as blue-eyed and bubbly as ever!

Looks like Luke is getting the hang of it. He's also very good at hiding rocks (wink, wink-only my family will understand this joke)

Renee!

Dad catching a few zzz's!

I missed this furry little face while I was gone.....but nothing changed! She still snoozes in her favorite spot all day.

Again, I wish we had taken more pictures. I should have snapped a few shots of my sisters and their hubbies as I do not see them often! Next time, folks!!

Merry Christmas To Us

2012-01-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we bought our Christmas presents with the gift cards/money we received in December. Here's a big thanks to Mom, Dad, Oma, Linda, Milt, Holly and Bryan! Here is what you bought us.

A duvet, duvet cover, coverlet, bed skirt and two pillow cases

The throw pillows and pillow shams were 25-35 dollars a piece. We decided to skip those. Maybe, my mom will have to come help me sew some more? :)

I'm excited we have a blanket that matches our duvet. Now our bed can look pretty in the summer, too.

I always enjoy shopping with Joel. He is so literal and logical and makes me see purchases in a whole new light. For example, yesterday he insisted that bed-skirts look like extra long sheets that aren't tucked in. I guess they kind of do.

Thanks for the gifts, family! I'm hoping the wrinkles settle their way out. I really don't want to iron them! Also, don't mind the orthopedic pillow...I know that really adds to the style of our bedding (j/k!)

Since We Have Been Home...

2012-01-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a fun holiday with friends and family, but we were both ready to stop living out of our suitcases (although, we love the luggage we received for Christmas). Not much has changed since we returned home, but here is an update:

1) I'm still volunteering for an inner city after school program. Unfortunately, it is closed until January 9th. I wish I would have known that BEFORE I stood outside in the freezing cold for 35 minutes the other day.

2) We are figuring out how to spend our Christmas money. (I feel like we have been trying to decide this since my mom sent us our gift in October!)

3) I am reading at least one classic novel per month. I am currently flying through Peter Pan. Anyone have any good suggestions for future months?

5) We are getting ready to see my side of OUR family soon. I'm excited!

6) I'm still writing. Blogging helps keep me busy during the day. I miss my old job. boo- hoo.

That's all for now, folks.

Christmas in the South

2012-01-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

This Christmas:
1) We visited friends and family in NC, SC and VA.
2) I tried fried chicken for the first time (unless you count KFC). I finally understand why people rave about this meal.
3) I ran two extra long runs because I missed my turn two days in a row.
4) I misunderstood someones cue to enter their home. I thought they were opening their arms for a hug...awkward. I'm still a bit embarrassed by that:) Maybe they think I'm one of those people that hugs everyone.
5) I began to crave oatmeal, beans and any food without sugar or fat in it due to the large volume of food we were given over a weeks time. I refuse to weigh myself after this vacation! Maybe in a few weeks.
6) We met our niece, Sally, for the very first time.

Here are our random pic's. Apparently, we only snapped photos one morning. If you or your kids are not in these pictures, please don't be offended! We are not always the most organized picture takers!

I look like I just woke up and Sally seems a bit shocked

Our fancy feast at Linda and Milt's house

I think this is a better picture of both of us

Annie opening gifts

Hope patiently waiting to unwrap her gift

Joel's brother Josh

There you have it folks! Our Christmas in the South. Too bad there are NO pictures of my dear husband!

Eyelash Tinting Escapade

2011-12-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

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....

2011-12-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-26T13:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-24T11:03:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-11-13T11:08:00.000-08:00

...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?

2011-11-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-08T11:26:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-11-01T05:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Outside It Is Snowing...

2011-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

That's my foot print in the snow. In October. Bleck.

If only I could take pictures of snow. Those ghostly white things are snow flakes.

and inside I'm crying. Okay, not really, but almost.

Things About Jersey I'll NEVER Understand

2011-10-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

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."

20 Years in Review

2011-10-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

Meme

I stole this from this guy who stole it from SEV

20 years ago I . . .
1. was in 3rd grade
2. learned how to tell time
3. wore pants under my dresses...with tennis shoes.  I was cute.

15 years ago I...
1. practiced piano for hours every day....If only I could still play..
2. refused to wear glasses because I didn't like the way I looked in them
3. sent an e-mail for the very first time

10 years ago I . . .
1. went to school in OH. Yeah for meeting one of my best-est friends!
2. almost lost my life on a snowmobile with the friend mentioned above!
3. realized I was not a fan of college cafeteria food

5 years ago I . . .
1. finished my BS degree in Kinesiology
2. went to Brazil


3 years ago I . . .
1. Married my husband...what a great year!


2 years ago I . . .
1. Started working on a trauma floor as a RN...


1 year ago I . . .
1. I spent a week in the OBX

So far this year I . . .
1.  traveled to the Bahamas and Vietnam.
2.  moved to NJ.

1 week ago I . . .
1. hung out with my mother-in-law
2. realized I talk about my old job too much

Yesterday I . . .
1. went to the chiropractor
2. tried to stay up and watch "modern family."   I woke up an hour after the show finished.  Guess I was tired!
3. fell more in love with my husband...he did the dishes for me!

Today . . .
1. survived the "state" officials at work
2. did lots of pull-ups at home because I was too tired to drive to the gym...plus I didn' t want to deal with the muscle heads that show up after work

Tomorrow I will . . .
1. fly to TX!

In the next year I will . . .
1. continue to consider getting my MSN....(master's of science in nursing)
2. learn to navigate through "the Jersey" way of life

Saving Money....Day 9

2011-10-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

I've discovered that if re-usable canvas totes really can save you money. I have received 6 "green" bags in the past year....If I take them to Shop-Rite...they subtract 30 cents from my grocery bill every week. I know that is not a lot, but if you do the math.....

.30 x 52=$15.60 per year...

I must admit that this is not totally accurate for US, though. Sometimes, I purposely leave our canvas bags at home so I have enough lunch bags for Joel, poopy containers for Maddie and garbage bags for our small trash cans. We're classy, right?!? Anyway, as I've said before...it's the little things that add up.

Happy Birthday, Linda!

2011-10-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today was my mother-in-law's birthday! She and Milton came up for a quick visit. We had a great time. I'm pretty sure I talked her ear off the first day she arrived. Guess I've missed girl time since the big move. We also....
1) Drove all over New Jersey. I'm pretty sure I'd still be lost if she hadn't been in the car with me
2) Went to a movie. I cried my eyes out. It was a good one...more to come on that later.
3) Ate Korean food. Yummy. I love the rice noodles.
4) Visited a local deli...Valiani. I think the parent-in-laws enjoyed seeing the Jersey culture at this fine establishment (and the food was to die for of course)

Happy Birthday. Thanks for coming...don't stay away for too long!

I Miss You, Norfolk

2011-09-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today, Joel predicted I would write about the things I miss in Norfolk. I decided he came up with a pretty good idea....so here you go.

1) Ohhh...epic and electronic charting. How I miss you!

2) Community Group...are you sure you don't want to move to NJ? We have a larger house, now. I think we could all fit!

3) Trinity Presbyterian. I miss Jack's sermons and the style of worship music.

4) NCHS basketball. I'll never forget you! (I know you are also amazing at football and cheerleading...but I always got too cold to enjoy these sports).

5) Ocean. Sea Glass.

6) My beautiful niece, Kalen....I miss your hugs!

7). Doggy door. I miss the freedom of NOT having to walk Maddie everyday!

I'm Ready For One of Those

2011-09-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Me, "Joel, can I have one of those?"

Joel replies in joking voice, "You want to go to the store tomorrow?"

Me, "Yes, but I don't know how I would ever choose which baby I wanted...I think I would pick them all."

Joel, "Yeah, that might be kind of hard."

Me, "Yeah, I'm glad I get to sleep in, eat and drink what I want, and give babies back to their parents right now.."

Saving Money-Day 8-A Small Fortune

2011-09-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

I've concluded that I have spent a small fortune on cleaning products in my short life. Paper towels, Swiffer microfiber cloths and countless other products have probably prohibited me from having a really nice wardrobe/masters degree/fill in the blank. When I gave up using paper towels, I decided to quit on my swiffer cloths also. I just slap a cloth microfiber cloth towel (I've even used old terry cloth rags) on the sweeper and clean away. I'm still horrified every time I pull the cloth off. Seriously, I should be swiffering twice a day! Thus, I've come to conclude that cloth rags work just as well as those expensive throw-away type. PLUS, I'm not spending $5 for 16 measly wipes, which will probably last 8 weeks at the most. That is $32.50 a year if you use two swiffer cloths a week. I know $32.50 a year is not a lot, but it's all the little things that add up folks!

Towel

Attach towel to swiffer

I'm a little embarrassed by this, but I wanted to show that this really works

I additionally save money by wetting the towel with a mixture of windex and water. I feel this works even better than wet swiffer pads because of the fibers in the towel. So, if I wash my floors twice a week with a re-usable cloth instead of a disposable one, I will save approximately $46/year. (In order to find this number, I found online that 12 wipes cost about $5.30. If one uses 2/week the box will last 6 weeks. 6 into 52 [the number of weeks in a year] is 8.67. 8.67 x $5.30= about $46.

$46 +32.50= $78.50 savings per year.

Jersey Misunderstood...

2011-09-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

There are a few misconceptions about Jersey I'd like to clear

1) Rude people. I have not found this to be true at all. In fact, I think the people here are actually more friendly than any other place I've lived....I've met more close and extended neighbors here than I have in any other state.

2) Ugly. Obviously anyone who says this about our geography and neighborhoods have not really seen the state. Yes..there are some urban areas. Don't those exist in every state...not to mention most towns?(outside of Jersey of course)

3) Jersey shore....yeah, not a lot of Snookie's wandering around here. Although, a lot of the 20 year old men do resemble the guys on the show.

4) Churchless. I have a feeling this area could contend with the Bible Belt.

Righty-Oh...that's all I can think of for now (I've been hanging out with a couple of people from the UK lately)

Saving Money Day 7-Grocery Time

2011-09-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

All of the blogs I've read about saving money state it's imperative to cut down on grocery cash. Some people only spend $25 per person per week. This seems IMPOSSIBLE to me. While I'm not sure if I'll ever make it to the $25 dollar mark, I did cut about $20 out of my grocery bill this week. Here's what I've done so far:

1) Plan, Plan, Plan. I have a menu written out on our refrigerator. This is so unlike me. I try to be a list person, but it seems that the list gods hate me. I can never stick to them! It seems to be working in this aspect of my life at least.

2) I've started adding more beans to our diet. This way we don't have to spend as much money on meat, which is very expensive. I searched for vegetarian recipes and picked out a few I thought Joel and I would like. I will supplement them with chicken breasts which seems counter intuitive, right? Why would I look up vegetarian recipes if I'm just going to add meat? The beans/pasta in the recipes help supplement all of the meat I would normally use. Now, instead of needing 3 chicken breasts for dinner, we'll be full on one.

3) I wrote a list of all the items in our pantry and spice cupboard. This helps me determine what I have to use in meals. It also keeps me from accruing multiples of one item. This is a waste...especially when it comes to spices.

4) I started eating oatmeal for breakfast EVERY morning. I like it and it is much cheaper than store bought cereal. It's also better for you. Joel's not into eating "hot food when it's hot outside" so I made him his own granola.

5) We're cutting down on soda. I know I've said this since I was 20. I do buy ONE case of soda/week, but that is all. We've started supplementing our soda habit with 2 liter bottles of seltzer water. The 2 liter bottles are less expensive, and they give you that fizz you just need sometimes. Seltzer water is also healthier than Diet Coke.

6) Coupons-I don't use them. I've tried. It seems to me they are only offered on name brand items that are unhealthy...like Cheetos. Maybe I'm just bad at couponing.

Anybody have some more tips for me?

Saving Money-Day 6-Making My Own Granola

2011-09-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

That's right folks. I made my own granola. It's really tasty and super easy to make. For the most part I followed this recipe. Since I was baking during the middle of Irene, I decided I would forgo the trip to the grocery store. Here's MY recipe.
1 cup steel cut oatmeal, uncooked
1 cup rolled oats, uncooked
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional...I added it for fun and liked it)
pinch of salt
1/3 cup slivered almonds, chopped (I skipped this b/c I don't like nuts in my cereal AND we didn't have any)
1/4 cup honey, warmed to liquid
1/4 cup light olive oil (or 4TBS butter, melted)
1/2 cup golden raisins or other dry fruit (I skipped this because Joel's not a huge fan of raisins and we didn't have any other type of dried fruit)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and almonds. In a glass measuring cup, warm honey until it is no longer viscous. Add olive oil (or butter) to the honey and stir.

Drizzle the honey oil over the dry ingredients and mix to combine. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet or in a 9 by 3" pan.

Bake granola until golden and crunchy, stirring once, anywhere from 15-25 minutes. Stir in raisins. Makes about 3 cups.

So, I mainly changed the type of oats from the other recipe. Enjoy eating granola that does not cost $5 per package! It's also a super yummy snack.

Our Little Sleep Monster

2011-09-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what your dog does all day? Apparently, this is what Maddie's schedule consists of. At times she is SOOO still, I poke her. Sounds cruel, right? I just want to make sure she is still breathing.....Funny how a creature that sleeps about 20 hours a day can bring me so much joy :)

These Little Girls....

2011-09-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

These little girls (and their friends that are not pictured) have been on my mind a lot lately. Their smiles are large, despite the fact they own so little. They will likely end up working in rice fields with babies tied to their backs or selling handmade goods to tourists. Despite this fact, I know their smiles won't fade. Their mothers faces beamed, even though they faced grueling work each day.

These little girls will always be in my prayers.

30 Days of Saving Money-Day 4

2011-09-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

Guess how much I paid for this BCBG dress?

these two Anne Taylor camisoles...

and this J. Crew dress?

$0.99 each. That's right. I found brand new clothes for less than a dollar a piece. I started volunteering at Ditto (an upscale retail store that benefits Joel's new place of employment). I found these amazing deals among some others. WoW! I also bought Joel a Banana Republic shirt, and a pair of Gap Chino's for myself. That's 6 pieces of clothing for LESS than $6.

30 Days of Saving Money-Day 3

2011-08-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

Win! This month we saved over fifty dollars on our electric bill. How did we do it?
1) We turned the water heater down...I was afraid someone was going to burn themselves anyway.
2) See Vampire Post.
3) We turned our air conditioning unit to a warmer temp.
4) I became a light turner offer Nazi.
5) I started to hang dry a lot of our clothes. This keeps everything looking less used AND it saves electricity. PLUS, if you find a stain on your clothes after washing/air drying it...it's MUCH easier to get out!

So, if we continue this for 12 months we will save $600 in one year!

30 Days of Saving Money-Day 2

2011-08-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Entertainment. I think there should be an entire blog devoted to thrifty diversions. Joel and I noticed we were paying a lot of money for entertainment each month. So, we budgeted a specific amount, withdrew it from the bank and started paying cash for "fun things." (Our fun things included wine, eating out, bottles of Diet Coke, coffee and bagel stops and other superfluous items). When the cash is gone, we don't allow ourselves to purchase ANY of the aforementioned items until the next month. I REALLY don't like cutting out fun things, so we've started coming up with some activities that are cheaper, but still entertaining. Here you go...maybe our ideas will help you too.

1) Hors d'oeuvre Night. Every Sunday evening we make yummy finger foods, and treat ourselves to our favorite drinks. It's like a restaurant night in our own home...w/o too many dishes (that's a huge plus for me!)

2) Hike. There are lots of trails around us, so this is FREE and fun.

3) Movie night. We've been watching Harry Potter every Friday night....(it's hard for us to agree on movies, so I don't know what will happen to this night when we are done with the series).

4) Bagel morning. Bagels are amazing in NJ. Every Saturday we grab two from our local bagelry and bring them home. We use our own cream cheese since the kind in the shops are really expensive. This only costs a little over a dollar. It's a fun little tradition.

5) Dog walks. I mostly do this by myself. I find that it's really relaxing and entertaining. My dog always does silly stuff that makes me chuckle. So, if your bored...take your pooch for a walk.

What does your family do for free/thrifty fun?

30 Days of Saving Money-Day 1

2011-08-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Since I'm not able to make any money right now, I've decided to see how much I can save during the next couple weeks of unemployment. Some of the things I'm trying seem a bit granola-ish and my husband laughs at me! (I would laugh at me too if I weren't so bored! I honestly told Joel I missed poking veins today...errr...for those of you who don't know...I'm an RN) I'm not using newspaper for toilet paper or anything, but as you saw in my last post, I've given up paper towels.

You may wonder why Joel is pictured above with buck teeth? I told him to make a vampire face and this is what appeared. That being said, I've learned through other's blogs that vampires are real...when it comes to unused electrical appliances that are plugged in, that is. This phenomenon is called Vampire Power. Apparently, electronics still conduct electricity when they aren't pulled from the wall, EVEN if they are turned off. So, since our electricity bill kind of shocked us last month, I decided to see if we'd notice any difference if I started unplugging untouched appliances. I have set some limits though. I'm not going to reset my clocks every day....or my coffee maker.

Wish me luck. I hope this new "hobby"saves us money AND keeps me occupied while I'm not working:) Come back for 29 more days of my saving money journey.

My Newest Endeavor to Save Money

2011-08-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of time right now. Sometimes this is good...other times it is not! I'm trying to make myself enjoy these free hours, because I'm hoping to work a full as well as a part time job in the fall. Since I'm not working like a crazy woman right now, I've been reading a lot about saving money. It's a topic that really interests me. I've found blogs about a lot of little ways to build up your bank account. Some people make their own deodorant. Others, have their significant others cut their hair......other's do weird things like this (*WARNING*-this has to do with menstruation). I've decided I'm going to stop using paper towels and clorox wipes. If you have ever been around me, you have probably noticed that I LOVE both of these products. I believe this is due to my nursing background. Paper towels and clorox wipes seem cleaner than rags. Due to this fact, I probably use at LEAST 15 paper towel sheets a day and at LEAST 7 clorox wipes a day. That's a lot of money that I will never see again. So, I have made my own "clorox wipes." I found this recipe from someones blog....I WON'T be using this to clean up after raw meat or anything else that could cause illness....just general spiffing up.

And just as a disclaimer....I almost feel as though I'm being a little too green by doing this. I've always been the girl who proudly carries her groceries in plastic bags. (don't worry...I re-use them for multiple things) I also get annoyed with everyone claiming to be "GREEN" Before you get all mad, listen to what I have to say! In some ways I feel that the "GREEN" campaign is just a campaign. It's the cool thing to do right now. Do I think we should conserve the earth's resources, YES. Do I think it is good to recycle, YES! Do I think there is a reason humans now live longer than they did a few hundred years ago-YES. We learned about Louis Pasteur and genetics, chemistry and ect for a reason! Is it possible for us all to eat organic? No....not unless you want to go back to the 1800's. There are so many people who just want food. It seems like only the rich ones are worried about whether it is organic or not.....I'm just saying....I'll get off my soap box now before I get murdered or something!

Family in MN

2011-08-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

We surprised Preta with a 40th b-day party!

Why, yes...I did blow up all of those black balloons! Collin is standing behind me. Unfortunately....we didn't get pics of all of Preta's kids...silly us.

Just like the happy faces in this pic!

Nummy ice cream cake!

Are the kids really this big?!? They are all super cute, still! I enjoyed playing "Spotty, the snapping turtle with Luke...even though he wondered "who the lady in the purple dress was."

I think they look like mother and daughter!

We forgot to take pictures until the end of our trip....this is our usual style :) Maybe someday we'll learn....but enjoy the end of our trip for now.

You Know You Need a Job When.....

2011-08-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Today, while Joel was on the phone...I decided I was going to mess around on iPhoto, which is a photo app. on our mac. I was TRYING to snap a picture of myself and didn't realize I was actually filming.
Here's a play by play of my thoughts.....

"Gee...that makes my nose look really long."
"Hmm...maybe I can make my lips look really big."
"Maybe it would be funny if I opened my mouth really wide."
"hmmm....why can't I get this thing to take a picture?"
"Ohh...here's the picture app."

Does this hair cut make my eyes look too close together?

Wow...I never knew I had a twin!

And just so you know that I am actually a normal looking person (granted I haven't fixed my hair and have NO makeup on)

I know you're all thinking that I married someone WAY too cool for me....I should've ended up with Mr. Bean....Joel probably thinks this sometimes too....but he still joins in on the fun.

2011-08-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Our Living Room

Guest Bedroom

Dining Room

WhoooHOOO! His/Her sinks....I've been waiting for these for a while!

Our amazing closet...I don't miss having to go outside our bedroom and up the stairs to find my hanging clothes!

Master Bedroom...I don't have to worry about running into the wall when I get out of bed in the middle of the night!

Kitchen...we can both fit in it at the same time!

Why yes...there is always a freshly baked caramel apple pie on our stove.

We are loving our new place in Jersey. I was a little hesitant to show pictures. It almost seems TOO nice...but a couple of you have asked. I didn't show you everything...we'll leave that for when you come visit. If you hurry, you'll get your own bedroom and bathroom! Were hoping our landlords will let us stay here for more than a year!....If not...you may end up on an air mattress!

Bear Mountain

2011-08-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend we met Candace, Erik and Carinna for a hike up Bear Mountain. There are so many beautiful places to visit in our area. It's like we get to take a little vacation every weekend.

Candace and I checking out the lake.

One of our views on the hike

I insisted that we needed to take a picture of Joel as I am usually the focus of our camera.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a very good picture of Carinna or Erik. Carinna is SURE cute though!

...But...Grace

2011-07-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like you need to continually explain yourself? For example, I find myself saying.."Well, I would have called earlier...but..."
or
"I would be working more hours.....but..."
and
"I would be in better shape....but..."
"I'd have more friends if I hadn't just moved...and"
"My house would be cleaner if...."
"I'd be smarter if...."
"I would have worked out and ate better today if..."
"I'd be a nicer person if..."
"I'd be a GREAT wife....if..."
I find myself trying to prove myself to myself, my husband and worst of all, I unconsciously try to show God that I am "capable." Why do I do this?

I think it's my lack of knowledge of God's grace. I guilt myself into doing things all of the time so I can "feel like" I'm "a better Christian." This is such the antithesis of the theology of the Bible. How did I get like this? Why do I feel like "I" need to make myself be a better person.

I'm reading "What's So Amazing About Grace?" by Phillip Yancey. A friend recommended it to me while I was in college. Honestly, I perused through it so she would quit asking me about it. (sorry, Jessica!) I totally missed the point of the book. My husband suggested I read it again this summer. It's as though I am reading something completely different. I am beginning to understand that I really don't know what grace is. Scary thought..huh.

My old church in Norfolk and the book I'm currently reading has showed me how extremely mixed up I've been. If I have believed in God's grace all of these years...why haven't I lived like it? Why am I still trying to explain my deficits to God, my husband and myself? Why do I keep trying to just make myself be a better person? Why am I still plagued with anxiety about my life and my personal merit? I'm still weighing through all of this.

I believe in salvation. I believe in God. I'm still trying to figure out why it's hard for me, and presumably other people, to accept God's grace AFTER we confess our sins. I know I CAN'T personally make myself be a better person....but it's in my nature to try.

Whew...this is such a hard topic to wrap my brain around....even though I would have said I completely understood it when I was 16.

So, share your thoughts folks. I know you are out there...I have a google analytics account! :)

If THIS Doesn't Convince You NOT To Smoke.....

2011-07-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

We bought a new car last Saturday. It was used, but only had 27,000 miles on it. It was also smoked in. Joel and I didn't think that was a HUGE deal. Well...it's been five days since we bought the car. I've vacuumed, scattered baking soda, used bacteria eating odor spray, vacuumed some more, but to no avail. Today, I decided I would try cleaning the interior with vinegar and water mixed in a spray bottle. I lightly sprayed the concoction on material portion of the seat. Then I wiped it down with a microfiber rag. After a few wipes, I decided I needed to rinse my rag. The picture above shows the water I rinsed my rag with twice. *Note*-I only cleaned a small portion of our car before rinsing the rag* How disgusting!

Our Crazy Pooch at the Park

2011-07-28T05:38:00.000-07:00

Lately, we've been taking Maddie to different parks around our area. She sticks her head out the window no matter how fast we are going. Sometimes I wonder if she blinks.

Trying to skip rocks

New Jersey is really beautiful

I always tell Joel that I need to take some pictures of him....somehow it doesn't happen very often.

Twiddling My Thumbs...

2011-07-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

I found out that I can't start my job until September 12th due to the fact we are traveling to MN at the beginning of August. Yikes. I'm still applying for other part-time jobs at local hospitals, but I'm getting a bit antsy. Here's what I've been doing lately.

1). I categorized my cleaning chores into daily, weekly and monthly lists and strictly follow it.
2). I started cooking...I'm like a REAL wife now. Joel thinks my meatloaf is the best he has ever had!
3). I work out at the gym.
4). I walk Maddie.
5). I read.
6). I think about how I should call people....I'm really not a phone person.
7). I tell myself that I'll miss all this free time in the future.

hmm...never thought I'd be so excited to go back to work.

New Job

2011-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

I'm officially hired! I'll be working per diem in the post acute care unit in a local long term care center. I'm sure it will be quite different from what I am used to. Apparently, I don't have to do admits/discharges, IV starts or even call the doctor when I'm really busy?! (The charge nurse calls for me? What?) Can this be true? Guess I'll find out when I start in September.

NYC!

2011-07-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

We definitely look like mother/daughter. This is at the end of our trip. I think the hot sun wore us out! and no I didn't cut my hair...it's pulled behind my ears...

Our view from the top of the "rock."

We took a ferry across the river to get from NJ to NYC

Yep, we're definitely related.

Last week, while Joel was at an adminstrator's conference, my mom came and visited me! She helped me clean my garage, find my way around NJ and even played lots of scrabble. When Joel came back from his conference, we took her to NYC. We chose the hottest day ever (it was over 100 degrees), but we still had lots of fun.

I'm the Nerdiest!

2011-07-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Admit it. You've seen these at the grocery store and wondered if they actually work. I love my swiffer, but my feet cover more ground much more frequently than a piece of cloth attached to a stick ever will. Thus, I decided to try these babies out. My lower extremities also get very cold! (This was a point of contention early on in our marriage...apparently, it's not okay to stick your ice cold feet on your hubbies very warm ones) Now, I get the best of both worlds. Warm feet and clean floors. Who could ask for more?

Hiking It

2011-07-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Joel and I found this beautiful lake when we went hiking last Saturday! Hard to believe we're only 20 miles away from NYC and still have the ability to find some nature!

Maddie enjoyed the lake, too!

Garage Woes

2011-07-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Today I ran into my neighbor that we share a garage with. Yes, we get our own parking space, garage door and light, just not our own wall. Weird, I know. Well, Joel and I have not cleaned up our garage yet. It is full of Christmas tree decorations, memoirs from our childhood and ect. We figured this space should be the LAST priority in our house. Apparently, our neighbor does not think so. I ran into him this morning, said "hello" and politely stated, "We are going to clean our garage soon." He immediately responded, "WHEN, WHEN are you going to clean it?" I was a little astounded by this question. We've lived in NJ for two weeks EXACTLY. We still have VA license plates. We haven't even settled on a grocery store. I don't have a job. Yet, he is exasperated by the amount of time it has taken us to tidy our garage space. I know some people who have lived in their homes for years and STILL aren't completely moved in. There are others who open their garage doors and the neighbors think they are having a sale. Hmmm...I can't get over this! How long would you wait to straighten your garage when moving to a different state? Comment and make me feel better about my situation!

The People!

2011-07-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

A cute child we saw on our hike

Water buffalo-a familiar site in Vietnam. We often saw little kids riding them

This picture says it all!

Michael chilling with the Red Doa ladies

One of the teachers showing us how to bamboo dance

The headmaster likes bamboo dancing, too!

Our dancing translators!

We thought we'd have an American dance party

The kids seemed to like it!

We loved getting to know the people in Vietnam!

The School

2011-07-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

The school that some children have to walk 2 hours both way to go to. Our team went and help build a dorm so the kids could stay at school during the week.

We started by digging up dirt for the floor

We then carried it in these tarps down a hill, around the corner to the dorm

The hill doesn't look big here, but it felt pretty steep. The dirt came from behind that building which is where the teachers live.

Carrie then expertly smoothed out the dirt so it would be ready for the cementing process

I painted. Don't worry...I carried plenty of dirt, too!

A couple of our little helpers.

Taking a break

Guess Evan really needed a break

The almost finished product (just waiting for the cement truck)

We also helped clear their garden, moved a VERY large pile of bricks and hung out with the school children

Toodling Around Hanoi

2011-07-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Minh, posing for the camera as usual! Those hats are really necessary due to the heat!

Our team leader saying something prolific :)...We miss you Michael!!

The gardens at the cultural museum we visited

I just liked this picture opportunity

A very long boat at the cultural museum

Some of the team hanging out at the cultural museum...James is the guy with the coy smile

I always take pictures of windows. Don't ask me why.

Joel in front of a REALLY big tree.

Yep, that's a bike under all those fish traps. The carrying capacity that the Vietamese utilize on their motor bikes is amazing.

Our first lunch. We are eating pho...a type of noodle. This was a difficult meal for those of use who are chopstick challenged.

Entering the Hanoi Hilton. Not my favorite part of the trip:) I'm not a fan of learning about torture.

The students!

A road in Hanoi. I wish I could better depict how crazy the roads are!

In our train car. This is how we traveled from Hanoi to Sapa. Notice how ready for bed I am?

Notice how the students weren't ready to go to bed?

Fi Fi!!

A team shot at the cultural museum. I could tell you more about this structure if I read all the plaques at museums...kinda like my parents do!

It's us again...in Vietnam! What an experience.

Sweet Home...NJ?

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today I asked Joel if he felt like NJ was home. The song, "Sweet Home Alabama" was playing at our gym and I replaced Alabama with our new home state. He replied, "No." My response was, "Yeah, I feel like I'm on some sort of weird vacation...one where I have to unpack boxes all the time:)

Here's our NJ top five so far:
1) The people. Seriously, I could listen to these people all day long. Their accents and attitudes are to die for.
2) Small businesses. I love the fact I can walk (it would be a long walk, but still) to a bakery and buy freshly made canolis.
3) The Neighborhoods. My jaw drops almost every time I'm riding in a car with Joel. Seriously, some of these people live in castles. (just so you know, we live in a town house...and are nowhere near the neighborhoods that epitomize the movie "Stepford Wives")
4) Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!! I haven't been to an Italian restaurant since we moved here, but you could buy me pizza anytime of day and I'd love you forever.
5) Our Home. I can't believe how fortunate we are. The first time we went looking for a place to rent, I almost cried. I love the space we have here. It's perfect for us.

Here's our NJ bottom three so far:
1) The Roads. They have been the cause of ALL marital stress during our transition period. Pot holes, signs covered by trees and multiple name changes within short distances. Grrrr...Oh..and no left hand turns.

2) Customer Service. Sheesh. I will admit that I complained about this in VA also. I guess I'm just used to "Minnesota Nice." Someone explained to me yesterday that people aren't trying to be mean in NJ....they just sound that way. That made me feel a little better. Here's an example of a phone conversation I had with a washer/dryer salesman.
salesman-"Hello"
me-"Hey, I just had a couple of questions for you. Can you tell me where you are located?"
salesman-"Who is this?"
me-thinking I called the wrong number I said.."Ummm..who is this. I'm trying to get a hold of the business that sells washer and dryers."
salesman-"that's us"
me-"Uh okay...can you tell me the address and your hours."
He ended up giving me the information, but it was definitely an unpleasant phone conversation!
3) Did I say the roads? :)

Some Vietnam Pictures

2011-07-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

We took a lot of pictures in Vietnam. I decided to upload a section of our trip at a time.

Country Side. We were hiking to Ta Phin

A pig and her piglet roaming the road along side of us.

The team!!!

Look at that sky!

Hiking back with some Red Tzoa (sp..I always forget how to spell this) ladies.

A view from our hotel.

Rice fields

Clean water supply. A project finished by one of the first Vietnam teams.

Some Pictures from Our Bahama Cruise...FINALLY

2011-07-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Looking for sea glass...I was unsuccessful.

Isn't my husband handsome? Every time there's one of these picture cut-outs, I make him do it. BTW..the crocodile meat was delicious

I loved all the bright colors...yes, the water was that blue

A View From the Ship

My good friend let me borrow some clothes for the big event....She has good taste, right?

We had such a GREAT time. Wish I were back on that boat.

Maddie-Poo

2011-07-07T06:01:00.001-07:00

All this moving tired our little pooch out!

Lost

2011-07-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

My mom is the type of person who doesn't mind if she takes the long way...just as long as she gets there. I thought I'd adopt this attitude when I moved to NJ. So far, I've already been lost three times, and definitely have not acquired her happy-go-lucky nature towards "taking the long but scenic way."

We moved here on Friday. It's Wednesday. GPS...SHNEEPEENESS...It doesn't help the directionally challenged, especially when it is constantly searching for service..NJ doesn't seem to label their roads to well either....I'm just saying :)

Think of me as you effortlessly glide your way to work, Wal-Mart and Target. I'm sure I'll be on some back road, wishing I could find my way home:)

I can FINALLY upload pictures!!!

2011-07-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

Joel and I have been waiting for the big move to buy a new computer. This weekend we bought a mac. We love it. I'm especially excited to share our Vietnam pictures with you all soon. They are amazing and will make you all want to go!

It's All the Little Stuff....

2011-07-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

1. Driving a 26' Penske Truck with a car trailer from Virginia to NJ. done.
2. Unloading the 26' Penske truck into our house containing 2 flights of stairs. done.
3. Arranging all of our stuff without bickering (we don't bicker...we lovingly discuss in firm voices :). 2/3 done.
4. Locating the nearest apple store and driving 20 miles the wrong direction then discovering we were indeed driving the wrong direction. DONE.
5. Discussing the shelves that Caron does not like for the 15th time. done.
6. Enjoying the fact that we now have 2 1/2 bathrooms, including a master large enough to do somersaults in. continuing to be done.
7. Discovering it's all the little stuff that eats up money (trash cans and hand soap for those 2 1/2 baths...ect). Done.
8. Missing our Virginia friends. This will always be done!
9. Enjoying our new life adventure together...did, doing, will do and done!

"You Say Goodbye...I Say Hello..."

2011-06-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

My life is filled with good-byes right now. It's weird. I told a friend that it probably won't hit me until I'm riding in the Penske truck with Maddie sitting between Joel and I. Then I will be thinking, "What are we doing? We're leaving our friends, jobs, church and my sister?"
As of right now, I'm in survival mode. We are going on a service trip to Vietnam and trying to adjust our sleep schedule before hand. Watching the clock tick away the time until we can finally go to bed is not very much fun! Sometimes Joel and I bicker (who wouldn't when you're packing at 2 am?!?)...but during the great times we watch movies and shop for the big trip to that far away land. I'm so excited we get to share this adventure together before we start a new life in Jersey....Keep us in your prayers. We have a lot to do!

I'm Sad

2011-06-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

I've been starting to think about all the things I'm going to miss about this area...including my job. I'll admit there have been days when I've thought about running away and never looking back (not seriously...and those were probably the days when people have threatened to poop on me..). Now I'm sad. I work with a lot of great people who are willing to help. I pray that the next group of nurses I'm employed with will be as flexible and willing to work as a team. I've learned so much at my first nursing job. I'll never forget it or the people I worked with. Thanks to everyone who has helped me during my first year and 1/2 as an RN.

Boxin' It Up!!

2011-05-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today, I packed 8 boxes. They were small, but still, that is 8 less I will have to do in June. Joel is so happy I'm packing, and I'm ecstatic that he is making all the phone calls and financial decisions....I guess we knew what we were doing when we said "I Do!"

I really can't believe that we will be moving soon. I have four days left at my job. All we need now is for someone to rent our house....and really...it's so cute..who wouldn't want to rent this house?!

Shopping Commandments...

2011-05-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

The other weekend, Joel and I went shopping together. I'm usually very excited about these outings. I picture myself trying on lots of beautiful clothes with my husband heartily agreeing how great I look in that dress...shirt...whatever. Unfortunately, this is not how it happens. It seemed to happen when we were engaged, but not so much after we were married. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't think I look bad in what I try on but he just doesn't care to endure the whole shopping process anymore. boo. I like the shopping process. So, last time we scheduled a shopping outing I made him recite the shopping commandments. Here's what happened.

Me- "Repeat after me, babe...I, Joel, will not complain about staying in a store for too long."

Him-"I, Joel,....will not complain about staying in a store too long...if we don't stay in the store for too long."

Me- "That's NOT the shopping commandment."

Him-"Well, sometimes I get tired and I want to sit down...so I will not complain about staying in a store too long if there's a comfortable chair to lounge in."

Me-"But, I want your opinion....but FINE...whatever....Repeat this after me "I, Joel, will NOT complain about being tired and WILL have fun the ENTIRE time."

Joel-Ummm..I'm not repeating that.

Me-"BUT I WANT US TO HAVE A FUN TIME."

Joel-"Shopping makes me tired."

Me-"We've been planning this for WEEKS."

Joel-"Well, hopefully we will find stuff quickly."

Me-"Grrr..so much for my shopping commandments.....whatever...I love you...even though you drive me crazy sometimes."

Joel-"I love you too.."

We ended up having a great time...but I had to FORCE him to stay in Anne Taylor Loft. Don't I have an amazing husband? The fact that he even repeated part of my shopping commandments is amazing!

Paralyzed

2011-05-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you actually read my blog, you may have noticed that I've taken a little sabbatical. I thought after I was able to go "public" with our move to Jersey, I would be blogging non-stop. It's actually been quite the opposite as you may have noticed. There is something about moving that makes me really excited for the future, but also REALLY nostalgic for the past. I've begun thinking about the fact that we have to leave our church friends, and my sister. This is where Joel and I met, dated, and lived our first years of marriage together. I'm sad to leave our first house, my first job and our first community group. I'm also sad that the people we have grown close to the past few years won't be involved in our future (no-not pregnant right now) children's lives. I've even been selfish enough to think about the fact that I probably won't have a baby shower if we get pregnant in NJ, since no one will know us. I know, I'm selfish, right?!? Don't get me wrong, I am so excited to be a part of the community in NJ, but something about this move has paralyzed my bloggingness (a new word I made up). Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited about our move, but I've needed the last couple of months to mourn what were leaving behind! We love you Norfolk!

Jersey is for Lovers?

2011-03-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

So, Joel and I aren't going to be living in VA much longer. He is going to be principal at a school 20 miles from NYC (I listened to the Jay-z song featuring Alicia Keys about 800 times today. We're very excited. I can't believe I'll be living this close to NYC? A little MN native girl like me? What?!? I guess we'll have to change our blog name AGAIN!

My Unintentional Sociological Project

2011-03-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

I'm a nurse. This means that I wash my hands ALL of the time. I wear my flaky hands proudly, but unfortunately I'm not always allowed the same privilege with my wedding ring. One day I discovered the skin around my ring was macerating away due to constant moisture. Thus, I made the decision to go ringless to work. It was at this time that I noticed my male patients were acting much friendlier. I've also observed this uncommon friendliness out in the general public when i've forgotten to don my ring after working a long shift. Men seemed to be more willing to give up their place in line, open the door and start small conversations with me. So, here's my sociological question. Do you think that men are friendlier to women w/o rings OR am I more in tune with the politeness exhibited by strangers when I'm not wearing my wedding ring? Discuss.

Hmmm....Decisions

2011-02-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

Decisions....decisions. I've made a lot of them over the past few years. I've come to find that huge life changing ones are pretty easy for me to make. It's figuring out what to do on a Friday night that really throws me into a quandary. For example, I decided by the 3rd date that I would marry Joel if asked, yet I make him decide what we are going to do on our free weekends. I'm not sure if this is a personality flaw or an asset. I think I'll deem it a "flasset" (a mixture between a flaw and an asset). How do you feel about change. Does it excite you...or do you feel as though you need a dose of ativan in order to adjust to it?

Rowenas

2011-02-07T05:39:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure Rowenas sells the best pound cake ever. My friend just bought this store. You should check it out. They have a great selection of online gourmet foods.

Not Feelin' Witty...Just Real

2011-02-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

I'm at that point. 29 is staring me in the face and the second decade of my life is waving good-bye. Bleck. I want my 20-year old body back with the financial security that people my parents age enjoy. I'm shallow...aren't I? It's funny that as a teen, I thought that people my age didn't worry about extra chub on their hips or the clothes they wear. I was wrong. It just becomes more intense....Now, I not only worry about the extra chub on my hips, but I also think about my income and the life that my job will or will not afford me. Hmmm...I'm still just as shallow as I was when I was 16....if not more so.
Over the past few years, I've come to realize that I'm probably never going to stop worrying about my figure. I'll probably always feel slightly jealous that some of my friends don't have to work and STILL have a laundry room inside of their house. (Okay, maybe a little more than slightly). Yet, even though I struggle with the same old idols (with a few more added into the mix) I'm a little aware more aware of how awful my true nature really is. This is good, because it makes me realize how much I really need God's grace. So there's my non-witty, just feeling real post.

The Thoughts of A Horrible Cook....

2011-01-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

I tried to cook again today. I even wore the cute apron my best friend gave me for my birthday last year. I imagined I was a cute 50's wife with my hair all dolled up and beautiful. I pictured a spotless house with the table set and the oven timer sounding just as my incredibly handsome husband arrived home from work. Beautiful dream...Isn't it? Too bad my hair isn't fixed and I'm wearing sweat pants. Oh...and I almost forgot! It would be nice if I knew how to cook.

After a long two days of interviewing, I decided it would be nice if I made supper for my honey for once. My mind raced through easy but delightfully healthy meals that I could fix my husband in a crock pot. I landed on a whole chicken. How hard could that be? Well, I'm afraid it is EASY. I still had to call my mom.

Me-"Mom, what is the difference between table salt and kosher salt?
Mom-"Nothing...it's just a fancier type of salt."
Me-"Good...cause I already put it in the chicken...bye..gotta go... Love you!"

Me again.."Oh shoot...I was supposed to mix all of the spices together before I lathered the chicken in spices....now I have a spotty paprika, salted, Italian seasoned chicken with half of its skin hanging off (I got sick of trying to peel the skin off half way through). Maybe if I try to spread the spices around with this wooden spoon....gosh darn it...this isn't working either....why the HECK didn't they give me instructions to mix the spices together BEFORE instead of AFTER the list of ingredients....stupid recipe writers....hmmmmph...I'll just turn the crock pot on high...hopefully that will work."

Mmmm...bon appetit' my handsome husband! Hope you like your half skinned, spotty chicken I slaved away at!! I love you Joel!

Frusterated

2011-01-06T16:09:00.001-08:00

I haven't been posting lately because I can't figure out how to upload my photos from my iPad. It's definitely putting a damper on my blogging motivation. Someone help!

What Should I Do with My Wedding Dress...

2010-12-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

Per my mom's suggestion, I decided to write about my wedding dress. Currently it is tightly sealed in a very large box up in our guest bedroom. After I said "I do," I thought about selling it, but was quickly dissuaded by my sister. "Don't you remember looking at mom's dress when we were little?" I do recall these moments. I enjoyed the time spent with my mom and siblings, but I was always very glad when my mom said "Don't feel like you have to wear this dress!" So, for sentimental reasons I kept my dress. I'm beginning to have second thoughts. I may be able to get a pretty chunk of cash for my dress...and the longer I wait....the less likely I will be able to sell it. It's BEAUTIFUL. I LOVED wearing it, but I was also very glad when it was time to take it off (sheesh...those dresses aren't made for comfort). So, readers....what should I do? Keep it or sell it? What have you (or your wife) done with your dress?

Which Books Have You Read?

2010-11-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

Have you read more than 6 of these books? The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books listed here.

Instructions: Copy this into your NOTES.
Bold those books you've read in their entirety.
Italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read only an excerpt.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 1984-George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott-read to me...that counts..right?
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma-Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi- Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck~
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville Think I read this in Highschool--HATED IT!
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson BurnettRead to me
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray-read 600 pages and couldn't get any further
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazu Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

Read-29
Started-7...now what does that say about me? :)

That Makes Me Cry....

2010-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I'm really dismayed at the number of silly things that make me cry. The inevitable tears seem to pop up at the most unwanted of times. Sometimes I'm lucky, and just happen to be sitting on the couch watching an episode of glee (yes, I said GLEE)and the tears just start popping. As I sit there crying over the most unbelievable show ever made, I think how silly I am. I mean seriously, I shouldn't be crying over such a fictitious tv episode. I'm sure that my (almost) year of experience at work has made me much stronger in this regard (my co-workers could probably tell you that) Yet, if one of my foreign exchange students in sunday school say something touching and my eyes fill with tears, I feel really embarrassed. This makes me wonder why it is so shameful to cry? Okay, so I get that it's not cool to break down at work, but why shouldn't I be moved emotionally when others share their heart or difficulties. It seems weird that when others are telling me about the problems in their life, I'm worrying about holding back the tears. And that's my thought of the day. Have you ever had someone cry with you during a hard time? Were you glad that they did?

What Now?

2010-11-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ever since Joel finished his EDD, we've been asked a lot of questions. First of all, everyone wants to know what he plans on doing with his doctorate. THEN, everyone asks the big family planning question. "Are you going to have a baby soon?" I think this is such a funny inquiry.. I mean, what if I were already pregnant? How would I answer that? If I said "yes" it would take all the fun out of announcing it later. If I replied "no" I'd be lying (No, I'm really not pregnant right now..this is a what-if scenario I'm trying to work through) I think it's even weirder when people ask us if "we are trying or planning on trying soon" Next time I'm asked this, I'm going to play dumb and say "Trying what?" :)

Anyway, since this blog post is titled "What Now" I'm gonna give you a few highlights of the past couple months.

1. We stayed at Joels parents house while he passed his dissertation.
2. We stayed at the Tides Inn....AMAZING!
3. We traveled to SkyLand Drive.
4. I found an amazing sweater at Anne Taylor Loft for $8.
5. I ate the most amazing blueberry cobbler.
6. I learned what a springform pan is.
7. Norfolk Christian won state in Football. Go Ambassadors!
8. We bought an i-Pad. LOOOOOVE it!

Baking

2010-11-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

There's something about baking that makes a gal realize how much she still needs her mom. I've preformed CPR, called medical response teams and faced the scariest of neurosurgeons, but throw a pumpkin cheesecake recipe at me....and I call my mom. Springform cake pans and crunchy apples (see earlier blog) can really throw a 20 something year old gal for a loop.

My mom warned me as a teenager that I'd wish I knew how to cook when I was older, but I rolled my eyes and said "I'll marry a man who will do that for me." Fortunately, we were both right. Joel does do all the cooking, but usually the baking is considered my area of expertise. I'm so lucky to have a mom that will pick up her phone and answer obscure questions about the latest food I've tried to bake. Who else would put up with three phone calls about cheesecake?
I love you and miss you VERY much, mom!!! Thanks for answering all my crazy, frantic calls about the latest concoction I've been cooking up. I hope I can be as patient of a mother as you are someday!!

Yawn......

2010-11-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

Before Joel defended his dissertation, I came up with a list of hobbies Joel and I were going to start post-doctorate. I somehow thought we would be bored after the big defense. Well, I was wrong. We're both exhausted. Hence, my lack of blogging. Maybe someday I'll be like my sister-in-law, Liz, and blog everyday....but it will probably be awhile!

Just Call Him Doctor

2010-10-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my really smart hubby just passed his dissertation this weekend! He has a few minor revisions to make and then he will be done with school forever! I'm so proud of him.

I Miss The Internet!

2010-10-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a while because our computer died:( I have read half of Anna Karenina, though. Maybe not having the Internet is a good thing! We're hoping to get a new iPad soon. I will post more then! We have lots to share with you all!

Denial

2010-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

You know you are in denial about gaining weight when...

1. You attribute your jean tightness to the fact that you "just washed and dried them"

2. You believe those extra pounds on the scale are from "all that muscle your building."

3. You think your scale is suddenly inaccurate.

4. The doctors office scale "always weighs heavy anyway."

Computer CRASH!

2010-09-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Computer crash. That pretty much sums up why I have not been on facebook, blog or e-mail.

Who Says Norfolk is Ghetto??

2010-09-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Joel took me on a date to Botanical Gardens. Here are some of my favorite flowers.

I pretended to be a highschool senior. The rock just screamed highschool senior pic.

Joel striking a pose for me! It took me 15 tries to get the lighting right

Apparently, if you walk around this entire pond holding hands with your friend-you'll be friends for life. Joel and I skipped this tradition...we already know we'll be friends for life!! Hope you had as good of a holiday weekend as we did!

My Little Family

2010-09-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Aren't they they cutest? I love how fuzzy Maddie is in this pic.

I Want Them ALL!

2010-08-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Check out the bags my friend from church makes!! She's really good at sewing! Barefoot Bags.

I Wish I Knew You Then!

2010-08-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Chicago Marathon, 2005

Last night after a long day at work, I noticed an old photo of me on our kitchen table. I was gathering my race gear for the Chicago Marathon. On the back Joel wrote "I wish I knew you then!" Isn't Joel the sweetest?! Anyway, here I am after 26.2 miles of running...(I tore a ligament in my foot at mile 19...hence the pain in my expression :) Maybe if Joel had been in the picture then, I would've stretched after I ran or something healthy like that:)

All Time High!

2010-08-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Virginia REALLY is For Lovers!!, received a record number of hits. I am rather surprised, since it was only about an Olan Mills picture of my parents and I. I truly thought the photo of the family on the tree branch was much funnier! The overwhelmingly positive response to the picture posts has thus caused me to think about adding picture posts to our blog more often. Anybody have any funny pictures of Joel out there? I'd love to see them...and apparently so would the rest of the world!!

What I Do On My Days Off.....

2010-08-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

As my readers know...I'm not the most organized chica on the block. I've really been working on this problem over the past 2 years though. Today, I organized our coat closet. I took a pocket shoe holder and labeled each pocket in alphabetical order. (This used to be for Joel's shoes...but these pocket organizers definitely were not made for men's shoes...WAY tooo small). Here's the final product. I'm actually kind of proud of myself. Now I'll always know where my flashlight/matches/chapstick and ect are.

Why I hope Our Future Kids Look Like Joel :)

2010-08-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

Do you like my side french braid? I felt really pretty before this picture. I took the time to pick out a necklace and I even discarded my rusty, trusty black hair band that I wore to school every day. Thank you Olan Mills, for documenting what everyone in the church family looked like. If only you could have made us look good! I think there should be a website dedicated to you! Anyone else out there have some ugly pictures from church directories?

Which Would You CHOOSE?

2010-08-19T08:44:00.001-07:00

I came across an interesting poll today. Swag bucks gives out points for voting daily. The question they asked today was "If you had to choose one (and only ONE) of these modern day conveniences, which would you choose.

a) Running Water
b) Electricity
c) Internet
d) Phone

I chose electricity. I can't make it very long with out heat. Joel chose running water. I think both of these are logical answers, but 24% of people chose Internet? Yikes, we have some people with mixed up priorities in this world. Which would you choose and why?

Working OT

2010-08-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

This past month I decided to pick up some extra hours at work. I gleefully calculated all of the extra income I'd be providing for Joel and I. I imagined paying off school debt twice as fast and taking glorious trips over seas. I was almost excited to get up at 5 am and get ready for work. That was week one. Fast forward two weeks. Working 6 out of 8 days (12 hour shifts mind you) really takes a toll on a person. I've had the last two days off and pretty much slept through most of day one. I feel a little better today (says the girl who took a nap at 8:00 am), but am still exhausted. I guess there is a reason they pay people time and a half to work those extra hours. I'm trying to find a balance between working, keeping my house organized, spending time with Joel, and being social. I think I'm doing pretty well on the first three....but very badly on that last one. Ughhh...maybe someday I'll find that perfect balance!

Summer Reading

2010-08-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

I remember summer reading assignments when I was a K-12 student. Sitting still and inside was definitely not what I wanted to do, unless it meant watching sports on TV. The change I've seen in myself is yet another indication of old age. There is something especially comforting about a good book.

I've read 4 "pretty good" books this summer: Telegraph Days (McMurtry), Soccernomics (Kuper & Szymanski), the Alchemist (Coehlo), and Open (Agassi). Each different and well-written in its own right. Then I read Peace like a River (Enger). Since the onset of my newfound love of reading, I cannot remember a book so well written. For a person who never reads a book twice, I could read this book again. Have you ever read a book that was so good, that you couldn't bring yourself to return it to the used bookstore? Instead, you want to share the experience with others? Have you ever delayed the start of another book because you want to dwell on the characters as if you really knew or cared about them? My guess is you have and that these are your favorite books.

It's hard to find a good book these days. What criteria can one use to know what to read? Referrals from friends, bestseller lists, and familiar authors are what I use to decide, but these methods often fail me. So, when I picked this book up, after having read another of Enger's books, I was mildly anticipating the book. What a pleasant surprise it was. The reviews were actually true! The prose was as captivating as advertised. So, with reluctance, I begin Three Cups of Tea (Mortenson & Relin), and leave you with this recommendation, hoping you can escape to this almost-real world as I did.