I do not like being sick, I do not like it one bit! I am battling a sinus infection, AGAIN :( Still go the dizzy going on, too.
Even with that, I was in a good mood today! There was lot to celebrate! Today was the first day of our second semester. I can't believe that half of the school year is over!!! HOLY! Seems like only a blink. Before you know it, summer will be here! I can't wait for this summer; it's going to be a biggie!!!!
And, January is now over! YAHOO! I love February :) It's a busy month, but I still love it! This month means a move, the holiday of hearts, a couple of events, a couple of auctions, the production of my play, lots happening :) Let's hope that the goundhog does NOT see his shadow, and that we can kiss winter good-bye!
So, even though I don't feel super hot, I loved today being the end of January. I actually felt quite a bit of moxie!
KISS :)
2011/01/31
I heart the weekend!
Though this weekend felt like it zoomed by...it was a good one!
Friday night I was able to spend a couple of hours with my good friend Lorri. I always love our girl time :) I am excited to spend time with her and the family on Sunday for the Super Bowl!
Saturday was spent with lots of packing, sorting, and some moving. UGH. And, then I also finished reading the second book in the series I am reading right now. Uglies, check. Pretties, check. Specials, started!
Rick and I also found some fun tv reality shows to watch The Last American Cowboy and Boomtown, both on the Green Channel. We liked the Cowboy show more. But, it was fun to relax and discover these two new shows.
Sunday was spent doing much of the same as Saturday. So much work to move, ya know?! Then we have done a bunch of organizing at Rick's, and rearranging. We put up some bunk beds that I had at my house, and those are a chore, but well worth the smiles when it was all done!
I didn't recharge as much as I would have liked, but that won't happen for a couple of weeks. This upcoming week: WOOOO WEEEE, busy!
READY?
Dinner at the Breadline with my good friend Kris, and we are going to buy our hockey tickets! I am so excited!!!! Brownies, and we are kicking off cookie sales at the end of this week, oh my! Fiddle practice in Tonasket. Chiro appt (trying to still get the neck in order). The official move on Saturday. Cleaning and painting on Friday night. Dealing with all the loose ends (PUD, cable, etc.). Making treats for one of my classes (I owe them), and for my advisory group (but, I must confess, I am feeling like I will just be buying some sort of yummy). Monthly grocery shopping and meal planning. Benefit auction on Saturday night for Carol Downey (gotta make a lottery tree that I am donating). Super Bowl on Sunday (gotta make yummy food for that party). And, don't forget play practice (gathering props and painting set, too) and just normal life stuff like cooking, laundry, dishes, working, grading papers, you know! And, I am hoping to squeeze in a doctor's appointment for this sinus bit. Maybe reading...at least as I fall asleep.
I have about five other things, that I have moved to next week's list, because this week's is just toooooooo busy, which goes directly against my KEEP IT SIMPLE motto!
I can't wait until Sunday at the Super Bowl. AHHHHHH...that will be RELAX time :) KISS!
Friday night I was able to spend a couple of hours with my good friend Lorri. I always love our girl time :) I am excited to spend time with her and the family on Sunday for the Super Bowl!
Saturday was spent with lots of packing, sorting, and some moving. UGH. And, then I also finished reading the second book in the series I am reading right now. Uglies, check. Pretties, check. Specials, started!
Rick and I also found some fun tv reality shows to watch The Last American Cowboy and Boomtown, both on the Green Channel. We liked the Cowboy show more. But, it was fun to relax and discover these two new shows.
Sunday was spent doing much of the same as Saturday. So much work to move, ya know?! Then we have done a bunch of organizing at Rick's, and rearranging. We put up some bunk beds that I had at my house, and those are a chore, but well worth the smiles when it was all done!
I didn't recharge as much as I would have liked, but that won't happen for a couple of weeks. This upcoming week: WOOOO WEEEE, busy!
READY?
Dinner at the Breadline with my good friend Kris, and we are going to buy our hockey tickets! I am so excited!!!! Brownies, and we are kicking off cookie sales at the end of this week, oh my! Fiddle practice in Tonasket. Chiro appt (trying to still get the neck in order). The official move on Saturday. Cleaning and painting on Friday night. Dealing with all the loose ends (PUD, cable, etc.). Making treats for one of my classes (I owe them), and for my advisory group (but, I must confess, I am feeling like I will just be buying some sort of yummy). Monthly grocery shopping and meal planning. Benefit auction on Saturday night for Carol Downey (gotta make a lottery tree that I am donating). Super Bowl on Sunday (gotta make yummy food for that party). And, don't forget play practice (gathering props and painting set, too) and just normal life stuff like cooking, laundry, dishes, working, grading papers, you know! And, I am hoping to squeeze in a doctor's appointment for this sinus bit. Maybe reading...at least as I fall asleep.
I have about five other things, that I have moved to next week's list, because this week's is just toooooooo busy, which goes directly against my KEEP IT SIMPLE motto!
I can't wait until Sunday at the Super Bowl. AHHHHHH...that will be RELAX time :) KISS!
Monday already?
Not feeling to full of moxie this morning, especially since I awoke with a headache! Dang sinus stuff.
I am in a decent mood, even with the pain, and I have lots to jabber about. I will write more tonight :)
KISS!
I am in a decent mood, even with the pain, and I have lots to jabber about. I will write more tonight :)
KISS!
2011/01/28
Fav-or-ite!
My escape would be reality tv shows. I love them! I know they are not real. But, it's still fun to watch. Here's my most top ten list, though not necessarily in any order.
Biggest Loser
Pawn Stars
American Pickers
Flying Wild
Real Housewives (all the cities)
Bachelorette/Bachelor
Top Chef
Top Show
Sister Wives
Sarah Palin's Alaska
And, other shows I enjoy :)Though don't always watch, thank goodness for my DVR!
Glee
Bones
House
48 Hours
American Idol (I realize these last two are probably technically reality shows, but I consider them a little different)
CSI
Law and Order
Two and Half Men
Raymond
The Office
Lie to Me
The Good Wife
Favorite series
Weeds
Tudors
Deadwood
Dexter
Dead Like Me
Spartacus
Californication
Prison Break
6 Feet Under
Big Love
Thank goodness for an escape when my mind needs a break :) I love a good story! KISS
Biggest Loser
Pawn Stars
American Pickers
Flying Wild
Real Housewives (all the cities)
Bachelorette/Bachelor
Top Chef
Top Show
Sister Wives
Sarah Palin's Alaska
And, other shows I enjoy :)Though don't always watch, thank goodness for my DVR!
Glee
Bones
House
48 Hours
American Idol (I realize these last two are probably technically reality shows, but I consider them a little different)
CSI
Law and Order
Two and Half Men
Raymond
The Office
Lie to Me
The Good Wife
Favorite series
Weeds
Tudors
Deadwood
Dexter
Dead Like Me
Spartacus
Californication
Prison Break
6 Feet Under
Big Love
Thank goodness for an escape when my mind needs a break :) I love a good story! KISS
2011/01/27
Feeling rather thankful :)
It's been a thankful sort of week! Last Friday night at the Cascade vs. Okanogan basketball game, the National Honor Society group that advise ran a Duct Tape Dollars fundraiser for Marty Staggs, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
We made $452 in under ten minutes! It was so awesome to see people participating!! It was cool that Cascade folks added to the tape, too!! It made me very appreciative.
I am also thankful that I was able to give two twin beds away to a family, who recently added an extra teenager to their home. We loaded them up yesterday afternoon, and I'm excited that the beds have a new, and much needed, home. As well, it's one less thing I have to worry about in my house that I am packing up!
So, today I slept in an hour :) I have a meeting in Chelan. I am thankful for the extra sleep, for the different schedule today, for the fact that I have a GREAT substitute, and that the meeting is at Campbell's which has super yummy food!!
It's all good! Remember find the thankful in your day! KISS
We made $452 in under ten minutes! It was so awesome to see people participating!! It was cool that Cascade folks added to the tape, too!! It made me very appreciative.
I am also thankful that I was able to give two twin beds away to a family, who recently added an extra teenager to their home. We loaded them up yesterday afternoon, and I'm excited that the beds have a new, and much needed, home. As well, it's one less thing I have to worry about in my house that I am packing up!
So, today I slept in an hour :) I have a meeting in Chelan. I am thankful for the extra sleep, for the different schedule today, for the fact that I have a GREAT substitute, and that the meeting is at Campbell's which has super yummy food!!
It's all good! Remember find the thankful in your day! KISS
2011/01/26
What's in a name?
I love words, as you know by now. I am a word nerd, and proud of it! I think words are fun. I love to learn new words, and I especially love to learn their etymology. Sometimes the history of a word is even more interesting than the word itself!
The problem when you are a word nerd is that if you use words that other people have never even heard of they think you are showing off or they simply don't know what you are talking about.
I was also thinking about the power of words. I think so many words have been used and abused that they don't mean as much as they are supposed to mean. Like, "sorry." How many times do we hear that in a day, and how many times is it even genuine? I save my "sorry" for when I really need it, really mean it.
How about when people ask you how you are? They expect a simple answer, and are they REALLY wanting to know how you are doing? I remember when one day I decided to answer the how are you question with, "My pet parrot died." Of course, I did not have a pet parrot, nor did it die. But, you would not believe how many people initially responded with something like, "That's good." Or, something to that nature, and then realized after they spoke what I really said. Definitely words can be used mindlessly :(
Or, how about when we make a word have more power than it deserves? When we use words to hurt people? I can think of all sorts of examples, none that I choose to use right here, but you know what I am talking about. What if we made all those words lose their power? What if we decided that they meant the opposite of what they mean?
I also think Old Shakes had it right when he questioned about the rose, and would it not be a rose, have rose qualities, smell so sweet, if we called it something else?
Oh, words, you are so complex. How do you make my life more simple, I wonder? I guess you allow me to communicate, even if sometimes I am misunderstood. Well, with that I will use one last word: KISS!
The problem when you are a word nerd is that if you use words that other people have never even heard of they think you are showing off or they simply don't know what you are talking about.
I was also thinking about the power of words. I think so many words have been used and abused that they don't mean as much as they are supposed to mean. Like, "sorry." How many times do we hear that in a day, and how many times is it even genuine? I save my "sorry" for when I really need it, really mean it.
How about when people ask you how you are? They expect a simple answer, and are they REALLY wanting to know how you are doing? I remember when one day I decided to answer the how are you question with, "My pet parrot died." Of course, I did not have a pet parrot, nor did it die. But, you would not believe how many people initially responded with something like, "That's good." Or, something to that nature, and then realized after they spoke what I really said. Definitely words can be used mindlessly :(
Or, how about when we make a word have more power than it deserves? When we use words to hurt people? I can think of all sorts of examples, none that I choose to use right here, but you know what I am talking about. What if we made all those words lose their power? What if we decided that they meant the opposite of what they mean?
I also think Old Shakes had it right when he questioned about the rose, and would it not be a rose, have rose qualities, smell so sweet, if we called it something else?
Oh, words, you are so complex. How do you make my life more simple, I wonder? I guess you allow me to communicate, even if sometimes I am misunderstood. Well, with that I will use one last word: KISS!
2011/01/25
This I Believe
I love NPR. I love the series, This I Believe! Whether it's light-hearted though thoughtful like always treating the pizza dude right, or it's serious and deep, I love listening to the essays.
With my 7th graders, I always have them listen to a few of my favorite younger people essays, and my most favorite is an incredible little boy, who for his kindergarten's 100th day of class brought in 100 beliefs rather than 100 marbles or pieces of cereal. Of course, for the radio air time, they shortened his down to 30 (which is how many I have the kiddos write). You can hear his essay HERE.
You should definitely look around a the essays! Some are from famous people, some are from us regular folks, too. They are about all sorts of topics, and from all ages. You could even submit your essay, and maybe you would be chosen and recorded and played on NPR. (If that happens, let me know, OK?)
I have yet to submit one. It's on my list to do some day when I write the essay I want to submit :) But, for now, I will give you my thirty truths that I feel right this moment.
1) I believe that you can't make every person happy.
2) I believe perfectionism is a disease.
3) I believe music makes everything OK.
4) I believe nature is spirtual.
5) I believe you can really do whatever you set your heart to do.
6) I believe forgiveness is freedom more for the person who gives it.
7) I believe all wounds can heal, some just take a lot longer.
8) I believe love does make the world go around.
9) I believe animals can be family, too.
10)I believe losing weight is my life lesson.
11)I believe everyone has a talent.
12)I believe family isn't just blood.
13)I believe kindness is necessary.
14)I believe cooking is joyful.
15)I believe people can change their minds.
16)I believe friendship is true.
17)I believe everyone should spend more time outside.
18)I believe natural foods taste better.
19)I believe gas shouldn't be so expensive.
20)I believe everyone should have a passion.
21)I believe surprises rock.
22)I believe I will write a novel someday.
23)I believe people should move more.
24)I believe everyone should work at a job that they love.
25)I believe we should learn to forgive ourselves.
26)I believe I am a dreamer.
27)I believe some people should not be parents.
28)I believe technology makes our life busier.
29)I believe all houses should have big huge porches.
30)I believe life can be simple.
And, with that, KISS!
With my 7th graders, I always have them listen to a few of my favorite younger people essays, and my most favorite is an incredible little boy, who for his kindergarten's 100th day of class brought in 100 beliefs rather than 100 marbles or pieces of cereal. Of course, for the radio air time, they shortened his down to 30 (which is how many I have the kiddos write). You can hear his essay HERE.
You should definitely look around a the essays! Some are from famous people, some are from us regular folks, too. They are about all sorts of topics, and from all ages. You could even submit your essay, and maybe you would be chosen and recorded and played on NPR. (If that happens, let me know, OK?)
I have yet to submit one. It's on my list to do some day when I write the essay I want to submit :) But, for now, I will give you my thirty truths that I feel right this moment.
1) I believe that you can't make every person happy.
2) I believe perfectionism is a disease.
3) I believe music makes everything OK.
4) I believe nature is spirtual.
5) I believe you can really do whatever you set your heart to do.
6) I believe forgiveness is freedom more for the person who gives it.
7) I believe all wounds can heal, some just take a lot longer.
8) I believe love does make the world go around.
9) I believe animals can be family, too.
10)I believe losing weight is my life lesson.
11)I believe everyone has a talent.
12)I believe family isn't just blood.
13)I believe kindness is necessary.
14)I believe cooking is joyful.
15)I believe people can change their minds.
16)I believe friendship is true.
17)I believe everyone should spend more time outside.
18)I believe natural foods taste better.
19)I believe gas shouldn't be so expensive.
20)I believe everyone should have a passion.
21)I believe surprises rock.
22)I believe I will write a novel someday.
23)I believe people should move more.
24)I believe everyone should work at a job that they love.
25)I believe we should learn to forgive ourselves.
26)I believe I am a dreamer.
27)I believe some people should not be parents.
28)I believe technology makes our life busier.
29)I believe all houses should have big huge porches.
30)I believe life can be simple.
And, with that, KISS!
2011/01/24
Making My Moxie MOVE
You know how people often say, if they could just bottle a kid's energy? Seriously, I would love to store a bunch of my moxie! Sort of like a solar power system storing up energy for later.
Sometimes finding inspiring people can give you that little extra moxie when you need it. Like when I was walking up Robinson Canyon yesterday, and I just wanted to stop and take a breather (literally), and instead I imagined myself on the Biggest Loser show, with the trainer yelling at me that I could do it. No break for me, I made it all the way up and kept on moving, even increasing my speed once I hit the flats.
I recently read this article! I love reading about women who inspire me to be better!
I have recently been watching I Used to be Fat on MTV, which highlights young people who spend a summer and lose big time!! You really see their moxie shine through!!!!!
I know that losing weight will make my life less BIG. It does simplify things!! Not to mention, that it increases one's moxie! RIGHT?!
I just feel so full of energy! THIS is going to be a good week I am making life lighter both in weight and in packing up my house! Look out, I'm revving up! KISS!!!
Sometimes finding inspiring people can give you that little extra moxie when you need it. Like when I was walking up Robinson Canyon yesterday, and I just wanted to stop and take a breather (literally), and instead I imagined myself on the Biggest Loser show, with the trainer yelling at me that I could do it. No break for me, I made it all the way up and kept on moving, even increasing my speed once I hit the flats.
I recently read this article! I love reading about women who inspire me to be better!
I have recently been watching I Used to be Fat on MTV, which highlights young people who spend a summer and lose big time!! You really see their moxie shine through!!!!!
I know that losing weight will make my life less BIG. It does simplify things!! Not to mention, that it increases one's moxie! RIGHT?!
I just feel so full of energy! THIS is going to be a good week I am making life lighter both in weight and in packing up my house! Look out, I'm revving up! KISS!!!
2011/01/23
Splendiferous!
I had a splendid weekend :)
We had the mini-cheer camp on Friday, and I was running concessions with my National Honor Society group. We also had our Duct Tape Dollars, in particular, Money for Marty. We were raising money for Marty Staggs (recently diagnosed with cancer). I LOVE OUR COMMUNITY!!! We raised $451.60 in ten minutes. It was super cool how the Cascade people were also very generous :)
Then Saturday we had set work. All of our flats are up, now we just have to paint and collect our props! I love how everything starts coming together. A lot of work, but a big pay-off in the end.
Ricky and I decided to hit up some movies this weekend. We calculated that if we went to one movie at night time, admission would be $15.00, but if we went to two movies at matinee time, that's only $20.00. SO, we watched True Grit on Saturday and The Dilemna on Sunday. I liked True Grit. I am a Duke fan, but I liked this version, too, and glad it was a little different. The Dilemna was good, too. Funny and serious, a lot like The Breakup. On our way home, Ricky and I talked about who we would tell in the situation Vince was in. I'm just glad it's a dilemna I don't have to deal with!
Also, today I went for a nice long walk down and up Robinson Canyon. It was awesome! I really was sweating :) The weather was great; I love the fresh air and the blue skies. I am also truly in love with my i-pod! It makes exercising so much more easy. I was singing and even dancing along the way. I'm sure I was quite the sight :)
I finished reading Uglies, and started the second book in the series, Pretties. I accomplished a few things on my to do list, too. So, all in all, it was a good weekend!! Hope your weekend was splendid, too! KISS
We had the mini-cheer camp on Friday, and I was running concessions with my National Honor Society group. We also had our Duct Tape Dollars, in particular, Money for Marty. We were raising money for Marty Staggs (recently diagnosed with cancer). I LOVE OUR COMMUNITY!!! We raised $451.60 in ten minutes. It was super cool how the Cascade people were also very generous :)
Then Saturday we had set work. All of our flats are up, now we just have to paint and collect our props! I love how everything starts coming together. A lot of work, but a big pay-off in the end.
Ricky and I decided to hit up some movies this weekend. We calculated that if we went to one movie at night time, admission would be $15.00, but if we went to two movies at matinee time, that's only $20.00. SO, we watched True Grit on Saturday and The Dilemna on Sunday. I liked True Grit. I am a Duke fan, but I liked this version, too, and glad it was a little different. The Dilemna was good, too. Funny and serious, a lot like The Breakup. On our way home, Ricky and I talked about who we would tell in the situation Vince was in. I'm just glad it's a dilemna I don't have to deal with!
Also, today I went for a nice long walk down and up Robinson Canyon. It was awesome! I really was sweating :) The weather was great; I love the fresh air and the blue skies. I am also truly in love with my i-pod! It makes exercising so much more easy. I was singing and even dancing along the way. I'm sure I was quite the sight :)
I finished reading Uglies, and started the second book in the series, Pretties. I accomplished a few things on my to do list, too. So, all in all, it was a good weekend!! Hope your weekend was splendid, too! KISS
2011/01/21
On the 8th day...
I often wish we had an eighth day of the week. A day taht would just be a free day. I know, I know, that's what our weekends are supposed to be, but generally most of us have a huge to do list that we save or can only do on our two days off from work.
So, on this 8th day of the week, that I dub Freeday, you wouldn't have to do anything or feel obligated to do anything at all. I realize for the sake of normalcy, we would probably have to have people have this Freeday on different days, since technically we can't have the whole world on hold on the same day.
But, this is my wish, so on my Freeday, I have a bunch of favorite things that I would do.
On one Freeday I might watch an entire television series on Netflix, maybe four seasons of said series!
Or, I would read a book for the day, swinging in a hammock.
Maybe it would be nap day one week, and I would just sleep all day long.
I also love riding my horse, and usually when we go, it is an all day affair. I do feel like it's Freeday when I am out on Joe.
Let's not forget riding my motorcycle! I can't wait for the snow to be gone and the days to be warm, so I can ride my new motorcycle, and I can't wait to ride all day long!!!
I could see myself spending one Freeday pampering myself: pedicure, massage, hot tub, big fluffy robe. You get the drift. This day could certainly be shared with friends :)
Hmmmm...maybe I don't have as many Freedays as I would like, but I realize I do have a lot in my year.
I wish this weekend wasn't so busy. I would love a Freeday, but it's going to have to wait probably for a couple of months.
Happy Friday, KISS!
So, on this 8th day of the week, that I dub Freeday, you wouldn't have to do anything or feel obligated to do anything at all. I realize for the sake of normalcy, we would probably have to have people have this Freeday on different days, since technically we can't have the whole world on hold on the same day.
But, this is my wish, so on my Freeday, I have a bunch of favorite things that I would do.
On one Freeday I might watch an entire television series on Netflix, maybe four seasons of said series!
Or, I would read a book for the day, swinging in a hammock.
Maybe it would be nap day one week, and I would just sleep all day long.
I also love riding my horse, and usually when we go, it is an all day affair. I do feel like it's Freeday when I am out on Joe.
Let's not forget riding my motorcycle! I can't wait for the snow to be gone and the days to be warm, so I can ride my new motorcycle, and I can't wait to ride all day long!!!
I could see myself spending one Freeday pampering myself: pedicure, massage, hot tub, big fluffy robe. You get the drift. This day could certainly be shared with friends :)
Hmmmm...maybe I don't have as many Freedays as I would like, but I realize I do have a lot in my year.
I wish this weekend wasn't so busy. I would love a Freeday, but it's going to have to wait probably for a couple of months.
Happy Friday, KISS!
2011/01/20
Simple thanks...
Today's list is sorta silly, but still thoughtful!
I am thankful that my neck is feeling better and the dizziness, though not gone, is subsiding a bit.
I am thankful for the sunshine the last few days, especially since it doesn't look so promising today!
I am thankful that the American Idol judges were a pleasant surprise last night!
I am thankful for having a good attitude yesterday, even when the day felt like it had the potential to SUCK :)
I am thankful, VERY thankful, that this is a short week, and today is already THURSDAY!!
KISS :)
I am thankful that my neck is feeling better and the dizziness, though not gone, is subsiding a bit.
I am thankful for the sunshine the last few days, especially since it doesn't look so promising today!
I am thankful that the American Idol judges were a pleasant surprise last night!
I am thankful for having a good attitude yesterday, even when the day felt like it had the potential to SUCK :)
I am thankful, VERY thankful, that this is a short week, and today is already THURSDAY!!
KISS :)
2011/01/19
I know it's word day, but...
I stumbled upon this story, and I just had to share it! Get your tissues out (happy and sad)! Read the comments, too!
2011/01/18
Today's Truisms
What I think and believe to be true...
Surprises are spectacular :) Both giving AND receiving, though I have been giving a surprise a week since the new year. It's fun! It makes my heart feel all happy.
Random acts of kindness rock! Same thing, being responsible for random acts of kindness (of course, anonymously) or being on the receiving end of said random act (especially anonymously). I have decided that I will be the giver of random random acts of kindness throughout the year, at least once a month.
Free things are fantastical. I love it when I can buy one thing and get another free. This just happened to me with meat at Safeway. Or, I love it when I have a free coffee for filling up my coffee card.
Our stuff weighs us down. Throwing stuff out and organizing what's left makes me feel a million pounds lighter! It's just like weight, that as soon as you lose some, you have more energy. I get this!!
Get outside! I definitely believe that we should spend quality time outside, not just the in and out of our cars and houses and jobs time. We need the fresh air!
Simple things matter more. I love receiving a card or a homemade present more than anything bought in a store. Yes, I realize that gifts are nice, too, but often it ends up being a part of that stuff that weighs us down. This year my 8th grade students wrote a project that ended up with the potential to be a present. I had several of the receivers of this present personally notify me and tell me that it was THE BEST gift they had ever received. This even works for food. Think about when you are way up in the mountains and you eat some nuts or a piece of fruit and how simple and just right it is. I have come to realize that SIMPLE THINGS MATTER MORE and that making life simple makes life better.
KISS
Surprises are spectacular :) Both giving AND receiving, though I have been giving a surprise a week since the new year. It's fun! It makes my heart feel all happy.
Random acts of kindness rock! Same thing, being responsible for random acts of kindness (of course, anonymously) or being on the receiving end of said random act (especially anonymously). I have decided that I will be the giver of random random acts of kindness throughout the year, at least once a month.
Free things are fantastical. I love it when I can buy one thing and get another free. This just happened to me with meat at Safeway. Or, I love it when I have a free coffee for filling up my coffee card.
Our stuff weighs us down. Throwing stuff out and organizing what's left makes me feel a million pounds lighter! It's just like weight, that as soon as you lose some, you have more energy. I get this!!
Get outside! I definitely believe that we should spend quality time outside, not just the in and out of our cars and houses and jobs time. We need the fresh air!
Simple things matter more. I love receiving a card or a homemade present more than anything bought in a store. Yes, I realize that gifts are nice, too, but often it ends up being a part of that stuff that weighs us down. This year my 8th grade students wrote a project that ended up with the potential to be a present. I had several of the receivers of this present personally notify me and tell me that it was THE BEST gift they had ever received. This even works for food. Think about when you are way up in the mountains and you eat some nuts or a piece of fruit and how simple and just right it is. I have come to realize that SIMPLE THINGS MATTER MORE and that making life simple makes life better.
KISS
2011/01/17
P.S.
My Monday ended up full of more moxie than I expected :) It was a slow start, which can be a really good thing, and definitely directly connects with my theme of simplicity!
I did a country-line dancing video for thirty minutes, and that ended up in tons of fun and sweat :)
I did more packing, and more moving. Each little bit feels that much closer to making life less hectic. I will be glad when it's all done in a couple of weeks!
Play practice was fun! It's such a funny show, and I feel so ALIVE and full of energy when I am at rehearsals!
So, in the end, I had more moxie hiding out inside of me afterall! KISS!
I did a country-line dancing video for thirty minutes, and that ended up in tons of fun and sweat :)
I did more packing, and more moving. Each little bit feels that much closer to making life less hectic. I will be glad when it's all done in a couple of weeks!
Play practice was fun! It's such a funny show, and I feel so ALIVE and full of energy when I am at rehearsals!
So, in the end, I had more moxie hiding out inside of me afterall! KISS!
Moxie Monday
It feels like the weeks are zipping by! I can hardly believe that this is my third Moxie Monday of the year!
Today I feel lazy. We have no school in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and I don't feel as sassy as on a normal Monday!
I will be busy today with drama rehearsal and packing up a few more boxes at my house. I also want to squeeze in some exercise.
Maybe once I have my coffee or get those endorphins going, maybe then I will feel like Miss Moxie!
Or, maybe my moxie today is to be mellow...KISS!
Today I feel lazy. We have no school in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and I don't feel as sassy as on a normal Monday!
I will be busy today with drama rehearsal and packing up a few more boxes at my house. I also want to squeeze in some exercise.
Maybe once I have my coffee or get those endorphins going, maybe then I will feel like Miss Moxie!
Or, maybe my moxie today is to be mellow...KISS!
2011/01/16
Weekend Wrap-up
It was a good weekend, and thankfully it's a longer one with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It was busy, but relaxing at the same time...I know, I know, OXYMORON!
Saturday we went ice skating up in Winthrop, which was a blast! Make sure you call ahead because warm days will close it down. We really didn't think we were going to get to go, since it was 40 degrees, but in the end, the rink held out! I forgot how much I LOVE to ice skate, and I am so thankful I didn't fall!!
Then Sunday, I decided to go for a long walk! I went over 4 miles, and it was great weather. I feel so alive when I am out there walking and enjoying the sunshine.
Of course, it was serendipitous that I happened to walk a different route that I ended up walking by a storage unit place that is close to our house. I didn't even know it was there!
So, that brings me to another part of making my life follow along the simplicity road. I did spend some time packing, moving, and unpacking stuff from my house up to Rick's.
I will be so glad when that is all finished. Things happened to fall into place, and someone will be moving into my place in February, which really makes my life simpler, as I had a lease until April.
But, my oh my, I DETEST moving. THOUGH, with this direction in life, I am definitely going to part with some things, and I am not keeping storage longer than June.
The plan is to keep working on Rick's house (when it's ready and done, I will feel like it's "our" house), and then have a huge yard sale between some of his junk and my (and, my parents) stuff soon to be in storage.
That's the plan! And, it feels good to have it. What a nice way to end my thirties!
Saturday we went ice skating up in Winthrop, which was a blast! Make sure you call ahead because warm days will close it down. We really didn't think we were going to get to go, since it was 40 degrees, but in the end, the rink held out! I forgot how much I LOVE to ice skate, and I am so thankful I didn't fall!!
Then Sunday, I decided to go for a long walk! I went over 4 miles, and it was great weather. I feel so alive when I am out there walking and enjoying the sunshine.
Of course, it was serendipitous that I happened to walk a different route that I ended up walking by a storage unit place that is close to our house. I didn't even know it was there!
So, that brings me to another part of making my life follow along the simplicity road. I did spend some time packing, moving, and unpacking stuff from my house up to Rick's.
I will be so glad when that is all finished. Things happened to fall into place, and someone will be moving into my place in February, which really makes my life simpler, as I had a lease until April.
But, my oh my, I DETEST moving. THOUGH, with this direction in life, I am definitely going to part with some things, and I am not keeping storage longer than June.
The plan is to keep working on Rick's house (when it's ready and done, I will feel like it's "our" house), and then have a huge yard sale between some of his junk and my (and, my parents) stuff soon to be in storage.
That's the plan! And, it feels good to have it. What a nice way to end my thirties!
2011/01/14
Favorite Friday!
I decided this week to highlight some of my favorite blogs. I have a rather long blogroll, so I figured I would choose ten, as I can always highlight others one another week!
What all of THESE blogs have in common is their nature: INSPIRING! Whether the blog makes me reflect and appreciate my life or makes me want to CREATE, they all inspire me in some way or the other.
Lumps and Lipstick. I read this blog the most often. Dori reminds me to appreciate my life and the health of all of those I love. Reading her blog, I usually smile, laugh, and cry. I especially love her candid way of writing. She's definitely a says-it-like-it-is kind of gal!
sixtypiggies. I am in awe of what this lady accomplishes. I love everything about this blog: the ideas, pictures, design, creative ideas!
Can’t Stop Making Things This blog inspires me and makes me want to create!!! I love all the ideas that are doable and genius! SUPER cool :)
Now That’s an Improvement I know the author of this blog, and this lady CAN write! I love the concept behind this year's blog, such a thoughtful project! I also loved her blog from last year:
My Year with Robert Downey.
Leanne Collier Photography I also personally know this woman, and I LOVE her photography! She's so talented and creative and real!
A Year of Slow-Cooking Can you say YUMMY? I have tried out a few of these recipes, and I love cooking, and I love my Slow Cooker, sooooo...super blog!
The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl I enjoy reading blogs about weight loss. I read the book that was published from this blog. That was cool to have it in that format. This gal is real, and she battles that weight coming back, which I totally get!
My Natural Weight Loss I have recently started following this blog, and I LOVE the recipes!! Fun blog, inspiring, useful, all that!
But You Have Such A Pretty Face This is another blog I have recently started reading, and I enjoy it, too! Just keeps ya motivated :)
Like I said, I read lots of different blogs! I probably have another ten blogs that I peruse regularly. That's it for today, KISS!
What all of THESE blogs have in common is their nature: INSPIRING! Whether the blog makes me reflect and appreciate my life or makes me want to CREATE, they all inspire me in some way or the other.
Lumps and Lipstick. I read this blog the most often. Dori reminds me to appreciate my life and the health of all of those I love. Reading her blog, I usually smile, laugh, and cry. I especially love her candid way of writing. She's definitely a says-it-like-it-is kind of gal!
sixtypiggies. I am in awe of what this lady accomplishes. I love everything about this blog: the ideas, pictures, design, creative ideas!
Can’t Stop Making Things This blog inspires me and makes me want to create!!! I love all the ideas that are doable and genius! SUPER cool :)
Now That’s an Improvement I know the author of this blog, and this lady CAN write! I love the concept behind this year's blog, such a thoughtful project! I also loved her blog from last year:
My Year with Robert Downey.
Leanne Collier Photography I also personally know this woman, and I LOVE her photography! She's so talented and creative and real!
A Year of Slow-Cooking Can you say YUMMY? I have tried out a few of these recipes, and I love cooking, and I love my Slow Cooker, sooooo...super blog!
The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl I enjoy reading blogs about weight loss. I read the book that was published from this blog. That was cool to have it in that format. This gal is real, and she battles that weight coming back, which I totally get!
My Natural Weight Loss I have recently started following this blog, and I LOVE the recipes!! Fun blog, inspiring, useful, all that!
But You Have Such A Pretty Face This is another blog I have recently started reading, and I enjoy it, too! Just keeps ya motivated :)
Like I said, I read lots of different blogs! I probably have another ten blogs that I peruse regularly. That's it for today, KISS!
2011/01/13
TRULY Thankful
I haven't been feeling well this week. I woke up Sunday unable to turn my neck the whole way, and then by Tuesday it was crazy swollen. I did go to the chiro, and felt better yesterday. I had a massage last night, and I was feeling like I was definitely on the upswing. This morning I woke up early and really sick, light-headed, dizzy, nauseated. I even tossed my cookies.
I went to school, bound and determined. But, after getting sick there, too, I knew I would have to go home. I was able to get a GREAT sub on short notice (LUCKY)! And, I quickly wrote up sub plans, and left feeling very guilty, as I had several things I had to do today!
I rescheduled one thing, but I really didn't want to have to cancel drama practice. Thankfully one of my co-workers agreed to supervise, so that's covered!
I am thankful for the fact that I have a zillion sick hours and don't have to worry about being off when I really need to be. I am thankful that my principal is so caring and concerned. I am thankful that I had a SUPER sub today. I am thankful that our secretary did some extra favors for me to help me feel less guilty and stressed about going home. I am thankful that my co-worker was willing to cover my drama practice!! I am thankful that I came home and slept for hours. I am thankful that I feel better now (though still dizzy and my neck is still swollen). I am thankful that tomorrow I have another chiro appt.
I am thankful that I had the energy to write this thankful blog!! This morning I felt so terrible that I figured I would be skipping it today!!! KISS
I went to school, bound and determined. But, after getting sick there, too, I knew I would have to go home. I was able to get a GREAT sub on short notice (LUCKY)! And, I quickly wrote up sub plans, and left feeling very guilty, as I had several things I had to do today!
I rescheduled one thing, but I really didn't want to have to cancel drama practice. Thankfully one of my co-workers agreed to supervise, so that's covered!
I am thankful for the fact that I have a zillion sick hours and don't have to worry about being off when I really need to be. I am thankful that my principal is so caring and concerned. I am thankful that I had a SUPER sub today. I am thankful that our secretary did some extra favors for me to help me feel less guilty and stressed about going home. I am thankful that my co-worker was willing to cover my drama practice!! I am thankful that I came home and slept for hours. I am thankful that I feel better now (though still dizzy and my neck is still swollen). I am thankful that tomorrow I have another chiro appt.
I am thankful that I had the energy to write this thankful blog!! This morning I felt so terrible that I figured I would be skipping it today!!! KISS
2011/01/12
Wondrous Words
I can't believe it's already Wednesday! Geez, Louise, this week is scooting by so quickly.
Here we are to Wednesday Words. Speaking of words (tee hee), I only have one word that I can honestly say that I don't and won't say. That would be the "N" word. Have you heard the news about the publisher in Australia who is going to publish Mark Twain's Huck Finn sans the "N" word. Now, even though I won't say the word (my own personal upbringing, as my dad's family is all from southern Texas), I still can't believe that they would change the book. I do believe it has a purpose in the text, and it truly shows the racism. I don't feel that it glorifies it at all. Well, that's my opinion.
Words, such a funny thing, how powerful they are. Why do we give some words more power than other words?
Well, enough seriousness over words. Today I am giving you a list of my favorite silly words :) I use them all, and I just love the sound of them!
No particular order or reason to the words, other than they make me smile :) Some of the words make me think of certain people. And, they I've said it. KISS
Here we are to Wednesday Words. Speaking of words (tee hee), I only have one word that I can honestly say that I don't and won't say. That would be the "N" word. Have you heard the news about the publisher in Australia who is going to publish Mark Twain's Huck Finn sans the "N" word. Now, even though I won't say the word (my own personal upbringing, as my dad's family is all from southern Texas), I still can't believe that they would change the book. I do believe it has a purpose in the text, and it truly shows the racism. I don't feel that it glorifies it at all. Well, that's my opinion.
Words, such a funny thing, how powerful they are. Why do we give some words more power than other words?
Well, enough seriousness over words. Today I am giving you a list of my favorite silly words :) I use them all, and I just love the sound of them!
woebegone
froufrou
glabrous
squabble
spoonerism
chortle
zoiks
yahoo (usually followed by buckeroo)
scuttlebut
galumph
canoodle
No particular order or reason to the words, other than they make me smile :) Some of the words make me think of certain people. And, they I've said it. KISS
2011/01/11
Carpe Diem! Seize 1-11-11
Today's truisms are all about living for today. What a cool date it is...1-11-11! I feel so strongly that keeping things simply is focusing on today, not living in the past, and not worrying about the future. Dreaming? Yes! But, that should not equal stressing out!
I so often feel like I am running a crazy rat-race, and I need to stop and breathe.
What does George sing?
I find these quotations motivating! I could easily see them on signs at Grandma's Attic :)
"There is more to life than increasing its speed." ~Mahatma Ghandi
"The past is a guidepost, not a hitching post." ~L. Thomas Holdcroft
"The trouble with the rat-race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat." ~Lily Tomlin
"Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think." ~Chinese Proverb
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." ~James Dean
"To change one's life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly." No exceptions. ~William James
"Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending." ~Author Unknown
Hope these inspired you, KISS :)
I so often feel like I am running a crazy rat-race, and I need to stop and breathe.
What does George sing?
Life’s not the breaths you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
Ya just might miss the point
Try’n to win the race
I find these quotations motivating! I could easily see them on signs at Grandma's Attic :)
"There is more to life than increasing its speed." ~Mahatma Ghandi
"The past is a guidepost, not a hitching post." ~L. Thomas Holdcroft
"The trouble with the rat-race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat." ~Lily Tomlin
"Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think." ~Chinese Proverb
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." ~James Dean
"To change one's life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly." No exceptions. ~William James
"Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending." ~Author Unknown
Hope these inspired you, KISS :)
2011/01/10
It's Monday again already?
I realized that I probably should have a follow-up to last week’s Moxie Monday before I move forward.
1)I did drink tea every day at least once. It’s so simple. I just love it!
2)I did write every day except Saturday.
3)I did finish two books, and I have started another new one!
4)I did de-clutter one SMALL area at Rick’s. Just a small area, but it made such a big difference!
5)We did move the yearbook room! We have a few things left to take down off the walls, but starting today, we will have class in the middle school classroom, which will definitely SIMPLIFY my life!
6)I only exercised half the time, 60 minutes. But, I was able to be outside in the sun for the exercise, and it felt sooooo good!
So, for this week’s Moxie Monday…
Last week I looked at weekly goal that really do simply my life. I plan to keep those going again this week, and I am not ready to add something to it.
This week, I decided to look at some of the things that are happening for me this year, to make my life more SIMPLE!
1)Moving out of my rental house, organizing everything (recycling, garage sale)
2)Writing my novel
3)Losing weight – see my other blog! You can click HERE to check it out.
4)Getting my motorcycle endorsement (currently have my permit)
5)Go camping more(both in our fifth wheel and with our motorcycles)
6)Go on several weekend motorcycle trips
7)Finishing home improvement projects at Rick’s
8)I would love to organize a girls’ trip to Vegas…maybe for my 40th b-day!
9)Finally, clean out my email…at school and at home! That will NOT be a simple job, but definitely will simply my life.
With that, KISS, kiss!
1)I did drink tea every day at least once. It’s so simple. I just love it!
2)I did write every day except Saturday.
3)I did finish two books, and I have started another new one!
4)I did de-clutter one SMALL area at Rick’s. Just a small area, but it made such a big difference!
5)We did move the yearbook room! We have a few things left to take down off the walls, but starting today, we will have class in the middle school classroom, which will definitely SIMPLIFY my life!
6)I only exercised half the time, 60 minutes. But, I was able to be outside in the sun for the exercise, and it felt sooooo good!
So, for this week’s Moxie Monday…
Last week I looked at weekly goal that really do simply my life. I plan to keep those going again this week, and I am not ready to add something to it.
This week, I decided to look at some of the things that are happening for me this year, to make my life more SIMPLE!
1)Moving out of my rental house, organizing everything (recycling, garage sale)
2)Writing my novel
3)Losing weight – see my other blog! You can click HERE to check it out.
4)Getting my motorcycle endorsement (currently have my permit)
5)Go camping more(both in our fifth wheel and with our motorcycles)
6)Go on several weekend motorcycle trips
7)Finishing home improvement projects at Rick’s
8)I would love to organize a girls’ trip to Vegas…maybe for my 40th b-day!
9)Finally, clean out my email…at school and at home! That will NOT be a simple job, but definitely will simply my life.
With that, KISS, kiss!
2011/01/09
Wonderful Weekend :)
I am feeling kinda listy this weekend.
I figured out AND filed my taxes on Friday! Gotta like it! Simple, online, DONE!
We made an impromptu trip to Renton, and I came home with a new motorcycle for me!! She’s SO beautiful!! I will try and post pics soon! I haven’t figured out what to name her, and I keep pinching myself that I now own a “real” bike. She’s a ER6-N, and she is metallic blue. SIGH. I feel BIG adventures are coming!!
We had friend time with the Lockwoods. I love spending time with them!! We had yummy BBQ burgers and tater tots, a simple but delicious meal. And, we watched some tv together. It’s funny how we can just chill, and it is so much fun!! Heck, I even wore my jammies over. Now, that’s true friends.
I had a lovely, long walk today in the sunshine. It was a little chilly, but not too bad. I love walking. I love the sunshine. I love spending time thinking and listening to my i-pod. I love my i-pod! It has a pedometer on it!!! How cool is that?? And, it keeps track of all my walking.
I planned out our meals for the week, and shopped for groceries. I made sure to also plan out our snacks, so I’m ready for the busy week ahead. Tonight I also modified my Shepherd’s Pie recipe, and it was even better than normal! I also made garlic bread with my homemade bread, YUMMY!
I started a new book, which is also a series. It’s pretty intense already, so I’m totally into it. The Uglies by Scott Westerfield, I love the characters!
It’s simply been a lovely weekend! KISS
I figured out AND filed my taxes on Friday! Gotta like it! Simple, online, DONE!
We made an impromptu trip to Renton, and I came home with a new motorcycle for me!! She’s SO beautiful!! I will try and post pics soon! I haven’t figured out what to name her, and I keep pinching myself that I now own a “real” bike. She’s a ER6-N, and she is metallic blue. SIGH. I feel BIG adventures are coming!!
We had friend time with the Lockwoods. I love spending time with them!! We had yummy BBQ burgers and tater tots, a simple but delicious meal. And, we watched some tv together. It’s funny how we can just chill, and it is so much fun!! Heck, I even wore my jammies over. Now, that’s true friends.
I had a lovely, long walk today in the sunshine. It was a little chilly, but not too bad. I love walking. I love the sunshine. I love spending time thinking and listening to my i-pod. I love my i-pod! It has a pedometer on it!!! How cool is that?? And, it keeps track of all my walking.
I planned out our meals for the week, and shopped for groceries. I made sure to also plan out our snacks, so I’m ready for the busy week ahead. Tonight I also modified my Shepherd’s Pie recipe, and it was even better than normal! I also made garlic bread with my homemade bread, YUMMY!
I started a new book, which is also a series. It’s pretty intense already, so I’m totally into it. The Uglies by Scott Westerfield, I love the characters!
It’s simply been a lovely weekend! KISS
2011/01/07
Friday Favorites
Yeah! It's Friday, now that's a favorite in itself :) The words in green have links!!
First off, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Friday shirt that I wear for Red Shirt Friday, which is to show my support for our military.
Blue Star Coffee – New coffee stand A-Way-Cup - This is my ABSOLUTELY favorite coffee. They are out of Twisp, and I highly recommend visiting their roaster, if you are in the area. Normally, I can only get Blue Star coffee at the Corner Bistro (which is more of a sit down experience, right?), or Smallwood's, which is not open in the winter. BUT, now...the coffe stand across from Choice, newly opened up with the new year, and they serve MY coffee :))) I love the new coffee place's name, so clever and cute: A-Way-Cup. Get it? A wake-up or a cup that you are taking away? LOVE it!
Stella Dot jewelry, especially my new ring :) Whenever I wear it, I get tons of positive comments.
New flannel sheets - Yeah for Christmas!
EOS chapstick - love the smell and the unique form. I have the summer fruit flavor.
Egg nog tea – That’s right! I just found this blend this year!!!!
Starbucks winter blend coffee - I personally think it's better than their Christmas blend.
Netflix – We are definitely addicted!!
Sticky notes (I think I am addicted!)TEE HEE
Hunger Games series (Suzanne Collins)- I read Hunger Games in a day, and the other two books in a total of a week. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Culligan hot/cold water dispenser - makes having my tea so much easier!
Massages from Trace' (Heaven's Touch)- Need I say anything?! I love Trace'.
Bogs - I bought a pair for me and for my step-daughter. LOVE them. So cute, comfortable, and chic!
Random notes left in random places at random times by the people who love me - and, even better when on sticky notes, LOL!
My i-pod - I received this from Cody for my birthday this last year. Temporarily, I lost it for about a month, though I didn't "lose" it, I just didn't know exactly where it was. I found it just this week!!!! YEAH!!! SOOOOO happy :)) And, now that my step-daughter has one, too, we are able to share all of our itunes cards (helps that we like the same kind of music!).
Socks - Anyone who knows me well, knows my dealio about socks!
Well, that's more favorites than I intended to write about today. Maybe next week I will go more themed and less random, and I will write about my favorite blogs or websites or...stay tuned. KISS!
First off, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Friday shirt that I wear for Red Shirt Friday, which is to show my support for our military.
Blue Star Coffee – New coffee stand A-Way-Cup - This is my ABSOLUTELY favorite coffee. They are out of Twisp, and I highly recommend visiting their roaster, if you are in the area. Normally, I can only get Blue Star coffee at the Corner Bistro (which is more of a sit down experience, right?), or Smallwood's, which is not open in the winter. BUT, now...the coffe stand across from Choice, newly opened up with the new year, and they serve MY coffee :))) I love the new coffee place's name, so clever and cute: A-Way-Cup. Get it? A wake-up or a cup that you are taking away? LOVE it!
Stella Dot jewelry, especially my new ring :) Whenever I wear it, I get tons of positive comments.
New flannel sheets - Yeah for Christmas!
EOS chapstick - love the smell and the unique form. I have the summer fruit flavor.
Egg nog tea – That’s right! I just found this blend this year!!!!
Starbucks winter blend coffee - I personally think it's better than their Christmas blend.
Netflix – We are definitely addicted!!
Sticky notes (I think I am addicted!)TEE HEE
Hunger Games series (Suzanne Collins)- I read Hunger Games in a day, and the other two books in a total of a week. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Culligan hot/cold water dispenser - makes having my tea so much easier!
Massages from Trace' (Heaven's Touch)- Need I say anything?! I love Trace'.
Bogs - I bought a pair for me and for my step-daughter. LOVE them. So cute, comfortable, and chic!
Random notes left in random places at random times by the people who love me - and, even better when on sticky notes, LOL!
My i-pod - I received this from Cody for my birthday this last year. Temporarily, I lost it for about a month, though I didn't "lose" it, I just didn't know exactly where it was. I found it just this week!!!! YEAH!!! SOOOOO happy :)) And, now that my step-daughter has one, too, we are able to share all of our itunes cards (helps that we like the same kind of music!).
Socks - Anyone who knows me well, knows my dealio about socks!
Well, that's more favorites than I intended to write about today. Maybe next week I will go more themed and less random, and I will write about my favorite blogs or websites or...stay tuned. KISS!
2011/01/06
Thankful Thursday
Every day now since the beginning of November I have been writing on my whiteboard at school the things in my life for which I am thankful, so this seems a natural topic to add to my blog!
Here we go for this week, I am thankful for:
My mommy's meatloaf recipe - I made it last night! It is so yummy. Hard to believe that as a child/teenager I HATED it. Now, it's one of our family favorites!
Big decisions that I have made recently, and how I feel so much relief by making them, and moving forward!
Random acts of kindness - I LOVE, LOVE doing nice things for people anonymously! I have been on the receiving end, and I know how amazing it feels. I just did one thing recently that really warms my heart, and I only wish that I could have been there when the person received it to see the reaction, but I know EXACTLY what it would have been like.
Rick being home recuperating and doing more house chores like making dinner or doing dishes and laundry! I was SO appreciative to spend Christmas break with him this year, but it has also been very nice that for my first week back to school that he has been home to do some of the things I normally do! It has made my first week back not so hectic :)
My time volunteering in my step-daughter’s classroom – I love those kids, and I was just thinking about how I’ve been able to watch them all grow since Kindergarten.
That Rick is a mechanical genius!! Our Direct TV has cancelled our local Fox station (GASP), and without it I would miss some of my favorite shows (Glee, American Idol, House, Bones, to name a few). But, Ricky was able to hook up our old antennae through our Direct TV box, and viola we have all the local channels again!
Finally...finding my i-pod! I had NO idea where it was. And, to be honest, it's been tough having my life spread out in so many places (2 houses, 3 classrooms). But, I found it last night and was ABSOLUTELY tickled!!!
What makes you feel all thankful inside? Happy Thursday, and I leave you with a KISS!
Here we go for this week, I am thankful for:
My mommy's meatloaf recipe - I made it last night! It is so yummy. Hard to believe that as a child/teenager I HATED it. Now, it's one of our family favorites!
Big decisions that I have made recently, and how I feel so much relief by making them, and moving forward!
Random acts of kindness - I LOVE, LOVE doing nice things for people anonymously! I have been on the receiving end, and I know how amazing it feels. I just did one thing recently that really warms my heart, and I only wish that I could have been there when the person received it to see the reaction, but I know EXACTLY what it would have been like.
Rick being home recuperating and doing more house chores like making dinner or doing dishes and laundry! I was SO appreciative to spend Christmas break with him this year, but it has also been very nice that for my first week back to school that he has been home to do some of the things I normally do! It has made my first week back not so hectic :)
My time volunteering in my step-daughter’s classroom – I love those kids, and I was just thinking about how I’ve been able to watch them all grow since Kindergarten.
That Rick is a mechanical genius!! Our Direct TV has cancelled our local Fox station (GASP), and without it I would miss some of my favorite shows (Glee, American Idol, House, Bones, to name a few). But, Ricky was able to hook up our old antennae through our Direct TV box, and viola we have all the local channels again!
Finally...finding my i-pod! I had NO idea where it was. And, to be honest, it's been tough having my life spread out in so many places (2 houses, 3 classrooms). But, I found it last night and was ABSOLUTELY tickled!!!
What makes you feel all thankful inside? Happy Thursday, and I leave you with a KISS!
2011/01/05
Wordsmith
I definitely consider myself a wordsmith! I love words. I love playing with words. I love learning new words. I know...that makes me a word nerd :) And, I'm proud of it! I figure that love and passion for words and writing and reading drove me right down the road to be a teacher, and an English teacher at that!
So, this is a bit short today (running a little late this morning), so I will just list some words I really like. Next week, this will be a longer post, promise :)
MOXIE
PLUCK
SASSY
WILY
ZEST
After I started my list for today, I realized that I had a theme going :) Works for me! And, with that, I leave you with a KISS!
So, this is a bit short today (running a little late this morning), so I will just list some words I really like. Next week, this will be a longer post, promise :)
MOXIE
PLUCK
SASSY
WILY
ZEST
After I started my list for today, I realized that I had a theme going :) Works for me! And, with that, I leave you with a KISS!
2011/01/04
A Truth or two or three
I am a collector of quotes. I find them from famous people, from my friends and family, and even from characters in books or movies. Today for Truism Tuesday, I am going to share three quotes with you that really apply to my life right now. Do you have favorite quotes? Feel free to share!
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” (C.S. Lewis)
I feel like Mr. Lewis wrote this about me! Give me tea and a book (and, maybe a soft, snuggly blanket), and life is just right!
“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” (Flora Whittemore)
This quote is especially important to me, as I have had some BIG decisions to make. I’m happy with the outcomes, but it’s always stressful to deal with big life decisions when you just don’ t know how everything will turn out. That’s part of my letting go…Can’t control the universe, not even mine
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” (Confucius)
Isn’t it so? We do often make life so much more complicated than necessary! In keeping my theme of simplicity, I noticed that making the big life decisions is so much clearer when I remember that! So, just remember, I am signing off with a KISS!
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” (C.S. Lewis)
I feel like Mr. Lewis wrote this about me! Give me tea and a book (and, maybe a soft, snuggly blanket), and life is just right!
“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” (Flora Whittemore)
This quote is especially important to me, as I have had some BIG decisions to make. I’m happy with the outcomes, but it’s always stressful to deal with big life decisions when you just don’ t know how everything will turn out. That’s part of my letting go…Can’t control the universe, not even mine
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” (Confucius)
Isn’t it so? We do often make life so much more complicated than necessary! In keeping my theme of simplicity, I noticed that making the big life decisions is so much clearer when I remember that! So, just remember, I am signing off with a KISS!
2011/01/03
Moxie Monday
I love the word moxie. Say it with a little sass! Moooxie! That's right, the perfect word for a Monday: full of spunk, spirit, energy.
So, with moxie, I write this list!
To make my life simpler, I will do the following this week:
1) Drink hot tea at least once a day – this is my rediscovered passion! I love hot tea, ice tea, all sorts of flavors of tea.
2) Write. Probably this blog, maybe some poetry.
3) Read. I have THREE books going right now, SIGH.
4) Choose one area to de-clutter at Rick’s house.
5) Move my yearbook classroom. Yahoo, we will be in the newer lab!! But, lots of hauling and packing and unpacking. HOWEVER, this does simplify my life for a whole bunch of reasons!!!
6) Exercise 120 minutes. Probably Wii, maybe walking.
And, with that, I leave you with a KISS :)
So, with moxie, I write this list!
To make my life simpler, I will do the following this week:
1) Drink hot tea at least once a day – this is my rediscovered passion! I love hot tea, ice tea, all sorts of flavors of tea.
2) Write. Probably this blog, maybe some poetry.
3) Read. I have THREE books going right now, SIGH.
4) Choose one area to de-clutter at Rick’s house.
5) Move my yearbook classroom. Yahoo, we will be in the newer lab!! But, lots of hauling and packing and unpacking. HOWEVER, this does simplify my life for a whole bunch of reasons!!!
6) Exercise 120 minutes. Probably Wii, maybe walking.
And, with that, I leave you with a KISS :)
2011/01/02
Simplicity
Well, it's been a fabulous winter break, much needed and greatly appreciated!!
It was especially great since Ricky was home with me, recovering from his surgery. We never have this much time off work and together!
Lots of fun was had, and a little bit of work, :) We spent time with family and friends.
We even had LAZY days, where all we did was feed the animals and ourselves, and lounge around watching movies (WE ARE DIE-HARD NETFLIX FANS!!), napping, and reading. Those were my favorite days, and I felt NO guilt just being a bum, since I hardly ever do that, and Rick is one of the hardest working guys I know.
I had not planned on doing too much today other than prep for school tomorrow. In the end, we did our grocery shopping, which wasn't so bad since we hit up Wal*Mart before 10 a.m. But, it's always a chore to get all the groceries put away and organized.
I planned out menus for our week, and prepped a bunch of stuff that will make lunches and dinners quicker. And, thankfully Rick is home this week and next still, so he is going to be in charge of meals AND laundry! LIFE IS GOOD :)
So, once all the grocery and meal prep was done, I thought about lounging around and reading (I have read LOTS this break.) to finish off my last day of break, but in the end, that is NOT what happened at all.
Instead I found myself all inspired today, and in the end, let's just say that Rick's side of the bedroom is finally organized (mine already was), and I took out 4 EXTRA-LARGE commercial garbage bags of stuff. Stuff that will now be headed to the dump, and a whole other bag of stuff we are donating.
I recently saw a cool new show for TLC called Stuffocating which made me think of the love of my life, who I happen to believe MIGHT be a border-line hoarder! Considering there were receipts from 2003 for the feed store or even Safeway advertisement flyers. Yeah, not thinking those are necessary anymore. Oh, I love him dearly, even with all his baggage, LOL!
But, we did stumble across some really sweet pictures throughout all the years, even some baby pics of him!
And, now it feels so good that it's not cluttered anymore!!!!! NO LONGER STUFFOCATED!
This got me thinking...rather than come up with a bunch of resolutions, I would choose a word for 2011, and all elements of my life would connect...SIMPLICITY.
So, here we go, searching out the simplicity of my life! I lived it today.
Well, it's been a fabulous winter break, much needed and greatly appreciated!!
It was especially great since Ricky was home with me, recovering from his surgery :)We never have this much time off work and together!
Lots of fun was had, and a little bit of work, :) We spent time with family and friends.
We even had LAZY days, where all we did was feed the animals and ourselves, and lounge around watching movies (WE ARE DIE-HARD NETFLIX FANS!!), napping, and reading. Those were my favorite days, and I felt NO guilt just being a bum, since I hardly ever do that, and Rick is one of the hardest working guys I know.
I had planned on doing too much today other than prep for school tomorrow. In the end, we did our grocery shopping, which wasn't so bad since we hit up Wal*Mart before 10 a.m. But, it's always a chore to get all the groceries put away and organized.
I planned out menus for our week, and prepped a bunch of stuff that will make lunches and dinners quicker. And, thankfully Rick is hope this week and next still, so he is going to be in charge of meals AND laundry! LIFE IS GOOD :)
So, once all the grocery and meal prep was done, I thought about lounging around and reading (I have read LOTS this break.), but in the end, that is NOT what happened at all.
Instead I found myself all inspired today, and in the end, let's just say that Rick's side of the bedroom is finally organized (mine already was), and I took out 4 EXTRA LARGE commercial garbage bags of stuff.
I recently saw a cool new show for TLC called Stuffocating which made me think of the love of my life, who I happen to believe MIGHT be a border-line hoarder! Considering their were receipts from 2003 for the feed store or even Safeway advertisement flyers. Yeah, not thinking those are necessary anymore. Oh, I love him dearly, evne with all his baggage, LOL!
But, we did stumble across some really sweet pictures throughout all the years, even some baby pics of him!
And, now it feels so good that it's not cluttered anymore!!!!! NO LONGER STUFFOCATED!
This got me thinking...rather than come up with a bunch of resolutions, I would choose a word for 2011, and all elements of my life would connect...SIMPLICITY.
I will end each post with KISS (Keep it simple, Stupid or Keep it simple, Sam - which I happen to prefer, and I will write about the reason some other time).
Until tomorrow, KISS!
It was especially great since Ricky was home with me, recovering from his surgery. We never have this much time off work and together!
Lots of fun was had, and a little bit of work, :) We spent time with family and friends.
We even had LAZY days, where all we did was feed the animals and ourselves, and lounge around watching movies (WE ARE DIE-HARD NETFLIX FANS!!), napping, and reading. Those were my favorite days, and I felt NO guilt just being a bum, since I hardly ever do that, and Rick is one of the hardest working guys I know.
I had not planned on doing too much today other than prep for school tomorrow. In the end, we did our grocery shopping, which wasn't so bad since we hit up Wal*Mart before 10 a.m. But, it's always a chore to get all the groceries put away and organized.
I planned out menus for our week, and prepped a bunch of stuff that will make lunches and dinners quicker. And, thankfully Rick is home this week and next still, so he is going to be in charge of meals AND laundry! LIFE IS GOOD :)
So, once all the grocery and meal prep was done, I thought about lounging around and reading (I have read LOTS this break.) to finish off my last day of break, but in the end, that is NOT what happened at all.
Instead I found myself all inspired today, and in the end, let's just say that Rick's side of the bedroom is finally organized (mine already was), and I took out 4 EXTRA-LARGE commercial garbage bags of stuff. Stuff that will now be headed to the dump, and a whole other bag of stuff we are donating.
I recently saw a cool new show for TLC called Stuffocating which made me think of the love of my life, who I happen to believe MIGHT be a border-line hoarder! Considering there were receipts from 2003 for the feed store or even Safeway advertisement flyers. Yeah, not thinking those are necessary anymore. Oh, I love him dearly, even with all his baggage, LOL!
But, we did stumble across some really sweet pictures throughout all the years, even some baby pics of him!
And, now it feels so good that it's not cluttered anymore!!!!! NO LONGER STUFFOCATED!
This got me thinking...rather than come up with a bunch of resolutions, I would choose a word for 2011, and all elements of my life would connect...SIMPLICITY.
So, here we go, searching out the simplicity of my life! I lived it today.
Well, it's been a fabulous winter break, much needed and greatly appreciated!!
It was especially great since Ricky was home with me, recovering from his surgery :)We never have this much time off work and together!
Lots of fun was had, and a little bit of work, :) We spent time with family and friends.
We even had LAZY days, where all we did was feed the animals and ourselves, and lounge around watching movies (WE ARE DIE-HARD NETFLIX FANS!!), napping, and reading. Those were my favorite days, and I felt NO guilt just being a bum, since I hardly ever do that, and Rick is one of the hardest working guys I know.
I had planned on doing too much today other than prep for school tomorrow. In the end, we did our grocery shopping, which wasn't so bad since we hit up Wal*Mart before 10 a.m. But, it's always a chore to get all the groceries put away and organized.
I planned out menus for our week, and prepped a bunch of stuff that will make lunches and dinners quicker. And, thankfully Rick is hope this week and next still, so he is going to be in charge of meals AND laundry! LIFE IS GOOD :)
So, once all the grocery and meal prep was done, I thought about lounging around and reading (I have read LOTS this break.), but in the end, that is NOT what happened at all.
Instead I found myself all inspired today, and in the end, let's just say that Rick's side of the bedroom is finally organized (mine already was), and I took out 4 EXTRA LARGE commercial garbage bags of stuff.
I recently saw a cool new show for TLC called Stuffocating which made me think of the love of my life, who I happen to believe MIGHT be a border-line hoarder! Considering their were receipts from 2003 for the feed store or even Safeway advertisement flyers. Yeah, not thinking those are necessary anymore. Oh, I love him dearly, evne with all his baggage, LOL!
But, we did stumble across some really sweet pictures throughout all the years, even some baby pics of him!
And, now it feels so good that it's not cluttered anymore!!!!! NO LONGER STUFFOCATED!
This got me thinking...rather than come up with a bunch of resolutions, I would choose a word for 2011, and all elements of my life would connect...SIMPLICITY.
I will end each post with KISS (Keep it simple, Stupid or Keep it simple, Sam - which I happen to prefer, and I will write about the reason some other time).
Until tomorrow, KISS!
Still alive and kicking!
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!
I have decided that I will post kind of a theme-like blog based on different days. I am excited to be back writing. I have honestly missed it! All sorts of things have inspired me to return to my blog!
Moxie Mon – Ambitions, goals, dreams, to do lists: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, lifely (I know lifely is not a word)
Truism Tuesday - Things I think are true: Quotes, sayings, life lessons, trivia
Wordsmith Wed – Words I like or that are new or whatever
Thankful Thursday - Things for which I’m thankful
Fav Fri – My favorite things!
Whatever Weekend – Who knows what the weekend will bring!
I have decided that I will post kind of a theme-like blog based on different days. I am excited to be back writing. I have honestly missed it! All sorts of things have inspired me to return to my blog!
Moxie Mon – Ambitions, goals, dreams, to do lists: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, lifely (I know lifely is not a word)
Truism Tuesday - Things I think are true: Quotes, sayings, life lessons, trivia
Wordsmith Wed – Words I like or that are new or whatever
Thankful Thursday - Things for which I’m thankful
Fav Fri – My favorite things!
Whatever Weekend – Who knows what the weekend will bring!
