30 Part 1

Well, Thursday began year 30 for me. I got through it pretty well I must say. I received flowers in the shape of a cupcake with balloons from a dear friend who I met when I taught her child in Kindergarten. She and I have been friends since so it was so sweet to receive those from her along with dinner, a card and a new charm. We celebrated with a wonderful dinner at Bin 303, it was just the girls because Tom had parent teacher conference night at school. It was a fun beer dinner with a celebrity guest brewmaster there. The beer was paired with great German food. I really enjoyed the second course! It was a pork cutlet with red cabbage...so yum! I could hardly get through the rest of the courses because I enjoyed the second one so much! However, dessert wasn't too far away. We had a grilled carmalized banana split! It was heaven in a bowl!!!


I received lots of nice gifts from my students and one special gift from another great friend...a SNUGGIE!!! I can't wait for a cold night and a date on the couch with the snuggie :) Thanks Janelle for fulfilling my birthday wish list!!! You are the best!
Tonight is my weenie roast birthday party. Stay tuned for more pictures and fun stories!!!

Saying Goodbye to the 20's but Hello to Fall!

It's officially my last day in my 20's. I've been on an emotional roller coaster lately. I've laughed and cried and have come to terms with the fact that the carefree days of the 20's are coming to a hault. I somehow feel that I will be an official adult tomorrow, even though I have had a career, a husband, a home and a car now for about 8 years (well, not the husband but you get the jist). I really wanted to be a mom by 30 but that isn't looking too good right now. I guess I'll have to settle with just being a mom to Maggie right now. Tom and I FINALLY got our Fall decorations up Sunday. I know this will be hard to believe but my husband skipped the Cowboys game to hang out with me, at the pumpkin patch no less! I know what you are thinking ladies, but trust me one day your husband will give in to the demands of the interior decorator in all of us! Ha!!

We even stopped at Starbucks to complete our day of fall fun!

Insomnia for a Change!!!

Usually I have no problems sleeping or actually napping but tonight, I'm wide awake!!! It's 1:00 in the morning and I'm awake...I was even up at 6 this morning feeding the cat and cleaning. I have no idea why I'm not tired tonight however. I did take a short 2 hour nap this afternoon but I'm just not sleepy now. The good news is, I don't have to work tomorrow!

I am having lots of issues lately though so maybe this is one more thing to add to the list. I have been known for just about my entire life as a grazer when it comes to food. I like to eat and enjoy trying new foods but can never really sit down and eat the 3 meals a day like most people. I like to nibble on lots of different things until I'm satisfied. I could NEVER do a strict diet because I simply can't eat like normal folks. Lately, the past 2 or 3 weeks I guess, I have been eating my usual breakfast of chocolate milk and peanut butter toast then around 10am having a snack of peanuts or a piece of fruit and then at lunch having my soup and goldfish with a pudding cup or jello and a peppermint pattie. However, when dinner comes around, I cook but can not face the dinner I've made. I usually snack when I get home which may be why I don't want to eat my freshly cooked dinner or something else. I don't know, but this week's dinners have consisted of carrots with dip, marshmallows and pita chips. I know, odd combination and NO I'm not pregnant. I just want to eat "junk" for dinner and not sure why really. Now, I'm sure most of you are thinking that I need to go to the doctor but unfortunately, our school district opted for a new healthcare plan which did away with copays so until you meet the outrageous deductible, you must pay full price for visiting the doctor or go to the "free clinic" for employees only. I would visit the clinic if I could get in. The appointment times are ridiculous and with swine flu going around, all appointments are taken. Hopefully, my crazy diet won't make me gain any more extra weight. I need to save my extra pounds for upcoming holidays and the big birthday on Thursday...uggg!!!

On another note, I told you I couldn't sleep, we went to see Couples Retreat tonight. It was so funny and definitely didn't deserve the D- rating from some of the reviewers. We loved the location they filmed in (St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora) and are looking into planning our next vacation there perhaps!

What do you think I should do for my insomnia and bad food choices? I could use some free advice!!!! ha!

Fried Food Capital or The Texas State Fair

Alright, I skipped work to go with Tom to the fair on Friday. Bad, yes, I know but so much fun and so worth it. We had an unbelievably beautiful day and had the weekend to rest, well, sort of. The fair is my favorite time of year. I know that fall is around the corner, Thanksgiving break will be here soon and I get to try the best foods made better by just being fried. This year, the winner of the best taste of the fair was Fried Butter. You got it right friends, fried butter. Tom and I decided to skip that heart attack on a plate and go with our usuals. We had fried snickers, Yummy! We also tried a fried peanut butter cup macaroon. It was also very good. The vendor tried to get us to taste a fried hunny bun but I was too full after a Fletcher's corny dog and the fried sweet treats. We thought we would go back before we left and taste it but we didn't.

We also browsed the auto show while we were at the fair and took a peek at some possibilities for my next vehicle. We are highly considering the Infiniti FX 35 and the Nissan Murano. Both are very similar but we want to make sure we get the most bang for our buck. The Nissan with all the options is basically the Infiniti. I love them both and would be happy with either one. I just want to be able to pop a baby seat in the back and have room for shopping bags and my dog too. We are going to go to the dealerships where we can get more one on one attention and actually test drive both vehicles before making a final decision. I'll keep you posted on our selection.

Well, it's Sunday and we are having a rainy, gray day here in Texas. It's unfortunately supposed to be yucky all week. I'm glad that Tom and I hit the fair this past week because this week doesn't look to good at all to be spending time outside. The Cowboys just lost at the last second and I need to grab some laundry out of the dryer and start my yummy baked potato soup for dinner. I hope my headache is gone by the morning or my Monday will be a long day!

A Nice Sunday Afternoon Nap

Sundays...I do love my Sunday. I remember growing up and heading to church with my Mom on Sunday morning and then coming home for some yummy lunch and playing outside with my friends before dinner. I also remember my Mom insisting that Sunday was a day of rest, that has gone by the wayside now that I am an adult unfortunately, except for this Sunday. I have spent the day at home which has been super nice. Now although I did do some laundry and light housekeeping, I have pretty much rested today. I took an afternoon nap and am now working on dinner. We are having Outback Aussie chicken, garlic mashed potatoes and rosemary seasoned vegetables. If everything turns out well, I'll post the recipe.

I need to figure out what type of weather we are planning to have this week in the Big D. Last week it was a bit chilly and I got to break out the turtlenecks and pants but Saturday we were back in the 90's. I'm so ready for fall. I took out my pumpkin, apple cider and frappucino candles Saturday and put my decorations out. I haven't gotten them all out yet but I'm working on it. I have to make a stop tomorrow and pick up a hay bale for the front and then we will be ready. I love the fall season but it definitely makes me miss home and the beautiful colors and temperatures! I guess I'll just have to pretend with my fake leaves on my fall wreath! Ha!

I think I'm going to make lunches for tomorrow and lay out some possible clothing opportunities now while dinner is cooking so I can be ready for the season premiere of Desperate Housewives! Yipee!

How do you enjoy your Sunday?

Just when you think you can't go on

I've been so sad lately. I went home this past weekend for the wedding of my best friend of 25 years, it was a wonderful visit to see her parents and siblings that I basically grew up with. I felt right at home. Tom and I drove on to Chattanooga to visit my hometown and it brought back so many memories. I drove past my Daddy's office and the tears just rolled down my cheeks and there was no stopping it. I can't believe that he has been gone for 10 years. It's just not possible and weighs on my heart each day but none like the past few days. I miss him so very much. I always wonder what my life would have been like if he would have still been here. I have also been reminded of having a family of my own lately. My friends are all having babies now and it seems like I am the only one who isn't. I wonder sometimes if God placed me in the role of a teacher so that I would at least get to touch a child's life even if it isn't my own child. I don't think many people, not even Octomom can say, "I have reached 22 children today." I am reminded of this each day when I get hugs from little ones as they enter my room or when I high five a kid for writing a word during writer's workshop. No one can understand the power of a 5 year old unless they have been there with that child and seen him struggle and reach success. I am so proud of my role as a teacher but long to be able to teach my own child as well. But just when you think you can't go on, you feel the arms of a child wrap around your waist and you are reminded of God's love and the fact that one day those arms will be of your own child.

Hello Friday! Where have you been?

It's Finally Friday!!! Plus, it's Labor Day weekend and that means it's time for my best friend's wedding! We are traveling tomorrow morning to Atlanta for Wendy's wedding. I am so excited for her and I can't wait to go to Chattanooga on Sunday to share my hometown with Tom. He hasn't ever been in the 7 years we have been together. I can't wait to visit some of my favorite places (Ruby Falls, Rock City, the Incline, Clumpie's Ice Cream, Walnut Street Bridge, The W Road and many more fun things that make Chattanooga my home). But before we get to do all of that, I must finish out day 10 at work. Good thing I got up early to make a Starbucks run. The only problem with that is, I ended up being indecisive (imagine that) and had to get both, caramel apple spice and pumpkin spice latte! Both are helping me make it through today so that I can enjoy my fun filled weekend! Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!