Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday 11/29/11

1.  Thanksgiving was so wonderful.  The holiday weekend was much needed and greatly appreciated.  I spent every single day of the holiday weekend with my family, and it was awesome. 

2.  The weekend was awesome because I basically stayed up and slept in as late as I wanted, which was wonderful.  But, that sure made for a doozy of a morning yesterday.  I still feel like a walking zombie.  SO tired. 

3.  A week from now, I will officially be done with fall semester!  AHHHH!!  I'm getting so excited. 

4.  I'm expecting to find out what school and grades I'll have for student teaching this week and the anticipation is killing me!

5.  AND, there are less than 5 months left before graduation.  (I'm not counting down days or anything....)

6.  I'm more excited about graduation than I am Christmas. 

7.  I made fruit cake for the first time ever this weekend.  I hate the stuff, but my Grandmother loves it, so I made it for her birthday.  Happy Birthday Grandma! 

8.  This makes me sound like the biggest Scrooge, but I really kind of hope that it doesn't snow until Christmas Eve.  This no snow business has been so nice.  Alas, it's supposed to snow on Friday, so I'm not keeping my hopes up.

9.  Dave's birthday is coming up, and I think it's so funny how he never wants to make a fuss about himself on his birthday.  Who doesn't love birthdays!?  He doesn't even want anything...the little poo. 

10.  My Christmas tree is up and IT.  IS.  GORGEOUS.  I'm sorry, but my tree looks better than yours, and that's a fact.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday: Thanksgiving Edition

Ten Things that I am Grateful for:
1. Dave. Obviously. My husband is truly the one that keeps me sane, especially during those busy weeks of homework and such. If I graduate this spring, it will be because Dave kept me from quitting.

2. My family. So cliché, I know. But, my families (mine and Dave’s) are awesome and do SO much for us. One of our favorite things to do is to go out to lunch or dinner with our families and just joke around with them. I'm so glad we live so close to them.

3. College. This one makes me laugh a little, because I really don't like college. I am grateful however that I've had the opportunity to go to school. It's always been a goal of mine to graduate from college, and I'm happy to say that the light is at the end of the tunnel! Spring 2012...here I come!

4. My job. I have the best job ever. Ever ever ever. Not only do I like my line of work, I have also been extremely blessed to have a job that allows me to finish my education. I'll be able to continue my job working from home, while finishing up my student teaching. This is HUGE for us, because without my job, we couldn't afford to pay for tuition. Oh tuition...I don't think I'll ever be grateful for you. :)

5. My car...and my heater. I do a lot of driving. A LOT. And my car is what makes it all possible. Plus, it has the best heater of any car I've ever driven, and if you know me, you know that a good heater is a must! The daily commutes from Ogden to Salt Lake (and sometimes back to Ogden. Wow, I'm a crazy person) the past few years have put quite a bit of miles on that thing, but it's still going! :)

6. My home. Not many people know this, but a few years ago, Dave and I almost bought a house. We had looked through many homes and had found one that we thought was perfect for us. We put in an offer, and it was accepted. We signed the papers, and then, it just didn't feel right. We were devastated as we withdrew from the contract. We were sad at the time that we didn't get into a home, but we knew it wasn't the right decision. Now, we're living in an awesome apartment that we both love. We still have the dream of owning a house some day, but we know it will happen when it's right for us. For now, we'll be fine with our cozy little apartment. I mean, it has a dishwasher and washer/dryer hook ups! You can't get better than that! ;)

7. My health. As I mentioned last week, life is just SO much easier when you feel good. Those few weeks of being sick were awful, and I'm so glad that I don't have to deal with that every day.

8. Where I live and grew up. The past few weeks have been kind of an eye opening experience for me. The school that I've been teaching at is in a very poor area. To be frank, I'd never live there, and feel bad for the children in my class that are being raised in this area. The trial’s that these children go through on a daily basis is astonishing. I'm so grateful for my parents and the upbringing they gave me.

9. My talents. I realize how self-absorbed this sounds, but I truly am grateful for all the talents I have. My skills make me feel happy, and I think they make others feel happy too.

10. God. I attribute all of my success to the love of God. I seem to get in these "ruts" quite often where I have this sense of "Why me? Why should I have to do this? Blah blah blah" (I'm an excellent whiner, just ask Dave). But then, all I have to do is look around and realize just how good I have it. (Which is pretty good btw). It's funny the way God works. I personally think God is somewhat of a jokester. I like to think that he's up there having a little chuckle at my expense when I'm having a bad day. You know, in a loving way of course. He knows what I mean. :)

Happy Thanksgiving friends. What are you grateful for?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday 11/15/11

1.  It's amazing how much better life can be when you're not sick.  The past week has been ten times better due to the fact that I don't feel like throwing up every ten minutes.  Eww.  I don't know what I had, but I'm glad it's gone.  That's for sure. 

2.  Hot cocoa is positively the most amazing thing at this time of year.  I've had a cup (or two) of the stuff everyday for the past week.  Soooo yummy. 

3.  I've pretty much mentally "checked out" of the semester, which isn't a good thing.  I just can't help it though.  I'm in need of a break. 

4.  I've come to the sad conclusion that 6th grade is not the grade for me to teach.  My teaching experience this semester has not been the best, but at least I know that the older grades are not for me.  Hopefully student teaching will be better, because I'm all tuckered out. 

5.  Dave and I have been on this "eating healthier kick" for the past couple of weeks, and I have to say that I feel great.  BUT, there is no way in heck that I'm going to miss out on all aspects of my Grandmother's Thanksgiving dinner.  I seriously can't stop thinking about it.  Yum. 

6.  Kids these days are so incredibly disrespectful it's disgusting.  I know that sounds super ridiculous coming from me since I'm only 23, but seriously.  I'm not saying I was the perfect child, but my parents placed a HUGE emphasis on being respectful to others (especially adults)...no matter who they were, and I feel like I did. 

7.  Just to branch off the above comment:  Some of the comments from the sixth graders I've been teaching have left me speechless.  I know they're only 12, but the nerve they have outrages me.  Why do kids feel this sense of entitlement!?  I don't understand!

8.  My husband and I are the most sarcastic people ever, I assure you.  I think it's funny how well we go together because of it. 

9.  Example:  Every week day, and I mean every day, Dave walks in the door from his night class and I ask "How did school go?"  He then launches into this elaborate explanation "Oh my gosh Ash, it was awesome, just awesome.  Basically the most fun I've ever had ever!"  etc.  Then we have a really sarcastic conversation based on the ridiculous notion that school is the highlight of our lives right now.  It's so us, and I love it. 

10.  I know I come off as this incredibly bitter, negative, old hag sometimes, but I'm just incredibly sarcastic, and that's how I deal with stress.  :) AND, I'm pretty sure that was one of the worst run-on sentences ever, but I don't really care to re-write it.  So there you go.    

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday 11/8/11

1.  This week has reaffirmed to me why I dislike winter so much.  It's SOOOOO cold. 

2.  Also, the teacher that I'm working with keeps his classroom freezing.  FREEZING, I tell you!  I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was warmer outside today (at 10 am) than it was in his classroom!  AH! 

3.  Only 4 weeks left this semester (not counting finals week).  I'm getting SO excited!  Eeek!

4.  I should find out the grades and school that I'm student teaching at in about three weeks....double eeek!  :)

5.  I think it's so funny that people get so upset about radio stations playing Christmas music so early.  I'll admit, I feel it's too soon.  BUT, I'd be lying if I said that I hadn't been listening to it the past few days.  I love it, and it makes me happy, so sue me.  :)

6.  I absolutely refuse to put up Christmas decorations until AFTER Thanksgiving though.  Thanksgiving is a holiday too people...and a good one at that!  It's sad how commercialized Christmas has become. 

7.  There is a woman that I work with (sort of, not really...different company...anyway), that absolutely refuses to do her job, which directly affects me and my job performance.  Grrrr.  She's really starting to get under my skin. 

8.  I'm trying some new recipes this week.  Last night was spinach and cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms.  Tonight, we're going to try sweet potato soup.  I hope it turns out! 

9.  My students are infatuated with the fact that I am a Mormon.  I think it's so funny.  That was one of the first things they asked me.  "Mrs. Bland, are you a Mormon?"  Gotta be honest, I didn't see that one coming. 

10.  A few weeks ago, I made the decision that I was going to cut my hair over Christmas break.  Now I don't know if I should.  (And, by cut, I mean take like 10 inches off).  What do you think?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday 11/1/11

1.  There are certain songs that are permanently imprinted on my brain to think of a certain situation or person when heard.  I'm not quite sure why this works, but as soon as I hear certain songs, I immediately think of someone.  The following songs will remind me of someone (not all the same person, of course):
  • Yellowcard- Ocean Avenue
  • Blink 182- All The Small Things
  • William Fitzsimmons- Beautiful Girl
  • Dashboard Confessional- Hands Down (Acoustic Version)
  • Pretty much anything by Jack's Mannequin
  • Snow Patrol- Light Up
  • George Michael- Father Figure
Clearly, most all of these songs are from my junior high and high school years.  :)  Obviously, I'm not going to say who they remind me of because that would be weird.  But, I will say that anytime I hear anything by Jimmy Eat World, I think of my husband, and I love that.  :)

2.  Last week, as I was driving from school to work, I noticed three people were pulled over within a 1 mile distance.  Wowzers...it's definitely not the time to be speeding.  Geez!

3.  I started teaching 6th grade last week.  As I was asking one of my students to turn her homework in, she responded by saying "I'm not done with it, but I'll just copy so and so's."  My cooperating teacher overheard what she said and responded with "Why don't you ask Mrs. Bland what happens to people who cheat in college."  So I told her that if you cheat in college, you get kicked out of school and it can be really hard to come back.  She looked up at me and with the serious most terrified voice ever responded with "They don't give you a warning!?"  Haha, I had to restrain my laughter.  It was awesome. 

4.  My blow dryer died last week, so I ended up styling my hair in a wet, loose bun on top of my head.  I got more compliments on my hair that day than I have in the last year.  WHY?!  Why WHY WHY do I get compliments on the days that I put the least amount of effort into myself? 

5.  Beyond Glaze has the worst customer service of any food related establishment I have ever seen.  Ugh...the story is too long for the blog, but suffice to say that I was not impressed. 

6.  I can laugh about this now...sort of, but at the time, it was horrendously annoying.  So, last Tuesday was my second day teaching 6th grade.  I wake up feeling disgustingly sick, but know that I have to teach anyway.  So, I get ready, and start to drive myself to class...only to puke all over myself and the car on the way.  Lovely.  Obviously, I didn't make it to class on time.  Woof...what a morning that was. 

7.  My sister is awesome and helped me clean my puke covered car.  Now that's sisterly love right there.

8.  It's November.  What the what!?

9.  Dave and I celebrated Halloween in style last night by spending the night at Walmart buying groceries.  Then we got real crazy by eating a bowl of not one but TWO different flavors of sherbet!! We're real fun people, let me tell you. 

10.  I'm feeling better about life today than I was last Tuesday.  I'm still feeling a little blue, but I've decided that it's OK to have bad days (or weeks) sometimes.

Monday, October 31, 2011

An Update

Last week was horrible.  Just horrible.  Hence why there was no "Ten Things Tuesday" post.  I was sick, and school was hard, and I wasn't enjoying my teaching experience, and I wasn't sleeping....BASICALLY, it was a nightmare.  I've had moments in the past few years of being a student, wife, employee, etc. that have been hard.  Life is hard.  But last week, it all came crashing down.  For both Dave and I.  It was like that moment in life when you ask yourself "Why am I doing this?  What is the point?  Life is too short to be this miserable!"  Clearly, this weekend was one BIG pitty party for me.

  I'm feeling better about certain situations now and know that life WILL go on, which is good.  I've decided to take my husbands advice and "move on" if you will.  I've been negative long enough and it's time for a change.  I will be done with this semester in one month and 6 days; and folks, I am pretty darn excited about it. 

Oh, and Happy Halloween.  It's my favorite holiday.  But since the hubs and I are feeling pretty down and glum, I think we'll be staying in for a night of cuddles and Netflix.  Which to be honest is sounding pretty dang good. 

Get excited....because tomorrow is Tuesday and I've got some funny stories/thoughts from last week to share. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday

No Ten Things Tuesday this week.  
Check back soon for a more formal update.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday 10/18/11

1. I have an incredibly annoying cold and it's driving me crazy. Dave said earlier today that he was going to start calling me "sniffles".

2. A few weeks ago, I mentioned how I can listen to practically any type of music. I'm going to have to take that back. Pink, as in the artist, has always annoyed me. I don't know why, but every time I hear one of her songs come on the radio, I let out a loud "ugh" and quickly change the station. There is one good song by her, but it's never played on the radio so that doesn't count.

3. Speaking of artists, I'd be perfectly fine if Lady Gaga disappeared and was never heard from again. OK, we get it; you're "trying" to be different by wearing ridiculous outfits and performing outrageous and explicit acts. You're one goal in life is to push the envelope...it's been pushed enough, so please, just go away.

4. AND, since when did FM 100.3 start playing rap/hip hop songs!? I thought that station was supposed to be family friendly? And trust me, the song that I heard on it this past week was anything BUT family friendly. What is this world coming to?! Good thing I still have my trusty 94.1.  I'm a nerd, I know. 

5. I finished my children's book and it nearly killed me. ;) Not really, but as my husband would say, many hours and hours of sleep were lost unnecessarily. What can I say, when I'm asked to do something, I do it right. And that's why I'm so awesome. :)

6. I start teaching 6th grade next week, and I'm starting to freak out a little bit. I just have to remember that these kids are looking up at me and thinking "Wow, she is so old!" (Do you remember thinking that?) But, as I'm standing up there I'm thinking "OMG, I was in sixth grade like last week! AHHH"

7. Dave's horror stories about his horrible professors make me furious that we are paying U of U so much money for tuition. If you see him, you'll have to ask him how his Finance class is going. Sorry babe. :(

8. I have been so incredibly stressed the past few weeks that my face has turned into an acne amusement park. Nothing makes a woman feel great like a forest of zits on her face. Haha. Oh well.

9. I am absolutely dreading the first snowfall this year. This warm fall weather has been too good to be true.

10. I have Thursday and Friday off from class this week. This break could not have come at a better time.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday 10/11/11

1. I don't know what I'm allergic to, but it has to be something that I am always exposed to. I sneeze every day, multiple times a day. And this has been going on for as long as I can remember. It's weird.

2. I absolutely hate the texture of chalk. We had to use chalk for an assignment in class last week and I just about died. I don't know why I dislike it so much, I just do.

3. So, a few weeks ago, I discussed how awesome this fall weather has been, and then October hit, and it's clear that summer is definitely over. It’s so sad and depressing.

4. However, I love fall. I really do. I started burning the "autumn sunset" candle last week and it has been divine. I just wish that I could spend my days wrapped up in 10 different blankets sipping hot chocolate on the couch rather than spending my mornings up at campus. It's too cold up at Weber.

5. I discovered last week that I am a stress eater. I had to go to my parents’ house to gather some stuff for an assignment I was doing. I walked into the house and spent a good five minutes pacing the kitchen talking to my mother about all the "dumb" assignments I had to do, and how overwhelmed I felt. The next thing I know, I look down at an almost empty pan of pumpkin pie pastries that used to be full. I ate four....FOUR pastries without even realizing it. My mother thought it was hilarious. I was shocked. Poor Megan had made them earlier, and now there wasn't even enough for each person in my family to have one! Yeah, kind of embarrassing. I now know to just stay away from the kitchen when I'm stressed.

6. Speaking of pumpkin goodies, I'm fairly certain that my family is cursed. We have horrible luck when it comes to making pumpkin treats. Whenever we're asked to bring pumpkin pie to thanksgiving dinner, something inevitably goes wrong. One year, we forgot about them and they were burned beyond recognition. No pumpkin pie for us. Another year, my brother was taking them out of the oven and burned his arm, causing him to drop the pies, which of course led to their sad little remains scattered all over our kitchen floor. Bottom line, pumpkins don't like us. So, this past weekend when I was making pumpkin cupcakes for my cousins wedding, I was extra cautious. But, the pumpkin gods will not be fooled....

The cupcakes were perfect, just perfect. I had made them from scratch no less! They just needed a few more minutes to bake and then they would be perfection. The timer went off and I was preoccupied with something else, I can't even remember now. So, I asked Carlie to take them out of the oven. And she did, because she's cool like that. But fate was not on her side, and she dropped the pan. Delicious cupcakes soared through the air, landing on our kitchen floor and in the oven. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" Carlie yelled. I swear it was in slow motion too. :) Pumpkin gods: 3 Eddy family: 0

Of course, life went on, I made more pumpkin cupcakes and everything turned out ok, but I'll think twice before making pumpkin anything again.

7. As stated above in that ridiculously long story, I made cupcakes for my cousins wedding this weekend. And they were sooooo good. So good. Double chocolate, raspberry lemonade, peanut butter cup, pumpkin maple, chocolate vanilla swirl, and red velvet. Oh yeah.

8. Dave has this week off from school. I don't have this week off from school. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

9. My children's book is due on Friday and it will be weird to be done with it. The amount of time I've spent on that thing is insane. But I really think it will be something to cherish. Even if I'm the only one who will cherish it. :)

10. Grandma's annual Halloween party is this weekend. So excited!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Ten Things Tuesday 10/4/11

1. One of my professors used the word "uber" in one of his assignment descriptions.  As soon as I read it, his coolness factor went up about 10 points. :)

2. Speaking of professors, I guarantee you that my professors are better than yours. I KNOW that they are better than my husband's professors. I feel so bad for Dave. He has seriously had some bad luck with professors. U of U may be a top notch school, but at least my professors can speak English....oooooo, too harsh Dave? :)

3. The amount of hair I lose on a daily basis in uncanny. How am I not bald?

4. I bought and watched Dumbo twice this weekend. That's right. Twice. Why does Disney have to suck so bad nowadays? The classics are where it's at.

5. I love babies. I always have. But, (and my husband will totally laugh at me for this), I am becoming more and more happy about the fact that we don't have any. Don't worry moms; you'll get your grandbabies some day. :)

6. I haven't slept in two days and it's starting to have an effect on me. :(

7. I didn't go to class today. No, I don't feel bad about it. I am a firm believer of taking mental health days from school and today was that day for me. (I only missed 1 day last semester, and I plan to only miss 1 day this semester. How big of a slacker do you think I am?) Thing #6 from above may have had something to do with it.

8. Dave and I made the mutual decision this week that when we are old and rich, we are going to hire a personal chef.  Is anyone else sick of making the "same old same old" for dinner?  I need new recipe ideas!!

9. I went to Gardner Village yesterday for the first time. I need more money to spend on cute things.

10. Currently addicted to 30 Rock. Netflix has seriously changed my life.