There are a lot of people I should be forgiving. I should forgive the man who driving the wrong way in the parking lot and stole my parking spot. I should forgive the girl who asked me to be a witness in some random hearing and wanted me to lie, or at least state something I wasn't completely sure about. I should forgive those who are ignorant of, or simply choose to ignore, common mores in our society. I forgive the young man who used God as a reason to break my heart, stomp on my dreams, and crush a possible future.
But here are some people I have forgiven. I forgive my sister every time we fight. I forgive my husband after every argument. I forgive those who barely touch my life, but could have. I forgive anyone who is will to admit they are wrong.
But do I? Do I admit I'm wrong and apologize? That's my goal. This day was hard. I'm being truthful in my head. I just can't somehow share it all with you. That's probably why it took so long to post this. I'm sorry.
Friday, December 31
Thursday, December 30
For Christmas
I realize I'm doing this a little late, but it needed to be done! I got an AMAZING gift from the in-laws! A gift card in which to purchase an eReader!
I chose the Cruz Reader because I can also check my e-mail, be on Facebook, tweet, and surf the web. I thought it would be awesome on campus. Additionally, I can buy books from Amazon Kindle and Borders. I'm hoping to download a Barnes & Noble Nook app as well to be able to share books with Nook buddies. Kindle is hopefully releasing that technology soon as well. Anyway, I LOVE it! I also got plenty of clothes, some that didn't fit. However, I returned them and was able to get even more because the after Christmas sales are FANTASTIC!
Will also got me a Scooby-Doo Wii game and some slippers and winter boots. I got him seasons 4 & 5 of Seinfeld and they've been playing non-stop all week! He also got plenty of clothes and the movie Inception. His mom gave him books. And it seems like just about everyone bought him jeans! We both will not need more clothes until summer. Then it requires a whole other wardrobe. Overall, we had a great Christmas. Everyone loved the photos that we printed for them and the other small gifts we were able to give. I hope you also had a peaceful and relaxing holiday!
I chose the Cruz Reader because I can also check my e-mail, be on Facebook, tweet, and surf the web. I thought it would be awesome on campus. Additionally, I can buy books from Amazon Kindle and Borders. I'm hoping to download a Barnes & Noble Nook app as well to be able to share books with Nook buddies. Kindle is hopefully releasing that technology soon as well. Anyway, I LOVE it! I also got plenty of clothes, some that didn't fit. However, I returned them and was able to get even more because the after Christmas sales are FANTASTIC!
Will also got me a Scooby-Doo Wii game and some slippers and winter boots. I got him seasons 4 & 5 of Seinfeld and they've been playing non-stop all week! He also got plenty of clothes and the movie Inception. His mom gave him books. And it seems like just about everyone bought him jeans! We both will not need more clothes until summer. Then it requires a whole other wardrobe. Overall, we had a great Christmas. Everyone loved the photos that we printed for them and the other small gifts we were able to give. I hope you also had a peaceful and relaxing holiday!
merry christmas and happy new year!!
being sappy/nostalgic
So today, I realized that I totally overlooked the 6 month wedding anniversary. Not that it's a huge deal, but it was in the middle of finals week and I was sicker than a dog. Today, I realized that in two and a half months, I'll be 23. That will be here before I know it. January always seems to slowly crawl by, but February flies. And then it's March and my birthday day. 23. Wow.
Okay, okay. I know what some of you are thinking. I'm so YOUNG. But to me, 23 seems old. There are so many things I wish I was doing by now that I'm not. But there are a few more that I didn't think I'd have by now. I'm happily married to a man I can call my best friend. We have loving family and I am in school for something I truly love and can be passionate about.
Will and I have known each other for 3 1/2 years. And we've been together nearly as long. We have some terrific friends, many of whom were just his but now I count them as mine as well. One even gave us a Christmas present. We got a gift card to eat at Red Lobster. I'm excited to go on a "real" date. We plan to go to a movie afterwards! We don't usually do many formal "date nights", but we do go out to eat or to a movie together. Mostly we sit around and watch movies at home or read together. So a real night out, maybe even dressing up a bit, will be fun!
The simpleness of our relationship is what I like the most. It's great to be with someone that you don't need to put on any shows for or make any adjustments to be comfortable around. He really the most important human being in my life and I am very grateful for him and his family. His parents live in town and we get to have dinner with them at least once every 4-6 weeks. My family lives three hours away and I miss them a lot. I wish we were closer so we could dash over for dinner, but isn't really an option. We try to go see them at least every 8-12 weeks. Family is incredibly important to me. I never realized until I went to college that not everyone has the type of family that I do. It made me even more grateful for them, but also miss them even more. Once you realize what you had, you miss it.
What do you miss most? What do you appreciate more than anything else?
**Apparently I shouldn't put my posts into word to check for grammar. It just messes with the formatting. Okay. Lesson learned.**
Wednesday, December 29
"My Soul to Steal"
So, I know some of you have heard me rant and rave about Rachel Vincent and her awesome books... so here is a new release in her YA Soul Screamers series about a teenage bean sidhe (banshee)! I am really excited for this new installment! It's on my eReader wishlist! :-)
YOU WANT MY SOUL AND MY BOYFRIEND?
Trying to work things out with
Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just
pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their
relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to
take Nash back.
See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara,
the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft
them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she
survives.
And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to
death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.
I DON'T THINK SO.
Monday, December 6
My personal education philosophy
For my introduction to education class, I was required to write a paper outlining my personal education philosophy. I will share it with you here. Also, this was merely to see how we felt now about education and how we think we might manage our future classroom. I have little to no experience and realize some of this might not work in real life. But, we were to get a start on a paper we will all need to have in more definite terms when we graduate. This is something I will revisit in about four semesters. (Also, the formatting is a little weird and I can't figure out how to fix it...)
I believe students learn best when they feel safe within their learning environment. I will want to structure the learning environment in a way that will be safe for making mistakes because they are encouraged and supported in a positive way. This is like the progressive philosophy because progressives make the learning environment safe for risk taking. I will strive to give my students a sense of belonging and community, similar to reconstructionism, because I feel that within a learning community that they take ownership of students will strive because they have taken personal responsibility for their learning. This is also similar to existentialism because students take responsibility for their own work and learning. Students also succeed when they are challenged to push their abilities like existentialism because I will be challenging students to be independent and find solutions to problems. This will challenge them to think in new and unique ways.
The role of schools
One of schools most important tasks involves preparing students to become productive members of society. This could include preparing students to succeed in college or giving them the skills necessary to enter to workforce immediately following high school. This is similar to pragmatism in applying what students learn to their daily life by preparing them for a future job or career. In addition to students who are ready to work or ready to enter higher education, schools also need to create students prepared to be involved in the world around them. These students should be willing to participate in our government and will acquire the skills necessary to make decisions for the betterment of society, similar to Marxism or reconstructionism because both emphasize creating a classless society and being involved with social issues. Students who leave school should have at least an appreciation for the art that society produces from works of art in a gallery, to the historic buildings of our country, to the written word, stage, and music. This is promoting cultural literacy and also emphasizing great works, but applying them to a more contemporary setting. This is similar to both perennialism and essentialism because the first emphasizes the great works while the latter notes acquiring culture and cultural literacy for personal benefit. Schools are should provide an education for all, even if it isn’t in the exact same manner for each individual student. This is like the existentialists because they believe in individualism and alternate choices for students.
Why students fail
Students fail because they can’t connect to the material in a way that is meaningful for them. Students who fail don’t see a point in learning as a whole or maybe just in learning this particular day’s lesson. This relates to cognitivism because cognitists wants students to construct knowledge that will be meaningful to them through their learning experiences and interactions with other students. Another factor that could contribute to a student failing is that they don’t receive enough support. This could include their parents or even within the classroom. Perhaps a teacher doesn’t expect anything of a particular student. This is mostly likely exactly what that student will deliver. This is related to progressivism because teachers act as facilitators who encourage students with their learning.
Most effective way to teach and assess students
The most effective way to teach is through guided instruction, small group work, and whole and small group discussions. Teachers should use divergent questioning strategies along with evaluative and reflective questions. By using these strategies students are expected to do more than simply recite information from the text, but will be learning at a higher level on Bloom’s Taxonomy. Evaluative questions will help students analyze the information found in the text. Reflective questions help students examine decision-making. Both of these will help students grow on an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual level. Also, these types of questions help students develop independent ideas about the topics discussed in school. This is similar to existentialism because it encourages students to philosophize about life. Students also benefit from individual essays to hone their writing skills. This is a traditional method. However, it is necessary for students to master prior to college and also to prove competence in writing. It is most related to the essentialist philosophy.
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Through this assignment, I have been asked to examine the way I view the education of children in new and unique ways. By determining how I view the various aspects of teaching, I have been able to reflect on the progress I have made this semester so far in regards to my learning and also some assumptions I had related to teachers and the education system in America. I had always known it was a challenging and complicated issue, but I never knew the hidden influence legislation and special interest groups play every day in the classroom. I know it is impossible for anyone to have all the answers to our education problems, especially a single first year education student, I have formed an answer to how I think I will address some of the problems of education as they will pertain to my future classroom.
How students learn best and succeedI believe students learn best when they feel safe within their learning environment. I will want to structure the learning environment in a way that will be safe for making mistakes because they are encouraged and supported in a positive way. This is like the progressive philosophy because progressives make the learning environment safe for risk taking. I will strive to give my students a sense of belonging and community, similar to reconstructionism, because I feel that within a learning community that they take ownership of students will strive because they have taken personal responsibility for their learning. This is also similar to existentialism because students take responsibility for their own work and learning. Students also succeed when they are challenged to push their abilities like existentialism because I will be challenging students to be independent and find solutions to problems. This will challenge them to think in new and unique ways.
The role of schools
One of schools most important tasks involves preparing students to become productive members of society. This could include preparing students to succeed in college or giving them the skills necessary to enter to workforce immediately following high school. This is similar to pragmatism in applying what students learn to their daily life by preparing them for a future job or career. In addition to students who are ready to work or ready to enter higher education, schools also need to create students prepared to be involved in the world around them. These students should be willing to participate in our government and will acquire the skills necessary to make decisions for the betterment of society, similar to Marxism or reconstructionism because both emphasize creating a classless society and being involved with social issues. Students who leave school should have at least an appreciation for the art that society produces from works of art in a gallery, to the historic buildings of our country, to the written word, stage, and music. This is promoting cultural literacy and also emphasizing great works, but applying them to a more contemporary setting. This is similar to both perennialism and essentialism because the first emphasizes the great works while the latter notes acquiring culture and cultural literacy for personal benefit. Schools are should provide an education for all, even if it isn’t in the exact same manner for each individual student. This is like the existentialists because they believe in individualism and alternate choices for students.
Why students fail
Students fail because they can’t connect to the material in a way that is meaningful for them. Students who fail don’t see a point in learning as a whole or maybe just in learning this particular day’s lesson. This relates to cognitivism because cognitists wants students to construct knowledge that will be meaningful to them through their learning experiences and interactions with other students. Another factor that could contribute to a student failing is that they don’t receive enough support. This could include their parents or even within the classroom. Perhaps a teacher doesn’t expect anything of a particular student. This is mostly likely exactly what that student will deliver. This is related to progressivism because teachers act as facilitators who encourage students with their learning.
Most effective way to teach and assess students
The most effective way to teach is through guided instruction, small group work, and whole and small group discussions. Teachers should use divergent questioning strategies along with evaluative and reflective questions. By using these strategies students are expected to do more than simply recite information from the text, but will be learning at a higher level on Bloom’s Taxonomy. Evaluative questions will help students analyze the information found in the text. Reflective questions help students examine decision-making. Both of these will help students grow on an emotional, intellectual, and spiritual level. Also, these types of questions help students develop independent ideas about the topics discussed in school. This is similar to existentialism because it encourages students to philosophize about life. Students also benefit from individual essays to hone their writing skills. This is a traditional method. However, it is necessary for students to master prior to college and also to prove competence in writing. It is most related to the essentialist philosophy.
The most effective way to assess students is through essay and short answer tests that relate to the way learning was done in the classroom. It makes no sense for the method of testing to not match the way a subject was taught. It is also beneficial to students to post the goals and objectives for the class period on the board and to give them a syllabus that will outline what is to be studied throughout the course of the term. I will not be giving any students zeros on major assignments. Discipline will also not be reflected in my grading. For example, if a student is sent to the office and misses an in-class discussion they will be given a one-page reflection or the like to do to make up points rather than taking a zero for the day. The total points possible on the reflection might only be seven out of ten, but they will not be getting a zero. Additionally, students benefit from reading a mixture of classic literature to give them a sound foundation because much contemporary literature alludes to or directly references the classics. Students should study good contemporary literature so they can appreciate it as an art form developing during their lifetime.
Effective classroom management
The most effective way of managing a classroom is to give students your expectations in the beginning and then stick to them. By providing students with a syllabus they will know ahead of time which days they will have homework. If they know they will miss an in-class assignment because of a doctor or dentist appointment or because they are leaving early due to an art, music, or athletic competition they will be able and expected to alert me early on about the absence so that an alternate assignment can be completed. Since this is promoting student responsibility this is like existentialism. If I believe that the students in classroom will make positive decisions, I am setting the expectation that will make positive decisions and therefore, the students most likely will make positive decisions. I will also alert my students to consequences if they do not make positive decisions and they will be delivered consistently. However, positive reinforcement will always come first.
The most effective way of managing a classroom is to give students your expectations in the beginning and then stick to them. By providing students with a syllabus they will know ahead of time which days they will have homework. If they know they will miss an in-class assignment because of a doctor or dentist appointment or because they are leaving early due to an art, music, or athletic competition they will be able and expected to alert me early on about the absence so that an alternate assignment can be completed. Since this is promoting student responsibility this is like existentialism. If I believe that the students in classroom will make positive decisions, I am setting the expectation that will make positive decisions and therefore, the students most likely will make positive decisions. I will also alert my students to consequences if they do not make positive decisions and they will be delivered consistently. However, positive reinforcement will always come first.
Friday, December 3
Having a hard time...
I'm having a hard time writing my final paper for the religion class I'm in. Here is what I need to reflect on:
- What do you believe about God? How would you describe God? On what basis do you claim this as your understanding?
- What do you believe about Christ? How would you describe Christ? On what basis do you claim this as your understanding?
- What do you believe about salvation? How would you describe salvation? On what basis do you claim this as your understanding?
Wow. The only question I know the answer to is salvation. I know what I believe about how people are saved. But does anyone have some good prompts that will get me started on thinking about how to describe God or Christ? Or maybe how you would answer one of these questions.
Sunday, November 28
Day 3: Something I have to forgive myself for
At this point, I'm wondering why I even started doing this "30 Days of Truth" thing. So now, I have to take a break... to think.
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So, I did some thinking. It wasn't so much about not having anything to forgive myself for, because I can think of plenty of things I need to let go, but what I want to share with you. (So now, I'm sure you're wondering what kind of skeletons are in my closet... haha! Just the usual... nothing crazy. Not really.)
So, here it is.
I need to forgive myself for the mistakes I've made in regards to my academic journey. Sometimes, I wish I hadn't take my scholarship to Iowa State. Or I wish that I hadn't chosen a school based on a relationship that didn't work out. Or I wish I would have transferred after freshman year like I thought I should have. I wish I would have insisted my advisor let me change my major to English Education even if it is "a very specific path that I would have been behind on".
But, had I not gone to Iowa State, I never would have met Will or any of my amazing friends. I never would have had the experiences from 18-21 that made me who I am now.
And yes, I won't be 25 until I graduate with my B.A. But guess what? In the end? It will have all been worth it. And there are worse things that you can be...
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So, I did some thinking. It wasn't so much about not having anything to forgive myself for, because I can think of plenty of things I need to let go, but what I want to share with you. (So now, I'm sure you're wondering what kind of skeletons are in my closet... haha! Just the usual... nothing crazy. Not really.)
So, here it is.
I need to forgive myself for the mistakes I've made in regards to my academic journey. Sometimes, I wish I hadn't take my scholarship to Iowa State. Or I wish that I hadn't chosen a school based on a relationship that didn't work out. Or I wish I would have transferred after freshman year like I thought I should have. I wish I would have insisted my advisor let me change my major to English Education even if it is "a very specific path that I would have been behind on".
But, had I not gone to Iowa State, I never would have met Will or any of my amazing friends. I never would have had the experiences from 18-21 that made me who I am now.
And yes, I won't be 25 until I graduate with my B.A. But guess what? In the end? It will have all been worth it. And there are worse things that you can be...
Thursday, November 25
Day 2: Something I love about myself
I think this post is harder to write than day 1. We don't often find it acceptable to brag about ourselves, but I guess for today it's perfectly acceptable.
If you know me at all, you know I have a tendency to go off on tangents. Often, these tangents are in the form of rants that make my blood boil, make me see things through a skewed perspective, and generally am unable to simply "let things go". I'm more likely to get riled up about something else and forget the original rant for a time. Now, I know, this doesn't exactly sound like something all that positive, but it is.
I am very passionate. About so many things.
I have a strong opinion about just about everything. And if I don't have one or don't have enough information to have an informed opinion, I'll go out and get the adequate information so that I too, can take a stance on soy vs. low fat lattes. (I actually don't give a hoot about what kind of milk that's in my coffee, but I choose non-fat skim because it's real dairy and soy still kind of freaks me out. Yes, lack of education, but also funds. What if I did discover I feel strongly about soy and then couldn't afford it all the time? Then I would just be sad. Anyway... see, the tangent?)
Many of you have seen my rants on twitter... and a few even on blogger. And even more in an IM if you've ever been in a chat room or on AIM or GTalk with me. I have a big heart, a mind that constantly needs direction, and a passion that is forever stoked by the stimuli around me.
I won't go into details on what I'm passionate about, but I will give you an idea of a few of the things I care deeply about. (I think later on, 30 days asks about these other things, so stay tuned. Ha!)
Education. Abortion.
The Death Penalty. Politics.
Red vs. Blue. Religion. Children on medication.
Adults with disabilities. Child labor.
AIDS. The war. Government spending. Books Writing. Art. Funding for art.
Consumerism. Music. Broadway
Clocks. Jeans. Clinique.
I realize that some of those seem silly, but I have a degree of passion related to all of them. Some of the views may seem obscure and sometimes my passion could be me in trouble or cause me to put my foot in my mouth, but overall, having passion and caring about things and people has generally treated me well in life. I dream big because I expect big things out of myself and those around me. I expect the best effort out of everyone because to give any thing less is to cheat yourself and possibly the whole world out of excellence. I love easily and deeply. I trust the same way. But give me reason to take either away and you may never see it again.
So passion. What I love about myself is my passion.
If you know me at all, you know I have a tendency to go off on tangents. Often, these tangents are in the form of rants that make my blood boil, make me see things through a skewed perspective, and generally am unable to simply "let things go". I'm more likely to get riled up about something else and forget the original rant for a time. Now, I know, this doesn't exactly sound like something all that positive, but it is.
I am very passionate. About so many things.
I have a strong opinion about just about everything. And if I don't have one or don't have enough information to have an informed opinion, I'll go out and get the adequate information so that I too, can take a stance on soy vs. low fat lattes. (I actually don't give a hoot about what kind of milk that's in my coffee, but I choose non-fat skim because it's real dairy and soy still kind of freaks me out. Yes, lack of education, but also funds. What if I did discover I feel strongly about soy and then couldn't afford it all the time? Then I would just be sad. Anyway... see, the tangent?)
Many of you have seen my rants on twitter... and a few even on blogger. And even more in an IM if you've ever been in a chat room or on AIM or GTalk with me. I have a big heart, a mind that constantly needs direction, and a passion that is forever stoked by the stimuli around me.
I won't go into details on what I'm passionate about, but I will give you an idea of a few of the things I care deeply about. (I think later on, 30 days asks about these other things, so stay tuned. Ha!)
Education. Abortion.
The Death Penalty. Politics.
Red vs. Blue. Religion. Children on medication.
Adults with disabilities. Child labor.
AIDS. The war. Government spending. Books Writing. Art. Funding for art.
Consumerism. Music. Broadway
Clocks. Jeans. Clinique.
I realize that some of those seem silly, but I have a degree of passion related to all of them. Some of the views may seem obscure and sometimes my passion could be me in trouble or cause me to put my foot in my mouth, but overall, having passion and caring about things and people has generally treated me well in life. I dream big because I expect big things out of myself and those around me. I expect the best effort out of everyone because to give any thing less is to cheat yourself and possibly the whole world out of excellence. I love easily and deeply. I trust the same way. But give me reason to take either away and you may never see it again.
So passion. What I love about myself is my passion.
Wednesday, November 24
More of what I'm thankful for...
Thanks siouxcityjournal.com!
Salt trucks. Snow plows. And the men and women who give up their holidays to go scrap the roads so we can all drive to see our loved ones safely.
I have 2 uncles (one is a great-uncle, or my mother's uncle) who work for the county back home. They both have, at some point during their tenure, driven the the road grader during the summer to make our gravel roads nice. They also are the ones who get called into work at 4 am on Christmas morning to scrap the ice off the road so everyone can make it to church and over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house. It also occasionally involves working late into the night, on the weekends, and in the blowing wind when you can barely see! They do receive great compensation for this, but let's face it... they'd rather be home with their families too!
So the next time you drive on a newly cleared road, remember the man or woman who went out in the bad weather and away from their family so your drive could be a little bit safer! Especially this Thanksgiving weekend!
Monday, November 22
What I'm thankful for...
Taking a page from Erin over at The Silver Lining's book, I'm going to write about what I'm thankful for this week.
Today, I am most thankful for my husband and my family. I am awfully needy sometimes, like today when I discovered that I will have reached my max for federal Stafford Loans. So, I'm in need of some other way to pay for school. Enter the AmeriCorps. I will be thankful for them if I get the job. It won't pay much more than minimum wage, but it will give me health insurance and $5,500 for school and part of that will be matched by ISU, so I could be transferring back there.
But anyway... thankful. For my husband. He takes me phone calls, often when I'm in tears and uses his 30 minute break to drive 10 minutes home to see me for 10 minutes and then drive back to work for 10 minutes. He hugs me and encourages me and tells me that I can make it and meet my goals. He is a fantastic supporter and I love him to pieces.
Along that same line, I am thankful for my parents, my brother and sister, and my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I am lucky to know each of them well and know I could call on any of them in time of need and they would be there to support me.
However, I am also thankful that I am the way I am and all the progress I've made. A year ago, a set back like this would have stopped me from being able to continue on, but now I have the tenacity to continue on. No matter what.
Today, I am most thankful for my husband and my family. I am awfully needy sometimes, like today when I discovered that I will have reached my max for federal Stafford Loans. So, I'm in need of some other way to pay for school. Enter the AmeriCorps. I will be thankful for them if I get the job. It won't pay much more than minimum wage, but it will give me health insurance and $5,500 for school and part of that will be matched by ISU, so I could be transferring back there.
But anyway... thankful. For my husband. He takes me phone calls, often when I'm in tears and uses his 30 minute break to drive 10 minutes home to see me for 10 minutes and then drive back to work for 10 minutes. He hugs me and encourages me and tells me that I can make it and meet my goals. He is a fantastic supporter and I love him to pieces.
Along that same line, I am thankful for my parents, my brother and sister, and my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I am lucky to know each of them well and know I could call on any of them in time of need and they would be there to support me.
However, I am also thankful that I am the way I am and all the progress I've made. A year ago, a set back like this would have stopped me from being able to continue on, but now I have the tenacity to continue on. No matter what.
Tuesday, November 16
Home Stretch
Currently, I am sitting at the top of week 13 of classes. 4 more weeks of class before finals which means 8 more class periods for three of my classes and only four more for another. Wow! It seems like it was August just yesterday. And some days, I wish it was.
Christmas is coming soon. I have no idea what to get most of my family for Christmas, let alone the mister. He's never any help for ideas either. He always says "I don't want anything, but I need socks." Ok, so I get him a package of socks but that is NOT a Christmas present. I don't like buying him books, because books are a very personal thing. And his parents always get him books. Books he doesn't really read. He works hard all day at a computer, entering in numbers, and analyzing statistics. From what I've observed, all he wants to do once he gets home is sit on the couch and relax. He does help me cook or do dishes or clean a little a bit. But some nights he goes to the gym. He exercises for at least 45 minutes a day, 6 days a week. If only I too had that ambition. Anyway, you can kind of see my dilemma at what to get him for Christmas. I'm sure once I go shopping, I'll find something that will be so perfect it will be hard to resist.
So those are my thoughts today, simple. I'm just trying to get done. Getting done with school is my primary concern these days. I have others as well, like maintaining my relationship with my husband, doing some reading/professional development, and worrying (of course), but school is the goal. I think I'll cry the day I finally get my B.A. And then go out and party like it's 1999!!! (And no, I'm not too young to fully get that reference. Almost, but not quite.)
Christmas is coming soon. I have no idea what to get most of my family for Christmas, let alone the mister. He's never any help for ideas either. He always says "I don't want anything, but I need socks." Ok, so I get him a package of socks but that is NOT a Christmas present. I don't like buying him books, because books are a very personal thing. And his parents always get him books. Books he doesn't really read. He works hard all day at a computer, entering in numbers, and analyzing statistics. From what I've observed, all he wants to do once he gets home is sit on the couch and relax. He does help me cook or do dishes or clean a little a bit. But some nights he goes to the gym. He exercises for at least 45 minutes a day, 6 days a week. If only I too had that ambition. Anyway, you can kind of see my dilemma at what to get him for Christmas. I'm sure once I go shopping, I'll find something that will be so perfect it will be hard to resist.
So those are my thoughts today, simple. I'm just trying to get done. Getting done with school is my primary concern these days. I have others as well, like maintaining my relationship with my husband, doing some reading/professional development, and worrying (of course), but school is the goal. I think I'll cry the day I finally get my B.A. And then go out and party like it's 1999!!! (And no, I'm not too young to fully get that reference. Almost, but not quite.)
Friday, November 12
Day 1: Something I hate about myself
Wow. What a downer post. But it's only day 1. There are bound to be good things coming right? Ok... so one thing I hate about myself:
I am moody. Like... incredibly moody. I snap at my husband for no reason at all, or my mother, or whoever happens to be the one calling me. I feel just fine and then I open my mouth and anger spews from it. Then he asks me what's wrong and I get defensive, saying "Nothing." He keeps questioning me because obviously from his perspective something is wrong.
Maybe I need a sign that I can walk around with that says "Caution: Moody". I've been moody as long as I can remember. And it's no where near what it was in my angsty teen years. Then, doctors chalked it up to depression. But I don't feel like that's the real problem now.
But, yes, sometimes now I feel bad about myself because almost all my friends my age that I went to ISU with have their B.A.'s and I kinda messed up, picked a new program, and chose a new path. And yes, I feel guilty not working and contributing to the running of my home financially. And yes, sometimes I feel bad that I don't clean the house as much as I could. But depressed, no? I am not crying on a daily basis like I have before or am perpetually angry.
It's just sometimes, when I'm in the middle of writing and my husband asks me a question like "Where's the peanut butter?" I get frustrated. Because, well, I don't know. I'd have to get up and look. But in reality, it just goes faster if he asks me and I go get it. Because he can't find anything. And that's a fact.
So, I'm not depressed, I don't feel like I have anger issues... I just get frustrated easily these days. My patience is a little thin. There are so many things I could be doing. But instead, I'm still jumping through hoops. I'm hoping when the jumping is over, the moodiness will subside as well.
I am moody. Like... incredibly moody. I snap at my husband for no reason at all, or my mother, or whoever happens to be the one calling me. I feel just fine and then I open my mouth and anger spews from it. Then he asks me what's wrong and I get defensive, saying "Nothing." He keeps questioning me because obviously from his perspective something is wrong.
Maybe I need a sign that I can walk around with that says "Caution: Moody". I've been moody as long as I can remember. And it's no where near what it was in my angsty teen years. Then, doctors chalked it up to depression. But I don't feel like that's the real problem now.
But, yes, sometimes now I feel bad about myself because almost all my friends my age that I went to ISU with have their B.A.'s and I kinda messed up, picked a new program, and chose a new path. And yes, I feel guilty not working and contributing to the running of my home financially. And yes, sometimes I feel bad that I don't clean the house as much as I could. But depressed, no? I am not crying on a daily basis like I have before or am perpetually angry.
It's just sometimes, when I'm in the middle of writing and my husband asks me a question like "Where's the peanut butter?" I get frustrated. Because, well, I don't know. I'd have to get up and look. But in reality, it just goes faster if he asks me and I go get it. Because he can't find anything. And that's a fact.
So, I'm not depressed, I don't feel like I have anger issues... I just get frustrated easily these days. My patience is a little thin. There are so many things I could be doing. But instead, I'm still jumping through hoops. I'm hoping when the jumping is over, the moodiness will subside as well.
Thursday, October 28
30 Days of Truth-- Muse Style
I will be starting this in the new future. I got the list from Scarett who cites that this is running crazy on Blogger right now. I will be doing this every so often for awhile. I'm using this as a muse. I said I was would be musing on this blog and so far, very little musing has actually happened. So, let's get to it! Here is the game plan, what will be my 30 days of truth.
Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself
Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself
Wow.
I read the blog entry and the "update". And then I just kind of sat in stunned silence. My first thought was that if people really couldn't stand watching "fatties" on tv they shouldn't watch that show.
But then I got mad. There are over-weight and obese people out there who are kind, caring, and deserve love. (Just like there are other kinds of people out there under-represented on tv.) Why shouldn't there be a show about that? We have shows about some bimbo who lives in Jersey? Why not a nice couple who falls in love and have similarities? Who cares if those similarities are that they are overweight?
I think there need to be more shows with over-weight actors. Not everyone in the world has a perfect physique. Or even a desirable one. In fact, if you look around women come in all shapes and sizes. However, if the only thing that survives from our species are the television shows, whoever discovers them thousands of years from now will think all women were size 2, tall, and had incredible skin and hair. This, as we all know, is not true.
So what do you think? What kinds of additional diversity does tv need? Do you like seeing the over-weigh actors or would you prefer not to? Or do you not care? Do you just watch tv shows based on theme?
Monday, October 18
Why do I want to be a teacher?
This was a journal I was required to do towards the beginning of the semester for my Intro to Education class. I thought I would share it with you guys here. :-)
I hate questions like this. It’s kind of like asking me, “Why do you love chocolate?” Well, I… I… I don’t know. I just do. It was that way for me when I first pondered this question. Why do I want to be a teacher? I can think of a few cheesy, cliché reasons, but I don’t want to use those as real reasons and many of the traditional reasons don’t fit me either. For example, it’s true that I love children, but I don’t want to teach students who will think of themselves as children. The students I want to teach are just on the cusp of adulthood. They think they are all grown up and have little left to learn. They’ll think they are ready to face the world and all the challenges in it, like we each did at sixteen. So this, already, sounds like a challenge. Luckily, I like being challenged. So that’s a reason. I want to be a teacher because it will be challenging.
Therefore, I want to be a teacher so that every day I walk into that classroom, I will be pushed, both by myself and my students, to give my best. I will be challenged to give them work that will mean something and in this will be giving my own life meaning. I want to push my students to edit, analyze, and think in ways that they may not have before. I want to prepare students to learn for a lifetime and not merely memorize facts for a test. I hope to learn from my students and adapt to what they need to know to survive in the world past high school. I want to be a teacher so I can make a difference in the world. I would like to help children who may not have previously thought they could attend college realize that dream. It would be great to be sited as the inspiration and reason behind the future of our nation. I want to be a teacher for all the students who are hungry to learn and hungry to succeed but people have told them they can’t and won’t succeed or learn. I want to be at the very least, the one positive light in my student’s lives. I hope to be the one who will always stand in their corner and fight for them and what’s best for them.
I realize this sounds very lofty and idyllic, but I think that in order to be a teacher one needs to have strong ideas of how he or she would like the future be. Every day, teachers impact the shaping of the future for better or for worse through his or her interactions with students. I believe that if one does not have the heart or stomach for politics, the best way to help shape our country and impact it’s future is by working directly with our youth.
Friday, October 15
What do I have to give?
Disclaimer: This entire post may sound selfish and delusional. It probably is.
Today while grocery shopping, there was a woman standing with a sign on cardboard that said "NEED HELP". I consider myself a kind, considerate human being. So you're probably wondering why I drove by without stopping to help said woman. Well, it goes back longer than just today.
This woman used to stand by the stop sign at Wal-Mart. With the same cardboard sign. I'm always wondering how if these people were in such of a need of assistance, how they got the markers to write on their sign and the scissors to cut it into a perfect square. She also would stand in 100F weather and rub her arms and jump around like she was cold. I'm sorry, but it's blistering hot out and there is no way you are cold delusional woman. Also, she wears decent clothes. Not super nice ones, but they are always clean and they never have holes. Her hair also appears clean and it looks like she brushes it regularly. She also obviously gets her hair cut because it's looked the same for about the last year since I first noticed her.
In addition to this woman, there was also a man sitting in the McDonald's inside Wal-Mart. He had a sign detailing where he needed to go in Minnesota. I'd like to think if I were going to Minnesota, I'd have helped him but the truth is I wouldn't.
I thought about this. WHY? Why do I, as a social-rights activist, caring individual, and mostly Christian (see previous post on religious beliefs) not stop and help him? Or her? Even the first time I saw her, I never spared a dollar for her. In fact, I think I locked my door.
This makes me feel guilty. I should be more willing to help people. But what can a hand out really do? There are places in Ames for people to go. There are homeless shelters, food pantries, and the Dept of Human Services has an office here as well.
Let's face it. These are tough economic times, but Will and I are living a reasonable comfortable time. Things are rough since I'm not working but at least we have a root over our head and food on our table. We even go to the dollar theater to see a movie a few times a month and out to the bar with friends once a month. In order to be a good person am I supposed to give up these tiny fun things we do to help others?
The answer inside of me is a resounding "NO!" But why? Why do I feel such a strong feeling of no against those who could need my help? The answer is, I'm afraid that everyone with a sign is just looking to mooch off the kindness and generosity of others. I'd be willing to bet I won't see that woman once it gets below 20. She'll be in her HUD-assisted housing, eating her food stamps meals and surviving just fine. Hell, maybe she doesn't get either of those because she makes more money out there with her little sign that my husband does contributing to society.
Also, I don't have to be generous with money. I am generous with my time and my used goods. I donate all clothes, books, and other goods that I will no longer be using to Goodwill. I also buy a lot of my books, goods, and some of my clothes there as well. I am generous with my time in a volunteer when I get a chance. I volunteered at the Ames Public Library 5 hours a month last academic year and this summer I helped hand out water when the public water was off in Ames. I also have worked in soup kitchens and gone on mission trips. I'd like to go through training with the Red Cross. So, I'm not a bad person, I just don't hand out money.
So let's put it this way, people out there begging for hand outs piss me off. There are services that can assist people and there are jobs out there if you're that desperate. (I just can't work over-nights at McDonald's or the like because I go to school and I'd never see my husband. So when I say I can't find a job, I can't find a job where I could go to school and see my husband and still be able to work.) I should quit my whining. I have food for dinner, a nice place to sleep, and clean clothes. AND a family that would allow us to crash on their couches if it ever came to that.
So now, I feel guilty about writing this whole thing. I'm tempted not to publish it, but menh. That's how I feel. Take it or leave it.
Thursday, October 14
[witty blog post]
Here is a holder spot for the awesome blog post I will write tonight when I get done with class. It will most likely include a snarky, hating on local-PD vibe. If you need more until I'm able to write it, see here.
Until then, have a good day! :-)
Until then, have a good day! :-)
Wednesday, October 6
10&10
Okay. I'll admit it. I just squealed in pleasure when I realized that I was number 9 on "Thoughts of an Oxymoron"s 10&10 (a little bit of love). I mean, wow. A shout out from a smart lady who I adore. What's better than that? I realize I saw this almost a week late, but it's midterm week. I shouldn't be taking the time to even write this, but I will anyway, because I deserve it.
Ten Things I Like:
- Chuck Taylors. They have been ingrained as part of my identity since I was 14. I'm not giving them up until I'm 74.
- Books. New books, old books, I'm not picky. The smell of the library or a bookstore. It's like... paper. And knowledge. Both of which are fantastic.
- Diet root beer. I used to be an avid hater of all diet sodas, however, diet root beer tastes much like the regular thing, has 0 calories, and helps erase (some of) the guilt from drinking soda. I'm even getting used to diet Mountian Dew.
- Waffles. Both the breakfast food and my best friend on four legs. My dog is the only one in my life who thinks I'm a saint, never holds grudges, and always thinks I have the answer.
- Music. I don't think I could live without a rhythm of some sort pulsing through my veins. I often has one in mind even when no music surrounds me.
- A bargain. A super-cute top on clearance for $3.99 at Old Navy? Gets me every time.
- HGTV. What is better than fantasizing about houses in tropical locales or half-a-million-dollar houses I'll never afford on my future teacher's salary? Or decorating ideas that I can incorporate into my own apartment? Nothing. And it's pretty easy to keep on in the background while doing homework. (And doesn't make me eat non-stop like my Food Network obsession did.)
- Movies. I love curling up under a blanket on the couch with my dog and hubby watching a movie or tv or whatever. (It's really really REALLY cozy with all of us on the couch.)
- Ice cream. I realize this is the third food-related item on this list, but really... ice cream is something I always associate with my Papa, my mom's father. He is an amazing man and to him a night just isn't a night to him unless it comes complete with ice cream. I have to say I agree. It's like that sweet treat at the end of the day. Though now, I eat a lot of frozen yogurt. It's basically the same thing, right?
- My family. They are everything to me. My family also now includes a wonderful husband (and his family. I am blessed with awesome in-laws). He hasn't been given a proper introduction yet, but he will. :-)
And now for 10 blogs you should follow, besides me *shameless self-promotion*: (Wait... you are following me, right?)
- Thoughts of an Oxymoron-- Inspiration for today's post and a woman with a LOT going on. All of it fun to read!
- the silver lining-- Positive thoughts and lots of organization. Also my fellow 2010 bride!
- We Three Kings-- I can't say enough good things about Lele. She has an adorable son and plenty to talk about. So you should go check it out.
- domestic daredevils-- A relatively new blog, but worth mentioning for this bread post alone! I look forward to more recipes and kitchen tips!
- (I forgot to put bread on my 10 things I like. So consider bread #11!)
- Confessions of a Shieldmaiden-- I think some of you know of the Shieldmaiden challenge I mentioned over on Twitter to Get Fitter, but this is Scarlett. She is amazing. I love her. And her awesome, geeky exercise idea that I'm currently failing at. But that's not the point...
- Rachel Vincent-- My favorite fantasy writer. (Yes, I love her stuff more than Twilight! *gasp*) You guys should check out her stuff, seriously. I know I plug it a lot. So DO IT!
- Hyperbole and a Half-- A blog I've recently discovered, but her illustrations and stories and scenarios are absolutely hilarious. You just have to check it out.
- The Seam Rippers-- They make me jealous with all their awesome crafty-goodness. I tried to sew when I was young. It's a good idea in theory, but I don't have the patience. :-( So I look at their shiny projects in awe.
- Mommy Wants Vodka-- Firstly, who doesn't want vodka? Secondly, you had me at John C. Mayer. I was wondering what happened to wittiness and why it wasn't on my Twitter feed anymore! Also, I can't wait to see more of what she writes.
- For number 10, I'm pulling an Erin. Please follow the other blogs I do. :-)
And now, enough procrastination. It's time to get back to homework!
Friday, September 24
Reflections on My Faith Journey
Some of this won't make sense to you if you haven't watched "Purple State of Mind", (which I highly recommend you watch!!!) But this, is a journal entry in response to that film, reflecting on my own faith journey.
Over the years, my faith has experienced many ups and downs. I was raised and used to strongly identify with the Roman Catholic tradition. I was proud of the rituals intricately woven into the history of the Catholic Church and the role I played in them. I prayed nightly before bed and read the bible. I attended catechism with enthusiasm, asking thought provoking questions and was proud of my adult membership in the Catholic Church. But around the time I graduated from high school, I noticed people whom I thought of as good Christians were doing selfish things, often in the name of Christ. I can see parallels in this to John’s time in the Middle East. This radically shook my belief but did not destroy it. I saw, and still see, people doing selfish, destructive, unloving things in the name of God. But I also saw Christians who tried their best to be solid followers of Jesus. However, these are not the Christians people notice. In the film, something was mentioned about radical Christians being just as scary as radical Muslims and I fully believe this to be true. Bible-beating, shove-my-ideas-about-God-down-your-throat Christians scare me to death. They make others who dare to call themselves Christians ashamed.
In my current faith journey, I identify with a passage in the Bible on fasting. It says to wash one’s face and fast in private. Those who beat their chest and get recognition on the street for fasting have already gotten their reward. In this same way, I have taken on a very private and quiet journey on religion since my freshman year in college. I became further disenfranchised with the Catholic Church when I went to mass at St. Thomas Aquinas, the church across the street from Iowa State University’s campus and the priest talked about a woman’s sole place being in the home taking care of her family. That was the last time I went to church on my own in Ames. I continued to attend church with my family when I went home, but I could not bring myself to return to that church. My family has told me that just because I do not like the preacher does not mean that I should abandon the Catholic Church. I haven’t tried the other Catholic Church in town. I really didn’t see how it will make much difference when my views on abortion and gay marriage were radically more liberal than the Catholic Church’s views. So, I suppose the priest was not the reason, but merely an excuse.
I have never quit believing in God, even if the intensity of that belief has waxed and waned over the past few years. I have simply stopped believing in the human created institution of the church. Just as we can never know what is truly in another human’s heart, we can never know what is in God’s heart. To have a strict set of rules and beliefs for churches to pass off as the truth is stunning and frustrating. Manmade institutions represent God but they are not God. Religious institutions sometimes make rulings on how their members should approach particular political issues or how they should vote. For me this raises a question, also posed in the film, where does or should personal morality intersect with public policy? I believe no one person’s personal opinion or views on any issue trumps fairness for all. For example, if a majority holds the same moral stance on an issue but it violates anyone else’s rights, it should not be written into public policy. For me, the challenge of my continued faith journey will be to reconcile my liberal political views with a Christianity that seems stubbornly conservative on issues of American politics.
Tuesday, September 14
Guilt
We all deal with guilt in different ways. One of my professors today said that when he feels guilty, he gets pissed. No one likes to feel bad about the things that they do (or don't do). I'm not sure where all this guilt comes from for me lately, but I've been feeling a lot of it. (See this post for more on my guilt.) And when I feel guilty... I eat. It's not exactly helping my goal of eating healthy, working out, and losing weight. So as I gain weight, I feel even more guilty.
I wanted to start walking yesterday. I had a goal of walking for 45 minutes which would hopefully be 2 miles. But it looked like rain all day so I pacified myself by saying, "If I go out now, it will rain on me. I will be wet and get sick." (Not that I've ever gotten sick from the rain!) And guess what? No rain at all yesterday. Begin another guilt cycle about that.
In conclusion... wait. What? I have no conclusion. I should be doing homework as I'm writing this because I have a break until class starts, but no. I'm not being responsible and now I'm feeling guilty about that, too. There is no easy solution and everyone wants to shirk on responsibilities from time to time so I guess the key is balance. Work with play. Pleasure with pain.
(This is the awesome blog I got my chart from. Read the article, it's hilarious and I wish I'd thought of it first: Hyperbole and a Half.)
This chart pretty much sums up how I deal with responsibility...
There are things in my life that I should be doing, but don't. There are positive, correct, and "good" decisions I should be making, but I'm not. There are responsibilites I should be taking care of, but I'm not.
One of my main guilts right now is not having a job. I am relying on hubby for nearly everything financially right now. I don't feel like I'm contributing my fair share, even though I do the dishes, cooking, most of the cleaning, and the laundry about half the time. My student financial aid is messed up and I did not get the aid money I thought I was going to. They're trying to work it out right now with some new information, but it's not looking promising. I've applied for at least 15 jobs and gotten one interview... over 2 weeks ago. It's probably time to start a new round of applications, but the next round goes to place like Wal-Mart (where I worked before and hated) or Target (where I love to shop and thus don't want to work there and come to hate it). Following that, if a job does not present itself, I will be applying at restaurants as a waitress. I really just want to get this job at Theisen's. (For those of you, not from Iowa/Midwest, Thiesen's is a farm supply store.) I called the manager who interviewed me and he said corporate put a freeze on their hiring for 2 weeks. So hopefully next week, he can offer me a job as my app is still at the top of his pile. But I needed to start working 3 weeks ago. *le sigh*I wanted to start walking yesterday. I had a goal of walking for 45 minutes which would hopefully be 2 miles. But it looked like rain all day so I pacified myself by saying, "If I go out now, it will rain on me. I will be wet and get sick." (Not that I've ever gotten sick from the rain!) And guess what? No rain at all yesterday. Begin another guilt cycle about that.
In conclusion... wait. What? I have no conclusion. I should be doing homework as I'm writing this because I have a break until class starts, but no. I'm not being responsible and now I'm feeling guilty about that, too. There is no easy solution and everyone wants to shirk on responsibilities from time to time so I guess the key is balance. Work with play. Pleasure with pain.
(This is the awesome blog I got my chart from. Read the article, it's hilarious and I wish I'd thought of it first: Hyperbole and a Half.)
Friday, September 10
Bedroom Makeover (for free!)
I was sick of not having enough storage space in our bedroom. I can't fit everything on the shelf that I need to and it drives me crazy because we have a HUGE closet. Why can't I fit everything in this HUGE closet? -_-
Well, let me tell you. The hubby thought it was necessary to put BOTH dressers in the closet because our bedroom isn't very bit. Well, we couldn't fit both of them in there so he insisted that HIS go in the closet. -_- I don't think so. I had no where to put all our shoes. Our apartment only has 3 closets. One is a dedicated pantry and the other is full of home improvement type stuff (tools, light bulbs, etc.-- things we don't want to have to go down the hall to storage for) and all our pet stuff. I still haven't found a place for our vacuum cleaner. I'm also not 100% positive I like where my desk is. I'm thinking about moving it. But that will have to be a project for another day.
So, here is what our bedroom kind of looked like before the make-over. (And no, that's not to scale! I forgot to take a "before" picture! Haha!)
So, first on the list? I had to move the bed! I turned the bed so the head of it was against the window leaving plenty of space for the extra dresser.
I also moved that dresser of his out of the closet! I even have our internet router and modem hiding behind that cute little moose! I have have space for maybe a chair and a little reading nook later?
So, what did this do to my closet? Well it freed up space for all the extra bed linens and we were both able to hang out all our pants and some of our sweaters and sweatshirts. I even has space for my purses that I can't put away into storage, because I use them almost every weekend when I go out!
I LOVE our closet. But my favorite part? I have lots of pretty jewelry. It's not necessarily expensive, but since we don't have any wall art yet (I plan on shopping/preparing that as soon as I get a part-time job) I wanted to display my jewelry in a way that will be both artistic and help me locate my favorite pieces and know what I have.
It's really simple. Just take a cork board and use push pins to hang your lovelies!
Everything that I used, I already had on hand. It only took me about 90 minutes to re-arrange the room and put everything in it's place. I plan on adding a chair next to the bed for us to sit and read and also some additional storage in the closet. I want to add a rather large piece of wallart over the bed and another one over Will's dresser that can highlight some of his things. (Maybe a cork board that he can attach his hats to?) And hang some pictures of us in the fabulous picture frames we got for our wedding!
Actually, I think I'm going to go tackle hanging up that "S" somewhere right now...
Wednesday, September 8
Can't wait!
So, what's *MY* must-read book of 2010? It wasn't Mockingjay (though I was excited about that) or Linger (was excited about that, too!---then disappointed) Anyway, want to know what it is?
The conclusion (*tear*) of Rachel Vincent's Shifter's series. I want to know what happens to Faythe when she takes over the reins of the Southwest Pride. I want to know who she chooses as her partner, Mark or Jace. (And I'm promised that neither get to die until after Faythe makes her choice!) I want to know if they vanquish their enemies and make feminists everywhere cheer over the ending a male chauvinistic tyrants. But mostly, I just want to know how it ends!
So, if you haven't read the series... where the heck have you been? Just kidding! Go pick up Stray! Like... yesterday! I HIGHLY recommend it! :-)
The conclusion (*tear*) of Rachel Vincent's Shifter's series. I want to know what happens to Faythe when she takes over the reins of the Southwest Pride. I want to know who she chooses as her partner, Mark or Jace. (And I'm promised that neither get to die until after Faythe makes her choice!) I want to know if they vanquish their enemies and make feminists everywhere cheer over the ending a male chauvinistic tyrants. But mostly, I just want to know how it ends!
So, if you haven't read the series... where the heck have you been? Just kidding! Go pick up Stray! Like... yesterday! I HIGHLY recommend it! :-)
Thursday, August 12
Ames Floodagedon 2010
As of yesterday, most athletic facilities at Iowa State were under (partial) water. Drinking water is not expected to be safe until early next week. A total of six water mains have broken and people are stranded in their homes, out of town, or in town. A boil ordinance will be in affect for up to a week after water pressure is restored, as 1 water tower is completely empty and another is just starting to fill. They will be opening up fire hydrants to flush water to rid contaminants which will dump even more water into the streets. I only hope they know what they're doing!
Luckily, we live just outside of city limits and are part of a rural water association. I did make it into town to experience the craziness of the water shortage at Hy-Vee (yes, they rain out of bottled water and were well on their way to running out of Gatorade and flavored waters, as well) and to take some photos. Is it wrong of me to think that natural disasters are beautiful?
Also, in case you were wondering the speed limit for all boats is 25 mph at the Iowa State Center! ;-)
Luckily, we live just outside of city limits and are part of a rural water association. I did make it into town to experience the craziness of the water shortage at Hy-Vee (yes, they rain out of bottled water and were well on their way to running out of Gatorade and flavored waters, as well) and to take some photos. Is it wrong of me to think that natural disasters are beautiful?
Also, in case you were wondering the speed limit for all boats is 25 mph at the Iowa State Center! ;-)Most Duff Avenue businesses are still flooded, but it's looking promising that they could open sometime next week, as well. At least the biggies, like Target & Wal-Mart, because *how* will we survive without them? The local, family owned restaurants, garages, and other businesses could be even longer.
All in all, I feel very grateful. I have been safe (so far), but more rain is expected tonight and tomorrow. Let's hope it isn't as bad as is being predicted.
For more information about the flooding, check: The Des Moines Register, The City of Ames
See more of my flood pictures on Facebook. (You should be able to view these even if you aren't a member of Facebook.)
All in all, I feel very grateful. I have been safe (so far), but more rain is expected tonight and tomorrow. Let's hope it isn't as bad as is being predicted.
For more information about the flooding, check: The Des Moines Register, The City of Ames
See more of my flood pictures on Facebook. (You should be able to view these even if you aren't a member of Facebook.)
Wednesday, August 4
Blogging is harder than it looks...
To all my interwebs friends who blog religiously weekly or daily: I envy you. I envy your witty banter and your endless fountain of ideas. I want that. I want witty banter and endless ideas. So, what am I going to do about it?
I recently asked on Twitter and got ONE response. But it was a pretty good one. Create folders on your PC that involve blog ideas. Ok, done. And after one measly day, I have zero ideas in said folder. What is wrong with me?
Ok, short answer is probably nothing. Long answer is... I am distractable and easily bored. I have no job right now. I am starting classes at the end of August, but most of my day consists of taking Will to and from work and housewifery. I can't find the motivation to finish any one project and easily lose interest. I had a good blog idea, but the thought of actually writing that idea makes me bored. The idea? Product reviews. Good idea (I think) in theory. Making them interesting enough that even I'd want to read them? Not happening. And I can't make myself write something I wouldn't want to read. So, maybe I can incorporate that idea into this blog. When I find a product awesome (or sucky) enough to write about.
So, the best answer I can find as to why I love to write but hardly ever do? I'm scared. I'm scared that this will be shit, people will criticize it, or (worse) not even read it. Am I paranoid? A little. So, I guess the point is... here is my 18th (exaggerated) attempt at writing a blog. I have no expectations for it to be kickass or awesome. But mostly just for it to endure. Let's see how I go with that goal.
I recently asked on Twitter and got ONE response. But it was a pretty good one. Create folders on your PC that involve blog ideas. Ok, done. And after one measly day, I have zero ideas in said folder. What is wrong with me?
Ok, short answer is probably nothing. Long answer is... I am distractable and easily bored. I have no job right now. I am starting classes at the end of August, but most of my day consists of taking Will to and from work and housewifery. I can't find the motivation to finish any one project and easily lose interest. I had a good blog idea, but the thought of actually writing that idea makes me bored. The idea? Product reviews. Good idea (I think) in theory. Making them interesting enough that even I'd want to read them? Not happening. And I can't make myself write something I wouldn't want to read. So, maybe I can incorporate that idea into this blog. When I find a product awesome (or sucky) enough to write about.
So, the best answer I can find as to why I love to write but hardly ever do? I'm scared. I'm scared that this will be shit, people will criticize it, or (worse) not even read it. Am I paranoid? A little. So, I guess the point is... here is my 18th (exaggerated) attempt at writing a blog. I have no expectations for it to be kickass or awesome. But mostly just for it to endure. Let's see how I go with that goal.
Friday, June 25
Monday, April 26
A pile of thank you's and invites...
This week's goals: Complete thank you's from the bridal shower this past weekend and mail out invitations for the wedding.
Quite hefty goals.
Along with that, I want to visit Ashford University this week and complete my application for admission. Then, onward and upward to my future with Will and my future as a teacher, both of which I am VERY excited about! :-)
Will talked about moving to California today. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Fantastic weather... and 1500 miles away from my family. Hmmm...
I guess I can't think of anything else too exciting going on in my life... I've been working about 22 hours a week (WAY less than I'd like), helping my extended family, and planning a wedding. It keeps me plenty busy.
Quite hefty goals.
Along with that, I want to visit Ashford University this week and complete my application for admission. Then, onward and upward to my future with Will and my future as a teacher, both of which I am VERY excited about! :-)
Will talked about moving to California today. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Fantastic weather... and 1500 miles away from my family. Hmmm...
I guess I can't think of anything else too exciting going on in my life... I've been working about 22 hours a week (WAY less than I'd like), helping my extended family, and planning a wedding. It keeps me plenty busy.
Tuesday, March 30
Something I'm in love with right now...
Cozi. Amazing. Pure awesome in a website. I've only been using this site for less than 24 hours, but it's so simple that I think it's a habit I can stick to. I set this site up using my new e-mail that I'll use after I'm married, so it has all of Will and my information in it. Right now, I'm using it as a way keep us organized for things left to do for the wedding. After I return to school, I can use it for that.
There is a place for me to journal and type a few sentences of what happened in my life on a certain day. These can be set to sent to family members as a monthly newsletter of what's going on in my life. I have a section to create "to do" lists which can also be texted to my phone. I can create shopping lists, which can yes, be texted to my phone! Additionally, Cozi can be viewed from my desktop via a little widget.
I think the calendar is the best feature! I can enter appointments and even put in how often they occur (like every year for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) Cozi has even entered in U.S. holidays and other days of interest (such as Tax Day!) Everything on Cozi can be edited, except the days found on the U.S. calendar. Also, if you aren't from the U.S. you can import other calendars, such as a Canadian or British calendar.
This is what my home screen looks like (also set to my web browser's home page now).
There is a great "messages" section which allows you to send messages to the phone or e-mail of every family member whose information is registered on the site.
The "Live Simply" section has dinner ideas, organization, and a million other things that are quick and easy reads for helping make your life simpler and more organized!
Now that you've seen my new method for organization, what do you do to stay organized?
There is a place for me to journal and type a few sentences of what happened in my life on a certain day. These can be set to sent to family members as a monthly newsletter of what's going on in my life. I have a section to create "to do" lists which can also be texted to my phone. I can create shopping lists, which can yes, be texted to my phone! Additionally, Cozi can be viewed from my desktop via a little widget.
I think the calendar is the best feature! I can enter appointments and even put in how often they occur (like every year for birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) Cozi has even entered in U.S. holidays and other days of interest (such as Tax Day!) Everything on Cozi can be edited, except the days found on the U.S. calendar. Also, if you aren't from the U.S. you can import other calendars, such as a Canadian or British calendar.
This is what my home screen looks like (also set to my web browser's home page now).
There is a great "messages" section which allows you to send messages to the phone or e-mail of every family member whose information is registered on the site.
The "Live Simply" section has dinner ideas, organization, and a million other things that are quick and easy reads for helping make your life simpler and more organized!
Now that you've seen my new method for organization, what do you do to stay organized?
Monday, March 29
Wedding Countdown & Plans
The good news is... I'm not feeling all that stressed about everything. I have a million lists started and have a great family who's willing to help me with all my planning. I am even able to request days off so that I can take time to plan and relax... The only problem is that then I'm not making any money... I need a less stressful job! One where I don't have to listen to everyone gossip and complain! But for now, it's ok...
Monday, February 8
A Few of My Favorite Things...
I got this idea from my Twitter friend Lele's blog, who got it from her friend Mitzi's blog. I just wanted to take the time today to appreciate a few things that I enjoy...
- The smell of library books
- New haircuts
- A new quart of my favorite ice cream
- Freshly popped popcorn
- A book I've never read
- Re-reading a favorite book
- The fuzzy-ness of a new sweatshirt
- Old photographs that I haven't seen for awhile
- Coffee with friends
- Dinners with friends
- Anytime spent with friends
- A good movie
- A good cry
- Sleeping in
- Naps with Will
- Family dinners
- Visiting my grandparents
- Breaks at work
- Internet time
- Snail mail
- E-mail from people I haven't heard from in awhile
- AIM conversations with friends
- Running into people I haven't seen for awhile
- Facebook wall messages
- Clinique products
- Slippers and cuddling under blankets
- Kisses from Will
- Saturday afternoons
- Hugs from just about everyone
- Thunderstorms
- My birthday
- Chuck Taylors, especially yellow ones
- Homemade pizza
- Venison jerkey
- The Twilight saga, the Shifters saga, the Inheritance Cycle
- Saturday afternoons when it rains and I can cuddle under a blanket in my slippers reading a new book during a thunderstorm
- Any other combination of my favorite things
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