I grew up in Nashville and most of my family is still there. So, that means a lot of drives up and down that oh-so-exciting stretch of I-40 between Memphis and Nashville. And, by exciting, I mean, I'm not sure if there is a duller stretch of interstate (except for maybe somewhere in Oklahoma or Kansas).
Lately, because of Clay's work/study schedule (but no more studying, woo hoo!) it has been just Hannah and me in the car. So, I make darn sure we make that 3-ish hour drive during nap time! The only thing that makes an extremely boring drive worse, is an extremely boring drive with a cranky toddler who has no desire to be confined to her car seat!
When you are driving down said stretch of interstate, with the radio pretty much off (for fear of waking the toddler), and you get tired of watching semi trucks, fields and cows, you have to keep your mind busy! I usually play "if I had a million dollars". More specifically, "If I had (insert current Powerball or MegaMillions jackpot winnings) dollars". This is OBVIOUSLY more realistic. Especially since I couldn't tell you the last time I even had a lottery ticket.
Anyhow, my list usually goes something like this (I start practical... Then, I fall off a bit!):
- Pay off the house! We are debt free except out house, and it sure would be nice to be done with a mortgage FOREVER!
- Completely fund H's school/college fund. For every type of school she could ever want.
- Pretty much take care of investments for the long haul.
(And here is where we fall off a bit into frivolousness :p)
- A pretty, new (well, almost new) biiiig 5th wheel camper for camping.
- A new (to us) vehicle to pull said camper!
- A nice loooong visit to the World (Disney that is)
- A nice little place at the beach
- And in the mountains
- And a cabin at the lake (and the boat/other toys to go with, of course)
- Of course, there would be good works done too. It's hard to even begin on where to start giving it away!
So, if YOU had a million dollars (and by that, I just mean lots 'o cash that was disposable income), what would you do with it?
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
To-Do UPDATE
I've actually made some progress on that to-do list from the last post! Are you impressed? I am! Haha! Not a TON of progress, but some nonetheless! So, let's do a little update on it, shall we:
Hannah signed up for Mother's Day Out (summer program) I got a call from the director of the program yesterday and Hannah is signed up and ready to go for MONDAY! I can't believe my little bit is going to go to "school" in just a couple of days!
- With H signed up for MDO, maybe find some part-time/freelance work to do from home? (If you have any leads, let me know!)
- Clean OUT our hearth room! I've got the 2nd china cabinet cleaned out (yeah, we have two...), but it needs to be moved to the attic. Then, I need to get the other stuff organized!
- In relation to above, turn hearth room into Hannah's play room! We have some toys in there already (her kitchen, a few other things) but I want to get ALL of her toys in there and out of the living room. At least for storage. I know they'll be all over the house no matter what, but at least at the end of the day, they can live in one room instead of EVERYWHERE!
- Really get started with sewing/embroidering with my machine. I've done a few things, but need to get going. (I did order the last of the "stuff" I feel like I really needed to get going, thanks to the advice of Mary Elizabeth!) Hopefully, this will happen in the next couple of weeks. I have a lot of fun ideas for spring/summer!
- Get MOVING! I've felt tired and sluggish and overall "blah" lately. And I think it's because we are cooped up a lot inside with winter, yucky weather. I want to really get outside and play with Hannah during the day (which she LOVES) and (maybe???) start running. I loathe running, so that's a big maybe. I'll be satisfied with good walks. :) I started with some yoga on Tuesday. It's postnatal yoga (hey, 18 months postnatal is STILL, technically, postnatal) but it's still moving! Hoping to get another round in today at naptime.
- Get our vegetable garden planned and planted (on time). We did well with this last year. I want it bigger and better this year. I did get a list of what to plant and when. That's a start!
- Generally, de-clutter. I feel like I do a little here and there, but not enough to make a difference. I need to REALLY make a clean sweep and get rid of a lot of crap. Maybe once stinky old tax season is over, we can do a for real spring cleaning in these parts. It's a two person job for sure!
So there's the update! Not huge strides, but getting some things accomplished. Makes me feel better, that's for sure! The most immediate things I want to do now are a) sewing (because I'd really like to get a dress done in time for the Easter Bunny to bring it in a certain little girl's basket... Plus, my nephew needs a new shirt for Easter too!), b) getting the Hearth Room cleaned out! (I really think I can do this in one afternoon, I just need to set out to do it, and not get side tracked) and c) find some freelance/part-time work from home stuff. So again, if anyone has any leads, let me know!
Hannah signed up for Mother's Day Out (summer program) I got a call from the director of the program yesterday and Hannah is signed up and ready to go for MONDAY! I can't believe my little bit is going to go to "school" in just a couple of days!
- With H signed up for MDO, maybe find some part-time/freelance work to do from home? (If you have any leads, let me know!)
- Clean OUT our hearth room! I've got the 2nd china cabinet cleaned out (yeah, we have two...), but it needs to be moved to the attic. Then, I need to get the other stuff organized!
- In relation to above, turn hearth room into Hannah's play room! We have some toys in there already (her kitchen, a few other things) but I want to get ALL of her toys in there and out of the living room. At least for storage. I know they'll be all over the house no matter what, but at least at the end of the day, they can live in one room instead of EVERYWHERE!
- Really get started with sewing/embroidering with my machine. I've done a few things, but need to get going. (I did order the last of the "stuff" I feel like I really needed to get going, thanks to the advice of Mary Elizabeth!) Hopefully, this will happen in the next couple of weeks. I have a lot of fun ideas for spring/summer!
- Get MOVING! I've felt tired and sluggish and overall "blah" lately. And I think it's because we are cooped up a lot inside with winter, yucky weather. I want to really get outside and play with Hannah during the day (which she LOVES) and (maybe???) start running. I loathe running, so that's a big maybe. I'll be satisfied with good walks. :) I started with some yoga on Tuesday. It's postnatal yoga (hey, 18 months postnatal is STILL, technically, postnatal) but it's still moving! Hoping to get another round in today at naptime.
- Get our vegetable garden planned and planted (on time). We did well with this last year. I want it bigger and better this year. I did get a list of what to plant and when. That's a start!
- Generally, de-clutter. I feel like I do a little here and there, but not enough to make a difference. I need to REALLY make a clean sweep and get rid of a lot of crap. Maybe once stinky old tax season is over, we can do a for real spring cleaning in these parts. It's a two person job for sure!
So there's the update! Not huge strides, but getting some things accomplished. Makes me feel better, that's for sure! The most immediate things I want to do now are a) sewing (because I'd really like to get a dress done in time for the Easter Bunny to bring it in a certain little girl's basket... Plus, my nephew needs a new shirt for Easter too!), b) getting the Hearth Room cleaned out! (I really think I can do this in one afternoon, I just need to set out to do it, and not get side tracked) and c) find some freelance/part-time work from home stuff. So again, if anyone has any leads, let me know!
Friday, March 1, 2013
To-Do List
I've always got a running to-do list going in my head. Before Hannie, I ALWAYS had a written to-do list going, which I was pretty good about completing. Since Miss H has come along, my to-do lists have really gone to the wayside, unless we've got something big going on and I've got a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time.
But, there are a lot of things that I really NEED to get done, want to get done or would like to see happen either around the house or in my/our lives. Some of them are pretty small and trivial. some are mich bigger. But, they are all things that I'd like to see done, so on the list they go! So, I'm going to type them out here. Maybe getting them out here will motivate me a little more. If nothing else, at least no one will tear up/hide/color on/lose said list!
- Get Hannah signed up for Mother's Day Out (summer program) (should happen next week!)
- With H signed up for MDO, maybe find some part-time/freelance work to do from home? (If you have any leads, let me know!)
- Clean OUT our hearth room! I've got the 2nd china cabinet cleaned out (yeah, we have two...), but it needs to be moved to the attic. Then, I need to get the other stuff organized!
- In relation to above, turn hearth room into Hannah's play room! We have some toys in there already (her kitchen, a few other things) but I want to get ALL of her toys in there and out of the living room. At least for storage. I know they'll be all over the house no matter what, but at least at the end of the day, they can live in one room instead of EVERYWHERE!
- Really get started with sewing/embroidering with my machine. I've done a few things, but need to get going. (I did order the last of the "stuff" I feel like I really needed to get going, thanks to the advice of Mary Elizabeth!) Hopefully, this will happen in the next couple of weeks. I have a lot of fun ideas for spring/summer!
- Get MOVING! I've felt tired and sluggish and overall "blah" lately. And I think it's because we are cooped up a lot inside with winter, yucky weather. I want to really get outside and play with Hannah during the day (which she LOVES) and (maybe???) start running. I loathe running, so that's a big maybe. I'll be satisfied with good walks. :)
- Get our vegetable garden planned and planted (on time). We did well with this last year. I want it bigger and better this year.
- Generally, de-clutter. I feel like I do a little here and there, but not enough to make a difference. I need to REALLY make a clean sweep and get rid of a lot of crap. Maybe once stinky old tax season is over, we can do a for real spring cleaning in these parts. It's a two person job for sure!
I know there is more, so I'm sure stay tuned for part deux!
But, there are a lot of things that I really NEED to get done, want to get done or would like to see happen either around the house or in my/our lives. Some of them are pretty small and trivial. some are mich bigger. But, they are all things that I'd like to see done, so on the list they go! So, I'm going to type them out here. Maybe getting them out here will motivate me a little more. If nothing else, at least no one will tear up/hide/color on/lose said list!
- Get Hannah signed up for Mother's Day Out (summer program) (should happen next week!)
- With H signed up for MDO, maybe find some part-time/freelance work to do from home? (If you have any leads, let me know!)
- Clean OUT our hearth room! I've got the 2nd china cabinet cleaned out (yeah, we have two...), but it needs to be moved to the attic. Then, I need to get the other stuff organized!
- In relation to above, turn hearth room into Hannah's play room! We have some toys in there already (her kitchen, a few other things) but I want to get ALL of her toys in there and out of the living room. At least for storage. I know they'll be all over the house no matter what, but at least at the end of the day, they can live in one room instead of EVERYWHERE!
- Really get started with sewing/embroidering with my machine. I've done a few things, but need to get going. (I did order the last of the "stuff" I feel like I really needed to get going, thanks to the advice of Mary Elizabeth!) Hopefully, this will happen in the next couple of weeks. I have a lot of fun ideas for spring/summer!
- Get MOVING! I've felt tired and sluggish and overall "blah" lately. And I think it's because we are cooped up a lot inside with winter, yucky weather. I want to really get outside and play with Hannah during the day (which she LOVES) and (maybe???) start running. I loathe running, so that's a big maybe. I'll be satisfied with good walks. :)
- Get our vegetable garden planned and planted (on time). We did well with this last year. I want it bigger and better this year.
- Generally, de-clutter. I feel like I do a little here and there, but not enough to make a difference. I need to REALLY make a clean sweep and get rid of a lot of crap. Maybe once stinky old tax season is over, we can do a for real spring cleaning in these parts. It's a two person job for sure!
I know there is more, so I'm sure stay tuned for part deux!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Planning Mode
I'm a planner. I like to plan things out. And I like a good list to accomplish it. Seriously, when it comes to a to-do list, I'll write stuff down that wasn't on the list that I did do, just so I can mark it off.
One of the things I like to plan most is trips/getaways/vacations. I mean, who doesn't? Well, I guess that's not true. Some people hate that part of it. Me... I love it! Planning a trip is half of the fun for me! And while I love planning week long Disney extravaganzas more than anything, I love planning a long weekend of camping too!
I love having anything planned like that on the calendar. You know, something o look forward to. And right now, there is nothing. Not a thing. Tax season sucks the life out of me, and I don't even do taxes. But it's awfully hard to do anything, or plan anything, when your husband works most every Saturday for 3.5 months.
I know it's kinda petty, but it's not really so much about the trip or the going somewhere as it is about the family time. Sometimes you just need a couple of days away from the norm and from the house, together as a family, to regroup. And BOY am I reay for that!
Hurry up April! (Or earlier, God willing.... :D)
One of the things I like to plan most is trips/getaways/vacations. I mean, who doesn't? Well, I guess that's not true. Some people hate that part of it. Me... I love it! Planning a trip is half of the fun for me! And while I love planning week long Disney extravaganzas more than anything, I love planning a long weekend of camping too!
I love having anything planned like that on the calendar. You know, something o look forward to. And right now, there is nothing. Not a thing. Tax season sucks the life out of me, and I don't even do taxes. But it's awfully hard to do anything, or plan anything, when your husband works most every Saturday for 3.5 months.
I know it's kinda petty, but it's not really so much about the trip or the going somewhere as it is about the family time. Sometimes you just need a couple of days away from the norm and from the house, together as a family, to regroup. And BOY am I reay for that!
Hurry up April! (Or earlier, God willing.... :D)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Remembering to be thankful
Sometimes, I have what we call around our house a "dumpy" day. It's those days when you are just in a funk. You are kinda down, a little sad, somewhat grumpy, generally not happy, but don't have a reason for any of things... Yeah, that was my day on Friday. I was just down in the dumps.
A lot of times when I get a little down like that (not like that happens a lot, just when I have a day like that, you know what I meam), I think it might stem from feeling a little lonely. Most of my girlfriends live in the county south of where we live (or further!). For me, it's not a big deal to drive the 45 minutes, heck, I used to do it every day for work, but most people feel like we live in a different country up here.
Anyhow, it can be a long time between seeing friends, getting out, or having adult interaction besides DH sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade being home with the little one for anything. But, just like some need a day home now and then, I guess I need a day out now and then. And it's hard to come by with family and friends farther away.
And then sometimes, awful, unwarranted jealous rears its ugly head.
I have great friends, I do. But sometimes, you'll see everyone get together to do things for others in times of need (of course! We always should! And I'm always on board, please don't read me wrong!) But then I get this awful green monster in me thinking, why didn't anyone do anything for me when I needed help? How's that for selfishness?
Here I am, healthy, with a perfect little girl, and I'm being selfish and full of green little envy/jealous monsters. And then, that just makes me feel grumpy again, because that just makes me a not nice person. *sigh* I need to work on that.
Thankfully, just when I feel like I'm having that rough kind of day, one of those friends comes through for me and reminds me that they are there no matter what the situation and are willing to help with certain things as much as possible (sorry for the vagueness there). Makes me remember, yet agai, how thankful I need to be. ALWAYS.
A lot of times when I get a little down like that (not like that happens a lot, just when I have a day like that, you know what I meam), I think it might stem from feeling a little lonely. Most of my girlfriends live in the county south of where we live (or further!). For me, it's not a big deal to drive the 45 minutes, heck, I used to do it every day for work, but most people feel like we live in a different country up here.
Anyhow, it can be a long time between seeing friends, getting out, or having adult interaction besides DH sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade being home with the little one for anything. But, just like some need a day home now and then, I guess I need a day out now and then. And it's hard to come by with family and friends farther away.
And then sometimes, awful, unwarranted jealous rears its ugly head.
I have great friends, I do. But sometimes, you'll see everyone get together to do things for others in times of need (of course! We always should! And I'm always on board, please don't read me wrong!) But then I get this awful green monster in me thinking, why didn't anyone do anything for me when I needed help? How's that for selfishness?
Here I am, healthy, with a perfect little girl, and I'm being selfish and full of green little envy/jealous monsters. And then, that just makes me feel grumpy again, because that just makes me a not nice person. *sigh* I need to work on that.
Thankfully, just when I feel like I'm having that rough kind of day, one of those friends comes through for me and reminds me that they are there no matter what the situation and are willing to help with certain things as much as possible (sorry for the vagueness there). Makes me remember, yet agai, how thankful I need to be. ALWAYS.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Judgey McJudgerson
I'm a judger. I know I do it. Actually, I know we all do it. Thankfully, I have the mind to keep my mouth closed about things most of the time. But, you should probably know, that there is a list of things out there that, even if I'm not mentioning, I'm probably judging you for. (Yes, I know it's not right...)
I've noticed that this is way worse since becoming a mother. I mean, to each his/her own, but, I'm still sitting here thinking "why in God's name would you do that?!?".
So, in case you are wondering, here are some of the worst offenses:
- Using various forms of social media to complain/talk about what a crappy financial situation you are in, and then using the same said social media outlets to check-in to at least 4 to 5 different eating establishments per week. Pack your darn lunch, go to the grocery store and cook your supper or shut up.
- If you have a child, by all means, please post lots of cute pictures of them on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram. Lord knows I do! But, when every.single.picture has your child with a pacifier in their mouth, and they are to the age where they should be learning to talk... I judge you. I don't mean to, but it happens anyway.
- If you own a business, and use a "z", a "k" or a "$" in place of any other appropriate letter, I will never enter said establishment (and do not expect your business to thrive or you to be able to read)
- We all mis-type and misspell words occasionally, but by using the phrase "I seen", you forever lose any and all credibility.
- There are certain professions that require you to be held to a higher standards, like it or not. So, if you are a pastor, maybe you should think twice before publically condemning people (via social media) who have different political and social opinions than you. Because I promise you, that is one sure fire way to NOT win people over to Christ.
But yeah, judging people is bad. You shouldn't do it. I'm a very bad example in this category. Always something to work on!
I've noticed that this is way worse since becoming a mother. I mean, to each his/her own, but, I'm still sitting here thinking "why in God's name would you do that?!?".
So, in case you are wondering, here are some of the worst offenses:
- Using various forms of social media to complain/talk about what a crappy financial situation you are in, and then using the same said social media outlets to check-in to at least 4 to 5 different eating establishments per week. Pack your darn lunch, go to the grocery store and cook your supper or shut up.
- If you have a child, by all means, please post lots of cute pictures of them on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram. Lord knows I do! But, when every.single.picture has your child with a pacifier in their mouth, and they are to the age where they should be learning to talk... I judge you. I don't mean to, but it happens anyway.
- If you own a business, and use a "z", a "k" or a "$" in place of any other appropriate letter, I will never enter said establishment (and do not expect your business to thrive or you to be able to read)
- We all mis-type and misspell words occasionally, but by using the phrase "I seen", you forever lose any and all credibility.
- There are certain professions that require you to be held to a higher standards, like it or not. So, if you are a pastor, maybe you should think twice before publically condemning people (via social media) who have different political and social opinions than you. Because I promise you, that is one sure fire way to NOT win people over to Christ.
But yeah, judging people is bad. You shouldn't do it. I'm a very bad example in this category. Always something to work on!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
New Year, New Blog
New Year, New Blog.
That's the thought anyhow. I've tried before. And failed. And again, and failed.
So, here I am again. But with a fresh, clean slate. A new look, a new name and a new start. It's time to start keeping track of what's going on and what we are doing. What I'm thinking. Or just what I'm cooking. Or, it might just be somewhere else for me to put pictures of my sweet girl. There's never enough social media outlets for that, right?
So here's to number one. And maybe I'll have something to say soon. (Though I have a list brewing in my head now... Hmmm, what's first!?!)
That's the thought anyhow. I've tried before. And failed. And again, and failed.
So, here I am again. But with a fresh, clean slate. A new look, a new name and a new start. It's time to start keeping track of what's going on and what we are doing. What I'm thinking. Or just what I'm cooking. Or, it might just be somewhere else for me to put pictures of my sweet girl. There's never enough social media outlets for that, right?
So here's to number one. And maybe I'll have something to say soon. (Though I have a list brewing in my head now... Hmmm, what's first!?!)
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