A new year and another chance to get it right

We’ve been back from Tennessee for 3 days now. It was a lot of driving, but completely worth it to be able to spend time with Kevin’s family. We ate way too much food, played a couple of games, ate way too many desserts, and just enjoyed some time off together. I was a complete bummer most of the trip due to having a lot of pain in my shoulders. I just kept thinking it would get better, it would go away. . . but it didn’t. It only got worse. On New Year’s Eve I decided I had enough of the pain and went to a walk in clinic to see a doctor. Being our last day having health insurance, I figured it was a good idea to do so. He said there was inflammation in my shoulders and prescribed an anti-inflammation medicine. So far so good! There is still pain, but nothing like it was and I’m finally able to sleep through the night.

Yesterday we had fun looking at things to spend our Christmas money on. It’s been a toss up between a over the range microwave or a new patio set. The microwave that got voted “best buy” in Consumer Reports is the one we like the most but they have yet to make it in black. . . and I just can’t have all black and white appliances with a stainless steel microwave. And I don’t see us getting all new appliances anytime soon. We will have to just wait on that. I’ve wanted a nice patio set ever since we moved into our house, so I’m pretty sure that’s what we’ll end up getting. I can’t wait for the day I can finally throw out that ugly white plastic furniture that is there now. We were also able to take down Christmas lights and decorations. A little late I suppose, but I’m just happy to have it all taken care of. It feels nice to have everything back in it’s place.

Today it’s football, blogging, and napping. I love our Sundays. Today also starts a better week, a better year, a better me. I’m both hopeful and excited! The only New Year’s resolution I’ve made is to learn to trust God more. I figure if I can do that, everything else will fall into place.

Let me catch you up. . .

Saturday night we went to a Christmas party that had yet another white elephant game, but fortunately for us we ended up with much better presents this time. Batman pez dispensers and a magnetic learning set. Just what we have always wanted!

Sunday we went to my nephews 1st birthday party. It was fun seeing another cake smashing session. Poor little guy tried to shove too much in and almost choked.

Monday I diagnosed myself with rotator cuff tendinitis. I think every pain deserves to have a name. Please pray it goes away soon because it’s incredibly painful and keeps me up at night.

Last night we went to the candlelight communion service at my parents church. It was nice to hear about and focus on the whole reason we celebrate Christmas. Oh, and apparently my mom and I love the color purple.

We came home afterwards and opened up our oh-my-gosh-i’m-so-excited Christmas presents to each other. Curlers and new unders. It was almost as exciting as our white elephant presents! I’ve been told this is what happens when you get married though, you start to think practical. We needed new cell phones so that was what we spent our money on. And you know all about how impatient we were waiting for those.

Today we celebrated Christmas with both of our families. My brother was home and it was so good to see him. Days like this make me thankful for having not only 1 but 2 amazing families. Now we leave in seven hours to make the drive to visit with the other half of family in Nashville. We’re really excited! That’s if my husband doesn’t stay up all night playing his John Madden football game for the Wii. I’m pretty sure it was his most favorite Christmas present of all.

I had a whole blog planned out in my head for the past couple of days, but for now this is all I’ve got.

Completely domesticated

No job and yet I haven’t written in my blog for 4 whole days. No excuse for that, no excuse. It’s been a really nice week. I’ve managed to do a couple of little random things that were desperately needing to be accomplished. I cleaned out all the drawers and cabinets in our bathroom. THAT was a task, let me tell you. The mixture of hairspray, hair that falls out while I’m blow drying it, and bare minerals loose powder makeup. . . does a number to the bathroom. I found some cute fabric I had laying around and cut out little pieces to make a surface for the drawers. That way next time it’s ready for a good cleaning, I’ll just trash the cloth and get new ones. When Kevin got home for lunch, I wouldn’t even let him set his stuff down. . . before I was showing him, saying “look what I did today honey!”. I’m trying to do my part. I also took a couple of dresses I don’t wear anymore to consignment. It’s nice to not have those in the way anymore. I might even make some money off of them. Doing my part once again. Last night we went to Kevin’s work Christmas party at Abuelos. YUMMY. It was a good time and I ate one too many enchiladas.

When it comes to the job front, I don’t have much to report. I’m finding that there’s very little out there. I’m limited to what I want to do. I’m looking to continue working in a office setting, or go totally the opposite and be a nanny. I watched my nephew Aidan for 6 months when he was little and I absolutely loved it! I’d really enjoy being able to do something like that again. Especially with us wanting to have a baby soon, it would be nice to get a little more experience first!

I could always go back to doing hair. If only saying that didn’t make my insides cringe. Right now I’m enjoying being completely domesticated. Keeping the house spotless, making sure the dishes are done, having dinner ready before 7pm, finding plenty of time to exercise. I’m not going to lie, it’s been really nice!

Fishy insurance

I have decided that despite my love for my betta fish and their cute little bowls, I am sick of the maintenance. I hate when their water gets low because I feel like a horrible “mother” for making them live in such an environment. Kevin says I don’t feed them enough, so that makes me start to doubt my motherly side too. They have been good to me but I’m thinking it’s time to let them go. If anyone is interested in giving them a new home, I’m sure they would appreciate it. I mean, it’s not like I would dump them out into the toilet and pretend they were never alive. Not me, nope. I would never do that. I’m not that kind of mother. So, please give them a new home. They are good fish, and usually keep to themselves.

I have lots of little plans for this week. Biggest one being the obvious. . . look for a job! I also plan on sleeping in at least an hour later than usual (nice!), going for a run everyday with Lisa, cleaning out random drawers that have never been cleaned out, getting some more information on health insurance, taking old dresses to consignment, wrapping all of our Christmas presents, hanging out with Kim and her kids, and having lunch with Lis and Anna. I’m so excited to have time to do all of these things!

Speaking of health insurance. . .

I spent HOURS on the phone Friday with different companies. It was non-stop. If you know me at all, you know I’m not a big fan of talking on the phone. I’ll text all day long, but being on the phone for more than 10 minutes at a time is just uncomfortable and annoying. Unfortunately when it comes to making non-personal related phone calls. . . text messaging is not an option. And after all day on the phone, I can honestly say that not very much was accomplished. I’m really not looking forward to tomorrow at all.

We had a really great weekend. Saturday we were able to volunteer with Parker Street Ministries in their children’s Christmas store. Our church donated a lot of things that kids would buy for their parents like lotions, frames, candles, ties. . .  stuff like that. The kids from the after school program came in and were able to shop with everything being under $1. I was on the wrapping team and Kevin took the money. It was cute seeing the kids so excited to be able to buy presents for their moms, dads, and grandparents. It wasn’t even about the money, seeing as how the money just went back to them anyway. It was all donated to Parker Street Ministries. It was just about them being able to buy things for their parents they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.  A couple of the kids had $5-$6 worth of presents and only had $.50 in their pocket. It didn’t even matter. It was such a nice thing to be a part of and I really hope we have more opportunities like this to help out. Have I mentioned how much I love our church?!

Morning coffee with a side of peace

Has anyone ever really surprised you? I mean, REALLY surprised you. Like, hid their secret from everyone you know and then one day they finally said. . . “TA DA! Surprise!”? That happened to me yesterday.

My boss came in my office at approximately 4:55pm saying “are you ready to go home?” with a smile on his face. He’s asked this question before, so the surprise was still unexpected to say the least. Next he sat down and said “I hate to do this, but. . .” And I lost it. All of those things I had thought I would say or do if I ever got fired or “laid off”, out the window. Shock and panic took over my entire body and I was speechless. Electricians had been getting laid off left and right, but it never crossed my mind that he would be able to possibly survive without me. As slow as work had been, we were still terribly busy in the office. Unfortunately for me, my last name didn’t start with Elkins. . . so I was the first to go.

Nepotism at it’s finest.

Now the search is on. The search for a new, better job that I will love. The search for health insurance so all of our plans don’t have to go completely out the window. And of course, the search for what to fill my days with until I find these new great things. After a night of tears and sadness, I woke up with this amazing peace that could only come from God. I know He’s going to take care of us. It’s all I can do to turn to Him. Moms also seem to make things better. Kevin’s mom left me the most encouraging message (thanks Linda!) and my mom has offered to help in whatever way she can. I love my moms.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

A very merry week

It has been a busy, busy week. . . but a good one! Monday started our search for a new car. We’re “just looking”, but we’ve been “just looking” all week and it’s exhausting! There are a lot of nice cars out there, and we found some really good deals. So if anyone is wanting to buy a 2003 Red Volkswagen Beetle, we have one for sale! We can’t do much beyond looking until it’s sold. Right now it’s a big toss up between a Nissan Murano, a Nissan Rogue, or a Mazda CX-7. They all have the same small SUV style with little differences between them. (Biggest difference being cost!) If anyone has any opinions on any of them, let me know. My brother has a Nissan Murano but he is the only one I know with either three.

Last night we made some rice krispy treats and headed downtown for our church’s annual Christmas party. My first time ever making rice krispy treats, I might add. I had no idea how easy they are. They were really yummy too, but I think that’s one you can’t really mess up. The party was a lot of fun. We participated in the white elephant game and I ended up with a Superman DVD and Kevin got something he’s always wanted. Hot pink NYC nail polish AND chocolate. I mean, come on what guy doesn’t love those two things? A girl whose fish just recently died ended up with another one so that had to be the coolest gift. I originally stole cute socks from someone but they ended up getting stolen from me.

Booo.

Overall, a great night with good new friends! We’re really loving our church and all the people we’ve had the opportunity to meet.

My secret is out

I don’t think I could tell you the day it happened. I really can’t remember. I do know that since I started driving at the age of 15 I have had a very low tolerance for ignorant drivers. . . but I don’t know exactly when I became one of those people who uses their hands out of frustration. I don’t mean anything nasty, like fingers. I’m pretty sure I’ve never done that. I’d like to think so at least. What I mean is that seventy-five year old little lady in her Cadillac going 15 in a 35 and my hands flying into the air out of a fit of anger. When I see other people do it I laugh and say how ridiculous they look. I always wonder where it is they are going in such a hurry. I don’t even think I ever do this when there are people in the car, I think it’s this dirty-little-secret I’ve keep to myself.

Until now.

It all started when I was 16. I was in a car accident involving a one hundred and one year old man. Yup. 101. He ran through a red light thinking it was green, because at 101 I’m sure all of your colors might start to blend together. You might even think 35mph looks like 00005PHM. So you decide slower is better. When the cop took his driver license I’m pretty sure he was blown away at the fact that you could still drive at that age, as was I. Ever since then I’ve had this negativity toward anyone driving over the age of. . . say, 60. I’d really like to get better with this secret road rage and I think I have when it comes to what I say. I’ve mostly learned to control my tongue, but in return my hands have sprung into action. You will never see me use my horn though. You know, that thing they put in your car to let people know they are in your way or doing something else to annoy you. I hate the horn. It’s so rude and I can never bring myself to use it. I hope to soon feel the same way about this. It’s rude and I need to realize that my windows aren’t tinted enough to keep the person infront of me from seeing me at my weakest. Even if they were dark enough, it’s not exactly something I can keep from God.

So, there it is. My secret is out. If anybody else wants to share about their secret or not-so-secret road rage, I’d love to hear it. Maybe even advice on how you deal, because I could definitely use some of that!

Side note: My husband just informed me that since November 7th, I’ve had 253 views on my blog! All I gotta say is WOW! I wasn’t really sure anybody read my ramblings, besides maybe family (feeling obligated because well, you know, their family!) It’s good to know there are actually people out there somewhat interested in what I got to say. So, thanks!

The season of giving

As I was out shopping with my mom yesterday, I couldn’t help but think about why it is we buy so many presents at Christmas time. I know it’s the season of giving and that’s nice and all, but when did it become a season of giving to only people who don’t have much of a need? I love buying gifts. I love to see the faces of my loved ones as they open up a new present, knowing what it is or not. I adore the excitement of kids on Christmas morning. I could never deprive our -future- children of that enjoyment. But I do want to start a new tradition. A tradition of loving others more and myself less.

If you have a minute, you should watch this video.

I love Christmas. . . but I am now learning to love it for different reasons. I’m starting to see how silly the lights, garland, and reindeer’s truly are in the big picture.

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13

And the winner is. . .

This morning I went to a cookie exchange party and these little suckers took home the cutest cookie award. They’re mini hamburgers that taste like peanut butter cookies!

No big deal.

Once the I saw the home made Neiman Marcus bags with cookies in them and the pretzel snowmen with fruit roll up scarves. . . I thought it was over. But everyone knew. They knew the hamburger cookies were just that cute. I’m already thinking about how I’m going to top it next year. There were some amazing cookies and I ate way too many. I will probably throw up a little if I have to eat another cookie anytime soon.

Tomorrow will hopefully end my Christmas shopping. A whole 18 days before Christmas! That’s unheard of. I’m usually just getting started at this time. Go me. Then comes the fun part of wrapping each gift. And of course Kevin is terrible at wrapping presents (what guy isn’t though?) so I guess I’m on my own for that one. I have to say, shopping this year has been really easy. Kevin picked out most of the gifts for our SIX nephews, we drew names for his side of the family, and I bought a couple of things online. I mean, I’m all about giving presents at Christmas, but I’m also all about making things as easy and stress-free as possible. And I think we achieved that this holiday season!

Taking back control

I’ve been pondering why it is I let life kind of just pass me by. Why I can’t seem to get motivated to do the things I want to be doing. I feel like I’ve lost all control of my time.

Like this. . . I drive to work in the morning and see all the people running the lake and wish I was out there. Wish I had gotten up early enough to do the same. I drive by again at lunch, still wishing I could just go for a quick run. But by the time I am getting ready to leave work, any motivation I had during the day is almost completely gone. I feel drained. About 3 out of the 5 work days I can convince myself into doing the things I had wished I was doing earlier. Running, going to the gym or grocery store, cleaning the house, laundry, running errands, going to get coffee with a friend, or whatever else it might be. But those other days I just come home and throw on some sweats, make dinner, sit my butt down on the couch, and next thing I know it’s bedtime. I think to myself, “Really, is this what my life is all about?” Four hours gone and what did I get from it?”

So, Monday is our new “taking back time” night.

No television, computers, OR cell phones. This will force me to read, work out, clean, bake, play games, or work on little projects. Why Monday you ask? Well because neither Kevin or myself could possibly live without watching our favorite TV shows like House, Life, and the Office. Yes, I’m serious. I love to occasionally zone out and laugh my butt off in front of the TV. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, I just need to dedicate more time to living. Monday is the day.

You gotta start somewhere, right?

This work week is over in 1.5 hours. It has taken me since lunch to actually finish this post. Stupid interruptions! Who do these people think they are?