Monday, April 20, 2009

Sneak Preview



Our new place.
It won't be long now.
Excited?
Yes.
Nervous?
Definitly.








Couldn't find the kitchen table online but its nothing fancy.

Thought those of you are cool enough to read my blog can have their very own sneak peak of the apartment . . sort of.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

A Year of Firsts

This year is a big line of firsts for me. This is both exciting and scary at the same time. I am hopeful that I will make the best decisions and so forth because I have lots of great people that offer awesome advice and support. So here are a few of this years firsts:

First college graduation
First time moving out
First full-time job (coming soon hopefully)
First marriage (and only but still a first all the same)
First time signing a lease

I'm sure there will be many more firsts coming my way and I'm blessed to have such great friends and family coming along for the ride ! !

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

My New Stash !

So I have to admit that a few days ago when Jenn sent out an e-mail about doing a "Stash Swap" I was a little sad. During this swap, each of us couponers would allow one another to make trades of products we have accumulated. Living at home hasn't given me much reason or space to build up much of one; therefore, I had no stash to speak of. This picture is what my stash was before Sunday.

Thanks to CVS and double coupons at Kmart this week, my stash has grown! I also have a ton of toothpaste that I did not put in the picture because, lets face it, we all know what toothpaste looks like and we've all had tons of it! A couple of these items were purchased on borrowed coupons so the items are going to Jenn, but most of it is my new stash!
I know its kind of hard to see what is there, but its just a lot of stuff. Lots of cleaners, shampoos, and some meds. I feel like this is a great start! I would like to get some more medicine, but there is time (not that I'm hoping or planning on being sick but who knows). So with all of these goodies I should have the cleanest apartment in town, but I wouldn't come over expecting it! The best part about it, I paid less than $10 for all of it. I know I couldn't believe it either! I just might have enough not to participate in the Stash Sway.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Asbury's Children's Super Hour

As some of you may know, for one of my current classes we are taking donations for an organization out of Asbury Methodist Church in Springfield. If you haven't guessed it, its called Asbury's Children's Super Hour. It is really a great place. These are church volunteers that provide food for underprivileged children every week day. Kids come, play games, and eat what might be the only meal that have that day. They may only be here for about an hour, but they it gives them something stable they can count on.

The church is filled with smiling faces and helpful hands. Everyday about 30 kids from the area come to eat. These kids are from the age of 3 to 13. They have board games and coloring books as well as a few computers to keep the kids entertained. They also offer homework help for the kids that need it.

They have one small room that they use as a closet that contains supplies. These supplies consist of food, school supplies, coats and hats, and even hygiene products. These supplies are precious to the church and these kids. While talking to the women who runs the organization, she said something that really struck me. She was telling me that the kids could bring in good grades on tests and things from school and they would let them pick a small rewards. Then, she told me that most of the time when the kid picked a his/her reward, they choose toothpaste.

It is strange to think of things like toothpaste as a reward, but to some of these kids, it is. Helping out at this place is one of the hardest yet most satisfying things I have done in a while. It feels good to help; especially when you see the gratitude in the smile of the kid your sitting across from.

So as many of you know, part of my class is taking donations for the organization. They need all sorts of things. I am NOT asking for money! But things like toothpaste, notebooks, shampoo, canned goods, games (used/new), and anything else you may have that your willing to part with that these kids might use. Anything, no matter how little, it is appreciated. I just wanted to fill you guys in a little bit on the organization so you'd understand where the items you may donate are going. I have a few more weeks and a good stock pile started, but anything you are willing to give would be great. If you have any questions let me know.

Friday, January 16, 2009

113 days until...


So I feel like its strange that I haven't blogged much, if any, about the wedding. I just don't know what to say. There are so many details and i'm having fun planning our special day, but i'm not sure how many blog topics I could come up with that are interesting.

The above picture is one of Kyle and my "Engagement" pictures. I'm not totally sure what they are for, other than the newspaper, but I'm still glad we have them. This one is kind of far back, but i like it. I feel like it looks like we in china or something, but its just good 'ol Nelson Park.

Still wokring on a few key items, then i think it will be smooth sailing. Tips and advice are always welcome. iIll update again when something interesting happens.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

The Job Search Begins

As many of you know, I have started the official countdown to graduation. Along with this countdown, I have started the official job search! I feel so . . excited, nervous, scared, intimidated, terrified, frustrated, under qualified, adventurous, surprised, and I'm sure I'll come up with a few more along the way.
Today is my first official day looking for a what I like to call my "big girl job". I have looked though one job web site, but only found two jobs to apply for! . . and the worst part is, I think one of them is a scam! I hate that job sites post things like that! It looks good, but then looking into it further I think it is one of those sales jobs where they send you a kit and well you know the rest. What a joke! I want a real job that pays well, makes me feel good about what I do, and hopeful has benefits! HA I never thought I'd see the day when I was worried about finding a job with benefits!

Anyways, I will keep everyone posted on how things are going. If anyone hears about something let me know because in just over 6 weeks I will have a bachelors degree in Business Administration and no job.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Barbara Jean


This is a pictureof my aunt and i about four years ago before she got sick. This was just the kind of person she was....always smiling and laughing. . . and she brought those silly Christmas headbands just for her and I because she knew I would wear one with her.

Its hard to say goodbye to someone who was always so full of life, but yesterday she passed away. As some of you know, she really fought through her cancer. They told us she had less than a week left over 7 weeks ago!

I talked to her once during that sad and scary week and she assured me that she was going to be okay. She was scared, but that she believed in God and had done all she could to make things right. She also said that she didn't want me to be sad because she was going to watch over me every day and she knew that Kyle and I had a wonderful future ahead of us.

It was so sad and heartbreaking to hear it then, but now it eases my mind a little. This struggle has been really difficult for my aunt and my family. Her services will be held in Decatur some time this week, so please keep us in your prayers as we make it through this difficult week.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Dress

I just watched part of an episode of Say Yes to the Dress on TLC. The episode started with a very petite, pretty, and tan bride walks in and looks amazing in every dress she puts on. After just a few dresses, she walks out, looks into the mirror, and exclaimed "I Love It." Then the camera panned over to her also georgous mom who was starting to cry and she muttered, "That is it! You have to get that one!"

Then the sales lady went on to talk about how important it is to find the right dress because you can only wear a dress like this once in your life. . .

All I can say is . . I wish

Free Dr Pepper

So here is a cool deal I found while just looking around on the Internet. Dr Pepper is celebrating the new Guns n Roses CD that comes out on Sunday(11/23/2008). . .So on Sunday and Sunday only, you can print a coupon for a free 20 oz bottle of Dr Pepper from their website. I believe that you do have to register your information with them and the coupon is sent snail mail, but its still free. Who knows it might work into an awesome CVS deal!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Peace

Peace does not come from knowing how you'll find the answer,
or when it will come, or what it will be.
Peace comes from simply knowing you will find the answer.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

3 Signs its Winter

Until just lately, it hasn't really seemed like winter for me, but as you can tell by my Christmas blog craze I am now in winter mode. There are three main reasons that it feels like winter for me and they are as follows :

1.) The Temperature
It has obviously got much colder the past week or so. Yesterday, as I left for school, there was a frost on the grass and houses and my dad was scraping his windshield. Also last night when I left Jenn's house I could totally see my breath!

2.) SNOW !
That is right. . It snowed. For those of you who didn't notice it, don't feel bad. I have a snow radar or something. Anyways on Sunday around 2 pm, it snowed.

3.) The Decorations
Everyone is starting to put up their Christmas decorations and play Christmas music (that is among retail stores.) I can't wait until after Thanksgiving when I can decorate my house!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Couponing for Christmas

With Christmas coming, a tightened budget is weighing heavily. I wish I could buy everyone the perfect gift, but I don't have $200 for the newest gadget. I have always felt like a great gift showed those even greater people in my life how much I love them. I guess I know it isn't true, but with the bustle of shoppers and gifts under the tree, sometimes I have to remind myself. It's the thought that counts anyways, right? Well, this Christmas I am going to be as frugal as I can while still getting gifts that are fun and usable. This is my first thrifty gift this Christmas, and you guessed it . . I even used coupons!

Pack of 36 Hair Ties : 4
$2.19 each @ Target (Even cheaper than Wal-Mart's $2.28!)
-$2.00 Goody Ouchless Coupon
$0.19 each

Pack of 8 Headbands : 3
$2.19 each @ Target
-$2.00 Goody Ouchless coupon
$0.19 each

Blue Basket : 1
$1.00 @ Dollar Tree

Gel Handel Hair Brush : 1
$1.00 @ Dollar Tree

TOTAL COST : $3.33 (plus tax)



I may add some other little things (hair spray or other product) if the price is right! It is only a start considering I buy for 14 people not including friends! So, if you have any other gift ideas . . . let me know!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Excited



I know I haven't blogged in like forever, but I figured I had something slightly blogworthy! I am super excited about Christmas! . . and yes, I am one of those people. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love everything about it. I love shopping, Christmas music, decorations, baking, wrapping gifts, celebrating Juses's B-day, and even waiting in line isn't quite as bad around Christmas.

Evey thing is just better around Christmas. People are in better moods (outside of retail that is.) There is always something to do and something to be thankful for. Things have been hard lately for my family and I, so I have decided to just get through it as best I can and look forward to Christmas. I am also looking forward to thanksgiving because maybe it will help too. If nothing else, the Thanksgiving newspaper is awesome! (not to mention Black Friday Shopping)

I have ready purchased a few Christmas presents and have even seen a few commercials (also the only time of the year I am interested in commercials.) To those of you who hate the big deal people make over Christmas.... keep it to yourself. You can't bring down my Christmas excitement! Check out this wonderful link to the Countdown to Christmas. I was really surprised to see how few days there were.
I do believe that part of my excitement stems from my freeness from retail! No working until midnight, no customer getting mad at me because we don't have their size, and no mountains of clothes from the dressing rooms to put away. Now don't get me wrong, I still loved Christmas when I worked at JCP. I just love more and have a greater appreciation for retail employees.


So . . my apologies for not blogging and my best wishes for a Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Lake Wisteria















As you can see, it is a little after 8:30 and I am online instead of at school. I don't think I have to explain to anyone why I am not in Springfield, do I? This is a picture of the end of my street at about 8. The car is the middle was a young girl from MTZ who babysits at a house almost exactly across the street from me. You can also see two other cars that are normally parked on the sides on the street. We had been down to check the water level a few times prior to this picture and they were even higher at that point in time. I am sure that the water will go down soon (at least I hope so because my mom has to go to work.) I really love my neighbors! Every time something like this happens they are always willing to help. We had another flood a year or so ago and everyone was helping then too, and don't get me started on the Wisteria Street annual snow dig-outs we have. Here are a few other pictures of cars driving past my street (on Arbor) and my wonderful neighbors.

This almost the same picture as the one above, but you can now see the Burdick truck crossing "The Arbor Rapids."
This is what good neighbors look like. The water was so cold, so I'm glad they let my be the camera lady. ;-) They were almost out of he water in this picture, but they had to push her car the rest of the way down the street because it wouldn't start.
P.S. A small part of Kyle's walk in basement is flooded too.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Gas Tank Tips

I know everyone is worried about inflation and gas prices, so I did some light research.  I found tons of tips on saving gas so I figured I would share some. . .

  1. Drive on highways as much as possible to avoid stop-and-go traffic
  2. Take off slowly - fast acceleration sucks up gas
  3. Turn off the air condition - using windows (when driving under 40 mph) can use 10-20%
  4. Make sure your tires are filled to the right pressure
  5. Get oil changes on time
  6. Car-pool when you can
  7. Don't turn on your car to warm up when you don't have to
  8. Follow the speed limit - going 65 instead of 75 can save 10%
  9. Empty your trunk - storing lawn chairs and whatever else can create more weight
  10. Don't idle for more then 1 min., just turn it off - that's why hybrid cars get the same gas mileage in town and highway because they don't use gas to idle (or so this web site says)
  11. Fill you gas up when its cooler out and put the cap on tight - less gas will evaporate
  12. Don't waste gas looking for a parking spot just walk!- when my grandpa parks out really far he tells my grandma that he is saving her life ;-)
  13. and last...but not least... www.GasBuddy.com it shows local gas prices so you can get a deal when you do have to fill up.  
I hope someone saves a little gas.  Feel free to leave any other tips you might have.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

EARTH DAY ! !

Today is, yes you guessed it, Earth Day! Go do something green even if you can't plant a tree. I know the day has been all about seeing how many millions of trees people can plant on the same day, but that isn't all its about. I think that it is cool and important, but there are so many other things. Just do something that you can do to make things better. Do that green thing that you have been putting off because it takes too much time or isn't fun. Or just read something, learn about the things you can do. There are so many people and companies claiming to be green that it is hard to tell what's true (and if you find out let me know!). Learn what it means to be green. Just remember what we do today will effect our kids and grand kids tomorrow! Happy Earth Day!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Cleaning Cars

Sunday was "clean your car day" at my house (at least for Kyle and I), and for any of you that have ever looked in Kyle's car, you know that it does need an entire day. So Kyle and I got all of the junk out of our cars and then took them to get vacuumed and car washes. It was defiantly an accomplishment. For a short while there were multiple garbage bags on my driveway (all of which were from Kyle's car). My mom, half joking, asked if we needed to schedule a special garbage pick up for his bags. It is clean now, but we will wait and see how long it can stay this way.

The funny part of the story comes in when my dad was talking to our neighbor. His name is Darin and he is the associate pastor for First Christian Church. They were both out mowing the lawn for the first time of the season and started talking. Darin asked my dad if Kyle and I had broken up. My dad said no and asked why he might have thought that. Darin said he saw Kyle messing around in his car with lots of garbage bags, so he thought that Kyle was taking all of his stuff home! I thought that was too funny! I knew those of you who read this would understand because you all know how messy Kyle is!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Just a thought

Isn’t it ironic how when the whole world is spinning and you are so overwhelmed that you want nothing more than to be alone in thought, that people come in herds.

There are other times when you have so much to say that you feel like if you don’t talk to someone and work through it that your insides will explode, but there are no words to say how you feel and no one around that wants to hears them.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Websites

Here are a couple of interesting websites that I have come across over the last few days. Let me know what you think. . . .

http://www.FreeRice.com This site is really cool. This asks you vocabulary questions. For each one you get right the site donates 20 grains of rice to a foreign country that is in need. Kyle checked it out and it is legitimate!

http://www.MonkeySee.com I haven't looked around on this one too much yet. It is full of videos of people doing things. They are all instructional videos, but there are some "unique" things that people are teaching. Other videos may come in handy for something else...who knows...

Last but not least. . . http://www.CoolSiteOfTheDay.comThis site is crazy. It is pretty much what the URL says. It gives a new site everyday. It also has the quote of the day, word of the day, birthday, and even a hangman of the day! I haven't looked at it too much either so I cannot say that it is all..PG...you know with Internet stuff you can never tell. I haven't signed up yet. I am waiting for Kyle to check it out for me.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Coffee Day

So if any of you follow business news, or maybe just coffee news, then you know about the problems Starbucks is having. I'm not going to get into details about it. If you want to know I'm sure you could find an article somewhere. Anyways, someone from Starbucks in Springfield came to my business class today. We talked about their issues from a business standpoint, but we also had a coffee tasting. We tasted something new called like Pike Place Roast or something. I'm sure you all know how to do a coffee tasting, but i never had. It was kinda fun. I didn't really like the coffee, but it was fun. Who knows maybe someday I'll like it....there is always hope