goals

I cannot tell you how excited I am to have a two week break from school. Beginning at 12:30 tomorrow, am a free woman. Wahoo!
In order to not waste-away the time off, I am going to set some little goals for myself. Here are a few.

**Finish the 'Twilight" series. I just can't get into the third book but I need to know how it all ends so I can just be done with it!
**Do some kind of workout everyday. I will probably run a lot but I need to get back into the weights.
**Organize my closet for GOOD!!!
**Figure out to do with the third bedroom (and I might paint it)
**Get my hair cut and colored
**Deep clean my house
**Get my plate back (only a couple of you will understand this one!!!)


That's all I've got for now....good night!!!

God with us

I must have sensed when I woke up this morning that today was going to be a heavy day for my heart. When I got dressed, I wore my little "Peace On Earth" long-sleeve T-shirt from Old Navy (everyone at school is wearing Christmas shirts with jeans). Then, I put my silver necklace on that has the word "Rest" engraved on it. When I paid for my coffee at Quik Trip, the cashier asked about me what my necklace meant. I simply told him that it was a reminder for me to just relax and to not worry about every piece of minutia. He then said, "And gurrrl, your shirt has the word 'peace' on it. You must really need to be reminded to chill out!" Thank you random convenience store man who can apparently see right into my soul.

So I went to school. Nothing went horribly wrong. In fact, it was a busy, but good day. My mind is so pre-occupied with things when I am there that I don't have time to obsess over my personal issues.

But something hit me on the way home and I suddenly was overwhelmed. I started crying. What was going on here??? That's not really like me at all.

Thoughts started flooding my mind about how I was all alone. I am just a teacher and school is the only thing I have in my life. And a lot of the time, I question whether I'm even good at teaching. I will never get married because I don't work hard enough to meet people and would rather stay at home and make crafts (ha). My friends care for me but will eventually move on into other phases of life and won't be able to relate to me. My health issues are getting worse (some of you know more about that than others--it's not serious, but causes cosmetic changes). I have made so many mistakes and am destined to fall into old patterns. People from my past will never believe that my life has been changed. And on, and on it goes.

In an effort to drown out the noise, I put on some music. My ipod was on shuffle, but the first thing that came on was "Emmanuel: God with us" off of Amy Grant's "Home for Christmas" album. (stop hating on Amy, Michelle ;)

The verses are not particularly powerful and the chorus is simple. But hearing "Emmanuel, God with Us" over and over again brought such comfort to me today. What an amazing truth to know that God is with us. It is something that I have heard for most of my life but today, my heart took refuge in knowing that He is here. All of the time. With me. With you.

Nothing has magically changed. I will still battle thoughts of fear and inadequacy. I will still struggle with disappointment and dreams that are locked-down in a holding pattern for an indefinite amount of time. But I do not have to battle them alone. I am so thankful to have been given a simple reminder during this season about how the Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14).

i should be sleeping

However, I'm still awake and watching the Cowboys. ***By the way, if you go to the Lewisville Albertson's on a game day and wear a jersey, you get 10% off of your purchase***

The weekend just flew by and I really feel that I have anything to show for these past two days. However, I guess it's important to rest up and prepare for the LAST SCHOOL WEEK of 2008. Wahoo!!

My roommate, Corrie, ran the White Rock Half today. I was going to do it but waited too late to register. Apparently, they had to close it down this year! So, I was sad that I couldn't do it but decided today that I am going to enter one race a month. It looks like the first one will be the "Too Cold to Hold" in January. It's a 15k. Anyone interested? After that, I think I'll do the Cowtown half marathon at the end of February. So, that's that! I have got to get serious about amping up the workouts if I want to achieve my purely superficial goal of being hot-at-30. ;)

Just a little update on the "hope deferred". Yes, Rebekah--it involved a boy. But, I am really at such peace about my decision and God has been so sweet. I am just trying to remember that He is better. But, it's still sucks sometimes.

This blog is a bit random but what can I say? I was just in the mood to blog. Oh wait! The Cowboys just scored again!! This game is going better than expected.

Ok. Hope you all have a great week!!

i'm it!!

Melissa tagged me with this fun little Christmas Survey, so here goes....

• 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? gift bags....i can't properly wrap a present to save my life. My brother, Matthew, always has to wrap my presents for me.
  
• 2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial. I am too afraid of a fire with the real ones.
  
• 3. When do you put up the tree? The Friday or Sat. after Thanksgiving
  
• 4. When do you take the tree down? after New Year's
  
• 5. Do you like eggnog? Yes. I first tried it during a Hall meeting in college. I have never had "real" eggnog, though. Just the stuff from the grocery store
  
• 6. Favorite gift received as a child? I would have to say my ten speed bike when I was about 10 years old.
  
• 7. Hardest person to buy for? Parents
• 8. Easiest person to buy for? Matthew
  
• 9. Do you have a nativity scene? I had a little ceramic one but I recently broke the Baby Jesus. He is kind of an important part of that whole thing so I took everything else down :(
  
• 10. Mail or email Christmas cards? By mail
• 11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? silk, flowered lounging pajamas. Seriously, they look like something Bea Arthur would wear on the "Golden Girls".
  
• 12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I just watched it last night with Hillary and Martin ;)
  
• 13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Good question. Usually the day before Christmas Eve. Matthew and I buy our parents' gifts together but I have to wait for him to get into town. We don't really have anyone else to buy for so that's about it!
  
• 14. Have you ever re-gifted a Christmas present? No
• 15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I just kind of graze on the snack foods....party trash, these little cheese crackers, and my Aunt Gina's caramel corn.
  
• 16. Lights on the tree? White
• 17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
  
• 18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? stay home fo sho
  
• 19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Rudolph, Donner, Blitzen, Cupid, Vixen, Dancer, Prancer, Comet...is that all??? And no, I did NOT Google.
  
• 20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
• 21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning
  
• 22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?people just seem to be shorter with you at the stores...everyone seems to lose perspective on the reason for Christmas
  
• 23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have a teal/aqua/light blue theme on the tree. I am kind of anti-red & green
  
• 24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I guess green bean casserole or stuffing...again, I'm a snacker!
  
• 25. What do you want for Christmas this year? a sewing machine
  

I tag.......Emily, Michelle, Tara, and Dawn!!!

i am second

I heard about this website, iamsecond.com a while back but didn't check it out until today. I ended up watching several of these little videos and I *might* have gotten a little choked up at times.

Some of the featured people are:
Josh Hamilton (of the Texas Rangers)
Jason Castro (from last season's American Idol)
Brian Welch (he used to be in Korn)
Tony Evans
Stephen Baldwin...
...and then just some 'regular' people sharing their story like in this video.
Something about that particular one really resonated with me today.

It is encouraging to hear the stories of what God has done in each of these people's lives. So, check it out!

a good day

Today started off a little rough. Let's just say that it was pretty stinkin' hard to get my butt out of bed. I am sure that I am not the only one who longs for a few extra minutes in the morning so they can snuggle with their significant other blankets.

But, I had to get up. The future of America was counting solely on me to teach them about finding the percent of a number. Oh, what a purpose I had today!!

I threw on my school sweatshirt and jeans, slapped on a paw-print sticker (you have to have this on in order to wear the jeans), and threw my hair in a ponytail. Being comfortable made the whole 'up and at em' thing a little more tolerable.

My first class was fine. They actually understood what I was teaching them...yea! Then we went to lunch and today, our district gave us BONUS checks! I think this is unheard of in the realm of education. We knew it was coming but what great timing. So, I was very happy to receive this 'gas stipend' and even happier when I realized that only $7.95 had been taken out of it for medicare. Woo-hoo!!!

Despite getting nauseated and throwing up during my 4th period class (this has happened 3 times this year in this particular class--weird), the rest of the day was great.

When I got home I found more money waiting for me: my rebate gift card from Walgreen's and a $125 check in return for attending a summer teaching conference. Good stuff...

To top off a great day, Melissa and Hillary came over to make some Christmas cookies. It's always good times with these girls. Their friendship has blessed my life so much and it's so great to have friends who *know* you, junk and all.

Sadly, the cookies were not near as cute as we had hoped. (See pictures below). Apparently we did not flatten the dough enough. Guess I need to put "rolling pin" on my Christmas list.

All that to say, things are looking up. I'm thankful for the little monetary surprises and for fabulous friends (even when i find out they have a secret pre-marital book club--just kidding, girls)

Here are some pics...enjoy!!!

My cookie and me. The red dots are ornaments--don't judge me, people!
Hillary and her 'special' star
Melissa and me making frosting--check out that mixer in action!!
Melissa getting excited about our baked goods...apparently she hadn't looked at them closely yet
Bonus points if you can guess what shapes these are supposed to be!!!
Melissa and her new friend

hope deferred

It really is true what the Bible says in Proverbs 13:12: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick". Today, I had to let go of a situation that I had hoped would have a different outcome. But instead of getting what I had longed for, I have a sad little heart. I know it will be fine and that I will one day look at this and see how the Lord spared me from something far worse, but it still hurts.

However, tomorrow is a new day and as it says in Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Amen.

day of disasters

It is 7:15 on Saturday night and I am in my pajamas watching another installment of Fa-la-la-la-Lifetime. The current movie is kind of a modern, holiday-themed take on the 'Parent Trap'. Very riveting.

Anyhow, I just don't have the energy to do anything else tonight after the day I've had. It started out nicely enough. I put some mulling spices on the stove, showered, straightened my hair, and had some coffee. Then, I kind of smelled a burning odor and thought that I must have left my flat iron on. Nope. It was turned off. As I opened my bedroom door, I saw that the living room filled with smoke. The mulling spices were literally on fire! Worried that my house was going to smell like smoke forever, I opened up every window and Googled "ways to get smoke smell out of house". The most positive sounding solution was to boil vinegar and to set out little bowls of vinegar all of the house. Apparently, vinegar absorbs smells. **Sidenote--I have previously blogged about my love for vinegar, but I have a whole new appreciation for it after this incident, as well as another miracle it performed earlier in the week**

The smoke smell is still here a little bit, but it's going away. I'm hoping that it will be gone tomorrow for good.

After the stovetop debacle, I decided to engage in some crafting while closely monitoring the boiling vinegar. The other day, I purchased this neat little rotary blade that has interchangeable blades. I wanted to use the decorative one to add some flair to some cards. As I was changing the blade, I cut my thumb with the tool. It stung a little but I have a pretty good threshold for pain. My finger started to bleed. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Gushing would be a better way to describe it. I applied some pressure to it, but nothing. It was just blood, blood, and more blood. My stupid thumb bled for about 30 minutes--ridiculous.

Anyway, I had just about all the fun that I could handle so I'm calling it a night. Today was kind of indicative of how my week at school went. Here's hoping that next week is much, much better. (:

thursday thanks: the thanksgiving edition

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. This hasn't always been the case, but something shifted after I went off to college. Yesterday wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was good.
I gave thanks for:

Mashed potatoes
Trash (it's the fabulous version of Chex mix that my mom makes)
Sister Schubert's rolls (they are in the freezer section..check them out!!!)
Football
Throwing the football with Dad and Matthew ( i must say that my spirals were especially good--ha)
Getting to spend time with Matthew before he heads off to India for a few months
Crafting with my Mom
Getting a Silpat for my baking (thanks Mom!)
Good running weather
The official beginning of the Christmas season....


...and that's just one day! I am one blessed gal...my cup runneth over (:

periodicals

I love magazines. Always have. If there is a good selection of them at a doctor's office, I don't even mind the wait. When I was in jr. high/high school and went to the central library to gather info. for school papers, I would spend most of my time reading back issues of 'People' instead. As much as I would love to subscribe to several at a time, I now only get two: Runner's World and Cottage Living.

Yesterday, something changed. 'Glamour' magazine magically appeared in my mailbox with my name on it. There was Keira Knightley looking right back at me. Then today, it was Nicole Kidman on next's month 'Glamour' cover. What?!?!? I have never bought this magazine, much less subscribed. This same thing happened last year when I got US Weekly for about 6 months for free. I constantly checked to make sure I wasn't being charged, but I could not figure it out why I was getting them for the life of me. I am not complaining...just puzzled (:

Is anyone else having this issue???

too good not to share

I struggle with this, I do. But this quote really hit home with me tonight in the midst of a little 'pity party'.

"Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire of the self-pitying is not really for others to see them as helpless, but as the hero. The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride." ~ John Piper

next to godliness

Well, over the last year or so, I've experimented with different household cleaners. I've tried making my own detergent, sprays, and soaps. I guess I got kind of freaked out about all of the chemicals floating around, so I thought it would be easier to start getting into these habits now so I'd be ready if kids when kids come into the picture. We wouldn't want their little mouths and bodies to be ingesting chemicals, now would we?

I love this little spray cleaner...it is fantastic! I checked this book out from the library last spring and put this little concoction together. It smells so great and costs pennies. Oh, and the peppermint soap is so refreshing--you can even use it for an invigorating body wash.

Peppermint All-Purpose Spray
2 cups warm water
2 T of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Magic Soap (you can even find this at kroger's or a health food store)
2 T of white vinegar
4 drops of orange oil
4 drops of patchouli oil

My next favorite thing is vinegar. If you pour a little white vinegar into your washer with your detergent, it makes for an awesome fabric softener. And no, you don't smell like salad dressing...the smell isn't noticeable at all. But, you will notice the softness of your clothes.

For dishwasher/dishsoap, I just use Seventh Generation products. I have been pleased with the results. What finally made me switch was thinking about those chemicals going onto the plates/silverware/cups that I eat/drink with. Kind of scary, huh?

Now, I'm not one of those "green" fanatics. However, I do think that's important to be mindful of all of the unnatural stuff in our midst. All of those chemicals can't be all that good. Ok...now go make some of that spray--you won't be sorry!!!

music that gets me in the mood....

...for Christmas, that is (:

With the holidays approaching, I can't help but think about some of my favorite Christmas music. So, here they are in no particular order.

1. Amy Grant
I love "Tennessee Christmas" and the later release, "Home for Christmas". Both are great and hold so many special memories. Does anyone else remember the Amy Grant Christmas specials on TV?!?!?! One year, she had 98 Degrees on there....way before the days of 'Newlyweds' (:

2. The Carpenters
The life of Karen Carpenter ended so tragically. However, my family LOVES The Carpenters "Christmas Portrait" CD. It is ah-mazing!! I always felt a connection with Karen because she has such a rich, alto voice. Oh, it's just awesome and a true classic...check it out!

3. Steve Tyrell
Ok. I first heard Steve's version of "The Way You look Tonight" on 'Father of the Bride'. But, it wasn't until I was on a college field trip to a Civil War battle field in Arkansas (yes, you read that correctly) that I heard Steve's stuff for the first time. Now, the CD "A New Standard" is not Christmas music. BUT---I have always dreamed of dancing with that 'special someone' around the Christmas tree while listening to these old, classic songs.

So, those are some of my favorites...please feel free to share some of yours!!!

thursday thanks

This edition of 'thursday thanks' is going to be pertaining to Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving...it's my favorite holiday by far. So, here are three things that I love about the fourth thursday in November (:

1. Fried Turkey
Well, I'm a little bummed because my dad told me the other day that peanut oil was about $50 a vat. So, we're not having the fried turkey this year. I am sad about it but am hopeful that Dad will be back with the fryer next year in all of his glory.

2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
I love this movie and I love watching it with my family. Yes, it is irreverent at times. But, we always watch the edited version. No one can deny how utterly hilarious this movie is. Not even my sweet little mom who shakes her head at us when we watch it but laughs through the whole thing (:

3. Family
What can I say...I love my immediate family! My Dad is so incredibly witty that it brings it out in the rest of us. And my sweet, amazing little brother will be home before he heads out to India for the next 2.5 months. And my mom. She is such a wonderful example of a gody wife who loves to serve her family. I love how whenever she emails me, she signs it "love you forever, Mom". What a great family I have!!

p.s. I am also thankful that my friend, Emily, started a blog. She is a dear friend from high school and has 4 adorable children. I want to be just like her when i grow up (:

alley etiquette

Until I bought my house, I had never driven in an alley. Now, it is a daily part of my life. I have lately encountered a little bit of a problem: who yields to whom in an alley??!?!?! Because I am scared of confrontation and want to please everyone (read: pushover), I do all of the yielding when another car is coming at me.

So here are some questions that I would love some feedback on...
1. Is there a right or wrong side to enter an alley?
2. Is there a rule about who should pull aside when two cars are driving in opposing directions?
3. What is an acceptable speed limit for alley driving?

Yes, this a riveting topic. I promise to bring you something a little better tomorrow (:

say what?!?!?!?

Dear Random Expectant Mother from the Tom Thumb parking lot,

When I left my humble abode to head to the grocery store, I was on a mission: to get a South Beach Diet Pizza and ranch dressing. I had no malicious intentions on prohibiting you from 'pulling through' into a parking space. I simply chose a space that was available and somewhat near the entrance. It was purely coincedental that you also chose a space that was directly across from mine. Although I am sure that being a working, pregnant lady is exhausting, I don't think that yelling at me in a public parking lot was necessary. As you pointed out, I am sure that it is difficult to back up in a Suburban, hence your desire to 'pull through'. And yes, I do drive a "tiny little clown car" so I cannot fully relate to the challenges that you face in that area (but thank goodness for car mirrors). And no, as you also pointed out, I am not familiar with the ins and outs of pregnancy. However, I would like to remind you that Tom Thumb even has special spots designated especially for you expectant mothers.
Thank you for attempting to publicly embarrass me at my neighborhood store tonight. You might enjoy knowing that I enjoyed every bite of my pizza tonight despite said 'incident'.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Shuler

even though i strongly dislike birds...

....i thought that this layout was too cute and fun for Thanksgiving. Maybe birds are okay with me if they are just in cartoon form (:

thursday thanks

This will be short and sweet...I am super tired and it's only 8:30. However, that seems to be the norm these days!

1. Coffee
I never understood how glorious coffee was until I went off to college. It was there that I slowly developed my love for it. I started out with Big Trains at Nordaggio's. Gradually, I worked my way up to lattes and now, I like plain ol' coffee with just a itty bit of cream. I love starting my day off with a nice, hot cup.

2. Rebekah
Rebekah is one of those friends who I haven't seen in 4 years, but I still feel so close to her nonetheless. Whenever we chat on the phone, we don't miss a beat. She's married now and lives in Australia. It is my goal to visit her in Townsville someday. I really, really miss her and she's one of the funniest people I know. Here is a picture of our last weekend together (she's the one right next to me)

Love you friend.

3. Marco
I love this little guy. He's so loving, snuggly, and faithful. We've been together for almost 4 years and while he still has some bad and/or annoying habits, he is the greatest little dog I could have ever asked for. You can read more about our love story here. Te amo, mijo.

ice, ice baby

If you were looking forward to a post dedicated to Robert van Winkle, aka "Vanilla Ice", then I am sorry to disappoint. Instead, this is a post dedicated to all things Iceland.

What do you think of when someone mentions Iceland???

Do you think of Bjork...and this infamous dress????


Do you think of how the country is going bankrupt???
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/09/business/icebank.php


Or do you think of really nothing at all????


Well, let me tell you about my favorite Icelandic thing: Sigur Ros.


I first heard this group about 3 years ago and liked it just fine but was in a different musical "phase" of my life. Lately, I have rediscovered these musicians from Iceland and it's all want to play on my iPod to and from work. Some of my favorites are 'Glosoli', 'Andvari', and 'Fljotavik'. It's a little different...but check it out (:

new obsession

Yogurt has always been a favorite of mine. And, it's healthy to boot! This summer, Hollie O. introduced me to plain nonfat frozen yogurt. I was skeptical of the 'tang', but it is so good when you mix it with fruit and granola. After trying it at Bliss with Hollie, I hadn't had a chance to eat it again. But, after the Mud Run, I swung by and got some yogurt goodness. Then today, I braved the rain and the fog to try out a new place right by my house called Yogurteria. It was so great too! The only problem is that it's on the way home from my gym. Hmmm...this doesn't really help the aformentioned six pack that I'm aspiring to have.