Dear Mr. Salesman

I don't like pushy people.  As seen by our previous post, B and I joined a church on Sunday.  Everyone was so welcoming and warm when we first began attending.  They continue to be that way, until we were bombarded by the youth pastor on Sunday.  I think he saw that we were new, young, "fresh blood" and began trying to sell us on leading a bible study group for high schoolers.  Before we knew it we were scheduling a dinner meeting for tonight.
Well, the meeting came and went and I have an even more sour taste in my mouth.  One girl, who has been leading these groups for awhile, said to him, "Wow, were you a salesman?!"  He sent about 7 books home for us to read.  He also explained that "It's not just a social gathering.  If it were that, the kids might as well be going to a kegger."  SERIOUSLY dude?!  Just because you're not reading the bible, doesn't mean you're chugging beer.
So I vented to B on the way home and then vented to my mom when she called.  It's just a big commitment for being so new -  2 hours, every Tuesday night.  I feel like I'm a good Christian, I enjoy going to church and I DO want to be involved, however, I feel like they should've approached us in a different manner.  I'll keep you updated.  B's not as negative about this as I am, and he just kind of rolled with it.  As long as he does this with me and with his positive attitude, I think we can survive together.  I want this to be a rewarding experience and a chance to make a difference with these teens.  But please Mister Youth Pastor-man, work on your sales pitch a little more.  

Palm Sunday

Today was a special church service because it's Palm Sunday, but also because....
1. B was baptized!
2. We became official members of the church!
A very exciting day.  B's family came down for the service and then we went to sushi for lunch.  He's now back at work and I'm spending the rest of the day catching up on laundry and work stuff.  I'm excited for a short work week and then it's SPRING BREAK!

       

weekend breakfast

Grandpa

1 year ago today my grandpa passed away with all his family by his side.  I still think about him all the time, especially remembering his humor.  Today the family is having a BBQ in honor of him.

Grandpa's birthday October 2006

all his medals earned

Our wedding was 3 months to the day after he died.  

Here, the pastor is talking about my grandpa.

Love you and miss you Grandpa Moose.

Crazy Cat Lady

We only have 3 cats, but last night I felt like this:

At times I feel like "The Crazy Cat Lady", especially when they swarm my ankles, waiting for their Fancy Feast.  Our cats are spoiled.  They have their automatic water fountain, organic crunchy food, Fancy Feast, then Greenies treats before bed.  

Here are some pictures of our newest member, Oliver:

                                                 

                                        

                              

This is how he sleeps during our evening cuddles.  I tried to get a picture, but chopped off my face.

Oliver also has to be sequestered in the bedroom, because he can't contain himself from jumping on the counters while we're cooking.  Last night Brad made Rouladon - so delicious!

                                

               just put in the pan - uncooked

                                           

  yes, doesn't look too appetizing, but it tastes so good!

Happy Friday!  I'm off to a conference today from 9-3, so no work in the classroom.  We're meeting up with my in-laws tonight for a (very) belated birthday dinner.  Enjoy your day!

No Habla Espanol

I got a new student on Monday, directly from Mexico.  He speaks not one word of English, I speak about two words of Spanish.  B and I have Rosetta Stone that's been sitting around our house.  I think it's time I installed this baby on our computer.  Lord knows I need all the help I can get.

New Discoveries

Sundays are bittersweet.  It's still the weekend, but the dark cloud of the week ahead seems to loom over me.  Anyway, I went out and enjoyed my Sunday afternoon with my cousin, Heather.  We picked up deli sandwiches, had a picnic, then went on a 2.5 mile walk around the reservoir.  It was so pretty outside and we had a great time!

View from the east side of the reservoir (almost done with our walk)

You can rent paddle boats!  Next time we'll have to try that.

Heather and I

On a different note, here's what the kitties received this weekend:

Oliver & Chexie checking it out

Chexie LOVES drinking out of the sink.  The minute I wake up in the morning, she runs into the bathroom and starts meowing.  Being the spoiled cat she is, she gets the bathroom sink water turned on for her.  She drinks for about 5 minute straight; she's so happy.  But it was getting to be a little incessant. Every time someone would go into the bathroom, she'd run in behind and meow.  So we bought her this flowing fountain, which I was so excited about.  She is not.  She could care less.  But the bathroom water is done for, so she better get used to this overly-priced water dish.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Tomorrow morning I'm headed to another job fair.  Way to spend a beautiful Saturday, right?  I'm imagining with all the teacher layoffs going on, it's going to look something like this:

I went to this job fair last year and there were over 1500 people there.  The job market is a lot worse in our area this year.  As of Monday, 900 people had pre-registered (walk-ins are welcome).  I'm trying to stay positive though, because it was through this job fair last year, that I submitted my application, had a mini-interview and was hired for my current position over the summer.  Think good thoughts for me tomorrow!   

Pinch Me

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  This holiday has never been a big deal to me.  I've never eaten corned beef, I despise Guinness.  I'll be spending my evening like any other; catching up on DVRs and trying to finish The Kite Runner.

Full Moon

"Do you want to see my butt?"
Yes.  This in fact came from one of my kindergartners today.  Not only did he ask the students, he PULLED HIS PANTS DOWN, underwear and all.  All this occurred while I was on the phone with the principal to discuss ANOTHER student issue.  Aye aye aye!  What a day.

Saturday Happenings

B was able to come home for the weekend from his conference.  I definitely took advantage of the rare opportunity we get a day off together.  The weather was beautiful outside so we hiked Mt. Diablo.  Funny (well, not at the time...) story.  As we're driving up the 16 mile twisted mountain, my gas light comes on.  We continued up the road and risked the possibility of needing to call AAA.  I know, I know...probably not  THE most responsible decision.  Well on the way down the mountain, we cruised...all the way...in NEUTRAL.  We were laughing so hard we were crying, but we MADE it safely to a gas station!  Phew!  Here are some pictures from today:

         

My mom surprised us with an 18lb. box full of Spring goodies!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

It was freezing.  We just assumed sunny skies = warm weather.  Forgot it's still winter.

My ears were hurting so bad from the cold and wind, so B created a "survival headdress" (as he calls it).

I looked redic. as evidence by the picture.

Homemade chicken curry for dinner.  Yum.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy 53rd Birthday to my wonderful dad!  I couldn't ask for a better dad.  I love you! Here's a look back at the last few years:

Christmas 2009 at Meadowood

Wedding June 2009

Show us your guns! Christmas 2008

France April 2007

Camping in Oregon July 2007

Skiing in Oregon 2006

You're Fired

I received my official "Letter of Termination" today at work.  I'm not alone, in that our district is laying off 217 teachers (not counting aides, librarians, secretaries, etc.)  - that's 1/3 of our district teachers being let go.  So as of June 11 I'll be an unemployed statistic that we see daily/weekly on the news.  Let the job hunt begin, again.  

I could go on and on about this whole situation, but it's out of my hands.  So like one of my best friends, Megan, said today, "Just try to count your blessings in times like these and now you'll have time for more sex!!!"  Oh man do I love my friends.  

"Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun...

...please shine thank you for shining down on me!"  It has been days since the sun has fully been out.  This morning I had to drive to work with the sun visor down because I was being blinded by rays.  I was so happy!  It's amazing how the sun can effect your mood.  Only 10 more days until Spring!

I'm out of my little funk from last night.  Thanks to my wonderful friends who Facebook'd, IM'd, or commented on my blog - you're wonderful ♥  Also, B is switching to weekday graves at the next opportunity (July).  HALLELUJAH!
We just joined Netflix and received in the mail 500 Days of Summer today.  I'm off to go watch.

Void

I just got home from work - a 12 hour work day and it's only Monday - ugh.  I guess this post comes with the fact that my husband is gone for the next 2 weeks at a work conference and it's kind of like the straw that broke hurt the camel's back.  I'm lonely.
I have a great life, I really do.  I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband and marriage, my family, and my friends.  The problem is this: my closest friend lives an hour away.  I moved to this town when we got married, because my husband's job was here.  To make matters worse, he works WEEKEND NIGHTS (6pm-6am).  What normal couple has weekDAYS off?  No one.  Thus leaves us with the dilemma: we aren't able to do things with other couples, so I'm stuck at home alone on my days off.
Problem #2 is that I haven't been able to meet any new friends in this area.  The closest person to my age at work is 35 and expecting twins any day now.  We joined a church hoping to meet young couples.  Nope, all "older".  So, I'm thinking of getting back into my passion: horseback riding.  I know it's expensive but I need to get back into my hobbies to maybe meet people.  I'm also looking into joining a women's golf clinic once the whether gets nicer.

Has anyone moved and found a way to meet new people?  I want to be able to go out with girlfriends my age, without spending my weekends at home the whole time.  

Have no fears - I'm not depressed.  I'm truly happy and blessed, I just feel a void of sorts.  

100th Post

I began this blog to document wedding planning, and then after, newlywed life.  Well we got married, moved, I began a new job, taken vacations, and much more since beginning this blog in April 2009.  We've documented all this through the past year and hope to continue the journey with you.    

Friday!

This week has flown by and it's already Friday!  I feel a big sense of relief that my report cards are finished and were turned into the principal today.  I still have 2 more forms to fill out per student, but the biggie is over with.

This weekend I have a work conference to attend.  With my job being in jeopardy due to budget cuts I'm trying to attend as many conferences/seminars/workshops as possible to boost my resume.  This weekend I'll be going to Zoophonics.  It's these animals that represent each letter sound and each letter has a chant ("Ally alligator, /a/ /a/ /a/ and the letter is a").  I've been using it this year with my students and have seen HUGE progress.  For any of you kinder teachers out there, I highly recommend!  
On another note, I came home last night to dinner on the table.  Now we're not fancy people and B completely surprised me with a new dish!  Now don't judge, because it was very good and filling.  Fat free hot dogs, whole wheat bun, 98% fat free turkey chili, sprinkle of cheese, and chopped white onions = lowfat version of chili dogs.
TGIF everyone!

Happy Birthday to Mrs. P

I wanted to wish a very happy 25th birthday to my best friend over at Confessions of a Domestic Goddess.  I hope you have a wonderful day Mrs. P!

DVR

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.  My weekend consisted of:

Friday: Saw Cirque du Soleil (see previous blog post)
Saturday: woke up at 6:45am (naturally), went to the gym, then caught up on most of the DVR shows I recorded while on vacation.  Let's just say, I spent a lot of the day on the couch and I won't complain.
Sunday: went to the gym, had a lovely lunch date with Mrs. P over at Confessions of a Domestic Goddess, worked on report cards, and got some "housewife" things done (i.e. laundry, kitchen cleaning, etc.)
Now, getting back to DVR.  I DVR all shows I like, because I'm usually in bed by 9pm each night.  I usually spend Saturdays catching up since B works weekends.  It makes my time alone go by faster.  Here are some of my favorite shows:

• Real Housewives of the OC
• 16 and Pregnant
• Oprah
• Intervention
• Modern Family

Yes, yes I don't watch the most "brain stimulating" television, but I LOVE reality shows and just get a great laugh out of Modern Family.  What do you like to watch on TV?