*
Everytime I say that word, I think of the Ron White skit where he talks about having to buy coupons and then use the coupons to buy beer... I'm sure Ahow knows what I'm talking about.
Anyway, I alway thought that coupons were a waste of time. Granted, this was back when I was making good money and my company billed my time for a few hundred bucks an hour... I had an altered sense of how valuable my time was.
Now, being poor and looking at the fact that my new career will be paying me roughly $25 an hour, suddenly coupons are looking a little more fruitful.
A couple months ago I ended up behind some people at the grocery store. It appeared that they were almost done being checked out, but then they pulled out a STACK of coupons. I started counting how many coupons it was about halfway through and I got up to 30, so I am guessing they had a good 60 coupons. Some got doubled and tripled. It was madness. While I wanted to tear my hair out waiting in line behind them with my two items, I must confess I was impressed and envious when their bill was $80 and their savings on the bill was over $80.
Recently I started at least saving coupons. That was step 1. Unfortunately, I saved them until they expired. DOH. Finally, yesterday, I got them organized and took a big stack of them out to Meijer. I also bought every Meijer brand item I could. When I went through the checkout, it was quite rewarding to see my savings were $40 and some odd change.
I am hoping that this little trend of mine hangs on and turns into a habit. While coupon cutting is tedious, when you don't do it, it's basically chucking some free money out with the trash!
P.S. We just got an ALDI in West Lafayette and I keep meaning to stop there and shop first!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Modern Family
I recently just started watching Modern Family. I had watched it twice before, and inexplicably I had seen the exact same episode both times I tuned in. It was decent, but it didn't rope me in. The teacher that I am student teaching with is a huge fan, so I decided to give it another try (it never hurts to have some extra material to chat about). 2 episodes later, I'm definitely hooked.The premise of the show is about Jay (aka Al Bundy). He has 2 grown children, Claire & Mithcell. He is now remarried to Gloria (young, attractive Columbian woman) and has a step-son. His daughter Claire is married to Phil and they have 3 kids. His son Mitchell is gay and has a boyfriend Cameron and an adopted daughter from Vietnam. My favorite characters on the show are probably Jay, Cameron & Phil.
Jay reminds me a bit of my dad. (My dad is remarried to a much younger Puerto Rican woman and has a some of the same crotchety ways.) I love his jokes about gays and race. One of my favorite quotes to his gay son: "Hey, hey, you're not mad at me. You're mad at the old balls and chain."
Cameron is the cliche gay guy. Mitchell is always trying to get him to be less fruity, but to no avail. In the last episode I saw, Cameron accidentally lit a bouquet of flowers on fire and was running around with them screaming. Mitchell said: "Look at that. Two things flaming at once."
Phil is kind of a weird guy. He makes me feel uncomfortable in a lot of the episodes, but it is kind of that Michael Scott uncomfortable that is really funny. He always wants to be the cool dad. He is also totally awkward around Gloria.
Anyhoo, Modern Family is on tonight at 8pm/7pm central. Oh, and it's on ABC.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
SUPERbowl
*
2007: The Colts play the Bears in the Superbowl. As a Colts fan living in Chicago, this matchup was pretty much a dream come true. Most my family and friends from Lafayette are either Colts fans or Bears fans since Lafayette is pretty much smack dab in the middle of Chicago and Indy. I was ALL FOR the Colts though. I was just glad that if they were to lose, it would be to my 2nd favorite NFL team.
2010: ALL SEASON folks around here have been all atwitter about Drew Breeeeees (who dat?) and the possibility of a Saints-Colts matchup in the Superbowl. For it to finally be a reality is SO awesome! Another dream come true for a Boilermaker Colts fan.
My cup overfloweth.
Make no mistake though. I will be cheering for Drew Brees to have an amazing game... But I don't think I can cheer for him to win. My brother-in-law is just the opposite. He wants Brees to have a Superbowl win under his belt, especially since the Colts just got one 3 years ago.
At the end of the day, I'll be happy for the winner and a little sad for the loser. I just hope it doesn't turn into a game with TWO Purdue quarterbacks playing... Let's keep Curtis Painter on the bench!
2007: The Colts play the Bears in the Superbowl. As a Colts fan living in Chicago, this matchup was pretty much a dream come true. Most my family and friends from Lafayette are either Colts fans or Bears fans since Lafayette is pretty much smack dab in the middle of Chicago and Indy. I was ALL FOR the Colts though. I was just glad that if they were to lose, it would be to my 2nd favorite NFL team.
2010: ALL SEASON folks around here have been all atwitter about Drew Breeeeees (who dat?) and the possibility of a Saints-Colts matchup in the Superbowl. For it to finally be a reality is SO awesome! Another dream come true for a Boilermaker Colts fan.
My cup overfloweth.
Make no mistake though. I will be cheering for Drew Brees to have an amazing game... But I don't think I can cheer for him to win. My brother-in-law is just the opposite. He wants Brees to have a Superbowl win under his belt, especially since the Colts just got one 3 years ago.
At the end of the day, I'll be happy for the winner and a little sad for the loser. I just hope it doesn't turn into a game with TWO Purdue quarterbacks playing... Let's keep Curtis Painter on the bench!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
SUPERBOWL BOUND!
I LOVE YOU COLTS!
Now to see who we play in the big game... I'm cheering for Drew Breeeeeeeees, of course! (But, I won't be too devastated if Favre makes it. I like him.)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Great Eight----month-old!
This last month was a really big month for Taryn... Her first Christmas, her first flight, her first new year, her first night away from mommy & daddy (not sure she noticed). She had a really healthy month up until this last week when her asthma has flared up a bit and an upper tooth is coming in. Talk about the perfect storm of sleep disruptions. Urgh! 
Taryn is closing in on 22lbs and wears size 18 months. We have to roll up the pant legs, but the shirts fit perfectly. She is taller and bigger than her friend Julietta at daycare who is 2 months older than her and her cousin Cora who is 5 months older. I'm beginning to believe that she isn't going to crawl. She scoots around, but prefers standing and walking. Of course, that worries me as a parent. Darn it, you're supposed to crawl! But, my mom has told me that I followed pretty much the same path and then crawled at the last minute. Right now Taryn can make her way around pretty well walking while holding on to the coffee table. Good thing for her we have a small living room. Her favorite goals to aim for are the cord to the laptop, the cell phones, and pretty much anything else you don't want her to grab. 
Taryn is starting to munch on some solid foods. She really likes her "Lil Crunchers" which are like Gerber's version of Cheetos. She also likes the puffs and the wagon wheels. I am not a big fan of cleaning up the wagon wheels. They are always in about 4 pieces and absolutely soaked in slobber. Often times I can't find a piece and it is glued and mashed to the palm of her hand. Yum. She loves getting tastes of whatever Lee and I are eating. She even liked when my dad gave her a taste of beets. Eek. She's more adventurous than I am! 
Taryn still loves to smile at people. I'm afraid she's going to be a bit of a drama queen. We were at the allergist's office and she was hell bent on getting the attention of the other patients in the waiting room. First she was smiling at them and sticking out her tongue. When that didn't work, she tried doing her excited screams at them. She finally got their attention and then she was dancing and waving. It was pretty funny. 
This is a really fun age. Taryn is so interactive. She loves to play with her toys. She likes playing peek-a-boo and pretending like we're running away from daddy. She still loves brushing her teeth for some reason. When we tickle her she giggles like crazy. When I walk into daycare to pick her up she smiles and lets out an excited scream and waves her hands. It is definitely a boost to the ol' morale. I'm a little frustrated that this semester is super busy and I don't get to spend as much time with her as I did last semester. BUT, summer is right around the corner and we'll have tons of time then. I can't wait to teach her to swim at the pool I used to play at as a kid. It is hard to believe she'll be 1 year old by then!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Small Rant
*
Background: My mom runs an alternative school for special ed students that have been kicked out of their normal high school. Her program is located in a school building that also contains some other programs. Just down the hall from her, there is a daycare. All of the workers are college graduates. They have amazing supplies and all the perks. And it is designed for children of students of local schools. The cost is based on the family's salary, which we could really use right now since I don't technically have an income and Lee only has an hourly paying job while he finishes his degree. I got the application before Taryn was even born and filled it out. We got a letter saying that we were on a wait list.
My mom keeps asking me if we've heard from the daycare in her building. It would be SOOOOO convenient if Taryn was at the daycare in her building. Etc etc etc. I'd be happy to get her in there too! Reduced daycare fees, um, yes please!
Today I called them. You know what they tell me? You're too responsible and successful.
Ok, those aren't the exact words, but it may as well been.
Basically, we're on a wait list of about 50 people. And once spots come open, they look at that list and a new baby gets into the daycare based on "need".
How do they identify need? If the parents are married or not. If the parents have a high school diploma. If the parents are going to the community college. The age of the parents. Then the salary.
So, the fact that Lee and I are 28 & 29 years old. The fact that we have high school diplomas. The fact that I am going to school at Purdue instead of the community college... All of these things apparently make us not in need affordable daycare.
This just pisses me off. I get so tired of getting punished for doing things the right way. I personally think that if you qualify for the low income, at that point, it's all fair game. The fact that Lee and I waited until we were married and 28 to have our child and that we (GASP) both have a high school diploma means that we can't get any help with daycare costs while we are both in school.
I feel like the government programs have totally lost sight of what they were put in place for. TEMPORARY assistance when people need it. Not a way of life. Just like what we are going through. This is 1 year where Lee and I are both in school. Instead they are rewarding the behavior that we DON'T WANT. If I was a 17 year old high school dropout with 2 kids and no husband, I'd be raking in the assistance. Here's a home and free education and free healthcare and free daycare... Now please, glom off the system for the rest of your life and raise your 15 children to do the same. Since I have been taking all these education classes, I've heard plenty about positive reinforcement, and I'm pretty sure that the government is reinforcing the WRONG STUFF.
It is just like the mortgages. They bailed out all of the people who were irresponsible and got mortgages that they could barely manage. And then WHOOPS, now I can't afford it. And they get bailed out. Where is my reward for buying houses that I can afford? And ALWAYS making my payments on time? Nada.
Whoops, I guess this wasn't a small rant. Ok, I will end my rant now.
Background: My mom runs an alternative school for special ed students that have been kicked out of their normal high school. Her program is located in a school building that also contains some other programs. Just down the hall from her, there is a daycare. All of the workers are college graduates. They have amazing supplies and all the perks. And it is designed for children of students of local schools. The cost is based on the family's salary, which we could really use right now since I don't technically have an income and Lee only has an hourly paying job while he finishes his degree. I got the application before Taryn was even born and filled it out. We got a letter saying that we were on a wait list.
My mom keeps asking me if we've heard from the daycare in her building. It would be SOOOOO convenient if Taryn was at the daycare in her building. Etc etc etc. I'd be happy to get her in there too! Reduced daycare fees, um, yes please!
Today I called them. You know what they tell me? You're too responsible and successful.
Ok, those aren't the exact words, but it may as well been.
Basically, we're on a wait list of about 50 people. And once spots come open, they look at that list and a new baby gets into the daycare based on "need".
How do they identify need? If the parents are married or not. If the parents have a high school diploma. If the parents are going to the community college. The age of the parents. Then the salary.
So, the fact that Lee and I are 28 & 29 years old. The fact that we have high school diplomas. The fact that I am going to school at Purdue instead of the community college... All of these things apparently make us not in need affordable daycare.
This just pisses me off. I get so tired of getting punished for doing things the right way. I personally think that if you qualify for the low income, at that point, it's all fair game. The fact that Lee and I waited until we were married and 28 to have our child and that we (GASP) both have a high school diploma means that we can't get any help with daycare costs while we are both in school.
I feel like the government programs have totally lost sight of what they were put in place for. TEMPORARY assistance when people need it. Not a way of life. Just like what we are going through. This is 1 year where Lee and I are both in school. Instead they are rewarding the behavior that we DON'T WANT. If I was a 17 year old high school dropout with 2 kids and no husband, I'd be raking in the assistance. Here's a home and free education and free healthcare and free daycare... Now please, glom off the system for the rest of your life and raise your 15 children to do the same. Since I have been taking all these education classes, I've heard plenty about positive reinforcement, and I'm pretty sure that the government is reinforcing the WRONG STUFF.
It is just like the mortgages. They bailed out all of the people who were irresponsible and got mortgages that they could barely manage. And then WHOOPS, now I can't afford it. And they get bailed out. Where is my reward for buying houses that I can afford? And ALWAYS making my payments on time? Nada.
Whoops, I guess this wasn't a small rant. Ok, I will end my rant now.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Nursing Blog
*
So, this is going to be a post about nursing, so feel free to skip it if that weirds you out. I mean, boobs are fine, but boobs and babies? Eek!
Today I got rid of my Medela Pump-In-Style amidst many mixed feelings. If you had told me that I would feel like this 6 months ago, I never would have believed you.
Before Taryn was born, I spent a lot of time worrying about nursing. My mom kept telling me not to worry. It's natural, it will work out. And for Taryn and I, it did just that. From the first day in the hospital, it was like she knew what she was doing and she was training me.
That is not to say it was always a smooth ride. The beginning was extremely hard. All the mothers around me would say "Oh, you nurse for 15 minutes on each side and then you're good to go for 3 hours." Those. Are. Lies. Taryn wanted to eat all the time. I thought my boobs were going to fall off my chest. There was also just the stress of someone being THAT dependent on you. In the beginning I couldn't even run to the grocery store without having to rush home because Taryn was hungry.
My initial goal was to nurse for 3 months. I was determined to make it that long. Then my secondary goal was to make it 6 months. There were days (and especially nights) where I was ready to throw in the towel. With a vengeance. I remember quite a few moments of "GET OUT THE FREAKING FORMULA, I'M DONE." And the fact that I started grad school when she was 4 weeks old definitely threw in another speed bump for us.
But, then, it got easy. So easy. And then it was so convenient. We could go anywhere without needing to take bottles or formula or worry where we would warm a bottle. The mothers around me were suddenly right! 15 minutes here, 15 there and we're done! And the pounds just flew off my body as an added bonus. My three month goal came and went. Then my 6 month goal arrived. Things were still going so well, I wasn't ready to stop.
Taryn was such a good nurser and it was so easy that I became afraid that she wouldn't let me stop. I started to fear that I would be that mom still nursing her kid before kindergarten. Ok, that was an exaggeration. But, I was worried that it would be a struggle to stop.
Then, she got busy. And nosy. And she always wanted to be upside down and looking at the tv. And she started eating solid foods. The boob lost its allure. I started having to keep her attention and hold her down to get through a feeding in a timely manner.
And then she started biting me.
And suddenly I was ready to be done. And fortunately Taryn was too. The transition was so easy. She likes the bottles because she can look around and they are faster so she can get back to her busy baby day. But, there are still moments when I miss it. One of those times is definitely when we have to buy formula. Ouch. That stuff is pricey. But I also miss being able to comfort my baby in that way. And it also means that my little girl is growing up, which makes my eyes water a bit too. Nursing was also something that was special because only I could do it.
The hardest thing I found about breastfeeding... Other people. People act so strange about it. Most people have been breastfed and/or have breastfed their own kids (or their wife has breastfed their kids). It's not like it is weird! Not to mention, it's been going on as long as humans have lived. Yet people act like it is so taboo. I mean, I'm definitely not a fan of the people that whip out a boob at the dinner table at a restaurant, but you wouldn't believe how many people can't even say the word. My uncle asked how long I "had to feed Taryn LIKE THAT."
Anyway, this post was something I just needed to get off my chest (pun intended) so I could remember everything. Sentimental times like these, I actually feel like there will be a time in the somewhat near future I'll be ready to go on this wild ride again. Give me a good solid year of sleeping through the night, and I'll probably be back on the baby bandwagon. But, we'll have to see about that one.
So, this is going to be a post about nursing, so feel free to skip it if that weirds you out. I mean, boobs are fine, but boobs and babies? Eek!
Today I got rid of my Medela Pump-In-Style amidst many mixed feelings. If you had told me that I would feel like this 6 months ago, I never would have believed you.
Before Taryn was born, I spent a lot of time worrying about nursing. My mom kept telling me not to worry. It's natural, it will work out. And for Taryn and I, it did just that. From the first day in the hospital, it was like she knew what she was doing and she was training me.
That is not to say it was always a smooth ride. The beginning was extremely hard. All the mothers around me would say "Oh, you nurse for 15 minutes on each side and then you're good to go for 3 hours." Those. Are. Lies. Taryn wanted to eat all the time. I thought my boobs were going to fall off my chest. There was also just the stress of someone being THAT dependent on you. In the beginning I couldn't even run to the grocery store without having to rush home because Taryn was hungry.
My initial goal was to nurse for 3 months. I was determined to make it that long. Then my secondary goal was to make it 6 months. There were days (and especially nights) where I was ready to throw in the towel. With a vengeance. I remember quite a few moments of "GET OUT THE FREAKING FORMULA, I'M DONE." And the fact that I started grad school when she was 4 weeks old definitely threw in another speed bump for us.
But, then, it got easy. So easy. And then it was so convenient. We could go anywhere without needing to take bottles or formula or worry where we would warm a bottle. The mothers around me were suddenly right! 15 minutes here, 15 there and we're done! And the pounds just flew off my body as an added bonus. My three month goal came and went. Then my 6 month goal arrived. Things were still going so well, I wasn't ready to stop.
Taryn was such a good nurser and it was so easy that I became afraid that she wouldn't let me stop. I started to fear that I would be that mom still nursing her kid before kindergarten. Ok, that was an exaggeration. But, I was worried that it would be a struggle to stop.
Then, she got busy. And nosy. And she always wanted to be upside down and looking at the tv. And she started eating solid foods. The boob lost its allure. I started having to keep her attention and hold her down to get through a feeding in a timely manner.
And then she started biting me.
And suddenly I was ready to be done. And fortunately Taryn was too. The transition was so easy. She likes the bottles because she can look around and they are faster so she can get back to her busy baby day. But, there are still moments when I miss it. One of those times is definitely when we have to buy formula. Ouch. That stuff is pricey. But I also miss being able to comfort my baby in that way. And it also means that my little girl is growing up, which makes my eyes water a bit too. Nursing was also something that was special because only I could do it.
The hardest thing I found about breastfeeding... Other people. People act so strange about it. Most people have been breastfed and/or have breastfed their own kids (or their wife has breastfed their kids). It's not like it is weird! Not to mention, it's been going on as long as humans have lived. Yet people act like it is so taboo. I mean, I'm definitely not a fan of the people that whip out a boob at the dinner table at a restaurant, but you wouldn't believe how many people can't even say the word. My uncle asked how long I "had to feed Taryn LIKE THAT."
Anyway, this post was something I just needed to get off my chest (pun intended) so I could remember everything. Sentimental times like these, I actually feel like there will be a time in the somewhat near future I'll be ready to go on this wild ride again. Give me a good solid year of sleeping through the night, and I'll probably be back on the baby bandwagon. But, we'll have to see about that one.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Remembering my Grandpa Joe
*
January 5th has always been my Grandpa Joe's birthday to me. When I was young, I thought it was special that my uncle, my mom and I all had our birthdays in January with my Grandpa Joe. Today will always be HIS DAY in my mind. Today he would have been 80 years old and I still miss him so much.
My love for my grandpa began very early. He had the most comfortable belly to sleep on. I'm pretty sure this is where those Tempurpedic folks got their idea. My Grandpa had been a scary dad, but he was a teddy bear as a grandfather.
My parents divorced when I was 3 years old and my dad moved to New Jersey. My mom and I stayed with my grandparents for awhile, and then settled back over here in West Lafayette. With my dad so far away, my Grandpa was really my father figure in a lot of ways. After he passed away, my dad even said the same thing.
I spent a lot of weekends with my grandparents. I loved going over to their house, and I'm sure my mom loved getting a small break from being a 25 year old single parent. They would listen to me while I sang every song from my school musical in the back seat of their car. For anyone who has heard me karaoke, you know this is no small feat. They would take me to Dairy Queen and buy me a Blizzard and then we would watch Hoosier Lotto.
January 5th has always been my Grandpa Joe's birthday to me. When I was young, I thought it was special that my uncle, my mom and I all had our birthdays in January with my Grandpa Joe. Today will always be HIS DAY in my mind. Today he would have been 80 years old and I still miss him so much.
My love for my grandpa began very early. He had the most comfortable belly to sleep on. I'm pretty sure this is where those Tempurpedic folks got their idea. My Grandpa had been a scary dad, but he was a teddy bear as a grandfather.
My parents divorced when I was 3 years old and my dad moved to New Jersey. My mom and I stayed with my grandparents for awhile, and then settled back over here in West Lafayette. With my dad so far away, my Grandpa was really my father figure in a lot of ways. After he passed away, my dad even said the same thing.
I spent a lot of weekends with my grandparents. I loved going over to their house, and I'm sure my mom loved getting a small break from being a 25 year old single parent. They would listen to me while I sang every song from my school musical in the back seat of their car. For anyone who has heard me karaoke, you know this is no small feat. They would take me to Dairy Queen and buy me a Blizzard and then we would watch Hoosier Lotto.
When I got too old for weekends at their house, my grandparents started coming to all my sporting events, orchestra concerts, etc. Eventually they moved over to West Lafayette. My Grandpa loved when I would foul out of my junior high basketball games (which was often) and loved even more the game that I made a basket for the other team.
Whenever I had a success to share, my grandparents were the first ones that I would call. My Grandma would call in to the other room "Joe, the baby got an A+ in Algebra," (yes, they always called me the baby) and I would hear him reply, "That little shit!" That was always his response and was his way of saying he was proud.
There are still some absolutely classic stories that we tell about my Grandpa. Like the time we were having a garage sale and a large man showed up to the sale and my Grandpa said "The fat man's section is in the back." Or how he never heard things right, and turned everything into food. Like I said "Paul and Lee" and he said "What? Chop Suey?" Or how my Grandpa took a long walk every morning looking for Marlboro wrappers so that he could get free stuff and one morning I saw him on his walk when I was getting home from a night out partying.
Unfortunately, as it happens for so many, we did not get as many years with my Grandpa as we hoped. My Grandpa was not big on doctors, and managed to go a good 40 years without going in for a checkup. He fought and beat colon cancer first. He had stints put into his heart. He had surgery on the artery in his neck. But, what he finally couldn't beat was Melanoma. He passed away a couple years ago. I was living in Norfolk at the time and really couldn't be around to see him often in the end. While I always regret that, part of me feels like that may have been by design since I'm not sure I could have handled seeing him like that.
I would do anything to have him here to see Taryn. I know that he would be so amazed and in love with her. And she could take a nap on his tummy. In a way, though, I feel like he IS here to see Taryn because somehow in the crazy world of DNA, Taryn has inherited a bunch of my Grandpa's facial expressions. The first time that I ever saw it was in the picture above that Michelle took. I thought I was crazy, so I emailed it to my mom. She saw it too, but the true test was when Lee got home. I didn't lead him in anyway, I just said "Who in my family does Taryn look like in this picture?" He immediately said "Your Grandpa Joe." We see his expressions often, and while it is usually when she is hungry or annoyed, it still makes me smile and makes me think of the man who was such a big part of my life for so many years. I miss you Grandpa Joe and I still think of you all the time!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
*
2010. Wow. That just sounds weird. Today was the first time I had to actually write it. My mind had to overpower my hand to avoid writing 'o_. And what are people calling it? I have already heard someone say "oh ten". Umm no. I'm leaning towards "twenty ten", I think.
As most every reader of mine knows, we rung in the new year celebrating the nuptuals of Matt & Stacia Plothow. It was one of the best receptions I have been to in quite awhile, I must say. It was the first time that we left our little T-bone overnight, and fortunately there was enough booze on hand to keep me from worrying about her all night. It was so great to see my Chi-town friends. I don't see them near enough these days! Matt & Stacia were great hosts. I'm hoping they do it again next year... Come on! Anniversary party? Lee and I exceeded our own expectations and stayed standing until after 1:30am (thankfully we did not stay up with Barry, Amy and the Reuters).
Oh... And... NEWSFLASH... On New Years Day, Lee woke up hungover and I DIDN'T. I felt pretty darn good. Especially after the complimentary hotel breakfast. Hoping this is a trend that sticks around for the whole decade.
I told myself that for my new years resolution I would be cutting back on the sweets. So far, I have made a slight improvement. I had to go ahead and polish off the chocolate covered cherries and carmels from Christmas. I mean. I can't let them go to waste. But, yesterday at the grocery store I avoided the Chips Ahoys, and I avoided dessert when we went for lunch at Spagheddi's. SIGH. Why must the stuff that tastes SO GOOD be SO FATTENING?
Some things we have to look forward to this year:
2010. Wow. That just sounds weird. Today was the first time I had to actually write it. My mind had to overpower my hand to avoid writing 'o_. And what are people calling it? I have already heard someone say "oh ten". Umm no. I'm leaning towards "twenty ten", I think.
As most every reader of mine knows, we rung in the new year celebrating the nuptuals of Matt & Stacia Plothow. It was one of the best receptions I have been to in quite awhile, I must say. It was the first time that we left our little T-bone overnight, and fortunately there was enough booze on hand to keep me from worrying about her all night. It was so great to see my Chi-town friends. I don't see them near enough these days! Matt & Stacia were great hosts. I'm hoping they do it again next year... Come on! Anniversary party? Lee and I exceeded our own expectations and stayed standing until after 1:30am (thankfully we did not stay up with Barry, Amy and the Reuters).Oh... And... NEWSFLASH... On New Years Day, Lee woke up hungover and I DIDN'T. I felt pretty darn good. Especially after the complimentary hotel breakfast. Hoping this is a trend that sticks around for the whole decade.
I told myself that for my new years resolution I would be cutting back on the sweets. So far, I have made a slight improvement. I had to go ahead and polish off the chocolate covered cherries and carmels from Christmas. I mean. I can't let them go to waste. But, yesterday at the grocery store I avoided the Chips Ahoys, and I avoided dessert when we went for lunch at Spagheddi's. SIGH. Why must the stuff that tastes SO GOOD be SO FATTENING? Some things we have to look forward to this year:
My "golden" birthday. I turn 29 on January 29th.
The Colts winning the Superbowl... Yes?
The final season of LOST. Mixed emotions here.
My cousin Jamie is getting married in Cabo in March (we won't be going - frown).
Purdue going to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament... Please?
Grandma Shirley hits the big EIGHT-OH on March 25th.
Lee finishes up his undergraduate program in March. Just a few credits later and he'll be a college grad. (He has to fill in a science, speech and english.)
Taryn will be turning 1 year old on May 20th.
Lee will be hitting the big THREE-OH on July 23rd.
Lee will be hitting the big THREE-OH on July 23rd.
Jamie & Garret get married August 14th and I am the maid of honor. (I refuse to say matron of honor. It sounds so matronly.)
I will (hopefully) get my first teaching job starting this fall.
Phew!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Continuing Improvements
BEFORE
AFTER
Adios 2009!
I think I copied this off of Mich a couple years ago, so I thought I would go ahead and do it again. I like having a nice little summary of my year to look back on.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Had a baby, changed careers, started graduate school, owned 2 homes for a couple months...
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for 2010? I don't think I made any NY resolutions last year... I was feeling rather vice-free since I was pregnant. For 2010, I am going to attempt to curb my obsession with sweets. I somehow got totally addicted to sweets while I was prego and now it needs to stop!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? It seems like everyone did! The Reuters, the Howards, the Goldmans, the Gundersons, Lee's brother & wife... Plus, it seems like about 1/3 of my graduating class from high school!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year, thank goodness.
5. What countries did you visit? Stuck around the good ol' USofA.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? I totally agree with Michelle on this one... SLEEP!
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? May 20th, T's b-day!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Having my little girl and learning how to be a mother, succeeding in grad school while doing the mom thing.
9. What was your biggest failure? My diet and exercise regime. Also, maintaining a social life. I have done very badly with inviting friends to do stuff (I blame this on #6... Lack of sleep!)
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? My asthma has returned since moving back to West Lafayette. I also had a pretty rough flu. Other than that, most the illnesses have been suffered by our little T.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Our house in West Lafayette. It is so good to be back.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My mom. She has been such a great grandma to little T not to mention a huge help!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My aunt and cousins. They are bitter and narrow-minded people that have been spreading hate throughout our family. I hope not to hear much from them in 2010.
14. Where did most of your money go? Healthcare, daycare and two mortgages. Oh and home improvement.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Pretty much everything Taryn. Selling our house in Demotte!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? "Single Ladies" by Beyonce
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner than I was when I was 20 weeks prego... But, definitely not in shape!
c) richer or poorer? Monetarily much poorer, but I feel richer in many ways.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Sleeping. It sounds awful, but I also wish I had taken advantage of daycare a little more so I could get stuff done in a much less stressed manner!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Eating, stressing out.
20. How did you spend Christmas? At my grandma's apartment. Christmas Eve at the Klemme's. Then off to NJ on the 26th to see my dad's fam.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? I love my little T more than I ever thought possible!
22. What was your favorite TV program? Biggest Loser
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don't think I really HATE anyone. There are a few people that I don't much care for.
24. What was the best book you read? Euclidian Geometry textbook... Yeah. I haven't gotten to read for pleasure this year.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Lee discovered Palladia. A channel on tv that shows live music.
26. What did you want and get? An amazing baby! A home in the Lafayette area. A fellowship to go back to grad school.
27. What did you want and not get? A full price offer on our house in Demotte.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? I can't even think... Gran Torino? Was that this year? I know I watched it this year.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 28. I went to dinner with my mom at Bruno's. Pretty lowkey.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Selling our house sooner so we didn't have to commute to Lafayette. A few less illnesses for baby T.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Back to college gear! No more business clothes!
32. What kept you sane? Lee getting up with T on the weekends so I could sleep an extra hour.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Peyton Manning and Drew Breeeeees!
34. What political issue stirred you the most? The failing economy and the bailouts.
35. Who did you miss? My Chi-town friends.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Taryn Elizabeth
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. It may take longer than you want, but things will work out in the end.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Don't need no five star reservations
I've got spaghetti and a cheap bottle of wine
Don't need no concert in the city
I've got a stereo and the best of Patsy Cline
Ain't got no caviar no Dom Perignon
But as far as I can see, I've got everything I want
Cause I've got a roof over my head,the woman I love laying in my bed
And it's alright, alright
I've got shoes under my feet
Forever in her eyes staring back at me
And it's alright, alright
And I've got all I need
And it's alright by me
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Had a baby, changed careers, started graduate school, owned 2 homes for a couple months...
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for 2010? I don't think I made any NY resolutions last year... I was feeling rather vice-free since I was pregnant. For 2010, I am going to attempt to curb my obsession with sweets. I somehow got totally addicted to sweets while I was prego and now it needs to stop!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? It seems like everyone did! The Reuters, the Howards, the Goldmans, the Gundersons, Lee's brother & wife... Plus, it seems like about 1/3 of my graduating class from high school!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year, thank goodness.
5. What countries did you visit? Stuck around the good ol' USofA.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? I totally agree with Michelle on this one... SLEEP!
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? May 20th, T's b-day!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Having my little girl and learning how to be a mother, succeeding in grad school while doing the mom thing.
9. What was your biggest failure? My diet and exercise regime. Also, maintaining a social life. I have done very badly with inviting friends to do stuff (I blame this on #6... Lack of sleep!)
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? My asthma has returned since moving back to West Lafayette. I also had a pretty rough flu. Other than that, most the illnesses have been suffered by our little T.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Our house in West Lafayette. It is so good to be back.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My mom. She has been such a great grandma to little T not to mention a huge help!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My aunt and cousins. They are bitter and narrow-minded people that have been spreading hate throughout our family. I hope not to hear much from them in 2010.
14. Where did most of your money go? Healthcare, daycare and two mortgages. Oh and home improvement.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Pretty much everything Taryn. Selling our house in Demotte!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? "Single Ladies" by Beyonce
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Happier.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner than I was when I was 20 weeks prego... But, definitely not in shape!
c) richer or poorer? Monetarily much poorer, but I feel richer in many ways.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Sleeping. It sounds awful, but I also wish I had taken advantage of daycare a little more so I could get stuff done in a much less stressed manner!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Eating, stressing out.
20. How did you spend Christmas? At my grandma's apartment. Christmas Eve at the Klemme's. Then off to NJ on the 26th to see my dad's fam.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? I love my little T more than I ever thought possible!
22. What was your favorite TV program? Biggest Loser
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don't think I really HATE anyone. There are a few people that I don't much care for.
24. What was the best book you read? Euclidian Geometry textbook... Yeah. I haven't gotten to read for pleasure this year.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Lee discovered Palladia. A channel on tv that shows live music.
26. What did you want and get? An amazing baby! A home in the Lafayette area. A fellowship to go back to grad school.
27. What did you want and not get? A full price offer on our house in Demotte.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? I can't even think... Gran Torino? Was that this year? I know I watched it this year.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? 28. I went to dinner with my mom at Bruno's. Pretty lowkey.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Selling our house sooner so we didn't have to commute to Lafayette. A few less illnesses for baby T.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Back to college gear! No more business clothes!
32. What kept you sane? Lee getting up with T on the weekends so I could sleep an extra hour.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Peyton Manning and Drew Breeeeees!
34. What political issue stirred you the most? The failing economy and the bailouts.
35. Who did you miss? My Chi-town friends.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Taryn Elizabeth
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. It may take longer than you want, but things will work out in the end.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Don't need no five star reservations
I've got spaghetti and a cheap bottle of wine
Don't need no concert in the city
I've got a stereo and the best of Patsy Cline
Ain't got no caviar no Dom Perignon
But as far as I can see, I've got everything I want
Cause I've got a roof over my head,the woman I love laying in my bed
And it's alright, alright
I've got shoes under my feet
Forever in her eyes staring back at me
And it's alright, alright
And I've got all I need
And it's alright by me