Slow Going?

"Slow Going?" is another random movie quote that pops into my head on a regular basis. We are slow at work right now so I keep thinking "Slow Going?". A line from my all-time favorite movie, The Princess Bride. (Gold Star to anyone who can tell me the character who speaks the line and who it is said to.)

It is no fun when we are slow at work, but it is occasionally helpful. This week it was helpful when it allowed me to design, have printed and cut down invitations to Melanie's bridal shower. Today it was helpful when I searched for recipes. I explored the Campbell's website and, though it does not have the quantity of recipes that the BH&G website has, I was pleased with what I found. I have 3 dinners figured out for next week that I will need to purchase minimal ingredients for, and most of the ingredients should be inexpensive. I think that we will be able to piece together a few more meals from what we have at home. Brett will have to eat cheap lunches next week though! But we will definitely be okay.

Thanks to Kriss who sent me some suggestions. We LOVE Zatarain's jambalaya with smoked sausage! We used to buy Eckrich, but not we buy Butterball turkey sausage and it is every bit as good!

Madilyn's Graduation Part 2

Graduation last night was really great! This school is so amazing. She goes to the Sloan School in Irving, a private Christian school that goes up to grade 5. The couple who owns the school spoke at the beginning of the ceremony and then Madi's teacher led them through a production that they have obviously been rehearsing for weeks. We saw them do math, reading, spelling, Bible verses... it was so neat! Madi looked precious and said all of her lines perfectly. And in the end when they were given a diploma, card and gift from the teacher, the owners gave each student a Bible. It was really neat.

There was a little red headed girl with blue eyes who led to me chasing all sorts of rabbits. I repeat - we are not ready for children. But I sure hope that someday we will be. I want to be a mommy. And I want to say "Daddy's home!" when Brett comes through the door every evening. Sigh. I said it once a few weeks ago. I thought it sounded nice. He was less sure. ha!

It was also really good to see my family. I carpooled with my mom and it was really nice to catch up with her. And we officially invited everyone over for Father's Day, so that's exciting! It will be our first time to have the family over all at once. I'm excited!

I'm thankful that it is Friday and I am thankful that we had a 4 day week. Money will be tight next week! Rent is unfortunately not the only bill we pay the first week of the month. In fact, our two biggest bills are due at the same time, along with two smaller bills. So I am trying to think of some creative cheap dinners for the week. Well... cheap. Creative would be nice, but cheap is a must!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I am going to clean the apartment and FINALLY finish unpacking. That's the plan anyway.

Oh! And I am making Mexican pot roast for dinner. I went home at lunch and filled the crock pot and plugged it in. I hope it's good! It's insanely easy, so if it's not good... well, I'll be a little embarrassed.

A Job Well Done!

Brett was finally able to give the presentation at work that he has been preparing for so many weeks now. (The one that I whined about a few weeks ago when it was postponed.)

It went very well =-)

He is going to teach it to his team next week, and then teach a slightly revised version of it to the class that is in training right now.

THANK YOU Lord, for blessing Brett's hard work. I pray that you will increase his humbleness and allow him to cling to the confidence that you are guiding his path.

Madilyn's Graduation

Madilyn is graduating from kindergarten. I can hardly believe it. She is 6 years old and on the verge of being a first grader. It's hard to wrap my mind around. I miss her SOOO much. I miss all of my family. But it's hard knowing that once Melanie gets married I will hardly see her and Madilyn anymore. Right now I can go to my parents house and see them almost anytime. But soon...

Sigh.

We really need to re-institute Sunday night dinners with the family.

Here are a few pictures.

Memorial Day Weekend

Brett and I enjoyed our three day weekend very much!

My weekend started early Friday afternoon when I left work around 2:00. I was thankful that we were slow enough that I could go run a few errands without feeling guilty. I went to Ross and bought a few long anticipated apartment decorations. And when I say a few, I mean 4. And 2 of them aren't really decoration. But 2 definitely are! I bought a mirror for the living room for $27 and a mirror for the bedroom for $30! I really like them both! I hung the one in the living room right away, but the one for the bedroom is heavy and I want to make sure it is safe when I put it up. I also bought a cute soap dispenser for our guest bathroom for $2.50 and a box for our wedding mementos for $5. They were all good finds. We need about a dozen picture frames, but I will have to be patient and buy things slowly.

Friday night Brett and I had one of the best meals we have ever had at Johnny Carino's. It is our favorite neighborhood restaurant and it is good EVERY TIME! Brett was scheduled to game with some friends at 10:00. It didn't go very smoothly, but while he was trying to get the program to run on his computer I snuck one of his games that I have been enjoying watching him play into the XBOX 360 and played it all by myself! When he walked through to get a drink, he almost passed out! It was great! I played it a few times over the weekend and I am enjoying learning how to play!

Saturday started with us sleeping in. And then we basically lounged all day. We went to the grocery store and went hunting for a cheap game. Brett found a set of wireless microphones for a great price and I found a $5 movie. Both good finds!

Sunday we visited a church, rested in the afternoon, and then went to dinner with his mom. She misses us. We aren't seeing either of our families often enough, but we are doing our best.

Monday the plan was for us to break in the charcoal grill, but when the time came, we decided to take it easy and stick with the electric. Rewind... the day started with Brett making me breakfast in bed. He made Captain Crunch french toast. We saw it on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and he thought I would like it so he made it for me! Then we rested and did some cleaning and decorating. Then we had a late lunch of yummy fajitas, courtesy of Brett and our electric grill. I had trouble falling asleep when we finally went to bed. Actually, it was totally backwards. Brett went to bed before 11:00, which is almost unheard of. I came to bed around 11:30 and didn't fall asleep until after 4:00 a.m. And then I had the saddest dream! I dreamed that I ran into a high school friend and his father had just passed away. He was so sad and his pain weighed so heavily on me. It took me awhile to shake it off when I woke up.

But overall, it was an easy, relaxing weekend. We were incredibly thankful for the day off, and thankful now that the week is close to half over!

Becoming The Bacons

I want to tell you about my weekend, but the thing that I need to get off my chest the most is my Sunday.

I don't know why this is so hard. It feels like confession. I did something that I've never done before. It's nothing to be ashamed of, and there is no dark reason, or evil plot, behind it. It's just something that we felt led to do. On Sunday, Brett and I visited another church.

I just turned 28. So that means that I have been a member of Plymouth Park Baptist Church for 28 years and 9 months. I love my church. It feels like home. In a complete blackout, I could find my way from Baker Hall to the choir room and down to the basement, no problem. And the people there are like family. The Spences, the Mosses, the Lobbs, the Rambos. Heck, what am I saying? My ACTUAL family is there! My parents take Madilyn on Sundays and, when she can, Melanie goes too. Seriously... I love my church. 

But I have a new name now. I am starting a new chapter in my life. Brett and I served together as singles at Plymouth Park, but is that where God wants us to serve now as "the Bacons"? We don't know. We have been praying for months, and we are not sure what God's calling is for our life right now. And this is about OUR life. Not MY life. There is no MY life anymore. We are a unit. And what God calls one of us to, he calls both of us to. But what IS he calling us to do?

We had a few churches in mind to visit. I got online a few weeks ago to look up times for Sunday School and services. I couldn't believe it when I looked up the newly marrieds class at First Baptist and saw that the directors of the class are a girl who is one of the few people in my life that I can say I have known my entire life, and her husband. Brett met them at our wedding. It was comforting to see their names.

We found the church and the class just fine, and we spent some time visiting with people before the class. My friend and her husband were very welcoming. The class was interesting. I was a little intimidated at first because it was a room full of perfect people. I mean, I know that none of them are actually perfect, but I drove to church in a Chrysler, and they looked like they drove to church on the cover of Vogue or GQ. Well, maybe not quite that snappy, but you know what I mean. Banana Republic catalogs at least! I had to remind myself that they are people who love the Lord, and we had at least that in common.

But the teacher was neat. He and his wife just got back from Israel and he gave a history lesson on a city that they visited. We didn't touch our Bibles once, but still, he was prepared and enthusiastic and he left both Brett and I with a good first impression.

But then we walked into the service. As soon as we got to our seats I started to cry. I did my best to hide it, but it was incredibly uncomfortable. I was crying for two reasons. First of all, I missed Plymouth Park. There was a choir onstage that didn't include any members smiling at me because they are trying to recruit me. There was a pastor that didn't know my name, and wasn't there to see me walk down the aisle. And though the room was full of families, it did not include mine. And it broke my heart. I was also crying because there were so many familiar faces. Probably 20 or so, that used to be seated in Plymouth Park, but have left the church for various reasons. I have no accusations to claim and no grudges to hold, but the truth is, a lot of families have left our church over the last 2 years because they don't like things that are happening there. Brett and I don't fit into that category, and being among some of the "disgruntled" made me feel... like a traitor? That's dramatic, I know. But it was hard. In those moments I was thinking to myself "I can't do this. I can't leave Plymouth Park. I want to go home." But I prayed and asked God to clear my mind and remind me that HE is the reason I go to church at all. I am there to meet with HIM and ONLY him. And I have to be willing to follow where he leads without being overwhelmed by who else is in the room with me.

And then the sermon started. The music was good. Standard contemporary worship in a small church. But the sermon. Man. This pastor... he's the real deal. It was an AMAZING message from the book of James. James is my favorite book of the Bible and he is going to be teaching a series from it all summer. And thankfully, as I sat there listening and opening my heart up to the Lord, thoughts of Plymouth Park faded away and were replaced by thoughts of my sweet Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We left the church agreeing that it was a good experience and that we would visit again next Sunday.

I don't know where God is leading us, but I HAVE to be willing to go where he leads. Plymouth Park will always be my home. And I will miss it every Sunday that I am not there. But that alone is not reason enough to stay there if God wants me somewhere else. He has a plan for us just like he has a plan for Plymouth Park.

I have a lot more to say about my weekend, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm very thirsty and it's past my bedtime.

Starbucks - Bringing Friends Closer, One Chai At A Time

I met Jennifer at Starbucks last night. The best part about hanging out with Jennifer is the laughter. We laugh at ourselves and about the crazy things in our life... and it feels good. I love her so much. And I love that Chai! Yum, yum!

I am so thankful that it is Friday. A few people are off at work, and I have a feeling I am going to be able to leave early. That would be really nice. But I am trying to decide what to DO if I leave early. I know what I would, like to do, but we have a lot of bills coming up... I have already paid 2 today, but I have three more to pay with my check, and we need to save Brett's check for rent. Hmm... if I could think of some easy, budget friendly dinners for next week, I wouldn't mind doing a little bit of shopping today. I am itching to get some things hanging on our walls. Hmm... decisions, decisions.

Thank you, Lord, for carrying us through this week. Help us to use this long weekend to bring glory to you. Guard our thoughts and our decisions and remind us to be humble and thankful.

Cooking Chronicles - Chapter 1

I love making dinner for us. At this point, thankfully, it is in no way a burden. I enjoy making a mess that leads to a tasty dinner and then cleaning the mess up so I can do the same thing the next day.

But I have been feeling less than exceptional because in the 8 weeks of our marriage, I feel like I have been more "putting together" dinner. Not really cooking. Mostly because more often than not, a portion of (okay, most of) the dinner comes from a box. I want to cook vegetables, not just defrost them from a bag. I want to cook dinner, not mix it with water and simmer for 20 minutes. Ya know?

Probably, every girl has a desire to prove herself a homemaker early in her marriage. Or at least, try on that role and see how it feels. I want to make Brett happy. Proud even. And I want to feel capable. AND I want to make us healthy dinners. I feel like that is more likely if I am using fresh ingredients rather than sodium laden boxes of Chicken Helper or whatever was on sale that week.

SOOO, I have been exploring my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. I can't remember how exactly, but somehow, a few weeks ago, I signed up to receive a weekly email from them. The recipes have been great! And they inspired me to explore the BH&G cookbook that my mom gave us for Christmas. Also greatness! So this has been a week of experiments.

Monday night I made a "Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole" or something like that. It had chicken, rice, tomatoes, chilies, cheese, and several seasoning components. I thought it tasted just like the King Ranch Chicken that my mom makes! But because it used rice instead of tortillas and chicken broth instead of cream of chicken soup, it was a bit healthier! So dinner Monday night was a success. Not mind blowingly fantastic, but a success.

Last night... a little less so. It wasn't bad, but I think if I make this dish again, I will change a few things. It was a "Penne and Tomato Meat Sauce" dish, or something. Here's the deal though. It called for ground beef, but we had some ground turkey sausage that we needed to use. So I used half ground turkey sausage and half ground beef. I think I would have preferred it all beef. The sausage was a tad sweet. Not my favorite. I also think I would use a little less meat overall. The sauce was a little too beefy... not quiet saucy enough. But the dish wasn't bad. I may try it again with all beef sometime. Maybe. Or heck, maybe even chicken. Go crazy! So not a failure, but not at the top of our list.

Tonight was better. Tonight, the dish was called "Oven Fried Pork Chops". A misnomer because it wasn't fried at all, it was baked. Tasty though. I breaded pork chops in a pork stuffing mix. Brett was generously enthusiastic, which I really appreciated because I had a bit of a rough day. But I have to admit, it felt more like "putting together" again. I mean, I did cook it all, but I was short on time so I made instant mashed potatoes and canned green beans to go with it. My new blog buddy, Kriss, is probably cringing at that! She is making her own rice milk! Talk about super mom! I'm seriously in awe! I did think that the pork stuffing mix was a clever short cut for breading the pork chops though. I know it wasn't the healthiest option, but it was tasty and super easy!

Tomorrow is a crock pot meal. It's actually a Mexican style soup with chicken, hominy, tomatoes and other ingredients that I am sure are tasty despite the fact that I can't remember any of them at the moment. I am also making quesadillas to go along with the soup. The quesadillas, I know will be good. The soup, I HOPE will be good!

I really would like the opportunity to cook more. I am excited about some of the recipes I have found to try in our cook book. The best thing about it is that it gives us all of the nutritional info in the book! So I can skip the ones that I know are too pointy for us on that day.

Haha... speaking of too pointy, you wouldn't BELIEVE some of the dessert recipes in this book! I'm drooling just thinking about it! But that is for another day.

I'd also like to add: I am so thankful for my husband. I love him so much. And even though he doesn't feel like he does enough for me, he takes care of me in a way that is unexplainable and unequivocal. The healing that comes from being in his arms is one of the greatest gifts that God has ever revealed to me. I am so humbled by his love, and as always, humbled by His love.

Tasting The Rainbow Again

I am pretty sure that I can't tell a flavor difference between different colors of M&Ms. No problem! I love them all! But I can tell the difference with Skittles. Only when I separate them, but since I always eat them by color, I know these things. Orange is my favorite. Just a little bit of "Kimmy Trivia".

I wanted to post about a presentation that Brett was going to give at work today, but it was just postponed. Too bad. We were really looking forward to it. Brett needs something to break the monotony at work. (Heck, I need something to break the monotony at MY job! I HATE the slow season... but I know that in a month we will be drowning in work. I should be thankful for the 8 hour days while they last. I just hate searching for ways to FILL them.) He wrote a presentation that they would like him to give to each team about improving techniques when dealing with customers. Today was going to be the dress rehearsal, so to speak, before he presented it to each team. He was scheduled to give it to his supervisor, the floor supervisor and a former supervisor at 2:00. I wonder what changed? 

He has served his time on the phones and is ready to move on to something else. Every employee is asked to work in the call center for the first year, which is a great policy because you learn so much about the ins and outs of the business. But Brett's year was officially up last week, and if he doesn't move on to teaching and training soon, he may slip into a coma from the boredom. 

We are both thankful for employment. Tremendously so. But we are both wanting a little more fulfillment from the task that fills so much of our lives.

I am thankful that this day is half over. I am thankful that I found a quarter so I could have 2 points worth of Skittles. I am thankful that we are one day closer to a 3 day weekend. And I am thankful that, so far, people are in generally good moods at work today.

I hope that Brett isn't too upset about the postponement. I hope there was a good reason. =-( I hope the new recipe I am trying for dinner is good! And I hope I make it to a gas station before I run out of gas. I think I will. I think!

=-)

Life is good =-) God is good! My baby is making dinner, I had a loss at WW this week, and there is only ONE WEEK LEFT until Memorial Day. I am SO thankful that I have the day off!

I hope things are a little busier at work this week. Or maybe I should just hope that I will have a good attitude, whatever the situation.

It's almost dinner time! I should go set the table! Good eats, good times, God is good!

You've Got Mail

Everyone has a list of movies that they consider special. Sometimes because of the undeniable greatness the film contains - Lord of The Rings, The Sound of Music, White Christmas - and sometimes because they possess a certain sentimental value. Movies that I am attached to for sentimental reasons have the power to transport me. I love to watch Empire Records, because when I do, I remember so clearly the nights that I stayed up watching it in Jenn and Jage's dorm room. The laughter, the swooning and the impromptu dancing that always surrounded that film. I love to watch Little Miss Sunshine, not only because it is greatness, but because it reminds me so clearly of the day that I saw it, which happens to be one of the greatest days of my adult life. White Christmas stands in both categories. It is undoubtedly an American holiday classic, but it also reminds me of two of my best friends, Jennifer and Jeff, because we used to get together to watch it every Christmas. 

There are certain movies that I think about when I am missing certain people. I've been missing my friend Jamie a lot lately. She was my roommate for a while in college. We are nowhere near as close now as I wish that we were, but I loved her very much and I love her still. When we do speak, I always feel comforted. I can't think of Jamie without thinking about You've Got Mail. In college, it was her favorite movie. She used to drive us all crazy watching it multiple times every day. I couldn't stand the movie for a while, for that very reason. But now it is a movie that I like very much. I've been hoping for a while now that it would come on tv so I could watch it and feel close to Jamie for a little while. Actually, I've been hoping that it would pop up on the five dollar wrack at Target. But it hasn't. But tonight, when I really needed something to cheer me up, it was on. It was halfway through when I saw that it was on, but it was playing as a double feature, so I hit record and it is recording right now as I type.

I have more to say, but Brett just woke up from a nap. I'm going to try to hang out with him before it's time for us both to go to bed!

Today

I'm so thankful it is Friday! And also, I'm tired of my whining. Yesterday felt like 3 days in one. We were slow at work and the day seemed to drag and drag and drag. But my attitude didn't help anything. I don't want that to be the case today.

The way to stop complaining is to stop focusing on the negatives and be thankful for the positives. In other words, count your blessings. So today...

Today I will be thankful for what I HAVE and stop wasting energy wanting trivial things.

Today I will be extra nice to my husband. I don't know of a way to show him exactly how much I love him, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try out a few options.

Today I will pray.

Today I will make think about positive changes I can make in my life.

Today I will laugh!

And today I will remember that tomorrow is another day. With new opportunities, new blessings... and a chance to SLEEP IN! Woohoo!

SOOOO Much Better!

I feel human again! I met Jenina at Starbucks last night. It's the first social interaction I've had since the wedding. (Other than seeing Jennifer at WW a couple of times, but we don't get to talk much there). I was hoarse when I got home from talking so much, and it was wonderful. I love Brett and he is my best friend, but girls need girl time just like guys need guy time. (Brett plays online with is best friend Gary a couple of nights a week. It's not the same as seeing someone face to face, but he has that interaction on a regular basis, and it always has a positive effect.) I felt really good when I got home. Jenina is really good about listening to my fears without making me feel childish. Not that we talked about fears last night (ha) but I mentioned some things about my future that I've been thinking about a lot lately that, in my  head, are a bit overwhelming and more than a little intimidating. But when you talk to the right person, things that feel impossible sound totally plausible. It's very therapeutic.

Now I need to see Jennifer! And if Jeff would come visit, that would be great.

I'm even wearing real shoes today. I have a pair of shoes that I wear when I want to be invisible. It's weird, I know. I used to have a long sleeve t-shirt that I always wore on days that I wanted to be invisible. It was dark and covered me completely and had sentimental value. I had to throw the shirt away years ago. I wore it out! It was a dark period in my life. But I realized a couple of weeks ago that I had been doing the same thing with a pair of shoes. They are canvas flats and very quiet. People don't hear me when I walk in them. I should have stopped wearing them when I realized what they had come to symbolize for me. But I couldn't make the change without acknowledging the need for change, and I didn't want to admit that I was lonely. What right do I have to be lonely? I just married the man of my dreams! So I didn't. 

But today, I am wearing real shoes. They are flats, but they are awesome. I bought them for the honeymoon and I love them.

Okay, I'm going to try to not fall asleep at work today. It will be a challenge! I've stayed up too late every night this week so far!

Slightly Bored...

I'm thankful for the quiet at work. Really I am. I don't like things too crazy for too long. A few days of quiet are okay with me. But I always get bored in the afternoons when I am caught up and have 2 hours to go before I can leave. I usually do some online window shopping. I think I'll go look for mirrors! There were some great mirrors on sale at Wal-mart a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't have money when I saw them, and now that I could buy one, they are gone. Shucks.

I'm Just Sayin'...

Only 8.5 work days left until a work holiday! Thank you Memorial Day!

A Few More Wedding Pictures

We got our pictures from the photographer last week. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn't ideal in some of the pictures, and some of the lens choices didn't turn out as intended, but there are some fun shots! Here are a few =-) Sorry, they aren't in any order. No time =-)

Happy Birthday To Me =-)

It was a weekend full of blessings. I received birthday wishes from a couple dozen sweet friends, I got to see my entire family (except JD, he had a softball game) and my husband was incredibly generous. Of course, we spent so much this weekend, he is cringing at his bank balance, but he doesn't regret any of the birthday activities.

I will start with Friday night. We shopped a little, not finding everything that we wanted, but getting what we needed most, a present for his mom. And then we had a tasty dinner at Boston's Pizza Kitchen. A place that is special to us because it was the site of our engagement dinner celebration.

Saturday was great! We slept in a bit, got semi-gussied up, went for lunch at one of my fav fast food places, Chick-fil-a, and then headed to Fair Park to see Rent. The musical is every bit as good as I remembered, (I cried WAY too much when Angel died. I mean, it was a little out of control) and I am so happy that we were able to see it with the two original leads. Adam Pascal is unique and talented, but Anthony Rapp... HELLO! Talk about passion. He was... well... he was exceptional. I have always been a fan ("Stray Dog"... you are too cute!) but now I have experienced him on a whole new level. I bought his book after the show and I am enjoying reading it very much.

After the show we headed to I Fratelli's. It's no Macaroni Grill, but I love that chicken parmesan. It feels homey. And it makes me think of Jennifer, who I love with all of my heart. After dinner we ran a few fun errands... shopped around a little. Found a cookbook that we have been looking for in good condition. Got some tasty Starbucks. And then came home to watch Star Trek VI, which I enjoyed very much.

Today we had planned to visit First Baptist. Last night though, when we were getting ready for bed I asked Brett if we could postpone our visit until next week so I could sleep in. I was so tired. I am still tired. My body is tired, and last night, my head and my heart were tired. A couple of people called me fat while we were at Target and it made me sad. Actually, I was called "gorda" by a little boy who was too young to know that people don't like when others notice their extreme girth, and "wide load" by a man who had a wife who was AT LEAST my size. It's silly that I get so upset when people call me names. I'm huge. It's not like I don't know that others notice it. But it always makes me feel like an outcast. Being singled out for the thing that I am most ashamed of... most regretful for. And it was worse yesterday because I was wearing my favorite dress. I NEVER dress up. I don't like to put on nice things because I think that I look stupid. Like someone trying to disguise an obvious deformity, because as cute as the dress is, it can't make ME cute. That's extreme, (my WW leader would be all over me if she heard that kind of negative talk) I know, but it's honestly how I feel sometimes. So I hardly ever dress up. And I like this dress. It's even flattering from the front. Another man at Target pointed it out to his wife and told her he liked my dress. But not mister "wide load". Anyway. I needed a solid 8 hours in my husbands arms and a night of restful sleep, with no alarms, to refuel me and wash away a bad ending to what was a really nice day.

So today we slept in and then took Brett's mom to lunch. It was good to see her. I got to see her adorable hair cut, and she seemed healthy and happy, which isn't always the case. Then we went to Weight Watchers. Then we came home and Brett napped while I ready my new book. And then I went to my parent's house for dinner to celebrate Mother's Day and my birthday. It was so good to see my family all together. I wish that my grandmother had come over. I need to call her tomorrow. I should take her flowers...

After dinner, we grocery shopped and it was exhausting. I'm ready for bed! But I wanted to post before Rent started to fade in my mind. I'm not much for memory, and I am so thankful that I experienced it again.

Thank you to everyone who texted me birthday wishes. Special thanks to Jeff Moss who gave the best "Happy Birthday" song I've ever had. Love you and miss you, friend.

WOOHOO!

We got Rent tickets! I'm so excited! My husband is so amazing and he is spoiling me for my birthday. It was close to $200 for two orchestra seats and the fees. But I am so thankful and I know it will be an experience we always remember.

The first time that I saw Rent was with my then BF, Jeff T, for his 18th birthday. My husband is taking me to the farewell tour for my 28th birthday. Wow. Ten years. But this time I get to see it with the ORIGINAL leads! It will sound just like the soundtrack that I've been listening to for 10 years. And I think the people attending the farewell tour are probably existing fans. I think it's going to be a really neat experience =-) And then we are going to my favorite restaurant for dinner. AND I get to see my whole family on Sunday and celebrate one of my favorite people in the world... my mom! What a weekend!

hehe... I'm tired already. But super excited!

Taste The Rainbow!

I love me some skittles! We have 2 quarter candy machines at work. They are great! One quarter gives me 2 points worth of a sweet snack that really helps me get through my day sometimes. Today I went for the skittles rather than the M&Ms. Good choice! They are tasty and full of chewy goodness!

I helped unload 105 boxes about an hour ago. I'm still shaky! It's not miserably hot outside, but it is muggy and I was outside. I'm okay, just a little shaky. Also, very ready to go home. I don't know how much longer the job I am working on will take, but it's only 3:30 and the incoming job table is empty. I think I can do this one in 30 minutes. Then what?

Blah.

4 Days!

It's almost my birthday =-) I am very excited thinking about my birthday weekend! It's going to be a little fuller than we generally like it because of Mother's Day, but still... I'm excited!

I think that Friday night we are mom shopping. Jenna already bought the present for my mom... we are all just chipping in. For Brett's mom, we were thinking about replacing something that she lost in the last break-in. It's what we got her for Christmas, but she was excited to get it the first time! So I think if we throw in a pretty bouquet, it's Mother's Day Magic! We are also going to get some new clothes for Brett Friday night and HOPEFULLY a really great mirror for our apartment that I saw on sale at Walmart last week. I hope it's still there and still on sale! Even full price, it was a great deal, but if it's full price I only want to get one. If it is still on sale, I want to get one for the living room and one for the bedroom!

And then, the plan for Saturday is to go to the 2:00 showing of Rent at Fair Park. The thing about that though... we don't have tickets yet. We wanted to buy them last pay day, but we had other things that were more pressing, so we said if there are still tickets when we get paid again this Friday, we will buy them and go! I have been checking every day, and at this point, there are still tickets. I REALLY want to go... I hope we are able to. Rent is the first musical I saw on a big stage and it BLEW MY MIND! The music is so alive and the story is so touching. This is the farewell tour and the two main characters are being played by the actors who originated the part. Unfortunately, there was a feature in the paper about it this week, so I'm nervous that we won't be able to get tickets... but if that's the case, I'll survive!

Saturday night, I think we may try to have dinner with Brett's mom for Mother's Day. Sunday isn't only Mother's Day, it's my birthday. I really want to go to I Fratellis for my birthday dinner, but I just learned that my family's plans are to have lunch for my grandmother in Grapevine and then dinner at my parent's house for my mom. PLUS we have WW at 3:00 on Sunday, so I like to eat super light breakfast and lunches on Sundays... I won't miss celebrating with my family, but I also don't want brisket for my birthday meal. Quiet a conundrum.

So I guess what I'm saying is we don't know yet how we will be celebrating all of the festivities this weekend. If something has to be dropped, it will be my birthday... ideally, we could go to I Fratellis for dinner after Rent, but I plan on using lots of flex points at that meal and I don't want to do it the night before weigh in!

BUT, whatever we end up doing, I get to celebrate my birthday with the love of my life, and see my family and give gifts... it will be GREAT!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 5.9.09

Homer: Mr. Burns, I would like a raise.

Mr. Burns: What kind of a raise?

Homer: WHOPPING.

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 5.8.09

Bart: (Talking on the phone with the Australian father) Hey, I think I hear a dingo eating your baby.

I've Always Liked Children...

I ooh and aah over baby clothes in stores. I notice children everywhere that we go. But I'm not one of those girls that is itching to have a baby.

At least I wasn't.

My boss's daughter just left. She came up here today with her 3 kids today to have lunch with her mom. She has the most beautiful family. Peyton is 3, Luke just turned 2 and Reece is 6 months old.

I want some.

I have been intimidated by the thought of having children for a few years now. As soon as marriage seemed close, children seemed scary. I mean, hello! It's a big deal! Having SO MUCH responsibility for lives that are SO vulnerable. What if I do a bad job?

But today, when the kids were here, it ached a little to watch them. I didn't want them to leave.

I know that I am ABUNDANTLY blessed to have Brett in my life. He is a wonderful husband, and our love is humbling. But I can't help but hope that someday God will bless us with children. Little red haired, blue eyed children.

I want to be a stay at home mom, and we are nowhere near ready to be a one income family, so it will be a while. But I'm not going to deny that it is what I want. Someday.

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 5.7.09

Mr. Burns: Now, let's get down to business.

Homer: (Thinking to himself) Oh, man. I have to go to the bathroom. Why did I have all that beer and coffee and watermelon?

Mr. Burns: Now Homer, I know what you're thinking. I want to take the pressure off. Now, it doesn't take a whiz to know that you're looking out for Number One. Well, listen to me, and you'll make a big splash very soon.

Homer: Ooh, which way to the bathroom?

Mr. Burns: Oh, it's the twenty-third door on the left.

Mr. Burns: (After Homer came back) So, did you find the bathroom alright?

Homer: Uh... Yeah...

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 5.6.09

Krusty: Homer gave me a kidney once. It wasn't his, I didn't need it, and it came with postage due, but it was a lovely gesture.

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 5.5.09

Marge: Homer, get ready. You're late for work.

Homer: They said if I come in late again, they'll fire me. I cannot take that chance.

No Pudding For Me =-(

I forgot my pudding =-( 

I bring Sugar Free Jell-o dark chocolate pudding for my lunch dessert to work every day. I didn't realize until I was parking my car at work that I had forgotten it. Not that I would have turned around if I had realized halfway to work that I was puddingless, but if I had realized in my apartment parking lot, I would have dashed back in to get it. I love my pudding! It's that little bit of sweetness that really finishes my meal for me. And it's only 1 point!

I want to make good food choices this week. Yesterday I used my points exactly. I wouldn't have minded having a point or two leftover, but at least I didn't go over. We'll see what happens today.

Also, my phone made a phone call while it was in my purse this morning! Poor Jared. I woke him up. Sorry!

Things That Make Me Happy

1. M&Ms

2. A good movie

3. Pictures of friends/family

4. Snuggling under a blanket with Brett while we a movie and listen to the rain outside

5. Cute shoes

6. A good purse

7. A good sale

8. Flowers

9. Days off

10. Christmas

11. Starbucks!

I just ate some M&Ms. Cheapest therapy out there!

Tired

I feel very tired tonight. It was a good weekend, but a little emotional here and there, and it makes me tired. Actually I guess I'm not sure which it is... whether I am drained because I've been emotional, or whether I am emotional because I've been tired.

We had a pretty laid back weekend. Friday night we rested a bit and then watched a little X-Files. Then Saturday we slept in, sort of. We stayed in bed. But Brett wakes up early. He kind of sleeps in shifts. He was up, tossing and turning a bit, so I woke up enough to be awake with him. We stayed in bed until about 10, and that was divine! Then Brett made us breakfast tacos and we Peggled for a bit until he was ready for a second shift of sleeping in. He rested while I wrote thank you cards (finally finished! Well, except for my coworkers, but I will do that this week for sure!) When he got up, I gave the apartment a good cleaning. I can honestly say that I have never really cleaned one of my apartments that extensively before. At least not all at one time. I'm pretty good at keeping things orderly, but I want this apartment to be CLEAN. I cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom (minus the inside of the oven... I haven't bought oven cleaner yet) and then I did the same to the bathrooms and then I vacuumed. We have some straightening to do in the other rooms... I have so many little items that I need to unpack. It will get done, I know, so it's not worth worrying about, but I'd like it to get done soon.

We finished our day with the end of season 2/beginning of season 3 X-Files episodes. SO GOOD! 6 weeks of being married to Brett, and I am a fan of 2, count them 2! sci-fi shows! But seriously... X-Files and Star Trek are both really good shows! The key to the X-Files is to have the season guide books so that you can skip the episodes that aren't about aliens... the non-alien shows get really gross, really fast. In fact, Friday nights episode was pretty gross. But an interesting premise.

The singles at PPBC go to lunch the first Sunday of every month to celebrate the birthdays of the people who have a birthday that month. (Did I say too many words just now?) My birthday is next Sunday, so last week, the Singles director invited us to meet them for lunch to celebrate my birthday. Confession... we really miss the singles! So we jumped at the chance. And since we were planning to spend lunch with them, we decided to crash their Sunday School too. It was SO great to be back with our friends again. The young marrieds have been very welcoming, but it doesn't fit quite as nicely as the Singles did. I am very interested to see where God will take us in the next few months.

I'm glad that I didn't nap today. Brett took a little nap, but I was afraid I would have trouble sleeping tonight if I napped. I can tell you right now, it's 10:23 and I am ready for bed!

I am going to do my best to have a good attitude this week and be thankful for the blessings in my life. I want to make good food choices, and I want to be a good sister, daughter, employee and wife. And designer! I have some work to do! The lady I am working on right now has been so nice. I don't really receive compliments or affirmations at my actual job, so Pretty Bird has been a real blessing because the people that I do work for are always so kind and grateful.

Okay, I need to go to bed so I won't wake up grumpy and start my "good attitude" week off wrong. Last thing: I maintained at WW this week! That's great news! I had a good food week last week, but I had a breakdown on Friday. Sometimes I go a little crazy. It always ends with a bad food choice. But I didn't have a gain or loss this week, I just maintained. I am thankful for that.

Off to bed!

Simpsons Quote of the Day - 5.1.09

Comic Book Guy: Oh, is there a Klingon word for loneliness. (Looks in dictionary) Ah yes, galdak.

Finally Friday

I don't know why this week has felt so long, but I feel like I haven't had a day of rest in 10 days! I hope that we sleep in tomorrow. Rain would help I think. Keep it nice and dark!

We don't have major plans this weekend... we are hoping to put the apartment together a little more. I need to bring some more things over from my parents house to make room for the things they need to put in that room. At this moment, I can't imagine caring boxes or bags... not without a shot of elephant steroids or something. I'm so tired! We have tried to give ourselves a curfew during the week because we wake up so tired when we stay up late, but when one of us isn't tired by bedtime, it keeps us both up later than we should be.

I had a great night last night =-) My sister, Melanie, is getting married on August 1. My other two sisters and I are three of her bridesmaids, and it is time to order our dresses! So last night I met Laura and Jenna, my mom and Madi at the Panchos in Euless where we had a DELICIOUS meal! I had one flauta too many. (I have used a few flex points a few nights this week so I don't know if I will have a loss this weekend... I hope I do though!) Then we went to the Alfred Angelos in Hurst and tried on dresses! Jenna and I picked ours, but Laura is trying to decide between 2. It was so good to see my family! I have to admit though, I missed Brett all night. It would have been easier if I had seen him after work and then went to meet my family. But I didn't see him until I got home at 9:00, and I really missed him. He had a rough day and I wanted to be with him.

But still, it was a good night =-)

Here is the dress I picked. It will be champagne and I will be wearing a black jacket with it.