Resolutions

So this is late in coming, but I did make some resolutions for this year.  I am not going to pretend I will be completely successful with these, as history has shown me that I never am.  However, I still like the idea of resolutions.  I think they allow me to reflect about the things I would like to do or change.  I don't think I need to do them only at the start of the year, but it always seems like a natural reset point.  This year, I have tried to keep it simple.  

Resolution #1: Communicate Better to Build Better Relationships

Somehow over time, and with the increase in technology, I have lost my love of communication.  I feel awkward having conversations with people I don't know.  Unsure of what to say since I don't have time to think of my responses for awhile like I do with technology.  I worry about what to say next, if I will sound stupid, and constantly worry that I am going to end up embarrassing myself.  I am jealous of my husband's ability to talk with anyone.  He genuinely enjoys it and is never worried or embarrassed about starting a conversation with a complete stranger. He teases me about being afraid to talk to people, but there is definitely some truth to that.  In society, we judge harshly and quickly, but I need to start realizing that more often than not, people are kind-hearted and aren't judging me like I think they are.

This fear wasn't always the case.  I used to love talking to people, on the phone and in person.  My parents will vouch for that as I was always going over my 15 minute phone time limit.  So, my plan this year is that I am going to answer my phone more (yes, I am one of those terrible people that won't answer when you call but will text you back awhile later).  I will reach out to those I have lost touch with.  I will try harder to have actual contact with those I do.  And I will work on building relationships with new people.  I will continue to challenge myself to start conversations with strangers.  I am also going to continue to be conscious of my cell phone use in the presence of others to avoid being this guy:

Resolution #2: Eat Real and Local Food

This is a tough one as I love junk food and I love a good deal (and we all know that processed food is cheap!).  What I don't love is how "food" is becoming less natural and more modified and chemical.  The more I read about food, the more disheartened I become.  Last year things began to change a little in our household and I would like to continue.  It will not be easy.  In fact, I think it is a lot of work.  It is hard to always make it to the farmers market, to read labels and decipher what is really in food, and to prep food yourself.  It is also expensive.

I am trying to switch slowly to see how it effects our budget.  For now, I buy as many organic fruits and veggies as I can afford and try to buy organic dairy.  I also try to buy locally produced food when possible. In exchange, I buy less junk in order to keep on budget.  It's a win win right now and hopefully it will continue.  Changing the meat we buy is next on my agenda.  I also remind myself that demand creates supply, so if I join the demand for better food, hopefully it will help create supply and bring down the cost for all.  

Resolution #3:  Be More Informed

This will be the hardest one for me. I feel that I have a lack of knowledge as to what happens in my own community.  I watch the news, but don't always pay attention to community/local elections or news.   To prevent this, I have decided to subscribe to our local newspaper.  My parents always knew what was going on in our town.  My dad was very vocal at town meetings.  I lack that.  And though it is unlikely I will become greatly more involved in the same manor as my parents, I still think I should make the effort to stay informed.

Hopefully I will have success with my resolutions this year since I have focused on just three important changes.  Do you have any resolutions this year?

Hello, Goodbye

Goodbye 2013

At the start of a new year, I always end up reflecting on all that has happened.  2013 was definitely a year filled with joy and struggles.  The year saw four of my friends get engaged, friends lose husbands, fathers, grandparents, friends.  There were multiple babies and pregnancies, college graduations, injury and illness of loved ones, the blessing of full-time jobs and raises, vacations and time with friends.  

In 2013, we went to two Packer games.  We watched fireworks on the beach.  We celebrated our third anniversary.  We camped in our camper by ourselves for the first time since we owned it.  We were blessed with a healthy pregnancy and the exciting future of becoming parents.  We prepared for the death of Andy's mom, only to be reminded that God is the one in control and He has decided to leave her with us for awhile (what a blessing and miracle that is!).  We grew a lot this year as a couple and as individuals.

This year I grieved for friends, some that I had drifted from, as they felt the extreme pain of loss to those closest to them.  I caught my first Large Mouth Bass.  I learned more about the food we eat and how scary it is to be ignorant about it.  I finally found peace this year with my father's passing, feeling a different kind of sadness when the anniversary came around.  I built new friendships.  I created new memories with old friends.  I got a Kitchen Aid mixer :) 

Hello 2014

2014 is a blank slate, stretched out ahead of us.  Some of us have huge milestones (both good and bad) coming up this year: weddings, babies, graduations, career changes, first holidays without loved ones.  But even with these events, surprises lay ahead of all of us.  I think that is why I love the new year so much, not because I am suddenly going to start working out everyday or learn a new skill, but because it is a natural starting point of all that life has to offer.  If I was reminded of one lesson this year, it is what a blessing time is.  It is never guaranteed.  It is never promised to us.  It is one of the greatest gifts we can ever receive.

May this year bless you with the gift of time.  

Happy New Year!

 

Then There Were Three...

I haven't written in awhile but I have a really good reason, Andy and I have been blessed with a new addition on the way!  We are expecting our first child at the end of June! Woohoo!  

It continues to amaze me that God's timing is always perfect.  We have wanted a baby for awhile now and at times have felt frustrated, but the joy this baby brings couldn't come at a more needed time.  With everything going on with Andy's mom, it has helped us keep the faith and remember that though life hands us difficult situations, it also gives us gifts that are awe inspiring.  

The pregnancy has been quit a journey so far.  I ended up in the emergency room at 6 weeks with a cyst on my ovary.  Turns out it is common for women to experience that but it didn't make it any less scary.  Andy happened to be out of town, getting the "cabin" ready for deer hunting when this happened, so I had to call my mom.  Though it was not how I had thought we would tell her about being a Grandma again, it was just how it turned out.  The positive part of having a cyst was that I had to have an ultra sound to make sure everything with the pregnancy was fine.  Even though it was early, I was able to see the baby and it's heart beat!  I can't describe how incrediable that experience was!  

The last six weeks have consisted of being tired and nauseous pretty much All. The. Time.  There does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel though.  I am finally starting to feel better and even have a little more of an appetite.  Hopefully, this means the end of my so called morning sickness.  

We have also enjoyed telling our friends and family.  We told my nephews and niece at our annual Christmas cookie baking.  They had some interesting name suggestions for us!  Then our Christmas card had this photo:

And it has been great getting calls, emails, and texts the last few days from people expressing their congrats for us.  This past week, I told my students that I was pregnant.  They were SO excited and word quickly spread through the school after that!  They talk to me about the baby all the time, asking if it will be a boy or a girl, what we will name it, and just that they are excited.  

Needless to say, we are feeling extra blessed this Christmas.  Not only do we have the baby on the way, but Andy's mom has been doing so much better then expected.  The Dr.'s had said it would be a miracle if she made it to Christmas and we were given that miracle!  A huge thank you for all your support and prayers.  

We are wishing you a Very Merry Christmas from all three of us!  May your Christmas Season be as blessed as ours.  

A Place to Start

It always amazes me how fast time gets away from me.  I have been meaning to post for awhile, but the time just hasn't been there. Well, where should I start?

We just finished our first quarter of the school year and it is crazy to think it is November (which means I didn't post at all in October, yikes!). This weekend I will be curled up working on report cards.  Luckily Andy is getting the "cabin" ready for hunting so I won't feel guilty about working at home.  Our apartment is in dire need of a good cleaning due to the cold that has taken over my life this week.  Hopefully I will find a little time to clean this weekend as well.  

Two weeks ago, we did our final camping trip of the season with my mom and Dave. It was COLD!  Not only that, but the park had already turned off the water for the year, so we had pit toilets and hand water pumps.  Even with that it was a beautiful weekend.  We were able to enjoy the sound of the waves on the shore of Lake Michigan.  The air was crisp but the sun felt warm.  In the evenings we were blessed with visitors, Andy's Dad and Step-mom stopped by and so did my sister and her family.  It was calming and relaxing, which is what we needed after the weeks we had just had.  

Camping at Kohler-Andre State Park

The weekend before that, we also went to the Packer Game. It was so warm that I sat in the stands in just a t-shirt.  This was a big difference from the games we have attended before, which were always in January.  

Andy's Cousin, Andy, and me at Lambeau Field

Of course, life also has its challenges.  Andy's mom had been battling MDS or myelodysplastic syndromes  (the same disease Robin Roberts had).  A few weeks later, it progressed into Leukemia   She stayed in the hospital for a few weeks to undergo intense chemotherapy.  We spent many nights visiting her, which brought back a lot of memories of visiting my dad there. She is currently resting at home and now we play the waiting game.  The chemo destroyed her white blood cells and now she has to wait for them to come back.  She is pretty defenseless against disease  so I haven't been able to visit her at all (that same cold I have been fighting has kept me away).  Andy has gone a few times, and so has his sister, but have had to wear a mask.  Yesterday her white blood cells had finally increased by 1%!  A small victory, but definitely exciting to see any improvement! We continue to pray for her recovery and thank everyone for their support and prayers over the last couple months.   

So, I figured this month I would do 30 days of being thankful to help us focus on huge blessings we have.  I will post for the week though instead of posting everyday.  Hopefully that will help get me back on track :)   

"It always rains on tents." -Dave Berry

On the Merrimac Ferry

This past weekend, Andy and I celebrated acknowledged the anniversary of our engagement at Devil's Lake State Park.  (Andy says we only get to "celebrate" one anniversary so I wedding!)  We do this trip every year and it has become a tradition for us. The trip started when a friend of mine  decided to do the Devil's Triathlon.  The second year that Andy came along, he popped the question.  The two of us had gone hiking on the bluffs around the lake.  It was a beautiful, sunny day in September and I was completely caught by surprised. I remember every moment and love that he turned an ordinary day into an unforgettable memory. 

This year, we camped with old friends and a couple new friends.  It was nice to get some distance from our busy lives and be able to relax.  We even made the food simple so that it did not take away from enjoying the weekend.  Friday night we did a chili dump, which was perfect for the cool, crisp evening we had.  Saturday morning Andy and I had Campurritos which I prepped at home so all we had to do was warm them over the fire.  They were so easy and delicious.  Lunch consisted on items made in pudgy pie irons and included anything from Rubens to pizza to grilled cheese, delicious!

Our big meal was on Saturday night, which was our first attempt at a fish boil.  (I use the term "our" loosely since I just provided the rye bread)The guys decided to do a burn off instead of skimming the gunk off the top.  This involves pouring kerosene on the fire and allowing the gunk to boil over into the fire.  The flames shot up MUCH higher than I had anticipated!  I wish I had a picture or video but it turns out that I am iPhone impaired and I only managed to get before and after the flames. :(. We had never had a fish boil and it was delicious!  Even Andy liked it and he is a tough critic when it comes to eating boiled foods.

This year we visited Parfrey's Glenn instead of hiking the bluffs.  It was a very different hike from the bluffs and we were lucky that the water level was low so we could make it all the way to the small waterfall.  There is something about being surrounded by such amazing beauty and incredible natural formations that really makes you stand in awe of what God has created.  It was a great reminder to slow down and remember that God is capable of amazing things.  He has the control and we just need the trust.

Late Saturday evening it started raining and continued through the night.   We woke up to a giant mud/water puddle covering most of our campsite and two of our friends sleeping in their car because water had pooled in their tent.  We decided it was best to just pack up and grab breakfast on the way home.  We ended up eating at the Broadway Diner in Baraboo.  If you are ever out that way, I would highly recommend it!  The food was amazing and reasonably priced!  

Broadway Joe at The Broadway Diner

All in all, it was just what we needed and I was home, showered, and in my warm pjs in time to watch the second half of the Packer game.  

A Few Back to School Ramblings

Wow! It has been 3 weeks since school started and it has been a whirlwind! I am loving my class, my coworkers, and the fact that it is starting to feel like fall.  Though to be honest, school has definitely been sucking up the majority of my free time.  Luckily, I get to take a relaxing break this weekend and spend some time with my hubby and some friends.  Needless to say, I CAN 'T WAIT!!

A few  things I have realized over the past couple of weeks:

1) I don't mind getting up early again, but it is an adjustment after the last 2 months.  Especially because I have such a tough time getting up.  It's not that I am not a morning person, it's that I am a don't-want-to-get-out-of-bed person. Once I am up I'm fine.  It's getting up that's the problem.  It is always a little bit of a shock to my system to have to get up each morning and go to work. I know, I know, that is what most non-teachers do all the time so I shouldn't be complaining :) 

2) I might be ready for back to school clothes and shoes, but my feet are not!  After being barefoot or in flip flops for the past 2 months, my feet are not loving my high heels.  They are taking longer to adjust then I am!  Luckily, no one seems to notice my change to sandals mid-way through the day.  

3) Eating well and eating clean is A LOT tougher when you have less time.  It is a struggle to avoid convince food when you have worked all day and still have errands to run and a home to clean.  The extra time it takes to plan and read labels seems to be an eternity when you spend all day answering the repeated questioning of 7 year olds.  

Overall, it has been great and I am excited for the year ahead.  I am always worn out the first couple of weeks and I know I will get in the groove (and my feet will get used to my work shoes)!  

August Stitch Fix

It's been two weeks since my August Stitch Fix, but we haven't had internet at home for a couple weeks (it was terribly inconvenient).  Since I only had my iPhone, I decided this post, and all other posts, could wait until we were back up and running.  So here is what I got in my August fix.  (Photos are courtesy of my fabulous husband).

Here is the first item:

Item #1 Jaclynn 3/4 Sleeve Button Up Cardigan  

I loved the color and style, but it was just a little too snug.  As you can see, it pulled at the buttons and I can't keep something that is ill fitting.  I was sad to send it back, especially since it was the least expensive item in the box at $38.00.

Item #2 Milan lace Print Back Pleat Top 
When I pulled this item out of the box, I wasn't even sure I was going to try it on.  However, part of doing this is to try items I wouldn't normally pick out myself.  I was surprised I liked it.  In the end, I kept it ($48).
 

Item #3 Kelie Mixed Material Button-Up Blouse
I liked the color of this blouse but was not a fan of the style or fabric.  It was longer in the back then the front, and it was $68, which I felt was high priced for what it was.  This went back.  

Item #4 Madeon Geo-Print Front Pleate Blouse
I loved this shirt.  It was by far my favorite thing in the box.  However, it was too tight in my upper arms, which is a problem I have often.  It was a little pricey at $68, but I loved the fabric, design, and style.  I was so sad to send this back. 

Item #5 Gold Chain Wrapped Layer Bracelet
This was a fun bracelet.  But I don't wear gold.  And I wouldn't pay $48 for it.


So here is what my total bill looked like:

In the end, I kept the lace print top for $48.  My amazing friend Jen signed up for Stitch Fix which gave me a $25 credit, so the shirt was only $23.  (Thanks Jen!)  I get my next fix in a couple weeks and can't wait to see what I get next. 

If you want to try Stitch Fix, (and I highly recommend you do) please click on the link below:

Stitch Fix