Oh, the Joys of Being a Homeowner

It's cold. It's really cold. It's even more cold when it's 17 degrees outside and your furnace doesn't work! The repair people are supposed to be here any minute but in the mean time, I have icicles hanging from my nose.

Getting Ready for Christmas

My family has always had the tradition of putting up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. I wanted to continue that tradition in our very first home this year. In the apartment last year we used a hand me down 6 foot tree lovingly dubbed "The Charlie Brown Tree" due to its pathetic lack of branches. Being in a new house with plenty of room to fill, I decided it was time to upgrade to a real Christmas tree.

The day after Thanksgiving I went to Home Depot to score an awesome deal on a tree that looked great. They had opened that day at 6 and managed to sell out of it by 6:30 so I was too late. I was offered a deal though on any tree we chose. I ended up picking a seven and a half foot, full, prelit tree that was beautiful. After getting home and putting it all together, it turns out a strand of the lights wouldn't work regardless of what I did to it. So, I returned the tree and bought a second one the same day...got home, put it together, no lights on this one either! Grrrr... Chris and I decided to go back to Home Depot later that weekend hoping we could exchange our broken trees for an excellent price on an even better one. No manager=no luck so we got a third version of the broken, pain in the butt tree. Again, we got home, put it together, and luckily it worked!

Here are a few more of our holiday decorations. We're still working on building that holiday collection!

Molly under the table as usual

Our cute little nativity scene

We've since moved the stockings to the stairs but here they are. Can you guess which is Crazy Maggie's?!

We can't forget the singing stuffed animals! Maggie goes nuts over these!


And, just for fun, here are some fun pictures of our back yard before all the leaves disappeared with Winter.

I need to be a little more consistent about this whole blog thing. So far I've talked a lot about WW so I might as well continue there. Two weeks ago I ended up losing an additional 1.5 pounds but then gained back a pound of that this week. Oh well, I guess that's not too bad. I just need to get myself back on track this week. Perhaps that Chipotle tonight isn't heading me in the right direction:)

We went to the gym tonight for the first time in awhile. I just can't seem to muster up the energy to work out after school each day. I know I need to do it but it takes a whole lot of coaxing to get me there.

We've got conferences tomorrow night at school which means I'm looking forward to teaching rowdy crazy kids for 7 hours followed by 5 and a half hours of parents. They're always so exhausting.

This weekend was supposed to be Tera's annual Halloween party but we'll be skipping out this year. One of Chris' family friends passed away last Friday and her memorial is this upcoming Saturday. In addition, his parents are having a Becker family get-together afterwards. We haven't hung out with them in awhile so it should be nice.

Okey dokey. Ta ta for now!

WW Update

Down 2.5 more to a grand total of a whopping 6 pounds! I have to admit though, I'm a little disappointed that I'm only at 6 after five weeks. I'm on the right track though but I'll take a few words of encouragement.

WW update

Yesterday was weigh ins and I have to say, I did pretty well after a junk food filled weekend. I managed to lose 2 more pounds! I did change my weigh in days to Tuesdays though just in case I have a bad weekend. This should give me time to get most of it out of my system before weighing in.

Taco Roll Ups

Tonight I tried this receipe that I stole from another blog and it is delicious. Let me preface by saying that I'm not typically a taco kind of girl but this modified version was yummy. Try it and let me know what you think.

8 servings. 11 WW points each

Ingredients:
* 1 lb. ground beef
* taco seasoning mix
* 1 cup Kraft 2% Mexican cheese blend
* 3 packs of low fat crescent rolls
* 1/2 cup refried black beans
* chopped onions, peppers, tomatoes

1. Brown ground beef and drain fat.
2. Add taco seasoning mix and cool according to directions.
3. On a cookie sheet, lay out two packs of crescent rolls in a circle with points in the center.
4. When beef is finished cooking, add onions, peppers, tomatoes, and cheese to pan.
5. Pour beef mixture on top of crescent rolls and pull edges up towards the center.
6. Use 3rd pack of crescent rolls to close up the roll so beef is completely covered.
7. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
8. Serve with home made pico de gallo (onions, tomato, celantro), sour cream, and lettuce

Oh my Aching Back

Last Thursday my back started killing me. I couldn't walk without getting a sharp pain and I'm all hunched over like an old lady. I have no idea how I did this to my back but it hurts like crazy. A girl I work with recommended her brother in law chiropractor so I made a visit on Monday. Apparently I have a condition known as sway back which means my spinal cord is curing in towards my belly button more than normal. During the visit I was iced down, stretched, and massaged and wow did it feel good. That night I felt wonderful and actually got a good night's sleep. Well yesterday, Tuesday, I went for my second visit. Did everything the same as Monday but was put in a massage chair for 10 minutes. Now today, my hip and leg are hurting so bad I get a stabbing pain when I walk and my back aches more than it has all week. I'm supposed to go back to the chiropractor on Thursday but I just don't know. I'm really considering just going to a "regular" doctor so I can get some lovely pain meds. Ouch!

Hurricane Ike

So on Sunday, September 14 Hurricane Ike decided to travel through Cincinnati. Who said we don't get hurricanes here? According to reports, we experienced winds up to 75 miles per hour which damaged houses and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people. Shingles and siding flew around the neighborhood along with other random home parts. Being the slightly adventurous people that we are, Chris and I decided to toss around a football in the backyard during the entire storm. That is, until, a giant metal piece from our neighbor's house came flying right towards me. I think that made me wise up a bit.

Since we had no power along with pretty much everyone else that we know, Chris and I entertained ourselves by listening to the radio on the back porch and sitting by the fire in our fire pit for three very long days. Everything in our refrigerator spoiled and had to be pitched. We dined on fine delicacies such as Los Cabos, McDonalds, and Cheeseburger in Paradise since they were the few places actually open with power. Luckily for us, our power came back on at 3:38 am on Wednesday.

My school has been closed the entire week since approximately 30% of our students are still without electricity and hot water. Downed trees and power lines block 8-10 major roads leading to school. At this point we have no calamity days (snow days) left to use even through the oh so fun winter to come. I'm really really hoping we'll be back and ready to go by Monday because I'm not too sure how long I can stand being holed up at home.

Shingle and Siding Damage that's since been fixed:

What's left of our fridge and freezer once the power comes back on. I know, we look like a bunch of alcoholics:

Neighborhood damage

The jerk with the generator

So last weekend we started this whole lawn renovation project. If you've seen our lawn previously, you know it was nothing but a bunch of nasty, hideous weeds. Well last Saturday and Sunday we aereated the lawn and used a split seeder to plant new grass seed. Each and every single day we have to water the entire yard to make the grass grow. Nature Boy Don Becker told us to expect to see new grass within about 3 to 4 weeks. Well we're only 1 week into it and we have new baby grasses!!!! Yay!!

So Sorry

Wow, I'm surprised to learn I someone who actually checks this page to see if I've written anything. Great to know but then I got yelled at for not writing in so long! I've started school since the lat time I wrote. I have a smaller class this year which is always wonderful but there are more students in IEPs and 504s. For those of you who are not familiar, these are individualized education plans for special education students. AKA, hard work! Most of my students seem to be well behaved but I'm starting to see a few who are going to test me. I guess it's pay back for last year which was almost too perfect.

I also started back on Weight Watchers this past Monday. Chris and I are thinking of starting a family sometime next year and I want to be as healthy as possible before that time comes. Not to mention the 10 pounds I've gained over the summer. My weigh in days are on Mondays so wish me luck.

40 minutes on the elliptical= 3.2 miles, 526 calories! Go us!
2 sets of abs, 1 set of arms

Happy Birthday Chris! The big 26! Tonight we went to Benihanas for Chris' birthday and it was YUMMY! I decorated the front door with streamers and we...me and the dogs:) ...sang happy birthday with a delicious Servatiis cake.

Our fence was finally completed yesterday and the dogs absolutely love it. I am so excited to let the dogs out and not have to watch their every move.

The last two days I've been going to school to get everything set up for next week. I spent most of yesterday answering questions for our new hire, Tracy, who is a first year teacher. You really forget how overwhelming things can be when you've been teaching at the same place for three years. I'm just glad I'm not in that position right now. Today I lamenated a bunch of activities and hung posters. I'm not sure if I'll be going in tomorrow because I have grocery shopping to do that I've been putting off for three days already. When I do go back, I have to finish cutting out some of the lamenated materials and duct tape the carpet back to the floor. At this point I'm thinking that if I go in on Thursday, I'll be done until I'm required to go in.

I'm really really sleepy now so I think it's time to go to sleep...or at least attempt to read for a few before dozing. Nighty night!

Last night we had a small cookout at our house with our friends: Tera, Dani, DJ, and Robby. We had fun! We played cornhole, grilled burgers and dogs, built a fire in our fire pit, and just relaxed. It was such a pretty night too with it being in the 50s outside!

We went to the gym this morning to make up for the junk we ate yesterday. Here was our game plan today: 40 minutes on the elliptical, 2 set of abs, 1 set of arms. In total I burned 520 calories and went 3.2 miles! Yahoo!

We had planned to go to the gym yesterday after missing out for an entire week. However, we couldn't make it because of an "equipment issue." We did take the dogs for a long walk though. Count that as 1 for the week! Only 2 more to go. We're attempting to go again tonight so that'll make 2!

The fence is really going in tomorrow...weather permitting. It better happen, darn it!

*****Update*****
We ended up going to the gym tonight. We did 30 minutes on the elliptical. Overall, 2.4 miles and 400 calories! Yay me!

The Last Lecture

I recently finished reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. You may have heard that he recently passed away after being diagnosed with an incurable form of pancreatic cancer. This book would probably be enjoyed most by those who have children followed by teachers. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this book:

"Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome."

" When you see yourself doing something badly and nobody's bothering to tell you anymore, that's a bad place to be."

" Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something."

"Whether you think you can or can't, you're right."

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."

Baby Steps

I worked out today! I spent 30 minutes on the elliptical burning 400 calories and traveling over 2.5 miles! Go me! I also weighed myself this morning and have losted about 5 pounds since we started keeping track. Now if I can just be a little good over the weekend, I should be ok.

So What's New?

Let's see. Yesterday was fairly uneventful. We finally picked a fence company to build our split rail. They'll be stopping by on Monday to pick up the contract and hopefully we'll get the actual day scheduled. It'll be so nice when the pups can just run around outside without us having to worry about what they're doing.

We went out to Red Robin for dinner. I got the BBQ Bacon burger which I thought it was pretty good. Chris thought it was overpriced for the food. Once we got home we watched the movie P.S. I Love You. Very cute movie. It's a bit long and drawn out in some parts but worth watching.

Today I'm planning to do some cleaning up around the house and then we're going to see The Dark Knight tonight with Chris' parents. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a pool day since it's so freaking hot outside!

Chris and I are planning to pick back up on our workout routine next week since we were slackers this week. Re-do of week #3!

***********Update******************
So we took the dogs and walked 3 whole miles on the Anderson bike trail today. We were planning to do 4 but when the little pup starts laying down in the grass and has to be carried, you know it's time to turn around! We just got back from teh movies which was actually pretty decent. I'm not one to follow hype with movies usually but Heath Ledger really did do an awesome job as the Joker. I'd recommend this movie even to those of you who usually don't go for these types of movies.

So I realize I was a complete mess last time I wrote. I was scared of what would happen next. Molly was her same old self the next day and a total sweetheart. Chris and I are thinking she was just so afraid during the storm that she thought something was coming to get her. After closer inspection, Chris' wounds don't look too bad. More like scrapes than anything else.

I went shopping today for a pie pan and ended up with that plus a TON of school supplies. Target has all kinds of teacher stuff on sale for dirt cheap. Every year I say I won't spend too much of my own money on the stuff but how can I resist?

We have another fence guy coming tomorrow for an estimate. Hopefully it'll be a little cheaper than the last guy (although Eads wasn't too bad.) Chris has an interview tomorrow for an account executive position for 96.5. My fingers and toes are crossed that things go well. He needs this!

Rough Ruff

I'm absolutely terrified right now. It's windy and storming outside and Molly is going nuts, as always. She resorted to laying under our bed as she always does. Since the vet has given us anti-anxiety meds, we tried to pull her out from under the bed to give them to her. This time she bit Chris and actually drew blood. I don't know what to do. She's nipped at both of us one other time. For those of you who know Molly, you know she'd NEVER EVER hurt anybody. It's because of this that I am absolutely confused and heartbroken. While growing up, I've always been taught that if a dog bites, they get put to sleep. How could I possibly even consider this for the dog who has been my best friend for the last 10 years? I know she's terrified and thinking we're trying to hurt her but I thought she'd know better. I guess my thoughts and ideas are blurred between my dogs as animals versus little children. I'm so sad...

Appreciation

So what does it take for a person to be truly appreciated? I'll warn you that this is extremely one sided in the fact that I am very upset at the moment. In order to make this clear, let's recount my day. I woke up fairly late this morning (hey it is my summer break!), prepared parts of tonight's dinner, mowed the lawn, weeded the yard, prepared dinner, took care of the dogs, cleaned up after dinner, and took the garbage out. Now this evening, I was accused of not being sympathetic of those who have to wake up early and actually work at a "real" job. Now does the list I've just rattled off seem like a day of rest and relaxation? I hardly doubt anyone would agree with that statement. And then to have worked placed into women's work categories...wow, what is it, 1950? Take yet another look at the list above. How much of that is "women's" work?! I couldn't imagine what my household would look like if we stuck to our so called gender specific roles. I hate to sound liek I'm in the middle of a womens' liberation course or something but come on! Wake up!

Finally...I Can Relax

So yesterday was the first day since we were on vacation that Chris and I were actually able to relax a little. I woke up super early to take Mom to the airport but her flight was delayed so we went to IHOP (yummy!) I pretty much sat around all day doing anything and everything nonproductive. I grilled up some pretty delicious burgers on the grill and eventually hung out in the backyard while the dogs played with the neighbor dogs. Overall, nothing too exciting happened all day but that's just the way I like it during the summer. Hey, I might as well enjoy it before I have to start planning for next year!

Housewarming Party

After a full week or more of preparing, we finally had our housewarming party yesterday. Our families were invited over for food, fun, and to show off our new house (of course!) My mom has been in town since Wednesday and has helped us get the house sparkling to show off. Chris' parents have been working non-stop on our landscaping and it is turning out beautifully. We had around 25 people show up to our house and celebrate until a huge down pour forced everyone inside. Most people ended up leaving during or after the storm so, unfortunately, the party died down quickly. We had fun, though, playing DDR and chitchatting until most of us were walking zombies. Chris and I are so excited for all the wonderful gifts and $$$ we now have to spend on our house!