Thursday, February 19, 2009

again?

So, back in July when we moved to Raleigh, I had a great story regarding my first interview. I had remembered to keep out an interview outfit, but most everything else was in the moving truck. Well, as I went to my interview I had matching shoes - at least the color. All I had was black flip flops. It made for an interesting interview.

Yesterday, reminded me of the same thing. I was getting ready and noticed the rain outside. I decided on my crocs (shut up Brittney) and just needed to decide on which color. I tried a left black one on and a right red one on. Well, the black worked better so I made a record breaking decision. I brushed my teeth, put on my make-up, and ate some breakfast. I was running late to pick up two students and it was still pouring rain. I pulled up to the first house and ran up to the door. I had to knock four times before he answered, but it gave me enough time to look down and notice two different shoes still on my feet!

We hurried through the rain to my car and as I pulled up to the next place, this student was watching for me. She climbed in the car and we took of to the office. I dropped them off and made a quick run back home to fix my mistake. Am I really that dumb? I have no idea what is going on with me. At least all those pregnant women have a good excuse. I have NOTHING!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Love Sweet Love

So, it's official - I have a new job. I will be leaving my current place of employment (n2n teaching what is basically an alternative school) and switching to teach middle school math for a local private school. I am sad to say good-bye to my co-workers. They have been a great place of love, especially Richelle. She's great. They have been so gracious to me and comforting, especially in dealing with Celiac. A crazy life changing event that I never knew I was going to have to deal with.

I am super excited about my new job. It seems like a great community to be a part of and I have tutored several students from the school already. I have some great classes and schedule and of course love keeping a true school schedule.

On a side note, I'm not feeling well again this evening. I'm not sure if it is really "sick" or something with Celiac. Plus, I think I pushed myself too hard too soon with overcoming the flu. I think my body is just hating me, but I don't know if there's really a bug or anything I have. (I hosted a baby shower and I am praying against the PLAGUE from Orlando.) Mike and I spent ALL day yesterday running around town and sanitizing the house. I'm hoping that the half bottle of bleach and Lysol killed anything left in the house.

So, on with my title: LOVE. Yes, today is Valentine's Day. Mike and I are sitting on opposing couches both with a computer in hand. We made a run to Kroger, Target, Chik-fil-A, and the mall earlier in the evening. We couldn't find a movie we wanted from the movie cube. We bought a little gift from Target and something for the house and tried to make a return to the mall, in which we were unsuccessful. Chik-fil-A was not much of a help. Mike ate a full meal, including a cookie-and-cream milkshake while all I could enjoy was some fries...and now I'm second guessing that decision.

Love, it's not all about romance or something special. It's about serving and enjoying one another. Yes, romance is good, but not necessary for each holiday or night together. With both of us sick earlier in the week, we needed rest. So, we're resting. We're together, that's what matters. After I finish this post, we're spending some quality time reading and praying. Something we love to do, but rarely make time for as quality and committed. This serves not only us, but the Lord as well. We're happy spending out Valentine's day this way. He didn't even buy me flowers, and that's ok. I bought myself some though. :) I think love is enjoying each other in the moment of what is best for both of you in the season. This week, rest and random things around the house. We're hoping to get away (maybe next weekend) to enjoy more rest, but more of each other.

So, with all of that said, I'd also like to say I love you to my wonderful husband! He is sooooo patient and servant hearted. We never knew I would be going through so much physical crap, but he has always been by my side to serve me any way I needed. He's the best. I love spending my days (and nights) with my best friend. With Valentine's Day, it's also entertaining we don't make a big deal out of it. It's basically our "anniversary" for when we became an official couple - 4 years ago. But again, we're ok with where and we are doing to celebrate. For our first Valentine's day, we both (without the other one knowing it) sent each other gifts across Europe. We sent our packages as friends, but by the time we had received them, we were dating...however that works. Anyhow, I don't remember much about that gift. I remember just being smitten and amazed that a guy could think that far in advance. And to somehow grasp that small things can mean so much. The other thing I remember, I bought Mike a journal. Little did I know you need a magnifying glass to read his writing and he would NEVER get to use another journal in this lifetime, but a journal was part of his package. I also remember the girl fully coming out in me. Somewhere in the pages I hid a little, very little heart. When we talked after he received it, he asked me about it. (How did he ever notice such a thing?!) I lied. Denied it. Said I had no idea what he was talking about. Years later, maybe even after we were married, I had to confess that to him. He forgave me with a genuine smile, and laugh. I LOVE YOU!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

silver lining

So, I'm beginning to think the flu shot is a hoax. I really have hold true to them, especially because I can get them free and as a teacher I experience lots of germs. However, I think this year they missed the mark a little on the strain. I thought maybe I was just the one, but I have already heard from several other people that have had the vaccine and experienced the flu, even worse than me. I'm not excited about that. A reminder that must trust needs to be put in something else...

I was feeling quite a bit better last night before bed. I didn't sleep very well (nor did Mike) and my scratchy throat quickly returned. I woke up this morning to barely be able to make it to the shower. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to help the aches and pains. The Ibuprofen did help and may be my new favorite drug. After making the phone call in to work, refilling my water bottle, and transferring downstairs to the couch, I was back asleep within an hour and a half. I slept for another 1.5 hours to wake up in time to see Mike over lunch and get something in my own stomach. Nap #2 lasted for 2 hours and I'm on a streak for being awake for over 3 hours now.

Update, I' think I'm on the road to recovery. I said that last night though. Everything feels better except after my baked potato for dinner starting to feel nauseous. I'm really hoping to make it through this without throwing up. Each day is a new day and I'm hoping to sleep better tonight and feel better in the morning. I can't remember the last time I had the flu or HAD to take time off work. I know this could be worse, so I'm thankful, but I know it's not over yet.

So, the silver lining for the day: my website is up and running! I am so excited! David has done a wonderful job and was great to work with. He listened to all my thoughts (and critiques) and filled in all the gaps PERFECTLY! If you ever need design work, let me know and I'll give you a nice referral. THANK YOU!

So, with a working website and business cards, I'm excited to see where the Lord takes this photography business. It's been difficult with the cold weather, but it looks like we'll be keeping pretty warm for now.

Monday, February 9, 2009

weather

This time last week, I was doing the snow dance. I was anxiously awaiting the white covering, even an inch or two would close down the city. Since I wake up a million times throughout the night, I hurried to the window each time - NOTHING. The same snow storm that wiped out Kentucky was headed our way, but missed Raleigh. Several schools called a 2-hour delay, without a single drop of snow, but I was not affected.

Well, yesterday, we toppled over 70 degrees. I even took a little jog around the block on Saturday. My usual route was cut short when I stumbled upon the railroad tracks. I ran back to the house to grab Mike (and the camera). We went back to the tracks, and there it was the Barnum & Bailey Circus train! It was huge! It kept going and going and going! We didn't see anyone or anything come out, but I was ecstatic!

So, Saturday began the other weather change. Mike started coughing and sneezing. Some body aches and fatigue. We took it easy for the day, but Sunday didn't seem to get much better. No fever, unless you count 99.3. Next thing I knew, Sunday night I was up with a scratchy throat, even going to bed at 9pm. Tylenol cold I think helped us both get a better night's sleep, but today wasn't any better for me. So, Mike took another day easy and seems to be doing better. For the moment, I'm doing ok. Regardless, I made doctor's appointments for tomorrow and hopefully we'll kick this in the butt. As long as we're not throwing up, I know I can get through it.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Grocery Shopping

Let me start by saying I HATE grocery shopping. I never did much of it growing up, even though I was the "woman" of the house. It only got worse when I went overseas and had to carry my groceries home from the store. Really...AZDA (British version of Wal-mart) made it a nightmare. I have never viewed the grocery store the same.

Well, just as I'm finally starting to deal with the store, I'm diagnosed with Celiac. As if the grocery wasn't bad enough, now I have to read EVERY label EVERY time. Apparently manufacturers change things all the time and I can't really take any chances. We now hit up 4 different places over two weeks to stock the kitchen. Well, to my surprise, I headed to Costco for the usual purchases.

I'm not exactly sure why, but I've been craving some Italian sausage. As Mike and I searched through Kroger's and everywhere else, we have yet to find something without Gluten. Well, what do you know - I find TWO different brands at Costco that not only don't contain gluten, but are certified Gluten Free. Then, I find some chips, similar to Doritos that are Gluten Free. And next, rotisserie chicken GLUTEN FREE. I couldn't believe my success at the grocery! No, not because of me. But someone, somewhere, has paved the way. I am so sick of eating the same 5 "safe" things. Now, when I need something new, I'm headed to Costco.