better late than never

After yesterday's snow day, I had a two hour delay. I have decided that a late arrival is a win-win situation. I'm able to sleep in, but I don't have to figure out a good reason to get out of bed. More so, some snow days have to be made up. Delays - they don't. I can get used to the idea of working a 6 hour shift and getting paid for 8.

So, through all of this and several contemplations in changing jobs recently, I have decided that teaching really is an ideal profession. Here are several reasons why: 1) 180 work days (minus sick/personal leave) 2) Great benefits, at least for the employee 3) An almost guaranteed raise each year 4) Always a demand, especially in the right field 5) An incredible ministry opportunity 6) Endless amount of opportunities, for extracurricular or even advancement 7) Several other ways to ear extra money (extra duties, or hidden benefits, or continuing education, etc) 8) More than decent pay for an average of starting at nearly $25 per hour 9) Getting off by 3 or 4 in the afternoon 10) SNOW DAYS!

So, the moral of the story: teaching is a great profession to consider. I really can't imagine doing anything else right now. I work a lot less than most other people, and may make less than them as well. However, if I needed to bring in more, I could easily tutor for $40-50 an hour, find a part time job, or even work full-time throughout the summer. Don't get me wrong, there are some good and bad positions in teaching. I've experienced both to some degrees. Find your fit with classroom management and finding the administration that fits with your style will help make it more enjoyable. Teaching isn't for everyone. But, it's worth considering.

groundhog day

So, remember back to February 2nd? The little rodent apparently determined we still had 6 weeks of Winter left. I'm curious as to how accurate Groundhog Day is. Anyone have any incite on his accuracy?

Well, after 60-70 degrees, I was ready for the spring and summer. I was not very excited about giving up my spring break or finishing school in to July. Fortunately, by switching jobs, I have no make up days. :) I think the private schools have some better discernment when it comes to cancellation.

So, today, I spent the day at home. SNOW DAY! It seemed like a long shot when the head master mentioned bad weather on Friday. They called a 2 hour delay around 10pm last night and at 6am this morning, I (well actually Mike?) received the cancellation call. I enjoyed the day to rest and didn't even get too bored by myself. I did make it to the doctor as I changed my appointment from tomorrow to today. I'm so glad I did! I had quite a bit of dizziness and light-headedness so spent the rest of the day of the couch. That's what I call a productive snow day!

So, as for other things. Our March update is in the mail. If you want an electronic copy, please let us know. We've been in Raleigh for nearly 7 months and in another month we will mark the longest we have lived alone as a couple.

I have a spring break coming up in April. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth making a trip to see the family in Cincinnati or some friends in Orlando. I think that might be my only chance to see the family for awhile. We should be headed to Orlando for a couple weeks this summer. Mike will be tying up his last three classes! (Anyone in Orlando that wants some photos, let me know.)

So, for the rest of the evening, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Big Bang Theory. For all of Mike's nerdy friends, I highly recommend checking out the Big Bang Theory. I don't think it would be nearly as entertaining if I wouldn't have married Mike. Oh how Becky was right, "Nerds make good husbands."

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

January?

Really, January is over? February is here...and spring is on its way? As much as January creeped by, I can't believe the winter is almost over and that we have been in Raleigh 6 months. January has been quite busy and full of surprises. Most of those, are not really exciting nor worth sharing, but church planting seems to bring some good competition to STinT as far as random goes.

As for writing, I have little to say. I've been dying to blog about something, but could not come up with anything. I finally had a great topic the other night, but never made it to the computer. And now, I can't remember it for the life of me. So, I'm leaving this post with a list of 25 random things for January. (You can blame Facebook for this boring post.)

1. My (almost) 4 year old niece shoved multiple pieces of toilet paper up her nose thinking it would somehow release the booger that was stuck. My sister spent the next 4+ hours with a doctor for a house call.
2. I embraced 2 days off school for a few inches of snow on the ground.
3. Mike built his first snowman.
4. Mike drove to work blindly as he used water instead of windshield wiper fluid to try and melt the ice across the windshield.
5. We discovered the marvelous "Movie Cube" at Krogers. $1 for a movie/night
6. We have played more games of Settlers of Catan during this month than any other game in our life.
7. Sara's photography website was purchased along with business cards.
8. Sara introduced her students to the blogging world. They now never complain about "journaling", but I have to watch like a hawk to make sure they're not on MySpace.
9. We actually started working out consistently...but only because of the Wii Fit.
10. Sara was able to catch up with a high school friend for the first time in 3 years or so.
11. Sara bought her third pair of Crocs.
12. Mike played a real game of basketball for the second time in three years.
13. Sara made only ONE visit to Staples this month.
14. Our credit card bill was the lowest it has ever been during our marriage.
15. We found the desk under everything in the office.
16. We finally put up all of our Christmas card pictures and such of family and friends.
17. Mike's car continues to fall apart.
18. We discovered the joy of Costco and freezing food in bulk.
19. Sara bought her first label maker! :)
20. We hooked our iPod up to speakers so we can actually use it around the house.
21. We bought our first fresh pineapple.
22. We have adopted a very bad habit of staying up late, college student style, and try to keep our regular schedules during the day.
23. Sara has eaten 3 boxes of Rice Chex during the month of January.
24. Sara found her sunglasses after 6+ months missing.
25. Both of Sara's sisters joined Facebook.

and let the games begin...

Yep, it happened. Our first set of friends has announced the birth of their daughter. She was two weeks early and from all that we know, mom, baby, and family are doing well. The countdown is beginning for numerous other families. It is sure to be an eventful spring and summer. Can't wait to meet all the little ones (and maybe take pictures).

Mike spent this morning with the guys playing basketball and then a little cookout. I spent the afternoon in Chapel Hill catching up with a friend from high school. Gill is one of my dearest friends, but after I moved to Ohio, England, and Florida, it was pretty difficult to keep up with everyone. Well, now Gill is around the corner (Boone) and working at Appalachian State. She was working her magic at a track meet today, so I went up to join in the fun and catch some action. A little disappointing as I was hoping to find the Jamba Juice listed on campus, but for the time I got to see Gill, it was well worth it. Thanks for inviting me!

I'm hoping to post some snow pictures soon. Mike and I are spending the evening alone together and maybe carving at some business stuff. Things are rolling with the new website and it shouldn't be too long before it is up and running. We might play a game of Settlers with our imaginary friend, Bob, but tonight is a quiet night to ourselves. This next week is already starting to fill up and could be very eventful and draining.

Saved Alone

I'm really looking forward to an extra day off from work. I'm even crossing my fingers that this cold rain turns in to ice or snow for Tuesday and gives me a two day work week. I love days off and sleeping in!

Mike's off at a meeting and I'm able to enjoy some solitude. It seems rare, but well needed. I've fixed myself some lunch and the drifted through some things on the web. I've found myself stuck on savedalone.com David is a friend of ours and leads worship at Fellowship Raleigh. I soon found myself listening, and enjoying, some of his music, photos, and thoughts. It's a refreshing moment of worship to God that makes me realize the grace found in Jesus. If you have some time and want a new song to listen to, I'd encourage you to check out his stuff. I'm excited to see how and where the Lord takes him.