Currently

Making : Children's book staring a Hammerhead shark

Cooking :  Not a single thing this week 

Drinking : Coffee - I have been up WAY past my bed time 3 out of the past 4 nights

Reading: Ascend the last book in the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking

Wanting: A teaching gig!!

Looking: Forward to seeing my family this weekend and decorating for Easter

Playing: way too many facebook games and Clash of Clans

Deciding: How I can help a new project I joined building an inclusive playground

Wishing: It would stop raining

Enjoying: the weather when it is not raining

Waiting: To have the home loan finished to remodel my house

Liking: the way my garden is turning out

Wondering:How do they really know what dog food tastes like do they have tasters?

Pondering: If I will have time to work on my crafts this weekend

Considering :  Turning off my cable - I mean we have netflix and HIMYM is now over 

Watching: Sourcefed on youtube 
Hoping: My projects come out as planned

Marveling: the amount of love and care in my community 

Needing: sleep!

Smelling: coffee

Loving: my amazing family

Wearing: the most comfortable maxi skirt and tee-shirt combo with a denim button up shirt cover

Following: my dreams

Noticing: how truly blessed I am 

Knowing: Life is amazing

Thinking: I wish I was eating crawfish right now

Feeling: happy

Admiring: the generosity of the community

Giggling: how goofy my husband is

Sorting: a never ending pile of laundry

Buying: iron on transfer for shirt and koozie making

Getting: inspired

Bookmarking: too many movies on netflix and books on Scribd

Disliking: how limited time is

Opening: imagination to this book I am a writing

Snacking: new goldfish flavors - strawberry shortcake and french toast!

Coveting: so many different talented people 

Helping: get the word out about LCI Stay and Play project

Hearing: Avenged Sevenfold in the Bad Assery playlist my buddy made on Spotify 

My Motivation - Journal Day

Here's this week's prompt-  

Everyone has different things that keep them going. Sometimes it's the people around us, other times it might be what's waiting for us on the other side of hard work. Whatever it may be, there's usually some sort of motivation to get up every day, get things done, or maybe even go the extra mile. With that said, what would you say is your biggest motivation in life? Has it always been this way? 

I had to really think about this one but it all honestly it is easy, my motivation is my family. I want to be a teacher because of my siblings. I want to have a career for my husband and our future family. I work on our house to have a beautiful, safe house for our future family to live. I think that most of what I do is for my family in some form or fashion. In the past I was not like this I was more concerned about my boyfriend or what I thought people wanted but then I realized that none of them matter as much as my family. The straw that actually broke the camel's back on that was when my boyfriend at the time wanted me to go to Houston for college when my step-mom was pregnant with my sister Blake, he put me in a position that made him more important than my family so we broke up and I stayed local for college to spend time with my family.

Daily Challenges - Journal Day

Here's this week's prompt from Something Sweet-  

We all encounter challenges on a daily basis. You may consider yours something small, like having enough time in the day to accomplish everything you set out to do, or it may be a bit bigger- perhaps something you have to overcome mentally or emotionally, or even a struggle when dealing with a difficult person. Whatever the case, take a look at your daily life- what would you say is the biggest challenge you deal with? Or if you have a past struggle you were able to overcome, how did you do it? This week, write about a challenge you currently deal with on a day to day basis, or discuss one you managed to get past.

 If I were to be 100% honest the biggest challenge I deal with is pure laziness. It is true that I have stomach issues from time to time but I think that has just made me lazier. Anytime my stomach feels different than it should (not hungry, full, have to use the restroom, gassy, or otherwise) I automatically feel the need to sit or lay down until it feels normal. It is an anxiety thing, since I know when I have an anxiety attack I get very nauseous, I automatically assume that if my stomach feels off I need to calm down. In the past I never did this, I just ignored it. I am now hypersensitive to anything dealing with my stomach. All of this has made me stagnate.

When I get home from work I cook dinner, check on the plants outside, check the mail, and then sit on the couch to eat with Da' Hubby and do not move until we go to the bedroom. I shower and he will clean the kitchen and I get out go to bed and he jumps in the shower. We play on our tablets, watch tv, or read a book but that is it, that is our whole Monday-Thursday after work. On the weekends we run errands, shop, do house work, garden, visit family, etc.

I wish I was the type of person to get home eat, go to the gym, go to the bar, or whatever normal people do. I am going to try to be more active. I actually have plans to join a group that is going to work on playground for special needs students in my area. This is going to help me break out of my shell, get my foot in the door for teaching, help students in my area, and get me off my lazy butt.

I love how this is kind of free flow and I am able to just ramble about a topic, it is very cathartic.  

Journaling Day 3

This week's prompt from Sometimes Sweet:

They say hindsight is 20/20, and with good reason- looking back at something always gives us a better view. We're often able to really see how our choices and decisions then shaped our today, and examine what we would have done differently given the chance. When looking back though, we often look way back, but for this exercise stay a little closer to present time and look back just 12 months. If you could go back just one year, what would you tell yourself? What advice would you offer about everything you've experienced?

At first I was thinking that I do not have anything that I would change but that is a lie. Despite how beautiful my wedding was, and how much I loved my dress I wish we would have eloped. I knew going into my wedding that it was going to be drama filled but I didn't realize that it would still be such a big deal 1 year later. My two mother-in-laws do not get along, I do not speak to my birth mother so that right there makes for an adventure.

I was offered by my parents so many times that they would give us the money they were going to spend on the wedding and we could elope and avoid all drama. I am still kicking myself for turning that down. From the panic attacks I had from dress shopping causing me to get on anxiety pills, to the massive anxiety attacks I had on my wedding day.

Things are still not right with Josh's step-mom and us since the wedding. We are pleasant to each other, but you can tell we are not her favorites right now, but we were before the wedding planning started and she and I had different visions of MY wedding.

Hopefully if we would have eloped this drama would be gone, I might not be on my pills or know why I am always sick but the tension at family functions would be gone.

Crossroads in Life

In an attempt to post more consistently and to keep my mind sharp(ish) I am going to try my luck at joining Sometimes Sweet's weekly journal prompts.

This week's prompt:

"Everyone has a time in their life they view as a crossroad. Sometimes you can see it as it's happening, and you're able to choose one way or another. Other times you may not realize you're there until you look back, and see what a turning point it really was. This week, write about a time you view as a marker in your life; a distinct place where things changed, for better or worse. "

The one time in my life that I truly consider a crossroad is when I decided to move in to my Dad's house. From my parents divorce until I was about 16 I lived with my mother. I was always a Daddy's girl growing up but my brother was older and he picked to live with my mother.

As we grew up I grew increasingly sad and hating living at my mother's house. I loved my step-dad and my brothers and sister but I did not like living with my mother. She did things that made me lose all respect for her and I hated how she made my step-dad feel. I had also been falsely convinced that my dad was not the greatest man so I felt I had nowhere to go.  

By the time I was driving I was only there because I had a car, I know that sounds horrible but I was to the point that I only cared what my step-dad thought and I wanted to be there for my little brother and sister. One day I had pushed the line with my mother and she took the car away from me. {Mind you I had great grades, never got in trouble in school, never broke curfew, I had a job, never asked for money and I did what good kids do. } I am not going to go into all that happened, but I stood up for myself and by doing so showed my mother that I truly had no respect or feelings towards her at all. 

At this time I called my dad whom I had not had a real conversation with in a long time asking to move in with him. He told me absolutely and that I should go on the trip that was planned with my mother to visit my grandfather who lived in Missouri which was happening that next day.  The trip was uneventful but I was able to visit with my grandfather that I barely see which was good. 

The day we got home, everyone left to go to my Granny's house and I packed my stuff and called my Dad. By the time everyone got home I was gone. (Yes I know how crappy that is) I called my step-dad and told him and he understood, he knew how I felt and he supported my decision and told me he would always be there for me. 

The part of this story where I noticed the change then started to happen. I was no longer sad or angry. I lived with 2 parents that I was able to respect and love and who loved and respected me back. I had goals and ambitions that I had not previously had. They encouraged and even helped me get into college. My grades were still great, I was still a good kid but this time I was not getting in trouble for dating someone that my mother hated. I was able to get closer to me dad and my eyes were opened to what I had not known about my mother. 

Because of my move I gained a great support group that I had not previously had. I was able to go to and finish college, I got a great job that I still have and I was able to start on getting my teaching certificate. I honestly do not know where I would be right now if I had not moved out, all I do know is that it was the smartest and most productive thing I have ever done.  I am glad I got away from the toxic environment that I was in and I wish I could have take my sister out of it with me. I should also mention that my step-dad and mother did divorce and I am still incredibly close to him. He walked me down the aisle with my Dad at my wedding.   

Want to join me on my journaling adventure?

Currently

Reading: Adulting by Kelly Williams Brown , Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Wondering:  If I am going to find a teaching job or if I need to break down and student teach for 6 months with no pay. 

Thankful:   For my husband and my wonderful family and support system. With all that has happened the past few weeks I am so happy I have amazing people I can depend on.

Eating: Chicken Fajitas with some delicious guacamole

Watching: Olympics. I love the figure skating and the snowboarders

Working On:   Studying for Special Education TExES test, organizing my house, a blanket that I will probably never finish 

Loving:  Guacamole and forest creatures. I have my office desk decorated with owls, hedgehogs, and foxes. I feel like I need some squirrels too. 

Attempting:  Workout on the regular, I have been wanting to tone up my arms a bit, my shirts are getting tight and with my naturally broad shoulders it is difficult to find cute shirts that fit my arms/shoulders right now.

Wanting:   Da'Hubby's gifts to arrive. I got him the LootCrate and I am so excited to see what he gets. I am so bad about getting too excited and ruining the gift by giving it to him early or dropping too many hints but this way I know nothing and it is killing me.

What are y'all currently up to?

Random Babble

To be honest I do not have much to say...and I haven't for a while.

I was going to post about what I got for Christmas, but to me they can come off braggy. Don't get me wrong I love what I got for Christmas and am so thankful, my husband spoils me and I do the same to him, but not everyone goes all out like we do. I will say that my favorite gift was this:

I love my new camera 'Sophia' and this is why I have not taken many pictures with my phone for instagram lately.

I might do a review of a new game we got Cards Against Humanity which is an amazingly horrible fun game. We have played it a handful of times and let's just say not everyone was a fan.

From Amazon - currently sold out on CAH site

I have not really been reading much since Something Worth Fighting For. I started Neil Gaiman's American Gods but could not really get into it. It seems like a good book I just haven't been in the right mood to read that type of book I guess and maybe because while reading it I kept picturing the characters from Supernatural. I need to come in to that book with a fresh head and start again. Maybe go for something silly first to clean my slate.

I had full intention of doing a cheesy SyFy movie review but the show was more like soft core porno so I promptly turned it off maybe 15 minutes into the movie and do not recommend watching 2 Headed Shark with anyone who is not mature. Every time Carmen Electric came on screen it went into slow motion and zoomed in on her, it was ridiculous.

That is really all I have to say. Da Hubby and I are about to start gutting our guest bathroom, guestroom, and craft room and redo them before we get new floors everywhere so I am not sure how much craft stuff I will be doing soon. Hopefully soon I will be able to show y'all my beautifully remodeled house soon...just waiting on our contractor to set a date to put a beam in our attic so we can knock out some support walls to open up the house a bit.

I am babbling a little too much now so TTFN - Ta Ta For Now

How about a Quiz Meme?

You know because I am a copy cat and all, I saw my favorite blogger Kaelah do this on her blog so I thought it would be super fun to try. If you want to do this little quiz post a link on Kaelah's blog and heck I would love to read it too so you can leave it in my comments too!

1. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
 Snuggle with Da' Hubby until the alarm goes off again- because he hits snooze to get that extra snuggle

2. What is the 3rd picture on your phone? Share it! 

My not so little brother Matty and his wonderful girlfriend on our Sunday Funday watching Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2

3. What TV show are you most excited about returning this Fall?
Bones and The New Girl and Haven...and all of the new shows too!

4. What is something really popular that you secretly (or not so secretly) loathe?

One shoulder shirts/dressses or the shorts that are so short the pockets hang out. I guess I am just too much of an old lady to like that stuff. 

5. Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Bonus points for pictures.

Technically no, not since Taco passed away but we have a night-time pet. 

This is from when we scared him and he snuck in the house.



He sleeps on our porch like this every night. I have named him Archimedes from Da' Hubbys favorite Disney movie Sword in the Stone

6. If you could put together one outfit that represents you perfectly, what would it be?
I would wear what I always do a cute cotton dress tights flats and a cardigan, with my hair in a messy bun. 

7. What is your favorite adult beverage?
 I am not a big adult beverage person but I go with sweet peach tea or spiked cider. 

8. What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

I am sucker for ABC Family shows - Fosters, Secret Life of an American Teenager, and Pretty Little Liars

9. What are 3 positive words to describe you?
Creative, Energetic, Honest 

10. What is your favorite Friday afternoon/evening activity?
Cuddling with Da' Hubby on the couch catching up on our shows

11. A day in the life: What does you typical day look like?

I am boring wake up at 7 get ready for work, work until 5, go home cook, eat and try to work on crafts, shower then bed by 10. 

12. If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

I want to visit England but I would not want to live any where besides Texas. 

13. You've got a whole day to yourself...what will you do?

Sleep until 8 or 9 eat some fresh fruit and eggs, craft and watch so old Gilmore Girls reruns, bake some banana bread, cook dinner and watch some chick flicks while crafting. 

14. Dream job?
 I want to be an elementary teacher! 

15. Least favorite chore?

Folding and putting up laundry

16. When do you most feel like a rock star?
When I finish a craft that I have been working on for a long time or when I am experimenting on a recipe and it turns out great

17. What is something you are currently trying to improve within yourself?
Time management/ procrastination. I have been struggling with this so much and I think I am getting better. I have been working on some presents for Christmas since the middle of the summer - usually I wait until December to even start. 

I would love to hear your answers!!!

What I have Learned while I was away

So I have been away for a bit but I have learned a few new things

1.  Schools in my area will not call you to tell you they picked someone else for the position

2. When you go to an interview it helps if you mention your work with autistic kids or they will not know

3. People do not really read resumes

4. Watching football live is way better than watching on tv

5. When making apple butter your house will smell amazing

6. It is nice to have an insurance adjuster live next door, they tell you insider secrets

7. When going to a football game always check the weather report or you will get soaked

8. I am better at poker than I thought

9. Paula Deen's jambalaya is quick and delicious to make

10. 90 degree weather is not helpful when you are wanting to get into the Fall spirit

11. Splitting a bag of pistachios with Da' Hubby with make your tongue raw and lead to a lye bump

12. Jones Soda Halloween flavors are out and the red licorice is good, the caramel apple is like creme soda but sweeter and with a tartness to it

13. No good movies were on TV on  Friday the 13th

14. Making jewelry is pretty fun

15. Da' Hubby is not a fan of me stealing his tools to make jewelry

16. I am smarter than an 8th grader ( I passed my 4-8 generalist TeXes test)

17. Psychology in college really helps when studying for my special education test

18. Si Robertson has a book out - I may have to go buy it

19. Salon pedicures last so much longer than home pedis

20. Starting Christmas shopping early is the smartest thing I have done this year

What have you learned while I have been away?

Cross your fingers...Teacher Soon?!?

Hey guys I know I have been M.I.A. for a bit but I have been working my tush tush off. I am trying really hard to be a teacher, applying any and everywhere I can, making calls, writing emails, going on two interviews, working on a contingency plan, and working on organizing my house/ craft room for when I am a teacher and I need my craft room up and running.

I am seriously going to pull my hair out with how stressed out this is making me, most schools around me start class on August 26th and I have only had two interviews and the first one said I need more experience, The second one I am still waiting to hear back from hopefully early next week.(FINGERS CROSSED) I am hoping that I am able to get a teaching position before have to student teach for 6 months without pay. I am fully willing to student teach but I am concerned about the lack of income that comes with that, which is why I have been working on a contingency plan, AKA waiting tables or bartending or something of that nature.  I have been so stressed I have not even been reading my Ender's Game book, but I have been trying to calm my self down by planning what to wear on the first day of school. If I get a job - Fingers Crossed!

First day of school by jesslsteele featuring imitation purses

I keep looking at classroom decor but since I do not know what grade or subject I cannot predict how to decorate it.



What do you do to keep your mind off of things you cannot control, like waiting on a call back after an interview.

Photo Catch-up

I am not done reading my book for this week yet because I have been busy! But I have been having fun! Here is a photo dump of what I have been up to for the past month and a half.

 

Eating some Pink Panther - Makin Faces @ a masquerade murder mystery party - Being photobombed  

Posing in my old prom dress - Coors now has fun facts!! - Playing with my food (gummy sharks)

I couldn't open my package! - Snap chattin my food - Mexibell peppers burn like habenero in your eye

Evil Eye Burner! - Waiting for my ride - Being ripped off by cracker jacks

My hair doing whatever it wants - Playing game with the family - Da Hubby sweeping off the roof

Flaying pinecone-roof ball - Vintage game at shop near my office - Talking C3PO at the same place 

Decorated vacationing programmers office - Munched on a sprinkly donut - Snacking with pals at work

Snap Chatting with brother - Had the baby sister join in on the fun - Frost mug for steak trade 

Cake fight payback - result from cake fight @ sisters graduation party

Snap Chatting my big/little cousin

And yes I have become completely addicted to snap chat! I am always sending pictures to my little brother. He is 16 and just got his first job and he has the sweetest girlfriend, so I like to check on him to see if he is being good during the day by snapchatting. Plus I get to make silly faces! Da Hubby is no longer effected by my faces. 

So what have y'all been up to?