Christmas this year is going to be much smaller at our house.
I told Henry that I don't need anything.
I told the kiddos that Santa's cutting back.
I skipped out on the family gift swap.
BUT... what we did do is sponsor some students.
Now, the school has a Holiday Helper's program that makes sure that the families who are struggling and the many homeless students enrolled, are able to have at least a little Christmas. Chef Hubby and I are both working at the same school and both emailed each other the blast to see if the other was interested. It was actually a little silly.
So I called the office and stated that we would sponsor a student. I was psyched! That meant I got to go shopping and find deals and totally make someone's Christmas, who otherwise wouldn't have one.
A few days later, I went to her office to get my assigned student, I found out that she had mistakenly given us a very small family. So we took it and then volunteered to take the student as well.
Can I just say the sales that I've been finding are ridiculous!! We've been able to fill their wishlists, including winter coats and infant snowsuits for an average of 30% of the price.
Then we went to church and they had a giving tree. There we were able to give games to a Veteran's Home. The kids classes are taking donations for the Lion's Club and Ronald McDonald House... and who can forget Gifts to Give??
We are so very blessed right now to have so much...
Our health
Stable jobs
Absolutely amazing friends
Loving relationships
A safe, warm roof over our heads
Cars to transport us... and carpool for school
Enough money to pay our bills
Children who are starting to see that it is important to give back :)
My job is settling in.
I've definitely turned a corner.
Things are going to be ok...
and I know that I can do absolutely anything with the support and love of my family and friends!!!
Tee's Closet
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Starting to Feel Better
Yesterday was a lazy day for me and the family.
My mom had the entire family over for dinner... downstairs on the first floor.
We had dinner at our house on the second floor.
We weren't trying to be anti-social. We just wanted to take the chance to have our own tradition of Thanksgiving Day. I usually work the football games and well, as my last post said, I'm not an Athletic Trainer anymore, so I was home. Me and the girls watched the parade while Henry cooked dinner. He made breakfast too... hehe. Yes, I'm spoiled.
So the girls and I sat on the couch and watched the parade. I sorted through the fliers and created a game plan for Black Friday. We even ate dinner in our pjs :) It was awesome!
Then we went downstairs with our pies (after we got dressed) and joined the rest of the family for the afternoon. It was the best of both worlds. I even got to sneak back up to take a nap.
Told you I was spoiled!!
My mom let the kids sleep downstairs so hubby and I could go out this morning and grab some serious deals. I couldn't believe how well we did!
My mom had the entire family over for dinner... downstairs on the first floor.
We had dinner at our house on the second floor.
We weren't trying to be anti-social. We just wanted to take the chance to have our own tradition of Thanksgiving Day. I usually work the football games and well, as my last post said, I'm not an Athletic Trainer anymore, so I was home. Me and the girls watched the parade while Henry cooked dinner. He made breakfast too... hehe. Yes, I'm spoiled.
So the girls and I sat on the couch and watched the parade. I sorted through the fliers and created a game plan for Black Friday. We even ate dinner in our pjs :) It was awesome!
Then we went downstairs with our pies (after we got dressed) and joined the rest of the family for the afternoon. It was the best of both worlds. I even got to sneak back up to take a nap.
Told you I was spoiled!!
My mom let the kids sleep downstairs so hubby and I could go out this morning and grab some serious deals. I couldn't believe how well we did!
*** Doing the happy Dance ***
We wanted to run out of Kohl's before they figured out they practically gave us the stuff to take home! Now, I have to wrap and ship out some gifts to my niece and nephew (I love saying that... lol) I just wish we were there to watch them open the packages. Hoping to be able to do that soon, maybe next year ;)
Anyway, now I'm putting up the tree, listening to Christmas music, and maybe even baking some goodies. Still feeling a little off, but I think it might have been the whole missing the game yesterday and still trying to find my "thing". I have some ideas to roll with at school to get the kids more involved, but we'll have to see.
OK - Merry Christmas everyone! And just remember... it's not what you get, but instead, what you give. It doesn't have to expensive or shiny. It can be as simple as a card, or a thank you, or even a smile. In this crazy time of year there are a lot of people struggling and the little things are what really matter.
So, I wish you all enough...
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I've been struggling.
I doubt that most people would believe that, but I have. I feel so lost right now that I really can't explain it.
My family has been so blessed this year. I became a Physical Education teacher at a regional high school. My husband was elected to the city council. Our children are still enrolled in the Catholic School that rocks! We booked our first "real" vacation for this summer... can't say where cuz of little reading eyes, but guess. Yup!
We had to make some house repairs and because of these changes, we had the money to deal with it. I no longer have to work at night or the weekends so I get to spend more time with the kids, my friends and my hubby.
Ok... so why am I struggling?
I feel lost because although I think I'm at least pretty good at my current job, I miss being an Athletic Trainer. I miss being able to "teach". I know that sounds like an oximoron somehow... I become a teacher and feel like I teach less. It's just that it's different.
I can explain the importance of moving and exercising. I can explain the rules to a game and the basic fundamentals to make it happen. I can teach some modifications for different abilities, etc. BUT I still "know" so much more. I want to teach them injury prevention and nutrition. I want to explain that you didn't really "break" your finger because it popped.
I almost miss the stress.
I'm also struggling a little because we just finished an insane campaign for the city council. There was throat cutting and all that. I knew it would happen, but at one point the opponent even attacked ME! I'm not running for office. She said that I made a face and turned away.
I know most people think that doesn't sound like a big thing, but it is.
I am a professional. I have to deal with a LOT of people. A few that I do NOT like. A few that I do NOT get along with. A few that I down right HATE to deal with!!! BUT... I do NOT make faces. I might bite my tongue til it bleeds but seriously?? Don't try to break down my character.
I used to have all day to myself in between dropping off the kids at school and then heading to work after school. Now, well now... I have no time! I always have to do laundry. I always have to clean the house. I am always playing catch up!! How the hell do people do this???
So, I miss my job, I'm in the political lime light, my house is a freaking disaster and I just want to sleep... so what happens??
I gain 20lbs back. Can I cry now??
I am still more than 50lbs less than my most, but I am terrified and for some reason, I feel like I'm caught in a current and can't get my feet under me. This sucks.
So - this weekend, I am going to figure it out. I am going to think about what I am most thankful for. I am going to figure out what makes me happy. I am going to make a plan. I am going to start praying a little more and start reading over the bible again...
Happy Thanksgiving. Say a prayer for me. Ok
I doubt that most people would believe that, but I have. I feel so lost right now that I really can't explain it.
My family has been so blessed this year. I became a Physical Education teacher at a regional high school. My husband was elected to the city council. Our children are still enrolled in the Catholic School that rocks! We booked our first "real" vacation for this summer... can't say where cuz of little reading eyes, but guess. Yup!
We had to make some house repairs and because of these changes, we had the money to deal with it. I no longer have to work at night or the weekends so I get to spend more time with the kids, my friends and my hubby.
Ok... so why am I struggling?
I feel lost because although I think I'm at least pretty good at my current job, I miss being an Athletic Trainer. I miss being able to "teach". I know that sounds like an oximoron somehow... I become a teacher and feel like I teach less. It's just that it's different.
I can explain the importance of moving and exercising. I can explain the rules to a game and the basic fundamentals to make it happen. I can teach some modifications for different abilities, etc. BUT I still "know" so much more. I want to teach them injury prevention and nutrition. I want to explain that you didn't really "break" your finger because it popped.
I almost miss the stress.
I'm also struggling a little because we just finished an insane campaign for the city council. There was throat cutting and all that. I knew it would happen, but at one point the opponent even attacked ME! I'm not running for office. She said that I made a face and turned away.
I know most people think that doesn't sound like a big thing, but it is.
I am a professional. I have to deal with a LOT of people. A few that I do NOT like. A few that I do NOT get along with. A few that I down right HATE to deal with!!! BUT... I do NOT make faces. I might bite my tongue til it bleeds but seriously?? Don't try to break down my character.
I used to have all day to myself in between dropping off the kids at school and then heading to work after school. Now, well now... I have no time! I always have to do laundry. I always have to clean the house. I am always playing catch up!! How the hell do people do this???
So, I miss my job, I'm in the political lime light, my house is a freaking disaster and I just want to sleep... so what happens??
I gain 20lbs back. Can I cry now??
I am still more than 50lbs less than my most, but I am terrified and for some reason, I feel like I'm caught in a current and can't get my feet under me. This sucks.
So - this weekend, I am going to figure it out. I am going to think about what I am most thankful for. I am going to figure out what makes me happy. I am going to make a plan. I am going to start praying a little more and start reading over the bible again...
Happy Thanksgiving. Say a prayer for me. Ok
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Season of Giving
Today was an eye opening experience.
Honestly, I knew when I heard, but it was a reinforcing moment.
Today we brought about 48+ cans to the Cans Across the Park collection today. It was awesome! The best part was the kids were upset we had to leave. They were having fun organizing the cans and knew exactly why they were there. We were helping gather cans to feed the less fortunate.
In our house, we discuss this stuff all of the time.
We have a Pantry box that we stock with items from our shopping trips to donate to the food pantries. We don't throw away our clothes. Instead we pass them on to cousins, friends, or the less fortunate. We don't throw away the toys they no longer use. We usually donate them to a charity.
Well, today we left the park and headed over to Gifts to Give. This is a local non-profit organization that truly operates as a non-profit. None of the staff is paid. Yes, you read that correctly. They have been in operation for 2yrs and NONE of the staff is paid!!! Now, isn't that what a non-profit organization should be doing??
Anyway, they are awesome. They collect items from the community and then volunteers of all ages help sort, clean, organize, pack, wrap, etc all of the items. When I say all ages, I mean ALL ages!! They even have the 3-4 yr olds make wrapping paper for the birthday gifts that go out to the kids in need. Older kids can help sort clothes, repair or organize games, or clean toys.
They take everything people bring. Whatever is "rejected" for the gifts is either recycled, repurposed, sold in a yard sale that helps with their overhead, or (very little of it) is tossed.
So you might think that their main purpose is to send gifts and clothes to less fortunate, right?? NOPE!
Their main purpose is to get people to volunteer!
Isn't that great?!
It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved. It gives EVERYONE the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.
We are now trying to figure out when we can go help. The kids didn't want to leave that either. I love my kids! They are so amazing. I need to make sure that doesn't wear off. I need to make sure that it rubs off on our friends.
They already want to go through their stuff again and donate some of it. Maybe you have somethings you can bring over. Or you might want to volunteer some of your time to help. Visit their website!
It's the season of giving... what can you offer?
Honestly, I knew when I heard, but it was a reinforcing moment.
Today we brought about 48+ cans to the Cans Across the Park collection today. It was awesome! The best part was the kids were upset we had to leave. They were having fun organizing the cans and knew exactly why they were there. We were helping gather cans to feed the less fortunate.
In our house, we discuss this stuff all of the time.
We have a Pantry box that we stock with items from our shopping trips to donate to the food pantries. We don't throw away our clothes. Instead we pass them on to cousins, friends, or the less fortunate. We don't throw away the toys they no longer use. We usually donate them to a charity.
Well, today we left the park and headed over to Gifts to Give. This is a local non-profit organization that truly operates as a non-profit. None of the staff is paid. Yes, you read that correctly. They have been in operation for 2yrs and NONE of the staff is paid!!! Now, isn't that what a non-profit organization should be doing??
Anyway, they are awesome. They collect items from the community and then volunteers of all ages help sort, clean, organize, pack, wrap, etc all of the items. When I say all ages, I mean ALL ages!! They even have the 3-4 yr olds make wrapping paper for the birthday gifts that go out to the kids in need. Older kids can help sort clothes, repair or organize games, or clean toys.
They take everything people bring. Whatever is "rejected" for the gifts is either recycled, repurposed, sold in a yard sale that helps with their overhead, or (very little of it) is tossed.
So you might think that their main purpose is to send gifts and clothes to less fortunate, right?? NOPE!
Their main purpose is to get people to volunteer!
Isn't that great?!
It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved. It gives EVERYONE the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.
We are now trying to figure out when we can go help. The kids didn't want to leave that either. I love my kids! They are so amazing. I need to make sure that doesn't wear off. I need to make sure that it rubs off on our friends.
They already want to go through their stuff again and donate some of it. Maybe you have somethings you can bring over. Or you might want to volunteer some of your time to help. Visit their website!
It's the season of giving... what can you offer?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Another apology...
I can't believe it's been almost 2 weeks since I've last posted. I didn't mean to step away for so long.
Things have been crazy!!
Phoebe will be in a show this weekend. It's going to be sooo cute... I can't wait. She's a "Who" in Seussical Jr - The Musical.
Her BFF got the understudy part Jo Jo, the smallest Who in Whoville, which caused a little bit of tension in the beginning. BUT then, Phoebe got the understudy part for the Young Kangaroo and it's all better now :) lol
Don't you wish problems were this easy to solve in the real world??
Actually, now that I think about it... maybe some of them ARE that easy to solve.
Since the last post, my husband won the primary election for our Ward in the city. I couldn't be more proud. I am impressed daily by his determination and commitment to this city. He has been nonstop answering calls, attending meeting, doing radio interviews and debates. It's just constant motion. He is so good at handling it. Me, not so much :(
I have to admit... I need to go back to Weight Watchers, because my coping method seems to have packed on a couple of extra pounds. **sigh**
I am NOT the politician in the family. I say stuff that shouldn't be said, without even realizing it. So I've learned to just say nothing... which is very difficult for me! ugh!!! I just keep saying the Penguins of Madagascar's mantra "Smile and wave, boys! Smile and wave."
That's pretty much what I've been doing my entire life because I'm not a big fan of conflict, but it's my coping mechanism now. I'm awful with names so you smile and shake hands, enter the small talk and pray to God you don't get caught not knowing.
Am I alone??
I don't know. The show is done this weekend. The official election is November 8th. I just need to make it til then. Unfortunately, Halloween falls in between which leaves plenty of candy in the house to soothe me!! lol
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my girlfriends!!! They have helped me in so many ways...
Watching my kids.
Letting me vent.
Dragging me for runs.
Mixing me a drink.
Making me laugh.
Letting me cry.
Just making me feel sane.
I love them...
Things have been crazy!!
Phoebe will be in a show this weekend. It's going to be sooo cute... I can't wait. She's a "Who" in Seussical Jr - The Musical.
Her BFF got the understudy part Jo Jo, the smallest Who in Whoville, which caused a little bit of tension in the beginning. BUT then, Phoebe got the understudy part for the Young Kangaroo and it's all better now :) lol
Don't you wish problems were this easy to solve in the real world??
Actually, now that I think about it... maybe some of them ARE that easy to solve.
Since the last post, my husband won the primary election for our Ward in the city. I couldn't be more proud. I am impressed daily by his determination and commitment to this city. He has been nonstop answering calls, attending meeting, doing radio interviews and debates. It's just constant motion. He is so good at handling it. Me, not so much :(
I have to admit... I need to go back to Weight Watchers, because my coping method seems to have packed on a couple of extra pounds. **sigh**
I am NOT the politician in the family. I say stuff that shouldn't be said, without even realizing it. So I've learned to just say nothing... which is very difficult for me! ugh!!! I just keep saying the Penguins of Madagascar's mantra "Smile and wave, boys! Smile and wave."
That's pretty much what I've been doing my entire life because I'm not a big fan of conflict, but it's my coping mechanism now. I'm awful with names so you smile and shake hands, enter the small talk and pray to God you don't get caught not knowing.
Am I alone??
I don't know. The show is done this weekend. The official election is November 8th. I just need to make it til then. Unfortunately, Halloween falls in between which leaves plenty of candy in the house to soothe me!! lol
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my girlfriends!!! They have helped me in so many ways...
Watching my kids.
Letting me vent.
Dragging me for runs.
Mixing me a drink.
Making me laugh.
Letting me cry.
Just making me feel sane.
I love them...
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Changes, changes, everywhere!!
Phew! It's over.
Remember way back when I posted my "Cryptic message"? Well, I had an interview for a teaching job.
A teaching job that I had applied for way back in March of last year.
My interview was the very first day of Football preseason! As many of the parents out there know... the first day of football preseason isn't pretty.
There are lots of forms that need to be turned in. Lots of kids who haven't done anything all summer. Lots of stupid injuries that could have been avoided. Lots of whining, moaning, groaning, etc.
All of which I am responsible for dealing with!!!
But, I had the interview too...
It lasted 17 minutes. Yeah. That's it. All my eggs in one basket. Hoping that those 17 mins were enough.
Fortunately, I had 2 a days to keep my occupied... oh and those final 30 miles in 2 weeks left to finish for my 99/100 Summer Run Challenge!
Anyway, I got the call with the job offer the following week and was able to start subbing "for myself" the day after Labor Day. It was fun. It was hectic. It was still NOT official, because my husband also worked at the school and they have an Anti-Nepotism rule, which meant that I had to be approved by the school committee the following week.
It passed and I was officially offered the job. THEN, I had to give my resignation at the high school I had been working at for 5+ years as the Athletic Trainer, or more specifically, the hospital I have been contracted out of. They require 2wks, but requested 3 weeks so that I could help with the transition. No problem. I love the people there - the kids, the coaches, the staff, heck, even the parents I work with there ROCK!
So for the past 5wks I have been working as a Physical Education teacher at one school, an Athletic Trainer at another school, a Campaign Manager for my husband's campaign, and a mom. Can you say EXHAUSTED??
Last night was my last "official" night at as the Athletic Trainer and I was sad.
There were so many former students that came to say goodbye and I was swarmed by hugs from the present ones. I cried AGAIN on the way home. Man, this has been a killer.
I am so excited to be a part of my new school. I can't wait to be able to add my spin to the mix. I've already learned so much from my coworkers and there is still so much left to figure out. I'm already planning to go to a lot of the games to make sure that everything is going well... and to actually be able to talk and mingle with the spectators.
Transitions are crazy. Change is scary. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I can't wait to figure it out :)
Remember way back when I posted my "Cryptic message"? Well, I had an interview for a teaching job.
A teaching job that I had applied for way back in March of last year.
My interview was the very first day of Football preseason! As many of the parents out there know... the first day of football preseason isn't pretty.
There are lots of forms that need to be turned in. Lots of kids who haven't done anything all summer. Lots of stupid injuries that could have been avoided. Lots of whining, moaning, groaning, etc.
All of which I am responsible for dealing with!!!
But, I had the interview too...
It lasted 17 minutes. Yeah. That's it. All my eggs in one basket. Hoping that those 17 mins were enough.
Fortunately, I had 2 a days to keep my occupied... oh and those final 30 miles in 2 weeks left to finish for my 99/100 Summer Run Challenge!
Anyway, I got the call with the job offer the following week and was able to start subbing "for myself" the day after Labor Day. It was fun. It was hectic. It was still NOT official, because my husband also worked at the school and they have an Anti-Nepotism rule, which meant that I had to be approved by the school committee the following week.
It passed and I was officially offered the job. THEN, I had to give my resignation at the high school I had been working at for 5+ years as the Athletic Trainer, or more specifically, the hospital I have been contracted out of. They require 2wks, but requested 3 weeks so that I could help with the transition. No problem. I love the people there - the kids, the coaches, the staff, heck, even the parents I work with there ROCK!
So for the past 5wks I have been working as a Physical Education teacher at one school, an Athletic Trainer at another school, a Campaign Manager for my husband's campaign, and a mom. Can you say EXHAUSTED??
Last night was my last "official" night at as the Athletic Trainer and I was sad.
There were so many former students that came to say goodbye and I was swarmed by hugs from the present ones. I cried AGAIN on the way home. Man, this has been a killer.
I am so excited to be a part of my new school. I can't wait to be able to add my spin to the mix. I've already learned so much from my coworkers and there is still so much left to figure out. I'm already planning to go to a lot of the games to make sure that everything is going well... and to actually be able to talk and mingle with the spectators.
Transitions are crazy. Change is scary. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I can't wait to figure it out :)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Seriously???
I have 2 little girls, as most of you already know.
These 2 little "princesses" are very different. Phoebe is the Drama Queen. She will NEVER be happy.
EVER! Seriously!!
I know. I'm tough on her. I need to start "supporting" her more. Chef Hubby keeps telling me that maybe the reason she doesn't listen is because I'm always nagging. Well, maybe I wouldn't be nagging so freaking much if she started acting like a nice human being... ugh!!
Yes, I am frustrated today.
Yesterday, we had to divide and conquer. We had purchased tickets to the Princesses on Ice: Dare to Dream show a while ago. Well, we had purchased them through a friend and I completely forgot about them. Then another friend was planning a birthday and I assured her that we would be there. Of course!
Well, Wednesday Chef Hubby and I were watching tv and I saw a commercial for the show and freaked out! I totally messed up and needed to fix it. Fortunately, we have other friends :) Phew! So I asked if one of Payton's friends and her Dad wanted to go with Chef Hubby and Payton while Phoebe and I went to a "Tea Party".
While at the party, I got a text from Chef Hubby telling me that Payton said "Daddy, I really wish Phoebe was here. She'd like it".
Phoebe was having a blast with her friends and to be honest, even though she was having fun, was still REALLY upset that she didn't get to go to the Princess Show AND the Tea Party! Yeah...
OK - fast forward to when we got home...
Phoebe walks in the door and Payton runs over: "Phoebe, here this is for you!". Handing her a princess crown.
Phoebe turns around and gives her a pile of "stuff" from the Tea Party that was sent home for her, while saying "Oh, and you didn't get a fan because yours' was broken".
I watched a little disappointed and then a little sad when I asked Payton "Where is your crown?" and she replied "I gave it to Phoebe because she didn't get to go".
Please tell me that this is going to get better!! Please tell me that Payton will always be this way and that someday, Phoebe will realize there is more to life that "stuff". I don't know... I guess I'm just bummed. Did I drop the ball somewhere?? Did I get them too much stuff growing up? How do I fix this??
These 2 little "princesses" are very different. Phoebe is the Drama Queen. She will NEVER be happy.
EVER! Seriously!!
I know. I'm tough on her. I need to start "supporting" her more. Chef Hubby keeps telling me that maybe the reason she doesn't listen is because I'm always nagging. Well, maybe I wouldn't be nagging so freaking much if she started acting like a nice human being... ugh!!
Yes, I am frustrated today.
Yesterday, we had to divide and conquer. We had purchased tickets to the Princesses on Ice: Dare to Dream show a while ago. Well, we had purchased them through a friend and I completely forgot about them. Then another friend was planning a birthday and I assured her that we would be there. Of course!
Well, Wednesday Chef Hubby and I were watching tv and I saw a commercial for the show and freaked out! I totally messed up and needed to fix it. Fortunately, we have other friends :) Phew! So I asked if one of Payton's friends and her Dad wanted to go with Chef Hubby and Payton while Phoebe and I went to a "Tea Party".
While at the party, I got a text from Chef Hubby telling me that Payton said "Daddy, I really wish Phoebe was here. She'd like it".
Phoebe was having a blast with her friends and to be honest, even though she was having fun, was still REALLY upset that she didn't get to go to the Princess Show AND the Tea Party! Yeah...
OK - fast forward to when we got home...
Phoebe walks in the door and Payton runs over: "Phoebe, here this is for you!". Handing her a princess crown.
Phoebe turns around and gives her a pile of "stuff" from the Tea Party that was sent home for her, while saying "Oh, and you didn't get a fan because yours' was broken".
I watched a little disappointed and then a little sad when I asked Payton "Where is your crown?" and she replied "I gave it to Phoebe because she didn't get to go".
Please tell me that this is going to get better!! Please tell me that Payton will always be this way and that someday, Phoebe will realize there is more to life that "stuff". I don't know... I guess I'm just bummed. Did I drop the ball somewhere?? Did I get them too much stuff growing up? How do I fix this??
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