So I have commented on this before but I am so shocked at the devastating weather that the south has experienced these past few days. How tragic to have over 150 Americans dead and entire towns wiped out. My prayers are with those people. April has been so bizarre with weather. Now, Wooster didn't get a single thunderstorm. Maybe a little rumble of thunder and some rain, but nothing tornado like. However, we were supposed to get wind gusts of up to 60 mph. We must have gotten that because this morning I got up to get ready for school and never really looked at my phone until I was heading out the door. I had four missed calls from various people that I work with and finally figured out that school was canceled. The reason for this is a pine tree fell down in our parking lot and took power lines with it. We had no power. We were the only Wooster City building closed. I guess AEP has been working on it and will be through the night to get us up and running by tomorrow morning. I guess they have yet to get it back on yet. We already have to make up a day of school now, so I really want school tomorrow so I am not working in June! Perks of a teacher. :)
My Gap interview went well, and I am really hoping that I get that summer job. I really think that it would be fun and I would get some extra money! I will find out about this time next week. Keep your fingers crossed!
Have a great night!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
PREPARE FOR A LONG ONE-Updates!
I feel so guilty that I have not written in sooo long. I thought I would do an entry to update you about life! I feel like so much is happening.
1. School is going well. Testing week is coming up and that is always a stressful time for teachers, administrators, and students. My reading test is Monday. I feel like the kids know as much as they are going to know, and now I have to hope none of them just blow it off. After testing we have about a month of school left. My goal is to do some projects to keep the children busy until May 27th. If it ever decides to stop raining in Ohio, the kids will start to get squirmy...maybe it can last a little bit longer. (Never thought I would like rain!) I have a research project on authors and some myths and folktales to teach.
2. Update on my sedative filling: the dentist told me that if it doesn't throb or wake me up in the middle of the night, then I should be ok until June 2nd. It hasn't been throbbing or waking me up, which is good news, but I chew only on the other side now because I am nervous about my filling. It makes the other side of my mouth kind of sore. I don't know, I am just weird. I guess June 2nd is coming and I am looking forward to see if they can put a permanent filling in there. I also think that I am going to get a Sonicare toothbrush. I have heard wonderful things about them. I think they are even dentist recommended. They are a little pricey, but I think I am willing to spend the money to have great teeth! I guess we will see. I'll keep you posted.
3. Jonathan's job search is going. I won't say it is going terrible or great. We still have about 2 weeks or so to hear from Strand. (The 6-8 weeks are creeping.) Good news is that in the past 2-3 weeks more and more jobs have opened up near the Wooster area. Places like Akron, Canton, and Cleveland are hiring entry level civils. He has applied and is starting the follow up process. We keep praying and we are trying so hard to stay positive and keep at it. It gets so discouraging when time and time again he gets rejected or just doesn't hear a word from a company. I keep waiting from a sign from up above that says everything will be ok and that God has a plan. My heart knows that, but my brain is doubting. I hate to admit that and logically I know it is not true, I am just trying to keep that faith. Any day now he can get a call from a company that wants him to interview and he will get a job! SOON PLEASE! I stay positive for him so he doesn't get too discouraged.
1. School is going well. Testing week is coming up and that is always a stressful time for teachers, administrators, and students. My reading test is Monday. I feel like the kids know as much as they are going to know, and now I have to hope none of them just blow it off. After testing we have about a month of school left. My goal is to do some projects to keep the children busy until May 27th. If it ever decides to stop raining in Ohio, the kids will start to get squirmy...maybe it can last a little bit longer. (Never thought I would like rain!) I have a research project on authors and some myths and folktales to teach.
2. Update on my sedative filling: the dentist told me that if it doesn't throb or wake me up in the middle of the night, then I should be ok until June 2nd. It hasn't been throbbing or waking me up, which is good news, but I chew only on the other side now because I am nervous about my filling. It makes the other side of my mouth kind of sore. I don't know, I am just weird. I guess June 2nd is coming and I am looking forward to see if they can put a permanent filling in there. I also think that I am going to get a Sonicare toothbrush. I have heard wonderful things about them. I think they are even dentist recommended. They are a little pricey, but I think I am willing to spend the money to have great teeth! I guess we will see. I'll keep you posted.
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| Sedative filling (temporary) :( |
4. So my sister and her boyfriend Matt moved about to St. Louis so Sara could go to chiropractic school. If you watch TV at all you know about the tornado that hit there Easter weekend. Thank God that Sara and Matt were on there way home because they were gone before the storm hit and were safe. Matt brought up another problem though. The airport suffered a lot of damage. Matt had to fly out on Monday because he had to work. A few problems arise: 1. part of the airport was destroyed, and 2. his jeep was parked in one of the parking lots!!!!! Here is some of the damage.
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| http://m.wsj.net/video/20110424/042411reutersstlouis/042411reutersstlouis_512x288.jpg |
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| http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/04/25/91871-north-carolina-suburbs-to-st-luis-international-airport-devastation-le.jpg |
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| http://www.cbsnews.com/i/tim/2011/04/22/tornado_244x183.jpg |
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| http://media.trb.com/media/thumbnails/hyperlink/2011-04/61092128-22193538.jpg |
The good news is that Matt's flight was not canceled or delayed. Also, when he got to the airport, his jeep's back windshield blew out and he has to get a new paint job. Insurance is covering it all. We are so thankful that Sara and Matt are safe and that Matt's jeep wasn't like the van above, on top of the shuttle. Sara said that if he had parked 3 rows up, he would have had a pole on his car. Thank you God! :)
5. April has been an odd month for Ohio. We have now set a new record for amount of rainfall. Cleveland has set an all time record. Through Tuesday we have had 6.72" of rain. The next closest was in 1961 with 6.61". The thing is, it's not done! We have had rain since then, and our 10 day forecast predicts about 2 days of sunshine. But, as I have mentioned, it keeps the kids calm. It is a give and take relationship with me and the rain. :)
6. It's baseball season ya'll. HAHA! I am normally Cleveland all the way. Baseball season is different. I cheer on my Cincinnati Reds! They are doing ok. We are flirting with 1st place along with Milwaukee and St. Louis (of course). Last year was so great for Reds fans because they went to the playoffs for the first time since 1996. It was a short lived victory, however, because we were swept by the Phillies. The important part is that we were there!!!! GO REDS!
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| http://www.nationalsportsbeat.com/images/logos/mlb/Cincinnati_Reds.jpg |
Follow my Cincinnati Reds here: Red's Website
7. I really did have a beautiful Easter. Praise God He has risen! My mom and dad are always the best hosts. Jonathan and I went to Springfield on Thursday night and stayed until Sunday night. Saturday we met up with Matt's parents and grandparents in Columbus for a wonderful dinner at Buca di Beppo. If you haven't been there, you have to try it out. It is Italian and instead of serving single dishes, you order either a small order (for 3) or a large order (for 6). It is an interesting concept and you always get a TON of food. We had a blast with family and friends. Sunday we went to church on Easter morning (which I always love) and I felt like the message was for me. It talked about not having excessive worry or fear. I feel like I have been an excessive worrier lately with Jonathan's job search and where we will be next year. I learned that I need to give it to God, and once I do, don't take it back! This is a work in progress for me. Then, we went over to my aunt Karen's house and enjoyed time with my dad's side of the family, and after that went home and spent the rest of the evening with my mom's side, Oma and Opa. It was a blast as well. Mom put together a little Easter backet hunt for us. I always love our Easter egg hunts because mom knows we don't like a ton of candy. For example, Elyse got adult gummy vitamins. We also got Vitamin C drink mix and fruit leather (my fav). I can deal with a little bit of candy...i.e. Reese's eggs and Starburst. The boys got all the leftover candy! I was sad to come home to Wooster. I miss being close to home sometimes! I love visiting my family. I chalk Easter up, once again, as a great weekend with my wonderful family!! The only thing that would have made the weekend absolutely perfect is if Jonathan and I could have spent some time with his parents! :) We missed them. Here is my favorite Easter video! It gives me the goosebumps. Watch and enjoy!
8. I AM AN AUNT!!!! (sorta) Lastly, I have a puppy update! You know how much I love my dogs! Sara has Annie, and she has gotten so big! She decided since she got Annie so early (6 weeks) that she struggles with separation anxiety. Sara got a new puppy named Molly to keep Annie company. Molly is a black and tan Dachshund. Here are updated pictures of Annie and a new picture of Molly! Enjoy. I LOVE THEM.
9. I have a job interview at Gap Outlet in Lodi for the summer. I know, I know. A teacher has the perks of being off in the summer, but I got really bored last year. So why not make some money and have something to do. It is just part time so it will be just enough. I am excited. I will let you know if I get the job. :)
Oh and last but not least (for real this time) I wanted to give a shoutout to all my graduates this May. Elyse (my sis) graduates from Mount Union with a degree in Communications. She is heading to New York for a modeling contract. So happy for her. She is nervous but she will do great! Here is a picture of her and her senior communications class. I went to her presentation!
Garrett, my cousin, graduates from high school! I am not sure where he is going to school yet but I do know he has been accepted everywhere that he applied to. He wants to go for music education! GO TEACHERS :)
And lastly, Jonathan graduates. You probably all know this one. :) He will be a civil engineer and we are deep into the job seach...don't get me started :)
So excited for this exciting time for all of my family! I will upload pictures in the cap and gown!!! Those are always the best.
Have a good night. Sorry this was so lengthy, but that is what I get for not updating my blog in forever!
Deep breath. I am exhausted. :)
To end, I must give you a new quote. "Be a good listener, your ears will never get you in trouble." Ain't that the truth!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Terrible Experience
So I know that most people roll their eyes at me, but when it comes to the dentist I am terrified! I went yesterday and had to get a cavity filled. Turns out that I had to get a sedative filling which means it is temorary and I have to go back and go through it all again to make it permanent. A sedative feeling is like an antibiotic to build scar tissue so that I don't end up having to get a root canal. I guess that is a good thing. Once the scar tissue builds up they will put a permanent filling in there.
Here is my problem. I have never had a terrible experience I just don't like anything that makes my teeth feel uncomfortable. The dentist told me that when you have anxiety it can off set anisthetics....so, you guessed it, I had to get stuck like three times to stay numb...I finally had to talk to myself and tell myself to calm down!
Most people think I am silly, and I really don't have anxiety about anything else...just the dentist!
Glad it's over. My next appointment is June 2nd. NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!
However, now that Monday is over with, and I don't have a dentist appointment today, my day has been much better.
Here is my problem. I have never had a terrible experience I just don't like anything that makes my teeth feel uncomfortable. The dentist told me that when you have anxiety it can off set anisthetics....so, you guessed it, I had to get stuck like three times to stay numb...I finally had to talk to myself and tell myself to calm down!
Most people think I am silly, and I really don't have anxiety about anything else...just the dentist!
Glad it's over. My next appointment is June 2nd. NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!
However, now that Monday is over with, and I don't have a dentist appointment today, my day has been much better.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Smoothie Diet
IT IS THAT TIME AGAIN. Time to cleanse my body of all the ickyness and get rid of it, for good! HAHA. Sara and I are going to do our cleansing diet, the smoothie diet. Everyone judges it before they hear what it is all about. I like it because I never feel hungry and I am not depriving my body of any daily essential nutrients. We do the smoothie diet for 2 weeks and your basic diet is a smoothie for breakfast, a smoothie for lunch, and optional smoothie as a snack, and a lean protein with as many green veggies as you want for dinner. The most impressive part about this "detox" diet is that I never feel hungry so my body doesn't go into starvation mode and I am so healthy!
For the smoothie:
You choose a fruit, liquid, seed, and oil to go into it. You also put a scoop of plant protein powder in the smoothie and a little bit of ice.
One cup of any of the following: orange juice, cranberry juice (natural), pineapple juice, almond milk, carrot juice, or we have found that you can add anything that is fairly similar (like a spicy tomato juice like V8)
One cup of the following fruits: 1 banana, frozen cherries, canned pineapple, frozen blueberries, frozen peaches
One tbsp of the following: ground flax seed, hemp seed, oat bran, chia seeds, psyllium husk powder (not our favorite)
One tbsp of the following oils: walnut oil, almond butter, fish oil, flax seed oil, avocado oil
The oils fill you up and keep you full. You would be surprised at how many different combinations you can make. Personally, that is how I don't get burnt out. The seeds and oils you can get from a whole foods store or some of them at a grocery store. Frozen fruit is easy to find. Almond butter you can buy at a normal grocery store...tastes similar to peanut butter.
The plant protein that I use is Lifetime Life Basics Vanilla Protein. You can search for it at www.vitacost.com. It is under $20 to buy it here (including shipping) and there are other flavors such as chocolate, greens, unsweetened, and fruit blend powder. If you buy it at a whole foods store, you will pay $30 or more. Here is what it looks like.
So remember, pick one thing from each category and add a scoop of protein powder and ice. Blend it together and you have your smoothie. You have one for both breakfast and lunch and if you are hungry before dinner you can have another smoothie. You can have a max 3 and min 2. For dinner, any lean protein (chicken, egg, turkey, pork roast, fish, etc) and as many green vegetables as you want until you are full.
Try it out. I think you will feel better! I lost about 4-5 lbs on it last time. My mom lost about 11 lbs. Remember, that is NO cheating! :)
If you do try it, let me know how you go. And remember, make it your own because that is the way that you will be successful!
For the smoothie:
You choose a fruit, liquid, seed, and oil to go into it. You also put a scoop of plant protein powder in the smoothie and a little bit of ice.
One cup of any of the following: orange juice, cranberry juice (natural), pineapple juice, almond milk, carrot juice, or we have found that you can add anything that is fairly similar (like a spicy tomato juice like V8)
One cup of the following fruits: 1 banana, frozen cherries, canned pineapple, frozen blueberries, frozen peaches
One tbsp of the following: ground flax seed, hemp seed, oat bran, chia seeds, psyllium husk powder (not our favorite)
One tbsp of the following oils: walnut oil, almond butter, fish oil, flax seed oil, avocado oil
The oils fill you up and keep you full. You would be surprised at how many different combinations you can make. Personally, that is how I don't get burnt out. The seeds and oils you can get from a whole foods store or some of them at a grocery store. Frozen fruit is easy to find. Almond butter you can buy at a normal grocery store...tastes similar to peanut butter.
The plant protein that I use is Lifetime Life Basics Vanilla Protein. You can search for it at www.vitacost.com. It is under $20 to buy it here (including shipping) and there are other flavors such as chocolate, greens, unsweetened, and fruit blend powder. If you buy it at a whole foods store, you will pay $30 or more. Here is what it looks like.
Try it out. I think you will feel better! I lost about 4-5 lbs on it last time. My mom lost about 11 lbs. Remember, that is NO cheating! :)
If you do try it, let me know how you go. And remember, make it your own because that is the way that you will be successful!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Spring Break
Day 1 on spring break was relaxing and fun! Matt (Sara's boyfriend) had a birthday on Monday and so we celebrated today. Sara found a GROUPON (if you don't know this site then check it out... great deals!!!) to Wildwood Bar and Grill in Chesterfield. It is a restaurant that you can go and play simulated golf on one of 52 courses all over the world. We played at St. Andrews in Scotland. It is nice for avid golfers in the winter time and it is Matt's dream to play there eventually, so at least he got to practice. Sara and I were not so good, haha. I shot a 67 on 11 holes and it took just about all 4 hours for us to get that far. Sara shot a 73. Sara's friend Dale went along as well. It was his first time golfing ever...so he didn't do so bad for a rookie! :) Here are some pictures from our night. Quote of the night: "I thought it was the birds chirping but it was really Erika giggling." -Sara (when I laughed at a ball she hit, more than once)
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| Dale |
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| Sara |
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| ME |
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| Matt was really good and was only 2+ when we stopped! |
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| Exhausted after a long night of simulated golf... and he maybe worked today as well! |
All in all it was a fun night and I am having a blast out here visiting Sara. It has been since New Years since I have seen her. I will keep you posted!
Also, I have an update on the adorable, precious little puppy that Sara and Matt adopted. Annabelle is getting bigger, but it is all relative, because she is a runt. She has gotten bigger but big for her is still TINY! She is such a happy ball of joy. She runs around and is content to hang out with anyone willing to pay attention to her. I got her a bobo that is a "mini" one but is about as big as her. She also got a huge container of treats! Here are some updated pictures of Annie.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Recipe
I found this simple lunch recipe idea and thought I would share it. It is very filling, tastes great, and is low in fat!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tbsp of nonfat plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup halved grapes
2/3 cups of cooked chicken
Can add 2 tbsp chopped celery
1 tbsp light mayo
1/2 tsp curry powder
All you do is cook the chicken and cut it into chunks. Then, I cut the grapes into halves. Mix the chicken, grapes, yogurt. mayo, celery, and curry powder together and eat on wheat bread. I loved it for lunch and it made me so full! I ate it with a salad or something.
Nutrition info with a salad:
416 calories, 13.8 g fat (3.0 g saturated), 43.4 g carbs, 5.8 g fiber, 32 g protein
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tbsp of nonfat plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup halved grapes
2/3 cups of cooked chicken
Can add 2 tbsp chopped celery
1 tbsp light mayo
1/2 tsp curry powder
All you do is cook the chicken and cut it into chunks. Then, I cut the grapes into halves. Mix the chicken, grapes, yogurt. mayo, celery, and curry powder together and eat on wheat bread. I loved it for lunch and it made me so full! I ate it with a salad or something.
Nutrition info with a salad:
416 calories, 13.8 g fat (3.0 g saturated), 43.4 g carbs, 5.8 g fiber, 32 g protein
Enjoy!
Spring Break
Today, Monday 4/4, I am flying to St. Louis to visit Sara. I am so excited to see where she lives, her apartment, and her new pup! I am going to be gone until Friday. I am a little nervous today about the weather. Ohio has been experiencing thunderstorms across the state today, hindering many flight take offs. Mine, so far, is on time. I think that the weather is supposed to break by this evening when I take off. Also, I am flying Southwest Airlines. So excited that I got a round trip flight for under $200. So cheap these days! However, Friday, Southwest had a plane get a hole in the roof in the air!! Not a great weekend for flying. In my opinion, it has lead to a much more thorough inspection before take off. Several of those planes have canceled flights because of inspections. Mine is not, which I am assuming that means there is nothing wrong!
Sara and I have so many fun plans this week.
1. We are going to the top of the arch, hopefully!
2. We are taking Matt out for his birthday.
3. We are maybe going to Cherokee St. which is full of Mexican restaurants and shops. Sounds like a completely fun area.
4. We might try a piano bar.
Those are just some of the things. Looking ahead at weather.com it is going to be beautiful; upper 60's and 70's all week!! I will keep you posted daily on my trip!
Pray for safe arrival! :)
Another update on the job search! Jonathan has not heard back from Strand Associates, but he shouldn't until May. He has continued to apply and search for jobs. Some of them get so specific on their instructions on how to apply that it is confusing and frustrating. As of last night, we both felt annoyed, frustrated, and tired of it all. Wish we could snap our fingers and he would know what was going on. In the mean time, we will continue to pray and know that God has a plan. I pray that he stays patient, because that is the only thing that will get us through this time! I will continue to keep you posted. Hopefully there will be better news in the coming weeks.
Sara and I have so many fun plans this week.
1. We are going to the top of the arch, hopefully!
2. We are taking Matt out for his birthday.
3. We are maybe going to Cherokee St. which is full of Mexican restaurants and shops. Sounds like a completely fun area.
4. We might try a piano bar.
Those are just some of the things. Looking ahead at weather.com it is going to be beautiful; upper 60's and 70's all week!! I will keep you posted daily on my trip!
Pray for safe arrival! :)
Another update on the job search! Jonathan has not heard back from Strand Associates, but he shouldn't until May. He has continued to apply and search for jobs. Some of them get so specific on their instructions on how to apply that it is confusing and frustrating. As of last night, we both felt annoyed, frustrated, and tired of it all. Wish we could snap our fingers and he would know what was going on. In the mean time, we will continue to pray and know that God has a plan. I pray that he stays patient, because that is the only thing that will get us through this time! I will continue to keep you posted. Hopefully there will be better news in the coming weeks.
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