Diet, Nashville, and Shopping

Jonathan and I were looking into getting away, even if it were only 4-5 days, and originally we were thinking around Thanksgiving. Well, Molly (one of my best friends from college) called me and said she and Ben were moving to Nashville and that Jonathan and I should visit. We then decided that the 4th of July would be a good time to get away and J gets the 4th off. So, after swiping my credit card at Hotwire.com we are booked to fly out Friday! We are super excited and look forward to seeing good friends (RJ, Renee, Molls, and Ben). I am pumped to spend some time on the lake and see some great fireworks. Should be an awesome time!

Fireworks are beautiful!!!

On that note...I took Jonathan shopping with me and he was such a good sport. I got my first romper, and wasn't sure that it looked good at all, but decided this one is the only one I have found that doesn't look stupid on me! HAHA. I also got a dress from Old Navy. Part of the reason I looked there was because I had $20 dollars in rewards by using my Gap credit card....if you don't have one, I would definitely recommend one! You don't have to spend that much to get $10 rewards. I also got a really pretty dress. I can't wait to wear it to a wedding that Jonathan and I are going to in August! Lastly, I got two Victoria's Secret bathing suits. Ironically enough, I only had to get 3 pieces....you ask how? The bottoms are reversible and were only $9.99!!! I got two tops and both match one side of the bottoms and one matches the other. I also have black bottoms at home that match one. Technically, that is like 4 combinations!! I was so pumped at my thrifty mixing and matching...it's the way to go and is so in style!


Lastly, I have found a new diet that I like. I know, I know, it seems like I am always trying something new. Not really, I just get interested in new ways to stay healthy. After I lost all that weight last year, I plateaued. I am at a happy weight, so I wasn't that mad, and I thought it was my body telling me I couldn't lose anymore. Since I started this diet, I have lost 5.4 lbs in about 5-6 days....and I am NEVER HUNGRY!!! The book is written by a doctor and I will attach the link if you want to look it up and order the book. Not only is it motivating, it gets you thinking how to get your healthy filling of veggies, fruit, protein, probiotics, fats, etc. What I like the most is that there are 4 cycles and the goal is to reach your goal weight and then get to cycle 4 where you learn to add in your favorite foods (that you couldn't have before) but in a healthy way that will not make you gain your weight back. Since my goal was to see if I could lose 5 lbs, I will be at my goal weight after cycle 1 and will be able to jump to 4 right away. If I get off track and gain a few lbs back, then I can go back to cycle 1 and lose them. For people that have considerable more weight to lose than 5 lbs, you would benefit from starting at cycle 1 and working your way through...you stay on each cycle for 17 days. Here is the link: The 17 Day Diet.

I uploaded a picture of the book so you would know what you are looking for. Cycle 1 is the toughest, but I look forward to working in my favorites after I reach my goal. I have felt cleansed and less bloated since I have started everything!


OH AND....don't forget to check out my books tab. Thanks to Elyse for adding a book to the comments section!! I love to know that people read my blog. . :) I got my book "Heaven is for Real" and am reading it...it is GREAT! It's a 3 year old's account of heaven when he almost died from an emergency surgery...gives me the chills. He tells his parents that he sang with the angels and sat on Jesus's lap. Amen! I'll update you as I get into it further.


Heard a song on the radio that makes me feel strong, even on my weakest days. Lately, life has been so positive, but everyone has their days. I love "Little Bit Stronger" by Sara Evans.

"I tell myself I'll be OK, even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger."



Have a wonderful week, and if you wouldn't mind please pray for safe travel for Jonathan and I this weekend!

Beauty

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things."
-Henry Ward Beecher

Jonathan got me the desk calendar "1000 places to see before you die" and this was one of the quotes out of it. I thought these pictures fit perfectly.

The calendar pointed out Grafton, Vermont. Here is a picture of that.

Be happy!

Dad

I am truly blessed to have a great dad who has loved and cared for me ever since I can remember. I love him so much and feel so lucky to have the relationship with him that I have. I have the most supportive, loving parents that anyone could ask for. Here is a picture of my mom and dad :)

I thought that since it was Father's Day I would share a few of my favorite "dad" stories. I remember when my dad would tuck us into bed and pray with us and sing us a song before we would go to sleep. I remember when my dad coached me in softball (that's when I loved it). I remember when my dad would tell me how beautiful he thought I was (and that I shouldn't marry a guy who doesn't tell me that). I remember my dad being my #1 fan in the stands no matter if I were playing volleyball or cheering. I remember my dad sharing my heartaches (probably more than I know) no matter what or who caused it. I still call my dad if I have a problem with my car or house, no matter how far away I am from home. I remember my dad checking my fluids in my car before I would go back to school, and then stand in the driveway after saying goodbye until I was out of site. I remember how proud he was of me for all my accomplishments, and the fact that he doesn't hesitate to tell me. I will always know that my dad would do anything in the world for me, and for that, he is irreplaceable. I love my dad, and I hope that everyone who reads this has some awesome stories about their dads.


This is for my dad!

While I am at it, I want to take a moment to remember those in my family who were also great dads. Mark was a loving father who was taken from us too soon. To this day, I do not now why but I do know this: He loved his family with all his heart and worked hard every day to provide for them and show the loving support that they needed. I also want to mention my papaw Earl. Although he has been gone for awhile, I still have so many precious memories of him. He truly loved his kids and grand kids. I wish he were around to see us all today, because he would be so proud. Last but not least, I would like to mention my papaw John. I know he was so proud of all of us grand kids and loved us. Also, my dad has many fond memories with him, as he was also a great dad to him. I have been fortunate in my lifetime to have many positive "dad" role models in my life.  
I love you dad!

Thanksgiving Break

The big question is what do teachers do in the summer? I would love to say travel and see the world. I always have an itch to travel. :) However, traveling takes money so I have to be smarter and save so that some day I can travel tons! Jonathan also just got a job and doesn't get vacation until he has been at the company for a year. That kinda put a halt to our plans to go on vacation this summer. However, he gets two days off at Thanksgiving and I get three. We are thinking about going then for a mini getaway.

Our choices are:
1. Miami, FL (South Beach)
2. Vegas
3. San Fran
4. 3 day cruise to the Bahamas

The down side to all of this is that we have to pick the most EXPENSIVE days to fly and because of work, we cannot be flexible. For example, flight prices drop by about $200 on that Monday after Thanksgiving weekend. So who knows! We will have to see what our budget allows. Until then, keep planning!

Dreaming of the beach :)

Summer Time

Some of my favorite parts of summer are those days where you can just lay out, in the sun, by the pool, with nowhere to be. This is just what Jonathan and I do on weekends especially.

My summer also consists of workouts (trying to lose 5 pounds), open gym, summer league, practice, and Gap. Also, J works so he doesn't get as much pool time. We try to get out on weekends during the day. I love our time together! :)

Wear your sunscreen!

Wedding

Nice thought! No I am not getting married, yet! I was on my way home from Gap the other day and heard this song on the radio and decided that I loved this song and wanted it to be a part of my wedding. You know how every girl is...they dream of their wedding days and I have been dreaming of mine! The song is called Marry Me by Train. This was the first time that I had heard this song and I turned it up and found myself singing by the end. Here is the video if you want to watch it.

If you wanted to know I am thinking a deep violet for my bridesmaids and gray for the groomsmen. I want a very BRIGHT set of flowers for our bouquets. Ok, I will stop before I FREAK Jonathan out! :)

I AM AWFUL

Ok not really....but it has been so long since I have updated my blog and I can't believe I have let it go so long. A couple of things I want to update you on.

1. Jonathan got his job! The best part about this is that it is in Wooster and he has a 10 minute drive to work. We were convinced that he would have to commute to Cleveland or Akron. The bad part about it (if you want to call it bad) is that he doesn't have much of a summer. Jonathan and I thought that maybe we would take a quick vacation before he started just to get away. When he accepted the job, they started him on Monday (like this past Monday). We are not complaining AT ALL though and feel sooo blessed to have this opportunity, in Wooster! It is so meant to be. Jonathan has worked super hard and in the mean time comes home exhausted. I remember how it felt too. A full time job is really exhausting when you are not used to it. He has to get used to not having a summer or Christmas break anymore. Welcome to the real world I guess. :) I am so proud of him for hanging in there even after so many rejections. I now know why he was rejected...because the good Lord had a wonderful plan for us and for now it is in Wooster, OH!

2. I got my summer job at Gap. I felt truly blessed that they picked me. I do not work many hours...right now about 12/week. It is ok with me. I enjoy it, it is mindless, it is extra money, and it is a great discount!

3. I recently was offered the JV coaching position at the high school. It is a much bigger time commitment than 8th grade at the middle school, but I really enjoy it and my ultimate goal is to take over a program some day. I think that Jennifer is a great coach and I have a lot to learn from her. I am excited for this opportunity! The summer is full of stuff for volleyball, Monday-Friday, starting with workouts every morning from 8-9. The positive is seeing the girls work hard and I get in shape as well. I look forward to contributing in a different way to Wooster volleyball this fall!

4.  Garrett, Elyse, and Jonathan all graduated. CONGRATULATIONS! It is such an exciting time in life. Garrett is headed to Miami University to march in the band and I believe major in music education. Elyse is continuing the job search...it is exhausting. Someone will get really lucky really soon when they offer her a position! In the meantime she is modeling and making some money for now. 

5. I have been to the dentist since my last post and got two more fillings. DON'T JUDGE, I swear I brush my teeth....and I even floss now. I am thinking about, correction, I AM getting a Sonicare toothbrush. I have heard great things about them and since my teeth apparently aren't sweet right now, it couldn't hurt. I still hate it just as bad. :)

6. I am starting my own classroom blog this year and am super excited. I am going to work this summer to put it together and work to inform my students about it. I am nervous but I think that this year will be a learning year, and the most important part is the students will benefit. I will share on here how it is going. 

That is all for now. I promise I will not keep you waiting this long for my next post.