Wednesday, October 26, 2016

What's Up Wednesday: October 2016 Edition

What we're eating this week:
Since my dad sent us home with some fresh okra and tomatoes from his garden, we've been incorporating those into our meals. We are eating sausage with a vegetable mixture of okra, red potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. For breakfast, I've been eating homemade sausage biscuits so I can enjoy my mom's homemade jelly! Lunch is still the same: uncrustable sandwiches, funyuns, fruit snacks, and a pudding cup. Let's not forget my seltzer water that keeps my lunch "adult". (maybe a Capri Sun would taste better....)

What I'm reminiscing about: 
Last weekend I got to spend time with my Chunky Dunky....I always love when I get cuddle time with this sweet boy!
Relaxing with my baby...love me some Mickey Mouse Club


What I'm loving:
I'm loving the cooler weather. I mean, it is still in the 80s in the afternoon. At least I'm not sweating bullets at recess time. I'm ready for the permanent temperature drop.

What we've been up to:
Last weekend, we went to Lubbock to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. I also took Mr. B to his first Tech game at the stadium. It was my first time back in the stadium since graduating. It was a disappointing game, and not near as fun as I'd hoped it would be. Still, it was nice to be back in the atmosphere of Red Raider football. It was fun being in my hometown on game day. I loved seeing the whole town dressed in red and black. Later that night, we had a backyard bonfire and got to roast these huge marshmallows.
Getting ready for the game

Me and my girls in front of our university seal

Our bonfire

The birthday boy

The parents!

The nice picture of me and dad

And of course...the silly picture

John, dad, and Mr. B....all cute and matchy in their plaid



What I'm dreading:
As much as I hate to admit it, I'm dreading a very important appointment I have this Friday. I'm hoping for a favorable outcome, but I can't stop thinking that bad news is coming. I really hate that about myself. Most would call it pessimism....and they're right. I just like to think of it as realistic because it makes me feel better. But I know I constantly think of the worst. Truth be told, it doesn't make the bad news any easier to deal with either.

What I'm working on:
I'm working on continuing to get caught up and stay caught up at work. Things are going much better. I don't feel near as stressed as I did a few weeks ago. I'm so thankful for that. I do have my big formal observation coming up next week, so I'm working on making sure my lesson for that is on point and that I'm ready for the big day. I usually don't get to stressed about observations, but I still want to make sure that I'm growing and that my kids are learning.

What I'm excited about:
The possibility of good news on Friday. I'd like to say that it'll help me relax, but it probably won't. I always get excited for the weekend. It's my time to be lazy and enjoy football. I'm excited about the Dallas Cowboys. I haven't been able to say that in so long. Last season I wouldn't even watch them play because they were so disappointing. This year, I love to watch to see what they can do. I especially loved it last week when they beat the Green Bay Packers. That's Mr. B's team. Every year they play, I always have to listen to him gloat. Not this year. I get a whole year of bragging rights.

What I'm watching/reading:
My reading life is non-existent. Well, unless you count the teacher's choice books I'm supposed to be reading and reviewing. I'm just not in a reading mood right now. Maybe around the holidays it'll pick back up. My new favorite show is "This is Us." If you're not watching, you should be.

What I'm listening to:
Nothing new and noteworthy. I'm enjoying my "Marriage is Funny" podcast and "The Popcast".

What I'm wearing:
Still wearing whatever is comfortable right now. If it has an elastic band, it's for me. I'm anxiously awaiting the cooler temps so I can switch to leggings and dresses with my boots and scarves.

What I'm doing this weekend:
I'm taking Mr. B on his birthday dinner (a week late) since we just weren't up to it this last weekend on his actual birthday. He wants Hibachi. Other than that, I'll be taking it easy on my couch watching movies and football.

What I'm looking forward to next month:
Thanksgiving break of course! My family is coming down for the holiday. It'll be a short trip, but we will make it fun. I just hope they bring my Chunky Dunky with them. I guess I better dust off my cooking utensils and my apron. It's been a while since I've spent some quality time in the kitchen.

What else is new:
Mr. B turned 31 this last Friday. His mom always cooks for him on his birthday. His choice: spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad. I baked him a chocolate cake that tasted good, but looked ugly since it didn't want to come out of the pan properly. The best surprise, his Aunt Kathy getting to come and enjoy cake with us. We always try to have her celebrate with us! Next up, my 31st birthday in two months. Oh boy! Another year has come and gone.......
The birthday boy!

I love this wonderful man. So happy I get to do life with him every day. Thankful for another year to celebrate his birth! How handsome is he:)


Saturday, October 1, 2016

What's Up Wednesday....September 2016 Editiion

I can't believe I skipped the August edition, but I've been so busy at work. The new school year has me on my toes. I don't think I've ever worked so hard in my life. And now I'm late on the September edition. I was about to schedule this post and think I was ahead of the game when I realized it's already October. I'm late again. #storyofmylifelately
 I made it a point to turn off the Hallmark Channel this weekend so I could actually sit down and write. So here goes....

What we're eating this week: So I've been in a place lately where I'm no longer able to plan out my meals for the week because I just don't know what I'm going to be in the mood for or if I'll even be home in time to cook (OK, so I don't cook. Mr. B does), but even his schedule has been changed. Here are some possibilities: beef tacos, lasagna, pork chops with rice a roni, pizza. I'm not proud of what I've been putting in my basket lately.

What I'm reminiscing about: Summer break. While I'm glad the weather is finally starting to cool off a bit, I miss my days off when I had no worries and no stress. Those days are long gone. I'm in full on school mode now, and I am busy!

What I'm loving: Don't laugh....uncrustable sandwiches. Not the peanut butter and jelly kind, but the chocolate hazelnut spread kind. That's right people, they make uncrustables with a Nutella-like filling. Oh my, life changed.

What we've been up to: Work. Work. Work. Mr. B has had new responsibilities at work and a schedule change, and I've been going non-stop since school started. We are very busy bees right now.

What I'm dreading: I have an appointment coming up that is making me a bit nervous, but I'm trying desperately to hold onto my faith in God that all with be fine. Past circumstances have me a bit on edge about everything, but I'm praying for a favorable outcome.

What I'm working on: Surviving my first year in this new school district. Listen, I feel like a first year teacher all over again. I've been teaching for 8 years, and I feel like I'm just starting out. Every time I feel I've cleared my plate, someone comes and gives me a heaping dose of seconds. People, I'm trying to lose the weight and eat less. LOL
But I couldn't ask for a better place to be. I'm loving my new school, the kids, and the staff. If I'm going to feel all kinds of crazy, this is where I want to do it at and who I want to do it with!

What I'm excited about: In a couple of weeks we are going to Lubbock with our friends to watch the Tech homecoming game. This will be the first game I've attended at Tech since I graduated almost 9 years ago. Yikes! Did I just say 9 years ago? Wow! I'm looking forward to reliving some of those college years with friends just tailgating and watching football on a Saturday. I'm also excited to bring Mr. B to his first game at The Jones!

What I'm watching/reading: My reading has suffered since school has started back, and now Fall TV is gearing up. Sadly, I have nothing new to report on the book front. As for TV, I'm watching my usual shows. I'm watching one of the new shows that started this season called "This is Us." I'm 2 episodes in and loving it. I feel there's going to be a surprise ending each week. Love it.

What I'm listening to: I refuse to listen to current radio. I have Pandora and Spotify. My Pandora station of choice is either Classic Country or 50's Doo-wop music. #dontjudge
If I feel like singing, I put on my country sing along Spotify playlist.

What I'm wearing: Palazzo pants with T-shirts, maxi skirts, school spirit shirts. However, this past Monday I got to wear my boots and a scarf for the first time. Looking forward to more of that.

What I'm doing this weekend: I'll be enjoying a 3-Day weekend. Thank you Columbus! It's also second Sunday, which means I'm lunching with my BFFs! I can't wait!

What I'm looking forward to next month: Our trip to Lubbock, seeing my dad and celebrating his 60th birthday, and celebrating Mr. B's 31st birthday.

What else is new: Mr. B graduated from  his management training program at work. So now he can officially be an assistant manager. I'm so proud and excited for him! I love his ambition and his drive to propel himself forward in his career. I couldn't ask for a better husband than that man. Oh, how I love him. We also are working on something else that's new......we're pretty excited about it. More to come later:)