It worked!

Guess who got somewhat motivated and out of the house yesterday? ME!! YIPEE! Sure, it took some effort, but I did it. I even got some housework done too. I just need to change my focus a bit. In stead of being sad and upset that things aren't going my way, I should take advantage of having so much time on my hands. Pretty soon, I won't have any free time (hopefully).

Today I got out of the house and walked my son to school. It felt so good. It was only a 7 minute walk and it made me wonder, "Why don't we do this every day?" I think I'm going to change that. We both need more exercise in our lives.

Fortunately, I get to get out of the house today too!!! One of my best friends and I are meeting for lunch. I'm super excited and looking forward to getting out and doing something other than stalking the employment website. It's the small things that make me happy.

I hope we're all experiencing the best Friday possible!

Under the weather?

How is it possible that I am sick in 110 degree weather? Sickness gathers in cold temperatures, right? Well, I guess this bug decided to get me in the heat of summer. Yep. I'm at home (not that I have a job to keep me busy anyway) and I think I have the flu. ICK! It's not fun, but I'm learning to deal with it (I'm on day two and I'm not good at feeling ill - can you tell?).

So, feeling crappy (as I am) has sparked my thought process. Do you think it's possible that I was attacked by this illness because I am not myself? I am not the active, positive, upbeat, passionate person that I normally am. I need a drive. I need to have something to feel good about and be proud of. Unfortunately, I'm discouraged and that makes it very difficult to get myself motivated and out doing what I should be doing. This is not healthy. Could this be what lead to my being overcome with illness? Well this is certainly not good.

What will it take for me to focus my energy on cleaning, exercising, eating well, or even being out and about? I need to find it. I MUST find the trick. My sanity depends on it!

I think this slight depression/illness/lack of drive has contributed to my "slacker" attitude when it comes to blogging. I'm not afraid of being judged, I'm afraid of sounding like I've given up or I don't care. Maybe I'm afraid of it because there is a part of me that has given up. Well, that's not good enough for me. I need to focus. I need to get myself together. I need to feel better. I need to figure out how to do this.

For today, it is my duty to pull myself together. I need to just take some Tylenol - feel slightly better- and get something accomplished today. NO more wallowing in my self-pity/illness. I will focus on feeling better and getting something accomplished today. YES! That's the goal!

I look forward to posting good results tomorrow!

Happy Thursday!

Happy to report . . .

Success! Yes, the root canal was a grueling experience for a 7 year old who has never had a cavity. But, success none the less! One the "freak out" subsided, he did great! I can remember the screams and cries of the little one, "I wish this never happened", but he came out even braver than he was before! That's gotta say something.

Unfortunately, he'll still have to start school with 1 1/2 less teeth than he left with in June, but he'll get those fixed on August 31. I keep telling him that this way he GETS to tell his story and his friends HAVE to believe it because he has proof. After August 31, we're hoping you won't even be able to tell!

I, on the other hand, can dish out the positive thoughts and encouragement but I can't really get myself to be positive about the job situation. It's tough. I am now one of 4 people that have not yet found a job from my entire program. I'm trying to keep my chin up, but with the last school district starting on Monday, I'm feeling a bit discouraged. Sure, I keep hearing that once school starts they will realize that they need more teachers, but it's tough to start late. Of course, I'll take what I can get, but I want things to happen the way I want them to happen. Unfortunately, I don't get to control things and I get to deal with what happens. So, now, I learn a lesson in patience, faith, and trust! So, here goes! Let's hope I get an "A". :-)

I have a few other things I would like to vent or ramble about, I'm just not so sure I'm ready. After a trip to the library with the little one I may be able to sort out my thoughts! I hope we're all in for a fantabulous day and I look forward to posting good thoughts and words of encouragement that even I will be able to accept!

Happy Wednesday!

It's going to be a MONDAY!

I am not exactly looking forward to today. The fact that today is Monday just tops it off. Today, I get to take my 7 year old for a root canal. Yep! About a month ago we went to a water park and my son fell and cracked/broke his two front (permanent) teeth. Well, the injury killed the nerve in the tooth that had the least physical damage. So, now he gets to have a root canal. Here's why it's so scary. I've never even had a root canal. I don't know what to expect. I KNOW that he doesn't do well with needles and I don't do well with him being in pain. So, what's a parent supposed to do? I don't know, so I just freak out a little bit and let him know that I love him dearly! :-)

The doctor that is performing the procedure has already said that the kids typically do better when the parents are not in the room. He said that I'm welcome to stay, but I may not want to - for the good of my little one. I'll, of course, leave it up to him. I think the doctor is right, but I think I'll freak out more than the little one will. EEEKKK.

So, I'm praying for my nerves today. I want to be calm, cool, and collected. Unfortunately, it's easier said than done. So, thought a little vent session this morning would help! Let's hope it does!

I hope blogland is having a fantastic day!!

Do the days seem to run together for anyone else, or is it just me?

Howdy, howdy!

First, I have to mention that one of my most favorite bloggers ever is having/hosting a give away! You should go and check out Laurie's blog! She's quite amazing.

Now, for the update on my world! I met with a friend/former roommate of mine last week. This was a great time for us too really catch up, especially since she recently went through the Lap-Band procedure. This was also a great opportunity for me to listen to some of the things she's been doing and it has sparked my interest as well. I find it fascinating that there are thousands of WLS surgeons out there and I think EVERY one of them gives you different advice. Her surgeon had suggested that she wait an entire hour after eating before drinking any liquids. My surgeon had suggested 30 minutes before & 30 minutes after. So, I thought to myself, "It can't hurt to try, right?" So I did! All weekend long I was really conscious of my liquid intake and I really do think it made a difference. I've been snacking less and forcing myself to drink a lot more water! So, I'm going to keep it up.

I haven't been consistent with my exercise, but I have been moving a lot more. I keep saying I will - and I will! I just need to get my butt moving so I can lose it (or at least 10 - 15 lbs of it). So, I'm not going to beat myself up, I'm just going to be encouraged and know that it will happen and I will love it!

I am sad to report that there is nothing new on the job front. I'm trying not to be discouraged, but it's tough. I need to be positive that things will work out. I'm saying my prayers and trusting that "THE" job will appear very soon!

So, here's to keeping ourselves motivated and encouraged! Happy Tuesday!!!

Peek-a-boo

Oh look! I'm finally checking in!

I wish I could tell you that there are some amazing (and good) reasons that I have not been present in "blog land", but I'd be lying! Sure, I've had some activities and impromptu trips, but there really is no excuse for not keeping myself accountable. And I think that's exactly it! I believe I am going through a bit of a "slump" or a period of time when I just don't know what's going on. I want to be motivated to exercise, but I'm not. I want to eat better, but I continue to make poor choices. I want to have a job, but things are just not going that way right now. What is frustrating to me is that there is NO reason to be in a slump! But I am. And it's icky!

I have actually not been feeling well. I fear that there is something wrong with my digestive system and that takes it's toll on me. Food isn't sitting well. Coffee isn't sitting well. Starving isn't fun. So, I have to figure out what it is. Instead of sit here and feel sorry for myself and continually making myself feel worse by trying to use food as a "cure", I am going back to the basics to see if that helps. Yesterday I was telling myself that I would only consume liquids today. That seemed like a good thing to do to get back to feeling better and then introducing things slowly to find the problem. Yep, great idea. Until this morning! So, I have decided to no go that far back to the basics. I am going to be eating small portions (like I should be anyway), and mild or bland foods. So far, so good. I'm also NOT going to eat because I'm bored or frustrated or sick. I will only eat (a small portion) when I am feeling ACTUAL hunger. This should help with the feeling of illness AND the weight I've gained!

Yep, I said it. I've gained weight. I'm at a scary point and I don't like it. I thought I would never let myself get over the 170 mark. Then when I hovered at 175 I was thinking, "Maybe this is where my body is comfortable?" Then I got to the 180's and I said (to myself, of course), "THIS IS ENOUGH!" Time to get control of my life, my eating, and my exercise. This is what I shall do! Sometimes it takes us admitting to ourselves that there is a problem. This is what I am doing! So, now that it's out there - it needs to be fixed!

So, today is the day! It's HUMP DAY! It's also time to take my life back day - and feel good about it! It's serious now!!! Thanks for letting me fess up. I hope you're all off to a great day!

Thursday 13 - Kids say the darndest things edition

Yet again, I have fallen into the procrastination trap! I know it’s Friday (and I’m behind), but it’s better late than never, right?? Because my little one cracks me up so much, I thought I’d share a few things that he’s said lately that make me laugh. I need to start writing these things down so I can relive the experiences for years to come!

1. I was looking through pictures one day to find some “before” photos for a project I was working on. My son peers over my shoulder and says, “Mom, you look fat there and are wearing way too much lipstick.” Boy, kids are so honest!

2. My son came home from his first day of summer “campus club” and let me know he met a girl. He was so excited because she let him hold her hand. Then I asked, “What is her name?” He replied, “Mom, we didn’t get that far.”

3. While we were sitting down finishing our dinner I had asked him to taste something that I had a feeling he wouldn’t like. He replied with, “I would love to Mom, but I’m cutting back. I need to lose some weight.” I guess that’s a constant that he hears in my house.

4. On Mother’s Day we were talking about gifts. I said, “A good gift for a Mom to receive would be a child who listens, minds, and does what they are supposed to.” My son replied with, “Whew, it’s a good thing I already got you a gift.”

5. My son makes a funny sound when he drinks. I was irritated with this one day and I decided to say something to him. He kept making the noise. I couldn’t figure out if he was trying to drink without the noise or if he just liked to hear it. He then calmly turned to me and said, “Mom, it’s natural. You’re going to have to get used to it.”

6. I still like to call the little one “baby”. Apparently, he doesn’t like that. Who knew? So, one day, when we were in the car he said, “I know it will be hard but can you not call me baby anymore? It’s ok if we are at home, but not out – ok?” Who knew a seven year old could be so concerned, and recognize how difficult it will be for me. Sweetheart!

7. “Mom, she likes me because I’ve got crazy dance moves.”

8. “Oh, my beautiful teeth!” – said right after he fell on a water slide and knocked out his two, front, permanent teeth (this just happened about 3 weeks ago). Can we say vain?

9. “I’m seven, but I look like an 8 or 9 year old, huh?” I guess I have talked about how big my kid is a little too much?

10. “Free food is so much better than pay for food, right?” – can you tell that my son doesn’t like to eat out. He’s a strange one.

11. When trying to get out of sleeping in his own bed, he came to me and said, “Mom, I think I should sleep with you because I don’t want you to be scared and have bad dreams. If I sleep with you, I can be right here to protect you.”

12. “We’ve got lots of things we could eat – at home.” Yet another tactic to not have to go out to eat.

13. I went through a phase where I was going on dates. I think Jacob was a little jealous and he said that he wanted to take me on a date. So, I agreed (because it was sweet as can be). We were talking about how he was going to take me to my favorite place, open the doors, order for me, and things he had seen on TV or something. I then said, “Are you going to pay for it too.” He said, “yes.” Then I asked, “Where are you going to get the money?” He quickly replied with, “I guess I’m going to have to borrow some money.”

Just rethinking these moments has put a very big smile on my face today. I don’t know where he comes up with this stuff, but I sure do get a kick out of it. I could write a book!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

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Another one bites the dust . . .

Happy Tuesday!

I'm back from the Family Reunion Adventure. We had so many catastrophes (most of them minor, thankfully) that I couldn't wait to get home, just to make sure I was safe. There were 45-50 of our crazy family members together and in 3 days we had 8 accidents/injuries/etc. NO JOKE! Maybe the whole reunion thing wasn't a good thing? Fortunately, all survived and all are improving (if they hadn't improved over the weekend). I can say, we had a blast, but we also had moments that we could've (and should've) lived without. From the forehead gash/infection, to the heat exhaustion, to the collision of boats, to the choking, to the tripping, to the falling onto the boat dock and the heart attack scare, we have created some serious stories - I bet there are more, I just don't care to remember them all. This was a weekend that showed us how much we love and appreciate our family. Believe it or not, we can't wait to be together again. Of course this will have to wait until everyone heals! I LOVE my family!!

In other news . . . I received a call yesterday stating that I was not selected for the job - again. This one didn't surprise me, based on the experience I had at the interview. I was told that the person that was selected had a lot of experience with this grade level. Again, back to the drawing board! Sure, I'm still trying to remain positive. Unfortunately, it's difficult. But, this too shall pass! I know that greatness is out there and that is what I will wait for. It will be worth it!

I've also decided that I need to get my rear in gear! I'm going to get back to my exercise & healthy eating. I figure that if I'm feeling great about myself, then good things can happen. When I'm feeling bloated, lethargic, and not-so great, people can see that. I want to be the best I can be because I want to get the best possible for me!! So, I'm making changes! I need more water, more exercise/movement, and less food. Can't be that difficult, right? Once I have a full plan, I'm sure I'll be sharing it!

I hope all are well and having a fantastic week! I look forward to hearing/reading what happened in your lives this past weekend! :-)

Procrastinate much?

Well, as a matter of fact I do! Thank you for asking!

I've procrastinated so much this week that I even thought I could do my Thursday - 13 on Friday morning. Then, I realized that wasn't right so I didn't post one at all. How's that for procrastination? Wait, wouldn't that just be failure to follow through? Hmmm, we'll have to think about that!

I'm heading out to a family reunion today. I'm super excited about the get-away. The whole family (probably about 50 - 60 of us) are meeting at a lake resort to ski, play in the water, boat, act like crazy people (which we are) & just be together. I can't wait to be there. I take that back. If I couldn't wait to be there - I would have been packed by now. Right? Thanks to procrastination, I'm JUST NOW starting laundry I need to take. Boy! Anyone out there have a cure for this procrastination thing?? Does that come in a pill form?

Fortunately, I only mildly procrastinated yesterday. I had an interview. The interview was at 1:30pm and I was up early to prepare. I had put together packets of my resume, letters of recommendation, and all the other things that make me look great (on paper). I washed my car, gathered my portfolio, and was ready to take on the day. I got to the interview and it was the strangest experience yet. I was in a room with 4 strange people that I did/do not know and they each asked me four questions. The questions were read, I answered, they moved on to the next. I was trying to be energetic and bubbly (like I typically am) but it didn't change the mood in the room one bit. I didn't get smiles, affirmations, nods or anything! Can we say "awkward"? I can, and I did! I have to say, I did the best I could and if being "me" doesn't get the job, then I don't want it. I should hear more by Saturday.

I hope you're all in for a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend. I hope to have a wonderful weekend and have some amazing stories to share from the family get-a-way. I look forward to reading your fun stories too!!!

Happy Friday!

Anyone else just trying to catch up?

Wow! When did Wednesday get here? I've been in a bit of a tunnel since last week. Boy, have I had some adventures!

It's funny how dependent we become on little things like "technology". I was trying to be proactive and get some things (like my iPhone) updated. I felt good about it until I "fried" my phone! I lost everything! The phone wouldn't even turn on/off. I had a blank screen and no where to go. I was without a phone for over 24 hours this weekend (through Monday). I constantly claim that I do not get calls or say that I don't "need" to be contacted or have contact with others so much. I was so wrong! I was nearly lost without that thing! Not to mention that I have applications and resumes out and can't very well receive the call to be interviewed without my phone! Fortunately, I was able to march into the Apple store (had to make an appointment) and get it all fixed. I lost a bunch of my contacts and things, but I was able to get the phone restored and even got a call for an interview!!! YIPEE!

This week started rough, but it is turning out to be good. I received OFFICIAL notification this morning that I am now a CALIFORNIA CREDENTIALED TEACHER! Celebration is in order. On second thought, I will wait to celebrate until AFTER tomorrow's interview! Yep! I have an interview tomorrow for a 5th grade position (fingers crossed & prayers are flying). I'm trying to hold back with telling people and getting my hopes up, but I can't help but be grateful for the opportunity. One of them has to work out, right??

So, in a nut shell, I've had/seen the good, the bad, and the ugly this week. But I've got some great things to look forward to and I choose to be excited about those good things!

Happy Wednesday!

Thursday - 13 - "To do list" edition

It's Thursday!

We've made it and I'm excited about my 2nd week with the Thursday 13 crew! I was thinking about what to list today and I was reminded of a list I used to keep when I was about 20. I had created a list of 20 things I wanted to do in my lifetime. The cool think was that when I did something from the list, I'd create a new "thing" to add to my list. So, today I am going to list 13 of the things I still want to do! Here goes . . .

1. Travel/visit all 50 states. So far, I have 18 states under my belt and I have a few more to go! This one may take a long time, but with my list of festivals, I'm sure I'll get there soon! So, Laurie & Jil, watch out! I'll be in Texas at some point!! :-)

2. Be a teacher, if only for a year. This was on my very first list. The good news is that I've put in a lot of hard work to reach this goal and I'm so close (I have now officially been recommended to receive a California State Teaching Credential)- just a classroom/job away. But I wanted to include this because I still haven't accomplished it - but I WILL!

3. Drink a Guinness in a pub in Ireland. When I was younger my aunt had visited Ireland. I was so taken by the photos that she brought back that I have been fascinated with Ireland ever since. I will get there and I can't wait!

4. Ride in a hot air balloon. Have you ever just wondered what it would be like to leisurely coast over beautiful land? I have and I want to experience it for myself! Every year, in my town, we have hot air balloons gather and ride right over our house. One of these days I'll be in one!

5. Experience a gondola ride in Venice. I have an adventurous nature about me, but most of it is just in traveling and experiencing new things (not like eating bugs and such). I see and hear about people going on these breath taking adventures and I want to get in on that too!

6. See the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I can look at pictures of this tower all day long. I want to be there! I want to see it! I want a picture of the tower with ME in it! That's one picture I'd be happy to have!

7. Join a bowling league. I'm not the best bowler. In fact, I'm not even really good at it. But I enjoy the social aspects of bowling and I would love to be part of a team. This would probably help me to be a better bowler. If not, it may bring me new friends.

8. Watch roller derby live! I didn't realize I wanted to participate in something like this until I saw the movie "Whip It". I had so much fun watching the sport in the movie that I would love to see this live! I'm not sure I could ever participate in a league (I break too easily) but I sure would like to be a part of the crowd. I'm not even sure if they have roller derby in my town. This one may force me to travel. :-)

9. Be able to run/jog for at least 1 mile without stopping. This is something that seems to silly to some (those that run on a regular basis), but I've never been able to do this. I have just recently met people and read blogs about people that are runners or have become runners and I am inspired. This is something that doesn't cost money but could provide great benefits (health, exercise, adventure, stress relief).

10. Learn how to successfully make home-made tortillas. Again, this may seem minor or silly. I love my aunt's homemade tortillas. I have been wanting to do this for a long time (not that I need to eat them). I have attempted to make tortillas myself but I either don't have the right recipe or I'm just horrible at making them. So, I will be (hopefully) taking some lessons and be able to make home made tortillas whenever I want! :-)

11. Create a video and post it on You Tube. I'm not quite sure what I would create, but I think it would be fun to be able to say that I created a movie/video and others (from around the world) could watch it. How cool would that be? I'm open for suggestions.

12. Purchase a Tiffany & Co jewelry set (ring, earrings, necklace). I love the Tiffany & Co. silver jewelry sets because they can be simple yet elegant. This may take some serious money saving, but I think it would be worth it.

13. Have a full day "make-over" (including wardrobe) followed by a nice evening of dinner and dancing with people I love! We never seem to take enough time to allow ourselves to feel like a million bucks. We deserve to show off who we are and we should make a point to take care of that.

What a list! I had best get started. I'm curious to know if anyone has already taken care of one of these. If you have, how was it??

Happy Thursday everyone!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

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It's on my to do list . . .

As I sit here playing on the computer I have the TV on in the background. A commercial comes on that speaks to my day. The voice says, "It's on my to do list" and he starts listing all sorts of things with a tone that says, "there will never be enough time to get to them all". Well, that's exactly how I feel. I keep saying, "That's what I'm going to take care of this summer." Yet, some how, these things are slipping through my grasp just as quickly as time is flying by. Who knew that July would get here so quickly? It's funny how a commercial can speak to you (me) and remind us that there will always be things to do and time will get the best of us if we don't watch out. We just have to set priorities, right?

Today is the first day that I've taken my son to an "all day" summer vacation spot. I had decided that he'd benefit from having a social outlet this summer so he doesn't get bored with me (which he does). It also helps me to get stuff done and not get stressed out by a bored/under occupied little one. So, I've got the WHOLE day to take care of my list!!!

For me, I get to look forward to a day of accomplishments. Sure, some of these may be mini-accomplishments but I'll take what I can get.

Wishing everyone a happy day full of accomplishments!

How can I make a difference today?

I'm sitting here "playing" on my computer while my son is sitting (just a few feet away from me) playing a video game. I started thinking, "hey, this is what we did yesterday." I'm nearly ashamed to admit it, but it was a sad day. I was obsessively searching for jobs, submitting applications, and checking to see if anyone had read or responded to those. Sure, we got up and away from our technology for an hour to clean. But honestly, one hour to be up and at 'em in an 8 hour time frame? This is not acceptable! Yes, I did get up, shower, and take the little giant to karate, but really? Do you know what we could've done with those 8 hours? A LOT!

So, today, this will change. We will make a difference and a change in our lives today. I haven't yet decided what we will do, but it's going to be something and it's going to be active! I'm thinking about hitting the roller rink, the library, or the craft store (by the way, I'm always up for suggestions). Something so that the little one doesn't have to say, "I just played video games all day long." What kind of a summer would that be??

Here's to creating a very fun, eventful, and happy Friday! I hope you are all able to make a difference in today too!!!

Happy Friday!

Thursday Thirteen!

I decided to get off my "sour apple" sort of a day and jump on the band wagon with Laurie and Kim. So, I am attempting to join the Thursday Thirteen bunch! Yahoo. Here is my first T-13 post and I'm going to write about the festivals that take place in the United States that I would like to attend. This all started from a simple show on the Food Network and these festivals are tugging at my "heart strings". I plan to hit these over the next few summers/years to come!

Festivals to attend (in no particular order). . .

1. The Garlic Festival (Gilroy, CA) - Gilroy is actually pretty close to where I live, yet I've never made it. This needs to change next year!
2. The Banana Split Festival (Willmington, Ohio) - Who wouldn't want to go to a banana split festival? Doesn't this just sound divine? And I've never been to Ohio. What would be a better excuse than a festival to go to?
3. Pig on the Pond (Clermont, FL) - I'm not quite sure what this adventure would hold, but I'm guessing it has to do with the many ways to prepare a pig. If nothing else, it sounds like an adventure and it would get me to Florida.
4. National Buffalo Wing Festival (Buffalo, NY) - I have been to New York, but never been to Buffalo. Since I love a good buffalo chicken wing, I would imagine this would be a great place to get some good ones!
5. Valparaiso Popcorn Festival (Valparaiso, Indiana) - I LOVE popcorn. I would love to go to a festival that's featured guest is popcorn. At this festival they have recipes that are not usual that have to feature popcorn. Food Network did a special on this and it looks like it would be a blast! I can't wait!
6. Georgia Peach Festival (FortValley & Byron, GA) - I love peaches! Though I can't really eat many peaches anymore, I still love them and would love to experience all of the things you can do with peaches. Bring it on!
7. National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, DC) - I have heard some incredible things about the Cherry Blossom Festival and I would love to be there to experience them for myself. Plus, this takes place at our nation's capital. I'd get to sight see and take in the festivities. Can't wait to pack my bags for this one!
8. California Avocado Festival (Carpinteria, CA) - Now, this one I could hit this year! I love avocados and could make a mean guacamole. I would love to see what other things could come out of avocados!
9. The Zellwood Corn Festival (Zellwood, FL) - A friend of mine had told me about this festival. What a great vegetable to focus on - corn! Corn is in everything these days. I want to see if they create dresses and art out of it too!
10. California Strawberry Festival (Oxnard, CA) - Now doesn't this just sound delicious? I love strawberries! I may not be able to do them all day long, but at least I could say I tried, right?
11. Boston Blues Festival (Boston, MA) - who wouldn't love to go to Boston and experience a blues festival? Ok, Ok, I don't typically think of blues & Boston going together, but I like the blues and I am itching to experience Boston - so, now I have an excuse. :-)
12. Beale Street Music Festival (Memphis, TN) - My family (grandparents) were from Memphis and it's a place I would love to see. I've heard about this festival from many people and would love to experience it for myself.
13. Mardi Gras (New Orleans, LA) - I may not be the "take off your top and flash everyone" type, but I'd still love to see (if only once) the madness and chaos associated with this extremely famous event. I can only imagine the craziness that happens during a time like this. Someday . . . I will experience it (modestly, of course).

I'm always up for good suggestions and adventures. Let me know if there's a festival in your area that would be worth a trip!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Hmmmm, could it be nerves?

As I sit here and wonder why I haven't posted anything in a few days, my mind hits a little glitch. Could it be nerves? What have a got to be nervous about? Let's see, life in general? Yep! It's true. Is it fair to call it nerves? Is it anxiety? Is it fear? Is it disappointment? Could it be failure? Sure, it could be any one of those things. I'm just going to call it nerves.

What's making me so nervous? Here we go . . .

• I'm nervous that I'm not going to find a job before school starts. There are so few jobs and I've been on several interviews for jobs that I haven't been selected to receive. I am applying for everything I can, but I'm nervous about the procedure because there are so many looking for so few jobs. I want to have something to focus all of my attention on and put forth energy. Because without something to focus on, I tend to stay in my own little world/or circle and that just isn't what I want to do.
• I'm nervous that I am going to run out of money and not be able to support my child or myself without heavily depending on my family. It's sad that I can look on the "child support" website and see that the "biological" owes $30,000 that I will probably never see a penny of. I never have expected it. But boy, wouldn't that be nice to have?? I'm sad that I even think about it - but I do. I put receiving that money up there with winning the lottery. Sure, it could happen, but not likely.
• I'm nervous about losing my passion for things. I haven't been unemployed (until now) since I turned 16! That's a lot of years of work. I've always had something to work toward, focus on and be passionate about. Even while I was in school I had a huge drive and a huge passion for these students. I am nervous that the few disappointments will cause a set back. I don't want that!
• I'm nervous that my eating is out of control. I will have to get this under serious control or I will not have any clothes to wear when I DO get a job! (see that, still thinking positively - that's a good sign, right?)

So, now that I've come to terms with what makes me nervous - I MUST tackle them! If I can kick Monday's butt, why can't I kick these nerves? I CAN! And I will. I think I needed to list them so that I know what I have to tackle.

Here's to calming my nerves!!!

Back in the saddle again . . .

Oh yes! I'm back! And it's MONDAY!! Happy Monday to you!

So, what does Monday mean to me? THIS MONDAY (today) means it's time to get back to the important things in life. No more excuses about stress. No more excuses about not having time. I have all the time in world (right now) to get back on track. It's time for me to be closely watching what I shovel into my mouth. It's time for me to be aware of how much (or how little) my body is moving and make it happen! No more excuses! I can't say I'm too stressed out - I'm not working. I can't say I don't have time - I have all the time in the world right now. I can't say that I can't do it - I've got to try! The excuses are just that. An excuse to be lazy and to slip back into what I know (being overweight). I can't do that. It's just not an option. So, to everyone that is changing there focus today - I'm with you!!!

Not only is it Monday, it's going to be a scorcher today (supposed to get to 108 degrees today - ouch)! So, if I am to get back on to my "band wagon" I had better get it is started NOW! My son has already asked if we can go on a bike ride. It's 8am. What did I say? In a minute. Well, in a minute means it will then be too hot. So, hot or not - we will be going on a bike ride. I said we would and I'm sticking to my word! There's nothing like having a seven year old be your inspiration to keep moving. I think he's good for me! :-)

So, back to the last post, I did make it to Six Flags and I fit - with more than enough room. The only problem is that I didn't have the padding so the rides kind of hurt this time. I'll take the hurt and the less padding as a fair exchange! Had a blast, but didn't get any pictures. I'll have to take care of that soon! :-)

It's strange, now that I think of it. I still have the "I don't like pictures" mentality. This doesn't make much sense because when I see a recent picture I think "Wow, that's a pretty good photo". You would think I'd want to be in all of the pictures. I guess these things take time. I will focus on getting in more. I guess it goes to show that old habits die hard.

I'm inspired. I'm positive. Today is a new day, starting a new week. It's going to be a good one, because I am going to make it a good one! I hope we are all able to find inspiration today. It's a beautiful day - no matter where we are - because we're in it!

It's going to be a BIG day!

First off let me start by saying "THANK YOU" for your support and words of encouragement. The news (of not getting the job) was a big deal for me this week, but I'm convinced that it'll all work out. You all shared agreement that it's obviously not where I was/am supposed to be and I'm looking forward to the opportunity that WILL be perfect for me. I'm hoping that the place that does fit will keep me happy for a long time to come. And Jil, I'll take your comments and encouragement any way I can get them late or not - before Laurie or not - with a happy meal toy or without!! :-) Thank you All! You mean a great deal to me!

So on to the BIG day! Today I will be joining my cousin, her daughters and a bunch of friends (in honor of a birthday) for an adventure at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Let's talk about what is so exciting about this. I haven't been to Six Flags in years. So, we all know what this means, right? Previously, when I went to the theme park, I would anxiously stand in line wondering if I was going to fit in the seat belt. On one occasion, the park/ride attendant had to PUSH the restraint/harness down to get it to snap in. I played it off like it wasn't a big deal but in reality I was mortified. Today I will go to this theme park and I am pretty sure that I will fit in EVERY ride I want to go on. I'm not going to say that I'm not going to remember those previous moments or even think (for a moment) that I may not fit. But to be completely real, I WILL fit! I may even have extra room. I cannot tell you how that will feel. But I'm sure that I'll be able to report this when I return.

So, today, I am off for a new adventure. I'm looking to explore happiness (as opposed to anxiety) of a theme park and I am looking forward to having a smile on my face the whole day! Let's hope I get some pictures out of it too! :-)

I hope you're all in for a Happy Friday!!!

The verdict is in . . .

I really do wish I could post good news today. Unfortunately, I received a call this morning that I wasn't selected for the position. I so appreciate that I had so much encouragement, prayers, and well wishes. That really made me feel good, confident, and successful.

I do believe that everything happens for a reason. I also believe that when a "door" closes, another will open. So, I am taking this disappointment as a minor set back and I have to have faith that this didn't work out because I am supposed to be somewhere else. I must admit, this one hurt. But I need to realize that it wasn't because I wasn't the best I could be. I just wasn't the right fit this time.

The principal did tell me that there were 250 applicants for this one position. He narrowed it down to 12 for the first round of interviews and I got selected as one of the top three. He mentioned that this was an incredibly difficult decision because the top three were really, really good. He said that he was going to forward my information to every school in his district and if a position came open at his school, it would be mine. So, that has to be a good thing, right?

I'm not going to lie, I've been on an emotional roller coaster over this one. There's a huge part of me that wants to know what that "it" factor was. Was there anything I could've or should've said differently? But at the same time, I left the interview yesterday being scared to death that I would get the position. I know that sounds strange, but lets be honest . . . this will be my first year as a teacher. Could I live up to the high standards and expectations that the principal and the school have? Would I be the best, absolute best, for these students? I don't know - because I've never done it before. There's a good chance that the person that was selected has proof that they know exactly what they are doing and can produce outstanding results. I plan to have those one day, but this principal would've had to take a chance on me for that. I can do it, I know I can, but I'm intimidated and even a little scared. That's normal, right?

So, back to the drawing board for me. I will keep praying that the right position, school, district, etc. comes along. And we'll hope and pray that happens before I pull all my hair out. I don't have much to begin with. :-)

Now, on to something positive . . . I slept last night! Yes sir! I didn't wake up at my usual 3:30am. I even forgot to set my alarm and woke up 10 minutes later than I normally do. Whopee! I do hate having insomnia, but I sure do love the days after - when I sleep like a rock!

Today is a new day. No, huge, obligations and a possible play date for the little one. I'm ready to turn this day around. Just because it started with bad news, doesn't mean it has to end that way, right? Thank you for allowing me the vent session. I look forward to having a some more positive things to report tomorrow!

Wishing you all a very happy day!

It worked, It worked!

Thank you all for the well wishes and "good luck". The interview went well, or so it seems. I was asked to come back today at 1:40pm (PST). I'm in the top three! It's funny because just saying that makes me feel like I'm on American Idol or something like that. I really, really want to be the top one! Will you keep your good thoughts coming again today? I would LOVE to land this one!

It's going to be a busy day today. Thanks to the insomnia - again - it will be a long one too! Today is the "exit" interview for the teacher credential program I'm in. If they don't like what I've done/put together, they can choose to not send a recommendation. No, I don't really think that will happen, but I guess you never know.

Then after that, I have the 2nd interview with the school that I really want. Can anyone tell me how to land that one? I am just being me, and the good thing about that is that "me" means that I'm really excited to be a teacher and it's obvious. I hope that's a good thing. The principal says that the decision will be made tonight. Boy, tonight seems like ages away.

So, the goal for today is to stay positive! I need to KNOW that I'm successful and I need to let the world know that I was put on the earth to do this and I will be the best I can be! Not only do I need to stay positive, I need to stay awake! With all of this excitement this should be easy, right?

Please keep the good vibes coming and I'll make sure to keep you posted!

An award, I'm honored!

Thank you Laurie for appreciating my ramblings. Who knew it was award worthy?

So, the rules are (if I understand them correctly) that I am to list seven things you may not know about me. Hey, I may find something else about me in the process too.

Here we go . . .

1. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology. So it's true, crazy people can get enjoyment out of learning about other crazy people. This should come in handy with my new career choice.
2. I get insomnia every Sunday night. I don't know why, it makes no sense, but it happens. This is all since WLS. I know that I'm not the only one who experiences this side effect, but I know that I don't like it. I need my sleep!
3. I have a fear of missing out. I get sad when people get together and have fun when I can't be around. I don't think I'm jealous, I just really like hanging out with people and wish I could do it more often.
4. I am a single women who hates to date. I wish the "right" guy - that's a ton of fun to be with - would just drop in my lap (so to speak) so I don't have to date. I hate the awkward meetings/conversations and I really don't like having to disappoint someone when I don't want to continue with the meeting.
5. I (we) haven't seen or heard from my son's father (aka - the biological) since before the little muffin turned one. Sometimes this makes me sad because he doesn't have a "Dad" like the other kids do, but I know it's the best thing for him, I just don't know how to explain it all to him so that he'll understand it. He's the light of my life and I can't imagine him thinking that he wasn't wanted. It just kills me. Someday it'll all make sense.
6. I cannot eat fruit (or much of it) since WLS. I didn't think it would bother me that much, but it kind of does. Sometimes I just want a nice ripe peach, or a few strawberries. Sure, I can do it, but it's not going to feel good for a while.
7. I LOVE that I don't drink or crave sodas anymore. I thought it would be difficult, but it's really not that bad. I don't even think twice about tasting them anymore. Now that's a good thing!

I thought this would be difficult, but surprisingly, this came quite easy today. I'm sure I could've listed more. That's not always the case.

So, on to the hard part. Now I get to "tag" 5 of my favorite bloggers to receive the award. Since Laurie listed a couple/few of my favs already, I get to list a couple of new ones - YIPEE!

And the award goes to . . .

Janine at Journey to a Mini Me

Jil at Shut Your Piehole

I said so at For Real, This Time

Kim at Faith, Grace & Giggles

Sheila at Stranger Than Fiction and More Fun too

Honestly, this part was more difficult than coming up with facts. I'm not sure who reads this blog. So, if you're out there and I don't know it, please drop a line and say "Hi". I'd love to hear from you!