Trying to Cheer Up

As I'm sitting here tonight watching the news while I eat I continue to feel more and more depressed. Top three stories of the night
~ Economy Gets Worse, more layoffs, more business closings, little end in sight
~ Tainted Peanut Butter...all the way back to 2007. May be the worst epidemic in the U.S. ever
~ Ice Storm slams half of the country, thousands without power

I pride myself on being a very optimistic and happy person. But even I am struggling to find reasons to smile lately. I thought it might be a good idea for me to sit down and write about the reasons I am so Blessed in order to remind myself that we should always look for the reasons to thank God, rather than blame Him for the downhill turns life can throw.

My family is happy and healthy. We have no major illnesses or catastrophes. I am always thankful for the family I have and how we are able to smile and laugh to make any situation better. I talk to my parents often. I got to see my brother Joe this weekend when he came to Wichita. Jamie is just a phone call away and she will always listen to my recent weight loss or will tell me she's happy for me when I say gushy-girly things about how things are going with E. I don't get to talk with John as often as I would like, but I know he is happier than he has ever been.

E. I don't tell him enough how much I enjoy his company and our long conversations. I pray everyday that he finds a job soon (he was laid off almost two weeks ago). He is amazing by always smiling and joking with me and never losing that "goofy" grin :). He gives the absolute best hugs ever!

I have a job. The school systems are feeling the money crunch as well, but I am pretty secure in my position. I am very thankful. There are so many people looking for work or worried they might lose their jobs. I truly feel for them and pray the economy picks up sooner than all those "experts" keep predicting.

The sun shined today. I hate the cold, that is well known by those who know me well, but the sun came out today and shined through my windows at school. The sun makes me happier...I hope it continues to shine and help warm us all up.

There I feel a little better...and I am sure that there are hundreds of other reasons for me to be thankful, but these are the BIG ones. I am now going to turn on some cheery Disney movie rather than the news and fold some laundry. I hope you all have a very Blessed evening and pray for those not as lucky.

How to Survive the Cold

I absolutely HATE the cold weather. I feel that it is only appropriate on a couple of occasions; Christmas and snow days. Other than that, it can just remain sunny and 70 all year round. There is good reason for me hating the cold. I lived in college in a very old and drafty house. We literally used duct tape on the door to cover the cracks. Once I moved out of that cold drafty crap hole I moved into a smaller and colder crap hole in Cheney. It has no insulation, none. I can literally feel cold air when I open my cabinets. Therefore, I keep the house heated at 70, but still freeze (and pay for it). I will find a different place to live, but I am picky.

I have had to learn to become quite creative on keeping warm and thought I would make a of things that I have tried and have been somewhat successful and warming me up.

10. Clean the house from top to bottom, all that movement will warm you up...you might even get sweaty.

9. Coffee, hot chocolate, or tea...anything warm to drink will help for a little while. Problem: Only lasts a short time AND usually makes you have to get out from under the warm blankets to pee.

8. Piles of blankets...the more you pile on the warmer you are...all but your nose.

7. Duct tape, plastic, and towels or blankets used to cover drafty areas

6. Space Heaters: Although I don't have one here in Cheney...it would be a good investment I think.

5. Friction: Climb into bed and move your legs and arms around as fast as possible. Warming up the bed with friction and a great way to burn a few extra calories before sleep :)

4. Cook with the oven: Warms up the kitchen...and you can let it cool off when you are finished by leaving it wide open!

3. Laptop Computers: They are warm when they heat up, set it on your lap for a cozy IM chat or searching google.

2. Electric Blankets: Best thing ever!

And the #1 way to beat the cold: Date someone who's house is warmer and cuddle under the blankets at his house!

Sunday Chatter

~ I had been cheering for the Colts in the race for the Superbowl. Now, let me explain. My interest in football has only recently grown. Everyone in my family has a team they cheer on each week, except me. I don't mind watching, but never was a "die-hard" fan. So, now that I'm liking football even more, I decided I needed a team to cheer on. I chose the Colts. Why? Two words: Peyton Manning. I LOVE his commercials and he looks so good in those tight pants. The Colts didn't last long...I needed a new team. Now, I'm cheering for the Cardinals. Why? Two words: Kurt Warner!

~ The economy sucks. It has sucked for a while now, but now that those I care about are starting to be hurt by layoffs I am paying more attention and hating it even more. I pray for a fast recovery for both the ones I care for and the economy.

~ Joe has been wanting to come to Wichita and hang out with E and I for the longest time. Next weekend we have worked it out so that he will come spend Saturday with us. He is so excited, Joe and E get along so well and I am looking forward to next weekend!

~ ESU Lady Hornets defeated Washburn! What the hell is an Ichabod anyway???

~ My new favorite TV show is finally returning to new episodes this week. The Fringe just happens to be one that E likes too. Tuesday nights will be spent cooking dinner and watching the show out at his place on the big screen!

~ We are having a biggest loser competition at school from now till May. I have decided to play. I don't really expect to win because I've already lost so much that I doubt I'll be able to lose enough to win. But this is a GREAT way for me to stay on track and reach my goal of losing 15 more by May.

~ My 7th grade basketball girls finished their season yesterday with a win in the Championship game! That made their record a perfect 16-0!!!!! I am so proud of their season and can't wait to see what they can do next year as 8th graders.

~ We have in-service tomorrow. Yea...

Sunday Chatter

~ I love facebook. I can catch up with so many of my friends who I have lost touch with. And since I am one of those people who is terrible about writing or calling my friends...facebook solves that problem!

~ I have started watching seasons of "The Office" on my computer (thanks to Netflix). That show is hilarious! I recommend it to anyone who wants to just sit back and laugh.

~ I have a tiny TV...but there are other things on my "material" list that I would like to have before spending the money on a new TV. A new digital camera, new glasses (although, those should be on the "need" list), golf shoes, and much more.

~ How long can Christmas decorations stay up...

~ I love Sundays....go to church, relax on the couch, fall asleep to a movie or football, cook dinner. Just gotta love those relaxing days!

~ Why is it, when you need two stalks of celery for a recipe you have to buy a whole bag of it? If I was in business I would have a store called "Shopping for One" here people would be able to buy single stalks of celery and other items needed for cooking for one person. Sorta the opposite of Sam's Club.

~ It's probably a good thing that Christmas break happens during the winter. I would have a much harder time going back to school tomorrow if it was 75 degrees and sunny outside. But since it's freezing cold and the last place I want to be is outside, going back to work doesn't seem like that bad of an idea.

~ E and I went on probably had the cheapest date possible Friday night. I had a gift card to Texas Roadhouse and he had a coupon for a free appetizer. So after waiting about an hour and a half to be seated (we did go walk around walmart to kill some time) we had potato skins, salad, bread, steak and chicken for $5.00!!! Plus I bought a movie for $5.00 at Wally...How often does that happen, steak dinner and movie for 10 bucks!

~ My most favorite comerical right now is the one with Peyton Manning in different cities of opposing teams and he takes everything said by the people as something nice. "Take a hike" "You know I think I will do that...the weather here is sweet!" HAHA! I was sad to see the Colts lost last night...although it was a good game.

Reflection and Renewal

Each new year usually brings about two things. Remembering the past year's good (or not so good) experiences, and looking forward to the new year and setting personal goals. I take a little time out to reflect on the last year and how incredibly blessed I have been and to look at what I would like to accomplish in the next year of my life.

2008 was the year...

~ My nephew Bryson grew incredibly fast and learned all kinds of new skills. It amazes me how fast he went from crawling and scooting to running as fast as his little legs will carry him.

~ My parents surprise me once again of their patience, understanding, and love for their children all because they want us to be happy and healthy.

~ I started my new hobby...golf. I love it and can't wait for the weather to get warmer so I can play again.

~ I lost 40 lbs. when I once thought that just loosing 20 would be all but impossible.

~ I realized that my sister and I have more in common than we used to. She has truly become one of my best friends in little less than a year!

~ I introduced E to the family. He fits in very well and my family continues to ask when I am bringing him around again.

2009 will bring...

~ Hopefully an improvement to the economy. I feel pretty secure with my job (we kinda need teachers) but those close to me could be affected. I pray that things improve soon!

~ Speaking of the economy. One of my goals of the new year is to start saving more...just a little each paycheck. I used to be really good about it, and I still am better than some, but could be doing more.

~ A new house for me to rent with a little garage, fence for a puppy, and not a ridiculously high rent.

~ A continued loss in weight. I have already exceeded expectations, it is now time to set those goals higher...I have more confidence in my ability to be healthier than I have in...well most of my life.

~ A lower golf score. :)

~ A cleaner house...

I probably should mention that I like to say "goals" rather than New Year Resolutions. I know that essentially it means the same thing, but I tend to achieve goals and forget resolutions. So there's a big difference in the wording!

Christmas Chatter

~ Santa was really good to me this year. The two best gifts...1) A new golf bag!!! 2) a wireless Internet router!

~ I decided to hang out with E on Tuesday night instead of going straight home for Christmas. Everyone has been giving me such a hard time. (I kinda like it...)

~ Everyone was home for Christmas this year...it was so nice to have us all together.

~ Dad had to work nights through the holiday.

~ I have arranged a way to be "favorite aunt Jill" for the next few years. I got Bryson a little basketball goal that he can play with for the next 2-4 years! Great toy for the baby...and great for drinking games for the adults!

~ The swimming pool at the rec center in Burlington is about 4-5 degrees warmer than the pool at the Y. You would be amazed at how much harder it is to swim in a few degrees warmer water. I miss my Y!

~ Santa still comes to our house. The youngest in our family is 21 and Santa still brings presents and we all get so excited to open presents!

~ We opened gifts on Christmas Eve around 4 in the afternoon so dad could be there with us. Of course since Santa still comes to our house we all had to go in different rooms so that he could deliver the gifts. Jamie told dad to yell "ho, ho, ho" when they were ready for us. About 1 minute later dad yells out "Jamie, Jamie, Jamie!" HAHA!!! (My idea :))

~ I wrapped all of my gifts in Victoria Secret bags this year. It was so funny to see my brother open his present wrapped in pretty pink bags that smelled good!

~ We got a new game for Christmas this year (we always get a new game, we love games). This year we learned how to play "Buzz Word." It is a fun game...I am undefeated! However we did have a ping pong tournament too...I was defeated (many times).

"Because Everyone Else Does"

One of the childhood favorite responses is "because everyone else..." I remember using those words to try and stay out later, or get the newest CD, or desperately try my parents for anything. And the usual response is "well...if everyone jumped off a bridge, would you want to?" As I have reached adulthood (sometimes that's still debatable) I have found myself uttering the would-you-jump-too phrase. But I still find myself saying...well, everyone else gets to. There are times in life when we should definitely NOT do something just because everyone else does, but there are also times when I think it is OK to "run with the pack."

Here are some things we should NOT do "because everyone else does"

~ Buy homes that are too expensive

~ Wear legging with a big shirt/dress and furry boots. (That style is not for everyone folks!)

~ Get a boob job. (or a face lift, or liposuction, or botox)

~ Be in a more serious relationship than you are ready for. Just because your friends are getting married and having babies does NOT mean that you have to!

~ Sing loudly. There are some people who really should take up a non-vocal activity.

Times when I believe that it is definitely OK to follow the crowd.

~ Vote. No, I don't mean voting for the same candidate, I mean voting in general. We should all vote.

~ Learn how to use cell phones and computers. It's the technological age people...you may not like it, you may wish for simpler times in the past, but it's here. Deal with it, and learn!

~ Try something new. Whether it's a new dish off of the menu or learning ti-kwan-do, trying new things can open doors to whole new worlds.

~ Read. If millions of people like a book, there's a really good chance that you might like it to. Take the chance. What do you have to lose.

~ Get out of school on Friday before Christmas. Everyone else is done with school and enjoying their break with family...Me, I'm still in school. UNTIL TUESDAY, DEC. 23!!! How I wish our school would "follow the crowd"