Weight Watchers

So, Adam and I started Weight Watchers together last week. Not because we think we are needing to grease the door frames so we can get through them or anything...not yet, anyway...but mostly just so we can get a handle on things with our eating and weight loss. We go on Mondays, get weighed, and attend the meeting. It lasts about 30 minutes. This Monday will be our first weigh in after starting the program.

I thought it would be really hard. And I will say-it is definitely more difficult than swinging through the Taco Bell. But it has not been so bad. I am lucky because now that I am teaching, my meals are a bit more healthy. I usually have some small, healthier things for breakfast and a light lunch. It's not too bad.

My struggle is not taking the easier route, like the above mentioned drive through. After a long day, I would rather just grab something quick. I think if I can realize what my weak points are, I am more apt to do better.

So, we are off and running! Monday's weigh in is coming up fast- I am excited!

Grocery Shopping Today...

Today was an incredible grocery shopping day. I went to Bi-Lo and Publix and here is a picture of what I got.

Here is the list of what I got:

4 bottles of laundry detergent

1 package of Playtex disposable gloves

2 boxes of dog treats

1 bag of apples

2 bag of fresh green beans

2 sweet potatoes

9 cans of soup

3 bags of cheese

1/2 pound of turkey

bread

1 package of wheat pita pockets

1 package of sandwich thing

2 boxes of frozen veggies

5 bags of Green Giant Steamers

4 Glade candles

1 Lysol disinfecting spray

2 bar soaps

2 bags of carrots-I think that's all...for.....

$50.00!!!

The Week...

This week was great....and exhausting!

I finished my first full, official week at school. I am so excited to be there. I am loving it. I like having kids that are a bit older. However, they were super crazy this week! We had many different things to attend this week (plays, etc) so that was part of it, as well as Halloween-they're always crazy about this time. Either way though, I am happy with the week-it went very well!

Last night, Adam and I went to see This Is It, the Michael Jackson movie. It was so good! It's weird though-I watched it for about an hour before it hit me that he is dead. Crazy! Ya know, a lot of people were sad to see him go, since they thought it was the end of his genius music being released. I hate to say it, but I think the end of his genius work came a long time ago. Don't get me wrong-I had his newest stuff and liked it very much. But it wasn't "Thriller" or "Billie Jean." Most of his music was dedicated to saving the world or relaying his hurts and didn't seem to be as much fun anymore. Of course, that doesn't mean that it was ok that he died. Not saying that. All in all, the movie was cool. Amazing what that tour was gonna do! The Thriller stuff was INCREDIBLE!!!! I would have loved to have seen it all.

Oh, and ...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Like, Totally!!!

   Last night, we held and 80's themed going away party in honor of our dear friends Josh and Amy Pearson.  They will be leaving for Orlando, FL early Monday morning. With all the party planning to focus on, I have not focused that much on the fact that they really are leaving.  Today it is starting to hit me, as I am making time to go say goodbye.  That's weird.  I don't want them to go.  Josh and Adam have been friends for so long and I know he will miss hanging out with Josh.  Amy and I have become great friends, even though we have known each other only two years.  I feel like her friendship is one of my important friendships.  Ya know, the kind that you might only have one or two of.  The deep ones. Anyway, I am not wanting her gone.  I have loved having her in my life-to run and get dinner with, to take have play dates with our dogs, to understand the (sometimes :o) )  frustrations of being married to a band member.  She gets me in a lot of ways.  My life won't be the same without her here.

    On a more happy note, I did take a ton of pictures from the 80's party.  Here are some highlights.

Good News!

  After many weeks of waiting and back and forth, I finally found out that my certification issue is going to be worked out.  Many of you  may know that I was in the process of adding something on my GA certificate to my TN certificate.  It was taking a long time and my start day for school is getting closer and closer (I start this Monday, the 26th).  I was getting so nervous that I would not even be able to teach on Monday.

    I talked with an AWESOME lady at Hamilton County Human Resources and she was helping me figure out the different avenues we could take.  However, we did not have to try and go another route, because we received word that my add-on was approved!

   This is such a relief!  I have been down at school for the past two weeks, getting ready for the job I was not really even sure would work out for me to be able to take. I am glad it all worked out!  So, now all I need is Monday to get here.

Shadowing

  This past week, I spent Tuesday-Friday at my new school. I was shadowing the current teacher just to get an idea of how things go around there and all. I am so excited to be there!!!  I got to kind of chill out in the back, take some notes, think of some things I would like to do the same and different, and I even got to do a little planning for when we come back from Fall Break.  

  I was very nervous about what 5th graders would be like-I have never taught them. The highest I have ever taught is 2nd grade.  In fact, I was so nervous about them, that I seriously debated even taking the job at first.  If it wasn't for my husband's encouragement and sheer excitement, I might have wussed out.  But he had so much faith in me and how much I would love the job that I decided to trust his judgement and go for it. And let me say...I LOVE IT!  Fifth grade is not scary at all! In fact, I love it because I can talk to them, joke around, and feel like they can handle more stuff.  

 

  I was debating about changing the room around-ya know, rearranging, taking down some stuff, adding some stuff, etc.  The teacher there before me was very encouraging about that. She told me she pretty much expected that I would change it.  She understood that I needed to "make it my own" and do what is best for me.  That was helpful.  And also, I think the kids can handle it.  They aren't Kindergartners that flip out if you move a basket of books.  So I'm happy about that part.

  Not only do I love the kids, but the staff has been SO great.  They have made a point to welcome me, introduce themselves and help me when needed. I don't feel like an outsider as I have in the past in new positions.  I like the feeling of being welcomed.  I am excited to already be meeting some awesome people-an even some people who,as it turns out, new me as a kid. Crazy!

  Now for the problem....In Tennessee, 5th grade is considered Middle School as far as certification goes.  In TN, I am only certified Pre-K-4.  While I taught in GA, I got a middle school certification added to my existing certification. However, I never got it added to my TN license.  And now I am racing the clock to get it added in time for me to officially start on October 26th.  I received word Thursday that all of my paperwork had made it to Nashville (that is where TN Teacher Licensing is located) and was just waiting for approval, assuming it is approved. So currently, my fate rests in the hand of a guy named Brandon in Nashville.  He is the one who decides if they will add my middle school certification to my TN license.  If he says yes, it's all good. But if he says no, I cannot keep this position.  I am on pins and needles, waiting to hear the answer. I of course hope he says yes because I am LOVING this position already and do not want to lose it!

   

Back to school...

 Although "Back to School" time happens for most people in August, mine is beginning this year in October.  I kind of like the change up. :o)

  Tomorrow I kind of officially/unofficially start my new job. Although, the class is not mine until after Fall Break (the 26th), I will be going in for the rest of this week to kind of "shadow" the teacher that is there now.  This way I can kind of get to know the routine and how things are done.  

  I am excited of course, but also nervous.  I hate being "the new kid."  I much prefer getting settled in and just knowing what to do.  I am sure everyone does.  I am looking forward to this new adventure, where I think  I will be very happy, but beginning is always the hardest part.

  As I do every year though, I will breathe deep, listen to some "Billie Jean" on the way to school to get pumped up and walk in like I know exactly what is going on!

Misty's Couponing Class

    Upon writing my last entry about my love of couponing, it occurred to me that maybe I should share about my sister's couponing class.

    My sister, Misty Willhoit has decided to put on a couponing class of her own. She found that she was constantly telling people about the great deals she found,how she did it, etc, that she decided to just hold a small class to give people the basics.  She will be giving an overview of how to begin couponing as well as  talking in depth about drug stores and how to work those so that you pay very little to nothing for stuff you need.

   The class will be on October 10, 2009 from 9 am-11 am.  The will be held at the Country Place restaurant on Shallowford Rd.  Registration is $20 and includes the following-a notebook (to help you get started organizing) , a copy of the Sunday newspaper, and a copy of the newest All You magazine.  If you want to register, feel free to email me at britt224@me.com.

Hope to see you there!!!!

Publix today

 Today I went to Publix.  It was a picture-taking kind of day.  Here is the picture of what I got.

Here is the list of what I got:

4 boxes of cereal

6 boxes of Hamburger Helper

1 ox of Cheez-Its

1 loaf of bread

2 bags of Chex mix

1 bag of frozen biscuits

6 cans of soup

4 cans of refried beans

4 large jars of pasta sauce

1 shopping bag

4 boxes of Green Giant frozen veggies

and 44, yes, 44 containers of yogurt.

The grand total was $48.59!!!  I came in under my weekly budget of $50.00!

This is a total of 56%!  

I just love coupons!!

Today's Interviews

   So today was the day of my two teaching interviews. I was very excited for today's events. I had a Kindergarten and 5th grade interview at two different places.  I went in being much more excited about the 5th grade than the K position, but I left just the opposite. I am really hoping now to get that Kindergarten position. 

   When I first moved to teaching second grade, it was because I felt that the Kindergartners were just a little too small for me.  However, I have recently had a change of heart. Not that I would mind teaching the older ones-there are great things about that too.  But things with the small ones are just so basic. And I love that. Letter sounds, numbers, color words. So much fun!

   I think the bottom line is that I will be ok with any grade I should get at this point. I would, however, be extra excited if the Kinder position was granted to me.  I loved the school. It was beautiful and the both the principal and assistant principal were so nice!    I am not sure when they are supposed to be making their choices, but I hope it is soon. Waiting isn't exactly my forte!

Things are becoming clearer...

    These are counting bears.  They represent who I am in a way.  You see, these are used in schools to teach all kinds of things-counting, patterns, sorting, etc.  I love these bears.  I have used them for a TON of lessons. They are my go to.  These help fuel my love for teaching-the kids love them, I love them.

    I have been on a quest to figure out what I need to be doing in life.  I taught school, then left that, only to discover it is what I should be doing after all.  So, I began the task of finding a teaching job after the year had started-one I was not sure would bring me much luck.  

   Not only did it bring me some luck, it brought me more than I thought. I have two interviews for a teaching position tomorrow-and they could not be any more different! One is 5th grade, mostly Caucasian kids, teaching Language arts with 2 classes-one of boys and one of girls.  The other is teaching Kindergarten, all subjects, with a class of mostly African-American students. Wow!  

   I tell ya though, I am just so excited for tomorrow, I'm not sure I can sleep! Well, that may be a bit much...I can always sleep! :o) Either way though, I am so happy for these opportunities!

Confusion...

How does anyone figure out where they are supposed to be? So many times I feel like I should be teaching. At other times, I feel like I should try and figure out this marketing position I am.

I miss teaching-I feel that it allows me to tap into certain things I like. I get to be creative, help kids learn. It has crayons and construction paper and glue! I love the stickers the counting bears, and the colorful rulers. But, I don't have as much freedom. I am there from 7-5 and don't ever leave. If I need to be off, it takes an act of Congress.

This job gives me freedom to come and go. I live just 15 minutes away. I am learning some new stuff. I don't feel emotionally drained when I come home every day. I don't feel like I go a billion miles an hour every day.

I don't know why I feel the need to have it figured out right now. I chastise myself constantly for being so wound up about it. I need to figure out how to just slow down and take things one day at a time.

Here is my thing- I want to go back to teaching. But what if I get back there and I feel stuck again, wishing I had stayed in the job that gives me freedom? How do you figure out where the line is between trying to deal with the things you just don't like about a job and realizing it's not for you?

Strike out!

  I went to my interview today...not so great.  Well the interview went great-the principal was really nice.  But she informed me that the position she had was already filled.  However, she let me know the reason she still interviewed me was so that she could let the other principals know about me.  She said she would send out an email after our meeting, letting them know about me and my credentials, etc.  I am not sure what will come of it.  

  I have kind of had the "wind let out of my sails" so to speak.  Honestly, I expected to get the job.  I mean, I thought who would be applying for this job this late in the year-me and 100 other people it turns out.  

 But I know it is ok. I am just not good at waiting things out, which is something I may have to do on this one.  I guess my dreaming of counting bears and plastic money will just have to stop for a bit.

Whirlwind...

In literally two days time, I have all but decided to go back to teaching, applied for a job, and been booked for an interview! I have an interview at 4:00 today and I am really nervous. Normally I am not that nervous, but the principal explained to me that they had a girl there that was doing a great job, though she would still like to talk to me. I feel like the fact that my grandfather, who I found out is friends with her, talked to her and she is just throwing me a bone. But, either way, I am glad to get to sit down and talk with her. It is still a good opportunity. Of course, that doesn't make me any less nervous!

New beginnings...in the middle

It has been a crazy past two days. Amazing the craziness that can go on in such little time! I will not go into the whole story, but there were a couple of happenings that went on to make me consider going back to teaching for real. Not bad happenings. Just happenings. So, I decided to just nonchalantly look into it, which resulted in my applying for a job, which ended up in my grandfather mentioning that the principal at the school is a good friend of his, which lead to him telling me he would talk to her when he is down there tomorrow for a ceremony! In one day, I am back on track for teaching. Literally not even 24 hours.
Of course, this is not to say that the decision has been made. Merely that I am seriously considering it. My biggest "hurdle", or fear, was that my dad would be upset. It was hard to say something to him. I was excited to somewhat "fit in" to his world and admitting that things in my life made me no longer fit in was hard. I was scared he would talk to me like a boss and tell me that I was crazy for wanting to leave this world of new found freedom. I was afraid there would be disappointed mostly. But it was amazing. He recieved my concerns with openess and understanding. He encouraged me to search to find what I needed to do, whether is be teaching or something else. I could not have been more relieved! It was so great to have him support what I was thinking and feeling.
And so here I am..at a crossroads. I am waiting to see how the application to the school pans out-it may be that I end up there or I may not. I am nervous for the outcome.

Publix Round Up-Tuesday the 15th

  I went to Publix today and, OH MAN, was it a good trip!  Here was what I got...

2 boxes of Kix cereal

4 jars of Newman's Own pasta sauce

2 boxes of Healthy Harvest pasta

1 Skintimate Shave gel

2 boxes green giant frozen veggies

2 boxes Stouffers french bread pizza (2 in each box, so 4 pizzas)

Charmin Toilet paper

Twix bar

1/2 lb of turkey

2 bags of grapes

Grand total...

$22.07!!!

I Handed it to Publix and Bi-Lo

  So, I went to the grocery store today-one of my new favorite hobbies.  I am going to be one of those lame people who compiles a list of all the things I got, including a picture, because I am SO excited for my trip today.  Here goes....

2 bags of Check Mix

2 bags of Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes

4 bottles of Ketchup

25 Yogurts

Grapes

4 boxes of Cheerios

2 Publix reusable bags

2 jars of spaghetti sauce

Lysol bathroom cleaner

Pup-peroni dog snacks

Large bag of frozen vegetables

6 packages Kraft cracker cut cheese

2 packages Kraft sliced cheese

2 containers of Lysol disinfecting wipes

Glad wrap

Mayonnaise

Twix bar

My total before coupons: $91.84

But I got all of the stuff listed above for $52.16.

A total savings of 44%!  And this stuff was on sale-if it had not been on sale, my bill would have been WELL over 100!

YAY FOR COUPONS!

My Life Has Been Changed!

    About a month ago, I decided I wanted to kind of give this whole couponing thing a try. I went to a class with my best friend Jessica. We left there thinking that there was no way we could get as good as the ladies who were teaching the class. We left overwhelmed, honestly. I often had to keep reminding myself at the beginning that if I started slow, I would eventually get the hang of it! I kept on clipping and kept on reminding myself to just take it slow. 

    Last week, I went to Publix. My original bill was 48 something. My final bill was 26 something.  I cut it almost in half! When I texted my mom to tell her, she texted back with "It looks like you got the hang of it."  And then it hit me..yes-I DID have the hang of it!  Just taking it slow paid off! Literally! :o)

    I am loving this couponing thing. It has made going to the grocery store a fun time. Yes, I said it-FUN!  It is kind of like a competition. I try to see each week how well I can do.  And, my sister Misty and I have starting getting together each week to kind of map out our strategies-it's been fun to get to hang out with her and catch up every week. We are hoping that others will join us and we can grow our group of couponing gal pals. 

    To wrap it up, couponing has been amazing! If anyone would like to join us and get a "crash course" we would love to have you and help you change your life too!!! :o)

Back to School

Well, in less than a week, everyone will be starting back to school. Everyone but me. If you had talked to me around the beginning of this year, you would think I would be more than happy with school starting without me-I would have thought that too. But the truth is, I am very sad over this.

I am not saying that I don't like what I am doing now. I really am liking it. I actually feel like a normal person who goes to work, goes home, and has a whole evening to cook and wind down. I feel like I have a life for the first time in years.

It's just that it feels like I have moved away or something and life is going to go on without me. Blue Ridge will continue on-people will go about their daily routines and that will be that. It just all feels weird to me.

And on top of that, my best friend Jessica will be back to school. I won't be there to support her and laugh with her. We had so much fun together-the hardest part honestly, is leaving her. It is tough to always have someone there by your side and then be gone from that, even if you chose it.

I wonder if I will find my way back to teaching one day. I would say yes, but I know that it would only be speaking from sadness-it might be that I decide to never go back the longer I am in this job. Who knows what might happen. I just know that I am sad about Monday.

50/50

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day about housework issues I have begun to feel with Adam and I. Basically, I always feel like I do more. It has started to make me feel very angry. When I brought these feelings to my friend, she pulled out a book she used at a conference. There was a ton of great information in there, but the part she pulled out was in the section "Five Threats to Your Marriage." One of the threats was viewing marriage the way that the world views marriage. The specifically related to me, as it pertains to the 50/50 principle.
The world teaches us to do our part-you do half, and I'll do half. But, the problem with this is that's not what God tells us to do. God calls for us to give 100% of ourselves to the marriage all the time. OUCH! Do I give 100% all the time? No way, I don't. Because what happens is I expect Adam to do his half and I plan to do my half. When he doesn't, I get angry-I'm not affectionate, I try to retaliate, and I want to do less. Is that 100%? Certainly not.
My friend went on.... The 50/50 rule is doomed to failure. There is no way it can work. Besides what I mentioned above (that it's not God's plan), it will fail because half cannot be measured. What is half? How can you measure when the other person has done exactly half? The fact of the matter is you can't. It's also doomed to failure because one person will always feel like they are doing more. No matter if Adam busts his butt, something is going to happen that will make me feel like I am doing more. If you were to ask Adam right now, he may feel like he is the one doing more.
And so it comes down to this-Adam and I will be soon working out a better system. And while that is happening, I am going to work on us being more of teammates and getting things done together. And I am hoping somewhere in this process I learn to give something a lot more closer to 100%. I challenge you to do the same.

Updates from the past year...

I hate that it has been so long since I have blogged. I have done a terrible job at keeping up with it. Right after Adam and I got married, I traveled a bit, which was relaxing. But then school started and it all got crazy. Teaching school is busy work!!! :o)

So, to catch up, we got married-we got Greco-we got a new dog,Burgundy- We got a new niece-- I finished school-we bought a house-I started a new job-Adam started a new side job- and life continues to move on. I plan to keep more updated on my blog. Until the next time, here are some highlights from this past year.

It is my plan to keep on blogging and keeping whoever is interested up to speed with out lives. Thanks for reading!