Starting the week of bad

Don't you hate it when you wake up way before your alarm goes off? This morning I woke up about an hour before my alarm and could not get back to sleep. I guess that has to do with me and my guy not getting along; but I was surprised to find his spot on the bed empty. Also day I have some medical tests to hopefully figure out what's going on with me. I have been sick for the past month and no one can figure it out. Granted the one good thing about being sick is I have lost enough weight to fit back into some of my favorite jeans! That was a nice feeling; it felt really good to fit into a pair of super cute jeans I bought 3 years ago! But it's still scary to not know what's wrong. And to top it off, I have someone coming out tomorrow to appraise my house for a re-fi; I am hoping for a good value so the bank will approve it!

I think I have too much stress in my life! I have too much going on in my life that I can't control; which in the past means that I make a change to something I can control like cutting my hair but it's already short enough. Mmmm, I will need to think of something else. Have any suggestions?

Wednesday Already *Updated with pics*

I have not really been on top of things lately; I haven't posted anything in a week and even today I don't feel very creative. But I have to snap out of it; I have been feeling blah for way to long so starting right .... NOW I'm going to have a better attitude and start doing the things I like to do again.

Over the weekend I learned how to use my sewing machine! Who would have thought it was actually that simple. I was lucky and I was the only person to show up to the free class so I had one-on-one with the sewing expert. I think I will be able to at least do the basics. Look out everyone, home made lounge pants are on the way! LOL

I also need to start back up with my t-shirt designing stuff; bedazzeling and iron-on, stenciling and scrapbooking. Wow, I have a lot of hobbies! I need to stop watching so much TV or move my stuff so I can watch and work at the same time. Mmmm... maybe I will move my desk around or something. Oh yeah, and I'm now addicted to FaceBook! If you're on there, come be my friend. :)

I will have to be honest and say that I'm not keeping up on my 2009 goals; some I'm doing Ok on and well, some I'm just not there yet. I have yet to start on decluttering any of my rooms or work on decorating anything yet. I'm hoping to paint this weekend! If it looks OK, maybe I will try to post a picture. But the one thing I'm GREAT at is shopping smart; last night at Nordys Rack I was able to buy a sweater vest-type of thing for only $4.34 including tax! Ok, so I bought 2 of them plus another jacket that will be perfect for the spring time (if it ever gets here). The jacket was originally $138 at the regular Nordys store, rack price $54 but it was marked down 50% plus 20% employee discount ... final cost $21. Seriously over $100 savings than what someone bought it at the main store!

The start of Lent *Updated with pics*

Today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. I'm not big on religion; granted you couldn't tell by my tattoos.

(upper left thigh) (back of right calf, wraps around entire leg)

Anyways, I do always enjoy participating in giving up something I like/enjoy for Lent. This year I have decided to give up convenience foods; no more fast food, junk food (unless I make it from scratch), soda, instant anything. I'm sure right now this doesn't seem like much but give me a week and I will be crying for my instant mashed potatoes and hot chocolate. But I'm going to be realistic about this too; if I have (recently) made something from scratch, I will continue to do so; I will be able to enjoy cookies, granola bars, breads, salsas and I'm sure there are a few other things too. But I think right now I'm taking advantage of the conveniences I do have so this will be a good reminder for me. I'm hoping to also try not to buy any new clothing or accessories (shoes included) until Easter. Trust me, I have more than enough to get me by the next 40 days and probably beyond.

You will have to check back with me in a few weeks to see how I'm really doing! Better yet, how my guy is doing. He was definitely not looking forward to this time of year as my mom or I are the cooks for the house. My mom has decided to give up meat. (Sorry Erin, I don't think she will stay converted) I'm also hoping this will help with me losing a few pounds in a healthy way!

Somthing has to give

Last night I went to two different grocery stores; I needed some toiletry stuff plus food so I stopped at Wal-Mart and Winco. $153 later, I was home and exhusted! I'm trying to keep track of what the regular price is at each store I shop to see where I should pick up the staples. So far I'm realizing I need to shop at 3 different places (maybe even 4) for everything; personally I think this is a pain but when you need save a few bucks, you do what you have to do! Tonight I was planning on stopping at Freddies to pick up the items they have on sale from the paper Sunday; not much, TP, bread, 5 for 10 cereal deal. Maybe once I know where the staple items are the best price I can try to avoid so many stores. I'm not a huge fan of buying my groceries the same place I buy electronics. Mmm, now that doesn't seem right because I have no problem stopping at Freddies to pick up fresh meat. Maybe it's just me, I don't want to shop at Wal-Mart for food; I don't buy ANY store brands no matter where I shop so that's not the issue. Does that make me a snob? Not that I really care about designer food marts because I have no problem going to Winco; just as long as it's not the first of the month when all our welfare dollars are being spent. Wow, it looks like I'm in a GREAT mood today! I think my mood reflects how I feel about my personal finances and health. I just learned my electric bill for Dec-Feb was over $325 putting my bi-monthly bill over $550! When money is already tight, that was just something I didn't need today; or any other day for that mater. But just like everything else, I will find a way. As for my health; I missed 2 days of work last week (thank goodness for PTO time) and finally went to the doctor. Unfortunately I have to go back today for more tests. I have some sort of kidney infection and something is going on with my appendix. Good times!

On a brighter note.... I'm excited for Saturday! I'm going to a class on how to use MY sewing machine. It's been sitting for probably over 2 years since I have NO clue how to work it. I have so many ideas in my head for my machine; I just hope I don't get too fustrated and give up.

Just thought of something else to be happy about; a co-worker of mine asked if I would mind if his family prayed for my health. I'm not a big prayer person but I thought it was really great to have someone I work with care enough about me to pray.

Weekend Parent

It's actually pretty amazing what talking actually does for kids; who would have thought!?! Since talking with L after Christmas about being more responsible and talking to her mom about making sure she packs her suitcase with appropriate clothing we have not had any problems! It was nice to see that after a friendly conversation she respected my wishes to make sure L had clothes or something to play with at our house on during her visits with us. In fact, L had done such a good job of this that I allowed her to take home her new clothes (from Christmas) and even a few of her toys. I keep reminding L that if she takes care of her nice things and brings them back and forth, she will continue to get nice things to take back and forth.

In the past few months we have been trying to go have dinner with her on our "off" weeks; this seems to be good for L and my guy! Tonight we will be going to visit her again; we will be using a restaurant coupon I bought from here. This is also becoming a nice treat for my guy to get to help her with homework. Plus we are learning more about activities she wants to be involved with!

NOW the next problem I think we need to try to work on is getting her out of her bedroom. I'm happy she is comfortable in her room and knows that is "her" place but unless we are playing Wii or eating, she sits in her room. I've asked her a few times to come sit out with me in the living room and after huffing and puffing, she does. Maybe it's just the age of wanting to be alone or not with your parents but when we only see her 4 days; call me crazy I think she should hang out on the couch or where ever we are. Or is this selfish? Honestly I don't think there is a happy medium but it's worth asking around. I know most people that read my blog have kids so it's nice to hear your opinions.

Feeling blah

Ever have one of those days where you just feel blah? I think I'm having a blah month. I have no energy or excitement to do anything fun or creative. I would love to just crawl in bed with puppy and a few good books for a week! Maybe it's the lack of vitamin D I'm getting up here in the Great NW or maybe it's just the blah look of the country side. I can't wait for the spring time with the budding of new flowers and colors! I'm hoping my trees all bloom this year! I think my goal for this week is to figure out how to get out of this funk. At Joann's this weekend I picked up some cute rub-ons that I need to put on picture frames; maybe looking at all my old pictures will cheer me up. Plus I need to get working on something great for momma's birthday at the end of the month! What do you get someone who has everything and wants nothing. Time to be creative!

More Flowers

Yep, my guy is a keeper! Once again he did something wonderful ....





My office smells SO good right now! These are my all time favorite flower, Gardenia!