Stuff and Things: June 5th

Well, it's time to do some blogging because...

...IT'S SUMMER BREAK!  

Yes.  Let me just say that that is one of the many perks of teaching.  I get to relive my childhood excitement for holidays and vacations.  School ended yesterday and I'm so excited to spend some time with my daughter, husband, and never-ending to do list. 

Summer break means that I leave for Japan in less than a month. That's crazy.  I'm nervous about leaving my daughter for a whole six days.  Nervous about heading to a GIGANTIC foreign city (Tokyo).  And nervous about the 13 hour time change.  Maybe my daughter will have mercy on me when I get back, HA.  Anybody have any tips or advice for traveling abroad?

We went camping memorial day weekend.  Normally, this wouldn't be a huge deal, but this time it was.  It was Ellie's first camping trip.  OUR first camping trip as a family.  Let me just say, that I was preparing for the worst, and we got pretty dang close to the best.  It was so much fun.

She really enjoyed the ferry ride to the San Juan Islands.

That little girl loves to be outside.  It shows every time we head out on a walk/run and every time we hang out in the grass.  I can't wait until she's running around (or maybe I can...) and we can start going to the park and running around barefoot in the grass.

On that barefoot note in the grass note....

One of my biggest fears as a mom is that my daughter will get stung by a bee.  Seriously.  It doesn't seem like a big deal, but with hanging out outside and not knowing if she's allergic or not, I really don't want to have to deal with it quite yet.  The thought just freaks me out.

Nick and I bought a hammock.  I don't know why we haven't bought one sooner.  It rocks.  Ba-dum-chhh.  Ellie really likes it, too.  It has made for some incredibly relaxing afternoons.  I highly encourage everyone to own one.  Please do it.  This has been a public service announcement.

 linking up with Kristin

Random Monday.

I miss Instagram.  My iPod Touch camera died.  It won't open or work or anything.  It's awful.  That's why, if you follow me on Instagram, I haven't posted anything in ages.  Except my most recent one because that deserved the extra work to post a photo from my camera.  I'm hoping Nick and I can figure out some way to get a cheap data plan so we can get some smartphones.  Why can't they have smartphones without data plans?!  All I want is the access to the apps with wifi, but I don't want to pay so much for data.


I hate headaches.  Last week was headache week for me.  I don't know if it's really pregnancy related or not, but it sucks.  I think I originally had it from not eating enough food and then I got another one because of little sleep because of said headache.  I need to find some home remedies for headaches because I hate taking Tylenol while pregnant.

I do have a lavender-mint essential oil stick that you rub on the back of your head/neck and it really does help if you catch the headache at the very beginning because it dulls it, but later on it just dulls it.  Anybody have any home remedies that work?

The lavender-mint stick I have.
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We decided where we're going on our road trip!  Want to know where to?  Well, you'll just have to wait until next week.  Hahaha.  No, but really.  I want to tell you all about it in a blog post, so you'll have to wait until I write it.


I signed up for a gym membership!  I finally did it.  I found a new gym in town that has a monthly fee of $20 a month (for the premium package).  Of course they had a joining fee, but it was marked down to $1 for the month as a special.  WOOHOO!  Here's to a fit pregnancy!


I really try to do workouts at home.  Keyword: try.  Usually just core workouts because I can get cardio by going for a walk or the gym.  It's been a little tough lately.  Mostly because of working 12 hours a day, but I do have some breaks during the week and I really need to get my butt to the gym those days.  I can easily do core stuff at my job.

My favorite at-home core workout so far.

I said it on Instagram, but I want to say it again.  I love the people I've met on this blog.  They rule.  It's so much fun making long distance friends (and some not-so long) and sharing our thoughts.  Can I just show you all how talented Angi is?  Because... she made this adorable baby hat for our future baby!

I LOVE the color and luckily we're having our baby in fall, so this hat will get a LOT of use!

Happy Monday everybody.

Linking up with Carissa for Miscellany Monday.
 

Dear you

Dear Parks and Rec, you have become the new Office to us.  Thank you.  This is mostly because the Office is slowly losing it's charm.  We have begun to re-watch you and it is so much fun.

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Dear social media outlets,  I'm disgusted and saddened by what I have learned.  I know you can't stop it all, but there has to be some effort in trying to help people of the world.  Especially those that suffer from things like anorexia and suicidal thoughts.  This article opened my eyes to what is an actual disheartening thing going on in the world of social media.  Although I know it's not just social media that doesn't help, it's the media in general.  I pray for so many people.  It's such a sad thing to read about and witness.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.   For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Dear baby, I'm a little very worried about bringing you up in a world that has problems.  I worry for you and your future.  I know we'll try to teach you the right things, but the world can influence anybody.


Dear dark chocolate,  I used to hate you growing up and now I can't get enough of you.  You are so yummy!


Dear probable road trip,  I am so excited that Nick and I spontaneously thought of you.  I really hope everything works out and when spring break comes, we can both take the time to go and explore some cool areas before the baby comes!  I'm hoping Yosemite, Zion, and the Grand Canyon are all apart of you.


Dear goat edition videos,  how did you become so popular?!  I know it's incredibly silly, but some of your videos are hilarious.  My all-time favorite is this one.

Dear weekend,  thank you for being here.  And thank you for not being packed with things so I can actually catch up on sleep.

It's... Okay...

It's okay...

... that I've been incredibly tired ALL week.  It doesn't help that I've been working 12+ hour days all week as well.  Waking up at 4 and trying to go to bed at 8 because you're pooped will do that to ya.

This is how I feel...      via

... that I haven't been able to really hang out with Nick all week because of said work week.  He's also been incredibly busy with a lot of music stuff.  His band is performing for the first time this week, he's in a pit orchestra for a school musical, AND he joined a local community jazz band. 

... that I was up most of the night with an awful headache.  It was one of those where you go to bed thinking you'll just sleep it off, but wake up in the middle of night with it 50 times worse and no matter what way you lie in the bed, it's not going to help.  Maybe that's not okay.  No... it's not.

... that I have finally jumped on the Downton Abbey train and it is awesome.  I actually watched 5 episodes on Sunday and finished the rest this week (when I wasn't sleeping).  Now I need to find the second season!

... that the Dowager Countess is awesome.  I love her.

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... that I have realized that I have watched a LOT of TV shows lately.  It's one of those things where I like to have something on in the background, especially when Nick is not home, and a good TV show just about does it.  Although, if I really want to get things done music will have to be on.  I can't do anything super productive (besides folding laundry) when the TV is on.

... that I'm excited to go snowshoeing again tomorrow!  Sure, I'll be incredibly tired because Nick's band has a show tonight and I'm sure I'll get little sleep, but that just means I can be extra lazy Friday night.  Yes.

... that poorly written Facebook statuses drive me crazy.  I saw one person use "our" instead of "are".  I don't think that's an auto-correct mishap. 

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... that all I want right now is some yummy sherbet (or ice cream), a bed, and some funny Parks and Rec.  Or the Office.

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 Linking up with Neely.

Dear so and so

Dear week,  you have kept me so busy.  Seriously.  It took me TWO DAYS to find time to respond back to all of my readers' comments.  That's so sad!  I even got two extra days off this week and they were both filled with errands and busywork.  I won't complain, though, because two days off is really nice right now.  Especially when I get to spend it with my husband who also has those days off!


Dear Game of Thrones,  you have consumed my husband.  That's not a compliment.  You are crazy intense and sometimes gross, but actually really good.  It's like watching Lord of the Rings, but made more for men (there are half naked women - and men - throughout the whole show).

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Dear Christmas tree, we are coming for you.  Today or tomorrow (haven't decided yet).  I am really bummed, though, because we aren't going to find you in the forest.  We just don't have enough time this weekend and we can't wait until next weekend because, well, we want to enjoy you at least a little bit before Christmas! 


Dear baby E, I'm so glad you entered into the world this weekend.  You are adorable and your parents are so happy to have you here.  I can't wait to play with you more and start working on fun gifts for you!  You also make me want to have a little boy of my own.  Someday... (no, don't get any ideas.  We're not pregnant!)


Dear oyster dome, you were awesome the other day.  The weather held up and didn't rain until we were done hiking and you provided an incredible view from the top.  Thank you!

I love the San Juan Islands!

Dear Google, why did you tell me that my picture upload limit was reached two days ago, but now I just uploaded a picture?  You don't make sense to me.  I hope you don't tell me that I can't upload anymore pictures.  What am I going to do then?!


Dear Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Rainn Wilson, you two have become pretty cool in our house lately.  JGL, you have shown us hitrecord.org which is really fun to explore and you even have my husband wanting to contribute some music to the collaboration!  Plus, you aren't too bad on the eyes...
Rainn, I love you in the Office and your Soul Pancake stuff is awesome.  We usually watch your Metaphysical Milkshake episodes on youtube.  They're pretty fun, especially when you interview someone that we really like and respect... like this one with JGL.

Dear Settlers of Catan, you are an awesome game.  We played the other night for the first time after finding you at Goodwill and now we're hooked.  You are better than Monopoly and Risk combined!

It's Ok Thursday:

It's Ok...

...that I watched three episodes of Walking Dead last night.  One thing, I'm glad certain people have died, but I wish others would be by now.  That's how these shows work though, right?  Feed off of your emotions and what you THINK you want.  I'm almost caught up to the current episode!  

Source: the-walking-dead-funny.tumblr.com via John on Pinterest

...to find hilarious old pictures of your husband and post them on Facebook.  He even said it was ok.

...that this Sufjan Stevens album is awesome.  Listen to it on Grooveshark for free if you like hipster music AND Christmas music.  It'll bring you good tidings of flannels and beards.

 

...to be super behind on getting my haircut.  I haven't had it cut in MONTHS.  That's bad.  Good news: I'm going tonight!  Hooray for getting bangs back!

...that we don't have a Christmas tree up yet.  Soon...very soon.

...that we also don't have a way to hang up stockings (no fireplace), so I'm forced to be extra creative.

...that the other night my husband and I stayed up 'til 2 am watching Parks and Rec.  We may have watched about 6 episodes in a row.  I don't know why or how we did that, but it happened.  

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...that I spend extra to buy jeans from American Eagle because they are one of the few jeans that actually FIT my body.  Plus, you can get any size in long and my legs are too long for regular jeans.

...to have a fighting match with your sewing machine.  I will be able to sew.  I will be able to sew.  Please?!

...that I just found out that I'll be working mostly 12 hour days come January.  Mo' money yo... but less sleep.

...that I'm just NOW working on Christmas cards.  That's ok, right?

...to have way too many Christmas decoration ideas.  I just need to pick one and do it!


What's okay with you?
Linking up with Neely and Amber.
  

 

It's Ok...to be Ron Swanson.

First off, it's not too late to enter into my blogiversary giveaway!  You have until next week Friday, so get to it!

Now, onto a linkup that I've been doing since the beginning of my blogging life.

It's Ok...

...that I've been blogging for a year now and I still don't have it down.  I go through writing blocks (thank you themed linkups like this for saving me!) and I'm still trying to figure out the best way to plan out posts.  Sometimes I get too excited though, and I want to share it with you right away.  Someday I'll master this.

...that I spent a few minutes moving around that comma after though.  Should it go before or after?  Or both?  AH!  My brain has run away from me!

...to watch the Price is Right from time to time.  I watch it more for the reactions.  These people are pretty ridiculous sometimes.

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...that I'm excited and nervous to watch all four girls (that I nanny) overnight!  Should be crazy, but at least I get to cuddle with a 4-year-old and a cuddly dog.  Makes up for not having Nick with me.

...to write a blog post in the middle of the day.

...that I saw this video on Facebook and laughed so hard.

...that I'm so far behind on Christmas gifts.  I've made a few, but I know I'm going to be running around crazy if I don't do them soon.  Damn procrastination.

...that that was my first time ever swearing on my blog.  I'm pretty sure.

...to be super surprised by the incredibly nice weather and wish you didn't have to work so you could go hiking in it.  COME BACK SATURDAY!

...to laugh really hard last night while watching Parks and Recreation because of this face.

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...that I am suddenly loving all of these gifs around the internet world.

Hello Friday. How are you?

Dear husband, I hope you feel better soon!  Although you are pretty cute when you're sick and trying to sing along to songs.

Dear house, why do you always get so messy so fast?!  I feel like I just cleaned you and here you are laughing at me with your stuff everywhere.

Dear Office,  you are still hilarious.  Thanks for being funny even when Michael Scott isn't there.  I'm going to miss you next year!

Source: Uploaded by user via The on Pinterest

Dear Netflix,  stop feeding my husband's obsession with weird movies.  Seriously, too many weird movies for me.

Dear society, please use proper grammar.   

Source: weheartit.com via Alison on Pinterest

Dear sun, I love seeing you!  Thanks for coming out these past few days!  Stay out for another day so Nick and I can go exploring in the sun.  Thanks!

Dear bloggers,  is is rude to not swap buttons with someone?

Dear dogs and house that we're watching, I hope you treat us well this weekend!  I'm excited to play with all three of you border collies this weekend out in the country.  Hooray for getting my dog fix in!  We really need to get our own dog.

Dear America,  

Show and Tell Monday

We had an awesome weekend. 

We saw Cloud Atlas in IMAX and it was pretty awesome (especially because I haven't seen an IMAX movie since I was 12).

We also explored Seattle with my best friend E, who flew in from Japan, and ate some yummy cupcakes.  We even went on the underground city tour.  I've never done it before and it was incredibly interesting.  If you like history or Seattle it's a pretty fun tour!

Now, to our scheduled program.

I'm linking up with Becky for a little Show and Tell.
 

1. Tell us what you studied in college. Is your job now related to what you studied?
I have a B.A. in elementary education and a minor in music.  I actually studied music education for the first two years of college, but then decided that I would have more options with an elementary degree instead (thus taking me 5 years to complete).  My job now is a nanny so it is, in a way, related to what I went to college for.


2. Tell us what your everyday job looks like.
It really depends on the day.  Prepare for a long-short story.
Usually I get there at 7, wake up T (she's 8) and get her ready for school.  When J wakes up (she's 4) I hang out with her and we watch cartoons, eat breakfast, and get ready for the day.  J has preschool for a couple hours on Tues. and Thurs. and gymnastics on Tues.  T has gymnastics everyday except Wed. after school and M (she's 13) has gymnastics on Mon. and Wed. after school.  My days really vary depending on the weather (whether we go out somewhere or stay inside and do crafts/something else) and what everyone else has going on.

Some days I have to be there at 5 am and then, if there's school, I have to get the 3 older girls ready in the morning.  It sounds like a lot of work/running around, but I love my job.  It is pretty awesome.  See the next question.


3. Do you have a picture of you at work? Show us.
I have a couple that I love.  They're pretty self-explanatory.  The youngest, J, is pretty adorable and the picture on the right kind of melts my heart because those two goofballs are just amazing.

4. In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing? Same thing? More? Tell us.
In 10 years I really hope to be a stay-at-home mom with at least two kids.  Ideally, depending on when we have these kids, I'd be a full-time SAHM, but I wouldn't mind being a part-time teacher or something.  Then I could teach part-time and come home and work with my kids.  I just really want to get my kids going during the first years of their lives (I'm thinking until they're 7 or so) in a good and healthy way.  Public schools scare me a little nowadays.


5. Tell us what you have learned, and what {if any} recommendations you may have for those looking to go into the field you are in.
Well, if you're looking to be a nanny my first suggestion is to make sure that you meet/know the family you are getting into.  Ask LOTS of questions.  I was a nanny for a single mom for about two weeks and, to be nice, it ended up not working out because of VERY different views on things.  Seriously though, ask questions about what the family expects from you, what rules they have for their kids, etc.  I'm so lucky to have an awesome family right now that my friend was a nanny for previously.  I couldn't ask for a better job!


What about your job?

Hello Friday!

Dear weekend,  I am so excited that you are here.  I've been waiting for you for weeks!  I'm stoked to see my best friend who's flying in from Japan on a business trip.  I haven't seen her since my wedding!

Dear Seattle,  please be nice to us.  Try not to rain too hard, thanks.

Dear Cloud Atlas,  I'm going to see you tomorrow.  You better be good! 

Dear Walking Dead and Parks and Rec,  you have become my newest addictions.  My husband thinks it's silly getting into all these TV shows, but I know you're awesome.

Source: theberry.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Dear new freezer,  you are awesome.  Now I'm going to make a million things to fill you up with.  You have been warned.

Dear Wicked,  ONE WEEK!  One week until I see you!  YES!

Dear head,  you must stop getting headaches.  Seriously, they are not fun.

Dear Sherman Alexie,  we saw you speak on Monday and it was incredibly cool.  You are an amazing writer (and comedian).

Sparkle Pony. The Band.

10 points for whoever can name what the title's from.

I've had no motivation this week.  None.  It's awful.  I've been melting on the couch each night.  No thanks to working at 5 am each day.

We did make some homemade zucchini relish and a BIG pot of yummy chicken noodle soup.  I also finished a SWEET cross-stitching pattern, but I can't show it to you because it is a Christmas gift.  You'll just have to wait. 

I really do hate weeks when I'm not that productive.  Makes you feel like you wasted time.  I didn't waste time, I swear!

To make up for this I'm going to write a productive blog post.  Or somewhat productive...



It's ok...

...that pictures don't do justice sometimes.  I tried to get a picture of this gorgeous sunset we had a few nights ago and it didn't turn out as pretty as the actual sky.

...to enjoy watching action movies with my husband.  We saw Looper the other day and it was actually really good.  I'm starting to like all these sci-fi (ish) movies.

...that I haven't seen a chick flick in over a few months.  Is this really okay?

...that we have been buying a lot of VHS's lately.  We went to Value Village the other day and bought 8, yes 8, different ones. 

...to re-watch Portlandia because it is such an awesome show.  I need to buy it.

...to eat ice cream out of the carton. 

...that I sometimes get caught up in a Youtube watching frenzy. 

...to find videos like this to be absolutely hilarious.

...that we tried to go on a spontaneous dessert date last night and totally failed.  BOTH places that we went to ended up being closed (this was at 7).  We didn't want to drive incredibly far either so we just came home and had some apple cider and toast with honey and cinnamon & sugar.

So, what's okay wit' chu?

Linking up with Neely.

It's Okay...

It's Ok...

...that while at my job I get my dog fix AND my kid fix in.  Cuddling with two girls on the couch is seriously a heart-melter.  Especially when they're 4 and 8.  

...to still love The Office.

Source: justatablefortwo.tumblr.com via Alison on Pinterest

...that I have devoured a million little oranges this week in order to beat this cold.  I am on the mend - it must be working!

...that I have become not-so-fond-of blog hops.  I look back and see that I gained a lot of followers that way and that's not how one should gain followers.  They should gain them by people actually WANTING to follow you, not because they HAVE to for some blog hop.

...to watch Boy Meets World during naptime because you remember how much that show rocked as a kid.

...that we currently have 50 pounds of tomatoes and another gigantic box of apples sitting on our dining room floor.  Prepare for a major kitchen mess.  Drying/freezing ALL the apples and making/canning some delicious salsa!!

...to laugh out loud when you are about to receive a back rub from a 4-year-old and she decides to rub your breasts instead.

...that I may just BEG my husband to take me to see Wicked in Seattle this month.  It's been here many times before and I have still not gone.  I think it's time.

...to miss the rain.  It hasn't rained here in over a month.  SERIOUSLY?!