My mom just emailed me the events from my parents early morning adventure
"Dad and I had a heart racing experience this morning. Both of us were sound asleep and the phone rings beside the bed around 3 am, my first thought Grandmommy but it was Cousin J. He was scared and could hardly talk. He was in the bathroom and heard someone break the window in his bedroom. He called the police and then called us saying someone was breaking into his house, to please come down quick. Well unfortunately Dad and I can only move so fast, especially poor Daddy but as quick as we could we threw on clothes, Dad got his gun and as we got out of the garage a police officer was in our drive way, we saw 2 cars w/lights going down Joshua’s drive and another one was in Mr. Neighbors drive. We followed the police down to Cousin J’s and waited on the porch outside the kitchen until we could talk to someone. They asked who we were and we said the uncle and aunt who live up the hill, and asked about Cousin J. He was fine just scared.
The man and his dog were on the floor in the kitchen, he was bleeding from climbing in through the broken window and drunk possibly high on something and whining first that he was beat up, then his story was he had been in a car wreck and his dog had gotten away from him and crashed through the window, then his story was his dog had gotten away and he was chasing it when someone grabbed him and started beating him up and that was why he had broken the window to get into the house. Like I said the guy was not making sense just making up good stories.
Cousin J has a roommate who moved in after Christmas a really nice young man. He was in J’s old bedroom when all the action started and he had called the police as well. He had moved to J’s because his apartment on the other side of Charlotte had been broken into while he was home. We left when after making sure J was OK and the police were taking care of the culprit and his poor dog. A really sweet grey and white small Pit bull, this dog looked embarrassed and confused as to what was going on and the mess his owner had gotten them in. He was taken to the pound.
As we were leaving the first responders and ambulance arrived to deal w/the man’s injuries, we don’t know if they had to take him to the hospital or straight to jail. Uncle S and Aunt C made record time getting to Charlotte.
Don’t know why this guy would choose their house for this break in, but the police seem to think the car wreck part of his story could be connected with the wrecked car they had found a few streets over with a warm engine. They had already been looking for the driver which was why the K-9 unit was already on the scene."
OK first I'm glad my cousin is ok. That would have completely freaked most people out. Second, I'm upset about the dog. Because of the type of breed I'm pretty sure they won't allow the dog to be adopted out and that totally hurts my feelings. Because the dog's owner is incompetent the dog may be put down and that is just WRONG.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Poor Planning does not equal an emergency for me
Typically I try to accept the normal ebb and flow and craziness of restaurant life. Some nights are crazy, others are slow, and for the most part I know what to expect and can roll with it.
3 months ago the restaurant I work at offered a coupon where you pay a certain amount and then you spend an amount and get a discount, these coupons are all over and a lot of places participate. This particular coupon expires today. People have had 3 MONTHS to use the coupon.
Last night I expected to be a little busier then usual. I walked in and looked at the reservations and at the beginning of the night it "looked" manageable. There were a few red flags. One person in the lounge area. One person who had to wait on the 15 tables plus make drinks for the whole restaurant... We only had 5 servers on the floor and one server in the private dining room. Of the 5 floor servers 1 is new, so while he's a strong server he's not prepared for the 8 table section he was given. Plus I had to ask him to pick up in the lounge area. There were 2 strong servers, and those 2 servers did not have the larger sections. Then I had an average server and my least favorite, least competent server in the back of the restaurant, where the large tables are for large parties.
I had a party of 9 that made the reservation for 6 people because that's all they could make online and they wanted to come in right in the middle of everything that was crashing down at the same time. If you go online and you can't make a reservation for the amount of people and you call the restaurant and you are told a time, then it's highly likely that when they tell you that time they know what they are talking about and know what the situation is for the evening...
I had a phone call from a lady who was sick, had to cancel her reservations over the weekend and had a coupon that was expiring. I'm sorry that you are sick. I'm sorry that you are not going to be able to use your coupon. I am also aware that you have had 3 months to use said coupon. It clearly states you may not place carry out orders with the coupon. I am sorry that my answer is not to your liking but in the grand scheme of things this is not a life or death situation such as you are making it out to be, GET A GRIP!!!
I try very hard to remember that people coming in want a pleasant dining experience. I try very hard to be pleasant and courteous. Last night I went on a wait. I literally ran out of tables and I could not seat people in the lounge because I did not have anyone to take care of them, so they are all standing looking at me. I HATE being on a wait. I well managed front door can handle hundreds of people and should not have to be on a wait. Except when there is poor planning on the parts of other people.
I had guests who had no reservations but had coupons that they had to use before tonight. So they waited. along with my reservations. I can only do what I can do. I was the only hostess last night, I had no help. My manager was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I knew that freaking out or melting down would serve no purpose and I knew that I could not leave the front to go reset tables. Just because I could get someone seated at a table did not mean that they would receive attention from an already weeded server.
Slowly I was able to get my waiting 7:30, 7:45 and 8:00 tables seated. As the busser would reset a table I would go find the one table and get them seated. I had gone into my system and blocked out all times between 8-9 knowing that if I didn't I was going to be in a bigger mess then was already happening. My 7:30 tables went down before 8. My 7:45 tables before 8:15. My 8 tables went down around 8:15 and my 8:15 tables probably closer to 8:30.
I had an 8pm reservation who was waiting at the door she came to check. In the restaurant where I work you can see all the tables behind me, there were no empty tables. The guest asked what it was looking like to sit down. I politely stated that I would seat them as soon as possible. She made the comment but I want to sit down now. I had to walk away. Had I not walked away I would have said that it would be wonderful to get you seated now and if you want to go sit with another table or at a dirty table then you are more then welcome to do so but I do not have a table that is actually ready for you to sit down at.
Walk in guests, were shocked that I could not seat them on a Monday night. OK while I understand you have a coupon that you need to use your all around poor planning is NOT MY FAULT!!!!! So when you sat and looked at me from 7:30 until 8:15, WHEN I TOLD YOU I WOULD BE ABLE TO SEAT YOU, and I seat you at a table and you give me attitude and say of course "this" would be our table, I had to walk away. Because what I wanted to say is if you would like to go sit at a dirty table or at another table as you can clearly see this is the only available table I have at this time.
I also had to deal with the guests sitting in my least favorite servers section. Because they were all coming up asking to speak to the manager. Because that server is incompetent.
I had the Dr. come in who was shocked that we were so busy on a Monday night. Who decided to be put on the wait list. Who gave me attitude because I had to ask for his last name a second time. It is loud up front. I have at least 10 people all looking at me as they wait for a table. The phone is ringing, and you snap at me because I asked for your name one more time. GET A GRIP.
Normally it's not like last night. Which is a good thing. If last night were normal, I would not continue to work at this restaurant. However, at the very start of the evening I had a conversation with a guy who used to be our head bartender. He now works for a new restaurant with our previous assistant manager. They are talking to me today about their restaurant. I know that it might not be possible. The reason I am able to work where I work now is because I have been given a set Monday,Wednesday Friday schedule and that gives me Saturdays and Sundays. That kind of schedule is tough to promise when you are having to deal with so many hostesses and so many schedule. However, I'm going to at least go talk to them and see what I might be able to work out!
3 months ago the restaurant I work at offered a coupon where you pay a certain amount and then you spend an amount and get a discount, these coupons are all over and a lot of places participate. This particular coupon expires today. People have had 3 MONTHS to use the coupon.
Last night I expected to be a little busier then usual. I walked in and looked at the reservations and at the beginning of the night it "looked" manageable. There were a few red flags. One person in the lounge area. One person who had to wait on the 15 tables plus make drinks for the whole restaurant... We only had 5 servers on the floor and one server in the private dining room. Of the 5 floor servers 1 is new, so while he's a strong server he's not prepared for the 8 table section he was given. Plus I had to ask him to pick up in the lounge area. There were 2 strong servers, and those 2 servers did not have the larger sections. Then I had an average server and my least favorite, least competent server in the back of the restaurant, where the large tables are for large parties.
I had a party of 9 that made the reservation for 6 people because that's all they could make online and they wanted to come in right in the middle of everything that was crashing down at the same time. If you go online and you can't make a reservation for the amount of people and you call the restaurant and you are told a time, then it's highly likely that when they tell you that time they know what they are talking about and know what the situation is for the evening...
I had a phone call from a lady who was sick, had to cancel her reservations over the weekend and had a coupon that was expiring. I'm sorry that you are sick. I'm sorry that you are not going to be able to use your coupon. I am also aware that you have had 3 months to use said coupon. It clearly states you may not place carry out orders with the coupon. I am sorry that my answer is not to your liking but in the grand scheme of things this is not a life or death situation such as you are making it out to be, GET A GRIP!!!
I try very hard to remember that people coming in want a pleasant dining experience. I try very hard to be pleasant and courteous. Last night I went on a wait. I literally ran out of tables and I could not seat people in the lounge because I did not have anyone to take care of them, so they are all standing looking at me. I HATE being on a wait. I well managed front door can handle hundreds of people and should not have to be on a wait. Except when there is poor planning on the parts of other people.
I had guests who had no reservations but had coupons that they had to use before tonight. So they waited. along with my reservations. I can only do what I can do. I was the only hostess last night, I had no help. My manager was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I knew that freaking out or melting down would serve no purpose and I knew that I could not leave the front to go reset tables. Just because I could get someone seated at a table did not mean that they would receive attention from an already weeded server.
Slowly I was able to get my waiting 7:30, 7:45 and 8:00 tables seated. As the busser would reset a table I would go find the one table and get them seated. I had gone into my system and blocked out all times between 8-9 knowing that if I didn't I was going to be in a bigger mess then was already happening. My 7:30 tables went down before 8. My 7:45 tables before 8:15. My 8 tables went down around 8:15 and my 8:15 tables probably closer to 8:30.
I had an 8pm reservation who was waiting at the door she came to check. In the restaurant where I work you can see all the tables behind me, there were no empty tables. The guest asked what it was looking like to sit down. I politely stated that I would seat them as soon as possible. She made the comment but I want to sit down now. I had to walk away. Had I not walked away I would have said that it would be wonderful to get you seated now and if you want to go sit with another table or at a dirty table then you are more then welcome to do so but I do not have a table that is actually ready for you to sit down at.
Walk in guests, were shocked that I could not seat them on a Monday night. OK while I understand you have a coupon that you need to use your all around poor planning is NOT MY FAULT!!!!! So when you sat and looked at me from 7:30 until 8:15, WHEN I TOLD YOU I WOULD BE ABLE TO SEAT YOU, and I seat you at a table and you give me attitude and say of course "this" would be our table, I had to walk away. Because what I wanted to say is if you would like to go sit at a dirty table or at another table as you can clearly see this is the only available table I have at this time.
I also had to deal with the guests sitting in my least favorite servers section. Because they were all coming up asking to speak to the manager. Because that server is incompetent.
I had the Dr. come in who was shocked that we were so busy on a Monday night. Who decided to be put on the wait list. Who gave me attitude because I had to ask for his last name a second time. It is loud up front. I have at least 10 people all looking at me as they wait for a table. The phone is ringing, and you snap at me because I asked for your name one more time. GET A GRIP.
Normally it's not like last night. Which is a good thing. If last night were normal, I would not continue to work at this restaurant. However, at the very start of the evening I had a conversation with a guy who used to be our head bartender. He now works for a new restaurant with our previous assistant manager. They are talking to me today about their restaurant. I know that it might not be possible. The reason I am able to work where I work now is because I have been given a set Monday,Wednesday Friday schedule and that gives me Saturdays and Sundays. That kind of schedule is tough to promise when you are having to deal with so many hostesses and so many schedule. However, I'm going to at least go talk to them and see what I might be able to work out!
Monday, January 30, 2012
situational
Sometimes it's not just one thing that has or has not happened but the many factors all put together that when all piled on top of each other make a seemingly huge mountain.
Maybe it's yet another car repair that's needed, new struts, new tires, new brakes.
Maybe it's the knowledge that the HOA assesement isn't even 1/2 way done.
Maybe it's the difference between the numbers owed and the numbers that show in the check book.
Maybe it's the frustration that there just never seems to be enough time.
Moving into the 2nd month of the year there is a lot going on. Here is what I know.
God is bigger.
In Genesis God made the whole world, in 6 days and that included man and woman and on the 7th day He rested.
In Exodus God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, and God provided for all their needs.
In Joshua God led the people and the walls of Jerhico fell.
In Ruth God provided for Naomi and Ruth and made a way when there seemed to be no way.
In 1 Samuel God blessed Hannah with a son, after years of prayers
In Esther God placed a woman to save His people from the evil plans of Haman
In Daniel God protected the men in the furnace, and not one hair on their heads was singed and they didn't even smell like smoke.
In Jonah God provided a big fish to swallow Jonah so that he could carry the message he had been given to Ninevah.
In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John the story of Jesus and what He accomplished through is birth, death and Resurrection is told.
When I feel overwhelmed, and my hope starts to fade I have only remember that God is the same, He never changes. He was God yesterday, He is God today and He will be God tomorrow. My hope is in Him. When I feel like I can't keep up my pace, He is where I turn. When I feel like my prayers are hitting the ceiling, I pray harder. He is always there, always good, always faithful.
Maybe it's yet another car repair that's needed, new struts, new tires, new brakes.
Maybe it's the knowledge that the HOA assesement isn't even 1/2 way done.
Maybe it's the difference between the numbers owed and the numbers that show in the check book.
Maybe it's the frustration that there just never seems to be enough time.
Moving into the 2nd month of the year there is a lot going on. Here is what I know.
God is bigger.
In Genesis God made the whole world, in 6 days and that included man and woman and on the 7th day He rested.
In Exodus God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, and God provided for all their needs.
In Joshua God led the people and the walls of Jerhico fell.
In Ruth God provided for Naomi and Ruth and made a way when there seemed to be no way.
In 1 Samuel God blessed Hannah with a son, after years of prayers
In Esther God placed a woman to save His people from the evil plans of Haman
In Daniel God protected the men in the furnace, and not one hair on their heads was singed and they didn't even smell like smoke.
In Jonah God provided a big fish to swallow Jonah so that he could carry the message he had been given to Ninevah.
In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John the story of Jesus and what He accomplished through is birth, death and Resurrection is told.
When I feel overwhelmed, and my hope starts to fade I have only remember that God is the same, He never changes. He was God yesterday, He is God today and He will be God tomorrow. My hope is in Him. When I feel like I can't keep up my pace, He is where I turn. When I feel like my prayers are hitting the ceiling, I pray harder. He is always there, always good, always faithful.
change, work, running, good byes
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Since the end of last week I've been in an odd mood. Perhaps because of changes, despite knowing that the only certainty we have is change (and birth and death). I've prayed in so many different directions and ways saying the same thing over and over. As I sat silent for a moment that verse scrolled through my mind.
I'm not guaranteed tomorrow. I know this. As I strive to grow and learn I'm aware that I'm very much a work in progress. Progress not perfection, this is the way I like it!
Last Friday night we had 330 covers at the restaurant, to put that in perspective on NYE we had 390, it was an extremely busy night. We went on a wait at around 7:15. Fortunately because I had truly tried to manage this we came off the wait at 8:30. I knew what would happen and was able to navigate accordingly. Restaurant week is just a crazy time!!!
Saturday morning was productive. We enjoyed a late lunch at "chick-a-la" (chick fil a) and Girl Clean played on the playground. We left from there and checked out the Marshalls that was in the same shopping center. Church Saturday night was awesome. Worship was wrapping up and I looked over and then looked again. One of my teachers from high school, who I hadn't seen since high school, was sitting a row over from us. I went to High School where I now live so I run into more people currently then in the past 15 years since I graduated from high school. After the service I said hi and introduced Mr. Clean.
Sunday I took Jack for a run. It was an awesome morning, and a great pace! My friend MFT was coming for lunch and Mr. Clean and Girl Clean were going to his parents for lunch. I got Girl Clean ready and then I was checking email when it got suspiciously quiet. I thought for a second and went into her room. She was hiding behind the easel, which meant she either had to go or had already gone in her pants, she had already gone. From past experience I knew this could be a mess. So I made her stand in a plastic bag. I removed her clothing, then took off the underwear. This way she was still able to wear the outfit I had dressed her in and I just threw the underwear away. She has no trouble with #1 it's #2 that she goes and hides for.
MFT arrived and we went to lunch. The place I originally planned for was closed on Sundays so we ended up at a different Mexican place. We were seated at a booth at this restaurant that looked out to the hotel where we first met each other when we were 7. I can't believe my friend is moving to Canada. I know I'll see her but to have had her so close for the past 3 years, it's hard knowing how far away she will be!
After lunch we said good bye. I made a stop for ingredients. My 21 day fast was up yesterday so I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies. I plan to continue to watch my sugar intake but I wanted to bake something. I brought all the cookies to work today!
Tonight I work at the restaurant. This weekend is my first 5K of the year. I'm really looking forward to it, despite knowing that the hills are going to be tough!!!
Since the end of last week I've been in an odd mood. Perhaps because of changes, despite knowing that the only certainty we have is change (and birth and death). I've prayed in so many different directions and ways saying the same thing over and over. As I sat silent for a moment that verse scrolled through my mind.
I'm not guaranteed tomorrow. I know this. As I strive to grow and learn I'm aware that I'm very much a work in progress. Progress not perfection, this is the way I like it!
Last Friday night we had 330 covers at the restaurant, to put that in perspective on NYE we had 390, it was an extremely busy night. We went on a wait at around 7:15. Fortunately because I had truly tried to manage this we came off the wait at 8:30. I knew what would happen and was able to navigate accordingly. Restaurant week is just a crazy time!!!
Saturday morning was productive. We enjoyed a late lunch at "chick-a-la" (chick fil a) and Girl Clean played on the playground. We left from there and checked out the Marshalls that was in the same shopping center. Church Saturday night was awesome. Worship was wrapping up and I looked over and then looked again. One of my teachers from high school, who I hadn't seen since high school, was sitting a row over from us. I went to High School where I now live so I run into more people currently then in the past 15 years since I graduated from high school. After the service I said hi and introduced Mr. Clean.
Sunday I took Jack for a run. It was an awesome morning, and a great pace! My friend MFT was coming for lunch and Mr. Clean and Girl Clean were going to his parents for lunch. I got Girl Clean ready and then I was checking email when it got suspiciously quiet. I thought for a second and went into her room. She was hiding behind the easel, which meant she either had to go or had already gone in her pants, she had already gone. From past experience I knew this could be a mess. So I made her stand in a plastic bag. I removed her clothing, then took off the underwear. This way she was still able to wear the outfit I had dressed her in and I just threw the underwear away. She has no trouble with #1 it's #2 that she goes and hides for.
MFT arrived and we went to lunch. The place I originally planned for was closed on Sundays so we ended up at a different Mexican place. We were seated at a booth at this restaurant that looked out to the hotel where we first met each other when we were 7. I can't believe my friend is moving to Canada. I know I'll see her but to have had her so close for the past 3 years, it's hard knowing how far away she will be!
After lunch we said good bye. I made a stop for ingredients. My 21 day fast was up yesterday so I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies. I plan to continue to watch my sugar intake but I wanted to bake something. I brought all the cookies to work today!
Tonight I work at the restaurant. This weekend is my first 5K of the year. I'm really looking forward to it, despite knowing that the hills are going to be tough!!!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thankful Thursday
This week I'm doing this a little differently. I have a lot that I am thankful for, and I know that I am blessed. I also have to remind myself sometimes just how big God is and how much He loves us. I receive daily reminders of His love and I, at times, feel overwhelmed by the overall greatness of Him! He provides all our needs, He knows the plans He has for us, He will take care of us, we just have to cast our cares and fears on Him and He has us!
1 Chronicles 16:8-11 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 9:1-2 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 100:4-5 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalm 106:1 “Praise the Lord Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Corinthians 15:55-58 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
1 Chronicles 16:8-11 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 9:1-2 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Psalm 100:4-5 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalm 106:1 “Praise the Lord Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Corinthians 15:55-58 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Charlotte Race Schedule
I can't email and can't comment so I'm posting :)
There are lots of running opportunities in Charlotte!!! My personal favorites are always the ones by Run For Your Life. The website http://www.runforyourlife.com/, has a race calendar.
Active.com also has a list of events.
It's possible to train for a 1/2 marathon by say a date of March 25 but with a move and lots of changes not something I would attempt.
There are lots of running opportunities in Charlotte!!! My personal favorites are always the ones by Run For Your Life. The website http://www.runforyourlife.com/, has a race calendar.
Active.com also has a list of events.
It's possible to train for a 1/2 marathon by say a date of March 25 but with a move and lots of changes not something I would attempt.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
20 Years
I went to the gym Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Both days I had very little desire to go. Something happens when I start moving my body. This was more noticeable on Sunday. I started my treadmill run and after the first 3 minutes my injury was noticeable. I backed off and walked for 2 minutes. Then I upped the speed and ran for 3 more minutes. I told myself that if I didn’t improve I could stop after 10 minutes. After the 3 minutes was completed I walked for 2 minutes. When my 3 more minutes of running was up I was starting to feel more “into” the run. So I continued with the run 3 walk 2 format. By the end I was up to a 7 for my running. I call it speed work. I spent a total of 40 minutes on the treadmill. The individual TV screen is a fantastic distraction!
Mr. Clean has noted that I am in a much better mood when I am working out on a regular basis. He revealed this bit of knowledge the Saturday after I came home from the meeting with the trainer. I am learning that giving in to being lazy has more then just an adverse effect on the way my clothes fit. I’m mentally a much healthier person when I am running, walking, and getting my rear end to the gym. Sickness happens, life gets in the way, it’s not possible to plan for the unexpected. For the most part my weeks are routine enough that I can fit my workout in on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Driving in to work this morning I was thinking about an email exchange yesterday with my friend NH. We were discussing our upcoming race calendar and her frustration over various situations. One of her frustrations I could relate to and I stated that I understood her frustration and I feel similarly. In her response back she said that there is no way I could have gained 18 lbs since the wedding based on recent pictures. I explained to her that yes in fact I have and my clothes don’t fit.
One of my favorite things about my husband is that he is the first man ever to give me an answer that doesn’t offend me when it comes to this subject. “Honey I think you are beautiful and perfect just the way you are, you are amazing”. It’s always some variation of this answer when the topic comes up and honestly it’s not something that I bring up daily. Usually it’s when something I want to wear does not look right (in other words won’t snap, button or zip) and I’m frustrated with myself. He has a way of just making a statement that works for me. He's actually the only person I know who can give me a satisfactory response regarding this topic.
I have come a long ways since 1992, for most people 20 years in the past is a very long time ago. In some ways it is. In 20 years I have not weighed 218 pounds (or somewhere in that range I know it was over 200). The past is just that, and when I think back over the past 20 years I think about my friendships and experiences and where I’ve been and how I’ve reached the here and now.
I also have not forgotten that I was 13 years old and I wore a size 18/20. I’ve finally reached a place where I know that the numbers on the scale and in my clothes do not define who I am. There is a quote that I love and apply to my life often “what other people think of me is none of my business.” “Live and let live”, is another. One reminds me that I do not have to worry about what other people think. The latter reminds me that I am responsible for living my life and allowing others to live theirs.
In 2009 when I first started running, my friend the event coordinator told me that being a certain size was never going to be enough motivation for her. She is a fantastic athlete and has competed in numerous Iron Man competitions. We’re the same height, same body shape and pretty much it’s like my long lost sister who is 18 years older then me. For her she stays active because it’s a lifestyle. We have worked together for 4 years now at 2 different restaurants and I have learned a lot and adopted this lifestyle mentality for myself.
I had my review with my manager last Friday and it went extremely well. While were talking she made the statement that I seem to be able to detach from a situation, take a step outside of it, evaluate it, form a plan, and then step back into the situation and do what has to be done. Considering the fact that I lived my life in reactionary mode most of the time this is a huge compliment!!! Learning how to evaluate, and form a plan allows me to have an inner peace that has never existed for me before.
When I had to step on the scale at the doctors office back in November and then again 2 weeks ago I saw the number and while not happy about it I also was able to take a step back. At that moment there is nothing I can do to change what I see. Changing requires commitment to do things differently. Staying out of the candy jar, not giving in to every craving, not making excuses for why I don’t feel like going for a run, walk, or to the gym.
As the first month of 2012 is quickly drawing to it’s conclusion I know that without a doubt 2012 will be a year of great change, great growth, and wonderful opportunity!!!
Mr. Clean has noted that I am in a much better mood when I am working out on a regular basis. He revealed this bit of knowledge the Saturday after I came home from the meeting with the trainer. I am learning that giving in to being lazy has more then just an adverse effect on the way my clothes fit. I’m mentally a much healthier person when I am running, walking, and getting my rear end to the gym. Sickness happens, life gets in the way, it’s not possible to plan for the unexpected. For the most part my weeks are routine enough that I can fit my workout in on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Driving in to work this morning I was thinking about an email exchange yesterday with my friend NH. We were discussing our upcoming race calendar and her frustration over various situations. One of her frustrations I could relate to and I stated that I understood her frustration and I feel similarly. In her response back she said that there is no way I could have gained 18 lbs since the wedding based on recent pictures. I explained to her that yes in fact I have and my clothes don’t fit.
One of my favorite things about my husband is that he is the first man ever to give me an answer that doesn’t offend me when it comes to this subject. “Honey I think you are beautiful and perfect just the way you are, you are amazing”. It’s always some variation of this answer when the topic comes up and honestly it’s not something that I bring up daily. Usually it’s when something I want to wear does not look right (in other words won’t snap, button or zip) and I’m frustrated with myself. He has a way of just making a statement that works for me. He's actually the only person I know who can give me a satisfactory response regarding this topic.
I have come a long ways since 1992, for most people 20 years in the past is a very long time ago. In some ways it is. In 20 years I have not weighed 218 pounds (or somewhere in that range I know it was over 200). The past is just that, and when I think back over the past 20 years I think about my friendships and experiences and where I’ve been and how I’ve reached the here and now.
I also have not forgotten that I was 13 years old and I wore a size 18/20. I’ve finally reached a place where I know that the numbers on the scale and in my clothes do not define who I am. There is a quote that I love and apply to my life often “what other people think of me is none of my business.” “Live and let live”, is another. One reminds me that I do not have to worry about what other people think. The latter reminds me that I am responsible for living my life and allowing others to live theirs.
In 2009 when I first started running, my friend the event coordinator told me that being a certain size was never going to be enough motivation for her. She is a fantastic athlete and has competed in numerous Iron Man competitions. We’re the same height, same body shape and pretty much it’s like my long lost sister who is 18 years older then me. For her she stays active because it’s a lifestyle. We have worked together for 4 years now at 2 different restaurants and I have learned a lot and adopted this lifestyle mentality for myself.
I had my review with my manager last Friday and it went extremely well. While were talking she made the statement that I seem to be able to detach from a situation, take a step outside of it, evaluate it, form a plan, and then step back into the situation and do what has to be done. Considering the fact that I lived my life in reactionary mode most of the time this is a huge compliment!!! Learning how to evaluate, and form a plan allows me to have an inner peace that has never existed for me before.
When I had to step on the scale at the doctors office back in November and then again 2 weeks ago I saw the number and while not happy about it I also was able to take a step back. At that moment there is nothing I can do to change what I see. Changing requires commitment to do things differently. Staying out of the candy jar, not giving in to every craving, not making excuses for why I don’t feel like going for a run, walk, or to the gym.
As the first month of 2012 is quickly drawing to it’s conclusion I know that without a doubt 2012 will be a year of great change, great growth, and wonderful opportunity!!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
reviews, talking restaurant, laziness is no excuse
Friday I had an awesome review with my manager. I was so thankful to hear that my efforts over the past year have been noted and recognized. Friday night kicked off restaurant week in Charlotte. My restaurant participates, thus a very busy Friday evening. Fortunately I was able to leave at 10. The restaurant is open until 11 on Friday and Saturday nights but I’ve been extremely fortunate to be able to leave at 10 most Friday nights.
I arrived home and there was food waiting for me, thank goodness!!! I was so hungry! I checked email and ate and watched an episode of how I met your mother and then crawled into bed. I was anticipating Saturday morning because I had a hair appointment. I drove the hour to Pineville for my 10 appointment and sat and waited and waited. 10 minutes after 10 I got a phone call that my hair girl had a stomach bug and she was not moving fast, meaning she was going to be 30 minutes late. I told her no worries, she can’t control being sick and I don’t need what she has so I told her we would reschedule and I drove to my parents to pick up Jack.
Jack was oh so happy to see me. My mom was excited about the pictures I printed from the wedding. CVS does a photo collage print that turned out really well. I was excited! I printed one for my parents and one for my Grandmommy and picked out frames to put them in. I talked to my parents for a while and then headed home. Mr. Clean has been sick with a man cold. He went to the doctor last Wednesday because he felt so awful. He had made it from the bed to the couch by the time I got home. I got Jack settled and went to the gym. I did squats, lunges, legs and cardio. Lunch was waiting for me when I got home. We had a low key Saturday and opted to wait to go to the early service for church. Mr. Clean was hoping he would feel better in the morning.
He didn’t feel any better Sunday morning so I went to the early service on my own. I actually like going by myself and the service was awesome. I made a grocery store run and we made lunch. We spent the next couple hours on the couch watching tv and then I dragged myself to the gym for a run. My injury from the end of last year has flared and it hurts, but I was able to run as long as I was careful. I’m glad I made myself go. Laziness is not an excuse although I totally wanted to be lazy yesterday. All weekend was rainy and cold, a perfect weekend for being inside and not doing much of anything. Part of what made the run easier (especially since I was on a treadmill) is the fact that each treadmill has it's own tv. I need to remember to bring headphones. I watched HGTV while running, that was the perfect distraction!!!
The rest of the afternoon evening was spent watching Big Bang Theory. I was in bed by shortly after 9. Yet I still feel sleepy today, I’m blaming the weather, it’s still cold and gray outside. I’m trying to stay focused but it’s hard!
This week is restaurant week, which means busy nights which is fine. Busy makes time go by a lot faster! Honestly I’m praying hard that something changes so that I don’t have to keep doing the 3 nights a week at the restaurant. I may take it down to 2 for a while and see if that fills in the financial gap but also allows me to not feel quite so run down.
I signed up for my March race. I’ve got 2 5k’s in February and now a 4 miler in March. I know that when I have races on the calendar it keeps me motivated!
I arrived home and there was food waiting for me, thank goodness!!! I was so hungry! I checked email and ate and watched an episode of how I met your mother and then crawled into bed. I was anticipating Saturday morning because I had a hair appointment. I drove the hour to Pineville for my 10 appointment and sat and waited and waited. 10 minutes after 10 I got a phone call that my hair girl had a stomach bug and she was not moving fast, meaning she was going to be 30 minutes late. I told her no worries, she can’t control being sick and I don’t need what she has so I told her we would reschedule and I drove to my parents to pick up Jack.
Jack was oh so happy to see me. My mom was excited about the pictures I printed from the wedding. CVS does a photo collage print that turned out really well. I was excited! I printed one for my parents and one for my Grandmommy and picked out frames to put them in. I talked to my parents for a while and then headed home. Mr. Clean has been sick with a man cold. He went to the doctor last Wednesday because he felt so awful. He had made it from the bed to the couch by the time I got home. I got Jack settled and went to the gym. I did squats, lunges, legs and cardio. Lunch was waiting for me when I got home. We had a low key Saturday and opted to wait to go to the early service for church. Mr. Clean was hoping he would feel better in the morning.
He didn’t feel any better Sunday morning so I went to the early service on my own. I actually like going by myself and the service was awesome. I made a grocery store run and we made lunch. We spent the next couple hours on the couch watching tv and then I dragged myself to the gym for a run. My injury from the end of last year has flared and it hurts, but I was able to run as long as I was careful. I’m glad I made myself go. Laziness is not an excuse although I totally wanted to be lazy yesterday. All weekend was rainy and cold, a perfect weekend for being inside and not doing much of anything. Part of what made the run easier (especially since I was on a treadmill) is the fact that each treadmill has it's own tv. I need to remember to bring headphones. I watched HGTV while running, that was the perfect distraction!!!
The rest of the afternoon evening was spent watching Big Bang Theory. I was in bed by shortly after 9. Yet I still feel sleepy today, I’m blaming the weather, it’s still cold and gray outside. I’m trying to stay focused but it’s hard!
This week is restaurant week, which means busy nights which is fine. Busy makes time go by a lot faster! Honestly I’m praying hard that something changes so that I don’t have to keep doing the 3 nights a week at the restaurant. I may take it down to 2 for a while and see if that fills in the financial gap but also allows me to not feel quite so run down.
I signed up for my March race. I’ve got 2 5k’s in February and now a 4 miler in March. I know that when I have races on the calendar it keeps me motivated!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thankful Thursday
I'm thankful that I had Monday off
I'm thankful that I was able to work out with the trainer last Saturday, and said no when they called to follow up.
I'm thankful that I get my hair cut on Saturday
I'm thankful that even though he was sick and already in bed when I got home Mr. Clean made dinner for me
I'm thankful that my Grandmother was able to move to the new floor where she receives awesome care
I'm thankful for the nurses who care so much about my Grandmommy
I'm thankful that my Mom and my Aunt do so much to help my Grandmommy
I'm thankful that it has been an unseasonably warm January, although today is chilly.
I'm thankful that fruit is not part of my fast
I'm thankful that we had a great lunch with Family Clean this past Sunday
I'm thankful that God always provides!!!
I'm thankful that I was able to work out with the trainer last Saturday, and said no when they called to follow up.
I'm thankful that I get my hair cut on Saturday
I'm thankful that even though he was sick and already in bed when I got home Mr. Clean made dinner for me
I'm thankful that my Grandmother was able to move to the new floor where she receives awesome care
I'm thankful for the nurses who care so much about my Grandmommy
I'm thankful that my Mom and my Aunt do so much to help my Grandmommy
I'm thankful that it has been an unseasonably warm January, although today is chilly.
I'm thankful that fruit is not part of my fast
I'm thankful that we had a great lunch with Family Clean this past Sunday
I'm thankful that God always provides!!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Shopping
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| Found Here |
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| Found Here |
I have done a good job of not going overboard when it comes to clothes and shoes for the Girl. I want to know that she has what she needs but I also don't want her to have so much that clothes never get worn. The consignment store that I shop at has such fantastic deals and clothes that I can purchase, for a fraction of the cost, whole outfits. Stores like Old Navy have such great clearance sales that it makes it possible to keep her stocked without breaking the bank!
Progress
I truly appreciate the sweet comments on yesterdays post. I wrote more for my own accountability then anything. As I stated in yesterday's post
"I'm in a unique place right now, one I've never been in before. Where as before I would be feeling angry, frustrated, annoyed at myself for my unhealthy weight today that's not where I am. I understand that this is something that I brought on myself. I understand that my goal is health not numbers. I understand that I can only workout 3 days a week but I can watch what I eat 7 days a week. I understand that food should not be a reward. I understand that I'm thankful that I'm blessed and I like my life. I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning!"
I am fine with the way that I look, and happy with life. Sometimes I feel tired just from the pace of it all but I have vacation days and when I feel too overwhelmed I can take a day off. When the pace of life is constantly on the go it's easy to overlook eating healthy. I realize that the numbers don't define who I am, and that they are not what make me happy.
I'm tall, 5'9. This means that I will never be 120 pounds. I have a healthy range and currently I'm not in the healthy weight range. I'm actually 18-20lbs outside the healthy weight range. Usually I get inside the healthy weight range, I meet someone and then I gain weight and as I said yesterday instead of a journey it feels like a huge circle that keeps repeating. I truly want to break that circle. I want the journey to move forward, not keep circling back.
I'm basing my numbers off information from my doctors, who I've asked the question to, and not the trainer who I met with Saturday. I received the same information Saturday that I've received from my doctors.
Life is ongoing and striving for perfection is unrealistic and self defeating. I would like to be healthy, and that means moving the journey forward and out of the giant circle. My happiness is not numbers on a scale, or a dress size. I like my life, I'm blessed. I hold myself accountable because it's not ok with me to wake up 5 years down the road and be 50lbs outside my healthy weight range. Part of liking yourself means that you take care of yourself. Keeping active, eating right, help me stay healthy and able to do all the things I want to do!
Happy Tuesday!!!
"I'm in a unique place right now, one I've never been in before. Where as before I would be feeling angry, frustrated, annoyed at myself for my unhealthy weight today that's not where I am. I understand that this is something that I brought on myself. I understand that my goal is health not numbers. I understand that I can only workout 3 days a week but I can watch what I eat 7 days a week. I understand that food should not be a reward. I understand that I'm thankful that I'm blessed and I like my life. I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning!"
I am fine with the way that I look, and happy with life. Sometimes I feel tired just from the pace of it all but I have vacation days and when I feel too overwhelmed I can take a day off. When the pace of life is constantly on the go it's easy to overlook eating healthy. I realize that the numbers don't define who I am, and that they are not what make me happy.
I'm tall, 5'9. This means that I will never be 120 pounds. I have a healthy range and currently I'm not in the healthy weight range. I'm actually 18-20lbs outside the healthy weight range. Usually I get inside the healthy weight range, I meet someone and then I gain weight and as I said yesterday instead of a journey it feels like a huge circle that keeps repeating. I truly want to break that circle. I want the journey to move forward, not keep circling back.
I'm basing my numbers off information from my doctors, who I've asked the question to, and not the trainer who I met with Saturday. I received the same information Saturday that I've received from my doctors.
Life is ongoing and striving for perfection is unrealistic and self defeating. I would like to be healthy, and that means moving the journey forward and out of the giant circle. My happiness is not numbers on a scale, or a dress size. I like my life, I'm blessed. I hold myself accountable because it's not ok with me to wake up 5 years down the road and be 50lbs outside my healthy weight range. Part of liking yourself means that you take care of yourself. Keeping active, eating right, help me stay healthy and able to do all the things I want to do!
Happy Tuesday!!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
work, working out, and reality
I worked Friday night and it was busy. The hostess I was working with just broke up with her boyfriend. She was all kinds of fun to be around. However, since I've been in her shoes on more fingers and toes then I can count I let her talk it out.
Saturday morning I had a session with a trainer at the gym. This "complimentary" session was part of the sign up deal. I agreed to it knowing I have no time but I did want to see the numbers. Ignorance is bliss, for real!!! I stepped on the scale minus shoes and it was more then what it was the last time at the doctors office. We did the body fat measurement thing you hold in your hands. I filled out the survey. One question was on a scale of 1 to 10 how important is this to you. I rated it a 4. The trainer was pretty horrified. I looked at him and said, "I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday night, Tuesday nights I have a meeting, my free weeknight is Thursday night, Saturdays and Sundays we have our daugther and I have to make sure the dog gets a walk and run." This is my life, it's my reality.
We went through jumping jacks, jumping squats, lunges, weights, and then some more leg stuff followed by pushups and situps. Then the 30 minutes was done and we sat down and he gave me numbers. I knew he was offering me a great deal. I liked him, he's nice and easy to work with. I also know that I don't have the time or money. When they called to follow up with me yesterday I very nicely told the guy following up, I appreciated the time spent with me but for now I will not be signing up.
Here's the deal. Since my wedding I have gained 18lbs. I did not like the number on the scale. It does not define me but I want to be healthy and currently I am not healthy. This weight gain is totally my own doing. I baked a lot over Christmas. As far back as August I have talked about my mass consumption of all things sweet. I've seen this coming. I knew what was happening. This journey at times seems more like a giant circle. I know how I reached this point. I'm not going to type a whoa is me post, I'm not even complaining. This is what it is.
I mentioned I gave up cookies, candy and sweets for a church thing. I was convicted on Saturday of substituting out bread for the fact that I can't have the cookies, candy and sweets. So I have now removed that as well. I have also realized that I will carry this beyond the 21 day church fast. This stuff isn't good for me. It doesn't provide me the healthy stuff I actually need out of food. I'm sure that as the weeks go by I'll have a piece of chocolate or a cookie, or something but when I sit down and really think about how much I've been eating, it's not good.
Saturday mornings session was tough. I hurt leaving the gym. Sunday I hurt but I still worked in a run/walk session with Jack. I'm sure he wondered what was wrong with me! We totalled 3 miles but they were not fast. Sunday for lunch we went to Mr. Clean's parents and enjoyed some time with them. That afternoon we just hung out with each other, Girl Clean's mom picked her up at 8.
Monday morning the full pain kicked in from Saturday. Anytime you have a brutal workout the most painful day is 2 days later. Yesterday I couldn't put direct weight on my legs when I went to get out of bed. I had to very very slowly ease myself up. The entire day was spent wincing in pain as I tried to move. I met my college roommate for lunch and then stopped by the grocery store. I got home and put the groceries away and took Jack for a walk. We made it maybe a mile. I just couldn't handle the pain. Last night I stretched, which helped some. I know that it's important to strength train, and I know that it's important to keep working out, probably a little harder then I have been. I also don't think I need to exhaust my leg muscles to the point that they were exhausted on Saturday. I have to be able to move and function for my everyday life. Excercise should enhance this not disable me!!!
I'm in a unique place right now, one I've never been in before. Where as before I would be feeling angry, frustrated, annoyed at myself for my unhealthy weight today that's not where I am. I understand that this is something that I brought on myself. I understand that my goal is health not numbers. I understand that I can only workout 3 days a week but I can watch what I eat 7 days a week. I understand that food should not be a reward. I understand that I'm thankful that I'm blessed and I like my life. I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning!
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. " Romans 12:2
Saturday morning I had a session with a trainer at the gym. This "complimentary" session was part of the sign up deal. I agreed to it knowing I have no time but I did want to see the numbers. Ignorance is bliss, for real!!! I stepped on the scale minus shoes and it was more then what it was the last time at the doctors office. We did the body fat measurement thing you hold in your hands. I filled out the survey. One question was on a scale of 1 to 10 how important is this to you. I rated it a 4. The trainer was pretty horrified. I looked at him and said, "I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday night, Tuesday nights I have a meeting, my free weeknight is Thursday night, Saturdays and Sundays we have our daugther and I have to make sure the dog gets a walk and run." This is my life, it's my reality.
We went through jumping jacks, jumping squats, lunges, weights, and then some more leg stuff followed by pushups and situps. Then the 30 minutes was done and we sat down and he gave me numbers. I knew he was offering me a great deal. I liked him, he's nice and easy to work with. I also know that I don't have the time or money. When they called to follow up with me yesterday I very nicely told the guy following up, I appreciated the time spent with me but for now I will not be signing up.
Here's the deal. Since my wedding I have gained 18lbs. I did not like the number on the scale. It does not define me but I want to be healthy and currently I am not healthy. This weight gain is totally my own doing. I baked a lot over Christmas. As far back as August I have talked about my mass consumption of all things sweet. I've seen this coming. I knew what was happening. This journey at times seems more like a giant circle. I know how I reached this point. I'm not going to type a whoa is me post, I'm not even complaining. This is what it is.
I mentioned I gave up cookies, candy and sweets for a church thing. I was convicted on Saturday of substituting out bread for the fact that I can't have the cookies, candy and sweets. So I have now removed that as well. I have also realized that I will carry this beyond the 21 day church fast. This stuff isn't good for me. It doesn't provide me the healthy stuff I actually need out of food. I'm sure that as the weeks go by I'll have a piece of chocolate or a cookie, or something but when I sit down and really think about how much I've been eating, it's not good.
Saturday mornings session was tough. I hurt leaving the gym. Sunday I hurt but I still worked in a run/walk session with Jack. I'm sure he wondered what was wrong with me! We totalled 3 miles but they were not fast. Sunday for lunch we went to Mr. Clean's parents and enjoyed some time with them. That afternoon we just hung out with each other, Girl Clean's mom picked her up at 8.
Monday morning the full pain kicked in from Saturday. Anytime you have a brutal workout the most painful day is 2 days later. Yesterday I couldn't put direct weight on my legs when I went to get out of bed. I had to very very slowly ease myself up. The entire day was spent wincing in pain as I tried to move. I met my college roommate for lunch and then stopped by the grocery store. I got home and put the groceries away and took Jack for a walk. We made it maybe a mile. I just couldn't handle the pain. Last night I stretched, which helped some. I know that it's important to strength train, and I know that it's important to keep working out, probably a little harder then I have been. I also don't think I need to exhaust my leg muscles to the point that they were exhausted on Saturday. I have to be able to move and function for my everyday life. Excercise should enhance this not disable me!!!
I'm in a unique place right now, one I've never been in before. Where as before I would be feeling angry, frustrated, annoyed at myself for my unhealthy weight today that's not where I am. I understand that this is something that I brought on myself. I understand that my goal is health not numbers. I understand that I can only workout 3 days a week but I can watch what I eat 7 days a week. I understand that food should not be a reward. I understand that I'm thankful that I'm blessed and I like my life. I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning!
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. " Romans 12:2
Friday, January 13, 2012
sugar and shoes
Today I have craved the sugar. I have tried to plan, I had fruit for breakfast, a blueberry bagel midmorning, and a filling lunch, they had raisins in our vending machine so I bought a pack of those. I'm working through it. Meanwhile my boss came by to give me a Dunkin Donuts gift card for participating in a group project... The card will still be good in 16 days!
In conversation with Girl Clean's mom I realized that she only had 2 pairs of shoes at her mom's house. The girl's feet grow at a very fast rate so keeping her in shoes is a challenge. At our house we have the pairs that we need. I sent her home in a pair last Sunday and told her mom to just keep those. Then today I went looking I found a pair at Marshalls on Clearance for $7, SCORE!!! Cute black patent leather church shoes.
I decided to check piperlime for shoes and I am so glad that I did. I sent her mom pictures of the 2 pairs I was thinking of and asked which ones she liked better. Free shipping, shipped directly to their house and they were on clearance, Stride Rite for a fabulous deal!!! Picture and shoes located here.
In conversation with Girl Clean's mom I realized that she only had 2 pairs of shoes at her mom's house. The girl's feet grow at a very fast rate so keeping her in shoes is a challenge. At our house we have the pairs that we need. I sent her home in a pair last Sunday and told her mom to just keep those. Then today I went looking I found a pair at Marshalls on Clearance for $7, SCORE!!! Cute black patent leather church shoes.
I decided to check piperlime for shoes and I am so glad that I did. I sent her mom pictures of the 2 pairs I was thinking of and asked which ones she liked better. Free shipping, shipped directly to their house and they were on clearance, Stride Rite for a fabulous deal!!! Picture and shoes located here.
I appreciate the fact that I can talk to her mom and ask which pair. I appreciate that I can send clothes home with her mom. Girl clean's mom and I have talked about the fact that we both were in situations of having to deal with a nightmare ex-wife and the awfulness related to it. Because of what we have both been through we are able to have a relationship that works well.
work, pictures, excuses, down time
Yesterday was a typical catch up day from being out a day and I will be out again on Monday. This day off is planned and I'm looking forward to having lunch with the college roommate who I haven't seen in way too long, since October!
When she and I were making our plans I was typing out as I received her text the same place she texted me about, great minds think alike!!
Yesterday I had no voice which meant I kept my phone on forward at work. Not really a problem for me since I don't like talking on the phone anyways.
I got home last night and started playing around with the wedding pictures and album. I'm more just having fun with different options at this point and the amount of pictures I want to use. I currently have 2 pending albums and then another album that I started on a different website to do a little shopping comparison.
Last week I printed off pictures for my SIL from a drug store, I was very disappointed in several of the prints so I'm going to send the next round of pictures I want to print to a different location and hope for better results!!
Mr. Clean made pumpkin risotto for Thanksgiving. We had leftovers and froze a bag in order to not waste it but also to not have to eat it until Christmas. We thawed out the bag and tried to re-constitute it. It didn't work. So instead he made rice and we had something that resembled gravy over rice. It tasted good, he added sausage which is why I think it worked, otherwise it would have been pretty awful.
I stated I was going to get back into my gym groove last week. For whatever reason I had it in my head that my new gym was further then the old gym, even though when I signed up I believed it was the same distance just an opposite direction. Apparently I will create excuses in my head to avoid going. Even though it was cold I realized I needed to go. I changed clothes and headed out, it takes 9 minutes from the house to the gym and 10 minutes from the house in to the doors of the gym. I got there and I was so glad I went. I like to work out, I just needed to remind myself of this fact. January is typically crowded at all gyms so by waiting to get there at 8 I avoided the crowds and was able to get an awesome workout in.
I did intervals, started running, arms, elliptical, stomach, running, legs and then I was done, in 40 minutes. I was home by 8:50 and in bed by 10. The good news is the knee that is still sore is apparently just bruised. I can run on it, I just can't put any pressure on the front of it. My other knee has an awesome looking bruise but I can put more pressure on it then the other knee.
I have an appointment with the trainer tomorrow morning. I was impressed that they called to follow up with me. I have no time in my life (or money) for a trainer but I'm curious to know my body fat percentage and I never mind learning more about the equipment available.
Other then my AM appointment the weekend is low key. I know we'll have church tomorrow night, I have to work tonight but other then that we'll be able to just hang out. The past several weeks have been Christmas, New Years and the big 3rd birthday so I'm looking forward to some downtime!
Happy Friday!!!
When she and I were making our plans I was typing out as I received her text the same place she texted me about, great minds think alike!!
Yesterday I had no voice which meant I kept my phone on forward at work. Not really a problem for me since I don't like talking on the phone anyways.
I got home last night and started playing around with the wedding pictures and album. I'm more just having fun with different options at this point and the amount of pictures I want to use. I currently have 2 pending albums and then another album that I started on a different website to do a little shopping comparison.
Last week I printed off pictures for my SIL from a drug store, I was very disappointed in several of the prints so I'm going to send the next round of pictures I want to print to a different location and hope for better results!!
Mr. Clean made pumpkin risotto for Thanksgiving. We had leftovers and froze a bag in order to not waste it but also to not have to eat it until Christmas. We thawed out the bag and tried to re-constitute it. It didn't work. So instead he made rice and we had something that resembled gravy over rice. It tasted good, he added sausage which is why I think it worked, otherwise it would have been pretty awful.
I stated I was going to get back into my gym groove last week. For whatever reason I had it in my head that my new gym was further then the old gym, even though when I signed up I believed it was the same distance just an opposite direction. Apparently I will create excuses in my head to avoid going. Even though it was cold I realized I needed to go. I changed clothes and headed out, it takes 9 minutes from the house to the gym and 10 minutes from the house in to the doors of the gym. I got there and I was so glad I went. I like to work out, I just needed to remind myself of this fact. January is typically crowded at all gyms so by waiting to get there at 8 I avoided the crowds and was able to get an awesome workout in.
I did intervals, started running, arms, elliptical, stomach, running, legs and then I was done, in 40 minutes. I was home by 8:50 and in bed by 10. The good news is the knee that is still sore is apparently just bruised. I can run on it, I just can't put any pressure on the front of it. My other knee has an awesome looking bruise but I can put more pressure on it then the other knee.
I have an appointment with the trainer tomorrow morning. I was impressed that they called to follow up with me. I have no time in my life (or money) for a trainer but I'm curious to know my body fat percentage and I never mind learning more about the equipment available.
Other then my AM appointment the weekend is low key. I know we'll have church tomorrow night, I have to work tonight but other then that we'll be able to just hang out. The past several weeks have been Christmas, New Years and the big 3rd birthday so I'm looking forward to some downtime!
Happy Friday!!!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thankful Thursday
I'm thankful that we celebrated 3 years of life for Girl Clean on Saturday
I'm thankful that we went ice skating last Sunday
I'm thankful that it's not raining today
I'm thankful that this December and so far January have been very mild temperature wise
I'm thankful that my knees are slowly recovering
I'm thankful that I was able to take a day off yesterday
I'm thankful that eventually my voice is going to come back
I'm thankful that I was able to upload wedding pics and get started on an album
I'm thankful that I have a Kindle
I'm thankful that cell phones take pictures otherwise I would never have any pictures
I'm thankful that Jack Banner got to sleep on his pillow on his chair the whole night, and he slept and stayed out of stuff he wasn't supposed to get into.
I'm thankful that so far this week I have avoided the sweets, the day at home was even more difficult then avoiding the office candy bucket.
I'm thankful that Netflix has all the episodes of How I met your Mother.
I'm thankful that I have a husband who wants to help me, even when it annoys me
I'm thankful that God always provides
I'm thankful for my parents and his parents and how blessed we are by our families.
I'm thankful that we went ice skating last Sunday
I'm thankful that it's not raining today
I'm thankful that this December and so far January have been very mild temperature wise
I'm thankful that my knees are slowly recovering
I'm thankful that I was able to take a day off yesterday
I'm thankful that eventually my voice is going to come back
I'm thankful that I was able to upload wedding pics and get started on an album
I'm thankful that I have a Kindle
I'm thankful that cell phones take pictures otherwise I would never have any pictures
I'm thankful that Jack Banner got to sleep on his pillow on his chair the whole night, and he slept and stayed out of stuff he wasn't supposed to get into.
I'm thankful that so far this week I have avoided the sweets, the day at home was even more difficult then avoiding the office candy bucket.
I'm thankful that Netflix has all the episodes of How I met your Mother.
I'm thankful that I have a husband who wants to help me, even when it annoys me
I'm thankful that God always provides
I'm thankful for my parents and his parents and how blessed we are by our families.
Welcome to Charlotte - typed fast excuse the gaps in info
OK currently I can't comment and can't email so I'm going to post on what I think someone moving to Charlotte needs to know!
I love this city, so very much!!! I was born here, and although I now reside in Concord I still love Charlotte!!!
Neighborhoods, depends on what you are looking for.
Lake Norman, if you have to work in South Charlotte and you decide to move to this part of Charlotte (Mooresville/Cornelius/Huntersville) you are looking at an extremely long commute. 77 is the main route down to Charlotte and the traffic is horrific. It's a beautiful area and if your job has you up this way the best thing to do is find a nice place in this location
University area, several companies have their headquarters in this area. Harrisburg/Concord/Kannapolis are cities that would be good or Huntersville. Not really a great location for home ownership at this current point in time. Another option is Southpark/Cotswold or Plaza Midwood areas.
Now my personal favorite part of the city is my old neighborhood. I have a wonderful little condo in the Cotswold area. Close to uptown, Ballantyne, University, Lake Nornman, Fort Mill, Matthews, Monroe. Cotswold area is close to Southpark Mall, the hospitals, beautiful neighborhoods for running!!! The Cotswold shopping center has a fabulous marshalls, lots of restaurants, and a 24 hour grocery store.
If you go east of Charlotte there is Matthews and Monroe, as well as Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington. All have wonderful neighborhoods and the main route into town is 74 (Indpendence) this can be very crowded and during rush hour is not easy to navigate at all if you have to travel to uptown. If your office location will be in one of these cities or Ballantyne then these are easy commutes.
Southcharlotte is Ballantyne, Fort Mill (SC), Pineville, Indian Land (SC). This is very much a family driven area. If you work uptown you are in for a horrific commute up 77 and on 485. Beautiful houses, very nice area, just wouldn't want to live here if I had to make a commute further then Ballantyne, Pineville or Southpark.
The Industrial side of Charlotte is more the west side and I know very little about this area. I'm also unfamiliar with the Southwest side, Gastonia, and that area.
I mentioned the Plaza Midwood area. This is one of those locations where there are trendy restaurnats, a very diverse group of residents, and very close to uptown. Not sure the crime stats right now. Uptown has apartments and condos and then NoDa (North Davidson) is the art district, trendy, fun, and there are houses available, not sure the crime stats of house break ins and such and in truth it's a possibility in any neighborhood.
Restaurants:
Fried Pickles: there are lots of restaurants around town that now offer these. Mac's Speedshop has fantastic food and I think these are a part of their menu. The Penguin, and several other Plaza/Midwood restaurants offer these, and this district is known for the restaurants.
Sushi: Nikkos in Southend, Pisces, and there are others but these are 2 that I know I like.
Mexican/Tex Mex/Baja style: Cabo Fish Taco located in NoDa Cantina 1511, located on East Blvd and in Ballantyne, there is a place in Plaza Midwood that is supposed to be really good, name escapes me.
Southpark Restaurants: Cowfish Burger Bar (sushi, and burgers and supposed to be fabulous!) Upstream (seafood) Ruth's Chris (steaks) Del Friscos (steaks), George's Brassiere (french, and voted #1 for brunch in Charlotte on one of the peoples choice survey things). There is also a cheescake factory and maggianos, both located in the actual mall.
There are so many restuarants in the different areas that it's hard to list them all these are just a few.
Welcome to Charlotte, any questions please send them!!!
I love this city, so very much!!! I was born here, and although I now reside in Concord I still love Charlotte!!!
Neighborhoods, depends on what you are looking for.
Lake Norman, if you have to work in South Charlotte and you decide to move to this part of Charlotte (Mooresville/Cornelius/Huntersville) you are looking at an extremely long commute. 77 is the main route down to Charlotte and the traffic is horrific. It's a beautiful area and if your job has you up this way the best thing to do is find a nice place in this location
University area, several companies have their headquarters in this area. Harrisburg/Concord/Kannapolis are cities that would be good or Huntersville. Not really a great location for home ownership at this current point in time. Another option is Southpark/Cotswold or Plaza Midwood areas.
Now my personal favorite part of the city is my old neighborhood. I have a wonderful little condo in the Cotswold area. Close to uptown, Ballantyne, University, Lake Nornman, Fort Mill, Matthews, Monroe. Cotswold area is close to Southpark Mall, the hospitals, beautiful neighborhoods for running!!! The Cotswold shopping center has a fabulous marshalls, lots of restaurants, and a 24 hour grocery store.
If you go east of Charlotte there is Matthews and Monroe, as well as Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington. All have wonderful neighborhoods and the main route into town is 74 (Indpendence) this can be very crowded and during rush hour is not easy to navigate at all if you have to travel to uptown. If your office location will be in one of these cities or Ballantyne then these are easy commutes.
Southcharlotte is Ballantyne, Fort Mill (SC), Pineville, Indian Land (SC). This is very much a family driven area. If you work uptown you are in for a horrific commute up 77 and on 485. Beautiful houses, very nice area, just wouldn't want to live here if I had to make a commute further then Ballantyne, Pineville or Southpark.
The Industrial side of Charlotte is more the west side and I know very little about this area. I'm also unfamiliar with the Southwest side, Gastonia, and that area.
I mentioned the Plaza Midwood area. This is one of those locations where there are trendy restaurnats, a very diverse group of residents, and very close to uptown. Not sure the crime stats right now. Uptown has apartments and condos and then NoDa (North Davidson) is the art district, trendy, fun, and there are houses available, not sure the crime stats of house break ins and such and in truth it's a possibility in any neighborhood.
Restaurants:
Fried Pickles: there are lots of restaurants around town that now offer these. Mac's Speedshop has fantastic food and I think these are a part of their menu. The Penguin, and several other Plaza/Midwood restaurants offer these, and this district is known for the restaurants.
Sushi: Nikkos in Southend, Pisces, and there are others but these are 2 that I know I like.
Mexican/Tex Mex/Baja style: Cabo Fish Taco located in NoDa Cantina 1511, located on East Blvd and in Ballantyne, there is a place in Plaza Midwood that is supposed to be really good, name escapes me.
Southpark Restaurants: Cowfish Burger Bar (sushi, and burgers and supposed to be fabulous!) Upstream (seafood) Ruth's Chris (steaks) Del Friscos (steaks), George's Brassiere (french, and voted #1 for brunch in Charlotte on one of the peoples choice survey things). There is also a cheescake factory and maggianos, both located in the actual mall.
There are so many restuarants in the different areas that it's hard to list them all these are just a few.
Welcome to Charlotte, any questions please send them!!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
work, no sweets, shopping, and falling
I had to work last night. It was a rainy monday night which equals out to a fairly slow evening. I was out by 8:45. I normally would have been out earlier but the closing manager was one of the owners which means that I had to wait until we were down to just 3 tables before I could justify leaving. Hours for me, no complaints.
I've been praying a lot lately, regarding the whole work schedule. I'm definitely ready to not have to work the 2 jobs. I'm thankful that I have a flexible part time job. Thankful that I do like what I do. I also understand that my week is so full and weekends are so planned that I easily get caught going through the motions because I'm so tired. When I catch myself doing that I stop and remind myself how much I have to be appreciative of.
2012 is off to a great start. In conjunction with a church thing I'm partaking of a 21 day fast, for me this is a fast from sweets. It's no secret I'm a sugar addict, I made it through yesterday. Today I've started strong. No cookies, candy, cake, etc. I'm taking it one day at a time!
After we dropped Girl Clean off at her mom's on Sunday Mr. Clean and I went shopping. We both received Marshalls gift cards for Christmas. I purchased 3 new pairs of workout pants, a new running shirt, a new sports bra, a pair of jeans and a dress, grand total $148. The most expensive item was the Nike running pants, and they are so worth it!!! Hands down Nike makes my favorite running gear!!! Their stuff truly fits me the best as far as pants go. I did purchase a pair of Addidas running pants to try and the other pair was a pair of yoga type pants. I was a long time devotee to the VS yoga pants and now all my pairs have holes in the same exact spot, which is weird!!! The pants I found at Marshalls I actually like better then the VS pairs.
I went with my MIL the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a pedicure. For Christmas I received a gift card to the same nail place. I now need to set up another pedicure, the Thanksgiving pedicure looked good up until last weekend! Or I might just save it for a little while.
I mentioned I busted on the ice on Sunday, I'm still paying for that fall. My knees are banged up and pretty much my whole body still hurts, but it was oh so much fun!!!
I've been praying a lot lately, regarding the whole work schedule. I'm definitely ready to not have to work the 2 jobs. I'm thankful that I have a flexible part time job. Thankful that I do like what I do. I also understand that my week is so full and weekends are so planned that I easily get caught going through the motions because I'm so tired. When I catch myself doing that I stop and remind myself how much I have to be appreciative of.
2012 is off to a great start. In conjunction with a church thing I'm partaking of a 21 day fast, for me this is a fast from sweets. It's no secret I'm a sugar addict, I made it through yesterday. Today I've started strong. No cookies, candy, cake, etc. I'm taking it one day at a time!
After we dropped Girl Clean off at her mom's on Sunday Mr. Clean and I went shopping. We both received Marshalls gift cards for Christmas. I purchased 3 new pairs of workout pants, a new running shirt, a new sports bra, a pair of jeans and a dress, grand total $148. The most expensive item was the Nike running pants, and they are so worth it!!! Hands down Nike makes my favorite running gear!!! Their stuff truly fits me the best as far as pants go. I did purchase a pair of Addidas running pants to try and the other pair was a pair of yoga type pants. I was a long time devotee to the VS yoga pants and now all my pairs have holes in the same exact spot, which is weird!!! The pants I found at Marshalls I actually like better then the VS pairs.
I went with my MIL the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a pedicure. For Christmas I received a gift card to the same nail place. I now need to set up another pedicure, the Thanksgiving pedicure looked good up until last weekend! Or I might just save it for a little while.
I mentioned I busted on the ice on Sunday, I'm still paying for that fall. My knees are banged up and pretty much my whole body still hurts, but it was oh so much fun!!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Birthday weekend in pictures
Saturday morning I woke up bright and early!!! I had presents to wrap and a cookie to bake. I decorated the card envelope, because like a 3 year old I too love stickers!!!
This is my first attempt at a big cookie. It was not quite as good as I hoped (I slightly overbaked it) but chocolate icing makes everything better!!!
I put her presents from Grandma G and Grandpa D (my parents) and the presents from Daddy and L on her bed. We put the tent she got for Christmas over her mattress (the bed would not fit) to make it her space until we can do something more permanent.
When Mr. Clean left to pick up Girl Clean I made a dash to the store to pick up drinks, candles and balloons!
Jack Banner, for the most part, minded his manners. I gave him a huge bone as a distraction and he loved it!!!
This is where I have just realized that the candles are sparking and they are re-lighting candles. Fortunately Girl Clean was too excited to really be upset.
Here we are blowing out the candles!! You can see her little dress in this picture, I LOVE it!!! It's a pink dress with a top that has a poodle and the skirt is a pink tutu type skirt, so very very cute!!
Enjoying her birthday cookie!
Sunday we took her ice skating. She has majorly gotten into Angelina the Ballerina and there is an episode where Angelina and Alice skate so we've been hearing for a while that she wanted to ice skate. The catch, neither Mr. Clean nor I are comfortable on the ice. We both skated up though. I was super impressed that my husband did this for baby girl!! I'm the only one who BUSTED on the ice. I went around for a loop by myself and got tripped and landed on my knee, I'll survive but it definitely hurts!!! Fortunately she decided she likes roller skating better, which I can do. Her mom and I are going to plan a roller skating day for her and her brother, we're so excited!!
The birthday girl and her L
The birthday girl and her Daddy
Saturday, January 7, 2012
3
3 years ago today I had no way of knowing that my life was changing. I think it's amazing how God works!!! Today I woke up and took Jack for a run. This was after I made the birthday cookie, wrapped the presents and took care of the dishes.
Jack and I got home and Mr. Clean was cleaning the bathroom. Then he made breakfast. I vacuumed, showered and ran to the store when he left to pick up Girl Clean.
I got balloons, and candles along with the drinks I didn't think to get last night. Last night I was thankful that walmart is open 24 hours! I worked the restaurant and then stopped to pick up chips and cookie ingredients, along with our card and wrapping paper.
Girl Clean walked in and was so excited that it is her birthday!!! The Clean Family arrived and we opened presents. Then we had birthday cookie and ice cream. It was a successful little family party that I will remember. My parents couldn't come because their Saturdays are always so crazy! They were invited though. This was our first family thing we've hosted at our house.
The funny moment came when lighting the candles and they started sparking. The ones I bought I bought for the colors and didn't really look at them. Yes, I bought relighting candles, I was a little embarrassed but I was in a hurry and just not paying attention. Mr. Clean put them under the faucet to get them extinguished.
Tonight we'll have church and hang out and wrap up an incredibly special day!!! Tomorrow we're going ice skating!!!
Jack and I got home and Mr. Clean was cleaning the bathroom. Then he made breakfast. I vacuumed, showered and ran to the store when he left to pick up Girl Clean.
I got balloons, and candles along with the drinks I didn't think to get last night. Last night I was thankful that walmart is open 24 hours! I worked the restaurant and then stopped to pick up chips and cookie ingredients, along with our card and wrapping paper.
Girl Clean walked in and was so excited that it is her birthday!!! The Clean Family arrived and we opened presents. Then we had birthday cookie and ice cream. It was a successful little family party that I will remember. My parents couldn't come because their Saturdays are always so crazy! They were invited though. This was our first family thing we've hosted at our house.
The funny moment came when lighting the candles and they started sparking. The ones I bought I bought for the colors and didn't really look at them. Yes, I bought relighting candles, I was a little embarrassed but I was in a hurry and just not paying attention. Mr. Clean put them under the faucet to get them extinguished.
Tonight we'll have church and hang out and wrap up an incredibly special day!!! Tomorrow we're going ice skating!!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
How the story began and where it's going
Our church has asked for love stories. So I wrote ours, and then thought it would make a good blog post... So here is what i submitted:
When I first met Mr. Clean it was February 16, 2011. We met and talked and as I ended our date that evening I asked him if I could see him again. I didn’t want to be rude but I really needed to get home. We agreed to a date the following Sunday. On the phone on Friday night I surprised myself by agreeing to meet for breakfast and meet his daughter the next morning. While we were at breakfast he invited me to join them at the next stop, the kid’s museum. While there I also met his mom, his sister and his two nieces. Then we still had our date the next day. He kept referring to that date as Christmas and showed up at my condo with a stocking that had chocolate, green bananas and jolly ranchers, he’d asked about my favorite candy and in one conversation we’d talked about bananas, and he remembered. That day we went to a cooking class, went to my favorite restaurant and enjoyed several hours getting to know each other.
I can’t explain his side of this story. I know that we spent 4 weeks talking to each other and on Tuesday March 15 he left me a voice mail (I was at work) asking me to call him back because there were some rings he wanted me to look at. March 19, 2011 he woke up early to drive to my parent’s house to ask them for permission. From their house he drove to pick me up so we could meet my parents for breakfast. He proposed to me at the restaurant before my parents got there and then they arrived with my Grandmommy and we all had breakfast together. The ironic part of this is that Mr. Clean is so not a morning person and we had 2 significant breakfasts in the first few weeks we were dating. I started reading books and trying to figure out what I thought I needed to know because I really wanted to have a great marriage.
Perhaps allowing more then 4 weeks might have been a good idea but I figured he was 40 and I was 31 and we both knew what we didn’t want so knowing what we did and agreeing that putting God first was most important seemed like a great start. I insisted that we have a pastor marry us, and that we participate in pre-marital counseling. Mr. Clean called and set up a time with Pastor T, and he was available on June 11. I know it shocked my mom when the church I grew up in was available on that date. She was thinking that there would be a little more time. We met with Pastor T and talked about expectations, love languages, and learned a little more about each other. Then June 11 arrived and in front of God, our families, and friends we promised to love each other.
Nothing really could have prepared me for the first few weeks of married life. 2 stubborn set in their ways individuals had to learn a lot about each other. Nothing about the first 8 weeks was easy. I realized that I had a lot to learn. I borrowed a copy of Love and Respect Cracking the Communication Code from the library. This book helped me a lot! I read a lot of articles that gave me hope and encouragement. I asked for lots of prayer, and did a lot of praying.
I’ve thought a lot about those weeks. I’ve come a long way from them. As I’ve prayed and put God first I realize that I’m right where He wants me to be. I had to let go of the version I had in my head of what our story would be and start appreciating our story as it is. There are 2 key verses that I have applied and I look at them every day, some days more then once; Colossians 3:12-15 and Ephesians 4:31-32. No matter what happens, no matter how frustrated, angry, whatever emotion I am experiencing, I am called to forgive.
Mr. Clean told me when he proposed that he desired to be a better man, and he honestly works to be this. He is a wonderful Daddy he strives to be an active and involved participant in his (our) daughter’s life. He works hard each day, for us, and comes home and fixes dinner most nights. I told him before we got married I would clean if he would cook. We both work long hours and I definitely appreciate all that he does! Mr. Clean was never a dog person and I came with Jack Banner. A 17lb lovable, stubborn, smart 3 year old dachshund, beagle, Chihuahua mix. Mr. Clean and Jack had a rough start and yet Mr. Clean has accepted Jack because he knows it’s important to me and he loves me.
I find sweet post it notes at random times. He makes an effort to be thoughtful and think of nice things to do for me. He has a recipe file and is an amazing cook, way better of a cook then I am. I appreciate him for who he is, and how hard he works, but most importantly, I appreciate that he seeks to serve the Lord and put God first. There is a lot that goes on in our daily lives, and a lot that we have to learn. I’ve discovered during this very short time that when I put God first, and continually give thanks, that He makes all things new. Each day is a fresh start, and each day Mr. Clean and I learn a little more about each other and about the Father’s love.
We agreed that it is important to us to be at church each week and normally attend the Saturday night service. We had a wonderful Holiday season together, and on New Years Day as we were preparing to leave for my parents for the traditional New Years Day menu the song played at our wedding came on the radio
I Wouldn’t Change a Thing
By Matthew West
Had a picture in my head of how I thought it oughtta go, but look who showed up instead, turns out you never know. Love will steal you by surprise, take your heart just like a thief, love can bring a stubborn man down to one knee
Chorus
I wouldn’t change a thing, it’s perfectly imperfect, so crazy but it’s worth it. I’m wrapped around you like this ring and something tells me if I could I wouldn’t change a thing.
Love will show you what you lack, love will laugh at all your plans, and if your heart won’t give it back, Love will slip right through your hands. Heaven knows we’ve had our share of days we’d rather leave behind, but love don’t really seem to care, it makes the wrong turns turn right.
Bridge
I’m truly, deeply, madly, completely, devoted, every moment until my last breath I’m yours
I’ve got a picture in my head a hundred years from now. All our lines have all been read and we’re both up there looking down…
When I first heard this song the musician at our wedding had just told me about it and she wondered if I would like it. As I listened I thought it was perfectly us. I had no way of knowing what the future held and as I heard the words again and I looked at my husband, and the dog was barking and the girl was talking, I realized that the song is even more true 7 months later. As I stood in the doorway of our bedroom tears rolling down my cheeks, I said to him the same words I said on our wedding day while the song was playing, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I am thankful that God brought Mr. Clean into my life; thankful that God is in control; thankful that each day is a new day; thankful that His mercies are new every morning. I’m thankful that even when sometimes situations seem impossible I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that nothing is impossible with God!
When I first met Mr. Clean it was February 16, 2011. We met and talked and as I ended our date that evening I asked him if I could see him again. I didn’t want to be rude but I really needed to get home. We agreed to a date the following Sunday. On the phone on Friday night I surprised myself by agreeing to meet for breakfast and meet his daughter the next morning. While we were at breakfast he invited me to join them at the next stop, the kid’s museum. While there I also met his mom, his sister and his two nieces. Then we still had our date the next day. He kept referring to that date as Christmas and showed up at my condo with a stocking that had chocolate, green bananas and jolly ranchers, he’d asked about my favorite candy and in one conversation we’d talked about bananas, and he remembered. That day we went to a cooking class, went to my favorite restaurant and enjoyed several hours getting to know each other.
I can’t explain his side of this story. I know that we spent 4 weeks talking to each other and on Tuesday March 15 he left me a voice mail (I was at work) asking me to call him back because there were some rings he wanted me to look at. March 19, 2011 he woke up early to drive to my parent’s house to ask them for permission. From their house he drove to pick me up so we could meet my parents for breakfast. He proposed to me at the restaurant before my parents got there and then they arrived with my Grandmommy and we all had breakfast together. The ironic part of this is that Mr. Clean is so not a morning person and we had 2 significant breakfasts in the first few weeks we were dating. I started reading books and trying to figure out what I thought I needed to know because I really wanted to have a great marriage.
Perhaps allowing more then 4 weeks might have been a good idea but I figured he was 40 and I was 31 and we both knew what we didn’t want so knowing what we did and agreeing that putting God first was most important seemed like a great start. I insisted that we have a pastor marry us, and that we participate in pre-marital counseling. Mr. Clean called and set up a time with Pastor T, and he was available on June 11. I know it shocked my mom when the church I grew up in was available on that date. She was thinking that there would be a little more time. We met with Pastor T and talked about expectations, love languages, and learned a little more about each other. Then June 11 arrived and in front of God, our families, and friends we promised to love each other.
Nothing really could have prepared me for the first few weeks of married life. 2 stubborn set in their ways individuals had to learn a lot about each other. Nothing about the first 8 weeks was easy. I realized that I had a lot to learn. I borrowed a copy of Love and Respect Cracking the Communication Code from the library. This book helped me a lot! I read a lot of articles that gave me hope and encouragement. I asked for lots of prayer, and did a lot of praying.
I’ve thought a lot about those weeks. I’ve come a long way from them. As I’ve prayed and put God first I realize that I’m right where He wants me to be. I had to let go of the version I had in my head of what our story would be and start appreciating our story as it is. There are 2 key verses that I have applied and I look at them every day, some days more then once; Colossians 3:12-15 and Ephesians 4:31-32. No matter what happens, no matter how frustrated, angry, whatever emotion I am experiencing, I am called to forgive.
Mr. Clean told me when he proposed that he desired to be a better man, and he honestly works to be this. He is a wonderful Daddy he strives to be an active and involved participant in his (our) daughter’s life. He works hard each day, for us, and comes home and fixes dinner most nights. I told him before we got married I would clean if he would cook. We both work long hours and I definitely appreciate all that he does! Mr. Clean was never a dog person and I came with Jack Banner. A 17lb lovable, stubborn, smart 3 year old dachshund, beagle, Chihuahua mix. Mr. Clean and Jack had a rough start and yet Mr. Clean has accepted Jack because he knows it’s important to me and he loves me.
I find sweet post it notes at random times. He makes an effort to be thoughtful and think of nice things to do for me. He has a recipe file and is an amazing cook, way better of a cook then I am. I appreciate him for who he is, and how hard he works, but most importantly, I appreciate that he seeks to serve the Lord and put God first. There is a lot that goes on in our daily lives, and a lot that we have to learn. I’ve discovered during this very short time that when I put God first, and continually give thanks, that He makes all things new. Each day is a fresh start, and each day Mr. Clean and I learn a little more about each other and about the Father’s love.
We agreed that it is important to us to be at church each week and normally attend the Saturday night service. We had a wonderful Holiday season together, and on New Years Day as we were preparing to leave for my parents for the traditional New Years Day menu the song played at our wedding came on the radio
I Wouldn’t Change a Thing
By Matthew West
Had a picture in my head of how I thought it oughtta go, but look who showed up instead, turns out you never know. Love will steal you by surprise, take your heart just like a thief, love can bring a stubborn man down to one knee
Chorus
I wouldn’t change a thing, it’s perfectly imperfect, so crazy but it’s worth it. I’m wrapped around you like this ring and something tells me if I could I wouldn’t change a thing.
Love will show you what you lack, love will laugh at all your plans, and if your heart won’t give it back, Love will slip right through your hands. Heaven knows we’ve had our share of days we’d rather leave behind, but love don’t really seem to care, it makes the wrong turns turn right.
Bridge
I’m truly, deeply, madly, completely, devoted, every moment until my last breath I’m yours
I’ve got a picture in my head a hundred years from now. All our lines have all been read and we’re both up there looking down…
When I first heard this song the musician at our wedding had just told me about it and she wondered if I would like it. As I listened I thought it was perfectly us. I had no way of knowing what the future held and as I heard the words again and I looked at my husband, and the dog was barking and the girl was talking, I realized that the song is even more true 7 months later. As I stood in the doorway of our bedroom tears rolling down my cheeks, I said to him the same words I said on our wedding day while the song was playing, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I am thankful that God brought Mr. Clean into my life; thankful that God is in control; thankful that each day is a new day; thankful that His mercies are new every morning. I’m thankful that even when sometimes situations seem impossible I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that nothing is impossible with God!
Catching up
In 2012 I plan to remember there are things I can't control... that would be most things
Last Saturday night I'm still recovering from, and it's Friday, and I didn't even drink. Other then my glass of sparkling (nasty) strawberry wine at midnight. Don't recommend that at all, but I didn't buy it so hey bright side it was free.
I lost my voice at 3 on Tuesday. I lost my voice at 6 on Wednesday. Wednesday night it happened when I was at the restaurant. People thought I was mad at them because I wasn't saying anything, yet I was smiling. So much for picking up on nonverbal communication on their parts.
Girl Clean turns 3 tomorrow. It somehow escaped me that Christmas pretty much fell on top of her birthday. Mom fail on my part, I put together plans for tomorrow at 3 for birthday cookie and ice cream, that is it. Next year I will actually have something planned. Partially this is not my fault, my husband doesn't plan, makes me crazy!!! He did do a fabulous job with Christmas though, he gets major props for that.
Speaking of Christmas he got me a Kindle, I've read 3 books this week, I'm in serious like for my E-Reader. I think he thought I would just play with apps, DUDE you got me a reader, I'm going to read. He might be regretting his choice for a gift but I'm not!!!
We are taking the girl ice skating on Sunday, we've invited her mom and brother to go with us. I hope that they will I think it will be a really fun memory!!!
I skipped the gym last night in favor of reading. Next week I will get back on the wagon. I did run Monday, so that counts. I'll be glad when the days get longer, then I can go walk or run. I told Mr. Clean my gym membership gift should be looked at for it's long term value, not the short term, since I haven't gone since we bought it but I was being serious. After 2 years I only pay $50 once a year for life, or until the gym closes.
I have to make the cookie for the party on Saturday, I have to work tonight, Saturday is tomorrow, somehow I will figure this out... And get a walk in with Jack!
We've majorly slacked on the dog training, life happens. We're working with him again, he's now allowed to stay out in the morning until Mr. Clean leaves for work.
I better actually get back to work, Happy Friday!!!!
Last Saturday night I'm still recovering from, and it's Friday, and I didn't even drink. Other then my glass of sparkling (nasty) strawberry wine at midnight. Don't recommend that at all, but I didn't buy it so hey bright side it was free.
I lost my voice at 3 on Tuesday. I lost my voice at 6 on Wednesday. Wednesday night it happened when I was at the restaurant. People thought I was mad at them because I wasn't saying anything, yet I was smiling. So much for picking up on nonverbal communication on their parts.
Girl Clean turns 3 tomorrow. It somehow escaped me that Christmas pretty much fell on top of her birthday. Mom fail on my part, I put together plans for tomorrow at 3 for birthday cookie and ice cream, that is it. Next year I will actually have something planned. Partially this is not my fault, my husband doesn't plan, makes me crazy!!! He did do a fabulous job with Christmas though, he gets major props for that.
Speaking of Christmas he got me a Kindle, I've read 3 books this week, I'm in serious like for my E-Reader. I think he thought I would just play with apps, DUDE you got me a reader, I'm going to read. He might be regretting his choice for a gift but I'm not!!!
We are taking the girl ice skating on Sunday, we've invited her mom and brother to go with us. I hope that they will I think it will be a really fun memory!!!
I skipped the gym last night in favor of reading. Next week I will get back on the wagon. I did run Monday, so that counts. I'll be glad when the days get longer, then I can go walk or run. I told Mr. Clean my gym membership gift should be looked at for it's long term value, not the short term, since I haven't gone since we bought it but I was being serious. After 2 years I only pay $50 once a year for life, or until the gym closes.
I have to make the cookie for the party on Saturday, I have to work tonight, Saturday is tomorrow, somehow I will figure this out... And get a walk in with Jack!
We've majorly slacked on the dog training, life happens. We're working with him again, he's now allowed to stay out in the morning until Mr. Clean leaves for work.
I better actually get back to work, Happy Friday!!!!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Finally got around to...
Tuesday night I had dinner with Family Clean. My SIL mentioned she has no pictures, at all, of Girl Clean other then the ones she has taken. I promised that I would remedy this. Later that evening Mr. Clean was cleaning out his desk and found our CD of wedding photos.
Yesterday I brought the CD to work and went through the pictures. I came across this series and first they made me laugh because you can see the progression of Girl Clean's attention span. The last 2 pictures are the huge difference between 2 1/2 and 3. Girl Clean still has the baby look at the wedding while her picture from Christmas Eve she looks more little girl, SOB!!! Love her!!!
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| We have eye contact with the camera, she was sick the day of our wedding so I'm sure everything going on was overwhelming. |
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| She's slightly bored and everyone is calling her name |
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| And suddenly she spots the sparklies on my dress |
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| Someone is calling her name and she is temporarily distracted from playing with my dress |
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| Then she starts tugging on the ribbon and someone is telling her not to, this is her typical face when you tell her no. |
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| She had just started walking down the aisle. Had I really thought about it I would have just walked her down holding my hand but this only occurred to me this week as I was thinking back. |
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| This is the picture from Christmas Eve, and she will be 3 on Saturday, before we know it she'll be driving! |
Thankful Thursday
I'm thankful this is a short work week.
Im thankful Girl Clean turns 3 on Saturday
I'm thankful that I have wedding pictures (I finally got around to printing some this week)
I'm thankful we had an amazing Christmas and New Years
I'm thankful that I have a hair cut appointment in 2 weeks
I'm thankful that I'm busy at work
I'm thankful that I work the restaurant gig Monday/Wednesday and Friday leaving me Saturday and Sunday with my family
I'm thankful that I'm not where I was 6 months ago
I'm thankful that the difficult times of life result in growth and personal understanding
I'm thankful for amazing families
I'm thankful that God is in control
Im thankful Girl Clean turns 3 on Saturday
I'm thankful that I have wedding pictures (I finally got around to printing some this week)
I'm thankful we had an amazing Christmas and New Years
I'm thankful that I have a hair cut appointment in 2 weeks
I'm thankful that I'm busy at work
I'm thankful that I work the restaurant gig Monday/Wednesday and Friday leaving me Saturday and Sunday with my family
I'm thankful that I'm not where I was 6 months ago
I'm thankful that the difficult times of life result in growth and personal understanding
I'm thankful for amazing families
I'm thankful that God is in control
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Ringing in 2012
Law have mercy!!!!! I had a crazy busy day at work on Friday. January 1 is a big push date for the industry I work in, I had a lot of coworkers out on vacation, and a lot to accomplish. Friday night I had a stay in date night with Mr. Clean. We ordered pizza and watched The Big Bang Theory.
Saturday morning I went for a run with Jack. Then I came back and did my hair and makeup. My favorite moment of the day was when Mr. Clean came into the bedroom, I had my outfit on that I would be wearing later since I needed to make sure that the skirt still fit. He got this look on his face and told me how beautiful I looked.
I had to be at the restaurant at 2 and I answered the phone, confirmed reservations and adjusted the floor plan so the added tables were on the screen. I walked in and we had 388 reservations on the book. This would go up and down as the night progressed and I'm not sure what the final count was. I do know this, because of the way we spaced out reservations we never once went on a wait. I only had one other hostess working with me, and it's the only hostess I would have wanted to work with for that evening of our roster of hostesses only having one other. Last year I had 2 others plus a coat check girl but technically one of the hostesses was not all that helpful so really I only count 3 hostesses.
I could not have asked for a smoother evening and it progressed like a dream. The evening flew by and shortly before 10 I sent the other hostess on a break. I had wanted to leave at 10 and I knew she needed time to eat and time to gather herself before she had to be there by herself. I was out the door by 10:15. I got in the car and started shaking. While I could not have asked for anything to have gone any better the toll on me after 8 hours was significant. I was home by 11:15 and Mr. Clean was waiting up for me so we could watch the ball drop together. I had no voice, and I was exhausted but the night was a success!!!
Sunday morning I went for a walk with Jack. Then I got home, got my shower and went and got the girl up. I had her breakfast and Mr. Cleans breakfast started. I got Girl Clean in the tub while I stood and kept an eye on her as I did my makeup. We were out the door on time, and at church for the 11 service. After church Mr. Clean took Girl Clean for a picnic and I took a long nap!!!
We left for my parents. I had to have my black eyed peas for luck and collards for money as is the tradition in my family. We had a wonderful visit. Mr. Clean and I opened a belated wedding gift and then I did all the dishes. My mom has a dishwasher that she never used so now it doesn't work and she keeps using it for storage.
Yesterday I took Girl Clean back to her mom and then had a day ALL TO MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I organized my closet and our pantry. I went for a run with Jack. I came home and started dinner. Mr. Clean got home and we caught up on our days. I read a book on my Kindle. Yesterday was a fabulous day!!!
Happy New Year to all!!!!!
Saturday morning I went for a run with Jack. Then I came back and did my hair and makeup. My favorite moment of the day was when Mr. Clean came into the bedroom, I had my outfit on that I would be wearing later since I needed to make sure that the skirt still fit. He got this look on his face and told me how beautiful I looked.
I had to be at the restaurant at 2 and I answered the phone, confirmed reservations and adjusted the floor plan so the added tables were on the screen. I walked in and we had 388 reservations on the book. This would go up and down as the night progressed and I'm not sure what the final count was. I do know this, because of the way we spaced out reservations we never once went on a wait. I only had one other hostess working with me, and it's the only hostess I would have wanted to work with for that evening of our roster of hostesses only having one other. Last year I had 2 others plus a coat check girl but technically one of the hostesses was not all that helpful so really I only count 3 hostesses.
I could not have asked for a smoother evening and it progressed like a dream. The evening flew by and shortly before 10 I sent the other hostess on a break. I had wanted to leave at 10 and I knew she needed time to eat and time to gather herself before she had to be there by herself. I was out the door by 10:15. I got in the car and started shaking. While I could not have asked for anything to have gone any better the toll on me after 8 hours was significant. I was home by 11:15 and Mr. Clean was waiting up for me so we could watch the ball drop together. I had no voice, and I was exhausted but the night was a success!!!
Sunday morning I went for a walk with Jack. Then I got home, got my shower and went and got the girl up. I had her breakfast and Mr. Cleans breakfast started. I got Girl Clean in the tub while I stood and kept an eye on her as I did my makeup. We were out the door on time, and at church for the 11 service. After church Mr. Clean took Girl Clean for a picnic and I took a long nap!!!
We left for my parents. I had to have my black eyed peas for luck and collards for money as is the tradition in my family. We had a wonderful visit. Mr. Clean and I opened a belated wedding gift and then I did all the dishes. My mom has a dishwasher that she never used so now it doesn't work and she keeps using it for storage.
Yesterday I took Girl Clean back to her mom and then had a day ALL TO MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I organized my closet and our pantry. I went for a run with Jack. I came home and started dinner. Mr. Clean got home and we caught up on our days. I read a book on my Kindle. Yesterday was a fabulous day!!!
Happy New Year to all!!!!!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Wouldn't Change a Thing- Matthew West
Today as we were preparing to go to my parents this song came on the radio. This is the wedding song for Mr. Clean and I. I stood at the door as tears rolled down my face, and I looked at my husband and Jack was barking and Girl Clean was talking and realized that this song is even more perfect then I ever realized. It's more true today then it was 7 months ago!
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