She works hard for the money...so hard for it honey

As promised, I am updating on how the new job is going. I think I am starting to get used to the ride but it does make me very anxious to leave work as soon as 5:30 hits. Unfortunately, I haven't been getting off quite at 5:30 more like a quarter til' 6 which hopefully WILL change. So Monday, the kids were not there because it was an in-service day. I am now CPR certified. :) Dr. Jenn in the house! Sorry...that was lame! Also we had a staff meeting on Monday in which the guy who hired me announced that he is selling the center and we met the new owners which are very nice people. Needless to say, my jaw hit the floor. Dude just hired me and I was under the impression he was going to be my super! Anywho, I'm not sweating it because I know things will work out for the best.

My kids. I have 20 sweet little 4 year olds. We did a lot of exciting learning activities this week and we will continue to do so. I think when the new batch of kids come in, I am going to switch the schedule a bit. I wanted to keep it the same for the remainder of the school year. They are cute and quite smart. I find that I have to do a lot of one on one instruction though rather than small group. I'm sure as time goes on, I'll get the hang and feel of it. Right now, I think I am just trying to get out of my 1st grade teacher mind frame.

I do, however, miss public school and SO desperately want back into the system. I liked my hours better, my summers off, and the fact that I don't have to be the related arts teacher. Here, I have to be the PE teacher, the Music Teacher, the Art Teacher, etc. But some districts are going on a hiring freeze and once again, it sucks to be a teacher because the opportunity for employment is slim to none. It seriously breaks my heart.

We set sail for the Bahamas in a little less than 3 months and I can't tell you how anxious I am for a get away! I really want to swim with the dolphins but I was looking at that excursion and BOY OH BOY is it like the most expensive excursion they have! We did snorkel while we were in the Dominican and it was fun and we tried to snorkel while we were in Mexico but it got cancelled due to the tides or rough waves or something! So I'd like to try something new.

Alright, well, I've got to go get ready for church and wake a snoring husband up!

Our Valentine's...at last!

This past Saturday, Brendan and I got up and went to Pisgah National Forest. We mapped out our hikes and which waterfalls we wanted to see. Now, those of you who know me, know that I am about a prissy as they come. I've never pretended to like the outdoors. Sure, it's beautiful to look at and I do love waterfalls! We had to hike much farther than we originally anticipated because of the road we were supposed to turn down turned into the road that we had to walk down. There was a fallen tree and the road was closed. So we hiked a mile and half down the road. We then saw our first waterfall and picniced! It was also so nice because we were the ONLY ones that we saw out there!




We then hiked up on this "imaginary trail" in which I thought for sure I was going to die! The leaves made for a slippery climb up this mountain. And YES, I said climb UP this MOUNTAIN. I was about to throw in the towel. Brendan was being my own personal cheerleader. You can do it, Jenn! haha I was so glad that I did, because this waterfall was definitely worth the major incline! It was amazing. Isn't it amazing and wonderful how awesome our God is? His creations are just remarkable and breathtaking!


Our first Valentine's together was spent at Pisgah National Park where we had a picnic under a waterfall. Brendan completely surprised me! It was the most romantic, sweetest things ever! So it was nice to spend our first Valentine's together as a Mr. and Mrs. together again at Pisgah. Although it was in February. It was still OUR Valentine's.

This link should take you to a photo of our FIRST Valentine's Day which we also celebrated in Pisgah.

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/45384/1275530618053771874S425x425Q85.jpg

I am so thankful and blessed to have an amazing, supportive husband. I know I'm biased when it comes to thinking I have the best, but in my book, he is the absolute best without a doubt!

Something to blog about

A new job!! I will be working at a Learning Center teaching Pre-K. Although, it's NOT in a school district and I DON'T have my summers off, I am very thankful to have a job and to be able to teach again. This is not to say that I am not holding out hope to teach in the school district again, because I most certainly do! Right now, education seems to get the biggest hit when it comes to budget cuts but I'm going to be patient and just wish and hope for the best. In the mean time, I hope I can be happy with this new position! It kind of happened quickly! I sent my resume in and the same day I was called and interviewed the next day! Then a proposal was drawn up and I was called the next day. The last few days have been kind of confusing though. I was told that I would be starting on Monday ( the 22nd) and then asked if I could start tomorrow. I was asked that TODAY. I am meeting the parents tomorrow. Dun dun dunnnnnnnnnn. :) The parents don't know about me quite yet and a letter will be sent home to them today. I didn't know they wanted me to start tomorrow so I had made previous plans on Friday, but will just go in later in the afternoon. The problem is.....the place is kind of far away like a 48 minute drive. YUCK! I asked my hours and they said 8-5 which puts me smack dab in traffic. THEN today, I talked to them and she said it would probably be 8:30-5:30 which sucks WAY MORE! My assistant asked for the other teacher's hours which would have been my hours (7:30-4:30) which would have put me just ahead of all the traffic. I hope they don't give her those hours and give it to me. That may be mean but c'mon... I probably won't get home until 7 if I don't get off until 5:30 and by the time I cook dinner, eat, and take a shower...it's goodnight time. I really don't mean to be complaining, I am grateful. I'm just going to hate being in the car so much.

Today I had a massage. Brendan got me an hour massage for Christmas and I finally cashed in. And let me say...OH... MY..GOSH! It was incredible. My back...my whole body...I feel like Gumbo ( I think that's his name). Honestly, it was great and made me feel so relaxed and really took some stress off of my shoulders and back. This was my first massage. I've had chiropractic massages but they are nothing like this.

So I shall let you how tomorrow goes. Keep me in your prayers! If this is where God is leading me, then I will surely follow. I just hope that maybe one day soon, He'll take me back in the direction of public schools. :) But if not, that's okay too.

It's that time again.....

That's right! Girl Scout Cookie time!!! Those little Brownies get me every time! I love those over priced, delicious cookies! If you know me, then you know my insane love of peanut butter so I always set my sites on "Peanut Butter Patties" or "Tagalongs". Depending on which Cookie Company makes them is how they are named, but they are the same thing. Is it sad that I know this kind of information on cookies? Anywho, I'm currently out of my Tagalongs and want/need more. Luckily, the Brownies along with their moms are standing out front of Wal Marts selling their cookies. My excuse is that they don't sell these cookies year round, so you better get them while you can. That's a pretty valid excuse right? :)

Day at the beach

Yes, you read correctly! Yesterday, was Jenn and Mom Day. It's been a while since we've had one of those and Mom called me up and requested an "Us Day". I had scheduled a massage for that day and then she mentioned the beach and I was all in! I was looking forward to the massage ( it was a Christmas gift from my darling husband that I have yet to cash in but I've got time!) but even more excited to just spend the day with my mom. We had a great day shopping, talking, eating lunch, shopping, and shopping! :) It started out a cloudy day and then turned into a beautiful day so we decided to go down to the ocean and feel the sand between our toes. Just incase you were wondering...just because it's warm outside doesn't necessarily mean that the sand is warm! Our toesies were chilly! There were guys out there in their bathing suits/ shorts (no shirts) playing volleyball. Now, it was warm but not THAT warm. I love living in the South and I miss living so close to the beach. We took like 20 shots of us at the beach...Mom is NO photographer and so I, with my short arms, had to take a picture of us.



I really hope that when I have a daughter and yes, Brendan, I said DAUGHTER, that I have the kind of relationship with her that I have with my mom. She really is my best friend. We have the best time together just laughing, talking, and cutting up. She's always a mom first ( which is how it should be) but she's also a friend. Thank you mom for just simply being you.

The oldest 26 year old on the block

Today I noticed some of my actions and they are not that of the typical 26 year old. What pointed this out to me...or screamed at me was during the time when I was sitting on my back porch- feet propped up on the other chair, drinking hot tea, bird watching...well making sure those "tree rats" - squirrels were not eating my bird seeds, and reading a book. I think I am an old soul. I will define more of my qualities that make me the oldest 26 year old.

• I am in bed by 9pm. Doesn't mean I am asleep by 9 but I am ready to get in bed usually by 9. If you catch me awake past 11.....I'm probably just asleep with my eyes open.
  
• My manners. That may just be me being polite or the way that I was brought up but every time a kid says "yea" or "no" to me..I say "yea/no what?" and then wait for them to say yes/no m'am. Also if Ior anyone gives them something...I ask "What do you say?" They respond "thank you".
  
• The way I get up from sitting down. I pulled a muscle right before Thanksgiving in 2008, and so when I get up, it takes some effort on my part and I'm limping a bit. I know I should get it checked out and I will one of these days.
  
• My new thing is the English Tea.
• While in college, I could leave the dorm/house in my PJs....you definitely wouldn't catch me out in my PJs now a days.
• I cut out coupons and look for deals in the market...and actually get pretty pysched when I save $$ at the market...on food.
  
• I carry my coupons wherever I go...never know when you might need one. Brendan says I have a coupon for everything.
• My dog is a person.
• I read the newspaper.
• I watch the news.
• When Brendan curses in front of me I say "watch your language"
• I look online for home remedies.
• I really, really want to learn how to knit.
• I'd much rather stay in than go out.

Wow, that list turned out much longer than I thought it would be. This is sad! I know when I'm older, I'm going to want to kick myself for being such an old gal! Crap, even saying "old gal" was an old thing to say. I'm hopeless. :O) Wonder what I'll be like when I'm 80? haha

Sister from another Mister

We had a great Saturday and the beautiful weather was awesome as well! Brendan and I got up and started doing a little spring cleaning. It kind of turned into that on Brendan's part. I was just cleaning up and then he starts washing windows and vents. Yes, I am blessed! haha

My "stand in bride" and "sister from another mister", Megan, plays softball for Southern Wesleyan University in the upstate and as horrible as it is....I'm ashamed to admit it..But I've never seen her play softball! Well, she mentioned to me via face book that she would be playing soon here in Columbia so I knew I just had to see her play!! She played 2 games yesterday against Columbia College. Brendan and I got to the game just as the 1st game was ending which didn't turn out great for SWU -7-0 L for them. The next game though, was a W for SWU 4-0. Megan played catcher in the 1st game and 1st base in the 2nd game. She did great and I was so glad we got to see her play. I would love to see her again. We might make a trip up to see her play again. Of course when the warmer weather arrives! :) My mom also came up to see Megan play so it was great to see her too and of course my "other mother", Gina was there which it was just as great to see her as well! I tried to get some action shots of Megan playing ball but I've realized my camera or any camera for that matter...can become outdated quickly. Technology needs to slow down. You buy something that you think is great and 2 months later..there is something better out there. Let me enjoy my stuff for a little while longer. :)

Just some of Megan's fans! :)

The sad part...I was standing on a hill. A small one..but still..

Go Megan!! Stinkin' net getting in the way of my picture!

Retracking

It is now snowing here! Oh my oh my! It's MARCH, people! Schools are shutting down or having delays! Chaos in South Carolina. Ohhhhh man! I need to go to the grocery store to get some bread! :) haha Whenever bad weather comes to South Carolina, grocery stores sell out of bread! Seriously, do people think there is going to be a major shortage? It's quite funny. Anywho, I just wanted to retrack my words from my previous entry.

The Bachelor

How thankful I am for DVR and how not thankful I was last night for face book! Well, I haven't been too happy with FB for the past few days but that's a whole different story! Yesterday was our dear friend, Ashlyn's birthday so we went out for dinner to celebrate! AND as you know, last night was the finale of The Bachelor and Jake was making his big decision. I, of course, found out before I was even able to watch it on DVR due to face book on who Jake picked. Here are my issues with Jake 1. He was so indecisive about who he was going to pick..even up to the day when the decision had to be made. 2. His family was not too thrilled with Vienna. Hello Red Flag!? 3. No one in the house liked her and Jake was warned. Hello Red Flag again?! 4. She is 23...he is 32. She's been married once before and umm like I said she's 23. 5. His lack of "what was missing" spill to Tenley was lame and probably still left her wondering. So show of hands that Jake and Vienna will make it. Anyone? No one? Yea, I didn't think so! That may have been a little mean, but I had high hopes with Jake and he was a let down.

However, there is some GREAT news that came out of this whole drama! As you may have read in previous posts that I was all for Ali on The Bachelor. Well, I screamed and whooped when I heard Chris announce her as the NEW BACHELORETTE!! Fantastic!! I am so rooting for her. :)

Oh and what's this about Jake is now going to do Dancing with the Stars? He'll get voted off quickly because I'm pretty sure America is in the same boat as me when it comes to our disappointment in Jake. Oh and Kate Gosselin is doing the show too. Maybe she should be the next Bachelorette. heehee Kidding!

Okay, I'm glad that is now out of my system. It's March and South Carolina (not us) has once again recieved snow! How crazy! I already had my fun with the snow, so I'm ready for flip flops now.

I'll give my thoughts on American Idol once I have a favorite. I've got to tell you though, I think this is the most impressive season yet. NOT! This season's talent isn't as great as it has been in the past. And I know people didn't like Paula....but I kind of miss her. Simon and Paula together made it interesting.