One of them days... ok, weeks.

I was so excited at the start of this week.  It was mission productivity, and I was Tom Cruise.  Monday was great.  I finished painting the bedroom, refinished the fireplace doors I bought on Craigslist, got laundry done, went to the bank, got the car inspection done, I was on a roll.  Then, I met Tuesday. 

Tuesday was not my friend.  I got absolutely nothing done.  Ok, well not nothing.  I was able to get some of my wedding scrapbook done (it is my plan for the millions of cards we got) while watching tv and being a cranky, uncomfortable girl all day.  So, I watched a shameful array of movies and television (Yogi Bear, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, Fraggle Rock, Muppets Take Manhatten, and a Property Virgins marathon) and didn't even make it to the grocery store for dinner.  I did try to install the freshly refinished fireplace door, but of course couldn't figure out how to do the install.  Forget you Tuesday, I like Wednesday better anyway.

Today made me wish for Tuesday again.  I woke up early, like a little girl on Christmas morning.  I was so excited to see the new carpet installed in the bedroom.  I told myself last night that tomorrow the room would look completely different.  Boy was I right.  My bedroom floor now consists of tack strips and carpet padding, how lovely.  The installers came, pulled out the old carpet, put in the new padding, and called me outside to where they had rolled out the new carpet to measure and cut.  Oh my Lord, they put the wrong measurement tag on my beautiful remnant.  Of course, they did; Wednesday hates me.  My carpet was about four feet smaller than what I paid for and I was told via Rob the salesman on the phone that I had to drive down to the carpet mart in Delaware and pick out a new carpet and reschedule an installation.  I was so mad my drive down was a blur.  I picked out a nicer carpet (by nicer I mean more expensive), but I'm not a fan of the color as much.  In the end, I have a carpet being installed tomorrow morning that would have cost me more than I was willing to spend, but because of the extreme inconvience, I don't have to pay any additional fees. 

Tomorrow can't be as mean to me as Tuesday and Wednesday have been (I say as I type this with one eye swollen shut from allergies).  Ok, it can be, I am just hoping that it isn't.  I actually work tomorrow for a few hours, and then I am going to attempt to put some of the finishing touches on the bedroom.  Hopefully when this room is done I will like it so much that I decide to enjoy it for a while before starting another big project.  I'm sure my husband is thinking the same thing. 

Hope Wednesday likes you more than it likes me!

I ain't dancing in this rain... Hurricane Irene edition!

After hour four of watching the weather reports on Hurricane Irene, I am convinced that my house will either be a convertible or under water by this time tomorrow.  The husband has told me at least five times to change the channel because he is sick of me yelling "oh no!" from another room.  Hopefully, by the time the roof gets ripped off the house, I will be so drunk that I laugh about it instead of scream and cry. 

This just in: we get to be on the watch for tornadoes too!  So, we started the week with an earthquake, and we are finishing we a hurricane and tornadoes... I will like to know who screwed up in the Mid Atlantic area of the country, because someone is obviously pissed. 

Anyway, not what I planned on blogging about today, but those of you in my area understand... people have gone insane.  I went to the Wegman's yesterday to grab some things for dinner on my way home from work: big mistake.  Anyone who shops in a Wegman's knows, it is a popular place, you walk in the door expecting a crowd.  I have never experienced such a thing in all my life.  I pretty much expected everyone to be grabbing their water and bread, but they were grabbing EVERYTHING.  The Wegman's was out of onions... ONIONS. 

My next blog will probably be pictures of the disaster... or just pictures of me drunkenly "Dancing in the Rain" (like what I did there?)  Until then, I am going to call it a wrap... before I lose power.

Stay safe!

A not so extreme couponer...

Yesterday was my first attempt at extreme couponing.  I think I failed. It took me over an hour to coupon hunt for the things that I needed for the week.  (While I want to spend the least amount of money possible, I am going to try to eat healthy.)  It seems that the the cheapest food is the most unhealthy.  If anyone ever finds coupons for fruits and veggies, let me know!  At the end of my trip, my receipt says that I had a savings of 36%, saving me $57.40.  I was pretty excited about saving nearly sixty dollars, but would like to get that percent up to 50%.  After I left the store, I noticed that not all of my coupons rang, and one item I bought rang up at full price, so next time I will pay more attention. 

Anyway, without giving you a play by play of my grocery shopping, you all should know how a little bit of extra time can save you a lot of money.  The lady behind me at the grocery store laughed when I said, "I just saved more money than I made at work today". . . I think she thought I was joking, but I wasn't. 

What a great segway to my next topic today.  I also started my new job yesterday.  What a change from teaching.  It was the first day of a new job, which is always a different kind of day.  Promotional marketing is really interesting, especially if you enjoy observing people.  It is interesting to see how different people give you different reactions when you are trying to show them something.  I think the stuff that I am marketing is really cool, and if people weren't so quick to say no and actually look, they would love it.  But, ce la vie.  Now I have to go get ready for day two!

The drive back to reality

Well, the five or six of you out there who have been reading my blog may have noticed my absence this week.  Like I said in my previous posting, I was headed to Disney with my dad and my sisters, attempting to make something of the last week before eighth grade for my youngest sis.  Tonight we are in North Carolina, and tomorrow I will be home in New Jersey, just in time to start the new job on Wednesday.

Being more of an adult this trip than any of the other times I have been to Disney, I was very aware of the cost of everything involved. . . and I do mean everything. Reason number one I did not update the blog via our "resort" was that I would have had to pay per minute for the internet.  While I was in "the happiest place on Earth" I made a few observations: One, I will purchase plenty of water before stepping foot into an Disney labeled park, resort, store.  Two, I will not even consider taking my future children to Disney before the age of nine.  I know many people will disagree with that statement, but I saw way too many temper tantrums and miserable children to spend a couple thousand dollars on a trip they won't be able to recall when they are a teenager. 

Now wait, before you start to think I'm miserable and should just learn to enjoy myself, I want to let you know that I did.  Disney is a lot of fun, and though I have been there quite a few times, I look forward to going quite a few times more.  I am already planning my next trip down with my husband who has never been before.  I think it is always exciting to go with someone who has never been before.  It is like going for the first time yourself, all over again. 

This time, since I will be in charge of the planning, I am going to do some intense research, in an attempt to get the best bang for our buck.  I will be sure to keep you all informed of great websites and deals I encounter along my planning adventure.  Likewise, if you know of any ways to see Disney on a dime, please share!  As of now, I think we are looking at September 2012, and want to stay at Wilderness Lodge resort.  I am really trying to stick with finding frugal ways to enjoy life.  I have been using coupons as much as I can and have been avoiding purchasing anything at full price.  I think that regardless of how much money you do or don't have, you should be a smart shopper.  People pay so much more than they should for things, but there are too few who put the effort in to decrease what they pay at the register. 

Back to where I started this blog; I get back home tomorrow, and start the new job on Wednesday.  I know there isn't much to say about a job I haven't started yet, but I don't know that I am all that broken up about not teaching this year.  Don't get me wrong, I love teaching, and if I got a phone call tomorrow, I would most likely jump at the opportunity.  It is what I know, and what I went to school for.  However, that being said, I am really looking forward to trying something new.  Who knows, I may find out I love something even more, I won't know unless I try. 

Until next time

Good Morning New Jersey!

Today is going to be a long day.  I probably should have tried to sleep in a little more, but alas. 

He put himself in time out

Rewind a minute, to Tuesday.  The day of my last post, I believe (or maybe it was Monday).  I spent the day down in Delaware, helping out around my parents house.  On my way home I decided to stop at the grocery store to grab something for dinner.  I know myself enough to know that once I am home, I don't really like going back out to run errands. Anyway, I have a plan to come home and get started on this weeks project of painting the bedroom.  Instead, I walk in the door to disaster.  The dog had gotten into the kitchen trash can and decided to paint the house in trash.  You know when you decide to have something unhealthy for dinner, like Chinese food, and you say to yourself "I'm going to regret this".  Seeing the sweet and sour sauce all over our new area rug made me regret the Chinese.  So, instead of painting the bedroom, I was attempting to clean the carpet.  Sweet and sour sauce is a rough stain. 

With Tuesday's evening shot, I decided to start fresh Wednesday.  And, that's what I did yesterday.  It is starting to look pretty good, but I definitely have more work ahead of me today.  Which I better get started on.  I only have a few hours before I have to hit the road, and I haven't packed yet.  My dads plan is to leave around 5 o'clock, and stop somewhere around the Virginia/ North Carolina border tonight.  Can someone explain to me a six day trip to Disney World that consists four days in the car and two days in the park?  I tried to get Chris to consider flying down for the weekend, but it looks like I will just have to plan a trip for us sometime soon. 

Another Baseball Birthday

It was a pretty fun weekend with the husband, as we celebrated his birthday pretty much the whole time.  Saturday we went to the Phillies game, which has come to be something we look forward to every summer.  We have been on a streak this year, seeing a win every time we go.  To keep the baseball birthday going, we had friends over on Sunday to celebrate.  I always love playing hostess, so I made meatballs, pasta salad, and a baseball birthday cake.  It worked out well, even though it was originally planned to be a birthday cookout.  Man, it sure has been raining like crazy the past few days.

When we weren't partying, my dad was up helping get the bedroom closet done.  I am so excited because it is finally time to sand, paint, and call to get the carpet installed!  I will be sure to show you all the before and after transformation of the bedroom.  I am so excited, mainly because I picture in my head how something is going to look, but usually do a terrible job explaining it, so when it is finished, I just hope that it looks like it does in my mind.  It was pretty much the same thing with my wedding reception, and that turned out just like I pictured. :-)

Along the same lines, I have decided that I am going to attempt a "project of the week".  This weeks project is going to be painting the bedroom, and next weeks project is going to be a new fireplace screen for under $30 (Thank you Craigs List). Also on the project list is a job... I need one, and preferably before my next car payment is due.  I had a third interview with a company today, and now I am just crossing my fingers. 

Hopefully I will get one more post up before the impromtu trip to Disney World.  We leave Thursday.  I am pretty excited, mixed with wish my mom and my hubby were going too.  Regardless, Disney is always a good time!

A nun, a job, and a bulletin board...

Today's post is going to be a short one.  I just wanted to give you a quick update, since I know you have all been waiting patiently to find out what's been going on in my life.  I did end up going back to the thrift store yesterday to get that picture frame I had my eye on.  It was a rustic goldish color, until I got my hands on it.  I went right from the thrift store to the AC Moore, because I have decided I will do the projects as quick as I can, or I won't do them at all.  After some spray paint, and some cork, the frame is now a beautiful cork board.  I think it looks great, if I do say so myself.

The next project is going to be a new fireplace screen.  We have a wire curtain thing now, which just lets hot and cold air flow freely in and out of the house; not ideal.  I found a cheap fireplace screen with glass doors on craigslist for $25.  So, instead of paying the $350 for a new one, I am going to find some fire resistant black paint and give the old brass screen a new life. Before and after pictures will be posted! :-)

You are probably wondering where the nun and the job come onto the scene since I jumped right into the bulletin board.  I met up with my great friend Katie and the infamous Sister Karen for lunch in Pennsylvania, and it was a great time.  Sister Karen is the sweetest woman I've ever met, and it was great catching up.  Ah, to be in a convent again (yes, I lived in a convent for two years; no, I've not for one second ever considered becoming a nun).  I think my body did not enjoy the cafeteria food... Katie, how did your body take it?

After lunch I got a phone call from the hubs wondering where my job interview was, which was scheduled at 5:00.  I said "somewhere around Mt. Laurel, thinking I'd have plenty of time".  I then check my phone to realize it is in Exton, Pennsylvania.  So, I fly back to Jersey, change clothes, and fly back to Pennsylvania.  I really hope the interview went well, but I can never tell about these things. 

Now it is time for me to go... spending the evening snuggled on the couch with the birthday boy.  Wondering what will happen if I take two five hour energy's... I may need it tonight.

Working so hard, yet not working at all

Today I woke up full speed, with a long list of to-do's, and didn't stop until dinner was done.  Now, I don't feel like moving.  I had a "group interview" at the local substituting company.  It was the worst hour I've had in a very long time, and I'm pretty sure there was another girl in the room who was thinking exactly what I was thinking (with the exception of the occassional "I hope Hamilton's doctor appointment is going well".)  I am a good teacher, and the frustration of not even receiving a phone call for an interview boiled over in the hour I sat there listening to the drill.  Even though I have a masters degree in education and many years experience in a classroom you are forcing me to pay you to spend a day in a room full of people with no educational training?  I think I'd rather practice reciting the daily specials for my next job as a waitress.  I'd make more anyway.  Why did I spend all that money on college?

So, anyway, after trying not to storm out of the room, I began checking things off of my list.  I did manage to make a few stops that weren't on the list.  Found a cute little thrift shop near my mother-in-laws house.  Didn't get the two things I had my eye on because it was cash only.  They would definitely be quick, easy, and awesome projects.  Maybe I will go back tomorrow.  Also stopped at the Goodwill and got a brand new, in the box, office chair (much needed, since I don't have anything now) for thirty dollars (whoo hoo).

After getting the hubbys car fixed, taking it to get registered, and stopping at Lowe's to grab lamp parts for a project (stay tuned), I went to pick up the pooch and fell in love with Charlotte, the three month old kitten up for adoption at the vet.  I may go back tomorrow ;-)  If we didn't have a 120 pound Rhodesian Ridgeback, we would be currently showing Charlotte her new home.  The vet tech even took her out to see how her and Hamilton got along.  It was adorable until Charlotte realized that Hamilton was a giant and clawed her way up the techs arms.  Ugh, she was so cute!

Since Hamilton and I got home, he's been sleeping off the anxiety of being at the vet all day, while I have been applying for every job under the sun that I can find, even the ones I am not qualified for.  Here is a question that I am sure many people in my situation ask:  how do I get the experience that this job is requiring without getting hired?  Maybe my blog will take off, I will become famous, people will start buying my pictures, and I can get by with odd jobs for the next few month.  Or, maybe even better, collecting all those Acme game pieces will result in me winning the grand prize.  I don't think I should hold my breath for that one.

Until tomorrow, my friends.

Off to the Races

I know I haven't written in a few days.  The internet at the hotel was not exactly functioning.  Getting together with family is always an interesting combination of emotions that I am sure everyone experiences.  I love my family, but why is the process of getting everyone together so stressful to me?  I get anxiety every time, as any of my bridal party, and especially my husband witnessed on our wedding day.  I do wish my family didn't live in so many different states, because family gatherings seem so high pressure when they don't happen very often. 

After spending a few short days in Kentucky, most of the time spent with my absurdly crafty aunt, I came home with a laundry list of ideas for our still rather new house.  There are so many things I'd love to try, my poor husband is probably going to be sick of me before our one year anniversary.  I really would like if he would want to try some of these projects with me, but ce la vie.  As I go through the list of projects, I will be sure to let you all know what I attempted and if I was successful.

On another note, Grandpa's 90th birthday turned out great, and it was awesome to have the family together.  I hope we can get everyone together more often.  Yesterday, we spent the whole day in the car, which I guess is an upgrade for my mom.  It was the first birthday in three years that she didn't spend in the hospital!  (Yay mommy!)

What a Ride!

I had no intention of posting today, seeing as how I spent nearly twelve hours in the car driving from New Jersey to Kentucky.  However, it is one o'clock, and I can't sleep.  I don't even feel tired.  It may have something to do with the venti Americano that I started my day with, followed by the five hour energy that I felt the need for around six o'clock, but I digress. 

An interesting car ride, if I do say so myself.  Now, I know what you're all thinking; "I've done the car ride from New Jersey to Kentucky, there is nothing interesting about it".  Well, it is interesting if you are riding in style.  That's right ladies and gentleman (I say that because I am sure my husband is the only man reading this), my sister and I drove over six hundred miles in a Chevy Aveo.  Oh, yea, love us for doing our part to save the earth and decided on a gas friendly car over our gas guzzlers.  You may love us, but I think the Aveo, along with our bodies hate us for the decision.  How many of you have driven an Aveo?  Not many of you?  Well, let me tell you, they are not made for the mountains of West Virginia.  Our little car that could had sixteen wheelers passing us on the up hills.  It was embarrassing.  Driving into Kentucky we felt the need to say kind words to the darling little car, reassuring her (not masculine enough to be a male car, I've decided... even though it is my fathers car) that we were almost there.


Our photographer (http://www.sethshimkonis.com/) is awesome!



Since making it to the hotel, with the exception of feeding ourselves, I've been laying in bed looking at all of my wedding pictures.  The online album "went live" today, and looking at all the pictures made me so happy!  It really was a perfect day (but how is it not when you get to marry your best friend) and it looks like everyone had a great time.  People should throw big parties more often!

And I should attempt to get some sleep.  Goodnight everyone (everyone being all five of the great friends who read this nonsense I've decided to bore you with).  :-)

Under the Weather

I know that I named my blog "Dancing in the rain", and since it rained all day I should be exhausted from all the dancing.  Not the case.  A better name for today's blog would be Under the Weather.  In the battle of allergies verses Amanda, the allergies won.  I still feel like the cartoon in the Sudafed commercial (the one that was on about ten years ago). 

Regardless of the fact that my nose doubled as a faucet, I still went out and attempted to do something before I leave my husband and dog to fend for themselves for five days.  It seemed that the weather that I was under was similar to the rain cloud that follows Eeyore.  That rain caused me the power to go out in Target.  I think I'd be okay if that never happens to me again.  Anyway, I got home and was able to put the finishing touches on the guest room.  Another room done (well, I need to hang a picture or two).

Other than that, boring day. I probably should pack and go to bed.  I am headed to Kentucky tomorrow with my sister to celebrate my grandpa's 90th birthday.  Ninety years, can you think of all the things he and my grandmother have witnessed.  Just to give you an idea, the day my grandpa turned 13, Adolf Hitler became commander-and-chief of Germany.  All the technology that we "just can't live without" our grandparents actually lived without.  Just makes me think what the next few generations will think of me and how I grew up.

What's your name again?

Today I embarked on the extreme adventure of changing my last name (as far as the government paperwork is concerned).  As if having to sit at the DMV isn't enough of a test of any ones patience, I had to start at the Social Security office, then proceed to the DMV.  After a very pleasant woman there told me I needed my birth certificate, when indeed I did not, I just went to a different DMV; one that said woman was not at, and one that I did not need my birth certificate at. 

After spending most of my day changing who I am, I decided to get everything done while I was out and visit the grocery store.  Since last nights dinner of shrimp tacos with homemade guacamole was such a success (and really good! Let me know if you want the recipe), I decided to try something different.  . . . I spent nearly an hour standing in the middle of Acme trying to think of something "Weight Watcher friendly" that my husband would eat.  We are going all American tonight!  Mushroom and swiss turkey burgers with Mac & Cheese and a cucumber salad (ok, and guacamole again... love that stuff!)  Of course, as I sit here I am eating the equivalent of an entire watermelon, but it's zero points, so I'm diving in!

I came home to a wagging dog in a quite house, like I usually do.  I think if my dog could talk he would say, "Ah, I am so glad you are home!! And, now I am going to go lay back down."  I think he needs a girlfriend.

Determined to be super-productive, like a good at home wife should be (I'm being sarcastic), I decided to finish painting the guest room.  I don't know why we have a guest room... it's looking really nice... maybe we will have to have some guests over sometime.  Anyone? I get so excited to start new projects, or to change little details to make the house completely our design, but then as soon as the paint brush is in my hand and I have put just enough on the wall that there is no turning back, I think "this is never as much fun as I think it will be".  Yet, the end result is pretty awesome every time.  Sunday when I was painting, the scary thought went through my head "why am I painting over the blue... what if we have a boy in a few years, I don't want to paint this room again!"  I guess if that were to happen I could always use pregnancy as an excuse to get someone else to paint it.

Now, I am just waiting for the paint to dry.

Welcome one and all... no one??

So, here it goes.  I've decided to create a blog.  There are millions out there, I am sure many of them are just like mine.  However, I am doing this more for me than for anyone who might happen to stumble upon it.  It probably wont be very interesting, but it will amuse me, so here it goes.

I plan to talk about life... my encounters with the people I know and love, as well as strangers.  I may talk about a recipe I tried, food I shouldn't have eaten, places I have been, or would love to go. 

That being said, let me tell you a little about me... just a little.  I am a 27 year old wife, daughter, and hopefully, some call me a friend.  I currently live in New Jersey, which is still something to get used to.  I moved here to be with my husband after saying I would never live in Jersey.  What can I say about him, other than, he is perfect for me, and has become the most important part of my life.

Went to school in D.C. where I majored in politics, then went to school in Baltimore where I majored in education.  It sure paid off, because now I have a great job as a... oh, wait, I am unemployed.  Not being able to find a teaching job in NJ has made me start the process of "what I want to be when I grow up" all over again.  I love to travel and take photos of those travels, my dream job would involve either one of those. 

Born and raised in Delaware, I spend a lot of time driving down to see my family.  I am the oldest of three girls, the youngest just became a teenager, and we are a close group of five.  My mom and dad are the strongest people I know, whether they believe it or not.  My mom was diagnosed with appendix cancer in August of 2009 and was given 3 months... maybe.  Screw the doctors who gave up on her, because we haven't, and she is still with us today.  My dad has grown to become the biggest support any of us could ask for, and he never stops, unless he falls asleep. 

Already writing more than I planned, so I am going to stop.  I promise not every post will be a chapter of my life.