July 30, 2007
Race for the Cure
I just finished signing up to participate in Milwaukee's Race for the Cure to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. I've never participated in anything like this and I'm really excited! If you'd like to donate please click here. Any amount, even if it is just a couple dollars, is GREATLY appreciated!
July 26, 2007
Purrrty Lake Michigan
I forgot to post this the other day when I took it, and thought I'd share. The water was a beautiful shade of blue and there were all kinds of sailboats out there, just not in this picture.
I've been quiet this week because I've been working at a soccer camp (yay for getting paid!), and been doing a lot of pondering the wedding/reception situation. I've also spent an excessive amount of time researching (or attempting to) the different types of Lutherans. Why does there have to be so many denominations (Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, etc) and then different types of those? I'm positive that I'm just overcomplicating it. We're meeting with the pastor at the church we went to last week on Monday night - I'm sure things will be much less complicated after that because I have a bunch of questions for him, and some thoughts of my own that I won't budge on, so I guess we'll see.
Anyway, I'm off to take a shower and email some very helpful knotties that can help me with my questions about the South Shore Park Pavillion.
July 22, 2007
Weddings don't plan themselves
Yesterday I had planned on us getting up at a decent time and heading to the War Memorial for their once a month open house to check out the facilites for weddings, and then maybe go scope out another wedding taking place at the Miller Pavillion later that day. Well, that didn't happen. Corey forgot that I mentioned that that was what I wanted to do, and didn't feel like going. I hate to say it, but I found this a little annoying. Our wedding is just over a year away (which sounds long), and am afraid that by the time we figure out what we want, it will be taken. I know we don't have money to put down on a place, but we might as well make use of the time we have to check things out, right?
We ended up driving up to Kewaunee yesterday so we could get out for a bit, relax, and go be jealous at all the people with boats heading out to Lake Michigan to go fishing. After the boat-ogling was over we stopped at Kunkels Korner Restaurant (formerly Larry and Mona's) and had burgers and THE best fried cheese curds EVER. I seriously believe that once we buy ourselves a house in Milwaukee, we will be buying a vacation house in Kewaunee for the whole family to use! Houses are so cheap there, and the fishing is fantastic. There are lots of cute little bars and diners and it's a great area. I won't blabber on about all my dreams for the family and the vacation house up there, but it's going to be so much fun! Corey's family used to have one up there so I think we should bring back a tradition!
We got some talking about ceremony/reception sites in on the way so that made me feel a lot better. I think our biggest problem is not having any idea what we want, we just want to be married. Corey drove by a church a few days ago and had me look in to it online, and it seems like a place I'd actually like to attend church once in a while. I wrote to them and the pastor there wrote me back with a bunch of info, sooo....we went to church today!
When I was a kid, I thought church was fantastic...we got to color, sing songs, play games...what kid doesn't love that? When I got older, I never really wanted to go. When I got out of the army, I went with my mom once in awhile, but I've always been a little annoyed by the part where you have to turn and meet the people around you. Petty, I know. I feel like it's forced small talk - something I've never been a fan of. I've never disliked church, I just feel like religion is a very personal thing and that you don't have to go to church and meet other people in order for it to be valid. This is probably coming out much worse than I mean for it to.
Anyway, I was actually a little excited to go to church this morning for the first time in my adult life. It may have been because I hadn't been in so long, or it may have been because I think it would be a good way to meet some nice people, or it may have been the idea that if we like it there and become members, we'd have a place that means something to both of us to get married in and by a pastor who actually knows us.
This church was very different compared to other churches I've been to. For starters, it's a big, old, historic church with high ceilings and stained glass windows instead of a converted office building. Not that there is anything wrong with converted office buildings - it just felt like a different atmosphere. I also don't recall ever having pastors that wore robes - only suits. Today, to my surprise, I learned that I prefer more "traditional" church than newer ones. My mom's church is pretty young, and new, and they sing along with guitars and keyboards and vocalists to a more upbeat song on the powerpoint presentation (that my mom probably made or is operating) projected up on the wall. At this church, we sang from hymnals and to a a big pipe organ along with the two pastors (one is an associate pastor). I don't know why I prefer this more "old school" method, to the more upbeat, casual, one - but I do. I think it is a church that I will go back to.
In order to get married at this church, we have to attend a Bible Information Class once a week for 10 weeks, and attend a pre-marriage seminar. After that you are given the option to become members. If you become members, the church is $150, if you don't become members, it's $500. If we are going to go through the classes and go there fairly regularly anyway, we might as well become members, right?
We also have some progress on a reception spot. There is a place on Lake Michigan, just south of downtown that is pretty and inexpensive to rent, plus we'd be able to bring in the caterers of our choice, which would save some money. Now I just need to figure out how renting linens and dishes and bar service works, because I have no idea whatsoever.
Anyway, this is long, and I am sleepy.
We ended up driving up to Kewaunee yesterday so we could get out for a bit, relax, and go be jealous at all the people with boats heading out to Lake Michigan to go fishing. After the boat-ogling was over we stopped at Kunkels Korner Restaurant (formerly Larry and Mona's) and had burgers and THE best fried cheese curds EVER. I seriously believe that once we buy ourselves a house in Milwaukee, we will be buying a vacation house in Kewaunee for the whole family to use! Houses are so cheap there, and the fishing is fantastic. There are lots of cute little bars and diners and it's a great area. I won't blabber on about all my dreams for the family and the vacation house up there, but it's going to be so much fun! Corey's family used to have one up there so I think we should bring back a tradition!
We got some talking about ceremony/reception sites in on the way so that made me feel a lot better. I think our biggest problem is not having any idea what we want, we just want to be married. Corey drove by a church a few days ago and had me look in to it online, and it seems like a place I'd actually like to attend church once in a while. I wrote to them and the pastor there wrote me back with a bunch of info, sooo....we went to church today!
When I was a kid, I thought church was fantastic...we got to color, sing songs, play games...what kid doesn't love that? When I got older, I never really wanted to go. When I got out of the army, I went with my mom once in awhile, but I've always been a little annoyed by the part where you have to turn and meet the people around you. Petty, I know. I feel like it's forced small talk - something I've never been a fan of. I've never disliked church, I just feel like religion is a very personal thing and that you don't have to go to church and meet other people in order for it to be valid. This is probably coming out much worse than I mean for it to.
Anyway, I was actually a little excited to go to church this morning for the first time in my adult life. It may have been because I hadn't been in so long, or it may have been because I think it would be a good way to meet some nice people, or it may have been the idea that if we like it there and become members, we'd have a place that means something to both of us to get married in and by a pastor who actually knows us.
This church was very different compared to other churches I've been to. For starters, it's a big, old, historic church with high ceilings and stained glass windows instead of a converted office building. Not that there is anything wrong with converted office buildings - it just felt like a different atmosphere. I also don't recall ever having pastors that wore robes - only suits. Today, to my surprise, I learned that I prefer more "traditional" church than newer ones. My mom's church is pretty young, and new, and they sing along with guitars and keyboards and vocalists to a more upbeat song on the powerpoint presentation (that my mom probably made or is operating) projected up on the wall. At this church, we sang from hymnals and to a a big pipe organ along with the two pastors (one is an associate pastor). I don't know why I prefer this more "old school" method, to the more upbeat, casual, one - but I do. I think it is a church that I will go back to.
In order to get married at this church, we have to attend a Bible Information Class once a week for 10 weeks, and attend a pre-marriage seminar. After that you are given the option to become members. If you become members, the church is $150, if you don't become members, it's $500. If we are going to go through the classes and go there fairly regularly anyway, we might as well become members, right?
We also have some progress on a reception spot. There is a place on Lake Michigan, just south of downtown that is pretty and inexpensive to rent, plus we'd be able to bring in the caterers of our choice, which would save some money. Now I just need to figure out how renting linens and dishes and bar service works, because I have no idea whatsoever.
Anyway, this is long, and I am sleepy.
July 18, 2007
I PASSED!!!!!!
This is the new best day ever.
I got the results from my NATABOC exam and have earned the fancy letters ATC after my name :)
In case anyone is wondering what the heck it is I do and what that national certification exam was for, here is an overview.
I'm celebrating with Miller Lite and chocolate chip cookies :)
Now, out of the remaining problems from my original stress list...
1. Did I pass that certication exam? YES
2. Which leads to...will I keep my job? YES
3. Which leads to...if not, now I have to come up with tuition. N/A
4. As well as...where will I get the $235 dollars to re-take it? N/A
1-4 is officially wiped out, so all that remains now:
5. Where will I get the $500 dollars Concordia wants to reserve my spot in the grad program?
I'm working on it :)
Another glorious day in Jessie history. I'm definitely sleeping well tonight.
I got the results from my NATABOC exam and have earned the fancy letters ATC after my name :)
In case anyone is wondering what the heck it is I do and what that national certification exam was for, here is an overview.
I'm celebrating with Miller Lite and chocolate chip cookies :)
Now, out of the remaining problems from my original stress list...
1. Did I pass that certication exam? YES
2. Which leads to...will I keep my job? YES
3. Which leads to...if not, now I have to come up with tuition. N/A
4. As well as...where will I get the $235 dollars to re-take it? N/A
1-4 is officially wiped out, so all that remains now:
5. Where will I get the $500 dollars Concordia wants to reserve my spot in the grad program?
I'm working on it :)
Another glorious day in Jessie history. I'm definitely sleeping well tonight.
July 17, 2007
Boooo!
I hate when a book just “ends”. I feel like I just read almost 900 pages for nothing. The book was great - but how does it end? Answer: It didn’t. It is like talking to someone but they only say the first couple words of a huge sentence.
And they lived.
Where is my happily (or crappily) ever after? Give me SOMETHING!
And they lived.
Where is my happily (or crappily) ever after? Give me SOMETHING!
July 16, 2007
Cows, cake, chapels, and bocce, oh my!
(Disclaimer: I sincerely apologize for the lack of spacing and paragraphs - no matter what I do it won't post the way I want it to, it just goes back to garbled crap all running together)
I'm back from another relaxing weekend in Madison :)
We left thursday night for Madison to go visit with Corey's family and also to have a small get-together for Corey's grandma's birthday and came home last night. On our way there on thursday night, we stopped in Delafield and drove over to St. John's Northwestern Military Academy to check out the outside of the chapel because we are considering having our wedding there. It is so beautiful and it's right across the street from a repelling tower and a bunch of other military stuff - how appropriate is that? For those of you who don't know, Corey and I were both in the army, and that is where we met. I took a few pictures of the outside, and I have an appointment to meet the chaplain at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon and also to check out the inside. I'm sure I will be taking more pictures. The chapel and the chaplain have had great reviews on theknot.com, so I'm very excited for tomorrow! Here are some of the pics:
The front - I love that red door.
The side/front
A little sunken courtyard-type thing on the side
Friday morning we drove up to Camp Douglas to pick up Corey's grandma - I love it up at her house! It's so peaceful. Corey also got a chance to go bond with his boat that he absolutely can NOT wait to fix and bring home! Honestly I can't wait either - it's going to be great! It still needs a new in-board motor and probably a new carpet and some paint, but otherwise it looks good.
Corey checkin' things out
Looking for something to MacGuyver the tarp down
Some of my fabulous farm photography:
I heart cows.
Corey and his grandma lookin out at the cows
Saturday night a few of Linda and Andre's friends came over for the get-together and we tried desperately to eat all the food Linda made but we were all stuffed pretty fast. It was soooooo good! There were a few different salads, barbecued salmon, barbecued shrimp (my FAVORITE - I couldn't get enough!), margaritas, beer, wine...mmmmm. Oh yeah, and CAKE! Linda made a white birthday cake with I don't know how many layers with raspberry in between, whipped cream frosting, and fresh raspberries on top...delicious!
I also learned how to play bocce, which I had never even heard of until a couple weeks ago! Andre and I had a pretty good lead, but then our opponents got a better hang of it and killed us 21-13. It's a fun game and can seriously be played by ALL ages! I recommend it :)
A great picture of Corey and his grandma
Sunday we took his grandma back to Camp Douglas and visited for awhile before heading back to Madison to pick up our stuff (and Linda's old dining room table) to head back home to Milwaukee. The ride back home flew by - I was actually able to read in the car without getting sick! Thanks to that, I will be finished with my 900 page book tonight!
Corey started his new job today, but they didn't really do much. He did come home with his company cell phone, laptop, name badge and a whole bunch of manuals to read that he doesn't seem too happy about though. I'm sure he'll be much happier when he actually gets to go out and do his job.
My day was fairly uneventful...it was raining this morning so I decided against running - I will be repeating week 2 of Couch to 5k this week...the insomnia caught up with me way too much last week to have any motivation to run. On a happier note, I actually slept last night without any type of sleepy drug - so tonight I'm going for 2 in a row and crossing my fingers that there will be no more of that insomnia business. It really sucks.
I'm back from another relaxing weekend in Madison :)
We left thursday night for Madison to go visit with Corey's family and also to have a small get-together for Corey's grandma's birthday and came home last night. On our way there on thursday night, we stopped in Delafield and drove over to St. John's Northwestern Military Academy to check out the outside of the chapel because we are considering having our wedding there. It is so beautiful and it's right across the street from a repelling tower and a bunch of other military stuff - how appropriate is that? For those of you who don't know, Corey and I were both in the army, and that is where we met. I took a few pictures of the outside, and I have an appointment to meet the chaplain at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon and also to check out the inside. I'm sure I will be taking more pictures. The chapel and the chaplain have had great reviews on theknot.com, so I'm very excited for tomorrow! Here are some of the pics:
The front - I love that red door.
The side/front
A little sunken courtyard-type thing on the side
Friday morning we drove up to Camp Douglas to pick up Corey's grandma - I love it up at her house! It's so peaceful. Corey also got a chance to go bond with his boat that he absolutely can NOT wait to fix and bring home! Honestly I can't wait either - it's going to be great! It still needs a new in-board motor and probably a new carpet and some paint, but otherwise it looks good.
Corey checkin' things out
Looking for something to MacGuyver the tarp down
Some of my fabulous farm photography:
I heart cows.
Corey and his grandma lookin out at the cows
Saturday night a few of Linda and Andre's friends came over for the get-together and we tried desperately to eat all the food Linda made but we were all stuffed pretty fast. It was soooooo good! There were a few different salads, barbecued salmon, barbecued shrimp (my FAVORITE - I couldn't get enough!), margaritas, beer, wine...mmmmm. Oh yeah, and CAKE! Linda made a white birthday cake with I don't know how many layers with raspberry in between, whipped cream frosting, and fresh raspberries on top...delicious!
I also learned how to play bocce, which I had never even heard of until a couple weeks ago! Andre and I had a pretty good lead, but then our opponents got a better hang of it and killed us 21-13. It's a fun game and can seriously be played by ALL ages! I recommend it :)
A great picture of Corey and his grandma
Sunday we took his grandma back to Camp Douglas and visited for awhile before heading back to Madison to pick up our stuff (and Linda's old dining room table) to head back home to Milwaukee. The ride back home flew by - I was actually able to read in the car without getting sick! Thanks to that, I will be finished with my 900 page book tonight!
Corey started his new job today, but they didn't really do much. He did come home with his company cell phone, laptop, name badge and a whole bunch of manuals to read that he doesn't seem too happy about though. I'm sure he'll be much happier when he actually gets to go out and do his job.
My day was fairly uneventful...it was raining this morning so I decided against running - I will be repeating week 2 of Couch to 5k this week...the insomnia caught up with me way too much last week to have any motivation to run. On a happier note, I actually slept last night without any type of sleepy drug - so tonight I'm going for 2 in a row and crossing my fingers that there will be no more of that insomnia business. It really sucks.
July 12, 2007
The "what I'm reading" bandwagon
Yep, I'm jumping on.
After weeks of blog cruising, I'm a little envious of all the books these people have read, and a lot of them sound really interesting. I used to love to read - then college kind of killed it for me. Last week I finally started reading a book I bought 3 years ago that has been collecting dust on my shelf! Hey, it's a start. Anyway - I decided it was time to make a "what I'm reading" section on my blog, partly because making that list grow might make me feel like I've accomplished more, and partly because that side of my blog was looking a little dull and quiet.
PS...TONIGHT I AM SLEEPING. Thanks to my future mother-in-law, the lorazepam and I are going to have a fabulous night - I hope. I know, I know...I'm cheating...but this is getting old. Besides, it's just this one time.
After weeks of blog cruising, I'm a little envious of all the books these people have read, and a lot of them sound really interesting. I used to love to read - then college kind of killed it for me. Last week I finally started reading a book I bought 3 years ago that has been collecting dust on my shelf! Hey, it's a start. Anyway - I decided it was time to make a "what I'm reading" section on my blog, partly because making that list grow might make me feel like I've accomplished more, and partly because that side of my blog was looking a little dull and quiet.
PS...TONIGHT I AM SLEEPING. Thanks to my future mother-in-law, the lorazepam and I are going to have a fabulous night - I hope. I know, I know...I'm cheating...but this is getting old. Besides, it's just this one time.
July 11, 2007
Many thanks to YOU, Debban.
Thank you to Ms. Debban, physiology teacher at Fresno State. You are a cruel woman and your class was next to worthless...and yet for some reason you come to my mind at 3:30 am when I'm comparing my recent insomnia to a positive feedback cycle.
I'm extremely tired, it's late, so I lay down to go to sleep. I can't get comfortable. Something itches... a tag maybe? Something else itches, then something else. Then I toss. Then I turn. And then it really begins...I can't sleep, my jaw starts to clench because it's frustrating, which makes it harder to sleep, it clenches more, which is annoying, I try to relax it and wonder why I can't sleep, which makes me feel kind of panicky, which makes it more difficult to sleep, which makes me feel more panicky....blah blah blah....WTF IS THIS?
Insomnia, duh.
I've had it since we moved in here. That was almost a month ago.
Now - before I say anything else, let me point out that 2 months ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, so I sleep crappy and get sleepy throughout the day as it is. That problem can't get fixed until I get enrolled at the VA here - which I've attempted already and is taking them forever. Once THEY finally see me, I will have to have them look up all my records and basically start over with the sleep apnea thing so they can take care of it - most likely by tonsilectomy and doing a UPPP (UP3).
Now back to the insomnia.
I was obviously silly to think that both of us getting jobs today would take some stress and anxiety off...I felt like it did, but I guess there is a such thing as happy stress too. There are also those damn test results I'm still waiting for. I've had random problems falling asleep in the past - a day here, a day there. Not 25+ consecutive days. Ever. Not even close. I feel insane and was on the brink of tears 10 minutes ago in bed. I've gone to bed 4 times tonight and this might be the worst night yet
I'm really sincerely asking for help or suggestions from anyone who has one here. I'm trying everything that is available to me that I've ever heard of.
~Melatonin~ helps make me groggy all nights, helps me fall asleep faster about 1/3 of the time. Not enough.
~Warm Milk~ helped me when I was a kid, grosses me out now...in a makes-me-gag kind of way
~Progressive Relaxation~(start tensing the muscles in your toes and hold, then relax and work up your body) One of two things happens here...1) I get distracted and stop doing it without realizing, or 2) get all the way up and feel no change whatsoever
~Visualization~ I'm not a visualizer of peaceful things or gentle breezes or any of that other imaginary crap, however I love it in real life.
~soft music~nice to listen to, doesn't make me sleepy. Seriously...Enya didn't even work.
~Make a list of stuff on your mind before bed~nope.
~Chamomile Tea~I don't have any right now, but it's never worked in the past either. It tastes good, makes me feel too hot, and makes me have to pee.
~Don't drink caffiene/Don't drink it at night~ no, and no. I've tried this several times now.
~Don't watch TV in bed~ I don't.
~Do something relaxing before bed~I've had so much time on this freaking papasan chair with not much else to do. I've also been reading a book. A loooooong book.
So seriously...any other suggestions?
It's 4:30 am, and starting to get light out. Officially my worst night of insomnia.
Real quick~ Debban, I'm sure you're not reading this, but if you ever do...let the Kinesiology students go...they don't need you...you don't need them...and you really don't need them in your outrageous class 2-3 times each. Go tell the Kinesiology department that you don't want them anymore, because they sure as hell don't want you. Stop telling everyone your notes are different than they were last semester - that is a lie - they are word for word identical. Also, "Because I said so" is NOT an answer to a genuine question asked by a student. We all know you can't get fired, so maybe you should start teaching phys to undergrads as though they are undergrads, and not already doctors (except that positive/negative feedback thing - anyone can figure that out). Thanks in advance.
I'm extremely tired, it's late, so I lay down to go to sleep. I can't get comfortable. Something itches... a tag maybe? Something else itches, then something else. Then I toss. Then I turn. And then it really begins...I can't sleep, my jaw starts to clench because it's frustrating, which makes it harder to sleep, it clenches more, which is annoying, I try to relax it and wonder why I can't sleep, which makes me feel kind of panicky, which makes it more difficult to sleep, which makes me feel more panicky....blah blah blah....WTF IS THIS?
Insomnia, duh.
I've had it since we moved in here. That was almost a month ago.
Now - before I say anything else, let me point out that 2 months ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, so I sleep crappy and get sleepy throughout the day as it is. That problem can't get fixed until I get enrolled at the VA here - which I've attempted already and is taking them forever. Once THEY finally see me, I will have to have them look up all my records and basically start over with the sleep apnea thing so they can take care of it - most likely by tonsilectomy and doing a UPPP (UP3).
Now back to the insomnia.
I was obviously silly to think that both of us getting jobs today would take some stress and anxiety off...I felt like it did, but I guess there is a such thing as happy stress too. There are also those damn test results I'm still waiting for. I've had random problems falling asleep in the past - a day here, a day there. Not 25+ consecutive days. Ever. Not even close. I feel insane and was on the brink of tears 10 minutes ago in bed. I've gone to bed 4 times tonight and this might be the worst night yet
I'm really sincerely asking for help or suggestions from anyone who has one here. I'm trying everything that is available to me that I've ever heard of.
~Melatonin~ helps make me groggy all nights, helps me fall asleep faster about 1/3 of the time. Not enough.
~Warm Milk~ helped me when I was a kid, grosses me out now...in a makes-me-gag kind of way
~Progressive Relaxation~(start tensing the muscles in your toes and hold, then relax and work up your body) One of two things happens here...1) I get distracted and stop doing it without realizing, or 2) get all the way up and feel no change whatsoever
~Visualization~ I'm not a visualizer of peaceful things or gentle breezes or any of that other imaginary crap, however I love it in real life.
~soft music~nice to listen to, doesn't make me sleepy. Seriously...Enya didn't even work.
~Make a list of stuff on your mind before bed~nope.
~Chamomile Tea~I don't have any right now, but it's never worked in the past either. It tastes good, makes me feel too hot, and makes me have to pee.
~Don't drink caffiene/Don't drink it at night~ no, and no. I've tried this several times now.
~Don't watch TV in bed~ I don't.
~Do something relaxing before bed~I've had so much time on this freaking papasan chair with not much else to do. I've also been reading a book. A loooooong book.
So seriously...any other suggestions?
It's 4:30 am, and starting to get light out. Officially my worst night of insomnia.
Real quick~ Debban, I'm sure you're not reading this, but if you ever do...let the Kinesiology students go...they don't need you...you don't need them...and you really don't need them in your outrageous class 2-3 times each. Go tell the Kinesiology department that you don't want them anymore, because they sure as hell don't want you. Stop telling everyone your notes are different than they were last semester - that is a lie - they are word for word identical. Also, "Because I said so" is NOT an answer to a genuine question asked by a student. We all know you can't get fired, so maybe you should start teaching phys to undergrads as though they are undergrads, and not already doctors (except that positive/negative feedback thing - anyone can figure that out). Thanks in advance.
July 10, 2007
Best. Day. Ever. Well...for now...
We both got jobs today!
I was commenting to Corey the other night that weekends are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but I haven't been a fan of them lately because weekends are not when people get hired for jobs. The phone doesn't ring in a "hopeful" kind of way. I had started actually looking forward to Mondays. Eeew. Who does that? Well...we do...or did, anyway. I even said that I had a feeling that this would be our week. I feel like Pollyanna.
The phone rang yesterday - he was scheduled for 2 interviews today, and one tomorrow. This morning the phone rang while he was outside and I knew he wouldn't hear it - we are not people who answer each other's cell phones, for some reason. I wasn't going to answer it...but then I thought hmmm...maybe I should.
Well HELL YES I'm glad I did! It was the company I talked about in my first blog post - the one he (well, both of us) really really wanted to get. They sure took their time, but who cares now? Certainly not either one of us!
Then...
I had a meeting with the owner at the PT clinic that hired me for my GA position and they hired me for some part time work in the mornings, and then to work at tournaments and camps that they staff people for. I most likely won't start for a couple weeks because things are kind of slow right now, but once school starts it's on! I wish it started sooner, but that's ok, because I know it will be there.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my good news! Before I go, let's see what I can cross off the stress list...
1. Did I pass that certication exam?
2. Which leads to...will I keep my job?
3. Which leads to...if not, now I have to come up with tuition.
4. As well as...where will I get the $235 dollars to re-take it?
5. Where will I get the $500 dollars Concordia wants to reserve my spot in the grad program?
6. How long will it take to get my student loan? Answered!
7. Where is my missing check from the VA? On it's way!
8. If I get that check, how will I choose which bills to pay? Car payment, cell phone
9. Will Corey get one of these 14 or so jobs he's interviewed for soon? YES!
10. Will he be able to pay his bills? YES
11. What on earth is going to happen to our credit? It will survive!
12. Are we going to be able to have our families all together for the wedding we were hoping to have? YES
13. If not, can we just get married now without people being upset they missed it? NOPE
14. Will people even be able to come if we did? They'll be there!
Wow...we knocked off 9/14 things. See? It IS our week :) Now where are those test scores?
I was commenting to Corey the other night that weekends are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but I haven't been a fan of them lately because weekends are not when people get hired for jobs. The phone doesn't ring in a "hopeful" kind of way. I had started actually looking forward to Mondays. Eeew. Who does that? Well...we do...or did, anyway. I even said that I had a feeling that this would be our week. I feel like Pollyanna.
The phone rang yesterday - he was scheduled for 2 interviews today, and one tomorrow. This morning the phone rang while he was outside and I knew he wouldn't hear it - we are not people who answer each other's cell phones, for some reason. I wasn't going to answer it...but then I thought hmmm...maybe I should.
Well HELL YES I'm glad I did! It was the company I talked about in my first blog post - the one he (well, both of us) really really wanted to get. They sure took their time, but who cares now? Certainly not either one of us!
Then...
I had a meeting with the owner at the PT clinic that hired me for my GA position and they hired me for some part time work in the mornings, and then to work at tournaments and camps that they staff people for. I most likely won't start for a couple weeks because things are kind of slow right now, but once school starts it's on! I wish it started sooner, but that's ok, because I know it will be there.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my good news! Before I go, let's see what I can cross off the stress list...
1. Did I pass that certication exam?
2. Which leads to...will I keep my job?
3. Which leads to...if not, now I have to come up with tuition.
4. As well as...where will I get the $235 dollars to re-take it?
5. Where will I get the $500 dollars Concordia wants to reserve my spot in the grad program?
Wow...we knocked off 9/14 things. See? It IS our week :) Now where are those test scores?
July 9, 2007
A weekend in the absence of income
Another weekend down...who knows how many like it to go.
I can't say that it was a bad weekend, because in the absence of spending money...well, any money whatsoever, we made the best we could of it.
Saturday morning I got up with the intention to start my day with Couch to 5k, day 3 of week 1 since I had skipped out the day before due to the enormous blister on my heel. Well, that didn't happen either because it was already extra sweaty and humid outside and I decided I had plenty to accomplish in the apartment.
Task #1: Go through all the giant rubbermaid boxes in the spare room and clean that room up.
This is where I learned that between the two of us, Corey and I have more army uniform stuff than 2 people who were in for 20 years should have. Seriously - how big should a pile of folded brown undershirts be? I think there were 30 of them. PT uniforms? What size do you need? Would you prefer the old style or the new? BDU's - do you prefer woodland camoflage or desert? Boots - jungle, jump, desert, or cold weather - take your pick. I had little sorted out piles of EVERYTHING all over the room. After several hours (and several breaks) I had all of the uniforms, hats, PT's, cold weather gear, ponchos, chemical suits under control and condensed in to one giant rubbermaid container and one army green duffle bag. That is when all other potential tasks were erased from my memory.
I hope that someday our kids will open up that box of stuff and be proud of their parents (especially their dad) and glad they kept all that army stuff. Maybe someday my son or daughter will go to school for show-and-tell and say "These were my mommy's combat boots." or "Here is the dried rose my daddy picked for my mommy in Saddam Hussein's rose garden in 2003." Even if they don't, I'll still be happy that all that stuff is condensed, sorted, and neatly folded in that box.
Later on, we decided it was time to amuse ourselves so out came the Trivial Pursuit and the stockpile of Miller Lite from the fridge. The game started off as usual - Corey with most of the pies, and me with none. Then it finished the way it always seems to - I catch up, and then win the game :)
Current standings:
Jessie: 2
Corey: 0
Once I was victorious in TP, we managed to kill a good half-hour throwing wadded up pieces of paper to (and at) our catnip-stoned cats. You can buy them all the store bought toys in the world but nothing is better than catnip and crinkled up paper. They're simple cats.
The rest of the night was spent finishing off the beer pyramid and watching Old School. After the depressing week we had with no job-luck, it was great to laugh and have a genuine, mellow good time again.
I can't say that it was a bad weekend, because in the absence of spending money...well, any money whatsoever, we made the best we could of it.
Saturday morning I got up with the intention to start my day with Couch to 5k, day 3 of week 1 since I had skipped out the day before due to the enormous blister on my heel. Well, that didn't happen either because it was already extra sweaty and humid outside and I decided I had plenty to accomplish in the apartment.
Task #1: Go through all the giant rubbermaid boxes in the spare room and clean that room up.
This is where I learned that between the two of us, Corey and I have more army uniform stuff than 2 people who were in for 20 years should have. Seriously - how big should a pile of folded brown undershirts be? I think there were 30 of them. PT uniforms? What size do you need? Would you prefer the old style or the new? BDU's - do you prefer woodland camoflage or desert? Boots - jungle, jump, desert, or cold weather - take your pick. I had little sorted out piles of EVERYTHING all over the room. After several hours (and several breaks) I had all of the uniforms, hats, PT's, cold weather gear, ponchos, chemical suits under control and condensed in to one giant rubbermaid container and one army green duffle bag. That is when all other potential tasks were erased from my memory.
I hope that someday our kids will open up that box of stuff and be proud of their parents (especially their dad) and glad they kept all that army stuff. Maybe someday my son or daughter will go to school for show-and-tell and say "These were my mommy's combat boots." or "Here is the dried rose my daddy picked for my mommy in Saddam Hussein's rose garden in 2003." Even if they don't, I'll still be happy that all that stuff is condensed, sorted, and neatly folded in that box.
Current standings:
Jessie: 2
Corey: 0
Once I was victorious in TP, we managed to kill a good half-hour throwing wadded up pieces of paper to (and at) our catnip-stoned cats. You can buy them all the store bought toys in the world but nothing is better than catnip and crinkled up paper. They're simple cats.
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