TGIF infinity!

THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY!!! Sheesh, terrible week. Meltdown at work kind of week. To make it up to me, for how terrible the job is, I was set flowers by my work, it is nice but weird. Here is a picture of them.

I really wanted to throw them away but decided I was being too dramatic AND they are still pretty. So they are still in my office, smelling good... and I will throw them away after work today. Well, maybe I will keep two of them to put in my hair this weekend.

Speaking of hair. I haven't gotten my haircut since Dec! Need a haircut and am terribly tempted to go short. What do you think?

Did I mention that Brian and I are moving again? I know that we are insane because this will be our 8th home... Let me list them out for you:

1. Spring Arbor

2. Plyouth apartment

3. House in Plymouth

4. Kansas

5. My brother's house in IL

6. Downtown Chicago

7. Ypsilanti (our current apartment)

8. Our new apartment in the apartment directly behind our current one. It is bigger (2 bedrooms), has a full sized stove (YES!), and has a decorative fireplace pictured below. Also, our landlord just refinished the hardwood floors and let us chose the paint color for the living room. I am excited but also dreading the idea of moving for the 7th time.

In preparation for the move, I have been stockpiling crafting/decorating ideas. I think I may have missed my calling in being an interior designer, I am obsessed. So far for the new apartment I have: made 6 new wall hanging decorations, sewed 3 couch pillows, bought two recliners and a new super cute rug. Pictured below is a picture for the wall I made in process. I took paint chips and made this and then framed it. It looks pretty good and goes great in our bedroom.

Well, my lunch break is almost over... I just have to make it 4 more hours. I can do that, right?

Blog.

Well, blog. I am sure that no one reads this thing anymore but today I feel like blogging. (and not working, which is where I currently am).

There are pros and cons to being an entire financial aid office:

Pros: I can blog! Office to myself. I am the boss of 3 work study students (fetch me some coffee, slave!). If I am not sure of something, I can make it up.

Cons: It is lonely. If I am not sure of something, I have to make it up. Stress, stress and more stress. Rampant mood swings of nonchalant to hyper anxiety. Tears, stomach aches etc.

I would definitely say the cons outweigh the pros. It will be great for my resume though.... I should get back to work but I will leave you with two crafts completed over my craft filled week.

Wreath with felt flowers from which I burnt my fingers.

I will try to post more, but I say that everytime...

Hello again.

Not much new has been going on. I had Monday off because I have to work Saturday (only 9-2). I love Mondays off! Lazed about, went to a coffee shop, hung out with friends, read and then lazed about more. While I was super unproductive, it was wonderful!

I finished book 5 of the year, The Rule of Four. I kind of hated it but once I was half way in, I just committed to it and finished it. It was a DaVinci Code wannabe that was more pretentious and less interesting.

I started book 6, The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. I have been super excited to read this book because I love Wally Lamb. So far it is very good. It is a thick-y, so I better get back to reading it. Plan to have it finished by the end of the week so I will have a good strong start to my year of reading!!!

Not much else is new. I made a more serious budget and have been house hunting online. Silly me. Grad school is in the talks for both of us, possibly... I will post more about it when it is definite. Work was stressful and not so fun today. I feel overwhelmed and have to learn so much while trying to get people to open up new accounts and things. It is hard but I will press on and be number one! Ha!

Anyways, going to drink some wonderful Trader Joe bedtime tea and cuddle up with Potter for some bedtime reading....

Crafts, as promised

Well, to keep myself motivated in the craft department, I am going to post the only two crafts I have done this year.

The first is I sewed curtains for our bedroom. Really, they are ridiculously simple because all I did was take a flat sheet I got for $2 from a thrift store, cut it in half, sew it and hang it up. I also sewed a curtain to hang about our kitchen cabinets, to hide all the junk up there but I haven't hung it up yet. Here is a picture, I apologize in advance for the poor quality of the picture, too lazy to get the camera out so I used my phone.

The other craft I did was make a garland for a window in our living room. I think it turned out pretty cute but it took forever and may have given me carpal tunnel. I cut our hundreds of circles from a old book, magazines, fabric, paper bags, napkins, etc. Anything that would give it interesting texture. I did three sizes of circles. I then strung it on yarn and hung it from nails. Here are some pictures:
And here is a close up of all those circles. I think if I were to do it again, I would use one of those scrapbook automatic circle cutters because each "ball" is around 50 or so circles!
Alright, off to plan a craft for tomorrow because it is a bank holiday!!!

Two posts, one day = victory!

I am ba-ack!

Believe it or not, but I am back to blogging....

It is funny to read how many times I have typed that,

so I will just say that I am back for now!

And have some super glorious lists for you to read............

Changes have happened since my last blog. They are as follows:

1. Moved to Ypsilanti, MI. (Loving it!)

2. New jobs for Brian and I. I am a personal banker and he is back to social work.

3. We stopped working out but have recently begun to work out again.

4. Probably tons more but I can't think of it at this time.

My resolutions for this year (2011!)

1. Read 50 books, I am 4 books deep right now. Must continue the momentum!

2. Pay off credit card.

3. Lose weight. Duh.

4. Keep the house cleaner.

5. Blog more, which is possible because we now have internet!

6. Craft more.

Books I have read so far this year:

1. Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz. It was pretty good. It is an intersting story but I almost feel like too much happened. The coolest part is that it is told in different perspectives.

2. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collines. GREAT book. It is a trilogy and by far the most superior of the three. I recommend it! The characters are great, couldn't stop reading it.

3. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. I have hopped on the Neil Gaiman train and I don't plan on ever leaving it. He is awesome. The story is bizarre, gross, hilarious and made me need to write myself. He is a great story teller!

4. Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore. It was pretty good, entertaining and about vampires (which of course I love). There were funny parts and scary parts but overall, just very entertaining.

Up next.... The Corrections by Jonathon Franzen

I am done with lists for now.... next blog will be crafts!

Moving agin...

In a week from tomorrow, we will be moving into our sixth residence as a couple.

That's right.... our sixth! And we hope to be there a loooong while.

And as it turns out, I only have one day left of commuting.

Why?

Because I have off Fridays and on Wednesday I got some good news.

I was talking to my supervisor about if I had any vacation days left.

I had taken a couple of sick days and thought they were taken out of my vacation days.

They are not!

So, it turns out I have 3 days left of vacation I need to use before July.

And too many people had already requested June

So, I have off next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Just in time to do some major packing, cleaning and crafting.

I have big plans, lets see how much gets accomplished.

Things I want to make:

place mats, curtains, finish a dog bed for potter and paint our new coffee table.

I will post a picture of it when I am done, it is pretty awesome.

Other news, Brian has officially joined the workforce again.

He is liking his new job and has to wear a suit everyday.

It is good that he looks mighty fine in a suit....!

We went suit shopping last weekend and found some great sales.

I have not been working out besides the 2 mile walk everyday.

I fail....

I am just too tired when I leave the house at 6:45 and get home around 9.

I know, excuses, excuses...

Brian has been taking Potter on runs with him

And she has also lost some weight.

I have still lost 5.5 pounds since I have had to commute.

Bringing my total weight loss to 35.5 pounds.

Not too shabby.

But I am going to start working out again, in one weeks time.

I am going to have two hours a day back again!

Now, I must get back to business.

So much to do and so little time.

Also, in the words of a famous LaBenne:

"It is one sleep until Brian's birthday"

In everyday English, that means that Brian's birthday is tomorrow

We are celebrating with some sushi and Oberweis ice cream sundaes.

Must get cleaning. Good day for now.

Oh how things change...

Changes. Brian and my life has been going through a whole lot of changes. The first this is that I will be switching campuses again at work. I am going back to work at the Chicago campus, so I am back to commuting. It is a whole long story of why I am going back, but the main reason is that I am quote "the lowest on the totem pole" and "our campus is overstaffed." It led us into thinking, well.... what about moving to Chicago then? So I don't have a 3 hour commute everyday? WE ARE! We looked at apartments and asked around to everyone we know and we found out one of my coworkers is moving out of this adorable place in Lincoln Square. We went and looked at it and signed the lease. We get our keys May 28th! Here it is!

And along with that we get a view of this from our rooftop! Isn't it awesome?
The apartment is just a one bedroom but it is pretty good sized. It has a fake fireplace with shelves and we can't wait for it. Brian has been interviewing like crazy lately. He is actually at an interview right now and I am anxiously waiting by my phone to hear how it went.

Weight loss... drumroll...

Brian weighed in today and has officially lost the same amount of weight that our dog Potter weighs. Isn't that crazy to think about? He has lost 40 lbs. 40 lbs! Isn't that awesome? He was disappointed by low weight loss the last week or so but he lost 4 lbs this week.

I am a little disappointed in my 1 lb loss this week, especially after my last chance workout last night where my legs almost gave out. I am down 30 lbs. Not too bad, but it is no 40 lbs, that's for sure. Although, I am officially wearing pants from my junior year of college, so that is a good feeling.

Dog training has been going great! Ian (or my bff) is so good. Wednesday night we had both dogs in the living room on leashes all night. At one point, I was laying on the floor with Rudy on one side, Potter on the other and I asked them to shake and they both shook my hands. It was so adorable my head almost exploded.

Ok, I am off to do something more productive. Have a good weekend!

Spring breaking...

Well, I am officially on spring break (one day long spring break, whoohoo!) I also officially have a sinus infection and the meds are making my stomach hurt but my face is feeling better. I got a large punch in the stomach at work yesterday. I found out that in two weeks most likely be transferring back to the Chicago campus. That means I am losing 15 hours of my life a week again, plus I don't think I will be able to have Fridays off anymore. I guess things can only go my way for a little while...

On to happier news, Brian's parents and sister are coming to Illinois tonight!! We can't wait and have lots of fun activities planned. Plus, the weather is beautiful outside.

I will do a 5k race post soon. It went well!

Potter had her first visit with the dog trainer yesterday. It went really well and she walks 500x better on the leash now. And at one point she was walking on a leash next to Rudy. It was pretty awesome. The dog trainer is tall, named Ian and had a red shirt that said "Ian." He is totally magical!! But now he says we have to put Potters food in a bowl by us while we eat and when we are done eating we can give it to her. And she can't jump up on our bed anymore also, which is sad.

Alright, have to clean the bathrooms and enjoy the nice weather before the in-laws get here. Have a good Easter weekend!

P.S. Brian and I both lost two pounds this week. It is a little surprising b/c I missed working out two days and when I did go I didn't work out as hard as normal b/c of my headache.

I've got the blahs...

Let me be honest with you and vent a little. I am feeling stressed out. I am stressed and I don't want to work out and my head hurts. I don't think it is a stress headache but I made a doctors appointment for tomorrow. It could be a sinus infection, they like me and tend to infect me. Did I mention I don't feel like working out tonight, but I will. (edit: I didn't work out...I fail)

Why am I stressed?

I am stressed because of money, because Brian still needs a job, because cars are expensive, because we are no closer to figuring out what we want to do with out lives, because I am tired of being chubby but tired of working out, because we don't have many friends in Illinois, because I am not good at making friends, because I am stressed it makes me not want to hang out with the friends we have, because my job is stressful right now, because because because...

I should feel lucky because we have great family, super cheap place to live and so on but today I feel cranky and miserable and whiney. That's right! Tomorrow I will feel better. Right?

Anways, hope you are feeling more optimistic than I am. Have a good night.

Drumroll please...

The official weigh-in took place today.

so...

Brian lost 4 pounds this past week.

Bringing his total weight loss to 34 pounds!

Can you believe that?

I lost 3 pounds this past week.

Bringing my total weight loss to 25 pounds!

I will say I am pretty proud of us.

Not too bad for first weighing ourselves around January 7th.

Of course, it is a little frustrating

that Brian loses weight faster than me.

Especially because I usually try to eat

only half of what he does.

Oh, well.

At least the weight is coming off.

Wish us luck!

The big 5k is tomorrow.

And we need all the luck we can get

because Brian's foot has been hurting

and I find it harder to breath

while running outside compared to the treadmill.

Causing me to worry that I might suffocate

and die while running the race...

Now we are off to clean the house

in preparation for my sister's 40th

birthday party on Saturday night.

Have a good weekend everyone!!!!

The Wedding Trailer...

Without further ado.... Brian's first wedding trailer!

Monica and Jeff - March 20, 2010 from The Benne Productions on Vimeo.

Please let us know what you think.

I can see my biceps...

That's right folks, when I lift my arm, my bicep sticks out. What's going on?

Oh, it's probably the weight lifting and protein shakes.

I didn't do as well as normal last week but I have been doing great this week.

Well, life has been crazy busy as of late.

Last weekend, Brian filmed my coworkers wedding

and I was his assistant for the grand event.

It was the first wedding he has done.

He is working on a trailer for it and

he is going to post it on here tomorrow.

It is turning out great!!!!

Running outside is harder than running on the treadmill.

I am super nervous for the race on Saturday.

I hope I don't die.

We are doing a big weigh in on Friday

and I will post our pounds lost then.

I will give you a hint though...

I have gone almost 2 pant sizes!

Workout it out...

I am back again! Here is the scoop: Brian and I are in our own version of the biggest loser but we are not competing and we won't win a lot of money if we were. We started our new life plan the first week of January. It was a cold and hunger filled day when we first stepped into the Anytime Fitness gym. I was intimidated by the loud music and sweaty people but now it is like a home away from home. Brian made friends with a man from Vancouver and they bonded over his maple leaf tattoo. (shown below)

I made an enemy by wearing a Red Wings shirt in the Blackhawks zone. And we also got our first glimpse of the man we lovingly call "Jeans." Why do we call him jeans? Because he wears tapered, stone washed jeans with an extremely tight wife beater to the gym to work out. And all he does are pull ups and lunges. We think he is on the prowl....good thing I am taken.

Okay, back to the plan. We started out running little bits and and using the elliptical. It was tough. We were both really out of shape but now our heart is in the correct range and we don't huff and puff as much. After around 2 months, we both were able to increase our running up to be able to run a 5k (3.1 miles). Don't get me wrong, it is not easy and sometimes I feel like my muscles are ripping and my bones are shattering and I might die. I started out just running like .75 of a mile and slowly increased it and mixed it with other workouts. The plan is for us to run a 5k on March 27th. Both my sisters are coming into town and my brother and cousins are running it too. We are excited but nervous for it. We still have to make the transition from treadmill to outside running. YIKES!

But now it is late, and I need to soak my legs in the bathtub before I go to bed. It is the only thing that works for me to be able to move comfortably tomorrow. Oh, by the way, it was like a bowl full of ice cream to look tonight and see all those comments! Keep it up...

And get ready for some future posts: books we love and how much weight we have lost.... let the anticipation commence!

We are back!!!

Phew, it has been a long time. But I am back! I decided to do a little bit of a blog remodel. But before I go into that, let me just say that it feels good to be back and here is a list of some updates in Brian and my life:

1. Weight loss: This is a big one and where my mind is focused on a whole lot during the day. I think to myself, "No, self, you cannot have that delicious looking bagel, cupcake, etc..." In theory weight loss is easy, and to some people it is. But it is hard, honestly it is one of the hardest things EVER. I feel like I am in constant, muscle-achy pain, growling stomach, mixed with extreme jealousy at those people who are "naturally" thin. But, Brian and I will succeed in this and I will get into more details of our plan later. Hint, it has something to do with the blog remake.

2. Illinois: Hello, Land of Lincoln! Last time this blog had been updated, we were moving to IL. Well, we have been in IL since October now. I can't believe it has been so long. We are still living with my brother and have been getting along famously! It is really fun and he has a clapper and makes us chicken tacos. We are not sure of the future or how long we will be staying with him but for now we are content.

3. My job: At the end of January, I switched campuses. I now work 10 minutes away from home and I LOVE not having the long commute but I miss my coworkers from Chicago. Also, my schedule changed and I work normal hours on Monday and Wednesday, long hours on Tuesday and Thursday and I have off on Fridays. I don't think I can't express how much I love having Fridays off. It is awesome!

4. Brian's unemployment: He is still looking but had some promising interviews last week. Keep him in your prayers.

5. Books: We both have been reading a lot. And we will get more into that in a future post. And yes, there will be future posts.... That's a promise.

6. TV: I highly recommend the show Community for anyone who likes to laugh and likes slightly inappropriate jokes. It is hilarious, I can't even explain how good it it. Thinking about it puts a smile on my face.

7. Shoes: Above is pictured my new, amazing, sultry shoes. I run in them. (Yes, I do run now) I wanted the blue color but with my monster feet they only had the purple color. They were one of the most expensive purchases I have made in a very long time. Is it bad to be in love with a pair of shoes?

So for today, I have to say goodnight, but don't you worry..... I will be back tomorrow!

Things are happening, fast.

We decided that we are moving to Aurora, IL, yesterday.

It just makes sense b/c we won't have to pay rent

and be able to live off unemployment if we have to.

Today, I was offered for the position I interviewed for in Chicago.

YES!

I will be a financial aid counselor for a university,

pays pretty good, good benefits,

good hours and I will be getting off at 3:30 on Fridays.

What a relief, let me tell you!

We have mixed feelings about everything.

We love being this close to Erin and Timmy

but we will also love being close to my family when we move.

Well, I should go and pack.

Suffering from a severe case of the sniffles and stress right now.

A lot to do in the next few days: Brian takes the GRE on thursday, we are packing up the truck on thursday and driving to IL on Friday. Just in time to see my brother run the marathon on Sunday. So excited for him. Please keep praying for us, we need all you've got.

I am back from a fun but super exhausting trip to IL.

The job interview went well,

I should hear something soon.

And then plans will be forged.

And I will let you know.

Until then, my face is broken out, my stomach hurts, can't sleep and am super anxious. For someone who likes to make plans, this not knowing thing really....(excuse my language) sucks.

On a side note,

I didn't tell you, my blog, that I dyed my hair brown. I realize that I tend to dye my hair around every two years and following in that pattern, I dyed it. It is a nice change. Although, I am already considering some highlights (is that bad?).

Also, I was just thinking about a lunch that I made Brian and I the other day. I thought it was a little funny, so I will post it here. Things in our lunch:

1 string cheese

2 half sandwiches (one peanut butter and banana, the other was peanut butter and jelly)

3 dill pickle snackers

4 slices of apple

5 carrots

6 green olives

7 pretzels

I am the count? Anyways, the numbers got a little off because we actually had two number ones (if you include diet cokes).

Well, I should head off to the grocery store and then over to the Timmy and Erin's for some football and some sewing of a dog bed for Potter. Maybe I will post a picture when it is done, maybe...

Hello blog. I know that it has been a LONG time. Probably the longest ever. A friend, named Timmy, reminded me that I should update this and so here I am.

A lot has happened since I last updated.

Well, I am still unemployed and as of yesterday, Brian is too.

Very bad.

Very, very bad.

We are weighing our options right now.

Brian had a second interview for a job yesterday and should soon find out about it.

I am uber frustrated b/c I have been applying to around 8-10 jobs on average daily.

It is so frustrating.

On that note, we are coming up with a plan B and a plan C.

Plan B, move to Illinois.

I applied to a couple jobs there

and also a family friend has given me hope of a job of a financial aid advisor in Chicago.

I applied and am planning a trip for an interview.

We would live at my brother's house until we get back on our feet.

Plan C, a possible move to MI.

Due to the economy, this option is doubtful.

So besides that, we are okay.

Living.

Any prayers would be appreciated.

I'll update this when we know what is happening.

Until then, I hope I don't have a panic attack.

Bad mood...

Bah humbug!

That is how I feel today.

Do not want want to get out of pjs.

As embarrassing as it is to say, 

I had a 2nd interview for a job I really wanted

and I didn't get it.

I am so disappointed.

But on to new and better things.

The bad thing is that I have been slacking

on applying to jobs since the first interview.

Other news, the weather has been gross

and I have been crafting.

I will say this, the last ten necklaces I made

I like the most out of any I have ever made.

I am pretty proud of them and want to keep them all

but alas, they should be up on the website etsy 

by the end of the week.

Here is a picture of one of my favorites.

Also, I have cut and pinned 10 fabric birds for the mobile pictured below (I found the diy project from the website http://www.designspongeonline.com).  I think it is adorable and it if turns out well, I might make a few more to sell. I will let you know how it goes.

Off to make some necklaces, wish me luck.

House-guests and a birthday...

Well, today has officially ended our 1.5 week long streak with visitors.

While it was tremendously fun,

I am EXHAUSTED!

I woke up today with a stuffy head, sore throat and all achy.

It began Thursday, July 23rd,

my wonderful mom took the mega bus here.

It was great having her here and I miss her.

We showed her the sights, ate good food, 

Went dancing, antiquing and sat by the pool. 

She also got me a wonderful bed spread

for my birthday and if I get motivated,

Here is a picture of it:

Here is a crazy picture of us from photobooth:
She stayed until Monday, July 27th.

I dropped her off at the megabus station at 11 am.

And went to pick up Brian's cousin Alex at 11:30 am.

It was good having him here,

although it was a lot of late nights

and we watched a lot of how I met your mother.

His brother Luke came and picked him up 

and they left at 2 pm on Thursday.

And at 4 pm on Thursday, July 30th,

Brian's parents, Jim and Sue, and his sister, Andrea, arrived.

It was so good to see them and we miss them.

Potter was so happy to see them again,

she couldn't stop jumping and wagging her tail.

We saw some more sights of KC, ate good food, 

played games, sat by the pool, and also...

I have tons of pictures but they are on the other computer,

I will post them later.

Celebrated Sue and my birthday on Sun, Aug 2nd.

(the greatest day of the year...)

We went to church, sat by the pool 

and then went out for mexican food. 

It is always kind of letdown after a birthday.

Brian's family left early this morning

and our visitor streak is complete.

It was great but now we are back to the daily grind.

Me, applying to jobs and Brian, working working working.

We do have excitement in the horizon though...

Next weekend we are celebrating our 3 year anniversary

and doing a staycation in Kansas City.

We are having a 3 day weekend to sit by the pool,

do fun sightseeing in KC and go out to good restaurants.

We are still praying (hourly) for the future.

No direction as of yet.

Happy Monday dear readers.

I need direction!

So, don't get me wrong.

I have life pretty great right now.

I have a wonderful husband and cuddly dog

and a best friend that lives across the street.

A pretty great apartment with a pool,

Money in the bank (and savings account),

A bachelors degree.

BUT,

What did this bachelors degree get me?

Abso-LUT-ly nothing.

I still have no direction.

(and currently no job)

If I want to use my psychology degree,

I have a get a masters.

I don't know what to do with my life!!!

It is stressful and strongly un-happy-fying.

I know that I am only 25 in a week and a half

but whatever course of action I take,

it will take me a while to get established.

AND,

I want to settle down,

Buy a house, go to Europe,

and have 2-3 kids!

SO,

We need prayers,

lots of prayers,

so if you think about it, will you pray for us?

ALSO,

I need your input,

Should I go to get my teaching license? 

Pros, I would have a calling, I think I could like it, I would only have to take 9 credit hours, and the other coursework would be on the job training. 

Cons, Could I get a job? Would the 9 credit hours be enough training to make me a successful teacher? Would I like being a teacher?

Or, should I go to our community college here and get an associate degree to be a radiology tech or sleep tech?

Pros, Quick, cheaper and I could get an okay paying job.

Cons, Wouldn't be as fulfilling as being a teacher, very little creativity.

This is where I am at right now.

And I need help!

On a side note to this very long post, here is a picture of our craft room/spare room! (I always feel a good post ends with pictures...)

And here is my wonderful sewing corner!

I figure this is pretty safe to post on here, for a combination present to my dad and his wife, I made them a family tree. It took a whole lot longer than I thought it would and I still have to write "Our Family Tree" at the bottom. I think it turned out alright considering I just made it up as I went. Here it is:

Here is a close up of the leaves (It took forever to cut up the leaves b/c there are two per person, so I had to trace and cut up 52 leaves). I also painted the tree on the back with acrylics and attached the laves using small brads.