Ready for the Weekend!

Last week, my week flew by.  It was great!  I worked on 1099s and W-2s, and I was busy.  This week, I finished all of my tax stuff last week, so I didn’t really have anything to do.  I mean, I’ve had a few things to do here and there, but definitely not enough to keep me busy for a 40-hour week.

The bookkeeper position at our church has become available.  I’m really hoping that it’s a good fit for me.  I would love a little extra money, I’ve not had a raise or a bonus in close to 2 years, now, while my house payment keeps increasing because we have our escrow included.  It’s a bit frustrating.  And stressful.  I need our company to make money, so that I can make just a little more money! =.) And so that my mind will stay busy and occupied and WORKING!  I’m getting bored, which is making me irritable.  But I don’t want a new job.  I like my job.  I just want my work to pick back up so I feel like I’m actually deserving of a full-time salary paid position.  Does that make sense?

So, back to the bookkeeper position.  I’d love to do it.  Not only because it would bring in a little more cash to the household (i.e. our savings account), but I would like working with the church.  I love our church, and I would love to be able to contribute in some way other than just attending. =.)

I love to sew and craft and do all those other fun things that come with crafting.  I told my Mama today that she and I should open up an Etsy shop.  I would absolutely be just ridiculously happy if I could make a living off of selling items on Etsy.  I could do what I love, and stay at home while working.  That’d be perfect for when we have kids!  I would love to be a stay-at-home mom.

That would be my dream job.

That, or to work at a library.  I love books. =.)

**********

On another note.  We’re supposed to be getting between 5-10 inches of snow tonight, into tomorrow afternoon.  Everyone at my office is just dreading it.

I’m not.  I love snow.  It’s beautiful.  Especially out where I live.  Being in the country, our driveway doesn’t get plowed.  We just drive through snow.

And it also reminds me of Boone.  I mean, we don’t get anywhere near the amount of snow, and it’s a completely different type of snow (Boone is more powdery, here, it’s wetter), but it’s still snow.

I thought I had pics from last year’s snow, but apparently not on my work computer.

If we’re lucky, I’ll have some for you tomorrow.  With the dogs playing in it.

And, now that I’ve gotten excited about it, we won’t get any snow. =.)

Hope you have a great weekend!  Stay warm! =.)

Weekend Wrap Up

We had such a nice weekend!

We weren’t sure if Marc’s dad and stepmom were coming up until late Thursday.  The guys are building a ramp for Marc’s grandma that fell.  Lyman, my FIL, doesn’t want her walking up the steps to their porch/entry door to their house.  I think he, and Grandpa Johnson, would just feel a lot better if there was a ramp for Grandma Johnson.  However, the ground is so wet from all the rain we’ve been getting around here lately.  So, they couldn’t do it this weekend.  Lyman and Melinda might be coming up this weekend, instead, depending on the weather.  It absolutely poured here last night, but it’s windy today.  Maybe it’ll dry out. =.)

So, instead, we went out with friends.  There were 13 of us total, and we went to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, then we went bowling.  By the time we finished eating, it was around 9, so we got to “Cosmic Bowl” in black lights.  I was so excited, because I outscored everyone except for one guy on our first round.  It was a lot of fun just hanging out with everyone.  One of our guy friends spent the night at our house on Friday so that he and Marc could stay up and play a game on the PS3.  After I turned off the subwoofer and asked them to turn down the volume, I slept.  They didn’t go to bed until around 4:30.  No, thank you!

Saturday was just a low key day.  We slept in, which was fantastic! =.) Marc and our friend, Chad, started playing their war game again, so I took the dogs over to my parents house and hung out with my Mama.  She sewed up a few things for me that I needed fixed, and we talked crafts. =.) She’s decided that she’s making everyone something hand-made for Christmas this year, and she’s going to get started on it, now!  We went through some of her old fabric.  She received this “a craft a day” calendar, and one of the crafts tells how to make a cover for a camera strap.  Since my camera’s strap is kind of old and dirty, I want to spruce it up.  So, I’m going to piece together these 6 brightly colored scraps that she has, and make a strap.  I’ll show when it’s finished! =.)

We had a lazy Saturday afternoon, then headed over to our friend’s house for dinner.  Pulled pork that was delicious, with some sides.  Three of the girls there have weddings this spring/summer, so there was TONS of wedding talk! =.) Then two of us slipped away to catch some of the Duke/Clemson basketball game. =.)

Sunday morning, we went to church, then went to the 3rd membership class.  We learned a little about our spiritual gifts and where we can serve using those gifts.  It was pretty interesting.  Of the 15-20 people in the class, 8 of them were from our life group.  We totally represented! =.)

After class, we grabbed lunch at Red Robin with our friends, Chris and Jennifer, who are getting married April 24th.  The we headed to Family Christian Stores to pick up some devotionals for Marc and myself.  I’m excited about mine!  I picked up Women of the Bible, and it’s a 52 week study.  So, so excited to learn about some of the women that aren’t taught or talked about as much. =.) Marc chose the Max Lucado Devotional Bible.  I think I’ll be reading that one next! =.)

We lounged around at the house and I did some laundry before we went to bed.

It was kind of a lazy weekend, but I absolutely LOVED it!  I needed a low-key weekend.  And it was nice to have Marc home to lounge with! =.)

**********

Oh, and I won a giveaway a few weeks ago, and I haven’t posted, but I’ll post about it this week!  I’m in love! =.)

Weekend Recap x2

Sorry for the lack of posts!  I’ve been uninspired, and I haven’t wanted to bore you with the details! =.)

This past weekend was really low-key for us.  I stayed at home on Friday night while Marc went to hang out with some of the guys.  I watched TV and caught up on all of my DVR stuff.

Saturday morning, we went to Siloam Missionary Homes, a place where missionaries come to stay in between missions.  We helped take down and organize all of their Christmas decorations.  Our life group spear-headed the project, and some others from our church joined in.  It was a lot of fun, but I have a few battle wounds from taking down one of the Christmas trees.  The thing was HUGE!  And a wee bit heavy, as I tried to drag it to put it into the box! =.)

In the afternoon, the guys decided to ride their 4-wheelers.  They haven’t been riding since Thanksgiving, and it was a beautiful and mild day.  I got some pictures of them.  I think it’s crazy what they can do on machines (do you know who Travis Pastrana is?  He’s crazy good.  And crazy, but he is just an awesome rider [of motorcycles]).

Saturday evening, we went out to dinner with our life group to have our ‘Christmas’ dinner.  It’s always so busy before Christmas, that we decided it would be best to wait until after.  We enjoyed Cracker Barrel and had a lot of fun.

After dinner, we went out with Chris and Jennifer and bowled.  I was super stoked to win the first game when I bowled a 140.  Then I didn’t do so well the second game with a 103 or something like that.

Sunday, we went to church, then took our second membership class.  We took the first class about a year and a half ago, when we became members.  Better late than never, right? =.)

Our fridge was bare, so we headed to Wal-Mart after lunch.  I so enjoy Wal-Mart much more when we go after the first service at church.  It’s MUCH less crowded and easier to maneuver through! =.)

We came home and took naps.  It was dreary and rainy outside – perfect napping weather!  I’ve started reading The Lovely Bones.  I want to finish reading it before I see the movie.  Besides, the books are always better (in my opinion). =.)  I’m excited to see Dear John with the girls when it comes out.  However, I think I’ll be taking a box of tissues with me, because I’m going to cry.  I mean, it’s Nicholas Sparks – crying is guaranteed, right?

************

Last weekend, Marc went down to Beaufort to go fishing with some friends.  It ended up that the ocean was too rough to fish, but they stayed closer inland and just cruised around for a bit.  While he was at the beach, I was hosting his dad and stepmom, Lyman and Melinda.   They came up Friday night because Marc’s grandma, let’s call her Ma J., fell and fractured her pelvic bone and hurt her hip.  She’s in a rehab center now, so they can get her up and walking before they release her home.  Lyman and Melinda left on Saturday.

Then, on Saturday, I finally got around to putting up all of our Christmas decorations.  I also went through what was left in the attic after I finished decorating, so that I could consolidate and get rid of what I didn’t want to use anymore.  My Christmas side of the attic is so much more organized, and I love it!  It’s so much better!  And the goal is that I won’t have to hunt for what I want next year! =.)

I visited with Mama and Daddy for a little bit, too.  Then, as I was trying to leave for dinner to meet our friends, my car wouldn’t start.  I finally got in touch with my Mama, and she let me borrow her truck.  We all hung out at Rob & Sarah’s, had a great dinner, then all the girls played The Game of Things.

I overslept for church on Sunday, so I just lounged around the house until Marc got home, then we went to dinner with our friends Grant and Katie at our favorite Mexican place.  It was yummy!  It had been awhile since we had eaten there.

My weeks have passed by slowly, as the world of real estate, in my office, at least, is just been really slow this month.  I don’t know if it’s because of all the cold weather, the fact that it’s so soon after the holidays or what, but I need for business to pick up.  Two reasons: 1.  I’m bored out of my mind at work.  I need more to keep me occupied!  Thank goodness that I’m closing out the year and doing 1099s and W-2s or I would be going crazy by now! =.) 2. We need to be making more money.  I don’t like not making money! =.)

So, if you’ve made it this far, thanks for sticking with me!  Things might get a little more interesting next month!  I’ve got a work trip to New Orleans planned in February, and I’m looking into being the treasurer for our church on a part-time basis.  That should keep me a little more busy! =.)

Have a great week, everyone! =.)

Slightly disappointed?

I had such high hopes for tonight!  The hubs is going fishing in Beaufort this weekend, so I was planning a weekend by and for myself.  And I was excited.  Like super-excited to be resting this weekend after about 3 weekends stuffed with plans.

And my previously planned weekend was perfect!  Tonight, I was going home to change directly into my pjs, watch Nights in Rodanthe (no, I still haven’t seen it), and veg out.  Heaven!  Tomorrow, I was going to sleep in, because I am in desperate need of sleep, and then take down our Christmas decorations (don’t judge – we were out of town last weekend =.).

Then, Marc calls earlier this morning to tell me that his dad and step-mom are coming up for the night, so I’ll have guests.

Crap.

There goes my blissful evening.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind that they’re coming up, or that Marc won’t be here so it’ll just be them and me.  I like them. =.)  They’re great in-laws.

But they weren’t in my plans.

And I don’t really do well when my plans change.  Not always, really, just when I have my mind set on something. It drives Marc nuts. =.)

So, tonight, instead of relaxing, I’ll be entertaining.  After I race home after work to vacuum and pick up a bit, as we didn’t find out they were coming until I was already at work this morning.

And I still have Christmas stuff up! =.( I so need to get all that stuff down, and would have, if I had known we’d be having guests.

Oh, well. They’ll be leaving tomorrow, so I can still do everything I had planned for Saturday, except maybe sleep in.  Such is life. =.)

Hope you have a great weekend, everyone! =.)  Stay warm!!

Resolutions

On most blogs that I read regularly, you gals have posted something about new years resolutions.  I think I’m boycotting resolutions this year. =.)

Why, you may ask?

I have a few reasons. =.)

#1.  I’m going to break them.  Let’s just be honest.  I have GREAT intentions starting out, but they won’t last.

#2. I didn’t keep a single one from last year.  Maybe a for a few weeks, maybe for a few months.  But not for a whole year.  If I had kept them, I wouldn’t feel the need to make new ones this year! =.)

#3. I don’t want to be like last year.  I do have changes that I want and NEED to make in my life.  I just don’t feel that making it a ‘resolution’ will make me stick with it this time around.

So, instead, I’m making GOALS.  Yes, maybe they’re the same thing.  Maybe it’s just my mindset.  I don’t care.  I just want something that WORKS! =.)

My intentions?

1. Define my goals =.)

- Be healthy

- Grow spiritually

- Pray with Purpose

- Exercise 4x/week

- Blog more

- Take more pictures

- Live life.  Not just go through motions, but LIVE

2. Create a visual for me to see DAILY.

- I’ll probably cut out/print pictures that I relate to my goals.  Then, I’ll paste them onto a dream board or poster.  I’d love to post it on my fridge, but Marc’s not a fan of clutter, so I need to find a place to put it up so it’s a daily reminder.

3. Hold myself accountable.  In order to do this, I’ll break down each of my goals into smaller action items.

- For example: Exercise 4x/week.

     - Day 1 – Elliptical

     - Day 2 – 30 Day Shred

     - Day 3 – Rest

     - Day 4 – Elliptical

     - Day 5 – Dance/Aerobics/Cardio

     - Day 6 & 7 – Rest

- With these action items, it’s easier for me to attain my goals, because I’ve broken it down into smaller steps.  These are ways to actually achieve my goal, instead of just a big, broad item to stare at. =.) It just works better for me, this way.  Also, if I want to, I can cross it off weekly, what I’ve done.  Then, there’s a sense of accomplishment as I work towards the goal.

So, there you have it.  My ‘resolutions’ for 2010. =.)

Is there anything that you do in order to stick with your resolutions or goals?  Do you have a dream board?  If so, where do you keep it?  What’s on it?

Happy 2010 and good luck!  I wish you a happy, prosperous, and FULFILLED year! =.)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Gross

When I was backing up to park my car last night when I got home, I noticed that Ace was looking at my back tire kind of weird.  You know, turning his head a bit, trying to figure something out?

I got out of my car, and I hear this hissing sound.  It sounds like someone has popped a beach ball or something.  Great.

I make Marc go outside to see what it is, and apparently, I had a huge gash in my tire from a rock.

Like the wonderful husband that he is, he took my car to my brother’s so he could get a better look at it.  So, now I’m driving on my spare tire while he takes it to the shop to get it plugged today.

This is what my tires are supposed to look like: This is what my spare looks like:

I know – it’s gross.  That’s what the bottom of my car looks like, I suppose.  Oh, the joy of living on a dirt road! =.)

I love my country life, though!  Wouldn’t trade it for anything! =.)

Hopefully, it’ll be all fixed with 4 normal tires by tomorrow! =.)

Weekend Recap =.)

We had such an awesome weekend!  It started a little bit early.  I took a half day on Thursday, so we could head down to Beaufort, NC and get there kind of early for New Year’s Eve.  We spent the weekend at our friends’ house, and we had an absolute blast!  Yay! =.)

Chad and Katie were great hosts!  They let 4 couples stay with them in their beach house.  Marc and I shared a room with Grant and Katie, and we had fun. =.)

So, for Thursday night, we got to Beaufort around 5:30 or so, right as the sun was setting, and I got a few good pics coming over the bridges from Morehead City.  I love the sun on the water.  So peaceful! =.)

We unloaded Marc’s truck, and hung out with everyone at Chad and Katie’s for a little bit.  That evening, we took Chad’s boat over to some friends’ condos and spent the evening in their lobby.  The guys played corn hole outside while the girls stayed inside, for the most part.  It was nice just socializing and talking and listening to music with all of our friends.  Our group consists of about 6 couples, and we were all down there to spend New Year’s together, so it was great. =.)

Best hosts EVER!! =.) All the girls on New Year’s Eve

Girls from the Merritt House

I guess around 2 we all headed back to our houses.  The guys took the boat back, but the girls didn’t want to freeze on the water, so one of the guys from the condos, Chris, drove us all back.  We were really grateful! =.)

Friday was a low-key day.  We all just lounged around the house and watched Miss Congeniality, Khloe & Kourtney Take Miami, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians all afternoon.  I do believe that the guys escaped to the Man Cave while the girls cozied up on the couch! =.)  We went to a late dinner with everyone Friday night, then the girls made a late night Wal-Mart run to pick up some board games.  When we got back to the house, the 5 girls played board games while the boys retreated to the Man Cave, again.

On Saturday, we lounged around for a little bit, but then headed back over to the condos for an Oyster grill with everyone, again.  It was absolutely FREEZING on Saturday!  The guys stayed outside manning the grill while all the gals were inside the garage with the propane heater, football, and board games.  We had such a great time!  I love all the people we spent time with.

All the girls on Saturday NightKaty, Katie, & me

I told Marc on the way home from Beaufort that I was really glad we went down for the weekend.  I’m so much just a homebody who loves to stay in with family and friends in pajamas for New Years.  With that being said, I wasn’t really expecting to have a great time.  Boy, was I wrong!  I’m so glad that he convinced me to go down for the weekend.  Thanks, Marc! =.)  You were right! Just this once!! =.)

View on the ride back to Morehead City

I didn’t take many pictures.  Mainly just the ones on the bridge over when we arrived and when we left.  I forgot my camera on Saturday night, and that was the most fun all weekend.  It was even better than New Year’s! =.)

So, I hope you had a fabulous weekend, and a Happy New Year!!! =.)