To Cry or Not to Cry

So Benjamin at around 4 months was sleeping at least five hours and then would go shorter periods of time.  But now he gets up almost every 2 hours actually a little less. 
My doctor said I need to sleep train him, by letting him cry it out.  I cannot do this.  There are times I want to because I'm so tired and I just want to sleep and to not have a baby in my arms, but there is no way I can last past 20 seconds.  And wow was that a run on sentence or what?
So any ideas or suggestions would be welcome.  So far I'm just making sure his needs are met and getting as much sleep as I can get.  Well mostly I should be sleeping now

Cutest Baby Dressed Up

Had to post this. 
My Son is the Man.

Wedding Dress

So I'm not really a traditional kinda girl.   I got it into my mind, that I was not going to buy a "wedding" wedding dress.  I was looking at bridesmaids dresses and other formal wear.  I thought I had found the dress that I wanted, I just needed to try it on.  I called the store and they did not have it, they said only two stores had it.  I called both stores and they did not have my size!  Sad face. 
I then researched some more online and found another dress.  Once again, no one had it.  Finally I got a hold of a bridal boutique, and they had it!  Woohoo.  Jamie and I made an appointment and went to try it on.  While I was there I found out I didn't really like it at all.  But I found another dress that I thought was perfect.  I got fitted and everything.  They put me at a size 20, which freaked me out cause I had a bridesmaid dress at home that was a size 12.  They told Jamie they couldn't fit her.  So she suggested that we go somewhere else.  I looked it up online, and there was a Davids Bridal down the street. 
We decide to stop in.  When we got there, they told us that we could look but that we could not try anything on cause they did not have any openings. 
We walked around the store and noticed they were having a sale.  Jamie held up dresses and decided she would fit, so we went to make an appointment for the next weekend.  We went to the appointment book, and they said, you know what someone just cancelled, would you to try things on now.  We said sure.  They said even for the bride, and I was like, well okay even though I figured I was getting the other dress. 
They brought me a dress that was on sale for 50 dollars!  I was like well that is definately in the budget.  I tried it on, and felt it was perfect.  So I got a dress!  Jamie found a beautiful dress on the sale rack as well for 80 dollars. 
We went to check out, and my dress came to 28.48 and Jamie's was 50 dollars.  WE MADE OUT!  It was like it was meant to be.  Go us!

Birthday

For my 30th birthday, Oscar took me to Topolobampo for it.  We had an AMAZING dinner!  Seriously, it was the most amazing meal.  Afterwords he told me he was feeling sick.  So we pulled over so that we could switch places.  He asked me if I would walk with him to see if he would get sick.  (we pulled over at the Adler Planiterium, where you can see the Chicago Sky Line) (and yes I was really slow)  So we walked closer to the water and he hugged me.  He said "I bet by now you realize I'm not sick"  I was like no, as he got on one knee.

He asked me to marry him, and I was so excited!  I definately said yes.  I couldn't wait to tell my mother, she had been waiting and waiting for this moment.  My mother didn't answer her phone!  oh no!  I called and called and called some more.  Then I called a few more times.  Finally I left a message for her to call me AS SOON AS SHE GOT THE MESSAGE!  So about 3 am, she finally called.  I was sleeping so I don't recall exactly what I told her.  But she sure was happy. 

Yay for getting married.

Solids

Well.  We have started on our solid journey.  He did not really enjoy the rice cereal, he would only eat a teeny tiny  bit.  We have done much better with sweet potatoes.  He likes them at least when I feed him.  Others seem to have trouble.  Maybe it is a mommy thing.  Love the mess!!!

Sleeping

Benjamin went from sleeping five hours and then three hours, and then another three, to going back to getting up about every two hours.  I do not know why this is.  I hope that things get better.  I am not good at sleep training because all the ones I've seen, you have to let the baby cry, and I am just not made for that.  If anyone out there has any suggestions please let me know.  Benjamin started solids, so I am hoping that will help in the long run, but so far it has not. 

Busy Busy

So of course I always have periods where I am not writing, because life gets in the way.  I am going to try and be better at updating.  So much has happened since I last wrote.

• Benjamin went on his first plane ride
• Benjamin visited California for the first time
• Benjamin met Uncle Joe and Uncle Craig for the first time
• Benjamin walked with assistance for the first time
• Benjamin started rice cereal
• Benjamin rolled over from front to back.  He doesn't do it consistantly though.
• I finished my last paper for my Masters Degree, and am done!!

So as you can see we have been busy busy. 

First Plane Trip and more!

Tomorrow we leave to go to California to see my brother.  Benjamin and him have never met!  I'm super excited.
I am not excited about lugging all the stuff by myself, but such is life.  Too bad the man couldn't get time off with me :(
I'll get over it though.  I can't wait to show Benjamin so many new things.  I know he won't remember, but he will always have pictures!
He will do so many firsts: First time meeting his Uncles.  First time on a Plane, First time leaving the state. First time in California.  First time seeing the Ocean.  phew... and probably many many  more!  Can't wait!

Milk Production

So I've been pumping during working hours, since I started back.  At first I was getting at least 11 ounces each time I pumped.  My output went down a little bit,  So I started pumping in the morning before I went to work as well.  This made it go back up.  However, now I'm making about half of what I was making so 5-6 ounces when I pump. 
This means I am going through my reserves and not getting enough out for my son to eat everyday.

I am also feeling very anxious and upset about this.  LIke I"m not a good enough  mother.  That I am a failure because I'm not producing enough.  I'm going to try to make my supply increase again, and see if there is anything I can do.  Dr. Google said to drink water and get lots of rest.  Which hello, little baby, full time job and school.  Not going to happen.  Wish me luck. 

Past Three Months

Oh baby.  You and I have been so busy the last three months.  Mommy went back to work, and Grandma started babysitting three days, and Daddy two days. 
You love staying with both of them.
Daddy finally saw how much work it is to have the baby all to yourself!
You have started "talking"  and its so cute.
You also look at us, and smile.
You love to interact with people, much better than most of your toys.  Actually you don't really play with toys at all.  Apparently we are way more entertaining.
You do like television though, even with no sound.  You ignore everyone, just like daddy!
This morning I held you and you took steps!  Such a big boy.  I know its a long time until you actually walk, but it was still exciting to see how strong you are.  Talking steps before you even walk!

First Day Back at Work

So I definately should have practiced getting up early, cause I totally did not want to get up when my alarm went off.  So I slept for another 40 minutes.  I then had to run and shower, feed the baby again, and then change the baby cause he spit up.  We finally got out of the house, and I got stopped by the train!  the train then stopped.  I finally dropped him off.  I didn't think I"d be so upset, but I cried all the way to work.

I was so happy to get home to him by the end of the day.  But he didn't seem fazed at all. 

7 weeks. So big

So Benjamin was actually 6 weeks in this picture.  But it is too cute for words!

He is 7 weeks old today.  I can't believe it.  It has gone by so gast.  I go back to work next week.  Which is exciting and sad all at the same time.  I'm really happy to go back and ssee my other kids.  But I am going to miss seeing everything my son does when he first does it :( 

First Outing with Just Mommy and Me

So today, I decided if Benjamin would sleep alone, I would take a shower and we would venture out to Target.  He did!  So away we went.

This is the first time we have gone anywhere just the two of us.  And it was nice, but different, and a little difficult.  First off, I really really need to work out or something.  I have no upper arm strength.  It was hard to lift the baby and the car seat all at once.  But I did it.  We walked around target and he fell asleep, so it was pretty easy going.  The only thing that had me worried, is we haven't installed the mirror that hangs on the back of the seat, so that you can see the baby while driving. 
I'm still new, so I freak out a lot, and would have liked the reassurance of seeing for myself the baby was okay, instead of relying on sound only.  So I definately am going to have to make sure the mirror is in for our next car trip.

I am hoping that daddy will put together the stroller tonight, and if it is warm tomorrow then I will attempt a walk with baby and doggy!

Passport!

So we decided to take Benjamin to get his passport and renew his daddy's all at the same time.  First we had to stop and get Benjamin's birth certificate.  Which is totally exciting.  We had to have copies of our photo ids in order to get Benjamin his passport, so I made copies on our printer.  Before we left I made sure Oscar had everything he needed, and off we went.  Little did I know that I forgot my id in the printer...

Our plans were ruined. 

Next day off we shall try again

Laundry

I knew having a child was a lot of work.  I however was not prepared for the massive amount of laundry that I would have, with just one child.  I suppose if he did not spit up all the time, that would help.  But I have to change him, and me multiple times a day.  Not to mention the bedding. 

Any helpful hints on how to stop the spitting up?  I've tried holding him upright and still, to no avail.  Thanks. 

Month Doctor's Appointment

So, at our last doctor's appointment Benjamin weighed 7 lbs 5 ounces, and was 21 inches long. 
I've seen that he has grown and I've definately felt that he weighed more, but I was worried because of the spit up, that he wasn't getting enough nutrition.  Well we learned today that he now weighs 9lbs 12 ounces and is 23 inches long!

Momma must have been sleeping with someone tall, cause everyone knows, that my family is full of shorties as is Oscar's.  So who knows where all this height comes from!

Look at this face!

How can you not love that face?

Blizzard of 2011

So I had no idea that I would worry so much about my child.  Seriously, worry all the time.  The first few night, I wouldn't sleep because I was so nervous something would happen.  Well the night before Benjamin turned one month something happened.  That something was:
SNOW!

It started snowing and snowing some more.  We lost power.  We had no idea when it would be turned back on.  My friend lost power, but her power came back on in ten minutes.  We did not have such luck.  I was so worried that my baby would freeze to death.  We didn't have power for 13 hours, but finally it came back on.  I guess it makes a great story, but it was horrible when it was happening!

Spitter

My son is a spitter.  He spits up a lot.  Or at least I think it is a lot.  I guess I don't really know, since he is my first child.  I don't mind that he spits up, its just so messy.  It also makes me worry he isn't getting enough to eat.  Which is another thing, he seems to be always hungry.  Good thing he is so handsome like his daddy!

Benjamin Edward Hernandez

On January 4th, I decided that I hadn't felt Benjamin move as much.  I called Dr. Bishop and she told me to go to the hospital.  I left work early and away Oscar and I went.  They told me that I was having contractions every four minutes.  I thought wow, I don't even feel it, labor is going to be so easy!  Boy was I wrong.  I hadn't dilated or effaced so they sent me home.  Oscar and I went to his parents house to hang out.  I started getting pains.  I tried breathing and rocking, and nothing helped.  I told Oscar we had to leave.  So we went to out house.  I started timing the contractions and they weren't very consisitant, but they were coming and coming and were so painful.  I had Oscar call the doctor again.  They sent me back to the hospital.
I got to the hospital and it seemed like they were ready to send me home.  However, they checked me out and I was 4 cm!  So they checked me in.  I wanted to do it without painkillers, but once I felt the pain I totally changed my mind. 
My labor stalled which stinks.  My epidural kept wearing off.  I couldn't rest, even though they told me to, cause I was feeling pain, and the blood pressure cuff kept squeezing my arm every 15 minutes.  My water broke, and they thought there was poop in it, so they got all worried.  A few hours later another doctor checked me and she decided that my water had broken behind, not below, so she really broke my water.  And boy was it gushy, she said it was fine and there was no poop i n it.  Benjamin was still refusing to move down the birth canal.  I was dilated and everything.  Finally after four epidurals and 24 hours of labor they decided to prep me for a c-section.
They took me to a room and strapped me on a table like a cross.  It was rough.  My mouth was so dry and I was so thirsty and I wasn't allowed anything.  Oscar had to wait outside until they were ready for him.  They started cutting, and one of the nurses realized he wasn't here, so they ran to get him.  Finally he was out, and I got to see him for a second.  Oscar got to cut the umbilical cord and go to the nursery with him.  I had to lay there dying of thirst while they sewed me up.  I then had to goto recovery. 

After four hours I finally got to hold my Benjamin Edward.  He is just perfect!

6 days

I am so excited.  Six days until my due date.  The past two weeks I have been just laying around and resting.  But tomorrow I have to go back to work, so we shall see.  I have a feeling my feet are going to go back to being three times their size.  I cannot wait to meet my son. 

24 weeks and 5 days.

Six months!!!!!

That is how far along I am now.  It is extremely exciting.  As is almost everything lately.  The baby finally kicked where I can see it.  It was so cool.  My wonderful boyfriend couldn't be bothered to watch for it.  So I was upset with that at first.  But I'm sure he will see it in the upcoming months. 

My back is killing me.  I mean KILLING me.  Today I couldn't stand up straight in the morning, cause I would get a shooting pain in my back.  At the end of my work day it was much better, but the drive home aggravated it again. 

Shopping

I totally want to buy things.  It is completely hard not to buy everything I see.  Everyone keeps telling me, don't buy anything until after the shower.  Ugh.  But my mom is having one in December, and that is so far away!  And the baby is coming in January!!!  I cannot wait at all. 

Getting Bigger Everyday

My belly is growing, and growing and growing.  It is amazing to me how far it can stretch, and I've got so far to go. 

Sometimes it doesn't feel real.

I still cannot believe that I am going to finally be a mommy.  I've been waiting for this day for years.  I am so excited to meet my son. 
I had no idea that naming my child would be so difficult.  But it is.  I have no idea what we are going to name him,  but we are definately going crazy looking up names and such. 

I'm having a BOY!

Well.  I have officially seen my little boy!  I am so excited.  It was such an amazing thing.  He was moving and wriggling and even humping the air, or butt exercises if you will.  After the ultrasound we went to Babies R Us to finish my registry.  We had tons of fun.  We got to use a gun and roam the store for hours.  The only bad thing was, I didn't wear my tennis shoes.  Oh, and also that I couldn't just buy everything at all times. 

20 Weeks. Halfway there

So I'm halfway there.  And it is really exciting.  Except for I'm so hungry all the time now.  Which I guess is a good change since, I didn't want to eat at all before.  In three days I get to have my ultrasound and find out the sex of the baby.  I can't wait!  I'm a little nervous that I'm going to pee myself because of the excitement though.  I cannot pee starting an hour before the ultrasound and I must drink 24 ounces of fluid before I go in.  It is going to be so hard.  Oh well.  Let's hope I make it!

Big or little

So people are either telling me I'm too big for how pregnant I am, or too little.  Its kinda hurtful sometimes.  They make me feel like a cow when they tell me I'm so big.  I am trying to just smile and ignore them, I know most people aren't doing it to be hurtful.  I just keep telling myself.  You are the perfect size for your pregancy!

Headaches

Oh my god.  The nausea is almost all gone, and in comes the headaches.  I miss Advil.  Seriously.  Tylenol is not touching the pain.  Hopefully this doesn't last the rest of the time.

HeartBeat

In case you don't know.  I read.  A lot.  Sometimes it is not a good thing.  I had been reading about blighted ovums.  So if you can imagine I was pretty freaked out that I was growing one of those and not a healthy baby. 
All my fears were laid to rest when the doctor let me hear the baby's heartbeat!  It was so exciting.  I can't wait for January. 

Sleep.

So I haven't updated in awhile.  Of course.  Cause that is what I do.  Basically I'll that I've been doing is sleeping.   I sleep, lay around, nap, try to eat ( I've been avoided food, nothing makes me want to eat it), and then sleep some more.  Lucky me.  I've been getting better at eating though, so that is a big plus. 

How to embarrass yourself at the doctor.

So my first doctor's visit was May 24th.  Lets just say that I will not be forgetting it ever, and neither will the doctors office I'm sure.  So...  who has peed in a cup?  I have.  Many times.  I however, couldn't  figure this one out.  I couldn't even move the lid a mm.  I thought to myself, hmm what to do.  On the top of the cup was a sticker, it said pull up the sticker reach in and done. I did this.  This is how you get the pee out of the cup.  Not into it.  I opened the door and waited for the nurse.  I told her I had some trouble, she goes here I can open it for you.  I was like,  um... its covered in pee!  She demoted me to a paper cup. 

Positive

POSITIVE. Positive.  I am having a baby.  Does it get any more exciting?  I don't think so. 

I feel as if I can actually feel things happening already.  Very strange. It is like a pulling on my right side.  I am peeing more than ever, and if you know me, you are probably thinking I'm permentally on the toilet.  Not true.  But close.  I'm very uncomfortable when sitting for long periods of time.  I also have tender breasts.  So what do you think?  Positive????

I go for my first doctors visit on May 24th.  I'm super excited.  But I wish that I could know for sure, right now. 

Here is to a healthy baby.

Any ideas for what I should call the little one, while its incubating???

Baking and Ballerinas

Um.  I have been cooking something every weekend.  Last weekend I actually made three things/well four really I guess.  I made fruit and nut bars, chocolate mint bars, and pizza dough and sauce.
Let's say everything was awesome.  This would not be true.  For some reason I messed up the fruit and nut bars.  There wasn't really any bars.  The recipe called for 3 cups of dried fruit, and I measured before I cut not after, which is where I think the problem was.  Oh well.  I'm looking forward to what I'm making next time!  I really want to make a rainbow cake.

So well shall see.

Tonight I'm going to see Sleeping Beauty, and am I super excited.  I haven't been to the ballet in years.  I miss it. I miss doing it, and seeing it.  So I'm glad my friend invited me to go.  Time to get ready.

Family Tree

I have decided to start researching my family tree. I am super excited about it, and hope that my family members will aid me in my sleuthing.

List again

Well here are some things I've been up to:

• I am walking in the March Of Dimes, on my friend Crystal's team. She lost her baby Conner to Dandy-Walker Syndrome. You can join our team and/or donate here. www.marchforbabies.org/sbarrett26
• I've been baking. I love it. But I don't think its good for my waistline.
• I signed up to take two certification tests in April for teaching.
• I've been going to the gym more regularly.
• I booked a trip to Cinci to see my friends and their babies.
• I'm trying to book a trip to Cali to see my brother and the OCEAN
• I'm booked a trip to San Antonio.

That is all for now.

Yep. Still not posting on a consistent basis

I'm so bad at posting. Really bad. I guess it is okay though. Since I'm pretty sure no one is hanging on to my every word. So snippets:

• Did I mention I went to Disney? It was awesome. I love Disney. And I loved the hotel we stayed in. Thank you employee discount, and low occupancy! I was so happy that the Boy Loved it too.
• We also went to LA/Pasadena to see my brothers. That was fun. But guess what? THe sun ran away. Just like every single time I go. I wish California didn't hate me so.
• I start school again next week. I am really excited for it. But wish that the school could get themselves together.
• School/Work, is going well. I am still enjoying it.
• I still have not received my W2 for one of the jobs I worked. Which stinks. I guess you have to wait until the middle of february to actually call and complain. So boo on them. I like to do my taxes ASAP and fill out my FAFSA. But I guess I have no choice this year.
• We are getting a new stove! I am super excited about it. And hope to be using it as much as Oscar does!
• Um... I almost forgot. My computer is broken. I hate it. I think I am going to give in and take it to the expensive place, cause I just want it fixed. But I might try the Geek Squad first. Wish me luck. I hate not having it.

Okay, Now I'm pretty sure i'm done for now. Hopefully, something fun or interesting happens and I can update more often.

So. I do have a blog.

So I might have not written in forever. But that is okay right? Especially since only my mom and grandma read this. Hi Guys! I'm going for the new year, to try and be more consistent with my updates. We shall see.
I have finally become a full fledged teacher, and am excited beyond belief. Next sememster I will be teaching my own class, which is even better!

Day Two

I Loved today. I enjoyed myself so much. I picked some classes to go in and observe/ help out. I also got to help the school nurse. Which was new for me. And I got to teach a student one-on-one. I love being a teacher so far. I know its only been two days, but it feels so right.
Tomorrow is the day I get my kids! And I am so looking forward to it. Plus it is a half day, which means half day with kids, and half day without. It is my first one, so of course I'm super excited. And friday is my first professional development day. Woo!

Day One

Well so far I love my new job. But I definately need more to go on. I cannot wait until wed. when I get some kids assigned to me.

I have still gone to the gym every single day since October 21st. Go me. Go me. No change that I've noticed in my body yet tho. I've been burning at least 600 calories a day. So I hope to see something soon. But I do know it takes time, and luckily I have a really good gym buddy.

Excitement

I am extremely excited for tomorrow morning. EXTREMELY. I will begin my first day of my career. I will be an actual teacher. I have been looking for a job since July. So needless to say, it is about time. I can't wait to find out all the ins and outs tomorrow. They are having me come an hour late to school, which makes me a little crazy. I hope I can sleep tonight.

Exercise. Who knew?

So for the past 8 days, I have been at the gym. That is right. I, have been to the gym 8 days IN A ROW. this is amazing. Want to know what else is amazing? I love it. No. Really. I haven't gotten a headache, I feel more energized, i'm happier. It is so awesome.
I have been so good at making myself go, because I am not making myself go. I'm making my gym buddies go! I love it. And I hope I continue to love it.

Nothing to do.

So one would think, that with my unemployment, I would be able to keep up with my blog. That I would have lots of fun stories about collecting unemployment, coming up with ways to fill my time, all the new things of learned. And yet miraculously, I have not written.
I have basically been sitting on my butt all day, eating and watching horrible television. Seriously. This is my life. Of course I have been applying for teaching positions, and all that. But mostly sitting here.
It was very nice, that my mother came, because she got me up and moving, but I still ate too much.
I had to search for a doctor to give me a physical and tb shot, so that I can substitute! Boy was that rough. I do not have insurance, since I can't pay for cobra, and everyone wants proof as in pay stubs, and bills, to prove that I'm not making money. Too bad that in Illinois unemployment is only given to people through direct deposit or onto a debit card that they provide. So how do you show the doctor's office that you make little to nothing. You can't. And then you pay all your bills online, so no, you do not have bills to prove you live where you say you live. UGH. It was so frustrating. But I finally found someone to take me, and it cost next to nothing compared to what some people wanted to charge me.
I get to go back to the doctor tomorrow, and if he says I do not have TB then, I can actually start subing(sp) which will be awesome. Then after the doctor it is off to my interview, and then home for a few hours. Then off for a baby shower filled weekend. I haven't seen my friends in years. So that should be wonderful.
I will try to be more dutifull in writing on my blog.

Freaking out.

So I am completely an utterly freaking out. I don't know what to do. I NEED a teaching job. Like real bad. I have until the 30th and then things start going screwy with my aid, and all that stuff. I do not want to leave my current job, until I am certain of a teaching job. Here comes the good part.
The president of my current company told my Boss that they should get rid of me. um.. okay. Fine, I can understand not wanting someone who is actively looking for another job, and put in their two weeks, four weeks ago, to continue working. But then my boss fought to keep me here, just in case. Not just in case I dont' get a teaching job, but just in case they need me, since he is quitting. While it is nice that he is willing to argue on my behalf to keep me, if this is going to cause bad blood between us, and the boss boss starts showing me her bad side, then I dont' want to be here. But I am way too nervous about the fact that I need a job in 19 days, or my world is going topsy turvy.
yikes. I'm just applying, applying, applying, and hoping someone gives me a chance. I haven't given up on a teaching job, but I am extremely nervous, that things are not going to line up for me the way I want. I don't want to have NO job. HELP!!

Discouraged

I try to be positive, I really do. But going on interviews and noone even calling back to say, no we dont' want you, gets me down in the dumps. I really need to get into a special education teaching job. Like this month. The school I go to will make me stop going, or "switch" tracks if I do not get a job by september 30th. That is in 27 days. It makes me extremely nervous, and scared.
I will be a great teacher. I just need someone to take a chance on me. I will do anything. I am a quick learner, and always give 110% . Now someone just has to give me that chance.

Job Search.

I really wish I had connections in education. My job search is not going so well. I call and call schools, and noone is hiring. A few schools that aren't hiring, told me that I could just send my resume, just in case. So I have. I've applied to suburban schools, charter schools, day schools. Nothing. Not one nibble. My school sent my resume to a CPS school, and I actually got an interview, but sadly not the job.
I am getting really worried that I will not be working in the field this year. But I will keep trying every day, and keep my fingers crossed.

Fire Pit!

So we finally broke down (well I finally talked the boy into letting me spend my money to buy) and bought a fire pit. We used it for the first time on Saturday night. It was sooo much fun. We had three of his sisters over, and we made smoores. Definitely worth the money. I can't wait to use it again.

PASSED

I passed my test. I passed my test. I passed my test.
I am now a highly qualified teacher, and certified to teach special education k-12! I am super excited.
Now I just need someone to hire me.

Almost done waiting

Well. I've told my boss. He was okay with it, then he called back to say he wasn't. But I will not be at work starting monday for a week. I actually feel a lot guilty, but I know it is for the best. I need to get the experience in, and I need to be out looking for jobs. Keep your fingers crossed for my scores, I get them tommorrow at 5.

Anxious

Well obviously I'm still anxious for my test results. But now I'm anxious for another reason. I just asked my boss today(well if leaving him a voice mail, cause he didn't answer, and then faxing him the request as well, counts) if I can have next week off. Yep. The whole week. I am asking for a week off three days in advance, while one csr is on vacation for a month, and we lost four accounts. I am sure this is going to end well. I am so worried about what he is going to say. I need the time off, because I have the opportunity to do some more practicum work. And hopefully to see how someone properly manages a classroom. I would also get to work with special education students, which is something that would be amazing, since I haven't yet, and that is who I want to teach. I really need to do this, so that I can get more experience, so that principals will want to hire me! I am going to do it. I just hope I can hang onto this job for a little while longer while I sort things out, you know, just in case I don't pass the test.
I'll be slightly jumpy all day-weeks end long, until I get news. ARGH!

Happy Birthday Sharon Ann

Happy Birthday Mommy. Thanks for being you. Sorry Joe and I aren't with you. But I will see you soonish. Hope you have a great day! Love ya.

Waiting

Waiting.
This is what I have been doing for months now.
Waiting for the end of the day.
Waiting for classes to start.
Waiting for classes to end.
Waiting for my test results.
Waiting to get called for interviews.
Waiting to be a TEACHER.
So far, the end of the day at my job currently feels like it never comes, and when it does, it feels like a split second later and I'm right back to waiting for the end of the day. I know I should be happy that I have a job, and am working steadily. But I'd really like a teaching job please. But I'm still waiting for those test results. I get them on friday at 5pm. Which means monday I can start aggresively looking for a job, since I'll be certified. (if I pass) I am so nervous. And I am going to be so upset if I do not pass the test. I got all A's in the jumpstart program, so I would think that means I should pass the test, since we covered that material. But only time will tell. It is time for more waiting...

Presents

I am currently trying to figure out what to get my man for his birthday. He says not to get him anything. Ha. That is so not going to happen. The thing is I really have no idea what to get him. He doesn't really want anything, and the things I know that he wants I completely believe that he won't ever use them. Cause that is how we are. Luckily I do have until November. I just like to get things done early!

Good, bad, good, bad

So Oscar's sister Mayra decided to goto six flags yesterday, did we want to go? Why yes we did!
So we go over to pick them up, and Nena made us breakfast, yum yum. Thanks Nena.
So then we leave, we drive, we drive, we get on the highway we start to hear, bump, bump, bump, and the car starts shaking. WOOHOO FLAT TIRE. So we pull over into the divider cause we couldn't get all the way over, and Oscar gets out of the car and fixes the tire.
So we are finally on our way again. So then we get to six flags and are enjoying ourselves. We then go on their new pirate ride. It was not fun. we rode around on a little boat, and got soaked by the people on the bridge. I was completely and utterly drenched. Completely drenched. So we went back to the car, and changed into our bathing suits. We go and have fun in the waterpark, and cross our fingers that our clothes dry. The sun finally comes out, and we move to go back to the car. My clothes are the only ones that are not dry, So I leave my bathing suit on with my pink coverup.
So then we goto see a show, then leave to get dinner, and plan to come back. As we are leaving burger king, the rain opens up and downpours, so we must head home.
It was a very interesting day to say the least. But we did enjoy ourselves.

97

97. That is they grade that I got in all three of my jumpstart classes. can you say WOOHOO? I know I did.
So now comes the waiting and the applying. I still technically(really do) have to pass the 155. All my friends say I will pass it, but I am still two weeks away from the results. So right now I'm applying but I don't have my certification yet. Soon, I keep thinking, soon. So please think good thoughts for me, and hope, hope, hope I pass.
Then all I have to do is find someone who wants to hire me, but come on, who wouldn't.

Gold Cup Semi Finals

So yesterday, I was able to, thanks to Nena, go see the Gold Cup semi-finals. Now I've never experienced a professional soccer game. I did goto a couple in high school, but it is def. not the same at all. At first I wasn't going to go, because it was a double header, and I'm a baby and like to sleep. But then I decided that I might not ever have this opportunity again to one, see a big soccer game, and two to goto soldier field. So away I went.
The first game was relatively tame. A few people through their cups on the field, but not much action. Oh wait, the wave. Seriously these fans love the wave. They(i refused to do it even once) had to have done the wave 100 times in the 6 hours we were there. I'm sorry, but it gets old. The second game of the night started about 3 hours after we got there. There was a lot of drinking being done. So the fights started. There were three fights in our part of the stadium, who knows how many in the others. Also people were folding the free program and making airplanes and throwing them all around. I just have never witnessed such craziness. The fans are also extrememly LOUD. really really loud.
I had an amazing time, and am glad that I decided to go. The three hours of sleep is something I could have lived without though.
It was really cool because USA and Mexico won. And the Mexico vs. Costa Rico game went into overtime and then into penalty kicks. It was a rush.

I'm a Bad Girl. Let me update on my life.

I have been so bad at updating this. Seriously. I know. My poor Va, She checks everyday to see how I am doing, and it has been almost a month since I last wrote. Bad granddaughter bad.
I have been very busy living my life, and um.. playing farmtown. That is right I play farmtown. It has taken over my life. Other than Farmtown I have been going to school and working. For my school I had to to a ten day practicum in a classroom. Which I just finished. Those kids were out of control, but I fell in love with all of them, and miss them.
Jamie, Oscar, Michelle and I are planning a trip to St. Louis at the end of August, so I'm excited for that.
My mommy is coming to visit at the end of september, so I'm excited for that.
My Class is almost over just one more to go. Then I get my grades and hopefully I pass, so I can get a job! and hopefully people start calling me back. I also need my test score, which I should get around August 11ish. So wish me luck.
Oscar and I are planning a trip to Orlando over Christmas and New Years. And you have no idea how excited I am. Seriously. I ordered the FREE DISNEY MAPS with all your favorites on it, and they arrived the other day. They are seriously the cutest things ever. I cannot wait to share the magic with Oscar, as this is his first time going, and I'm totally making him wear a first time button the whole trip!
My garden is starting to actually have crops. The best part is, the plants we thought were tomatos are actually sugar snap peas! Which means we aren't getting any tomatos cause none of them grew up... We planted seeds and then promptly forgot what we planted where. It has been interesting to say the least. And I haven't even read anything on gardening, which means we are totally winging and have no idea what is going on at all.

It has been awhile.

So it has been forever since I wrote on this. I blame twitter. anywho.
School started and I am definately enjoying it and can't wait to actually start teaching. Tommorrow is the CPS job fair. I am nervous, but excited to make the rounds. Keep your fingers crossed that I get hired!
My working out went down the tubes again. But I'm trying again. This week, tonight actually, is gym night. Starting next week I'll start my 30 day program again, since I'm going out of town for the weekend.
There was a storm, and it knocked out our air conditioning and a section of our gutter. not fun.
I got into a water fight.
My garden is growing, and it is really exciting. My tomato plant has its first bloom. Our mint is huge, but the man, says it doesn't taste right. who knows tho.
I got to have two little girls stay the night with us saturday, I went to bed before they did!
and I think that is about all the exciting things that happened since I last wrote.

School Days.

So I have only had my orientation, but my excitement is off the charts. I have already received my books, and have started reading. I am so looking forward to being at school again, and jump starting my career. I have enjoyed everything I've read so far, and am completely into my school books. (i'm reading them like they are fiction light reading, this is how much i'm into them)
These summer classes are the jumpstart. I hope to get an A(we only need a B) in all classes and excell at being an unpaid teacher's aid for two weeks. July 11th I take my 155 test. I took the 110 and the basic, cause I was originally going to teach general education, but decided special education was for me. ( I passed both of those and so I am not worried about my upcoming test, because this one I will be learning the stuff during classes that are on my test.) Then if all this happens I can start teaching THIS FALL! Well I also have to get a job. So fingers crossed for that one.
I cannot wait until I know longer have to work at this job. I am extrememly thaknful for them hiring me when noone else would, but for me this job has no meaning and I am not "involved" in it. I just come to work, do my work and leave. I feel like there is nothing invested.
Hopefully my financial aid forms come so I can sign them, and feel better about not paying my school bill.
Can't wait until my first class on Tuesday!!!!!

Commiting.

This is my pledge. To once again start working out. My knee was freaking out from the first 6 days of the shred so I have taken the week off. No more. I will not be lazy. From this point on here is my promise:
I promise to to the Shred at the very least every day. I also want to burn at least 800 calories a week on the elliptical. These are my goals.
I am writing them on here so that I stick to my guns.

Catch Ups

1. The shred. well i've been taking a break, because my knee is killing me. I hope to start level 2 sometime after my knee stops screaming.
2. I have also for the moment stopped doing the active as well, because of my knee. so hopefully i can start this again as well.
3. I am officially starting school again, on the 15th. yeppers. it is that fast. I hope and pray that I am getting some aid, because I do not know how I will pay for it if not.
4. School is at 530 tue. and wed. which means I get to run from work and get on a train, and then run from the train to school. it should be good times.
5. I am super duper excited to be planning our Disney trip. And hope that everything works out okay.

30 day shred day 3

OH MY GOD. Is it just me or does thirty seconds seem like an eternity sometimes, especially during the pushups and the jumprope. ARGH! I still can't do pushups. I mean I do the girly ones with my news bent and i still can only go down like an inch. And I cannot do them continously for thirty seconds.
Oh, and you know what really makes me mad. Is natalie. She totally cheats during the lunge bicep curl thing. And if wouldn't bother me so much, if later Jillian goes. See they don't cheat. YES YES NATALIE DOES. I get angry every time now.

30 day shred day 1

Holy cow. I was sweating like a pig. I would have to say this seems to be working by how hard I was breathing and sweating. But we shall see. Who knew that I couldn't keep moving for twenty minutes??? Seriously. I think I did pretty good for not really doing any working out other than the elliptical every once in awhile. I'm staring the shred at 137 and a size 7 pants. We shall see where this goes.

Check

So My former college just sent me a refund check. I was like, hmm... why would I be getting this? So I sent them an email asking just that. The standard reply came back, saying they would get back to me in 48 hours. I am not a very patient person, So I called them yesterday. I asked if it was a mistake, and they said No it is not. It is your money, you overpaid. WOOHOO. I get all excited thinking of the multiple bills and savings this money would be going to.
BAM. I arrive home and there is an email from them. Saying that they need to look into it forward and that I should NOT cash the check. BOOHOO.
While I do believe it is a mistake, it was so nice to be told that it was not. And then I got completely excited, and now I am let down. Only time will tell.

Weekend.

• This friday Meggo and I had a great time at the Sox game, even though they lost. It was kinda fun getting there super early. And I got a white sox tattoo on my cheek for a dollar, just because I'm that cool.
• We GOT MAIL!!! we got mail finally.
• SICK. i had a extra large headache on saturday and took a five hour nap.
• Sunday Oscar and I went to Great America. We had so much fun. There was no one there. We rode 7 roller coasters and the Rajun Cajun in 3 hours. 3HOURS people. that is such a short time. Last summer, we had to wait for 2 hours just to get on them! It was Amazing. It was also really chilly when you were going on the rides, it would have been perfect if it was like five degrees warmer. We also went to Gurnee Mills outlet. It took so long to walk through the whole thing. I got earrings to wear this friday. And Oscar got new shoes.
• I am trying, trying, trying, to find a store that sells the Reebok Easy Tone, because I want to try them on, before I spend 100 dollars on them. But alas, in that huge mall there was not one shoe store that carried them. And we know this cause we looked in all of them.

Broken Step

So apparently Oscar was right. They stopped delivering our mail because our stoop has a broken step on it. Which is fine. But why oh why didn't they tell us they were stopping our mail. We found out cause Oscar went to the post office and they told him. He either had to fix the stoop or put the mailbox on ground level. Since we are currently shopping around for someone to come and fix the stoop, Oscar moved the mailbox. But the Post Office refused to give him the two weeks of mail that is sitting at the post office. Hopefully they deliver it today when they come, if not Oscar is going to the post office again.
The post office supervisor said that they should have notified us, but we had no idea. I am planning on filing a complaint.
I hope after the Sox game tonight, I have mail!

Finally, it is complete.

So I have finally heard back from NTEC. My application is officially complete. WOOHOO. This means they will be sending my information to Quincy and then IF they accept me they will send me some more stuff I have to fill out. This should be sent out after the application deadline which is the 13th. They said it will take about two weeks to find out. Which means I should find out around my birthday. I am also taking the skills test I need for the special education certification. I am taking this in July. I've already passed the basic skills, so I just need this one. Then hopefully, I'll pass the first semester with flying colors, and pass the jumpstart program with flying colors, cause then I can try and get a teaching job this fall, as opposed to next fall.
Keep your fingers crossed!

Mail. where are you?

We have not gotten any mail for a week. It is driving me crazy. I know that there has to be some mail. We should have two netflix, and who knows what else. We are pretty sure that the bills we get in the mail, we have gotten. Please mail fairy figure this out. I'm pretty sure that the tenents have misplaced it in the house. But Oscar doesn't want to be rude and ask them again, since we have asked them like three times! ARGH....

Birthday Countdown. Sorta

So My birthday is in 29 days. I have been debating on wheter I should buy myself a present or not. last year I took myself to Vegas for five days and this year I am staying here. I really really really wanna buy the Kindle 2. I have wanted this e-reader for about five years, back when no one really knew what it was. I have been waiting for the price to go down but Alas I havent been so lucky. THere are other e-readers out there, but the kindle has internet access everywhere, so I would be able to buy books practically anywhere I go. Which for me and my reading habits, is amazing.

I am also debating the Iphone for my upgrade in the middle of June. So that would be another expense, right after my birthday. What to do? what to do?

Phermones are in the Air.

So apparently this weekend I was throwing out the phermones for crazy guys. Some guy was walking in the same direction as me, so he kept his distance and right with me. I even stopped to read a menu, and he passed me and then pretended to read a sign, and then walked behind me again. When I turned to go down my street, he yelled it was nice walking with you! Oscar says next time I need to just go into the store.
Then on sunday when we were moving stuff. I walked Megan and chris out because Auddy had to pee. Some guy comes upto the gate and asks me if i was hungry cause he would take me to eat, and PAY. seriously I have no idea why I was so lovely to these people, but I wish I did so I could turn it off.

Bark in the Park

I know this is last minute, but I have signed up for Bark in the Park. Please visit my site and donate here: http://www.firstgiving.com/shannabarrett. And if you are in the Chicago area, donate and walk!

Late

Sorry this is so late. Here is my wonderful Voo on his 80th birthday, with the surprise from my mother brother and I

ARGH!

Seriously. could someone please make me a whole person again. First my new starts freaking out on me. Then I can't even walk, cause my back hurts. I am hobbling around the city bent over like a little old lady. Cried for hours because of the pain. And now, I have hives on my torso. I have no idea where they came from, but they have been here all day, and I am ready for them to leave. Seriously I am so itchy its not funny at all.
What will go wrong with me now?

Fire

I have now had a life experience that I would like to never repeat again.
I was in a house fire.

Sunday Evening we were at Oscar's mom's house. Most of us "kids" were in the living room watching tv. Oscar's mom and dad were in the kitchen cooking. The smoke alarm starts going off. We ignore it. and ignore it, and ignore it. Finally his mom yells at Lola, and I am like what did she say. ANd she was like she wants the fire extinguisher. So they basement is burning. We start freaking out but don't leave the house. Lola manages to call 911 and we all meander our way out. It was not fun at all. The firefighters got there really fast, and seemed they were there mere seconds after the call. They had to knock out windows, they chopped through the roof, and the walls. Oscar's parents lost all thier clothes and things that were in their bedroom. The kids got smelly clothes and soot everywhere in their rooms. Or broken glass. Except for Lola, her room happened to be where they axed through the roof, so she has no ceiling.

It was very interesting to see the people who come after the fire trucks. While the house was still on fire, they were trying to get the family to sign paperwork so they could board up the house and make an estimate on the damage. The cops said to stay away from them and work with the insurance. OScar asked me to be mean and tell them to get the hell out. Which I did but they just went and sat in thier vans and watched and waited.

Most of his family went and stayed with his sister's boyfriends family. One sister and brother went to their friends house, and we took Lola.

It is all very devestating and we dont' know exactly what is going to happen to the house, and how long it will take until they can return. Please Keep his family in your thoughts.

Bulleted Updates

• I packed my stuff up from Jamie's. Now I just have to bring it back to my place, and then at least clean up my room.
• I wish my family didn't fight. Noone is going to change their position, so we should all just agree to disagree and get along.
• I want my CLOSET.
• I ordered my Akron University transcripts, and they should arrive in 2 weeks. So hopefully then, I will at last have all things in I need in order to be considered for NTEC's programs.
• I sent out four cover letter and resume packets to four principals to be a teacher's assistant. Hopefully I will be getting phone calls or e-mails within the next two weeks, to set up for an interview.
• Working out is getting better. But I still never want to go. But I am down two lbs, and I hardly went last week, but I did go on sunday and burn 571 calories in an hour. So that helps. The weight loss might also be due to the fact that Oscar and I are eating healthier food.
• My dog is the absolute cutest.
• My mom is coming in two and a half weeks. And I am super excited, even tho I will be working.
• My brother might actually be coming as well.(Gasp)
• My mom and maybe that little boy who says he is my brother, will be meeting my boyfriend's family. 2 parents, 5 siblings, 3 nieces, and 1 nephew, plus 2 SO, plus us. It is going to be crazy.
• I am on twitter now. I don' t get it. And I wish more of my friends would be on it, cause then it would be fun
• I am currently saving for Disney, and I am doing super well.
• I got my scores back from my basic test, and elementry test, and passed both!
• VOO. I got a perfect on the math section. Thanks for the brains.

Figured it Out

So all this week my eyes have been burning and I thought it was because I was so TIRED. Which I am. But its from people smoking. They are smoking in front of a closed door, but there is smoke still coming through it. I don't know what to do. There used to be barricades up, so that smokers wouldn't get so close to the door, but they took it down on monday, hince the eyes.
I am getting a headache and feel like crap. Which sucks, cause this morning I felt so alive and happy. Now I am not!

Sleepy

For some reason I couldn't sleep on Saturday night. ANd I have continued getting minimal sleep since then. I am so tired, my eyes are burning. It is crazy and I don' t like it.

New Hair Cut.

So I am still not to sure on how to make the pictures look better with the text. But here are pictures of my new haircut. LOVE IT.

It's Trash!

So Yesterday a gentleman(and this is loosely used) came to the desk to check in. He laid a cigarette butt onto the counter. He then picked up a mint, and picked up the butt with the wrapper. I gave him his pass, and he holds his hand out. I look at it, and then his face, He goes "it's trash". I wanted to say Do I look like a trash can? But instead I gave him a dirty look and grabbed the trash can from beneath the desk and held it underneath his hand. DISGUSTING.
I just don't understand people. He really wanted me to touch something that he had put in his mouth and throw it away for him. He just assumed that I would take his trash. There is a trash can that he could access literally like three feet away. I really cannot believe that he wanted me to take the cigarette butt.

Biggest Loser... Sorta

I decided that I would start a weight loss challenge for my friends and I. So far there are four of us, well six if you count the boyfriends, who are going to join.(cause we are mean and going to make them.) It starts on Monday, with our first weigh in. It is going to go until the day before my Birthday. We will weigh in each week. We will all contribute ten dollars into the pot. And then the person who loses the most weight, wins the pot!

I am so excited. Hopefully this will motivate me to goto the gym even more. But I hope that the weightlifting I am about to start doens't prohibit weight loss!

Workouts

I have been going to the gym for a few weeks. Kinda sporadically, but at least twice a week. I would just do the elliptical. I have now decided that I will actually lift weights. Yes I know this is funny. So monday was the first day. I think I did okay, Oscar thinks differently. I think it went well. Today is the second day! I am doing a 3 day split workout. I like to pretend I know what that is. But I don't really. According to Oscar I am working different parts of my body on different days. I am sore, but only in the shoulders, and Oscar says I should be sore in my triceps aslo, but I am not. He says I need more weight then, and I was like did you see me struggling, I highly doubt I can add more.

Wonderful Weekend

I had a wonderful weekend with Vero and Ellie. We had so much fun. We didn't get them until friday at 11pm, tho. But that is okay.

Friday
We made a bed for the girls on the floor. Ellie decided to come in our bed. So Oscar went on the floor with Vero. At about 5 am, Vero heard a noise, crawled onto me, and goes "I sleep with you?" I decided Oscar was lonely and went to the floor, and then told him we all fit on the bed, and we joined them in bed.

Saturday
We woke up and had cereal, and maybe a little wrestling. We then played some wii, and showered and got ready to take Oscar to work. The girls and I drove Oscar to work, and picked up Jamie. We then went to Megan's house, to use the potty, and pick her up. Then we got ICE CREAM! I got playdoh icecream. Ellie got mint chocolate chip, and Vero got Orange sherbert(its what she wanted) She took one bite and didn't like it anymore. So I shared mine with her, except she didn't want the ice cream, she only wanted the play doh bits. We then walked Megan home, and drove Jamie home, then drove us home.
We took the dog out and played with him. Watched Happily N'ever, while I made mac and cheese. Then we went to petsmart, but decided we didn't like anything there, so to target we went. Where we bought Auddy a new bed. And hit the one spot for gifts for the girls. We then brought the bed back and tried to make Auddy like it. It was loads of fun. He will only nap in it, he still sleeps with us. We then once again played WII. And the girls also played hide the eggs, while I checked my email. We then went and picked up Oscar. We all went to bed in the bed.
Sunday.
We woke up and Oscar made us pancakes. We then watched a Igor. And decided we would go to Starved Rock. It was lots of fun, but really muddy. Also the river was flooded. The picnic area looked like a lake, you could just see the roof of the top of cover. Auddy came with us, so everyone took turns holding his leash. Vero was the least mud covered cause Oscar carried her most of the time.
Oscar and I are planning on going back, when we have more time, and less little ones, so we can walk further.

VA

Here is a picture of my grandmother drinking, last time I was home. This is the only picture I took. Isn't she cute?

Va, Oscar's mommy said you look so young!

Shadow Dog

So last night as I am laying in bed. Auddy growls. I think he is growling cause the tenants are getting their laundry. But then I notice he is not looking that way. He stands up, and sniffs, leans closer to the edge of the bed sniffs again, sticking his nose way out over the bed. I am very confused about what is going on. He then starts moving and going into his playful bow. I realize that he has just tried to play with his SHADOW. It was so cute.

Fish and Interviews

For those who know me. You know that I pretty much refuse to eat fish. I don't know why. I just got it into my head that I do not like fish, unless it is broiled sword fish from the cape.(yes I am picky, or rather was) Oscar decided that we were going to try fish. So that I could form a real opinion on it. So last night he made me some Talapia. And I LOVED IT! So apparently I am a fish eater now.

I am going (hopefully) to an interview to be a teachers assistant. It all depends on if I can get off work, and if they will let me apply without an original of my highschool diploma. I have to write them and ask. I have transcripts from both colleges I attended so I hope that is enough. Otherwise I cannot interview. Here is hoping I am able, and I can get that job! It will help me for school since the school can just come in and observe me in the classroom setting.

MIlwaukee. We had fun

We had so much fun this past saturday and sunday. We, and by we I mean I decided since Oscar had the weekend off, that we should go away. So we pricelined a hotel and dropped the dog off, and away we went.
As soon as we arrived we drove straight through to the Lakefront Brewery, to go on a tour. It was so much fun. For 6 dollars you get 24 ounces of beer, a tour, a pint glass, and a whole lot of fun. We then preceded to find our hotel, which funny enough ended up a Hilton. We then went for a walk in the rain, took a nap, and then decided on a place for dinner.
We decided to goto a place called Swig. It was very cool. The walls were made of wood but it was like in pieces and some were sticking out real far and others not. They were all different sizes. It was neat. Dinner was good as well. We had three small plates. We had asiago and artichoke dip, cajun chicken skewers, and hummus and pita. It was all very yummy. We then had a chocolate cookie cake with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.
On sunday we went to the public market, where I had cheese curds for the first time. It was good. It just tasted like cheese tho. We bought some cheese curds, crackers, and cheese spread. We also had custard for breakfast, I had blue moon, and called Joe to brag. We also bought pig ears for Auddy. Spices for us. They mixed spices together to form different seasonings we got three, plus pink sea salt. Just cause I wanted pink salt. We also bought some chocolates. It was fun.
We then went to the restaurant next door for brunch. The best part of the brunch(well i didn't like the taste of it, but it was cool) was the bloody mary. It came with a whole lot of garnishes. There was a pickle, mushroom, olive, meat stick, and a shrimp(I left this part off) and the these strands of mozzerlla that filled the top of the cup. It was so funny. It also came with a shooter of beer. (Pictures to come)
We then went to Discovery World, which is kinda like COSI. Except that a lot of the exhibits were not fully put together or else just not working, so that was kind of a let down. But I did get to pet a sting ray and some other long big fish thing, so that was fun.
All in all we are planning to go back in the summer, and hopefully it won't be raining, so we can walk around more.

Maybe

Well I think maybe that I got all of my stuff on time. I guess I will find out once they send me an acceptence letter. So hopefully in 24 days, I start my next round of schooling.

Nervous

I am completely hoping the mailmen drops off a letter from the Embassy Suites to NTEC today. Today is the last day they can receive the recommendations and stuff, if I want to start march 30th. WHich I do. My former employer finally emailed me and said that they sent it this past monday which means it should have been there by now. Even tho Nicole sent mine on the 26th from the carolinas and it is there. So I don't know if I believe it. Here is hoping. If not I won't be able to start til June 15th. I so want to start this chapter of my life, and I am extrememly worried that the letter is not going to get there. I can probably say that it is not there. Which sucks. Boo
I am also worried cause Oscar is at the dentist today. He has been having a horrible tooth ache. I hope he is okay. I don't like doctors you know.

Tests done.

So I took my tests. They were not fun. And I suck at grammer, in case you hadn't noticed. I took the first one in three hours, and then had to wait around with nothing to do for the second one. They started the second one about a half hour late, but I finished in 45 minutes which is about 3 questions per minute. So hopefully I did okay on it. We shall find out in 6 weeks or so.
In the first test session I got yelled at for signing my name on the paper before they told us. The lady was like you are going to be a teacher you should know better. HOW RUDE.

Itso

So Sunday was spent doing five loads of laundr, Oscar washing the dishes, and me picking up all the trash, and organizing our "important" papers. Then we went shopping at Target. And bought these new storage thingys. We are going to add more to it, but this is it for now.

New Bedspread

I finally put a new bedspread on it. Isn't it exicting?

Nervous and Excited.

I am excited that the group interview last night was a piece of cake. They said it was just to make sure that we were "all" there. so hehe, I am all there. (take that oscar) It was really just a bunch of us in a room talking about ourselves and why we wanted to be teachers. So I am in the program as long as all my things get turned in. Which has me worried, because they haven't received the transcripts there were mailed out on the 6th. I have the receipt that says they were mailed, and I got the one I ordered at the same time. So hopefully, the are there, and my letters of reccomendation have gotten there.
I have to LEAVE my house at 530 am tommorrow, for my tests. Yikes. They are supposed to take five hours to take, and I have to take two of them. I, in case you haven't noticed, am not fond of grammer rules. Which is why I am mostly worried about the test. There are LOTS AND LOTS of grammer questions and you have to edit. Hopefully, I get enough right to pass. (but i can always retake it, so it is not the end of the world, just seems like it.) I am also pretty sure that I want to do special education now, which means in the future I have to go take that specialization test. ( the program I am in will help me with the material i need to study, and holds study classes)
If I get into the program I have to do a two week stint in a classroom. This is mandated by the state of Il. Which means I need to talk my boss into letting me have two weeks off. The program said they would work with us and we can do it one day a week for ten weeks. Or two days for five weeks. I just can't see my company allowing me to do that. Which means I am going to start sending out resumes again. I need a job that I can work at night now! It is so ironic. I have to set up a time when I can speak to Matt about getting the days off, but I am still going to start sending out resumes cause it took me almost two months to find this job and I cannot go through that again.
On a positive note. I have been going to the gym semi-regularily. Which means I have been going at least twice a week, which is better than nothing in my opinion. One day I will go more often, we shall see when that happens.
Wish me Luck Tommorrow.

NISSAN CUBE

Thank you Nena. For giving us tickets to the auto show. Thank you Lola, for calling me and making me get out of my pajamas and really go. Thank you Thank you. I have found the car of my dreams. I love it. I want it. I wish it was being sold now. But it is not. But it will be in the spring. But I will probably have to wait until the fall. Or if I don't get teaching then, I'll have to wait for fall 2010, unless I get a BIG raise in June. We shall see.
But seriously go check the cube out. It is awesome and is so ME.

Contacts and Internet Update

I HAVE INTERNET AT HOME!
now I just have to get back home, which will be very late since I have a meeting after work. But still I have internet which is awesome.
Also it only took me twenty minute to get my contacts in yesterday, which is a vast improvement. However, my eye hurts so I am not putting them in today, but will try again tommorrow.
Gym tonight, wish me luck.

CONTACTS

I decided to get contacts. Didn't think it was going to be a big deal. This coming from someone who can't handle eyeliner cause it is too close to her eye. It took me an hour and a half to get it in there, but I did, and then ten minutes to get the other one in. I then had to take one out, and put it back in, which took me another twenty minutes. Then I was told to leave them in for four hours, then six hours, then eight hours, and then the whole day.
So I went to Oscars Mom's house to hang out while Oscar was at work. I had to take them out while I was there. So I am freaking a little because I am having trouble getting them out. I get one out! Then I am trying to get the other and I see it kinda smoosh together in the corner of my eye and I blink a little and its gone. So I think it fell out. I am searching all over and have the kids looking, and his sisters. Nena looks in my eye and doesn't see it. I look in my eye and don't see it. I eat dinner and head home. This is two hours later and I know it has to be somewhere my eye feels a little strange. So I am fishing around looking for it, and finally I see it. It is folding up in half or more and up above my eye hiding under my eye lid. I finally get a grip on it and it is out!

I dont look forward to putting them back in.

Valentine's Day.

So I was sick on Valentine's Day. Because that is what I do. I woke up to french toast cooking, and my boy asking me if he could make me french toast. So I ate french toast with cinnamon apples on top for breakfast. I then promptly fell back asleep. I woke up to Oscar saying Auddy lick her. I was like honey leave me alone I am sick. But I opened my eyes and Oscar had a rose for me, and Auddy had a balloon for me. It was so cute. Then Oscar gave me a kiss, and went to repair another flat tire he got, and I promptly returned to sleeping. I woke up later and decided I would be really good and do dishes. So I did the dishers, the laundry, and washed the dog. I then played WII. and maybe slept some more. When Oscar came home, we made fondue. We had beef, broccoli, and potatoes. It was yummy! We also washed it down with SKITTLE VODKA. Which is yummy, and takes awhile to make.

I had good luck for ten minutes and I worked out!

First, I was sleepy, so I decided I wanted an energy drink. I knew that I had one dollar so I went to search for change in the bottom of my bag. I FOUND A TWENTY DOLLAR BILL! I was so excited. I bought a monster and two lincoln scratch offs. I WON TEN DOLLARS. So then I kept six dollars and bought two more. I WON TWO DOLLARS. That is when i decided I should stop. Then I found this awesome recipe for skittle vodka. That was the fun part. Then Oscar took me to the store to buy the stuff to make skittle vodka, and we were using his dad's van(since oscar went and picked up my bed and put it together at our house! super exciting!) and we left the skittles in the van. So I couldn't start making the vodka. And my luck has turned back.
But I did goto the gym and burn 500 calories on the elliptical. So I was really proud of myself for that. GO ME.

Home

I had a very nice visit home. My flights both ways were delayed, but other than that things were pretty smooth. I really enjoyed just relaxing and hanging out with my mom. I will be posting the one picture I took while I was home, that of my Va shaking her drink shaker. Stay tuned.

Cardinal Fitness

Well I joined a gym. Who would have ever thought I would do that... Seriously. I'm super excited tho. But I need more cardio, cause i'm so out of shape, but hopefully this helps. I get to go work out with my boyfriend. Well when our schedules work at the right way. I am going to try and go with our friends wife to the gym if Oscar is working, but I might just end up Wii Fitting it. Even though the wii fit does not come close to the eliptical. But at least I am moving instead of laying down watching tv or reading.

Applications

I am applying for different alternative routes to certification to become a teacher in the state of illinois. It is a lot of work! I guess they are making sure you are committed enough to jump through all the hoops just to apply for the program, in order to maybe be accepted. That way they don't think you would flake or something. Anywho I have to send one group 4 copies of each of my transcripts. Thats a lot of duplicates! Why do they need so many? Wish me luck.