I almost wet myself twice today

What a day leaving for work at 7 a.m. to get home home FROM WORK at 1:15 a.m.!

Incident 1:
So I leave straight from subbing today (which was great, can't wait to have my own class) to nannying. After dinner I take this guy on a little walk. I needed to return a few calls that I missed during the day and what better time than on a walk. So I am pushing this little tyke in his car that is kind of noisy and I have my ear piece in the other ear. I am done talking on the phone just enjoying the walk when all of the sudden I hear screeching noises along with skid marks. I turn around to see this boy (about 8 yrs. old) on his bike trying to stop so he wouldn't run into me. Hello....could he not say excuse me or go around on the grass. I couldn't believe I almost got ran over by a 8 yr. old on his bike! That would have been a great story to tell.

Incident 2:
I have picked up the toys, done the dishes, and am trying to relax on the couch and get some rest while I am still working. This family has a black cat and she is on the kitchen table. Ok, this repulses me so I attempt to shoe (how do you spell this word in this context?) her off. Bad idea...she starts hissing and then all of the sudden she puts her back up and starts galavanting around the kitchen. Now I am scared shitless. I do not want this psycho animal coming after me. She continues to do her thing and now I am curled up in a chair with a big pillow to protect me. Then the idiotic animal decides to come near, I am sweating and I just keep talking nicely to it like that is going to do something. After a good 30 minutes, she calms down and I am able to leave the chair. I then succesfully get her out of the room and put up the baby gates so that she cannot come near me for the remainder of the night. But yet I still worry because I wonder if she has the ability to jump over them. So much for a relaxing evening. I didn't really like cats before and this incident increased my hatred for them.

Can't Sleep

I am so excited because I get to substitute teach tomorrow for 2nd grade. This would have been my class if I was still teaching. I won't be able to sub at all except for just a few days since I am nannying full time now, so I am soaking up every opportunity. I wonder why I am so excited. I have my outfit all picked out and I am ready to go. If you know me I like to get rested up for the kids so to still be wide awake and my mind going 100 miles an hours is a bit bizarre.

Ready or not kids here I come!!!!

Weekend Event: Saturday

Amy and I in Chicago

Amy's husband was out of town this past weekend, so Friday night we stayed up to the wee hours of the morning. Then we were woke up by drilling and hammering. They were lovely sounds to wake up to. We figured since we were up why not get going on our day of fun.

First stop: AMC theatre to see "Step Up". I loved it! A top movie of mine is "Save the Last Dance" and this was very similiar to story line, plot...I was suprised that I still liked it so much despite how alike they were. I am ready to sign up to a hip hop class (seriously!!!!).

Second stop: Baja Fresh for some yummy mexican food and some good talks.

Third stop: A very short nap

Fourth stop: The White Sox game. The game was one of the most thrilling, nerve racking, nail biting game I have been too. The sold out venue was out of control exciting. The Sox came back from losing to tie it in the ninth inning and unfortunately lost in extra innings. There was even some excitement with some unruly Twins fans getting ejected. The night ended with a fireworks show.

What a great day Amy and I had together!!! The time went so fast, it was great to create more great memories, laugh, and dig into each others lives. I look forward to having more weekends like this one.

Weekend Event: Friday

Ok, so I have had one of the most fun weekends I have had in a long time. Here is the skinny.

Part A:
I was going to spend the day with my sister Ashley and my brother Matthew. School was going to start and I wanted to party the day away with them. The plan was to go North Avenue Beach. Due to the weather forecast we had to change plans so we ended up doing a lot of different yet fun things: the mall, Portillos, Brunswick Zone, ice cream, and then swimming at my pool. It was great and I was so glad I could spend that time with Ashley and Matthew.

Part B:
For the first time in a while I felt like I was a "young professional" this evening. I really don't like that phrase but it captures my age, job (if I had one), and feelings. The plan was to go to a piano bar and celebrate a few summer birthdays. We ate dinner in the restaurant and then headed over to the piano bar part. There was a guy planning the piano (go figure), a girl singing, and another guy playing the drums. They were great, they played a wide variety of music and were so talented. Needless to say most of us were out on their small dance floor having the time of our lives. There was such an excitement and energy. It was great to partake in something other than a movie, "just hanging out"...

Cheers to Amaretto Stone Sours!!!!

Stupid things

#1 Who the hell would pay $10 to go see "Beer Fest". I need some clarification as to why anyone would desire to see that? Is it because there are going to be hot chicks in there or what?


#2 What is so great about crocs? They are some of the tackiest and ugliest shoes I have ever seen? How and why did they get so popular? And why all the crazy colors? Why couldn't I have thought of such a stupid idea and made tons of money off of it?

Somethin' I'm learning

Since I was in junior high until now, I have always worked with kids. That would includ: babysitting, being a junior high youth leader, teaching, tutoring...Kids teach me many things, make me laugh, and remind me of who I am.

Recently I have learned a lot about being a mother. Being a mom is such a huge job. There are times when I have left a babysitting job or weekend and am completely exhausted. These women (who are home all day with their kids) do not get a break! Children (especially young ones) require so much attnetion. I have no idea how you can keep the house picked up, do laundry (wash it, fold it, and put it away), make meals, stay on top of the dishes, do errands, shower, get ready, return phone calls...The list just goes on and on.

I can remember being in stores with kids running around and the parents not having a care in the world, they were just down right out of control. It would and still does drive me crazy. I have realized why parents will "let things slip" or "ignore" their child's bad beharvior. Why? Because discipline is a constant, never ending affair, and sometimes you just can't take it anymore and pretend like nothing bad is happening.

Being a mom is an amazing job, a lot of work, but hopefully very rewarding. I know being with young kids on a daily basis excites me to see what they are learning, how they have changed, and to see them become their own person. I am so thankful for my mom. So if you ever see a mom or even your mom needing a helping hand please offer yourself. Help make their job just a little easier.

P.S. I know that some dads stay at home with their kids. So way to go dads!!!

Lines

I was just getting ready to head out to work out tonight after I got off from nannying. There was a funny knock at the door, I thought it was our good friend who lives across the way. As I opened the door, there were two guys standing there who were about 20 years old, obviously not my friend Erin. The guys of course were selling something...which I hate soliciters. One of them was talking so fast I don't even remember why he was selling magazines.

I think the thing that made me mad was that the guy who did most of the speaking was trying to use every line in the book on me. (Here is some background info: he had asked me what I do for work so I told him I was a teacher, a chef, and now a nanny). Now for some of his lines: 1. So what are you cooking us for dinner tonight? 2. What do I have to do to get signed up for you to teach me? 3. Are those natural highlights? 4. Can I guess that you are like 19 or 20 years old?

The funny part was that I called this guy out on all his shit. I am not going to put up with that crap or his attempt to schmooze me into buying a magazine.

funny and innocent

I heard this little story of something that happened at church yesterday. There was a 2 1/2 year old girl who was in her class for church. There was a child who was not sharing with her. So this little girl walked up to this child (attitude and all) and told him "You are not sharing and I am telling God, you also will not be allowed to come back to this class anymore."

This little chick is on her toes...her words are not true, but made me laugh.

I know

that my blogs have been just random thoughts of mine or things that I am doing and I haven't been that consistent with them lately. I am hoping that will change. In a very soon post I will be sharing some of my thoughts about what I have been learning...a little more deeper of a blog.


What is it about MTV that I enjoy so much? It seems as though if I have time to watch TV the channel of choice is usually MTV...no not the game show network or even the food network. Maybe it is because a few of the shows that I watch you can skip an episode and not be lost. The shows that I like are: Real World, Fresh Meat, Laguna Beach, the car one (I forget the name) and then occasionally Room Raiders, Why can't I be you, and Runs House, I'll even watch Next. They are just entertaining, mindless at times, and make me laugh.

Today I went with my little brother to the White Sox game. To be honest it has been a rough couple of weeks cheering on the Sox in the midst of losing quite a few, but never give up. It was exciting to be at the game where the Sox swept the Tigers!!! I loved spending time with Matthew too. One of the highlights was just hearing his love for Chicago and how he thinks he knows his way around the city. We went to his favorite place for lunch and after the game there is a really yummy ice cream place called Scoops that he wanted to go to. I love getting to spend "quality time" with my siblings.

I am so thankful for my church. I was visiting another church today since the church I attend would not get out earlier enough for us to go to the White Sox game. They had a missionary speak which I really enjoyed, but man I really missed the worship and fellowship at my church.

I loved sitting around this evening with my roommates as we laughed about watching "The Ringer" and quoted some of their funny lines. I love laughing!

I am so excited for football season to start! Go Bears, Go Illini!!!!!!

Two movies that I have recently seen: "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Scoop". "The Devil Wears Prada" was alright, nothing great, in my opinion it is a renter. Going in to see "Scoop" I was a little apprehensive about it considering that I am not a big Woody Allen fan. The movie impressed me, it made me laugh, and kept me going. I would recommend it.

A past student of mine e-mailed me today. It was a great surprise. I couldn't help but think that I really did make an impression on kids, she still remembers me. Wow! It was sweet because she wanted advice for the new grade she was going into. I look forward to being used to shape, love, and tell kids about the Truth.

This past week a very sad and tragic event happened to one of my roommates and her family. I was so impressed by how the body of Christ came together to encourage, support, and hold up my friend. This was encouraging to me.

Not quite

What a weekend!

I babysat for a family that was out of town at a wedding this weekend. It went well, but was exhausting. So I thought I was wrapping up the babysitting gig and petsitting all in the same day. Until I got the phone call that the family I am petsitting for has decided to stay another week. That means I will have watched these 5 critters for over 3 weeks.

Can I just tell you how much I despise taking care of these things. It is not difficult, but cleaning their cages and litter box is horrific. YUCK!!! YUCK!!! YUCK!!! I can't take the animal smell either. When I am there I open all the windows, put the fan on, and spray air freshner all over, hoping that the animals do not get sick from it. I just can't handle it.

Something I am looking forward to is a movie that is coming out this Friday, Step Up. I am a huge fan of "Save the Last Dance", so we will see how this one turns out.

Not so forgetful

So I sit here typing to the sounds of the pitter patter of the rain and some David Crowder.

Today I was thinking about how sad it is that I am not using my culinary skills. I have learned so much and am nervous that I am going to forget how to do things properly since I am not using them on a daily basis.

Where I worked, The Herrington, the dishes were very elaborate. I do not cook like that for myself. For me, we are talking tacos, frozen pizzas, sandwiches...nothing fancy. It is too expensive to whip up one of those nice meals.

When I quit my job, 8 months ago, I made a list of all the recipes that I needed to type up so that I wouldn't forget some of the great dishes or basics that I learned like how to saute food or cut/clean huge sides of beef or make sauces. Well I haven't really done anything with them since then, so tonight I decided to attempt to rack my brain. It made me so excited that I was able to recall many of the recipes despite not using any of them! I couldn't believe it. Maybe doing some of those same things day in and day out and were left imprinted on my brain.

I do look forward to being able to cook like this again, maybe just in my home and not the restaurant business. I do not want to see my time and my degree in culinary arts go to waste. I hate that, I worked way to hard to get where I was at in that field. I can't wait to see how this will play a role in my future.

Y

Why can no company make a deodorant that does not leave white residue on shirts (especially black ones) so that everyone can see it? I have tried a few different brands, they all claim that they leave "no white residue" but they lie!

Why can it be easier to be friends with NON Christian guys than Christian ones?

Teaching?!?!

Well it is official...I will be teaching 1st grade.

I was asked to fill a maternity leave for this upcoming winter. After lots of prayer, contemplating, and attempting to figure out my future I decided that it would be beneficial for me to fill this role. I am excited to get reconnected to families, impact kids, and keep up with my teaching skills. Part of me is fearful because I like to have things planned and after I teach for those few months I do not know what the future holds (basically how I will make money).

I know that God will provide and take care of me as He has this entire year, I just have to continue to trust Him.

Weeks Events

So this is Jess and I. (Blogger won't move the picture to where I want it but this refers to my Wednesday adventure.)

This week has been full of the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is easy to become occupied with the negatives that come our way, so instead I will focus on the fun stuff this week.

Believe me, I have had a fun week! (This is what I am talking about when I have the freedom of not working as a line cook!)

Sunday I went to the Sox game. They won....it has been a tough two weeks. GO SOX!

Monday I spent the day in the city with my mom, sister, and brother. We took the train down and then ventured on the trollies to take us all around. We hit up Navy Pier for some mini golf and other activities and then headed to Millenium Park. It was so great to frolic in the water by the bean and get refreshed after playing in the heat all day.

Tuesday was fun because we celebrated my friends 25th birthday. It was a pool party which was so refreshing. When I was younger I was on winter and summer swim teams and loved it. I never really got into diving, but I conquered a fear of mine at the pool party. I jumped off the 5 METER platform. It was great! I don't know how those Olympic divers do it!

Wednesday, my roommate Jess and I headed to Great America. It was a celebration that she completed microbiology this summer and an early birthday extravaganza. We got on all the rides that we wanted too. We rode in the front seat of DeJaVu. That ride is my favorite, it scares the **** out of me, but then riding in the front was even more of a rush. Another great part of going to six flags was enjoying the water park- from the wave pool to the body slides to mat races to the lazy river...It all was great! And then to top off the night by eating a McDonalds cheeseburger, I couldn't be happier (it is the little things in life). Oh and closing down Gurnee Mills and getting some GREAT bargains was fantastic too.

I don't want the fun to stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 movies

Somethings Gotta Give- What a great movie!!!!! I remember seeing this movie in the theatre with my friend who just broke off a very serious relationship. It was a Monday in January and it was the perfect movie to see after some long draining nights, the movie was so funny and of course romantic. I watched it this weekend and fell in love with it all over again. I am a girl who usually does not watch movies over and over but this is one in which I think I could.


Something New- This was an interesting movie that made me think a bit this weekend! The lead actress decides to date outside of her "list" of what she would like in her potential boyfriend. It depics the struggles and joys that she has. Made me wonder about a few things.

Time

The past few nights I have attended MERGE which is an event that Sonlife ministries puts on for highschool youth groups that is held at Wheaton College. Some of my friends help lead it so it was fun to see what it was all about and hang out with them.

Yesterday when we were eating dinner in the cafeteria of Wheaton College, I ran in to a cook that I use to work with. It was so wonderful to see his familiar face. I really do miss my friends and the friendships that I made when working at the restaurant, it is sad to me that those connections aren't as strong as they use to be.

Well that was a little off the path...back to what I was saying.

What struck me when I saw my friend was that I am REALLY thankful that I made the decision to quit working those crazy food service hours. I didn't have a life at all. I started to think about all the things I missed out on last year and was so excited that the cycle would not repeat.

One of those things I won't miss out on is Amy's birthday. As Amy and I talked yesterday we started planning our birthdays, they are a little ways away but it doesn't hurt to start brainstorming. Right? It was sad to think that last year I couldn't spend it with her because I was working. My time is SO valuable to me and I am so grateful that now I have the freedom to do the things I want to do.

Grandpa

I watch these amazing almost one year old identical twin boys.

They are so much fun and they change every time I see them. Today I was able to meet one of their grandfathers. This man made an impression on me!!!

His love for his grandsons was so extremely evident that I was blown away. It just oozed out of this man from every bone in his body. He smiled from ear to ear when he spent time with them. He loved every little detail about them. He was so excited about these little guys that he just kept sharing all these things about them, here are a few: how amazing it was that they are taking more and more steps by themselves each day, that they are happy, they know how to identify their toes and head, say certain words....He just kept going and going and going. What struck me was that this grandfather really did notice every detail. He calls them "blessings".

I don't think I have ever heard a grandparent so caught up and awed by their grandkids.

We need more grandparents like this gentleman.

I am finally back!!!

For the past 9 days (which seemed like an eternity at times) I was dog sitting. I had no internet access there which made things difficult (hence the reason for not many blogs this past week). I am not online a ton, but it is very inconvienent when you want to be on and you can't. The other interesting thing was that I was staying in this house all by myself. Now, I love to have my own space and time away from people, but this was too much. I think I would become depressed if I lived on my own. I realized that I would definitely prefer to be in the company of others, so I was very happy to come home to my two roommates!!!!!!!!!

Pics

Here are some long over due pictures of our family vacation to Disney World.