Good Morning...

On Wednesdays and Fridays I do not have classes. So, my hubby lets me sleep in. I have been so exhausted lately that even when I go to bed at a decent hour... I sleep forever. Well... today, at 1:17 I rolled over and looked at the clock. Then my heart skipped a beat and I panicked. I threw little Zuko off of the bed, and ran into the office in a frenzy. Then what? Nothing. lol. I didn't have anything to do. I had some snooping to do (Brandan has purchased my birthday presents and I must know now!). I have some reading to do. But nothing urgent. I am just disappointed that I woke up so late.

I was ready for classes yesterday, but I really didn't want to go. I'm glad I did, I do enjoy my classes, but sometimes I just really struggle in the staying awake department. After my classes we went to iHop. lol. I know it's not spelled like that. I was just in a mood... so we went. Sadly, yesterday was free pancake day. So every one else had also decided to go to IHOP on what should be a quiet Tuesday evening. Bummer. Our waitress was pretty intense. I guess you have to be if you're going to work on free pancake day. Regardless, we left a large tip (because who really wants to work on free pancake day?) and we decided to go grocery shopping. We needed a new air filter, and we were out of food. lol. So, in honor of the groceries we bought yesterday... I made lunch today.

Fresh bread with cheese and pepperoni rolled into it, and spaghetti-o's. Yup, we're classy people. I personally love canned pasta. lol. The whole meal was only 450 calories too... and delicious. haha. I'm letting my inner five year old speak. So, what do I need to get done in the few hours of the day that I have left? Let's see...

1. Dinner. I should probably make real food for dinner. Something other than chicken and rice... since I make that a lot. I like rice... and chicken... what can I say?
2. I need to read a book. It's call "Prince Among Slaves" and though it sounds like a very interesting book, I don't really feel like reading.
3. I need to write a Universally Designed Lesson Plan. That should be interesting.
4. Write paper about the book I don't want to read.
5. Watch "Life is Beautiful" and write about that. It's an Italian movie about a Jewish family during the Holocaust. B-man has seen it and says it is pretty good. I need to do this because it is holding up our netflix line. lol.
6. Study for my world religions test.
7. Study for my Western Civilization exam. This one is going to be ridiculous. Apparently it's like 150 questions long, and we won't be able to answer all of the questions... and the grading process will reflect that... but it seems kind of ridiculous to me.
8. I have some kind of project I need to do for my Language Development class. But I'm not sure what it is. I guess I should get on to that.

So that is my to do list. The majority of this will be finished by next Tuesday... my birthday!

Pictures!!!

It's been a little bit since I last posted pictures. I'm having trouble convincing my flash to do it's job. So I thought I would just share a few from the last week. I wouldn't say I am getting better at editing my pictures, but I am learning how to use some of the different functions.

The past weekend was pretty crazy. I have three huge assignments to do, and we're out of groceries, sadly for my husband, finishing homework came before grocery shopping, so we have been eating out more often than normal. I love the occasional serving of fast food and grease, but there is such thing as too much. Which is... more than once. Luckily the weekend wasn't a complete bust, because the weather is starting to behave!

These are some of my most favorite sunglasses, and my favorite sweathshirt, and the locket Bman gave me for Christmas. BUT... these sunglasses have the power to will sunshine. I think it's working. Disregard the rain we got today.

This is from last week... maybe Thursday, or Friday. Regardless. I think that his ice cream is better than mine, but I can't tell him because then he'll trade me, and I'll feel bad for stealing his ice cream.

On Fridays I don't have classes, so I sit at the computer doing homework... among other things. The only thing I don't like about the way our office is set up would be that I can't see my Bran-man. BUT... if I just point the camera over the gigantic screen I see this! Sorry it's a tad blurry. The window wasn't liking me. Oh well.

So, the last picture I have to share is of one of my favorite things. How I do love bendy straws, but what I love more than a good bendy straw is when my husband brings me a drink while I'm doing homework... just for the sake of being nice! I am so grateful that I married such a thoughtful man. And... he lets me bend the straw!

So... I realize this is a silly grouping of random pictures, but I think it acuratly conveys my life over the past week. Now it's a new day, a new week, and a new bendy straw. I had a bowling test today, and apparently you need to be good at bowling to do well in this class. I got a 37/40 on my skills test today. Not bad, but not as good as I could've done. Oh well. This class ends on March 3, since it is only first session. Then my day will be much more open!

Off to world religions, and then my Professional class on Special Ed and Inclusion. And then... grocery shopping. Yippee!

World Domination!!!!!!!!

"Just go ahead and fortify why don't ya!!"

So today, after I did my homework of course, Brandan and I played 6+ hours of a game called Civilization 4. I am exhausted. But... I did conquer the world, so I guess I have a good excuse. Brandan and I don't have a lot of our hobbies in common, I like artsy crafty things and chick-flicks, he likes video games and sports. It's not that I don't like what he likes, it just we don't have much over lap. So this weekend I said I would play with him. I had noticed he was soliciting his friends online to play this game with him, so I figured I would try.

Umm... this game is complicated. Your advanced techy 12 year old would not enjoy this game. It's kind of like Risk, Stratego, Monopoly and Life all rolled into one... and Battleship. It is neat to see the progression of the game, but it take a lot of guessing... and being lucky. I honestly was glad he couldn't see my face for most of it... I really did get frustrated and bored with it. BUT... the important part... is that he enjoyed it. And now he owes me one. :)

Will I be playing any more of this game? Maybe. We set it up so that we were on teams, so maybe if we were playing against each other, some of the elements were changed I might be a little more willing. But we will see. I did manage to get one assignment done. The one due today. But, I still have my assignments that are due tomorrow. So, I guess I will be working on that tomorrow... ummm... wish me luck!

Over all, it was a wonderful weekend of family bonding, and I enjoyed spending the time with my hubby. <3

Journals...

I just watched Julie & Julia. It made me kind of sad, that he own idol didn't even like her... was that true? Regardless, it made me think about blogging so I am in here again.

I only recently entered this "blogging" world. I have been blogging since July of 2004. I was looking through all 336 entries between July 2004, and July 2005. I did quite a bit of growing up. My husband only managed about 50 posts in his over a course of 2 years. It's funny to look back. His first entry was while I was away in the Netherlands debating foreign policy... THIMUN! Awesome experience. But, I guess B-man was lonely, and I quote:

"Jessica's gone on her MUN trip,

so the internet's gotten lonelier."

Awww.... he missed me 5 yeas ago! Over the course of my life I have posted (at least) 1157. That's just adding up all of the blogs I've written in various journals. If I were to add the copious amounts of hand written musings I have recorded since the ride old age of seven.... I'm sure the number would sky rocket.

What's the point? I am constantly begging my mom to keep a journal. I want to know about her dreams, her aspirations, her nightmares, he favorite color, her favorite foods, what she does when she's bored, what she doesn't do when she's bored. I want to know everything. To be able to show my future children, "look, my Mother was an amazing woman." And though I will do my best to remember stories of growing up, and what she's told me of her own life, I will forget. On the flip-side, I write so much because I too want to be remembered. I want to influence some one. I want some one to know that my favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese (yes, Kraft. yes, I love it more than any fancy food I or you, or Julie Childs will ever cook.). I love it. I want some one to remember that I think my wedding was the best ever, and I would not ever change a thing about it. My comfort foods are wheat thins and bananas. I like jogging (gasp!). I love my husband. Like really love him. I don't want to go to sleep at night because I know I will fall asleep in his arms and miss any where from 6 - 12 hours of our life together. I hate that thought. I'm scared of being alone. I'm scared of growing old. I'm scared that my dog will run away and never come home.

Who knew? I don't think that a blog on the internet will be around forever, but my constant questioning in my aweful hand writing, jotted in my Vera Bradley (among others) journal will. Unless there is a fire. But, baring that event, hopefully one day my grandchildren (ah!) will be able to read about my growing up, and learning for my self, and feel connected to me in a way that kids and adults never can.

Maybe it's just banter. Maybe there is something to this. Regardless, that movie made me realize... I need to become a better cook. I make chicken and rice curry tonight, but I forgot that the cumin doesn't have a sprinkle lid, it just has an open top... so I accidently dumped a bunch in the pan. So we had chicken and ride cumin. Hmm... not as good. But, it tasted fine. I should do better.

I should be better.

Abolish Cold Toilet Seats!!!

So the other day I my facebook status said something about how I would give anything to have a heated toilet seat. And to be honest, it was kind of true. Our heat pump is broken for the time being, and the bathroom is most definitely the coldest room in the house.

Well, my sister-in-law saw my post, and promptly sent me this:

Yes, ladies and gentlemen... that is a toilet seat cover. And it is very warm. There is an inlay is of the cover being put to good use. Now, some might say "what about germs!?" well... it's machine washable! My husband's review was:

"You would expect some cold to still come

through... but it doesn't. It was very warm."

From the mouth of Brandan. It was a joke of a gift, but I really love it, and I don't know why any one would sit on a cold toilet seat ever again.

The End.

Sweet Sleepy Slumber

Sometimes I want to sleep. All day. I wake up, knowing that I am going to be tired all day.

I think I am getting sick again. A few months ago I had a monster kidney infection and I was tired and sluggish all the time, and I'm definitely feeling that way again. I am trying to figure out how to make a Dr. appointment... I've never had to do this outside of the military. How does this work?

Any way, I don't have a lot to blog tonight, because I am just exhausted. BUT, tomorrow I will try to be a better blogger. Yup.

Sweet dreams!

White fluffy stuff.

You should see the snow coming down outside my window.

I don't want to drive in it.

Sadly my bowling class is very strict about attendance.

Oh... and how could I forget!

PS: I got new boots! I've been searching for cute boots, and I finally found them... on sale!

A funny conversation...

Sometimes kids say the darndest things. And then sometimes it's my husband saying the darndest things.

When we "go to bed" I like to talk. A lot. And we're talked about this talking. It's my unwinding, calming down, brain dump before I go to sleep. Like his video games. I don't stop his video games, and so he listens to me talk. It's a good thing we have going on.

So last night we were laying in bed, talking. Here's the gist of the conversation:

Me: So when are we going to have a baby?
Him: By the time I'm 24.
Me: You're 23.
Him: What? Really? Well... 25 then.

I guess he's getting to be that age where you forgot your age?

That lasted statement involved a lot of moaning and asking "really!?" but I assured him that this October he would be turning 24, and that we still have 9 months to get the baby baking. Lol. Just kidding!

I think my ovaries recently realized that I'm married now, and thus they have kicked in. BUT, we're waiting... a bit. Until I finish school, and as Brandan says "ready." What ever that means.

Oh dear...

Puppy Love...

We let the puppies sleep in our room, since we have the heat turned way down low and we're just using the space heater, but I kicked them out in the morning.

Good morning Sunshine, I want to take your picture!
B-man did not approve of this picture. I love snuggling. I did not know I loved snuggling until I met him, but he is the best snuggler I have ever met.

B-man got up to go potty, and I laid out a towel (to protect the sheets from B-man's amazing ability to get syrup any where) and then brought in the breakfast. It was nice to just enjoy the space heater and talk about the puppies we had kicked out of the room.

Then I gave him my gift. We hadn't really talked about exchanging gifts, and I didn't expect him to get me anything, but I wanted to give him a little something to show how much I appreciate him. A small gift, weighing in at $6 and a home made card. He likes it when I'm crafty.

We finished out breakfast, and I decided to be nice and humor his choice in netflix (Transformers...) so I was clearing off the couch to settle in for a two and a half hour snuggle, when I found my present from him!

We had been in the car listening to the soundtrack when I said that it was probably my favorite movie of all time, but that I didn't have a copy of it. So thoughtful. He told me that we could watch it "sing-a-long" style, with the subtitles. Hmm. My favorite! (those peanut butter cups where part of my gift to him... they're the wal*mart brand. A million times better than Reese's cups. Reese's where his favorite, then I told him these were better. He was willing to give it a try, and he whole-heartedly agreed. So I bought him his own bag... that he shared. Hm, love!

So, first we watched transformers, which was... interesting. Then we stopped for dinner.

I made fancy, heart shaped pizza. There was no pre-shredded cheese, or store bought crust. It was much better than I expected. We made it together. Well, I made the dough, and baked the crust, and did most of it... but he put on the Italian pepperoni, and some of the fancy sliced mozzerella cheese. He helped. Then we made dessert:

Strawberries aren't in season, so the tops were almost all greenish... but they were good none the less. I also made chocolate dipped banana... but those weren't as pretty.

We sat down to watch the Phantom of the Opera, ah! Love! It was perfect, sitting on our uncomfy sofa, with our deca from the bed, and the dogs at our feet. I know, it doesn't sound picturesque, but I love my beautiful life with my fabulous husband.

Today we went to the grocery store, because after all of the cooking I did this weekend, we were out of a bunch of things. I also wanted to start in on our food storage. So, we bought some canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, and evaporated milk. I need to buy another can opener. We also bought a little camp stove to keep with all of this, and the gas to go with it. It's not a lot, but it's a start.

Then we passed the flowers. Marked half off. I couldn't resist. I picked some out. Then B-man told me that he had looked into ordering some to be delivered (since we have but one car, and I use it to drive to school, since he works from home), but it was too expensive. I'm so glad he didn't. I do love flowers, but I loved them more when they cost $7.50.

All in all it was a wonderful Valentine's day. Last year Brandan put together a bunch of elaborate plans to treat and surprise me, and this year I kind of got to dote on him. He was worried about "living up to" those plans, but this year was perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. We spent the whole day together, just watching movies and enjoying each others' company.

And he did all the dishes.

I love...

... doing stupid things to make my husband laugh. Some time I will say things I know are inappropriate or awkward, but to get that little smile on his face.

... when my puppy jumps around because I'm in the room. Instant love.

... Tennessee. I know... for some one who hates living here so much it is a weird thing to say. But my cute little family is here. So I want to be here too.

... playing board games with my friends.

I watched quite a bit of the olympic opening ceremonies. Very impressive. I wonder what the ad looks like for that kind of event:

"Wanted, people who can dance, jump around, and play the violin like crazy... all at the same time."

Hmmm...

It's getting late, so I am going to bed soon... as soon as B-man finishes the dishes. <3

I took a beautiful picture today.

With Brandan's camera.

It ended up having a bunch of static in the file.

So I have nothing to share.

But I will take the same picture again tomorrow with my, better, camera.

0oO0oO0oOo0

I don't have any new pictures to share. It's been so cold in the house, I mostly stay cuddled up as much as possible. PLUS... my batteries died and apparently we don't have any more, but it's so cold I don't want to do and buy more at the store.

So I had been petitioning a class, and my petition was accepted! My major requires us to take this ethics class. At some point I'm sure this class was actually an applied ethics class, but now it is completely theory based. I was unhappy to find this out. So, I went and talked to my advisor, and told her about this class I had already taken which was an applied ethics class and she petitioned it for me and now I have one less class to take this semester! That was the high light of my week. On a Wednesday!

Today I started this game that Brandan really enjoys. It's like, a game within a game. It's called the Legacy Challenge, and it's a part of Sims 3. Which is like... playing house, for big kids. Except in this version, you start out poor, there are no cheats allowed, and you have to *hopefully* have 10 generations live after your "founding" Sim. It's more complicated than this, but I didn't think it would be my kind of game. I usually start out with a Sim that is super smart and super rich. Then I give them everything they want and they don't have to work. It gets boring. So I am trying this out. My second generation is born!

Tomorrow I have four classes.... that's it! Yippee!!!

I can't spell any of these words.

My list is long.

My list of things I would prefer to do is longer.

Tonight B-man and I watched "Memoirs of a Geisha." It was a very interesting, albeit sad and kind of stressful, movie. I did not realize that Japan had such diverse culture during WWII even. The life of the Geisha, and the meaning and "rituals" behind it were very interesting. Though, is is based on the book... which was written by a man... who was definitely not a Geisha. So... take everything with a grain of salt. Especially things men say.

Today I turned in beautiful, honest work. We do these reading journals, and for the fist time I didn't just do it for the sake of doing it. I really did my homework to learn and to ask questions. This is a new thing for me. There might be more of it.

Tomorrow I have a test, and a presentation. I'm not really sure what I am going to do. I will probably have to take my computer tomorrow so that I can work on it. But I know I will not be able to get a lot of work done just because I really need to pay attention in my class so that I can learn. That's how I learn... the listening.

I wish I could write more, but my husband just pointed out that I have homework and sleep to catch up on. Boo. I was enjoying this blogging thing.

We had a party!

It's time to get your party hats and decorations out....

Why? Because it's ZUKO's BIRTHDAY!!!!!

He's my wittle puppy!

Happy Birthday!

Today our little puppy, Zuko, turns one year old! It's crazy how fast the little bugger grew!

This was when I first got him. Her was so tiny and could fit in my hand. He's probably only a few weeks old here.

Compared to Gretel her was itty-bitty! Not that he's huge now, but he has grown considerably!

Then he grew these huge ears and this super long snout. He's too cute for his own good.

Now he is considerably longer, larger, and muscular. BUT, he is still the best snuggler in the world, and very home. Such a tolerant dog, great with kids and with other dogs. Good thing, the vet told us that he'll probably live to be about 20 years old!

Happy Birthday my Puppy Love.

A bit about me...

*your cell phone? ~Usually dead. I kind of like being able to go about my life without the constant interruptions of my phone. If you need me leave a message. I'll get back to you. Or better yet - send me an e-mail.

*your hair? ~shoulder length, with what used to be purple/pink streaks that have turned red now.
*your mother? ~is awesome.
*your father? ~awesome, but not as much as my mom.
*your favorite food? ~Macaroni and Cheese, bananas, wheat thins
*your dream last night? ~B-man was leaving for something, my Mama was mad at me, and some girls from high school where there. Weird dream.
*your favorite drink? ~ lemonade
*your dream/goal? ~I aspire to be a happy, thinner, crafty, kinder version of myself. I'm always working on that.
*what room are you in? ~the office
*your hobby? ~sleeping, taking pictures, being crafty.
*your fear? ~being alone.
*where do you see yourself in 6 years?~ being a Mommy.
*where were you last night? ~watching TV with my hubby and painting
*something that you aren't? ~studious.
*muffins?~ warm ones.
*wish list item? ~Honestly - I have everything I need, and most of what I want. If I could get anything else it would be to improve on my home organization or to improve my disaster readiness/food storage.
*where did you grow up? ~college.
*last thing you did? ~edit pictures
*what are you wearing? ~ lounging clothes?

*your tv? ~inherited from my parents.
*your pets? ~ Gretel (dog, 11 y/o Australian Shepard mix), and Zuko (dog, 1 y/o, Chihuahua Spitz mix)
*friends?~ My husband, Chrissy, and an expanse of friends from my youth that now cover the globe.
*your life?~ blessed
*your mood? ~unmotived
*missing someone? ~extended family
*vehicle? ~honda civic
*something you aren't wearing? ~bra!
*your favorite store? ~wal*mart...Target... JoAnn's...
*your favorite color? ~BLUE
*when was the last time you laughed?~I'm always laughing. I married B-man!
*the last time you cried? ~ I cry all the time. I'm just crazy like that.
*your best friend? ~B-man.
*one place you go to over and over again? ~bed
*facebook?~ all the time
*favorite place to eat? ~ any where, as long as they serve chicken.

So, there you had it. My life all bundled up into a neat little package.

Live.Laugh.Love

Brandan's Christmas present to me was a beautiful silver locket. I had wanted it engraved, but when he bought it, he wasn't sure WHAT to engrave on it. Since I haven't legally changed my last name I think he gets a little nervous about pushing things on me. Regardless, I went with my new set of initials, JNR. I think it looks like "junior" but that's ok.

You know what I love about being married? Doing nothing. I love doing nothing together, and I intend on enjoying it while I can. We watch TV together, or do our own thing, at the same time. Last night we watched a show on the History channel. We watch a lot of History. I think today I am going to let him play Sims 3 while I go work on my crafty craft projects.

I love that my hubby supports me in all of my crazy and random hobbies. I painted this last night as we watched the history channel. This canvas was left over from a previous art project, and it was just waiting to become something. I had planned on doing something like "reed" in coke red and the coca-cola text to go in my red kitchen, but I just didn't have the time, inspiration or energy to make that work. Maybe next time. For now I just have this.

My mother has a a sign in her home that says "Live well, Laugh Often, Love Always." and I have always really like it. So, I decided I would do my own version of it. A constant reminder to enjoy what I've been given. To appreciate waking up at 11 and B-man cooking mac'n'cheese for me, and him taking the dogs out so I don't have to. He does the little things that make me feel spoiled. I love him so much.

I need more time in my day...

If days had 100 hours in them I would still never accomplish what I want to. Here are a few pictures of my current projects.

1) Mommy & Me quilt.

Fabric: Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey for Moda

My mom and I made the quilt, and then I used a friend's long arm machine to do the actual quilting. I just need to finishing hand stitching the binding, and then it is done!

A close up of my quilting.

The trees on this quilt are 3-d, so it's a very fun, graphic quilt. I love it. =)

2) Brandan's Quilt

I made it for Christmas last year, and still haven't finished it. The sewing is all done, but I need to clip the edges and wash/dry it so that it becomes all fluffy.

3) I started making stockings with the left overs of the figgy pudding fabric, so now I just need to get them ironed, sewn together and put the binding on. All of the cutting is done. lol.

There is a lot more things I want to do, but these things need to happen first. I just need to remember "I enjoy this stuff!" lol.

A little preview...

A small hint of what's to come!