Sorry for my severe absence. I really have SO many things that I want to post about, but it has been utter madness around here. First off, my computer crashed so I'm using Ryan's. I hate his computer. The keyboard is way too big or spaced out, or whatever. And you have to literally PUNCH the keys to make them type. So here I am, typing away at a sentence and it is taking me FOR.... EV... ERRRRRR. Ugh. Secondly, I started my new job on the 23rd.... we are so insanely busy at work that I've worked way beyond my shift hours to get stuff done. I will certainly enjoy the paycheck, but my days are going by so quickly because I'm spending so much time at work. Oh, and not to mention, I sort of got a semi-promotion of sorts about a week and a half into the job. So now, I'm supervising/training people to do what I did for about a week and a half. I'm about 90% positive that the promotion is not temporary (meaning, that when all the new people are done starting ((we get about 100ish people starting at my place of work every couple of days)), I do not think they will place me back in what I was originally doing), but I guess there is always the possibility. I really enjoy what I do though.... both the first position that I was hired to do, and now the increased responsibility.... so even if the "promotion" is just a temporary one, what I'm doing under those responsibilities is a huge resume builder, so I'm good all around!
I gave up on the Couch to 5K program. The program taught me that I am not a runner... and that the only running I will likely ever do is when I'm running from something trying to attack me. So it's back to the ho-hum elliptical until SportsQuest (the new sports complex around here) opens. I'm hoping that they will have better equipment than the gym I currently work out at, or that they will have a greater variety of classes and times. Right now, I'm trying my hardest to get up and go to the gym at 5 am every morning, Monday through Friday, since the time I get home from work is typically so varied... but it's a tough go. I'm working so hard at work that I have found that I need sleep SO much more than when I did when I was teaching! Here's to trying though.... it has to burn some calories, right?!
So I'm hoping that in the coming week, I'll be on the road to getting my computer back. Once I do, I have loads of pics to upload. And, I want to follow in the footsteps of some of my fellow blog buddies and clear out my closet by selling some gently used clothing here. I have some stuff that is pre-Campbell that I just don't have the faith I'll fit back into ever again (thank you hips, for permanently moving approximately 2 inches wider). That being said, if you are a size 6(ish) and like Diane Von Furstenburg (spelling?) dresses and Citizens of Humanity jeans, be on the lookout hopefully in the next 2 weeks.... I'll be cleaning out my closet!
xoxo :)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
A world of changes....
Phew.... it's been a whirlwind couple of weeks (or almost month?). We went on vacation in the Outer Banks, I've been interviewing for jobs, blah blah blah. I want to post some pics of our OBX trip.... so I'll try to just do a post with pictures in a bit. I went on 2 job interviews.... got an offer for the first job, which was at a daycare. I was somewhat excited about the position (just teaching), but the pay was not going to make life or my wallet very happy. I took it as a back up and kept looking. Went on an interview the Friday before we left for vacay, and really wanted the job. Less than 2 weeks after the interview, I got an offer and accepted (and of course, then called to "quit" the daycare job, though is it technically quitting if you haven't started yet?). So now, I am officially a claim reviewer for a law firm in town that specializes in big claim settlements between companies and claimaints. I think it will be a lot of desk work, but I'm excited to be around adults, and to get experience in a job that is outside of the classroom. I start 8/19! Oh-- the best part? It is CASUAL dress 24/7! Yes, casual! I am so stoked about that part.... jeans every day? Yes please!
Let's see, what else? I can't remember if I mentioned way back when that we had our front porch and door painted. It turned out very nice, and I think it adds a little flair to the house (though I guess we'll see what the HOA says about it, since our door isn't technically the same as everyone else's.... oh well.). We've had some monster storms here in Richmond, and my front porch is covered in dead flower petals and leaves. So, let me get that cleaned up and I'll post some pics. We also have been working on dolling up the patio. I know I haven't posted on that either, so I'll work on catching up with some pics on that as well.
I've been keeping up with the Cto5K running program.... though, sadly, I'm only on week 3. I probably should be somewhere on week 5 I think, but I ended up doing 2 weeks of week 2 because of vacation (running on the beach is a B*!). Week 3 isn't too bad.... I did it 3 days in a row to catch up, so I finished it today and I can definitely tell a difference in my stamina. We'll see if I'm singing that same tune next week though!
It is shaping up to be a lovely weekend.... what will you be doing?
Let's see, what else? I can't remember if I mentioned way back when that we had our front porch and door painted. It turned out very nice, and I think it adds a little flair to the house (though I guess we'll see what the HOA says about it, since our door isn't technically the same as everyone else's.... oh well.). We've had some monster storms here in Richmond, and my front porch is covered in dead flower petals and leaves. So, let me get that cleaned up and I'll post some pics. We also have been working on dolling up the patio. I know I haven't posted on that either, so I'll work on catching up with some pics on that as well.
I've been keeping up with the Cto5K running program.... though, sadly, I'm only on week 3. I probably should be somewhere on week 5 I think, but I ended up doing 2 weeks of week 2 because of vacation (running on the beach is a B*!). Week 3 isn't too bad.... I did it 3 days in a row to catch up, so I finished it today and I can definitely tell a difference in my stamina. We'll see if I'm singing that same tune next week though!
It is shaping up to be a lovely weekend.... what will you be doing?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Welcome to the world of technology!
I've always felt that I'm quite welcoming, heck even excited about technology and all the its advancements. But I will admit that I often skimp on technology for myself... meaning that I won't spend the extra $$ to have all the bells and whistles if I can find something a little less expensive (I prefer to spend my cash on clothes and shoes and Campbell).
Well, in the course of 2 weeks we had our digital camera die, along with my cell phone take a dive in the swimming pool, and Ryan's cell phone take a running leap off the roof of our car at 35 mph (which resulted in it being totally smashed on the side of the road). It was time for us to make some major purchases.
First, to replace the camera, I finally decided it was time to get something decent and go for the Nikon. I was sort of inching towards an SLR style camera, but decided that I needed something a little more sleek to fit in my purse or diaper bag. In the end, we decided on the Nikon CoolPix S8000 . I'm really excited about this camera! It has 14.2 megapixels, and a 10x zoom, all in a sleek little package. I haven't had anything to take pictures of lately, but that's my project this upcoming week, so I'll post some up here so you all can see how she works!
Next, we needed to do something about our cell phones. Mine had dried out and was functioning (sort of), but Ryan had no communication capabilities outside of a landline. Since we were out of contract with our current provider, we shopped around to see what we liked. Long story short, AT&T ended up having a great deal for us because of a discount through Ryan's employer. We are now the owners of the... iPhone! I never really thought I'd see the day when I'd sit in awe of my cell phone and play with it for hours... but that day has come, sweetie. It really is a fun phone! And, even cooler-- I finally got Ryan to sign up for a Facebook account (he said that since he has the iPhone, he supposes he could update his page through there if he wanted)!
It is as if we stepped out from under a rock and entered 2010. Amazing!
Side note: I've done 2 days of the running program I mentioned below. Still loving it! Had to take the weekend off, because frankly- I had no time to get to the gym! So tomorrow will be day 3 of week 1, and then I'll take Tuesday off, and start week 2 on Wednesday. Anyone else trying it?
Well, in the course of 2 weeks we had our digital camera die, along with my cell phone take a dive in the swimming pool, and Ryan's cell phone take a running leap off the roof of our car at 35 mph (which resulted in it being totally smashed on the side of the road). It was time for us to make some major purchases.
First, to replace the camera, I finally decided it was time to get something decent and go for the Nikon. I was sort of inching towards an SLR style camera, but decided that I needed something a little more sleek to fit in my purse or diaper bag. In the end, we decided on the Nikon CoolPix S8000 . I'm really excited about this camera! It has 14.2 megapixels, and a 10x zoom, all in a sleek little package. I haven't had anything to take pictures of lately, but that's my project this upcoming week, so I'll post some up here so you all can see how she works!
Next, we needed to do something about our cell phones. Mine had dried out and was functioning (sort of), but Ryan had no communication capabilities outside of a landline. Since we were out of contract with our current provider, we shopped around to see what we liked. Long story short, AT&T ended up having a great deal for us because of a discount through Ryan's employer. We are now the owners of the... iPhone! I never really thought I'd see the day when I'd sit in awe of my cell phone and play with it for hours... but that day has come, sweetie. It really is a fun phone! And, even cooler-- I finally got Ryan to sign up for a Facebook account (he said that since he has the iPhone, he supposes he could update his page through there if he wanted)!
It is as if we stepped out from under a rock and entered 2010. Amazing!
Side note: I've done 2 days of the running program I mentioned below. Still loving it! Had to take the weekend off, because frankly- I had no time to get to the gym! So tomorrow will be day 3 of week 1, and then I'll take Tuesday off, and start week 2 on Wednesday. Anyone else trying it?
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Run, baby, run!
I have never been much of a runner, but I have often wished that I was. Runners always seem so at peace when they are running. Plus, most runners have a pretty nice physique. Unfortunately, the whole running thing has been lost on me. I am often in pain when I run (I apparently don't breathe well when I run.... I think I hold my breath or something), and my mental monologue typically makes me cash out way before I'm ready. Additionally, my mind never calms down enough for me to find that "peace" that so many runners claim to get.
I need to run, however. I'm not pushing myself much in the cardio department at the gym, and I need a change. Unfortunately, I'm too embarassed of my lack of drive to join a running group, and I refuse to pay $50+ for someone to stand next to me at the treadmill encouraging me to run.
Great news! I stumbled upon a running podcast that was totally free! I've never paid much attention to podcasts, but I found this one and I really like it! It is a 9 week podcast called "Couch to 5K". Now, don't let the name fool you... I have no intentions of actually running a 5K or any other type of marathon. I just want to break past the mental block that I have when it comes to running. This program seems to do just that by slowly easing you into running through interval training. I started with week 1 today (despite my best efforts, today was my first day of week 1... baaaaah), and I truly enjoyed it.
The gist of the podcast is this.... a man (named Robert Ullrey) coaches you along... tells you when to run, when to walk, and encourages you along the way. There is some really cool house/techno music in the background that I actually enjoyed (surprise!). Week 1's workout is about 30 minutes long, and I was honestly shocked that it went by as quickly as it did. I plan on doing all 9 weeks and seeing what happens to my running mentality (and perhaps weight loss goal??). I'll post updates each week.
If you want to try it out, or even try it along with me, you can go here to download the podcasts to you iPod or MP3 player (or whatever else plays podcasts).
I need to run, however. I'm not pushing myself much in the cardio department at the gym, and I need a change. Unfortunately, I'm too embarassed of my lack of drive to join a running group, and I refuse to pay $50+ for someone to stand next to me at the treadmill encouraging me to run.
Great news! I stumbled upon a running podcast that was totally free! I've never paid much attention to podcasts, but I found this one and I really like it! It is a 9 week podcast called "Couch to 5K". Now, don't let the name fool you... I have no intentions of actually running a 5K or any other type of marathon. I just want to break past the mental block that I have when it comes to running. This program seems to do just that by slowly easing you into running through interval training. I started with week 1 today (despite my best efforts, today was my first day of week 1... baaaaah), and I truly enjoyed it.
The gist of the podcast is this.... a man (named Robert Ullrey) coaches you along... tells you when to run, when to walk, and encourages you along the way. There is some really cool house/techno music in the background that I actually enjoyed (surprise!). Week 1's workout is about 30 minutes long, and I was honestly shocked that it went by as quickly as it did. I plan on doing all 9 weeks and seeing what happens to my running mentality (and perhaps weight loss goal??). I'll post updates each week.
If you want to try it out, or even try it along with me, you can go here to download the podcasts to you iPod or MP3 player (or whatever else plays podcasts).
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Adults only - Myrtle 2010
Well, our summer got started with a frenzy! School ended on June 18th, and with that being my very last day at my school and being a teacher, it was a bit hectic... plus, Ryan and I had an adults only vacay scheduled to start the next day, so I had to have everything done so I could leave and never look back!
Our adults only vacay was for four days in Myrtle Beach, SC, with three other couples. We went with our best friend couple, Brandon and PJ; one other couple was more of an aquaintance, and the last couple were new to us! By the end of the trip, we were all getting on like we'd known each other for years! It was seriously a blast....
We left super early on Saturday morning so that we could avoid traffic (since our trip inadvertently coincided with High School Beach Week.... joy of joys!).... we arrived in Myrtle around noon, but since check in wasn't till 4, we decided to hit up an ABC store and beach it for a few hours! After we were able to check in, we decided to all shower and get ready for a night out at Broadway at the Beach, the big tourist spot in Myrtle. We had a great time, but apparently our age was showing since we were all pooped out by 11 pm and headed home.
Outfit for night 1:
PJ and I at Fat Tuesday
Ryan and I at Broadway at the Beach (before we all decided we were too old to be out that so late)
The next day, we spent a lot of time down on the beach, and then decided to gorge ourselves at Captain George's seafood buffet. I'm not much of a seafood buffet girl, but I do love food, so I found more than enough stuff to eat and enjoy! We walked around Broadway for a little while after dinner to walk off the enormous amount of food we ate, but again decided we were way too old to be out so late... so we came home and played cards and Taboo for a few hours!
Outfit for night 2: Jersey Halter dress from H&M (Summer 2010)
For our third and final night, we decided that we were going to put our big kid pants on and party hard at Broadway! There is a dueling piano bar called Crocodile Rock, and we were all super amped to go and enjoy the music and drinks! We reserved a table right up front, and the piano players did not disappoint! We had a great time and the musicians gave us hell the entire night.....
Outfit for night 3:
Top: Watercolor shell from JCrew
Jeans: Gap Bootcut Jeans (in long)
Shoes: Cynthia Vincent for Target
Unfortunately, my camera stopped working in the middle of the third night out, so I didn't get anymore pictures :( But we had a total blast, and the fourth day in Myrtle was a recovery day for everyone. We beached it for a while, and then Ryan, Brandon, PJ and I all packed up to head home.
I loved every second of being on an adults only vacation.... of course, I missed Campbell, but Ryan and I needed some time away to be with friends and have fun! We are so lucky that Ryan's mom was able to keep Campbell for us while we were gone, so that made it that much easier for us to be gone for a few days!
So, that was the start of summer vacation for us! Since being back from Myrtle, I've spent the days at home with Campbell, going to the gym and playing at the pool. And job searching.... I do have an interview next week, though, so fingers crossed something comes my way! :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
Did I mention....
that I will not be returning to teach after this school year ends (in 11 days, including the weekend)? Well, if that is news to you, then surprise!
Yes, it was not a long, hard decision for me. But it was the best decision I could make. I have no idea what I will do for a full time job come the fall, but that's ok.... something great will come along. And if something great doesn't come along, well then I'll just settle for something that pays (some of) the bills while I'm still searching for greatness.
The closer I get to June 18th, the more I feel like a little kid on the last day of school. I'm so very much looking forward to getting rid of this jaded, constantly irritated parent of everyone else's child that I've become. I'm ready to be back to the old Tiffany-- fun loving, more relaxed, cool and collected under pressure, and know that I'm a valued and successful part of a team! :)
Yes, it was not a long, hard decision for me. But it was the best decision I could make. I have no idea what I will do for a full time job come the fall, but that's ok.... something great will come along. And if something great doesn't come along, well then I'll just settle for something that pays (some of) the bills while I'm still searching for greatness.
The closer I get to June 18th, the more I feel like a little kid on the last day of school. I'm so very much looking forward to getting rid of this jaded, constantly irritated parent of everyone else's child that I've become. I'm ready to be back to the old Tiffany-- fun loving, more relaxed, cool and collected under pressure, and know that I'm a valued and successful part of a team! :)
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