Changes

Some months feel fly by swiftly and drag at the same time.  This is one of those seasons.  A few weeks ago I took my MPJE for NC.  I was a nervous wreck, its been five years since I studied for my SC MPJE and I was afraid I forgot how.  I had loads of odd questions and felt like I failed, but 4 days later I found out I passed with flying colors!  I started the process 5 months ago and it will be a relief to have it completed. Tomorrow, I travel to Chapel Hill for my license and I'll officially be able to work in NC (read: find a job in NC and expand my search criteria).

Meanwhile, I've been had interviews and (another offer!) that came faster than I expected.  Too fast, I suppose, as I'm not in a place to accept them just yet.  We decided to list the house and sell before moving to avoid the two-mortgage/rent-per-month hassle.  Its the wise thing to do, but I'm so done with current work drama/issues its terribly difficult to be an adult and suck it up.  I don't want to talk about it on the Internet, especially while I'm still employed.  Maybe a juicy post will come later.  All I want is to complain, whine and storm out, but I'm trying to think of my family and the long-term solution.  The last few weeks we've tackled painting, yard work, de-cluttering, and packing up unnecessary things to ready the house for showings. Tomorrow, the house goes on the market.

And of course, my kiddos continue to grow and blossom.  My baby boy turned FIVE.  My daughter is talking up a storm and doing well in school.  My husband keeps me grounded and nurtures our family.  We have positive events despite the storms we are weathering.

The few years have been rough, but there is a change coming.  I pray it will be a good one for myself my family, and my career.  Please pray with us that our house will sell quickly.  Please pray a job opens up in a location that is best for my family.  Please pray I don't lose my mind before either one of those come to fruition.

What comes first?

Ok, so operation "find a new job" is underway.  I am relieved to have hubby on board and we have come up with a tentative plan on how to proceed.  I mean, a really loose idea that could change any moment.  Problem is, now we have sooooo many options its almost terrifying.

We have determined we will probably have to move.  There really aren't any viable options in our current city.  That, coupled with other factors, has led us to search out relocation options.  Here is our wish list:

1. Close to family.  Both our parents are 3-4 hours away.  We would like to be closer, maybe in the middle?  Or in the same town as one set?  Our parents are only going to get older and it is a priority for us to be close enough to provide care for them.  Plus, there is the free baby-sitting.....
2. Large-er size city.  I am a city girl at heart, I like being close to shopping, entertainment, good schools, etc.  I want an easy commute.  Plus, hubby may eventually go back to work and we need job opportunities close by for him and me if I need to change again....
3. Better schools for the kiddos.  They aren't *horrible* here, but need to be at least as good if not a better opportunity for the kids.
4. Laws and regulations governing my current job are ridiculous.  Those vary from state to state and even if I find another job in another city within the current state, I'll still have to deal with the frustrating laws and consequences.  I don't intentionally break the law, but I feel the ones out there are making it difficult to focus on the people I am here to help.  Instead, I'm more often forced to spend the majority of my time on those that are trying to skirt the system and abuse medications.  I just want to help people, not be a cop/detective/shrink.

And that's it.  See, its really not that specific, so there are plenty of options.  We've pretty much narrowed it down to Charlotte, Greensboro, or Raleigh.  The next part is where I am having the most difficulty.  I need a job.  We don't want to move until A is done with school.  So that puts us to June.  I need to get licensed in NC before I can get a job.  Plus, we need to sell our house. Timing the logistics of all those things is daunting.  So what do I do first?  Getting a new license can take a few months, so obviously I need to get started on that.  But should I start applying for other jobs even though my license isn't completed?  Isn't it understood that I will have an active license in the state I am to work?  Should I just add that to the cover letter?  I don't think we will put our house on the market until I have a job offer; to me that makes the most sense.  I don't want the house to sell before we move and not have a place to live before A finishes the school year.  I could just try to transfer with my current company and then find a new job once we move.  Then, we could just plan on moving this summer and the kids settled before a new school year.  But I really don't like my current position.  See where I am torn?  Plus, I'm not telling anyone I work with of my plans.  Not until I have something more concrete planned out.  Does that make sense?  I should give them more than two weeks notice, especially if I am transferring within the company, but I don't think they need 6 months.

It helps to write it all out.  I realize most of you reading probably don't care one way or another.  Its a lot to think about, especially since the decisions I make affect more people than just me.  Last time we moved, we just had to worry about finding a new place to rent.  I transferred within the same company and we were renting to begin with.  We had to pay rent for two places for two to three months, but we were able to budget for that.  Now, we have to add in selling a house, finding a new house, plus figuring out schools, in addition to a new job.  My mind is spinning.

The good news is that I'm excited.  My job is slightly more tolerable since I *think* I have an end in sight.  I love to dream and I'm dreaming of a new, better life.  I know I need to be thankful for the life that's right in front of me, but I am eager to make it better for my family.  Honestly, I haven't been that happy since moving here.  And for the first time in three years, I have hope that may change.

Resolution? Goals? Self Help Promises?

I don't really like New Year Resolutions.  To me, they conjure up images of empty promises and failure. I'm not sure why I feel that way, I've sensed it since I was a child. Therefore, I never really make resolutions as I don't want to set myself up for failure.

I believe I need to remedy this ideology.  Setting goals and ways of attaining them is part of my identity.  I love to make lists and check off tasks.  I enjoy the sense of accomplishment.  It only makes sense that I should identify specific goals (nothing lofty) with a plan in place to achieve them.  Writing them down is my first step, along with publishing them.  Even if no one reads this, there is that possibility, and thus the motivation factor of someone else knowing besides me.  Does that sound like I'm trying to blackmail myself? Anyway...onto the meat.

Financial:  Pay off the credit card.  Ok, so this is a goal revisited.  We have been working on paying off the debt for a few years now.  We've come a long way, but the last few months we've been carrying a credit card balance again.  I'd like to have this done in 6 months.  We will focus on our cash budget system again ( it really helps! especially with saving!)  Once the credit card is done, we will focus on the car payment.  Then only two more hefty student loans.  I feel that we will never have my student loans done!

Blogging:  I aim to blog twice per month.  Instead of online shopping maybe I can write a few posts.  The more often I write, the more the words seem to flow.  The more time between posts and my daily life seems insignificant, destroying my desire to write.

Personal:  Take more pictures, and not just on my iPhone.  We have a nice camera, however, it rarely got used last year.  Since we always had our iPhones, we rarely found the time to dig out the bulky camera.  However, when it came time to make our yearbook, I didn't have enough high quality pictures.  I'd also like to learn more about the settings on our camera, so I'm more confident in my ability.  Plus, it would be nice to have well-lit, in-focus images the majority of the time.

Personal:  Increase my physical activity.  Do something outside three times per week.  Ideally, I'd like to get the kids involved, but I think I will start with myself first.  We have a dog that is always up for a walk, I can ride my bike, or I can escape to walk alone.

House: Paint the entryway.  Hire someone to paint the high stuff.  Participate in the Cure at Apartment Therapy and set more goals for the house based on that experience.

Work:  I'm not sure about this one.  Either I need another job, or I need to come to terms with the one I have. I had a trial period of working less hours last fall and that will become permanent at the end of January.  I've always wanted to work less and I'm fortunate to have this opportunity.  I really hope it brightens my outlook for my current situation.  However, I am really unhappy with my job and there aren't really any better prospects close by.  Moving would be a drastic option and a hard sell to my family.  This is an area I need to intensely pray about.

Spiritual:  Find a church home for the family.  Seriously.

Hmmm, I suppose that's a good start?  Perhaps I should set a reminder on my calendar to check in on these in a month or so and see how its going?  I feel I run the risk of forgetting once I hit post...

2014 begins....

Wow, its been quite a year.  I've barely blogged, yet life has been full.  I have missed blogging, nevertheless, I am always able to come up with an excuse.

The last year has been an eventful one, although its painfully obvious I haven't documented it.  Here's a recap:

January: tried to blog, failed miserably. Also, I cut my hair, from middle of my back to bob length!

February: started working solely at one store.  I love having a set schedule, but the 12 hour days are hard on the body and soul.  The pharmacy isn't overtly hectic and I am able to form relationships with my patients.  It takes a while, but by the end of the year I experience some really sweet bonds.  Who knew some of these customers had something to teach me and help me out personally as well.

March: my Princess turned five!  My brother and sister-in-law visited!

April:  we got a dog, I think.  Maybe we got him in March.  Anyway, his name is Duncan and he is a Collie.  We got him for two reasons, Hubby has always wanted a dog and I promised we could get one once we moved to South Carolina, owned a house, and had a fenced in yard.  Also, because Princess is terrified of dogs and we wanted to help her overcome it.

May:  I can't think of anything terribly eventful.  I did yardwork?  Went to the beach.

June: Princess graduated from Preschool! Also, traded our Versa in for a Forrester.  A tiny car felt smaller with two kiddos and a growing dog.  And Hubby got a sun roof, its the small things, right?  Oh, and Chipotle came to Myrtle Beach!

July:  Hubby turned 31.  Family trip to Greensboro to visit the in-laws and more beach time.  I worked on house projects (painting living room, spray painting coffee table, you know, fun stuff)  Pay off a student loan!

August:  This month was difficult.  Princess started Kindergarten.  We chose to send her to a Catholic school, but that didn't turn out to be a good fit.  We knew she had a speech delay, but didn't realize how severe until school started.  Cue lots of emotions, testing, questions, fears, etc.

September: Evaluations continue for A.  I reduce my hours at work.  We eventually pull her out of school after a morning observation.  It was a parents nightmare.  Thank God my husband and I are a united front with our children, I don't know what I would do without him.  I may blog more about this, as I can't go into much detail here.  I also turn 32.  We also adopt a cat, Oscar.  Its another story worth its own post.

October:  We continue to homeschool and have A evaluated to see what her special needs are, if any.  Luckily, we have some counsel from one of my patients who is a retired teacher.  God really looks out for us.  Kiddos dress up at Superman for Halloween.  Both of them. Another haircut and color change. Sometimes your outward appearance it the only thing you can change in your life.

November: Handsome turns four!  He is obsessed with dinosaurs and sharks and cars.  A's evaluations are complete.  We decided to keep her in preschool for another year and enroll her in a Child Development Preschool in our district.  She receives Speech Education at school and turns into another child.  She blossoms.  Spend Thanksgiving at my Parents house.  Breathe a sigh of relief.

December:  Its a whirlwind of a month.  Finally settle into a school routine with A and see steady improvement.  We still have a ways to go, but know we are on the right track.  Enjoy vacation time from work and tackle a few more house improvements (more painting, room re-arranging)  We celebrate Christmas twice and my children are beyond blessed, spoiled?  I might need to place limits on gifts, seriously.

This year my children were my blessing and my pain.  Parenting is more difficult with each passing year, yet still holds great rewards.  Some days they are the only thing that keeps me going.

A enjoyed riding her bike in the neighborhood.  We had some special times, riding just the two of us.  It was the first experience I had of enjoying something together and not just doing some for her enjoyment.  She loves Duncan and Oscar.  She also enjoys drawing, dressing as a Princess, and playing video games.

H has lived the year of the dinosaur.  He has watched some many documentaries on Netflix he sometimes speaks with a British accent.  We have to remind him he is a little boy and boys don't growl or crawl on the ground.  He also loves sharks and race cars.  He also is learning to ride a bike and enjoys riding with Daddy and Duncan.

2013 has been a roller coaster of a year.  I can't imagine what 2014 will hold.

Meal Plans

I dunno about you, but I don't like hearing "What's for dinner".  It usually doesn't end well because I generally don't have an answer.  Especially after I've been working all day.  But the last few months or so, I've been working on my answer.  Its been coming to me slowly.

First, I heard/read of people planning out their weekly meals.  Some crazy people do it by the month.  Even more insane are people who cook multiple meals at the same time and freeze/save for later.  I promptly forgot about this nonsense.

Second, we wanted to work on our monthly budget.  Food seems to be the easiest thing I can alter around here.  At little bit of planning can go along way.  Coupon clipping takes up time and I haven't figured out how to make it work for the things my family buys.  I have to find another way.

Third, I am mentally exhausted after a day of work.  Making decisions about food while starving turns into a fast food binge.  Even that can be taxing on my brain.  The only worst question than "what's for dinner?" is "where do you want to eat?" 

One day, while browsing at Anthropologie, I found these pads of paper.  They had lists on them.  My type-A personality had a heart flip-flop.  Maybe these lists could help?  Imagine a weekly list of what to eat for dinner, plus lunch, breakfast, and snacks!  Yes, its silly to spend money on something I could easily concoct myself, but it might be worth it to motivate myself.  So I did. I bought them.  I took it one step further and used them.

These are some examples of meal plans from the past month.

I found it helps tremendously.  I try to sit down on Friday or Saturday and plan out the meals based on my work schedule.  On evenings I am off, I plan to make dinner or have something in the crockpot.  On evenings I work, we either have leftovers, frozen food, or hubby gets pizza.  I also like to write out what snacks we have so we can know at a glance what is stocked instead of staring at the pantry.  Once I have a meal plan, I make a shopping list.  Yes, I also have the handy-dandy shopping checklist.

 I keep both on the refrigerator and, yes, we actually check off what we are out of during the week.  I add to it once we make the meal plan.  My goal is to go grocery shopping once per week.  In reality, we go two to three times.  It's usually a milk and bread run, or a chocolate run.

Meal planning is worth the effort.  I enjoy spending money deliberately rather then off-the-cuff.  My money should be working for me, and this is one way I can ensure it is.  Plus, I don't have to give up eating out, I can schedule it in so I have something to look forward to.  I also like saving the plans so I can look back over the last few weeks and remember what was amazing, easy, and what not to make again.

So, what are you having for dinner?

Another Week Off, Another List

I'm on vacation again?  Or is it a mental health break?  Either way, its time to take on some more house projects.  We've been busy the last few weeks and I promise to share more soon.  But first, here is my motivation list.

• add-on to the chalkboard wall.
• hang up pictures in the bedroom
• organize my master closet
• re-style the mantle
• box up kiddo clothes and re-organize their closets
• take inventory and list what they need for fall
• organize the laundry room
• make it stop raining so we can go to the beach 
• make something arts-y

Check back in a few days for my progress and pictures!

UPDATE: woo-hoo!  I almost did it all!

27 Activies to do with Your Kiddo(s)

We are always looking for inexpensive ways to entertain our kiddos.  I've compiled a list for the next time I'm at a lost of what to do.

 book picnic

Free Options

• go to the mall and play on the ride-on toys
• spend the afternoon at the pool
• go to the state park
• play on the playground
• walk on the pier
• lay on beach
• walk around the neighborhood's nature trail
• ride bikes
• visit park at Marketcommon
• visit playground at Broadway
• Play with Thomas the Train 
• at Barnes and Noble
• at AC Moore
• Toys and Co 
• walk on the Boardwalk 
• read books outside
• visit the pet store to watch fish
• play in the backyard sprinkler
• create a masterpiece with sidewalk chalk
• make a tent/fort

Low-cost Options

• McDonalds lunch and play-place
• Chik-fil-a lunch and playground
• Sonic Happy Hour
• ride the carousel at Broadway
• get ice cream

Special Occasions

• go see a movie
• ride the Sky Wheel
• go to the Aquarium
• play mini-golf
• ride kiddie-rides
• Family Kingdom
• Broadway
• visit the Children's Museum
• ship them to Grandma

Yes, this is tailored to my town, but I'm sure as you go through this list you will find something similar or even better in your neck of the woods.  And if there is something else you LOVE to do with your kiddos, please let me know!  I am always open to other activities, especially FREE ones.

A Year in the South

Its been a year since we picked up a moved halfway across the United States.  Let's take a look back and see what's happened.

• Moved from Kansas to South Carolina
• Rented a townhouse three blocks from the beach
• Started a new job
• Experienced a Hurricane 
• Walked on the Beach,  a lot
• Had a big birthday
• Celebrated Handsome's birthday here and here
• Took a mini-vacation
• Celebrated our anniversary
• Worked on money issues
• Bought a house
• Celebrated Princess' birthday
• Found a cat
• Planted flowers

I could go on....I haven't even reflected on recipes or house updates.  Needless to say, we've been busy.  If I knew a year ago all the changes and challenges we would face I'm not sure I would have boarded that plane.  While the last year has been difficult, I am choosing to remain optimistic that life will get better.  After all, I choose my attitude and actions.  My children have had many experiences the Midwest cannot offer and the beach still remains a few miles from our home.  Not to mention our parents and in-laws are much closer.  It's my life, and I'm going to make it wonderful.  Here's to another eventful year in the South!

Weekend To Do List

My Momma is coming this weekend!  Last time we were together it was to pack up the old place.  She hasn't been to the new house since we moved in.  It will just be the two of us and I have great plans. My hubby left with the kiddos to visit his family and play in a show for the weekend, so I have the house to myself. I am planning on some serious girl-time and knock-out-project time.  I have high hopes for this kid-free weekend.  Perhaps I am a bit too ambitious, but we shall see.  For those moms out there, do you exaggerate how much you can get done with your kiddos and hubby gone?

• Clean out townhouse (kitchen/bathrooms/freshen-up)
• Clean MY house ( without my momma, I'll own up to this one)
• Plant flower pots for my front porch
• Weed/mulch the frontyard
• Hang hooks and plants on back porch
• Paint a chalkboard wall in my kitchen
• Paint a side table
• Pick out paint samples for my bedroom
• Visit the Habitat ReStore
• Visit a furniture store/second hand store
• Walk on the beach
• Drink Starbucks on the beach
• EAT lots of yummy food and drink margaritas
• Re-arrange my furniture/decor pieces
• Bounce ideas for future projects
• Go to the bank
• Make a meal plan
• Grocery shop
• Put away laundry
• Take pictures so I have proof I did some of this.

 The two of us, Christmas 2011

Wow, that's quite the list.  Its a good thing I'm not showing this to my Mom or Hubby.  I'll let them discover this on Monday after its all done.  Ha.

UPDATE:  We accomplished a lot!  The weather didn't cooperate for beach time, but we ate well and wore ourselves out!

Weekend Honey Do List

Its time for another list to motivate myself.  I have to work a day, but that still leaves Friday and Sunday to accomplish some things.

• finish spray painting nightstand
• hang diplomas
• hang hooks for cardigans
• decide on location for coat/shoe collections and hang hooks
• spray paint wicker mirror and hang in Princess's room
• hang pictures in kids room (flowers, maps, growth charts)
• empty boxes in master bed and bathroom.
• put away clothes in closet
• play outside with the kids
• go for a bike ride
• make meal plan for following week (grocery shopping)
• go to bank
• sell stove

Do you think I can do it all?  I hope so!

twenty twelve

I have a ton of goals.  If I think about them too much, I get overwhelmed.  Sometimes, goals are frustrating because you can't always do much about them right away.  I suppose those are technically called "long term goals".  Last year, I was able to mark off some long term goals (moving!) so its time to re-evaluate and make more.  Tis the season, right?

get out of debt.  Specifically, pay off credit card and a private student loan.  Its embarrassing to admit I carry a credit card balance.  However, I've already made the baby step of not using it and not carrying it with me.  We paid off two (small) student loans and a credit card last year, so its time to step it up to the larger balances.  I'm excited to see how fast it can be knocked out know that I can almost triple the minimum payment.

buy a house.   Ok, so this has been a long term goal for sometime now.  Hopefully, we can actually make it happen this summer.  Once our taxes are completed and we have a better idea of our down payment, its off to the bank to get pre-approved, then house hunting!

manage budget.   More precisely, track personal and food spending better.  I've discovered my online banking service has budgeting tools and more pie charts then I know what to do with.  The past few months I've learned our "personal" and "food" budgets can vary widely and really make or break staying on track with our money plans.  I'd like to come up with a more realistic expectation for the budget and an improved plan for staying on track.

improve balance between work and home.  Is this on everyone's list?  So this is probably the goal of a lifetime, but seriously, I have some work do be done here.  I want to leave work on time two days out of the week, but obviously I need to have my act together at work.  Its all about prioritizing and time management.

have more quality family time.  Another no brainer, I know.  Dates with my kiddos, dates with my hubby, and turning off the computer while the kids are awake are how I planning on making this one come true.  (anyone have any ideas for inexpensive kiddo dates?  let me know in the comments)

really find a church.  enough said.  well, maybe except we need to attend said church and get involved.  seriously, we need friends.


make time for personal fitness.  walks on the beach are easy when its 80 degrees and sunny.  not so much when its 45, windy, and the sun sets at 5pm.  I should probably invest in a windbreaker and work on leaving my job while its still daylight.  Or push this one to the back burner until spring.

See how I get overwhelmed with goals?  I didn't even really include my long term ones.  Or the ones like "buy a pair of Frye boots".  Maybe next year.

Goodbye 2011

This last year has been eventful.  We made several life-altering decisions for our family.  Its been quite the ride and honestly, I'm glad its over.  I don't know if I can take another action-packed year like this one just yet.  Here is a recap:

January:  Hubby and I celebrated six years of marriage

February: Started planning our move to the beach

March:  Princess turned three

April:  Got an ipad

May:  Hubby and I had our first overnight away from the kiddos...EVER.  We flew to SC and found a place to live

June:  Started our lives over at the beach

July:  Hubby turned 29

August:  Survived Hurricane Irene (my first!)

September:  Molly turned 30

October:  Princess thinks Halloween is a birthday party.  She tells the other costumed kids "happy birthday"

November:  Handsome turned two

December:  First Christmas at the beach, took a walk on the sand on Christmas Day

Like I said, we've had a lot going on this past year.  I'm incredibly thankful for the many blessings and opportunities my family has had.  I'm excited to see what 2012 will bring!

Weekend List

Making lists here seems to help me be more productive over the weekend.  So here it goes.

• Walk.  Seriously do it.  Maybe three times.  oops.  didn't do this one.  i blame it on feeling poorly.
• Church on Sunday.  You haven't been in nearly 2 months.  oops.  didn't do this either.  see above.
• Hang up the curtains.  Again.  yesss.  one down.
• Hem the curtains this time.  pinned up one.
• Make of list of food needed for H's party next week.  Buy some of it.  yess. #2 done.
• Put fall clothes away.  Trade out summer stuff. This deserves three bullet points. another win.

What are your weekend plans?  Anything more exciting then housework?

Another To Do List

We have family coming in town this weekend, actually tonight.  Sometimes having extra people around can be stressful getting ready, but I am thankful  for the incentive to get some house projects done that we have been putting off.  Once again, I have created a list to help me stay on task and visually check things off.

• laundry--fold and put away.
• clean bathrooms.
• sort mail and pay bills.
• grocery shopping
• sweep/spot mop floors
• clean stainless steel and granite
• put up fall decorations
• do something fun with the kiddos---any suggestions for cloudy days?

Planning Ahead

I have big plans for the weekend.  It mostly involves things around the house.  Lately, I have been squandering my time off.  I end up being lazy and making my "to do" list longer for the next time around.  I keep trying to tell myself I'll have plenty of time to sleep when my kiddos are grown.  Anyway, my hope is to post my list, then maybe I will have some accountability or sense of accomplishment as I strike-through the "dones"  Ready?

• Hem curtains in living room (measured off, so they are now 4 inches too long instead of 14, oops)
• Measure existing pillows for pillow covers and WRITE DOWN
• De-clutter kitchen counters (although I think they are cluttered again already)
• Make one meal  (bonus points for two meals that will last a few days?!)
• Hang curtains in Princess room
• Hang art in kiddo's rooms
• Have family time on beach
• Walk on beach by myself early in the morning
• Go to church
• Hem curtains in my bedroom
• Make iced coffee
• Take pictures of kids, even if they are messy

Ok, so realistically, I won't get ALL of these done, but even if I get five done, I will be happy.  Anyone else in my boat?  Do you have to write a list two days in advance in hopes of getting one third of it done?

UPDATE:  We managed to get nine (9!) done!  I even made cookies I pinned on Pinterest plus an extra meal!  We ran out of butter so I had to stop baking.  Kiddos were even in bed at 8pm both nights!  I guess I should employ this list-making more often.