A City Girl and Camping

I am an eclectic girl. 

I adore all types of music; from rap to Christian and from country to classical.  I adore the clean, organized lines of modern design, yet I love the frilly romanticism of vintage design.  Nothing is better than the smell of an old book, but my Nook makes it easier to tote around the books I'm reading.  See... eclectic.

All of this brings me to being a City Girl. I am a city girl because I love being able to walk to everything, have {most} everything be delivered, entertainment at all times and the sounds of the city never sleeping  make me feel like I'm home.  Then I went to college in a more rural area and I fell in love with the country.  The sounds, {some of} the smells and the easier, handmade way of life is amazing to me and I want it.

When I was little I was in Girl Scouts. We used to go to Camp Lakamaga for sleep-away camp. I loved and hated it. You see, while I want the country-handmade-life, I don't like being in nature.  The kind of nature that doesn't have indoor plumbing.  The kind of nature that doesn't have {mostly} paved roads.  Making my own path in the woods isn't for me.

That is why I love Glamping. It is the best of both worlds... it's eclectic!

I mean, who wouldn't want to go Glamping in this super adorable vintage camper?

Her name is Audree and more pictures of her can be found on The Fancy Farm Girl . Tiffany bought Audree then painted and decorated her.

There is something new on my "I want" list!!  

SATC and Me

Like I do every summer, I re-watch my favorite shows while I work on other things. I usually correct papers, make cards/crafts, clean or cook while watching Grey's, Friends, Friday Night Lights {Kyle Chandler... swoon}, or Sex and the City.

Well, I decided to watch Sex and the City first this summer. I am already on season 4 {!} and the caption on episode 1 says, "You've gotta grab 35 by the balls, and say 'Hey world, I'm 35!'"

I kept thinking about it and realized, I'll be 35 next year. I need to take 35 and figure out how to achieve my goals, all the while saying 'Hey! I'm 35!'

I know what I am going to start working on first... what are your goals, how are you going to achieve them, and what motivated you to get going?

Friday Night Knitting Club

First off, I know it's been a while. I apologize and I will {try} to get back to posting on a regular basis.

Starting now.

I have a Nook. I love my Nook! I got it right after reading The Help because I lugged that {wonderful} book around with me and it was a heavy addition to my already anvil-like bag. So, I got the simple Nook. I love it - did I mention that?!

Anyway, I bought Kate Jacobs' book, Friday Night Knitting Club, about a year ago and didn't ever really have the time to read it. Especially with school starting, I knew I wasn't going to have the time, but I bought it anyway. I read a page here, a chapter there, but didn't get into it until about two weeks ago. My students were done testing and I was feeling like I needed to get lost in a world that wasn't my own. So I started reading.

I devoured Friday Night Knitting Club and wanted more!

It was difficult for me to read because I am a slow reader. I am slow because I have to see the words as pictures - a movie - as I read, or I get disinterested. I couldn't help but see the amazing characters Ms. Jacobs described, along with the smelling the creations or feeling the textures. I finished the book last week and immediately purchased Knit Two. I finished it tonight {and already purchased Knit the Season}. I want to see these books get made into {actual} movies! I would even settle for one movie!

Who has read it? Who was your favorite character? Who would play that character?

p.s.
Can someone put me in touch with Ms. Julia Roberts? She was once linked to a possible movie and I would like to bend her ear about it. Thanks!

Happy Anniversary!

5 years ago today, I married my best friend and someone I was excited to spend the rest of my life with. Well, it has been 5 years and am more in love with him and am more excited to see what the rest of our lives will bring.

I already know Brian is a wonderful man, loving husband and doting father to our beautiful little girl. I can wait to experience life with a teenager, life in our middle ages, and then life as retirees.

Challenges, surprises. Happy times, sad times. Sickness, health.

All that matters is that we love each other, communicate and work through everything with the other by our side.

Happy Five Year Anniversary, Brian. I love you!!

1 Hour

Can 1 hour change your life?

I have been watching episodes of One Tree Hill lately, and tonight I watched Pictures of You. The episode questions if 1 hour can really change your life. It did, of course, for the fictional students of One Tree Hill and I think it will change my life too.

You see, since high school, my weight has slowly but surely crept up the scale like the freaking Little Engine that Could. There was a time when my weight started going down, but that was when I was living in my adorable studio apartment when Brian and I first started dating. Living on my own was awesome - I didn't want to dirty my cozy kitchen, and I couldn't do dishes too often so I didn't eat/cook as much! I would also meet Brian at the gym and that is where we had a lot of our dates.

After we got married though, the weight came back. Soon we started trying to have a baby so I joined WW and started losing weight. Within a month I was pregnant and they said it would not be good to continue the program (it isn't designed for pregnant women). Well, it has been 2 years since I had Adelle and I still haven't lost the weight I gained when I was pregnant. It's both frustrating and disappointing - neither feeling is good when you are an emotional eater!

Tonight, however, I made a decision. After watching this episode and reading Organizing Made Fun, an inspiring/motivational/organizational blog, I made the decision that 1 hour WILL change my life. One hour a day will change my life because it will be the hour I need to work on strength, toning, balance and endurance. 1 hour will help me achieve my goals of getting in shape and losing weight (and hopefully a couple other goals in the process). 1 hour.

I have been telling myself that 1 hour a day is so much to ask since I get home from work 2+ nights a week after 7pm; that it's too much because I feel like I am missing out on my daughters' life because I'm at work; that it's too much because I don't get to see/visit with my husband (that's how it feels).

The truth is though, 1 hour is not too much to ask.

1 hour is walking to a park and having a picnic (when the weather isn't frigid). 1 hour is more than a few laps around the M.O.A. 1 hour is a fantastic hula-hoop workout sprinkled with yoga poses and walking a tight rope. 1 hour is getting lost in my favorite songs while training for my next Milk Run (the time to beat is 45:33). 1 hour is some quality time with a stationary bike/elliptical machine and a book. 1 hour is a healthier life for me and my family.

While 1 hour feels like too much right now, in the middle of winter and the seemingly short days it brings, it's not too much in the grand scheme of things.

What will you do with your hour?

Wow... It's been a while!!

I have been wanting to do so much at school that I have left my blog to get dusty. So, I will begin cleaning my thoughts out, then bring on the pictures. That, however, might have to wait until Sunday.

During my time away, I have done a lot of thinking. Serious thinking, and silly thinking. Here are some of the highs (and lows)!

I need a haircut, and am thinking of getting highlights. I don't know what to get but need to decide today or tomorrow because school pictures are Friday!! EEK!

I like makeup. I am not really a girly-girl so I am not really sure how to apply it.

It bugs me that I can't test nail polish before I buy it. I don't want to to spend $7 for a color I don't like.

I FINISHED MY FIRST 5K!! HOLY CRAP!! I honestly didn't think I'd be able to do it, but I did! Jessica, Maria and Brian helped as much as they could. I threw a lot of things at them and they stayed by my side. I plan on doing more running so I can improve my time (45 minutes 53 seconds) next year!

We found a fun place to eat... Pizza Ranch! I've always wanted to be able to have A slice from a couple of different pizzas. Here, you can!! They even have dessert pizzas that are scrumptious!

I hate my eczema/psoriasis/allergy!! It is making me ANGRY!! I hate how my hands and feet are always in pain. I hate worrying if I am going to bleed on things. I want to be able to wear all kinds of clothes. To top it all off, I feel like I am getting arthritis in my hands. There are some days my hands are so stiff, usually in the morning. However, I STILL wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

I like cake. I really like cake.

I am thankful for my job! I love what I do and enjoy every minute. Even when it's challenging and draining. I love what I do and am thankful for it everyday!!

I want to be the best Mommy ever! I want to give Adelle everything I can and then some. I want her to feel happy, safe and loved of every minute of every day. I think I'm doing a good job, but I think I am so self-conscious that I don't let myself believe it sometimes.

I want to be the best Wife ever! Brian is an incredible person and I work every day to care for him the way he cares for me. He is truly my best friend. He and Adelle are the best part of my day!

I want to have another baby. I want Adelle to have a little brother or sister to play with. Thoughts of having another little one to hold and care for are consuming. I think about it when I'm at work, when I'm home, when I'm driving and when I sleep. But I'm scared. I am scared about if I can get pregnant again. I am scared about how long it will take to get pregnant again. I am scared about when we'd actually have the baby (a due date) and if it would be during school or during the summer. I'm scared about what that would mean for us financially. Daycare. Teaching. Everything. I know that people say it's really never a perfect time (financially) to have a baby, but my fear feels almost crippling at times.

What have YOU been thinking about?!

Random and Frustrating!

For the past few months I have been trying to figure out the name of a song. Months I tell you!! The thing is, I can't remember who it's by or any real lyrics, let alone the actual name of the song. I didn't really even love the song!! I liked it, it was catchy, but geepers.

All I can remember is a little snippet of the video. The band is a club and the singer is a blond woman with shorter hair. There are keyboards and it sounds pretty electronic. I think the lyrics were repetitive too.

I know it's not much, if anything, to go on, but I NEED HELP! I'm getting frustrated that I can't think of this! I don't even know what to search for on Google or iTunes!

UGH! Please help!!

Ten on Tuesday - A Little Late

Chelsea, over at Roots and Rings is the host of Ten on Tuesday. Thanks for posting the questions!!

1. From your childhood, what do you miss most about summer vacation?
Running around outside and hearing my mom or dad call me in from the back steps. You could hear everyone getting called in around the block at dinner time. That, and the square I used to bike around! :)

2. Are you going anywhere on vacation this summer?
Nope! Not that I know of! We're making our yard transition into different adventures this summer.

3. What foods do you like to barbecue?
Um... anything? I also need to clarify, I like to EAT barbecue! Shrimp, steak, ribs, chicken... yum!

4. How do you celebrate the fourth of July?
By grilling with my family and watching fireworks.

5. What’s your favorite beverage to drink in the summertime?
Sweet tea or water.

6. What movie are you looking forward to seeing this summer?
I don't even know what's out or what is going to come out!

7. In the car: windows down or AC?
Depends. If I'm on the freeway, AC. If I'm just tooling around, windows. If it's 98 degrees and high humidity, AC.

8. Have you ever had a summer fling?
Not that I remember.

9. Do you wear sunscreen?
Yes, sometimes. Not at recess, but if I am going to be out all day, yes.

10. Do you have any favorite summertime activities?
Bike riding and grilling with my family and friends. Nothing could be better!

Ten on Tuesday

Chelsea, over at Roots and Rings is the host of Ten on Tuesday. Thanks for posting the questions!!

1. Have you ever used Craigslist?
We used it to find/buy our crib and changing table. They were is pretty good shape and Adelle seems to like them! I need to use it more though because I am looking for a nice bike trailer for Adelle to ride in. Know anyone getting rid/upgrading theirs?

2. Can you sew?
Just a tad. My mother-in-law, Sharon, is very patiently teaching me but I am not a great student and haven't really touched my machine in the past couple of months. Well, just to dust it. I need to try to sew some extra fabric onto the bottom of one of my dresses along with maybe making some capris. We'll see!

3. Do you pour syrup on your pancakes or dip your pancakes in the syrup?
I drizzle my pancakes with syrup then dip the pieces in what is on my plate. If I am having waffles though, I pour because nothing is more delicious for breakfast than Belgian waffles with peanut butter and syrup! YUMMY!

4. Rain storms: Love them or hate them?
I love thunderstorms though I haven't really loved the ones we've been having lately. The ones that bring tornadoes. I could do without those, but GENERALLY, I love them! The sounds, smells, the way the rain dances and gusts across the street. Love!

5. Do you like swimming?
I love to swim!! It's actually one of my most favorite things to do!! Lap swimming or even just floating... being in the water is very freeing I think. I just need to find a place that will let me swim, outside, for a minimal - VERY minimal, like free - cost. I guess that is why I just sit in Adelle's pool.

6. What kind of drink do you order at Sonic?
I've only been to Sonic twice and I think I just ordered a Diet Coke because I didn't know you could get fancy flavored drinks. Maybe I'll have to go again just to get a drink. Lame?!

7. Are you funny?
No, not at all. The people around me are which makes me funny by proxy.

8. At what age will your kids get cell phones?
Holy cats! I don't know. I didn't get a cell phone until I was in college and paid for it myself. I know A LOT of the kids at school have them though. That is something I need to think about, and Brian and I will need to discuss this. However, maybe when Adelle is old enough to have after school activities, or is walking home from a bus stop that is in the next county or from school, THAT would be when we would get her one.

9. What’s your favorite vegetable?
Yeah, I love 'em all! Broccoli, spinach, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, toms, onions, olives... oh my goodness. I think I love sugar snap peas best in the summer though. Just delightful!!

10. Were you a Girl Scout?
Yes, but only for a short while. My troop disbanded when I was in 3rd grade. I wanted to continue, but there weren't any troops around/convenient.

My Goal

I did it! I registered for the MN State Fair Milk Run!



I am nervous, scared and excited! I know there is a lot of time between now and then, but that is exactly what I want! Running is not my forte so I wanted to make sure I would have time to train and get into a rhythm.

I think this will be great!

Running Week 2 - Fail

Alright, so I decided to go through week 1 again because in our neck of the woods, mother nature isn't letting Spring arrive! The bird are chirping. The lawn is getting greener. The snow melted away. Then it snowed again!! WTH?! It was APRIL 16th for Pete's sake!!

I mean really!

So because the wind was blowing so fiercely, and the chance of snow looming around every corner, I decided to wait on week two until I would be able to breathe through it. You might think I am giving up and making excuses, I do a little bit, but it's difficult for me to breathe when I exert myself anyway. Thank you exercise induced asthma! Nevertheless, I will be starting week two tomorrow!

I am excited for my four days of brisk walking for 30 minutes. It will be fantastic! As long as it isn't as windy as it was this last week, and the white stuff stays away, week two is mine!!

p.s.
Anyone want to go for a walk?

Running - Week 1

I started an 8 week running training program for beginners this week. I found it online at Weight Loss Resources. It's a UK website, but I think the program is gradual and healthy.

I had to walk this week - that's it! I even walked on my days off, but I am sure that is ok. I feel my body reacting to the extra exercise already. I am not complaining - I LOVE IT!! Walking is so easy too, why have I not been doing this all along? I mean, I go on walks all the time. Almost every day in fact, so why has getting in shape been so difficult? I think it's because I didn't take advantage of the time I had at school. Now, I am looking for that 10 or 15 minutes at recess when I can walk with the kids. I used to patrol the playground, always moving, but I didn't walk with a purpose. Now I do!

Next week I will briskly walk when it's time for my exercise. I am already looking forward to it and getting outside more with Adelle!!

Here was my regimen for Week 1!
Monday - Brisk Walk for 10 minutes
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Brisk Walk for 15 minutes
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Brisk Walk for 20 minutes
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest

Ready to Run

As a part of my losing weight goal on my little bucket list, I have decided to start running. I know what you're saying, Teresa doesn't like to run. You're right, I don't. But I have to do SOMETHING and I can do this with the stroller I have right now or on my own.

So I looked online for training programs and found one I think will work. It starts off with some walking, then goes to walking and jogging, then mixes in some running for a couple of weeks, then I'm running all week.

My goal is to be able to run in the State Fair Milk Run at the end of the summer. Whether or not I will be able to run in the actual Milk Run (the event itself) is not really the point, but I do want to be able to run it by the end of the summer.

Wish me luck!

A Little About Me...

One of my blogger, and fellow Mommy, friends, had this little survey on her blog. Thanks for the idea Anika. I thought it would be nice to post it on mine, so people can get to know me a little better. Some of you already know the answers, but some may not. Enjoy, learn, and create your own survey!


{1} When and how did you and your husband/significant other meet?

Brian and I met online in December of 2004. We met online on a Friday night, talked on the phone for the first time on Sunday night (2 days later), then met in person on Wednesday night (yup, just shy of a week). We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning and loved every minute. It was amazing!!

{2} What do you and your husband/significant other do for work?

Brian works in IT, and I am a 3rd grade teacher. We both love our jobs and really do look forward to work every day!

{3} What kind of car do you drive?

Honda Civic - wha! It's a great little car and I love it! I would like to own a little bigger vehicle in the future, but we'll have to do some research. When I say bigger, I really just mean 4 wheel drive and a tad taller. I don't want to have to worry about getting stuck all the time - St. Paul doesn't do the best job plowing!!

{4} If you had a few hours to yourself {baby free}, what would you do?

I think I would clean the whole dang house!! It really needs a good cleaning/organizing!! Spring break IS right around the corner.... I would do that or scrapbook/make cards. I haven't done it in a while and miss it a lot!

{5} What is a strong trait of yours?

Using exclamation points!! All jokes aside, I think a strong trait of mine, for better or worse, is that I am caring/empathetic/compassionate/sensitive. Sometimes they all roll into one, sometimes I take them one at a time. However, I do think they have so many similarities that sometimes it's hard to tell each apart.