Thank You UTT

So here I am 2 months & 1 week after graduation & I'm finally almost finished with UT Tyler. haha And I mean that in the best of ways. As of today I've FINALLY gotten my recommendation for teacher certification. There was some hold up due to me student teaching in a different area & UTT didn't have me fill out some necessary paperwork. But it's all said & done now! I should receive my certification soon. For those of you who don't know I completed my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies & am certified to teacher Early Childhood (EC)- 4th grade as a generalist teacher and also EC-12 in Special Education. I also received my diploma this week which was also very exciting. I look forward to getting that all framed up to hang with Josh's.

Although I have been applying for teaching positions over the last few months; I came out empty handed (except for subbing). BUT recently many of the local school districts have released the dates of their job fairs for the 2010-2011 school year. I am really looking forward to these job hunting experiences. My 1st pick of positions would be in PPCD (Pre-School Programs for Children with Disabilities) but mainly I want to work in special education & prefer to work with the students with severe and profound disabilities. But we'll see how the job hunting process works out. I'll be sure to keep you guys updated!

**in my next post I hope to share some stories & pictures from our Mini-Moon (short honeymoon) trip!

Think Before You Act

So I've recently realized that many people in my age group , let's say ages 18-25, are very inconsiderate. And honestly I can't decide if these people do it on purpose or if they honestly don't know the proper way to act. So I figured I'd outline a few of the correct ways to handle some situations. Note: not all of these things have happened to me personally- but I have been witness to them recently (and some many times).

Basic
- If you tell someone that you will be somewhere at 5 o'clock- it is better to be there a few minutes early. But if you are running more than 5-10minutes(tops)- then call the person (not text) and just let them know. OR if you know that you will be running late... call them in advance. It is a terrible thing to be sitting around waiting on someone!!

- If someone gives you a gift then you need to write them a thank you note. It doesn't have to be something long & drawn out. But you do need to show your appreciation. And boys this includes you!!! And especially don't forget to send one to your grandma...they remember (as do others).

- If you say you are going to do something, then you need to do it! Example- if you tell your roommate you will pick up milk on the way home, then pick it up! Or if you tell your mother you will dog sit for her- then you need to do it!! Now, if something comes up (which things to happen) then simply call the person you were going to help out, let them know the situation, and come up with a solution. Simple!

Wedding/Parties
- If an invitation you receive asks for an RSVP- then do it!! And do it as early as possible. When hosting a party it is vital to know about how many people to expect.

- Also, if you RSVP to an event & you need to change your response, then you need to get ahold of the host ASAP and let them know. When you RSVP "yes" to an event and then don't show up you are costing your friend money!! A simple phone call / email could save your friend/hostess money! Consider this... You may have said you could come to a friends BBQ & then you bail last minute (with no good reason)- well your friend spent money buying enough food for you, enough drinks for you, etc. (This could easily cost $5-15 dollars). Now consider this... you told your friend that you could attend their wedding & then you decide not to show up... now you are costing your host (and friend) a BIG chunk of change... let's break it down. Let's say the food per person is $40 and alcohol pp is $22 and chair rental is $2.50 and cake per slice is $4.50 and napkin rental is ($1). Add that up: 40+22+2.50+4.50+1 = $70. So you cost your friend $70. How would you feel if you paid for someone to NOT show up?? How would you feel if your friend were to send you a bill for this $70??

- Don't wear Jeans to a wedding unless you are 100% sure that this type of attire will be considered acceptable. If you are unsure ask someone in the bridal party. But don't just show up like that. And yes people do notice. And yes some people do care. And yes people will be talking about you! "... Who is the guy in the jeans? I can't believe that they would wear that to a formal wedding."

- If you are not invited to a party/wedding don't get your panties ruffled. These type of events cost MONEY! Also just b/c you weren't invited doesn't mean that you are unliked. It just means that they weren't able to invite you. Sometimes the reason may be the amount of space available, could be budget, could be a person decision to have a small event. etc. Just take it like a champ and get over it! Also, DO NOT INVITE YOURSELF! I REPEAT DO NOT INVITE YOURSELF. Also, do not just show up. At planned events there may not even be a seat available for you! It is very inappropriate to just show up! Think about it... how would you feel if someone just showed up at a very intimate date with your girlfriend/boyfriend & then expected you to pay for it. That is almost equivalent to you just showing up at some one's wedding.

Technology
- If someone calls you & you don't answer... you do need to return their call (especially if they leave a message). They may have just wanted to say hello, but at least call them back and check.

- A phone conversation is much better than a text. And a IN PERSON conversation is much better than all of the above.

- Do not post personal business on facebook. Especially don't post someone else's personal information on their facebook. A recent example I saw on someones facebook: "Hey Ashley I heard from your brother that you are pregnant." Now it's very sweet that this person wanted to wish them well... But It really wasn't this posters place to share this information with all the world.

-Your parents are on facebook! Get over-it. We've heard for years that you should never have things on your facebook that you wouldn't want your mom or grandma to see.... well that day is here. Clean it up! Get over it! Esp. b/c no one wanted to see your drunken pictures of you making out with a random guy at the bar anyways!

- Hand write a letter! It's ok... You'll remember how to form the letters when you touch the pen to the paper. Sometimes it's best to write your mother or good friend a handwritten letter.

Ok well I think that's enough for now! But really folks... just think before you act. Think about how you would feel in each of these situations. Think about how your actions have an impact on others. We all make mistakes and that's fine. We're HUMAN! But always do your best to act right!

Keepin Busy

Well this week was a bit more of what I am used to in my life. At least a little busy. It's nice to see my schedule filling up. Because I am terrible at sitting at home & doing nothing (aka trying not to spend money).

Starting on Tuesday- I took my first substitute job in Katy ISD. I worked an elementary Life Skills position. And it was tons of fun. And close to home. Oh and I had my caking class again & made some really cute cupcakes.

Wed & Thur- I ran around w mom as we tried to get all the last minute details ready for the Centennial Celebration at Minute Maid (boy scout thing). We made trips to the scout shop (both days I think), Arnies ( I got some new baking stuff), the mall (had to pick up a bridal shower gift) & lunch of course!! Then Thursday night we had the event. And it was pretty neat.

Friday- I spent the day trying to fix our Cricut. If your not familiar with this crafting machine you should look it up. It's only the greatest craft invention since the scissor. Well anyways- our LCD screen has the Black Screen of Death (at least that's what I'm calling it). After spending time on the phone with customer service & countless hours googleing possible fixes I've become very discouraged. I'm thinking that we may end up having to get a new machine- unless I can somehow figure out how to fix it (wish me luck).

Also on Friday I spent an hour or 2 working on my buttercream roses for class. They are improving but definitely not really brag worthy. When I get a little better I'll post some pictures. For now they look more like wilting carnations than a rose.

Saturday- I finally attended a Gamma Phi Beta Alumnae event here in Houston. It was nice to meet up with these ladies. There were only maybe 2 other girls under the age of 30- but hopefully I can drag a fellow sister (who lives in Houston) to the next event with me. The main theme of this event was a book review. The owner from a local bookstore (Blue Willow Bookshop) came & gave us 2010 must read list! Just to share a few:

Pastry Queen Parties by Rebecca Rather (this is a cookbook & the author owns a place out in Fredricksburg, TX)
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

The Post Mistress by Sara Blake

The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

And for Children's books:
Sugar Cookies by Amy Krause Rosenthal (Cookies is a children's collection)

Cupcake by Cherise Harper ( I will be purchasing this... VERY CUTE!!)

Also on Saturday Josh's company had a work party. It was a really lovely time. I met a few new faces (2 of the guys wives) and then had a great time chatting with some ladies I've met before (and have lots of crafting hobbies in common with).

Phew...Finally to Sunday- we had been dog sitting my parents doggies while they were out camping & one of the doggies had a MAJOR accident... and it was TERRIBLE!!! So Josh and I spent the morning cleaning that shit up (literally). But then we treated ourselves with a yummy breakfast & lunch out!! Then later in the day I went to a wonderful Bridal Shower for Rebecca (Austin's fiance). and THEN we had Austin over for dinner & watching the hockey game. WAY TO GO USA!!!

Well I must get ready for bed in hopes of another long & productive week!

Take Care

Remember to love

Valentines Day is such an iffy "holiday" for me. Whenever I think of love- I don't for one second think about giving my friends/family/husband things like chocolates or balloons or fancy dinners or flowers or anything like that. To me those are all materialistic items that can't even stand close to representing the kind of love I have for people.
I can't understand why some women get so upset if their significant other doesn't plan the "perfect" day for them. And I feel terrible for the poor men that have to dish out gifts to "prove their love". I mention these things because they are real conversations that I've heard take place over the last week. Valentines Day shouldn't be about the perfect gift. But more about the perfect love. I just don't understand a "material" love!
Now I don't hate Valentines Day at all. I actually really enjoy the idea of a holiday centered around love. It actually is a good reminder of the way that we should treat our loved ones every day. There are times when life is just so busy you forget to have time for love. It doesn't take long to just call your husband or your friend or your mom & just let them know that you were thinking of them & that you are thankful to have them in your life. For me this Valentines Day has reminded me that I must always take the time to let people know that I love them. A phone call, a note, a picture, even a text (just not all the time) - just don't forget to send your love!

So to all my friends & family - I love you! I can't thank you enough for being in my life - For teaching me lessons, for making me smile, for your company, and for just being you!

Oh Sugar Sugar

Boy do I love to bake!! And honestly one of the best parts for me is that I don't eat much of it =) I like to bake for others. I've been sending Josh to work with yummy things almost everyday for the last 2 weeks. From what I hear the shop boys are LOVING it all!!

Well onto the creations... Yesterday I had to opportunity to bake a yummy cake for my decorating class that I'm taking. My favorite part of the cake is actually the cake and not the icing like many others I know, so I put some extra thought into the batter. So my flavor yesterday was a strawberry & pineapple cake with a coconut & cream filling. From what I hear it was delightful!! In class our assignment was a rainbow =) so I had to prepare a 5 different colors of icing to create the design. I was actually really happy with the way the colors came out (especially compared to some of my other classmates). I feel like I've got the "starring" technique down pretty well. One thing I learned in glass was how to transfer a design from paper ontop the cake using wax paper and piping gel- and it was really easy. I'm looking forward to trying out some other designs in the near future.

Now onto the yummy goodness that I'm most excited about. Josh had found a recipe at his parents house the other day and he snatched it and asked me to make it. Best part is... It's made with box mix. They are called Black&White Brownie Cupcakes. They are made by using the Dark Chocolate Ghiradelli Brownie Mix and baking them as cupcakes & then putting a cream cheese mixture ontop before cooking. Anyways... here are these delish treats!!

Well that's all the sweets I've got for now. But I'll be sure to share more as I make them!

Good News All Around

When I woke up this morning I thought it was going to be a blah & crummy day. My allergies have been a mess. The weather was to be yucky. And I just happened to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. But thankfully my day turned around. I met my mom for a morning walk with Boatis around the lake. We enjoyed our time just chit chatting and being proud of our exercise time.

Later in the day I went back over to my moms and we were very productive (always easier to do with a buddy). I finally got Thank You notes in the mail!! So be checking your mail boxes in the next few days. Mom and I also got some little packages in the mail for The Hutt's, my dear friend Brittany, and Beth/Marc/Liza! You would have died if you'd seen us in the line at the post office. We come in with boxes & 50+envelopes that all had different weights. haha the lady was so helpful and didn't seem annoyed at all at having to weigh all my notes & help me get the right postage on them. I love it when we get great customer service. We finished the day up with some random errands.

Great Deals to Share: Right now Old Navy has some lace camis on sale for $2 !! I was pretty pumped. Unfortunately our store was out of almost every color. But I didn't care. I bought 2. Great Deal!! Also... Don't forget that Tomorrow (2/9) is Free GrandSlam day.

3 really good things happened just this evening. 1) I got to talk to my friend Brittany. It was wonderful. Seriously made my day...maybe even week. 2) When I checked my email when I got home I found a message with my login and password for the substituting database. So hopefully I'll be able to start taking jobs in the next couple days. Woo Hoo. And Number Tres)... I FINALLY found the cord to my camera (well Tom's camera that I jacked awhile ago and have made my own) haha.

I'm leaving you with some shots of pre-wedding festivities

Bake My Day

So I've recently revisited a once loved hobby of mine... baking! I love everything about baking/cooking. Therefore I decided to take a cake decorating class. I'm really excited about it and have already learned some great techniques after class #1. I'll try to post pictures each week when I completed my new creations. I've also started baking Josh and the Shop Boys lots of treats. This week alone I sent a cake, cupcakes, and muffins. And apparently the guys have been asking what the next treat will be. haha So it's time to get creative =)

Last week I ordered pictures off of Shutterfly (I had free prints) and I've finally gotten them in. So I've got them organized, some into albums, and many others into Thank You Notes (which should be going out this week).

I'm so excited to share with you all that Josh got a raise this week. I'm so proud of him. He's been working really hard & learning a lot. It's so nice to see this hard work pay off.
Me...I'll hopefully start substituting this week. I'm still in "waiting" while Katyisd gets all the paperwork done. But hopefully I'll be good to go this week.

Another new goal of mine is to become a Coupon Pro. haha. I've recently found a couple blogs online that are really inspiring to me- and are teaching me how to use coupons along with weekly sales to get some awesome deals!! PennyPile is my favorite. I've also learned about E-Coupons, which are coupons that are loaded directly to your Kroger & Randalls cards. Currently the sites to load these type of coupons are Cellfire and Shortcuts. But I'm sure more sites will start popping up & more stores will have something like this.

Hopefully I'll have time to post more tomorrow. And I really hope to find my camera cord so I can start posting pictures again. I still owe some people pictures of the new apartment! So if I can't find the cord today, I may go buy a new one tomorrow.