Grocery Shopping

I really need to go grocery shopping! I don't mind the task, I like shopping--for all things.

One thing I do not like however, is the huge bill. We need all of the necessities it seems: toilet paper, coffee! Those are staples to the house!

I've clipped coupons, scanned the sale adds...but it seems I can never get out of the store without at least spending $100.00...usually around $130.00. I try to get to the grocery store weekly, if I don't we usually end up spending money on fast food or pizza...which brings the total food cost to...oh god, I don't even want to think of it!

Sooooo, I want to know: What are your grocery shopping tips, if any? How much do you spend? How often do you shop? Where do you shop? Do you plan meals, or grab whatever?

***

Today marks another week of classes. This week in English we are supposed to read 100+ text pages, and interview someone in our desired occupational goal. Now I need to find a dental assistant I can interview....



On a fun note...Cory, his parents, Olivia, and I drove to Indy yesterday and biked 18 miles on the Monon Trail! It was tough...and towards the end I felt as if my legs were going to quit on me, and my butt would never leave the bicycle seat--but the after feeling was awesome! I felt so good to be out on a nice day and get some exercise!

As a reward we of course stopped for food! :) Hamburgers at a place called Bubs. It was delish! I definitely want to eat there again...uhhh oops...I mean bike the trail!

A real update!

Hey Guys!

I finally have a moment to update this poor blog of mine! I have been super busy and lots has been going on! I don't even know where to start past updating so I will update with the present!

I started my new classes this week. I going half time this semester instead of full. I would have liked to have gone full time but the classes I needed were full. So right now I am just taking the last of my pre-recs. I have my English class totally online...which is nice (but I'm worried may be hard, TONS of reading) and another Communications class...which I enjoy so I am looking forward to that. Next month we can start enrolling for spring semester which starts in January...so I am going to take advantage of that and get my classes set up early this time! I am going for Dental Assisting and these classes seem to fill up very quickly!

Olivia is turning 4 years old in 12 days! I cannot believe what a big girl she is now...and how independent she is getting. She now is fully out of pull ups. We had only used the pull ups for bedtime but she now sleeps in big girl underpants! Yeahh!

Cory is working a lot lately and he just started his classes last week as well. He is taking 4 classes this semester and goes Monday through Thursday. He pretty much goes from work to class these days.

This first week back to school has really readjusted our schedule. It seems the second we do see each other there is way too much to do around the house or with school to really spend quality time together. I hope we are able to stay sane this semester!!!

I have tons of reading to do still for both of my classes, but right now looking around at my house, I think it is best to 'reset the chaos' that has occurred.

Speaking of Chaos...I don't think I have mentioned it in here yet, but we added to our family last month!!! We have 2 young parakeets, their names are Chaos and Calamity. They are so sweet. They are "Olivia's birds" but really family pets since we all were dying to have a pet. We rent so we are not able to have a dog or a cat, which realizing now isn't a bad thing since we have such busy schedules!
Above: Calamity (right) and Chaos (left). Their names suit them very well. They are very young right now so we are not completely sure of their sex....but we think Calamity is female and Chaos, male...no wonder their names fit them so well right???

On a closing note....I am looking for a new name to better suit my blog. Since starting this blog, I feel I don't really have a connection with the blog name I selected. Any ideas for a new blog name would be appreciated! :)

The past month...

I really have not been a good blogger at all!

Things have been super busy and before I know it another month has went by! Shoot, where has the whole summer gone!?!

Olivia will already be four next month!

We just added to our family! No, not any babies or anything...2 parakeets - Chaos and Calamity! They are so sweet :)

I'm still trying to get everything worked out for Fall semester out here. I sent my application over a month ago and never heard back...So I've been on the phone with the college trying to figure out what the problem is...

Sooo anyhow, It's 2-something am and I cannot sleep...but I just wanted to stop in and make a 'hello' entry. Make sure you guys don't forget about me and all.

oxox

annoyance

One thing I just cannot stand is: bitterness. Drama. Jealousy. ....
Ok, I guess that is more than one thing-and I could go on and on with my list. But seriously, I cannot stand it.



A lot of you may remember my ex... the past that came with it...the situation.

Well, I really don't feel like explaining the whole situation here, but let me just say it was not good.





You see, I left him over a year ago. Moved on with my life. Picked up the pieces and started over. I wish he would do the same.

Take some responsibility for himself, you know? Grow up.

I have remained civil towards him-for my child...but eventually a person just gets so sick of being harassed and belittled. I received 5 phone calls this morning calling me names...as well as texts.

He cannot even pay his child support but still expects to be a part of Olivia's life. I spend my own non-existent money just to meet him halfway so she can see him.

It makes me sick...It has to stop.

I'm not about to sit here and allow someone who is unhappy try to destroy my happiness.




-End Rant- Back to cleaning house now.
I promise I will be sure to share the after pics of my new house here soon! We are finally settled in and love it here!!

ox

Love/Hate ChicChat Giveaway

My Girl, Brittany is doing a June Giveaway over at Chic Chat !

For a chance to win either a year subscription to Glamour magazine or Cosmopolitan magazine stop by Quickly (im a slacker) and check out the Chic Chat Blog!

Women: Love/Hate

5 reasons I love/hate being a women!


Love:

*Shopping! A girl can never ever have enough shoes/purses/accessories! We have much better clothing options and men well they tend to just have a few pairs of shoes...shirts and pants...BORING!

*Babies! Women carry the babies. It is such a wonderful experience watching your body transform in order to grow and nourish a baby. Then, on top of all of that you get another name! MOM!

*The Female body: Lets admit it...we really lucked out in this department..I mean come on...have you ever just really stared at a male nude. wth. lol! =)
This brings me to another key point...we get to choose where/if we want hair in areas some men dont ever even think about other than soap/water.

*housing: Some men believe women take care of/run the household...well this is 2009. Its funny how most men want their *man zone* (you know that area where they hang all their dorky beer crap??) I love that man zone...where was I going with this...

oh yeah!!! man zone=peace && quiet! Plus beer signs in the living room are a nogo. !!!

(remind me next house I move into I need one of those on my "wants list")

*make-up & hair: Us women, have the option to switch up our look whenever we want!!! We can smell differently depending on our mood/change the color of our best features via makeup/try a new hair style out/have long hair/short hair/curls/straight...all depending on our mood!
Now tell me...men can do this stuff too...and they may secretly wish they could (dont lie) But there is really only so many ways to gel your hair/cut it...and if you use more than a few bottles in the bathroom...our perfectly plucked eyebrows may raise at the sight!

Hate:

*that time of the month: This is probably the suckiest part about being female...even though the purpose of having these = a Love. Its not fun having cramps/bloating etc. ect. ect. There's more but....


nuff said.


*maintaining ourselves: Somedays it would be nice to shower, not shave if we don't want to...and throw on those two key items = shirt, pants. and just walk out the door... total time 10 minutes MAX!!!

*horomones: Sometimes they make us too hot...moody...and irritable... all for no reason... & sometimes when you are just trying to TALK to a man they insist you are being a nag/bitching/whatever you want to label it as. Can't we just -have a bad day- ???

*the bathroom situation: You can pee whenever where ever without toilet paper, even!!! The toilet paper thing is a bit gross...Id say...but yeah have you seen a women's restroom???...they are sometimes equally gross as a mens....I wonder if a public restroom design would be a good idea...you know something more "hover" appropriate?

*weight: Males somehow turned a "beer belly" into a trophy...but if women don't shed every inch of having a baby off in 2 weeks...we are considered over weight...
HOW IS THIS FAIR?

Feeling Blue

Most of you all know that at the age of 14 I lost my dad to cancer. On March 15, 2000 my life changed forever. I miss him every. single. day. but there are certain days- like today, father's day...they just hurt a bit more.

I hate Squares!

Square, boxes--that is. So sick of seeing them!!!

I am still trying to get unpacked!!!

This is getting ridiculous!

Friday, Cory took off work and he, Olivia, myself, and his little cousin Brittany all went down to Tennessee to visit his dad and step mom. We had a great time! It was nice to meet them, and my first time to TN..We went swimming, drove the 4 wheelers and had a nice time! It was good to get away for awhile!

Even if it was a round trip total of like 13 hours in the car...makes me appreciate the fact that I have a mini van now...much less cramped.

We are back home now and Cory's cousin is here with us...We talked to her mom and she is going to stay for the summer here with us since I need help...right now I am focusing on getting the house situated...but the great part of having her here is that I will be able to find a job...and work one! LOL! Being newly resided in Kokomo, I am not familiar with any daycare centers here and I do not want to just "pick one"

Having Brittany here will be such a big help to me!!! Just yesterday, I was able to get so much more done around here 2 extra hands is GREAT!

Oh and PS.. I mentioned a few Entries back that Tricia was having her baby on June 9th...Madilyn Hope arrived on June 10th instead...everyone is doing fine and at home now!!! Congrats Tricia and Nate!!

Fantabulously Frugal Giveaway!

Hey Girls! I stumbled across this giveaway from Fantabulously Frugal and had to share the link with you! The retail value of the items in this giveaway is nearly $300!
Be sure to mention my blog name & that I sent you because I will get an extra entry-If you do!!

Items In This Giveaway:

Decorative envelopes from etsy seller Adnagam
Frango Dark Chocolate Mints
Sunshine Yellow Hair Pins from etsy seller creamrose
Purple Rain Amethyst Earrings from etsy seller Sew*Cool Design
Paperchase 8 Folded Cards with Envelopes
Small change purse from etsy seller Made by Hank
Cucumber Melon Salty Soap Scrub from etsy seller Sissy Soap
Soap Nuts from Laundry Tree
Spring Flower Garden Cupcake Liners from etsy seller Layer Cake Shop
2 Vera Bradley cloth napkins
Musings Recycled Notebook in Blue from etsy seller subu
Fleur de Lis Necklace from etsy seller Bumble Beadz
Marc Jacobs key fob
Stationery and small letter-pressed notebook from etsy seller Sarah Drake
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
Coriander Ivory Small Cosmetic Bag from etsy seller The Sweet Sugar Beet
Smashbox Lip Gloss
Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bags from etsy seller Green Street
Reversible Coffee Sleeve from etsy seller LilE
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
OPI Nail Polish
Stick With Me, Kid Shopping Tote from etsy seller Earth Cadets

As well as MANY MORE surprises!

Life At The New House!

I thought I would take a moment to come in and write a quick entry! Above is a sneak peek at our new house!!!

The move has gone well! We had everything set up from the apartment by the next day! Then, we went to Fort Wayne and brought over my belongings. ITS A MESS NOW! So that is what I am trying to get organized today! My mom has Olivia until tomorrow so I need to get things in gear!

I did not realize that I had this much in my storage unit! It is a long process of weeding out the "doubles" (things Cory and I both have). I think a garage sale might be in the near future for us!

That being said. We are very happy here! It is quiet and the park being right there is awesome! I am sitting on my computer right by the window and can hear the waterfall splashing away! Sooo relaxing!!! We even have visitors everyday--the ducks just love to come over and say hello!!!

Ok, well I should probably finish up this cup of coffee and get some more finished!!! Once it is somewhat presentable I will post more pictures and maybe even a tour via vlog!!!

Hope everyone is well!!!

OXOX!



p.s. My bestest friend in the whole world, Tricia is being induced at 1 am (Tuesday, June 9, 2009) I know a lot of you know Tricia, but if you don't you can visit her on blogger at :

http://shimmeringthoughts82.blogspot.com/

See Entry Below

WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!

Not long after I posted that last entry -I got a phone call!

Should have the keys by tomorrow!!!!

OMG SOOO HAPPY!

Crossing My Fingers!!!

(I am typing this entry from my cell phone so please bare with me!)

As I mentioned earlier in yesterdays entry we are in search of a house to rent! After Cory got off work we went and saw 3 properties.

The first 3 bedroom house one was nice. I was a bit ticked off though that I scheduled an appointment to see the home and 2 other families were there looking as well. Anyhow, like I said it was a nice home but we decided against it because the monthly price seemed high and it didn't have a stove or fridge in its kitchen. Those were available for 20$ each per month. NEXT!

The next house was also listed as a 3 bedroom home. One of the "bedrooms" was the size of a nice walkin closet. But would have made a nice small computer area...I mean it has windows..and closets usually don't have those. Ha! The other 2 rooms were nice size and the living area has hardwood floors. Kitchen was actually more than cupboards in that one. It was even less expensive than the first property! It still needs some work though...and we would have to park on the street at that property.

The last place we saw last night was the "smaller" of the houses....or so we thought from outside. It looked so tiny but inside it was perfect! It has 2 bedrooms 1.5 baths. Walk in closet. Makeup mirror in the bathroom...island in the kitchen...and the park is pretty much in your front yard! It is perfect! I really hope that we get this house! It is all I can think about today! We dropped off our application this morning. I hope all goes well. If we don't get this house I don't think I will find one I like that even compares to this! ::Trying to keep positive though:: ohh and did I mention it has a fireplace too?! I freaking LOVE this house! Pray it goes well for us!!

I will update soon!

oxox

Why Hello There!

It has been forever since I have stopped by my lonely blog and made an entry!

Things have been super busy on my end, but all is well!

We are house hunting at the moment! Hopefully we can find something to rent that we will all be happy with! So far that consists of 2+ bedrooms, preferably 3 (so far the houses we have looked at have had small -SMALL- bedrooms! I want a dishwasher...and we hope to live right by the park.

Tonight we are hoping to visit 2 properties that we found over the weekend! Both 3 bedroom homes--one close to the park the other not far..

The first property I like because it has hardwood floors (yes I peeked in the windows, lol)

The second property I like because It has a fully fenced in yard...the other does not have much of a yard at all.

There is also another property I want to look into because the park is in its front yard. literally. But that one is only a smaller 2 bedroom house.

We are all super excited to move because this one bedroom apartment is #1 cramped! #2 an apartment: neighbors that are elephants #3 an apartment. LOL

At the moment I am still job hunting for *that perfect job. Im not sure it exists...so I might just have to do whatever. I start school again in August...Summer will fly by I'm sure!

If I remember I will grab my camera and take a few shots of the properties tonight! Hopefully we find one we like!

I have skimmed blogs since I am so far behind on reading! Hopefully everyone is well!

xoxo

School's Out For Summer!

Happy belated Mother's Day to all of my mommy friends!!  I hope you all enjoyed your day!

My Mother's Day was very nice!  Olivia and Cory served me breakfast in bed, along with a card and flowers. We also went to a couple of cookouts over the weekend with some of his family. It was a fun weekend.

I'm finally finished with my classes until August! This is the first week I won't have ANYTHING school related at all!!! 

It is so nice to have a break for the summer!

Since I am finished with my classes-Olivia and I are in Kokomo still. I am slowly making the move transition. I have moved the necessities here but not too much. Right now we are  temporarily staying in his one bedroom apartment, just until we can move into a two bedroom or possibly rent a house. Needless to say we are pretty cramped-so I don't want to bring that much here yet! It will be nice when there is room for all of our belongings. 

I know I had mentioned a few entries back the possibility of us moving to Indy---Well Cory and I talked and we have decided it would be best to stay here in Kokomo. He had briefly mentioned moving to Indy for a job opportunity in the area but that fell through.

This week I am going to put some applications in and look for a daycare. Hopefully I can find work/daycare fast! 

Olivia and I are also going to drive back to Fort Wayne midweek and spend a couple days with my mom since we spent mother's day here without her.

Well I should probably get off of my butt. Lots to do! 

Life is busy, But good!

A SweeTART Of A Day

Today was both happy and sad. I have officially gone to my last class of Spring Semester 09. While I am still a long way away from my goal of becoming a dental assistant...I feel as if I have made a dent in the process!

I will truly miss some of the people I have met.

**Only 2 finals left for Tuesday and then I can "relax" for the summer!**


I'm feeling better today & so far there are no signs of sickness in Olivia. I have been very cautious around her and washing my hands like crazy !

With homework & my final speech out of the way I'm able to focus on catching up some on my laundry before Olivia and I head to Kokomo for the weekend...or possibly until Tuesday depending on how confident I feel about my upcoming exams.

I feel like -jumping up and down on my bed with joy- just knowing that this is my last "shuffle weekend" between Cory's apartment and my mom's house. Every weekend since the beginning of January has been back and fourth. I am so SICK of packing! Its not even funny! Not to mention A total of 3 to 4 hours in the car per weekend EVERY weekend sucks!

So yeah no more of that. YESSS!

Speaking of Cory he left me this comment on my myspace earlier while I was at class. I thought I would share it because it was too sweet.




hey baby, just wanted to let you know i can't wait for your semester to be over so you can get down here. i'm super excited about it, i know everything is going to work out and we are gonna be much happier when we can see each other everyday. well i hope you do well on your speech today. I LOVE YOU!!


Sighhh... Hes sweet. huh? :) He picked out a little comment graphic and everything! I know its just a myspace comment...but he makes sure to go out of his way ontop of our hour long conversations to let me know hes thinking of me.

Well this is getting to be a pretty long entry! So I'll cut myself off and head downstairs to put my wash into the dryer before I lose the rest of you---is anyone even still reading this?!?...lol!


oh PS-While I was procrastinating on my speech writing earlier I used the opportunity to update the look of my blog.

I added Twitter to my sidebar.."tweeting"..or um..whatever they call it.. its pretty neat-o! You can update your mood/whatever you are doing/thinking/feeling throughout the day & keep in contact with your friends...check it out !

can someone pass me a tissue?

Well-I'm still sick.

Ive missed ALL of my classes this week.

I'm going to tough it out and go tomorrow to the one class I have left...only because I have to do my entertainment speech.

Should be very ummm...., "entertaining" since I'm stuffy/nasally/coughing ....great!!!

Ive been sleeping on the couch downstairs in hopes that Miss O won't catch whatever it is that I have.

...Finals Tuesday ((I need to study)) !!!

after that...

hopefully everyone is healthy so I can focus on moving....I'm really excited that the semester is finally ending!!

As for the move:

There might be a few changes...there is a possibility we may not stay in Kokomo-we might relocate to the Indianapolis area...

I'll update more on that as I know...

either way

I'm anxious to get my things out of storage !!!

Finals

Hey Everyone !

I just wanted to pop in here and make a quick entry!

I have been super busy with finals approaching!! & go figure I'm sick! Just trying to rough it out through my last week! I have no time to be blowing my nose & coughing! My last Psychology class is tonight followed by my communications class....we are doing speeches tonight and Thursday. My last math class is Wednesday.

I'll be completely finished by next Tuesday after I take my Psych and Math finals.

I'm thinking a round of cold meds && cram sessions are in store for me.

I'm very anxious to get this semester over with !

I hope everyone is well!

Embracing My Inner Weirdo

This past week in my Psychology class we have been studying

::The Psychological Disorders::

-anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias....etc. etc. etc.



....I have always known that I have had mild OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). If something isn't "right" or is bothering me I become anxious. Its not horribly bad & doesn't prevent me from living my life or anything like that...but it is there.

Here comes the silly part...ever since Olivia came into the picture. I still obsess about "the things" & have anxiety over them ... but I fail to carry out the disorder and become compulsive.

Is it just that I am too tired???? Too tired to organize/scrub/de-clutter/wash/rinse/everything again???




Tired or not one thing that creeps me out is:

::THE FRIDGE::

That's right..the refrigerator.

I have this weird... I guess I could call it --food (rotting mold) phobia--

I am constantly throwing out food *even before the expiration dates* -long before "that smell of death".

It just really grosses me out to-no-end. Even thinking about potential slime, spunk, moldy, curdles sends chills up my spine & that creepy crawly feeling on my skin ! !

I once cleaned out my moms cupboard and found (((((20 year old nutmeg))))) It was older than my younger brother!!! I wanted to die* first of laughter-then of disbelief. How can someone hold on to a food item that long?!?!?...spice or not!


So what about you guys?!

Do you have any "inner weirdo issues" ???

giddy up piggy

peace out ;)

that pig is actually a bank--believe it or not!--

Zebra Ghost! *(pictures)

Scary, Eh?

There she is!

Olivia age: 3 1/2

I would also like to take time to thank Bernie for awarding me this:


It now has a nice home in my sidebar! :)

Here are the rules if you would like to pass the award on:

*Put the logo on your blog or post.
*Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
*Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
*Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
*Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award



Last but not least I would like to invite you all to go visit the 5 girls @ Chic Chat ! I have gotten to know all 5 of these ladies and enjoy reading their new group blog!

XOXO-Emily

Aruba, Jamaica oOo I wanna take you

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Everybody knows
A little place like kokomo
Now if you wanna go
And get away from it all
Go down to kokomo

Aruba, jamaica ooo I wanna take you
To berm...

Ok, ok...maybe I'm getting a little TOO EXCITED...

What's all this singing about?!

I'm moving!!!

Ok maybe no place tropical...but Kokomo, Indiana.

After school gets out next month- Olivia and I will be moving in with my boyfriend Cory!

I'm transferring to a college out there in the fall. The dental assisting program is offered at a school that is WAY less competitive! The school I'm at now accepts a very small amount of those that apply!

I'm super excited!!!