People often ask what it is like to have two Siberian Huskies, especially two that are brother and sister. I can honestly say that no day is boring with two dogs. We get plenty of exercise. I sometimes feel guilty about them not having a backyard, but there are plenty of parks and ponds that we walk to so they get to exercise. Plus, we're moving to a house this spring.
We also get lots of love. I've been sick (with THE swine flu) and my dogs have given me nothing but love. They let me sleep without disturbing me. They just cuddle up next to me. It makes this horrible flu a little more bearable.
At times they can be a handful. Like tonight. Murad wanted me to take this video of him playing with Sam. Please excuse my coughing. They're so cute though. Look at my Maya trying to get in on the action!
Here is a video I took of Murad, Sam and Maya tonight!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
do Saturdays exist?
The last two Saturdays I've taught Saturday School....
Don't get me wrong. The extra money is nice, but damn. It wipes me out for the rest of the day on Saturdays. I did clean the living room and kitchen and do some laundry, but not much else. I didn't make it to the grocery store or start grading papers. guess there is always Sunday.
I feel like I won't have a free Saturday for a while. Our weekends are going to be booked for a bit.
10/3 new member class at church
10/10 Saturday School
10/17 new member class at church
10/23 in Meade, KS visiting Abby
10/30 new member class at church
11/7 new member class at church
11/14 free!
11/21 free!
11/28 New Jersey
12/5 free!
12/12 my cousin Willie's wedding in Oklahoma(I think...need to check that date!)
12/19 Murad's graduation
12/26 Christmas in KS
Ugh....I'm excited for a lot of the things, but feeling a little overwhelmed. Luckily, the new member classes at church are only an hour and a half compared to the 3 hours of Saturday School. Murad works weekends so being busy will help me not miss him as much. I am excited about driving to OK and Kansas with him and our annual Thankgiving trip to New Jersey! This year we're going to NYC! I'm so excited!
I also worked up the nerve to take a homebuying class. Dallas County offers one, so I figure we'll get some good information that will help us in the future. I'm trying to be very rational and practical about the homebuying thing. Collecting all the facts, researching all the neighborhoods and doing what we can to secure a home loan. We aren't putting a timeline on it, but we probably should since we are seriously planning to start a new chapter in our lives.....more on that later!
Don't get me wrong. The extra money is nice, but damn. It wipes me out for the rest of the day on Saturdays. I did clean the living room and kitchen and do some laundry, but not much else. I didn't make it to the grocery store or start grading papers. guess there is always Sunday.
I feel like I won't have a free Saturday for a while. Our weekends are going to be booked for a bit.
10/3 new member class at church
10/10 Saturday School
10/17 new member class at church
10/23 in Meade, KS visiting Abby
10/30 new member class at church
11/7 new member class at church
11/14 free!
11/21 free!
11/28 New Jersey
12/5 free!
12/12 my cousin Willie's wedding in Oklahoma(I think...need to check that date!)
12/19 Murad's graduation
12/26 Christmas in KS
Ugh....I'm excited for a lot of the things, but feeling a little overwhelmed. Luckily, the new member classes at church are only an hour and a half compared to the 3 hours of Saturday School. Murad works weekends so being busy will help me not miss him as much. I am excited about driving to OK and Kansas with him and our annual Thankgiving trip to New Jersey! This year we're going to NYC! I'm so excited!
I also worked up the nerve to take a homebuying class. Dallas County offers one, so I figure we'll get some good information that will help us in the future. I'm trying to be very rational and practical about the homebuying thing. Collecting all the facts, researching all the neighborhoods and doing what we can to secure a home loan. We aren't putting a timeline on it, but we probably should since we are seriously planning to start a new chapter in our lives.....more on that later!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Marriage Survey, Happy Birthday Mom and Happy Six Month Anniversary!
This was posted on the Nest! Everyone posted different answers, so I thought I'd post mine here. It made me feel good to know that everyone struggles even in the first six months of marriage.
To date, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a wife? finding a balance, choosing the right battles to fight, putting someone else's needs before my own (that made me sound like a selfish ***, but it's true!), making decisions based on us, etc.
What is the one thing he does that drives you insane? he uses his cellphone when we go out to dinner (like to text or watch videos) RUDE, he doesn't clean up after himself (which is ironic because when he does, he does an excellent job!)
Do you find yourself settling into married life yet, or are you still struggling with it? pretty well settled. I love being married! Even though I struggle to think of us as we, I love sharing my life with him and look forward to our future plans!
If you could turn back the clock one year and relive the last six months of your engagement and the wedding, would you? NO! It was too stressful. DH got into a wreck and totalled his car, he was working very little then, I was in grad school, my cousin committed suicide and I was just depressed! Wedding planning was my only release! The first 12 months of engagement were great though!
Do you miss wedding planning, or is that a myth? I miss certain aspects of it, but I'm glad it's over. Sometimes I'm like "oh, I should've done that or maybe I should've done this", but all in all, I had my dream wedding. I wouldn't change a thing about the number of guests, location or anything! I got to marry my soulmate in front of the people we love! Ou wedding truly was a reflection of us as a couple.
Are you enjoying being a couple or are you itching to start a "family?" (I never have understood that ... why are you a couple but not a family if you don't have kids??) I love our family right now. I'm still adjusting to being a stepmom and I love being a mom to our dogs. Sometimes I really want to be a mom, but other times it freaks me out. I told myself I wanted to have a kid by 30, but then I realized I'd have to start trying in 2 years and that freaked me out! My mom says I shouldn't give myself a deadline, but just when it feels right, so for now we're not itching for kids. We actually talked about it tonight and we want to do some traveling before we go down that road!
To date, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a wife? finding a balance, choosing the right battles to fight, putting someone else's needs before my own (that made me sound like a selfish ***, but it's true!), making decisions based on us, etc.
What is the one thing he does that drives you insane? he uses his cellphone when we go out to dinner (like to text or watch videos) RUDE, he doesn't clean up after himself (which is ironic because when he does, he does an excellent job!)
Do you find yourself settling into married life yet, or are you still struggling with it? pretty well settled. I love being married! Even though I struggle to think of us as we, I love sharing my life with him and look forward to our future plans!
If you could turn back the clock one year and relive the last six months of your engagement and the wedding, would you? NO! It was too stressful. DH got into a wreck and totalled his car, he was working very little then, I was in grad school, my cousin committed suicide and I was just depressed! Wedding planning was my only release! The first 12 months of engagement were great though!
Do you miss wedding planning, or is that a myth? I miss certain aspects of it, but I'm glad it's over. Sometimes I'm like "oh, I should've done that or maybe I should've done this", but all in all, I had my dream wedding. I wouldn't change a thing about the number of guests, location or anything! I got to marry my soulmate in front of the people we love! Ou wedding truly was a reflection of us as a couple.
Are you enjoying being a couple or are you itching to start a "family?" (I never have understood that ... why are you a couple but not a family if you don't have kids??) I love our family right now. I'm still adjusting to being a stepmom and I love being a mom to our dogs. Sometimes I really want to be a mom, but other times it freaks me out. I told myself I wanted to have a kid by 30, but then I realized I'd have to start trying in 2 years and that freaked me out! My mom says I shouldn't give myself a deadline, but just when it feels right, so for now we're not itching for kids. We actually talked about it tonight and we want to do some traveling before we go down that road!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
This is why I'm hot!
The Princess looked at her more closely.
"Tell me," she resumed, "are you of royal blood?"
"Better than that, ma'am," said Dorothy."I came from Kansas."
(L. Frank Baum)
The Wizard of Oz
"Tell me," she resumed, "are you of royal blood?"
"Better than that, ma'am," said Dorothy."I came from Kansas."
(L. Frank Baum)
The Wizard of Oz
practicing acceptance
there are some things in life that I've learned to accept.
not-so-serious:
people will always compare me to Tia & Tamera Mowry (Sister, Sister; The Game)
most of the time compliments from my students are actually insults
my husband won't clean as often as he says he will
serious:
Philip really is gone
Racism is alive and well
Schools really only care about state assessments and not educating children
However, ever since Murad entered my life I've had trouble with the way the "system" treats fathers. I hate to go into too many details, but I've been struggling a lot lately. I knew what I was getting into when I married him, but I didn't think it'd be this difficult. I remember watching Autism The Musical a while ago and one of the quotes from a mother of a child with autism stuck out particularly. I'm not sure if I'm quoting it correctly, but here it goes, "I cannot judge my daughter's quality of life." I cannot do the same to my stepdaughter. It may not be what I expected or hoped for. Her life may not compare to that of her future half-siblings.
I do realize I need to practice acceptance and trust in God. Our relationship with my stepdaughter and her family has gotten progressively better over the years. I just need to step back and let that continue. Right now it just seems so hard, because it's not what I envisioned. It's not what most people envision, but it will get better. I love my family. I need my family. I accept my family. I accept the present. I am working towards a brighter tomorrow.
not-so-serious:
people will always compare me to Tia & Tamera Mowry (Sister, Sister; The Game)
most of the time compliments from my students are actually insults
my husband won't clean as often as he says he will
serious:
Philip really is gone
Racism is alive and well
Schools really only care about state assessments and not educating children
However, ever since Murad entered my life I've had trouble with the way the "system" treats fathers. I hate to go into too many details, but I've been struggling a lot lately. I knew what I was getting into when I married him, but I didn't think it'd be this difficult. I remember watching Autism The Musical a while ago and one of the quotes from a mother of a child with autism stuck out particularly. I'm not sure if I'm quoting it correctly, but here it goes, "I cannot judge my daughter's quality of life." I cannot do the same to my stepdaughter. It may not be what I expected or hoped for. Her life may not compare to that of her future half-siblings.
I do realize I need to practice acceptance and trust in God. Our relationship with my stepdaughter and her family has gotten progressively better over the years. I just need to step back and let that continue. Right now it just seems so hard, because it's not what I envisioned. It's not what most people envision, but it will get better. I love my family. I need my family. I accept my family. I accept the present. I am working towards a brighter tomorrow.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
the bright spot!
Today was a great day! My husband will get to complete his internship on time and graduate as scheduled!!! Yay!!!! I'm so excited! I knew things would get better, but I had no idea this would happen! What a wonderful way to end a stressful week!
I'm a little nervous about tomorrow. I had to leave my sub with the benchmark because my kids didn't finish on time. I still have a million and a half summer reading projects to grade. I already have Student Assistance Team cases to investigate. I have to teach Saturday School this Saturday. Things are starting to pile up! But it'll be good to be busy.
I'm excited to go to Oktoberfest this Saturday!
Monday is Murad and I's six month anniversary! I'm so excited to celebrate!!!!
Okay, that's all for now!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
what's going on?
I do feel a little comfort (sad, I know) that everyone is having a crappy week. The only way I know this is via facebook stalking. I guess misery loves company. No, I don't really believe that. I believe human beings just want support in any shape or form. The virtual support I got from facebook last night was much appreciated.
Last night one of my best friends called and told me her younger sister has cancer. She will live thankfully, but having children is out of the question. I didn't even know what to say. Hearing the sadness in her voice was tough. I don't know how I'd react if it were my sibling. Ironically, at work I talked with a teacher who is battling breast cancer. Her honesty about the whole situation was amazing. She has such an amazing strength and grace about her. I hope that my friend's sister will find that strength as well!
Things are changing in our household. My husband will no longer graduate this fall, but in the spring. This is not a welcome change, but one that we have to accept. It's a long, drawn-out mess. However, I'm trying to remain positive. We are living, breathing and loving. That's all that matters, right? I think he'll use this semester to work on some things personally and professionally and of course SAVE! This puts buying a house out of the question for now, which is fine, because at least I know that. However, on the upside, we'll have the same spring break to take our honeymoon. Since he's graduating in the spring, we hope to move into a rental home. I can throw him a big graduation bash in our new home with a backyard that we can party in if the weather is nice! He can start his MSW in the spring, so it puts him only a semester behind instead of two. So, a few minor good things have come out of it. I think it brought some issues that we had been neglecting into the forefront, which is always good for our marriage. I think we realize how much we support each other and how strong our marriage is. Even after only six months, I think we've built some of the tools people spend a lifetime building and for that I'm thankful!
My sweet Abby is having trouble sleeping through the night. I worry about her. She made so much progress this summer while she was here. I can't really go into specifics about the whole situation, but just keep her in your prayers. She's doing wonderfully in school! She's so gifted. She's one of those smart kids you envied in elementary school. Learning just comes naturally to her!
Anyways, thanks for all the warm thoughts, prayers, and LOVE! I need it!
Last night one of my best friends called and told me her younger sister has cancer. She will live thankfully, but having children is out of the question. I didn't even know what to say. Hearing the sadness in her voice was tough. I don't know how I'd react if it were my sibling. Ironically, at work I talked with a teacher who is battling breast cancer. Her honesty about the whole situation was amazing. She has such an amazing strength and grace about her. I hope that my friend's sister will find that strength as well!
Things are changing in our household. My husband will no longer graduate this fall, but in the spring. This is not a welcome change, but one that we have to accept. It's a long, drawn-out mess. However, I'm trying to remain positive. We are living, breathing and loving. That's all that matters, right? I think he'll use this semester to work on some things personally and professionally and of course SAVE! This puts buying a house out of the question for now, which is fine, because at least I know that. However, on the upside, we'll have the same spring break to take our honeymoon. Since he's graduating in the spring, we hope to move into a rental home. I can throw him a big graduation bash in our new home with a backyard that we can party in if the weather is nice! He can start his MSW in the spring, so it puts him only a semester behind instead of two. So, a few minor good things have come out of it. I think it brought some issues that we had been neglecting into the forefront, which is always good for our marriage. I think we realize how much we support each other and how strong our marriage is. Even after only six months, I think we've built some of the tools people spend a lifetime building and for that I'm thankful!
My sweet Abby is having trouble sleeping through the night. I worry about her. She made so much progress this summer while she was here. I can't really go into specifics about the whole situation, but just keep her in your prayers. She's doing wonderfully in school! She's so gifted. She's one of those smart kids you envied in elementary school. Learning just comes naturally to her!
Anyways, thanks for all the warm thoughts, prayers, and LOVE! I need it!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
capital D-epressed
yes, I said it. I am. I know I will get over this hard time, but right now things are hard and changing. I know God has a reason that He does everything and that everything is done in His time. I just feel like my security is gone. I know it's not, but right now is kind of hard. The rainy weather is not good for my hair or my soul!!!
this too shall pass
right?
this too shall pass
right?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The love of my life
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We are one week away from our six month anniversary. The past six months have been wonderful and I can not wait until we reach one year and all the years after that. I am so lucky to have found my soulmate! I love you, Mr. Soup!
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009
things that perplex me
Over the weekend, I thought about things that I find curious, intriguing and disgusting. Some of the things fit in all three categories. others just one or two
Jaycee Dugard--I am fascinated by all things associated with this kidnapped woman. I'm amazed by it all. I remember feeling that way when they found Elizabeth Smart, but for some reason this is just too real. I read that she feels guilty for bonding with her captor. I just want to be like, "it's okay. you're safe now." I can't imagine what she or her children are going through right now.
Gia--so I'm watching the movie about her with Angelina Jolie on the Oxygen network. Again, I'm perplexed and intrigued by tragic people, particularly women. Such a beautiful woman with so many issues.
Swine Flu--Absences were at an all-time high today. Kids were sent home left and right. I pray that I don't get it. I pray my father doesn't get it as well. He has one more month until he retires. If he can get through this month, he'll be home free. He wasn't feeling too well this weekend. They took him off some meds to test for Parkinson's Disease, so he's having a hard time adjusting. Sometimes he forgets to take the meds he's supposed to take and that messes him up even more. Hopefully, he'll get back on track. NO SWINE FLU!
The 90's--I attended a really fun 80's celebration while I was home in Wichita. I got to see old friends from college and some from high school. So, I'm wondering when are people going to start having 90's parties? I love the 90's! Truly the best time! The music was awesome. Let me refresh your memory:
-Grunge (think Nirvana, Blind Melon, etc., flannel shirts)
-East Coast vs. West Coast (Biggie, Tupac)
-Crash Test Dummies (Mmmmmm Mmmm...what the hell)
-MC Hammer (hammer pants)
-Vanilla Ice
-the rise of boy bands (N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, Soul 4 Real)
-Lillith Fair (Fiona Apple, Sarah MacLaughlin, Sheryl Crow)
-Bone Thugs N' Harmony
Okay so those are my rants for now. Ummm... onto some good news
-Mr. Soup is applying to grad school at Texas A&M Commerce and UTA. He's also applying for his LBSW license.
-Mr. Soup may be able to get the teeth he needs extracted and replaced with implants at a fraction of the cost.
-I'm going to start taking new member classes at a local church I've been attending! Woo-hoo!
Jaycee Dugard--I am fascinated by all things associated with this kidnapped woman. I'm amazed by it all. I remember feeling that way when they found Elizabeth Smart, but for some reason this is just too real. I read that she feels guilty for bonding with her captor. I just want to be like, "it's okay. you're safe now." I can't imagine what she or her children are going through right now.
Gia--so I'm watching the movie about her with Angelina Jolie on the Oxygen network. Again, I'm perplexed and intrigued by tragic people, particularly women. Such a beautiful woman with so many issues.
Swine Flu--Absences were at an all-time high today. Kids were sent home left and right. I pray that I don't get it. I pray my father doesn't get it as well. He has one more month until he retires. If he can get through this month, he'll be home free. He wasn't feeling too well this weekend. They took him off some meds to test for Parkinson's Disease, so he's having a hard time adjusting. Sometimes he forgets to take the meds he's supposed to take and that messes him up even more. Hopefully, he'll get back on track. NO SWINE FLU!
The 90's--I attended a really fun 80's celebration while I was home in Wichita. I got to see old friends from college and some from high school. So, I'm wondering when are people going to start having 90's parties? I love the 90's! Truly the best time! The music was awesome. Let me refresh your memory:
-Grunge (think Nirvana, Blind Melon, etc., flannel shirts)
-East Coast vs. West Coast (Biggie, Tupac)
-Crash Test Dummies (Mmmmmm Mmmm...what the hell)
-MC Hammer (hammer pants)
-Vanilla Ice
-the rise of boy bands (N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, Soul 4 Real)
-Lillith Fair (Fiona Apple, Sarah MacLaughlin, Sheryl Crow)
-Bone Thugs N' Harmony
Okay so those are my rants for now. Ummm... onto some good news
-Mr. Soup is applying to grad school at Texas A&M Commerce and UTA. He's also applying for his LBSW license.
-Mr. Soup may be able to get the teeth he needs extracted and replaced with implants at a fraction of the cost.
-I'm going to start taking new member classes at a local church I've been attending! Woo-hoo!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Abby withdrawal
I feel like I'm going through Abby withdrawal. I miss having her here so much. I'm excited by all the new changes in my life, but I miss her so much. I miss lazy Sunday afternoons spent attending church, watching cartoons and making music videos. I miss Saturdays at the Splash Park. I also miss getting bit up by mosquitos while I watch her run. Summer 2010 needs to hurry up and get here! Okay, that's my vent!!!!
New Additions to our family
Well my brother-in-law has been here for a week now. Already he's fixed our desktop! yay! In addition, he's getting sworn in tomorrow, will attend training for the guard, then start working. He's hoping to get a degree at Richland (part of DCCC) and then transfer to UTD for a degree in Mathematics. Luckily for him they have a fast-track bachelor/master program, so that would be awesome.
We got a Wii and a brand new Mac Notebook! It's like freakin' Christmas around here. We planned to get a new notebook, but the Wii was a surprise. Murad was on the waiting list for a used Wii at the local Game Stop. However, he was able to get a never-been-used one from them for half the cost! Big savings for us! I can't wait to start playing some bowling! That is one of my favorite memories about NJ. Last Thanksgiving we played the Wii everyday with Murad's brother. Now that he's here, we can recreate it the moment.
It looks like we may have a full house this summer, so we're thinking renting a house in May. Abby will definitely be here and one or both of Murad's bros may be here. I found some cute houses in our area and right down the street from us are some huge duplexes for rent (think almost 2,000 sq feet) . I have half a mind to see if we can get pre-approved for a home loan, but to be honest I'm terrified of being a home owner. I still feel like a little kid. Plus, I want us to have more in savings before we buy a home and I want my car to be paid off before then. I just can't afford to pay it off yet. I've found some cute little houses in the area that are around the same price that we pay for our tiny apartment, so maybe it's a possibility to rent for a while we save. Plus, having a house would be great in case Abby comes to stay with us more permanently. We'll see! Ugghh! Decisions, decisions. I guess the Lord will let us know what decision to make.
We got a Wii and a brand new Mac Notebook! It's like freakin' Christmas around here. We planned to get a new notebook, but the Wii was a surprise. Murad was on the waiting list for a used Wii at the local Game Stop. However, he was able to get a never-been-used one from them for half the cost! Big savings for us! I can't wait to start playing some bowling! That is one of my favorite memories about NJ. Last Thanksgiving we played the Wii everyday with Murad's brother. Now that he's here, we can recreate it the moment.
It looks like we may have a full house this summer, so we're thinking renting a house in May. Abby will definitely be here and one or both of Murad's bros may be here. I found some cute houses in our area and right down the street from us are some huge duplexes for rent (think almost 2,000 sq feet) . I have half a mind to see if we can get pre-approved for a home loan, but to be honest I'm terrified of being a home owner. I still feel like a little kid. Plus, I want us to have more in savings before we buy a home and I want my car to be paid off before then. I just can't afford to pay it off yet. I've found some cute little houses in the area that are around the same price that we pay for our tiny apartment, so maybe it's a possibility to rent for a while we save. Plus, having a house would be great in case Abby comes to stay with us more permanently. We'll see! Ugghh! Decisions, decisions. I guess the Lord will let us know what decision to make.
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