What to do, what to do???

Well, we've been back in America for a month and it's easy to see that my hubby's schedule is not going to be flexible enough any time soon for me to go back to work full-time. He's recently challenged me to earn $10,000 a year, so we can contribute that towards our retirement without penalty, etc. Needless to say, I've been considering the ways I can go about this. Do I substitute teach, start a business around one of my passions, go back to direct sales, or a combination of many things? So many options...

I've toyed with the idea of teaching part-time and putting feelers out at local schools, but to be honest - I don't want to have a set schedule. I want flexibility to be there for everything with my family. In the past, I've had many "direct sales" jobs: Tupperware (at 18!), Creative Memories, & Pampered Chef. I really enjoyed them all; however, never saw them as a true way to earn a living. Maybe it's time for me to buckle down and commit myself to something that I am passionate about!

A good friend has been in touch with me about a brand new company that combines home decorating, food, wine... sounding good so far, right?!? I think I want to go for it and could possibly be the first consultant in the Oklahoma City area. Part of me imagines all the people I can reach out to and build a team with - that triggers my happy place and all the things I want professionally.

I want to do it; however, I don't take things lightly and want to commit myself to success.

Still thinking...

Do you want to join my team? Geez, it sounds like I've made up my mind - LOL :)

March Photo Challenge

Day 17 - Participation

I spent the morning with Loo Loo's Year 3 Class working on Math Group Activities. At the sand station, the students have to fill different containers and check to see if they come up with the same measurements.

Here is my daughter recording the measurement that we worked on together.

Cont'd from the March Photo Challenge 2011...

I didn't post my picture in time, so I was technically disqualified from the official site; however, I will keep posting the remaining themes here. Since I can do it at my own pace, they may not be "on time" or coordinated with the exact date. In four days, we'll be moving from Perth, Western Australia, AUS to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA - so things are crazy, busy, and a strung-out ;)~

P.S. I always have an really hard time deciding and narrowing it down to one picture, so I might post multiple pics for one day - yea!!!

Day 16 - Affection

Loo Loo with her best friend, Wil in front of the Indian Ocean at Port Beach after we had dinner at the local restaurant, "The Beach Bar". It is one of the few places in the Perth area with a kids' play area!

A self-portrait with my Aussie Sister, Kristy, after dinner. This is probably our last trip to the beach in Australia. I will definitely miss being so close to the ocean.

I tried to do this organization challenge and couldn't get through Day 3 - my life is in too much flux right now to pin-point goals, etc. beyond moving. Today I cam across my notes and didn't want to just throw them away, since I put a lot of thought into them.

DAY 1

Brainstorm of things that are important to me (in random order):

• love
• balance
• support
• achieving goals
• financial responsibility
• family
• healthy lifestyle
• educating my children about health ways
• maintaining important and meaningful relationships
• accomplishments
• not holding things inside
• being an authentic & true person
• making a difference in other lives
• helping people discover their passions & dreams - purpose
• inventing new lessons, programs, etc. (B.E.S.T. at UH)

CURRENT GOALS:

• Not only being happy (which is NOT achievable 24/7), but being balanced.
• Understanding my emotions & reacting appropriately: not over -or- under
• Mapping a career plan & steps needed for my return in ______ years.
• Supporting my family/friends without sacrificing myself. Quit "topping-off" everyone else, so I am less than "half full" and often nearly empty.
• Rediscover optimism!
• Exiting AUS in an organized & low stress way.
• Re-entering USA with reasonable expectations about: timeline, city/location, family's adjustment.

Day 2

My Top 3 Goals:

1) Family - Being present & actively involved in the moments with my family and showing/vocalizing their importance to me.

2) Myself - Maintaining balance & perspective about my emotional & physical well being.

3) Health - Consistently practicing healthy living through nutrition & exercise, while educating my family about healthy living's importance with my example.

Once these are established:

• Give to others
• Career path

Upsetting

I purposely avoid certain things, so I don't get upset. Today I had to confront one I hate, cleaning the pool area! It's not because I don't want to do my share, it's because of all the cigarette butts everywhere - yuck. Is this what I will be stuck doing for years to come?!? God, it's miserable to think that :(


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Testing...

I often wonder if blogging were easier (more accessable), if I would do more often. Well, here's my chance to see! I just got a new application for my iPhone that puts it right at my fingertips - literally ;)~

Now I just need to figure out what to write about... I rarely find myself at a loss for words; however, lately I've been either so lost in my own head trying to figure out the meaning of life -or- so pissed off that words cannot cover it. That feels a bit stupid to "say outloud", even if it's just into the cyberworld; however, it's true. I haven't been much fun to be around and feel guilty that I'm bringing the people around me down like the Titanic. Interesting thought that I'll be pondering for the next few days. Funny, but I don't think much about it when I might be bringing my family down, since I have a defininte "what goes around, comes around" feeling lately. That's not a good way to treat my family and I should work on putting out the attitude/feelings that I want in return...

See, my imaginary cyberfriends, this is why I should blog more!!! Off to work on my attitude. Seriously!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

His & Her's CookiesThe other day, DH busted out with, "No offense, but I'd like some real cookies without chickpeas!" Since, whenever I've cooked homemade cookies lately they are a health version from the "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook. The kids love them, so why should I bother to make something else?!?!? LOL!!! So, today we made two types of cookies "his" and "her's" :)

Soooooooooo...

It's been a long, long time since I've posted here. Life has been busy and I have been feeling down. However, I am hoping that things will be looking up soon, since I am actively trying to change things for the positive.

Today, I started a year long photo challenge with my friend of twenty years, Nancy. I am so happy to be doing it and hope to keep up with it, even though the next few months will be busy with traveling.

I have a few posts I did for another blog that I was doing privately, since I thought that this blog was being read by too many people and lost it's appeal as a venting place. Should I really care about keeping it private though?!? I don't know! I'm thinking about merging them here and just putting it all out there... We'll see what I decide.

Off to get some work done on a dreaded volunteer job that I am trying to get rid of. Maybe I will write here, again, tomorrow - maybe!

I'm tired, but unable to sleep.

Lately, the littlest things are stressing me out and make me want to cry. I don't want to talk to DH about it, b/c he either overreacts or will be stressed, too! ARGH!

Gradually, I am making friends here. But, they are not the kind that you've known long enough to tell emotions like this to feel better :)

It will be fine. Most of it is hormones - 35 weeks and counting . . .

BTW - our sea cargo freight arrived today. We have too much shit. Damn.

More on DWJSDating? and pics on Flickr soon.

I just might be insane . . .

for agreeing to move here pregnant. There is too much to do and I am starting to feel like crap. Hopefully, the damn furniture and stuff will arrive soon, while I still can move to put it away.

I really need to be nesting for the baby - instead of stressing over the international insurance. Today when I called, they couldn't find our family in the system. We better have coverage - I have already spent almost $300 out -of-pocket that will need to be reimbursed. It is going to add up fast . . .

FINALLY! Australia pics are posted on Flickr :)

www.flickr.com Didn't We Just Start Dating?'s Australian Arrival - First Two Weeks photoset

What words are appropriate to use on a "family blog"????

I was just finishing a post that I saved from the weekend and used the word screwed. It was the best word to describe the situation, but since so many people will (hopefully) be visiting the site to follow our journey in Australia, I deleted it.

Oh, this self-censorship sucks ass . . . hehehehehe!

Please visit: www.dwjsdating.blogspot.com for more family friendly posts :)

Yeah, before anyone bitches in the comments about how long it has been since I have blogged . . . get over it! I love my attitude - LOL!

And, here are all the widgets that won't work on "Didn't We Just Start Dating?" because of my new format:

I wonder . . .

How long my guilt conscious would last if I quit today?

I really want to - I am really unhappy.
I am really trying my best to finish the year and be here for my students.
I don't want to burn any bridges.
I am person that finishes a job that I start.
But, I can still wonder!

Dear God,
Grant me patience, I really need more of it in all areas of my life.
Thank you, AL

I attempted to email this post from work, but it failed for some reason. Since this is a journal for me to reflect back on, I felt it was important to put it in (even if it's two months late - originally emailed on 4/3/2007 @1:30 p.m.)!

This is me . . . for now :)



Some changes/updates from my life include:
- I am not on "summer vacation", but getting used to the idea that I am no longer a public high school teacher
- My Pampered Chef business requires work, but it is slooooow in the summer and making it difficult for me to expand to a career
- I cut my hair sorter than usual and really like it, plus I colored it lighter for summer
- We are trying for another baby
- My MIL has breast cancer, but will be okay due to catching it early and it's location
- Hubby and I are doing good
- Loo & Loco are doing good, too
- My Dad is still living with us, but it is getting old (probably b/c I am home more)

- I am going to try to blog for 21 days straight to get in the habit, again . . .

That's all for now! I must run off and prevent Loco from beating everything in site. - AL

JUST ONE WORD
1. Where is your cell phone? close
2. Your Vehicle? dirty
3. Your hair? roots
4. Your mother? voicemail
5. Your father? upstairs
6. Your favorite thing? love
7. Your dream last night? unmemorable
8. Your favorite drink? diet
10. The room you’re in? study
11. Your ex? history
12. You are? tired
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? complete
14. Who did you hang out with today? spawns
15. What you’re not? inspired
16. Muffins? most
17. One of your wish list items? debt-free
18. Where is the ______ ? keys
19. The last thing you did? chatted
20. What are you wearing? comfy
21. Your favorite TV show? Grey's
22. Your pet(s)? needy
23. Your computer? sluggish
24. Your life? evolving
25. Your mood? content
26. Missing? DH
27. What are you thinking about right now? everything
28. Your Shoes? more
29. Your work? departed
30. Your summer? anticipation
31. Your favorite color? blue

Instead of . . . "Pimp My Ride", today I am playing "Pimp My Friend"!

Stewbie has finally started giving Flickr a chance and posted some pics on a regular basis . . . please visit her to show some love and encouragement. There are even a few pics of Loo up from when she spent the night :) Thanks!

WHS . . . I am quitting at the end of the year . . . FOREVER!

This has been an increbily hard decision that stresses me out, since my job has provided us with the luxury of having things we want without thinking much about it. There is a budget in our future, there will be less eating out, there will be times when I feel guilty b/c I have worked since I was eleven . . .

It will be an adjustment for all of us, but if I don't do it now, I never will. These past two years have been miserable and I have been unhappy. In August, I started selling Pampered Chef and love it. It will take a while for me earn the same money, but I know if I "work it" like a regular job that there is a lot of potential . . . a lot!

Spamming comments sucks! Seriously . . . I have received so many comments in the last month generated by bots. So, not only have I been refrainining from blogging, but I am also pissed off at it right now. I know that I will eventually get back into it and won't delete my blog, I'm just not "feelin' it" lately. The funny part is that I am probably close to exploding b/c I have been bottling so much in - that is exactly how I act when I get too stressed though. The weird thing is that I am incredibly calm as I write this; however, I have some looming decisions to make about work, taxes to get done, calls to make, etc.

Things that have been going on lately:
- Loo started dance class and playing soccer at the YMCA
- I am coaching her 4 year old soccer team :) LOL!
- Loco is a ball of energy and gets into everything
- Loco has a head of steal and it seems that nothing phases him, short of knocking himself unconscious
- DH has changed from the rig to the office, but is still rotating
- It has been a couple of rough months for DH and I, but things have been a little better this month
- My dad is still living with us - it is a blessing most times and annoying at others - when DH is gone, it is soooooo helpful to have him here
- One of my BFF's forever is getting married in less than 20 days, very cool for them
- My other BFF's going to be spending the next year on and off in Cali - it sucks b/c she is my "talking to friend" and we talk a lot less when she is gone
- My youngest sister (15) informed us that she is "bi" and has a girl friend - that is not going over well with some of the family and her mom is pushing the bible on her, etc.
- One of my other sisters is engaged to be married to a weird, "I used to be gay" man that the entire family hates and her mom will be going to court to get custody of her kids
- My sister S that we have heard a lot about over the years is a f'd up mess! It has been so long since I have blogged that I have not shared the news of her pregnancy, leaving her husband, going back to him, etc.

Wow . . . I went for writing nothing to an bulleted essay :)

Gotta go - both the kids are awake now. Later - AL

The Chicago Bears Shuffling Crew doing the Superbowl Shuffle

1985 Chicago Bears doing the Superbowl Shuffle

Maintaining S.P.I.R.I.T.

I subscribe to motivating newsletters like this . . .

By now, many New Year's resolutions have been broken! There is one
resolution, however, that everyone needs to never break. And that is to
always maintain a positive attitude. You see, no matter how good your
attitude is you will continually have opportunities to grow. No one has
"arrived."

Maintaining a super-fantastic attitude is a life-long journey. There
will always be plenty of opportunities to sideline a positive attitude.
To help you stay on course, I've developed an acronym that encompasses
six key attitudes. These attitudes create what I call S.P.I.R.I.T. And
by maintaining S.P.I.R.I.T., your attitude will always propel you toward
a successful future-no matter what you encounter.

S stands for Self-awareness
A bad attitude boils down to the bad habit of always looking at life
negatively. Self-awareness shows you the areas you need to change and
when it's time for an attitude tune-up.

P stands for Purpose and Passion
Life takes on new meaning when you passionately pursue your purpose.
And a positive attitude is what gets you through the hard times.

I stands for Initiative
By proactively taking the initiative to meet challenges with a positive
attitude, you will be the one who controls your situation instead of
your circumstances controlling you.

R stands for Relationships and Respect
Respect is something everybody wants. Treating people with respect can
transform a bad situation. As you lay aside judgment, you open the door
for understanding and harmony to develop.

I stands for Insight
Insight is something we all need to strive for. It's the ability to
discern the true meaning of a situation. However, it's something that
requires an open mind and heart so you can see the big picture.

T stands for Trust
Trust is the attitude that unites people. Without it your work life and
personal relationships will lack development. Trust enables you to share
your ideas, as well as consider the opinions of others.

Your attitude is your most priceless possession. It's what steers you
toward success or failure. Make the commitment to never allow anything
rob you of a super-fantastic attitude in 2007!

*** At the bottom of the newsletter, it suggests:
"Attitude is contagious. Share these ideas with others at work and in
your personal life. They may get their own subscription by visiting
KeithHarrell.com"

I hope a BAD attitude is not contagious, but I have had a really shitty
one lately! Hopefully, it will get better soon . . . please!!!!!!!!