Lately...

Whew!  These past two weeks have been crazy busy!  Here is what I have been up to...doesn't seem like that much once I write it down!

1.  Running, running, and more running!  I feel like all I do is work out and run.  I do have to say, that I am really getting into the "running zone" lately which feels great.  Let's hope this continues with the stinking winter weather that just decided to join us!  I am getting ready for the Princess Half Marathon on February 26th, and have big running plans after that!

2. TEACHING!  I have loved teaching my firsties lately.  I am back in action after having a student teacher and have a fresh view on everything.  They sure have been keeping me busy though!  How sweet are these faces...

3. Pinteresting...you know I am addicted!  I have used pinterest to make a few gifts, organize a little, and make some great food.  Some of my favs have been a beef with broccoli, cake batter rice krispie treats (turned into similar ones from Disney World thanks to my Mom!) and cake batter cookies.  You can only cook so much on there before you start packing on the pounds though!

4. Cleaning/Organizing.  I looove cleaning and organizing.  I can not tell you how good I feel when my apt is clean, organized, and everything is in it's place.  My brother, John, left for a few weeks to go to Houston on Thursday.  I took advantage of one less person here and got cleaning!  It feels so good to get things done.  The only problem is that I never take anytime to just relax! : /

5. National Board Application.  Blah, blah blah...why did I sign up for this!  I am working (or not really working and putting it on this blog so I feel guilty about not working) on my portfolio that is due on March 31st.  It is so so so very much work and I am not sure why I am even doing it now.  Plus, there is a 50/50 pass rate, which makes me even more depressed about working on it.  The plan is to spend tomorrow getting something done!  We will see if that happens though.

I am sure you are so happy to see/hear that I am alive and well...

Mrs. Barnett : )

Saving Money.

I haven't been so happy about my life this school year.  I want the year to pass by soo badly so that we can move on from this condo (not a fan of it!) and hopefully finally buy a home here.  I have to remind myself that where we are buying is outrageously pricedand that is a main reason for the delay.  However, I am so very ready to move on in life. 

Meanwhile, I have turned into a money-saving lady.  I never used coupons before this year, nor really even looked at prices when buying.  That has changed and I am much much more money-concious, which is a good thing!  I wanted to share with you some of my favorite new websites where I have found tips/tricks...

Learn Vest

Money Saving Mom

Financially Smitten

$5 Dinners

                   

Mrs. Barnett : )

Best Day.

I love the feeling you get when you have a day that you feel like you get so much accomplished.  Today has turned into one of those days!

We did not have school today because of Rosh Hashanah.  David went to Flossmoor to go to services and I stayed here because I have had a never ending to-do list since I started school.  I got a lot accomplished at school last night so I am ready for next week (we have a super busy weekend).  Then, today I have gotten several things off my to-do list!  I started my morning with my 6 mile long-run of the week and was super happy that was over before 10:00.  After that, I have cleaned the apartment, finally had the maintenance men fix some things, did some more school work, uploaded wedding pictures, went to Target, got my nails done, and planned out all my outfits for next week (I have OCD). : )  It is a great feeling knowing that all of these things are done and I can spend the rest of my day catching up with my DVR and reading a book that I keep putting off. 

Just thought I would share how good of a mood I am in!

Mrs. Barnett : ) 

IKEA!

On Tuesday, David picked me up after work to go to IKEA!  Those that know me, know that IKEA is one of my favorite places.  I am so excited to live so close to one.  We needed to get David a new dresser to put in his closet...exciting I know!  We ended up picking out this dresser

I love it!  However, it took me 4 hours to put together.  Those that know David, know that I am the handy one in this relationship!!

Tomorrow, two of my best friends, Jen and Kathy, are coming to spend the weekend with us.  I can not wait until they get here.  We have a lot of fun planned!!

Mrs. Barnett : )