I have to say, when I started selling Pampered Chef products, I thought I'd be a baking/cooking machine! I had visions of elaborate meals and tons of cookies, pies and cakes being served to my hubby for dinner. Wow, I was way off base! Unless I'm at a cooking show, I rarely use my products, aside from spatulas, spreaders and stuff like that. I've used my torte pans and accent decorator once! I'm ashamed to admit it. I still have those visions, but for now they're just visions. It's so hard to do all that when Kevin and I are on completely different schedules! Between his evening shift and my day shift, grad class and PC Shows, we hardly see one another. Grocery shopping is a pain in the rear because when he gets home, it's too late to make a big dinner and while I could just reheat the leftovers, he wouldn't eat them. So, usually my buggy is stockpiled with frozen pizzas, corn dogs, hot pockets and Hungry Man dinners. The weekends are usually the only time I can make dinner for both of us, but that's usually when we have plans with friends and making dinner is out of question.
This weekend at one of my shows, a girl made Chicken Ranch Tacos and they looked so good! I plan on making them this weekend, I don't care what's going on. I told Kevin that we need to make it a habit to have dinner together at least once on the weekends. Where do you guys go for your recipes? Pampered Chef has some really good ones, but I'd like to check out some more sources, as well!
Hope you're all having a fabulous Tuesday! It's so chilly here and I love it!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
You've GOT to read this!
Seriously. You need to read this blog. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. GO! NOW!
"We're just treading water here and trying our damndest."
The above words were spoken by one of my classmates last night and when she said them, I literally gave her a high five.
Last night was the worst class I've had yet. I was seriously in tears at the end of it. As my friend Eliza said, each class leaves me feeling more and more discouraged. Going into this, I knew it was going to be hard and I knew it was going to involve tons of reading and tons of writing. I wasn't naive enough to believe it would be like undergrad and I could crank out a paper in no time. Strangely, I'm okay with that. It's overwhelming, but it's something that I can get used to. It's something that I just have to do and hopefully, it'll be my best.
But, last night. Last night was so different. We had to read "Becoming A Historian" by Melanie S. Gustafson. It wasn't a difficult read and the first few pages I read made me feel better. The way she described M.A. and Ph.D students was exactly how I felt! But, the more I read, the more discouraged I felt. In one part, she says that if you're a woman, person of color or gay/lesbian in some places, you're encouraged not to study those fields. Seriously?? It's like telling a man he can't write about a man! She then goes on to say how hard it is for women to get a job and all that. And in our class discussion, our professor agreed with it. I just kept thinking "Why am I wasting my time??" It's infuriating, to say the least.
After class, we had to turn in an assigment. It was me and two other girls left, and my professor asked how we were feeling. Well, we just unloaded everything on him! I don't think he was expecting it! I was trying so hard to explain to him how I was feeling and I just couldn't get it out. This is where my subject comes in! The third girl told our professor that the class was "intellectually intimidating, that we're all trying so hard to prove to everyone else that we belong here." This lead to a nice talk with our professor and he assured us that we're doing fine and that'll be okay. I felt a bit better after that, but I'm still just...overwhelmed. A second year told us that by next semester we'll be so used to it, it won't even bother us. Let's hope so!
Last night was the worst class I've had yet. I was seriously in tears at the end of it. As my friend Eliza said, each class leaves me feeling more and more discouraged. Going into this, I knew it was going to be hard and I knew it was going to involve tons of reading and tons of writing. I wasn't naive enough to believe it would be like undergrad and I could crank out a paper in no time. Strangely, I'm okay with that. It's overwhelming, but it's something that I can get used to. It's something that I just have to do and hopefully, it'll be my best.
But, last night. Last night was so different. We had to read "Becoming A Historian" by Melanie S. Gustafson. It wasn't a difficult read and the first few pages I read made me feel better. The way she described M.A. and Ph.D students was exactly how I felt! But, the more I read, the more discouraged I felt. In one part, she says that if you're a woman, person of color or gay/lesbian in some places, you're encouraged not to study those fields. Seriously?? It's like telling a man he can't write about a man! She then goes on to say how hard it is for women to get a job and all that. And in our class discussion, our professor agreed with it. I just kept thinking "Why am I wasting my time??" It's infuriating, to say the least.
After class, we had to turn in an assigment. It was me and two other girls left, and my professor asked how we were feeling. Well, we just unloaded everything on him! I don't think he was expecting it! I was trying so hard to explain to him how I was feeling and I just couldn't get it out. This is where my subject comes in! The third girl told our professor that the class was "intellectually intimidating, that we're all trying so hard to prove to everyone else that we belong here." This lead to a nice talk with our professor and he assured us that we're doing fine and that'll be okay. I felt a bit better after that, but I'm still just...overwhelmed. A second year told us that by next semester we'll be so used to it, it won't even bother us. Let's hope so!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Fall Is In The Air!
Good Saturday morning! Well, er, afternoon! The hubs and I are spending a lazy day at home and rooting on the Volunteers while they play the Gators. I'd love to see us pull out the win, but I'm more interested in seeing how the Gators do without precious Tim Tebow! ;)
Does anyone remember the book A Cranberry Thanksgiving? I can remember reading this book in kindergarten and it's one of the reasons I love Fall so much.
I know I talk about how much I love Fall quite a bit, but I wanted to post pics, too! I mean, how can you not love Fall with scenes like this?
I hope you ladies are having a wonderful weekend!
Does anyone remember the book A Cranberry Thanksgiving? I can remember reading this book in kindergarten and it's one of the reasons I love Fall so much.
I hope you ladies are having a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hump Day!
Good morning, lovlies! I hope you're all doing well. It's a beautiful morning here and Fall is definitely in the air! Yay!
Last night was my third class, and so far, my favorite. We met in the university's archives and got to look through boxes of old letters, maps, and pictures. My box was Box #1 of a ten box collection about a family that lived in Northeast Tennessee. The collection dated from 1856 to 1941, but my box was from 1856 to 1881. I have to say, at first I was disappointed in my box because it had three ledger books from the doctor's practice (some of his patients' medical bills were $2.50! I loved it!), but the day books that actually had what was wrong with them were in another box. My box also had several old letters that took me forever to read through. At first I could only focus on how it was making my head hurt, but once I actually could figure out what they were saying I took on a whole new appreciation for it! I mean, I was holding books and letters that are well over 100 years old! I was so afraid I was going to rip them or ruin them in some way. I am really interested in what the letters were about and plan on doing further research. I'm really excited! My friend Eliza's box was from the Revoulationary War and was very interesting, as well! Hers contained love letters and letters telling about the battles that the man witnessed. It even contained the old envelopes the letters came in. We were like two little kids comparing our letters! haha!
I'm sorry if this bored you, but I wanted to share my excitement! haha! I hope you all have a great Wednesday!
Last night was my third class, and so far, my favorite. We met in the university's archives and got to look through boxes of old letters, maps, and pictures. My box was Box #1 of a ten box collection about a family that lived in Northeast Tennessee. The collection dated from 1856 to 1941, but my box was from 1856 to 1881. I have to say, at first I was disappointed in my box because it had three ledger books from the doctor's practice (some of his patients' medical bills were $2.50! I loved it!), but the day books that actually had what was wrong with them were in another box. My box also had several old letters that took me forever to read through. At first I could only focus on how it was making my head hurt, but once I actually could figure out what they were saying I took on a whole new appreciation for it! I mean, I was holding books and letters that are well over 100 years old! I was so afraid I was going to rip them or ruin them in some way. I am really interested in what the letters were about and plan on doing further research. I'm really excited! My friend Eliza's box was from the Revoulationary War and was very interesting, as well! Hers contained love letters and letters telling about the battles that the man witnessed. It even contained the old envelopes the letters came in. We were like two little kids comparing our letters! haha!
I'm sorry if this bored you, but I wanted to share my excitement! haha! I hope you all have a great Wednesday!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Tag, you're it!
Ashley over at Polish and Pearls, who is one of my best friends in real life, tagged me in this game! She's amazing and you guys need to read her blog! Aaaaand go.
Here's what you do- answer the eight questions that the person who tagged you made up, then make up your own NEW eight questions to tag others to answer. Whoever I tag will answer the eight questions I make up for them, then they create a new set of eight questions to tag a few others with, and so on!
1. What scent/smell brings back the strongest memories for you?
As cliche as this sounds, freshly cut grass. It makes me think of my childhood running around my mamaw's yard with my cousin and sister while our uncle mowed. It also makes me think of my older cousin, Kevin, riding us around on the riding lawn mower and my mamaw jumping on to him! haha!
2. What's your favorite city and why?
I've never really been to a big city, aside from driving through Atlanta once. The only city I've been to is Knoxville, haha! I love it there, mainly because of UT football. I've only been there in the Fall and it's beautiful!
3. When your hair turns gray (if it hasn't already, lol), will you choose to color it, or go with the gray?
I like to tell myself that I'll leave it gray. It's part of aging and that isn't something I'm ashamed of! Now, when I actually start turning gray, we'll go from there!
4. If you could eat one food item, and drink one beverage, for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Definitely Almond Joy and Mounds candy bars! I love those things.
5. What is your absolute biggest pet peeve?
When someone has to constantly "one up" those around them or brag about themselves. It drives me nuts.
6. What do you consider your biggest flaw?
I have major anxiety and it usually causes me to overreact to everything in a very dramatic way. It's something I'm trying to work on, but it hasn't been going too well!
7. What is the biggest life lesson that you have learned through experience?
I've always been one to hold grudges and not forgive people. When the hubs and I were dating the first time, he cheated on me. I always said that I would never be one of those girls who stuck around when a man cheated on her, but when I was faced with that dilemma, I couldn't walk away. I'm not going to lie, it was very hard and it tooks us months to get passed it. He was going through a really rough time at that point in his life and wasn't himself. That sounds like an excuse, but it isn't. That isn't him and I knew it. I'm glad I got passed it because I would be missing out on life with him! Whew!
8. When you put a new roll of toilet paper out, do you let the loose end hang from the top of the roll, or out from the bottom?
Definitely from the bottom. I've seen a tv commerical lately that says people voted for the top, but I don't care.
Here's my questions:
1. What's the one place you want to visit before you die?
2. What's your dream job?
3. Are you doing it?
4. Who is one person you look up to?
5. What's your favorite holiday and why?
6. If you could go back in time, what era would go to?
7. If you could have dinner with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
8. Annnnnd what's your favorite color? :)
Now, I tag Ashley, Amy, Jess and Kelli!
Here's what you do- answer the eight questions that the person who tagged you made up, then make up your own NEW eight questions to tag others to answer. Whoever I tag will answer the eight questions I make up for them, then they create a new set of eight questions to tag a few others with, and so on!
1. What scent/smell brings back the strongest memories for you?
As cliche as this sounds, freshly cut grass. It makes me think of my childhood running around my mamaw's yard with my cousin and sister while our uncle mowed. It also makes me think of my older cousin, Kevin, riding us around on the riding lawn mower and my mamaw jumping on to him! haha!
2. What's your favorite city and why?
I've never really been to a big city, aside from driving through Atlanta once. The only city I've been to is Knoxville, haha! I love it there, mainly because of UT football. I've only been there in the Fall and it's beautiful!
3. When your hair turns gray (if it hasn't already, lol), will you choose to color it, or go with the gray?
I like to tell myself that I'll leave it gray. It's part of aging and that isn't something I'm ashamed of! Now, when I actually start turning gray, we'll go from there!
4. If you could eat one food item, and drink one beverage, for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Definitely Almond Joy and Mounds candy bars! I love those things.
5. What is your absolute biggest pet peeve?
When someone has to constantly "one up" those around them or brag about themselves. It drives me nuts.
6. What do you consider your biggest flaw?
I have major anxiety and it usually causes me to overreact to everything in a very dramatic way. It's something I'm trying to work on, but it hasn't been going too well!
7. What is the biggest life lesson that you have learned through experience?
I've always been one to hold grudges and not forgive people. When the hubs and I were dating the first time, he cheated on me. I always said that I would never be one of those girls who stuck around when a man cheated on her, but when I was faced with that dilemma, I couldn't walk away. I'm not going to lie, it was very hard and it tooks us months to get passed it. He was going through a really rough time at that point in his life and wasn't himself. That sounds like an excuse, but it isn't. That isn't him and I knew it. I'm glad I got passed it because I would be missing out on life with him! Whew!
8. When you put a new roll of toilet paper out, do you let the loose end hang from the top of the roll, or out from the bottom?
Definitely from the bottom. I've seen a tv commerical lately that says people voted for the top, but I don't care.
Here's my questions:
1. What's the one place you want to visit before you die?
2. What's your dream job?
3. Are you doing it?
4. Who is one person you look up to?
5. What's your favorite holiday and why?
6. If you could go back in time, what era would go to?
7. If you could have dinner with any two people, dead or alive, who would they be?
8. Annnnnd what's your favorite color? :)
Now, I tag Ashley, Amy, Jess and Kelli!
My 100th Post!!
Today marks my 100th post. I wanted to write this at home so I could add a picture to it, but I'm bored and want to write. I will probably go home and add a picture later! :)
I thought since my blog is titled "My Life As Mrs. B", I'd write about my dear husband. My dear husband that I love so much, but can drive me absolutely crazy. My dear husband who can make me so angry one second and the next second have me laughing uncontrollably. My dear husband who, although I don't always see it, is my biggest fan. Since starting school, he's told me countless times how proud of me he is and how he knows I can do it. He tells me to ignore the rest of them and that I deserve to be there just like they do.
We've definitely had our ups and downs in the past nine and a half months. We were told over and over again that marriage is hard, that it could possibly magnify every problem we already had. We ignored them, said we were different. We thought that the year we lived together beforehand cancelled out that old saying. Boy, were we wrong! But, when I actually sit back and look at it, there's no one else I can imagine going through this with.
I think about all we've been through in the past six years and I can't help but smile. We've had our rough times, but there are more fun times than anything. I think about that gorgeous 20 year old boy who stole my heart that night on the river and I love the fact that he's now the 26 year old man that I will spend the rest of my life with! I watch him with our nieces and nephew and with Tanzi Belle and it makes my heart melt. He will be an amazing father to our future children. I have no doubt in my mind should we have sons that they will look up to him as the man they want to be and I definitely have no doubt in my mind should we have daughters that they will look at him like I look at my daddy. Although I don't always see it or believe it, I'm pretty lucky to have him as my hubby!
I thought since my blog is titled "My Life As Mrs. B", I'd write about my dear husband. My dear husband that I love so much, but can drive me absolutely crazy. My dear husband who can make me so angry one second and the next second have me laughing uncontrollably. My dear husband who, although I don't always see it, is my biggest fan. Since starting school, he's told me countless times how proud of me he is and how he knows I can do it. He tells me to ignore the rest of them and that I deserve to be there just like they do.
We've definitely had our ups and downs in the past nine and a half months. We were told over and over again that marriage is hard, that it could possibly magnify every problem we already had. We ignored them, said we were different. We thought that the year we lived together beforehand cancelled out that old saying. Boy, were we wrong! But, when I actually sit back and look at it, there's no one else I can imagine going through this with.
I think about all we've been through in the past six years and I can't help but smile. We've had our rough times, but there are more fun times than anything. I think about that gorgeous 20 year old boy who stole my heart that night on the river and I love the fact that he's now the 26 year old man that I will spend the rest of my life with! I watch him with our nieces and nephew and with Tanzi Belle and it makes my heart melt. He will be an amazing father to our future children. I have no doubt in my mind should we have sons that they will look up to him as the man they want to be and I definitely have no doubt in my mind should we have daughters that they will look at him like I look at my daddy. Although I don't always see it or believe it, I'm pretty lucky to have him as my hubby!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Happy Tuesday, ladies!
Good morning, lovlies! All is well here, aside from being dead tired this morning. What's new, huh?
First, I logged in this morning to see I have 24 followers! I know that is a small amount compared to what some of you have, but I was really excited. Thanks for following!
Now, on to the weekend! Mine was super busy with no time to rest, but I had a great time. Saturday the hubs went over to his best friend's apartment (which is actually right next ours) to watch college football, while I stayed home to clean. I couldn't tell you the last time our apartment got a good cleaning! It was a cool, beautiful day, so I turned off the a/c and opened our windows. It was so relaxing! I even put out our Fall decor. I'm definitely ready for Fall now!
Sunday was an absolutely amazing day! I don't know how often I've mentioned this, but when my mamaw passed away in 2000, our family had a huge falling out. About a year ago, some of my cousins and I decided we've had enough and we're tired of not having a family because our parents are mad at one another. Well, all of our determination has paid off and we had a family reunion Sunday! Words can't express how happy I was. Of course, some tears were shed, but we all had the best time. It was like we've never been apart. We've already planned our Christmas dinner and I can't wait!
Yesterday we spent the day at my in-laws and I had the chance to meet the hubs' aunt and uncle who live six hours away. I loved hearing all the stories they had to tell on my FIL! He was such a mean little boy! I have a feeling should we be blessed with a son, he will no doubt take after his papaw!
What about you guys? Did you do anything fun or just relax?
First, I logged in this morning to see I have 24 followers! I know that is a small amount compared to what some of you have, but I was really excited. Thanks for following!
Now, on to the weekend! Mine was super busy with no time to rest, but I had a great time. Saturday the hubs went over to his best friend's apartment (which is actually right next ours) to watch college football, while I stayed home to clean. I couldn't tell you the last time our apartment got a good cleaning! It was a cool, beautiful day, so I turned off the a/c and opened our windows. It was so relaxing! I even put out our Fall decor. I'm definitely ready for Fall now!
Sunday was an absolutely amazing day! I don't know how often I've mentioned this, but when my mamaw passed away in 2000, our family had a huge falling out. About a year ago, some of my cousins and I decided we've had enough and we're tired of not having a family because our parents are mad at one another. Well, all of our determination has paid off and we had a family reunion Sunday! Words can't express how happy I was. Of course, some tears were shed, but we all had the best time. It was like we've never been apart. We've already planned our Christmas dinner and I can't wait!
Yesterday we spent the day at my in-laws and I had the chance to meet the hubs' aunt and uncle who live six hours away. I loved hearing all the stories they had to tell on my FIL! He was such a mean little boy! I have a feeling should we be blessed with a son, he will no doubt take after his papaw!
What about you guys? Did you do anything fun or just relax?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
::Thankful Thursday::
Today I'm participating in Thankful Thursday. So often, I focus on the bad things in my life and not on the good. I think I'd be a lot happier if I could switch this somehow!
Today, I'm thankful that I have the chance to go back to school for my M.A. So many people aren't in a position to pursue their dreams and I'm having the chance to go for mine. It makes me want to work that much harder so that I can be able to help my own (someday) children pursure theirs!
What are you ladies thankful for?
Today, I'm thankful that I have the chance to go back to school for my M.A. So many people aren't in a position to pursue their dreams and I'm having the chance to go for mine. It makes me want to work that much harder so that I can be able to help my own (someday) children pursure theirs!
What are you ladies thankful for?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Back To School!
So, last night was my first class. I'm not going to lie. I'm completely overwhelmed and thought to myself "what the hell am I doing here??" several times! It started before class even began. Some girl, who I can tell I will not like, was talking about History and you can tell she just thinks she's suuuuuper intelligent. Throughout the whole class she had this smirk on her face that made me want to smack her! However, I did make a new friend and I'm really happy about that! She and I both were feeling the same way after class, so I have a feeling we're going to bond throughout the semester!
This class is not going to help my anxiety, which is getting progressively worse as the days go by, at all. At one point last night I felt panicked because we were going to have to tell a little about ourselves and even my professor saw it on my face. Aaaand he called me out on it. I could just feel my face getting red. I'm hoping that since it's only one day a week, I can get by with only a few panic attacks. We shall see though. We already have two assignments due by next week and one of them is an essay on a book about footnotes. Footnotes? Seriously?? I know, I know. This is all a part of becoming a Historian, but that doesn't mean it's always going to be fun and interesting! haha!
In other news, the hubs and I are 90% debt free!! I can't tell you what a relief this is. The day we paid off several of our bills, I cried I was so happy. It just felt like the world was lifted right off my shoulders. Things are lining up for us quite nicely and I couldn't be happier!
It's finally starting to cool off in the evenings here and Fall is definitely in the air! I think this also has a lot to do with my depression slowly, but surely, going away! You know how Fall/Winter depresses some people? It has the opposite effect on me. I don't wear sundresses or shorts, so I just don't get excited like everyone else does. Now Fall/Winter? I get excited! The area I live in is absolutely gorgeous this time of year and it's during this time, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else! I love the leaves, the pumpkins, Halloween, sweaters, coats and football! It all makes me very happy!
What about you guys? What's your favorite part of Fall?
This class is not going to help my anxiety, which is getting progressively worse as the days go by, at all. At one point last night I felt panicked because we were going to have to tell a little about ourselves and even my professor saw it on my face. Aaaand he called me out on it. I could just feel my face getting red. I'm hoping that since it's only one day a week, I can get by with only a few panic attacks. We shall see though. We already have two assignments due by next week and one of them is an essay on a book about footnotes. Footnotes? Seriously?? I know, I know. This is all a part of becoming a Historian, but that doesn't mean it's always going to be fun and interesting! haha!
In other news, the hubs and I are 90% debt free!! I can't tell you what a relief this is. The day we paid off several of our bills, I cried I was so happy. It just felt like the world was lifted right off my shoulders. Things are lining up for us quite nicely and I couldn't be happier!
It's finally starting to cool off in the evenings here and Fall is definitely in the air! I think this also has a lot to do with my depression slowly, but surely, going away! You know how Fall/Winter depresses some people? It has the opposite effect on me. I don't wear sundresses or shorts, so I just don't get excited like everyone else does. Now Fall/Winter? I get excited! The area I live in is absolutely gorgeous this time of year and it's during this time, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else! I love the leaves, the pumpkins, Halloween, sweaters, coats and football! It all makes me very happy!
What about you guys? What's your favorite part of Fall?
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