It's my Birthday!

And I'll cry if I want to! :) Not really...nothing to cry about here! I had a pretty good birthday after I got home at about 5:45PM! The rest of the day was...well just the norm these days! Anywho...I'll post more about the birthday festivities later! :)

Ralphie May

Last night was date night with the new boy...well, we've been dating for a month or so, so I guess he's not too new. :) Anywho! We went to see Ralphie May. If you don't know who he is, like me, you should check him out on YouTube. He has been on Comedy Central and I have to admit he was pretty funny. As a warning, he is not politically correct, has dirty jokes, and would not be categorized as the nicest comedian. Even with all of these things going against him, I still had a great time at his show laughing for the full 3 hours. His wife opened for him with her own interesting songs that she sang along with her guitar. Then Ralphie came out and took a seat on the big red couch in the center of the stage. He did have some things to say about my beloved Alabama football team, but what should I expect from a Tennessee fan, right? I thought I'd share a picture I found on Google so y'all could see what he looks like.

 

Got some good advice

I met this wonderful lady when my best friend was getting married. She is my friend's sister-in-law and was a bridesmaid in her wedding. Her name is Kimberly and she gives some pretty good advice. When I openly admitted that I am not very good at being a daily blogger, she didn't criticize me. She simply gave me some good advice...

"Its hard to keep up with a blog post a day :) Shoot for like at least a couple a week to begin with and then if you get more that is just a plus! You can also look around on other blogs for little things to link up on and post about for that day. There should be multiple things you can choose from each day"

Now, isn't that some good advice? So, that's what I am going to strive to do. Keep y'all updated on what's happening in my life, even though it may not mean daily posts. I think this would still be keeping with my New Year's Resolution. I would like to maintain this blog for an entire year.

Today, I am so excited because I got to order new Thirty-One products and catalogs for the Spring/Summer season. The new patterns are amazing! I can't wait to get everything in to show off! :) Thirty-One is a big part of my life. I joined with the belief that it might not take me anywhere. However, after over a year of selling Thirty-One, it has brought me so much. I have been able to make my car payment each month with the help of my Thirty-One paycheck, I have met some amazing women through parties and Thirty-One events, I have come out of my "shy shell" a little bit, I am working towards becoming an Independent Director for Thirty-One, I have shared the Thirty-One opportunity with several ladies, and I'm hoping to share the Thirty-One opportunity with many more ladies so it can change their lives like it has changed mine so far.

Keep coming back to see what else has been going on in my life. It may not be the most exciting thing, but it is my life and I'm living it! :) You can visit Kimberly's blog at Happily Henninger!

011. Cleaning out

Well, today was another snow day, so I felt the need to clean out my Thirty-One closet in order to make room for all the new Thirty-One products! I posted several things on Facebook for sale at more than 50% off!

Tomorrow is our 3rd SNOW DAY! Let me tell you, being stuck in the house for several days without the option of going somewhere can drive you a little nuts. When you are at home by choice, it doesn't seem to get to you, but when you are forced to stay home, you can go a little stir crazy. It is beginning to feel a little bit like that.

Tonight...I'm thinking Movie Night with a tub of popcorn! What movie shall I watch? There are too many choices in my room. If you know me, decisions are very difficult. I love collected DVDs, but that can pose a problem for me when it comes time to actually choose one to watch. I better go start deciding now so that by the time move time rolls around, I will have made my decision! :) Happy Snow Day everybody!

010. *SNOW* DAY!!!

As a kid raised in the South, we didn't get many snow days, but when they did come, we learned that we had to enjoy them to the fullest. I may not be a kid anymore, but when the snow days come, it surely makes me feel that way. First thing this morning, I looked out the window and saw all the snow that had fallen overnight and that was still coming down. Now, normally, I would have rolled over and went back to sleep. However, there is just something about the snow. It calls you to come outside and play. So, I got dressed and did just that! I measured the snow fall using my handy dandy ruler...5 and a half inches! WOW! So, I walked across the road to wake my brother up. We proceeded to have a snowball fight. Although that was difficult because the snow didn't want to make very good snowballs. Then, we took a long walk through the woods admiring the beauty of the snow day. Lexi went with us and let me tell you, she was pooped when we got home! We took a little break because we were frozen. Then, Michael had what he thought was a great idea. We had a pre-formed pond liner out back, so we were to use this as a sled. It didn't work so well, but we did have fun! Now, I've finished Round 1 and Round 2 in the snow...will there be a Round 3? Who knows! :) Enjoy the pictures of the lovely SNOW DAY!!!

008. & 009. Not very good...

...at this whole daily blogging thing. It hasn't even been ten days and I have done this twice, totally forgotten to post something from the previous day. So, here I am for the second time, making up ground for the day before.

This weekend has been pretty lazy for me. I did start a Jillian Michaels workout video. Let me just tell you, she is the devil. She works muscles that you didn't even know you had. This video's goal is for you to lose 20 pounds in 30 days. I can see how it can promise you that because after the way it has made me feel the last two days, your body has no other choice but to change. So, if you would like something to really work your hiney, I would recommend Jillian Michaels. She is, after all, a trainer for The Biggest Loser!

After my vigorous workout this morning, I went for a walk and spent my afternoon reading a good book waiting for the snow to come. I have my fingers and toes crossed for some SNOW! Ice would be fine too, anything to get me out of school tomorrow and possibly a two hour delay on Tuesday. Yes, I believe I can handle that. It sucks because we would, inevitably, have to make up missing a day of school. However, right now, I need this extra day tacked on to my weekend. Last week was not the best week and I am not eager to start over with a new week. So, if the weathermen know what's good for them, they will send all the snow and ice my way because I fully intend to hunker down in my nice warm house and relish another day added to my weekend. :)

Ok...So, now that I have caught all you people out there in the virtual world up on the goings on in my life...I'm going to leave you! Ta-ta!

007. TGIF

I can't remember a Friday in a very long time when I could cry because I am so happy that it is finally Friday. This morning, my first thought was TGIF!! Then, I had to sit back and ask myself, is it really Friday? It was just too good to be true. But, yes indeed, it is Friday people! And yes, I am out of school until Monday, and if my luck is good, then I'll be out until at least Wednesday due to snow and ice predictions for my area. One can dream, can't she? After a very challenging day, I am home and ready to relax. Except for the fact that I'm going to Augusta with my brother to meet my mom to have dinner at Rhinehart's. That will be relaxing though. At least it will be some chill out time with a couple adults. Anyone else as excited as I am that it's Friday?! Tell me about your day!! (Maybe it'll make my day that much better! HA!)

006. nook

I feel I have been neglecting my nook. Santa was amazing this year and brought me the one thing that I really wanted...my nookColor. It is amazing, let me be the first to tell you. It is in color, you can get on the internet, you can play games, and you can read a book. I mean, what more could you ask for? So, I got my nook for Christmas and me and it were inseparable for the rest of Christmas break. Where is Jennifer? Well, she was on the couch reading, in bed reading, or at the table reading. I was reading everywhere and anywhere! Now, school has started again and my nook is being neglected. I feel like me and my nook need to spend some quality time together tonight playing catch up. That is definitely the first thing on the agenda for the evening. So, on that note, I will bid my fellow bloggers farewell as me and my nook cozy up for a night of reading. Ta-ta!

004. and 005. Alternative

Yes, I'm the big, bag, mean Alternative School Teacher. What does that mean? Well, I have a student and we are in a room together all day. We do work, have fun on a good day and not so much fun on a bad day. The challenging days definitely keep me on my toes. I enjoy my job because I have wanted to be a teacher since I was about 6 years old. So, for eighteen years I have been dreaming of the day when I had my own classroom. I now have my own classroom. I moved in my classroom in October. We are settling in nicely. We have a new classmate. She's a guinea pig named Oreo. She is at home right now because she just hasn't made it back to school after Christmas Break. Maybe soon, though.

With everything going on with my job, I didn't even think about posting yesterday, so today is for two days. Am I allowed whoopsies like that? I think we should allow them. You learn from mistakes, right?

Alright, so to say goodbye for today...I leave you with a picture of Oreo...

003. National Conference

Well, I have been a Thirty-One consultant for more than a year now. October 13th was my year anniversary with the company. In that year, I have been blessed with an additional income! What have I done with that money? Well, when I got my Thirty-One check in December, I was able to save $700 for those summer months when my subbing gig is not so fruitful. My goal is to be a Director by National Conference, which is July 13th-16th this year. Are you looking for a rewarding side job, time to get away with some girls, or a little extra cash? Ask me about becoming a Thirty-One consultant!

So, the cause of all this excitement is not just because I am a Thirty-One consultant and my job is to PARTY, but it is because National Conference registration opened today (and yes, I am already registered!). I wanted to remind all of you of the good times that I had in July 2010 at the Thirty-One National Conference.

Looks like a great time, doesn't it? Want to join me in Columbus, Ohio this year? JOIN MY TEAM! :)

This year's theme: Imagine the Possibilities. So, for just a moment, I want you to imagine the possibilities. What could you do with an extra $500 a month? $1,000 a month? $2,000? $5,000? How about $15,000? The possibilities with Thirty-One are endless.

I had to share my excitement with all of you. If you want anymore information, just let me know! :)

002. A walk in the woods

Today has been a lazy day in preparation for returning to work tomorrow. Yes, folks, my Christmas vacation is over. It flew by way to fast! Now, the countdown to Spring Break begins! So, to clear my head in order to ready myself for the return to the daily grind, I took a walk with my mom, Lexi, and Sophie in the woods. It was fun, but mushy (it rained yesterday). I took some pictures to share with all of you. Enjoy!

001. New Year, New Me, New Blog

New Years Resolution #1: Be successful with a daily blog. Yes, I know, I have be unable to actually keep up a daily blog. However, I am making it a New Years resolution, so I have to do it, right? I want to post daily blog entries for 365 days or until January 1, 2012. I can do this!

Here goes...

First entry for my daily blog: New Years Eve
I had a great time ringing in the new year with family and friends at Nicole and Clifton's annual New Years Eve bash where there was about $300 worth of fireworks lit for a spectacular New Years display. I took a ton of pictures of the spectacular fireworks display, of course.

So, it is another new year. Will this one be better than the last few years? I hope so. I foresee 2011 being a good year. If only I was actually psychic and knew that 2011 was really going to be a good year. My hopes for 2011...a job, a Thirty-One promotion, travels, a diet that sticks, etc, etc, etc. That's not too much to ask for, is it?

I can't wait to share my 2011 with all you of out there in the virtual world! Happy New Year to all of you!

Following directions...

This is for you, Vi.

I was told to blog with my pictures, but I only took one picture. Saturday (yesterday) morning, I was enjoying my breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast out on our deck. I made the comment that it felt like Fall was in the air because there was a cool breeze that was nonexistent throughout the summer. My mom agreed and said that she had noticed leaves were turning colors and falling off the trees already. That led to an in depth conversation about the color of the leaves that were still on the trees between me, my mom, and my brother. {One a side note: we tend to have some pretty interesting conversations} My brother had, at first, disagreed that leaves had started to change, but after some evidence, he relented.

So, after breakfast, mom and I made our way down to our new swing that is next to the pond. Well, the swing part is not new, we took it from our lake house when we sold it. But, the posts and such are new. I'll have to post pictures just as soon as I take them! *smiles*

Anywho! My mom and I were sitting there just having another, I'm sure, interesting conversation when a leaf fell into my lap. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a leaf! Which can only mean one thing.... Fall is on its way!!!

So, after this leaf fell into my lap, I began to think about what Fall meant to me. There is only one thing that I could come up with, and that, my friends, is FOOTBALL. Not just any kind of football, COLLEGE football. And, to be more specific, ALABAMA college football. I love Fall for that simple reason, not just the fact that there is a breeze in the air that makes you want to curl up next to a fire, but the fact that Fall means Football!

To conclude this post, there is only one thing to say...and that is...ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

Davis

Now...here's the picture of another one of my babies, Davis, that I promised I would post a few days ago.

I got him this little outfit. It's a fireman's uniform? Ain't that just adorable?! I just love that little feller! :)

Gold Rush 2010

I didn't get to tell y'all about one of my babies! I have so many these days with Emily, Connor, and Davis! :) I like to borrow other people's children. They don't seem to mind. HAHA!

Well...this post is about Miss Emily. I swear she gets her blonde hair from me. Anywho...she competed in Wee Miss Gold Rush at the beginning of August. She loves pageants and who can blame her? She's a pretty girl! She didn't win, but she did get Runner Up! She got a pretty crown and a trophy! I got my picture taken with her like she was a celebrity.

Now...for the most adorable picture ever! This is Emily with Ashley (who won Miss Gold Rush). Emily is looking up at her and I do believe she is thinking, "Woooooow! That is going to be me one day!"

I give up...

...on apologizing for not posting.

I have been absent from the blogging world, I know. I cannot tell you when the next time I will be back, but I do plan to return. I wish I could be successful at daily blog posts. Why am I not able to do that? Oh well...I suppose I will need more discipline. I am reading the book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (I'm sure you've heard of the movie!). It is teaching me that I do need to take the time to think about what I actually want out of life. So, hopefully I will eventually be able to do that.

In my latest news, I started a job at the McCormick School District office. I am the receptionist, filling in for a girl that's on maternity leave. So, I'll be there for about six weeks or so. If you call up there, you will hear my cheerful voice saying "McCormick School District. This is Jennifer. How may I help you?" Whatcha think of my intro? I tried the Good morning and good afternoon thing, but seemed I was taking too long to get my schpeel out for these people.

Along with my job, I got to meet the new superintendent of McCormick School District. Come to find out, she actually moved here from Broward County School District. I was eager to tell her that I went to school in Broward County! I went to Palm Cove Elementary and Pines Middle School before we left when I was in 7th grade. Dr. Smiley (the superintendent) happens to be very good friends with the principal I had when I was at Pines. What a small world, huh?

Well, that's all I have to share for now. I do have a cute picture of Davis (y'all know Davis...Stephanie's adorable little munchkin). I shall save it for another post, though.

Cannot wait for...

...DECEMBER!!!

Grad school will be over then. Discussions, papers, discussions, papers, discussions, papers, discussions, papers, portfolio...seems to be the pattern of online grad school. It is starting to take its toll on me. FYI...Discussions on Wednesdays and Papers on Sundays has been the trend throughout my whole grad school career. Why don't they take their own advise and change it up to keep their students interested? Oh...and sympathetic, kind, and caring teachers would be a plus, too.

My grad school course work consists of only ten 8-week classes. That's pretty cool, right? I am in the middle of class number 8. So ready to be done with numbers 9 and 10.

I guess this is more difficult because I don't get a reward at the end, like the others. Certainly, I get my degree. But, I do not get the extra pay that goes with the Master's Degree title. No, I will still be making the substitute paycheck that other subs, who have a 2 year degree or higher, will be making. Bleh.

Well, I have stalled long enough. It is Wednesday, and what does that mean? Ah! You guessed it! Time to work on my discussion...

Every time...

...I think I'm doing good with my blog posts, I seem to fall behind. Once again, I have fallen behind. I'm not sure that it's because I've been busy. No, that's not it. It's summer time, what could I possibly be doing? My life is bound to get more busy when school starts and I start subbing again.

I think I have been neglecting my blog because I haven't felt like typing a long story about stuff in my life. My life is not very exciting at this moment.

Of course, after I just spent several minutes telling y'all how my life is not busy and not boring, I'm now going to tell you that this week is going to be busy and exciting. I'm having my Thirty-One Fall Open House this Saturday (the 31st). I will be debuting the new Fall catalog, which will be available August 1st. I'm also giving away a new Fall product (retail value of $59) and other door prizes. I have my fingers crossed that my new Fall kit and catalogs arrive in the next couple of days. Everyone cross your fingers and toes with me, please.

So, my Open House is Saturday and the BFF is coming down from Charlotte to help me out. She's coming down Saturday morning and she's going to stay until Sunday afternoon. We're going to have a grand ole time, as always.

If you happen to be in the neighborhood on July 31st at 2 PM, you are more than welcome to stop by my house for refreshments and new Fall products! Hope to see you there!!

.034. I'm back...from outer space!

Hello folks! Long time no see! It has been hard to get back in the swing of things after taking the short vacation/work trip to Ohio! I think I'm back now, but we shall see. I decided that I would share a collage of pictures from conference. It was amazing and I had such a good time. I will reveal some new products as we get closer to the Fall catalog launch date, August 1st. I'm having an Open House on the 31st and of course, all my blogger buddies are invited if you happen to be in the Plum Branch area that day. :) A new Fall product (retail value of $59) will be given away, as well as other door prizes!

.033. so sleepy

I told y'all yesterday about my lack of sleep while at the Thirty-One National Conference. Basically, it was because I was so excited to be there and could hardly wait to see the new products or go to sessions and learn as much as possible about Thirty-One. So, here we are, it's Monday and I still feel like I'm running on empty. Tomorrow I have to get up and tutor. Hopefully, after tutoring, I can come home and take a nap, but I'm sure that will get my sleep schedule even more messed up. Anywho...I'm off to take a shower and then I'm going to attempt to watch The Bachelorette later tonight. We will see!