Finally

Well finally I am putting something new on here. It's not that I've been overwhelmingly busy and haven't had time.... I just didn't really have anything interesting to post! So here is a rundown of what we have been up to lately: Collin went to Costa Rica for 10 days, that was pretty cool. The uncool part was I had to stay behind. If he'd had 4 more kids sign up I could have gone as the 2nd chaperone, but we decided at this point it wasn't the best way for us to spend $2500 for me to go along.


I tried to get him to put up a post about it but no good. I'm sure if you come over though he'll show you all the pictures you want to see and more!

I'm glad to have you back honey! It was a LOONG time for him to be gone! Mainly because it happened to fall on a week/weekend when I had next to NOTHING going on. Seriously. I couldn't visit my family because they themselves were on vacation in NY. It was probably the only weekend I had absolutely no prior engagements, and all my other friends and family I possibly would have visited were already busy. BUT I am good at finding ways to amuse myself and don't mind the alone time sometimes. Plus I had some fun days/nights with gal pals. A few things I did while Collin was gone . . .

Seriously did some good cookin. I am proud of this because my usual habit when Collin's gone is to just grab takeout somewhere because well who cares about cooking? I think I only ate out like twice the whole 10 days though. It was kind of fun to make the stuff I don't usually when Collin's here, like this Grilled Eggplant with Feta--he hates this but I love it! yum!I did a little shopping, I admit. But I think I was pretty good about not spending copious amounts of money while Collin was gone, which I sometimes do. Did get a couple pairs of shoes (of course), a swim top, and some other miscellaneous things . . . I did a TON of scrapbooking while Collin was gone! I am such a nerd and once I get going I don't want to stop, so I would stay up until like 2:00 each night! The big project is done now though so I will be taking a break from scrapbooking for a while!! I also made these cute little USA letters for fun.I made the whole thing up and was pretty happy with how it turned out.Once Collin got back.... our TV didn't work any more! We had a sneaking suspicion that the whole "TV going digital" thing was just a scam the government was putting on to force everyone into buying those converter boxes and/or new TVs. But sadly our theory was put to rest as there was no channel 7 on Saturday morning. We had been planning on getting a new TV once we had to--so we finally broke down and did. We're like, the last people who care to spend $$ on electronics because well, we could care less, so it was funny shopping for a new TV, and also lame to have to spend so much $$. But all I can say is it better last us like 50 years, and anyone who wants to come watch on the big screen is more than welcome! We've also added some fun stuff to our backyard--Collin hung up my hammock (from Costa Rica the last time, in 2004)
Although it's been so freakin rainy I haven't gotten to use it. We also put up our tramp! It is so fun having a tramp, I go out and jump every day. It makes you feel like a kid again. And makes me feel like a fat heffer as well.

The garden when we planted it . .. . . . and look how much it's grown! Every night I have gone out and picked some romaine and made a delicious salad! It is so fun. There are some great herbs growing and some little baby peppers are coming along too! We're pretty proud since this is our first attempt at this ever.

Other things I've been doing... piano has been going pretty great. The end of the year meant the end of quite a few of the "less-motivated/less-good--attituded" students studying with me, and although it's always weird to see numbers of students go down, I really have been blessed because already I have added on 5 more to take their places and they are great! Plus I never realized how much of a relief it would be to not have to dread those lessons anymore. So that has been going really good, summer lessons are fun anyway.

I've also been working on putting together some lists of repertoire and hymns for intermediate-level students, and I've been checking out a new program I hope to put some of my kids in, Certificate of Merit. I know this is blah blah blah to most of you, but just wanted you to know that private piano teaching is actually much more than just the half-hour I spend with the kids!



Last week I went and helped Tammy out with her Miss Idaho Little Sisters stuff. It was really fun because I got to know all the sweet little girls and the dances Tammy put together were great, of course. Since I helped we were able to get Collin in to watch the competition Friday night, while I helped back stage. I was wondering what he would think of a pageant, he has never been to one before. I tried to get him to put up a post on here of his thoughts about the whole thing, but he won't. So I'll just leave to your imagination what a ruff-n-tuff wrestler would say after watching a night of interviews, swim wear, and evening gowns.... lets just say it's hilarious and well, I wouldn't want Miss Idaho to hear it! :)

Last of all, I finally started training to run a 5K! I know that seems like, not a big deal but let me tell you a couple of things about myself: 1) I hate running, and 2) I really hate running. and 3) I need to get in shape. So, although I really don't like running and never have, I have also realized that I've never really given it the chance it deserves. I hear that once you get into your groove it gets easier, which I am desperately hoping is true. I also need to get into better shape. I think my body has gotten too used to high-impact aerobics and the elliptical so I'm trying something different. I haven't signed up for one yet--I'm hoping to do one in about 8 weeks but haven't been able to find a good one. So if you know of any around you, let me know! And if anyone who is NOT already a fabulous runner and in really good shape wants suffer along with me in this, please do! :)

Just for the record, I ran 1.5 miles yesterday and about died. Yes, that is how bad I am. And today I am walking like a robot. But I'm not discouraged!!