Before I begin, I feel like I need to set everyone straight. My fish do NOT lack personality, as previously stated. They are just under appreciated :). Anyone who has seen them knows that they are always excited to see you when you walk into the room.
Did everyone eat their paczki this week on Fat Tuesday? I sure did (actually I ate 3 or 4 b/c they're really good), it's become a tradition every year for me ever since I learned what they were. And no, I didn't eat them all in one day. It just gave me another reason to get myself the the gym and run a little.
For those of you that didn't know, my mother celebrated her XXth (you're welcome, Mom) birthday this past week. Now mom isn't the most technological person and she would be the first to admit this, but she is now the proud owner of her very own ipod / eyepod. Everyone will need to ask her how she likes it!
This morning Andrea went to Ladies Retreat at our church. She was going to be a model in a fashion show and was very nervous about it. I guess there is a movie about 27 dresses??? Pretty sure that it's a chic flick, and they were going to be modeling different bride's maid dresses that have appeared in the past couple of decades. Needless to say, she agreed to model for them, but then was complaining the rest of the week that she didn't want to do it. I'm sure that she'll do just fine!
I think tonight we might be going to one of my coworker's church. They are having their annual fish/chicken fry, all you can eat. I thought that sounded pretty good, now it just depends what time Andrea gets home from work. After that I think it's time to do some grocery shopping. There isn't a whole lot left in the fridge, except for condiments, but those aren't too filling by themselves.
Have a great weekend everyone! Talk to you in March!
2.28.2009
2.22.2009
My First Blog...
Hello everyone! This is my first blogging experience, so you will have to bear with me... I have to be in the perfect mood to talk on the phone (a mood which vary rarely occurs), and as such I love the idea of keeping in touch via a blog. Mind you, the blogs I have read in the past always seem to be filled with random stories of intrigue and foreign adventures. Living in Northern Indiana with no children, a couple of fish who lack personality and no dog, life doesn't get too overly adventurous or intriguing. But B and I enjoy each day we spend together and the little, everyday things that have come to mean so much to us. (So J, we currently will be leaving the intriguing, foreign adventures all up to you bucko... think you can handle that:)
And a heads up, I grew up in a family environment where one or two syllable nicknames were used with frequency. Early on in our dating relationship, my mom started calling Brian "B". It has since stuck, and this is how I usually refer to Brian. My brother Jamie is "J".
Highlights of the past week:
We currently are the owners of 5 fish; though Brian enjoys these fish, I wouldn't exactly call them his "pride and joy". Anyway, we are still experiencing an ongoing saga with one of our fish. The poor things has developed a horrific, continuously expanding orange and white tumor protruding out of the side of its head. Though this is not new news, it continues to increase in size. Earlier this week a bubble emerged on the top of the tumor, but has since popped. Mind you this is the happiest fish in the tank, but I'm afraid that soon it will no longer be able to efficiently swim due to the excess weight on the right side of its head. (See picture posted below). It seems like every time I run into my mom and my grandparents, at least one question is posed regarding the sick fish, the current size of its tumor, and its swimming abilities. Since it has proved a fascinating conversation in the past, I thought I would keep all of you abreast of the situation at hand.
Moving on - as most of you know I am currently in the middle of tax season. This year's season started out slower than normal, whereas I was only working 50-55 hour weeks. It was enjoyable while it lasted, but I did keep warning B that this was not normal. This past week finally felt "normal" for tax season. I was able to work 65 hours in only 5 days, which is an "accomplishment" ('tis the Season). I didn't get home until 10pm on Friday night, but it did mean that I didn't have to work at all on Saturday. I woke up and said hello to B when he got home from hanging out with the boys a little after midnight and then fell asleep.
Grandma Hoover and I had a jewelry class on Saturday morning from 9-12pm at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, which I had been looking forward to all week. We had a wonderful time! We each made a beaded necklace for ourselves, enjoyed some quality "girl-time", and lunch was provided which is never a bad thing! I love grandparents:)
After the jewelry class, I met B at the fitness center and we worked out together, which was really nice since we hadn't seen each other much all week! Then I stopped at the library on my way home to get a stock pile of magazines to look at while B watched sports on Sunday. (Girl magazines get me through B's sports seasons. One of the many reasons our marriage works:) After that, it was time to clean the house (our tiny apartment takes a whole 45 minutes to thoroughly clean from top to bottom. I don't know what I am going to do when we buy a house... During tax season, B is on dish duty and I clean and do laundry. I'm getting used to not having to wash dishes...I may forget how to do them completely when tax season is over. Poor Brian!) That night our church was having a "date night" and showing Fireproof. We helped out with book sales before and after the movie. Popcorn, pop, and candy were all included in the $2.50 ticket price. We really enjoyed the movie, and made it through without tears (which I was pretty proud of).
This is turning into a novel, and I really should let everyone go. We are taking it easy this afternoon, and I will be making a shrimp and broccoli fried rice recipe I got out of a Cooking Light magazine. Cooking still is a bit of an adventure for me, so we shall see how this baby turns out.
Everyone have a wonderful week! God bless.
And a heads up, I grew up in a family environment where one or two syllable nicknames were used with frequency. Early on in our dating relationship, my mom started calling Brian "B". It has since stuck, and this is how I usually refer to Brian. My brother Jamie is "J".
Highlights of the past week:
We currently are the owners of 5 fish; though Brian enjoys these fish, I wouldn't exactly call them his "pride and joy". Anyway, we are still experiencing an ongoing saga with one of our fish. The poor things has developed a horrific, continuously expanding orange and white tumor protruding out of the side of its head. Though this is not new news, it continues to increase in size. Earlier this week a bubble emerged on the top of the tumor, but has since popped. Mind you this is the happiest fish in the tank, but I'm afraid that soon it will no longer be able to efficiently swim due to the excess weight on the right side of its head. (See picture posted below). It seems like every time I run into my mom and my grandparents, at least one question is posed regarding the sick fish, the current size of its tumor, and its swimming abilities. Since it has proved a fascinating conversation in the past, I thought I would keep all of you abreast of the situation at hand.
Moving on - as most of you know I am currently in the middle of tax season. This year's season started out slower than normal, whereas I was only working 50-55 hour weeks. It was enjoyable while it lasted, but I did keep warning B that this was not normal. This past week finally felt "normal" for tax season. I was able to work 65 hours in only 5 days, which is an "accomplishment" ('tis the Season). I didn't get home until 10pm on Friday night, but it did mean that I didn't have to work at all on Saturday. I woke up and said hello to B when he got home from hanging out with the boys a little after midnight and then fell asleep.
Grandma Hoover and I had a jewelry class on Saturday morning from 9-12pm at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, which I had been looking forward to all week. We had a wonderful time! We each made a beaded necklace for ourselves, enjoyed some quality "girl-time", and lunch was provided which is never a bad thing! I love grandparents:)After the jewelry class, I met B at the fitness center and we worked out together, which was really nice since we hadn't seen each other much all week! Then I stopped at the library on my way home to get a stock pile of magazines to look at while B watched sports on Sunday. (Girl magazines get me through B's sports seasons. One of the many reasons our marriage works:) After that, it was time to clean the house (our tiny apartment takes a whole 45 minutes to thoroughly clean from top to bottom. I don't know what I am going to do when we buy a house... During tax season, B is on dish duty and I clean and do laundry. I'm getting used to not having to wash dishes...I may forget how to do them completely when tax season is over. Poor Brian!) That night our church was having a "date night" and showing Fireproof. We helped out with book sales before and after the movie. Popcorn, pop, and candy were all included in the $2.50 ticket price. We really enjoyed the movie, and made it through without tears (which I was pretty proud of).
This is turning into a novel, and I really should let everyone go. We are taking it easy this afternoon, and I will be making a shrimp and broccoli fried rice recipe I got out of a Cooking Light magazine. Cooking still is a bit of an adventure for me, so we shall see how this baby turns out.
Everyone have a wonderful week! God bless.
2.18.2009
Wastin' Time
For those of you who don't have to put yourselves through the agony of watching Notre Dame basketball...take a minute to be thankful (go ahead, yell and clap a little)!!! After my daily does of Jeopardy the only thing on was the Notre Dame game. Reluctantly, I watched and to my enjoyment, they lost...AGAIN. OK, so I know the Buckeyes aren't doing a whole lot better. However, I must point out that the Buckeyes did beat Notre Dame and they beat Michigan twice, and for me, I don't need much else out of my team!
I'm currently watching LOST. I'm hooked again, I had missed a season or two but have since caught back up and up to date again. Andrea isn't going to be home for another hour, so after it's over I'm going to have to find something else to do.
Tomorrow morning is one of the monthly meetings put on by the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. It's on the national and local economies. It's very interesting and a good way to get to know a few people in the local community. And besides...I get paid to go! the only catch is that it starts at 7:30AM which means getting up a little bit earlier. They do provide coffee which always helps in the AM.
We're being told that it's going to snow again. But I wouldn't expect anything else from winter in Indiana. This is the time I really miss going on Spring Break to somewhere warm, but I'm really glad I don't have to study for exams before I go on vacation anymore.
Have a great evening! B
I'm currently watching LOST. I'm hooked again, I had missed a season or two but have since caught back up and up to date again. Andrea isn't going to be home for another hour, so after it's over I'm going to have to find something else to do.
Tomorrow morning is one of the monthly meetings put on by the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. It's on the national and local economies. It's very interesting and a good way to get to know a few people in the local community. And besides...I get paid to go! the only catch is that it starts at 7:30AM which means getting up a little bit earlier. They do provide coffee which always helps in the AM.
We're being told that it's going to snow again. But I wouldn't expect anything else from winter in Indiana. This is the time I really miss going on Spring Break to somewhere warm, but I'm really glad I don't have to study for exams before I go on vacation anymore.
Have a great evening! B
2.12.2009
"This Is Jeopardy"
Hopefully you read the heading with the voice of the guy that says this (Johnny Gilbert). After tonight I feel like I am well qualified to be on the show. My basis for this is that I have gotten more Final Jeopardy answers (or is is questions? -- I always get that mixed up) correct the past 2 weeks than I think I ever have AND tonight I got it right and none of the contestants did...wish I would have had the chance to win $20,000 (although it would probably be more than that) :)
Apparently Valentine's Day is in a couple of days...lucky for me it's in the middle of Tax Season!! One of the best things to come out of tax season -- that and the hopefulne$$ of a big refund!
OK, so maybe it's a bigger deal than that, Andrea and I are planning on making dinner at home and actually getting to spend some time together.
Andrea's been on a puppy kick lately. After church on Sunday we went out to eat at Burger King and there just happened to be a guy in the Walmart parking lot selling french poodles. So my car somehow turned in and stopped to have a look see. Lori's car also turned in. And I have to admit I was the only one that didn't give the Skyrm "aaawwwww!" Growing up in a mostly male home we weren't real emotional...I think some of my bros can relate. Needless to say, I'm still glad we are renting and are unable to have a dog right now. Someday we'll have one, but not right now.
Hope everyone's have a wonderous week! Tomorrow's Friday! TTYL!
Apparently Valentine's Day is in a couple of days...lucky for me it's in the middle of Tax Season!! One of the best things to come out of tax season -- that and the hopefulne$$ of a big refund!
OK, so maybe it's a bigger deal than that, Andrea and I are planning on making dinner at home and actually getting to spend some time together.
Andrea's been on a puppy kick lately. After church on Sunday we went out to eat at Burger King and there just happened to be a guy in the Walmart parking lot selling french poodles. So my car somehow turned in and stopped to have a look see. Lori's car also turned in. And I have to admit I was the only one that didn't give the Skyrm "aaawwwww!" Growing up in a mostly male home we weren't real emotional...I think some of my bros can relate. Needless to say, I'm still glad we are renting and are unable to have a dog right now. Someday we'll have one, but not right now.
Hope everyone's have a wonderous week! Tomorrow's Friday! TTYL!
2.05.2009
Just Another Day...
Good news...I know it's been hard to come by in recent months. And yesterday was no different. It was announced that Elkhart county has the highest unemployment rate in Indiana (15.3%) and at a meeting I attended this morning they said that the Elkhart/Goshen area had the 3rd highest rate in the country. (http://www.cnbc.com/id/29013828/for/cnbc/) Of all the towns, cities, villages, etc. we are literally living right in the middle of it. At work, I've heard countless stories of people being laid off and worst part about it is no one is hiring. Today I looked in the newspaper, and I've never seen the classifieds so empty. Needless to say, I wake up every morning being VERY thankful that I have a place to go and happily do my job. Often I ask, why am I so fortunate? I don't know the answer to that, but I'm not taking it for granted.
Andrea and I thought it would be fun to start a blog. Since we don't talk to everyone in the family very often we felt this might be a way to communicate the goings on in our lives. We'll try real hard to update it often. And you are more than welcome to leave comments as you wish...or you could start your own blog too! No pressure though...
This first post, I'll speak for Andrea and me. She (and me) is in the middle of tax season. So that means long hours at the office for her, and long hours at home alone for me. It hasn't been too bad yet. I expected it to be a lot worse, but then again Andrea said that she isn't overly busy yet so there's still time for that to change. I spend time at the gym, watching TV, reading (occasionally), and washing a lot of dishes. Apparently I'm really good at it. If you ask me, it's an excuse for a certain someone to get out of that chore!
We watched the Super Bowl last Sunday. We just stayed home and fried some chicken wings for supper. We love our deep fryer! It was a pretty good game. I was torn about who I wanted to win so I'm glad it was close with an exciting ending. I thought the commercials were mediocre -- and that's a generous adjective for them.
This concludes the first post. Hope you enjoy and visit regualarly. Hope everyone is going well!
Andrea and I thought it would be fun to start a blog. Since we don't talk to everyone in the family very often we felt this might be a way to communicate the goings on in our lives. We'll try real hard to update it often. And you are more than welcome to leave comments as you wish...or you could start your own blog too! No pressure though...
This first post, I'll speak for Andrea and me. She (and me) is in the middle of tax season. So that means long hours at the office for her, and long hours at home alone for me. It hasn't been too bad yet. I expected it to be a lot worse, but then again Andrea said that she isn't overly busy yet so there's still time for that to change. I spend time at the gym, watching TV, reading (occasionally), and washing a lot of dishes. Apparently I'm really good at it. If you ask me, it's an excuse for a certain someone to get out of that chore!
We watched the Super Bowl last Sunday. We just stayed home and fried some chicken wings for supper. We love our deep fryer! It was a pretty good game. I was torn about who I wanted to win so I'm glad it was close with an exciting ending. I thought the commercials were mediocre -- and that's a generous adjective for them.
This concludes the first post. Hope you enjoy and visit regualarly. Hope everyone is going well!
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