Saturday, June 9, 2012
Minnesota
Well I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I should. You know let you know what is happening in the lives of the Osbornes..
For starters, I participated in this weight loss competition at my school, although I didn't win, I'm still a winner. I have lost 40 pounds and 2 sizes! And to be honest with you the only thing I did was count my calories with an awesome iPhone app: MyFitnessPal and if you're wanting to lose weight I highly recommend it! I need to start working out to continue my weight loss however. But since I have nothing but time on my hand I hopefully will be doing it more.
Well I resigned my job as a teacher in Houston. (on my own terms of course) Robert and I are moving to Minnesota! He got accepted into an instrument repair program there and in one year's time he will be certified and will be able to work anywhere! I know you're thinking, "Why Minnesota?". Well you see there are only four places in the US that teach that and from what we hear the one in Red Wing is one of the better schools! And it's only for a year.
Living in Minnesota is going to be crazy though. I've lived in south central TX my whole life... This whole snow thing is going to be interesting. I will definitely be buying some warm clothes. I don't have any! But why would I for the 2-3 days it might actually be considered cold here?? Ha. Well anywho new life experiences are about to be had and I can't be more excited to have this opportunity with my husband. :~) Prissy dog isn't going to like the snow...
I hope I can find a job in the education field, but it's not looking promising. I'm going to keep trying. I am doing what I need to to get a license to teach in Minnesota so I can hopefully at least sub. The town we are moving to has 16,000 people in it - not a lot of teaching jobs. And the towns are pretty far apart, so I'm not sure commuting is the best idea in a snow filled area.
We will be getting rid of even more stuff to make this move as easy as possible. Had we not gone through and cleansed our life of clutter before, this would be a much more difficult task. However, now I am willing to get rid of so much more stuff. It's just stuff.
I'll keep you updated on the happenings of this family. Keep us in your thoughts as we make this transition in our lives!
Life is too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas Break
Hello all,
It's been awhile. I suck. I have been super busy with school. I know I haven't said much about school on here because it was supposed to be about Me and Robert... but I just want to share. We started a program this year that forced the kids to practice fundamentals. They have to "pass off" to us all of the different things we have them do each grading period. So... needless to say we are at school a lot listening to kids play. But that's cool because I know how each of my kids play and it's like mini private lessons with each of them. It has made them better, well the ones who are trying to do it. We also made it to where the kids had to get 30 stickers from August to December (a sticker means they got a 100 on something) in order to be invited to attend the Spring Trip next semester. We had quite a few reach that honor. And quite a few who didn't because they're lazy. But the ones who made it - we passed out Olympic Medals (the program is called Band Olympics) based on how many stickers they earned. 30-34 was a bronze medal. 35-39 was a silver medal. 40+ was a gold medal. Passing out those medals to the kids made all of the busy-ness that was this semester worth it. :-)
Next semester I have joined a team for the school wide Teacher and Staff competition "Hambrick's Biggest Loser". Really it is so I can wear jeans every Monday. But losing weight would be nice. If I gain weight I have to pay $1 for every pound gained. So there's my motivation to at least maintain! I'm going to try the crock pot route to see if it will help with the whole eating out issue that Robert and I are plagued with. If for nothing else to save money!
Robert will be moving to Minnesota (hopefully) at the end of this upcoming summer to learn how to be an instrument repair technician. It is a 2 semester program, so he'll be back at the end of the next school year. I'm not quite sure what the living situation is going to look like yet. I think going up to Minnesota with him would be difficult because I'm not guaranteed a job. At least I have a job now. If/When I stay I'll either end up living with my Dad - or finding a roommate and a really cheap situation just so we can afford to live in two different states. At least with him only staying those 9 months, he won't have to register to live in that state. That costs a lot of money... And plus, vacations really would be that! I would fly to Minnesota every chance I got. That will be cool. I'll already have clothes there or I can buy what ever I need there (warm clothes wise) and never even have to bring a bag or anything. Just a purse full of things I would need!
Alright, once I get a house I think this blog will be more of what I want it to be. I want to try different organizational ideas and make life more efficient. I know I can do that all now... I just don't have the funds or the room for it really. My life is as de-cluttered as it can be. I just need to keep the space cleaner so you can tell haha. :-) When I have a house that just means that Robert and I are both finished with school and are working and making money! Until then... they will remain ideas! Have a really good holiday break and enjoy your family and friends!!
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
It's been awhile. I suck. I have been super busy with school. I know I haven't said much about school on here because it was supposed to be about Me and Robert... but I just want to share. We started a program this year that forced the kids to practice fundamentals. They have to "pass off" to us all of the different things we have them do each grading period. So... needless to say we are at school a lot listening to kids play. But that's cool because I know how each of my kids play and it's like mini private lessons with each of them. It has made them better, well the ones who are trying to do it. We also made it to where the kids had to get 30 stickers from August to December (a sticker means they got a 100 on something) in order to be invited to attend the Spring Trip next semester. We had quite a few reach that honor. And quite a few who didn't because they're lazy. But the ones who made it - we passed out Olympic Medals (the program is called Band Olympics) based on how many stickers they earned. 30-34 was a bronze medal. 35-39 was a silver medal. 40+ was a gold medal. Passing out those medals to the kids made all of the busy-ness that was this semester worth it. :-)
Next semester I have joined a team for the school wide Teacher and Staff competition "Hambrick's Biggest Loser". Really it is so I can wear jeans every Monday. But losing weight would be nice. If I gain weight I have to pay $1 for every pound gained. So there's my motivation to at least maintain! I'm going to try the crock pot route to see if it will help with the whole eating out issue that Robert and I are plagued with. If for nothing else to save money!
Robert will be moving to Minnesota (hopefully) at the end of this upcoming summer to learn how to be an instrument repair technician. It is a 2 semester program, so he'll be back at the end of the next school year. I'm not quite sure what the living situation is going to look like yet. I think going up to Minnesota with him would be difficult because I'm not guaranteed a job. At least I have a job now. If/When I stay I'll either end up living with my Dad - or finding a roommate and a really cheap situation just so we can afford to live in two different states. At least with him only staying those 9 months, he won't have to register to live in that state. That costs a lot of money... And plus, vacations really would be that! I would fly to Minnesota every chance I got. That will be cool. I'll already have clothes there or I can buy what ever I need there (warm clothes wise) and never even have to bring a bag or anything. Just a purse full of things I would need!
Alright, once I get a house I think this blog will be more of what I want it to be. I want to try different organizational ideas and make life more efficient. I know I can do that all now... I just don't have the funds or the room for it really. My life is as de-cluttered as it can be. I just need to keep the space cleaner so you can tell haha. :-) When I have a house that just means that Robert and I are both finished with school and are working and making money! Until then... they will remain ideas! Have a really good holiday break and enjoy your family and friends!!
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Well it's been awhile...
Things are kind of stagnant for me right now... The house gets dirty throughout the week, I've stopped buying the healthy meals I planned for. Mostly because the vegetables I bought never got eaten but rather rotted in my fridge. I'm still staying away from boxed meals and trying to make more frozen veggies and homemade pasta/rice dishes. I've attempted to make a macaroni and cheese dish, but they've all sucked. A lot. Plan B suck. But it will get better... right?
I've thrown around the idea of getting a second job to afford maid services. But that's just silly. I would just like more time throughout the day to get things done. I spend 2 hours driving to and from work (which stresses me out a lot - some people are cut out for commuting - and some are not) and then I spend a good 9-11 hours at work Monday through Friday. I'm not trying to whine - but wah! I would like to live closer to work or find a job closer to where I live. Both things aren't really feasible right now, unfortunately. I would also like to, in the future, find a job that has less time commitment so I can have more time for a family. Not that I don't like my job now - good things are happening and it's very exciting.
I've got to make a new plan. So far my plan includes buying simpler meals to make during the week, which I started doing last week and is actually working better. My ultimate desired result of making this plan work, is to just stop eating out. Eating out is just a monetary leak... And my plan for the keeping the house clean... ha, well I guess that would be to not get it dirty in the first place! haha I guess we will see how that one works out. But really I guess it's just to suck it up more and do a little more each night, so it won't be a lot on the weekend.
I've thrown around the idea of getting a second job to afford maid services. But that's just silly. I would just like more time throughout the day to get things done. I spend 2 hours driving to and from work (which stresses me out a lot - some people are cut out for commuting - and some are not) and then I spend a good 9-11 hours at work Monday through Friday. I'm not trying to whine - but wah! I would like to live closer to work or find a job closer to where I live. Both things aren't really feasible right now, unfortunately. I would also like to, in the future, find a job that has less time commitment so I can have more time for a family. Not that I don't like my job now - good things are happening and it's very exciting.
I've got to make a new plan. So far my plan includes buying simpler meals to make during the week, which I started doing last week and is actually working better. My ultimate desired result of making this plan work, is to just stop eating out. Eating out is just a monetary leak... And my plan for the keeping the house clean... ha, well I guess that would be to not get it dirty in the first place! haha I guess we will see how that one works out. But really I guess it's just to suck it up more and do a little more each night, so it won't be a lot on the weekend.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
it finally started!
Hello world,
I wanted to share that my workout buddy and I started doing stuff today! Woo hoo! We went on a brisk walk in the neighborhood across the street for about 30-40 minutes. It felt so good outside we couldn't resist staying out. We were supposed to go to the "gym" my apartment complex has, but they have nothing on the cool air we are experiencing right now.
Speaking of the cool air, I just wanted to throw this out there. It feels like to me that summer abruptly ended and bam there was fall. I'm not complaining by any means. I am very happy actually. I don't like the hot weather. I'm ready for winter again!
This past weekend had many ups and downs - but the overall consensus was good. South Padre was fun and I'm glad we went. Robert got to do things that he hasn't done before so that's cool, too. I haven't drank a soda since that post about the pants not fitting in July. This weekend I tried a soda and it didn't taste good to me! So yay!! I'm happy for that! My Dad's girlfriend cooked delicious food this weekend so we didn't eat a lot of unhealthy food, so also good. Keeping up with the healthy eating isn't as hard as I thought it would be! :-)
Life is good. (Minus the crappy apartment we live in - however its still clean!)
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
I wanted to share that my workout buddy and I started doing stuff today! Woo hoo! We went on a brisk walk in the neighborhood across the street for about 30-40 minutes. It felt so good outside we couldn't resist staying out. We were supposed to go to the "gym" my apartment complex has, but they have nothing on the cool air we are experiencing right now.
Speaking of the cool air, I just wanted to throw this out there. It feels like to me that summer abruptly ended and bam there was fall. I'm not complaining by any means. I am very happy actually. I don't like the hot weather. I'm ready for winter again!
This past weekend had many ups and downs - but the overall consensus was good. South Padre was fun and I'm glad we went. Robert got to do things that he hasn't done before so that's cool, too. I haven't drank a soda since that post about the pants not fitting in July. This weekend I tried a soda and it didn't taste good to me! So yay!! I'm happy for that! My Dad's girlfriend cooked delicious food this weekend so we didn't eat a lot of unhealthy food, so also good. Keeping up with the healthy eating isn't as hard as I thought it would be! :-)
Life is good. (Minus the crappy apartment we live in - however its still clean!)
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Not looking good...
Hello world,
How do you find energy when you're giving 110% at work for close to 12 hours 5 days a week?? At least my house for the most part is staying clean. The work out isn't working... I'm tired by the time I get home and waking up early to work out... Well... I can just go ahead and tell you No, that's not going to happen. My alarm already goes off at 5:45 so I can start my un-girly morning routine and leave for school in 45 minutes. And I'm a morning person. Not an early morning person. I wake up naturally in the 8 o'clock range. 5's and 6's aren't my friend. ;-) But back to that work out thing... I really feel I'm just going to have to bite and push through the tiredness... the question then becomes when will that happen. Writing this stuff down like this, honestly, makes me feel like a pansy! I'm going to figure this out... I'll keep you updated.
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
How do you find energy when you're giving 110% at work for close to 12 hours 5 days a week?? At least my house for the most part is staying clean. The work out isn't working... I'm tired by the time I get home and waking up early to work out... Well... I can just go ahead and tell you No, that's not going to happen. My alarm already goes off at 5:45 so I can start my un-girly morning routine and leave for school in 45 minutes. And I'm a morning person. Not an early morning person. I wake up naturally in the 8 o'clock range. 5's and 6's aren't my friend. ;-) But back to that work out thing... I really feel I'm just going to have to bite and push through the tiredness... the question then becomes when will that happen. Writing this stuff down like this, honestly, makes me feel like a pansy! I'm going to figure this out... I'll keep you updated.
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
Friday, August 26, 2011
week 1 - setting goals
Hello world,
Life is getting settled and it feels good. School started and we have finished our first week. It has been one long week, but a really good one! This has been the best first week yet! I'm really excited about the year and everything that we have planned. It's been great. In band we are talking about Goals and how there are long term and short term goals. There was this cool article I read on mindtools.com and am using their SMART Goals. I even made a bulletin board out of it! The SMART goals are Specific Measurable Attainable Rewarding Trackable. There were other words you could use, we just used those because they went along with the activity we are doing this year.
I'm going to apply my own teaching to my life. I'm making a SMART goal for myself. I haven't worked out yet, but my workout buddy and I have made plans to start next week. My SMART goal for the week is to workout at least 2 days during the week and for 30 minutes each day. I'm going to start off small and attainable.
Eating healthier is going to help with this. I'm not really a breakfast person. Just can't really eat in the morning. But I know that if I'm going to help speed up my metabolism then I need to start eating breakfast. I am happy to report that I have eaten breakfast every day this week and I've had more energy at school this week than any other. So that's cool! Also, I have been eating (with the help of my husband) healthier lunches and we've been cooking dinner more often.
The house has stayed pretty clean and that's great. Especially with help from Robert, it's been great living here. (Minus the fact that the apartment is falling down around us.) The idea of living in a clutter free one bedroom apartment is nice. :-) I just need to figure out how to get the laundry fairy to do the laundry instead of eating the socks.... Hah! Good luck with your own SMART goals if you so choose to make one! ;-)
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
Life is getting settled and it feels good. School started and we have finished our first week. It has been one long week, but a really good one! This has been the best first week yet! I'm really excited about the year and everything that we have planned. It's been great. In band we are talking about Goals and how there are long term and short term goals. There was this cool article I read on mindtools.com and am using their SMART Goals. I even made a bulletin board out of it! The SMART goals are Specific Measurable Attainable Rewarding Trackable. There were other words you could use, we just used those because they went along with the activity we are doing this year.
I'm going to apply my own teaching to my life. I'm making a SMART goal for myself. I haven't worked out yet, but my workout buddy and I have made plans to start next week. My SMART goal for the week is to workout at least 2 days during the week and for 30 minutes each day. I'm going to start off small and attainable.
Eating healthier is going to help with this. I'm not really a breakfast person. Just can't really eat in the morning. But I know that if I'm going to help speed up my metabolism then I need to start eating breakfast. I am happy to report that I have eaten breakfast every day this week and I've had more energy at school this week than any other. So that's cool! Also, I have been eating (with the help of my husband) healthier lunches and we've been cooking dinner more often.
The house has stayed pretty clean and that's great. Especially with help from Robert, it's been great living here. (Minus the fact that the apartment is falling down around us.) The idea of living in a clutter free one bedroom apartment is nice. :-) I just need to figure out how to get the laundry fairy to do the laundry instead of eating the socks.... Hah! Good luck with your own SMART goals if you so choose to make one! ;-)
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
it's the small victories
Hello world,
It's the time of instant gratification. I struggle with this as a teacher, motivating my students to keep pushing! Anything worth achieving takes time and dedication! Without realizing it, I got sucked up into the frame of thought that it has to happen RIGHT NOW! Sticking to eating better and exercising is hard because there isn't instant gratification. Last month, I went to a friend's new place to check out the new digs and I wanted to look cute. So I put on my school pants for the first time since school let out. And they wouldn't even close. I was devastated! And that was even after I had been trying to lose weight and consciously watching what I eat and drink. And they didn't fit!! I had a good time that night anyways. Being around great friends is always a fix to any bad day. :)
There's good news though. I have pretty much eliminated sodas and other sugary drinks from my everyday life. I also have been trying to cook more and better food. We used to eat out a lot. I mean a lot. A ridiculous amount really. But anyways, staying on track and eating healthier food and drinking pretty much nothing but water and lime juice, I am happy to tell you that today I wore those pants to school today and they weren't even tight, they weren't loose, but they weren't tight. :-) Now if I can only get the exercise on board...
Motivation. How to find it?? I'm still working on that one. My friend is moving down the street from me and is excited to be my work out buddy. I'm hoping power in numbers will help me. It helped before and I stuck to it and lost weight. It's not like I haven't done this before or not know what to do... I just need to start. If I can make it through 2 weeks and continue that next day, I think I will be good to go. I'm excited and I think this will be a good thing.
Bottom line, I'm feeling better; inside and out. Life is good and I can't complain. School is starting out great. My house is clean and organized and not crowded. My husband is awesome. My dog is cute. And my belly is full. I feel like I'm finally living a life that I can thrive with. :-) Let's just keep this up!
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
It's the time of instant gratification. I struggle with this as a teacher, motivating my students to keep pushing! Anything worth achieving takes time and dedication! Without realizing it, I got sucked up into the frame of thought that it has to happen RIGHT NOW! Sticking to eating better and exercising is hard because there isn't instant gratification. Last month, I went to a friend's new place to check out the new digs and I wanted to look cute. So I put on my school pants for the first time since school let out. And they wouldn't even close. I was devastated! And that was even after I had been trying to lose weight and consciously watching what I eat and drink. And they didn't fit!! I had a good time that night anyways. Being around great friends is always a fix to any bad day. :)
There's good news though. I have pretty much eliminated sodas and other sugary drinks from my everyday life. I also have been trying to cook more and better food. We used to eat out a lot. I mean a lot. A ridiculous amount really. But anyways, staying on track and eating healthier food and drinking pretty much nothing but water and lime juice, I am happy to tell you that today I wore those pants to school today and they weren't even tight, they weren't loose, but they weren't tight. :-) Now if I can only get the exercise on board...
Motivation. How to find it?? I'm still working on that one. My friend is moving down the street from me and is excited to be my work out buddy. I'm hoping power in numbers will help me. It helped before and I stuck to it and lost weight. It's not like I haven't done this before or not know what to do... I just need to start. If I can make it through 2 weeks and continue that next day, I think I will be good to go. I'm excited and I think this will be a good thing.
Bottom line, I'm feeling better; inside and out. Life is good and I can't complain. School is starting out great. My house is clean and organized and not crowded. My husband is awesome. My dog is cute. And my belly is full. I feel like I'm finally living a life that I can thrive with. :-) Let's just keep this up!
Life's too short to have too much stuff,
Sandy
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