Coupon Crazy!

So last night, I watched this show on TLC called Extreme Couponing. And I gotta say, it kind of lit a fire under me. I want to be like that. I want to have a $600 bill at the grocery checkout, and only end up spending $2. What the crap? But it does take a lot of planning and a lot of coupons to achieve that amount of savings. And right now, I just don't have the kind of time to go through the stores and figure out the deals, then match up the coupons. My mother in law, on the other hand, related to some of what these shoppers do. She stocks up on food, she looks for freebie deals, she's been there done all that. I've used coupons, but never to the extent of saving more than 30% of my bill. I've never stocked up on anything. I just have to get into the mindset if there is an extremely good deal, I should stock up on that deal. Meaning, I should probably buy a couple more Sunday papers so I get more coupons. I'll start there, then see where that gets me.

Looking for this weekend

I have 2 whole days in a row off this Saturday and Sunday. And you know what I'm going to do? Sleep. I never realized how much I adore sleeping until I started working 2 jobs. I never realized that this would get monotonous going to work almost every single day. It's starting to wear on me. Another thing I am looking forward to, besides sleep, is going on a date with my husband. Its been more than a month since I have had a complete day for us to do whatever we wanted. To get out of the house, would be a joy! It doesn't have to be much, I don't care if we just go out to Jack in the Box, at least I'm spending one on one time with my hubby.

I'm also happy to report, our dog, Baby, is doing so much better. Lately, he has been really hit by the fleas, and he would itch and bite himself to where he bleeds. We tried every home remedy in the book, thinking he had some sort of skin allergy. We were almost ready to change his diet, it got so bad. The poor thing wore one of those e-collar cone things. "The cone of shame" according to the dog in the movie Up. But we took him to the vet, and they gave him some antibiotics, flea protection and a special shampoo and conditioner spray. And he is doing so good, we have been able to take the cone off all day and he hasn't had any issues. I'm a happier person because he isn't suffering anymore. Its a relief not putting him through the torcher of the cone anymore. He just looked pitiful and pissed at us all the time. Glad its over and he's back to his old self again.

Our Christmas went well. We had a great time with family. A couple of items I got are a griddle, blender, a couple of books, and a Sonic gift card... hello cherry limeades!! I can't wait for the new year. I'm anxious to see how 2011 is going to be. I've stopped trying to predict what will happen. Its just not worth the frustration anymore. If he gets a job out of state, I have slowly started to come to terms that I may be moving quicker than I would like. But I have 2 jobs that both understand my situation, and if the Lord has us moving out of state, so be it. He knows the plan, I'm just here to follow it. Wherever that is. Huh.

This Christmas

This year, has been a crazy year. Pretty good for our first year of wedded bliss. Definitely not a dull moment. Hard, yes.

This economy has been kicking our butts lately. Right now, I am holding down 2 jobs at the moment. I work at Belk part time, and I freelance at the Dallas Morning News. I am exhausted. Lucky to have a day off to relax. My husband, is still unemployed. While he gets little cash paying super temporary jobs once in a blue moon, nothing yet permanent. I wish the plumbing industry was as stable as it was a couple of years ago. But I hate that the times have changed. He will apply to dozens of companies a week, but the work is slow coming, and companies just aren't hiring. Obama, do you hear this? The economy isn't getting any better. Where are these jobs you say are out there?

Ok. End of that rant.

I am grateful I at least have a couple of jobs to bring in some money. I'm just tired. That's all. And I am grateful that I have my in-laws living with us, because they help out more than they know.

Another thing I am grateful for is my health. For the longest time... since, maybe the beginning of the year, I have been visited by good old mother nature not once a month, but ongoing for months and months and months. I thought nothing of it. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition where I have tiny cysts on my ovary, which causes my system to be irregular, hormones going at the wrong ends of everything. So I thought it was that, nothing to worry about, right?? Well... a couple months ago, it got worse. Not to go into too much detail on here, but Ms. Flow got angry, and started flowing heavy. So thats when I decided I have to do something, because I couldn't function. After getting turned down at a women's clinic and emergency room. I finally was pointed towards Parkland, where they have a women's center and help out people just like me with no insurance and only a part time job. To make a long story short, they gave me a wonder pill that helped clean out my system and regulate me. I no longer carry tampons with me everywhere I go! I can actually start a calendar like normal women! This sounds ridiculous, but its a blessing for me... And they said that it would be ok for us to try for a baby. Which is the best news possible for me and Davie. So time will tell, God only knows when the time is right for a little one for us. So we are not rushing into anything quite yet.

Its been a while

In a nutshell, this is what has happened since April:

Moved out of Oklahoma to Dallas

Moved in with my parents

Got a job

Moved out of my parents dining room

Moved into mobile home

His parents moved in with us

Alot of moving!

Yes, his parents are now living with us. Funny how tables have turned. But there is a purpose for everything in life. I'm still trying to figure out what that purpose is. But i am happy with my job. I design t-shirts for schools! Creatively, I can go as far as 2 colors can take me. But it is far more creative than at my previous job, I don't feel like I'm stuck anymore. I still would love to pursue a culinary career, its just put on hold until my husband is in a more stable job.

One friggin' week.

This past week has been such a whirlwind. I never knew life would turn out like it did. I don't want to say anything is settled because it won't be.

One.
So I finally decided to do something about my mondo payment for my precious Jeep. 3 years ago when I purchased this car, I was financially stable. I had a great job at the Dallas Morning News, and it seemed like the newspaper business was the place to be. WRONG! Who knew a couple years later I would find myself out of that job and finally landing a job as a cashier at Walmart? Really? Yes. So I ended up working a deal out with my amazing mom, who came up with the plan of basically trading cars with her. She gets a loan out for the Jeep that she can afford, and I make payments that I can afford to pay off the rest of her 2000 Echo. Sometime next month, we would be making that arrangement. Yay! Right?

Two.
David lost his job. Yup, on Tuesday, his bosses came up to the jobsite and told him and his dad that they are not needed at this site anymore... turn in the truck and clean out the office and go back home. So now, we may be moving back to Dallas after only 4 MONTHS of being here. After a month of moving hell, which we did not ever get compensated for. And now that we just started to get settled, they tell us this news?? I have to forget school for now. That sucks a bunch, I was really excited about starting a new career. SO Now what?? He has some opportunities down in Dallas, but the only question is, will the pay be worth it? Can we find a home quick enough? Do we have enough money to move again? The only light is our landlord is being understanding and not charging us anything extra, she's just keeping the deposit. I can deal with that. So the unnerving questions boiling in my brain are:

Will he get a job here or in Dallas? Will the money be stable or up and down?

Will we have enough money to move again? Should we sell some stuff?

When are we moving?

Where are we moving? Will they accept my credit, even though I have great rental history?

Will I have a job at a Walmart down there? I've only been here about a month, so will another store be hiring for a newbie cashier?

Please. I need a break.

I should be doing chores.

But I have this strong urge to procrastinate. I need to do the dishes first, so I can get started on laundry after the dishwasher is through. I don't want to do dishes. I hate doing dishes to the highest power. See, I love cooking, but hate cleaning up afterwards. But I love the sense of accomplishment I get when I do have a clean kitchen, it inspires me to cook more. How messed up is that? Anyways, I plan on cooking Pioneer Woman's Crispy Yogurt Chicken tonight. Also for dessert we are having homemade cheesecake. It looks really yummy in the fridge, hard to resist taking a fork and diving in. I want a piece just as much as Davie does. Drool........

Today is day 2 of my 2 days off from work, I am enjoying them with my husband. I have to go back to work tomorrow to work a full day 9-6. I don't mind being a cashier, so far, I haven't had a bad experience with Walmart. The store I work at I guess is nicer than what I've heard. The HR department is easy to work with, they seem to care about where I want to really be in the store, the bakery. I cannot wait until I am transfered. But until then, I am appreciating what I have, and that is a job. There is no way in the world I am in the position to complain. I am thankful to have a job that pays. That is all.

Sigh... I must get started...

Turning that leaf over

I never thought I would be changing careers so early in my life. I always had this thought in my head that I would be a graphic artist forever. Little did I know that in my mid twenties, I would be in this economic mess that is America. Little did I know that it would be so much trouble for a well qualified artist such as myself, to find a job, any job. When I first started working, I remember finding a job within a couple of weeks, being secure in knowing that I have a better job waiting on me. Never did I think I would be living in a world where the economy is mostly to blame for my misfortune this past 8 months. But I am.

I started my part time job at Wal-Mart this past Saturday. Exactly one week ago, I got hired for the job. $8.25/hr. I haven't made that wage since college. I had to accept it, its a job. So far, the job is good. I realize the opportunities for me to grow within the company to a different area of the store, which brings me to my next subject.

That same day, I took another big step in my life.

I applied at Platt College and am now a Pastry Arts student! I start in June. Its a 9 month program. Financial aid is helping me get it done. I think this is a turn in the right direction for me. I've always loved baking. Its been a therapy for me for the longest time! My first job was at a bakery, I always watched the bakers work on decorating the cakes and in the very back of my mind I wondered "How do they do that?" And now, I'm thinking "I'm going to do that!" Its crazy! I always wanted to be a cake decorator, an owner of my own bakery. I have the talent, I just never had the right tools or training to actually put that into reality. Well, now I will!

THE update on everything.

So I know its been forever since I've posted a blog. I hate it when I do that. There is always so much to catch up on. So instead of writing a whole book like I always used to do. I am going to give the condensed version..

On November 29, 2009 David and I tied the knot at the Heard Museum in McKinney. It started off a pretty hectic day, it was raining pretty much the whole day. It didn't really start on time. I was having a breakdown when I heard the cake baker got stuck in traffic, but showed up right before the wedding started and set the cake up as guests arrived. I misplaced the veil, and went through the wedding without a veil. I'm so happy we took pictures, otherwise, I wouldn't remember most of the night, it really was a blur. I remember looking into his eyes as we went through the ceremony, I will never forget his frozen face, almost afraid he was going to faint. Me, with a painted on smile about ready to burst with happiness! Friends and family then had a good time, eating and mingling. I remember trying to say hi to everybody there, I wish there was more time in the night, but anyhow, it was our wedding, and I will never forget it. Then after the wedding, we stayed the night at the La Quinta nearby and opened our wedding gifts, got some Jack in the Box because that was the only thing open around, and enjoyed our first night as husband and wife.

Snow greets us in Oklahoma

Moving in!

Shortly after the wedding, we packed for the move to Oklahoma. His job had transfered him to the Oklahoma City area to work on a couple of jobs in the area. We found a place pretty quickly in Mustang, just southwest of Oklahoma City. I love this place! The area is quiet, a definite contrast to our previous apartment in Dallas! And we like the open area of Oklahoma. Dallas is really compact and Oklahoma City area is so spread out. This town of Mustang is only about 10 miles wide, I kind of like it that way. When we first moved here, there was a freak snow storm that had just blown through. You can see in the pictures above how high the snow actually got. So you can imagine this Texas girl who has NEVER driven in snow and ice for more than a day, try to get used to driving in it while moving back and forth from Dallas to Mustang about 4 or 5 times. Heh, lets just say I had to get used to it. I'm no longer scared of driving in ice! Haha!

But now that we are settled. Its an interesting feeling. The jobsite that he's supposed to be working on, has been delayed to March because of all this weather. It has snowed 3 times since we moved here. So he's been enjoying this mini "vacation" of sorts. I, on the other hand, am having more trouble finding a job here. I have yet to find a stable job. I have joined Avon, and that has given me an opportunity to get my name out to the community, some. I'm still starting out, though, so I only have a select few customers that order from me. But Avon is in no way my career, yet. I have been ordained as a minister, thanks to my reverend that married us, who is a dear friend of mine from the Morning News. She fed me the idea that it might get a little more money on the side, so I say, OK! I get ordained and now I can perform ceremonies. But that still isn't a steady paycheck. So now I have 2 side jobs but nothing to put them on the side of yet! I really hate the economy we are living in now. Everything is so expensive! Jobs are so hard to land! I'm a very qualified person for any customer service field, so why am I not getting any offers back? I hate admitting that I need to go back to school for a new career, but I have to because reality says a print graphic designer isn't needed in the job market of web designers. And even the web designer field isn't so hot right now. So do I want to go into a more stable career like Real estate? Strongly thought about it. Culinary? Would love it. Medical? Really would like to, but couldn't work with needles. So for now, I'm narrowing down a school to go to. Financial aid, here I come!