2013 Year in Review

It’s that time again – another year gone.  Can you believe that I’ve been blogging for almost ten years?  I feel very bad that I didn’t post much this year.  I looked at my stats yesterday and I decided that I really need to make more of an effort to blog this year. 
This is just sad:

Well, without further ado, here’s the year in review:

1. What did you do in 2013 that you'd never done before?

Played at Scrabble Nationals.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

No, I intended to lose weight and didn’t quite accomplish that. I still need to lose weight – especially with the upcoming nuptials.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not that I know of.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

I had to put my dog Max down. It was a difficult decision, but necessary since he was in pain.

5. What countries did you visit?

Still no countries, but I might get to Canada this summer when we head up to Buffalo for Scrabble Nationals again.

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2013?

A library assistant. I have so much to do that I never have time to catch up it seems.

7. What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

November 10 – my birthday when Matt officially proposed.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Winning the Laura Bush foundation grant for my school and starting other Scrabble clubs in my district.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not losing weight like I had planned.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope, normal colds and stuff.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Technically, my engagement ring since I used my previous ring to trade in and we filled out a joint credit application to pay the balance.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Both Matt and Josh have continued to be awesome.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Matt’s mother. She is so close-minded that she refuses to accept me when she hasn’t even met me. I would be shocked if she came to our wedding.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Eating out.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Getting engaged – duh!

16. What song will always remind you of 2013?

“The Search is Over” by Survivor

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

happier or sadder? Happier – I’m getting married!
- richer or poorer? About the same. I have more money with Matt moving in and sharing bills, but less since I bought Josh a car.
- thinner or fatter? Slightly fatter – added another 5 or so pounds since the 15 from the year before.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Reading and traveling.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Eating

20. How did you spend the holidays?

New Years (2013) – with Matt
Valentine’s Day – with Matt
Easter – with Matt in San Antonio – tried a new church, but it was too much of a “Mega” Catholic Church.
4^th of July – with Matt – cooked out on the grill and then just hung out at home.
Thanksgiving – in New Mexico with my aunt and uncle. Christmas – here in SA with Josh and Matt

21. Did you fall in love in 2013?

Still in love with Matt.

22. How many one-night stands?

Nope – just Matt

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Big Bang Theory is my new favorite.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No – still friends with everyone as far as I know.

25. What was the best book you read?

Not sure of the best one, but I committed to reading 50 books this year on Goodreads and just barely made it. I enjoyed reading Rick Riordian’s mystery series featuring detective Tres Nevarre. Other books are Divergent, Sue Grafton’s W is for Wasted, Cuckoo’s Calling by JK Rowling.

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

I really enjoyed Saving Mr. Banks. I thought The Heat was hilarious though. We didn’t see much this year, but I thought Catching Fire was good and stayed true to the book. One of the best for acting was The Butler.

27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

Still no fashion concept. I wear what is comfortable and fits.

28. Whom did you miss?

Miss some people back home, but I’m making some good friends here.

29. Who was the best new person you met?

Dr. Bob – one of Matt’s Scrabble friends. It was fun to hang out with him in Vegas.

30. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

I can’t think of any major lessons learned this year. Life was good overall.

A completely lazy day

I slept in until 9:30 this morning.  I only got up because Mollie was barking and the cat was meowing – both wanting to be fed.  I made the animals happy and then sat on the couch and goofed off.  I needed to finish one more book to reach my good reads goal.  I started one of my YA novels from my library at school, but couldn’t focus much on it.  I have several Ebooks on hold at the library.  Luckily a fairly short one came available so I finished it today.  My goal was to read 50 books this year.  It was harder than I thought it would be.  Then again, I re-read the Harry Potter series twice so that took away time I could have spent reading other books.  I didn’t count those toward my 50.  Luckily several of the books were YA novels which don’t take very long to read.  I slogged through The Hobbit this year.  I guess I don’t see what the fuss with Tolkien is all about.  He is just very wordy. 

Tomorrow I’ll post my 2013 year in review.  Maybe one of my resolutions should be to blog more.  I thought about doing some church reviews on my now defunct Catholic Blog.  Matt and I haven’t found “the” church yet.  We rotate between about 5 that are ok, but none that I just love.  We went to a new one this past Sunday.  I have to say that the choir was probably one of the most decent ones that I’ve heard, but I wasn’t keen on the priest.  But it was fairly close by so that was a plus. Tomorrow Matt and I are going to a Scrabble New Year’s eve party in Schertz. 

I must have been good this year

Santa was very generous this year.  I got a new purple Keurig coffee maker to take with me to school, a Kindle Fire HDX, a Bose BlueTooth mini speaker, and a Titanic jigsaw puzzle.  Even my stocking was filled this year – I got a lottery ticket (and won $25), Big Bang Theory Bobble Heads, and a variety of snacks.  My aunt sent me a new comforter for my bed.  Josh bought me something from my Amazon wish list, but delivery has been delayed.  Maybe I’ll get it today. 

I think Matt liked his presents as well.  I bought him pajamas, a new sweater, a weather radio, a book of obscure words, and a new laptop computer.  I also got him socks as he requested.  Josh got pajamas, a dinosaur shirt, a digital recorder, and a binding machine for his music scores.  I also bought him clothes during Thanksgiving in Albuquerque. 

We went to see the movie American Hustle on Christmas day.  The acting was really good though I thought it was slightly long.  Matt grilled steaks for dinner.  His mom sent him his annual Omaha Steaks package. 

Matt is off today.  We’re going to go to the movies tonight to see Saving Mr. Banks.  I’ve enjoyed having mostly pajama days this week. 

A Not So Jolly Holiday

While life is still good in many ways, we’ve got some hiccups happening right now.  Matt is angry and frustrated with things happening at his work.  His department knew that they were potentially on the chopping block when the director offered up the potential to cut the department to save money during budget talks.  They thought, however, that they would ok as the foundation would be able to help cover salaries of the department manager and another position.  On the day of their Christmas party, one of the employees was told she be reassigned.  The following week they got news that the manager was expected to retire or move by April.  Starting in February, they are cutting the department’s hours.  Some of the staff will probably be reassigned to other departments or branches.  Matt is very discouraged and is planning to start job hunting soon. 

My dog Max that is now about 16 years old is not doing well.  We’re going to have to have him put down tonight.  It is a difficult decision, but he obviously now in pain as he cries out at night and can’t get comfortable.  He’s been incontinent for a while now and he’s not able to walk any more.  He has had a good long life, but it is painful to make the decision none-the-less.  Thankfully Matt will take care of it for me.  I don’t think I can handle it. 

In spite of this, I got a tree put up finally though I opted for the smaller tree this year.  Matt and I hung the lights outside the house yesterday.  I guess we’re still going to try to have some Christmas spirit.  I need to do all my present wrapping in the next day or so.  Luckily all the shopping is done.  I just need to get some groceries to get us through the week.  Josh is coming home tomorrow so I need to get cereal and sandwich stuff so that he won’t starve. 

Three days and counting

The students are starting to bounce off the walls and I’m starting to lose my patience.  Luckily there’s only three more days left until Christmas Vacation.  I have most of my shopping done with the exception of a few things that will have to wait until payday on Friday.  I finally decided on Matt’s present.  It isn’t exactly what he asked for, but I’m pretty sure he will use it and like it.  We haven’t put up the tree yet.  I guess we’ll do that tomorrow.  I also need to do some baking this week. 

Tonight I went to confession for the first time in a while.  I’ve been needing to go and I prefer the communal penance services.  I almost talked myself out of it, but I made myself go.  Of course I always feel better afterward.  I signed Matt and I up for the marriage preparation seminal that is coming up in January.  Hopefully then we can officially set the wedding date with my church back in Canyon. 

I still have 8 books to read for my good reads goal for the year.  I’m halfway through one that I started today at school.  Hopefully once the break starts, I’ll find more time to read.  I’m going to try to finish the YA novel tonight. 

We’ve been doing Secret Santas at school this week.  Yesterday I got a package of chocolate-caramel candies.  Today I got a purple and white garter for my wedding.  The person I have is the art teacher.  Yesterday I gave her some do it yourself Christmas ornaments.  Today, I gave her some fuzzy Christmas socks. 

I think I’m going to watch Big Bang Theory, then read a little, and get to bed soon. 

Christmas Shopping

Why are men so hard to buy for?  Perhaps it’s not all men, but Matt is proving to be difficult this year.  Last year was pretty easy – I ordered his gift (A grill) before Christmas so it wasn’t really a surprise. This year, he tells me that all he wants is socks.  He said he wanted a weather radio so I did order that for him (along with some socks).  We might end up getting each other bikes, but I want to get him something else.  I’m pretty sure he plans to buy me a new Kindle (so he can have my old one) and a new Keurig coffee maker that I can take to school.  I thought about getting him a new Kindle as well, but he says he doesn’t want one.  I thought about getting him a laptop, but I’m not sure if he really wants that either.  He did tell me about a bowflex thing he wanted as well as a slingbox, but I’m not sure about either of those.  I did buy him a nice long sleeved shirt.  I also have book on order that I think he’ll like.   I need to figure this out pretty soon – especially if I order stuff online.  Turns out that two day shipping on Amazon right now is actually 4 day shipping. 

Counting down the days

I’m ready for Christmas break.  Not Christmas – I still have lots of shopping (online) to do, but I’m ready to have my break from school.  I know we just had a week off for Thanksgiving, but I didn’t get to spend that week at home.  I’m looking forward to being a slug for about two weeks.  I do have to get some things done.  Matt still has boxes of stuff here that needs a place to go (such as the attic).  School is fine – I’m just tired of it right now.  Today I finished getting all the books from my grant order processed and on the shelves.  Next I started pulling some old books for weeding.  At the end of the day I started getting a headache and was feeling kind of blah.  I took some tylenol and came home right at 4:15.  I tried to nap for a bit, but I was too cold (having been freezing all day in my library).  I had to leave for band rehearsal a little before 7:00.  Rehearsal was ok, but I feel like I’m getting a cold or dealing with allergies.  I just took a benadryl and hope it kicks in soon. 

I need to sign Matt and I up for a Catholic engagement seminar so we can officially set our wedding date.  They have a weekend retreat coming up in January.  Once that’s done, I think we’ll be able to finalize a date for July.  I’m hoping for the weekend of July 12, but it’s still up in the air right now.  I need to start figuring out a budget for the wedding as well.  I got off pretty easy last time, but I think it will be a little more expensive this time.  Even though I don’t particularly want a big wedding, I have a feeling it may turn out to be more than expected.  Matt is now up to four groomsmen so I’ve got to see if my friend Kim will be a bridesmaid again.  Surprisingly, my bridal party is the same as it was in my previous wedding with the exception of my former friend Robin.  My friend Pam is now my maid of honor.  The other attendants will be my friend Kirsten who lives in Nacogdoches, my cousin Amanda who lives in Garland, TX, and my friend Kim who just moved to Tennessee. 

Well, I think I’m going to play a quick game of Words of Wonder and then call it a night. 

Engagement Pics

Since I couldn’t post them from the iPad, here are some pictures I posted on facebook.

Our trip to Albuquerque was very pleasant.  I read a few books, goofed off online and played a lot of Scrabble against Josh and Matt.  We did go out shopping on black Friday but it wasn’t too bad.  The line at Kohl’s was only 25 minutes.  I bought Josh some clothes for Christmas.  I still need to order his other gift from Amazon, but I need to balance my checkbook first. 

Everyone at school was happy to hear the news about the engagement.  They loved my ring.  I’m still behind on work, but I’m still busy.  I got another email from the district today.  They want to come film my Scrabble club again for a local commercial about choosing public schools over private.  I don’t know that I would choose public school in this day, but it pays my bills these days.  Working for a private school might be less stressful, but the pay would be much less. 

I’m down to 10 books that I need to read to meet my goodreads goal.  I’m halfway through one of them right now.  I think I might make it. 

I'm Engaged!

It's official. Matt and I are engaged. I've been sitting on this information for two and a half weeks which has been difficult. So the last two or three people that actually read this blog will get the story. This blessed event actually started on my birthday and a very bad mood. All day long Matt would tell me that my present was that he was going to mow the yard. He did mow the yard, but I didn't think that was a very good present since he normally does that anyway. The only thing he did for me on my birthday was take me out to dinner. That was nice (in spite of the restaurant messing up my order), but that was it. No flowers, no other gift, no promise of I'll get you something later. We got home and then he proceeded to sit on the couch and watch sports. I had enough so I decided to go to bed a little after nine. I was in bed watching the Big Bang Theory when he came into the bedroom. I told him that he didn't need to be up there. He said that yes he did. He then dug into his dresser and pulled something out. He sat on the bed and said it was my present. I opened a velvet bag and discovered that he had given me his Rolex watch. I asked him why he was giving me his Rolex. He said that he wanted me to sell it so that we could use the money to buy an engagement ring. I asked "Really?" He said "Yes." So that started the process of figuring out the best way to sell the Rolex and get enough money for a ring. At that time he said that he thought we should wait to tell people until we actually had a ring. I reluctantly agreed, though I did tell my aunt. Thankfully, I did because we were able to sell the Rolex to my uncle for more than we'd probably get on ebay, at a pawn shop, or a jewelry store. I decided that I would also try to trade in my wedding ring from my previous marriage to help cover the cost as well. We started looking at rings the day after my birthday. We went to the largest, but best reviewed jewelry store in San Antonio. Their selection and pricing overall seemed good, but they were unwilling to take a ring for trade. The next day we went to another local store who advertised that they bought jewelry, but they only wanted to give me $650 for my ring that originally cost $2300. We tried another locally owned store in the mall and found something I liked, but with my ring as a trade, they wanted $3700 on top of that. We thought that was too much, even with the $2000 we were getting for the Rolex. The salesperson invited us to come back later in the week when the owner was there since he had the ability to make a better deal. Next we went to Jared but we both didn't like the atmosphere at all. It seemed they were trying to upsell from the moment we walked in the door - pointing out all the magnificent jewelry they had. We both decided that would not do business there after we left. Matt thought that we could possibly afford an extra $1000 for the ring so we decided to check out the store at the mall again last Friday. The owner was there so we looked at the setting I liked again and checked out several round solitaire diamonds to go in it. I choose the diamond I liked best and then set to negotiating. I had given the owner my ring to examine and told him that we had $3000 to spend in total after the trade. He asked if that needed to include taxes and I said yes. He crunched the numbers and said that he could do that so we applied for financing (six months, no interest) and he was able to have the stone set and the ring resized while we waited. So I had my ring last Friday, but Matt still wanted to wait to tell people. I had to finally wear him down and compromise so we set the "roll out" date for Thanksgiving. Of course he had a double standard it seems. He ended up telling some of his out of town friends when he talked to them on the phone. I decided that I could play that game so I told my three friends that were going to be my bridesmaids last weekend. My friend, Carol, also knew early on because I was going to have her start checking with Father Phan (my priest back in Canyon) to see what dates would be available this summer. Matt originally wanted to get married in May, but I reminded him that I was still in school until June. He then said June, but I think we have decided on July since it will be easier for one of my bridesmaids and for the music if I can coordinate it during band camp. I got to start wearing my ring when we left for Albuquerque on Monday. It feels a little weird, but I think it is beautiful. My aunt took some pictures of us so that I could post them on Facebook. Can you believe that I'm actually getting married? A part of me is still in shock. I never thought that moving to San Antonio would have such a positive impact on my life. Matt is an absolutely wonderful man and I am so lucky to have found him! I can't put pictures on this blog right now since I'm posting from an iPad. If you're friends with me on Facebook, there will be some pictures there.

Vacation Time!

It’s a cold, blustery day here in San Antonio.  I’ve grown so accustom to nice, balmy weather, it’s almost a shock to my system.  Thankfully, this will only be temporary – a few days, but I’m staying inside today.  I have a lot of things that I need to get done, but it’s been difficult to get out of my bed.  I have my laptop on my lap, the tv on, and books at my side.  What more could I ask for? 

Unfortunately, I do need to start on my laundry so I’ll have things to pack for our upcoming trip to Albuquerque.  It’s a good thing that I held on to my sweaters when I moved.  It’s pretty cold there right now, but I think it will warm up some while we are there. 

I need to read a dozen more books before the end of the year.  I have a goodreads account and challenged myself to read 50 books this year.  I have 38 down, but need to get a few more in.  I think I can do it – I just ordered four books from Amazon and bought two more at the bookstore the other day.  I’ll get several of them read as I travel.  Airplanes and airports are good for reading. 

Well, my battery is about to die on my laptop.  I guess that means I need to go downstairs and plug it in.  I’m getting hungry so I’ll see what I can come up with for lunch.