What's for Supper Sunday

Sunday: Spinach Quiche
Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Wednesday: First softball game! Which means Chris is on his own for dinner
Thursday: Tilapia, Brown Rice, Green Beans
Friday: Cheese, sausage, crackers, snacky foods
Saturday: I think we are doing a pre-run dinner with our half marathon buddies- so probably out for pasta!

7 days until the half! Not so sure I am going to beat my last time. It's been a cold and busy few weeks, meaning less running. And a bum knee doesn't help either. And I slacked on my final long run today. Whoops. I am splitting it into two short runs. That's okay right?

Life Without Cable

Best. Decision. Ever.

For Real.

I previously posted about how much I got done the weekish we got rid of cable. I was so productive, but I had a few worries about how much I would miss it over spring break and the summer when I was home by myself.

I do need to add that Chris and I did get Netflix, so we aren't completely unreliant on television. We are able to watch movies and select TV Shows on demand, which is nice when the weather is cold. Like 10 months out of the year. :(

This past week was my spring break; the first time to put my no-cable-is-awesome attitude to the test. Surprisingly, I still feel that having no cable is awesome. I know, I was shocked too. I baked, read, ran, visited, blogged, etc, instead of filling the silence with mindless TV. Not that I have anything against it, in fact, I love it. That's the problem.

It was actually very refreshing to have the TV off ALL week. Except of course when Chris and I watched an episode of Monk. I don't think I have ever experienced that much silence. I feel like sometimes if TV is an option I choose it over other things. But with TV not being an option, I do other, "more productive" things- which makes me feel better about my time away from school. Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy a good movie to relax!

The best thing about no cable is when my students ask me if I saw an episode of a show, and I tell them we don't have cable so I didn't see it. They look at me like I am a weirdo. It's pretty awesome. But it goes to show how reliant Americans are on TV. People ask us how we do it, or why would we ever want to not have cable. They also recommend cheaper places for cable, because obviously the only reason someone wouldn't have cable is if they couldn't afford it. It would never be by choice.

Chris and I have agreed that there will not be cable back on at the Middaughs' for a long while. It really has been refreshing to have the TV off 99% of the time. The only thing we have missed are the sports. Which we can get over. ;)

Good Friends and Good Times

This past week, one of my best friends and her boyfriend came to visit. It was soooo good to see her and get to catch up. Here are a few pics:

I love the pictures, but hate how the date is at the bottom. I need to figure that out....

For all you LoveBirds...

My best friend, Katie, launched her first business yesterday. And let me tell you, it's gonna be awesome. I know this because I know how talanted she is. 

You chould check it out. Seriously.

And her blog. Weddings galore!

LoveBird Productions Wedding Videography

We pray, He answers

Yesterday, not long after I finished my blog post, Chris called. He got offered a job! Kind of... This may be a premature post, but what-the-heck, I am excited. He still has to go through one professor.

The job is only for a year, but it will get him experience, which we thought we would have to pick-up and move to a random city for a year to allow Chris to get the experience he needs. But, we get to stay right here! And the best part of all is that Chris told them he would like to accept a "real, long term" job if it came about, and they totally understood!

God is amazing. Seriously. I keep thinking that we are way too blessed. And we are. We don't deserve everything that the Lord keeps pouring out on us. It seems every time I turn around he is blessing us with something: friends, family, financial wisdom, perseverance, health, the health of family, jobs, peace, church, etc. I am truly in awe of his blessings.

 He is wonderful, and he has perfect plans, which I can't wait to see unfold.

Romans 12- ⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

A few Small Purchases

It's amazing how much I get excited about small things. Since going on a budget, I only have a certain amount of money I can spend on me every month, so I spend wisely. I actually don't really spend at all, but I did this weekend. Here they are:

I am not quite sure when dish towels began making me excited. Maybe about the same time mops did? Weird.

I had to get a green one too. I couldn't resist.

I probably won't get to this until the summer, but hey, I'm prepared!

I have heard this is awesome! Can't wait to read it.

This movie comes out soon, so I need to read it quickly.

I also bought a final clearance shirt from Ann Taylor Loft. It's super cute.

Our Plans; God's Plans

"Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere." Psalm 143:8

It seems I am always praying this. My senior year of high school I was stuck between two colleges. I could attend one that was cheaper and bigger- and see Chris a few days a month. Or I could choose the smaller, more expensive school- and see Chris everyday. It was, at that point in my life, the hardest decision. I remember praying and praying, hoping God would send a sign. Preferably a big one, because I don't always like to listen when he talks. I worried. I cried. I just knew that my whole life depended on this decision. In April, he definitely sent a sign, though it was to a totally different school. One I hadn't even looked at. It was one of the absolute, best decisions I have ever made. Lesson learned: Sometimes God's plans are TOTALLY different than ours.

My senior year of college, Chris and I were planning a wedding and the next step of our lives. Chris was applying to graduate schools all over the country, and I was patiently waiting. Not really. This was actually a really difficult, exciting time. I was scared. I had no peace or trust that everything would turn out. I had job opportunities in the state, and was giving those up for my husband's perspective grad school opportunities. I was not trusting of this decision though- I remember doubting him and God. I just knew it wasn't going to work out. Needless to say, it worked out. We ended up in a wonderful town, at a wonderful school, and have met wonderful people. Lesson learned: God's plans are so much better than I can plan for myself.

Currently, Chris is applying for jobs. I think we counted 13 states a few days ago. Until a few days ago we had heard nothing back. When we finally heard from 3 of the jobs, it was a day full of rejections. This process has been long, and isn't close to being over, but I have honestly never felt a peace like I do now. Others seem worried that he won't be able to find a job- but we aren't. At all. He applies for one every few days (usually the first day they are posted); I know he is doing his best to find a job. I also know that he is seeking God in this process. And that makes all the difference. Whether he finds a job now, in August, or next year- we know, without a doubt, we are following God's plans for our lives.
I recently got a "reduction in force" notice to only work part time next year. It was an interesting few weeks to say the least. When people found out about the "RIF", they were very concerned, but me, I was fine. I am not sure why, because normally I am one who freaks out about everything- especially when plans don't go my way. But I didn't. I never worried. For the first time in my life, I knew God had it all figured out. And boy does he! I got an offer to work part time at another local school- a better school (for many reasons). How awesome that God would take something bad and turn it in to something amazing!

If there is one life lesson that I have learned so far, it is to trust in God's plans for my life. He knows what he's doing, and if I let him lead the way (whether I like his idea or not), he will lead me exactly where I am meant to be.

Jeremiah 29- ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Menu

It has been a whirlwind of a week. Chris was gone last Monday through Wednesday. The Middaugh's were here for a visit Wednesday through Saturday. And Casey and Tyler got here Saturday and will be leaving in the morning. We spent yesterday in Chicago and today we will be in Indy.

I'm pooped.

And most importantly, I have eaten horribly since Wednesday, and I hate it. I am ready to be back on my some-what-healthy eating plan. And running. But there's more to the not running than just having company. I hurt my knee, and am trying to let it heal before the race, which is in two weeks. I am just ready to be back to normal and enjoy a few days of silence and grading papers.

So, here's our backtonormal menu plan beginning tomorrow evening:

Tuesday: Spinach Pasta, bread salad
Wednesday: I will be helping with dinner at Redeemer, so we will be eating there.
Thursday: "Clean out the fridge day!"
Friday: Garlic Chicken Breast, Brown Rice, Salad
Saturday: French Toast and Eggs
Sunday: Spinach Quiche

Why I plan a menu. And The Menu.

Last night we were celebrating a friend's birthday party. I was talking to another friend's husband and somehow we got on the subject of budgets. Which for those of you who don't know, Chris and I are taking Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey and are loving it. I fought taking it for a couple of years, but now wish we had taken it earlier. Anyway, he asked about our food budget and how we keep it cheap, etc. I mentioned the menu and he looked at me like I was nuts (and sometimes I feel that way, but it works. We're saving money). He said he often comes home, the couple goes to the grocery store to get dinner for the evening, and then of course they head back home to eat it. I was in awe. I shouldn't be though. I have tons of friends who make regular stops at the grocery store after work to get last minute things for dinner. That can't be fun or easy on the pocket! Last minute trips to the store increase spending and impulse buying. On that note, let me tell you why we plan a menu.

Money: Chris and I have a lower budget for food, and we chose it that way. We also enjoy eating well, so we have to stretch what we have. We are saving about $50 a month by menu planning/ budgeting on groceries. That's $600 a year! And I might add, I am not a big coupon person. I tend to get frustrated with them. Some ways the menu saves money are:

• We don't have any last minute pizza runs because we don't want to figure out what's for dinner.
• We make ONE trip, so we save on gas.
• I have time to compare store ads, and then make my menu based on what we have at home and what's on sale at the store.
• We shop at more than one store (they are all next to another so it is easy for us) to find the best deals.
• We don't waste food. We use it. For example, we have soup every couple of weeks to get rid of veggies that may be going bad. And when we do waste food I get irritated. That's throwing away money!
• You can also buy fruits and veggies that are in season, therefore, cheaper! :)
• We also pay for groceries in cash. And honestly, this is the secret. More on that later.

Time: When I leave practice at 6, all I want to do is go home. And so I do. There is no last minute grocery stop to pick-up bread for dinner, or take-out. It's all done in one trip. There's no extra time spent at the store.There is also no extra time spent rummaging through the pantry trying to find stuff to cook.

Nutrition: A common problem with people on budgets is that they begin to buy cheaper foods to make their money go farther, which usually means that that person buys food that is not as healthy. In our case, it's my goal to not let this happen. I'm trying to make sure Chris and I eat healthier, which the menu helps with. When I plan, I make sure we have veggies, fruit, and grains with dinner. Our fruit and veggie intake has increased since we began, which is awesome.  I also make sure we have at least 1 or 2 vegetarian meals a week, 1 fish, and 1  pork. I don't cook red meat unless we get it for free from someone (like the deer meat we have). I can look at the entire week as a whole and make sure Chris and I are getting the appropriate nutrition our bodies need.

Organization: Since I don't get home until 6:30ish, Chris is in charge of cooking. With the menu, he is able to have a hassle free evening. He usually doesn't help with the menu because he doesn't enjoy it, and that's fine with me. He cooks what's on the menu and it makes our lives so much easier. Obviously some husbands wouldn't like this, but Chris seems to. It also keeps our pantry organized because we are slowly cleaning out all the "junk" from those impulse buying grocery days!

So, that's why we plan a menu! It takes about 5 minutes total once you get the hang of it. The "I don't have time excuse," doesn't fly with this one. :)

Here's the menu I like to use because it forces me to keep track of the meats: http://www.personal-nutrition-guide.com/support-files/weekly_dinner_planner.pdf

Our menu for this week:

Sunday: Leftovers/ Snacky foods
Monday: Whole Grains and Bean soup mix, bread from the freezer, random veggies to throw into the soup
Tuesday: Pizza, Salad
Wednesday: Tilapia, Brown Rice, Italian Veggies, fruit
Thursday: Chicken Quesdaillas (chicken from the freezer), Salsa, and fruit
Friday: Chicken Paninis (same chicken), Green Peas, Fruit
Saturday: Deer Steaks, Green Beans, Sweet Potato Fries

The joys of March!

Winter has been tough. It's been cold and long. But March is the first sign of Spring! Actually, for Hoosiers, the opening of Dogs-N-Suds is the first sign of spring. In honor of spring coming I have decided to make a list of the things I am most excited about!