Cha-ching!

Sometimes I wish I was more frugal. That's not to say that I spend money like a crazy woman, but I don't cut coupons or actively search out good deals. Take clothes shopping. I'm not a super big fan of shopping, so if I find something I like and it's on sale, I'll buy it. However, Jonathan wants to make sure that he is getting the absolute best deal. If there are a pair of jeans for $2 less at another store, he will get those - even if they aren't his favorite brand/color/best size. Me, I don't really care all that much. I just want in and out as fast as possible.

This last weekend, my friend, Leah, sent out a coupon for $1 off organic canned tomatoes. This particular brand is at Wal-Mart for $1.49, but, this month the co-op had them on sale for $1.29 (normally $2.29) - since the co-op runs their sales on a monthly basis (1st-30/31st) I sometimes forget their prices. So, this afternoon I ate lunch at the co-op with Jonathan and saw that the cans were an even better deal there with my coupon than at Wal-Mart. I didn't have the coupons on me, so decided to come back after Julia woke up from her afternoon nap.

I printed off 19 coupons (random number - I thought I had done 20) and went to pick up eggs, milk, yogurt and my discounted cans.

I must admit I felt a little weird with so many cans and using so many coupons. Not sure why, just like I was putting out the cashier or what not. But, the end result was worth it.

19 cans of organic diced tomatoes not on sale - $43.51

19 cans of organic diced tomatoes on sale - $24.51

19 cans of organic diced tomatoes on sale with coupon - $5.51

Total money saved - $38

Sarah's new found joy of saving money - Priceless

I waited 4 years, for this?

It can't be denied, that when you wait for something, it tends to pay off. Sometimes, sometimes, however, it back fires.

I haven't eaten McDonald's for four years. I went on a McD's fast/boycott after watching Super Size Me. Then from there, I slowly cut out more and more fast food restaurants.

Until this past weekend.

Jonathan, Julia and I went to Tennessee. On Saturday we woke up and decided to grab a good filling breakfast. Now, I haven't been to Tennessee in a few years, but I could have sworn that there were a few breakfast places in town, yet we could not find a single one.

We went to Wal-Mart resolved to pick up some fruit, yogurt and juice. As we passed by the in-house McDonald's Jonathan remarks on stopping there. I flatly said no, we'd surely regret it. But, by the time we were leaving (good foods in hand) we decided we'd just get one of their chicken biscuits.

One bite. That's all it took. One bite to ask myself: I waited four years, for this?

The biscuit was dry, the chicken overly greasy - as it shot grease on the side of my face when I bit into it. Complete let down.

Lesson learned. Now, not only do I boycott McDonald's because one morning sandwich is 20 grams of fat (perhaps that's why I felt sick all day?!), but they are also fail in the tasty category.

So long McDonald's. Fare thee well, may we never meet again.

Truthful Thursday - Proverbs 20, Romans 12

"Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter."

Proverbs 20:22, NLT

"Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord."

Romans 12:19, NLT

Wordless Wednesday - Wait... Am I naked?! A story.

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Ah, how I have missed you, sweet sleep

If you remember, I posted some time ago about Julia and her lack of sleeping. By the end of August, we were waking up every two hours, each time resulting in me feeding her, as this seemed the only thing that would get any of us back into bed.

About 2 or 3 weeks ago (time escapes me), we went back to letting Julia cry - which mostly means that Jonathan and I went into the situation both agreeing on what/how/why we were training her. Oh boy. I have to say, I would rather deal with loads of dirty diapers, complete melt downs and just about anything more than crying it out at 2 in the morning. Ugh. Anyways, since Julia was waking up so frequently, we thought we should tackle the first wake up time and then over the course of a few weeks tackle the others.

The first night had everyone up for a good 2 1/2 hours. But, eventually she did manage to fall asleep without being nursed. And granted she woke up like 2 hours later, at least the first session was over. Each night for about a week went pretty much the same, with the crying becoming a little less each time (a little, meaning only an hour and a half). Once we felt we had finally tackled the first wake up time - as Julia was finally not waking up at that time - we decided to start the second one. But of course, she got sick. So everything we had slaved for flew out the window. Bummer. Thankfully, however, once we were back on track, she seemed to either sleep well past her first wake up time, or is easily consoled back to sleep.

She is still waking up twice a night to nurse, around 2 and again at 5. I had set out last weekend to help train her out of the 2ish wake up time, but then realizing that since we are going to Tennessee this weekend, everything will get thrown out of whack, I didn't want to waste my time (or sleep). Once we get back, I fully plan on getting her down to just waking up at 5ish, and then try to break her of that one before she turns 1. Ha! With that last sentence, I am reminded of Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

The other day I realized that I haven't had a full night's sleep in a year and a half. From the time I got pregnant, I would wake up needing to use the bathroom and then couldn't fall back asleep because I was too nauseated. Then, obviously, once Julia arrived, she kept me up. I look forward to the day that I can sleep 8 hours straight. Part of me thinks this is wishful thinking, especially if I have any more children. But one can wish can't they?

To ad or not to ad

Last weekend Jonathan and I saw this book at Barnes and Noble. Jonathan jokingly said I should figure out a way to earn money from my blog. Ever since then I've been turning it over in my head.

I know people can make money from blogging. I know people would love to make money from blogging. But how do you do it? Really, I've got no clue.

Well today I did a search and came across AdSense by Google. Perhaps the whole world knows about this and I am just finding out. But apparently Google pays you to have ads on your blog. Then, dependent on a number of factors, they will send you a paycheck for some odd sum. From what I have read, the sum is pretty ridiculous. Not like whoa-I've-just-made-a-ton-of-money ridiculous, but will-the-bank-laugh-when-I-deposit-a-five-cent-check ridiculous. But hey, it's money, right?

So, you'll start seeing ads at the bottom of my blog. I've taken steps to ensure that they are in no way offensive or evil. But, if for whatever reason you see one that is questionable, please, please, please let me know. I really don't want it to be like that. I'm not sure how long this will last, but I'm going to at least give it a try while I continue my (possibly unfruitful) search for a money making blog.

Truthful Thursday - Hebrews 12

"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child...For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."

Hebrews 12:5-6;10-11, NLT

When green goes too far

I keep up with the blog Keeper of the Home. Her most recent post was in regards to an article about women who aren't having children because having children isn't "green". In fact, one woman, Tori, chose to abort her child so as to "save the planet" and not further "burden the world".

Ok, I'm no rocket scientist, but come on people. Seriously, killing a child so you can be green? I'm not really seeing the logic in that one. Alright, sure, people take up space, they use up resources. But, can't you just as easily teach your children to be mindful and respectful of the world God has bestowed upon them? Hmm, part of me thinks that Tori never stopped to consider that, thanks to her mom going through with her own birth, she can make such ridiculous and selfish decisions. I mean, really, if we're going to be that concerned about the effects of humans on the planet why don't we all just leave now?

I'm all for green. I honestly believe that God has made us stewards of the world. I honestly believe that it is my duty as a child of God to ensure that I maintain and preserve the earth. But absolutely no way is aborting helpless children green. It is selfish, hateful and frankly, utterly disgusting.


"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5 ESV


"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16 ESV

Wordless Wednesday - Apple Orchard

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Best resume ever.

Here's my friend's first draft. Any suggestions?


PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
Sell my time for highest profit.

EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, IOWA CITY
Bachelor of Liberal Arts GPA: Pending


EXPERIENCE
COFFEE SHOP, IOWA CITY, IA
Barrista May 2007 – Present
1. Serviced grumpy and occasionally unreasonable clients
a. Put up with unwarranted harassment
2. Can make an Espresso Shake
a. 5 scoops of anonymous shake base, 2 shots espresso, cocoa and milk blended on high for 18 seconds.
3. Know a lot about espresso
a. Perfect shot is 24 seconds
b. Crema is what makes shots good
c. Espresso is affected by air temp, humidity and light
d. Espresso is freaking annoying to work with
e. I don’t care if you’ve had it in Europe or not; it’s still annoying to work with

COMPUTER CONSULTING, CORALVILLE, IA
Installation Engineer August 2006 – May 2007
1. Serviced grumpy and occasionally unreasonable clients
2. Custom designed installations on site
a. Roof installs
b. Side of building installs
c. Remote (neither roof nor side of building) installs
3. Learned to solve problems I could not even understand

LANDSCAPING COMPANY, NEW ORLEANS, LA
Landscape Design Artist May 2006 – July 2006
1. Customers include
a. The rich
b. The wealthy
c. The affluent
2. Installed sprinkler systems and grass
a. 8 hours a day in the Louisiana summer
3. Pulled weeds
a. Out of gardens
b. While clients swam in their luxurious pools
c. Then it rained on me.

References available.

Go ahead, laugh

Last weekend Jonathan told me that he was going to cut his own hair. I started laughing so hard, I had to cross my legs to keep from peeing. Seriously, cut your own hair?! But, he was determined, saying that it couldn't be that hard, he just needed the right tools. So we borrowed a clipper set from Leah and spent Saturday night cuttin' hair. I must admit, he did a pretty good job, only needing my help for some blending and his neck line.

Today I went to have my hair cut and trimmed. My previous stylist is no longer at the cosmetology school where I go, so based on a recommendation I saw a different girl, who is actually pretty good.

I should preface this by saying I am really, really picky about my hair. However, I tend not to actually saying when I don't like something, and when I do say anything, I am a little sheepish. I'm growing out of this and have, especially since I'm dealing with students, learned to voice my concerns and suggestions, but I'm still not all the way there.

Well, today, I told the girl that cut my hair, that while I wanted exactly what I had, only shorter, she should feel free to do as she pleased. So, she went shorter. She also went "choppier", as this is the in style. As she was cutting my hair, I surveyed the room and saw that every one with short hair, had choppy hair. I could see where this was going. I'm not one for "choppy". I like smooth, finely placed hair. I don't want chop. I want smooth. But do I say a thing? Nope.

Since my hair wasn't styled the way I usually do every day, I just figured all would be fine by the time I went home and did my thing. But alas, when I was fixing everything up, I realized that my hair just wasn't doing what I was hoping for. While I think the choppy look is super cute on others, it just isn't for me. I felt like things were all out of whack, even at the insistence of everyone telling me it was fine, just not exactly the same as before.

Around 5pm, I told Jonathan I needed to call the Salon and go back in to have the girl fix my hair. I just couldn't keep it this way, as it would bother me. Jonathan asked if I really wanted to spend the time driving across town just to have my hair fixed to my "perfections". Of course not. But at the same time, I didn't want to wait another 4 weeks until my next appointment. Especially since we're heading to Tennessee in less than two weeks. So, what do we agree upon? To have Jonathan fix it himself. Well, it's only hair, right?. It'll grow back, right? Cut it. Fix it up. Just don't laugh when it's all said and done.

Thus, we spent nearly two hours of our Saturday night cutting my hair. Go ahead, laugh.

I will admit, we aren't pros. But one thing is for sure: it looks pretty good in my own opinion. Jonathan did a really good job. And if nothing else, we had a really fun time doing it.

Truthful Thursday - 1 Peter 1

"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies golf - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains stroung through many trials, it will bring you nuch praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT

Wordless Wednesday - Hiefer, the star gazing cow, and her friend Umbrella

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Truthful Thursday - Titus 3

"But - "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.""

Titus 3:4-7 NLT

Wordless Wednesday - Jail

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