Christmas Shopping

So Temo and I did something a little different for our presents this year. Neither of us have a lot of money to spend, and we always just say..."I don't know" to the time old question "what do you want?". So how do you resolve these two problems...

Take each other shopping for whatever they want and get it for them :) And this is exactly what we did today. We went to the Gilroy Outlets and checked out a few stores.



It ended up that we both wanted jeans, so that was our mission. Here is the problem...I HATE jean shopping, and Temo isn't a fan of shopping in general LOL! How did we overcome this you might ask? We got Starbucks, I reminded him it was CHRISTMAS shopping, and I didn't stress over trying them on or sizes!!!

We were half-way successful...well more than that in having a good time, but in getting our gifts. Temo had a certain pair of jeans from Levi in mind, but was unable to find them in his size. But before we left, we decided to be silly and both try on skinny jeans (neither of us had ever tried on these jeans...it was funny!). He said they looked good on me, but I wasn't convinced enough to buy them, and he hated how tight they were on him. So...we went a search for my jeans (since he was set on giving up at that point) and of course nothing worked. Then we went to Gap (love that store!) and I found two pairs that worked minus one thing on each....so again...a bust for me! But, Temo found a pair he liked...in a smaller size than what he normally wears(that stinker!!!). So, when we get to Oregon we will continue my search for Christmas jeans (hopefully being more successful). I don't think we will do this again, but it worked for this year. It was fun shopping together, but I really enjoy opening gifts and surprising people. But...at least we both are getting what we want this year :)

Here is a picture of the jeans he got!

Christmas Hill Park

No pun intended in the name :)



Yesterday Temo and I took the dogs on a much needed walk at a park in Gilroy that surrounds the creek in town. It's name is Christmas Hill Park, and this is where they have the Garlic Festival in the summer. But during this time of year, everything is green and the view of the hills is gorgeous! The dogs were in heaven not having to be on a leash. Since the weather wasn't the best, we were the only braves ones on the trails by the creek. There is also a paved area above, next to the road...but the actual trails are so much more beautiful. We walked for about an hour and a half, just enjoying the cool weather, the exercise, and seeing the dogs run and run! On our way back, it finally got dark and started to rain!!! Our last 15 minutes were in the rain, but was worth it :) Blaze and Lola were very tired when we returned, and slept like babies all night long!

Enjoying the nature that surrounded us reminded me of when I was in 3rd grade and our teacher would take us on adventures through the property behind our school (in Sonora). He would tell us stories of the people who used to live there and kept us intrigued the whole time. This was one of the best parts of living in Sonora and being in 3rd grade. I hope to be able to live somewhere where I can do this with my students, or at least expose them to the outdoors.

Also, this made me realize that Turlock doesn't have something like this. We both love living in Turlock, but wish there was something like this to enjoy there. I want to find a place like this where the dogs can be free and I can walk and enjoy the peace and quiet...for days when I won't be subbing. Maybe, that will just have to be an adventure I will have to go on when I get back home (to find our own little "Christmas Hill Park").

Christmas in the Park

Well, we arrived in Gilroy safe and sound yesterday, around 5:30. We hung out watching movies and playing Yahtzee. We stayed up until around 1:30 (well I tried to LOL, but Temo did) to send off one of his brothers and nephews to Mexico. They were going to meet others from the family, for Christmas and New Yeas.

Today we went to watch the high school boys play a soccer game in the Christmas Cup. It was a beautiful day with the sun shinning and a cool breeze. Then, Temo said we weren't heading back to Gilroy (the game was in Oak Grove) but were going to San Jose to have a "date." We went on our annual walk around Christmas in the Park. Half way through our walk we got some Starbucks, and then finished walking around looking at the donated decorated trees and other decorations. It is a simple, free tradition but one I enjoy thoroughly. Spending time with Temo, just enjoying each other's company, with no other expectations and obligations, is a part of our relationship I love the most. I wish this simple pleasure onto all who are in a relationship. Things like this are what make me know that we will last forever :)

Christmas with the families!

'Tis the season to be with your loved ones! And this is what we are going to be doing starting tomorrow.

We are driving to Gilroy sometime tomorrow and will stay at Temo's parent's house and keep his dad company (his mom is in Mexico). He has an Alumni Game at the high school on the 23rd, and I'm sure will be playing soccer with the high school team (for fun) or a weekend league the other days we are going to be there! What will I do???...who knows! I will read a book, work on my scrapbook?, blog or go on Facebook...we'll see.

Then on Christmas eve we will be going to my mom's house in Oregon... We will stay there until the 2nd (or there abouts) to be there through my mom's birthday on the 31st and be home in time for Temo to go to school on Monday (the 4th I think). It will be nice having my sister and her boyfriend with us this year, but don't know if my step brothers will be joining us... :( I will also get to see my Gramps who lives in an assisted living home, due to his dementia. I am excited to see him too! My birthday is also during this week and I am very excited, yet don't know what we will do. I'll be 23, not such a big deal :), so whatever we do I'm sure will be fun! I hope that everyone has a fabulous Christmas and don't forget to spend time with those you love and tell them you love them!!! Merry Christmas!

Subing

Well...I have been very stressed that I won't be getting enough sub jobs now that I am finished with student teaching, school, and everything else. But...God has been looking over me this week, and I think he is trying to tell me to stress less and that he will take care of it. I hope this is his message and that this blessing will continue to get better and better. I got a half-day sub job for 4th grade Monday and a full-day job for 2nd grade today...both at Walnut Elementary here in Turlock. Also, last night someone called me from Crowell (thanks to Lisa passing out sub cards for me) asking me to sub today. I had to turn her down, but she said she would keep me in mind.

I figured to make it with all of my bills, food, rent, and gas (the way I have been) I will need to work at least 8-9 days a month. Now, I know this doesn't seem like a lot but in the sub world it is! Teacher's don't go out as much as you would think...and when you are new to a sub list, you aren't called often unless it is by someone who knows you. So...being new, young, and unknown the likelihood is not good, but since I got my name out there with the people and schools I know hopefully this luck will continue.  Thank you God for watching over me this week, and please continue to help and watch over me through this trying time of my life!!!

New Layout...

courtosy of Lindsay Pruitt :)  She is a follower...check out her page too!  She is one of my best friends and I asked her to jazz up my page, and it looks fabulous!!!  I love how everything goes together now, and with a picture of my babie (dogs) it will be perfect :)  Thanks Linds!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cookies and Games

Last night was a fun filled night with Christmas cookies, games, and best of all friends!!! Our good friends Jenna and Josh came over to have a game night - which we often enjoy, but haven't had much time to do since we have both been student teaching. We will be having these more often, now that our lives have slowed down. Also, our new roommates, MJ and Kristina, joined in on the fun.

I was bored ALL day and decided I needed to get in the Christmas spirit and make sugar cookies and decorate them for everyone to enjoy while we played games. So, this I did...and I loved every minute of mixing, rolling, cutting, backing, making colors, and frosting :) Everyone enjoyed the finished products...



We ended up playing Rummikub and Monopoly cards. These are two of our regular games with Jenna and Josh, and two new games for MJ and Kristina.



We had a blast talking, eating, and playing. It made me realize how simple life can be and how much fun you can have by being with those who care about you!!!

Not alone anymore

So, as most of you know...I live in my parents house with Temo. They moved to OR two years ago, and we are helping keep the house up until it sells. I turoughly enjoy my life, and the blessing of never having to have roommates. Well, today that all changed...

Today our friends MJ and Kristina are moving in upstairs. They are going to be with us for the next semester or through summer, if the house doesn't sell. I am aprehensive to the changes that are going to happen, but hopefully everything will work out. They are great people and very respectful so I have no worries...I just can't be "selfish" and do as I please in the house anymore LOL! Anywho...nervous, but excited also. Wish all four of us luck :)

Me & Temo


MJ & Kristina

First blog!

Well, I am new to blogging, but one of my best friends moved to Mississippi and started one to keep everyone in the loop. Needless to say, it is working and I love it...and then my mom said I HAD to get one, since she lives in Oregon!

So here it goes....

Life has been changing a lot lately. I'm not sure if everything will work out as planned, but I have been trying to stay very optimistic and not "freak out" like I usually do. As my mom says..."try to find the silver lining." Well, I have been using that line a lot lately, and I think I have been able to find a positive in everything that has popped up. Life is an interesting thing and not always nice, but we were put here to make the best of it (or the worst of it). I am choosing to make the best of it, and I really hope I can keep this new lease on life because I know that things won't necessarily get easier from here. I am finished with school, and hoping to find a teaching job. My boyfriend (Temo, for those of you who don't know) is just starting the credential program to get his single subject credential (in P.E.).



So...everyone try to keep a positive outlook on these tough times, because if we keep our heads up and believe that God is doing these things for a reason then we can get through anything!!!