Chickens!!

We got 3 of them!!

We're really excited to have fresh eggs. And, frankly, a few new pets. Ryan LUURVVESS him some chickens. They're about a week old and already I think he likes them more than the dogs.

But, really, how could not LOVE these little fluff balls?!?

My husband is so handy. Check out the coop he built from *free* materials.

So anyhow, we have to keep them inside under the heat lamp until they're about 4 weeks old. By then it should be warm enough for them to go out in the coop (Ryan's next project is the actual little building part of it with their nesting boxes, etc.)

YAY CHICKENS!

 

May Goal Update

April was a beautiful, sunshine-y month. :) I loved it.

Ryan and I went on a gorgeous hike on one of the days it was 75+ degrees.

The doggies and I had so much fun! They're the best little trail dogs. They don't run ahead too far and know to go off of the trail to do their business. And really, what more could a girl ask for than a dog who knows where to do its dog stuff? Right?

Anyhow, here's my goal review for the month!

April Goals:

1. Pay down $550 in debt. We're getting so close to the next level. yup.
2. No buy month!!! Essentials only. Food, gas, and regular bills. Really, really well!
3. Throw my sister an awesome baby shower. Yes!! Awesome.
4. Go on 1 walk a week with Ryan + dogs.  Pretty good.
5. Go paperless on all my reoccurring bill statements. Meh. Got through one bill then got a headache.


The Pear Blossom was rough. But I finished, and was pretty proud of my time! A co-worker and I did it together with the goal of a 10minute/mile and no walking. And we did it! Finished the 10 miles in 1 hour and 40 minutes. Although I wanted to trip her for not letting me walk (ha! I kid.) I was really happy she was there to hold me to it. Because, lets face it, I'm kind of a slacker. ;) Other than that exercise goal, Ryan and I did McAndrews (a brutal, butt busting hill here) and a hike. So all in all, not as bad as past months. The nice weather helps for sure!

Carlie's baby shower was so fun! I'll post pictures soon.

The "no buy" thing went through a few phases. It started out really tough. Then about half way through the month it started to feel totally normal, like I would never have to buy anything ever again. Then the last few days I was literally ITCHING to spend money. haha. So strange. But I'm glad we did it, because I learned a lot. What we can do without. What can be made from a little effort. And how sometimes the anticipation is everything. (This was especially true for buying our little baby chicks.)

May Goals:


1. Pay down $500 in debt. (I'm starting to feel like the Little Engine that Could. I think I can. I think I can.)
2. Finish paperless bills.
3. Read all of Luke. (My bible reading has been not so good since it wasn't a goal last month. Oops!)
4. Plant garden + move chickies outside.
5. McAndrews or one other walk/ week.

Happy May!

Pathetic Enough.

So today I walk into Walgreens, pick out: tampons, pads, and a pint of Ben and Jerrys. I set it all on the counter. The clerk looks up at me and asks "Would you like to add a candy bar unto your purchase today? They're on special."

My reply: "Nope, my purchase is pathetic enough as it is."

Haha. Poor girl didnt know what she had comin'.

Pathetic...

Its equal parts sad and hilarious that I have a 'favorite' opk brand.

Right?!?

paperless, paperless.

Frugal + Green= PAPERLESS KITCHEN!!

And I'm pretty excited about it.

No paper napkins. No paper plates. And very, very few paper towels.

For all my small spills and clean up I use jersey rags that I cut up from a not-used top sheet. (We love jersey sheets for our bed but Ryan refuses to use the top sheet despite my begging and pleading. I love to be tucked in like an envelope. He vehemently disagrees. What are you gonna do??) I was cleaning out our linen closet and didn't have anything to do with the sheet so I spent about 20 minutes cutting it up into roughly paper towel sized pieces.

I grab them instead of paper towels, and have a "rag bag" on top of the washer that gets the dirties, and I throw the whole bag with whatever wash I'm doing. Then I just dump them in a basket when they're dry. I don't even sort or fold them. Easy, peasy, cheap, and green! Just the way I like it!

Full disclosure: I still use paper plates on random occasions like parties or bbqs. And I have 2 lingering rolls of paper towels because I just can't figure out a better way to heat my on-the-go breakfast burritos. I usually wrap them in a paper towel in the microwave. Any ideas there???

Sure, a paper towel seems like a small toll to take on the earth and the pocket book... but try envisioning throwing away the WHOLE PACKAGE of paper towels. Just 'cause you throw them away one at a time doesn't mean it doesn't add up. Parts of a whole.

Not that I judge anyone who uses paper towels. I get it. :) I'm just glad we have a system that works for us, now! The only thing I need is an idea for keeping the towels next to my sink where the towel roll used to sit. Hmmm

A whole post about my lack of trash. Congratulations for making it through that.

Next task: Go paperless on all my reoccuring bills ( I know- strange I haven't already done this...)

So let the wind blow us...

I love Joshua Radin.

I met him once.

See? Thats him. And that's me.

I'm not gonna lie, it was a pretty rad night.

I find his music so easy to listen to and upbeat (if a bit mellow at times. But sleepytime music is my fave)

Anyhow, I love one of his songs right now. And usually have it on repeat when I'm alone and no one will laugh at me. :)  It just so well suits my life right now. Wanting, wanting. But waiting.

You should listen to the song.

Streetlight

I'll wait for something under a streetlight
It won't be long
Because it's dark it's cold
It's one of those nights where
There's something out there
Keeps me alive

But I don't know where to go
So I think I'll sit and stay here a while
Till I figure it out

So let the wind blow us
To wherever it says
We are supposed to go
When you want something but can't name it
It's under a streetlight
It's something you've never seen before
Open the door
It's something you've always been afraid of
It's under a streetlight
And now all you want is more

But I don't know where to go
So I think I'll sit and stay here a while
Till I figure it out

So let the wind blow us
To wherever it says
We are supposed to go
Let the wind blow us
To wherever it says
We are supposed to go

I don't mind the wait it's fine
As long as you know
It's the wait that could be the something
I don't know where to go
So I think I'll sit and stay here a while
Till I figure it out

So let the wind blow us
To wherever it says
We are supposed to go
So let the wind blow us
To wherever it says
We are supposed to go
We are supposed to go
I'll wait for something under a streetlight
It won't be long
Because it's dark it's cold

 

 I just love it. 

April Showers...

I'm not gonna do goals for April. APRIL FOOLS!!
 Here's my goal update :)

March Goals:

1. Read coaches manual/ take test for re-certification: Read manual, need to test.
2. Finish painting chalkboard end table (started this forever ago!): On the schedule for today--after blogging ;)
3. Read all of Proverbs: All done!
4. Pay down $550 in debt (adjusting it a bit still) ALLMMOST doubled it again. :)
5. Eat breakfast everyday: Golden! Officially a habit!!
6. Train for Pear Blossom in April (goal of 10 miles/ week with a 3 mile flexibility): No comment. Yikes.

Bad news: Pear training sucked big rocks. Good news: I still have 2 weeks! Woot. I can still do it.
Good news: debt pay down went well! Bad news: It's hard. Like, really hard.

April should be pretty awesome.

Photo credit

April Goals:

1. Pay down $550 in debt. We're getting so close to the next level.
2. No buy month!!! Essentials only. Food, gas, and regular bills.
3. Throw my sister an awesome baby shower.
4. Go on 1 walk a week with Ryan + dogs. (My exercise goals are SUCKING. Maybe I need to break it down a bit. So pathetic for a former HEALTH MAJOR.)
5. Go paperless on all my reoccurring bill statements. Cut down on clutter, and go green. :)

Happy April!!