Farewell 2005!

Today is New Year's Eve. I sit in front of my computer with mixed emotions on what to write about and where to begin. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a brand new year, a fresh number on the calendar that welcomes resolutions and changes. I've never really been adamant about making New Year's resolutions before, but this year I have a few. I guess I would have to say that these are not so much resolutions as improvements to aspects of my daily life. Rather resolving not to do certain things, I'd like to look at how I can improve my quality of life.

And the categories are...


Marriage
Dan and I have been married for almost five months now! ;) He's a great husband and I'm completely head over heels for him. We're very affectionate and loving toward eachother, so no improvements needed there. However, I'm going to work on showing Dan more appreciation for being such a great husband and friend. I realize how blessed we are to have found eachother so young.

Church
I feel bad about not going to church more than I do. For a while Dan and I were going on a somewhat of a regular basis, but we've just gotten lazy. I keep thinking about when we have children and how we'll want to go to church as a family every week. How will we go as a family if we're not even going now? I definitely want to improve my church attendance with the coming of the New Year. I need to set the alarm on Sunday and stop the groaning. After all, the early bird does catch the worm. ;)

Work
I love my job! I put my heart and soul into my job because I love teaching. For 2006, I'll continue to think of new fun and creative ways to teach my students. I won't stray away from pursuing a lesson because of massive prep time! I'd also like to push myself to answer a difficult career effecting question: Public or parochial? If I plan on making a move to teach in the public schools, I need to do so soon. If I worked at a public school, my salary would increase by about twelve thousand dollars! On the flip side, I love teaching religion and am fortunate enough to be teaching the grade I believe to be my calling. Go Kindergarten! These are just a few of the factors that are involved in this decision making process. Wish me luck! ;)

Family and Friends

Anybody who knows me, knows that I'm really not a phone person. It's terrible, but sometimes I don't even answer my cell when it rings or even call back until the next day. I'd like to get rid of that bad phone etiquette. Although I'm not a big phone person, I do believe it is important to keep close touch with those you love. I'd like to make an effort this year to call my family and friends more. (The above picture is of Brooke and I when I was about twelve and she ten...oh how time flys!)

Exercise
I love working out, but life gets so busy that I neglect my "me time", which is time I truly enjoy for myself. I'd like to set a realistic gym schedule for myself.

Blogging
My dear older sister, Breain, introduced me into the wonderful world of blogging. I know that my writing doesn't get a lot of comments or outside attention, but it's important to me. I like having a "journal" to share with family, friends and acquaintances. I'm going to try to be more of a consistent blogger. Thank you all for reading and taking an interest in what's going on with me. ;)

Finances
I want to work on being smarter with my finances. With that I mean, reading the Suze Orman book that Frema bought for me. Dan and I really want to be in a house within the next few years and I want to be readily prepared and educated for this huge step in our lives. Thanks Frema! I love you.

Well bloggers of the world, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Eat, drink and be merry in the comin of 2006! God bless you all and thanks for reading Sam In The City! ;)

Chef Boyersambo

What a lazy day it's been for me thus far. I started my day off by making a nice french toast breakfast for Dan, Donna and myself. We all woke up at around 11:00 a.m. and leisurely moved around the apartment until I had the great idea of making breakfast. Out of all three daily meals, breakfast by far is my most favorite to prepare! Frema and Luke got me a waffle maker for Christmas, which I can't wait to use. ;) Making french toast always reminds me of my Auntie Betty because whenever I spent the night by her house when I was younger, I always looked forward to her french toast with powdered sugar! Mmmmmm.... I especially love making breakfast when people stay the night with Dan and I. It's so much fun to play hostess and pamper the ones you love. Donna and Dan said everything was really good- go me! ;) I'd like to practice my omelet making skills while I have some quality cooking time over Christmas vacation. I wish my dear little Frema would be so adventurous to try my omelet...but I won't hold my breath.

It was really hard to take a break from watch Friends so I could blog. I thought while I had some time off I would be more eager to write than I am, but I find myself just wanting to sleep, eat and watch t.v. Dan bought me the first season of Friends, in addition to some pretty groovy Christmas presents. These earrings are my favorite gift from my thoughtful husband. Well, I'm gonna go haul my vacationing butt over to the couch now and watch The Exorcism of Emily Rose with Dan now. It's a hard job, but someone's got to eat popcorn and snuggle with that husband of mine. ;) If I don't blog within the next few days, please call me to make sure I haven't become permanently attached to the couch. Thanks. ;)

My beautiful mother also got some diamond earrings from my dad for Christmas. I tell ya, our men really know how to spoil us.

WWF Match On 63rd...

Dear Blog,

I'm so sorry I've been so unfaithful to you! Instead of writing fun and interesting stories, I've been wrapping Christmas presents, going to the gym, cleaning like a mad woman on speed and doing seemingly endless loads laundry. But I'm done with all the wrapping and cleaning for now, so unless my two week vacation lures me into laziness, I will be writing more! ;)

The past few days have been sleeping bliss for Dan and I! Our Christmas vacation started on Wednesday, and we celebrated by having a few people over and partying like Rock Stars. When we woke up the next day our apartment looked like the aftermath of a college drinking party. When Dan saw the mess, he called our night of party fun, "Teachers Gone Wild". Anyway, Wednesday night consisted of a Texas Hold'em game, a lot of beer and a hysterical WWF wrestling session between Dan and I on the kitchen floor to end the night. One of Dan's friends J.C., came over with his girlfriend Lisa to celebrate our last day of work with us. The last time J.C. came over without Lisa, he told us that Lisa really wondered if Dan hit me. You may be asking, why would Lisa think this at all? Well, Dan and I are just silly and we joke around with eachother all the time in good fun. For example, if Dan asked me to get him a beer and I'd say no, he'd say, "Don't make me hit you in front of other people, Sam". I'd crack up and he'd get his own beer. That's just one way we kid around with eachother. Anyway, Lisa must have thought that Dan and I were serious because she asked J.C. if Dan really hit me! Ooops. As bad as it is, I think it's kinda funny! Dan is the sweetest, most gentle husband and would never ever hurt me. So when J.C. and Lisa came over on Wednesday and witnessed our little wrestling extravaganza, needless to say she was probably in awe.

Our little wrestling match started by me approaching Dan, putting up my dooks and fake punching him. Before I knew it, we were running all around the kitchen chasing and tackling eachother. At one point, we traveled into the front room, where I was tossed over the sofa. I'm sure the massive amounts of beer we both consumed had a helping hand in us thinking this was a good idea. The whole time we're "fighting" we're both laughing, but really trying to pin the other down so we could win the match. It's debatable, but claims he won.

Thursday I woke up with a hangover and the same headache I've had for a whole week. Dan and I couldn't help but laugh how Lisa must think I'm a foolish young woman to stay with a man who beats me. Is is bad that I find this amusing? I don't think so. I did feel a little bad that she perceived our relationship as an unloving, abusive one. But on the other hand, anyone that really knows me and Dan, knows that we're crazy in love and have a very happy marriage. The important thing is that we had a good time together and came out of this with no concussions. So if you're ever interested in some good old WWF fun, gimme a call and maybe we can set up another match.

Down and Dirty

Three days until Dan and I officially go on Christmas vacation!! Two weeks of no work will be AMAZING! I have plans to tear my apartment up and bleach and dust every corner. Some people may find this task dreadful and annoying, however, being raised by Mrs. Danny Tanner herself, I enjoy cleaning now that I'm not nagged to do it. Don't get me wrong, our home is always clean, but I'm talking clean, clean. I love the feeling of walking barefoot on the kitchen floor after it's just been bleached and scrubbed. Crawling into freshly washed sheets and using a fresh warm towel after a shower are just a few of the things that make me smile. Whenever I do my deep cleaning, Dan hibernates in the front room. He tried a few times to assist with the deep cleaning, but I don't think he really understands the art of cleaning. I'm content with him washing the dishes, making the bed and helping with the daily ordinary chores.

Other than the excitement of getting down and dirty with the apartment, we have several family gatherings to attend over our vacation. I can't wait to spend unlimited amounts of time with my family, in particular my siblings. I love it when we are all together like the good old days. I don't mean to brag, but I do have the coolest family ever. ;) Anyway, I hope to write more soon. Really funny things have been happening to me and Dan lately, and it'd be a shame not to share them. Have a good night everybody! ;)

Frema & Luke, Sitting In A Tree...

Frema and Luke, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage! This weekend Frema and Luke came in from Indianapolis to announce the wonderful news that they're engaged! That's right, Luke proposed to my beautiful sister on Wednesday, December 7th and she happily said YES! I've always wanted a big brother you know. As if it's not cool enough that they're getting married, but I get to be the matron of honor!! ;) I'm so happy and honored to be Frema's right hand woman as she prepares for her big day. Still being somewhat in wedding mode myself, I have lots of ideas for my groovy sister and future brother-in-law. I'm so happy for them and I bet you are too! I knew that Frema and Luke were eventually going to get married, but I really had no idea that their visit this past weekend was to annouce their wedding date this May. What a happy and emotional visit. It was so cool looking through bridal magazines and hearing about the kind of dress Frema wants to wear for her big day. Their hall is absolutely beautiful and I know that the handsome couple will only make it look ten times better! I can't say enough how happy I am for Frema and Luke, and how excited I am to have a family expansion! Big Daddy D. and Molly, we're family now! ;) My mom was by the stove finishing up cooking a big breakfast for everyone and when Frema and Luke announced the big news, she shrieked tears of joy for them, along with our sentimental Auntie Donna. Wedding bliss is in the air and our family couldn't be happier.

Well Frema and Luke, here's to you-the very happy couple! You've got a fun road ahead of you planning this wedding. Don't let anyone try to force their opinions on you, because it's all about you on the big day. Just because it worked for one couple, doesn't mean it will work for you. People can be really pushy and opinionated, so just relax and enjoy this very exciting time in your lives, as I am sure you will. I love you both very much and am SO HAPPY for you! You know if you need anything I am here for you both. Have a groovy evening and a great time spreading the great news to your families and friends. XOXOXOXO

P.S. Dan has asked me to send a special shout out to the blogging world. I tried to tell him that it really didn't go with this entry, but what can ya do.

Too Close For Comfort

Flight 1248 from Baltimore has slid off the runway into a fence on 55th and Central at Midway Airport. The 98 passengers on the flight have been reported to be shaken, but safe and four people that were on the street are reported as critically injured.

I got home before Dan and decided to surprise him with his favorite tuna casserole dinner when he came home from tutoring at about 7:15p.m. When he wasn't home at 7:30p.m. I called him to see where he was and what was going on. At this point I had no idea about the plane skidding off the runway, I was just worried about him driving in the snow. A few minutes after I called Dan, he called me back to tell me to turn on the news because a plane skidded off the runway at Midway and into the street. Dan's dad called to let him know about it so he didn't take Central home after tutoring. Dan was late from leaving work because he was talking to some other teachers after class and doing some school work. If he would have left on time then maybe he would have been a car on the street when the plane skidded into the street. Dan and I both take Central all the time, and it really psychs me out that one of us could have been hit by that plane. I stayed after work late for a class I'm taking at school, and a colleague drove me home. I normally take Central home, but my colleague friend took a different route today, and we had no idea about the horrible accident. I'm so grateful that Dan is okay. We got into an arguement before he dropped me off at work this morning over something stupid, but before I left the car we kissed and made up. I'm so thankful we made up and that he is okay. This plane accident got me a little sentimental and I just want Dan to be home now.

Those people on the plane and on the street must have been so scared!! I'm still waiting for him to come home so I can attack him with a huge bear hug. Several very busy Chicago streets are closed due to the accident, so it's taking him a long time to get home. Dan said he's driving 10 miles an hour right now and cops are helping to redirect traffic away from the closed street. Dan said there's cops everywhere and just a bunch of flashing lights. I just called him and he said traffic is understandably ridiculous.

Well, I'm going to continue to watch the news and wait for my husband to walk through the door. Be careful driving if you decide to venture out and God bless you!

Mad Props To Nyquil

I will definitely be getting some Zzzzz's tonight, thanks to nasty tasting liquid Nyquil. This cold could not be prevented. No matter how many times I told little Andrew or Emma to cover their mouths when they coughed or sneezed,they always seemed to get me in the face. I hate not being able to breathe through a nostril...it's so annoying having a cold and it makes me realize how lucky I am when both nostrils are working!

Anywho, today was definitely a long day. I'm really looking forward to the weekend, but this week is moving as slow as a 90 year old woman on a tread mill. There's a Chicago Bulls game lined up for Friday and then a birthday party/Christmas party for an old friend of mine on Saturday. I can't wait to wake up on Saturday without having to even think about the alarm.

Well, off to bed I go now. Have a groovilicous night! ;)

P.S. You'll be happy to know that Donna is now 13 years old today and I did not have a heart attack. ;)

WhAt A CrAzY WeEk!!

It's only Tuesday night and it's already been such a crazy week, and will only continue to get crazier. Last night and tonight, our school had their annual Christmas Show, where my students shined signing, "All I Want For Christmas"...and they were fantabulous!! :) I've been staying after school late and am totally pooped by the time I get home, which is why I've been neglecting my dear blog.

Tomorrow will be the busiest day of this week though. The students are dismissed at 2:30p.m., rather than 3:00p.m. due to our faculty meeting. I have to leave our meeting early though to go to my new dentist, so he can fix what Dr. Dipshit did to my teeth. (That's a whole other blog entry.) Anyway, after the dentist, Dan and I are off to my parents house to sing Feliz Cumpleanos to my sister Donna, who will be thirteen!!!! If her turning thirteen doesn't give me a heart attack, Dan and I are going to see my Auntie who is very ill afterward. Please keep her in your daily prayers.

Did I mention that my beastly car has yet again failed me? Yea, so poor Dan has been carting my butt around, because basically there's no other option. On a positive note, Dan did get the part-time job he wanted teaching Freshman algebra two times a week for night school! :) GO DAN!!! Still no word on my Dollar Tree application...boooo-whooo!

Anywho, it's really hard just to focus on this entry because I'm just plain old pooped! I just wanted to let you all know that I am alive and well, and will be writing more when this week slows down!

Peace out homey's! ;)