Lovin the spring trends!

Now if only I didn't have curves like Queen Latifah.

Seriously, why do the cutest clothes have to be meant for the Kate Moss's of the world?

Not only that...but if I wore half the things I find super-cute, I would look like that girl trying as hard as humanly possible to fit in.

Sigh.

A girl can dream though.

One trend I'm lovin: jumpsuits and rompers. Especially floral prints!

Oohh...and I really like the platform sandals.

Problem? I'm nervous I'll look like a stripper. But, they'd be so darn cute with dresses or skinny jeans.

(all images from shopbop.com)

Daily reminders that I work with children

I admit it.

I can be immature sometimes.

For example, when people fall, I laugh. When people toot, I laugh. When people say something inappropriate, I laugh.

But now, that all must change because I work with children. No matter how badly I want to laugh...I must contain myself.

Today was a test.

I was overseeing arts and crafts while two kiddos wouldn't keep their hands to themselves. *Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved. ;)

Susie: Johnny won't stop touching me.

Johnny: Nuh-uh! Susie wont' stop touching me!

Me: Ok, well nobody should be touching anybody. Period.

Johnny: (Being 100% serious) Eww. I'm not going to touch her period!

All children proceed to laugh hysterically for about 15 minutes. I kept trying to get them to drop it.

No luck.

And I admit, I really, really wanted to laugh. But I actually refrained.

Oh dear. The things kids say...

Cookout Season has officially begun

Although the weekend went way too quickly (as usual), I'm looking at the bright side: Monday is almost over!!! Which means we're only that much closer to next weekend!

Mr. Ruby and I decided to go on a little date on Friday - sometimes life just gets so hectic that we have to make time for just the two of us. So, we went out to dinner, got some ice cream, and had a nice relaxing evening at home.

Saturday started off just peachy beginning with my Praxis II exam at 7:00 a.m., and then going straight home to work on homework the rest of the day. But Saturday evening was much better: We had our first cookout of the season! We were expecting another couple to join us...but due to unexpected events, they couldn't make it. So, Mr. Ruby and I continued our "date weekend" by hanging out with just the two of us. We had so much fun!!! ***And I discovered a new TASTY beer: Michelob Ultra Cactus Lime. Delicious!!! Once we stuffed ourselves silly, some other friends came over. Good talks. Good times.

And yesterday, we went over to some friends (more like family) to make HOMEMADE PIZZA. Oh my goodness...it was seriously some of the best pizza I've ever had. BBQ Chicken, Veggie, and Pepperoni and Mushroom. I may or may not have had 4 pieces.

So, apparently our weekends revolve around food.

Eh. Life's too short to care!

Fresh Fruit finally in season

Catchin the Hubs sneakin some brownie mix

My new favorite summer drink!!!

Loving all this quality time

My "Thanks a Lotte" flowers for surprise graduation party

BBQ action shot

Yes. We are weird.

Most amazing homemade pizzas ever!

Warning: This post contains (somewhat) graphic content

Oh what a week!

I am now celebrating this beautiful, sunny Saturday by sipping on some blueberry iced coffee and writing a tedious paper. Ugh. Oh, and did I mention I had to wake up at 6:30 a.m. to go and take my PRAXIS II exam? Double Ugh.

I am terrible at estimating how well I do on tests. I always think I failed, when in reality, I usually do very well. However, after this morning, I truly do not have a clue how well I did. Some questions were super easy...where others seemed to be asked in a foreign language. AND, I have to wait four weeks for those darn results.

Oh well.

On the somewhat graphic/grosser side of things, I dealt with my first puking incidents yesterday. Yes, I said incidents (plural).

1.) The first girl spun on this merry-go-round-thingy too much and hurled everywhere.

2). The second incident occurred because one kid "had too much meat" on his sandwich.

3). The final incident...well, the little dude got so mad, that he threw up everywhere. He then proceeded to say, "Haha - there are my peaches from lunch!"

Now, I have to say I am a Puke Patrol expert.

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And to close out the week, I have realized I am dealing with a little problem.

My dog will not stop eating my underwear.

In the past month, I think she has gone through at least 10 pairs.

Sounds like an easy issue to remedy, right? Wrong.

Sienna's weird fetish began about two years ago, when we initially blamed our little dachshund, Samson. I would randomly find my underwear with a HOLE chewed right out of the crotch. I would get upset with Samson...because he has been known to eat things (like two packs of my birth control pills).

However, about a year ago, we realized that Sienna was the culprit. We caught her, under the bed, red-handed (or black-handed) with a pair of my favorite undies.

So, I made sure to always put my undies in the laundry hamper. But recently, she has found a way to find only her prized possessions and has a hay day!

This has become a very expensive habit of my sweet-looking pup. She has decided to ruin some of my FAVORITE pairs. When she's really in the mood for a special treat - she goes for my favorite Victoria's Secret "Cheekiest". Grr.

I have actually reached a point where I need to go shopping solely for undergarments...not that that's a bad thing! ;)

I tried to use the most "blog-appropriate" pair ;)

I apologize

Sorry for my lack of blogging this week.

I have been incredibly busy...and my brain feels like mush.

I literally don't know what day it is.

Thank the good Lord it's Wednesday because my week has been a long, hectic one. The things currently jumbled up in my mind right now:

• Working with the kiddos all day instead of half days = EXHAUSTING
  
• Been dealing with Crazy off-the-wall children due to April Vacation Week
• One of the kids stole $20.00 straight from my wallet - more bummed than mad
• Eating way too much junk food this week - seriously gross
  
• Studying hard core for my Praxis II exam THIS Saturday...terrified of how I will do
  
• Trying to finish three additional major assignments before Sunday
• Have about 7 loads of laundry waiting for me
  
• The house has not been dusted or vacuumed in two weeks - sick

On the wonderfully sunny side of things - I walked in to a beautiful bouquet of flowers this evening. They were from my newly graduated husband as a thank you for the surprise party.

Made my day! And...he's taking me out to dinner (just the TWO of us) this Friday. Score for date night!!!

Hope you all are having a fantastic hump day. ;)

So Proud

What a weekend indeed!

I've been super sneaky the past few months trying to plan a SURPRISE graduation party for Mr. Ruby.

It's been difficult, my friends.

But I succeeded.

He was SO surprised.

I'm so proud of my dear hubby because while all of us were attending frat parties, tailgating at football games, and watching every single episode of Friends (when we should have been studying), Mr. Ruby was serving our country as a Marine.

Therefore, he didn't have the college experience I did. He has spent the last four years working his lil' buns off and recently achieved his B.S. in Information Technology. He is now officially my own personal techie! ;)

After weeks of planning, we had a fabulous celebration with our family away from family here in RI. We had a great time...and I couldn't be prouder!!!

Most important meal of the day

We've heard it over and over again...

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

I'm not really a huge fan of "breakfast" foods, but I have to eat a fulfilling breakfast in order to survive my day.

Some of my faves include: oatmeal, grapefruit, english muffin w/ peanut butter, and homemade protein smoothies.
Notice, I did not mention the most common breakfast food: cereal.

I honestly don't think I've had cereal since high school. I never ate it in college. It just doesn't really fill me up. And I tend to find myself eating at least three or four servings. Ok. Maybe I've had a few bowls here and there...usually some Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Captain Crunch for a random treat. Hardly ever for breakfast.

But, I am officially on a cereal kick. I mean, I can't stop. I have found two cereals that have quite a bit of protein to actually fill me up...almost until lunch time. They are super nutritious AND delicious. I get so excited to wake up in the morning just to have my bowl of cereal!

Special K Protein Plus

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Total Cranberry Crunch

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So excited to wake up tomorrow morning!!! :)

Happy Again

So, I needed a couple of days of moping...but I'm feeling myself again!

Thank you SO much to everyone who left extremely encouraging comments. I appreciate it. Deep down, I know that I did the right thing.

I am back on track and just wishing that the weekend will get here quickly!

We had a great last weekend: went to dinner with pals, had unbelievable Italian food, saw The Last Song, went to Zumba, and had a last-minute major Sunday breakfast.

A friend and I decided to try Zumba - a Latin dance workout. What a GREAT time we had! It has the potential to be a really good workout...if you know what you're doing. But it's a great way to mix up your workouts...besides who doesn't love some Latin hip-shaking?!?!?!

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After our workout, we decided to throw together a last-minute-all-you-can-eat-buffet-style Sunday Breakfast. It was unbelievable. So much for the calories burned in Zumba...

I suddenly need a snack...

All bets are off

So, I have written several posts about the Demon Child that I part-time nanny for.

After I write these posts, I quickly delete them. Although venting is such a good stress release, I always feel so guilty about having documented information on the world wide web about someone else's child.

However, today, all bets are off.

I just got fired.

I just spent the last two hours crying, yelling, thinking, reflecting, and now I am just plain angry.

Let me do a (small) re-cap of the past 6 weeks:

• I first meet mom and Demon Child (DC). DC proceeds to interrupt us throughout the entire conversation. Mom does nothing. (First warning sign).
  
• My first day. Mom tries to get DC to eat healthy. DC throws temper tantrum. Mom gives DC sugary treats to calm her down.
  
• End of first week. I have been told "NO" at least 3 dozen times. DC said "no" to: brushing her teeth, picking up her toys, getting her shoes on, and going to time out.
• Have meeting with mom. Ask how they prefer me to handle discipline. I am told time out is ok, but sometimes DC does not stay in time out. Oh, and she doesn't like to put away her things. (Yes, this is all that I am told).
  
• Second week. Multiple temper tantrums. DC kicks dog. DC kicks mom. Mom and dad cuddle DC and calm her down by telling her she can go play with her brand new scooter.
  
• You get the point. The above repeats and continues even until today (unexpectedly my last day)
  

Oh, but let's not forget the doosie among all doosies. One day, she threw a temper tantrum, and I told her she lost her scooter privileges for the day.

This made her very angry. She locked me outside. For twenty minutes. She finally let me in and proceeded to scream and kick for 45 more minutes.

I called mom. Told her the situation. She was embarrassed and apologized, but then chuckled and said, "I guess you're getting a taste of what it's like to have children". (Riiiiiight).

I then told the mom I was a big supporter of positive reinforcement. I asked if she would mind if I implemented a good behavior chart. DC could put on stickers if she obeyed the rules every day, and after getting 10 stickers - we could get a treat of her choice. The mom said she loved the idea.

The last two weeks, the chart was doing wonders! DC was actually listening and got so excited to put on a sticker. She made it 6 days in a row without one hint of bad behavior.

Then last Friday, she had a major temper tantrum. So, no sticker.

Today was a good day. I told her to pick out a sticker. She secretly put on two stickers. I caught it and said, "No, you only get one today...you know you can't have one from Friday because of your tantrum." So, I took off the other one.

Tonight, my phone rings. It is the mom. Nothing has ever caught me so off-guard. This was our conversation:

Mom: (Getting right to the point) Hi, I just wanted to let you know, I don't think things are working out. You know, some people just handle children differently. Sometimes, people just aren't ready to deal with children. So, I think we're going to have to part and go our separate ways.
Me: (Literally choking back tears) Umm...Ok???
Mom: I will pay you for the full week, what is your address?
Me: Sure, but can you at least tell me what happened? Did I do something wrong?
Mom: (Silence for a few awkward seconds) Well, honestly, we thought the behavior chart was a bit much...and you did implement it extremely soon. And then today, you actually ripped a sticker off the chart? I mean, that's very harsh for a child. We just didn't think that was appropriate.
Me: That's not what happened, but that's neither here nor there. Here's my address.
Mom: Good luck with teaching.

There are so many things I wanted to say. So many thoughts going through my mind. Like, "If you thought I was too strict, why didn't you tell me?" or "You TOLD me to use a behavior chart" or "Your child locked me out of the house for 20 minutes, and she doesn't listen to a word you say...but I'm the bad guy?"

Seriously?

More than anything, I am just so mad that they broke up with me before I could break up with them.

Nick, you did it again

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My secret indulgence?

Teeny-bopper anything and everything:

*Twilight - including this weird crush on a silly vampire that doesn't exist.

*Chic flicks with stereotypical and predictable plots - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 13 Going on 30, PS I Love You...

*Pop music and concerts - I seriously would die to see J. Timberlake or B. Spears in concert

*Trashy celebrity gossip mags or reality shows - think US Weekly, The Hills, Keeping Up with the Kardashians...

But my all-time BIGGEST teen indulgence?

Nicholas Sparks books.

They never get old.

Ever.

And I always know there is going to be a horribly predictable love story and tragic loss or ending.

But I keep coming back for more.

I've read every one of his books. My all time fave is the Notebook. And I love the movie just as much...and that NEVER happens. Ever.

My least fave? The Last Song.

But saw the movie last night, and I have to say that it was really good. I (gulp) even kinda, sorta stomached Miley a little more than I thought. But just barely.

Overall thoughts: great casting, hunky boy with lots of shirtless scenes, cute/different/trendy outfits worn by Miley, friggin adorable little brother, incredibly cheesy and vomitrocious lovey dovey scenes, obvious use of Miley's musical ability placed wherever possible throughout the movie, and necessity to bring lots of tissues!

Recommended flick? Yes!

Ugh. Disgusting.

Have you ever witnessed something so appalling, you couldn't believe it was happening before your eyes?

Well, it happened to me at the gym this morning.

I much prefer to be active outside in order to get in my workout, but sometimes you just need the gym. However, I find any and every excuse possible not to go.

Today, I found two more reasons.

First of all, I hopped on the Elliptical, and someone had placed their gum right on the screen. Really? Could you seriously not walk (literally) 2 feet to the trashcan? I mean...you ARE at the gym.

And then, the real doosie happened.

I walked over to grab a paper towel and sanitizer to clean my machine. As I was walking back, I noticed this man in his late fifties who was an odd orange-ish shade from tanning too much, and was wearing way too short of shorts.

Well, what really made him stand out is that he was feverishly getting his workout on with his body facing forward and his neck completely turned at a full 90 degree right angle.

I noticed he was very intensely staring at something. I turned to see what it was.

Of course it was this young, twenty-something gal who was wearing extremely tight black pants, and had an even tighter bum.

He was looking right at it. For a solid 2-3 minutes.

With his neck awkwardly craned and eyes glued to that bum. He had no shame in hiding it, either.

I was hoping so badly that he would fall off his machine.

Now that would be reason enough for me to hit the gym...

Summer Lovin

Summer mode has officially hit:

Every window in the house is open.

I drink well over 64 ounces of liquid a day.

I can actually take my dogs for walks.

I have to put on deodorant twice a day. (Hey, I'm active with kiddos all day long).

And, I can't stop eating this:


And it only gets worse from here...

5 Senses of Summer

Eighty-five degrees today.

Ah, yes. Summer is approaching.

With my pursuit of a new career in teaching, I feel like I am a child again and eagerly awaiting the SUMMER!

Today reeeally makes me excited. I seriously love summer. How can you not?

Not to mention, you totally utilize your five senses all summer long.

What do I especially love to use my senses on in the summertime? Some FAVORITES include:

Sight
Love all the colors, especially the beautiful flowers

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Sound

You know, those pop songs that get stuck in your head for the entire summer? Bootylicious, Hot in Herre, Hollaback Girl, and Summer Girls just to name a few. :)

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Smell
ohmigoodness...a good ol' cookout really gets my smell senses riled up

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Touch
Absolutely love the feeling of sand and a hint of a sunburn after a long day at the beach

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Taste
Any type of cold, sweet, icy drink - especially some Del's Frozen Lemondade

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