My Coffee Break

Be present.

2012-01-16T11:06:00.001-05:00

Pinterest via design is mine via etsy seller groundwork

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We are moving this week so I have been busy packing and organizing...which is a lot harder being 8 months pregnant. I definitely get tired very quickly.

There is something that has been on my mind lately though. When I am hanging out with people, whether it's at a restaurant, my home or theirs, I try very hard not to check Facebook, email, etc.during that time so that I can focus on those around me. When I visit my family for a weekend, I hardly ever touch the computer unless there is some down time. When my husband gets home from work I want to spend time with him and not devote my attention to a screen.

However, I've noticed that not everyone shares this sentiment. My wish is that people would focus on the present and not worry about checking things online. I want to hang out and talk to YOU, not try to share the attention with whatever technological device you have in front of your face. Yes, I can be guilty of doing this, but I am going to stop if I catch myself doing it. I want to be able to focus on the actual people I am surrounded by, and not worrying about things that are happening on the Internet. I can always catch up on that stuff later.

Are you guilty of sharing your time between people and a device? What are your thoughts on this?

Pregnancy related.

2012-01-05T19:59:00.004-05:00

This is a funny pic my mom snapped of me the day after Christmas - maybe I should start making this face anytime someone asks me a stupid question? (and oh yeah, I am rocking my Woodsy the Owl shirt!)

I found this article at Babble.com that lists all of the things that you should never say to a pregnant woman. I found it interesting because I have definitely been asked some of these questions or had these statements said to me. Here's the ones that I have dealt with:

1. "Was it planned?" - Um, excuse me? Do people actually think that is a legitimate question to ask someone? Even if it wasn't, I am obviously sharing the news because we are excited about it. Additionally, we are married and want to have kids so having a kid is something that we feel we are blessed to do!

2. "You look like you're ready to pop!" - Ok, this exact statement has not been said to me, but I have had multiple students tell me that I am getting really big. Why thank you, lovely kids, that is exactly what I want to hear when I feel HUGE. I've already gained 30 pounds...I don't need anyone reminding me of that. On the other hand, I love when people tell me that I look really small.

3. "Can I touch your belly?" - Oh yes, I have had students ask me this to which I always reply, "Absolutely not!" I honestly don't know what they are thinking when they ask me that. I gently remind them that only family and close friends have those privileges. Otherwise, it's just awkward.

4. "Have you picked a name yet?" - This question doesn't necessarily annoy me, but since we aren't telling anyone the name until he is born I have to go into that whole spiel. I don't mind when people ask when they already know about that and are just curious if we have decided yet though. And no, we have not chosen a name yet.

5. "Enjoy ________ now because once the baby comes, you can kiss it goodbye." - I understand that my life is drastically going to change when our baby arrives, but I do not need to be reminded that I will not sleep or have any time to myself once that happens. The only exception to this is when friends who have recently had children talk to me about it because I know that this is all new to them too! (and they need someone to "vent" to)

And there you have it.

If you are pregnant/have been pregnant, do/did you get asked any of these questions?

A new TV series (at least to me).

2012-01-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

I've heard about the show Revenge and that it had gotten some good reviews, but I never got around to watching it. Since I had some extra time on my hands at the beginning of the week I decided that I would see what all the hype is about. My verdict - It's definitely an interesting show and keeps me interested to want to go onto the next episode so I've decided that I like it! The basic premise is that this girl, Emily Thorne, returns to the Hamptons where she spent her summers as a child to get revenge on all of the people who ruined her family. I'm about to watch the last episode that was aired before the holidays and a new episode is on tonight so I guess I will just have to watch as they are aired now!

Do you watch Revenge? What is your favorite TV drama?

Some goals for January

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

really cute calendar via etsy seller creativitae

I'm a big list-maker. I used to set goals each month, but those fizzled out at some point last year. I would like to re-instate my goal making though so I have something to strive for each month, whether big or small. Here are some things I would like to happen in January:

Have a relatively stress-free move - Jon and I are moving into a new place this month and I just hope it goes well. I'm not going to be much help this time around and we are going to have to store/get rid of things to fit into the new place so I just want everything to run smoothly!

Read 4 books this month - I set a reading goal of 50 books this year rather than the 100 I set last year since I know things will probably be a little crazier once the baby comes.

Start prepping the baby's room - I obviously haven't been able to do anything yet since we were waiting to move, but I want to start getting it ready once we get settled.

Start planning some freezer meals to make - Again, this will be more prep for when the baby comes. I want to at least create a list of meals to make and all of the ingredients we will need to make them, also taking into account the freezer space we will have.

Sub 4 out of 5 days each week - My long-term assignment ends this Friday and then I will be back to daily subbing. I was having a hard time finding jobs earlier this year so I'm hoping that I will be able to find them easily this month and next.

What are some of your goals for the month?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:06:00.001-05:00

via Pinterest via fragilepieces.tumblr.com

We had an excellent low-key New Year's Eve last night since we just had one other couple over (hi Ryan & Tessa!). We made dinner together, then played a really long game of Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture. I think the game could have been an hour shorter, but we still had a good time! I didn't even get mad and make things awkward, which usually happens when I play games since I am so darn competitive. Of course we had to flip between all of the NYE shows (where I didn't even know half of the artists performing - I'm getting old!) and then Skyped in our friends from out of town. I loved that we could ring in the New Year with friends who weren't here and make it a little mini-celebration. So thanks to Erik & Amanda and Nick & Julia for connecting with us last night - it was like a little vacation reunion! We continued our New Year's celebration with sparkling wine and grape juice (yeah, that was for me!) and some Rock Band before crawling into bed around 2AM.

I believe that 2011 was a growing year for me as I started to feel more comfortable in this new city we moved to and eventually stopped hating living here, gained more experience in teaching with my long-term subbing job, and learned that we are expecting a little baby boy. I know that 2012 has even more change coming and I am excited for it. A little nervous, yes, but still excited to see what is in store for us this year!

How would you sum up your 2011?

Some of my favorite tidbits from 2011.

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love this video of Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt!

January

Celebrating 2 of my friends' getting married & dancing all night long at the reception. I seriously love to dance.

February

Going out with our entire group of friends to a Mexican restaurant & then bowling for our friend's birthday. This was literally the only highlight of the month since I got the flu and then pneumonia for the rest of it!

March

Going to free Ohio State gymnastics meets - I can't wait to do this again in 2012 (until baby comes at least!)

April

Having a weekend away at Jon's parents' cottage in Indiana to go to the Notre Dame Blue/Gold game (which we watched at a restaurant since it was raining, but we had a good weekend anyway!)

May

Enjoying a fun family get-together Memorial Day weekend - I love the nights where we can sit outside on the patio and just hang out!

June

Going on vacation with 3 of our best friend couples. It was seriously one of the greatest vacations ever.
Finding out I was pregnant on Jon's birthday, and then having to hide it from everyone. :)

July

Announcing our pregnancy to our families!
Getting to see my family who lives in California and meeting their new baby.
Going to a couples' baby shower for our friends and celebrating the upcoming birth of their sweet baby boy.
And going to my cousin's baby shower to celebrate the upcoming birth of her daughter.
Discovering Pinterest - yes, it was a highlight for me!

August

Announcing our pregnancy to my extended family (especially my cousin, who was pregnant at the time!)
Having a fantasy football lottery draft party with all of our friends, and spontaneously singing camp songs around the fire.

September

Celebrating our 4 year anniversary at the Foo Fighters concert!

October

Finding out we are having a baby boy!
Hosting girls' night - it was the first one we had in a LONG time.
Starting my long-term social studies subbing position at a local high school.

November

Eating a lot at all of our Thanksgiving festivities with family & friends.

December

Celebrating the holidays at our annual friends' Christmas party.
Enjoying our first couples' baby shower with some of our closest friends.
Celebrating Christmas - I love the holiday season!

What were some of your favorite things in 2011?? Happy New Year's Eve!

Fill in the blank Friday.

2011-12-30T11:20:00.001-05:00

marthastewart.com via let's entertain

Today I'm linking up with "Fill in the Blank Friday" over at the little things we do!

1. New Years is a time to re-think goals and create new ones. It's a fresh start!

2. One of my New Year's resolutions will be get away from the holiday foods & sweets and start eating healthier again for this little one I'm growing .

3. A New Year's resolution I've made in the past was to read more books, which I successfully did this past year!

4. The most time consuming resolution I ever made was Honestly, I don't think I've ever had a time consuming resolution.

5. This year I will be spending New Year's Eve hanging out with my husband and a couple of friends at our house. We plan to make dinner and just hang out for the evening!

6. If I could wish one thing for my new year it would be to be a great mom!

7. 2012 is going to be life-altering. We will be welcoming a baby boy in early March! We will also be moving in January to a new apartment and I have to figure out how to take a class before June 30th to renew my teaching license. It will be a busy time!

I have converted.

2011-12-29T11:43:00.001-05:00

Via amazon.com

I was always against e-readers. I like the feel of a book in my hand and being able to rent as many library books as I want, knowing that my library will always have them (even if I have to wait for a reserve to come in). Plus, I carry a big purse so it was no problem to always throw a book in to have with me at all times. I just didn't think reading would be the same on an electronic device.

After thinking about it a lot, I mentioned to Jon that I thought a Kindle might be nice to have so I can use it while I'm breastfeeding. He got me a Kindle Touch for Christmas and I've read 3 books on it already. I swear I read faster on it and my only theories are that 1) I can see the percentage of the book I've read so far and I always push myself to get to a certain percentage before stopping or 2) I can flip the pages simply by touching the screen. I'm probably crazy, but my love of reading has finally surfaced again after going through a dry spell. I really think it will come in handy once the baby comes too and hopefully I will be able to continue to read!

One of my concerns with an e-reader is having to purchase books. I read a lot and usually only get library books because I don't want to spend so much money on a book I'm only going to read once. My library is linked up to a digital system so I can rent books for free. However, I don't think all the books I want to read are digital so I may still need to read paper books every now and then! That would be my only complaint so far with the Kindle.

How do you feel about e-readers?

On getting out of the house.

2011-12-28T15:50:00.001-05:00

During the winter I tend to hibernate. My husband also works late hours. Therefore, I am by myself...a lot. However, I tend to get stir crazy if I am by myself for too long, especially when I don't leave the house. Thank God for friends who are in town for the holidays. I met up with my good friend Julie for lunch at Tim Horton's (and here I thought it was just a coffee & donut shop!) and then for ice cream at Graeter's. Yes, ice cream in December....gotta get my buckeye blitz fix! It was so nice to catch up and interact with a human being. I also used my time out of the house to get a bunch of errands accomplished that I had been putting off!

Are you an extrovert who needs to hang out with people in order to avoid going crazy or an introvert who doesn't mind spending a lot of time alone?

Keeping up the Christmas spirit.

2011-12-27T12:11:00.000-05:00

via Pinterest

Today is the first day that we don't have any Christmas celebrations. Jon and I came home from my parents yesterday afternoon and exchanged our gifts so we snuck in a little extra day of the holidays. But, I still hate how everything ends so abruptly. Christmas radio is gone, Christmas specials are no longer being shown on TV, and life is moving back to normal. This is the part of Christmas that totally puts me in a funk every.single.year. So I plan to continue the Christmas season on my own just a little while longer. I will continue to turn on the Christmas lights, listen to holiday tunes and watch Home Alone and Rudolph. The holiday season isn't over until New Years, my friends. I may be the only one celebrating, but I'm ok with that!

Do you always feel a big let-down after Christmas is over?

Merry Christmas, friends!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

via etsy seller palomasnest

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Super cute gift tags - via Etsy seller seasonaldelights

We have reached my favorite day of the year! There is just something so magical about the anticipation of Christmas that makes this day so special. We plan to celebrate my parents' 34th wedding anniversary at a family friend's restaurant, then partake in some holiday festivities with my extended family. Then it's off to Jon's parents' house for more merriment! I hope you all have a lovely evening and really get to savor the holiday spirit.

Things that caught my eye this week.

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Love this tree made out of lights. Source: Pinterest via Christine Peterson via Shelterness

10 weekend links:

Pretty free fonts make me want to create something.

Some festive gift tags to adorn your packages.

Illustrated wine etiquette tips - I miss relaxing with a glass of wine!

If it's green where you are, you can create some paper snowflakes to make things a bit more snowy.

These cranberry orange cinnamon rolls would be a great addition to a Christmas brunch.

A lovely list of ways to stay creative. (via E Tells Tales)

Taking a digital sabbatical sounds like something I will definitely do in 2012.

Bite-sized baked brie would be a lovely addition to a New Year's Eve celebration.

I'd really like to read this book by the founder of TOMS, Start Something That Matters.

I love this idea for future Christmases when our son gets older.

More cookie baking.

2011-12-22T14:25:00.002-05:00

It's my first day of winter break and so far I have spent it baking! I've made peanut butter cookies with peanut butter cups in the middle, peppermint chocolate crinkle cookies, and peanut butter fudge. The only thing left to do is frost the cut-out sugar cookies. Then my Christmas cookie baking of 2011 will be complete. Jon and I plan to wrap gifts tonight and, with the exception of buying a couple more gifts, we will be officially ready for Christmas! I absolutely love this time of year and I am especially excited that Jon has 4 days off in a row that we will be able to spend together. I can't wait to spend some time with friends and family either! It's hard to believe that next year we will be adding a baby to the mix.

Are you ready for Christmas yet?

The true spirit of Christmas.

2011-12-21T20:13:00.002-05:00

A Christmas Carol was the inspiration for the trip.

We took our freshman students on a field trip today to sort through and bag Christmas toys for little kids who may not get anything for Christmas otherwise. I was amazed at their generous spirit and willingness to give back to the community. We sometimes think that teenagers don't care about anyone besides themselves, but they definitely proved that theory wrong today. I was so proud of them! We had time when we got back to the school so they all then made Christmas cards to give to local nursing home residents and they even got into the holiday spirit then too! I have loved working with this group of students (even though I have had my frustrating moments with them as well!) so I am sad that I have a limited amount of time to work with them this year. However, I am glad that today they showed the true meaning of Christmas in their thoughtful actions towards others.

How do you give back during the holiday season?

Sugar overload.

2011-12-20T19:08:00.003-05:00

via bhg.com

We had a staff holiday "meeting" after school today where I decided to indulge in a wide variety of cookies and candy. I blame too many options. There were too many tasty looking things that I just couldn't pass up. Plus, the baby wanted it. How could I deprive him? ;) But seriously, I love the holidays and it's the only time of the year that I really indulge way more than I should so I'm totally fine with having a little extra sugar today! Oh, who am I kidding? I know that I will indulge in more cookies, candy and food as the week goes on! Bring on the holiday treats. I'm ready for them.

Do you tend to indulge a little more over the holidays?

It's Christmas week!

2011-12-19T19:00:00.000-05:00

via etsy seller barnowlprimitives (love this sign!)

Can you believe Christmas week is finally here? This month has FLOWN by. So has the year actually. I know everyone says that, but it's really starting to hit me. I still have a few things to do to get ready for the holidays, but I have a plan so hopefully everything goes smoothly and gets completed when it needs to be! It helps that the things that need done are all things I love - shopping for others, baking & wrapping gifts! I am also really looking forward to being off of work for 11 days. I desperately need a break to recharge and to get things ready for our move in January. Plus, the kids are being crazy so I think they need some time off too!

What do you still need to do to get ready for the holidays?

7th Day of Christmas

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I forgot to take pictures while baking today! Here's one from foodnetwork.com.

I woke up bright and early (for a Sunday at least!) and got to work baking Christmas cookies. I made cut-out cookies (recipe below) and monster cookies yesterday, and plan to make the other 2 types of cookies and peanut butter fudge throughout the week. I did cut each of these recipes in half and got 3.5 dozen for each cookie so if you make them just be aware that the full recipe makes a TON of cookies! I froze all of the cookies and will ice the cut-out cookies the day before I plan to use them. I will say that it was really hard not to sample a few of them before putting them in the freezer!

Cut-out sugar cookies - recipe from a family friend

Cream together the following ingredients:

1 cup shortening (yes, I know...but I've been using this recipe for years and love it!)
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
1 T. baking power

Then add 6 cups flour and mix well. Cut out whatever shapes you want!

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Ice and enjoy. :)

How was your weekend?

On the 6th day of Christmas...

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

I sipped on some mint hot chocolate (with lots of marshmallows!),

while watching the snow fall out my front window. It's not a whole lot of snow, but it's actually sticking a little to the holly bushes out front. I also did a little more Christmas shopping in the afternoon and was able to check 2 more people off our list! I really hope to have everything completed by the end of the weekend thanks to Amazon Prime. I really can't believe there are only 7 more days until Christmas!

Later in the evening Jon and I watched The Family Stone. I do really like that movie, but it's just so sad! I definitely get teary every time I see it. We still have a few movies to check off our list for the year, so I'm sure that will be a major theme (like it already has been!) throughout the rest of my 12 days of Christmas posts.

Is it snowing where you live?

Days 4 & 5

2011-12-17T09:31:00.001-05:00

Pinterest via maisontwenty3 via Meadowbrook Farms

On day 4 I started to watch Miracle on 34th Street, but only got through about 25 minutes before I had to head to bed. I will definitely finish it soon though because I really love that movie! It has to be the original black and white version though. The 1994 version doesn't do it for me.

Day 5 was last night and Jon and I continued our Christmas shopping. We bought gifts for 2 more people so we still have 6 more to go, but I think we pretty much know what we are getting all of them. We just have to actually get the gifts! I feel like we get behind every single year. I just hope we aren't scrambling to finish up the day before Christmas Eve. I do love the face that I have Amazon Prime right now so it makes me feel better about shipping!

What holiday things have you done recently?

Currently...

2011-12-15T19:52:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...2 posts in one night? I decided to link up with Perfectly Imperfect for her currently series today! Join if you would like. :)

currently . . .

current book(s)... In Zanesville by Joann Beard - I just started it so I don't really have an opinion about it yet though.

current playlist...Pretty much a ton of Christmas music!

current color...Always red. Plus it's pretty festive for this time of the year!

current drink...Water. Lots and lots of water.

current food...I picked up Chinese food for dinner since Jon was out with some friends. I can't believe it's the first time I've done that since we moved here a year and a half ago. Also...why does crab rangoon taste so freakin' good?

current favorite show...New Girl. Cracks me up every time.

current needs...More sleep!

current triumph(s)...Managing to avoid going to the grocery store so far this week. Yeah, it's not much, but that's what I can think of right now!

current bane(s) of my existence...Having to grade a whole stack of tests. Not terribly bad, but just something that needs done.

current celebrity crush... Nick from New Girl. I wouldn't say he's a crush, but I really like his character a lot.

current #1 blessing...This healthy little baby that's hanging out in my belly, my husband and my family & friends.

current indulgence...Peanut butter sandwich cookies for dessert every night.

current outfit...Sweatpants and a tshirt. Pretty hot.

current excitement...Winter break coming up next week!

current mood...Chill.

current favorite holiday decoration...My "Keep Calm and Merry On" sign.

current #1 item on your wishlist...Honestly, I had the hardest time coming up with a wishlist this year. I would LOVE a new laptop since mine won't turn on, but that's not really something I can ask for from anyone!

current new year's resolution...To get prepared for baby boy to enter our lives.

3rd day of Christmas...

2011-12-15T18:31:00.001-05:00

I came home from work to find that my Secret Santa left a gift on my front porch! It's always nice to find those little surprises when you've had a stressful day dealing with teenagers. She got me the cutest red mittens and some peanut butter cups (my favorite!). I played Secret Santa the day before with a friend that I drew in the exchange so it was nice to be able to give her a gift in person. It's so fun to spread holiday cheer to others!

Have you participated in any Secret Santa exchanges this year? If so, what did you get?

On the 2nd day of Christmas...

2011-12-14T17:38:00.002-05:00

Source - Pop Cult Junky

...I enjoyed a peppermint hot chocolate and some catch up time with a friend. I just love the combination of peppermint and chocolate and it screams the holiday season to me. I can't get enough of it during this time of the year!

Jon and I also watched the classic Charlie Brown Christmas special last night. Three of my favorite things about the show:

the Peanuts dancing...it cracks me up every time. And...I have been known to imitate it a time or two.
everyone yelling "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!" after they decorate his little Christmas tree
their open-mouthed humming/singing of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"

What's your favorite holiday drink? Do you always have to watch the Peanuts Christmas special every year?

12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

2011-12-13T19:44:00.003-05:00

Last night I kicked off my 12 days of Christmas by watching The Office's latest Christmas episode with Jon. The Christmas episodes have always been some of my favorites and this episode definitely did not disappoint. My favorite part of the episode was Dwight's Christmas song and I laughed out loud when he screamed "CHRISTMAS!" at the end of it. I have included the clip for your own enjoyment. :) The very first Office Christmas episode with the Yankee swap is still my favorite out of all of them though!

Have you seen any good Christmas episodes lately?

12 days of Christmas.

2011-12-12T17:41:00.000-05:00

all things simple via Sarah via Pinterest

Last year I posted something holiday related for a 25 days of Christmas countdown. This year I plan to just do twelve since that's basically all we have time for now that it's already December 12th! This is my favorite time of year and I like to make the most of it, even though I still have a week and a half left of teaching before winter break and things are starting to get stressful. I need to take one moment each evening to really reflect on the season and get into the holiday spirit, even if it's just doing something small. Starting tomorrow I will share what I did the previous night in order to be festive!

What are some things you do to get into the holiday spirit?