Day 184

2011-01-01 16:59:34 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

End of a year, beginning of a new one...

Isaiah 43:18-19

¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Referencing the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 43:18-19, my minister challenged the congregation to become early adopters, that is, people who catch on and adapt quickly, and become an expectant people rather than retrospective.

The main message is to forget the former things and do not dwell on the past, even if it is a glorious past (you know, the "glory days" or "glory years" we all have), so that God can do bigger and better things in our lives than were done previously.

Here are some tips that encapsulate the message and will help you to make 2011 a year of expectancy:

1. Don't become a victim of a negative past
2. Don't become a nostalgic prisoner of a positive past
3. Don't live by memories - live with expectancy
4. God is doing a new work, not just a slightly improved work
5. There may still be troubles or deserts in your life - they won't go away but you'll overcome them with grace
6. There is always the promise of His presence
7. There may be a dying to self in order to welcome the new and better things in store
8. There is the challenge to start walking and give it your all

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

YOU DESERVE NOTHING BUT THE BEST!

Day 183

2011-01-01 16:45:57 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Raspberry Yogurt covered pretzels! My new favorite!!!!

All day I was so excited/nervous I could barely eat... These were all I could get down.

Picked up at 7pm. Right on time. Dinner was fabulous! Drinks after were fabulous! The night as a whole was fabulous!

He's not so bad himself...

Here's to more dinner and drinks... with him! :0)

Day 182

2010-12-29 23:54:11 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Juno hates me right now!

She hates the table thing! She did everything in her power to not get on it! She had to get 2 shots. She had a thermometer up her ass. AND the doc said she was underweight! She lost about 10lbs! I gotta beef her up! The doc gave her treats and everything was right again in her world!

Day 181

2011-01-01 16:45:22 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

TUESDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!

Hasn't happened in 64 years... but I'm sure glad it did.

915 didn't have a single seat, which lead us to Stubby's. Hadn't been there in over 5 years.

Game sucked. Eagles lost.

Food was good.

Bought a drink for someone...

Got a drink back...

I think I'm gonna want to remember this night...

12/28/10 :0)

Day 180

2010-12-28 23:00:04 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Juno's first snow of the season!

The Husky in her knows when the snow is coming! She was going crazy all morning!

Day 179

2010-12-28 22:58:51 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Not the best picture but I'm proud to cal these girls my best friends!

We may not talk to one another every day, but when we get together it feels like no time has past.

We need to get together more often.

New Years resolution this year... make an effort to make at least 1 trip to get the girls together! You too Kristin!!!

Day 178

2010-12-27 15:47:19 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Merry Christmas!

It's funny how a child can bring people together, adults in particular. Because of a child an ex husband and wife get along and do what's necessary to raise their child in the best way possible. Because of a child someone hurt very badly put her feeling aside to make the day special for everyone involved.

Why do we as adults do everything and anything to make a child not hurt, but can't seem to do the same for one another? We have the ability to do it when we choose. Why don't we choose that option all the time? I would never cause harm to someone intentionally. I actually do all I can to make sure people are taken care of and feel special.

When is my turn to feel that way?

Day 177

2010-12-27 15:46:04 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Since we are all going away for Christmas this year, we planned Christmas as a family on Christmas Eve. The theme of the night was "funk"tional!

With gifts like a paper shredder, a toaster, an organizer for your trunk, gloves that work with the iPhone screen, slippers, tools, car mats, manicures, etc, many needs were taken care of!

My how times have changed from bikes, cabbage patch dolls, and pound puppies!

Day 176

2010-12-25 12:28:00 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

I have no words for tonight... well maybe just a few...

Generosity:
We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love. - Mother Teresa

Supportiveness:
To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush

Selflessness:
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them. - Dalai Lama XIV

Love:
My night has become a sunny dawn because of you. - Ibn Abbad

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Day 175

2010-12-25 12:27:24 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Some people are so narrow-minded. They have this tunnel vision that causes them to be unable to step out of the box and see the reality around them.

Narrow-mindedness is defined as lacking tolerance or not having the mental faculty to see beyond the superficial and recognize the underlying truth. The primary reason for this deplorable condition is ignorance, the inability to recognize this deficiency and to take corrective action.

Here is an article about 5 signs of a narrow-minded, selfish friend. Interesting read...

Day 174

2010-12-25 12:26:32 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

MY CAR EATS TIRES!!!!

NO GASOLINE REQUIRED!!!

I HATE THIS CAR!!!

Day 173

2010-12-25 12:25:18 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

I just don't understand the fascination with erasers... Took all of this out of a student's pocket!

There lots of reasons kids steal: attention, no self-control, etc. Here are 2 good resources on stealing and teaching self-control for kids!

Day 172

2010-12-20 01:33:31 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

There are presents under the tree! Although wrapping gifts this year was a little bitter sweet, I still don't know what the future holds. I tried to remember that God has a plan and things happen for a reason.

Everyone who comes and goes (hopefully they stay) from my life have all left an impression on me. Some lessons have been good and some have been heartbreaking but in all there was something to be learned and it molded who I am today. So thank you to all that I have come to know... I think so far, I've turned out to be a pretty cool person! :0)

Day 171

2010-12-18 22:33:54 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Up bright and early...

Breakfast date with my dad at The Elks Club then off to deliver Christmas dinner food baskets for those in need! It was a great morning and the reaction of one of the families in particular was what giving back is all about! I'll never forget it! Today I was extra grateful/thankful!

You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.
Albert Schweitzer

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Day 170

2010-12-18 22:23:52 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Chocolate Martini = Chocolaty goodness without the stick! Although the Andes chocolate stick didn't come with the martini this time, we still managed... All I have to say is...

What happens at The Belvedere, STAYS AT THE BELVEDERE!!!

Oh, and... Made ya look!

Day 169

2010-12-18 22:21:23 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Awww the life of a cat... Sleep and eat...

Jasmine, aka Jaz, aka Fattie, aka Tiny Baby Fat One has a good story about how she became mine...

My first year of teaching I had a second grader come to school crying uncontrollably. I asked her what was wrong and she said that her mom made her get rid of her cat. I told her that was sad and that I had a lot of cats when I was little and my dad made me give them away. Blah, Blah, Blah... So she continues with the story that it followed her to school. Kinda cute, but I was ready to move on... All of a sudden I hear a meow from the closet. I asked Delilah were the cat was now. She looked at me, looked at the closet, looked back at me, and said, through an out burst of tears, "IN MY BOOK BAG!"

I ran over to the closet and sure enough the kitten was crying! The other kids in the class started to go crazy! I immediately shut my door and called one of my 2nd grade team members. She said to call another teacher and that she probably has litter and food in her car or office. Sure enough within about 20min I had not only a small litter box with litter but bowls of water and food!!!

To make a long story short, I had the kitten in my classroom for about a week. Until my landlord made his decision on whether I could have a cat or not. I named her Jasmine because that was the little girl's middle name.

And Fatty has been with me ever since! We're going on 11 years!!!!!

Day 168

2010-12-17 01:26:37 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

ABC Superhero

Today...

I don't care about making AYP...

I don't care about PSSA scores...

I don't care about 4Sights...

I don't care about DIBLES...

What I care about are the scores that the state doesn't look like...

Scores that put a smile on a kid's face to show their pride!

My friend came to our school knowing no English. He was a little bit hard to handle at first but wouldn't you be bored/distracted when you have no idea what anyone is saying around you for 6 hours a day? With A LOT of love and support and positive reinforcement by his AMAZING 1st grade teacher, he came down to my office to show me that he knows 14 letters in English!! He was so proud! After a BIG celebrations, a photo shoot, and selecting a book at the book fair, I walked him back to class and all his classmates were VERY excited for him and asked if I knew he could say 14 letters in English! They were so proud of him and he was BEAMING!!!

Celebrating knowing 14 letters in English is more important to me than any standardized test score ANY DAY! Just wish the state would reward such accomplishments!

Day 167

2010-12-16 03:32:41 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

BOOK FAIR!!!!

When I was a kid I LOVED the book fair!!! I remember bringing home the paper that advertised what books would be on sale. I would carefully select the books I wanted and would make a list to take with me to school.

I remember going to the book fair at night too. It seemed so mysterious! I always got a few books and a new bookmark.

There's nothing like a new book! I still get that feeling today, even if it is usually an eBook now!!!

PS> Happy Day 14 DS!

Day 166

2010-12-13 12:41:00 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Cutting Ice: Hockey Poetry

Written By: Jeff Pelsang

Head to head,

Smiles never shown,

Battle about to begin,

outcome never known,

The war is waged and only one team in the end will reign,

Manners left at home their here to win the game,

Blades cut the ice as brute force keeps the enemy at bay,

The crowd goes wild as sticks slap eagerly at the puck that's put in play,

With weapons held and armor worn the game has just begun,

No place to hide, no cover to seek, just gladiators having fun,

From battle to battle the exchange is of luck, skill, and pain,

With fists that fly from men who don't cry pain is showered down like rain,

Knocked out teeth, a busted nose but in the end the rule,

Men who are men who will battle again with only sticks to start their duel..

*disclaimer (apparently I need one) these are not the tickets I had... I had to sell mine.

Day 165

2010-12-14 04:02:02 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

It could go either way really. No one knows for sure except Him...

Up next... "The Purpose Driven Life"

Thanks Ery, I needed that...

*more will be added to this post... a lot more

Day 164

2010-12-13 00:40:54 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

I went to my friend's house tonight for drinks and to catch up and she gave me an early Christmas present. It is a wine bag made from recycled plastic grocery bags and VHS tape. It began as a ministry project by New Creations Ministry.

New Creations Ministry is an outreach that began last fall. There goal is to use teaching and training to improve the lives of the Zambian. The current focus centers around the making of handbags using only recycled plastic grocery bags, a pair of scissors and a crochet hook. In a country with few resources and very little capital, such an enterprise is within the reach of most Zambians. In terms of supplies and tools, it is easily sustainable. Since January, over 25 ladies have handcrafted more than 250 bags, ranging from small wallet-sized bags to bags suitable for carrying large loads.

For more information and some great pictures of the bags click here.

Thanks Katie!

Day 163

2010-12-12 14:07:33 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Willy Wonka at the Ephrata Playhouse

Tonight we had a blast at the Ephrata Playhouse! For a small community theater, I am continually impressed!

I encourage you to go try it out! I recommend their current play, Willy Wonka The Musical!

TICKETS

Dec. 12th at 2:00pm

Dec. 16th and 17th at 7:30pm

Dec. 18th at 2pm and 7:30pm

Dec. 19th at 2:00pm

All seats $17, $12 for children 12 and under.

Day 162

2010-12-12 14:05:34 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Junior League of Lancaster - I am proud to be part of an organization committed to developing the leadership potential of women to serve in improving the Lancaster community since 1923.

Currently I am involved in Kids in The Kitchen, a program I truly believe in and support!

Inspired by the Junior League of Calgary's Junior Chefs program, the Junior Leagues' Kids in the Kitchen initiative began in 2006 with the goal of engaging kids in the preparation of healthy meals as a means to educate them and their parents regarding nutrition and healthy choices. Junior Leagues in more than 200 locations provide lessons and demonstrations related to preparation of healthy meals and snacks in partnership with local community organizations, chefs and nutritionists. The Association of Junior Leagues International provides guidelines and materials to support the success of these educational and motivational activities and supports the program with a website, www.kidsinthekitchen.org. The website includes bilingual recipes, tips on nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyles as well as an interactive “Kids' Corner” with an online nutrition game provided by Kids in the Kitchen international sponsor, Cartoon Network.

Locally, we partner with Lancaster General Hospital.

Nationally our Educational Partners and Supporters are as follows:

Cartoon Network's® “Get Animated”
http://www.getanimated.com/

American Dietetic Association (ADA)
http://www.eatright.org/

Batter Up Kids!
http://www.batterupkids.com/

Healthy Kids Challenge (HKC)
http://www.healthykidschallenge.com/

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's “We Can!”
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/

School Nutrition Association
http://www.schoolnutrition.org/

Share Our Strength
http://www.strength.org/

Texas Dept of Agriculture's “Square Meals”
http://www.squaremeals.org/

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
http://www.usda.gov/

U.S. Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/

Day 161

2010-12-09 02:09:08 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Spending life with those that make you happy (at least most of the time) is what life's all about!

If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time. ~Edith Wharton

Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy. ~Robert Anthony

Happiness is a warm puppy. ~Lucy Van Pelt

Tis the season of random packages showing up on my doorstep with me trying to remember what I bought! Today a package came for my blonde 6 yr old friend! She's gonna love it!

Day 160

2010-12-09 02:06:07 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Funny how something so trivial brings out such strong emotion!?!?

Miss you Buddy!

Day 159

2010-12-07 03:56:47 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

I'm sitting the afterschool program with my kids doing Legos and Kinex. The longer I watched these kids, the more amazed I became. Many of these kids, mostly boys, struggled in school. Most of the grade level work is too hard for them. But how in the world are they following directions and building such amazing Lego displays!?!? Some weren't even using directions, they were being... wait for it... CREATIVE!!!! They were making up designs on their own!

So the question is... How do we tie this skill into their academics and help them feel more successful?

Day 158

2010-12-06 02:19:23 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

It's Sunday... that means FOOTBALL!

However...

I wake up thinking I didn't get to watch a Penn State game yesterday and there isn't an Eagles game on today... what should I do? Are there any games I want to watch? It is sad to think the football season is coming to an end and that I'll be going through withdrawl in about a month or so!

And what am I gonna do with this dog? She clearly knows how to start Sunday mornings! This is how I found her sleeping this morning! Dreaming of touchdowns no doubt!!!

Day 157

2010-12-05 14:28:11 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

My decorating is done! I wish this was a better picture! I'm going to have to get better at taking low light pictures with the iPhone!

I had to reorganize my living room so my tree could fit! Every year I forget just how big it is! I LOVE IT!!!!

After it was dark, we just sat in the living room with only the Christmas lights on and listened to Christmas music! So nice and relaxing!

I love this time of year!

Day 156

2010-12-05 14:27:13 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Heaven on Earth...

My bathroom has a beach theme and it wouldn't be complete without these pictures!

Can you guess where my favorite place in the world is? Seriously, when it comes down to it... London, Paris, Hawaii, have NOTHING on this place!

I need to get there soon, even if it is in December!

Day 155

2010-12-02 23:34:41 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Cleaned out the front closet where you first walk into my house. I found the following items...

8 empty picture frames
6 pairs of gloves
4 hats
1 tent
1 sleeping bag
2 folding chairs
1 pair Timberland boots (btw they're for sale)
1 dustbuster
3 shot puts
3 discuses (sp?)
2 Pampered Chef items
3 purses
etc...

Oh, and 23 JACKETS!!!!!!!!

I have issues!

Day 154

2010-12-02 23:33:50 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Ahhhh, first major destruction of my office this year! Not bad, we are about 60 school days into the year...

Not a chair was left standing,
not even a desk.
The pencils, papers, and posters were flying,
and the words were so grotesque!

I love my job, I really do! Never a dull moment!

Day 153

2010-12-01 03:49:08 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Rudolph was on TV tonight! I have such loving memories as a child watching this with my brothers and my Nana and Pappy. Oh to be a carefree kid again, I'd give anything just for one day... Miss you Pappy, I love you!

Day 152

2010-12-01 02:34:50 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

It's amazing how quickly the Christmas decorations went up in my neighborhood this year! I'm certainly not complaining!!! I LOVE IT!

There is something about Christmas lights that instantly get you in the Christmas spirit! I remember as a child we would drive through neighborhoods and just look at the lights!

For my own personal house about the only lighting I do is lights in the garland inside the house and a single candle in each window. This year I may just venture out and attempt to put lights outside on the lamp post and bushes... we shall see!

Day 151

2010-11-29 01:43:40 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915BlackBlack

Black

Deserted

Empty

Abandoned

Nonexistent

Vacant

Barren

Indistinct

Sad

Desolate

Night

Day 150

2010-11-28 19:21:37 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Every wonder what they are thinking?

Lots of days I wish she could talk to me...

Day 149

2010-11-27 13:02:13 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Today was a good day... It was a day all about me! I was able to do a lot of thinking and sit back and evaluate things in my life. Not to mention a little shopping too! :0)

I started my day by shopping online, getting a few things for xmas presents. I did that from the comfort of my pj's in my warm bed! No long lines to wait in!!!

Then I used up a gift cert and got a pedi and mani. Why is it that I feel like I can tell my nail lady anything and everything!?!?!? Is it because they really have no connection to your life outside the salon and that they don't know anyone you know? Needless to say it was VERY therapeutic! She showed me that in a certain situation I am feeling like I did something wrong and am blaming myself and I have forgotten that I was the one who was treated poorly and it wasn't my fault. It is time for me to take back my life that has slowly slipped away in the last 2 weeks!

I went home, watched the Pens game as I cleaned the house and got ready for a friend who was coming over for dinner. Had an appt in Reading, went food shopping, came home again and started dinner. My friend came over and we had a great night of chatting!

Like I said, it was a great day! It was a day for me!

Day 148

2010-11-26 17:38:10 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

There's nothing like Grandma's homemade from scratch (crust and all) pumpkin pie!

TRADITION tra·di·tion   [truh-dish-uhn]
–noun

1. the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice

2. something that is handed down

3. a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting

4. a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices

5. a customary or characteristic method or manner

FAMILY fam·i·ly   [fam-uh-lee, fam-lee]
–noun

1. a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not

2. any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins

3. all those persons considered as descendants of a common progenitor.

4. a group of persons who form a household under one head, including parents, children, and servants.

5. the staff, or body of assistants, of an official

6. a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together

Families and traditions look different from one household to the next. However, we are who we are because of our family and because of the traditions that have been established throughout the generations. All of which, no matter if it was in the best of times or the worst of times, have been done with a rock solid foundation of love.

Happy Thanksgiving

Day 147

2010-11-25 14:39:27 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

It is so funny the way we have certain likes and dislikes ingrained into us from birth. Why did I start liking the Eagles? Because of my family. Phillies? My family. Penn State? My family. But why have I stuck with these teams for all these years? Mostly, my family, friends, traditions, etc. Along with those strong feelings for a team comes strong feeling against certain other teams. I hate the Cowboys, the Yankees, Ohio State, Michigan, etc. Why do I hate them? Simply because I love the other teams and if you love the other teams you hate these teams! That's just how it works!

Now, with that said, my family was never really into hockey. So I never grew to passionately love a team. I always would cheer for the Flyers because they were affiliated with Philadelphia. I didn't know players names, team stats, rivals, etc. However, over the past few years I have become more interested in hockey, more so this year than ever.

I sat down one night with David and we watched a documentary on the Pittsburgh Penguins and Mario Lemieux. I was shocked by the passion and commitment to the sport and his team Mario had and still has today. That was the day I became a Penguins fan!

I'm an all around lover of sports. If my team isn't playing I'll watch another game! I get the rivals but when it comes down to it, I just like to watch sports! Well, I was certainly not prepared for the intense rival between Penguin and Flyers fans. WOW!

And although it was a little strange for me putting on my first Penguins yellow and black jersey, I stand by my choice. I still don't get the rival between the 2 teams but do any of us really understand any rival teams and why there is such disdain? Probably not.

I will say though... having a blue Penguins jersey would allow me to kinda blend in at the Funky Farm among all the blue and white Penn State gear. David will have to fend for himself! :0)

Day 146

2010-11-25 14:38:44 +0000
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

“Relationships-of all kinds-are like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers. You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled. A relationship is like that. Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact. But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.”

“If you must speak ill of another, do not speak it, write it in the sand near the water's edge''”

“We all leave footprints in the sand, the question is, will we be a big heal, or a great soul.”

Day 145

2010-11-23 20:19:21 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

My Christmas decorations get earlier and earlier every year... This Dyson vacuum purchase jump started a cleaning frenzy! I'm obsessed!

Day 144

2010-11-23 20:18:57 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

GIRLS ON THE RUN!

Girls on the Run is an organization I've been familiar with, helping with, for 2 years now! This is an amazing non-profit that pairs together character building curriculum for girls and running.

The objective of Girls on the Run is to educate and empower girls at an early age in order to prevent the display of at-risk activities in the future. At risk activities include substance/alcohol use, eating disorders, early onset of sexual activity, sedentary lifestyle, depression, suicide attempts and confrontations with the juvenile justice system.

We were lucky enough to receive a grant so we could have Girls on the Run at our school this year! The girls trained for 10 weeks for their 5K race which was today! They did an AMAZING job! I couldn't be prouder!

Girls on the Run is an organization that I would reccommend you look up and support in any way you can!

Girls on the Run of Lancaster, PA

Girls on the Run Video

Join the Girls on the Run Facebook Page

Day 143

2010-11-23 20:18:36 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

I was moving furniture today and vacuuming and basically disrupting Juno's sleeping schedule! I went upstairs to shower and when I came down she was sprawled out across the floor as if she was standing her ground. She wasn't budging. She just looked up at me like, "Please, just let me be!"

Day 142

IMG_2039
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

I was growing increasingly frustrated with my vacuum and the ridiculous amount of pet hair on my carpets!!! It made me not want to be in my own house! I took apart the vacuum in one last ditch attempt to get it working. NO SUCH LUCK! So I turned to the Internet and did some research. I googled, "best vacuum for pet hair." Every post I read recommended the Dyson Animal. I said ok, sold! Then I looked at the price... NO WAY!!!!! I searched for coupons for Dyson and sales for Dyson, etc. I read a post about a lady that went to Kohls and they price matched a Dyson that was on sale somewhere else AND they let her used her coupon on top of that! I was on a mission!

I wanted the vacuum and I was NOT going to pay $550! I spent about an hour trying to look up prices to find the lowest one. I found that Dyson's were 20% off at Home Depot and the price was $438. Then I searched and searched for a printable store coupon for Kohls. I was DETERMINED to find 20% off or more. Finally... SUCCESS! I went to Kohls, showed my ad from Home Depot, gave my 20% coupon, gave my $50 Kohls gift card and grand total that actually came out of my bank account... $322!!!! Almost 50% off the original cost! Kohl's actually had the vacuum at $599! I was so proud walking out the store hoping someone would stop me to ask to see proof of purchase so they could see my savvy shopping skills!!!

Day 141

IMG_2033
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Salt + Lime + Patron = No WORRIES

(at least for a few hours, but I'll take it)

Day 140

IMG_2030
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

BRACES OFF!!! I have waited 2 1/2 years to get these braces off! What a weird feeling! My teeth are so smooth and straight! I love it!

The retainer is a little crazy. I have to be very articulate when I talk. I was whistling today, couldn't say my th's, and heard myself talking funny all day! Small price to pay for the next 3 months in order to have straight teeth!

Next step... teeth whitening!!!

Day 139

2010-11-17 02:13:49 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

For the past 2 days (and 2 days last week) I have been going through a training for a Student Assistance Program. It is sad the amount of risk factors that students face every day! Today in training the topic actually made me take a look at myself, my upbringing, and how I turned out the way I did. I think I'm pretty freaking awesome but not without the occasional insecurities and doubts... I try my best every day to be a good person. Suddenly I remembered my tattoo... it means to teach and inspire. Whether I am dealing with students, co-workers, family members, friends or complete strangers, these are the goals in my life that I try to live by every day.

Day 138

2010-11-17 02:12:11 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

Betrayal

Betrayal (or backstabbing) is the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations.

Betrayal is one of the worst human experiences. I say this because betrayal involves shock, disappointment and re-evaluation of one's belief system. Almost every betrayal makes the victim look back over their past to try to determine what caused it. This reflection almost inevitably leads to self-blame and guilt.

Funny how that works... No, not really!

Day 137

2010-11-14 23:57:49 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

I LOVE COUPONS!!!!! Hallmark sent me a coupon for buy 2 large Yankee Candles and get 2 free! So what did I do? I bought 4 and got 4 free. Used 1 coupon last week and then used another coupon today.

Yes, I paid $100 for candles but wait... come on, those of you that know me know I would NEVER spend that much on candles!!!!!

Sooooooooo, I posted 5 of the candles on Craig's List at $20 a piece. ALL 5 SOLD!!!!! LOL So really, I ended up paying $0 for 3 Yankee Candles that are normally $25 a piece!!!

Yes, this kind of stuff gives me great satisfaction!

PS> Happy Day 14 DS!

Day 136

2010-11-14 23:56:21 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

I LOVE THIS DOG!

Day 135

2010-11-14 23:56:03 GMT
Originally uploaded by Manpan915

It amazes me that my little 6 year old friend can read this with no trouble! I love to hear to read! She is an unbelievable reader!

From a professional standpoint her fluency and expression is some of the best I've ever heard from not just a 1st grader but from a student in any grade!

From the standpoint of someone that loves her to death... the reading and giggles while reading melt my heart!