Hobbies

Well its been a while since I blogged. Again I can't get off this idea that there is no interest in my blog unless I have pictures up. I guess that is one of the reasons why Facebook must be so popular- you can just drop one liners and that is completely acceptable.

Work is work- a wonderful place for me. And I know that at least 90% of adults working out there cannot say that about their workplace including my own husband.
Its been a little challenging recently because my husband has been working long, and sometimes odd hours. There was a time where literally I felt like I didn't see my husband all last week.

Although it has been a trial, I am however thankful that at least my husband gets compensated for his hard work.

With a little extra time to myself recently, I've picked up a new hobby: coupon deal shopping.
You are going to laugh but www.moneysavingmom.com and www.dealseekingmom.com has become two of my new favorite sites. I think I check up on these websites more than I do facebook now. Through these blogs I have been able to save around 60% of my normal toiletries and grocery shopping. Its pretty amazing actually- and I don't know why i didn't do this before.

I figured since my husband works so hard I really need to find new ways in order to be more frugal especially during these times, and surprisingly this process of seeking deals along with coupons has been fun. I think its the process of seeing your purchase of $40 something reduce to a mere $15 infront of your eyes is what makes it fun for me.
This way I get to use the saved money towards something that I really want- like fun activites and such.

I've also been painting and reading- and I've forgotten how much I missed those two activities. Somewhere between high school and after college I have forgotten about these two hobbies but now I relish at the idea of getting my chores done so I could concentrate on these more.
I do miss college, but I do like the idea of having more time to pursue my own interest and study. Next thing I really want to pick up is sewing. I've been meaning to since high school but with the cost of classes along with time restraint has been a challenge. Hopefully the next time I blog- it will be about that specific skill.

I just realized my schedule this year

Nyc in March for one day with caregroup girls

Nyc in April for extended weekend for a "farewell" to one of my closest friends- she will most likely be moving back to Japan in June.

Nyc in May for the weekend with hubby for a wedding. This is so weird, another couple who lead my small group in college together is getting married to each other. YAY Mizy and James! We are soo happy for you!

June- Roadtrip to the South and then cruise

Sept- possibly a trip to capecod and Boston to see family and also Justin's wedding. Another possible trip to Austin to see some friends.

Oct- Kel and Jess wedding. (finally)


Before I know it its going to be 2010.
And then I'm going to pop out kids. THen I'll be forty.
Then I'll be 90.
Then I'll die.

*sigh.... I think I need coffee..or rice.

Summer Vacation planning- Start!

So we decided to save some money this year and go on a cruise. Its amazing how cheap you can get a cruise for- I was very pleasantly surprised.

So we are leaving from Port Canaveral, Florida and we are driving down there to make it into a mini- road trip. I have never been to the south so I am super excited.

And what else- we are making our pit stops according to eating places. Hehehehe

So we are going to be in Raleigh, Charleston, Savannah. I am super excited!
And of course if you know me I love the planning the process!

Valentines Day

So for Valentines day Matt decided to treat me by taking me to Fontill Castle in Doylestown Pennsylvania. Its a castle that a man named Henry Mercer built in late 1800's. Its a beautiful concrete castle, with so much artifacts and history in it.
I had a lot of fun and if you know anything about me I am a huge history buff (especially ancient history and anthropology) so I was just in awe of his private collection that he was able to have during the course of his life time, especially when getting things from the other side of the world was not feasible for most people in his generation.

Now when I said that Matt treated me, he REALLY treated me because history and museums are just NOT his thing. He sacraficed his leisurely day in order to drive up 4 hours and down 4 hours all the while being in a great mood and not complaining at all that he was going to drive me to place to explore a topic that he has absolutely no interest in.

I had so much fun and definitley recommend it to people who are history buffs and love castles.



The front of the FontHill castle



Inside one of my favorite rooms, his library. He had over 6000 books over his lifetime, written in 15 different languages where he could only read 5 of fluently. (Yeah- only 5. He was an underachiever apparently)


Note the TV in the background was not a part of his collection


Side view of the castlle from the balcony of his bedroom.



And just compensation for my husband: Sonic. Look at his happy face. I LOVE HIM!!!




I love road trips with my hubby.

Christmas time

Sorry that I have been MIA. I just don't see the point of posting if there aren't pictures.

But then again I am horrible with taking my camera everywhere.

As far as updates go, Please pray for my mother. She has decided to close her store because her business has been so bad. The recession is preventing people from spending their money and its affecting small private owned business such as my mother's. We have no idea what she is planning to do for income afterwards so prayer would be much appreciated.

But we know that the Lord will provide as long as we seek Him first and there is much comfort coming from that.

Here are some pictures from the holidays:

Look at my parents, aren't they cute? They decided to wear matching outfits.

Bathroom

Today history was made: the first African American president was elected into the most powerful office position in the free world.

But I still choose to blog about my new bathroom today.

HA

Here are the before pictures. There were so many little things I could've fixed beforehand but why bother when we knew that we were going to be changing EVERYTHING about it anyways?

Before






Yes, navy blue toilet seat. EWWWWWWWWW Barf in my mouth

When demolition was going on inside I was screaming, "Yes!! BURN IT ALL!!!"

Our shower and vanity

My pride and joy in the bathroom. Granite sink.

Jacuzzi tub

I never have to massage Matt again...

Our stone ceramic floor.
Ahhhhhh....

Next project:
Upstairs bathroom (there is a leak apparently in the pipes so its has to be gutted as well)
and carpets in the bedrooms..
and FINALLY THE KITCHEN!!! (Julie off to fantasty dream land now)

I love the Fall

The weather has finally started to get cold!

For those of you who do not know I LOVE the cold weather. It makes me all happy and giddy inside. Maybe its because I have so many happy memories associated with the cold weather. And also being a romantic at heart I love how romantic the cold weather can be. Couple days ago my husband blessed me with starting a fire in the fireplace and I curled right up next to it with a good novel. Ahhh...heaven. Well close to heaven for me.

I imagine my house in heaven to contain that HUGE library that Belle was introduced to in Beauty and the Beast. (You ladies know what I'm talking about)

Can I also share another tidbit? My husband wrote a cute Haiku poem for me yesterday. I mean it turned out more of a comical value than a romantic one but it warms my heart how much my husband is making the effort to step out of his mold to be romantic to me! Of course I gobble it all up.

I love Thanksgiving. I love Christmas. I love this time of year!

Also I bought some new clothing and can't wait to get it in the mail. I found this great website that sells clothing cheaply but there are some catch to it like paying for shipping cuz it ships from hong Kong.

Here are some of the things that I purchased. If you want to know if the matieral is worth the price I paid for it just ask! (Hopefully it will arrive next week)