I have decided to continue my thankful blog in 2014. I'm going to gear it more toward being pregnant and steps to becoming a well rounded parent.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday Night
Today was a good day. After work was basketball practice, then I went home to have dinner with Josh (taco Tuesday).
I would say I'm most thankful for being able to wear my warm up pants and sweatshirt back to the school to watch our boys basketball team play our cross town rival, Lumen Christi. I also got to sit in the bleachers with a friend and teacher, Mrs. Sharp and her children. I enjoyed the second half of the intense game while relaxing. Clean up was quick and easy.
Tonight I am thankful to be able to enjoy the basketball game in my comfy clothes. :) I liked my relaxing night.
Monday, January 30, 2012
2 Hour Delays
Now most jobs don't have this this luxury, but mine does!!! Today I am thankful for 2 hour delays!
When winter hits, it's always fun to go to bed hoping for a snow day or a delay. Last night I went to bed knowing that there wasn't any snow on the radar, yes I checked! :) However, the roads were icy and we got a two hour delay today. A surprise two hour delay is the best!! :)
Even though I had a doctors appointment at 830am, it was nice to know that I didn't have to rush back to school. I even had extra time to get a diet Pepsi from Panera. :)
Today I am thankful for two hour delays!! Wahoo!!
When winter hits, it's always fun to go to bed hoping for a snow day or a delay. Last night I went to bed knowing that there wasn't any snow on the radar, yes I checked! :) However, the roads were icy and we got a two hour delay today. A surprise two hour delay is the best!! :)
Even though I had a doctors appointment at 830am, it was nice to know that I didn't have to rush back to school. I even had extra time to get a diet Pepsi from Panera. :)
Today I am thankful for two hour delays!! Wahoo!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday
Today I am simply thankful for Sunday.
I have been pretty sick with this dang sinus infection this weekend. My voice is still not back to normal. I have slept the past four nights on the couch so I wouldn't keep Josh awake as I coughed and coughed.
Today we woke up and did the grocery shopping. Then I met my sister Tara and Paige and our fourth sister Amanda Nastally for lunch at Panera. We chatted and caught up on life. Then I headed home to my couch. My fever intensified as I took a nap. I had to skip my softball teams games at Extra Innings. I knew the cold building and the long hours sitting there wouldn't help my fever, cough or headache. So I've been enjoying my Sunday on the couch working on softball things.
Today I am thankful that my schedule allowed me to go to lunch with family and then relax for the rest of the evening. I hope to be 100% soon.
Today I am thankful for a restful Sunday.
I have been pretty sick with this dang sinus infection this weekend. My voice is still not back to normal. I have slept the past four nights on the couch so I wouldn't keep Josh awake as I coughed and coughed.
Today we woke up and did the grocery shopping. Then I met my sister Tara and Paige and our fourth sister Amanda Nastally for lunch at Panera. We chatted and caught up on life. Then I headed home to my couch. My fever intensified as I took a nap. I had to skip my softball teams games at Extra Innings. I knew the cold building and the long hours sitting there wouldn't help my fever, cough or headache. So I've been enjoying my Sunday on the couch working on softball things.
Today I am thankful that my schedule allowed me to go to lunch with family and then relax for the rest of the evening. I hope to be 100% soon.
Today I am thankful for a restful Sunday.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas Lights
Today I am thankful for my grandma Joyce Stevens and being able to hang her Christmas lights each year. She is my only living grandparent (blood). I have many memories of my grandma. Some people are not fortune enough to have a relationship with their grandma, so I consider myself lucky.
For the past ten years, at Christmas time, I have gone over and hung my grandma's Christmas lights outside her house. Before my grandpa passed away, he would use the same stran of lights. You know the ones: large glass bulbs, five different colors, red, blue, white, green, and orange. They are in a box in the garage. He'd remove the light bulb above the garage door and plug the extension cord in, flick the switch inside and on and off they would go throughout the month of December. He asked me to help him one winter when his health was fading. Grandpa was not easy to please. I'll never forget how nervous I was to hang Christmas lights...of course I didn't do it correctly and he had to 'fix' them. We used the same hooks that are still on the house today. Ever since then, once Thanksgiving hits, I go over to my grandma's house and hang her Christmas lights for her.
Today Josh and I visited my grandma and took down her Christmas lights. I'm a bit behind. I don't usually leave them up this long. I wonder what grandpa thinks, actually, I'm sure I know what grandpa thinks. Sorry Grandpa, I know it's the end of January. I apologized as I was taking them down today too. However, about four years ago, my grandma purchased some different lights for the outside of her house. She had seen the white icicle lights on other peoples houses and thought she would like them instead. I consider that a great thing since you can't find the big glass light bulbs in stores anymore. :) So today, we took down the white icicle lights that grandma had chosen.
Whenever you go to my grandma's, you can't leave without having a pop or a brownie or cookies or a sandwich or some sort of treat. Grandma loves to feed you. Today, Josh got to have grandma's famous lasagna for lunch (I had already eaten). We sat and talked to grandma about everything from her Monday night women's quiddlers (probably not the correct spelling) club to church tomorrow. I loved this hour of my day! Visitors make my grandma happy. And today, Josh and I made her happy.
My grandma is awesome! I look forward to visiting my grandma whenever I can.
Today, I thankful for hanging my grandma's Christmas lights. It reminds me of that first time I helped my grandpa hang Christmas lights on their house and it lets me spend more time with my grandma Stevens!
Thank you God for my grandma Stevens. She is a wonderful lady!
For the past ten years, at Christmas time, I have gone over and hung my grandma's Christmas lights outside her house. Before my grandpa passed away, he would use the same stran of lights. You know the ones: large glass bulbs, five different colors, red, blue, white, green, and orange. They are in a box in the garage. He'd remove the light bulb above the garage door and plug the extension cord in, flick the switch inside and on and off they would go throughout the month of December. He asked me to help him one winter when his health was fading. Grandpa was not easy to please. I'll never forget how nervous I was to hang Christmas lights...of course I didn't do it correctly and he had to 'fix' them. We used the same hooks that are still on the house today. Ever since then, once Thanksgiving hits, I go over to my grandma's house and hang her Christmas lights for her.
Today Josh and I visited my grandma and took down her Christmas lights. I'm a bit behind. I don't usually leave them up this long. I wonder what grandpa thinks, actually, I'm sure I know what grandpa thinks. Sorry Grandpa, I know it's the end of January. I apologized as I was taking them down today too. However, about four years ago, my grandma purchased some different lights for the outside of her house. She had seen the white icicle lights on other peoples houses and thought she would like them instead. I consider that a great thing since you can't find the big glass light bulbs in stores anymore. :) So today, we took down the white icicle lights that grandma had chosen.
My grandma is awesome! I look forward to visiting my grandma whenever I can.
Today, I thankful for hanging my grandma's Christmas lights. It reminds me of that first time I helped my grandpa hang Christmas lights on their house and it lets me spend more time with my grandma Stevens!
Thank you God for my grandma Stevens. She is a wonderful lady!
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| Summer 2011. Tara's baby shower. |
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| Grandma August holding Paige Ziecina. |
Friday, January 27, 2012
Sick Day
Today I am thankful for a sick day. Well, not really thankful, but I did take a sick day today because I am sick!
For the last ten years I've been blessed with sinus infections. I had even had a surgery in 2003 that was supposed to help limit my yearly infections. Guess it kinda did.... No matter what I do to try to prevent them, it never works. I've tried Neti pots, Tylenol, Sudafed, afrin, and every other idea people have had. Nothing. Nada.
Tuesday I started to feel the pressure in my head. At 9pm on our bus ride home from Coldwater, I was feeling worse...losing my voice. By Thursday, I coached with no voice. Thursday night was awful as I slept in the couch to not wake Josh with my cough.
This morning I took the day off and went to the doctors office. After a shot, nose spray and an antibiotic prescription, I left ready to 'enjoy' my sick day on the couch.
I am also thankful for the product below, not for it's comical commercials, but for its relief. For the past two days, it's helped me stop the cough. Mucinex works!
Today I am thankful for Mucinex and antibiotics and my sick day on the couch. Much needed rest I enjoyed today.
For the last ten years I've been blessed with sinus infections. I had even had a surgery in 2003 that was supposed to help limit my yearly infections. Guess it kinda did.... No matter what I do to try to prevent them, it never works. I've tried Neti pots, Tylenol, Sudafed, afrin, and every other idea people have had. Nothing. Nada.
Tuesday I started to feel the pressure in my head. At 9pm on our bus ride home from Coldwater, I was feeling worse...losing my voice. By Thursday, I coached with no voice. Thursday night was awful as I slept in the couch to not wake Josh with my cough.
This morning I took the day off and went to the doctors office. After a shot, nose spray and an antibiotic prescription, I left ready to 'enjoy' my sick day on the couch.
I am also thankful for the product below, not for it's comical commercials, but for its relief. For the past two days, it's helped me stop the cough. Mucinex works!
Today I am thankful for Mucinex and antibiotics and my sick day on the couch. Much needed rest I enjoyed today.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
High School Girls
I have a unique job to say the least. I work in our high school athletic office along side our athletic supervisor. Our offices are located right next to our gyms. I cover everything from facilities to athletics.
Today, I was in the office by myself most of the day. However, during breaks and throughout the exam day, I was visited by many high school girls, most of whom I have coached or am coaching in basketball or softball. Today, I really enjoyed chatting with each of them. Since the final exam schedule is so different with breaks and study sessions, my door opened and closed all day with female athletes. Our topics varied from final exams to sports to boys to college to summer jobs and to families. It was very eventful. I always enjoy their youthful attitudes on life.
As the end of the school day neared, many of the varsity girl's basketball team members came into my office. Many of these girls are truly great young women. They are an exceptional group. I'm glad they feel my office is always an open door for them to stop in any time.
Today I am thankful for many Western High School female athletes. They make going to work each day worth it.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Bravada
Tonight I am thankful for our 1998 Oldsmobile Bravada. We purchased this car from a friend of the family in 2007 for a very low price.
For five years, we had many memories of that SUV. We took our nephew Mylo to Cabelas the afternoon Trish was in labor. Then we drove to the hospital to meet our new nephew Wyatt. We went to Traverse City on a camping trip together. We drove it north to camp with our friends Amanda and Corey. We pulled our speed boat to and from the lakes in the summer. We pulled our trailer loaded with our lawn mower and drove over to my grandmas house to mow a few times. We also drove the Bravada to pick up our dog Marla when she was a puppy. I've loaded tons of softball equipment in and out of that trunk. It also hauled six of our Christmas trees home each December. All and all, we have loved that Bravada.
Tonight, we sold the car that Josh loved dearly for a decent chunk of change. We hope the next family gets as much use out of the Bravada as we did. Tonight I am sadly thankful for being able to sell our Bravda. We will surely miss you.
For five years, we had many memories of that SUV. We took our nephew Mylo to Cabelas the afternoon Trish was in labor. Then we drove to the hospital to meet our new nephew Wyatt. We went to Traverse City on a camping trip together. We drove it north to camp with our friends Amanda and Corey. We pulled our speed boat to and from the lakes in the summer. We pulled our trailer loaded with our lawn mower and drove over to my grandmas house to mow a few times. We also drove the Bravada to pick up our dog Marla when she was a puppy. I've loaded tons of softball equipment in and out of that trunk. It also hauled six of our Christmas trees home each December. All and all, we have loved that Bravada.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Nice Parents
Today was a long day. The three basketball teams rode one bus to Coldwater for a triple header. We left the HS at 3pm and returned to the parking lot at 9:50pm. Now a bus full of 28 high school girls can get a little 'grumpy' especially without food. Thankfully, that was not the case tonight! We had all kinds of generous parents go above and beyond tonight.
One parent provided fruits for the ride to the game. Another set of parents provided two cases of water for the ride home. And one parent made a very generous donation to purchase the 10 pizzas we stopped to get from Little Caesars on the bus ride home.
It was nice to have food and drinks at the end of a long day.
Today I am thankful for Western's generous parents.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Grocery Shopping
Tonight I am thankful for my wonderful husband Josh! I hate grocery shopping with a passion. Yesterday, I was not feeling the Sunday grocery shopping trip. So Josh volunteered to go tonight while I was at practice.
He came home with the bags and we put them away, made some dinner, and we're able to just veg out after a long Monday.
Tonight I appreciate Josh doing the grocery shopping for us. Josh is awesome!!
Thank you Josh. I love you. :)
He came home with the bags and we put them away, made some dinner, and we're able to just veg out after a long Monday.
Tonight I appreciate Josh doing the grocery shopping for us. Josh is awesome!!
Thank you Josh. I love you. :)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
College Athletes
Tonight I am thankful for college softball players. Sunday's our high school girls play in a 6 on 6 league at Extra Innings. I can't coach it, but I have two experienced college softball players who are willing to help me out! Today I am thankful for Alexis Boyt and Tori Fite!
I have known Alexis since she entered the MS gym in 7th grade holding her basketball shoes. I instantly loved her toughness and her athletic talent. Alexis played basketball for me for three years and played varsity softball for me for four. I've grown to love and appreciate her dearly. She and her friend Tori Fite met at SAU last fall. They are both members of the Cougar Softball Team! Tori is a genuine and kind person. I'm thankful for hers and Alexis' friendship.
I have known Alexis since she entered the MS gym in 7th grade holding her basketball shoes. I instantly loved her toughness and her athletic talent. Alexis played basketball for me for three years and played varsity softball for me for four. I've grown to love and appreciate her dearly. She and her friend Tori Fite met at SAU last fall. They are both members of the Cougar Softball Team! Tori is a genuine and kind person. I'm thankful for hers and Alexis' friendship.
They both did a nice job of coaching our Sunday league team. Tonight, I am thankful for Alexis Boyt and Tori Fite for giving up their evening to coach our HS 6 on 6 league.
Thank you Alexis and Tori!
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| Alexis and Tori |
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Tara's Birthday
Today was my sister Tara Ziecina's 27th birthday!! I know I posted last Sunday about celebrating her birthday, but today is her birthDAY. :) I can remember 27 years ago. I was four and my mom brought home my new baby sister. I remember being so excited. She was so little. I got to hold her and be my mom's big helper! Today I am thankful to have such an outgoing, caring and loving sister.
For lunch, I met Tara, Paige and Jessica Temelko at Red Lobster for lunch. Jess headed off to work and Tara and I went to Wendy's and got a few small Frosty's. Then we drove out to our other sister Trisha's house for a visit. Now Trish has three boys under the age of six. Mix the boys with chocolate Frosty's and three playful dogs, and two crazy Aunts, and you'll get a whole lot of wild fun! Tara and I like to have as much fun as possible on our visits! Hence the video's and pictures.
Aunt Tara gave Wyatt this dancing snowman!! He loves it!!
We had a lot of fun visiting the Good family. Nick and Trish were nice to let us visit.
Tonight, we celebrated Tara's birthday with our dad at the Outback Steakhouse. Thank you dad for buying us dinner!! :) Craig, Tara's husband had to work, but he made a quick visit! :)
For lunch, I met Tara, Paige and Jessica Temelko at Red Lobster for lunch. Jess headed off to work and Tara and I went to Wendy's and got a few small Frosty's. Then we drove out to our other sister Trisha's house for a visit. Now Trish has three boys under the age of six. Mix the boys with chocolate Frosty's and three playful dogs, and two crazy Aunts, and you'll get a whole lot of wild fun! Tara and I like to have as much fun as possible on our visits! Hence the video's and pictures.
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Wyatt and his Frosty.
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Aunt Tara and Eastyn! |
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| Paige was so happy... nap time. Mylo's crazy face! |
We had a lot of fun visiting the Good family. Nick and Trish were nice to let us visit.
Tonight, we celebrated Tara's birthday with our dad at the Outback Steakhouse. Thank you dad for buying us dinner!! :) Craig, Tara's husband had to work, but he made a quick visit! :)
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| Paige LOVES her daddy!! |
We stuffed ourselves with good food and of course dessert!! Cheesecake! YUM!!
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| It was getting to Paige's bed time so she put on her pj's at Outback for the car ride home. She's happy it's her mom's first birthday as her mom! :)
Today I am thankful for my sister Tara. She's a wonderful sister, wife, daughter, mother, friend, and ER nurse!! Tara has always been a very supportive person in my life. I am thankful we all live in the same area. I don't know what I'd do without her (and her family).
I am thankful that I got to spend the day with my family celebrating Tara's 27th birthday!! Happy Birthday Tara Lynn! Love you!
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Friday, January 20, 2012
Snowfest 2012
Today was Western High School's Snowfest. A day full of assemblies, fun, and total student chaos! Today, the chaos was more organized however, Alaina Sharp and Kim Shore did a great job organizing all the day's festivities. Nice work ladies.
The snowstorm did not make our day in the athletic department any easier. We had to make a back up plan for the back up plan in case we got buried by snow. It was a day of phone calls and planning for us. But we survived!!
One of my favorite parts of the day was sitting on the girls varsity basketball bench. They faced a strong Stockbridge team tonight and fell short, but I enjoy still being a part of the program. I enjoy each of the varsity girls basketball members. I have coached all but one player in either basketball or softball or both. They are a wonderful group of young women. I also enjoy coaching and working with head coach John Moffitt as well. He and his family are wonderful.
My second favorite part of the day was our post game dinner. Josh and I met The Moffitt's at Spring Arbor's Slice of Spice. We haven't had dinner with them in a while and it was great to catch up. Josh and I enjoy hanging out with John, Melissa, Meg and Duncan. They are genuine people and their kids are just as great too! We appreciate the Moffitt family.
Today I am thankful for being a part of the varsity girls basketball program and being friends with the Moffitt's.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thankful Blog
Today I woke up in a bad mood. I went to work in a bad mood and really just stayed in it all day. More like a self pity mood.
Tonight I get home and have been struggling to find something to be thankful for today. So I reflected on my bad mood day and realized I control my attitude. I need to work on being thankful each day.
So today, I am 'cheating' and am thankful for my thankful blog. Each night I makes me reflect on my day and my attitude. Tomorrow, even though it's Snowfest and the day will be total chaos, I am going to try to have a positive attitude.
Today, I am thankful for my thankful blog.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Marla
Today I took our dogs, Champ and Marla to the vet. They were long overdue for their shots and Champ has a bump on his back leg. Bad pet owners, we know.
Each dog got their shots and enjoyed a morning car ride. :) The appointment went surprisingly fast.
I got the dogs each a bone, dropped them off at home, and went back to work. When we got home, Marla looked like she got stung by 100 bees. Her eyes were swollen shut and bumps were popping up all over her body!! Poor Marla!!
We gave her some Benadryl and she's been doing much better in the past three hours.
Tonight, I realized how sad I would be if something happened to either of our dogs. I just love them. They add just a little more excitement to our daily lives.
Today, I am thankful for our dogs Champ and Marla. :)
Each dog got their shots and enjoyed a morning car ride. :) The appointment went surprisingly fast.
I got the dogs each a bone, dropped them off at home, and went back to work. When we got home, Marla looked like she got stung by 100 bees. Her eyes were swollen shut and bumps were popping up all over her body!! Poor Marla!!
Tonight, I realized how sad I would be if something happened to either of our dogs. I just love them. They add just a little more excitement to our daily lives.
Today, I am thankful for our dogs Champ and Marla. :)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Four Weeks
Today I am thankful for all the supportive people in my life. God has blessed me by surrounding my days with caring people.
Today marks four weeks since we lost the baby. Today marks four weeks since surgery. Today marks four weeks of healing.
There was not one event today that made me feel this way, but rather four weeks of cards, phone calls, flowers, edible arrangements, cookies, small gifts, books, dinners, lunches, letters, texts, stories, hugs, tears, prayers, and love. There really hasn't been a day that's gone by without someone expressing their sincere sympathy for Josh and myself. Our families have been overly supportive each day. We wouldn't have made it without them.
Josh and I are thankful for all the awesome people we have in our lives. I am thankful that God has surrounded my days with wonderful supportive people.
Today marks four weeks since we lost the baby. Today marks four weeks since surgery. Today marks four weeks of healing.
There was not one event today that made me feel this way, but rather four weeks of cards, phone calls, flowers, edible arrangements, cookies, small gifts, books, dinners, lunches, letters, texts, stories, hugs, tears, prayers, and love. There really hasn't been a day that's gone by without someone expressing their sincere sympathy for Josh and myself. Our families have been overly supportive each day. We wouldn't have made it without them.
Josh and I are thankful for all the awesome people we have in our lives. I am thankful that God has surrounded my days with wonderful supportive people.
Monday, January 16, 2012
XBOX 360 Kinect
Tonight I am thankful for something that most people our age are not. Tonight, I am thankful for our XBOX Kinect!! :) Josh purchased the whole system for me for my birthday. Now, most women would be upset at such a gift, but not me! I loved it. We purchased a few Kinect games and have been playing together since Christmas Eve.
Today we got a new sports game...with golf, tennis, baseball, darts and a few others. We enjoyed some quality time together as I kicked Josh's butt in some tennis and a few holes of golf. :)
Sometimes it's fun to have a little fun while it's freezing outside.
Tonight I am thankful for our XBOX Kinect which I'm sure will continue to bring fun to our lives.
Today we got a new sports game...with golf, tennis, baseball, darts and a few others. We enjoyed some quality time together as I kicked Josh's butt in some tennis and a few holes of golf. :)
Sometimes it's fun to have a little fun while it's freezing outside.
Tonight I am thankful for our XBOX Kinect which I'm sure will continue to bring fun to our lives.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Family Birthday's at Mom and Larry's
For as long as I can remember, my mom and Larry have had birthday party's for each of us at their home. Today, we celebrated my sister Tara's, my brother in law Nick's 30th, and step dad Larry birthday's all together. Grandma, Aunt Mary and Uncle Rocky even made the trip out too.
Today, I am thankful for our family. Josh and I were both excited to see my family and our nieces and nephews.
They are really a cute bunch!! Too bad, Mylo was at his moms...
Today, I am thankful for our family. Josh and I were both excited to see my family and our nieces and nephews.
Grandma loves the babies!!
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Larry and Tara opening presents! 
Today was a fun day with the family. I am thankful that my mom and Larry let us hang out and celebrate birthday's together! Happy Birthday to Tara, Nick and Larry!!
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Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday
Today I am thankful for a full Saturday off. Sound silly I know, but is doesn't always happen for me or for some people. So today I am thankful for a whole Saturday to do whatever I desired.
I started my day with a workout full of my own music and the weight room to myself. Josh and I then decided to run s some errands in town. Of course we ate lunch at Panera...potato soup Saturday!! We did the Kohls run for some birthday presents. Target and then Meijer for the weekly groceries even though I hate grocery shopping. :(
My Saturday included a nap on the couch with my cozy blanket, Chinese for dinner, laundry, and capped it off with some TV. Boring right??!! LOVED IT!!
I hope others enjoyed theirs as much as I did!
Today I am thankful for a lazy Saturday. :)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Snow
Now this isn't something that you will hear me say often...but today, I am thankful for the snow!! Snow? Me? Snow!! NO way! I know, I know. Usually I hate snow.
However, I was getting sick of the nasty, gloomy, outside weather. It was depressing.
Today, the snow was light, bright and pretty. There wasn't too much to make it miserable outside. Light shoveling cleared off the deck and walk ways. Today, looking outside was much more enjoyable. It's winter, lets face it. (Only two more months until spring!) :)
Today, I am thankful for the snow!
However, I was getting sick of the nasty, gloomy, outside weather. It was depressing.
Today, the snow was light, bright and pretty. There wasn't too much to make it miserable outside. Light shoveling cleared off the deck and walk ways. Today, looking outside was much more enjoyable. It's winter, lets face it. (Only two more months until spring!) :)
Today, I am thankful for the snow!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A night at home
I feel kind of guilty about my Thursday posts. :) They are going to start to get really dull, really soon.
Today I am thankful for two things.
1. Our freshman girls basketball team got their first win in over time tonight! The girls played hard and ran their plays successfully for the win. I'm thankful that 8 freshman girls went home happy tonight!
2. I got to leave after my game tonight and go to dinner with Josh. We ate in the Applebee's neighborhood. Now we are home and going to enjoy a night on the couch watching our (Josh won't admit they are his favorites :) TV shows. I am thankful to be home early tonight and to spend my evening with Josh.
Today I am thankful for our big freshman girls basketball win and for my night at home with Josh watching 'our' favorite shows!!
Today I am thankful for two things.
1. Our freshman girls basketball team got their first win in over time tonight! The girls played hard and ran their plays successfully for the win. I'm thankful that 8 freshman girls went home happy tonight!
2. I got to leave after my game tonight and go to dinner with Josh. We ate in the Applebee's neighborhood. Now we are home and going to enjoy a night on the couch watching our (Josh won't admit they are his favorites :) TV shows. I am thankful to be home early tonight and to spend my evening with Josh.
Today I am thankful for our big freshman girls basketball win and for my night at home with Josh watching 'our' favorite shows!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Surviving Wednesday!!
"Wednesday. Hump day! Middle of the week. Almost there. I can do it! Get up!"
Today, that's what I had to tell myself over and over and over again as I turned off my alarm at 6am.
This week has been the longest week ever. Monday: work, doctors, softball conditioning, basketball practice, then a 1 1/2 hour WABC meeting that started at 7pm. I got home at 9:00pm and then did an Insanity workout with Josh.
Tuesday: work, coach a 9th grade basketball game, watch JV and Varsity, clean up. Go home at 9:00pm and do another Insanity workout.
Rolling out of bed today was BRUTAL!! I knew it was another long day. I just needed to get through it. Wednesday: work, catch for one of the pitchers, softball conditioning 130 to 3pm, run into town, tanner, quick dinner with Josh, practice 6 to 730pm, home at 8pm to do Day 3 of Insanity with Josh.
I'm not sure how after three 12+ hour work days that I'm still awake at 10pm. :)
I am not complaining. I enjoy my job and coaching, don't get me wrong. Three long days were just killer!
Today, I am thankful that I survived Wednesday!!!
Today, that's what I had to tell myself over and over and over again as I turned off my alarm at 6am.
This week has been the longest week ever. Monday: work, doctors, softball conditioning, basketball practice, then a 1 1/2 hour WABC meeting that started at 7pm. I got home at 9:00pm and then did an Insanity workout with Josh.
Tuesday: work, coach a 9th grade basketball game, watch JV and Varsity, clean up. Go home at 9:00pm and do another Insanity workout.
Rolling out of bed today was BRUTAL!! I knew it was another long day. I just needed to get through it. Wednesday: work, catch for one of the pitchers, softball conditioning 130 to 3pm, run into town, tanner, quick dinner with Josh, practice 6 to 730pm, home at 8pm to do Day 3 of Insanity with Josh.
I'm not sure how after three 12+ hour work days that I'm still awake at 10pm. :)
I am not complaining. I enjoy my job and coaching, don't get me wrong. Three long days were just killer!
Today, I am thankful that I survived Wednesday!!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Freshman Girls Basketball
Tonight I am thankful for freshman girls basketball.
Last winter, I resigned from coaching JV basketball after four seasons only to be asked four days into this season if I'd like a non contracted freshman position. Because I love to coach, I eagerly said yes. Now, those of you who have never had the chance to coach freshmen, it's a whole new world. They are young, innocent, and have little mental toughness. I knew our talent level was low, but I went in with high expectations as a good coach does, right?
Well, seven games into the season, we are winless. At our first practice, I thought, oh goodness, what was I thinking? We traveled, dribbled with our heads down, couldn't run a play, had horrible shooting form, couldn't break a press, and we didn't know how to actually push ourselves for an entire 32 minutes. It was a struggle to get them to focus in practice.
After our game last Tuesday at Mason, I knew I had to step up my coaching. If these freshman were going to get better, I had to push them to work harder!! Wednesday's practice, we had a positive team talk about working as hard as we can and giving 100%. "Be able to leave the court proud of how hard you worked, win or lose." Thursday's game was against Jackson High and the girls finally worked hard for a full 32 minutes!! We scored more points, broke Jackson's press, and dribbled with our heads up. Even though we lost by eight points, the girls were proud of themselves for working so hard and I as a coach was proud too.
Tonight against Coldwater, I thought our team worked very hard until the final few minutes when fatigue, freshman nerves and our lack of mental toughness took over. The score was close and we couldn't hang on for the win. We had players lose a little control and stop giving 100%. We tried a few different things to take the win, but were unsuccessful. At the end of the game, as much as I wanted to scream and go crazy for the lack of effort, I walked into a silent locker room full of tears. As we talked, I found they were disappointed in themselves for their lack of effort and mistakes in our four minutes of over time. They knew they could have done better. As a coach, I saw that our lesson of working hard was learned.
I do think this group of freshman have gotten much better at the fundamentals of basketball. Even if we don't win a game this season, I know these girls are growing mentally as athletes. I will be happy if at age 14, these young athletes learn one lesson this season, 'work hard and give 100%, win or lose'. For the next four weeks, I am going to enjoy these young girls, but continue to push them every day.
Today, I am thankful that I am lucky to be coaching freshman girls basketball.
(Pray for me...)
Last winter, I resigned from coaching JV basketball after four seasons only to be asked four days into this season if I'd like a non contracted freshman position. Because I love to coach, I eagerly said yes. Now, those of you who have never had the chance to coach freshmen, it's a whole new world. They are young, innocent, and have little mental toughness. I knew our talent level was low, but I went in with high expectations as a good coach does, right?
Well, seven games into the season, we are winless. At our first practice, I thought, oh goodness, what was I thinking? We traveled, dribbled with our heads down, couldn't run a play, had horrible shooting form, couldn't break a press, and we didn't know how to actually push ourselves for an entire 32 minutes. It was a struggle to get them to focus in practice.
After our game last Tuesday at Mason, I knew I had to step up my coaching. If these freshman were going to get better, I had to push them to work harder!! Wednesday's practice, we had a positive team talk about working as hard as we can and giving 100%. "Be able to leave the court proud of how hard you worked, win or lose." Thursday's game was against Jackson High and the girls finally worked hard for a full 32 minutes!! We scored more points, broke Jackson's press, and dribbled with our heads up. Even though we lost by eight points, the girls were proud of themselves for working so hard and I as a coach was proud too.
Tonight against Coldwater, I thought our team worked very hard until the final few minutes when fatigue, freshman nerves and our lack of mental toughness took over. The score was close and we couldn't hang on for the win. We had players lose a little control and stop giving 100%. We tried a few different things to take the win, but were unsuccessful. At the end of the game, as much as I wanted to scream and go crazy for the lack of effort, I walked into a silent locker room full of tears. As we talked, I found they were disappointed in themselves for their lack of effort and mistakes in our four minutes of over time. They knew they could have done better. As a coach, I saw that our lesson of working hard was learned.
I do think this group of freshman have gotten much better at the fundamentals of basketball. Even if we don't win a game this season, I know these girls are growing mentally as athletes. I will be happy if at age 14, these young athletes learn one lesson this season, 'work hard and give 100%, win or lose'. For the next four weeks, I am going to enjoy these young girls, but continue to push them every day.
Today, I am thankful that I am lucky to be coaching freshman girls basketball.
(Pray for me...)
Monday, January 9, 2012
3 Weeks
Today I had my follow up appointment from my surgery. Tomorrow marks three weeks from a day I hope to never relive again. Mentally, I was waiting for this appointment. (Not that these appointments are enjoyable in any way!) I think I just needed to hear a doctor say "you're okay". After the check up, the doctor said what I was waiting to hear, "everything is good." Until then, a million 'what ifs' roamed daily through my head. It felt good to know my body was healing. I had been waiting until the doctor approved me to workout again.
I enjoy working out. It makes me feel good. So after my appointment, then after softball conditioning, and then after basketball practice, and then after the 1 hour and 15 minute athletic boosters club meeting, I arrived home at 8:30pm for Josh and I to start our Insanity workout!! A workout is just want I needed to finally start healing physcially and mentally.
I am thankful that the doctor removed all restrictions and I am able to start working out again.
I enjoy working out. It makes me feel good. So after my appointment, then after softball conditioning, and then after basketball practice, and then after the 1 hour and 15 minute athletic boosters club meeting, I arrived home at 8:30pm for Josh and I to start our Insanity workout!! A workout is just want I needed to finally start healing physcially and mentally.
I am thankful that the doctor removed all restrictions and I am able to start working out again.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Extra Innings
Tonight my softball fever was intensified as I watched my girls start a six week 6 on 6 league at Extra Innings Jackson. I can't coach this league since it breaks the MHSAA four on one off season training rule. Instead almu Alexis Boyt and Tori Fite volunteered to coach. I was happy they were able to dedicate the time to help out our program.
Playing inside was a whole different ball game. Once the team got used to playing inside, things went pretty well. Our girls just need to swing the bat with a little more aggression and have fun!!
It was very difficult to watch and not be able to coach my team. I just had to sit back and watch. Tonight however, I got to sit back and watch with my favorite niece Paige Marie Ziecina! It's our Sunday to watch her and she came along to watch with me. She was very good.
This league will be a great start to our season. I'm looking forward to five more weeks of Sunday softball!
I am thankful that my varsity softball team is able to play in the 6 on 6 indoor softball league at Extra Innings Jackson.
Wyatt's Birthday
Today I spent most of my day watching our varsity wrestling invitational. Out of 12 teams, Western took 1st place! I opened the building at 7:30am and got home at 9:15pm. But the highlight of my day began at 2:30pm when Josh picked me up and we headed to our nephew's birthday party!
Wyatt Lucas Good turned two on January 2nd 2012. Today, my sister Trisha and brother in law Nick had the family party at their house. They are great parents! I remember two years ago when Josh and I were watching Mylo for the weekend while Trisha was in labor. I was so excited to meet Wyatt. We took Mylo up to the hospital to visit after the delivery. (Sorry for the picture Trisha, but it just fit today's post... :)We are all thankful to have Wyatt in our lives. He is such a character, loving, outgoing, and pretty smart for age 2. He loves Elmo, puzzles, and coloring. He will spend hours watching or doing anything that involves one of those three things. I find it funny that he sometimes calls his dad 'Nick' and our mom 'Patty' instead of dad and grandma. Hehe!! He's just a cute kid, sure I'm a little bias, but it's my blog. I love Wyatt and the atmosphere created when he's around.
Today I am thankful to be able to attend my nephew Wyatt's 2nd birthday party. I'm thankful that Trisha and Nick allow us to be part of his life. :)
Below is a video from today.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Friday
Today's post is not too interesting, but today, I am thankful that it's Friday. Friday after only a four day work week back to school.
Even though today I worked a 14 hour day covering a JV wrestling tournament tonight and tomorrow I am working the all day varsity wrestling meet starting at 7:30am, I am still thankful for Friday's. People are always in good moods on Friday's. Today that was the case.
Friday nights in the winter means varsity basketball games too. Our girls varsity team beat Albion to go 2-0 in the SMAA Conference. Hearing that they won, made me happy to end my Friday! Good work girls!
I love Friday's. TGIF!!
Today, I am thankful for Friday's.
Even though today I worked a 14 hour day covering a JV wrestling tournament tonight and tomorrow I am working the all day varsity wrestling meet starting at 7:30am, I am still thankful for Friday's. People are always in good moods on Friday's. Today that was the case.
Friday nights in the winter means varsity basketball games too. Our girls varsity team beat Albion to go 2-0 in the SMAA Conference. Hearing that they won, made me happy to end my Friday! Good work girls!
I love Friday's. TGIF!!
Today, I am thankful for Friday's.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thursday Night TV
FINALLY!! FINALLY!! FINALLY!! I've been waiting since before Thanksgiving to watch a new episode of my Thursday night shows. I've been watching Grey's for the past five seasons and I started watching Private Practice two seasons ago. I am hooked!! I love Thursday night TV. They are my Thursday night friends. I've missed them! Glad they are back.
I am thankful for Thursday night TV for two reasons. One: I just love the shows themselves. Two: it means tomorrow is FRIDAY!
Tonight, one more plus, Alexis Boyt and Tori Fite are joining Josh and I for Thursday night TV.
Thursday's have been my favorite TV nights since high school, when I'd stay up to watch ER!! Thank you for Thursday night TV!!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Panera
Today, my post is about my favorite place to eat Panera Bread!! I will admit, I am addicted to Diet Pepsi fountain style. I make occasional stops at Panera daily for 'pop' fixes. In fact, I got one today!! (See picture below.) Most the Jackson employee's know my name... sad, I know!
I first went to Panera Bread three years ago with my best friend Jenna Sharp. We both have a diet Pepsi addiction and Panera has the best diet Pepsi in Jackson!! Since Jenna lives in the Plymouth area, we would meet on Saturday's either in Jackson or the Dexter location and have lunch, chat, and make a Target and Kohl's run and then go back to Panera to refill our cups for the drive home. I'll blame her for my "Panera pop" addiction. Thanks Jenna!
Soon after that, my sister Tara started eating at Panera with her friend Jessica on their way to Ann Arbor before their 12 hour shifts. I'd meet them there and we'd all have lunch. We've since roped in our mother, father and sister Trisha too. Family lunches are usually held at Panera. I took my sister in law Erin to her first Panera experience this summer! Josh and I usually find ourselves dining there once a week too.
When watching my nephews on Monday's in the summer, I'd have to get my caffeine fix early in the morning. I convinced Mylo at age 5 that this place was awesome and we could only use the "secret" back door! :) Now, if we drive by Panera, Mylo says, "That's Aunt Tonya's favorite place."
I also enjoy Panera for it's Potato Soup Wednesday and Saturday's, their bagel's, and of course, their chocolate chip cookies! Many Western High School students current and almu and even one of my softball players, Abby, works at the Jackson location too. :) The place is always warm, clean and the workers are friendly. I have been known to get up early and purchase bagels for the Athletic Office before work on Friday's too.
But mostly, I enjoy my lunches with my friends and family at Panera. Today, I am thankful for Panera Bread! If you haven't tried it, you really should!
I first went to Panera Bread three years ago with my best friend Jenna Sharp. We both have a diet Pepsi addiction and Panera has the best diet Pepsi in Jackson!! Since Jenna lives in the Plymouth area, we would meet on Saturday's either in Jackson or the Dexter location and have lunch, chat, and make a Target and Kohl's run and then go back to Panera to refill our cups for the drive home. I'll blame her for my "Panera pop" addiction. Thanks Jenna!
Soon after that, my sister Tara started eating at Panera with her friend Jessica on their way to Ann Arbor before their 12 hour shifts. I'd meet them there and we'd all have lunch. We've since roped in our mother, father and sister Trisha too. Family lunches are usually held at Panera. I took my sister in law Erin to her first Panera experience this summer! Josh and I usually find ourselves dining there once a week too.
When watching my nephews on Monday's in the summer, I'd have to get my caffeine fix early in the morning. I convinced Mylo at age 5 that this place was awesome and we could only use the "secret" back door! :) Now, if we drive by Panera, Mylo says, "That's Aunt Tonya's favorite place."
I also enjoy Panera for it's Potato Soup Wednesday and Saturday's, their bagel's, and of course, their chocolate chip cookies! Many Western High School students current and almu and even one of my softball players, Abby, works at the Jackson location too. :) The place is always warm, clean and the workers are friendly. I have been known to get up early and purchase bagels for the Athletic Office before work on Friday's too.
But mostly, I enjoy my lunches with my friends and family at Panera. Today, I am thankful for Panera Bread! If you haven't tried it, you really should!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Christmas Present to US
Josh and I thought we'd buy a new flat TV for the bedroom to replace the old 19" Samsung TV I purchased while in college. Something new right? We set off on Saturday morning to Best Buy. We get a great deal on a 32" Sharp LCD Flat screen. When we get home we decide we should put the new TV in the living room. After unplugging cords and moving a few dressers, we set up the new TV. Within five minutes, we look at each other and say, "too small". We did ring in the new year on the TV however.
Sunday morning, we pack up the "too small" TV and head back to Best Buy. We start looking at the 40" TV's only to have the salesman say, "want to see the 50" in that TV?" We follow him and after little debate, we solidify our 50" Panasonic Plasma Flat Screen TV!!
How do you go from a 32" to a 50" over night? Now of course, this new TV doesn't fit in our old TV stand so we must now purchase a new TV stand. After an hour of shopping around, we make the new TV Stand purchase and make our way home.
Two hours of putting together our TV stand, moving furniture, plugging and unplugging wires and speakers, we have a new TV! Josh and I enjoyed our last day of vacation watching football and playing video games together on our new TV. :)
Today, I am thankful for our new TV!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Josh
I wanted to start this blog yesterday and do daily "Thankful" posts for 2012. (I got this idea from a friend.) I failed to start on January 1st, so will start today. :)
My first thankful post will go to my husband Joshua Bassett. Most people will say, "my husband is awesome," but mine really IS awesome. We have had a very challenging year to say the least, but Josh has been a great support system. Our goal for 2011 was to start a family. My sisters and our kids would all be the same age to grow up together. Two miscarriages later, we are still hopeful to have children. Josh has been the most positive and supportive husband. Over our Christmas holiday, he's shopped, he's wrapped presents, he's cooked, he's cleaned, he's done laundry, he's loaded and unloaded presents and groceries in and out of the car, and he took great care of me after my surgery. This year we have grown closer together. I couldn't imagine my life without Josh.
This message he posted on my Facebook page on my birthday only proves how lucky I am to have married Josh.
"I guess it would be self-centered of me to think that 31 years ago God put you on the Earth just for me...but He must've known how much I'd need you. Today, in my heart, I'm not just celebrating living another year with my beautiful wife. I'm celebrating how strong, caring, and loyal you are. I will always love you. You are truly amazing.
I am lucky God chose Josh for me.