Ap-parent.

See what I did there?

Actual blue sky from this summer.  

This week marks the slow transition back into the school year, although at this level, we don't really get the summer "off."  Granted, I don't go to work, but I had a new course prep, dissertation research, and a summer class.  Yesterday was my third graduate assistant orientation at school.  It really made me realize how long I've been at this campus, and how much financial assistance they have provided me.  A few new things, but more or less the drill is the same.  I got to meet some of the new assistants, as well as reconnect with some of the rising Ph.D. students who were previously Masters students.

Drawing with chalk in the backyard.

Considering how long the university summer is, I assumed things would pretty much be in order by now.  We are moving offices, thanks to some new faculty, and changing how we dole out assistant hours to some of the faculty (to prevent having a lot of unaccounted for hours at the end of the semester).  Well, neither new thing was sorted out.  The old tenants of our new offices are still there (school starts in less than a week) and the new hours weren't figured out either.  I really wanted to be able to provide E's sitters with some concrete hours, but seeing as I'm the only parent in the G.A. group, I'm not shocked this wasn't considered.  I don't pull the parent card much, but I will in this situation.  I need to have consistent hours that mesh with the schedules of my sitters.  I'm actually not concerned about that, but I have already determined that I will bring Elliott into the fray if necessary.

Garden Update: Our sunflowers bloomed, the cherry tomatoes are still producing, and I'm super disappointed by the beefsteak plant.  Perhaps it got too much water this summer (it has been really wet in our neck of the woods), but it has about 5 GIANT tomatoes that have not yet ripened.  Next year might only see cherry tomatoes in the garden.

Our sunflower attracted a bee.

Jason and I caught summer colds this weekend, so my productivity has been down.  I have to miss the last week of summer dance, and I hope I can just get the necessary things done by next Monday!

Before my cold showed up, I did go to the Mt. Grenta Outdoor Art Show again.  As always, it was a really fun time, and I actually bought a hand-made item this year (not a t-shirt or souvenir like years past).  It's a ceramic yarn bowl, which prevents your yarn from falling all over the place while you use it.  It sounds ridiculous, but using it keeps things orderly and untangled.  I would love to vacation at Mt. Gretna someday; it's almost like being transported back in time.

"Under the trees at Old Chataqua"

One of the adorable homes.

Inside the Jigger Shop, the delicious ice cream place.

A perennial favorite home to look at.

Beautiful flower from house above.

Metal and glasswork flower.  Just a taste of the pieces at the show.

Stained glass lamp in the Jigger Shop.

Meal Planning

My crazy schedule, which just got a little nuttier, doesn't allow me to eat at home much during the week.  I have dinner on Monday and Friday at home and lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We usually plan a home-cooked meal for Monday and order in on Fridays.

This week, however, is spring break, which means that I am home all day, everyday.  I decided to plan some meals so we'd have left overs for next week.  In addition to sharing our plan with you, I'm also going to share the recipes!  I'm not a confident or adventurous cook, so rest assured these are pretty simple.

Here's our plan:

Monday: Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad, with home-made poppy seed dressing

Tuesday: Spaghetti and Meatballs (and side salads)

Wednesday: Cheesy Crab Soup (probably the last one until the fall)

Thursday: Chicken Broccoli Divan

Friday: Oh...we're still eating out.  Probably Neato Burrito.  It's a local chain that's kinda like Chipotle.

I'm going to try to make some different snacks with left overs.

Today, Elliott and I enjoyed Pillsbury crescent rolls with peanut butter and Nutella in them.  Mmmm.  Sweet, but the peanut butter packs protein!

Hope you enjoy this series.  I'm also trying to get a handle on my school work and teaching.  I was assigned an "emergency" class, so I'm prepping for that.  I know life will be crazy this month with new classes, club events, and conferences (two!), so the more I get done in advance, the better.  Even if I get nothing else done, what I've finished so far this weekend is going to set me ahead.

Happy Spring Break!

- M.

10 Days!

It's only 10 days until the beginning of 40 Bags, 40 Days!  My excitement is really at its height now; our landlord is renovating our powder room and mud / laundry room starting tomorrow, so I'll have a really fresh start in those two areas of the house.  Otherwise, I'm finding all kinds of things to be done, but I'm putting them off until the 13th because I just don't have the time right now.

February is turning into a very busy, but very fun, month.  Lots of birthdays, including Jason's, the Oscars, and a Ladies Day Out with the graduate school ladies.  I'm psyched.

To play hard, one has to work hard, so this is a sort and sweet entry.  I leave you with some pictures from our weekend.

My mom and Elliott.

It was my Oma's 80th birthday!

My cousin Madison and the newest addition to our extended family, Taylor.

 - M.

Starting with a Bang

I'm a crazy woman.

I have four classes this semester, which I took on because of financial reasons, and I knew the workload would be challenging, but not impossible.  Without really thinking about it, I also volunteered to be the first presenter in our class on a second text.  In this particular course, our professor asked that everyone pair up and read one extra book, presenting it to the class so we are exposed to even more books than we could possibly discuss as a whole class.  I like going first and getting things over with, but it definitely makes the semester seem more difficult from this perspective.

Otherwise, I really like my new schedule.  MWF's are full of time at school to get homework and graduate assistant work done, as well as schedule PRODUCTIVE meetings (I had a weekly meeting last semester that was frequently a waste of our time).  Tuesdays and Thursdays allow me to have free time with Elliott, dinner with my sister, and two really interesting classes at night.  Wednesday this week was long (8:30am to 9pm), but once my graduate assistant assignments get going, I'll have plenty to do.

I've stuck with some of my goals pretty well for this first week of class, although exercising has suffered.  I try to take the stairs a lot.

This weekend will be full of reading for class, working on projects, and FINALLY cleaning up from Christmas.  I got all of the ornaments and decorations packed away, but I need to take down the tree and put up Valentine's / winter decor.

Not the most exciting update, but happily, there isn't much to report.

- M.

So Fresh and So Clean Clean

I love beginnings.  I have a passion for starting projects I don't always finish.  I love the first day of the semester, the first day of a season, the first day of the year.  It's permission on a cyclical basis from the universe to begin again.  Yes, one can re-start anytime, but I usually need a breath of a break to reset and re-charge.

I spent the last hour or so getting my new planner ready (yay!), prepping for my class, and creating some resolutions and goals for the new year.

2013 Resolutions and Goals:
1. Know my limits: I tend to bite off far more than I can chew, as it were.  My research always needs more focus, my craft projects are quite ambitious, and I get frustrated when I realize it.  2013 will be the year of doing great things, but I will know what I should and can take on.  If you don't understand what I mean, look at my 2012 resolutions (oh boy).

2. Get back into "fighting form": I said this last year too, and I did lose a couple of pounds.  That said, I want to be healthy, which I am not.  I want to include cleaner eating, more water, and more exercise into my life.  I think a healthy body will beget a healthy mind and happy life.  I will do my best to embody that this year.

3. Finish What I Start: Along with #1, I will begin ambitious projects, or even small projects, and never finish them.  I have a drawer or two filled with unfinished crochet projects.  My Goodreads account has a bookshelf called "on-hold."  The best of my intentions are often shouted down by my lazier demons.  I hope to have 2013 end with only new projects that did not exist in 2012.

4. Less internet, more real life: I'm constantly tempted by the internet.  I'm "online" far more than my blog updates would suggest.  I want to be more deliberate with my internet use (get on with a purpose, and get back off), while also engaging far more in real life.  Less looking at Pinterest and more living it.  Little adventures will be had.

5. Get organized and stay organized: My readers know I love to organize.  Do I stay organized?  No.  I always feel better when things are organized, so it seems prudent to follow through.

6. Be more interactive with Elliott: I spend a lot of time just one-on-one with E.  However, aside from certain activities, I feel like I could have more of a dialogue with him during his activities.  We could go to the park more.  Take more walks (hello, #2).  I may even sign him up for a local kids gym so he can get some real energy out during the winter.

7. Keep as tidy a home as possible: I actually enjoy cleaning, but I place it low on my list of priorities.  This break proved to me that I can get more done than I think, even with Elliott under foot.  Certain chores will still go un-done, but I want to keep on top of a few basic tasks.

8. Be smarter with money: I don't splurge or buy a lot of clothing or buy almost anything full price.  However, I spend a little here, a little there, and it adds up!  A lot of my money goes to food at school (which is really overpriced), so by packing lunches and dinners at home (for #2), I'll save money.  I want to clip more coupons and shop smarter.  I already started doing this with my school books.  I price compared across a few different platforms, and I'm going to save probably $200. ***Update: I ended up saving between 400 and 500 dollars by comparing prices.  Someone should have a website that is just book prices compared.***

8 resolutions might seem ambitious, but these are actually just general mindset adjustments that I've needed to make for a while.  I have realistic plans to achieve each one, and many of them will help with others.  I've read and heard that to make resolutions stick, you have to make yourself accountable, and that's what I'm doing here.

I'll add and update throughout the year, but you can find the short list on the shortcut bar above.

- M.

All Over the Web.

Hey!  Today my guest post for Early Mama went up, so check it out!

I discuss carving out spaces for student moms, which is a must if you want to be successful.

If any new readers have stumbled over here thanks to Early Mama, welcome!  Comment and introduce yourself.  You can also follow us --------->

- M.

Two Weeks.

When I was pregnant, I really considered everything that went into my body.  I drank a lot of water, ate more green leafy veggies and protein, and exercised.  I got out of the habit of exercising during those 6 weeks of rest after giving birth, and although I've tried to get back on the exercise train, it hasn't become a real habit.  I drink more water than pre-pregnancy, but not near enough.  My diet is a joke.  It's difficult to eat well on our campus...very difficult...and very expensive.

I saw this list of things to try for two weeks.  You add another one each day, and they are real baby steps on the path to living healthier.  I figure I'll give it a try and report back here periodically.

Day 1: Have a piece of fruit (12/10)

Day 2: Drink 1.5 L of water (12/11)

Day 3: Regulate your meals (12/12) - My 27th birthday!

Day 4: Make a healthy meal / snack choice (12/13)

Day 5: Go for a gentle walk (12/14)

Day 6: Throw a compliment at someone (12/15)

Day 7: Drink 2 L of water (12/16)

Day 8: Get up earlier (12/17)

Day 9: Make another healthy meal choice (12/18)

Day 10: Do a plank (12/19)

Day 11: Spend 10 minutes gently stretching (12/20)

Day 12: Have a portion of green veggies (12/21)

Day 13: Substitute an unhealthy snack (12/22)

Day 14: Powerwalk (12/23)

That takes us right up to Christmas Eve.  Those two days are BUSY BUSY BUSY, so I'm not going to try fitting in anything specific.  It'll be challenge enough to keep things regular enough for Mr. E.

Finally, I have exciting news: I'm making my debut as a guest contributor to Early Mama this week!  I wrote about making spaces at home, work, and school for the student mom.  My articles there will be primarily for early moms / students, particularly graduate students, which is a very underserved group.  I know not all of my readers fall into either category, but I hope to drop some general wisdom for graduate students and younger moms alike.  I'll be sure to link up when the article appears (probably Tuesday or Wednesday).  

I'm also turning 27 this week, so there's that.  

- M.

Favorite Things: Work / School

Dear Readers: Welcome (or welcome back!)

As Christmas approaches, I find that many of my favorite blogs do series highlighting their favorite things.  I thought, "Gee, I like things."  So, here is the first of my lists.  I also plan on having lists for books, house, kids, craft, beauty, and man.  But first: Work and school supplies!

I L-O-V-E office supplies.  It's part of my Type A-ness.  Without further ado, organization!

Moleskine Le Petit Prince Weekly Planner - Large ($22.95)

I am a Moleskine fanatic, so it should be noted that I have used a Moleskine planner for the last three years exclusively.  The year I had Elliott, I even bought a second planner that had a monthly calendar, so I could keep track of EVERYTHING.

2012 saw me using the Extra Large soft cover Weekly planner.  The layout is the best.  One side has each day of the week with plenty of space to write appointments and lists, while the other side is just lined paper.  Here I put a weekly to-do list, list of readings for class, craft assignments, and chores.

2013 will see me using the Special Edition Le Petit Prince Weekly Planner.  I find that book enchanting, so I was in love with the little address book, desk calendar, and cover illustrations.  It's also hardback.  They also have Peanuts, Star Wars, and Lego planners (I didn't know about them when I bought the Petit Prince planner, because you can bet I'd have a Star Wars planner).

Papermate Flair Felt-Tipped Pens (16 Pack) ($23.99)

One of my best friends and I became obsessed with these in college.  We used it for projects and our notes in class and our notes to each other on our bathroom mirror.  We are never without them.  The colors are really vibrant and fun, my favorites being navy, tangerine, lime, and plum.

Staples Better View Binders (any size) (starts at $8.99)

These are far and away the best binders for long term projects, research, or even a home organization binder.  They have an insert for a cover sheet, as well as an easy-to-insert spine label.  They come in a lot of sizes and fun colors.  I use mine for my professional development materials and for my genealogical research (3").

Mead Flex Hybrid Notebook ($14.59)

The Staples binders are good for things you don't need to carry around, but the Mead Flex Hybrid Notebooks are lightweight, and they have dividers and paper already inside.  I use them for teaching and for conferences, since they are easy to travel with as well.

Avery Style Edge Insertable Dividers ($5.19)

Dividers are dividers, but if you need them to last long term, I highly recommend these.  They are sturdy plastic and reusable.  They are also pretty colors.  So, there's that.

I have a real thing for office supplies and this post could go on for days, so I'll end there.  Any other questions about the supplies I use / love?  Comment!

- M.

Meal Planning

In my not-so-humble opinion, meal planning is essential to maintaining a personal budget.  I actually learned this habit from Sara, who always pre-packed lunches for her internship our senior year.  She goes months sometimes without buying lunch out.  When I consider how much money that saves her just to plan lunch, it's pretty convincing.

Anyway,  because of our schedule, I end up planning almost every meal, as well as how Elliott will eat what Jason and I are eating.  I get stuck in ruts A LOT.  I thought I'd post our meal ideas to help my readers...reader?  Oh, who cares.

Note: On work days, I have an instant breakfast shake and toast or an English muffin.

Monday: Lunch (packed) - Turkey sandwich with mayo, tomato, and colby-pepper jack cheese.      
               Dinner (packed) - Steak salad with lime, oil, and vinegar dressing.

Tuesday: Breakfast - pancakes (it's my day off)
               Lunch - PBJ and mandarin oranges
                Dinner - Taco night! (Elliott will probably have veggies and a baby food.  Tacos are spicy.)

Wednesday: Lunch (packed) - Beef quesadilla with all the fixin's.
                    Dinner - Grilled cheese with tomato soup (topped with Hot 'n' Spicy Cheez-its)

Thursday: Breakfast - waffles (I have my Thursday mornings off too)
                 Lunch - Pasta and hot dogs (not together...)
                  Dinner - DIY (class night...I'm thinking Neato Burrito for Mama).

Friday: Lunch (packed) - Pasta with homemade red sauce; salad.
            Dinner - Pulled pork in the crock-pot

Not that any of these are intense meals, but our weeks are crazy.  The pulled pork recipe is from Real Simple, and it is amazing.

Do you meal plan?  What are some of your go-to-meals?

- M.

Crafty Lady Day.

Have I been busy with crafts or what?!  I wanted to get as many in-progress projects completed as possible before school starts.  The best stress reliever for me is to start projects, not finish them, so if I have a clean slate, I can start projects when I need a break.

I'm not even just talking about crochet, but other crafty / DIY projects as well.  Here's what I have been working on:

Commissioned booties, modified for a summer baby.

Hat for Jason to match the scarf I made him last fall.

Booties for the Etsy store!

In progress: Cupcake potholder for me!

Long term project: Hunger Games afghan.  This is the District 8 square.

Office organizer!  Tutorial to come.

Owl hat for my cousin's baby shower.

"Whatever" cotton cloth for my cousin's baby shower.

As you can see, my hooks have been busy.  Overall, I'm just trying to get my house in order and my brain prepared for the new school year.

Most of our summer has looked like this:

Look at this little guy!

We have a full weekend ahead of us, and school starts NEXT WEEK.  It's an orientation week, but I have to be at school every day all day, which is nothing like my schedule come the 27th.  It will probably throw Elliott off, but we'll get him back on track soon.

- M. & co.

They're here!

For years, Jason and I have gone back and forth over the appeal of e-readers and tablets.  We both love the feel of a real book.  I'm pretty sure we own over 300 books, and after moving them 6 times, we manage to still like having them.  However, the moving also made us consider the notion of an e-reader.

Cut to the beginning of the summer.  I received another scholarship from Penn State, similar to one I got the first time.  I had said that if I got the same scholarship this time around, I would get a Kindle or an e-reader to make my back-pack lighter.  So, we started shopping.  I was a supporter of the Kindle Fire, but Jason did a little more research and found that Google was releasing a new tablet soon.  It would sync up with my Gmail, calendar, and other Google platforms that I already use.  I was sold.

We had to pre-order them, and they finally got here!  It's charging right now, but I already love the size, feel, and look of the Nexus 7.  I won't have to carry my laptop all over creation every day.  I don't have an office at Penn State, so I'll have to carry everything with me.  A tablet is going to make this so much easier!

We'll give another update once we've had a chance to play.  :)

- M. & J.

Working Mamas.

I only partially consider myself a member of the population of working moms.  I'm lucky enough to have a job that allows me a flexible schedule so my son never has to attend day care.  My husband takes care of him while I'm at work, and then we switch off.  I only went to my workplace 4 days a week, about 5 hours a day.  Right now, I'm on a very short break between Spring and Summer session 1.  Still, I'm pretty lucky that my needs were accomodated.  When I was nursing, I had office hours and very short days.  When I was pregnant, I organized my appointments around my work schedule.  My boss was very kind to hold my place for the spring, and when I decided I wanted to come back earlier, he was able to give me some classes.

That all being said, most working women aren't so lucky.  The link below takes you to the study that grades states on how they help working moms.  The most interesting, but sadly not surprising, trend is that the states that preach the importance of "family values" and pro-life ideals generally have the worst grades.  We live in an economy where to provide for our families, big or small, both parents generally need to work.  If we want moms to do what is best for their children, we need to support them in the workplace.

The Study

Courtesy of Mother Jones magazine

Something to think about.

- M. and E (who is a lucky little boy)

Update!

I got a teaching assistantship at Penn State for the 2012-2013 school year, meaning I'm fully funded AND I get a stipend for living expenses!  What a relief.  I'm so excited that I can completely be involved in school and not have to split my time between Penn State and other work during the school year.

If you prayed for me or kept me in your thoughts, thank you so much.

- M.

Frazzled.

Few women want to describe themselves this way, but this is the best word in the English language to illustrate the way I feel.  I'm sure German has a word for my real feelings; my ancestors have a word for everything.  It has been a crazy week paired with outside annoyances.  I feel like I might accidentally sleep through Easter break because I am so exhausted.

So, what have I been up to?  Plenty.

My 40 Days, 40 Bags challenge has taken a back seat this week, but I've continued to make progress.  During last week's summer preview, I got out my summer clothing and sorted through it.  Most still fits me, but a few items went into the charity bag.  I also got rid of 4 pairs of shoes so far.  I'm sure more will get the axe, but 4 are already on their way out of my home.  Jason and I also finally found all of our boxes of books and evaluated which ones needed to go.  We have two boxes and a bag of books to either donate or sell.  When we pack to move, I have to stow my American Studies books separately.  That way, if we're still living with a parent or have things in storage come August (and come funding), I can find the books I need quickly.

I'm still anxiously awaiting notice from Penn State about funding for the fall.  That alone is adding exponentially to my stress levels.

This weekend, I am attending a conference.  I knew this would be stressful, but outside factors have increased that.  A lack of communication and no shortage of disorganization has caused even the most seasoned veteran among us to feel confused about what is expected.  Everyone in our office is stressed, and on top of that, I am trying to write a paper, edit said paper, and create an effective presentation of my material.  Normally, I would just present my research, but they now want everyone to submit a finished work.  I edit my writing within an inch of its life, so I need every possible day.  This, along with the fact that my moderator hasn't communicated with me in any way has just added to my anxiety.  It's overnight too, and I'm bummed about leaving E for the weekend.

Otherwise, I've seen The Hunger Games, which I loved; I went out for a girls' night; and I've been working on a lot of crochet projects when I can to calm my nerves.  I'm designing my first original pattern and building an afghan around it.

Sorry for the absence.  I'll post more once this weekend is over.

- M.