The Woolf Pack

A snow day of happiness!

First off, thank you to everyone for commenting on my last post, thankfully those feelings only lasted for a day, and everything is right in the world.

I got up today as I normally do (too late of course) and hopped into the shower…when I got out I noticed a txt from a school friend that said “school is closed today…” At first I didn’t believe it, but when I saw our school’s name on the closing list on TV I jumped for joy! (figuratively). Since I had already showered there was no point moping around – it was about 8 a.m. by this point. I have ALL Day to finally clean, organize and do laundry. An ENTIRE day! I am kind of OCD and anal when it comes to organization and cleanliness. However these past few months I have slacked immensely. With school, babysitting (only one hr. a week) and Mutual I am lucky if I bring the clean clothes basket upstairs! Not today!!! It’s not even 1 and so far I have:
*Scrubbed the bathrooms
*Dusted the whole house
*Sorted out the laundry
*Organized the bills and thrown away all junk mail
*Changed the sheets on our beds
*Vacuumed
*Gathered up the garbage
*Made the shopping list and other errands list
*Took out some pork chops to thaw for dinner
*Put the dishes away

I had to write this out, b/c this hasn’t happened all at once in a very long time, so I want to have a record of it! These are very simple and ordinary things, but it has lifted my spirits today!

Clutter affects all aspects of my life. When my room is cluttered I can’t sleep well. When everything is strewn about I can’t think straight. When I can’t remember if I paid a bill or if anything is due…I get nervous. Having these in order, I feel like I can be myself again. Stress free if you will. I always use the excuse “I just don’t have time” when in reality I may have the time but, 8 p.m. isn’t the best time to clean the house! Ahhhhh, today is a great day! Cold and snowy weather may be not the most ideal weather…but it sure brightened my spirits today!

“How are you today?”

You know when someone asks you that, and you’re having a really crappy day but you just reply “I’m good.” Deep down inside you want to spill your guts out to them why today’s the crappiest day of your life? Well, since this is my blog, I’m going to use this opportunity to spill my guts.

today at school, I was to have a client that wanted a specific service that 1. i haven’t been taught yet 2. texture/length/style of said client’s hair was not a type of hair i felt comfortable doing {yet}. since our school’s policy is if you “refuse” a client you have to clock out and go home. So I clocked out at 10 a.m. and went home. Strike one.

i headed over to the doctor to get my blood taken for the 5th time since December to figure out why I just had my 4th miscarriage since 2007. Strike two.

on my way home my phone fell under my seat in my car, when i went to get it out it got stuck under a lever and jacked up my phone and now i don’t have a working phone. Strike three, I’m out.

upon my arrival at home i was welcomed by having the runs. (sorry that was an overshare, that’s just me!)

i know tomorrow’s a new day and i choose to let things get to me, but sometimes the “things” win. i’m going to bed early tonight. after i get home from a really long meeting.

2008 Recap

I took this off of my friend Maya’s blog, this is fun, you should do it too!

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I decided to finally go to Cosmetology school after 2 years of good/bad job experiences! It was something that was 12 years coming!

2. Did you keep your 2008 resolutions, and will you make more this year?
I’m one of those with very good intentions…my actions don’t always follow, so nope! I will make more, and my resolution this year is to actually do them!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yup! Cousins, Best Friends, Sister-in-law, just a few people!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, my Grandma Rice. She passed away in July. I still miss her and think of her often. She was the best. I am happy that is reunited with my Grandpa, they were away from each other for a long time.

5. What countries did you visit?
Does the US count?

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Answers to a few questions…

7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hmmmm I didn’t really achieve anything…but We did celebrate 2 years of marriage!

8. What was your biggest failure?
Not losing the weight I’ve been saying I would

9. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Hmm the end of 2008 was interesting, I had a miscarriage, jacked up my back, a really long sinus infection – not things you want to go have while not having insurance, I don’t recommend it!

10. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm…a laptop for James’ school work, although I often tend to ease my way into using it!

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
James’ apparently I’m not the easiest person to live with!

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I wouldn’t say appalled, but I did depress myself, LOL

13. Where did most of your money go?
Living expenses, tuition & books

14. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter?
a.) happier b.) fatter

15. What do you wish you’d done more of?
stopped talking about losing weight and actually LOSE the weight!

16. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Complain!

17. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yup! It’s all James’ fault!

18. What was the best new book you read?
I’m not much of a leisure reader, but did read the Twilight series. I can’t help it, they were great.

19. What was your favorite film of the year?
The Secret Life of Bees. It was very though provoking.

20. What kept you sane?
The gospel, family and friends

21. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Wishing life was different does nothing for your life. Complaining about your life does nothing for your life. Being happy with your life is an EFFORT, BUT while making that effort you realize you do have a wonderful life.

Remember who you are

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Nelson Mandela<

2009 is here!

Happy New year all!!! We were lucky to have our friends Jodi & Jared come down from Cleveland to ring in the new year with us. We went to Columbus’ First Night

It is a family friendly event…there were a few cheesy exhibits, but some really cool stuff and an awesome band. However there were two random events:

1. We were watching the “Teen Idol” competition when this old man came up to me and smiled, so I smiled back. He reached out his hand as if to shake mine, so I did the same. He then took my hand and put it on his face…when I squeezed James’ hand to intervene. Phew that was close.

2. We were on the square listening to this really cool live band when this lady was rocking back and forth holding up her hands…all the sudden she started yelling at everyone that they need to repent and the Jesus is the savior. Then abruptly left. Very interesting!

It was a great night and a fun way to ring in the new year!! Wishing everyone success, happiness, strength and FUN 2009!

James in true form

Details of a December now gone…

Thought it would be a good idea to document this past December before it was too late! Even though considering it’s already the next year ha ha….this will probably be a long post with a lot of pics, so be sure to scroll all the way through!

December 2008 went with a blink of an eye. I will attempt to review without missing any details while not boring anyone…so here goes!

I spent the first weekend in December doing what everyone else does, staying in a haunted hotel with some really hilarious girls. For a full post of this weekend, click HERE to read my friend Susan’s post, it explains it all very well. I think it’s safe to say we’ve started a tradition of somehow visiting random ‘haunted’ places. I have to admit, while I don’t like evil scary things….I LOVE learning about haunted places and or being scared.

Our Skeleton Key…sooo secure!

The reason why were were in Pt. Pleasant West Virgina…click HERE

The next few weeks were filled with normalcy as James finished his quarter with great grades!!! I finally had my “aha” moment at school and LOVE it. I made the right choice for sure. I’ll update later on school, but am so thankful for making the choice to go to Cosmetology school. My sister in law Greta and I went to an ugly sweater party, where so won the prize for the “ugliest” sweater, go Greta!

We “upgraded” our Christmas Decorations with a 6ft tree, gasp! And true to form, I searched out the cheapest tree and found our tree for FOUR dollars last year at the after Christmas! Is it bad I always say how cheap I find things? I think if people asked me what a hobby is for me…since I can’t sew, play the piano or really do anything crafty..I’d say bargain shopping for sure. I love nice things, but love even more paying a nice price for them! So here’s our Christmas decor….

The weekend before Christmas we went down to see our favorite people in Michigan James’ family! You know how when you go on a trip and you ALWAYS forget something? Yeah, we forgot our camera…so bummed. But we had a lot of fun! It was nice b/c this year so far we’ve had a mild winter with no snow…and there was plenty in Michigan! So we got our White Christmas fix! We just played mostly with one of the cutest babies ever, John!!!!! I took this picture from my SIL Jamie, don’t you want to SQUEEZE him? Probably the best part of the weekend was when Jamie and I made some delicious appetizers! She’s one of the few people that can get me excited to actually cook..although my excitement fades fast!

Christmas this year was different than any other in a good way, we didn’t spend it with our entire family since my school schedule was annoying and only got the day of Christmas off. THANK GOODNESS for family in Columbus. We spent the day at Tony & Greta with the babies, it was a lot of fun and super relaxing!

Are you still with me?? Just a few more updates…..

The weekend after Christmas we went up to Cleveland to hangout with my family and had good times as always! It’s always fun during the holidays when you get to see old friends especially like my best friend Andrea and her family! We ate good food with good friends!

Miss Kerrie!

The Houx’s and Woolf’s

The Rice’s and Falke’s

Ok….this is it, last update for 2008!!! On Monday the 29th we had some more friends over for dinner…Some girls that go back to my Ricks College days in 1997…I love having good friends close by! We’re all grown up now…so crazy to look back over 10 years ago, being able to keep in touch with these girls, has been fabulous! The only thing that was missing were the rest of our girls!

As to not further bombard you with photos, click HERE to see all them!

We wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year!

James and I hope you enjoy your holiday season with the ones you love most. We love all of you and are so thankful to be surrounded by the best of the best!

In case you miss us….click on below to what us shake our “elf” thang!

p.s. check back soon for the rest of the updates on us!

Life goes on…

We’ve been busy as usual and like everyone else, but good! I have 4 weeks of cosmetology/beauty/hair school under my belt. I am thankful for good study partners and reliable models that I have passed all written and practical exams. There are plenty of days where I am frustrated..irritated by the ‘drama’ (which I am TRYING my best to stay entirely out of). But on the same note, I LOVE doing a lot of what we’re learning (some stuff like perms, not so much)., I have very caring and understanding teachers and some good friends that make me laugh everyday. I do still question my ability and if I’ll actually KNOW how to do what I’m being taught. I’m really good at self-doubting, I’ll admit a quality I am not proud of.

James has finals the next couple of weeks! He’s doing great in school, and has already signed up for his FOURTH quarter! I cannot believe how time is flying! I love that he loves learning, and is so anxious to get out there and start working! We have a few years to go, but am so blessed for his desire to work hard and to gain knowledge that will enable him to be successful in the future. He’s already successful in my eyes…but a few dollars in the bank someday will be a nice reminder too! Hopefully by summer he’ll be officially enrolled into the Mechanical Engineering program (Med school is still a possibility…but ask us in a few years!)

November has come and gone right before our eyes! Our 2nd Anniversary, out of town guests, Bridal showers, OSU games, trips to the mall, movies cuddled up on the couch and visiting family made November a great month. We are all ready for December, and am SO excited for the season! It is my hope that James and I can really focus on the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus Christ. We always do, but I would really like it to be a focus for us. I have SO many areas of improvement in my life, one of which is remembering to always be grateful and to remember Christ’s sacrifice for not only me, but everyone in this world.

So, here’s to the wonderful holiday season! YAY! And as if this post wasn’t long enough….have fun looking at our pictures below! Merry Christmas Everyone!

One of the main reasons I LOVE thanksgiving, my dad’s mashers.

Thanksgiving Day Craft…thanks Aunt Jeni & Sarah for the great idea!

Black Friday shopping at it’s best! *please note, these are 6 women’s bags, not just mine!*

Sarah & I having fun!

LOVE this man!

On our drive home on Sunday, there was a great display we drove through!

Two year celebrations cont’d

Our anniversary date is special for two reasons, obviously the first reason is b/c we got married, but a year later one of my best friend’s Kim got married on the same day! So on our 1st anniversary we were able to spend in Vegas on Kim’s special day and this year Kim & John came to Ohio to celebrate! It worked out GREAT! They came in Friday night and we just had a party all weekend! Kim and I have known each other for since our freshman year at Ricks (Amber, Kim & I were all roomies {see funk(y) weekend post}). My parents were still in town, so they got to meet Kim’s husband John. We ate lots of food including awesome donuts by OSU campus. The two highlights were going roller skating, and having a dance party in our living room! It was a GREAT weekend and we have decided that as long as we can we’ll be celebrating together. Love you guys!

Mr. & Mrs. November 3, 2006

Mr. & Mrs. November 3, 2007

Like, Woa.

I made it. Well, I made it through my first week of hair school. So I think there’s a general perception of hair school (I was even guilty of it) that it was “easy”. I mean, I had been through business school, worked with tough corporate big whigs…I could totally handle hair school. Like, woa. I was completely overwhelmed last week! Our kits are huge for instance, did you know there’s like 20 different types of brushes? Different methods to use a curling iron and it was first invented by a french man Marcel Grateau in 1872? “Marcel” is now a widely used method and type of curling irons.

Anyway, it was a totally new experience, there are 7 girls in my class, and right now we’re combined with the first class of 9. So far everyone has been helpful and really nice. I’m not sure if any of the girls like me, but we are having fun so far. There are LOTS of personalities and even a few who think they don’t need to be there b/c they know it all already…but they are really fun girls. One of the teachers asked if she could clone me, so I think that’s a good thing. One of the reasons why it was so overwhelming is because a lot of the girls there have been “kitchen stylists” they’ve probably been doing hair in their kitchens for years and the know a lot of stuff (juts not necessarily the technique) and I haven’t. Like I said, I’ve always loved doing hair, but that doesn’t mean I’m super good at it.

My new wardrobe consists of black, grey and white. It’s kind of fun our school mimics a high-end salon so it’s fun to go to school everyday. We have theory for 4 hrs in the morning where we read, learn and do notes/worksheets…then afternoon we apply the theory we’ve learned on our mannequins or “mannys” as we call ‘em.

Here’s a glimpse of what I did last week:

*Read, took notes and wrote procedure cards (like how to sanitize, section hair etc..) on 3 chapters
*Took 2 tests
*Learned how to braid (like corn row, french, twist), sew-in extensions, Straighten Afro-centric hair, “Air-Form” hair (thermal styling)
*Created a style book (we have to for each chapter on what we’re learning)
*Performed services on my first model (thanks mom!) on thermal styling/shampooing

That’s a lot if you ask me in 5 days.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

*Stay OUT of the drama (cuz there will be drama)
*I can be friendly with everyone, but I don’t have to be friends with everyone
*Ask LOTS of questions
*I’m not going to be good at everything right away, just b/c the girl next to me can do it now, doesn’t I won’t be able to in a few months too
*Take it day by day
*Show genuine appreciation for the teachers, they’ll hook you up and spend extra time with you
*I can and WILL pass the state boards when I’m done
*Laugh and always stay humble

Here’s a bad picture of my first style on my manny (we did thermal styling on afro-centric hair – she quite the fro when we first started!)