Aside from the quick story of T's demands for M&M's, the holidays brought an unexpected but greatly needed break from blogging. We've been back for a few days and I think I'm finally rested up enough to just back on the blogging horse and get going again. I've got a lot planned for the next couple of months, even the rest of the year. This year is going to bring some big changes to our household and we are so excited. Here are some things to look forward to on this blog:
My thesis defense and long anticipated graduation. (Is it too early to start calling me Dr. Melissa?)
My "time off" in February and March. (I might be looking forward to this more than the actual graduation!)
The arrival of Baby Girl #2! And, no more "morning" sickness!!! Woohoo!!
Maternity leave, where I re-experience the joys of sleep deprivation induced hallucinations.
Starting a new job - eek!
In the land of Ticklebugz, I have a lot planned too. I will be revamping my Etsy shop. I figure, what better way to use my time off than to do other work! I will be writing more tutorials to share and of course doing more Pinterest reviews - my favorite! I'm also planning on getting organized this year. As you can tell from above, the only way we're going to keep above water is to be a smoothly running machine. That means, cleaning out, cleaning up, and staying that way! I've already got two projects under my belt that I will blog about soon. We've got some home reno's planned too that I would like to share the progress as we go along. (hehe, B hates when I say reno!) And, of course, I plan to do a year-in-review post, very shortly! I'm a little behind on this, I know. But, Ticklebugz went from just a few hundred views per month at the beginning of the year to over 1500 views per month by the end. You may have missed a few things along the way!
Alright, so stay tuned as I've got a lot planned (and a lot to do!). Thanks for reading!
Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Friday, October 21, 2011
Take two of these? No thanks!
Yesterday was a bummer of a day. It was one that began with such high hopes, which made it all that much worse when everything crashed. I had been working on a two week experiment and yesterday was going to be the final day of analysis, to see if it actually worked. On top of that, it was two experiments in one, two of the three experiments that I've been working on since July, two of the three experiments that I need to complete in order to graduate on time. I was so built up about it, that I even had a team of people praying that all would go well.
Well, it didn't. Controls didn't work - which means the experiment didn't work - which means that I'm not likely to graduate this December as I had been planning. I was so depressed about the results that I couldn't even talk about it without tearing up. I think I ate 5 fun size candy bars and I was still depressed. I had a spoonful of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and I was still depressed. I made my way to T's daycare to pick up the munchkin. As soon as I walked in "MUM!" and dancing. Lots of dancing. Well, I guess things can't be all that bad right?
T and I had a busy but awesome afternoon together. One lady even remarked to me how well behaved she was and asked if she was always like this. Beaming, I had to reply, "Actually, yes!". Running late, we had a quick bath night and off to bed, but I still wan't able to make dinner for my hubs. Starting to slip into that funk again (what kind of wife am I that I can't even have dinner ready on nights that B works late?), I walked to the door when I heard his key turn. Knowing how my day had been earlier, he surprised me with flowers. Flowers! I am seriously the luckiest woman on Earth. I have a beautiful, funny, daughter with a great personality who always makes me laugh and smile - AND I have a husband that is kind, sincere, thoughtful, loving and forgiving when we have grilled chese for dinner. Who needs medication when you have all that?
Well, it didn't. Controls didn't work - which means the experiment didn't work - which means that I'm not likely to graduate this December as I had been planning. I was so depressed about the results that I couldn't even talk about it without tearing up. I think I ate 5 fun size candy bars and I was still depressed. I had a spoonful of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and I was still depressed. I made my way to T's daycare to pick up the munchkin. As soon as I walked in "MUM!" and dancing. Lots of dancing. Well, I guess things can't be all that bad right?
T and I had a busy but awesome afternoon together. One lady even remarked to me how well behaved she was and asked if she was always like this. Beaming, I had to reply, "Actually, yes!". Running late, we had a quick bath night and off to bed, but I still wan't able to make dinner for my hubs. Starting to slip into that funk again (what kind of wife am I that I can't even have dinner ready on nights that B works late?), I walked to the door when I heard his key turn. Knowing how my day had been earlier, he surprised me with flowers. Flowers! I am seriously the luckiest woman on Earth. I have a beautiful, funny, daughter with a great personality who always makes me laugh and smile - AND I have a husband that is kind, sincere, thoughtful, loving and forgiving when we have grilled chese for dinner. Who needs medication when you have all that?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
When I grow up...
It seems that I've been on a particular path for about 87.9% of my life (I actually did the math). My mom will tell you that from an early age I wanted to be a scientist, wear a lab coat, figure out life, and save the world. I was always organized (my dolls were arranged in order of size and then based on the color of their outfits, I know, ridiculous), curious, and wanting to know more. Through high school, I elected to take as many biology classes as I could and went to college for a BS in Biotechnology. I worked for 6 years as a Research Associate, doing the "research" that other people wanted, not really finding my purpose. I was starting to get "itchy". I wanted more than that. So I went back to school to get my PhD.
Fast forward 5+ years, and here I am, approaching the end of my graduate school career, mere months away from defending my thesis research and earning the elusive title of "Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology". I'm also finding that I have no idea what I want to do afterwards.
Huh?
I've been working toward this goal my entire life: to be a scientist, figure out life, and save the world. Now I'll have the credentials I need to do my own research, to go on and have the most productive research lab in the history of research and get that Nobel Prize by the ripe age of 40. Right?
Except... now I have a family.
For someone who never even entertained the idea of kids, I love being a mom and its my biggest priority (right after being a good wife!). My daughter is my world. I fall asleep thinking of her and wake up thinking of her and every moment in between. It's also been the most universally challenging and guilt-ridden job I've ever had. Normally at work, I know immediately (or within a few days) if I've messed up. I won't know until she's an adult if I've done irreparable damage!
So now, I find myself with completely different priorities than that 4 year old little girl who dreamed of saving the world through science. I still love it and find it completely fulfilling, but it competes with the time I can spend with my family. If I stay on the path I've been on, my days and evenings (and yes, even weekends) will be filled with grant applications, traveling to speaking engagements and conferences on top of research and teaching. Is there some sort of compromise? I wish I had the answer.
As I approach the end of my endentured servanthood (i.e. grad student), I am weighing my options. How important is it to me to do actual research? Are there other ways I can contribute to society within my field? What else can I do with my degree? I've only done research, am I capable of something else?
I've learned a few things from countless seminars, job fairs, etc. One is that a path one takes to their ultimate profession is never straight. There are lots of bumps, wrong turns and detours along the way. It's okay for me to try something else, even if it doesn't work out. I've also learned that it's never too late to reinvent yourself. In fact, in this workplace and economy, it's almost essential that you do so every 5-10 years. Alright, so maybe my next move isn't the decisive factor in who I will be. Maybe its just a stepping stone or specific experience that makes me stand out in a crowd. Maybe I don't need to put so much pressure on my choices now. Maybe I'm ready to try something new. After all, I tried being a mom and look how much I love that!
Fast forward 5+ years, and here I am, approaching the end of my graduate school career, mere months away from defending my thesis research and earning the elusive title of "Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology". I'm also finding that I have no idea what I want to do afterwards.
Huh?
I've been working toward this goal my entire life: to be a scientist, figure out life, and save the world. Now I'll have the credentials I need to do my own research, to go on and have the most productive research lab in the history of research and get that Nobel Prize by the ripe age of 40. Right?
Except... now I have a family.
For someone who never even entertained the idea of kids, I love being a mom and its my biggest priority (right after being a good wife!). My daughter is my world. I fall asleep thinking of her and wake up thinking of her and every moment in between. It's also been the most universally challenging and guilt-ridden job I've ever had. Normally at work, I know immediately (or within a few days) if I've messed up. I won't know until she's an adult if I've done irreparable damage!
So now, I find myself with completely different priorities than that 4 year old little girl who dreamed of saving the world through science. I still love it and find it completely fulfilling, but it competes with the time I can spend with my family. If I stay on the path I've been on, my days and evenings (and yes, even weekends) will be filled with grant applications, traveling to speaking engagements and conferences on top of research and teaching. Is there some sort of compromise? I wish I had the answer.
As I approach the end of my endentured servanthood (i.e. grad student), I am weighing my options. How important is it to me to do actual research? Are there other ways I can contribute to society within my field? What else can I do with my degree? I've only done research, am I capable of something else?
I've learned a few things from countless seminars, job fairs, etc. One is that a path one takes to their ultimate profession is never straight. There are lots of bumps, wrong turns and detours along the way. It's okay for me to try something else, even if it doesn't work out. I've also learned that it's never too late to reinvent yourself. In fact, in this workplace and economy, it's almost essential that you do so every 5-10 years. Alright, so maybe my next move isn't the decisive factor in who I will be. Maybe its just a stepping stone or specific experience that makes me stand out in a crowd. Maybe I don't need to put so much pressure on my choices now. Maybe I'm ready to try something new. After all, I tried being a mom and look how much I love that!
Linking up at The Anderson Family Crew
Friday, September 9, 2011
Miss T's future
Every month, my wonderful husband collects all the pictures we have taken of T from two cameras, two iPhones, and those sent to us by our family and friends, sorts them, corrects them for various things, and publishes them for all of our friends and family to see. I know of a couple people specifically (ahem, you know who you are) who fiendishly wait for the beginning of each month to see our pictures from last month.
As T and I were looking over these pictures yesterday (yes, she likes to look at them too), I started day dreaming about what her future might look like. Do all moms out there do this? Did my mom ever dream that I would be a scientist?
Based on these pictures, here are my predictions for T's future employment:
As T and I were looking over these pictures yesterday (yes, she likes to look at them too), I started day dreaming about what her future might look like. Do all moms out there do this? Did my mom ever dream that I would be a scientist?
Based on these pictures, here are my predictions for T's future employment:
Wild life conservationist
Museam curator
Musician
Architect
Professional student
Professional soccer player (Look out Hope Solo!)
Dog Groomer
Librarian (man! wish I caught her whole face in this one, but I love this pic anyways!)
Of all these things, there is one thing I know she will be in the very near future...
A BIG SISTER!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Aubrey's mission
Hi everyone!
I'm taking a break from sharing my life with you guys today.
Well, kind of...
See, I know this amazing woman, Aubrey, who has such a humongous heart and loves to serve!
For a year now, Aubrey has been serving with me and B (and Miss T too!) in an inner city youth ministry. She has been such a light to us and the kids we serve.
Well, that's not all. Aubrey also has a dream to share the love of God with the people of Ecuador, serving in college campuses and an orphanage this summer! She is also an incredible artist! And, she has a plan to fund her mission trip using her God-given talents.
Well, that's enough from me, I should let Aubrey tell the rest.
Hello!! (:
My name is Aubrey and as Melissa said, I’m currently preparing to go
on a mission trip to Ecuador this summer! Over the past several
years, God has continued to capture my heart through art and children
to lead me to this place!
In my high school years, I used painting as a therapy to enable me to
talk about the things I’d been through in my childhood. I was abruptly
blessed with the talent of drawing and painting immediately upon
pursuing them, a gift that could only have been from God! This talent
allowed me to cope through the difficult things I was going through,
open up family members and friends about what was really going on in
my life, and connect with peers that were experiencing similar
feelings and situations. The best part about discovering this talent
though, was that it led me to the cross!
After my first semester of majoring in Art Education, I decided I
wanted to do something different with my life than just teaching in a
public school system; I wanted to start an organization that provided
the same artistic outlet I experienced in high school to other
children and young adults that had been overlooked just as I was. I
realized that if my main goal in life was to serve, help, and enable
people coming from burdensome past or present situations, I needed to
start getting involved in their lives immediately.
That’s when I started serving with my beautiful friends, Melissa, B
(and little Miss T!) in an inner city ministry. My heart was stolen
by the amazing children and their stories and I’d never felt more
called to pursue my dream! After almost a year of working in the city,
my heart began to be pulled toward international missions. I began
praying about my desire and several weeks later, I was presented with
the opportunity to attend a 5 week mission’s trip to Ecuador! This
summer, I will be in a team of 10 college students and 4 staff members
with the privilege of working on college campuses and with a local
orphanage! I am soo excited to serve the community and to share the
love of Jesus in a place so much different than home.
I have currently raised almost $2,000 for this trip, but I still have
a long way to go! In the next 6 weeks, I must raise approximately
$2,700.00 in order to attend. To raise this money, I’m selling almost
all of the paintings and drawings I’ve done since I’ve been blessed
with this talent. ALL proceeds will go toward my trip toward Ecuador!
I am so excited for this amazing opportunity and I hope that you will
consider helping me accomplish my dream :)
What did I tell ya? Isn't she amazing? I don't know about you, but when I was 19, I was busy trying to plan my life about what I wanted rather than about how I could serve others.
So Aubrey needs some getting to Ecuador to serve college kids and orphans, are you willing to help her out? You can take a look at her etsy shop. You can also take a look at her blog if you'd like to know a little bit more about her. If you'd like to just make a donation towards her trip, you can do that from her blog too!
Here's a sampling of what you'll find in her shop...
And for my personal favorite:
I'd also like to send a little more support Aubrey's way. I've decided to list this item in my shop for Aubrey's trip. All proceeds from purchasing this item will go directly toward funding Aubrey's trip.
So, my bloggy friends, let's get Aubrey to Ecuador, shall we? Even if you can't contribute, I hope that you would pray for Aubrey and share her story with your cirlce of friends. I know I can count on you!
I'm taking a break from sharing my life with you guys today.
Well, kind of...
See, I know this amazing woman, Aubrey, who has such a humongous heart and loves to serve!
For a year now, Aubrey has been serving with me and B (and Miss T too!) in an inner city youth ministry. She has been such a light to us and the kids we serve.
Well, that's not all. Aubrey also has a dream to share the love of God with the people of Ecuador, serving in college campuses and an orphanage this summer! She is also an incredible artist! And, she has a plan to fund her mission trip using her God-given talents.
Well, that's enough from me, I should let Aubrey tell the rest.
Hello!! (:
My name is Aubrey and as Melissa said, I’m currently preparing to go
on a mission trip to Ecuador this summer! Over the past several
years, God has continued to capture my heart through art and children
to lead me to this place!
In my high school years, I used painting as a therapy to enable me to
talk about the things I’d been through in my childhood. I was abruptly
blessed with the talent of drawing and painting immediately upon
pursuing them, a gift that could only have been from God! This talent
allowed me to cope through the difficult things I was going through,
open up family members and friends about what was really going on in
my life, and connect with peers that were experiencing similar
feelings and situations. The best part about discovering this talent
though, was that it led me to the cross!
After my first semester of majoring in Art Education, I decided I
wanted to do something different with my life than just teaching in a
public school system; I wanted to start an organization that provided
the same artistic outlet I experienced in high school to other
children and young adults that had been overlooked just as I was. I
realized that if my main goal in life was to serve, help, and enable
people coming from burdensome past or present situations, I needed to
start getting involved in their lives immediately.
That’s when I started serving with my beautiful friends, Melissa, B
(and little Miss T!) in an inner city ministry. My heart was stolen
by the amazing children and their stories and I’d never felt more
called to pursue my dream! After almost a year of working in the city,
my heart began to be pulled toward international missions. I began
praying about my desire and several weeks later, I was presented with
the opportunity to attend a 5 week mission’s trip to Ecuador! This
summer, I will be in a team of 10 college students and 4 staff members
with the privilege of working on college campuses and with a local
orphanage! I am soo excited to serve the community and to share the
love of Jesus in a place so much different than home.
I have currently raised almost $2,000 for this trip, but I still have
a long way to go! In the next 6 weeks, I must raise approximately
$2,700.00 in order to attend. To raise this money, I’m selling almost
all of the paintings and drawings I’ve done since I’ve been blessed
with this talent. ALL proceeds will go toward my trip toward Ecuador!
I am so excited for this amazing opportunity and I hope that you will
consider helping me accomplish my dream :)
What did I tell ya? Isn't she amazing? I don't know about you, but when I was 19, I was busy trying to plan my life about what I wanted rather than about how I could serve others.
So Aubrey needs some getting to Ecuador to serve college kids and orphans, are you willing to help her out? You can take a look at her etsy shop. You can also take a look at her blog if you'd like to know a little bit more about her. If you'd like to just make a donation towards her trip, you can do that from her blog too!
Here's a sampling of what you'll find in her shop...
And for my personal favorite:
I'd also like to send a little more support Aubrey's way. I've decided to list this item in my shop for Aubrey's trip. All proceeds from purchasing this item will go directly toward funding Aubrey's trip.
So, my bloggy friends, let's get Aubrey to Ecuador, shall we? Even if you can't contribute, I hope that you would pray for Aubrey and share her story with your cirlce of friends. I know I can count on you!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Can't wait to share!
If you're like me, you have someone in your life that you
love
cherish
adore
and would do anything for!
I'm so blessed that that person is my wonderful husband!
I'm so lucky to have a partner
that gets me
that understands me
that knows what I'm thinking without me saying a word.
Actually, that last part drives me crazy sometimes. See, when you have someone that special, you want to do things for them, surprise them. When they can read your mind, its a lot harder.
Calculate in that I am the worst liar in the world
(seriously, I cannot do it!)
and all my surprises go right out the window.
However, I am making an attempt at surprising my honey for Valentine's Day.
I can't say here what it is yet
(a certain someone reads this blog too!)
but let me just say that there are accomplices involved and the surprise will be television worthy!
I am so excited I am ready to bust!
Anyways, I had to share my excitement, even if I can't share the details.
Stay tuned for the wrap up
(after the actual surprise)
and to see if I can actually achieve my goal of surprising my hubs for once!
This is us going to a wedding in 2009 and us about 10 years earlier! Look pretty good together, huh?
love
cherish
adore
and would do anything for!
I'm so blessed that that person is my wonderful husband!
I'm so lucky to have a partner
that gets me
that understands me
that knows what I'm thinking without me saying a word.
Actually, that last part drives me crazy sometimes. See, when you have someone that special, you want to do things for them, surprise them. When they can read your mind, its a lot harder.
Calculate in that I am the worst liar in the world
(seriously, I cannot do it!)
and all my surprises go right out the window.
However, I am making an attempt at surprising my honey for Valentine's Day.
I can't say here what it is yet
(a certain someone reads this blog too!)
but let me just say that there are accomplices involved and the surprise will be television worthy!
I am so excited I am ready to bust!
Anyways, I had to share my excitement, even if I can't share the details.
Stay tuned for the wrap up
(after the actual surprise)
and to see if I can actually achieve my goal of surprising my hubs for once!
He hates when I take self-portraits, but these are some of my favorite photos!
Another self-portrait of two love-birds!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Can I get a hand please?
Yes, it's halfway through January and I'm just getting around to my resolutions.
(I'm famous for procrastinating!)
Here's the thing, I have a very big year planned for me regarding school, Miss T, a new business, among other things. I've spent the last couple of days making plans for the year. And I've found myself sinking into a downward spiral of panic. Here's what I've got planned:
Graduate by the end of December,
launch my Etsy shop,
find new daycare place/provider for Miss T by June.
Any one of these things would be a huge undertaking, put them all together and it's a perfect storm for
"Everything has to be perfect"-Me.
However, none of these things is my actual resolution. My resolution is
(I'm being really brave here because it's hard for me to share this stuffsometimes, all the time)
to grow my relationship with God.
Ok, deep breath, it's out there.
Growing up as Holiday Catholics (you know, Christmas and Easter, baptized but not confirmed), we didn't talk about God, He wasn't an every day presence in our lives, and we certainly didn't turn to Him for help.
My husband will tell you that I am
Miss Independent-I-can-do-it-ALL-BY-MYSELF
(thank-you-very-much).
Well, I can't. Just admitting that I can't is hard enough for me, but now I really need to turn to God,
because,
well,
I just can't do all of this without Him. I know that He can see me through, and that by growing closer to Him, I will be a better wife, Mom, and student/scientist. He is the center of all of this and so I'm making Him the center of my resolution.
So with that, I'm leaving you with my favorite verse of all time.
This verse saw me through my recovery (physical and emotional) after our miscarriage.
If it could carry me then, it can certainly carry me now.
Jeremiah 29:11
""For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(I'm famous for procrastinating!)
Here's the thing, I have a very big year planned for me regarding school, Miss T, a new business, among other things. I've spent the last couple of days making plans for the year. And I've found myself sinking into a downward spiral of panic. Here's what I've got planned:
Graduate by the end of December,
launch my Etsy shop,
find new daycare place/provider for Miss T by June.
Any one of these things would be a huge undertaking, put them all together and it's a perfect storm for
"Everything has to be perfect"-Me.
However, none of these things is my actual resolution. My resolution is
(I'm being really brave here because it's hard for me to share this stuff
to grow my relationship with God.
Ok, deep breath, it's out there.
Growing up as Holiday Catholics (you know, Christmas and Easter, baptized but not confirmed), we didn't talk about God, He wasn't an every day presence in our lives, and we certainly didn't turn to Him for help.
My husband will tell you that I am
Miss Independent-I-can-do-it-ALL-BY-MYSELF
(thank-you-very-much).
Well, I can't. Just admitting that I can't is hard enough for me, but now I really need to turn to God,
because,
well,
I just can't do all of this without Him. I know that He can see me through, and that by growing closer to Him, I will be a better wife, Mom, and student/scientist. He is the center of all of this and so I'm making Him the center of my resolution.
So with that, I'm leaving you with my favorite verse of all time.
This verse saw me through my recovery (physical and emotional) after our miscarriage.
If it could carry me then, it can certainly carry me now.
Jeremiah 29:11
""For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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