In 2010 I got my fist daycare job, at a place that we will call Hell. I actually loved what I did and most of the people that I worked with, but the owner made poor decisions and some of the original staff SUCKED. When I started, I had a year of school behind me but no previous experience in a classroom. So I started off as an assistant. My lead teacher was very awesome and helpful and nice. We are still friends to this day. One of the other assistants in the room, however, was not as nice or helpful. In fact, working with her made me rethink why I was doing what I was doing. She made me feel like I never did anything right, that she had to do all the work (although I was completely capable!), never smiled or gave me any indication that she liked being around me... You know, just that kind of attitude.
Well, within a few months of working there, she got fired for some reason or another. I was working during the time she got fired and remember I had to take over her shift that evening. (Yes, a daycare with extended hours. Open 5 am to midnight, ugh.) No sadness from me once she was gone. I worked there for nearly 2 years afterwards and it had its ups and downs, but nobody ever made me feel that way again!
Today at work, (two jobs and many positions later), I found out that this girl handed in her resume to be considered for a position! I still have mixed feelings about it :/ When I first heard the news, I just remember how she made me so.... Useless and unwanted. I talked to my old lead teacher and she said that if this girl gets hired, now I can be the mean one.
But what kind of example is that, especially in front of the littles? If she does in fact get hired (part of me is still hoping she won't) then I think I will have a little smile inside knowing how far I've come since I first met her. I'm not that useless new girl she made me out to be. I AM an awesome lead teacher, and I will let it be known!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Camping List
Many items on this list can be bought at none other than the Dollar Tree! (Although if you are a hardcore camper, you may want to invest in some long lasting things.) The things highlighted in yellow are things that can be found at the Dollar Tree. Disclaimer: there may be more items on this list that they sell that I have not highlighted, but I did not see them. But anyways, here is my list:
Camping Checklist- 3 Days
Clothes:
1 Hoodie
1 Jeans
1 PJs
2 Undies
2 Bras
3 Socks
3 Shirts/ tank tops
2 Shorts
1 Bathing suit
Gym shoes
Beach:
Towel
Flip flops- or buy them on sale at Old Navy for cheap!
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Floaties
Shovel
Buckets
Bathroom:
Bug spray
Soap- I personally prefer to buy the travel size body wash from Bath & Body Works.
Shampoo
- Shampoo/ conditioner images not shown because I prefer travel sizes of the good brands, sold at other stores
Conditioner
Toothbrush- Dollar Tree actually sells a toothbrush/ cover/ toothpaste set for $1!
Toothpaste
Hair brush
Hair ties
Razor- they sell disposables here, but this is one thing I would pack my good one
Hand sanitizer- I also prefer buying B&BW hand sanitizers, 5/$5. They smells so good.
Deodorant
Toilet paper- you never know when you will need it!
Kleenex- Dollar Tree sells single boxes, or an 8 pack of purse size (which is what I bought)
Nail clippers- you never know!
Chapstick
Contact stuff
Glasses
Food:
Cooler
Ice
Water bottles
Pancake batter
Butter
Syrup
Poptarts
Peanut butter
Jelly
Bread
Hot dog
Hamburgers
Buns
Ketchup
Mustard
Nachos
Pretzels
Chips
Salt- Dollar Tree sells salt and pepper in a pack- the kind with the closable spinny top which is nice for traveling!
Pepper
Drinks
Equipment:
Extension cord
Phone chargers
MP3 Speakers
Tent
Tarp
Stakes
Hammer
Rug- They sell small carpet type rugs, which are fine for putting outside your tent so you don't track as much dirt inside!
Chairs
Air mattress
Air pump
Marshmallow sticks
Plates
Cups
Bowls
Silverware
Spatula
Paper towels
Foil
Dish soap
Rag
Dish bin
Clothespins
Griddle
Lighter- They sell packs of lighters, as well as lighters with the long stick
Lighter fluid
Starter brick
Flashlight- They sell LED flashlights, as well as regular flashlights in a few different sizes
First aid kit
Citronella candle
Aloe
Benadryl
Small broom
Camera
Pocket knife
Books
Games
Balls
Frisbee
Trash bags
Ziplock bags- get a couple different sizes
Can opener
Tablecloth- They sell plastic toss away ones. I would invest in a reusable, sturdy tablecloth.
Tongs
Fan
Duct tape
Lantern
Pot holders
Rope- They sell 50ft of rope, as well as rope meant for a clothesline (which is what I bought)
Hatchet
Scissors
Matches
I hope you find this list handy! What other things do you like to bring camping that you can buy for cheap??
-Melyssa
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Pot Roast Dinner
Last night we went grocery shopping, and we bought the ingredients to make pot roast. I am following this recipe found on Marie's Cooking Adventure blog. We'll see how it goes :)
First I rinsed an entire bag of baby carrots and then added them to the bottom of the crock pot. Then, I watched a video on YouTube on how to cut an onion (because I didn't know how.) I used half of an onion and spread it out over the carrots. I don't like onion at all, so I used really big chunks, easy to pick out later :) S thought we should add the onions for flavor, but we'll see. He doesn't even like them either. Next I peeled 4 potatoes and rinsed them and chopped them and added them. Then I put the roast on top, like the recipe says. Then I sprinkled all three packets in the crock pot. Lastly, I used 1.5 cups of water, and spread it all over.
Hope it tastes good!
Here's the photo for inspiration:
And here is a picture of how my pot roast turned out:
SOOOOOO delicious, we definitely will use this recipe again (minus the onions)
.JPG)
First I rinsed an entire bag of baby carrots and then added them to the bottom of the crock pot. Then, I watched a video on YouTube on how to cut an onion (because I didn't know how.) I used half of an onion and spread it out over the carrots. I don't like onion at all, so I used really big chunks, easy to pick out later :) S thought we should add the onions for flavor, but we'll see. He doesn't even like them either. Next I peeled 4 potatoes and rinsed them and chopped them and added them. Then I put the roast on top, like the recipe says. Then I sprinkled all three packets in the crock pot. Lastly, I used 1.5 cups of water, and spread it all over.
Hope it tastes good!
Here's the photo for inspiration:
And here is a picture of how my pot roast turned out:
SOOOOOO delicious, we definitely will use this recipe again (minus the onions)
.JPG)
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
7 Things I Learned Upon Moving Out
7 Things I Learned Upon Moving Out
Whether you are 18 and off to college, or 26 and just moving out of your parents house for the first time, everybody moves out at some point in their lives. S and I moved out on New Year's Eve :) We found a snazzy little apartment between our works, and the price was decent.
(Last year on NYE, a bunch of our friends got together and went to the bar and booked some hotel rooms. I was visiting people between the two rooms, but ended up sleeping in S's room. In a king size bed we fit in this order: S, his friend K, K's girlfriend (who is also my friend) A, and then me. At the time I didn't want a boyfriend, hence why we slept at opposite ends of the bed. ANYWAYS back to the point of this story..... I still find it amusing that we brought in 2012 sleeping in the same bed (technically!!) and we brought in 2013 sleeping in the same bed for real! Hah! So much can change in a year.)
Back to the apartment. Since we've moved in, here are some of the things we've learned:
1. If the oven rack is at it's lowest point, MOVE IT UP. If you don't, you will end up burning the cheesy garlic bread until it is darker than black.
2. Microfiber hand towels feel very soft, but they leave little fuzzies when you dry your dishes. Buy real drying towels.
3. Don't use just anything to bake cookies on. Use a baking sheet. And don't put two non- baking sheets next to each other in the oven- they will hang out and your oven door won't close all the way. And to sum it up, don't bake things in the oven with the door partially cracked. Your food WILL burn and the smoke will set of your detectors. Fail all around. (So much for my homemade Superbowl sugar cookies!)
4. Plan meals a week at a time, and stick to your grocery list! We do this and I still think it's crazy how expensive food can be. Also be aware that when you buy bulk things, it may seem pricey, but stuff like ketchup will last awhile and it isn't something you will buy every week.
5. Don't jump on your bed, you WILL break it. (Really all I did was fall jump backwards and land on my bum, but it was forceful enough to crack the metal frame holding up the bed! My baaaaad.)
6. Save some money and use homemade laundry soap. It smells nice, it's cheap, fun to make, and lasts a long time!
(Click HERE for to DIY.)
7. DON'T buy a mop from the dollar store. Spend the extra money and buy a mop that isn't the cheapest sponge out there on a stick. (But the broom I got at the dollar store has held up so far.)
Whether you are 18 and off to college, or 26 and just moving out of your parents house for the first time, everybody moves out at some point in their lives. S and I moved out on New Year's Eve :) We found a snazzy little apartment between our works, and the price was decent.
(Last year on NYE, a bunch of our friends got together and went to the bar and booked some hotel rooms. I was visiting people between the two rooms, but ended up sleeping in S's room. In a king size bed we fit in this order: S, his friend K, K's girlfriend (who is also my friend) A, and then me. At the time I didn't want a boyfriend, hence why we slept at opposite ends of the bed. ANYWAYS back to the point of this story..... I still find it amusing that we brought in 2012 sleeping in the same bed (technically!!) and we brought in 2013 sleeping in the same bed for real! Hah! So much can change in a year.)
Back to the apartment. Since we've moved in, here are some of the things we've learned:
1. If the oven rack is at it's lowest point, MOVE IT UP. If you don't, you will end up burning the cheesy garlic bread until it is darker than black.
2. Microfiber hand towels feel very soft, but they leave little fuzzies when you dry your dishes. Buy real drying towels.
3. Don't use just anything to bake cookies on. Use a baking sheet. And don't put two non- baking sheets next to each other in the oven- they will hang out and your oven door won't close all the way. And to sum it up, don't bake things in the oven with the door partially cracked. Your food WILL burn and the smoke will set of your detectors. Fail all around. (So much for my homemade Superbowl sugar cookies!)
4. Plan meals a week at a time, and stick to your grocery list! We do this and I still think it's crazy how expensive food can be. Also be aware that when you buy bulk things, it may seem pricey, but stuff like ketchup will last awhile and it isn't something you will buy every week.
5. Don't jump on your bed, you WILL break it. (Really all I did was fall jump backwards and land on my bum, but it was forceful enough to crack the metal frame holding up the bed! My baaaaad.)
6. Save some money and use homemade laundry soap. It smells nice, it's cheap, fun to make, and lasts a long time!
7. DON'T buy a mop from the dollar store. Spend the extra money and buy a mop that isn't the cheapest sponge out there on a stick. (But the broom I got at the dollar store has held up so far.)
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Things to Do in Michigan
Good old Michigan. We complain about the weather being too cold in the winter, but really, it isn't that bad at all :) Where else can you live that is shaped like a mitten and no matter where you go, there is bound to be a lake nearby?!
I came across a blog post with things to do in all 50 states, but I was a little upset by the lack of things to do in my home state! I guess you really have to visit or live here to get the full extent. So I've put together just a few fun things to do around the state :)
1. Michigan= The Great Lakes State. If you come here, you MUST visit at least one of the Great Lakes! Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie (although it doesn't directly touch the state), and Superior. HOMES.
http://www.michigan.org/news/michigan-s-great-lakes/
2. Parks. We have a ton of State parks and Metro Parks. In the Macomb County area, Stony Creek Metropark is one of my favorites. Close to home, but you get the sense of escaping suburban life. There is so much to do, don't miss out :)
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr
http://www.metroparks.com/
3. Sledding! Yeah, yeah. Michigan is mostly flat. But you can always search for a good sledding hill! That is, IF it decides to snow. (The weather here is wack.)
http://www.sledriding.com/Michigan.html
4. Carnival. Each February, Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula, holds its annual Winter Carnival. While it is mostly a mid winter break for the students, they have AMAZING ice sculptures and snow scenes that the students create. It is definitely something worth driving a million hours for!
http://www.mtu.edu/carnival/
5. Mackinaw Bridge connects the mainland mitten to the UP. No matter what time of the year you go, it's fun. Also be sure to check out some of the shops, restaurants, history, and Mackinaw fudge when you visit! :)
http://www.mackinawcity.org/
6. Apple Picking. Michigan is home to many farms, many family owned. There are a lot of things to do- pick your own apples, fruit, and pumpkins, hay rides, haunted houses, petting farms, homemade cider and donuts, and SO much more. It's always a blast to visit in the fall.
http://www.michiganfarmfun.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&Itemid=3
^ You can search by the area you are in. For Macomb County area, I recommend Blake's :)
7. Bike Trails. What better way to view the scenery than on your bike? There are trails everywhere, you just have to search for ones in your area.
http://www.michigan.org/biking/
8. Sand Dunes. The dunes are one of the most amazing spots to visit in the state! They truly are breathtaking! Whether you are spending the day on the beach or exploring the dunes in a dune buggy, this is a great vacation for ALL ages :) If you visit a tourist spot such as Silver Lake, you will not run out of fun opportunities!
http://www.thinkdunes.com/
9. Restaurants. With so, so many different cultures here, you will turn around and find so many different options to dine. We have everything. Really. (Okay, well we are still waiting on Skyline and Goldstar! ;) )
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g28943-Michigan.html
10. Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth is a tourist spot filled with excitement, shopping, and bursting with culture. In the same area are Bronner's, Christmas Wonderland, and also Birch Run, a large outlet mall with a ton of brand name stores :)
http://www.frankenmuth.org/
http://www.bronners.com/
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=82
11. Last but not least, DETROIT! There is so much to do in the city of Detroit and Metro Detroit, where do I even begin :) If you are a sports fan, you have to check out Comerica Park, Ford Field, and the Joe Louis Arena. If you like museums, there is the DIA, Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum, Detroit Science Center and Children's Museum, Detroit Historical Museum, and more. There are many, many, many restaurants- I especially LOVE Mexican Town! There are the casinos- Greektown, MGM, and Motor City. There's a great nightlife scene, clubs and bars, and music shows and concerts! Ballets and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are always fun. If you do visit Detroit, be sure to ride on the People Mover :) So, so, so much to do, you will have a great time!
http://www.visitdetroit.com/
I came across a blog post with things to do in all 50 states, but I was a little upset by the lack of things to do in my home state! I guess you really have to visit or live here to get the full extent. So I've put together just a few fun things to do around the state :)
1. Michigan= The Great Lakes State. If you come here, you MUST visit at least one of the Great Lakes! Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie (although it doesn't directly touch the state), and Superior. HOMES.
http://www.michigan.org/news/michigan-s-great-lakes/
2. Parks. We have a ton of State parks and Metro Parks. In the Macomb County area, Stony Creek Metropark is one of my favorites. Close to home, but you get the sense of escaping suburban life. There is so much to do, don't miss out :)
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr
http://www.metroparks.com/
3. Sledding! Yeah, yeah. Michigan is mostly flat. But you can always search for a good sledding hill! That is, IF it decides to snow. (The weather here is wack.)
http://www.sledriding.com/Michigan.html
4. Carnival. Each February, Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula, holds its annual Winter Carnival. While it is mostly a mid winter break for the students, they have AMAZING ice sculptures and snow scenes that the students create. It is definitely something worth driving a million hours for!
http://www.mtu.edu/carnival/
5. Mackinaw Bridge connects the mainland mitten to the UP. No matter what time of the year you go, it's fun. Also be sure to check out some of the shops, restaurants, history, and Mackinaw fudge when you visit! :)
http://www.mackinawcity.org/
6. Apple Picking. Michigan is home to many farms, many family owned. There are a lot of things to do- pick your own apples, fruit, and pumpkins, hay rides, haunted houses, petting farms, homemade cider and donuts, and SO much more. It's always a blast to visit in the fall.
http://www.michiganfarmfun.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&Itemid=3
^ You can search by the area you are in. For Macomb County area, I recommend Blake's :)
7. Bike Trails. What better way to view the scenery than on your bike? There are trails everywhere, you just have to search for ones in your area.
http://www.michigan.org/biking/
8. Sand Dunes. The dunes are one of the most amazing spots to visit in the state! They truly are breathtaking! Whether you are spending the day on the beach or exploring the dunes in a dune buggy, this is a great vacation for ALL ages :) If you visit a tourist spot such as Silver Lake, you will not run out of fun opportunities!
http://www.thinkdunes.com/
9. Restaurants. With so, so many different cultures here, you will turn around and find so many different options to dine. We have everything. Really. (Okay, well we are still waiting on Skyline and Goldstar! ;) )
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g28943-Michigan.html
10. Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth is a tourist spot filled with excitement, shopping, and bursting with culture. In the same area are Bronner's, Christmas Wonderland, and also Birch Run, a large outlet mall with a ton of brand name stores :)
http://www.frankenmuth.org/
http://www.bronners.com/
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=82
11. Last but not least, DETROIT! There is so much to do in the city of Detroit and Metro Detroit, where do I even begin :) If you are a sports fan, you have to check out Comerica Park, Ford Field, and the Joe Louis Arena. If you like museums, there is the DIA, Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum, Detroit Science Center and Children's Museum, Detroit Historical Museum, and more. There are many, many, many restaurants- I especially LOVE Mexican Town! There are the casinos- Greektown, MGM, and Motor City. There's a great nightlife scene, clubs and bars, and music shows and concerts! Ballets and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are always fun. If you do visit Detroit, be sure to ride on the People Mover :) So, so, so much to do, you will have a great time!
http://www.visitdetroit.com/
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