The Upper Room

I remember when Mom would bring the "Upper Room" to me in Troy and Auburn while I was in school.  A few years I ago I found out it is online.  Every morning I try to take the time to read the short thought for the day.  Sometimes it's just good to take time out and think about God, but other days it hits home. 

Today is a day that I went, I do something like that but I can take it to the next level!  Below is the excerpt of the Upper Room from today...enjoy!!!

WALKING is my favorite exercise, both physical and spiritual. While walking I can talk to God and give thanks for my health that allows me to take this walk, for a wonderful job that still leaves enough time each day for a walk, for the motivation to spend that time walking, and for . . . trash.

Trash has changed my way of thinking. Not long ago, I saw trash only as an eyesore on the lovely green grass or the freshly fallen snow. I saw only how it interrupted my walk because of my having to stop and pick it up and carry it to a trash can. One day after stretching to reach a discarded beer can, I thought of persons who struggle with alcohol addiction and prayed that God would heal them. As I picked up a fast-food restaurant wrapper, I prayed for persons who don't have enough to eat or who need to learn to eat more healthfully. An empty diaper box reminded me of young parents who may be struggling to hold their family together, and I prayed for God's strength to uphold them.

With each piece of trash, I became aware of new persons and their needs. I have become grateful for the way God shows us where we can serve. I still wish those who throw out trash would learn that God's beautiful world is not a garbage dump. But I will continue to use their trash as reminders to pray for them and for others.

Pat Herring (Ohio)

Similar to my praying at mailboxes but this is praying for people you don't necessarily know!  I hope you all are having a great week!  I know the Grantham/Stephens Clan are looking forward to a great weekend at the beach with the 3 F's...FAMILY, FRIENDS, and FOOTBALL!!! 

Roll Tide!

Up 1...1 Day Late

Well I can handle one whole pound.  Especially since I have been stood up for the "Wedding Workouts"!!  Every time I plan to start I get cancelled on! I told Amy and FAB that because they have cancelled on me so much that FRIDAY is their punishment and we will be working out!  Hopefully I can bring the hurt...I know I'm not my old trainer but I hope to channel her.

I will keep you updated on the "Wedding Workouts"...Hope you are having a good week, afterall  it is HUMP Day!

That Fall Feeling...

Last night in northwest Alabama a wind blew and I promise it was a good Fall wind. I grew up knowing things like that, smelling rain (I know but you really can), and many other country-type of things...but I love the time of year that is on the way.  I can keep my windows open at night, football season, winter-ish clothes, and well it's just a different feeling. 

It is officially 17 days until Bama kicks off the 2011 season!  When I was a little girl I remember sitting in the living room of my parents house with the sun coming in our huge windows (a blanket over the bottom windows because it put a glare on the TV), the screen door open letting the smell of whatever meat was on the grill come in, and the TV tuned to the Bama game with the sound turned down and Eli on the radio!

Now most of you outside of "Alabama Football" may be scratching your head at who Eli Gold is...but if you are NASCAR fan you have probably heard him.  Eli is like a member of the family during football season.  When I got my first "grown-up" job and was living in Daphne, AL I was able to find Eli on the radio and I knew it was going to be a good day no matter the outcome of the game.  A football game starts when Eli gives his colorful discription of what the "Crimson Tide" is wearing down to the shoes-he describes the game, players, and field so vividly that you can see the game in your mind.  I am very glad to know that his contract has been extended through 2017!

Click on Eli to watch a Youtube Video of Bamea with Eli calling the game against Tennessee

I am currently sitting in my office listening to the radio as I work and I heard my first "University of Alabama Football" Commercial with good ol Eli...it just tells me that that wind I felt last night was the coming of Fall...

Bragging Rights!

I KNOW I am not the "World's Greatest Couponer" by any means, HOWEVER I do feel like I am starting to really grasp the concept! I told Mom today that I think if I had been couponing when I was younger that I probably would have been better at Math! (And I know it would have made my Dad happier as he was a Banker back then!)

So let me brag a little....

Yesterday I got 4 boxes of Hefty One Zip bags in 2 different sizes and here's the breakdown:
Hefty Bags Buy One Get One Free
2 for $3.29 so I got 4 for $6.58
I had 2 coupons that were $1.00 off 2
So that makes it 4 Boxes for $4.58 ($1.15 a piece)

In the mean time I picked up some Expo Markers (for a reason) $3.99
I had a $3.00 Walgreen's Coupon making them $.99
PLUS I had a manufacturers coupon for $2.00 which makes $1.01 MONEYMAKER!! HA!

So with 2 expo markers and the Hefty Bags my bill was at $2.56

I had a $2.00 Walgreen's Register Reward from a previous shopping trip so I paid $.56 (before taxes) for 4 Boxes of Hefty bags and 2 set of 6 Expo Markers!!! :)  YEAH!!!

Tonight at CVS
I had $.50 off Gain Dish Liquid that was on sale for $.99 limit 5!

So on my way home from walking with FAB I stopped at CVS and on the way to the dish liquid I went by the coupon machine and got a coupon for FREE CVS Band aids and a FREE Hershey Bar!  They were out of the band aids that were on sale, but for $.10 more I got 100 band aids instead of just 20! 

So at CVS I got 3 bottles of Gain Dish Liquid (Got a rain check for the other 2-they were out), 1 Box of 100 band aids, and a Hershey candy bar for a total of $1.95!!!! 

YEAH!!!

The "Not-So-Extreme" Couponer

Ok let me start off by saying that I scoffed at the idea when I first heard it!  I mean really? It just couldn't be worth my time...could it? Umm...wellll.........

I did see an episode of "Extreme Couponing" and thought well I can try.  I really would like to not have to get an extra job at the moment, but I will if I have to.  So I thought I would try the couponing thing.  There is a learning curve to this just like anything else.  So I started doing my research...

Somehow I ended up finding the "Krazy Coupon Lady"...

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/

This website is very easy for me to understand.  I took advice and started with CVS and Walgreen's.  They are very close to my house and a limited amount of information to learn to get started. One of the biggest things I have learned it to change my thinking about shopping. I don't shop for what I need immediately.  The goal is to have some of everything in "stock" at my house so to speak.  Now I am NOT going to start putting things in my guest bedroom where I can't walk or anything, but it is great knowing that I have extra shampoo/conditioner, body wash, etc, when I need those things rather than having to come up with $10 here and there to pick the items up! I must say that it was a little thrilling! I can totally understand how people end up buying things they don't even need! 

 

I finally got a printer at my house so that I can print out coupons at home.  So far I have bought Shampoo/Conditioner for $.79-$1.00, Lysol Wipes for $.75 a canister, hand soap for $.65 a bottle, Deo for $.65, toothpaste for $1.00 a tube (which I am told I can do better on) and a few freebies/moneymakers...contact solution FREE, I made $1.01 on Lotion, and Pens for Mom were FREE!  As for give aways I got Dad some Shampoo/Conditioner that he likes for $1.25 and I am on the lookout for other deals! 

 

I am branching out to Publix. I have heard that due to their Buy One Get One Free deals that they are a great place to coupon-PLUS they honor competitor coupons.  SO That will be coming up in future coupon reports...just how do I do with Publix and food items! 

 

WISH ME LUCK!

 

Terrific Tuesday!

Yes ladies and gents today is a Terrific Tuesday!  I am DOWN 2 lbs!!  That is 8 pounds in 2 weeks!  A new personal best!  I did call about a new gym today.  I have learned after the storm that I need the regulation of a gym.  I need to know that I am expected somewhere.  Although I won't have my personal trainer at this gym they do have BodyPump and Zumba classes. Oh and spinning-which I'm not sure I would like.  I have been to BodyPump classes before and loved them so I am pretty sure I would like Zumba, but a bicycle inside...not so sure it's for me.  I need things to be fun!

So I will keep you updated on that front.  Amy may join with me and start shedding a few pounds for the wedding.  She is getting so excited about the wedding-planning is in FULL swing and I am doing my best to field every question she throws at me!

TOMMORROW I am going to share some of my couponing experiences.  It has been a lot of fun and something that I really think I will continue!  Looking forward to it!

Here is your funny for the day!

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!

I have 2 VERY important NEWS Updates!

1st:
In case you haven't been in the know, my Mardi Gras co-horts Amy Ruddock and Michael Hall have gotten engaged!!!  They have picked out there rings and the wedding party.  The ring should be in in a few short weeks (pics to follow) and guess who is the "Old" Maid of Honor!???  That's right-yours truly-the 30 year old! 

2nd:
In case you haven't picked up or logged online to the Tuscaloosa News this morning I thought I would share the picture on the front page:

If you click on the picture it should take you to the article in the paper this morning. Unfortunately the paper doesn't mention me by name it could be because they were mesmerized by my beauty...or it could be because smelled so BAD because I had been in the bowels of the stadium waiting in line for HOURS in what felt like a sauna! 

Because this little event happened to be held ON THE FIELD that's right I checked another item off my list!  Throw a football on the field at Bryant Denny Stadium!  I will post the pictures tomorrow when I get a chance but I just had to share this news today! 

On a side note...

If you have met me you probably know I am not a faint-of-heart type of girl.  My term last night was I am "stocky".  I don't faint at the sight of blood, I love to do yard work or workout because I love to sweat and if there is water around I can play in I am there all day!  But yesterday after church, couponing (a blog post for another day) and the stadium waiting I just got so worn out that I literally almost fainted at dinner!  The sweet young waitress at the Tuscaloosa location of Mellow Mushroom was just so helpful!  I think I scared my friends to death-luckily for all of us I didn't pass out completely but came VERY close!  I rallied and we went on to have a great dinner and wedding talk!!  I love you guys-thanks for taking such great care of me-and I still promise that it won't happen again!!