Currently....

I feel like time is moving so fast - we are already in April tomorrow, and I feel like we just got through the holidays.  I need things to slow down, just a bit.  There are so many things going on right now, I thought a good Currently post would help me focus on what is happening today, rather then worrying about the future. 

Currently I'm...

Reading:  "Uganda Be Kidding Me" by Chelsea Handler.  This is my first Chelsea book (shocking, I know) but I am enjoying it.  The things she gets herself in to are pretty funny to read about.  A good, no-thinker book.  I also just read "Reconstructing Amelia", which was great!

Writing:  Besides this post, I am putting together stories about my time in Japan for you.  The tricky part is remembering the details, and getting my pictures and souvenirs from my Mom's house.  I want it to be finished before publishing the first.  I find myself adding to posts, switching things from one to the other, so it's taking quite a bit more time than I originally thought!

Listening:  Nothing.  It's silent - which is a rare but special treat in my house.  The girl's are at their nanny's house!

Thinking:  About all sorts of things.  E's school registration, our house selling, finding a new one, work - just to name a few.

Wishing:  That our house would sell already.  We've had a lot of activity, so hopefully soon.  It's hard keeping it so clean with two littles and a dog - who freaks out every time he has to get in the car for a showing.  Poor guy!

Hoping:  That once our house sells, we will be able to find our perfect next home.  This next one we will be in for awhile, so it has a lot of pressure to be what we want.

Loving:  The warmer temperatures lately.  60 today and tomorrow!  Although I don't like in between temps (hot or cold only please!), this is a sign that summer is on it's way.

Wanting:  For a smooth month of no spending, starting tomorrow.  (More on this tomorrow)  I need a lot of luck in this area. 

Needing:  A little time to myself, that doesn't involve anything but a book, wine and a bubble bath. 

Eating/Drinking:  I just ate a granola bar, and currently drinking water.  No coffee for this girl! 

What are you currently up to? 

Blogger Love v.34

I finally got back in to the swing of things as far as blogging goes this week.  I finally caught up!  And that means I have some favorites to share with you this week.  Let's get right to it, shall we?

"Sharing Pregnancy on the Internet" by Sage.  I've touched on this subject before, and Cassie explains it even more.  As I said to her, my number one job in life is to protect my babies, and I feel that for us, not sharing their information online is what's best for our family.

"Why I'm Ditching the Scale" by the Rambling Llama.  Melissa is so right - we need to stop verifying ourselves based on a number on the scale.  I am guilty of this - what the scale says can make or break my day.  Instead of focusing on a number, I should be focusing on how I feel and how my clothes are fitting differently.

"Why I Follow Your Instagram" by Helene in Between.  Helene is starting an Instagram Challenge for the month of April - something that I hope will help me better about posting there.  Check it out and join us!

"10 TV Shows to Binge Watch on Netflix Right Now" by Hello Rigby!  Not that I need more television in my life (my dvr is currently overflowing!), but I'm always on the hunt for shows that my husband and I can watch together - there aren't many that we would both like.  Jenn has some good suggestions for girly binges and shows that we might be able to watch together (The Killing and Lost).

So there we have it for this week.  What were some of your favorite posts by bloggers other than yourself?  Link up below and tell us!

An InLinkz Link-up

Don't forget about my reader survey and giveaway!  There are two days left to enter for a $25 Amazon giftcard!

Have a great Friday and weekend everyone - I hope it's starting to feel like Spring in your neck of the woods!

Winning the Lottery

Don't get too excited, I didn't really win anything.  Although if I had, I'm not sure you would hear about it here for quite some time, if ever.  There are a few reasons for this - I'm not one to talk openly about money, especially on the internet where anyone can read what I write.  Also, well, because you have to play the lottery to win - and I maybe buy one ticket a year.  But that doesn't stop me from dreaming about what I could do with all of the winnings!

|| First, I would take the cash option and invest it myself.  I don't trust Illinois to pay me every year for 50 years or whatever it is.  They can barely give me my tax refund each year.

|| I would set up accounts in each of the girls' names, my soon to be niece, and few extras for future nieces/nephews.  It would pay for college of course, but also pay them a modest amount each month once they turn 18.  Not enough to live on, but enough to not have to worry if they fall on hard times.  I would still insist on them learning to take care of themselves, and how to work for a living.

|| After that is taken care of, I would absolutely charter a jet, fill it with our closest friends, and go on a crazy vacation.  I'd take over a lavish resort somewhere and just go all out.  Drinks, dinner, outings, everything!  I'd also hire nannies to go along so we could all take our kids, but still enjoy evenings out.

|| My house that's for sale?  Oh yea, I'd just pay it off and donate it.  Then we could move to the area we want to be in, before Kindergarten starts in the fall.  Paying in cash, of course.  I'd probably hire a decorator and contractor and make the new house exactly how I want it.  (Did someone say gourmet kitchen and huge whirlpool tub?  Oh yea, that was my dreams coming through.)

|| I'd send my Dad and step-mom to Europe, all first class.  He'd get to see Wales, Germany, anywhere he wants.  A small token of saying thanks for putting me through college.

|| I'd buy my Mom and step-dad whatever house they wanted.  They wouldn't have to worry about selling, because I'd just pay for their current house and then donate it to an animal rescue place in Cedar Rapids.

|| I'd buy both of my parents places near us, so they can come visit any time they wanted, and stay as long as they wanted to.

|| Speaking of donating, I would get involved with a few charities and research organizations to see how they operate before making any kind of financial commitment.  I've worked in non-profits my entire professional career and want to be sure that I am making a true investment that will be used for it's intended purpose.

 Of course, I'd pinch myself a few times, go shopping (more than a few times!) and say thanks every day for my wonderful blessing.

It's Wednesday, so of course I'm linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.  To be superficial, I really wish to win the lottery.  Writing out these plans makes me wish I could follow through! I also wish that you fill out my reader survey and enter the giveaway - found here.

What's first on your list if you won the lottery?

A Blogiversary, Reader Survey and Giveaway - Oh My!

Happy Monday Everyone!  This month is a big one for All the Joys - exactly one year ago, I was in the process of beginning this little space of mine.  I was choosing a design, figuring out the crazy tech stuff (that I still don't understand), locking down my social media accounts - and on March 30, I hit publish on my very first post.  I've come a long way since then, and I know there are so many more opportunities to take advantage of.

To celebrate, I wanted to reflect on the last year, and see where my opportunities lay for the future.  This is where you come in.  I have a very quick Reader Survey that I would love some feedback on.  As a reward - the password for a $25 Amazon giftcard giveaway will be given at the end.  (Along with another surprise!)

I am looking forward to taking your feedback and merging them with my blogging goals.  I honestly never thought that I would be here a whole year later, and now I can't imagine not coming to this space, to each of you.

You can find the survey here.  Thank you, and Good Luck with the giveaway!

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