Monday, December 12
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me!
Wednesday, November 30
Christmas is coming!
Well, the tree is up and gifts are being wrapped. Before too long Christmas will be here!
Tuesday, November 29
Going Shopping
Friday, November 25, on the biggest shopping day of the year, Buzz, his mom, his sister, and I decided to go shopping. We were among the large (slightly insane) crowds (or mobs, depending on the store) shopping.
The day began at 7 am at his parents’ house. Once we had gathered and had our caffeine, we headed out to Wal-Mart, the first stop of the day.
We went looking for several items, one of which was moon shoes for his nephew. As we approached the toy isle, his mom and sister took the left isles while we took the right isles. After an exhausted search of the left isles, we joined them in the right isle. We looked everywhere. Sad to say, but there were no moon shoes.
Finally we caught a clear and asked if there were any shoes left. We found out that the entire stack of shoes had been demolished and none were left.
For those of you wondering how the story ends, yes, we did find the moon shoes. Specifically, Buzz found the shoes. After the toy isle we all separated to do various other shopping. After 20 minutes we gathered at the check out lanes (which, to our amazement, there were no lines). I walked right up to Buzz's mom and sister, but Buzz wasn't there. No sooner did I arrive and he showed up carrying the moon shoes.
Now, I realize he 'said' they put new more out. But we all heard the clerk tell us there were no shoes left. So where did the shoes come from? Humm...
All I keep picturing is some poor, accosted child with big, sad eyes with no moon shoes for Christmas. :)
The day began at 7 am at his parents’ house. Once we had gathered and had our caffeine, we headed out to Wal-Mart, the first stop of the day.
We went looking for several items, one of which was moon shoes for his nephew. As we approached the toy isle, his mom and sister took the left isles while we took the right isles. After an exhausted search of the left isles, we joined them in the right isle. We looked everywhere. Sad to say, but there were no moon shoes.
Finally we caught a clear and asked if there were any shoes left. We found out that the entire stack of shoes had been demolished and none were left.
For those of you wondering how the story ends, yes, we did find the moon shoes. Specifically, Buzz found the shoes. After the toy isle we all separated to do various other shopping. After 20 minutes we gathered at the check out lanes (which, to our amazement, there were no lines). I walked right up to Buzz's mom and sister, but Buzz wasn't there. No sooner did I arrive and he showed up carrying the moon shoes.
Now, I realize he 'said' they put new more out. But we all heard the clerk tell us there were no shoes left. So where did the shoes come from? Humm...
All I keep picturing is some poor, accosted child with big, sad eyes with no moon shoes for Christmas. :)
Thanksgiving
This year for Thanksgiving I forwent my family's holiday traditions. Instead of spending the holiday with my family, Buzz and I flew north to spend time with his family (this would be the first time for me to meet his family).
We flew out on Wednesday night. I don't really like flying so I always imagine the worst thing that could happen. Of course it doesn't help when the plane has problems with the front door closing. Apparently the front door was closed, but the light that verifies it is closed was not working. The light showed the door as being open. The pilot reassured us that the door was closed (has anyone seen Final Destination...where the plain explodes?). The pilot’s words were not that reassuring. Once the light finally acknowledged that the door was closed, we took off. (I continued to see the plane explode in Final Destination.) The take off wasn't bad, but the landing was a bit rocky. First of all, the crosswinds were bad...the plane shook like a leaf coming down. And then we landed on one wheel (thank you Buzz for not telling me that until the next day :) ).
Thursday morning we headed to Buzz's parents around 10 am (yeah for sleeping in!). We chatted while Buzz prepared the turkey (very impressive by the way) and while he cut all the potatoes. Around one pm, Buzz's sister, brother -in-law, niece and nephews arrived. Shortly thereafter, Buzz, his sister, and I headed to pick up Grandma.
As an aside, when Buzz is home he doesn't go by his nickname; he goes by his given name, John. His dad is goes by Buzz. I didn't think that would be a big deal, but it took a bit to get used to hearing Buzz being called John. Every time I heard the name Buzz, I associated the story or comment first with my boyfriend. I would quickly realize the story went with my boyfriend’s Dad. By the afternoon, I had finally gotten use to the name change.
Back to the story…once we arrived home with Grandma, we chatted a bit longer while the turkey cooked. We finally decided to bring out the board games. Buzz and I played Clue with his nephews (of which, yours truly won :) ). Once we finished Clue, we played Cadoo. Shortly after we finished each game, we were all ready to eat. There was tons of good food, cranberry Jell-O dish, corn bread casserole, turkey, dressing, rolls, gravy, potatoes, just to name a few. And once dinner had settled, it was time for pie. I got to eat my favorite pie...pumpkin pie. Yumm!
The evening ended only after watching the holiday favorite, Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving. And that was Thanksgiving this year. Happy Thanksgiving!
We flew out on Wednesday night. I don't really like flying so I always imagine the worst thing that could happen. Of course it doesn't help when the plane has problems with the front door closing. Apparently the front door was closed, but the light that verifies it is closed was not working. The light showed the door as being open. The pilot reassured us that the door was closed (has anyone seen Final Destination...where the plain explodes?). The pilot’s words were not that reassuring. Once the light finally acknowledged that the door was closed, we took off. (I continued to see the plane explode in Final Destination.) The take off wasn't bad, but the landing was a bit rocky. First of all, the crosswinds were bad...the plane shook like a leaf coming down. And then we landed on one wheel (thank you Buzz for not telling me that until the next day :) ).
Thursday morning we headed to Buzz's parents around 10 am (yeah for sleeping in!). We chatted while Buzz prepared the turkey (very impressive by the way) and while he cut all the potatoes. Around one pm, Buzz's sister, brother -in-law, niece and nephews arrived. Shortly thereafter, Buzz, his sister, and I headed to pick up Grandma.
As an aside, when Buzz is home he doesn't go by his nickname; he goes by his given name, John. His dad is goes by Buzz. I didn't think that would be a big deal, but it took a bit to get used to hearing Buzz being called John. Every time I heard the name Buzz, I associated the story or comment first with my boyfriend. I would quickly realize the story went with my boyfriend’s Dad. By the afternoon, I had finally gotten use to the name change.
Back to the story…once we arrived home with Grandma, we chatted a bit longer while the turkey cooked. We finally decided to bring out the board games. Buzz and I played Clue with his nephews (of which, yours truly won :) ). Once we finished Clue, we played Cadoo. Shortly after we finished each game, we were all ready to eat. There was tons of good food, cranberry Jell-O dish, corn bread casserole, turkey, dressing, rolls, gravy, potatoes, just to name a few. And once dinner had settled, it was time for pie. I got to eat my favorite pie...pumpkin pie. Yumm!
The evening ended only after watching the holiday favorite, Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving. And that was Thanksgiving this year. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 17
Tuesday, November 8
News of the Day
In Denver, Deborah Hale, 48, has placed an ad on eBay offering to sell her home to a compatible man who wants to spend his life with her. The deadline for bidding is Valentine's Day. ~ Associated Press
Friday, November 4
Thursday, November 3
Did you know?
Popping or cracking your knuckles does not cause arthritis, enlarged joints, or other problems, according to the University of California Berkeley. The sound results from the release of gas in the joint fluid; the gas forms a bubble that collapses and produces a harmless pop.
Dad is published
The company dad works for publishes a company wide newletter quarterly. Dad writings have finally been published!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diversity in the Dallas FCO: One person’s perspective
What a difference five years has made in the Dallas FCO! Today, the office is a lot busier than it was when I first started. It’s literally buzzing with activity: employees talk across the aisle, share ideas, and use each other as sounding boards. What has made such a tremendous difference?
I can answer that in one word: Diversity. We now are part of a culture that celebrates it, encourages it, and embraces it. The leaves are no longer strewn about, but are connected to a living—and thriving—family tree. We are connected to each other by the branches of respect, and our roots penetrate deeply into a fertile soil of appreciation for the differences that spur our growth.
At our office, management has dedicated one wall to our Family Tree. On it, employees have placed leaves representing parts of their lives. Pictures of family and pets, poems, news articles, and artwork by children cover the wall. There are pictures of soldiers ready for battle, children sporting their Sunday smiles, crayon drawings of Mommy and Daddy, reminders of faith, and remembrances of the past. Any one of them could represent your family or mine. Despite the different families and cultures, you can see the common threads that bind us together.
Where once we were many, we are now one. We support the same goals, and seek to extend our branches to others so that we may all be complete. For we believe that the spirit now driving our world has the power to permeate MetLife, and carry us into the future.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diversity in the Dallas FCO: One person’s perspective
What a difference five years has made in the Dallas FCO! Today, the office is a lot busier than it was when I first started. It’s literally buzzing with activity: employees talk across the aisle, share ideas, and use each other as sounding boards. What has made such a tremendous difference?
I can answer that in one word: Diversity. We now are part of a culture that celebrates it, encourages it, and embraces it. The leaves are no longer strewn about, but are connected to a living—and thriving—family tree. We are connected to each other by the branches of respect, and our roots penetrate deeply into a fertile soil of appreciation for the differences that spur our growth.
At our office, management has dedicated one wall to our Family Tree. On it, employees have placed leaves representing parts of their lives. Pictures of family and pets, poems, news articles, and artwork by children cover the wall. There are pictures of soldiers ready for battle, children sporting their Sunday smiles, crayon drawings of Mommy and Daddy, reminders of faith, and remembrances of the past. Any one of them could represent your family or mine. Despite the different families and cultures, you can see the common threads that bind us together.
Where once we were many, we are now one. We support the same goals, and seek to extend our branches to others so that we may all be complete. For we believe that the spirit now driving our world has the power to permeate MetLife, and carry us into the future.
Tuesday, November 1
Halloween
This year Halloween started off with storms. Half way through the morning dark clouds rolled into skies. The clouds entrance was noted by rolling thunder that shook the entire building. Shortly after the clouds' entrance, the skies had opened up and decided to pour down rain. This was not looking good for the evening trick or treaters.
Though it stormed and rained most of the day, mid way through the afternoon the rain slowly stopped. By the time five o'clock rolled around, things had dried off. The rain left cloudy skies and a sharp, cold wind...all perfect for Halloween night.
Trick or treaters began knocking at the front door shortly after five. I had barely walked in the door when the door bell rang. The first group of kids was young and all excited to find a house giving away candy. The second group of trick or treaters decided to try to scare me as I opened the door. I was greeted with six kids screaming at the top of their lungs.
Most of the evening was spent at the neighbors' house. We spent the evening eating goodies, chatting, and passing out candy. Two of my neighbors decided to walk the alleys in an effort to scare as many children as possible (of which, they were proud to say they got one). While they wondered the neighborhood, the rest of us gathered around the front door to watch the children and their various costumes.
Costumes of the year....The cutest costume goes to the Miss Care Bear. The scariest goes to the Mr. Death (who arrived at the door several times...he seemed to be a popular costume this year).
Funniest kid goes to...my neighbors' house wasn't decorated too much. They had cobwebs hung on the bushes and a skeleton hung on one of the planters. (It was a skeleton we had gotten when her husband turned 50 several weeks back.) Well, one of the trick or treaters, a young girl, walked up to the door without even noticing the skeleton. She was maybe four years old and just excited to be out and about. As she turned to walk away, she turned straight into the skeleton and screamed. For a split second she thought it was real. When she realized that it wasn't, she turned and had a big smile on her face.
Though it stormed and rained most of the day, mid way through the afternoon the rain slowly stopped. By the time five o'clock rolled around, things had dried off. The rain left cloudy skies and a sharp, cold wind...all perfect for Halloween night.
Trick or treaters began knocking at the front door shortly after five. I had barely walked in the door when the door bell rang. The first group of kids was young and all excited to find a house giving away candy. The second group of trick or treaters decided to try to scare me as I opened the door. I was greeted with six kids screaming at the top of their lungs.
Most of the evening was spent at the neighbors' house. We spent the evening eating goodies, chatting, and passing out candy. Two of my neighbors decided to walk the alleys in an effort to scare as many children as possible (of which, they were proud to say they got one). While they wondered the neighborhood, the rest of us gathered around the front door to watch the children and their various costumes.
Costumes of the year....The cutest costume goes to the Miss Care Bear. The scariest goes to the Mr. Death (who arrived at the door several times...he seemed to be a popular costume this year).
Funniest kid goes to...my neighbors' house wasn't decorated too much. They had cobwebs hung on the bushes and a skeleton hung on one of the planters. (It was a skeleton we had gotten when her husband turned 50 several weeks back.) Well, one of the trick or treaters, a young girl, walked up to the door without even noticing the skeleton. She was maybe four years old and just excited to be out and about. As she turned to walk away, she turned straight into the skeleton and screamed. For a split second she thought it was real. When she realized that it wasn't, she turned and had a big smile on her face.
Monday, October 31
Question of the day...
Any one know where this quote is from...
"I buried myself for a hundred years to get away from you. Can't you take a hint?"
"I buried myself for a hundred years to get away from you. Can't you take a hint?"
Friday, October 28
A smile for your day...
Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark...
ONE: Don't miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN (and my personal favorite): Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ONE: Don't miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN (and my personal favorite): Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Thursday, October 27
Monarch Butterflies
Last week at work, we were visited by dozens of Monarch Butterflies. Outside of my office there are several large bushes. Periodically throughout the year small white flowers appear. This year the blooms attracted Butterflies. In the first picture, you can see one butterfly well; but if you look closely, you'll see several more.
Quote of the Day...
Never put off until tomorrow what can be avoided altogether. ~ advice columnist Ann Landers.
Friday, October 21
Pet Peeve of the Day
Why must people talk on the cell phone while using the restroom? The stressed word is using (if you get my drift). That annoys me! Put the cell phone down when you enter a restroom! Some things in life should just remain a mystery. It is just not right!
Joke of the day
So how many women are needed to change the ink cartridge on a fax machine?
Four. One to do the job. Three to give their opinion of the job.
Four. One to do the job. Three to give their opinion of the job.
Wednesday, October 5
A Blonde Moment
Every morning I grab my lunch box and fill it up with food for the day. Today was no exception, but I didn't do quite as well as I thought I had.
This morning I decided to have chicken tortellini for dinner (last week I had made too much so I froze several containers…yumm! homemade frozen dinners!). Out of the freezer I grabbed a plastic container and put it in my lunch box.
When I reached in the freezer to grab my dinner, I was supposed to grab the plastic container that held my leftover chicken tortellini. I have come to realize that I did not grab my wonderful frozen dinner. Come dinner time, I go to grab my wonderful chicken tortellini from my lunch bag (it was really good last week) and it's not there. I had not grabbed my pasta. Instead I had grabbed a container with frozen chicken in it. Opps!
This morning I decided to have chicken tortellini for dinner (last week I had made too much so I froze several containers…yumm! homemade frozen dinners!). Out of the freezer I grabbed a plastic container and put it in my lunch box.
When I reached in the freezer to grab my dinner, I was supposed to grab the plastic container that held my leftover chicken tortellini. I have come to realize that I did not grab my wonderful frozen dinner. Come dinner time, I go to grab my wonderful chicken tortellini from my lunch bag (it was really good last week) and it's not there. I had not grabbed my pasta. Instead I had grabbed a container with frozen chicken in it. Opps!
Monday, October 3
Our fellow drivers
The other day I got stuck behind an SUV. Now why was I stuck? That's a good question and the answer is quite simple. The woman behind the wheel of the most expensive and most large SUV could not drive the vehicle. There were two forces working against the SUV driver. One, the vehicle was too large for her drive. Two, she was afraid that her poor vehicle might get hurt (and trust me, that was not possible since she wouldn't cross the intersection if a car was within three miles).
So there are two questions left...why do people (women in particular) buy vehicles that they can not drive? Also, why pay so much money for something that you are afraid to use?
So there are two questions left...why do people (women in particular) buy vehicles that they can not drive? Also, why pay so much money for something that you are afraid to use?
Wednesday, September 28
Tuesday, September 27
Oktoberfest
This past weekend Oktoberfest began in Alamogordo, NM.
For those of you who don't know, Alamogordo is home to one of the German air force bases. For the past 9 years, the Germans to have hosted Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest began shortly after three pm on Saturday. After missing the first bus, we all patiently waited for the second bus (some sarcasms intended). Once we boarded the bus, we were off to the air force base. When you arrive, you are herded through metal detectors. Once you make it through the entrance, you are given a beer mug. From there you walk straight over to the beer stand (or wine stand) to get something to drink. From the time you arrive to the time you leave, you don't stop drinking (certainly if people keep filling up your drink for you - thanks Dr. Rod! :) ).
So who all was there...you had me, the guys, and Buzz's coworkers.
Needless to say with that crowd there were plenty of stories told, a few confessions made, and new stories made. Two noteworthy stories concerned odd things done in a tennis court and nights spent singing karaoke. Several adventures made include the life altering experience for a random German chic (this moment also now stands in the top three best life moments for Dr. Rod), a certain someone getting sick on the way back to the hotel, and hitchhiking a ride back to the hotel after leaving the bus to get sick.
For those of you who don't know, Alamogordo is home to one of the German air force bases. For the past 9 years, the Germans to have hosted Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest began shortly after three pm on Saturday. After missing the first bus, we all patiently waited for the second bus (some sarcasms intended). Once we boarded the bus, we were off to the air force base. When you arrive, you are herded through metal detectors. Once you make it through the entrance, you are given a beer mug. From there you walk straight over to the beer stand (or wine stand) to get something to drink. From the time you arrive to the time you leave, you don't stop drinking (certainly if people keep filling up your drink for you - thanks Dr. Rod! :) ).
So who all was there...you had me, the guys, and Buzz's coworkers.
Needless to say with that crowd there were plenty of stories told, a few confessions made, and new stories made. Two noteworthy stories concerned odd things done in a tennis court and nights spent singing karaoke. Several adventures made include the life altering experience for a random German chic (this moment also now stands in the top three best life moments for Dr. Rod), a certain someone getting sick on the way back to the hotel, and hitchhiking a ride back to the hotel after leaving the bus to get sick.
Other Weekend Sidenotes
I flew in Friday morning to El Paso and was shortly thereafter greeted by Buzz. The guys were driving in and would arrive around midnight (small side note - who drives ten hours on a non-holiday weekend???).
We were all graciously provided with the weekend schedule ahead of time. The activities began Saturday morning at 7 am, ran through Saturday evening, and ended after the football games on Sunday (Go Cowboys - they won again!).
First Planned Activity: Watching the Balloon Fest
At 7 am Buzz and I were at Plateau Espresso ready to watch the hot air balloons launch from around the town. (And it does have to be said that Junior was up and there at 7 am. Where were the guys?) While we waited for the guys and for the balloons to launch, we chatted with one of Buzz's coworkers, her son, and Buzz's boss.
The balloons began taking off around 8 from two different locations in Alamogordo. One by one each was aired up and took off. The only interesting balloon was a large red cat. The cat sparked lots of conversation. Why? Because all that could be seen was the back of a balloon and two ears. After much debate as to what the balloon was, the balloon finally began to turn and we were able to see the front side. It was a cat winking at us.
After the balloons extravaganza, we had time to waste and drove up to the Space Museum. There were two moments to make note of. One moment was the flight game. There we learned that women make better pilots. :) The second was the children's area. Apparently, the area is more fun as an adult (though the term adult is used loosely).
Second Planned Activity: Cookout at Las Ventanas
The afternoon was spent watching football and grilling. There are those who are still grieving Purdue's loss in the second overtime (during which Buzz disappeared for an hour and 15 minutes ;) ).
Third Planned Activity: Oktoberfest
See Next Post
We were all graciously provided with the weekend schedule ahead of time. The activities began Saturday morning at 7 am, ran through Saturday evening, and ended after the football games on Sunday (Go Cowboys - they won again!).
First Planned Activity: Watching the Balloon Fest
At 7 am Buzz and I were at Plateau Espresso ready to watch the hot air balloons launch from around the town. (And it does have to be said that Junior was up and there at 7 am. Where were the guys?) While we waited for the guys and for the balloons to launch, we chatted with one of Buzz's coworkers, her son, and Buzz's boss.
The balloons began taking off around 8 from two different locations in Alamogordo. One by one each was aired up and took off. The only interesting balloon was a large red cat. The cat sparked lots of conversation. Why? Because all that could be seen was the back of a balloon and two ears. After much debate as to what the balloon was, the balloon finally began to turn and we were able to see the front side. It was a cat winking at us.
After the balloons extravaganza, we had time to waste and drove up to the Space Museum. There were two moments to make note of. One moment was the flight game. There we learned that women make better pilots. :) The second was the children's area. Apparently, the area is more fun as an adult (though the term adult is used loosely).
Second Planned Activity: Cookout at Las Ventanas
The afternoon was spent watching football and grilling. There are those who are still grieving Purdue's loss in the second overtime (during which Buzz disappeared for an hour and 15 minutes ;) ).
Third Planned Activity: Oktoberfest
See Next Post
Monday, September 26
A Twist of Fate
Hurricane Rita has finally hit. Several of my extended family members found themselves evacuating and then riding out the storm.
My Aunt and her family left on Wednesday from Houston. The plan was for them to drive north and stay with my grandparents. The plan didn't work. Why? Massage amounts of traffic. After 24 hours on the road, they had made it only 100 miles. Now they were exhausted, hungry and running out of gas. At that point, the decision was made to turn around and head south. Instead of heading to my grandparent’s house, my Aunt decided to drive to her in-laws house.
Eventually my Aunt arrived at her in-laws house. Everyone was ready for some R&R. And did rest come? No. Why? The evening they arrived my aunt's mother-in-law had a heart attack. If my cousin Danny had not been there she would have died. My cousin Danny preformed CPR. Once the paramedics arrived, they were able to jump start her heart. Without the CPR that my Aunt's mother-in-law received, she would not have made that night.
My Aunt and her family left on Wednesday from Houston. The plan was for them to drive north and stay with my grandparents. The plan didn't work. Why? Massage amounts of traffic. After 24 hours on the road, they had made it only 100 miles. Now they were exhausted, hungry and running out of gas. At that point, the decision was made to turn around and head south. Instead of heading to my grandparent’s house, my Aunt decided to drive to her in-laws house.
Eventually my Aunt arrived at her in-laws house. Everyone was ready for some R&R. And did rest come? No. Why? The evening they arrived my aunt's mother-in-law had a heart attack. If my cousin Danny had not been there she would have died. My cousin Danny preformed CPR. Once the paramedics arrived, they were able to jump start her heart. Without the CPR that my Aunt's mother-in-law received, she would not have made that night.
Wednesday, September 21
Quote of the Day...
"Through the years I have found it wonderful to acquire, but it is also wonderful to divest. It's rather like exhaling."
~Actress Helen Hayes
~Actress Helen Hayes
A little spring cleaning
Granted it is fall, but it's time for a little spring cleaning.
Every fall I find myself ready to get rid of the old and make room for the new. And this year will not be exception. So far I am doing pretty well, but I have to confess something. The only reason I'm actually getting rid of things this year is because I have someone looking over my shoulder saying, "When will you ever use THAT again?" For example, the other day I began going through several piles of things. I had managed to go through most of my clothes. I was getting rid of anything that had not been worn in the last several months or that no longer fit. Then I came along to my decades clothing...things kept for parties and such. My first instinct was to keep my old costumes; but I have to admit, I haven't worn any of it in a few years and do not see myself wearing any of it in the near future. It all went in 'good bye' pile.
I now have two large boxes and one bag of things going to Good Will. As the pile grows, I find myself amazed at how I ever managed to fit it all in my closet!
Every fall I find myself ready to get rid of the old and make room for the new. And this year will not be exception. So far I am doing pretty well, but I have to confess something. The only reason I'm actually getting rid of things this year is because I have someone looking over my shoulder saying, "When will you ever use THAT again?" For example, the other day I began going through several piles of things. I had managed to go through most of my clothes. I was getting rid of anything that had not been worn in the last several months or that no longer fit. Then I came along to my decades clothing...things kept for parties and such. My first instinct was to keep my old costumes; but I have to admit, I haven't worn any of it in a few years and do not see myself wearing any of it in the near future. It all went in 'good bye' pile.
I now have two large boxes and one bag of things going to Good Will. As the pile grows, I find myself amazed at how I ever managed to fit it all in my closet!
Sunday, September 11
A little bit of heaven
Every once in a while it's nice to have a treat, something you haven't had in a while. Today's treat was homemade blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup. How can you ever go wrong when two great things like blueberries and pancakes are put together?
Monday, August 29
Ikea
I made it to Ikea! Believe it or not, I was not the first to Ikea...Dad was. The first weekend Ikea opened, Dad was there. Who would have thought? This is the same man who only goes to a Mall for 'emergencies' because he hates the crowds. The 'emergency' that got him to Ikea was the need for a new office chair. When Dad went, there was not a vacant parking spot in the 1,000 plus spots. To find extra parking, you had to follow the parking signs down and around to the mall. And after you parked, walked forever in the 100 degree heat, and made it inside the store, it was a maze of people!
The second weekend of there opening, I drove past Ikea. I just wanted to see how bad it was. In driving by the store, you hit traffic. There are three entrances and exits, but apparently everyone has to use one!
I was able to make it two and half weeks later in the middle of the week. A couple of times a year, we have staff development days. These days are special for one reason. You get to leave work by 2:30. Since me and my girlfriend now had time to spare, we decided it was time to visit Ikea.
You will all be very proud of me. I spent under $10 and that was for Swedish coffee. It was so much fun to walk through. Ikea is every home decorators dream (I saw too many things that I wanted and nothing that I needed). To end the wonderful adventure, we stopped at Ikea's cafeteria. They had the best apple pie. The trip was worth the apple pie!
The second weekend of there opening, I drove past Ikea. I just wanted to see how bad it was. In driving by the store, you hit traffic. There are three entrances and exits, but apparently everyone has to use one!
I was able to make it two and half weeks later in the middle of the week. A couple of times a year, we have staff development days. These days are special for one reason. You get to leave work by 2:30. Since me and my girlfriend now had time to spare, we decided it was time to visit Ikea.
You will all be very proud of me. I spent under $10 and that was for Swedish coffee. It was so much fun to walk through. Ikea is every home decorators dream (I saw too many things that I wanted and nothing that I needed). To end the wonderful adventure, we stopped at Ikea's cafeteria. They had the best apple pie. The trip was worth the apple pie!
Friday, August 26
Quote of the Day...
Though I am not a coffee drinker, I thought this was good.
"I can never take for granted the euphoria produced by a cup of coffee. I'm grateful every day that it isn't banned as a drug." writer Anita Loos
"I can never take for granted the euphoria produced by a cup of coffee. I'm grateful every day that it isn't banned as a drug." writer Anita Loos
Tuesday, August 23
License Plates
I love the unique saying drivers put on their license plates. For example, driving to a friend's apartment the other day I got behind a Toyota Tacoma Pick up. The Texas license plate read 'Ah Ya No.' Of course, all Texans say that. :)
Tuesday, August 9
My weekend
This past weekend I had the chance to visit New Mexico. My trip began by flying to El Paso late Thursday night. After many delays, my flight finally landed at the great airport of El Paso around 10:30. After picking up my bags, I was ready to head to Alamogordo, NM – my home for the next few days. Shortly after one am Texas time, we arrived in Alamogordo.
Friday morning came too quickly. At seven am, the alarm clock went off. Since we had a lot planned for Friday, we were up and at ‘em. Okay truth be told, I was up and at ‘em a little after seven. By 8:30, we were ready, had eaten breakfast, and were on the road to Carlsbad Caverns. Carlsbad is about 3 ½ hours from Alamogordo. And just our luck, it rained most of way there. But the mountains and plains were beautiful to see, even if it was raining. By noon we had arrived at Carlsbad Caverns and were eating lunch at their restaurant.
By 12:30 we were ready to hit the trials. We had decided to walk down the Natural Entrance into the Main Corridor and down to the Big Room. It was about a three hour hike/walk. You enter the cave through the Natural Entrance. As you walk down the Natural Entrance, you descend 750 feet by following steep, narrow trails until you enter the Main Corridor. At the Main Corridor, the cave begins to open wider. Right before you get to the Big Room, you walk past the Hall of Giants. The Hall of Giants is home to several large stalagmites called the Giant Dome and Twin Domes. As you pass the mighty stalagmites, you enter the Big Room, the largest room in the cave. Three hours later we emerged from the Caverns onto the surface of the Earth. And may it be said, thank goodness for elevators! What a hike it would have been to walk all the way back up!
Saturday we went to Cloudcroft, NM. The first stop was at the Cloudcroft Lodge where we had lunch at Rebecca’s. Rebecca’s is named after one of the early residents to the lodge. Story has it that she worked at the lodge. Well, she was engaged to a young gent. Unfortunately, the young gent found her in the arms of another man. After the incident, Rebecca was never seen again. Many believe that Rebecca still lives at the lodge. Doors are found opened that should have been closed; lights are found off that were on just a minute ago; and drinks are moved across the bar. Since her spirit seems to live on at the lodge, the restaurant took her name and has since been Rebecca’s.
The room we ate lunch in was a large sunroom. Through stain glassed windows, you overlooked the mountains. It was absolutely gorgeous!
After lunch, we headed into town for shopping. Along the main strip were various stores…jewelry stores, antique stores, craft stores, toy stores, candy stores, just to name a few. It was a lot of fun, even if it did to start pour down rain as we shopped.
That evening (after we had warmed up and were dry again) we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant just outside of Alamogordo. It was really good. There is nothing like good tacos! On our way home, we saw a beautiful rainbow over the mountains. If only we would have had a camera!
Sunday I got up and packed all of my things. After we had lunch at Chili’s (who can resist their chocolate frosty!), I was off to the airport. The weekend was over. It was time to head back to Texas.
Friday morning came too quickly. At seven am, the alarm clock went off. Since we had a lot planned for Friday, we were up and at ‘em. Okay truth be told, I was up and at ‘em a little after seven. By 8:30, we were ready, had eaten breakfast, and were on the road to Carlsbad Caverns. Carlsbad is about 3 ½ hours from Alamogordo. And just our luck, it rained most of way there. But the mountains and plains were beautiful to see, even if it was raining. By noon we had arrived at Carlsbad Caverns and were eating lunch at their restaurant.
By 12:30 we were ready to hit the trials. We had decided to walk down the Natural Entrance into the Main Corridor and down to the Big Room. It was about a three hour hike/walk. You enter the cave through the Natural Entrance. As you walk down the Natural Entrance, you descend 750 feet by following steep, narrow trails until you enter the Main Corridor. At the Main Corridor, the cave begins to open wider. Right before you get to the Big Room, you walk past the Hall of Giants. The Hall of Giants is home to several large stalagmites called the Giant Dome and Twin Domes. As you pass the mighty stalagmites, you enter the Big Room, the largest room in the cave. Three hours later we emerged from the Caverns onto the surface of the Earth. And may it be said, thank goodness for elevators! What a hike it would have been to walk all the way back up!
Saturday we went to Cloudcroft, NM. The first stop was at the Cloudcroft Lodge where we had lunch at Rebecca’s. Rebecca’s is named after one of the early residents to the lodge. Story has it that she worked at the lodge. Well, she was engaged to a young gent. Unfortunately, the young gent found her in the arms of another man. After the incident, Rebecca was never seen again. Many believe that Rebecca still lives at the lodge. Doors are found opened that should have been closed; lights are found off that were on just a minute ago; and drinks are moved across the bar. Since her spirit seems to live on at the lodge, the restaurant took her name and has since been Rebecca’s.
The room we ate lunch in was a large sunroom. Through stain glassed windows, you overlooked the mountains. It was absolutely gorgeous!
After lunch, we headed into town for shopping. Along the main strip were various stores…jewelry stores, antique stores, craft stores, toy stores, candy stores, just to name a few. It was a lot of fun, even if it did to start pour down rain as we shopped.
That evening (after we had warmed up and were dry again) we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant just outside of Alamogordo. It was really good. There is nothing like good tacos! On our way home, we saw a beautiful rainbow over the mountains. If only we would have had a camera!
Sunday I got up and packed all of my things. After we had lunch at Chili’s (who can resist their chocolate frosty!), I was off to the airport. The weekend was over. It was time to head back to Texas.
Tuesday, August 2
Fall Classes are About to Begin
It's definitely getting busier at the college. For example, this morning there was a line out the door and the telephone was ringing off the hook. And of course, be it my luck that everyone else in the office was running late and not here by 8 am.
When I went to school, I was one of those students who did everything way early. Months before a semester started, I had either set aside money to pay for everything or had gotten my student loans in order. To me it is a foreign concept to wait until the week before payment is due and decide that I need to find a way to pay for classes.
At this time, everyone in the office just takes a deep breath and prays for the month to be over. Come August 31 we will all be shouting for joy. We made it through the beginning of a semester once more.
When I went to school, I was one of those students who did everything way early. Months before a semester started, I had either set aside money to pay for everything or had gotten my student loans in order. To me it is a foreign concept to wait until the week before payment is due and decide that I need to find a way to pay for classes.
At this time, everyone in the office just takes a deep breath and prays for the month to be over. Come August 31 we will all be shouting for joy. We made it through the beginning of a semester once more.
Wednesday, July 27
Ikea is coming
For a year now, I have waited and finally I wait no longer. Ikea opens next week on Wednesday. So what exactly is Ikea? The neatest store every! Here's a few tidbits about the new Ikea: The store size will be 310,000 sq ft, there will be 1400 Parking spaces (and not a one will be available next weekend), it will contain 10,000 home furnishings products, (check this out) there will be a Swedish Food Market and Bistro inside its doors (how neat is that). The grand opening of Ikea is going to gridlock Frisco! I can't wait to see it!
A little bit cooler
It's the end of July and today we got a cool front in. Instead of the usual high 90s / low 100s, it was in the 80s. When I left work for lunch at 3 pm (usually the hottest part of the day), my car thermometer read 76 degrees. That is compared to the usual 103 to 115 degree it normally reads since my car sits on concrete baking in the sun. Maybe, we will get a break in the heat sooner this year. Maybe August won't be as bad as we have all come to expect it to be.
Monday, July 25
Amardillo
Driving home today I saw something that you rarely see around here. In the middle of the road was an armadillo. Now, if I lived in a small town out in the country, I wouldn't have been as surprised. In the small town in East Texas that I grew up in, it wasn't too rare to see an armadillo. You often saw armadillos if you hiked through the woods, but this little one had made its home right outside of a major city. On the street where the armadillo lay was a large apartment complex to the east and a large housing subdivision to the west. Right in the middle of suburbia there was a large, grey armadillo. Who would have thought they still lived in these parts?
Tuesday, June 21
The Zoo
The weekend before last I got to go to the Ft. Worth zoo. It was hotter than Hadees, but we had a blast. The special exhibit was the Great Barrier Reef featuring the Australian aquatic wildlife. There were over numerous different species including various fish and coral species and sharks (and we are talking small sharks! who new that sharks could be so small?). We also got to see the kangeroos and their kids. Unfortunately, the koualas were gone. At one point while you are walking through the exhibit, you come to the Coral Reef Play Area. There were so many people in there! Of course that was true for any semi-air conditioned rooms! :)
If you have never been to the Ft. Worth Zoo, there is an area called Texas Town. The exhibit walks you through the different regions of Texas. I always think that it is neat to see the various terrains of Texas. Beside Alaska, no state is bigger and no state has more diverse terrains from the Hill County to East Texas to the swamps down south to the canyons in the panhandle. In Texas Town we did get to see a few animals from our great State. We saw the swift foxes, ocelots, white-tailed deer (I hadn't seen one of those in forever), bobcats, owls, red wolves, bats, spiders (not my favorite). Besides the spiders, my least favorite was in the same area. We got to see ants. I could live without ever seeing ants.
As we were walking around the zoo, we would occasionally pass the Virtual Safari
Ride. It was a 4-D Simulator. Here I thought the point of going to the zoo was to see the live animals. No, you'll have more fun with the up-close-and-personal interaction of a computer. :)
So what was my favorite exhibit? I had two favorite exhibits. The first was the seeing the birds of prey. The eagles and falcons are always a magnificent sight to see. The cats were my second favorite. As you walk by some of the cats, you can feel there magnificent power. Of course, then there are those lying in the water just relaxing from the summer heat.
So all in all, the Ft. Worth Zoo was a blast!
If you have never been to the Ft. Worth Zoo, there is an area called Texas Town. The exhibit walks you through the different regions of Texas. I always think that it is neat to see the various terrains of Texas. Beside Alaska, no state is bigger and no state has more diverse terrains from the Hill County to East Texas to the swamps down south to the canyons in the panhandle. In Texas Town we did get to see a few animals from our great State. We saw the swift foxes, ocelots, white-tailed deer (I hadn't seen one of those in forever), bobcats, owls, red wolves, bats, spiders (not my favorite). Besides the spiders, my least favorite was in the same area. We got to see ants. I could live without ever seeing ants.
As we were walking around the zoo, we would occasionally pass the Virtual Safari
Ride. It was a 4-D Simulator. Here I thought the point of going to the zoo was to see the live animals. No, you'll have more fun with the up-close-and-personal interaction of a computer. :)
So what was my favorite exhibit? I had two favorite exhibits. The first was the seeing the birds of prey. The eagles and falcons are always a magnificent sight to see. The cats were my second favorite. As you walk by some of the cats, you can feel there magnificent power. Of course, then there are those lying in the water just relaxing from the summer heat.
So all in all, the Ft. Worth Zoo was a blast!
Tuesday, June 7
Uncle Phil's Diner
Friday night was the annual dinner theatre put on at church. As usual, I'm there to help as wait staff. This year we did a 50s theme (hints the name Uncle Phil's Diner). I got to dress up as if I were going to a dance.
Now the fun of the evening didn't really start until the food arrived. The food was being catered, but we were still serving all drinks and then the meals. In previous years we have cooked the meal and served it. In an effort to simplify, this year we hired a caterer. As people arrived we were to take drink orders. I wound up in the back preparing the drinks. We had tea and water. Towards the latter half of the evening we had lemonade. The caterer was supposed to bring lemonade. He did bring lemonade. Unfortunately, the lemonade came with extra protein and I'm not talking a little. So what did actually flavor the lemonade...ants and a lot of them.
Now, in a perfect world, there would have been no other problems. Well, we don't live in a perfect world. When the cue came to serve dinner, we had already prepared half of the plates. Each plate had a burger with baked beans and potato salad. From the other night, I can tell you that out of 120 people about half will like well done burgers. In my opinion all burgers should be well done. Of the 120 burgers supposedly cooked well done, about ten were cooked well done.
So what do you do with 110 rare to medium well burgers? The first idea was to microwave the burgers. First of all who cooks burgers in the microwave? I rapidly became in charge of cooking the burgers. Luckily the church has a grill. So Friday night I became a short order cook. That kind of went with the theme of the night.
Finally, by the end of the play everyone was fed! What a task that was! My sympathy goes out to all who work behind a grill. It is so hot behind a grill!
Now the fun of the evening didn't really start until the food arrived. The food was being catered, but we were still serving all drinks and then the meals. In previous years we have cooked the meal and served it. In an effort to simplify, this year we hired a caterer. As people arrived we were to take drink orders. I wound up in the back preparing the drinks. We had tea and water. Towards the latter half of the evening we had lemonade. The caterer was supposed to bring lemonade. He did bring lemonade. Unfortunately, the lemonade came with extra protein and I'm not talking a little. So what did actually flavor the lemonade...ants and a lot of them.
Now, in a perfect world, there would have been no other problems. Well, we don't live in a perfect world. When the cue came to serve dinner, we had already prepared half of the plates. Each plate had a burger with baked beans and potato salad. From the other night, I can tell you that out of 120 people about half will like well done burgers. In my opinion all burgers should be well done. Of the 120 burgers supposedly cooked well done, about ten were cooked well done.
So what do you do with 110 rare to medium well burgers? The first idea was to microwave the burgers. First of all who cooks burgers in the microwave? I rapidly became in charge of cooking the burgers. Luckily the church has a grill. So Friday night I became a short order cook. That kind of went with the theme of the night.
Finally, by the end of the play everyone was fed! What a task that was! My sympathy goes out to all who work behind a grill. It is so hot behind a grill!
Thursday, June 2
Quote of the Day
The idea of strictly minding our own business is moldy rubbish. Who could be so selfish?
~journalist Myrtle Lillian Barker
~journalist Myrtle Lillian Barker
Wednesday, June 1
Sad news
Last week I had to put my dog, Chip, down. We got him thirteen years ago in East Texas. There was a couple selling a few dogs in front of the Walmart off of the Loop. Two of the dogs they had were Chihuahuas. Chip had more spunk so he was the one we took home that afternoon. Now, how he got named Chip I don't remember, but the vet did find that very humorous. Why? Their abbreviation for Chihuahua pup was chip. Just a few interesting things about Chip...he could catch a bug in mid air. That wasn't quite as unique as his second talent. He could find any snake in the yard and dig it out. The same went for mice. As much as I know that it is an honor to have a dead bug or insect left for you on your front door, I still don't like it. I like it even less when it is left on your chair. And he left a lot of snakes for me over the years. Because of his ability, our yard was always free of all snakes. Fair well Chip! I miss you! There will never be another dog like you!
Tuesday, May 31
One of those graceful moments....
Today during lunch I ran by Starbucks for a coworker. Since our coffee lady is on vacation, we are on our own for drinks. I order the drink and set it safely in my cup holder. All the way to work, the drink was fine...it just enjoyed the ride. Then I get to work. I get out of my car and a thought crosses my mind...'I'm going to drop this.' But I don't! I manage to make it to the front door of the building (several hundred feet mind you) before I spill the drink all over the floor! Talk about graceful!
Tuesday, May 17
Thought for the day...
When we talk to God, we are praying; when God talks to us, we are schizophrenic. ~ Lily Tomlin
Monday, May 9
Scarborough Faire
Scarborough Faire is a recreated 16th century English Village in the time of King Henry VIII. The Village is opened for approx. two months each year. This was my first year to go to Scarborough Faire. My girlfriend and I arrived just after the gates opened so we first took a walk around to all of the vendors. All told there are roughly 200 stores (what girl wouldn't like that?). Some of the stores sold Ren Fair costumes. Others sold silver jewelry. There were a few that sold candles. Several sold paintings and art of dragons.
Besides all the vendors and store fronts there was the entertainment or better said 'games of skill and human powered rides.' The first show we went to was Birds of Prey. A falconer showed the audience a falcon, two eagles, and a hawk. With each bird, he would have it perform 'a trick.' A few times it would be with a member of the audience. The birds were gorgeous! After Birds of Prey, we saw the Belly Dancing Show. My girlfriend use to perform with some of the Belly Dancers. In this show, the pirates had kidnapped the young girls. The Pharaoh had come to release one of the girls held captive. The best dancer would be released. There were also various musicians...The Corsairs, "Songs of the sea in the key of "Rrrrr,"" and The Rogues, Grammy nominated bagpipe band. The bagpipe band was wonderful!
This year, being my first year, we went in civilian clothes. Next year we both plan to dress up in wenches and go for the whole experience. I know a few of you can't wait for those pics! :)
Besides all the vendors and store fronts there was the entertainment or better said 'games of skill and human powered rides.' The first show we went to was Birds of Prey. A falconer showed the audience a falcon, two eagles, and a hawk. With each bird, he would have it perform 'a trick.' A few times it would be with a member of the audience. The birds were gorgeous! After Birds of Prey, we saw the Belly Dancing Show. My girlfriend use to perform with some of the Belly Dancers. In this show, the pirates had kidnapped the young girls. The Pharaoh had come to release one of the girls held captive. The best dancer would be released. There were also various musicians...The Corsairs, "Songs of the sea in the key of "Rrrrr,"" and The Rogues, Grammy nominated bagpipe band. The bagpipe band was wonderful!
This year, being my first year, we went in civilian clothes. Next year we both plan to dress up in wenches and go for the whole experience. I know a few of you can't wait for those pics! :)
Friday, April 29
Cinco de Mayo
Living in a state that borders México we have a great influence of México's culture and history. This coming up week is Cinco de Mayo. For those of you who don't speak any foreign languages, Cinco de Mayo is May 5th. What is Cinco de Mayo? Despite popular belief, it is not Mexico's independence from Spain. Or as I heard yesterday, Mexico's independence from the United States (just FYI, Mexico has never been part of the USA).
Mexico had its independence from Spain in 1821. After the battle for independence and a number of internal political takeovers and wars, Mexico had mostly wiped out the national economy. During this period of struggle Mexico had accumulated heavy debts to several nations, including Spain, England and France, who were demanding payment. The English and Spanish quickly made deals and left. France had alternative motives. France was eager to add to its empire at that time and was using the Mexican debt issue to establish its own leadership in the country. When Mexico finally stopped making any loan payments, France took action on it's own to install Napoleon's relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as ruler of Mexico.
Napoleon's French Army had not been defeated in 50 years, and it invaded Mexico with the finest modern equipment and with a newly reconstituted Foreign Legion. A few months before May 5, the French army was at Vera Cruz, but decided it was time to take Mexico City. The French Army left the port of Vera Cruz to attack Mexico City to the west, as the French assumed that the Mexicans would give up should their capital fall to the enemy -- as European countries traditionally did. Here's where Texas (and the USA) comes in. Under the command of Texas-born General Zaragosa, (and the cavalry under the command of Colonel Porfirio Diaz, later to be Mexico's president and dictator), the Mexicans awaited. General Zaragosa ordered Colonel Diaz to take his cavalry, the best in the world, out to the French flanks. In response, the French did a most stupid thing; they sent their cavalry off to chase Diaz and his men, who proceeded to butcher them. The remaining French infantrymen charged the Mexican defenders through sloppy mud from a thunderstorm and through hundreds of head of stampeding cattle stirred up by Indians armed only with machetes.
When the battle was over, many French were killed or wounded and their cavalry was being chased by Diaz' superb horsemen miles away. The Mexicans had won a great victory.
The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City. In gratitude for what the States had done for Mexico, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces. As recently as the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans flooded American consulates with phone calls, trying to join up and fight another war for America.
Mexicans, you see, never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans. That's why Cinco de Mayo is such a party -- A party that celebrates freedom and liberty. There are two ideals which Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect, ever since the 5th of May, 1862. VIVA! el CINCO DE MAYO!!
Mexico had its independence from Spain in 1821. After the battle for independence and a number of internal political takeovers and wars, Mexico had mostly wiped out the national economy. During this period of struggle Mexico had accumulated heavy debts to several nations, including Spain, England and France, who were demanding payment. The English and Spanish quickly made deals and left. France had alternative motives. France was eager to add to its empire at that time and was using the Mexican debt issue to establish its own leadership in the country. When Mexico finally stopped making any loan payments, France took action on it's own to install Napoleon's relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as ruler of Mexico.
Napoleon's French Army had not been defeated in 50 years, and it invaded Mexico with the finest modern equipment and with a newly reconstituted Foreign Legion. A few months before May 5, the French army was at Vera Cruz, but decided it was time to take Mexico City. The French Army left the port of Vera Cruz to attack Mexico City to the west, as the French assumed that the Mexicans would give up should their capital fall to the enemy -- as European countries traditionally did. Here's where Texas (and the USA) comes in. Under the command of Texas-born General Zaragosa, (and the cavalry under the command of Colonel Porfirio Diaz, later to be Mexico's president and dictator), the Mexicans awaited. General Zaragosa ordered Colonel Diaz to take his cavalry, the best in the world, out to the French flanks. In response, the French did a most stupid thing; they sent their cavalry off to chase Diaz and his men, who proceeded to butcher them. The remaining French infantrymen charged the Mexican defenders through sloppy mud from a thunderstorm and through hundreds of head of stampeding cattle stirred up by Indians armed only with machetes.
When the battle was over, many French were killed or wounded and their cavalry was being chased by Diaz' superb horsemen miles away. The Mexicans had won a great victory.
The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City. In gratitude for what the States had done for Mexico, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces. As recently as the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans flooded American consulates with phone calls, trying to join up and fight another war for America.
Mexicans, you see, never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans. That's why Cinco de Mayo is such a party -- A party that celebrates freedom and liberty. There are two ideals which Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect, ever since the 5th of May, 1862. VIVA! el CINCO DE MAYO!!
Wednesday, April 27
Bath time!
Maddy got a bath yesterday. Though you can't tell it by this picture she is getting bigger. And slowly her hair is turning blonde. She's so cute!
Monday, April 25
Lesson Number One
This past weekend I had the chance to experience something for the first time...food poisoning. And may it be said, it is not a pleasurable experience. What exactly is food poisoning? It is when the body is introduced foreign substances via food that were never meant to be digested. So what did I eat? Yogurt. It wasn't green and there were no fur balls on the yogurt. But when yogurt pours out of its container like melted ice cream, it has gone bad. So the lesson learned...never eat yogurt that has the consistency of melted ice cream.
Tuesday, April 19
The great outdoors...
Arbor Hills is a park across town. A girlfriend and I have started going to the park a couple of times a month. There's nothing like sunshine and trees to leave you rejuvenated and ready to tackle a new week.
The park is actually a nature preserve. Of course, when one thinks of nature preserve, a certain image comes to mind…nature untouched, a piece of land that has been preserved from the concrete city and left to be. Yes, the area has been preserved from the concrete city that surrounds it, but nature has been touched up a little. Arbor Hills is beautifully landscaped. The park captures the different landscapes of Texas. In some areas, large limestone walls have been erected along the path (definitely not found in Dallas). Also, you will also find various different trees. You will see the bush you find in North Texas and further west; and then further down the walk, you will see the trees normally found in higher climates.
All through the park are trails for hikers or cyclists. The trails wind through the various landscapes of Texas. This time when Ari and I went to the park, there were families with their kids; singletons jogging or cycling; and groups of cyclists meeting and ready to try a new path in Arbor Hills. On a beautiful day, there are fewer better places to spend an evening or afternoon than outdoors.
The park is actually a nature preserve. Of course, when one thinks of nature preserve, a certain image comes to mind…nature untouched, a piece of land that has been preserved from the concrete city and left to be. Yes, the area has been preserved from the concrete city that surrounds it, but nature has been touched up a little. Arbor Hills is beautifully landscaped. The park captures the different landscapes of Texas. In some areas, large limestone walls have been erected along the path (definitely not found in Dallas). Also, you will also find various different trees. You will see the bush you find in North Texas and further west; and then further down the walk, you will see the trees normally found in higher climates.
All through the park are trails for hikers or cyclists. The trails wind through the various landscapes of Texas. This time when Ari and I went to the park, there were families with their kids; singletons jogging or cycling; and groups of cyclists meeting and ready to try a new path in Arbor Hills. On a beautiful day, there are fewer better places to spend an evening or afternoon than outdoors.
Thursday, April 14
Accomplishment
Yesterday I went to the dentist. Finally, after two years, I returned for a teeth cleaning.
The last time I went to the dentist I had major work done. One of my baby teeth never fell out. There wasn't a permanent tooth under it so the baby tooth never had reason to move. Well, I thought it was all well and good. The tooth was still in great shape. Why bother something that isn't broken? Well, the problem wasn't the baby tooth on the bottom of my mouth. The problem was the permanent tooth directly above the baby tooth. The permanent tooth was slowly falling. The baby tooth was so much lower than all of my other permanent teeth which was causing the permanent tooth directly above it to slowly falling into the gap. Well, the dentist said that if I didn't fix that baby tooth, eventually I would also have to remove the tooth above. That would mean two bridges and four crowns instead of one bridge and two crowns. So over the course of two months I had the baby tooth removed, a bridge and two crowns put in. If you have ever had your nerves drilled down you know the pain. Who in their right mind would go back for more?
So I finally got over the pain and returned for a teeth cleaning. And I must say that my teeth are sparkling. And just FYI, a teeth cleaning is much less painful than the previous work done.
The last time I went to the dentist I had major work done. One of my baby teeth never fell out. There wasn't a permanent tooth under it so the baby tooth never had reason to move. Well, I thought it was all well and good. The tooth was still in great shape. Why bother something that isn't broken? Well, the problem wasn't the baby tooth on the bottom of my mouth. The problem was the permanent tooth directly above the baby tooth. The permanent tooth was slowly falling. The baby tooth was so much lower than all of my other permanent teeth which was causing the permanent tooth directly above it to slowly falling into the gap. Well, the dentist said that if I didn't fix that baby tooth, eventually I would also have to remove the tooth above. That would mean two bridges and four crowns instead of one bridge and two crowns. So over the course of two months I had the baby tooth removed, a bridge and two crowns put in. If you have ever had your nerves drilled down you know the pain. Who in their right mind would go back for more?
So I finally got over the pain and returned for a teeth cleaning. And I must say that my teeth are sparkling. And just FYI, a teeth cleaning is much less painful than the previous work done.
Tuesday, April 12
Cooking lessons...
I've been trying out some new recipes. The last recipe I conquered was fried rice with ginger sesame chicken and stir fry veggies. That may not sound like much, but the fried rice was a huge accomplishment. My girlfriend's husband cooks great fried rice. One evening when I was over for dinner, I had him teach me step by step the techniques to cooking friend rice. Though my first try was barely edible, I have come a long way! My fried rice is right up there beside a fine restaurant's fried rice.
Tonight, I made a delicious turkey chili. Now I realize that most people don't eat as many legumes and veggies as I do, but I promise it was great. I started off with sautéing onions and garlic. Next the ground turkey was added and browned. Then the rest of the ingredients. On the spice list, I added cocoa (it really did add and didn't make the chili taste like chocolate), cumin, bay leaves, salt, and chili powder. The veggies/fruits included tomatoes, squash and zucchini. And for legumes, black beans and red kidney beans. I let chili simmer for 20 minutes and what was left was a wonderful masterpiece. Pour a cup of the chili over brown rice, add a heaping spoon of guacamole and dinner is served! Yumm!
Tonight, I made a delicious turkey chili. Now I realize that most people don't eat as many legumes and veggies as I do, but I promise it was great. I started off with sautéing onions and garlic. Next the ground turkey was added and browned. Then the rest of the ingredients. On the spice list, I added cocoa (it really did add and didn't make the chili taste like chocolate), cumin, bay leaves, salt, and chili powder. The veggies/fruits included tomatoes, squash and zucchini. And for legumes, black beans and red kidney beans. I let chili simmer for 20 minutes and what was left was a wonderful masterpiece. Pour a cup of the chili over brown rice, add a heaping spoon of guacamole and dinner is served! Yumm!
Sunday, April 10
The Weekend...
The weekend has come to an end. It was a good weekend. For the first time in a long time, I just did stuff around the house. I know it's hard to believe. I never just stay home for the weekend; I'm always on the go, helping someone do something.
So what did I get done? Well, my big project was to hang the bedroom curtains. And we got it done! I did not say that I got it done, but we. I called my cousin Matt to help me put up the rods. That was the hardest part! One of the curtains is 117" long. When we hung the rod, it was mounted at 120". That's tall and not even our put-it-together extension ladder would work...three pieces was too short, four too high. So we opened the window, took out the screen and brought the extension ladder through the window. Once we finally got a ladder into the room, mounting the rod was no big deal. But what an ordeal the ladder was.
So after four months (the curtains were made in December), the curtains now hang beautifully in my room. Yeah!
So what did I get done? Well, my big project was to hang the bedroom curtains. And we got it done! I did not say that I got it done, but we. I called my cousin Matt to help me put up the rods. That was the hardest part! One of the curtains is 117" long. When we hung the rod, it was mounted at 120". That's tall and not even our put-it-together extension ladder would work...three pieces was too short, four too high. So we opened the window, took out the screen and brought the extension ladder through the window. Once we finally got a ladder into the room, mounting the rod was no big deal. But what an ordeal the ladder was.
So after four months (the curtains were made in December), the curtains now hang beautifully in my room. Yeah!
Friday, April 8
A Rabbit Chase
Tonight as Mom and I drove into the garage, we caught something move at the front of the garage. What could it be? I climbed out of the car and went to take a closer look. I was really hoping it wasn't a rat or mouse. Luckily, it wasn't. A baby rabbit had found it's way into our garage. For the next twenty minutes, I tried to coax the rabbit out. First, I grabbed a broom. I did manage to get her out of her hiding place, but she ran across the garage and took refuge behind a few boards. I slowly pulled each board away from the wall and shooed her away from that hiding place. Did she run forward, straight out of the garage? Nope. She went back to her original hiding place. Back to the beginning. This time I grabbed a 2x4 to block one of her escapes, but she managed to climb behind something and I could not find her despite all of my digging and moving. Finally, we gave up and decided that she would get to spend the night in the garage. We pulled the cars back into the garage. We closed the garage door, but left a small crack. Hopefully tonight she will find her way out of the garage and join her family (who I think lives next door in the grass beside our neighbor's house).
Wednesday, April 6
Maddy is a two month old Lhaso Apso. For the longest time, Melanie has wanted to get a new dog. She wanted a small lap dog and a dog she could take to her apartment. Each third weekend of the month there is a trade day about twenty minutes from the house. So last month on trade day, she and Mom headed to the park to see if there were any cute dogs. And there she was, just as cute as she can be. Her real name is Madison, but we all call her Maddy. For the most part she stays with us, instead of Melanie. Melanie finally decided that since her apartment doesn't allow pets that she shouldn't take Maddy with her. So what do you think? Isn't she precious?
Getting up and running again...
My home computer is up and running again. For two weeks now, I've had internet access (though I haven't used it very wisely...sorry for the delayed posting). Though I haven't managed to all my programs up and running yet, I did manage to download a few things to my work computer so that I can post pics to my blogger.
So now for the sad news...everything that was saved on my old hard drive has been lost. Dad is still working on getting the drive to boot, but I do not hold out much hope that anything will be salvaged. Another lesson...save everything to a thumb drive.
So now for the sad news...everything that was saved on my old hard drive has been lost. Dad is still working on getting the drive to boot, but I do not hold out much hope that anything will be salvaged. Another lesson...save everything to a thumb drive.
Monday, April 4
Ahh, the little things in life
I just got back from Target. I picked up the neatest thing. Nowadays you can pick up bleach-in-a-pin for spot treatment on whites. Not only do you get the cool pin that has bleach in it, but you get a case. This is not any case. It has a magnetic strip along the back of it. Sooooooo, you can attach the magnetic case to your washer. Never again will the bleach pin get lost! How cool is that?
Wednesday, March 30
Interviews
I am a part of the academic advising's hiring committee at work. One of their advisor's was recently promoted. Though the promotion was exciting news, now begins the tedious work of hiring a replacement.
Working at a college offers many challenges. You have to be good at a lot of things. Take for instance my job; there are two major parts to my job. One, speaking with students. It can be one on one or it can be with an audience of 200+ students. Two, dispensing of federal and state aid to help a student pay for their college. Along with number two comes knowing all federal and state guidelines (a lot of paper is wasted for the manuals of federal and state regulations and each year the regs change as our legislatures change) and knowing all IRS regulations.
And I think I meet with a lot of students. Academic advisors meet with far more.
Two of our applicants were scared to death in the interview. Interviews are tough, don't get me wrong. But both applicants knew each member of the committee. So a thought arises...if we scare you, the students will eat you alive. You hate to see someone leave work in tears everyday. It happens occasionally, but it shouldn't happen every day. But to say something positive, they both seemed very intelligent and were hard workers. I have no doubt that they could handle the rest of the job. But since their main job will be working with a diverse population of students, they will go no further in the interview process.
The third applicant sounded great on paper and did a decent interview. My only concern...she seems too perfect. You get the sense that there is something more to this one, you just can't place you finger on it.
So the decision was made to call in more applicants. There were a lot of applicants for the job. The pool had to pick from was 15. Today we interviewed 3. Now we are calling in two men (who were my first picks).
We shall see what happens next. My guess is that one of these two guys will be hired for the position.
Of course, I tend to be harder on the applicants for one reason. I spent three years writing people's resumes and teaching people interviewing skills (had to get through college somehow). So many times after an interview, I want to pull the person aside, tell them what went wrong where and how they need to improve if they really want to get hired. But I have moved from the pre-interview stage into the interview and post-interview stage. No longer can I pull the person aside and give a few pointers.
Working at a college offers many challenges. You have to be good at a lot of things. Take for instance my job; there are two major parts to my job. One, speaking with students. It can be one on one or it can be with an audience of 200+ students. Two, dispensing of federal and state aid to help a student pay for their college. Along with number two comes knowing all federal and state guidelines (a lot of paper is wasted for the manuals of federal and state regulations and each year the regs change as our legislatures change) and knowing all IRS regulations.
And I think I meet with a lot of students. Academic advisors meet with far more.
Two of our applicants were scared to death in the interview. Interviews are tough, don't get me wrong. But both applicants knew each member of the committee. So a thought arises...if we scare you, the students will eat you alive. You hate to see someone leave work in tears everyday. It happens occasionally, but it shouldn't happen every day. But to say something positive, they both seemed very intelligent and were hard workers. I have no doubt that they could handle the rest of the job. But since their main job will be working with a diverse population of students, they will go no further in the interview process.
The third applicant sounded great on paper and did a decent interview. My only concern...she seems too perfect. You get the sense that there is something more to this one, you just can't place you finger on it.
So the decision was made to call in more applicants. There were a lot of applicants for the job. The pool had to pick from was 15. Today we interviewed 3. Now we are calling in two men (who were my first picks).
We shall see what happens next. My guess is that one of these two guys will be hired for the position.
Of course, I tend to be harder on the applicants for one reason. I spent three years writing people's resumes and teaching people interviewing skills (had to get through college somehow). So many times after an interview, I want to pull the person aside, tell them what went wrong where and how they need to improve if they really want to get hired. But I have moved from the pre-interview stage into the interview and post-interview stage. No longer can I pull the person aside and give a few pointers.
Monday, March 28
Dinner with the UN
The other night I went to have dinner with Anita and her husband Kevin. Kevin was cooking dinner (the evening’s special was shrimp spaghetti with a lemon pie for dessert...Yumm!). Anita and I were going to be getting a few things together for her baby shower. Anita's sister (Dee) and Mom (Paula) were also coming over to help us with the planning.
So why did this feel like a dinner at the United Nations? I'm sitting at the table (the only Caucasian in the group and at least 6 inches taller than everyone else). Anita, Dee and Paula are rambling about this, that and the other in Spanglish (I caught most of it). Kevin is on the phone with his mom speaking Mandarin Chinese. What more of a diverse group could have gathered for dinner? We had me, the Caucasian...Anita, Dee and Paula are Hispanic...Kevin is Asian.
But hat's off to Kevin for making another delicious meal! Thanks, Kev!
So why did this feel like a dinner at the United Nations? I'm sitting at the table (the only Caucasian in the group and at least 6 inches taller than everyone else). Anita, Dee and Paula are rambling about this, that and the other in Spanglish (I caught most of it). Kevin is on the phone with his mom speaking Mandarin Chinese. What more of a diverse group could have gathered for dinner? We had me, the Caucasian...Anita, Dee and Paula are Hispanic...Kevin is Asian.
But hat's off to Kevin for making another delicious meal! Thanks, Kev!
Tuesday, March 22
My office
Not so long ago we got new offices. Last fall we were moved to our temporary homes down the hall while our area was torn down and rebuilt. Well, it turned out pretty nice and we moved back. Here are a few pics of my office. Yes, I know my office is a little bland, but I am working on that. Just imagine more pics on the walls and a few more plants.
Monday, March 21
Little Moments of Joy
Today, one of those moments happened. I was driving to work and saw an absolutely wonderful sight. What was that sight? The speed limit sign. Now, why would that create a small moment of joy? Today they increased the speed limit 5 whole miles! Woo Hoo! No longer is it 35, but 40! I was previously driving 42 miles per hour and was driving 7 miles over the speed limit. Now I am only two miles over the speed limit. Yeah!
Quote of the Day
Today's quote has been provided by Flannery O'Conner...
"I divide people into two classes: the Irksome and the Non-Irksome without regard to sex. Yes and there are the Medium Irksome and the Rare Irksome."
For some reason I thought that was really funny! :)
"I divide people into two classes: the Irksome and the Non-Irksome without regard to sex. Yes and there are the Medium Irksome and the Rare Irksome."
For some reason I thought that was really funny! :)
Wednesday, March 16
Techinical Difficulties
My computer at home has crashed. My C-Drive gave up. The first sign would have been the clicking noise that my C-Drive kept making. The next sign would have been the blue screen with the message 'your computer is shutting down to advoid any more damage'!!!! Followed by 'your files are now being deleted'!!!!!
Ryan is going to try to salvage what I had on my computer. It will be a bummer if I lose all those pics and music files. As horrible of an excuse at it is, that is why my blog has been sorely neglected. Sorry blog!
Monday, March 7
Plumbing
Let me start off by saying that I am not a plumber. But I have to say that I do know a few things about plumbing. One, if you are working on your plumbing, make sure water is not running through the pipes under repair. Two, even if water is not running through the pipes, you may still want to consider turning the water off.
Why is number two so important? Last week at work we had some plumbing problems. Right above our office is the VP's office. In the VP's suite, there is a small kitchenette. Apparently, the kitchenette was experiencing plumbing problems.
Plant Operations was called to check out the problem. Half way through their attempt at plumbing, water began to pour through our ceiling. Let's review the definition of pour.
Pour (pôr, pr), verb. To rain hard or heavily.
And rain hard it did! You could have taken a shower in our office. My coworker sprang into action! She grabbed all the trashcans in the area and put then under our waterfall. At the same time, my other coworker called Plant Operations to let them know of the problem. It didn't take them too long to turn the water off, but now there is a huge puddle in our office. At least our office has good air circulation. Our puddle should dry before too long.
Why is number two so important? Last week at work we had some plumbing problems. Right above our office is the VP's office. In the VP's suite, there is a small kitchenette. Apparently, the kitchenette was experiencing plumbing problems.
Plant Operations was called to check out the problem. Half way through their attempt at plumbing, water began to pour through our ceiling. Let's review the definition of pour.
Pour (pôr, pr), verb. To rain hard or heavily.
And rain hard it did! You could have taken a shower in our office. My coworker sprang into action! She grabbed all the trashcans in the area and put then under our waterfall. At the same time, my other coworker called Plant Operations to let them know of the problem. It didn't take them too long to turn the water off, but now there is a huge puddle in our office. At least our office has good air circulation. Our puddle should dry before too long.
Monday, February 21
Quote of the Day...
People grow though experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. That is how character is built. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.
Saturday, February 19
Destination College, A Parent Workshop
For two months I have been working on a Parent Workshop. The President of our College had this idea. Why don't we offer a night specifically targeted to parents that covers every aspect of getting into college? And so a committee was formed to look further into the idea. And somehow I wound up on the committee.
There were two parts to the evening. The first part covered college preparation, high school degree plans, college entrance exams and other opportunities for college credit. The second half covered financing your child’s education. I was in charge of the second half.
I had set up two speakers for the second half. One would speak on trends in college pricing and the different savings vehicles currently available to parents. I had a friend of mine set up to cover the options available to parents. The second speaker (yours truly) would speak on financial aid, what is it and how do you apply.
Well, after two months of preparation the evening had come and it was time for the parent conference.
My speaker and her colleagues showed up by 5:45. By 6 I had the presentations all ready to go, we had all made it through the buffet line of food, and we were ready to go by 6.
Here was the night: The President of the College spoke first. Next was the motivational speaker, Isaih Joshua (yes, his name is spelled correctly). Then a break. After the break, we had a representative from the College Board talk about getting admitted into college and all the steps that go with that. Finally, (drum roll please), my part. Tracie spoke first and then yours truly spoke.
It went wonderfully. And the President thought I did magnificent and the VP (my boss's boss) loved my presentation and all the work I did. Yeah!
It went well and it's over...until next year. We did so well that it gets to become an annual event.
There were two parts to the evening. The first part covered college preparation, high school degree plans, college entrance exams and other opportunities for college credit. The second half covered financing your child’s education. I was in charge of the second half.
I had set up two speakers for the second half. One would speak on trends in college pricing and the different savings vehicles currently available to parents. I had a friend of mine set up to cover the options available to parents. The second speaker (yours truly) would speak on financial aid, what is it and how do you apply.
Well, after two months of preparation the evening had come and it was time for the parent conference.
My speaker and her colleagues showed up by 5:45. By 6 I had the presentations all ready to go, we had all made it through the buffet line of food, and we were ready to go by 6.
Here was the night: The President of the College spoke first. Next was the motivational speaker, Isaih Joshua (yes, his name is spelled correctly). Then a break. After the break, we had a representative from the College Board talk about getting admitted into college and all the steps that go with that. Finally, (drum roll please), my part. Tracie spoke first and then yours truly spoke.
It went wonderfully. And the President thought I did magnificent and the VP (my boss's boss) loved my presentation and all the work I did. Yeah!
It went well and it's over...until next year. We did so well that it gets to become an annual event.
Coffee
The other day after work my coworker and I went to Carrabba's for dinner. I had been to Carrabba's once, way back when, for dinner but had not felt that it was anything to write home about. Apparently, my opinion was not in the majority. My coworker and my boss love to eat here. For those of you who don't know, the restaurant serves Italian food.
Since our first visit to Carrabba's, I have found two dishes that I really love...the minestrone soup and the spinach ravioli. Yumm!
But most people seem to go just for the coffee. I have never been a coffee drinker. In fact, I stay away from the stuff. I can't stand the taste of coffee. Don't get me wrong. I love the smell of coffee. There is nothing like waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, but I have never been one to drink coffee.
My coworker loves coffee so she had to order the coffee on our first visit. Actually, the coffee wasn't bad. Most of the coffee I have had was very bitter in taste and had a dark, mud like consistency. This coffee was almost gold in color and it was so smooth.
For several minutes I received an informal lecture on the different grades of coffee, how coffee is grown, what soil is best for growing coffee, where good coffee comes from and why Carrabba's coffee is the best in town. Needless to say, if I had to drink coffee, I could probably get used to drinking their coffee.
Since our first visit to Carrabba's, I have found two dishes that I really love...the minestrone soup and the spinach ravioli. Yumm!
But most people seem to go just for the coffee. I have never been a coffee drinker. In fact, I stay away from the stuff. I can't stand the taste of coffee. Don't get me wrong. I love the smell of coffee. There is nothing like waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, but I have never been one to drink coffee.
My coworker loves coffee so she had to order the coffee on our first visit. Actually, the coffee wasn't bad. Most of the coffee I have had was very bitter in taste and had a dark, mud like consistency. This coffee was almost gold in color and it was so smooth.
For several minutes I received an informal lecture on the different grades of coffee, how coffee is grown, what soil is best for growing coffee, where good coffee comes from and why Carrabba's coffee is the best in town. Needless to say, if I had to drink coffee, I could probably get used to drinking their coffee.
Monday, February 14
Favorite vegis...
Who knew that dogs liked vegetables? I have found out that Rusty's favorite vegetable is a carrot. Toby loves squash. What interesting food does your dog like to eat?
Saturday, February 5
The Wedding Date
Today I took myself to a movie.
The newest chic flic is 'The Wedding Date.' The premise is that a single woman needs a date to her sister's wedding. Since she has nobody and know no one, she decides to hire an escort. During the entire movie no one knows who this guy is or where he came from. Mom never heard of 'Mr. Perfect.' And Dad isn't really sure what to think of him. But, bottomline is that he is a great guy. Everyone loves him. And of course, in the end, the couple winds up falling in love.
Besides being greatly dissappointed that the escort did not choose me, it was a good movie.
However, I was left with one question. Where are all the men who have their lives together? Where are the men who know what they are looking for and go after it when they find it? Apparently, they are found only in the movies and in England (where the movie takes place).
That has left me with one conclusion...I am on the wrong continent. It's time to take a vacation to England!
The newest chic flic is 'The Wedding Date.' The premise is that a single woman needs a date to her sister's wedding. Since she has nobody and know no one, she decides to hire an escort. During the entire movie no one knows who this guy is or where he came from. Mom never heard of 'Mr. Perfect.' And Dad isn't really sure what to think of him. But, bottomline is that he is a great guy. Everyone loves him. And of course, in the end, the couple winds up falling in love.
Besides being greatly dissappointed that the escort did not choose me, it was a good movie.
However, I was left with one question. Where are all the men who have their lives together? Where are the men who know what they are looking for and go after it when they find it? Apparently, they are found only in the movies and in England (where the movie takes place).
That has left me with one conclusion...I am on the wrong continent. It's time to take a vacation to England!
Thursday, February 3
Let the sun shine!
It has been forever since the sun has been out. Today the sun shone brilliantly on the face of Dallas! Yeah! As I sat in my office, I longingly looked through my window. Today was the type of day that you go to the park; roll out a blanket; lie down and soak up all the sun that you can.
May tomorrow be as beautiful as today!
May tomorrow be as beautiful as today!
Sunday, January 30
The Women's Bathroom
When at a restaurant, the women's bathroom is always the first door except at Corner Bakery. At Corner Bakery, the women's bathroom is the second door to your right. It never fails that I enter the first door to the right...the men's bathroom. As of yet, I have not met anyone new in the men's bathroom. Hopefully, that won't happen. :)
Thursday, January 27
Casino Day
School has officially started and, to get everyone back into the swing of things, Student Life hosted casino day.
In the center of the atrium, every department and club had set up a table. On the outside of the atrium were the game tables. A group had been hired to come in, set up the casino tables, deal the cards and play the games. At each table you won chips. Chips were exchanged for prizes. I was at the prize booth.
The biggest prize was a college t-shirt or a the cougar stuffed animal (the cougar being our mascot). The rest of the prizes ranged from dice, mini staplers, calendars, note pads, pens, pencils, rabit feet, key chains, picture frames, and candy.
It was a mad house today, but we had a blast! The spring semester has begun!
In the center of the atrium, every department and club had set up a table. On the outside of the atrium were the game tables. A group had been hired to come in, set up the casino tables, deal the cards and play the games. At each table you won chips. Chips were exchanged for prizes. I was at the prize booth.
The biggest prize was a college t-shirt or a the cougar stuffed animal (the cougar being our mascot). The rest of the prizes ranged from dice, mini staplers, calendars, note pads, pens, pencils, rabit feet, key chains, picture frames, and candy.
It was a mad house today, but we had a blast! The spring semester has begun!
Saturday, January 22
Tuesday, January 18
Quote of the Day
"Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dream world into reality." --Theodor Reik
Medieval Times
The other night Arianna and I were talking and we decided that we both needed to get out more. We live in a major metropolitan area and have enjoyed very little of its entertainment. Our first adventure...Medieval Times.
Ari loves Medieval Times...the story, the men, the food, the men, the beautiful animals...I meant the horses!, the men. Do you see a pattern? Apparently, the tournament had changed and Ari was dying to see the new play. I had never been, but had always heard it was a blast. Off we were to Medieval Times!
The show started at eight, but there were lots of things to do and see before the show. To give ourselves plenty of time to play, we left my house at six fifteen. We were driving towards the only castle that I know of in the area. And it was a castle! Here I was thinking that it would be a regular building all decorated up inside. I was wrong. The decor started off outdoors with a giant castle and a moat that protected the castle from the nasty outside!
Inside, it was decorated like a big castle hall. In the center of the court, the king and princess took pictures with everyone who had a birthday. The horses were in their stables (the horses were beautiful). You could tell that preparations were taking place for a big event.
Shortly before eight, the king's men gather up all the guests. We were brought into the stadium according to our knight. When we got to the castle, each of us was given a crown with a color. We were green so we would cheer for the green knight. Personally, I would have preferred to cheer for the black and white knight, but I didn't get the chance to choose.
The evening started off with the King and Princess welcoming us all. Food was served while we watched various games. Once everyone had eaten, the real games began...jousting. Each knight was paired with another knight and he would fight until death. In the end, it was our knight that won the tournament and the princess' hand in marriage.
I have to say that I had a lot of fun! Once the games were over, we walked out to the commons again. This time each knight was roaming the area. We got an autograph of the green knight and visited with a few of the other knights. What a great evening!
Ari loves Medieval Times...the story, the men, the food, the men, the beautiful animals...I meant the horses!, the men. Do you see a pattern? Apparently, the tournament had changed and Ari was dying to see the new play. I had never been, but had always heard it was a blast. Off we were to Medieval Times!
The show started at eight, but there were lots of things to do and see before the show. To give ourselves plenty of time to play, we left my house at six fifteen. We were driving towards the only castle that I know of in the area. And it was a castle! Here I was thinking that it would be a regular building all decorated up inside. I was wrong. The decor started off outdoors with a giant castle and a moat that protected the castle from the nasty outside!
Inside, it was decorated like a big castle hall. In the center of the court, the king and princess took pictures with everyone who had a birthday. The horses were in their stables (the horses were beautiful). You could tell that preparations were taking place for a big event.
Shortly before eight, the king's men gather up all the guests. We were brought into the stadium according to our knight. When we got to the castle, each of us was given a crown with a color. We were green so we would cheer for the green knight. Personally, I would have preferred to cheer for the black and white knight, but I didn't get the chance to choose.
The evening started off with the King and Princess welcoming us all. Food was served while we watched various games. Once everyone had eaten, the real games began...jousting. Each knight was paired with another knight and he would fight until death. In the end, it was our knight that won the tournament and the princess' hand in marriage.
I have to say that I had a lot of fun! Once the games were over, we walked out to the commons again. This time each knight was roaming the area. We got an autograph of the green knight and visited with a few of the other knights. What a great evening!
Sunday, January 9
Wednesday, January 5
Weather
How the weather can change in Texas! The week of Christmas it snowed. The week of New Years it was in the 70s! And now we may have more now! Can you believe it? I live here and am still amazed!
Pilates Queen
I just have to say that I love pilates! Not only do I love pilates, but I am amazed at how well I am doing! Way to go me!
Sunday, January 2
Saturday, January 1
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve was a blast this year! And what made it so much fun...hanging out with friends and just having fun. ...
The evening started at Trail Dust. There was lots of food and lots of country music! I can't remember the last time I listened to that much country music. No matter how long it's been since I've listened to country music, a song is still played that I know. ...
After Trail Dust, Cherissa and I drove over to the Marriot for a big singles parties. The party was on the second floor and it was on the entire second floor. Some men were in tuxes, some in suits, some in blue jeans. The women wore formals, cocktails or casual. A DJ played music from every decade. I taught some guy (John) how to swing dance. ...
At the stroke of midnight, we were in the middle of the dance floor with balloons cascading down over us. We gave each of our girlfriends a big hug and welcomed the new year. ...
Happy New Year!
The evening started at Trail Dust. There was lots of food and lots of country music! I can't remember the last time I listened to that much country music. No matter how long it's been since I've listened to country music, a song is still played that I know. ...
After Trail Dust, Cherissa and I drove over to the Marriot for a big singles parties. The party was on the second floor and it was on the entire second floor. Some men were in tuxes, some in suits, some in blue jeans. The women wore formals, cocktails or casual. A DJ played music from every decade. I taught some guy (John) how to swing dance. ...
At the stroke of midnight, we were in the middle of the dance floor with balloons cascading down over us. We gave each of our girlfriends a big hug and welcomed the new year. ...
Happy New Year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
