Haleigh Anne

01.14.06 Good Weekend

2007-01-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have had a really good weekend. Saturday, my mom came over and we sewed/worked on our quilts. I didn't get much done quilt-wise because I was cleaning my apartment while my mom worked on her quilt. However, I REALLY enjoyed the company and I got my apartment clean. The picture on the right is what I have done so far. Once I get all the little squares sewn together, the block will be finished.

On Saturday night, two of our friends came over and we went to dinner at the Clay Pit. I don't get to eat much Indian food; so, it was nice to have something different. I had grilled lamb and potatoes. YUMMY!

After dinner, we went to Club 300 and bowled 2 games. I'm not too good at bowling. The last time I bowled, my scores were 87 and 89. Despite my lack of skill, I still have fun. Last night, I bowled a 99 and a 137! I was proud of the 137. Here's a pic so it can go down in my blog history. I may never see an over-100-game again. :o) Yea, me!

Tonight, we are going to Dick's Last Resort to see one of our friends play in his new(ish) band. The last group he was in was a duo with his best friend. They were the best...VERY entertaining.

Other things I need to accomplish before tonight is over:

1. Finish my photo assignment from my photo class (I have 1 out of 8) and get the pictures printed.

2. Bake and decorate a cake for a co-worker's birthday on Monday.

Damn...I hope I get it all done. Looks like tonight might be a late night. ;o)

01.09.06 Photo Class

2007-01-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I signed up for a beginning photography class. The class meets once a week on Monday nights. The instructor is Michael Blackwell of Dallas Darkroom. I am really excited about the class and look forward to what I will learn.

We had our first meeting last night and I have to admit it was almost overwhelming. There's a lot more to it than you could ever imagine. And, we barely scratched the surface. However, once I get a better understanding of a few concepts, I really think (or hope) my photographs will start to get better.

I have a list of different kinds of pictures I have to take and turn in at the next class meeting. Maybe after I have them all, I will post them here. We'll see.

01.09.06 Blogger Blocked

2007-01-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

They blocked Blogger at work. I did most of my blogging at work during my lunch hour. OK...I'll admit...I did some blogging not on my lunch break and on regular time. Guilty as charged. I promise to be good and only blog at lunch.

Think that will work?

12.6.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Memory

2007-01-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Cameron and Mindy - Grand Canyon 2005

This was the first road trip my husband and I ever took together. It is one of the best vacations I have ever taken. We have many great memories of this trip and still talk about it often.

1.6.07 It's time to snap out of it

2007-01-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I've had my time to sulk...now it is time to snap out of it and move on with my life. I apologize to my friends, family and bloggers that I have caused to worry about me and my well being. The last post concerned several of you...many of you called or emailed. I appreciate the concerns and love you sent.

I set a time limit on my sulking and told myself that at the end of it I would get back to normal...whatever that is. :o) So, here I am back to normal. Welcome back, me!

12.27.06 Gray Sky Morning

2006-12-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

And it may take some time to

Patch me up inside

But I can't take it so I

Run away and hide

And I may find in time that

You were always right

You're always right

So you sailed away

Into a grey sky morning

Now I'm here to stay

Love can be so boring

What was it you wanted

Could it be I'm haunted

I need peace. I'm trying to find it. I'll let you know when I do. Sincerely ~ Haleigh Anne

12.18.06 I Love to Read

2006-12-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Literate Good Citizen You read to inform or entertain yourself, but you're not nerdy about it. You've read most major classics (in school) and you have a favorite genre or two.
Dedicated Reader
Book Snob
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

Thanks, Pam.

12.15.06 I can't bake...but, I think I could handle this recipe

2006-12-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

We had a Holiday Cookie Exchange at the office yesterday. I was the one that instigated the whole idea and the one who organized it. I sent out cute little invitations on card stock and everything. Well, when it came time to bake my cookies, I had a TOTAL DISASTER!

I have tried baking cookies in the past and they rarely to never work out. They are too big and run together, they taste funny (probably because of a forgotten ingredient or a mis-measured ingredient), they don't cook all the way through, they are burned...pick a reason and I promise I have that one covered.

I waited until the last minute to bake my cookies. I had total confidence in myself and knew that this time would be different. Ha! When I had everything mixed together, my batter was not sticking together. I called my dad for help. He knew immediately (without even looking at it) that I had not added the eggs. Ugh! How did he know that? So, I added the eggs at the end. I also realized I had forgotten the vanilla; so, I added that too. The mixture was already tough to stir so the eggs and the vanilla didn't mix in all the way. I thought it would be fine.

The first batch I baked were too big and joined together to make one big cookie. My supportive husband said, "Just change the name to cakies." Isn't he sweet?

The second batch burned on the ends and were not cooked in the middle. Ugh! My sweet husband said, "Well...they're not too bad". He was smiling really big and trying to be helpful.

I got frustrated and threw out everything. I swore off baking and said I would never try again. My sweet, suportive, trying to be helpful husband said, "Haven't you ever heard 'Practice makes Perfect'? You really need to try again until you get it right." "Not tonight," I said.

I called a bakery the next morning and ordered 3 dozen cookies. Since then, I have found this cookie recipe and have decided to try it. I think this recipe is more my style. :)

Christmas Cookie Recipe

1 cup of water

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup of brown sugar

2 tsp lemon juice

4 large eggs

1 cup nuts

2 cups of dried fruit

1 bottle Crown Royal

Sample the Crown to check quality.

Take a large bowl, check the Crown again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again.

At this point it's best to make sure the Crown is still OK, try another cup, just in case.

Turn off the mixer thingy.

Check the Crown Royal.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit...Pick the frigging fruit off floor.

Check the Crown Royal.

Mix on the turner.

Check the Crown Royal.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a dewscriver.

Check the Crown Royal for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet.

Check the Crown Royal.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of ar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Check the Crown Royal.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, Finish the bottle of Crown Royal.

Make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

CHERRY MISTMAS

12.15.06 Where are my readers?

2006-12-15T07:52:00.000-08:00

I noticed that no one has been commenting lately and I was starting to get a little bummed out...until I read on Leesa's blog that she can't comment on Beta Blogs. My blog is a Beta Blog.

Are the rest of you having the same problem? If so, will you please email me at haleighanne@gmail.com. If there are several of you having this problem, I will contact Blogger....like they will be much help...but, I can always hope, right?

OK...that's it for now. I have been so busy I haven't had much time to blog or visit. I will catch up this weekend.

12.11.06 Weekend Fun

2006-12-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

This is what my husband does on the weekends:

:and he loves it! Lookin' good, honey!!

12.10.06 Crazy Traffic

2006-12-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

Traffic pattern?

12.10.06 My Elf Brother

2006-12-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Check this out: http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=56748f72e2895bc7a07552bG20061210.

One of my brother's favorite movies is Elf...so, I decided to use his picture instead of mine. This is great! Thank you, Leesa, for leading me to this! Thank you, Office Max, for providing all the fun!

Be sure to click on the Office Max tab for more Holiday Fun and Games.

12.9.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Red

2006-12-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Grab the photo hunt code or join the blogroll .

I took this picture at a wedding we attended in North Carolina. My mother-in-law (left pair of feet & shoes) and two of her best friends were all wearing the same shoes. I thought it was cute. I had this picture framed for my MIL...she loved it so much she had two more framed for the friends.

12.5.06 Cooking Mishap/How I hurt my Hand

2006-12-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

I was trying to be a good wife and cook breakfast on Saturday morning. I got up, followed the recipe and thought evevrything was going well. I forget the name of the dish I was trying to cook; but, it required me to put eggs, herbs, milk and cheese in a hot skillet and then put the skillet in the oven for 20 minutes.

When the 20 minutes were up, I put on my oven mit and took the HOT skillet out of the oven. I placed the skillet on top of the stove so that I could cut the egg dish into pieces. I took OFF my oven mit to grap a knife from the drawer. I, then, grabbed the handle of the HOT skillet (like you usually do when dealing with a skillet) WITHOUT the oven mit. My hand was not on the handle but for a few seconds; but, I heard my skin sizzle...the handle was that HOT. I immediately turned to the sink and ran cold water over my hand for a few minutes. My skin was not peeling or blistering (too bad); so, I decided it was not the emergency it felt like it was.

There were a few places on my hand that I had to hold ice on for a while before it finally quit burning. My hand throbbed for the rest of the day and was a little sensitive for a day and a half. There are also places on my ring finger and pinky finger where the fingerprints are kind of smooth. I'm tellin' ya...I burned the dickens out of me!!

The egg dish was also a disaster. The recipe called for fresh herbs. I didn't have any fresh herbs so I used dried ones (not reccomended...and I know better). I also used the same amount as the receipe called for (fresh herb measurements don't equal dried herb measurements); so, there were WAY TOO MANY herbs and they all floated to the top to form an herb crust over a soggy-not-enough-cheese-mixture of eggs. I had to throw the whole thing in the trash.

Thank you all for your wishes of fast healing. I am better now. My hand is back to normal...just a little dry where I was burned.

12.2.06 Saturday Photo Hunt

2006-12-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

I will not be posting a Photo Scavenger Hunt picture today. I have injured my left hand and computer work/blogging will have to wait until I have recovered. Thanks for visiting.

12.1.06 Quote of the Month

2006-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

When we are in the midst of a growing period, it is not easy to see our reward, but it is there, waiting for us to grow big enough to reach it.

~Daily OM, Growing Pains: Initiations For Growth, Jan. 3 2006

Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.

~ Anthony Robbins

11.30.06 Wintery Mix

2006-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

What is all that pink stuff on the map? It indicates Ice. The white is not cloud cover...it is snow. Snow! We rarely get weather like this. I had to look at the key to see what the pink color on the map meant. I am excited about the cold weather and the 1 inch (maybe 2 inches if we are lucky) of snow we will see. I never get to see snow...unless we drive to the Grand Canyon inArizona during Spring Break...but, that is another story for another time.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law was mowing the lawn. I walked out in a t-shirt, shorts and barefeet and was comfortable. And, I had to turn on the air conditioner because it was in the high 70's in my apartment. I was working and got hot. Today, SNOW!

Also, our office is closing early today due to the inclement weather! Yea, I love half day surprises. I am going to go home, snuggle up with the pets and watch a movie and drink hot chocolate. Got to enjoy it while we can. :)

Some of you may be laughing because we, Texans, close down when there is the possibility of snow. Well, in our defense I say this:

1. Driving in ice (which is really what we have...we just call it snow) is much different than driving in snow.

2. No. We are not prepared with snow plows, salt/sand, etc. It is a waste of money to have such equipment when you use it once (maybe twice...maybe not at all) a year.

3. No. We don't have snow tires or those little plugs that hang out of the front our our cars. What are those anyway?

4. Who doesn't want an excuse for a day off?

5. We laugh at anyone who closes down when it is too hot.

Below is an email that came from the CEO/President of the company where my husband is employed. He is a great guy with a great sense of humor. I love reading his emails.

"Team,

Having been born in Gladewater, Tx, raised in Nebraska for 12 years, and then the last 26 years in Dallas, a cold rain in Texas is technically a 2 ft blizzard. In terms of car accidents, much worse. Texans love to venture out in ice storms when driving is impossible, and raid walmart and stay home when snow arrives. So I suggest thist first, gas up your cars to full in the event you get stuck in traffic with a wreck or on-lookers of a crashed f-150 truck with 2 sand bags in the back. Second, if it is bad, stay home, our 89,000 wells are rumored to still be here when the weather clears. Texas has very few ice or snow storms, so they do not sand the streets and there is no scrubbing of the oils on the streets. A simple rain brings the oil to the surface and wahlah, Texas mahem at it's best. In summary, be careful the next 2 days."

Great guy. For those of you in the area, be careful and enjoy the extra time at home.

11.28.06 Kira and Me

2006-11-28T17:17:00.000-08:00

11.27.06 Beta Upgrade

2006-11-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

I am going to try and upgrade to the Beta version of Blogger. The last time I tried to upgrade, my blog was frozen for a few days. So, if I am not back by Friday...call for help. :o)

**Update: I have switched and everything looks fine. Yea! I haven't had the chance to play around yet; but, from the looks of what I have seen, I like it. I'll post some pics later tonight. Thanks to all who crossed their fingers during the switch. We can all breath now.

11.23.06 Kick it off with a WIN

2006-11-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

We started our Thanksgiving holiday with a Stars game last night. The Stars won 1 to 0. Woo-hoo!! Go Stars!!

I am still in Dallas at our apartment doing last minute things -- cleaning, laundry, bills -- so that I can have a restful weekend. In a few hours, I will be leaving to go to Ennis where we will spend the rest of the holiday with our families.

This year, we are having 3 -- yes, 3 -- Thanksgivings. Today, we will be celebrating with Cameron's family. Tomorrow, we will have dinner with my mom, the guy she is dating, his kids, my siblings and their significant others. Saturday, we will have our third and final Thanksgiving dinner with my dad and the siblings. Exhausting? Nah...it's normal for us. Just wait until you hear our Christmas schedule. One year we had 6 Christmases!

BIG NEWS: My brother proposed to his girlfriend!! They have been dating for 6 years or so. I am very excited for them both. Her ring is gorgeous and very classy...just like she is. :o) My sister and I have been calling her our future-sister-in-law for a while now; but, now it is official. Yea!! I wish them both many many years of happiness and giggles. Congratulations Michael and Stephanie.

OK...I better get back to the chores so I can get out of here. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Have a great holiday.

Nothing to Post Meme

2006-11-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

I haven't really had anything happen that I would like to post. So, I will post this meme I borrowed from Leesa.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? *Man, I look rough.

2. How much cash do you have on you? *None. I never carry cash.

3. What’s a word that rhymes with “DOOR?” *More

4. Favorite planet? *Saturn

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? *My Mom.

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? *I don't have one. I can never think of a cool ring tone to get.

7. What shirt are you wearing? *Black sweater with white embroidery

8. Do you “label” yourself? Yes...unfortunately.

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? *Barefeet...no shoes, no socks.

10. Bright or Dark Room? *Dim.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? *I borrowed it from Leesa. I think she is AWESOME!

12. What does your watch look like? *Small. Silver braclet type with a light pink face.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night? *sleeping in a Queen sized bed with a husband, a dog and a cat that take up more than their share

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? *Hey its me J**** i was just wondering if u knew y j*** STILL didn't like me?

15. Where is your nearest 7-11? *I don't know. I'll ask the hubs. He doesn't know either.

16. Whats a word that you say a lot? *Like

17. Who told you he/she loved you last? *My Dad

18. Last furry thing you touched? *Haleigh the dog

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? *None

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? *None. Digital only.

21. Favorite age you have been so far? *6 or 7...it was the happiest time of my life

22. Your worst enemy? *Myself

23. What is your current desktop picture? *Pink flower picture I took in North Carolina. It is my January picture for the calendars I am selling.

24. What was the last thing you said to someone? *To my husband...Have you told me that you loved me today. I was trying to find my answer for number 17. His answer: Uh...this morning. I love that guy.

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? *Fly. So I could make a million bucks selling tickets to my shows, movies to Lifetime, books to publishers, etc.

26. Do you like someone? *Yes. I like Cameron.

27. The last song you listened to? *Eminem -- Cleaning Out My Closet

28. What time of day were you born? *6:30 AM on a Saturday...I was born in time to watch Muppet Babies...that's what my mom used to tell me when I was little

29. Whats your favorite number? *5

30. Where did you live in 1987? *Fairfield, TX. You get points if you know where that is. You get bonus points if you have been there.

31. Are you jealous of anyone? *Yes.

32. Is anyone jealous of you? *I don't know. Maybe.

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?*Driving to Athens, TX to meet my grandmother and great aunt. I was listening to the radio and I thought it was a joke.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?*Get very irritated and pay again. I am a sucker.

35. Do you consider yourself kind? *Yes

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? *I have 2. A butterfly on my left ankle and a butterfly on my left shoulder.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? *Spanish

38. Would you move for the person you loved? *Yes

39. Are you touchy feely? *Yes

40. What’s your life motto? *I don't have one.

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? *My wedding rings. *My necklace (which was the first thing my husband ever bought me). *The absence of my phone. The last answer was provided by my slightly irritated hubs.

42. What’s your favourite town/city? *Ennis, TX. It's where my family is.

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? *Cash? You mean the green stuff? No clue.

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? *Today. I literally send hundreds of letters out every week.

45. Can you change the oil on a car? *Nope

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? *My first real love. I have been emailing back and forth with him this week. He is doing well and asked me to tell my family hello.

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? *2nd/3rd generation from Europe.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? *Dinner at the Four Seasons. It was a company function including a private show with Dennis Miller.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? *My feet. Bad but cute shoes.

50. Have you been burned by love? *Yep.

11.17.06 Congratulations...It's time to Party

2006-11-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

I am celebrating with Redhead Editor and another one of my friends (who will remain anonymous until we can "let the cat out of the bag") and sending them a big CONGRATULATIONS on their new jobs!

Both of these ladies deserve this boost and the smiles that have been put on their faces. I send kisses and hugs to both of you. WAY TO GO LADIES!!!!

Be sure to stop by and tell them congrats.

11.17.06 We are in the Chewing Phase

2006-11-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

She's growing up, isn't she? She's so pretty. And, that is not a biased opinion just because I am her Mom. :o)

She is in the chewing stage now. When she had claws, she dug two holes in the bottom of the box spring frame of our bed. She likes to hide out in there. She also likes to chew on the wooden bed frame. The sounds of a kitten chomping down on wood at 3 AM is not a great sound to wake up to...especially if you intend on being in a good mood. This weekend we plan to recover the bottom of the frame so she can't get in there anymore. She has also started chewing on other things such as my hairbrush, my watch and probably many more things that I just haven't caught her at yet.

My boss brought her some chew sticks made for cats. With a dog, you can give them a treat and they take it immediately. It has been my experience so far that you have to let the cat "discover" the treat. So, I left the chew stick on the coffee table for Kira to "discover" and run away with. Well, Haleigh (the dog) discovered it first and ate it in less than a minute. Unless I can find some magical way to give Kira chew treats without Haleigh getting them first, I will have to give up trying with the chew sticks.

Kira is my first cat to ever have as a pet; so, I just don't know as much about her and how to solve/worth with any problems I have with her. Do y'all have any suggestions on the chewing? Does the Chewing Phase ever end like it does with puppies?

For Christmas, I would like to get her a cat tower with some hiding places...especially since I took away one of her best hiding spots under the bed. I have one picked out that I really think she will like. Don't tell her yet...I want it to be a surprise. :o)

11.13.06 In Waco

2006-11-13T22:53:00.001-08:00

We went "home" for the weekend...spent one night at home...and are back on the road. We are spending the night in Waco and then will go to San Saba in the morning. It will be really nice to be back home for a good while and to sleep in my bed for more than 4 hours.

Work was frustrating today because the phone kept ringing. Usually, I don't mind the public relations part of my job; but, today it was distracting. I will have a 4 day week this week...a 3 day week next week...and a 4 day week after that. Nice? Well, it's nice to have the time off; but, the work just piles up when I am gone. I am starting to stress out again about all the work I have in my Inbox. My boss is really sweet about it and tells me all the time to not worry so much. She knows I will get it done. It's me that puts the pressure on me. I can't help it.

Sorry this is so short and not very interesting. However, I am on the road and don't have access to all my stuff....like my new pictures. I just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive and haven't left the blog world...yet. :)

11.13.06 In Waco

2006-11-13T22:53:00.000-08:00

11.10.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Growth

2006-11-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

Grab the photo hunt code or join the blogroll.

This grew into...

This...

Sorry...I had to "cheat" this weekend. I am out of town and I didn't have any good "Growth" pictures in the archives. However, this is a great way to show everyone out there how my collection of digital cameras has grown. :) I got my Christmas present from my hubs a little early this year. The first picture is the camera I started out with and the second camera is my newly acquired Cannon. Yea for the hubs! He really knows how to please a girl. ::wink wink::

Next week, I promise my own images of "Plush". Thanks for visiting and have a great Saturday Photo Hunt.

11.9.06 Haleigh Anne in South Park

2006-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

This is me in South Park form. Queen Angel of Coffee, Teddy Bears and Metallica. I rock!!

Y'all have a GREAT weekend...I know I will. To create yourself in South Park form, go here.

Climbing Down to Success: Week 8

2006-11-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

I am back on track! I haven't posted my Climbing Down to Success for the last couple of weeks because I wasn't doing so well. I gained...not much...but it was still discouraging. I am back on track this week though. We went grocery shopping and I have been bringing my lunch to work. Yea, me! I got my 5 lb. bookmark this week also. This is the boost I needed for this next week. My goal is to lose 1.2 lb for next week. My goal for this 17 week session is 2o lbs. That means an average of 1.5 lbs every week until the end of the session. Let's see what I can do!

11.6.06 Burnin' The Midnight Oil

2006-11-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

Well...it's going to be a late night. I am staying at work until I have this mountain beside me down to a mole hill.

I am staying by choice. My boss and the company do not put pressure on me to have things done the way I choose to have them done. I put the pressure on myself. I like to get something in on Monday and have it out no later than Friday. Industry standard/average is 3 months. 3 MONTHS!! I don't know how they can stand it. I go crazy when something is in my inbox for more than 2 weeks. And, that is exactly where I am sitting right now....2 weeks "behind".

There is something good that comes out of all of this. I do eventually get "caught up" and my weeks are better. Also, I always get the high end of the raises. My last raise was 14.85%. Yep...that's not a typo. I got a nearly 15% raise a few months ago. It was (and still is) nice. I am also up for another small raise in March. Not too bad. At least, I can see and feel the pay off for all my hard work.

My SWEET husband is coming up to the office to bring me dinner. We are having tomato soup, crackers, cheese and fruit...one of my favorite dinners. He is also staying until I am ready to go home. He needs to study and he needs to get out of the apartment. My office will provide a great place for him to study. There is an empty desk near me; so, he will be able to spread out and really study.

So, here I am bare footed and wrapped up in my favorite sweater working my hiney off. It's nice. Hope you all have a good night.

11.06.07 Quote of the Month: November

2006-11-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.

~W.J. Cameron

11.5.06 I am the World

2006-11-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

You are the World

Completion, Good Reward.

The World is the final card of the Major Arcana, and as such represents saturnian energies, time, and completion.

The World card pictures a dancer in a Yoni (sometimes made of laurel leaves). The Yoni symbolizes the great Mother, the cervix through which everything is born, and also the doorway to the next life after death. It is indicative of a complete circle. Everything is finally coming together, successfully and at last. You will get that Ph.D. you've been working for years to complete, graduate at long last, marry after a long engagement, or finish that huge project. This card is not for little ends, but for big ones, important ones, ones that come with well earned cheers and acknowledgements. Your hard work, knowledge, wisdom, patience, etc, will absolutely pay-off; you've done everything right.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

11.4.06 Christmas Swap Partner

2006-11-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

I learned who my Christmas present swap partner is today! Visit him here. So far, I know that he likes fish...a lot. He plays football (or soccer for everyone in the US). He is married and has 3 very cute kids. He dabbles in altered art. I look forward to learning more about Paul and I can't wait to go Christmas shopping. I love to shop!

I will also have to start reading his blog every day to get more hints as to what will make great gifts to send. I wasn't expecting a male partner and I feel like I am going to have to switch gears a little bit. The fun part is that it will be more of a "hunt" for gifts and more exciting to see what I can find.

This is going to be so much fun!! Thank you, Mandy, for hosting the Christmas Grotto Goodie Swap.

11.4.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Windows

2006-11-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

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Window Shopping

11.2.06 It's November Already?

2006-11-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have been saving this picture for quite some time now; but, nothing seems to go with it. So, I am posting it today just because I like the picture.

I am toying with the idea of taking a break from blogging. I have been feeling really stressed out lately and would like to cut back on anything that is not necessary. The problem is I can't find things that I do that are not necessary. Blogging is one of the "un-nessaries" but I like it. What is silly is that blogging stresses me out. I have all these things I want to post or talk about; but, then I decide against them because it would take too much writing or I am afraid I will offend someone or I am afraid someone I know will read it and then ask me about it. Then, my blog is not a true reflection of me (which I want it to be); so, I get stresed out even more. Think I have a problem?

Blogging also takes time. I feel like I have not time. Here is my weekly schedule:
Try to get out of bed by 5 AM
Try to leave the apartment by 6:15 AM
Ride 6:30 AM bus
Start work at 7AM
Leave work at 5:30 PM
Ride 5:40 PM bus
Get home 6:30 PM
Change clothes, say hello to husband and pets
Walk dog 7:00 PM
Try to cook dinner 7:30 PM
Dinner ready by 8 - 8:30 PM
Try to be in bed by 9 PM so I am not so tired in the morning
In bed usually around 11 - 11:30 PM
Really tired and running late next morning

This schedule leaves me NO TIME for ANYTHING. What time I do have, I should be cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping, etc etc etc. Weekends you say? Usually busy or out of town. However, if I get things done, it is on the weekends. To have fun or relax, I schedule it. What can I do to change this?

OK. Rant over for now.

Other things going on in my life....My husband (who needs a code name for the blog) is out of town. He is in Tampa, Florida at a convention for work. He seems to be having a good time.

Last night, my sister and I went to hear the UT Wind Ensemble play at the Meyerson Symphony Center. We had box seats. I was going to scan my ticket and the porgram; but, it takes too much out of me (see the above paragraph). My sister looked FABULOUS! She was dressed in a black suit, a sparkley black sweater/top, black hills, chanderlier earrings to match the suit...F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S! It is the first time I have looked at her and saw an adult standing in front of me. She is six years younger than me and the youngest in the family...she's the baby. But, last night she was all grown up. JB, you have turned into a beautiful, strong, amazing, intelligent, amazing, wonderful, sweet, beautiful and amazing woman. You make me proud, kid!

Ok...I need to eat some lunch. My boss came into my office and said, "Eat lunch. It's time." I said, "I know. I will in a minute." "OK, " she said, "I just don't want you to forget."

Yes. I forget to eat sometimes...stress...stress...busy...busy...busy...

P.S. I will post San Antonio pictures as soon as I remember. Ok...now lunch.

10.31.06 Holiday Hodge Podge

2006-10-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

Best Witches for a Happy Halloween!

To see more Pearls Before Swine, click here.

Also, I have joined a Christmas Swap! Tomorrow is the last day to sign up.

Visit Mandy at A Penny for Them to sign up for the swap.

10.27.06 On Vacation...Went Home for the Weekend

2006-10-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

I will not be posting for a few days because I am on vacation at my Dad's in San Antonio. We are having our Fall Festival this weekend! I will post pictures when I get back.

While I am out, I am leaving a question for you all. Please leave your answer in the comments. My 200th post is coming up quickly. What should I post for my 200th?

10.25.06 Wordless Wednesday

2006-10-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Get the Wordless Wednesday code here

View More Wordless Wednesday Participants

10.24.06 Happy Smurf-day!!

2006-10-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Remember these guys and gal...
...I do! I had a Smurfette suitcase, ate bowls and bowls of Smurfberry Crunch and watched every episode there was. Well, today is their birthday. Go check them out and wish them a Happy Smurf-day!

The Official Smurf Site

Ex-Entertainment's Smurf Stuff

Smurf Theme Song

10.23.06 I Am Sunshine

2006-10-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am a
Sunflower

What Flower
Are You?

"When your friends think smile, they think of you. There is not a day that goes by that you can't find something good about the world and your fellow human."

I hope this is true. I hope I can bring sunshine to my family and friends. I could die happy knowing I did just that. :0)

I found this at Pam's by the way. Thanks, Pam.

10.23.06 Angels Among Us

2006-10-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

The song Angels Among Us by Alabama is a special song for my family. My sister called a radio station and dedicated the song to my daughter the night she was born. We played the song during my daughter's memorial service to say "thank you" to all those angels that supported us through that horrible time in our lives. And, the song has "popped" up in several places at just the right moment...enough to give you chills and fill your eyes with tears. Today, I had one of those moments.

Today, my husband is taking the written part of his pilot exam for a private pilot license for helicopters. He is very nervous about the test because flying is so important to him. He will do very well. I know he will. I knew that he would be taking the test around 2 PM this afternoon. I usually listen to the radio at work; but, I had it turned down for a good while because I was talking with a friend. When she left my office, I realized it was 2 PM. I closed my eyes and thought about my husband...trying to send strength and encouragement to him through my thoughts. As I was concentrating on him, I turned up my radio to an audible level and the song was playing. Can you believe that? Our special song was playing. To me, that was God telling me that we were going to be just fine. It couldn't get any clearer than that.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

Angels Among Us

Written by Becky Hobbs

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.
Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way.
It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.
But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.
Mama couldnt see him, but he was standing there.
And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Chorus
Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with a light of love.

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees.
Theres always been someone there to come along and comfort me.
A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.
A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.
And aint it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road.
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Chorus

They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places.
To guide us with their mercy, in our time of need.

Chorus

To guide us with a light of love.

10.21.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Dreaming

2006-10-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

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Cowgirl Day Dream

10.21.06 Stars vs. Blackhawks

2006-10-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Good game. Good game. GOOD. GAME!!! Last night was one of the BEST hockey games I've seen. There were any great fights; but, the goals made had me out of my last seat the entire last 3rd period.

Here is a great re-cap from the Dallas Stars site:

"Moral of the story: don't leave a hockey game early. Especially in Dallas.
The Dallas Stars rallied twice in the final six minutes of regulation to stun the red-hot Chicago Blackhawks, 5-4. The final two Stars goals came in the last 1:14 that sent American Airlines Center into a frenzy." Read more.

Five goals in the last six minutes (4 were Stars' goals). How exciting!!!! In hockey you rarely see five goals in the whole game! I'm telling you it was GREAT!

That's my ticket to the left. Below is the picture of the final score.

GO STARS!

10.19.06 Dark Movies

2006-10-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

I stole this from Leesa who stole it from Terry. It is too much fun! I didn't think I would do very well; but, I have found 20 so far. You can save your game and keep going back to it until you have found them all. Enjoy!!

50 Dark Movies

**Update: I finished the game! With the help of my very clever brother-in-law and imaginative husband. Oh...and we had to use the internet on the last 5. There are some movies in the picture that I have never heard of. Fun game though. Let me know if you get them all or how many you have left.

10.18.06 Pure Nerd...Not enough Geek to erase the blank spots in this post

2006-10-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Pure Nerd
78 % Nerd, 43% Geek, 39% Dork

For The Record:

A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.
A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.
A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.
You scored better than half in Nerd, earning you the title of: Pure Nerd.

The times, they are a-changing. It used to be that being exceptionally smart led to being unpopular, which would ultimately lead to picking up all of the traits and tendences associated with the "dork." No-longer. Being smart isn't as socially crippling as it once was, and even more so as you get older: eventually being a Pure Nerd will likely be replaced with the following label: Purely Successful.

Congratulations!

THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 84% on nerdiness

You scored higher than 68% on geekosity

You scored higher than 69% on dork points

10.17.06 Climbing Down to Success: Week 5

2006-10-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I gained a pound...but, I still have a total loss. I know why I didn't do well this week. I didn't write down what I was eating. I also dined out a lot this week. I try to make "healthier" choices when I dine out; but, healthier really means eating at home.

So, goals to tackle this week are 1. write down EVERY THING
2. go grocery shopping
3. eat at HOME.

10.14.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Lost

2006-10-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

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10.12.06 Time Capsule

2006-10-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! is creating a digital time capsule. As a Yahoo! user, you can contribute images, sound, video, written words and your own drawings to the time capsule. To learn more about it, visit the Yahoo! Time Capsule homepage. Another great page to visit is the the Facts page which displays several interesting facts about the ever-changing, ever-growing time capsule.

I contributed one of my favorite pictures...a picture I don't think I could live without. As soon as I get the link to my contribution page, I will post it here. I think the digital time capsule is an interesting idea and I will be interested to see how much it grows over the next few weeks.

If you contribute to the project, please comment here and leave your link. I will visit each and every one of the links you leave.

**Update: Here is the link to my contribution: Holding Madison

10.11.06 Wordless Wednesday

2006-10-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

http://photoshopcontest.com/view-entry/106771/nature-of-indifference.html

10.10.06 Climbing Down to Success: Week 2

2006-10-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

What is this? Find out later tonight. I will post an update when I get home.

**Update: I have joined Weight Watchers. As you can see from the ticker, I have 87 pounds I want to lose. I have debated about sharing this "adventure" with you because it is a hard one for me. I have been battling it for years and I never seem to come out on top. However, I am trying again and that's what counts. Yesterday is yesterday...and I am moving on. I will update my total weight loss every Tuesday.

I am calling this my "Climb Down to Sucess" since I am climbing down to a healthy weight. My icon is a turtle because "slow and steady wins the race". So, here I go. Wish me luck.

10.09.06 My Karate Kid

2006-10-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

The little girl in the lower right picture is my niece. She is one of my favorite kids in the world and I just love this picture of her. She is only 3 and is taking Tae Kwon Do. She may not do all the punches and kicks perfectly; but, she knows the Tae Kwon Do Creed by memory and can say the entire thing without missing a beat. And she's only 3!! In the picture, she has just lead the class in the Creed and is bowing them out. Isn't she a doll? And so tiny. :)

I will try and find the Tae Kwon Do Creed and post it here as an update.

**Tae Kwon Do Creed**

Tae Kwon Do Students

Aim to Achieve

Courtesy
Integrity
Perseverance
Self-Control
Indomitable Spirit

Chario Kyoung ye

Yes, at 3 years old, she can say this all by memory. I told you she was amazing!

10.07.06 Photo Hunt: Sleeping

2006-10-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

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10.07.06 1 Man, 1 Camera, 197 Countries, 1 City

2006-10-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

10.6.06 Friday Favorite: Flip-Flops

2006-10-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

Flip flops are without a doubt my favorite footwear coming only second to bare feet. I have joined a fanlist for flips flops just for fun and so I can display this cool little picture on my sidebar. If you want to check out the fan list or join, please visit this site...Comfy. You can also find the site by clicking on the icon in my sidebar. Enjoy!

10.04.06 Hubs Update

2006-10-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Turns out the my husband's mysterious pain was a mixture of dramatic altitude changes and a really bad sinus infection. He went to the General Practitioner who we LOVE and she told him he really had nothing to worry about. She gave him 3 prescriptions and said he should not fly until the infection has cleared.

She also said that an MRI was not necessary. However, my husband wants to make sure all is clear before he takes to the skies again; so, he is having an MRI on Friday morning. I am sure all will be normal and we can put this behind us for good. I wish the doctors would give us a copy of the MRI scan so I could post it on the blog. How cool would that be?

When I was searching for "sinus" pictures, I found this book (picture to the left). It looks really cute and full of helpful info. Maybe we should buy one and keep it on hand...just in case we have another sinus emergency.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I am glad that I can give such good and relieving news.

10.02.06 Happy Birthday, Madison

2006-10-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my baby girl, Madison Marie. I wrote a song for her and my husband. The song came about when I was writing about the first time my husband ever held our daughter. Go here to read an early post about it and to see the picture that gave birth to the song.

Madison's Melody: In Daddy's Arms

Mama said It's time to go
She took Daddy's hand and they left home
Mama was scared and the wait was long
But she stayed strong in Daddy's arms

And in Daddy's arms she belonged
He held her and rocked her and made her calm
Mama she knew something was wrong
But she stayed strong in Daddy's arms

The baby was weak and almost gone
She could hear those angels singin' their song
She was tired and she was lost
Until she found her Daddy's arms

And in Daddy's arms she belonged
He held her and rocked her and made her calm
Yet those angles kept singin' their song
But she stayed strong in Daddy's arms

The Angel said It's time to go
She took the baby's hand and lead her home
Mama she kissed her and said she'd miss her
But she knew she'd be strong in Daddy's arms

And in Daddy's arms she belonged
He held her and rocked her and made her calm
Those Angels they sang all night long
And she stayed strong in Daddy's arms

And Daddy he loved her with all of his heart
So she stayed stong in Daddy's arms

10.02.06 Quote of the Month: October

2006-10-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another. ~Katherine Paterson

Happy October, fellow quoters! I’ve been enjoying the fall weather (not the allergies though). :o)

Many of you may be aware that today would have been Madison’s 4th birthday. I have had some people over the years want to do something in her memory. Last year or the year before, my mother-in-law had a great idea. She donated a gift to Children’s hospital. This morning, I called the Child Life Department at Children’s and asked what they needed most. The answer was infant toys with lots of music and lights (V-Tech or Sassy are the best brands). The toys should be all plastic so that they can be cleaned between patients’ use. Target and Toys R Us are great places to find the type of toys Children’s hospital needs. I will be dropping off toys at Children’s sometime this week. If any of you plan to donate gifts but don’t have the time to take them to Children’s, I will be happy to take them for you.

Thank you all for your thought and prayers this month. We feel the love you send.

**That was the Quote of the Month letter I sent out this morning. Below are some pictures of the types of toys I will be buying and taking to the hospital here in Dallas. I encourage all of you to make a difference in a child's life this month and donate your time, money, gifts, prayers and thoughts to the very special little ones who may not spend too much time here on Earth.

9.30.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Comfy

2006-09-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

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com*fort [kuhm-fert] (noun): a state of ease and satisfaction of bodily wants, with freedom from pain and anxiety: She is a woman who enjoys her comfort.

9.28.06 Emergency Room Visit

2006-09-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

To the left is a CT Scan of a normal brain. Why am I posting this? Well, read below and I will tell you.

Last night, my husband got home late from a flight he and some friends had taken to Austin. He told me that he got to take off, fly and land the plane and was very excited about it. He also said that when he was coming in for the landing he had a really bad pain in his head. A sharp pain...not like a headache...the worst he had ever felt. The sharp pain lasted about 30 minutes and then subsided slightly. The after effect was the front part of his head and around his eye felt bruised. He told me that he wanted to see the doctor the next day. I was worried because he never complains about anything and he never asks to see the doctor. Like all men, he usually has to be convinced to see the doctor. This time he was asking to see one. It was nearly 3 AM when he got home; so, I told him we could make an appointment the next day.

Today, I made an appointment with our primary care doctor who we really like and trust. We were going to wait until the appointment and talk to the doctor about what happened. My mother-in-law called her doctor and told him the symptoms my husband had had the night before. This doctor suggested that my husband get to an emergency room as soon as possible. My mother-in-law called my husband and told him to get to an emergency room; so, his brother picked him up and took him to the hospital.

I was at work; so, I had to meet my husband there. We were both very scared and really didn't know what to think. Since we lost our first child, losing someone is a first hand reality to us. I get really scared anytime something like this happens. To tell you the truth, I was a nervous reck. I hide it well; so, had you seen me you would have never known. You might have thought that I was not scared at all...but, I was (and still am) freaking out inside.

The emergency room doctor ordered a CT scan. It came back normal. I guess that is good; but, what caused the pain? Will it come back? The ER doctor suggested we follow up with a neurologist who could perform an MRI on my husband's brain. We are in the process of making an appointment with a neurologist.

We are back home. We will be OK...we always have been no matter what...but, we are still scared since we don't know anything yet.

I will keep you all updated as we find out more.

9.27.06 Someone Up Above Loves Cruel Jokes

2006-09-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

Mean title? I know. But, this morning there was one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. The colors, the clouds and the sky were perfect. As I was driving to work, I past an old church that has a decorative bell tower. With the perfect sunrise as a backdrop, the picture of this church would have been divine. All I could think was "Argh...this would be perfect for my calendar! Why do I have to work? Why can't I just be late because I had to spend most of the morning capturing this magnificent and majectic display of divine beauty?"

Maybe there is a message instead of a joke. Maybe I need to learn to just look at the beautiful things in life and enjoy them instead of trying to turn it into a money making profit for myself. Hummmmmmmm........

9.25.06 No More Housework

2006-09-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE

1. Open a new file in your PC.

2. Name it "Housework."

3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN

4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN

5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?"

6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly......

7. Feel better?

9.24.06 I'm Glad To Be Home

2006-09-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

The trip to St. Louis was nice; but, I am glad to be home. I went to St. Louis for the NADOA Conference. The classes were good and the hotels (Adam's Mark and Hyatt Regency at Union Station) were nice. But, since I went by myself, I was a little lonely. I knew some people at the conference; but, not well enough to hang out with them. I also didn't want to latch on to someone and be a bother to them. So, I kept to myself for the most part. Friday night (the last night I was there) was great. I met up with some of the people I knew (21 in all) and we all went out to dinner at The Hill. The Hill is the Italian section of St. Louis that has some great restaurants and other attractions. We ate at this little Italian restaurant that was one of the best places I have ever eaten...unfortunately, I can not remember the name...but, the food and the home-made gelatto were DIVINE.

My first hotel (Adam's Mark) was literally across the street from the arch. I was excited since that was the one thing I had to do before I left St. Louis. After I checked in and got my luggage to my room, I crossed the street and went to the top of the arch. The ride to the top was SCARY but the view was pretty awesome and worth the trip to the top. I am a little disappointed I didn't get to see more places (Botanical Gardens with the Chihuly exhibit, the Anheuser-Busch brewery, St. Louis Zoo, etc.). Oh well...maybe next time.

Why two hotels? Long story...boring details. But, I will say the second hotel, the Hyatt, was fabulous and where I am staying the next time I am in St. Louis. I would recommend the Hyatt at Union Station to anyone.

Below are the best pictures from my trip. Enjoy!

Blogger is not letting me post more than one picture...I'll try to post the other pictures later....Sorry for the wait.

Out of Town

2006-09-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

I'll be in St. Louis until Saturday afternoon. Se ya then!

**Update: It's Saturday evening and I am back...sort of. I got back a lot later than expected. My first flight back was canceled and my rescheduled flight was delayed an hour. I am still not home yet though. My husband and I decided to spend tonight with my brother and go back home tomorrow. I'll post then.**

9.18.06 And it begins...

2006-09-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hockey Season!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, baby!!!!!!! We just

got back from the first

game of the Pre-Season.

It was a 5-2 victory

for my boys. Go STARS!

9.18.06 Nope...Not Rednecks

2006-09-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

I actually know these people. To read the rest of the story, please visit my sister at

The Arctic Circle.

9.18.06 Erotic Art Update

2006-09-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

The art show was interesting. The building was a private residency building full of ritzy downtown lofts. The loft where the art show was held is a private art gallery. The loft was very small and very crowded. The art was interesting but I didn't think there was enough of it. I was hoping to see more art pieces than what was there. So, it was a bit of a bum-er. Hehe...

One of the more interesting sites was the naked model who walked among the crowd. She was painted with body paint so you didn't notice right away that she was completely nude (except for the very small G-string she had on). I was going to get a picture of my husband standing next to her; but, we couldn't find her once we thought about getting a picture. Damn! I grabbed a picture from the internet so you could see what kind of body painting I am talking about.

I would definitely go to another show...like I said it was very interesting. I also had to do some sweet talking to get my husband to go to this one; but, I have a feeling I won't have to next time. He really liked the model. ::wink::

9.16.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: Looking Up

2006-09-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

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This picture was taken in the Thanks-Giving Chapel in Thanks-Giving Square located in downtown Dallas. This chapel and "square" are across the street from where I work. I had never been in the chapel until earlier this week. I knew the "looking up" view was beautiful and would be perfect for this week's theme. To learn more about the chapel and Thanksgiving square, please visit http://www.thanksgiving.org/.

9.13.06 Overreaction

2006-09-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

To many of you, my revisions to this cartoon will not make sense. To my husband, his friends and our families, it will make too much sense. I don't have time to go into all the details of the huge mess we got into in Waco a year ago; however, this cartoon sums it up very nicely. To give proper credit to the cartoonist, I have posted the original below.

9.12.06 Nothing in Paticular and The Erotic Art Show

2006-09-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Not a lot going on around here. We stayed home for the weekend and didn't do much other than watch movies and work around the apartment (laundry, cleaning, etc.). I went home sick on Friday; so, I wasn't feeling up to much anyway.

Monday was also uneventful. Went to the grocery store, cooked dinner and did a load of laundry.

Coming up this week: planning the Fall Throwdown in San Antonio, dentist appointment, mother-in-law visiting and staying with us on Thursday, family meeting about our land and what we want to do with it, erotic art show with friends. Sounds more interesting than laundry, huh?

The Fall Throwdown is something we started a couple of years ago. It is a big party that we have at my Dad's house in San Antonio. It's a lot of fun and we always have a good time. There will be lots of food, drinks, games, friends and family. This weekend, I need to design the invitation and get the final design approved by Dad. Then, I will need to mail them all out. I'll post the invitation when it is finished so you all can see it.

I have invited my mother-in-law to stay with us on Thursday because it is the next time my husband flies the helicopter. We are going to go to the airport and watch him fly. We'll be the dorky wife and proud mama taking all the pictures. What a lucky guy, huh? He's such a good sport to let us do this! I'll post pics or a video later this week.

Now...about the erotic art show. I was sent this link by a friend of mine asking if I would like to go. I said, Yes. I think it will be interesting. We are also going to the after party at a local club here in Dallas. I may or may not post pictures on this event. ::wink:: (You know I will.) I am not much of a "clubbing" person; but, I go now and then to get out of the house and to hang out with friends. The last time I went, it was really fun. I can't wait to see how this turns out...never been to an erotic art show before.

9.9.06 Saturday Scavenger Hunt: Food

2006-09-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

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This is a Monkey Cheeseball my brother made when he was asked to bring something to one of his girlfriend's family dinners. It was a big hit at the dinner. He thought it would be much more fun to shape the cheeseball into a monkey rather than the typical ball shape. He's so creative and fun!!

9.7.06 Boring Day...Cool Ending

2006-09-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

I spent most of my day at the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) convention. I was working the National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA) booth and handed out books and recruited new members. I am a member of NADOA because that's what I do. I am a Division Order Analyst for an oil & gas company. If you want to know more about Division Order Analyts and what they do, I suggest visiting the site. The convention was pretty boring since I didn't attend any classes. I just sat at the booth and talked to people as they came by. I am not a "salesman" and I really hate recruiting people...but, I volunteered for this so I can't complain too much. It was, however, a nice break from work and I got to meet a few new people in the organization.

The cool ending of my day is that I found this. You can see the results on my sidebar. It will take me a while to get all my books logged it; but, someday, I will have them all in there. Well, all the ones I have left. Some of my books were thrown away by a third party; but, I won't go into that...we'll just say the books are gone...so, I get to buy more!

9.6.06 Prison Break: Part 2

2006-09-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

These cuties have got to stop following me...my husband is getting jealous. I joke. I did, however, walk right by the set today after work. They are still filming in my building and in the surrounding area. I didn't see any of the cast; but, I also didn't hang around and gawk. I just don't think it is right to hang around, be in the way and possibly cause trouble for people who are trying to work. The time to see the stars is when they plan it such as a signing or fan photo ops. It would be interesting though to watch them film...to see how it is all done. Also, I have got to start watching the show. I haven't see any of it and would like to get caught up. I have been to the Prisonbreak site where you can read summaries and watch the show online. Maybe I can rent Season 1 and watch the new episodes that have aired this season on the internet...Sounds like a great weekend plan to me!

9.5.06 Haleigh (the dog) and Kira

2006-09-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Here is Haleigh Anne (the dog) and Kira Kai. Aren't they cute?

9.4.06 Labor Day Weekend

2006-09-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great holiday weekend. Saturday, we went out to our family's ranch and camped. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was clear and cool (well...cool for a Texas summer night). We spent most of Sunday fishing, riding in the small fishing boat and visiting with each other. My dad was in for the weekend; so, we got to see him which was nice. The pictures below are the group pictures we took on Sunday. My brother is the idiot in the back row. LOL...You know I love you Michael!

9.2.06 Saturday Photo Hunt: On the Road

2006-09-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.Photo Theme. Join the blogroll.

I've used this picture before. It is one of my favorites; so, I had to use it again. It's not that the picture is all that great; but, the memories it brings back are. I love to travel and I love even more traveling with my husband. He usually drives; so, I get to sit back, prop my feet up and relax. I love being On The Road!

9.1.06 Great Day

2006-09-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a relaxing day. I love my Fridays off. I slept until 9 o'clock. I had lunch with a really good friend of mine, Regular Jo. I cleaned the apartment so when we get back from our mini vacation we will come home to a clean home. I finally got my car registered; so, I am legally driving again...good thing. I got a great video of my babies, Haleigh and Kira, which I will post in a little while. I got paid. What a great way to start the weekend and the Labor Day holiday.

I hope you are all safe and have a great time this weekend!!

8.31.06 Bummed Out

2006-08-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

I am so bummed out today. Yesterday evening when I got home, I could smell a slight foul odor that suggested that my dog had gone to the apartment AGAIN. This will be the fourth time in about a month. (To get the beginning of the story, go here.) My good friend Regular Jo has started a petition (which I thought was funny and sweet) to keep my dog "out of jail". Well, we let her stay inside thinking that maybe it was the wet food that was making her go more than usual and that she couldn't help it. She hasn't had wet food in over a week and she still had an accident. She is a WELL trained dog and she KNOWS better. What is wrong with my dog? I am getting so tired of the crap (no pun intended...I know it is a bad one). So, the moral of the story is the dog is staying outside. I wanted to put her outside after the 2nd and 3rd time; however, in the mornings, my husband leaves after I do so it is up to him to put her outside. He doesn't and that frustrates me too. Another thing...my husband was not going to tell me about this 4th accident. He cleaned it up and put it in the trash can. His intention was to take out the trash before I got home so I would never know. That is more than frustrating.

**Note to all Men: Yes. She will get mad, upset or frustrated over some things...maybe not at you but at that thing. However, if you lie or try to cover it up and she finds out (and we usually do), she will be REALLY PISSED OFF AT YOU AND EXPECT FOR HER TO TAKE IT OUT ON YOU. To avoid this...just be honest in the first place, please.**

I am kind of slamming my husband here and he really is a great guy. His intentions are good and he is just trying to make me happy. I will brag on him right now to counteract the negativity. My sweet, cute, really HOT, smart and sexy husband made dinner last night and cleaned the kitchen when we were finished. He made appetizer which were these great little pastries made with Brie cheese, phyllo and strawberry dipping sauce. They were very yummy. The main course was spaghetti with a meat sauce topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of French garlic bread.

OK...back to being bummed. On the way to work, my bus was late and I got asked for the 4th time if I was pregnant. No. I am not pregnant. I just look like it which really bums me out. Some of you will be saying, "Well, lose weight then." #1. Easier said than done. #2. I am trying. #3. If you have never had to lose a significant amount of weight, you have NO room to talk. #4. It's hard. #5. The world, society and your body constantly work against you. #6. It SUCKS! I haven't always been overweight. I gained most of my weight during college and when I lost my daughter. I am a stress eater and I pack it on when the road gets really bumpy. I know you all will have good intentions with your comments; but, please no comments or encouragement about losing weight. I just can't hear it today.

I know these complaints don't add up to a really bummed out day; but, I am tired again (which I don't understand since I have been going to bed earlier than usual) and I haven't had my morning dose of caffeine and friendship. I'll perk up in a minute. But, right now I am going to wallow in my whiny-ness.

8.30.06 Wordless Wednesday

2006-08-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

8.29.06 Under Construction Once Again

2006-08-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have noticed that there have been a few changes around here lately. I am trying to make it look better and different. I tried switching to the new Beta version; but, that was a disaster! I lost a few days of blogging and a few comments that were made while my blog was in "transition". I am back to the old standard version and I think I will stick with it until I am forced to switch.

Also, I played around with my template so much that I couldn't get my header so show up. So, I thought I could just go back to a default template and start over. I didn't even think about all the customizations I had made on the side bar of my "old" blog...Damn! Damn! Damn!...so, I lost all of that, too. Oh, well. At least, I remember how to make those changes. It is just going to take me a while to get it all back to the way I had it. **sigh**

Learning is messy. Isn't it?

8.28.06 FINALLY!!!

2006-08-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have been locked out of my Blogger account since the 24th and I have been quite frustrated. I have had so many things I watned to blog about and photos I have wanted to share! I was trying to switch to the new Beta version; but, during transfer, my account was frozen so I couldn't even log in. Now, I am back on track. I will have to try and catch you all up on all the things that happened this weekend.

I did create a test blog on the new Beta version and there are a lot of things I really like about it. The Blogger Team informed me that my blog (for a reason they did not provide) can not be switched at this time. Oh, well. If I could just get my header to appear, I would be happy.

8.24.06 My brother has been trying to tell me for years...

2006-08-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Geek Test Results

You are 50% geeky.Not bad. Maybe you spend a little too much time with your computer, but at least you have friends. You do have friends, right?

The current average score is: 31.23%

Fact: 35.74% of people who took this test admit to wearing a costume "just for fun".

How Geeky Are You?

**Update: This surprised me...My husband is geekier than I am...He is 52.5% Geeky.

8.24.06 Look Who's Flying Again

2006-08-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

This is a video of my husband landing a Schweizer 300 CB. This is the first flight he has taken in over a year. He had to stop training for a while; but, now he is back at it. I am so excited for him. Yea, Hubby!!

8.23.06 Frustration 6

2006-08-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this morning I listed some of the things that were getting on my nerves. When I got home, I realized I was not finished with my list. My usually sweet 6 year old dog...Haleigh... whose name I borrow for this blog...must have known that I was having a slightly frustrating day. So, she decided to leave me 4 piles of presents in the dining room and soaked one corner for good measure.

My husband had been home for a few mintues before he left again and says nothing was there when he got home. When I got home an hour later, the damage had been done. 4 piles in an hour? What is wrong with her? And she knows better. She has not had an accident inside since she was a puppy and still training. However, in the past 2 weeks, she has done this 3 times.

Sorry to my dog; but, she stays outside from here on out. And in 100+ degree weather. My entire back porch is in FULL shade and I will make sure she has plenty of water.

8.23.06 Check this out

2006-08-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the 10 coolest phones. I want the camera watch phone (below). "Hello. 007. This is Haleigh Anne checking in."

8.23.06 Wordless Wednesday

2006-08-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

8.23.06 Frustrations

2006-08-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a few days and now the first post is going to be a gripe. Well, what are blogs for huh?

Frustration 1: Yesterday, I went (for the second time...long story) to get my car registered. I got stuck in traffic half way there; so, I didn't make it in time. We had a thunderstorm with winds up to 60 mph and the wind knocked down a live power line. The power line stretched across both sides of the road that I was on; so, they completely shut it down. I was in park for one hour and it took me the next hour to go 9/10 of a mile. How frustrating is that? I left work at 5:30 pm and didn't get home until 8:50 pm.

Frustration 2: On the way to get my car registered, I went to the ATM and withdrew cash...$100. The registration office only takes cash and checks with the correct address. My checks don't have the correct address since I just moved and haven't ordered new checks yet. These little rules are one reason this was the second attempt to register my car. Anyway, my husband has offered to register my car during his lunch break today. I need to deposit the money back into my account so my husband can use it today. Well, I look where I put the money yesterday and its not there. I didn't put it in the most secure of places because it was only going to be there long enough for me to drive to the office. So, this means that the money fell out somewhere...either in my car (which I am hoping), in a parking lot somewhere, or on the bus that I take to work. With it being lost cash, there is no hope for recovery. Damn it!

Frustration 3: I am tired. Because I got home late, I started all of my daily after work stuff late and got to bed late. I had to get up earlier than normal today for various reasons. I haven't had the right amount of sleep since last week. I am tired.

Frustration 4: The people who run my apartment complex are idiots. They got the refund check wrong from my old apartment and now I have to argue with them about it. I should have gotten $300 back...the check is $139. What the hell?

Frustration 5: Blogger is stupid. Well, it is probably and I D ten T error (write it out). I D 10 T. I changed the header on my blog; but, for whatever reason it won't show up.

AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Why is it that all the little things are so frustrating? I need a good massage and a good cup of coffee. MMMM....and ice cream.

Sorry for being so whiney today. I'll post my Wordless Wednesday in such a few minutes.

8.19.06 Scavenger Hunt: Youth

2006-08-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

This is my adorable nephew on July 4, 2005. What a cutie, huh?

8.18.06 Friday Favorite

2006-08-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925)

Portrait of Dorothy, 1900

oil on canvas, H 24 in x W 19 3/4 in

1982.35, Dallas Museum of Art

gift of the Leland Fikes Foundation, Inc.

This is one of my favorite pieces at the Dallas Museum of Art.

8.18.06 Under Construction

2006-08-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

This blog is under contruction; so, please overlook the mess and funky color combos.

8.17.06 Treat for Me

2006-08-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am treating myself today to the Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art. I have been wanting to go to this exhibition ever since it opened in May. I tried to get my husband to come with me; but, he was just not interested. Museums are not his "cup of tea". I LOVE visiting museums of all kinds and I am absolutely facinated with most of the stuff in them. I only wish I could take my camera in and take pictures of some of the art by Tiffany. Oh well...sounds like a trip to the gift shop afterwards as well. :) I'll try to scan in some post cards and post them here. To learn more about Louis Comfort Tiffany and his work, click here.

8.16.06 Wordless Wednesday

2006-08-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

8.14.06 Orange Gerber

2006-08-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

8.14.06 Computers Can Do Magic

2006-08-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Remember the disappearing 980 page report from last Friday? Well, lo and behold, it appeared out of NOWHERE today. I'm not kidding. It just appeared.

Does my computer not understand that I don't always have a sense of humor? Especially on Friday afternoons and Mondays?

If it would just stick to its magical number crunching and never do another disappearing act again, I would give it specail treats every day...I promise.

Computers...can't live with them...would die without them.

8.12.06 Photo Hunt: Funny

2006-08-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code.Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

8.11.06 Grrrrrr....

2006-08-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

It's Friday. It's 5:50 PM. I am still at work. My computer froze up on a REALLY important report and lost it. I had to recover the report the best I could. I hope it will do. I am waiting for the 980 page...yep, 980 page...report to print. on. a. Friday. afternoon. I just got back from the printer because it ran out of paper. I was suppose to go home at 4:45 this afternoon. I am the only person left on this floor. I want to go home.

8.11.06 Friday Favorite

2006-08-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite vacations was the trip my husband and I took to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It was the first road trip and major vacation we went on together and it was a BLAST!!

I loved the time I got to spend with just my husband. It was just the two of us for an entire week. We have a lot of family that is close by and we both work full time; so, time off with just each other is rare and far between. Sure, we have every evening together; but, they are filled with the mudane rutines that fills everyone's life. This trip was nothing but fun, relaxation, lots of giggles, great pictures and wonderful memories.

My husband did not travel much before he met me. Actually, he had only been out of the state one time and it was spending 10 -20 minutes across the state border to pick up some family members. Seeing him see things for the first time is so much fun and makes it that much more impressive.

On the way to the Grand Canyon National Park, we drove through a 4 hour snow storm. My husband has never really seen snow before. (He has seen the little flurries that fall here in Texas. The "snow" adds up to maybe an inch or two on the ground and is melted when the clouds clear and the sun shines through.) We stopped to play in the snow near the park (photo to left) and it came up to my husbands thighs! He was thrilled. We drove all the way to the desert to see snow!

Because the weather was so cool, it made hiking the Canyon WONDERFUL. It also made it easier to stay hydrated, cool and comfortable. We hiked half way down to the Indian Gardens on the Bright Angel trail and back up the same way (Top Photo - Bright Angel Trail). The hike took us all day and just for show we RAN out when we got to the top.

We also took our first helicopter ride over the Canyon. That was cool. Soon after we got home, my husband signed up for helicopter pilot lessons and is one hour from getting his pilot license.

What's your Friday Favorite? Leave your link in the comments and I will come and visit.

8.8.06 The Sweet Life

2006-08-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

8.8.06 MermAngel

2006-08-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

You scored as Mermaid. Mermaid: Mermaids are also known as Sirens. These creatures were beautiful women who tricked sailors into becoming completely entranced by their haunting voices and found death soon after. Not all stories of Mermaids are about gentle loving sea people. They are mystical, magical, and extremely dangerous. They have a way about them that brings anyone they are around to seem enchanted. They are very mysterious creatures and to meet one... Would mean certain Death. Let the song of the Sea fill your soul, for you are a Mermaid.

Mermaid

67%

Angel

67%

Faerie

50%

Dragon

25%

WereWolf

Demon

What Mythological Creature are you? (Cool Pics!)
created with QuizFarm.com

8.8.06 Quote of the Month - August

2006-08-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen

Hello, fellow quoters. I can’t believe I forgot this month’s quote! Sorry about that. I guess I have just been busy with the move, work and everything else. Enjoy the rest of the summer!!

8.8.06 Hollywood Twin

2006-08-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

A friend at work told me today that this guy...

...is my husband's Hollywood twin. Hot Damn! I'm a lucky woman. The really fun part...I can actually see the resemblence. I've been telling y'all my baby is a hottie!!

8.8.06 Daddy Needs Some New Shelves

2006-08-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, some friends (my brother, his gilfriend, her CUTE brother), my husband and I crossed the Texas/Oklahoma border to gamble our lives away in the Choctaw Casino in Durant, Oklahoma. Well, we didn't really gamble our lives away; but, we had a lot of fun and we all came out ahead.

Our plan was to take in a certain amount and once it was gone STOP gambling. I'm not sure how well the others stuck to the plan; but, my husband and I did very well. We both had $20 to gamble with. When playing the penny slot machines, $20 lasts a LONG time. We weren't there to win big...just have fun.

The biggest winner of the night was my brother's girlfriend's brother who ended the night $150 up. My brother and his girlfriend broke even. My husband and I were $78 up. I lost all of my $20; but, my husband won somwhere $100. Doesn't add up? He was excited about the $100 and put his money back in. After losing abou $10, he stopped.

With our BIG winnings, we bought shelves for the new apartment. Yea, baby! What excitement!! It really was a fun Friday night though.