Thursday, February 26, 2009

Anticipation of Fun Days To Come!

Tomorrow is going to be a really great day! First of all, I get to meet David down in Austin for a little getaway. Secondly, I am riding down with Joseph and Dima! How fun is that? If there wasn't a third thing all this alone would make for a fun weekend. But there IS a third thing! I get to spend a bunch of time this weekend with a long and not-so-lost friend from junior high!! My wonderful friend Bryan is in Austin working on his PhD and we reconnected on Facebook. We actually spoke on the phone last night for an hour and we laughed and giggled about old times...I can't wait to see him tomorrow! He's going to meet up with all of us for dinner and hang out. We have so much to catch up on! It's been at LEAST 19 years since we've gotten to see each other, so this is great! He was always a good friend and a very talented singer. I'm really glad he's doing well. He'll fit right in with the group. :) And to top things off, we get to have dinner Saturday night with Joe and Pascha, so it's a weekend I have been waiting for. We'll be snapping lots of pictures and I'll post a few here. Not all, though. Things might get crazy, and what happens in Austin might have to stay in Austin! (What's the likelihood of that??)

Anyhow, I have a LOT to get done tonight, so that's it for the blogging until Sunday night. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Proud Day For Me!

Yesterday was the Dean's List Reception at school. I have never been on a Dean's List in college, so this was a huge deal for me! I took the day off and headed over to school. The reception was wonderful, and I felt so proud of my hard work to get thse good grades. And I worked HARD for them! (If I only I were taking easy classes...) My friend Anne made the list, too, so our mothers (who have been BFFs since they were 12 years old) came to celebrate with us. Each discipline was celebrated separately, and my advisor, Dr. Pugh, presented for psychology. She calls us all Psychos...maybe there is some truth to that! Anyhow, I felt warm and bubbly inside when she called my name and I went up to accept my certificate. I did it! It's just for one semester, but I did it! And I plan to keep it up each semester, too. That's one of my big three focuses for the year, and it's definitely on plan. I am looking into qualification for the Departmental Honors, as I am definitely on par with grades. This would put me graduating with honors if I keep it! What's really neat is that I really love school. I wish I had been this excited about school when I was 18 or 19, but I am now and that's okay. I'll be one of those cool women who feels like life begins in her 40s. (Because I'll be finishing grad school in my very early 40s)


So yeah, I am on Cloud 9 today. And I'm going to try and sustain the feeling as long as I can!


Monday, February 23, 2009

The Oscars

David and I had our annual tradition of watching the Oscars and eating our once-a-year treat: brie and cranberry nachos!! If you think these don't sound good, they are amazing! It's diced chicken, cranberries, black beans, and grated brie cheese warmed under the broiler until the cheese melts (not long at all!) and these babies rock!! So we only eat them once a year while we watch the Oscars. Don't know why, but it's our thing. :) I would go into what I loved and hated from the red carpet, but so many people are much more eloquent than I about all that, so I will leave it to others. Carmen always does great recaps, so click on her link on the right and keep an eye out for her recaps...I usually always agree! (But I am going to give thumbs up to Anne Hathaway and Kate Winslet...both stunning and classy ladies who know how to do the red carpet right!)

It was a busy weekend, and that's okay. I got to see my Cuz this weekend, and that was awesome. It's been a while and as always, we have a blast! Love you, man! David grilled up some ribs and I made mashed potatoes and we stuffed our bellies. Good times!

It's back to the grind today. I really don't want to be here, but here I sit. It's a long day because it's a school day, but I am off tomorrow. There is a Dean's List reception at 12:15 tomorrow, and you better believe I am going! (I would work a 1/2 day tomorrow, but apparently since I am a salaried employee if I take off more than 2 hours I have to just take off the whole day. Whatever.) David heads to Austin/San Antonio tomorrow, and I am a little bummed he can't make the reception, but I certainly understand. Friday I am heading to Austin with Joseph and Dima, and we're going to meet up with David and have a fun weekend. We're going to have dinner with David's friend Joe and his wife Pascha, and somewhere in all that I get to see my friend Bryan. Now, getting to see Bryan is a real treat because we went to junior high together and were choir nerds. He's a really cool guy and I cannot wait to see him! Thanks, Facebook, for reconnecting me with good friends!

That's it for today. I have a ton of things to do, so I need to get on it. Happy Monday, friends!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Wise Words

I recently had a chance to see "He's Just Not That Into You". I read the book when it came out, and yes I was one of those girls that really got something out of it. I think it should be mandatory for anyone who is dating to read. It's nothing new or earth shattering, but somehow it really helps you have that "a-HA!" moment. So I didn't know what to expect from the movie since the book is essentially a light self-help book. I liked the movie, but the best part for me was the end and listening to the voice over. The wisest words in the world are simply the following: "Be your own happy ending." It's true! It doesn't matter who we end up with, we have to love ourselves and be happy with who we are. We are our own happy endings. I love that!

So to anyone who is looking for their happy ending, you have it! It's you!

So that's it for today. I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Checking In

Good morning to all!

It's been a busy week, and I am just stopping by to say hello. It was a busy but good weekend. We had a lovely Valentine's Day. We always stay in and cook (my preference!) but with so much going on this weekend, we opted to go out to Taverna for dinner. David's sister, Lea Anne, and her husband joined us and we had a wonderful time. I didn't know how I was going to feel about sharing the evening with another couple, but we laughed so much and had a really good time. I'm so glad we did!

I spent almost the entire day with my friend Anne yesterday. We've been studying for the two tests we have today and tomorrow, so I am feeling pretty beat right now. Mom is coming over and we're going to spend some time together today. I don't actually have the holiday but I took the day off for some mental health time. Last week was just awful at work, and need a break. Hopefully it will get better soon...I'm just keeping my mind focused on school and trying to get through. I constantly remind myself that this job does not define who I am, it's simply what I do right now. This, too, shall pass.

So I hope everyone is well. Have a good Monday!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday Kim and Mia!!

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Jillian Michaels Kicked My Butt

So a few weeks ago I bought the Jillian Michaels workout game for Wii, and I finally broke it out today to give it a go. Seriously, this was worth the investment! I got a great workout in my own living room, and I didn't slack off! (And she didn't yell at me!) If anyone out there is looking for a good workout, get this one for the Wii!! I came panting into the office and told David he needed to try it too. The cool thing is that we can both do it together, so this may be the thing that helps me get my workout in when I don't want to go to the gym. :)

It's been a good weekend. We were supposed to go to dinner with my parents last night, but mom was sick so we stayed home and did our own pork stir fry, and then we went to the Melting Pot for dessert. We had wonderful martinis (try the Sparkling Pear!) and the chocolate turtle fondue...YUM! So a good night was had by both of us. :)

Tomorrow it's another day at the office. David heads out to somewhere I can't remember...Lubbock? Anyhow, I am going to be busy with school, so I will be plenty occupied. I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!

Friday, February 06, 2009

Back in Paris, If Only For A Moment

Kevin and I had lunch today and stopped by a creperie close to work for a bite of something sweet. What I got took me back to a day on the streets of Paris where I had my first real crepe...it was hot and filled with Nutella, which is a chocolate hazelnut spread that is divine. When I took a bit of my crepe today, I closed my eyes and remembered the gentleman who made my crepe in Paris from a cart on the street up from the Folies Bergiere. I wish I was there again, but this tiny little place in Irving managed to get me there for just a few seconds. It was wonderful! I can't do that too often, but a once in a while treat is going to have to be in order.

It's been the week from hell, and I am glad it's ending. I really need to rest this weekend from the stress of the work week, and believe me, I will. Mom and Dad are taking us to dinner tomorrow night for David's birthday since last weekend was full. He and I are both really looking forward to it!

I hope everyone has a wonderful evening!

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Hello Kitty!

So Tuesday night was FUN! I raced home after school and changed into my jeans. I had every intention of looking much better than I did, but after a full day of work and school, I don't think I cared. David and I hopped into the car and headed to the MAC store for the invitation only party for the Hello Kitty launch. You know why I got an invite? Because I spend WAY too much money there, but that's beside the point. Once we got in, they were serving pink cocktails and passing yummy chocolate cookies. Here are some pics:

This is me waiting in line to get in. That's my invitation I'm holding up. My word, I am a dork. Oh yeah, the glasses don't help me look less dorky. I have GOT to get new contacts!!
This is me sporting my stick-on Hello Kitty tattoo. I may be too excited, but ask me if I care! I was having fun!
Here's David and the shirtless Hello Kitty, uh, guy. Yeah, it's weird but it was funny so David was a good sport and let me take his picture. He got about a gazillion husband points that night for being patient and actually enjoying himself. Oh, and enjoying the sparkling pink lemonade and vodka cocktails. Those helped!

Me and my cookie. Yes, I had already taken a bite, but it was really good!! I can't explain the buck-toothed look on my face. I'm a colossal dork. Deal with it. :)
Honestly, we had a ball! And of course David was the one running into people he knew, not me! I bought a bunch of MAC goodies, so I was one happy girl. :) We had dinner afterwards and then headed home. It was a late night, but ever so worth it!!

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

The Lite Version of Monday

I think I am going to begin referring to Tuesday as Monday Lite. I am finding myself frustrated with work, but hopefully it's a phase. Honestly, I am working like a dog to get myself through school as fast as I can...I'm ready to move on to something that is meaningful to me. Most days, this job isn't it. But it is a good job and I am very grateful to have it. This isn't the time to act like an ingrate, I know. Just having some frustrations. This, too, shall pass.

To put things into perspective, click on "The Russo Corner" and visit Jessica's blog. She had quite a scare with her 4 month old, Corbin. Her babies are so precious, and even though I am not a mother I can certainly feel at least a fraction of the fear she must have felt. Corbin is good, and I do believe the power of prayer moved through him. Sorry, but there are just days when I have to stand up and shout out to the world that God is amazing! Jess, you know my heart has been with you and I am so glad it's all OK!! Hug those little boys for me!

Tonight I have school, but I am excited to go do something fun afterwards. I got an invitation to the MAC store in Dallas for the launch party for their new "Hello Kitty" collection, and I am going to go! I can't wait! I've been saving my pennies for a treat, and this is it! It feels very foo-foo...it's an invitation only cocktail party to preview and purchase items from the new collection...I've seen pictures and I can't wait! (Anyone who knows anything about me knows that makeup is one of those girly things I love, and MAC is my brand, babies!) So I am going to rush home from school, freshen up, and head over! I can't wait!!!

So that's it for today. I hope everyone has a good Monday Lite!

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Celebrating David's Birthday

David's birthday was the 29th, but we've been celebrating for days now, and we've had a ball! He got lots of fun presents from Williams-Sonoma from me, and we had dinner with his parents on Thursday, I took him out to Uncle Julio's Friday, and Saturday night we went to Boi Na Braza with his brother, Greg, and Greg's wife Katie. (By the way, amazing food!) Today we went to David's parents house for a Superbowl party. Greg was there, as well as my parents, and we had so much fun! It's been a really wonderful weekend, and I am sorry the festivities are over. Although my parents are taking us out to eat next Saturday night, so we can enjoy the birthday one more night.

Back to the grind tomorrow...I have work and school so it will be a late night for me. I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend!!