Nothing Much

That sums it up right now. Just nothing much going on. Christy had her baby shower this past weekend, and that girl cleaned up!! She isn't due until the 28th, but she started have some VERY slight contractions today. I don't think Baby Abby is going to wait for 28 more days! We've started a pool here at work. I picked the 16th. We shall see!

I managed to slice my finger last Friday. I was being a good wife and putting a pot roast in the crock pot. I was cutting one more potato when it rolled off the cutting board and I somehow managed to stab my wedding ring finder. Seriously, I have never seen a cut bleed so much! I really freaked me out! It's okay now, just bandaged and tender, but I survived.

David and I bought some plants for the patio this weekend. We bought a hibiscus, some tomato plants, and two other plants that I don't remember the names of, but are just beautiful! I can't wait until things start blooming! I need to water them today and give them some TLC. I haven't historically had a very green thumb, but I am working hard to take care of these guys!

Honestly, that's about it. School is going well. I register for the fall semester on Friday, and I register for summer school on the 15th. It's going to be a very studious year!!

Almost At The Finish Line...

That's how it feels...tomorrow is Friday and we're almost there!! (Thankfully!) It's been a long week and I feel really tired. Nothing big happening in my life, just all the usual stuff. Except for my 14 year old cousin, Ashley. She got into trouble recently (peer pressure got the best of her) and now she's in a pickle. It's a story for another day, though, but she is on my mind constantly right now. Okay, basically she let a little friend of hers talk her into doing something with some very serious consequences. We're still waiting to see how this is going to go. I don't want to give details here, but she's physically fine. (No drugs or teen preggo stuff.) She just made a really irresponsible decision and now she's going to have to suffer the fallout. I hope that this is a lesson learned. I think kids today really do have it harder. There is more access to temptation than when I was that age. Cell phones, computers...all of it makes temptation a text message away. I am thankful I grew up when I did. It just seems like it was easier to be a regular kid and not having to contend with some of that stuff. That, and my idiot moments didn't end up on YouTube. :) But again, my idiot moments were mostly me being a dork. So all that to say, Ashley is a good kid, makes good grades, and I love her to pieces. Still do, just disappointed. And don't ask me to post the details, because I won't. I just needed to put this out into the universe and hope for good things to come back. Mostly, I am just praying for her to have wisdom and the courage to stand up to her peers when her gut tells her something isn't right.

So that's it. I think I am going to go to Central Market tonight and find some yumminess for dinner. I want to cook, but I don't know what just yet.

Allrighty. I'm outta here!

Things That Make Me Happy

Because things have been so stressful with work, I decided that I should make a list of things that make me happy so I can re-read the list and get a big smile from it. Here goes:

Family
Friends
School
Chocolate
Lipgloss
Singing
Travel
David's "Championship Ribs"
Cleo, Zak and Kaylee
Pictures of my Gran
Hugs from my nieces and nephews
Shopping for baby stuff for Christy!! :)
Ladybugs
The color pink
Listening to Brahms' German Requiem (in German...never in English!)
Black patent Mary Janes
Soft pajama pants and a t-shirt
Blackberries
Buying school supplies
Collecting Christmas ornaments with my hubby
Champagne and Brie soup from JR's
Cherry Blossom candles from Bath and Body Works


These are all things that make me happy, and all for different reasons. I guess this is my version of stopping to smell the roses. :)

What makes you happy? You don't have to tell me, but just stop and take a moment to remember them.

Spring Break Is Over

I was sad that Spring Break was over, but really...I still had to work and do other things so it shouldn't be that big of a deal. I saw the Vagina Monologues with Mom Saturday night. Interesting. It was part of a day-long "Whole Woman" festival. My takeaway was that apparently there is a perception that when it's a woman's festival, all women want to buy is hippy artwork and incense. Just an observation, not knocking anything. The production itself was very interesting. Mom and I left laughing at ourselves at the end of the evening. All I will say is that no matter how much it may take away from my inner Goddess, there are just some words I won't say. Sorry. (Mom, you know I just CAN'T!)

Sunday was full of studying. I have a test in my Human Sexuality class tomorrow, so I am trying to be prepared. I also got advised for Fall '09 today. It's going to be a full semester. Taking Crisis Intervention, Humanities, and History. I still have some GEC courses to knock out. I am registering for Summer next month and will be taking both semesters of Spanish. Yes, I am a VERY dedicated girl and if I handle Summer I well, I will add my communications class for Summer II. Seriously, I am ready to have my BA done so I can move on to Grad school. I am not loving my job, and every day I have to go and put up with more BS, I am reminded why I am working so hard in school.

Dad is retiring in a little over a month now. I think it's great! He's worked for a long time and deserves to enjoy himself now. Dad has always taken such good care of us, and it's time for him to enjoy his life. I hear he is planning to volunteer at church, maybe participate in the men's Bible study, and work out a few days a week at the gym. Go Dad! I'm so excited for you! Maybe once in a while he can sneak in lunch with his favorite daughter...

That's it for now. I'm going to head to bed and rest up. David heads out again tomorrow, and I have that test tomorrow night. Good vibes will be welcome at 4:30!

Girl Gone Wild

I have made the executive decision to take a day off tomorrow. It's Spring Break, dammit, and I need a day to enjoy myself. Therefore, I am giving myself a three day weekend. What's on tap for tomorrow? Nothing but things that make me smile. This will include no alarm waking me up, a trip to Starbucks for breakfast, and who knows what else. But I'm going to enjoy my day. :) (I will probably do some laundry in there somewhere, but I don't mind doing that. And it REALLY needs to get done!)

David comes home tomorrow night, and I am really looking forward to that. Saturday is my long-overdue hair appointment, and Saturday night mom and I are going to see the Vagina Monologues. I will definitely report in on that one. Sunday is study day. I have a test on Tuesday and I really want an A to keep my status for the Dean's List. We ALL know how important that is to me, so I won't go on about that any more.

That's it. I'm outta here!

Sorry For No Posts...

Yeah, I know everyone waits with baited breath for one of my posts. I've been busy, and then I just got a little lazy with the posting. It's been a hectic week, and a full weekend with family birthdays. We ate dinner at JR's Steakhouse...I insist on people eating the Champagne and Brie soup - a.ma.zing! We had brunch at the Park Cities Club in Dallas, too. Again, some serious yum...and bottomless mimosas! Double yum!

Got my iPhone this weekend, and I am loving it. I knew I would...it was that or the Blackberry Bold, and I got sucked in by the iPhone. :) No regrets! If you ever buy one, do it at the Apple Store and make an appointment. You get the star treatment! Seriously, loving the phone.

It's Spring Break for me, but I still have work so it's not much of a vacay. And I am blogging while taking a break from studying. I have a test next week, so there goes the whole goofing off for a week, you know? It's all good. Eyes on the prize.

Christy is having her baby in about 6 weeks, so that's a big deal and very exciting! I am getting my hair cut/color Saturday morning and I can't wait! It's in bad shape, for sure. I have been neglectful with the hair, and now it's taking revenge on me by being uncooperative. Sorry, hair. I keep telling Christy she would be ashamed to be seen with me, so she worked me into the schedule, thankfully! :)

Things are going well. I had a horrible night's sleep last night and I don't know why. I am optimistic about tonight, though. I'm tired.

My Sister-In-Law (Lea Anne) is with her hubby this week and has bribed me to come for dinner tomorrow night, and I accepted. She is going to do something yummy with fish, and since I didn't have school I thought it would be fun to hang with her and my two nieces so it's going to be a girls night and I am looking forward to it. Kristen and Morgan (aka Momo) are a riot, and they're growing up so fast! Lea Anne has also found the perfect Yoga class for me and I am giving it a try next week. I always have a lot of anxiety about trying new classes, but I think it's a good idea and it's close to home. I'll report on it next week and talk about it in more detail.

So that's really about it. Oh, and I didn't make it to WW last week. There...honesty and full disclosure. I am going this week. I have to. I will report after I go. :)

Time Change

This is a really tough time change for me. I love my sleep and am sad that I lost an hour, but I seem to be doing okay so far. I made it to work early, but I am a yawning, sleepy mess right now. I hate that I am having to power through on a Monday...it's my long day with school and I have a test tonight, so I am hoping that I can shake off the sleepies soon. I am feeling a little out of sorts and I have got to get it together since it's a busy day!

I hope everyone had a good weekend! I don't have a lot to report. David got home yesterday and I was glad to see him. :) The kitties were all VERY glad he was home and started acting like little fools running around the house and being crazy. But everyone settled down and bedtime and we all got a good night's sleep. (I think I am recovering from being out late last weekend. Yes, I am old and it takes me longer to recover.)

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

Happy

That's me in a word. Happy. :) Things are going well with school, and at home. (Work isn't my favorite so we'll skip that topic, although we found out today that we'll be getting our annual bonus next month and it's going to be a good one!) I am really proud of how school is going, and I am on track to be on the Dean's List again for this semester. I just really need to keep up the hard work. I made an 88 on my Intro to Counseling test and a 93 on my Human Sexuality test, so I am doing well. I have another Intro to Counseling test on Monday, and I should do well on it, too. Although I will be spending a LOT of time getting ready for it. I would love to make an A on this test, so I am going to work hard to make that happen.

Back in January I talked about my three areas of focus for this year. Here's the status so far:

• Finances - We are SO on track to be debt free by June! We've paid off several credit cards and are building up our savings account so we're very proud!
• School - I think you all know by the beginning of this post that school is going great! :)
• Fitness - This is the area that has had no progress. But I am NOT giving up, so don't think for a moment I have. I am going to go to a WW meeting this evening to get myself back on track. However, I don't plan on making a big deal of it. It's time to just get off my rear and do it, so tonight I will. Tonight will be the start of getting that last part of my "2009 Focuses" underway. I am actually looking forward to it!

So there's the update. At least I am honest, right? But I am not discouraged or frustrated with myself. I just know what I need to do and it's time to do it. And it's all good. :)

Austin In A Nutshell

Let's see...we ate plenty, drank plenty, and had a ton of laughs. It was wonderful to spend time with my friend Bryan. It had been about 20 years since I had seen him! He is getting his PhD at UT, and I couldn't be more proud for him. He's an amazing guy and he's worked so hard on his education. :)

I am so sleepy today. We stayed up late each night in Austin, and then I couldn't sleep last night so I am a bit bleary eyed today. I need to snap out of it since I have school tonight. I'm keeping it short today, but I do have pics to post when I get home and can upload them.

I hope everyone has a good Monday!

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!!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday Kim and Mia!!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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!!