A picture

It is my favorite because, well, it has me and my favorite baby in the world. Isn't she a beauty!!! (And I do mean Chloe, not me :)).

I am glad to be back in my own place although I kind of miss the rest of the family. My little brother is coming home on Wednesday before he heads off to Thailand. Yep, Thailand. He is a little adventure man. Can't wait to see his pictures from there. I have always admired his ability to just go off to far off places. I know it is scary, but he does it and always has a great life experience.

Anyway, I have to go to the grocery store now. Seriously, I have no food in the apartment. I guess it is a good thing that I am not that hungry right now!

Later!

Quick Weekend Run Down

Okay, here is a quicky. It is Monday morning and I leave out from CA today. Although I do miss my home and my boyfriend and my fur children, I love it here and will definitely miss my family and the awesome CA weather. I love that it is 85 degrees here (although, they seem to think this is hot.... try 85 or higher with the awesome humidity of TX. Then we will talk hot....).

The reception Saturday was so fun! The back yard looked awesome and almost everything went on without a hitch (my Aunt Gail has a fabulous backyard!). The food was supposed to be there at 2:30. The food arrives at 3:40. Keep in mind the party started at 4. We did not have a happy bride. But, I do give her credit, she was pretty mellow about everything else, so this really was an okay time to get mad. If you say you are going to be there at 2:30, be there at 2:30. Especially if you know there is a party starting. While it obviously didn't ruin our fun time, you just don't stress out a bride (even if she is already married - this was the extension of the marital festivities) and her mother. Kelsey hadn't heard the term Bridezilla until I mentioned it (I told her that I was impressed that she was pretty calm and mellow about the whole thing. ) She did very well. I think Gail did too but I am sure my mom will hear all about things that I didn't even know happened when Gail returns from Mexico. (However, Kelsey's reception did kind of make me think it is a good idea to elope and then just come back for a big a** party...... She was less stressed than she'd have been had she been actually getting married that day.)

Kelsey's song turned out very well. She sounded beautiful. I got some video on my handy camera, but you really can't tell how well we did. Chloe decided to do some dancing in front of us so that helped relax her. Chloe did a lot of dancing at this party. Definitely a girl from this family :). We danced, drank, laughed and partied into the night. I'll post pictures when I get home, by the way!!!

Anyway, the rest of the weekend was pretty low key. I hung out with Katie and Chloe on Sunday and then was whisked away by my Aunt Polly to her house. They have a hot tub and well, hot tub kind of trumps baby. (But baby trumps everything else, so really, Chloe wins out most of the time in my book :)). So, I had dinner with Polly, Bart and Rynnie (yummy stuff too!), sat in the hot tub and relaxed and then got to talk to my honey. I am glad I got to spend some time with KaRyn, because she is headed to Boston today for Grad School. Good luck to her!

Well, I think that it about it. Polly has Chloe so I am going to pack and work out so when she gets back, I can play with her and not have to worry about other things. I leave for the airport at about 1:30, so I have some time to relax. It is going to be a long travel day so I need to enjoy the rest while I can get it.

Back in Cali!

I arrived safely in CA yesterday afternoon, just a little tired. There were no major incidents during the flights and all went well. One my flight from Denver to Sacramento, they showed some NBC shows and guess which one they showed: THE OFFICE! I was obviously very happy. I was thinking we could be flying through horrible turbulence and storms and I would be good. 30 minutes of my favorite show makes everything better.

I have a lot to say so far but I am actually kind of hungry so I need to get some lunch. Gail and I went to work out this morning so I need to fuel up. We are waiting for the tables to get here so we can set them up and I am listening to my cousin (who is a professional DJ -- which I actually didn't know, btw!) play music. Kelsey came over last night and we spent about an hour singing and talking. There is karaoke happening tomorrow night. I will make sure all video equipment is turned off -- I will act the fool. She is singing a song to her hubby at the reception and I somehow got roped into singing back ups (but very happy to help out!). She sounds awesome so it should be great. We did some recording last night so just in case she can't sing live, we have it. (The song is "God Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flats.) I am sure she will be able to get it out live, but then I think that if I was singing to my new husband at my wedding, I would probably cry my eyes out. Gail pointed out that they have been married for 6 months, so it MIGHT be easier. After Kelsey left, Aunt Gail and I were talking about how it just felt like Grandma was there. She loved hearing the grandkids sing and I know she would have been so happy to hear Kelsey practice her song. (Insert sniffle here.....).

K, food time! Later. (Oh and it is freakin beautiful here. I am not sure what the temp is but it is still very cool. Bright and sunny. AH!!!). And I am going to Target with Gail. Target addiction knows no borders..... :).

My new thing for the day

Jen wasn't able to make it to Yoga tonight so I was just going to go to the class at 8:15 at the Royal Club near me. Then I remembered that the Turbo Kickboxing class was starting at 7:15. I have been wanting to take that class so I decided that tonight was the night. It was a blast but I still have no coordination :). But it was an awesome workout and definitely kept my heart rate up. I had a great teacher and it is a class I will take again! The class was packed which surprised me. I don't know why, but it did. I was in a corner in the back of the room (which was okay since it was my first class and I was still a little shy. Yes, me shy in an exercise class). It was so much fun and I am glad I went. I can imagine I will sleep very well tonight!!!

I have 2 more days in the office this week. Headed to CA on Thursday. I can't wait! I haven't seen the family since last May. Okay, before that it had been 5 years, so this is pretty good. I love that I can go visit more and I really should make it a habit to go every year. And really, it just isn't just to see baby Chloe :). I promise.

Well, that is it. Mike and I spent the weekend just relaxing. When he wasn't studying, I was feeding him. He is so spoiled :).

Later!!!

Bunker Kitty

My day in the bunker

I have been in training the last couple of days. And it has been in an underground Federal Response Center in Denton. So, yes, a bunker. Built to withstand a nuclear blast. It is kind of cool knowing that whatever happens above me, I am safe below the earth. Although it is also depressing to not be able to just look out windows (even if all you see is dark skies and rain). But, here is why I am in training in Denton in an underground bunker. I volunteered for the Regional Emergency Response Team. So, when an emergency like Hurricane Katrina comes up I have the potential to be called up to help OSHA complete its mission. I would be on the logistical side -- helping get the equipment, rooms and transportation for our team. I have actually enjoyed the training and have definitely sparked an interest in continuing learning about this stuff. So, yes, a new career path may have been inspired. Of course, we'll see what happens after my first emergency team I serve on how I feel...... I will be going back tomorrow for the last day of training and then back to the office. Yeah, I would rather be underground. :) But driving to and from Denton is not fun!

I am currently watching a movie (Epic Movie -- not something I really need to pay attention to so I can surf the Internet while knocking this movie out. Unless you really need super mindless entertainment, I am not going to recommend it....)

Welp, gonna run! Talk to you later!

Long Weekend Wrap-Up

It has been a wonderful, long weekend. I left work at noon on Friday to enjoy the afternoon. It was was wonderful! I was going to go to the gym on the way home from work, but when I got to the dressing room I realized one important thing. Well, I had picked up one of each of my tennis shoes. And any thought of even trying to wear two different shoes went out the window when I realized I had the right shoe of both pairs. (And yes, I have 2 pairs of gym shoes. Wanna make something of it?? :)). So, I can't work out. It was actually kind of funny....... Anyway, I got tickets for Friday afternoon to see the Body World's exhibit at Fair Park. Due to a work thing, Mike was unable to come with me (which kind of stunk but it happened....) so I called Michelle. I haven't seen Michelle in FOREVER so it was okay that I went with her. Now, Body Worlds is the freakiest, most awesome thing I have seen in a long time. These are real people who have donated their bodies so the living can view and learn what is really going on inside. Yeah, you see anatomy books and kind of know what is going on inside, but this exhibit really opened my eyes to how the body really works. Now that I am pretty in tuned to what is going on with my body, it was super interesting to me. I hope that viewing the black lungs from smoking helped convince a few people to give up smoking and see some of the damage done to organs convinced others to take better care of themselves. It was awesome and I loved it. Very glad I went!!! Friday night, Mike and I hung out with his cousin Gary. Gary is super fun and I like him a lot. Good thing since we were all hanging out, huh!

Let's see, Saturday I relaxed with a facial at my favorite little spa. I love seeing her because every time I see her, she is just convinced I am shrinking more and more. You can't hear enough how wonderful you look :). Saturday night we had dinner with Mike's mom and that was very nice. We just had dinner at her house in Plano so I spent time playing with her dog Chloe.

K, Sunday I relaxed, did a yoga class and then hung out with Mike. I kind of liked doing the Sunday night yoga class because it is just a nice way to end a weekend. It was at 5 in the afternoon and I am not really sure if the class is usually as small or it was just because of the holiday weekend. I think it was more the fact that it was a holiday weekend. There were 5 of us in the class including the teacher (who was a sub herself). I did some poses I hadn't done before. Plus, I hadn't been in about 2 weeks so I was kind of uncoordinated!!! It was funny and I just really didn't care if I fell.

Okay, now to Monday! Mike and I had dinner with my parents today (it was a family weekend). It was some pretty great salmon. We had a lot of fish this weekend -- luckily it is very good for you. And I had promised to show him my embarrassing kid photo since he showed me one that was kind of funny. So, he got to see all my cute baby photos :). I have just figured out how to transfer files from my computer to the cell phone (I just haven't played with it until now. Now that I have figured it out though, I plan to put a lot more pictures on the phone). And I had a run in with a super cranky Target employee. Well, not a run in. She just decided to go on a tirade about how people on a diet annoyed her (how she thought I was on a diet because I bought a sugar free red bull is beyond me). She then decided to give me nutrition and food advice. Yeah, ME!! I just looked at her, told her a little white lie "I am a personal trainer" (well, just not certified :)) and she was just like "OH". Just check me out and keep your weird hangups to yourself!!!

Okay, that was my weekend. Sorry for the long post!!! Hope you had a great (and dry) weekend.

Why??

I am sitting here transferring data from my hard drive to a travel drive (14 actually). Not exactly rocket science, but apparently our receptionist is not smart enough to figure out how to do it. Anyway, a song that I just can't stand comes on and I actually catch myself about to sing it. What!!?? It is catching but in an annoying way. So, I am now wondering why the heck those words are coming out of my mouth. By the way, it is "Umbrella" by Riannon. It sucks...... It is just too much trouble to change the station at work so I just try to tune it out. Luckily one of my favorite songs came on right after. All is well in the land of music.

Okay, I am done with that. I am craving a salad (good craving to have), so I am going to take my daily walk to the Bank of America building. It is also nice to get out and stretch my legs.

Happy happy Thursday!!!

Glorious Friday

So, its finally Friday and I am pretty happy. It was a fast week! Not sure why, but it is all good. I hear everybody up at the front chatting and I guess I look like a good worker while sitting at my desk, but little do they know :). Currently, Mia and I are trying to decide who brings the beer (Bud Lite, tres classy.....) to Jen's Bridal Shower on Sunday. (Inside joke. I don't feel like explaining :)). I still need to pick up her actual gift. I am thinking a pink flamingo. They don't have a yard but it can still hang out on the patio. She and David would love it. (Jen, have you thought about ways to kill me yet? :)). Just kidding about all that of course. Do they even make pink flamingos anymore?

The Office last night actually surprised me. I didn't expect the ending and that is always a good thing. I had some good laughs and was very happy. However I have to wait until freakin Sept. to see what happens! Good news is that they were slated for 30 new episodes next season, so that is a whole lotta "Office" to enjoy. Now, I will just have to wait......... sigh......

So, that's it. Tonight will be spent relaxing with my honey. I am okay with that. I need some rest. So, that is all. I have my Starbucks and I am happy. :) Happy Friday all!

I am running out of original titles.......

Okay, first of all, my favorite actress in the whole world, Jenna Fischer, hurt her back on Monday night (fractured it in 4 places). So, best wishes and speedy recovery!! (Yes, I know she reads my blog religiously so she will see this.... ;-)). They said she should be okay and have a full recovery. (PS - The Office season finale is on tonight. Don't try to talk to me between 7 and 8 tonight. What am I going to do for the rest of the summer! Argh....... )

Other than that, really nothing else going on. I am super happy its Thursday. Besides the fact that it is Office night, it also puts me one step closer to Friday. No big plans, it just is the weekend :).

Congrats to Mike who is now accepted to Sanford-Brown's Diagnostic Medical Sonogram program. It will be an interesting two years! But I know he will do great :). He starts Monday so there might be a lot of blogs were I tell everyone I haven't seen him for a week. Its gonna stink, but we will deal!

Monday. Oh Its Monday......

Okay, it was a good weekend but nothing just too spectacular happened. I had sushi with the gals at Blue Fish (or Blue Fin as Jen was calling it in a sleepy stupor :)). I worked out on Sunday afternoon but I didn't really eat enough during the day (well, strawberries and a Smoothie...). It wasn't the best workout, let's just say. I was kind of dizzy at the beginning (and got the lecture from Ryan.) I just wasn't hungry and by the time it got to my work out time, I just threw something down. Bad me!


Since I don't have much to report, I wanted to share a bunny picture! I know, big change from all the kitty pictures. This bunny is just too cute. I got him off of http://www.cuteoverload.com/. When I need to smile, I visit that website. He looks like he is plotting something......

Okay, time to figure out the afternoon duties. Yoga is tonight. I haven't decided if I am going to throw in a spin class before. I probably should since I know I won't be working out tomorrow night. Still pondering though......... Later!!!

Friday!!!

I am actually in a great mood today. I think it is the latte I was actually able to pick up before work. And the fact that it is beautiful, sunny and FRIDAY. I have been so tired lately, so it is a nice change. It is even so good I am able to ignore scowling, icky cube neighbor. That takes a super good mood!!!

This week has been pretty low key. I have done well in the working out area and I am pretty proud of that. I figure there will be weeks when I don't want to work out, so I better do it as much as possible when I am able to. I am probably in super need of the treadmill today to get off some of this energy!!! Weeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure by 3:00 I will be sleepy and ready to just crawl into bed. So, I am going to enjoy this while I can :).

That is pretty much it. I realized today was my year anniversary here at BAE. I can say it has been interesting. I don't feel like running like I did when I was at ZC. But truthfully, if something better came up, I wouldn't say no at this point. I just have to deal with some super bitter, stagnant people and that doesn't make for a fun day. I work past it and just try to do my job. As long as the people who matter know what I can do, that is all that matters.

Everyone have a great Friday. Later!!!

Monday is almost over

I was a tad sluggish this morning but I think it was because it was a Monday morning. It is about quiting time and I am happy about that. The day wasn't bad, but would much rather be headed to the gym for a good workout.

I had a pretty good weekend. Saturday, Mike and I went to get massages at the Texas Massage Institute (the training college for massage therapists). It was awesome and she got a lot of the knots out of my neck, but I have a little soreness on the right side. It is going away and I can move my head, so I don't think it is anything to worry about.

Sunday I met my friend Natalie for dinner. She was in town for her sister's wedding and it was nice to see her. I missed the brunch earlier in the day, so I am glad I got to catch up with her. If I had thought ahead, I would have figured out what wedding gift I wanted to give her and bring it to dinner. Oh well. Her wedding isn't until July, so I have time!

So, spin class and yoga tonight. I need a good, intense cardio session and the Irving club has the 30 min. spin class before yoga. Here's hoping I make it to the 6:00 class so I have time to cool down and clean up before heading into the yoga class. Nothing hotter than a sweaty girl with a red face :). Time to pack up and get ready to go home! Later!!

Needed my boat last night

I was driving home from the gym in that rain last night. It wasn't too bad when I started, but the closer I got to home, the worse the wind was blowing. I couldn't tell how the deep the water was either so I was just very happy when I finally got home. I did get soaked from the car to the door, but I had just worked out so I wasn't looking to beautiful anyway! I know I was lucky in that all my area got was rain. I went outside this morning and nothing had blown over. So that was good....... Mike said he lost a hubcap in the water. Must have been some freakin strong water!!! But we are all safe and sound. Mom and Dad lost electricity, but from what she said, it came back on.

The weekend is coming soon and I am very happy about that. Other than that, nothing else to report. Work is work. No further comment on that. Well, except for our problem child is rearing his ugly head again! Seriously, how many times can we write up and suspend a person before 1) He GETS it; 2) we can get rid of him! I realize he has "rights" per the Union, but come on. I have been here a year and he is by far the biggest problem. Okay, enough of that.

Happy Thursday. Stay dry!! Later.

Weekend Wrap-up

So, the weekend was pretty good! I took Friday off. Originally, Jen and I were going to the Byron Nelson but she wasn't able to go. So, I just took that day off anyway. Mike and I did a spin class Friday afternoon. I kind of over did it though. :( I was kind of beat the rest of the day. But it was worth it! Plus, it was fun to take Mike to his first Spin class. I think he's hooked. We'll see :).

Saturday, I met Jen for Yoga (which I needed after the spin class the day before!). It felt great and I think I was actually puddy. We changed, had lunch and then went to order my Bridesmaid dress. I tried it on again so yes, it is the dress for me! Jen and David's engagement party was Saturday night and it was a lot of fun. It was also nice to meet David's family. You can definitely tell they are related. They really do look a like! Poor Mike wasn't able to go because he hadn't slept in 24 hours and had to work that night. So, it would have been super cruel of me to make him go. Plus, we would have had to leave early. So, he got some sleep and I stayed until super late.

Sunday was good too. Worked out with Ryan, made dinner for Mike and then we watched "The Last King of Scotland". It was good. Not one of my favorites, but it was well done.

Have a happy Monday morning!

Is the Week over yet?

I finally made the decision to go for my PHR (Professional Human Resources Certification) and so that is what I am waiting for now. I need upper management to approve it so they will pay for it. The test itself isn't too bad, but the the study materials needed cost about $700. If the company will pay for it, there is no reason not to take them up on it.

My Aunt came to town this past weekend and we all went to see "Wicked" on Sunday. It was awesome! The performers were great and I really enjoyed the music. It was nice to see her. I get to see her again in June when I go to CA. I haven't seen the cousins in about a year, so it will be good to see them. That is much better, however, than the 5 years it took me to get out there last time! I bought the book that Wicked was based on thru Amazon so I can't wait for it to get here! It is great when you can buy 2 books and a phone charger all for a reasonable price - and from the same place.......

While there is nothing too fascinating this week happening, this weekend is sure to be packed. I am ordering my dress on Saturday. Jen and I are also hitting the yoga class before hand. I really think I need that yoga class -- I have been feeling out of sorts lately. I need some centering. Jen's engagement party is Saturday night so I need to figure out what to wear to that. I think I already have it planned, but that might change. It always does :).

Well, that is it. I have some things at work I need to get completed. Have a happy Wednesday!

WTF???????

My thoughts and prayers go out to the faculty, staff, students and families at VA Tech. I can't even imagine what they are going through right now. I just pray they can make some sense of this horrific tragedy. I just can't pull myself away from CNN right now. The one thing that is ticking me off is playing the "would've, should've, could've game" so early. Come on CNN. These kids are in shock and you are like "well, what do you think about them waiting so long to inform everybody about the first shooting", blah, blah. Yes, important questions, but Paula Zahn was just trying to pick a controversy on kids who lost friends and respected teachers. Time and place people!!!! (I am picking on CNN because they are the ones I was watching last night. I refuse to watch FOX news......). I am sure once I have my thoughts together, I will have more to say about it......

MIA

Yep, I have been MIA. Since last week, I helped introduce Jen to the joys of Yoga, gotten my booty kicked twice by my trainer, drove to San Antonio to teach the CPR/AED course, and generally had fun. I found my Bridesmaid's dress for Jen's wedding. I have to order it soon, but I know exactly which one I am gonna get. It is gorgeous -- but once I order it, I can't gain any weight! Not that I was planning on it but it is strapless and I have to make sure the arms and back stay tight. And with Ryan breathing down my neck, I can guarantee I won't gain any :).

Sunday, I helped Jen with her shower for Christy. I was solely there as bartender and general helper so Jen could be a fabulous hostess for the guests. It was fun to watch Christy get all her goodies and well, some wonderful naughty stuff ;-). It was funny that Jen's mom was standing right there as we reviewed the "Naughty Cards" that Christy received in the goody bag that Jen gave her. It was fun and I was very happy to help Ms. Jen out! I think Mrs. Stewart got some blackmail pictures so we'd better watch it............

So tonight we are going back to our yoga class. I love this teacher -- in just one class I can tell she is fantastic. Let's just say, last week I was sore in places I have never been sore before after a yoga class! She kicked my booty and got me relaxed. It takes a special gal to do that. I will also do a 30 minute spin class before yoga to get the cardio in. I have definitely seen the benefits recently and have broken my plateau. Gotta keep it up.

Later! Have a great Monday!

Um, it's April.....

And it is 39 degrees outside. I don't necessarily like the heat, but I kind of like it a little warmer! There were snow flurries this morning. I am about to finally get out and go to the gym. I am glad my sweats and long sleeve shirts are still out -- I need them big time today! It will just be weird to have an Easter Sunday that is freezing.

This week has been pretty low key. Yesterday, work was pretty slow so I took some PTO and left at noon. I hit the Downtown Dallas 24 Hour for some cardio and then came home to get some cleaning done. Mike wanted to go to White Rock lake to run and I went with him. He ran, I walked. But we were out there for about 30 minutes (so, yes, all in all, that was about an hour and a half of working out for me.). It seemed to get colder and colder as we stayed out there. We came home and I made dinner. I was pretty exhausted and so I fell asleep on poor Mike while we were watching DVDs. But, it was a really great day.

Despite the cold, I feel in a spring cleaning mode,so today when I get back from the gym, I am going to be doing some. I think the kitchen is my first stop. I have stuff in there I never use and it is taking up space. It needs to go! So, yeah, that will be my weekend.

Well, I have to run! Have a great day and stay warm. (Never thought I would say that in April... ) Later!!!

Weekend Update

The weekend was pretty good. Very low key and relaxing, but I loved it. Saturday was lazy day. Mike and I went to work out, but I think that was the extent of the physical activity :). I upgraded to an all club access for 24 Hour, so now I can go to the different clubs and on Saturday, Mike introduced me to the Super Sport near his house. I loved it and I love the new freedom to be a dork and visit other places for a change of pace. Again, I am dorky that way.

Today, Mike and I saw "Blades of Glory". It was sooooo funny. I laughed my booty off and there were a lot of Laugh out Loud moments. Will Ferell was so funny and Jenna Fischer (yes, the real reason I went to see the movie) was just adorable! Loved her. She did a great job. Don't go see it for my geek out Office moment but because it is a truly funny, funny movie. After the movie I went to work out with Ryan and now I am just chilling at the house with the kitties. They are ignoring me so I am just sitting in the same space as them. Gotta love the cats. I am also catching up with the DVR recordings.

Have a wonderful Sunday night. I am rather tired from the booty beating from Ryan. I am already sore and that really isn't a good sign of things to come. I am going to be dying tomorrow!!! Advil will be my best friend :).

Later!!!