Happy Birthday Chloe!

Today Chloe is 4.

Oh, to be 4 again......

The Sun!

So, dreary cold and cloudy winters can make you forget about sunscreen. The Greenville Ave St. Patrick's Day Parade and Block party was this past weekend. It was a great day for a party, but yeah, I forgot sunscreen and my face is a bit red. Not too bad but it will peal and look just lovely. Apparently there were over 80,000 people up and down Greenville Ave! I can believe it. Even at 9:15, when I was walking down to Lower Greenville, it was like a maze. It took me way longer to get from my place to the house I was going to but that's okay. It was totally worth not having to find a parking spot or worrying about parking enforcement. Even on the street I was on, they were in full force.

I had a girl try to trade me beads (nope, mine were better). I think had they not been around my neck, she might have tried to take them from me. I think as I was walking quickly away from her, she was trying to steal a chair. I heard "Oh hey, a chair, I think I will take it". She was worth getting away from quickly. The parade was a lot of fun and there were some very interesting outfits out and about. All green, so they were appropriate :). My green shirt was boring in comparison. I didn't make it to the official Greenville Block party but I did go to the house of my friend's co-worker. Burgers, hotdogs and other yummy stuff was served. Between that and the beer, I was a bit full! Dawn had to leave early so I actually left with her (2 pm. Yep, I have great stamina!). I am sure I would have been fine walking home, but heck, I had a ride, I was going to take it.

Happy Monday everybody. It's time to go home!

Pilates can make you sore!

I took a Pilates class yesterday afternoon and darn it, I can barely walk today. I think a lot of it has to do with the massage Angela gave me afterwards, but I can hardly walk! Angela had the MOST AWESOME birthday present and gave me a massage. Loved it and it felt great. Pilates was a lot of fun and since I hadn't done it in awhile, it was very challenging. There were only 2 of us in the class so it was pretty much a semi-private lesson. That was nice -- the teacher was able to give us better feedback. I have some pretty tight hamstrings and calves so the leg lifts and leg circles were interrupted by severe leg shaking! I couldn't keep them straight up -- I had to keep them bent at tabletop. I just have to stretch more and get that all loosened up. Weight training and running/walking caused it. I just have to counter it. I really did like this teacher so I think the 12:30 Sunday class will have to become a routine.

My birthday came and went and I am firmly in 38. Still not totally happy about it but hey, I look far from that age so I really can't complain. 38 isn't horrible. I'll live. :). I had a wonderful dinner with Jen at Victory Tavern last week (awesome food!!!), had some sushi with Taylor and Angi, got some cuddle time and a car detail from my new honey. I think I ate a lot actually :). Nothing magically changes when you hit 38. I just think the new thing with me is my love for "Criminal Minds". Remember that NCIS kick I was on? This is worse. Love this team and the stories. And Morgan rocks and Reid is just adorable. I am also happy to see Paget Brewster land a great role (she had a minor arc on Friends a few years back). Just love the show! A&E, ION and CBS keep me in episodes. I guess that is a weird thing to change in a new age :).

Well, that might be it for now. It had been a while since i popped in and said hi. So here I am!!! I am sure there are some stories in the last few weeks I need to tell. I will think of them and jot them down :). You will not be denied.....

Stay dry all!!

Snow!!!

I have never seen anything like it in Dallas. I think the final total was 12.5 inches and it is beautiful. Yesterday, work sent out a message that we were having a delayed opening at 10, which would have been fine. However, DISD announced it was closed Friday by 6 PM on Thursday night. They weren't even doing the normal "wait and see". That kind of confused me since we always follow DISD. I got a text from a co-worker that we were indeed closed for the day. I had stuff I could have actually done from home, however silly me, didn't bring it home. I've gotten some cleaning done and I need to make a trip to Target. I am sure the roads aren't that bad at this point in time. And I need to get out of the house!

Simon was very excited about a snow day. I opened the blinds and he really, really thought he wanted to go out on the patio. Yeah, one foot out the door, and his little furry butt was back in the warmth. So funny! Sierra didn't even try. She's smart. :)

That's it for snow day. This weekend will prove to be fun. I have no idea what the plans are -- they are up in the air, but it is Valentine's weekend, so something better happen :). Oh yeah, I am also preparing to turn a year older on Monday. I haven't decided if I am going willingly or kicking and screaming. You might have to wait until Monday to hear my answer on that :). I do have to say, a 4 day weekend really does help the mood!!

Stay warm and enjoy the snow!!!

So...

At what point do you tell the new boyfriend you have a blog??? :).

I get to see "Avatar" tomorrow. I really can't wait. I didn't think it was one of my "must see" movies, but I really am looking forward to it. I am going with a couple of girlfriends in Frisco (we were going to the IMAX on Webb Chapel, but David reminded us that it isn't the safest area, so we changed the date -- we originally planned to go tonight-- and location -- since I have to drive there and the movie starts at 7. Gives me time.). I really still want to see "Up in the Air". Hopefully soon.

This week has been very low-key. I was very sick on Sunday and still felt it Monday. I felt pretty human yesterday and today was actually productive. I do have to say the pink snuggie and sweet kitties made me feel a bit better, but I never want to be that sick again. Simon didn't leave my side while I was ill. Sierra would just come check on me. Tonight will just be a work out and cleaning the apt night. Fun, fun stuff.

My next 5K has been selected. Jen and I are doing the "Dash Down Greenville" on March 13th. It is right before the St. Patty's Day Parade so we will clean up and watch it after we run. I need to get back into running shape. I think my 11-12 min. mile is slowed up now. Need to get it back. I am looking forward to it! Anybody who wants to join, just let me know!!!

Okay, back to work. I have a 3:30 meeting and want to get something done before the fact. Later!

Exciting Wednesday Stuff

Well, not really. This morning I am researching Federal Record Schedules and Recordkeeping. Yep, can you feel the excitement.... I get to be the new guru. Yay... However I am also plotting a training program for our admins who have to deal with Recordkeeping as well. All the information is there, it is just buried. So, if I pull it and put together a proposal, I am sure my boss will go for it. Plus it makes some rather boring subject matter interesting.

Other than that, the week has been pretty status quo. I am seeing Ryan tonight for my once every two week booty kicking. Tomorrow I am taking the day off from working out because I am getting sore and my body needs that day off. I did a pilates work out last night and I forgot how much I like it (and how much it kicks butt!!). It was at home, so Simon thought he needed to help. Of course I need the help and guidance of an 8 lb feline :).

Okay, that's it. Tomorrow is my good friend Dawn's birthday so I need to think of the perfect gift for her. Seriously, it shouldn't be too hard since we were pretty much separated at birth but for some reason I am stumped! I don't see her until Saturday night, so I have time. Her party is going to be at Zea in Frisco. I always like that place so it will be fun! Wine and hummus -- a great way to celebrate a birthday.

Everyone have a wonderful Wednesday!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Lazy Sundays are the best! The boy just left and we pretty much spent all day watching Football. It was nice. I did get up and work out this morning but after that, really, haven't moved much! I have been running around for the last two days, so really, I don't feel too bad for chilling. I needed to rest.

Last night I threw a going away gathering for my friend Mia. She is moving to NYC and so I had a few friends over last night for food and wine (and some beer too). It took all day to get ready but it was worth it. I like hosting gatherings, I just don't do it enough. I tried to make Lemon Bars (recipe from my cousin Katie) and while they were edible, I did something to the crust. So they were more like Lemon crumbles. I love Lemon Bars so I need to figure out what the heck I did and fix it. I will try again soon :). Or maybe I just need to fly to Cali and have Katie make them for me..... :). I had a lot of food left over though! But then again, at a party you don't want to run out of food. So, it's all okay. I can save some of it for any Super Bowl party I attend. Friday was just a run around day, nothing huge, just running errands and visiting Sam's for food.

I am looking forward to the new week. Just have to get in the mindset of the new workweek! I have a movie I will watch and then bed early. Everyone have a great Sunday!

Happy Day Off!

I had MLK day off and spent it with my friend Dawn. We went to White Rock for a quick walk (it was early and still too cold so it was a short walk!). Then we went to lunch and shopping at Northpark Mall. It was rather fun and I found some cute stuff. I had 2 Banana Republic gift cards and actually ended up only spending $4.95 of my own money. There were a lot of discounts and sales. All was good :). Now I am just chilling because I am tired.

A lot has changed in the last week. Most people know the story but I am still not going to blog about it just yet. But I am very very happy and it will last a long time. At least I believe it will.

The weekend was pretty good. Busy and lots going on. I had a date on Saturday night and we were supposed to go see "Up In the Air", however it was sold out. We didn't feel like waiting for the 9:30 show so we saw "Leap Year". It was so good. I do recommend it. I thought it started off a bit slow but at the end, I actually had a little tear in my eye. Very sweet love story!

Okay, that's it. Or at least that is all I plan to report today! Have a great evening. Later!!

Everything and Nothing

Happy New Year! More than a week later :)>.

The week has been pretty good. There is a new boss in my section at OSHA and she is pretty cool so far (I am cautiously optimistic). We are having a meeting next week for our ADs and so I am helping her prepare the agenda and get things going for it. My "atta girl" this week was for an awesome agenda. Hey, I will take it where I can get it :). I think she is very fair and I might just learn a lot from her. So, while I am still annoyed by the people who work around me, I might actually be able to grow and get better projects. We shall see.....

I have decided not to train for the March 2010 1/2 marathon. I am going to work towards one in Dec. March is too soon for my level of running. So, there ya go. Right now I am focused on getting back to eating right and a regular workout routine. I am going to start seeing Ryan 2x a month. I think that will keep my brain on track and I can still get a butt whooping. It will be easy on my budget and still get me what I need.

Man, I thought I'd have more to report, but I guess not :). Everyone stay warm!!!

Post Vacation Hello

I am back from CA and all is well. I had a great time and have some pics to post. That will probably happen this weekend. The family is as wonderful as ever and our new addition Zoey is just adorable (and Chloe is still just as awesome as ever). Zoey looks like a little angel (and a Gerber baby). I know most people think that about their family, but seriously, the kid was angelic!!! There won't be much written today because I am back at work and trying to get into the swing of things. I will post stories later! Just wanted to say hi and let everyone know I was home safe and sound.

Now I am trying to figure out what to do for NYE..... Yep, there is nothing like waiting until the last moment :).

Friday Fun Time

Hello all! Hope the week treated everyone well. I actually had a pretty good week. Nothing too exciting (well, sushi Monday night at The Fish. It was pretty good, just a very dark restaurant! The manager actually brought us a flashlight to read our menu.). I called up Ryan to do 2 sessions with him before I head to CA next week. My first session with him was yesterday.

Sooooo..... I can now run 5 miles (with a bit of walking thrown in), but a workout that use to be easy for me is now very, very hard. I seriously got dizzy half way thru. Kind of a weird reversal! It was good to get a different kind of work out though and I am seeing him again on Wednesday. More than likely, I am going to set up two appointments a month with him, especially if I am going to train for a 1/2. While running is obviously an important component to training, you have to also do some strength and core training. With sessions set up, I would have points of accountability and also some structure. I need to get my booty in a yoga class too because flexibility and stretching are important too. (And I really need to schedule a massage... just because.)

This weekend is both full and relaxing. Finally getting my hair cut! I totally need it and figured I'd do it before I leave for vacation. I am going to another Debutante Ball this weekend too (okay, just realized I haven't made sure my dress fits..... probably should do that tonight!). There are some little odds and ends I need to take care of too so that will keep me busy. And I must start working on Sock Puppet Theater! There will probably be no football watching parties this week because the Cowboys play Saturday night this week and well, I'm going to be busy being all glamorous :). I am amazed at how much football I have watched this season, both college (other teams) and Pro. It's been fun though :).

So, that's it. Back to work I go. Everyone have a wonderful Friday. :)

Running the Rock (well, 5 miles of it!)

The White Rock Marathon and Half Marathon took place today, along with the 5 person relay. As most everyone knows, I ran a 5 mile leg of the relay today and it was more than awesome. Now, it was cold and I had to wait a lot, however once I got going, it just was incredible. Since the relay is the full marathon course, we ran with the marathoners. Since that was the case, I really felt like I couldn't slow down, couldn't walk (as much, trust me, I still walked. And so did they. They know how to work it). But the energy coming from them propelled me forward to my end point. I did have some knee issues which slowed me down. I could have probably done it in quicker time. Oh, yeah, I did it in 61 minutes! I was very impressed with myself. I thought I would be a tad longer, so that time worked for me. It is an unofficial, Kim's watch time, but it was still a good time.

The bus to our relay point was at 7:30 but I got to AAC pretty early (took the train). Once we left the AAC, we landed at the lake at our relay point. I bought the ear warmer things on Friday and didn't think I would actually need them today. It really wasn't that cold when we were waiting at the AAC. However, the wind coming off the lake almost killed my ears! And my hands got cold too. Soooo, next time I think I don't need them, I am taking them anyway. I didn't need them during the run, but we had to wait a few hours. It was needed.

On the bus to the relay point, I met this gal. She was pretty cool (and very chatty, which was funny since it was 7:30 AM). Anyway, we talked about her training, her life, my training, my life, the silly girls running around in NOTHING! (they were supposed to be santa's. ), and just anything else. She is running the Dallas Rock and Roll in March. She got done before I did but she stayed around and found me at the 15 mile mark. That was pretty cool of her. She even said how proud she was of me. A total stranger :). She was nice. Anyway, she has my number and told me to consider training for the Rock and Roll in March (13 miles... 1/2 Marathon... seems very daunting!). I think if I start it hard in Jan, it could work. And then I could also help propel Jen on her quest to do to the Chicago Rock and Roll in August! Something to think about it. Now I feel good -- sore, but good. Pretty accomplished. And watching the marathon runners do their thing was inspirational too!

Everyone have a wonderful Sunday. :)

Christmas Party

We had our Christmas party for work today. It was pretty fun except for I ended up with the worst gift in the gift exchange:

I am not sure who brought it but um, really??? I am going to take it home and see how the cats react to it! I had a bottle of wine in my grubby hands but someone stole it. Dang it! And it was my new OSHA boss, so I couldn't really put up too much of a fight :). I should have stolen something else and not gone for an unknown, wrapped present! The cookies I made for the event were actually really good (remember, I don't bake). I ended up with 7 dozen cookies last night. After about the 5th dozen, I was kind of over baking. :). I have more flour and sugar than I really need so I might have to find more things to make. I will just bring them up to the office. I am really looking forward to the cookie party tonight, mostly because it is just girl time. And I haven't seen Dawn in forever so it will be nice to see her too!

Because of the party tonight, I won't be able to work out. I plan an extra hard workout tomorrow night though. I didn't do too bad today at lunch (there was some great stuff) but I still have tonight's cookie extravaganza :).

Jen and I are already discussing our next 5K. I am looking at the list and there are some interesting runs happening. It will be fun to train for and run the next race. I just need to get thru Sunday! Can't wait to finally run it and post everything here.

Okay that is about it. I am heading home soon and then off to Frisco. I need to wrap a present and clean up. Have a great Thursday night!!

Hump Day

So, the White Rock Marathon is this weekend. I have a mixture of excitement, apprehension and "what the heck was I thinking!". But it is more excitement. I am ready to get out there and get it done. I have the 3rd leg (mile 10-15) and I know there is a bus to take me from the AAC to my mile marker. I just have this feeling I am going to have to take the shuttle and then wait. I have 2 people ahead of me who make pretty good time so I think my hand off is around 9:40-9:50 (the race starts at 8). Once I am done, than I can take the shuttle back to the AAC and probably head home. Not sure of what is going on after we are done! The group is meeting for dinner on Saturday night to get our packets and go over last minute details. That is probably a detail I need to get :). After it is done, I will go and make plans for my next race. I just need to get through Sunday first!!!

Tonight I will be baking cookies for our Office Christmas party and a Christmas Cookie Party I have tomorrow night. I will probably only bake 12 for work since there will be a lot of sweets and I don't think everyone will eat them (and I have to do 5 dozen for the cookie party!). It will be fun but I don't normally bake. My Aunt Gail sent me 3 recipes to chose from and I think I am going with a Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie. According to the note attached to the recipe -- "they vanish quickly". Well, we shall see about that! I have already decided that all the cookies I get from the cookie party will come up to work the day after. I hope there will be people around to eat them. :).

Okay that is about it. Lunch break is over. Everyone stay warm and have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Hola

Okay, so apparently I forgot I even wrote a blog :). We've had Thanksgiving, Michelle's been to visit, I have been to a Construction Standards class. A lot has been going on but nothing has just been super, douper "Hey, write about me!!!".

The Idlewild Ball was a lot of fun. I didn't think it would be bad though. Thanksgiving was awesome. I ate way too much but the food was good :). Of course I'd say that... I made the turkey. Class was pretty good. I did learn a lot and since I have a construction site across the street, I know what is going on (sort of... kind of...). I am back to work today and this morning was pretty packed. Now I am ready to go home. Since I am having dinner tonight with Jen, I think wanting to get out of here is perfectly okay!

Okay, that is really about it. The A&M/tu game was pretty darn good! While the Aggies did lose, they fought really, really hard. And I am sure my friends now never want to be around me during an A&M game ever again :). Yes, totally aware this is commentary on something that happened awhile ago.

Happy Friday!

Waiting

I am just waiting for Taylor to come pick me up for the ball. I am actually mostly done getting ready. I just need to put on the dress and touch up the hair. It's easy to fix your hair when you wear it straight..... :). All is good in the land of Kim now. A&M beat Baylor (whoop!) and I had a great run this morning. Not a bad Saturday. I only did 4 miles today because at the end of the 4th mile, my knee was starting to hurt. The trail is located at Lively Park and it is a one mile loop. It was a nice park and a nice trail. I love White Rock, but it was nice to have a change of pace. So, for 4 miles it was 54 minutes. Definitely can work on that time, but truthfully, I don't think it is horrible for a novice runner.

That is about it. Hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday!

***Oh and a great big shot out to Jen. That woman is a great inspiration and a total rock star. As of today, she is at 75 lbs LOST!!! I am very proud of you Jen and I know a lot of other people are too. Thanks for being a great inspiration for everyone :). That is a lot of hard work and I know you have had your ups and downs. This is definitely an up!! Keep up the great work!***

Friday!

So, not a lot to chat about but it seems like I have a busy weekend ahead. We are doing timed runs for the 5 leg relay at the White Rock Marathon. I am not where I want to be time wise however I was told not to stress about that. Just show up tomorrow and run to my little heart's content. The date is in 3 weeks so I still have time to get up to where I want to be. I have another friend doing the relay as well (a different team). She is doing the 4 mile leg. Boy, I wish I had gotten that one!! :). I will rock it, it will all be good.

Tomorrow night I was invited to attend the Idlewild Ball (yep, one of the Debutante balls). I already have a dress, but I want to get some new jewelry to punch it up (it's a black gown). It will be a ton of fun! I wanted to go to Banana Republic to look at their stuff, but I may not have time.

At some point this weekend, I need to finalize the grocery list for Thanksgiving and head to the store. I want to get that done this weekend because I have this feeling the store will get busier the closer to Thanksgiving we get! I do love that Tom Thumb has all the "essentials" placed together at the front of the store (well, Turkey in the back of course). But the pie stuff is together, gravy stuff, etc. You get the point. Just makes life easier. Even though, more than likely I will forget something. I always do!

Everybody have a happy and wonderful Friday. Even though it's dreary, I am feeling pretty good. It's payday -- that helps :). I am waiting for my registration to clear for an OSHA class - Construction Standards. Now that I am staring at a construction site, it might be very interesting. I am hoping there are still slots available!

And one more thing -- Christmas music should NOT be played 24/7 on the radio before Thanksgiving. Yes, i am buying gifts (even bought a 2 foot purple tinsel tree) but they certainly won't be wrapped before Thanksgiving and the tree won't be put out until Friday! (Well, the tree will be placed high on a shelf because of Frik and Frak.) Come on people. Let's be thankful before heading into craziness!!!

Later!

Weekend Overview

The weekend has come and gone. I think I watched more football in the past two days then I watched all season long! Last night I went to Humperdinks with some friends for the A&M/TCU/Tech games (all on at the same time). Humperdinks is pretty much the only place we could think that would actually have the all the games on that we could watch in the same area. WAY too much stimulation! We were watching 3 tvs all in a row. A&M lost. I wasn't really expecting a win against OU however I at least expected us to show up for the game. Yeah, um, no more comments..... :). Today I was back at Humperdinks to watch the Cowboy game. The Cowboys didn't show up for that game either. Dang it was boring! And the Cowboys lost. It was rather pathetic. I am hoping next week A&M will pull a win against Baylor.... mostly because I have a bet with Taylor on the game and I'd like the win it :). By the way, congrats to TCU on 10-0! That is very impressive.

Other than that, everything is the same. I am winding down from the weekend and getting prepped for the week to come. I had to do some rearranging because the carpet cleaners are coming tomorrow. Simon and Sierra will be locked in the bathroom all day -- I know they will be thrilled with that......

Happy Sunday Night!

Kitten Pics

Some baby pictures I hadn't shared yet! These were taken when Edward and Jasper were about 6 weeks old. Enjoy :).

Pictures

Halloween Night - 2009. Me and Dawn at a party at her friend's house.

Trying to save a patient (the mask was CREEPY!!!). And yes, he was Michael Jackson, DOA.......

Pumpkins that were carved for the Higginbotham party last weekend (Oct. 24). Mine is the second from the left. :).

Self portrait -- me before the Higginbotham party (a wine stain made it a little hard to wear the mother nature costume last night, hence the change!)

Not a Halloween picture, but it is a cute one of me and Natalie's baby, Ally. I look a mess because I had literally just come in from the rain.