CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOG LAYOUTS, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Loading...

I promise, I have not forgotten to blog, there has just been a lot going on around here. Ok, so not really a number of events per se, but just a ton to think about and contemplate.

Not sure if it has been mentioned here, but I have the greatest job! Not only because of the day-to-day activities and the people I work with and work for, but because of the HUGE opportunities to grow. This year alone I have had an incredible chance to hear, meet, and interact with such diverse people. Not because of their race or faith or language, but because of their stories and strength and passion. I have been exposed to issues and possibilities that I could not have dream of even in my wildest days. There is so much in my head and I struggle to make sense of it all and get it all out. Some of it makes sense one day and then the next is a complete jumble. On Monday I want to save the world from all suffering and Tuesday I find myself complaining because the fairies did not fold my laundry while I was at work. Before work I am in tears because my birthday (a big one) is just around the corner and it scares me. On the way home, I am motivated to research and help with a global issue that effects people domestically and internationally. It just seems like I am living in a juxtaposition that has me spinning in circles.

So, as you can see, I am writing. I am drafting posts. You will see some of them soon. I promise.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

We remember

Today is the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Aggie Bonfire. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember ignoring a random phone call around 3:00 in the morning. I remember annoyingly answering a 5:45 phone call from Sis who was getting ready for work hours away. She asked where my boyfriend was and, half-asleep, I told her that he was out at Build. I woke up quickly when she told me that Stack had fallen and early reports were that there were students dead. I remember moving quicker than I had in years to throw on some pants and literally ran across campus to my friends’ dorm. I dated a guy in the Corps all 4 years of college, and he and some members of his outfit were among my closest friends. I was reassured that he was fine, and in fact never went out the night before thanks to an early morning test. Other members of the outfit were not so lucky. A few saw it all happen, some were on Stack itself, some were walking injured, a few were hospitalized, and one gave his life. Everyone dealt with it differently. I guess we still do.

Like I said, I remember it all like it was yesterday. I will spare you the details of hospital visits, trips to the MSC, memorials (campus wide and in small groups), the stream of phone calls to and from anyone and everyone whom we loved, liked, or only once knew. One thing I will forever be grateful for is the fact that Dad had a speaking engagement on campus with the Aggie Fellows Program the next day. Despite it being cancelled, both he and Mom drove down that morning and sat with me at Sweet Eugene’s while news continued to come trickling in from a wide variety of sources. They brought me almost every paper that covered the tragedy. I still have them all. I still have my candle from the vigil that night, one from the Midnight Yell before the big game, and one from that year’s Muster. I still have the ribbon that stayed on my coat throughout that fall and winter. I have the receipt from the flowers that I took to the site early one morning. I have countless pictures of those two weeks. Through it all, the Aggies, far and wide, were a family. We stood together. We stood in remembrance. We stood for those who no longer could. We stood for the Aggie Spirit for it is a “Spirit can ne’er be told.” We continue to remember.

For those 12 individuals, for those 12 Aggies, I will call "HERE" today and always.




This video is a bit more uplifting. Jeff's Yell Leader speech, President Bush's remarks, and the comments from Dr. Gates at the memorial are all poignant. Plus, the game highlights remind me of when the Wrecking Crew was present, Jamar Toombs was at his best, and the beast that was Brian Gamble.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Six word Saturday

Three day weekend...good things happening!

This weekend is my last three day weekend for a while and I am determined to make things happen! Nothing really specific but I just thought that I would throw that positive energy out into the world. The "to-do" list has just grown too long, the paperwork has piled up, I am behind on chores, and I miss my friends and the "scene" in my area. I decided not to get bogged down by all of the things to be worked on and just simply say that this weekend? This weekend, things will happen. Good things!

Play six word with Cate

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Six word Saturday

Forgot how much I love football.
or
College football's on and life's good.
I leave town for one week and the Rangers go to hell in a hand-basket. At least it is football season!

Play six word with Cate.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Starting to turn

For months, if not years, I have been swearing up and down that I would start a real workout program. It was attempted many times and at the most lasted 3 days. I tried running, weight lifting, and stupid “programs” I found in magazines. I set goals and made plans, but through each brilliant idea the same fact came flying at me…I HATE working out!

Randomly, I decided to detox myself from fast food on August 20th. Those that know me are aware of the fact that I eat from a fast food restaurant at least once a day. It is bad. I know. You know when you eat somewhere too much that it does not sound good anymore? Well, that is what I did with the no less than 30 fast food places within 5 miles of my house. Gross. I know. Oddly, that little detox has gone well. Only once a week is fast food day and it must to be a “smart” choice. It is working.

Motivated by food success, a personal trainer was selected and the new “attempt to workout” date was chosen. 09-09-09. Simply because if you turn it upside down it is 666 and well, let us be honest…

Day 1 – Survived the first step…getting into my sports bra. I even managed to do it without getting winded. Baby steps people. Ok, I am not really that out of shape, but pretty close. The gym was CRAZY! So PT told me to take a brisk walk/jog and stretch. 20 minutes and 2 miles later I was done. This is so doable!

Day 2—I had to go into the gym. Great. I have never in my life been in a gym to use equipment. NEVER. EVER! I have no idea what the machines are used for, much less HOW to use them. PT makes me warm-up for 5 minutes and then asks me, “what do you want to do?” I look at her perplexed. “Do you want to do upper body or lower body?” I tell her I have no idea. Her response? “Great! We will do both.” My response? Great.

At one point I was doing this pully down thing (that is a technical term by the way) and I tell PT it was not comfortable. She said okay, 5 more. I said no! it is not comfortable now. Five more later, I am Jell-O and that was only the first thing we did. Great.

Long story, but I have no idea what I did in regards to equipment I used and reps and stuff? Not a clue. All I can say is that I worked on a few machines, used some free weights, a step thingy, equipment that used my own body weight, and some abs stuff on the mats. I felt the burn and totally thought I was going to die during and after it. At one point I look at PT and she has a huge grin on her face. She laughs and says she can see my muscles quivering under my clothes. No crap, lady! It has been 11 years since I worked out. ELEVEN YEARS!!

Good news is…I got out alive. Bad news is…she is making me go back tomorrow. Great.

I have to say that I was proud of myself for trying absolutely everything she asked me to do. I never said “I can’t” or “there is no way” or anything of that nature. I may just be able to do it this time. The new leaf has started to turn. And trust me, I can feel it!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Six word Saturday

Much needed long weekend is here!

This weekend will be filled with afternoon naps, football, a nap, friends, and a birthday for Sis. :) Too fun!

I am so, so excited that college football has started back up! Crisp fall days and a little pigskin is the best time of year. To top it off and make it even more fantastic is the fact that the Rangers are still playing pretty well. It is going to be a good three days!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Six word Saturday

Can I hang out with him?!

BOOMBOX from Ely Kim on Vimeo.


My friend Amanda recently adopted a new baby bundle of joy. Her mother-in-law made a statement about him becoming a dancer. That made me giggle because I remember MANY nights of spontaneous dance parties with Amanda in high school. What do I do with these memories? Why, spend some time with YouTube videos of course. I came across this one and instantly thought, WOW! why can I not date this guy? There are some great moves in here, but 21 is my favorite. And 99 and 100. And 56. And ...

Anyway, which one is your favorite?

P.S. - I am impressed if you got through the whole thing. Here is the link to a list of the songs used.
P.P.S. - Play 6 word along with Cate...

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Promises, promises

Again, I have been MIA. The month of August has been filled with me working (A LOT), a vacation to the beach, some great music, friends, and fun. I promise I will get back into a blog groove soon, hopefully in the next week.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Does it really rain here?


Well, it has been over a month since I went to visit CL in Seattle with Julie and her Mr. – does that help you put a bit of perspective on how far behind I am in my posts?! GEEZ!

Anywho, it was an absolutely fabulous trip (minus the first couple of days) filled with all the tourist type things I wanted to do/see and a few surprises too!

I flew through LAX and because of weird diet glitches that cause SEVERE migraines I grabbed some Wendy’s in the airport. Fast-forward to Seattle where CL met me and we went to meet the Julie’s at Red Robin. I thought my biggest problem through the week would be curbing headaches, but NOPE! I wake up the next morning with a HORRIBLE, TERRIBLE case of some sort of food toxicity. YUCK! Long story short, I ended up in urgent care on a couple of liters of IV fluid and put on a strict liquid diet for 5 days. Not that strict because I went for a hot dog 2 days later. Thank God for the (at the time) recent iPhone purchase to keep me entertained in bed.

The next day was spent in bed at the hotel watching WAY too much TLC and the movie Sleepless in Seattle. How ironic. CL did take me for a car tour of Alki Beach (from the movie), which was super cool.

Because I was yucky, I missed the day everyone went to the Mariners game. Tear! CL generously offered to take me on the tour of Safeco Field for my first “healthy” outing. It was really one of the coolest things I have done on a vacation. I am now a huge fan of ballpark tours. CL even liked it and she says baseball is “stupid and boring.” How are we friends you ask? We are friends because she would do things like take me on that tour.  (I will spare you the 86 pictures I took of the park and give you only two.)
We also did the whole Pike’s Place Market thing and saw the flying fish. The flowers and goods are far more interesting. We saw the VERY FIRST Starbucks. That seems really important to some people who enjoy coffee so I took a picture.

We went to the top of the Space Needle and saw Alki Beach and Pier 70 (where Real World Seattle was filmed) and some lake where Bill Gates lives. Did you know that he does not allow ANY Apple products in his house?! That means his kids cannot have iPhones or iPods. Is that not child abuse to force your kid to have a Zune?
We saw the Experience Music Project building and then went in it to find Michael Jackson’s Motown 25 outfit. Hello! Sparkle Glove! He died while I was up there and you remember this post about my love for him, so this was awesome to see.
Cool guitar sculpture in the EMP
Some Hendrix guitars
They had a Jim Henson exhibit complete with Muppet fur walls. They were so soft. Some poor kid totally got my food yuck after this picture was taken.
We went to Snoqualmie Falls. Basically, beautiful. If it was not so darn cold up there I would totally want to cliff dive and swim the falls. I did not take the “half mile” hike down to the edge of the falls – remember…IV fluids. Next time.
We went to some pier/shopping area (sorry I forgot the name, CL!) and among other things fed seagulls. Those things have no fear! I, on the other hand, have a lot! It scared me every time and was followed by me hysterically laughing.
We went to Jimi Hendrix’s gravesite. It is randomly at a little cemetery in a Seattle suburb and has absolutely no markers leading you to it, but CL is super tour guide and knew just where to go.
CL even gave a few sewing lessons to Julie and me. Julie made a great little bag and apron, and I made a dress for Bea. Since she does not appear on the blog, here I am modeling it as a shirt. I have since added some embellishment and need to take an updated picture.
To finish it off, I got a lovely view of Mt. Rainer on the way home. 
Thanks for hosting and guiding CL!! Thanks to all three of you for nursing me back to health and making me laugh through it all. Good times! Start saving for Summer ’10! BlogHer NYC?!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Sorry, super soapbox


I know I should not be writing this mere moments after leaving the point of frustration, but I have to get it out! Where was I? The post office. I can already hear some of you with the “agghhhhh” as your head tosses back a little. You are right. That place is seriously so freaking frustrating! I have never gone in thinking I would just “run in” and grab some stamps. I am always prepared to wait in line and every time it annoys me that there are only two (at the most) people working. Why is that? There are at least 4 little stall things to have employees working, but no…only two! And God forbid one has to “go in the back” to get something. Not only is there one worker for every 7 people in line, they have ABSOLUTELY no sense of urgency in how they do their work. Seriously, I have never seen people move so slowly! Teenagers schlep through the mall quicker than postal workers apply a certified mail receipt.

Unfortunately, this was not the high point of my frustration. The sweet, “mature” woman behind me shook her head and tisked at one point and I turned, smiled, and said it was frustrating. The woman behind her piped in and said she had complained multiple times to the postmaster about this particular branch. I made my point about never really seeming to be in a hurry or care about their job. Here is where it happened. The (maybe) 23-year-old girl between my “mature” friend and me says, “Well, it is because of their compensation. People perform based on their pay.” WHAT?! I could barely hold it in. I said, “ha! That is crap. I was a teacher. I never gave up on my kids because of my paycheck.” (To the teachers out there, SIT DOWN) She then continues by saying, “because you got 3 months off a year.” I had to stand there with my mouth open to keep from chirping back “FUCK YOU!” NO! They do not!

Thankfully the older woman took care of it in a much more tactful way, but on behalf of the teachers out there, could all of you just back off! Why is teaching the one profession that always has that thrown at them? Not pro-athletes who PLAY A GAME for a PORTION of the year for MILLIONS! Nobody ever has a problem that three, yes three, of my doctors take over 2 months off every year to “be with their families” while collecting $25 for applying a freaking Band-Aid. I am not saying teachers should be paid more, in fact, I do not believe they do need pay raises, but people really need to stop saying they get “3 months off” because it is simply not true.

Why is it that one of the few professions that shape our future is constantly scrutinized because they get too much “vacation?” Sure, there are teachers that are not worth a crap and should be kicked out of the classroom, but instead they end up in a random administrative position. A desk job; they are pushing paperwork, attending meetings, and collecting nauseating salaries. Sounds a little like an accountant or manager or banker or director or do I need to continue or do you get the point?

Teachers do not have a job that holds stresses like telling a family their loved one has passed or nervously knocking on the door of a call only to be met by a crazy person with a gun or race into a burning building to save a child’s hamster or spend a year away from their family on a beach with no water chasing after an ever changing enemy. Those people have stress! Those people are heroes.

But anyone that has been, has lived with, or is a teacher knows that they bring work home with them everyday. Their 9-5 job is truly 7-10 most days. The actual 8-4 (that was the “classroom day” when I taught) is spent teaching. They lecture, model, aid, guide, discipline, motivate, support, love, tolerate, and accept the kid’s in their room all day. (Minus the 25 minute lunch that has a duty attached to it on some days.) When the final bell rings at 4 they tutor, listen, and (honestly) babysit kids while trying to clean up a room and prepare for the next day. That is when they print lessons, make copies, return parent emails and phone calls, attend meetings with anyone from a superintendent to a special educator to a colleague in the weeds. Then they go home with a bag full of papers to grade or projects or materials to review because they know that the first question they hear in the morning will be “do you have our papers?” That is followed closely with “what are we doing today?” and, from the one that had an orthodontist appointment just during your class, “did we do anything yesterday?” I always wanted to answer, “no, we just stared longingly at your empty desk all period. Too distraught by your absence to even function.”

Again, I am VERY aware that not all teachers are good, but neither are all cops or doctors or CEOs. Every job has its stressors and everyone works hard, if only in their own head. When it comes to people that work with the future, please, praise the good ones. When you knock the profession as a whole it drives quality away. We have to keep the good ones! It is for our future and for our country.

All that being said, I ran away. I was not one of the strong ones.

Sorry for that tirade. I just had to get it out.

P.S. -- I know all of this goes for parenting as well, but the girl in line just mentioned teaching. Big hug to those of you that are parents and those crazy few that are both teachers and parents. And if I could give the world to Julie I would…she was a single parent and high school teacher when I first met her. I do not know how you remained sane and raised such a great young man. Kudos girlie!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Monday, July 27, 2009

Fun summer giveaways

Fabulous K is having two giveaways a day all week!  She has the coolest sense of style.  She has that ability (that I am so jealous of) to find things you would never put together and they just look so darn cute when she is done with them.  I wish I could pay her to come in and redo my place while I am away on vacation...like those HGTV shows.  But it would actually look great when it was done.  

Oh well, in the meantime I will live vicariously through her blog.  Go check it out!


Sunday, July 26, 2009

How to transition

I have been struggling to find a way to transfer from updates on Keith to less serious or possibly entertaining posts.  It has been decided that I will try to put a button in the sidebar.  Until that is figured out, I will just put a line stating "Keith Update" on each post.  By clicking on the link you will go directly to the Caring Bridge website and be filled in daily.  Thanks for your patience while I searched for a way to transition tactfully.  

New posts coming this week!  PROMISE!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Keith update

Judy posted an incredibly raw and touching update on Facebook; so again, if you have an account, go to “pray for Keith Beasley.” In summation, the past few days have been trying for Judy, Keith, and their families. All of them have completely turned the situation over to God.

In her words, “…I completely surrendered to God's will. I told Keith how much I loved him. I then said the hardest sentence of my life. I told Keith that it might not be part of God's plan to have him here with me. And if that was the case, I would be okay. I cried and I cried, but I wanted Keith to know that I would be okay.” She continues to say... “I told him to keep fighting. But if he got tired, it was okay. If he needed to take a break, I wanted him to relax. I told him that I loved him so much and that if he needed to leave me, I would be okay.”

She explained that his condition remains essentially the same but that “his body is dying.” In spite of that, or perhaps because of that, she added… “Please know that I am still praying for a miracle. I believe that God can heal Keith from head to toe. I trust in His goodness and know that His love for Keith and me is much deeper than our love for each other.”

Again, I so appreciate all of you who have offered your kind words through email and more importantly through prayer.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Prayers please!

Calling everyone
I have hesitated to post because ASKING for prayers is not really in my Catholic nature. But here I go…thanks to the blogosphere, I began following a friend of a friend years ago and now she needs your help.

Judy and her husband Keith are Texans that live in San Diego where she is a teacher and they were eagerly expecting their first child. Keith came to Texas for a bachelor party in early April. Judy stayed in San Diego as her school year was beginning to wrap up and her pregnancy was approaching its 8th month. Long story short, Keith left the bachelor party and was waiting for his buddies on the roof of a parking garage. He lost his balance and fell 7 floors onto a small patch of grass. Luckily, some people happened to see a figure fall and called 911 immediately. He has been in the hospital ever since.

Judy quickly came from CA to be with her husband in Austin and after receiving initial treatment they were transferred to Dallas. All the while, Judy was expecting their first child. A boy. She has since given birth to a happy, healthy son named Brooks and has been staying with her family while Keith has undergone more than his share of ups and downs. He has had multiple shunt surgeries, physical therapy, bedsores, liver toxicity, muscle and bone issues from a lack of movement, various room/hospital moves, tests, test, and more tests. All the while, Judy visits her husband, takes care of their new son, updates everyone daily, meets with countless doctors, nurses, and therapists, and is now being forced to deal with insurance company issues.

I can say that Keith has had very good days. Days where he obviously brightens when Judy is near. He knows her and Judy says it is clear that he recognizes the fragility of Brooks being a baby when he holds him. (Or rather when Brooks lays with him.) All that being said, while they have needed prayers through these three months, I got this email at 9:45 tonight:

Immediate prayer request – Judy is at the hospital with her father. Keith’s heart is not pumping properly and his heart is enlarged which is a very serious condition at this point. They have started him on the heart medication in order to try and get the heart to start pumping more and will monitor it over the next few hours. The doctor does not think Keith could survive any kind of surgery so please pray for decisions Judy may need to make. The doctor also does not think Keith may make it through the night. Immediate prayer request – for the heart to start pumping properly and to respond to the heart medication. Pray for Judy – she has completely surrendered to the Lord’s will. Lord Jesus, both Keith and Judy are in your hands – protect them.

If you have a facebook, you can find more information on the page set up by the family by searching Pray for Keith Beasley. The information about Austin and needing rooms, meals, etc. is out of date, but everything else you would need to know is there.

I know that prayer is strong and I know that prayer is healing - both for the sick and those that care for them.  I also know that many of you share this sentiment, so I turn to you.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Girl's night out
Lisa, Tiffany, me, and Jen

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Just smile

I have to do it. While the media coverage is daunting to say the least and there are FAR more important things happening, I have to post about Michael Jackson. MJ. Wacko Jacko. The King of Pop. Whatever you want to call him.

Maybe it is my age, maybe my childhood packed with dance classes, maybe my love for all things eccentric, but let’s just say I LOVE HIM! Oh, he is a complete freak show, a bit shady, and had questionable relationships to put it nicely, but above all else, he was an immensely gifted AND talented man.

He really did write the soundtrack to my life. I was only three when he did the moonwalk for the first time, and I do not remember watching it, but I can guarantee you that my Detroit born parents tuned in to watch the Motown Anniversary. I vividly remember many nights practicing MJ moves with my brother, sister, and Heather (the babysitter) on the parquet floor in the living room. I can still moonwalk to this day. When I was 6, I hid one of my white Easter gloves under all my clothes in the bottom drawer so I could go to Mass with only one (in my mind) sparkly glove. I always wanted silver sequin socks. I went to a premier of the movie Free Willy not for the film but for the soundtrack. I own the Making of Thriller video and have watched it more times than I can count. I stayed in ballet so I could go on Pointe and do a toe-stand in any kind of shoes just like him. The album HIStory was the talk of my driver’s ed class when it was released in the summer of 1995. We all bought it at Sound Warehouse the day it was available. We would listen to Bad, Thriller, and Off the Wall for hours after work during “book rush” in college. I never wanted to dance like him because I always knew I was not that musical. His moves were just another instrument in his hits. It was incredible!
There were times that he was a complete train wreck. Do you remember the Lisa Marie kiss? Eww! Do you remember that weird belly shot in the "You Are Not Alone" video? Oh, and the fact that he and Lisa Marie were naked? Eww times two! And that just scratches the surface of oddities. But aside from all of that, today he was saluted. Stevie Wonder, a man who has won 22 Grammy awards, recognized him with song. Maya Angelou wrote a poem about him, remembering “normal” moments of side splitting belly laughter and “performance” moments like the toe-stand. Berry Gordy called him the “greatest entertainer to ever live” and Gordy knows a few great entertainers. Most who spoke today talked about perfectly normal times with a perfectly normal guy.  A guy who loved much and laughed often.  I did not know that guy, but the entertainer that I grew up with was an idol.
I remember that Elisabeth adored him and always wanted to meet him and see him in concert. Luckily, she was given the chance to do just that before she died. She went to his concert on September 10, 2001 in New York.

My dad has always told me “if you believe it, you become it.” I realized I should actually listen to him when I was 21 and heard an interview with MJ where he said, “…whatever you believe, you become.”

Monday, June 22, 2009

I'm an intellectual...Make me turn it off!

Okay, everybody close your eyes. Now, be honest. Do not worry. No one can see you. Raise you hand if you watch I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. Hell’s Kitchen? America’s Next Top Model? Real Housewives of Orange County? New York? Atlanta? New Jersey? Survivor? Kathy Griffin: Life on the D-List? True Life? 

I watch them all! IT IS SICK!! I do not watch them religiously and thank God for DVR because otherwise it could get ugly.

This week I have jumped feet first into vacation. For that reason I have found myself up until 3am watching complete and total crap on television. I feel like my brain has been fried to only two brain cells. And those are competing over whom I detest more…Danielle from Jersey or Speidi from The Hills/Celebrity. MAKE ME TURN IT OFF!! How did my life turn so sad in just one week?!

I found myself on Google looking up when the new Big Brother was going to start. I was relieved to know that I would not be on a plane to visit CL when NYC Prep premieres this week. I am bummed that Project Runway is no longer on television, but was happy to see Kat Von D came back to LA Ink for another season. Seriously, find me a 12-step program PRONTO!!

I will say that I do not have emotional feelings for the people on these shows. I do not cry when they leave or scream at them when they do something stupid. There is really no reason why I watch them because they are dumb and make me feel far less intelligent on a daily basis, but they make me laugh so hard! I think I will make a list of one-liners that make me laugh out loud every week. Really. People could not write this stuff!

Note: I have not watched Jon & Kate since the “babies” were potty training (the “announcement” is recorded however), but Aaden and Leah are my favorite. I do not watch the Bachelor/Bachelorette because it makes me uncomfortable. Every now and again I will watch a Real World or Road Rules thing, but it makes me worry about my former students.  (I do not think yall need links to those 5 shows.)

Another note: Do not even think about putting Amazing Race or So You Think You Can Dance in this crap reality show category. Those two shows are pure GREATNESS! I mean television GOLD! So back off.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Post criteria

People often post comments or ask questions about my job, my hometown, or ask, "do you even have a family?"  Basically, yes, I have a job, but we (the company) are very protective of the people we work with because they deserve the utmost in privacy.  Yes, I have a hometown.  It is in Texas.  Yes, I have a family, but Sis has made it VERY clear that she wants no pics of Bea on the internet EVER!  

I respect the fact that this is my blog and they (my coworkers, clients, or family) did not ask to have their likeness splattered over the world wide web.  People have criticized me about being too protective of my work and family, but frankly they are mine and you do not get a say. Sorry. Wait, no I am not. Deal with it. 

Every picture I post is a debate.  I always want to make sure that no one in the picture could be affected in any way by the post.  I often crop photos so that it is only me, only people from the back, or identifying information is blurred.  If there are other people in the photos or mentioned by real name in the posts, they are aware of it because I have told them.  Call me overprotective, that is fine.

Just to prove my point, here is an interesting story about a company that lifted a picture from a blog and used it without the family's permission.  It is a harmless example, but just think of what else could happen.  Think about it when you think it is cute to post pictures of your small children or anyone else's kids for that matter.


Do not be paranoid and completely stop posting pics (everyone knows posts are better with pictures), just think about the ones you publish and maybe add a watermark on them.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Calling all 8 of you

Yes, the 8 of you that read my blog, including my creeper family members that think I do not know they check the blog.  I see you. I know you are there.   Thanks Google Analytics.

Anyway, I thought I would post a little something from BlogHer.  They are trying to have “meet-ups” with their bloggers around the United States.  Most all of the meetings are this month, sorry I found this after some of them already happened.  I went to one of these things back, oh I do not know when but it was cold outside, and it was a blast.   It is so fun to see the face and hear the voice behind the many witty, heartfelt, and crafty talents we all blog stalk.   So, go to this link and see where to find your meet-up group.

It is a great way to network!  Jen—go to the Dallas one and market the Sip-n-Swap.  (Lord, I hope you have business cards for the event.)  

Monday, June 8, 2009

Dear Liza, Dear Liza

There is a hole in my pocket!  My money is GONE!  Where does it go?!

Somehow I have burned (might as well be literally) through my entire month’s budget.  I can hear you…but Colleen, it is only 8 days into June.  Yes, I know.  But Colleen, how did you do that?   Well duh!  If I knew, I would not have a post to blog about people.  So Colleen, what are you going to do?  Hold my breath until I get paid again on the 25th and roll coins found in the couch cushions.  See?   I have a plan.

I know some of it (read “a lot”) went to the Ballpark in Arlington, but by no means all of it!  So, if you see me in real-life eating out, shopping, or generally gallivanting around town throwing hundred dollar bills into the air, please stop me...unless I am watching the Rangers.   All that money is totally worth it.   Oh, and if you stop me you can totally have one of those hundreds.

K? Thx!

Side note – have you ever actually learned the words to that song? ODD!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Six Word Saturday

Projects done,
Rangers doubleheader,
Summer's here!

I promise this will not become a baseball blog over the summer months.  It is just really exciting that my boys are actually winning and sticking with it this year.  I have said for too many years that they would go to the World Series when I was 80...it may happen a bit earlier. :)

Play Six Word with Cate...

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

Beautiful flowers Daigle sent to work as a "thank you" for the Triple Play ticket.
Before they opened...

Blooming!!


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Date with Daigle and Ryan

I got an email about two weeks ago asking if I would be interested in attending the Texas Rangers Foundation Triple Play charity dinner.  I jumped at the chance.  Tickets normally run about $350, but this particular person bought a table of 10 and invited little old me, and a guest, to join them.

It was quite the debate on who to take with me.  Despite it being on King’s birthday, he is overseas all month for work.  So I came up with strict criteria…1. Male 2. Single 3. Know baseball 4. Be a fan of (or at least appreciate) the Rangers 5. Own a suit 6. Be able to behave at a dinner table and in front of VIPs.

So, I email Daigle, a buddy from high school.  I have not seen/spoken to him in four years, but he is a walking, talking Beckett book of Ranger facts, figures, and fan-demonium.  Honestly, he is a complete freak show when it comes to team stats.  I knew he would be excited and a bit hesitant as well.  I mean really, this old friend comes out of nowhere and offers you a $350 dinner … with your favorite people on earth … for free?  Hmmmm.

He takes the offer and picks me up.
On the way there I ask him if there is anyone he really wants to meet.  He mentions Nolan Ryan and I tell him I can guarantee to get him close enough to introduce himself.   (I have no shame doing that for other people.)  He promptly tells me he would “punch him in the face from sheer excitement.”  I get a little worried.  I mean I knew Daigle’s favorite number was 34 and his room was plastered with posters of Nolan in high school, but I guess I never really had a childhood hero like this before. (Pic below of what Nolan can do if someone comes after him.  Click for the video.)


We are told to take our seats, and we find the table which ends up being front and center.  There is another couple there and a lovely woman standing alone.  We all introduce ourselves with first names and sit.  Daigle looks at me, eyes about to pop out of his head, and tells me the woman is Nolan Ryan’s wife.  I just smile.  Tom Hicks and his wife Cinda then join us at the table as well.  Then Derek Holland joins us.  (He is our new, fresh pitcher we drafted from junior college 2 years ago and just brought up to play this year.  God, I hope he can turn our pitching around!)

There is one empty chair.  It is at Daigle’s immediate left.

He looks at me in a burst of bridled giddiness I could never describe and forces out, “Is he going to sit next to me?”  I just laugh.  He tells me his hands are shaking and sure enough I look down to see a grand mal seizure going on from wrist to fingertip.  Before we knew it, Mr. Ryan was shaking our hands and saying “nice to meet you”.  I thought Daigle was going to pass out.  It was SO FREAKING COOL!! They were all incredibly nice and funny to boot!  After dinner, the players entertain everyone with a round of Fielder’s Feud.  It is like Family Feud, but the “families” are the Infielders vs. the Outfielders.  Pretty.  Stinkin’.  Funny.  Next up was a lovely serenade of "Afternoon Delight" by the rookies in full '70s Anchorman attire.  Ballplayers in tight pants, platform heels, and singing = greatness.  Elvis Andrus with maracas is quite possibly the most entertaining thing I have seen in a long time.  

Then there was a Guys and Dolls (the theme of the evening) battle of the sexes game with the players and their wives.  Dolls won.  Not surprising!

I did not get pictures with any of the players because of where I was sitting.  I did not think it would be a good idea to turn into a swooning, blubbering, psycho fan in 9/10 of a second, but I did get a baseball autographed by Michael Young and Josh Hamilton.  Seriously…they are all so kind!! 

Josh Hamilton 1 Peter 2:24  He has an incredible story!!

Michael Young

Needless to say, the evening was FANTASTIC and will remain one of the greatest nights of my life for…well…pretty much forever.  It was an added bonus that I got to witness Daigle meet his “all-time idol,” and no, he did not punch him.  

Monday, May 18, 2009

Got a little story for ya...

...but it will have to wait until later in the week.  I AM SOOOO SORRY!  I know I have completely neglected my poor, sweet blog and all of my blogiverse friends, but it has been crazy with a capital K around here.  There really is a good story coming, but in order to do it justice it will have to wait.  I have a HUGE project due at work this week so I am off to work for another 3-4 hours.  Yes, that will make my first all-nighter for work since college.  Damn me and my procrastination skills!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Winner of a losing night

Early last week I was talking to a guy I have been hanging out with for a few months, King. I asked if he wanted to go see Bob and Jillian at HOB. He said he would let me know. Never a good sign, but I was going regardless.

So, he calls the next day and tells me he landed “some pretty decent” Ranger tickets for the same night. Oh my quandary!! Thankfully he understands the incredibly difficult position he put me in and told me to think about it. I opt for the Rangers and hope to make it to the HOB.

At no point during the week did I ask him where the seats were because 1. I think that is rude and 2. I am, admittedly, a section snob. I like my first base line Lexus seats, dang it!

As we approach our highway exit I ask what section we are in so I know where to park…yes, I have that memorized. He replies, “section 31”.  I am instantly aware that this is in front of the on-deck circle and am trying not to freak out. When we enter the park (always a cool feeling for me) he starts to lead us to the seats. We start walking down the stairs. And walk. And walk. And walk.  All the way down to the 5th row! Holy crap! 

King is still new to my life so I am keeping my freak out as internal as possible, but let me tell you, it is cracking. When we sit down I ask him if he knows who is directly in front of me. He looks and says no. I explain that it is the owner of the team. Then I ask if he knows who is directly in front of him. Again, he looks and replies in a negative. I tell him it is Nolan Ryan.  He seems a little shocked that I could recognize both from behind. Again, he is new. HELLO! SUPER FAN!!
Ian Kinsler on-deck and David Murphy at bat.
Hank Blalock--a fav of mine since I graduated.

Toward the end of the game I wave to some folks that sit on the VERY front row. She flags me down to the seats and asks if we want to sit there because they are “heading out”.  WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING? I tell her no because I thought it was the right thing to do, but end up taking the offer since she and her husband would not be there with us. After the game there are fireworks and…here is the highlight…
The security guard comes and invites King and me ON. TO. THE. FIELD. to watch them! Again, I hesitate but take the offer. Do not worry. I stop myself from jumping up and down, running the bases, and making a grass angel in the outfield. The fireworks were nice, I guess. Did not really pay much attention to them. Can you blame me?!
On-deck circle
To top off the night, King was kind enough to go to the Bob concert after my minor, giddy, jumping, clapping, giggle fest while walking to the car. He even danced at Bob. What the heck? This was honestly an evening that NEVER happens in my life, but boy am I glad it happened once.  I will not have that opportunity again, but dang it, it was incredible. I am so glad I remembered my camera for this one!
Sadly, the Rangers lost that night, but won the next two games of the series. By the way, those that know me in real life can probably totally picture that giddy freak out in the parking lot after the game. ;)