A House of Our Very Own!

That's right folks! We did it! Joe and I have closed, have our new house keys in our hot little hands, and we are the proud owners of our very own house at 140 Cherrybark!

So now begins the flurry of projects, the moving of the stuff and the transferring of providers to our new abode. I have yet to see where this owning a house thing is supposed to "save" you money... nice theory!

But we are excited and we're going to put our noses to the grindstone to get the place looking spiffy so we can start the place off right with a party and a puppy! Who could ask for more, right?

Thanks for all of your prayers along the way. God does have a plan. Now, if only he'd let us use his Home Depot account...

Favorite Songs

So I was trying to find a few of my favorite songs on my iTunes. Some don't have names, so it is a little difficult. Anyways...it got me to thinking...I wonder if they are on YouTube and I can watch videos.

And the answer is YES! Here is one song that I love, but haven't been able to find to buy. Sting is my favorite artist for many reasons. His ability to meld genres, sounds, rhythms to create something new, his mastery of so many different instruments and his unique sound.

So, if you will, please enjoy Until:

Holiday Hoedown!

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Oh, here's one more for good measure. Looks like they're also charging for these now! But, in honor of the lovely time we had with the Norvells in downtown Ft. Worth, please enjoy our holiday hoedown!

House Hunting Stress

As many of you well know, it is quite stressful looking/finding/buying a house. To release the stress, Joe and I decided to let go, and...

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

House - Part Deux

We are in the process of potentially putting an offer on another house, this time in Coppell. (We kinda gave up on Grapevine.)

I'll post more later, but for now, I ask for your prayers that God places us where he would have us and that all works well for the buyer, the seller and that we can get out of our apartment easily!

Aaaaaahhhhhh! (To quote inner-Leanna)

A Critical Review!

It was GREAT!!


Joe and I decided to go on date night yesterday and spend some quality couple time with just each other. We opted for a swanky dinner a the food court and a movie we had both been looking forward to, August Rush. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed.

The movie follows the story of a young orphan who believes his parents are still out there and really do want him. He is led to New York by the music he hears in his heart and all around him -- music he believes is from his parents and will reunite the trio.

As the story progresses, it skips back in time showing us his parents' eventful meeting and the roll music plays in their lives.

August does not have an easy go at it in New York, but continues his quest with help and hindrance from many colorful characters.

One of my favorite lines in the film is the kind reverend who oversees a shelter where August stayed. He is talking to a young friend of August, reassuring her that he is in fact safe, wherever he is. He says (paraphrasing) -- "August is with his father, and we have to trust that his father will do what is right for him because he loves him." It is an interesting line in the context of the film, because it seems the reverend is not talking about August's "father," but rather our Holy Father, and that he does want the best for us and will always do what is best for us, even if we can't quite see it right now.

Music also plays a powerful role in the film. Beautiful voices, classical instruments, guitar playing like I've never seen (thanks to a new talent, Kaki King). The diverse compilation makes your spirits soar!

So to sum it up, go see it, I think you'll really enjoy it!

Who's ready for a bit of JOY this holiday season!?

I am! As part of our holiday festivities, we'll be spending an evening at the symphony listening to the sounds of Christmas this December. We are so lucky to get to do so many fun things this Christmas season...
- Spending time with family! (always awesome!)
- Work Christmas parties (alway fun, but very much awkward)
- Silly Addison theatre with the O'Briens
- And this year, the symphony.


As a band nerd, there is always something thrilling about going to a concert with extremely talented musicians. It gets your blood rushing, your feet tapping, and your spirits soring!

So Happy Holidays everyone! Let the Christmas tunes flow!

Homecoming Memories

So a few weeks ago, it was Baylor's homecoming...and this year we actually decided to go! We got to see several old friends, met some friends of friends, and overall, had a great time and made some more Baylor memories. The day of course included a trip to the Baylor Bookstore where we got our cool new hats, Fazolli's, Ninfa's and Common Grounds for an awesome caramel-laden Milky Way!!!!!

I really love my school and the people there (even if our football team can't win against a big team to save their lives). It is a hard task to find friends as great as our Baylor friends. And for all of those that we missed getting a chance to say hi to...I'm SO SORRY...and...Hello! =D

So here's a few pics from our day that started at 6:45 with 5 of us in my sister's car...(things I should have gotten a picture of!)

View from our great seats!

Our awesome friends Scott and Angela!

What a cute little Baylor couple!

The crew:
Joe, Leanna, Mollie,
Jennifer and Jamie (with his tv to watch the LSU game!)

Jamie and Jennifer
(and two of the best drinks to come out of Waco, TX!)

All I love about Milky Ways AND Joe!

Sew, the craft bug has kicked in...

Ok, if you went to Baylor, or pretty much any college, I am sure you have a collection of t-shirts with wonderful memories you hold dear and you keep wearing because you want to stay young forever, but if you keep washing, your memories begin to fade!

So, I have taken on a project to preserve my beloved Baylor/APO memories, and have begun the construction of a "T-shirt Blanket." I've cut out my beloved t-shirts into blocks and I am now about to start the sorting process to come up with the most ascetically pleasing arrangement.


Karen has also so very nicely loaned me the use of her sewing machine, so hopefully with added help from my bestest pal Lydia, I will begin to construct my masterpiece!!!

Now, I do have another dilemma attached to the making of the t-shirt quilt. Do I cut up ALL the shirts I have??? I mean some I still really love to wear. Do I have to kill those too in order to preserve them? Or can I keep them whole and perhaps pass them along to my kids for retro day at school???

A rose by any other...

What is in a Name?

Thanks for the laugh Em...

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father's middle name)
Lynn Alan - nice and nondescript

9. NASCAR NAME: (name of your mother's dad, fathers dad)
Roy Jack or Roy John which ever you prefer!

8. STARWARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, any 2 letters of your first name) OBREL

7. DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, fav animal)
Green Tiger (ka-chow!)

6. SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Michelle Pt. Arthur - sounds aristocratic, no?

5. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav alcohol drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Blue Margarita

4. FLY GIRL/GUY NAME: (1st letter of 1st name, 1st 3 letters of your last)
L-OBR (Don't think this works for the Irish!)

3. GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Chocolate Thumbprint (not very intimidating if you ask me...)

2. ROCK STAR NAME: (current pets name, current street name)
Tailer Royal
(she was my last pet, and I think I could actually get by with that, Hannah Montana move over!)

1. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy)
Fresh Vanilla Skittles! (ooo baby!)

Die Leafblower, Die! -- and Other Thoughts on the Environment

In an effort to educate our fellow bloggers on environmentalism and its impact on Christianity, I'll start here:

If you know me pretty well, you know my abhorrences for leaf blowers. This probably started when I was a poor little freshmen in search of quality nap time, but always interrupted by leaf blowers around campus. In short - they are noisy, smelly, gas-guzzlers and pretty much pointless.

Along those same lines, I think a lot of what we do is pointless towards "saving the planet." Yes, we recycle plastic and paper and coke cans. But is there a better way. Is there a way we don't need everything we get to be in disposable containers? Most of these easy-to-use, disposable containers don't get recycled or crushed, they wind up in our landfills or along the side of the road and do nothing but sit there.

As Christians, I think it is about being conscious of what we do. First and foremost, we are children of God and we are hear to spread the good news and help those in need. Second, we are also charged with being good stewards of the earth. What I think this means is be aware of your global impact.
Simple things:
- do you need all the lights on
- can I get a copy of the paper online
- should I use the "fine china" - aka paper plates - or use regular
- do I do lots of little loads of laundry or a couple of big ones

Then bigger things:
- do we really need another pipeline in Alaska
- do we really need another stupid office park instead of a wildlife preserve
- do people overseas really need to hunt animals to their extinction
- organize city planning better for mass transportation or pedestrian routes

I think when we finally realize our larger global impact, probably tied to the reason God put US in charge, I think we will experience a changing tide in what we are doing to our planet. Till then the radicals get mocked, and we keep buying Sonic drinks in massive Styrofoam cups.

What I plan to do:
- Start with the little things - reduce and reuse!
- Do my bit to replenish the world with a little O2 through landscaping at my house
- Get a puppy and a kitty - for natural fertilizer of course!
- Not drive as much - um, yeah right - it's Texas - but we do walk to church or the store on occasions
- When I can, do my part to clean up or protect the environment and the animals who call it home
- Not use a leaf blower ever!!!!!

First day of freedom...

Wowzers...It's my first day of my new and confused life. And what does one do when they are looking for a new life?

- Make breakfast - toast and coffee
- Clean tub - scrubbing bubbles and commit, because I was not convinced the scrubbing bubbles worked as well as they say.
- Clean clothes - one load drying, one load washing
- Look online for new job opportunities
- Get depressed about looking for new job opportunities
- Check out peoples' blogs - man, you guys need to UPDATE!
- Make grocery list
- Debate on what to eat for lunch
- Prepare for house hunting with hubby and the realtor later
- Think of more things to do later...

Let's hope tomorrow's better...

Big Changes!

Well, wanted to fill you in if I haven't already told you my big news. We've got big changes ahead in the O'Brien household, as I have decided to leave my current job...

It's a little scary, but my family has been so encouraging, especially Joe, and I just know God has something crazy fun out there for me.

I really want to feel needed and most importantly where God wants me and that I am somehow furthering his kingdom with the little bit of whatever I have that He gave me.

Please pray for me, please refer me, please humor me!

On a lighter note,
Here is a slide show of our Seattle trip! It was awesome!

An update on life...

Ugh, I am glad it is Friday, as I am tired! So here's a little update on the O'Briens.

1. We celebrated our 1st Anniversary! Go us!

2. To celebrate we went to Seattle and we had a BLAST! (I'll post some pics shortly)

3. We are still house hunting - took a bit off for the trip and depression over our first failed attempt.

4. My sister has a date buddy -- and it makes me smile!

5. We are run/walking in a race tomorrow sponsored by our church to benefit Water is Basic - www.waterisbasic.org - this is a great organization started to raise money and fund the purchase of drilling equipment and then the wells to provide clean water for the people of Sudan. The whole O'Brien clan is participating!

6. It's fall and that always makes me happy.

Ummm, I think those are the current highlights...more to come soon!

A bit of Joe - as tagged by Emily

1. Who is your man? Joseph Daniel O'Brien
2. How long have you been together? 6 years (Our first wedding anniv. is Sunday!!)
3. How long did you date? oh gosh...about 5 years
4. How old is your man? 25
5. Who eats more? that would be Joe
6. Who said "I love you" first? I think we both did this while we were yelling at each other. Had to get our blood boiling to find out how much we cared! Awww...
7. Who is taller? Joe
8. Who sings better? I think we both sing pretty darn good. Sundays are the best!
9. Who is smarter? I'm with Emily. Depends on the topic.
10. Whose temper is worse? That would be Joe - he's Irish - what can you say...
11. Who does the laundry? Mostly Joe, yeah he rocks
12. Who takes out the garbage? Both; or we let the stupid apt service we pay $15!!! take it from our step - but they don't come on weekends!
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do. But sometimes we swap just for the heck of it.
14. Who pays the bills? Mostly me.
15. Who is better with the computer? I'd say we hold our own.
16. Who mows the lawn? No one at the moment.
17. Who cooks dinner? That would be Joe (my superman). He gets home first, so he gets things rolling
18. Who drives when you are together? Either, but mostly Joe
19. Who pays when you go out? Joe
20. Who is most stubborn? Both
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? We're both working on that one. It's not easy, but it's always better.
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Joe's - they are 10 mins away
23. Who kissed who first? It was Joe, but I didn't say no! =)
24. Who asked who out? He stalked me for a while, then finally talked me into it after a study date or two, then I had to find him again after the engineering building sucked him in Junior year.
25. Who proposed? Joey - it was so special - besides the fact that Hurricane Rita had caused everyone MASSIVE travel delays (including me!)
26. Who is more sensitive? I'd say both - I get sad about somethings more than Joe and the same for him.
27. Who has more friends? I stay in touch more, so maybe me. But we have awesome friends!
28. Who has more siblings? we're equal - one Jennifer, one Sarah
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Joe - he's my best bud, and I know he looks out for me always

This here language thang...

From my friend Emily's blog...

Your Linguistic Profile:

55% General American English 25% Dixie 5% Midwestern 5% Upper Midwestern 5% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

We did it!

Ok, we made an offer. Now it's just a game of wait and see!

If all goes well I'll be signing everyone up for a day of paiting or moving. Maybe Karen can point? or fluff the curtains! =)


9.25.07 - Addendum - We did not get the house. They said no, and took someone else's offer instead. =(

To bid, or not to bid...

So we have found one house that we really think has promise. The only thing is that it is not cheap.



It is a 3br/2bth house in Grapevine with great potential. The kitchen at this present time is not very large, however, I think there are few improvements Joe and I could do if we could get in there. I think what we are struggling with is finding something we will enjoy, that is a good value and we won't be wasting our savings away -- but countering that with what we would like to have. Maybe a better title for this post would be: Balancing your wants vs. your needs: Your Forever Home vs. your Starter Home.

Ugggh...so I think we are going to make an offer...significantly less than what they are wanting and see where it takes us. Joe and I have our magic number where it wouldn't be reasonable for anything above that. So at least we have that in our mind. Any ways...we'll keep you posted.

The Great House Hunt

It's official. We are looking for a house! So Joe and I have been searching and driving by houses for the past month or two. But yesterday, we actually went out with a realtor, spoke to several lenders and went inside a couple for our first few showings.

I am so excited about having a house. I get to paint what I want. I get to put things on the wall, number of holes be damned! I get to plant stuff. And most importantly Rufus (my awesome little black civic) can go inside a real garage!!!! (He is totally stoked by the way!)

I must admit I am also scared to death. Houses are expensive. Interest is rediculous. And nevermind the fact you think everyone is going to take you for all your worth (because in some small way, they really are...). But we're motivated...lease runs out in January. Now wouldn't that make a fine birthday gift?

So we're looking around Grapevine/North Richland Hills at the moment. So get your search engines going and let us know what you see! I mean the faster you find us our dream home, the sooner the "Happy New House" party will be! =)

Aaahhh, the beautiful beach

Well, we had a blast. Feeling a little silly for leaving at 6:45 in the morning on Saturday, while everyone else on the trip was leaving later and supposedly getting there just an hour or two after us, I was redeemed!! We got to the beautiful, white sandy beach hours before everyone else got there. Joe and I snagged the room with a view, went for a swim, scoped out the shell scene and were relaxed for hours before our fellow vacationers joined us.

The weekend consisted of lots of food and drink (LOTS...a whole pick-up bed FULL of Wal-Mart bags). Fun swims in the ocean -- it was so calm and clear and you could walk about 50 yards before it got really deep. We saw wild dolphins put on a Sea World caliber show!!! We went crabbing with a sand castle bucket. We went on baby sea turtle watch. We stalked deer. We went sailing. And I only got stung by jelly fish five times! And best of all...I didn't get a sun burn!!! SPF 50 ROCKS!!



So if you are ever looking for a fun, remote beach spot I totally recommend Cape San Blas and the fun coastal town of Apolachicola a few miles down the road!

Labor Day Vaca!

We're going out for a little bit of end-of-summer fun this weekend with the O'Briens. The kids are flying and the 'rents are driving...isn't that nice...but we're all headed for Cape San Blas, FL. Can't wait to sink my toes in the sand, watch the sun set, go swimmin' and who knows what else.

I'll let you know how it goes. Pray for safe, easy travel!

Tagged by Lyd

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I have an insatiable love of chips and salsa. Love it. Love it!! I can eat it for a meal. I can eat it for breakfast. Lydia and I have experimented with perfecting the do-it-yourself salsa. And I must say we made a quite tasty recipe! We'll sell it to you if you ask nicely. My favorite chips and salsa at the present time, would have to be Anamia's of Coppell fame and La Suprema from good 'ol Nederland.

2. My husband and I had chemistry together from the very beginning. We met our sophomore year at Baylor in Chemistry class and it has been a fun joke ever since. I am so madly in love with him and thankful that God made me stay on the vet route for just a bit longer for me to meet Joe.

3. I do not like leftovers. I never have and probably never will. They don't heat up right, you just had them and, more importantly, I usually forget about them after I put them in the fridge. However, this helped many other people along the way. My roomie and best bud Lydia LOVES leftovers...so she was well-fed! Joe is a boy and gets hungry at any random time, so poof, there is food I totally didn't remember.

4. I won a coloring contest when I was little and I got to dress up and get my face painted like a clown. That was lots of fun! I also won another coloring contest in Kindergarten at the Southeast Texas fair! Who know you were in the company of such a great artiste!

5. I love to read. And even more, I love to read a good sci-fi book. I got this from my dad. I love the inventive scenery, transportation and circumstances. However it is hard to come by good stories some times, so I usually rely on my dad's stock to keep me going. Speaking of...I need to steal some more books when I'm down next.

6. I love animated or "kids movies." I guess maybe it's the fantasy again, but I really love it when people use their imaginations or get to be goofy and enjoy life. Too often, as with the news, adult movies are filled with violence, sex and bad language. Give me something to laugh and giggle at any day! And just remember -- "Fish are friends, not food!"

7. I pick at the edges of my fingers constantly. I don't know if they are "hang nails," slivers of skin, or just my arch nemesis, but I can't leave them alone. Any time my hands are free I am flickin' away. This is a habit my family does not like!

8. I too sing in the car. After years of choir and band, I love music - plays, church, concerts, movie soundtracks and the radio. So on my drive to work or wherever, I love to sing. Sing with the music, sing off pitch or just hum along. I like it. And Joe even sings with me too! Sometimes we like to play "Name that Tune" and I usually win! teehee!



People I'm tagging: Emily, Brianna and Joe (don’t hold your breath for Joe)

New Hairsies!

"It's about dang time!" is probably what the poor hair lady's scissors said when they saw my sad head o' hair. After growing it out for my wedding, having one less than stellar haircut and growing it out again for Dina's wedding I finally decided enough was enough!!!

With the helpful referral from my sis-in-law, I took the plung and called Tangerine, a local salon in Coppell. I had a mission, I knew what I wanted and it didn't involve
long hair! So when my lovely stylist Kendra asked what I wanted to do today, I promptly said, "Whack it off!" ... "Please!" =)

So here you see it! My new fun summer haircut in my awesome do-it-yourself pictures. Because when I got home, my hubby was nowhere to be found. Little did I know the evening would involve us staying up until 1 a.m.!!! trying to get his poor truck to start. Turns out it was the battery, and we headed off to Wal-Mart. Joe said it couldn't be the battery, because last time we died we were with John and Lydia in Waco. Now ok, how long have we all not lived in Waco? 2, 3, 4 years? =) But it's all fixed now and we can ride around and show off my new 'do!

 
(Rockin' the new hairsies!)

 
(And from behind...)

 
(And to the side...)

Taaaadaaa!!!

Bugs...bugs...bugs...

Well, last night we had our second venue change for the Tarrant County Blue Thunder baseball season of foreverness! =)

We went to the Lewisville Lizards' home field in...Argyle...kind of like Lewisville. Well, it kinda is, if you don't mind the 20 mile detour! It was a nice park, but then the sun went down and the natives came out to play. Thousands, millions, perhaps of creepy crawlies!!! Grasshoppers, beetles, moths, waterbugs, stinkbugs, don'tknowwhatitis bugs, frogs and who knows what else.

I'm fine with all of this, unlike some other baseball fans, who the only time they were screaming during the game was when one of these nice creepy crawlies crawled into their lap! BUT when we were walking out and the grass was more black than green from bugs, I do have to draw the line!

So if you're interested in boning up on your insects, join us at Integrity park located on 114 and 377/347? in Argyle!!

Baseball Booboos and Big Debates

Well this past week has been interesting for two reasons.

1. Baseball is winding down and getting crazy. We played a really nasty team the week before and even their fans were rude. So that wasn't as fun of a baseball time as I usually like. Then this past week Joe was faced with something new -- hitting a batter. As part of baseball, if they throw at your guys, you're supposed to throw at theirs. Now as humans, we're all about getting even, but it doesn't always work the way we want it. And in baseball, yeah, so it's part of the game, but do you have to do it? Why is it part of the game? Something the O'Brien household is figuring out.

2. Big Debates - As part of baseball, Joe has gotten to share his testimony and bit o' knowledge about God with his teammates. It has really been a blessing and just crazy how God can take the simplest things and direct it to Him. And with that, comes in one of his Christian teammates who believes in Calvinism - or where there are those "elected" or already chosen who will go to heaven. This has caused quite a debate between the to guys, and has also spilled into our family/friend discussions.

It's a tricky topic as how do we know God's ways? If those who are going to be saved are already predetermined, why are we charged with spreading the gospel? And on and on and on...

Would love to hear your thoughts!

My Best Friend's Wedding...

Well, I got to partake in one of my best friend's wedding this weekend. No I didn't try to sabotage anything; no nasty e-mails, no inhalation of helium, maybe a few annoying cousins...but...it was a lot of fun!

Congratulations Dina and Kyle!

Busy, busy...

Sorry for the draught of posts. It has been one wild and crazy summer. Between baseball games, weddings, family and no Internet. I have been a bad blogger.

After this weekend...much to blog about.

Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Always look on the bright side of life...

Ok, so the play was absolutely HILARIOUS!!!

The play was a birthday gift to Joe from his parents, so Joe and I, his parents Jim and Holly, and sister+fiance - Sarah and Adrian, loaded into the family pickup - closed the doors tightly so we wouldn't pop out and headed off to the play.

We enjoyed a scrumptious salad, so-so dinner buffet and great desserts at the Crystal cafe on the backside of the theatre and then on to the play.

It was great. Some things were obviously changed from the movie, but what a silly, fun night of entertainment. Lancelot was flaming, Camelot was a mideaval Las Vegas, dead people sang and danced, cows flew, bunnied killed, there was a three minute interlude about Jews on Broadway AND it also included audience participation.

I also got to see my sister and several other friends who happened to go on the same night as us.

The best line of the evening??
"Well, sir, I'm part Jewish...on me mother's side." - Arthur's page
"Well, why didn't you tell me sooner?" - King Arthur
"Well, you see sir, it's not something you just go and tell a heavily armed Christian." - Arthur's page

A night of "Ni!"

Yea! It's here...it's here!! Tomorrow night we get to see Spamalot, the popular Broadway adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I am very excited and I'll let you all know how it was.



This weekend was a very soggy time for the Tarrant County Blue Thunder, but as it stands, the are the only winning Texas baseball team! Yea! Go Joe and Co.!

Under the weather and through the woods...

Well, I have been out of commission or running on one cylindar for the last week or so with a bit of an icky cold. I even went to the doctor and they did nothing except perscribe a Z-pac. The best part was when she said "Well, your tonsils don't look swollen." And I responded with, "Well, yes, that makes sense...I don't have any." Hmmmm....what are they teaching these kids in med school?

So anyways...I am happy to report I am getting better with a nice cough that had descided he wanted to stay for a bit longer.

This weekend, we kick of the Summer of Weddings 2007 with Joe's cousin, Amy. We're taking the fam that's not going to the rehersal dinner on Friday to one of Joe's games, so if you're around and looking for something to do, come on out for a bit of baseball and save me from the in-laws! Just kiddng!

I'm itching for an excuse to get everyone together again. Let me know if you have any ideas!

Date nights!

Date nights are great.

Joe and I went on a nice date of dinner and a movie. We split a hamburger at Chili's and enjoyed SpiderMan 3 (with tickets we got as a Christmas gift). We laughed, we hugged, we goofed off, we ate too much popcorn and we told the other one how much we love them. What a great night.

And with that begins our summer of the ball. Starting Friday at 7 p.m., we have 12 straight weekends of baseball madness with the Tarrant County Blue Thunder.

And with that...I can't wait for the next date night!

My DNA?

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Our new furniture

 

Look at our fun bed that Joe's parents got us. We stained it and put it together and it is great! Maybe one day we'll get bed tables to match!

About Me...

Advanced Global Personality Test Results Extraversion |||||||||||| 43% Stability |||||||||||||| 53% Orderliness |||||||||||| 46% Accommodation |||||||||||||| 56% Interdependence |||||||||||||||| 70% Intellectual |||||||||||| 50% Mystical || 10% Artistic |||||||||||| 50% Religious |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Hedonism |||| 16% Materialism |||||||||||| 43% Narcissism |||||||||||| 50% Adventurousness |||||||||||| 43% Work ethic |||||| 23% Self absorbed |||||||||| 36% Conflict seeking |||||| 23% Need to dominate |||| 16% Romantic |||||||||||| 43% Avoidant |||||| 23% Anti-authority |||||||||||| 50% Wealth |||||| 30% Dependency |||||||||||||| 56% Change averse |||||||||| 36% Cautiousness |||||||||| 36% Individuality |||||||||| 36% Sexuality |||||||||||| 43% Peter pan complex |||||||||||||| 56% Physical security |||||||||||||||||||| 90% Physical Fitness |||||||||||| 44% Histrionic |||||| 30% Paranoia |||||| 23% Vanity |||||| 23% Hypersensitivity |||||| 23% Female cliche |||||||||||||||| 63%

Take Free Advanced Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

.......................................................
As seen on Lydia's blog. I'm not sure? Who knows? What do you think?

BearBall 2007

Thanks guys for an awesome time this weekend. It was so great to see everyone. Can't wait to do it again next year!

BearBall Location

Hope you are excited about this weekend's festivities.

When: Saturday, May 12
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Where: Andy Brown West

We have decided upon the fields of Andy Brown West in Coppell after a tour of local fields. After considering distance, thugishness, and park amenities, we have decided that this would be a great place for BearBall Numero Uno. There are two sandlot fields, plus a large park space (if fields are already taken) and can be easily accessed from 121 and 635.

We're also moving up the time just a tad to accommodate one of our players who has to actually pitch in a real game later on in the day. If you can't make it by 10, we'll see you at 11:00 a.m.!

What to Bring!
Glove
Bat
Shoes
Baylor Shirt

For Food:
We're going to make a chicken/burger run!
Bring $5 and we'll take an order at the field and go pick up food for the bunch.
We will also have a cooler available to put your water/drinks in.

Directions:
363 N. Denton Tap Road
Coppell, TX 75019
Phone: 972-304-3541

From Fort Worth:
Take 121 to Coppell
Exit Denton Tap and turn right (south)
Take Denton Tap untill you see the park on your right
OR
Take 121 to 635
Exit 365 going east
Exit Belt Line and turn left
Go down Belt Line/turns into Denton Tap
Park will be on your left

From Plano/Richardson:
Take George Bush to 35
Exit 35 and go north to 121
Go west on 121 to Denton Tap
Exit Denton Tap and go left (south)
Take Denton Tap untill you see the park on your right

BearBall Update - THIS SATURDAY

Yep, we're still on for this weekend and beautiful weather!

Location

To come tomorrow. We're working on a Central location for our E. Dallas, Flower Mound, Fort Worth and Beyond friends!

Shirts

I'm sorry I failed you, I didn't have time to make them. Life's busy. Please don't hate me!
BUT!! I have another idea that I would like to propose. Our church is selling shirts to raise money for an organization called "Water is Basic" that has already raised enough money to purchase a drilling rig and one well for the war-torn area of Sudan.

www.waterisbasic.org

The shirts are on sale for $15 (reg. $20) each, and are really cool. A brown color with yellow water jugs.
I know it's a little steap, but its a great cause that Joe and I will continue to support and could be a great way to spread the word. Let me know if you are interested and I'll get an order ready. Otherwise no biggie!

Food

Three options here.
Option 1 - Brown bag - everyone bring their own food and we'll have a picnic
Option 2 - Assignments! Each player(s) is in charge of bringing certain item
Option 3 - We make a Sam's run and every body brings $5-10 bucks (depending on what we get!) and we share and grill out!

Things to Bring!
1. A smile
2. A glove
3. A bat if you have it
4. Tennis shoes
5. Baseballs (I'm sure we can cover that), Softballs, kickballs?, volleyballs?
6. Food - to be determined soon!
7. Sun screen - let's all be safe!

Blogger issues! Ok, I don't know if it is Safari or my computer or what - but I don't have the buttons to post links, to bold or anything besides just straight text. Anyone know what's up with that???

Joe's a Blue Thunder Baller!

I'd like to congratulate the newest member of the new Continental Baseball League's Tarrant County Blue Thunder -- my husband JOE!

That's right, he's just signed his life away to be a star pitcher for the new league. From May til August we'll be baseball playin', watchin' crazy people. Check out the schedule below and we'd love to have you guys come out and cheer on the Blue Thunder against the arch enemies, The Lewisville Lizard, The Texas Heat and the Bay Area Torros (Houston).

http://www.cblproball.com/pdf/CBL%202007_Schedule.pdf

I'll also need to start getting my new t-shirt ideas and cheers lined up.
Ideas so far:
1. The blue care bear - Ok, they're Thunder. What's that really? So I thought how about the little Care Bear with the cloud on his tummy? And then everyone in the stands could do the Care Bear Stare when the opposing team's batter is up? (Joe is not thrilled about this one...)

2. The Cloud Heads - make big puffy cloud hats and have sheets of metal we can ripple for thunder?
3. The team shirt - boring!
4. The Original - A few summers ago, my pal Lydia and I made Fan shirts for Joe's many games during college and summers. Lyd, is it time to make the bested "Joe's Biggest Fan" shirts ever?

I'm excited! We're excited! Let's play ball!

My view

Everyday I go to work and look outside my window. We are on the twelfth floor and I have a view straight to downtown.

Here are some of the things I get to see.

1. Lots and lots of accidents. These occour at the stop light of Midway and Spring Valley or in front of the Geico building (also in my line of sight). All mostly minor.

I also see accidents RIGHT IN FRONT of our building. You have to turn across 4 lanes of traffic to enter our garage and some people can not JUST WAIT. So they venture across while some traffic is stopped and some is not and, inevitably, they get crunched. So we have frequent visits by tow trucks, policemen and oh-so-unhappy motorists.

2. Fire trucks. The fire station for Farmers Branch is three blocks down from us. So I see them quite frequently. The also frequent the Geico building A LOT! I don't know what they do there, but perhaps their blood pressure is as low/high as their rates??

3. Construction crews. They have been working on widening Midway for about 6 months now. I am not sure if they are widening for the sake of widening OR just angering the daily commutors. Either way, provides for entertainment. BUT they cut down so many nice trees! Made me so mad!!

4. School children. We are right in front of a private school, Green Hill. So I get to see lots of parents very nice SUVs, and kids playing lacrosse and soccer. Always fun!

5. A hawk. Yes, a red-tailed hawk. I think he lives on top of our building. Just about every day I get to see him swoop down and ride the air currents. Looks so wonderfully fun and peaceful. Maybe he's related to the holiday hawk?

6. The Weather. Everytime it rolls in, it's always fun. Rain, sleet, snow (my fave), I have a front row seat.

So that's a little bit of what I see at work everyday. Don't you all want to come and see too?

Bear Ball Date!

Hello Gang,

With a poll of potential players, the date for Bear Ball 2007 has tentatively been scheduled for Saturday, May 12.

Site to be determined!

8 Players so far!!!

Please use this post as an RSVP. When signing up, also let us know if you would like a t-shirt and what size. (designs coming soon!)

Thanks!

Bear Ball dates

What works for everyone?
Stand up and vote for your choice of dates for the First Annual Bear Ball Tournament and Picnic!

April Sat. 21 or Sun. 22
April 28 or 29
May 12 or 13
May 20

Sorry folks, May 19th has been removed from the list. It is sister and sister-in-law's birthday weekend AND I have been informed I have to work a bike ride at Texas Motor Speedway for work.

If you have the morning available, you should come out to the bike ride. It's $18 bucks a person, you get to ride on the TMS track (where the race cars go) and all proceeds go to local charities! =)

Let me know if you have any fun park location ideas. I know there is one in Coppell.

I'm excited, are you excited?

Bear Ball?

With my last post, it got me thinking. Maybe we need to organize a BearBall game, all us local old bears and our new adopted bear friends. Now as one who has NEVER played a baseball game with actual people, this would be a real event for me.

A picnic, a ball game/or rolly bat game, and friends!

Wow, I'm excited? Anyone else??? Let me know if you would be up for it!

Baseball

So some of you may have heard of my belated April Fools Joke I played on my very understanding friends the Norvells. I may have stated in a frantic phone call that Joe had been called up to play with a minor league baseball team. Now most would be, yeah right, like that would ever happen. But most people don't have a husband who has a "sick slider" or a 90mph fast ball.

We have been working, praying and playing for a chance just like what I fibbed about, and we're still pursuing that dream. Last week Joe had the opportunity to try out for the new Intercontinental baseball league starting up right here in the Metroplex. With a great showing, he was offered a spot, BUT then we learned that it would be an all-week commitment for about 3- 4 months, with a 2-week training period. While that is contrary to what the league chairman first told Joe, we are still hoping for a compromise that will allow Joe to possibly be a floater for the teams.

So keep us in your prayers, get your gloves ready and maybe, just maybe, we can watch my sexy hubby play some ball!

PLAY BALL Y'ALL!!

No TV

Lately Joe and I have been forgoing the normal TV crap for some of our favorite old shows we recently bought on DVD - Five Mile Creek and Christy. We really have enjoyed sitting down to dinner and enjoying a good show we know we won't have to worry about gratuitous sex or violence and that actually carries some sort of moral.

We have also been putting together a puzzle too (CSI, with a hidden message). Now writing this, I am beginning fear that we sound like old farts. BUT I really have enjoyed it and come off a little less stressed.

Any one else have any shows to recommend?

Happy....

Happy Birthday Lydia! Wishing you a wonderful 25th year!

New Kicks!

Let me tell you how excited I am about my newest accessory! I have wanted them for so long, but couldn't find them in my size. I had some as a kid and LOVED them, but they sadly bit the dust at the Heritage Festival on some stupid ride where they got ripped when I was getting off.

But here they are, and on my feet no less. My very on new pair of Chuck Taylor black Converse All+Stars! YEA!!!!

Fun Night Out on the Town

Last night we had a great time! To begin Joe's birthday week extravaganza, we decided on dinner and a movie.

My almost-25-year-old hubby, his 'rents and myself began our evening with the fine cuisine from Anamia's, a local fav of ours. We then proceeded to the theatre to watch Astronaut Farmer - where we also loaded up on soda and popcorn - it was AWESOME!!!

I rushed to our theatre to claim our seats in the sea of movie goers, as there often is on a Saturday, and was greated by TWO smiling faces. So, the six us of has a delightful showing of a rather well-crafted movie. Full of inspiration, cheesy Texas overexagurations and Bruce Willis' comb-over. We'd give it about a 7/8 out of 10.

Then, our night continued to Marble Slab. It was amazing...I hadn't had Marble Slab in FOREVER!!! And we topped it off with a quick round of Apples to Apples, where Keanu Reeves and Darth Vader both appeared.

It was a great night and a great kick-off to birthday week! (We like to get all the bang for our buck as we can get!)

Happy Birthday to Joe, John and Lydia..whew! a busy week!!

Here's a message in a bottle for you...

GUESS WHO'S GOING TO SEE STING AND THE POLICE!!!!

Haahaaa!!! Yes that is right the O'Briens and the Pate. Jennifer, Joe and I will be enjoying the the sights and sounds of The Police reunion tour Wed., June 27!

Can you say SUPER EXCITED!!! =)

Goin' home

Well, this weekend the Dallas children, Jennifer, Joe and I, are going home to Houston, to celebrate our Mommy's birthday and to have fun food and hang out on the couch and not do laundry or cook. What bliss!

Can I tell that I consistantly feel like I am drowning in laundry. We thankfully have the blessing of our own washer and dryer, so that helps -- but it is always there -- dirty waiting to be cleaned, cleaned waiting to be folded, clean waiting to be ironed (ick!) and worst of all, all waiting to find their place in our cramped little closet or hamper.

I would like to blame most of it on Joe. I don't know why, but it seems boys go through laundry 10 times faster than girls. But, I am sure I contribute to some of it...I guess...maybe...a sock or two...occasionally...

AND also in this grand "going home adventure," we are taking a swing by our old stomping grounds of the Golden Triangle. Our old church is having it's 100-year Anniversary on Sunday and we're going down to go to church, possibly see old friends, eat at La Suprema and show Joe where I grew up.

This is very exciting for me, as Joe has never seen, only heard, of where I hail from. I do however have mixed feelings that he will disapprove or think it silly where and how I grew up. I know he won't really...but it's still there.

So, wish us luck as we journey home, I'm sure we're in for some "fun!"

So true...

Yesterday, Joe and I made a pilgramige to Hallmark to buy several cards for upcoming events. While there, I saw a cute little mug boasting what surely had to be my mantra...

If you know me at all this goes right along with my wish to occasionally go live in a hole...something that has sounded quite tempting for the last few weeks.

Anyone else have a personal mantra or favorite saying?

Happy V-Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, friends.

Prayer and Support

Thank you for your prayer and support for my friend Jennifer's mom, Nancy Jefferson. Just wanted to pass along that she did pass away this weekend and her funeral is today. Please continue to lift up her family as they are mourning the loss of their mother, wife and friend.

It has been eye-opening the past few months as we have gone through the loss of Joe's aunt to cancer and now with my friend's mother also to cancer. It is a very unforgiving and constantly changing disease that still has so many unknowns about it. One thing that I can say I have learned through some of this saddness in our family is to truly rely on God. He is there, his truths are in the Word and He and he alone is the one true comfort.

Joe and I have recently joined a group at church, a Toolbox class, entitled something like understanding God's truths. I am so excited, because I have felt for a while that I had lost quite a bit of my knowledge and understanding in God when I got into the "real world." It is a tough, scary, unforgiving place most of the time and I am excited about reviewing these things that God has given to us to get us through.

It's tough. I feel beat down most of the time. But I know I couldn't do it at allo without him, my Joey and my family and friends. Thanks!

Retirement!

Well, I've turned 25, gotten married and have a semi-real drive, so obviously we should be thinking about retirement, correct?


Joe and I are in the process of finding out what we're really worth, making goals and figuring out how we'll make our money get us to retirement. Now the really neat/scary thing is that we have planned for me to retire at 28! 28 you say? Before you get your panties in a twist, no we are not insanely rich, we have made the insane discision to hopefully have kids one day and I get to stay home with them.

Now I know it is 2007 and women don't have to just be stay-at-home mommies, but I really want to. My mom stayed at home with us while we were growing up and I think it was such a great blessing and we would like to do the same for our kids. Now does this mean I will never work again, um, yeah right...remember the demise of social security we keep hearing about...trust me I'll be back.

But, when we really do get to retirement, what will the O'Briens do? Some of the ideas include moving to Santa Fe and Joe starting up a woodworking shop, opening a sports facility for inner-city kids, Leanna creating a business with her buddy, Lydia, opening an animal shelter, moving to the coast, moving to the mountains, moving to the mountainous coast! ha!

Well, you get the picture. There are a lot of things we want to do when we grow up and we're excited about discovering how we can get there soundly and quickly!

Any one else out there with aspirations for retirement?

Happy Birthday Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our fun party...

A Quarter Century

Yep, that's right! As we hunker down, curl up and try to stay warm during DFW's arctic blast, I get to celebrate my 25th birthday.

Well, it has been great. My parents braved the weather and drove in on Friday, we had fun, we laughed, and most important, I got presents! =) j/k!

One of my favorite things we did this weekend was host a murder mystery party, kindly held at the home of Joe's parents. We all arrived at the Deadwood Saloon for some gambling, food and murder. Our friend Allan sadly died and it was my own father, aka Montgomery Money who committed the foul deed! A true night of laughs! Hopefully we can show pictures soon!

Well, I am off to enjoy the rest of my birthday day with my wonderful hubby by our fire reading, watching football (Joe) and drinking hot chocolate!

(On a side note: it iced and snowed the day I was born too -- in Southeast Texas of all places!! -- what a trooper my mom was!)