So for the month of July, we've already done a few fun things...
1. Joe brought me flowers. No reason besides he loves me. (and I think that's the best reason of all.) Aren't they awesome.2. Addison July Jazz - Joe and I met Jennifer and Jamie for a cool evening of jazz. We camped out with our picnic blankets, basket, hot and fresh pizza and awesome Central Market Cupcakes. A fun time was had by all. We will be returning in August for some symphony sounds if you would like to join us!3. Ryker now answers the door for me! Dogs are awesome. Unwanted solicitors - just pretend you're not here and let the dog bark at them through the door and window! Works like a charm! Here's my dog-wonder in his official uniform...he's a man in blue, er, teal...4. I escaped jury duty. Enough said.
So let me just say I am super excited about next Friday. You may ask why, other than the simple fact that it is Friday, and who doesn't like a Friday. Well, I shall tell you. It is time for our not-so-annual Roomie Reunion! In college I had the delightful pleasure of moving every year to a new home, but along the way I was able to find some wonderful 'bosom friends,' if I may quote the great Anne Shirley. With a the last season or two filled with weddings, babies and moves, we haven't been able to meet up as we would have liked, but that's all going to change on FRIDAY!
We're heading to Waco to rendezvous with Karen and Baby Ian and we're hitting the ground running...movies, museums, mischief and lots of Common Grounds. I'm sure there will be many a late night chat, possible hair dying, sweets devoured and wonderful time spent with wonderful friends.
OMG! Can you believe this!!! New Kids on the Block are back!
Honestly, I don't know if this is good or creepy, but I really couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this on MTV flipping channels. Talk about a flash back. Enjoy and I'll get the brownies and cokes ready for our sleep-over in our New Kids sleeping bags, while we wear our t-shirts and listen to our tapes with our totally rad walk-mans. Go Old School!!
There are so many good things happening this week, I'd just like to share a few...
1. HOMEMADE SUGAR COOKIES I got out an unused-to-date cookbook with so many wonderful goodies, and I just felt compelled to make these simple cookies. They should be ready in about an hour...if you'd like to sample stop on by. 2. SWIMMING My sister is house-sitting at the 'Big House' for the last time, as the home's super nice family is moving to Minnesota, BUT we get one last weekend to feel like we are rich and enjoy a great pool and a great kitchen over the 4th weekend.3. KABOOM TOWN! This is one of the highlights of the year for me. If you know me at all, you know I am enthralled with fireworks (and yes, fire by itself, but that's for another day). We've started up a tradition by heading up to the world headquarters of O'Brien Engineering in Addison to enjoy a bit of food, the direct overhead fly-bys of the old war planes and then the evening's fireworks. LOVE IT!!! LOVE IT!!!!! 4. DEAR FRIENDS One of my dearest friends, Brianna and her husband Matt (soon to be a dear friend too!) are headed into Dallas this weekend. I pretty much get to share all of the above with them and hopefully a lot more. This is my first time meeting Matt as life has gotten in the way of our visiting before now, but I'm sure we'll make up for lost time, right Matt? 5. MY PUPPY Sorry, I'm a nerd. I'm still a happy new puppy mom, even if it's been 4 months or so. Heck, after you've waited 26 years, you get to be happy for quite a while, right?
I've noticed I haven't really posted that much about the inside of our house. We're still working on decorating -- waiting for paintings to come, tables to be built, curtains and so on -- as you must with a young couple's budget.
However, we have done some things...
Our Bedroom: - In our entryway, I was able to frame a few proof pages from a book of Texas Photography that we worked on at the press. The bottom one has puppy paws going up the sand dune, and it just makes me think of Ryker...I love that little guy. - One whole wall is finished in here! Exciting I know. We painted the entry way and the back wall a peanut butter- esque hue and accented it with a framed poster from our vacation spot last Labor Day. I love that the photo almost takes on a sepia tone, but it's actually just the depth of color from the sky and the sands - awesome! - I'm waiting on some dark stained shelves to put on the left side of the bed and some wires so we can actually put the TV in its proper location. The Living Room: - This one's mostly done I think. We may add a collage, painting or mirror to the wall by the French doors. And we're eagerly looking forward to the day when we can put on a nice natural wood mantel. As for the rest of the house, I'm finishing up the chair rail in the dining/sitting room, Joe's got on his honey-do list to build an entry table (to look like this one from Pottery Barn), and a hutch for the kitchen corner. (He's really awesome, as he's made all the wood furniture in the living room!)
Hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse and if you'd like to see it in person or stop by to decorate for me, just give me a call!
The other week, I came home from meeting my husband and in-laws from an impromptu lunch in Addison and returned to find my front windows looking smashed in and broken into! I began to panic wondering what on earth happened when a little red puppy head popped up!
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!
I made it to the door lickity-split to be greeted by Ryker, tail wagging...which promptly stopped when he saw my face. I looked over into the dining room...blinds a mess, pillows on the floor and pee on the couch! BAD DOG!!!!!
I said NO! And rushed his hiney outside where it stayed till I finally calmed down after a bit of venting and shopping with Lydia. I don't think that dog's tail wagged until about 10 o'clock when I finally told him I still loved him.
Here are a few examples of his handiwork and why one should NOT hire their dog to be an interior decorator and why Ryker will not be left alone inside unless he is in his crate ANY MORE! Ugh...
But if you will notice the nice paint job and chair rail that Joe and I added...at least that's something nice.
The summer of '98 was not a highlight year. My sister ditched me for her college buddies, my parents uprooted me from my only home I'd known to move to Kingwood and the monster 5A school. My best friend moved far, far away too. Had to go to band practice in the middle of a black top parking lot.... Can we just not think about this year?
2) What are five things on my to-do list today?
Laundry, tidy, NOT go to the dentist, try and be productive! Oh, and play with puppy and read Treasure Island with Joe.
3) What snacks to I enjoy?
Anything sweet! Or chips and salsa, chips and queso, chips and dip...but not so much chips on their own. Apples and peanut butter = awesome!
4) Where are some places I’ve lived?
Nederville, H-Town (ish), Wacko, Aggie Land and currently the Big D (ish)
5) What things would I do if I were a billionaire?
If I were a billionaire, I'd pay off any debts we had, as well as our parents and sissies. I'd save. I'd buy a Corvette (or two). I'd donate to Water is Basic and other church-affiliated charities/missions and work with Lydia to improve animal rescue shelter/adoption agencies. I would also become someone's benefactor (any takers, Lyd?) And I'd travel... A LOT!
It has been a bit too long since I have gone to see the dentist in the past year or so due to lack of insurance, lack of correct insurance and lack of will.
However, I decided to bit the proverbial bullet on Monday and go to the dentist. I called and said they could get me in that afternoon...ok...fine...I'll go.
All went well, said my teeth looked to be in great shape except for a few little worry spots. One of these worry spots seemed to be more worrisome than the others, so they asked that I come in for the dreaded filling...yippee. I was ok with this as it had been quite some time that I'd been to the dentist and I was expecting them to say my mouth was rotting out or something much more serious!
So, I go in for my lovely appointment at around 11 a.m. yesterday. I get called back, they start the numbing stuff then jab the local anesthetic needle in my mouth...Yaowweee! My gums might have been numb in some areas, but not all! Ok...dentist says "it needs to set about 5 minutes to take full effect." Joy...so I get my book and start reading...when all of the sudden. The winds pick up; the rain begins to fall; THE POWER GOES OUT!!!
WHAT! I am sitting here with a half numb mouth and the power goes out? NOT ACCEPTABLE! I wait for AN HOUR talking, with some difficulty, to the hygienists, looking at the rain and reading my book PRAYING the lights will come back on...to no avail.
I have to come back! I HAVE TO COME BACK! I'm sorry...dentists do a good thing for us, but it's not an enjoyable thing and it's not something I want to experience every day this week!
So I make my appointment for the next day (today) and head home with my numb mouth to find the power out at home and a soggy dog that got left out in the rain. Joy. I didn't even get total feeling back in my mouth until around 3:30. Arg!
So, I leave in a bit for Round 3! Please, dental gods, be kind.
A few weeks ago I was informed by our friend Shawn that I had one the Wonder Voyage prize pack for a drawing they had. What? How fun!
Shawn started up the Wonder Voyage ministry several years ago with his wife, Cheryl, and God has been doing some crazy, amazing things. He and his staff and family have the opportunity to lead groups of Christian youths and adults on overnight treks, overseas pilgrimages and extraordinary mission trips around the world.
So thank you Shawn, Cheryl and Wonder Voyage for the fun surprise gift.
So I was talking to Ryker (my dog) this morning, and he says he wants more pictures of him around the house. I just got one printed yesterday, and I guess it has gone to his head.
Well, I wasn't feeling that artistic, but I wanted to oblige the poor soul, as he didn't feel to well this morning around 4:30!!! -- gotta love that.
So, enjoy the lamest photo shoot ever - staring my awesome dog Ryker. (please do not let these poor quality photos reduce the cuteness factor of my pupster in your mind!)
We Started with the Cat Walk - as you can see we had no such success here!
Next, I thought maybe a close-up or more posed position..."What?? You said look into the camera?!"
No! I am too bashful...
Ok, I'll do it... look at my beautiful white paws and long, slender body...
Here's a little idea I stole from a friend. A cute way to get to know people without having to really strain your brain by reading. Hope you enjoy and can't wait to see yours!
Some of you may have heard the silly song Joe and I sing to our dog Ryker. We stole it from one of the all-time best cult movies, Office Space, where their song, "It's Hard to be a Gangster" is heard as the nerdy Indian guy and white guys start their covert operation to take down the man.
Our ballad of Ryker was very much apt this last Saturday as we took him on is first boating ride. As we have just started stepping up our car-riding skills (i.e. - not barfing every time), I wasn't sure how the boat ride was going to go. Very scared at first, having to be cradled and carried aboard the speed boat, he quickly sat right at my heels and didn't move.
As we decided it was snack time, we hitched up to the parents/grandparents' pontoon boat, lifted Ryker aboard for the second time and enjoyed a bite to eat. After not waiting a good 30 minutes, Joe and I decided it was time for a bit of action.
Joe jumped in first, and Ryker was like "WHAT?? What is going on here??" He sniffed the side of the boat. He sniffed the water. He looked at Joe. And then....he jumped! We were so proud of our little pupster, till he began to FREAK OUT!!! Clawing towards Joe, our little bunny was not so impressed with this swimming in the lake thing. So after I jumped in and we made sure both Joe and Ryker weren't going to die, we pried the poor puppies' paws from in between the boat and the pontoon and lifted him back in -- where he shook off on everyone around.
Not convinced that our puppy is in fact not going to be the 1st doggie to win an Olympic gold metal, we figure, let's try again!!!
So Joe and I jump off the boat again and call to our poor, confused pupster. (Think -- "Why did they leave me again? What is wrong with these people?") As he is NOT coming, our bro-in-law (bil) decides to aid Ryker by flinging him into the water.
Pupster again freaks out, swims around and under the boat till he comes out the back end where he latches himself with a deathgrip between the motor (which is off) and the ladder. We hoist pupster back onto the boat.
No more swimming for pupster.
By the end of the day, Ryker is feeling confident in his boating abilities, moving around and peering from all sides letting the wind rush through his hair, the smell fill his nostrils and pretty much enjoying himself.
When we arrive back at the docks, Ryker needs no assistance. He is off the boat and up the ramp with me flailing on the other end of the leash. We make it up halfway, right to the rental place with about 20 people around and he is happy to be back on dry land. So happy he lets us know by peeing a gallon and a half right on the dock. It's hard to be a pupster!
That's right. I'm going to be an official adoptive aunt! My bestest girl friend in the whole world (aka Lydia) is set to have a baby this coming fall!
I am so excited. Our friendship is great in so many ways because of a few things. - We are quite random at times, with spur of the moment plans. - We are artsy in our own ways...sadly I don't have quite the hands to get it into the world as Lydia does. - We both have amazing husbands. - We both like to try new things...kind of! =)
This last one comes in handy a lot when there are two of us. - We like to experiment in the cooking department when we have time. A many fine salsa has been created with our collaborative efforts! - She got married first, so she helped me out with things there. - I have better directional abilities, so I try different ways and have the ability to get us out! - Joe and I bought a house first, so we'll be so excited to help the Norvells with any questions and fix-its when it comes time - Lyd and Jon are having a baby first. THANK GOD! So I can try out my aunty/parenting skills and joyously be able to give the lovely child back when I can take no more.
In all seriousness, I could not be happier for my two friends. What wonderful parents they will make. What wonderful memories we will make together. And what wonderful adventures await us as we all enter this crazy realm of 'parenthood'!
In honor of the honeymooners' return to the states (they went to New Zealand, can you believe that!), I thought I would post a few post a few pictures from my sister-in-law, Sarah's recent wedding. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Cole...
April 19, 2008 Rejoice Lutheran Church Coppell, Texas
So, I would have to say that this was one of those just plain fun weekends. We started the weekend off by dropping the honeymooners at the airport for their two-week excursion to New Zealand. (Ok, that wasn't too fun and we're insanely jealous.) But we finished the evening off with a fun dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, for which we had a gift card!
Saturday was a real fun day. We got up early, drove to a near-by park and took Ryker for a walk to the Coppell Farmers Market. We got to walk around and look at the fresh produce, meats, honey and other foods. We even ran into Joe's granddad on his way to buy some shrimp and Ryker made several friends. The morning was topped off by a great visit to the park where Joe asked me to marry him - complete with a reenactment! -- I said Yes!
THEN! We packed up and went on a trip to Fort Worth in our newly purchased summer plaid shorts! Joe and I met up with two of our great friends, Jon and Lydia at the Japanese Gardens and finished the evening off with a trip to the iconic Joe T. Garcia's.
Friends, Food and Fun. What more could a person ask for? Here's a few pics from the weekend for your enjoyment!
So begins my long post to your most pressing questions. Thanks for participating!
1) Why are you so calm when something is clearly about to swallow you whole?? Well, you know, that's one of my more favorite traits about me, calm under pressure. Guess it goes with 'trust in the Lord always!'
2) Do you think we'll ever have flying cars? Or what do you think the future of cars is? Can I just say that I am a little bit bitter concerning this question. I distinctly remember being told during kindergarten and first grade, that this is what we were to expect by our graduation in 2000. But, seriously, yes I do. We know the technology is there with planes, shuttles and hover crafts, we just need someone to combine them into an economical and environmentally friendly package. It would save us money on building and maintaining our roads and be really fun! I really think the Jetsons were onto something with their zippy cars that folded up nicely into a briefcase. Space saving and family-friendly!
3) What is a favorite day for you? A favorite day is sleeping in until I want to get up. A fun breakfast, stuffed french toast at IHOP is always great, or maybe a Starbucks. Then a random activity with Joe or meeting up with friends and the most important thing...NOT watching the clock.
4) What is your biggest disappointment in your past? Letting something small have such a large impact between me and Joe while we were dating.
5) What is your greatest hope for your future? That I will finally find the thing that makes me happy professionally and that we have a few wonderful children. 6) What's your favorite thing about Joe? The look in his eyes when he sees me and I know he loves me for me no matter what in that one look! I also love his determination whether it's working something out between the two of us, working on a project or at his job.
7) What's your favorite praise & worship song? Right now, I'd have to say Beautiful, Scandelous Night. I love the way our church does it best, but here's another fun one!
8) Where do you see yourself in five years? … ten years? Truthfully, I never like this question. I just don't get it. I am a very much take what comes when it comes kind of person. If I say, I see myself still in Coppell with a baby, that might be great, but what if I change my mind. What if something totally crazy comes along. Am I a fickle person for not sticking with the “plan?” So I guess my best answer is wherever God wants me to be – and hopefully that means happy and with my family and friends.
9) If you could travel anywhere (money is no object) where would you go? Oh, I would take an adventure. Go to Ireland and stay on the coast in some small village and frequent the pub and talk to the old men. I would take a cruise of the Mediterranean stopping in Italy, Greece and wherever else strikes my fancy. I would travel to Fiji, Australia and New Zealand to see who really does have the best surf. And then I might wrap it all up with a quick African safari and rain forest expedition to see if I like the wide open or the lush tropics better. Sounds like I need one big honkin’ suitcase.
10) Who do you think you will vote for in the next election? Ugh, what a depressing question. D.) None of the above. Right now, I guess it would have to be McCain. As the other two can’t seem to stop throwing tantrums in the sandbox to really do some good.
11) Will we ever get a chance to sing a Dixie Chicks song together? The magic eight ball says “it is decidedly so!”
12) If you could make three wishes (small or big) what would they be? Would you have made these same wishes ten years ago? Explain. Three wishes, hmmm: 1. That wouldn’t have to work at jobs unless we really wanted to because we had an endless supply of money. 2. That it would really be feasible to make a retreat/city made up of our wonderful friends. It’s so tough living far from your most favorite people. 3. Someone else would ALWAYS do, fold and put up the laundry. – So as you can clearly see, these are not wishes I would have had earlier in life.
13)What make you the most happy? What makes me the most happy is relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Nothing rushed, nothing that planned. Oh, and throw in a good, long book, a Coke and some Mexican food and I am SET! Quality time, good food and a cool breeze. I really don’t know what’s better in life.
14) Is your present job your dream job, or have you had your dream job, or what would that be? My present job is subbing at the local schools, so CLEARLY this is not my dream job. I have NOT had my dream job. And currently I couldn’t tell you what that dream job would be. I think what I would love to do is have some neighborhood shop in a little town where I can cater to tourists and my local buddies, but have the freedom and luxury to close up shop and enjoy the last question any time I please.
15) What has been the most difficult adjustment you have faced in being married (vs. single)? I think the having to ask before you commit to something. I love being able to do stuff with people, even if it is last minute and a bit farther than I’d really like to go. With being married, I have two things that hinder this. The first is wanting to do as much in life with Joe as possible, but not every situation involves Joe or Joe might not even want to do it. So it’s deciding if it’s worth it to go myself, or just say, “No, catch you later.” The second is that sometimes my partner in crime CAN’T go or doesn’t want to go and sometimes that has to be the deciding factor. So, a few less girl nights or random travels, but all worth it in the end.
16) What is your biggest hang up and how are you working overcoming it? My biggest hang-up might be procrastination or indecision. And amazingly both go hand in hand. I can’t really tell you how I am fixing them, as I am putting off the problem! =) No….part of it is relying on my husband to give me a swift kick in the pants, and the other is to make just a rough plan of what I want to get done or need to do. Usually just in my head, as I’m really not a list person, and it seems to help.
17) What advice do you have as far as looking for a job you enjoy? God only knows on this one. I’m still waiting to find out. =(
18) No questions from me. I just wanted to say that I really like this picture. Where was it taken? Ahem…this is a question. It was taken at DeceptionPass on Whidbey Island, WA. Absolutely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Thanks Merritt for making sure we knew where to go!
19) Whose body is crushed under the foot of an Imperial walker in Empire Strikes Back? Jamie, I have no idea. But I do know the correct term is an All Terrain Armored Transport, or AT-AT walker.
Well, I hope everybody learned something, and please, if you have found my perfect job, would you make sure I find it too!
Copying an idea from my dear friend Emily, and also from a lack of blog ideas, I've decided to open up the floor to you guys.
We all learn by asking questions, and what better way to learn about yourself to ask or answer some questions! So, here goes my first Q &A. Feel free to ask anything. Life, love, the cost of coffee in Spain... I'll give you an answer for sure. It may be a smart ass answer, but you know me, sometimes I just can't help myself. If there's anything you'd like to know, just leave a comment and then I'll post them all in an 'Answers' blog!
Last week our friend Emily celebrated her very last 20s birthday. And what a trooper she was too! After a wonderful dinner out with her wonderful husband, which included a special dessert, we joined the duo for a rockin' night out at the Rockin' Ivories in Lewisville.
What was intended to be a fun night at a dueling piano bar turned into a silly night at the karaoke joint! There are some interesting people in this world, and I think we stumbled onto a few of them this night. The highlight for me though was that both of our wonderful hubbies serenaded us with their "love songs" of our courtship.
Joe got up first and sang "Meet Virginia" (which may sometimes be sung as "Meet Leanna"). Then Allan followed with "Lady" for his birthday lady!We were talked into singing a Dixie Chicks song, but before we could, they turned it into a dance club for a while, and it was just too darn late for us old farts. So...next time boys...we prooommisse!
Wishing you a wonderful year Emily and thanks for all the fun!
"So this is it?" -- I have a feeling our new pupster has said this to himself off an on for the past week. I think he's unimpressed by us! =( How sad!
So everyone's seen the commercial with Echo the beautiful shelter dog that continually gets passed up...then...just recently, they've shown the follow-up. She's gotten a home! She's overjoyed! She's running, jumping, licking...
And here's how Ryker's commercial would go -- happy with his puppy friends at the shelter, running, walking frolicking. Then these nice people come and take him away from all his puppy friends. Sleeping, not playing fetch, whining, and looking at those people with those big puppy eyes as they make him get in his little kennel at night. Arf. =(
Well, it may not be that bad, but I just don't feel like Ryker is enjoying his life as much as I would hope he would. Now, I'm a new dog person, but I was expecting endless games of fetch, romping around in the backyard and that just hasn't happened. Maybe he's just not that dog. But I want him to be happy.
Any suggestions from you doggie veterans out there? Does your dog want to play with my dog? He's really good with other dogs! =)
Last night Joe and I got to enjoy the company of our friends, Lydia and Jon, over a nice hot steaming bowl of fondue! It was a great time had by all!
When thinking of fondue, my mind automatically goes to some bubbling pot of melted cheese. However there are A LOT of variations on a theme out there! Last night we partook in a dinner fondue and a dessert fondue. Our dinner fondue consisted of a doctored up beef broth that we simmered beef, chicken and veggies in for a fun and actually healthy meal. The one thing about fondue is that you can't be in a hurry for your dinner. Each skewer usually takes about 3 minutes to cook. So it's a great meal to catch up with friends and try not to injure yourself too badly with the pointy stick (we had one casualty last night!).
For dessert, we went all out - Chocolate Peanut Butter Fondue! We had apples, oranges, strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and angle food cake for our dipping fare. I must say I enjoyed the bananas best, followed by a skewer of cake and strawberries! Yum!!
We really did have a fun time, and I just may have to get me a fondue pot!
Wanna try! I'm ready with skewer in hand! (figuratively, of course!)
2. Addison July Jazz - Joe and I met Jennifer and Jamie for a cool evening of jazz. We camped out with our picnic blankets, basket, hot and fresh pizza and awesome Central Market Cupcakes. A fun time was had by all. We will be returning in August for some symphony sounds if you would like to join us!
3. Ryker now answers the door for me! Dogs are awesome. Unwanted solicitors - just pretend you're not here and let the dog bark at them through the door and window! Works like a charm! Here's my dog-wonder in his official uniform...he's a man in blue, er, teal...
4. I escaped jury duty. Enough said.
