Bowl Games

Last night I watched Baylor University, my alma mater play their first bowl game since 1994. They did not win, but played a good game. It makes me excited to think about how well they will do next season.

Also, I am off to the Armed forces bowl today to watch SMU play. Way excited to be going to my first ever bowl game. Pictures to come later.

Christmas 2010

I can not believe that Christmas has come and gone. It was a lot of fun. Started out on Christmas eve with my family going to my Aunt and Uncles house for lunch on Christmas eve. Then, my family went to have dinner with family friends. Christmas morning we woke up and opened presents. This year I got a new digital camera from Ben. I have had a great time learning how to use it. Also, he gave me the SNL board game. I am excited to play that. I also got Photoshop Elements 9 and have been playing around with that. If anyone has any advise on fun things to do with that, please let me know. So all and all a great christmas. I am just getting ready for New years and all the fun things 2011 will bring.

Calyx 2010

Last night Ben and I went to the Calyx debutant ball. It was so much fun. We hung out with friends and my family. It was fun to catch up with everyone that we had not seen in a while. We started the night out with ordering dinner in, and then started to get ready for the night. When we got to the party they had great Christmas decorations out for the party. We took lots of fun pictures as well.

Tis the season

As the holiday's are approaching it makes me think, how did that happen. It seems like time is going really fast. I feel that this year has just flown by faster than any other thus far. I am so excited that the holidays are coming, I love thinking of ideas for gifts for family members as well as shopping for them. Also, I LOVE the element of surprise.

Also, as the season gets closer let's not forget what it is all about. Let us not forget Jesus who gave his life for us and remember him and celebrate his life during the season as well.  Just some thoughts I had today.

December.... already?

So, somehow we have made it to December. Is it just me or has this year just flown by? I am excited that the holidays are coming up and looking forward to celebrating them with friends and family!

lip sinking on live TV

So, over Thanksgiving I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. I noticed that all the musical acts all were lip sinking, because their songs had back up singers or an instrument that was not with them on the float. In years past I had noticed this. Tonight I am watching the Christmas In Rockefeller Center Christmas special. This is on every year as well. I noticed that many of the artists were lip sinking. I noticed this after Boys 2 Men had finished and Charice took the stage after them. The song was cued wrong. It was cued to the song previously, so it was obviously that they were both lip sinking. So, it got me thinking, why do they do that? As well as, do any artists on TV do anything live, or is it all pre recorded? As well as why is this?? Just an observation I thought I would share.

Thanksgiving 2010

This year for Thanksgiving, my family all went up to our lake house. It was a lot of fun to have everyone up there. We went up on Wednesday and my brothers both came up Thursday. we did a fried turkey this year. It was a really good. The only mishap we had was that the turkey frier was broken. So, Chase and my Dad went to Walmart that was open and got a new one. We did not have thanksgiving dinner until about 8 PM. A little later but it was good. Thursday, my Mom and I went to see the new Harry Potter. It was good. Friday, we all just hung out and the weather had warmed up quite a bit. On Thanksgiving it was about 37 degrees or so. The day before it was in the 80's. So, we had a big temperature drop. Friday night we did fondue as a family. It is fun to do if you have never done it before. Saturday, Ben came up and we just hung out. So, it was a great Thanksgiving full of fun and family.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy almost Thanksgiving to everyone out there.

Texas Stampede rodeo

Today, Ben and I went to the Texas Stampede rodeo up in Allen. It was a lot of fun. We arrived and walked in and got some BBQ sandwiches and found our seats. We watched many many bull riders. It was interesting to watch them, and to think how crazy they are to do this day after day. At one point in the rodeo we saw a man standing on two horses next to each other with rains on four others and controlling them all. These horses were HUDGE!

Then, we saw a person unload some sheep and then out comes a dog with a monkey on top of him. The monkey never fell off the dog. The dog would chase the sheep around and herd them around. It was interesting because the monkey was wearing a hat and clothing. The monkey was only about 24 inches tall I think they said and is the highest paid around. It was funny watching him.

We also saw a group of girls who were on horses and on a horse drill team. They were very talented and all between the ages of 11-15. I had heard of a drill team and seen them but never heard of a drill team with horses before. They rode around as most dance drill teams would dance.

We also, saw these little kids who were holding on to sheep for their lives. They were like the big bull riders in the score but with little sheep. It was so funny seeing these kids hold on the best they could. All the kids and bull riders were wearing helmets like hockey ones. The last kid to go out holding onto the sheep was holding on so tight and would not let go, it was so cute!

After the rodeo we walked around the shops and the kids area. The kids area was so cute, they had fun activities for them to work on. Also, they had a mini version of the rodeo for kids to do. They had sheep in there and they had to try to rope them. Also, they had a black smith as well as a couple of guys teaching kids how to rope a plastic cow. It was so cute watching them. Then, we walked on over to see the big horses, that I mentioned earlier. They were the biggest horses that I have ever seen!

Wind Down Wednesday's

Last night, Ben and I went to the DCC's wind down Wednesday's event. This event has been going on for a few years and is on Wednesdays maybe 6 times a year or so. They highlight a different band or musician each time and have repeats as well. Last night was Owen Temple. He is a Texas Country music singer who lives in Austin. He is also, married to my cousin, a little known fact. Ben and I always love to go and see him and have seen him at several venues  over the past couple of years. So, when I saw Owen was coming to DCC I was very excited about seeing him again. We had not seen him play in a while. Also, Owen has a new CD out that will be out on itunes soon called: Mountain Home. Ben and I got a copy last night. Owen played many new and old songs. My favorite one is Tennessee Highway from one of his first albums. I loved hearing the new songs and listening to all of them and seeing how far Owen has come musically. So, if you have not heard of Owen Temple, please check his music out on itunes or if you are on facebook become a fan of his page.

Fall is here

Finally fall has arrived. On October 31st it was about 85 degrees and about a week later the temp. has gone down a bit. It has been a nice change finally, especially since it is now November and today daylight savings time ended. This weekend was a lot of fun. Basically Ben and I just hung out. Friday, we went out to dinner and then Saturday we just hung out. We drove around did a little shopping. Saturday night we stayed in and watched the first season on DVD of Friday Night Lights, the tv show. I had not really seen it so it was fun to see. Sunday we went to the park and played catch. It was a lot of fun. We just hung out outside enjoying the beautiful weather.

Happy Halloween

This years halloween was so much fun. It was spent over at Ben's brother and sister in laws house. We got to watch Ben's niece and nephew go tricker treating as a bunny and a ninja and help hand out candy. Also, we had a great dinner of fajita's and watched the Rangers game. Although, the Rangers did not fair so well in the game, it was great to see the first pitch. For this game they had George Bush sr. and George Bush jr. both through the first pitch. For the cather it was Nolan Ryan, who is one of the owners of the team. It was greta to watch that part of the game. Also, we just all got to hang out and have fun. There were a lot of kids with great costumes on this year. Happy Halloween to everyone out there!

The Police

Today, as I was walking in the door to turn off the alarm at my place, I typed in the wrong code. Then when I realized it I typed in the right one and the system told me it was wrong. So, I typed it in again just as the alarm sounded and it went off. I then knew the police would call or come. So about 10 minutes later they come. The police mad rings the door bell and POUNDS on the door. I go to unlock it and realized the dead bult is still in. So, I stuck my head out one minute, since I had to go get my keys. Came down and unlocked the door. I told the police man that I lived there and I had set it off by accident. He asked me if I had my ID on me. I told him I did but it was under my parents address, since I have not changed it and don't plan to until I have to.  Then he asks what I do if I go to the local university or what. I said I subbed and he asked why I lived here and not at my parents house and then said oh did you need some space. I was like yeah. It was just odd cause he took down my address on his note pad on my ID. So, that is my interesting start to the month experience. UGH!

BAYLOR and Rangers

So, I was watching the Baylor Texas game tonight and was so excited that Baylor beat Texas. This is the first time they have beaten them since 1997! I am so happy they won!! Also, really excited that the Rangers won game 3 of the World Series! Great night in sports.

A fun for all movie

This past weekend, Ben and I went to see the movie Secertariat. It is a great movie. If you have not seen it, you should go and see it. Going into the movie I had heard it was based on a true story and that it was about a horse. Coming out of the movie I learned that the horse had won the triple crown in the horse raises and he was the first to do so in twenty or so years at that time as well as the last to do so in the past 37 years. This movie does a great job of showing the love between and animal and its owner, that the animal does care who the owner is and that it matters. The movie is based on Penny Tweedy's life and starts with her family and the loss of her mother. This causes Penny and family to fly to Penny's home from growing up which was a farm that raised horses. Her father had dementia and she decided to stay on longer to help with her father and the fact that she needed more time to get things together. As she is there she finds a true love for the animals and that changed her life. She was advised to sell the horses and the farm, and she decided not to and showed sheer determination to do what she felt was right.

Back to the future

Today is October 26, 2010 and if anyone is a Back to the Future fan you would know that the date that Marty McFly came from was October 26, 1985. Today marks the 25th anniversary of my most favorite movie. Also, the cast we reunited on the Today Show to talk about the new 25th blu-ray anniversary pack that came out today. It was interesting to watch the clip online tonight and see the stars then and now. Also, I saw a clip of the cast being asked trivia questions about the movie. A few of the cast members got the answers wrong, but the fan would get it right. I got most of the questions right except for one or two.

Jack Ingram concert

This past weekend was SMU's homecoming. Ben and I had a great time. We started out by going to the homecoming parade and tailgated on the boulevard. The homecoming parade was fun to see what everyone had come up with for floats. Then, we went over and listened to the Jack Ingram concert. It was so much fun to hear him for free. He did a great job. The down part was the rain. We were gong to to go the football game, but ended up not going because of the rain.

GO Rangers

I am really excited that the Rangers are going to the World Series. My thoughts are that it is time for a new team to go. Looking forward to how they will do this coming week1

posts

So, I decided to read through some of my posts from the past two and a half years since I have had my blog. I am going to try to very some of my posts a little more. It was fun reading through them and being able to go back to that moment in time. Also, I enjoyed reading the comments people leave. I love it when people leave comments. So, please comment away, I enjoy them. Hope everyone has a great weekend. I am looking forward to hearing Jack Ingram this weekend and hanging out with Ben :)

SMU Tate Lecture series: Michael J. Fox

Tonight, my mom and I went to hear Michael J. Fox at the SMU Tat lecture series. Michael J. Fox has been one of my most favorite actors of all time, and was in my most favorite movie Back to the Future. He did a great job of telling the story of his life from childhood to today. He told many stories from his life. He talked about his maternal Grandmother called Nana, and how she had a gift of telling the future. He talked of his parents and his wife.

He was very funny and kept the audience engaged with his life's story. He told of how he met his wife and marrying her was the best decision he has ever made. Talked openly about his diagnosis with Parkinson's and how he went through different stages of dealing with the disease. He said that it took him a while to realize that it was not just about him but about the impact he was making on so many other people by coming out about having Parkinson's. He told a story of a woman who thanked him for making people more aware of the disease and at that moment he realized he was the face to teach people more of this disease. Also, the point of his lecture was to enjoy today because you never know what will happen in the future. To live in the present and to accept yourself for who you are.

In the end people had the opportunity to ask him questions. There were several great questions asked. One person asked about Parkinson's and what his advise would be to family members of people with Parkinson's. Fox's answer was to treat them as they would anyone else and except them as they are. He also said to remember that Parkinson's looks different in every person. Another asked him what his favorite actor to work with was. He named several and said Sean Penn was his favorite most difficult actor to work with. Another asked him if he could go anywhere like in Back to the Future, where would he go. His answer was the future, to see what it has in store. The person also told him he was her first movie star crush. Another question was what was the best advise someone had given him about acting. He said when you are acting to find one person in the audience and connect with that person. Which is very true. The last question asked was saying that he has been an inspiration to so many, who was someone who was his inspiration. His answer was great. He said there were so many that inspired him in his life from friends to family, his wife and children.  He said also kids who are going through things such as cancer and loosing limbs were people who inspired him. He was saying something about everyone around me inspires me. It was a great answer and I enjoyed hearing him speak. 

Pumpkin Carving

Sunday, Ben and I decided to carve a pumpkin. Neither of us had done this since we were kids. IT was so  much fun. His name is Mr. Pumpkin. See pictures below

The Texas Stat Fair 2010 edition

This year I got to go to the fair twice. I first went with Ben where we had a great time! We tried fried chocolate, had corny dogs and saw the cars. We also rode a ride called Crazy Mouse. Crazy Mouse is a fun rollar coster at the fair, that some people we know had told us was fun. It was so much fun. Also, we saw the butter sculpture this year and the Tom Landry exhibit. The Tom Landry exhibit was one of my favorite ones that they have had there in a long time.

Thursday Night I went back with my Mom to see Shrek the Musical at fair park. We got to the fair and saw the Tom Landry exhibit and hung out with my friend Dealey, who works there. Then, we all went to the pig show. The pig show was great. I had not seen it in a long time. Next, my Mom and I and Dealey's Mom went and fed the animals and had a great time. Then, it was time to go to the musical. Shrek was one of the best ones I have seen in a while.

10 years already?

This past weekend was my high school class' ten year reunion. I can not believe that it has been that long, and feels like it has and has not all in one. It is an odd feeling in all. The weekend was a lot of fun full of events. It was fun talking to old friends, some whom I have not seen in ten years and others whom I have seen more recently. It was interesting to see who was the same and who had changed and sad to see those class members whom we have lost in the last ten years. In all there were 8 class members who are no longer with us. I must admit a few on there I did not know at all and one in particular I knew very well. So it should be interesting to see what the next ten years brings us.

The reunion events all started off on Friday night with an HP football game! I loved going to the game. The differences between this time and the last time I went were sitting with the elementary and middle school kids and their parents. I don't think I had ever sat on that side before that I remember. Another difference was having the feeling that the game went by much faster than I remember in high school and seeing new traditions and not know of them, which made me feel a bit old. I enjoyed catching up with the people seated around me.

Saturday, started out with a picnic outside the high school. I enjoyed catching up with people there and noted not many came as I would have thought would have come. We got a tour of the school as well. This part I found most interesting because they started to remodel the whole school my senior year and I had not seen the school since then. The person giving the tour was one of the teachers that is still there from when I was there. She has been working there for like 40 years. She went faster than I thought and we all seemed a bit confused. She did not realize that our class had mostly not seen any of the new additions at all. I could tell many people were uncertain where we were inside the school. I only recognized one or two areas of the school my self and enjoyed seeing everything that was new with old. A few of the bigger things they changed was that the school is no longer carpeted and now tilled. Also, there used to be a commonds area where only Sophmors- Seniors could go. It was sad to see it was no longer there. Also, all the fine arts had there own rooms. For example, the choir had its own area as well as the band, and orchistra. When I was there they all had to share. Another big thing is the cafeteria, which literally was in a different spot. It was just all around fun to see everything now and try to remember how it was. Which was another "old" feeling.

Saturday night there was a party for our class. I went to it for a while and got to catch up with some old classmates and see what they are up to. As previously mentioned some I had seen more recently than others. It was fun none the less and I am all and all glad I went to all the events.

Austin

This past Friday Ben took a day off of work and we drove down to Austin. His parents have a house at Barton Creek Lakeside witch is about half an hour or so from Austin. We had a great time driving down together with fun anticipation of a great weekend to come. We had talked about going down for sometime and I was so glad to finally go down together. As we got into Austin there were great views of the hill country.

We arrived Friday around lunch and stopped and picked up one of Ben's favorite BBQ places called R.O.'s that had the BEST chocolate pie I have ever had. We ate our lunch when we got to the house. After lunch Ben gave me the tour of the house and we had the whole day to ourselves. It was such a fun time. We spend the afternoon driving around the area the house was in and he was showing me around. We also saw so many deer. I have never seen so many deer at one time just around. I was able to get great pictures of deer. When it was time to go to dinner we left a little early and drove around to figure out what we wanted for dinner. We ended up going to a local mall that is outside called Hill Country Galloria. We decided to eat at the Iron Cactus, which neither of us had eaten at before. It was really good. Since it was a Friday there was a wait. The cool thing is that there was a concert going on right outside in this grassy area kinda amplatheater. So as we waited we had some great entertainment. After dinner the concert was still going on. Ben took me to his favorite ice cream place in Austin, called Amy's Ice Cream, that just happened to be right next to our dinner choice. They had great ice cream!

As we got back to the house Ben's dad had arrived with their dog, Susan. Ben's dad was in town for work the next day. So, Ben and I had Saturday to hang out. We wend into Austin and he gave me a tour of the part of campus he was at when he went there. We had lunch across from the University of Texas. After lunch we headed back to watch the Texas OU game where OU won. In the afternoon after the game we went with Ben's dad to put their new boat in the water and try it out. It was fun to see the lake. Then we had dinner at the club where we were. It was good. We came back and watched some TV.

Sunday we woke up and went and took another boat ride. After the boat ride we put everything up and packed up and headed back home. Cant wait for our next trip!

sad news

After being out of town I get back and hear some sad news. A high school classmate of mine that I knew but not well, passed away because of an accident this past weekend. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this time, especially as our 10 year high school reunion will be this weekend.

Austin Bound

This weekend, is Texas OU weekend and Ben and I will be heading out of the Big D to Austin. I am really excited about this trip and will post more on it later. Looking forward to spending time together :)

fun and busy weekend

This past weekend was full of fun and busy activities. It all started on Friday, with the tailgate set up at SMU. Mom and I went to eat lunch and then I went with my mom to help her and Grayson J. to help set things up for the game. After that I went home and did some TV catch up on Gray's Anatomy. Then, my Mom called and asked me to go to Bubba's to pick up the tailgate food which I did. While I was there I saw some pictures about when they were first moving in, which was in 1981. I knew that place had been there forever and was surprised I had not seen those pictures before. Then, I came back to my place and my Mom and I loaded more things up to take over. Then it was time to have fun. Walked around with my Mom to check things out. After the tailgate I headed over to the stadium. I sat with my brother, chase and a friend of his to watch the game. I thought the SMU- TCU game was very good and even though SMU did not win thought they played a good game.

Saturday morning I woke up to rain lots of rain. Then, my best friend came over and we went up to my parents lake house. We had a great time. We spent time playing pool and watching the Baylor game as well as a movie. It was a great time! Saturday night Kristina and I were waiting to go to dinner, but the bug man was there. I have never seen anyone who spends so much time making sure you are bug free. The strange thing was he did not get over to the house until after 5 pm and was still there at 8:45 pm. So, you could say Kristina, my dad and I were all a bit hungry. I was also getting sleepy. So we finally made it to dinner a little after 9 pm, which is late for me! I am getting old but was never a fan of 9 pm dinners. So, we had a good dinner and came back at 10:45 or so. We watched part of a movie and then went to sleep. Sunday we finished our movie and then had some lunch and hung out. We finally had to leave because tomorrow is Monday. So, it was a great weekend, and we all had fun.

SMU Tailgate

The past couple of weekends Ben and I have gone tailgating at SMU. It has been so much fun. Fun to see people and enjoy being outside. This next weekend is the SMU TCU game and should be fun! I am glad it is fall and finally getting a little cooler, and when I saw cooler I mean in the low 90's or mid 80's.

Book Club

Tonight we had the first book club meeting. The book club was Amy's idea. I had a great time reading a book and talking about it with good friends. Am looking forward to the next book and the next meeting. Thanks Amy for having a great idea and inviting me to be in the club too!

The Blind Side

Tonight I went to the first junior league of dallas' first general membership meeting of the year. It was great the speaker was Collins Tuohy of the movie and book "The Blind Side". She was a great speaker. She spoke about her life and how Michael Oar made a difference in her life as well as in her families' life. She was funny and talked about how important it was for you to find your passion in anything may it be volunteering with junior league or something entirely different. Her main point was to pick one thing and put your whole self in it and that when you do you make a difference.

I was really impressed with her wisdom at such a young age of 23. She also took time for a Question and Answer at the end of her speaking. She answered questions about her life and how she was affected by the movie and the book. She was very candid about what a difference Michael brought to her life and her families as well as questions about the movie. She did say that as her character in the movie played volleyball and she never did. She also shared that the part in the movie about her family driving on Thanksgiving to get breakfast her family saw Michael Oar on the street and stopped to give him a ride and that is how he came into their lives. She also shared about Michael's birth mother and how he does see her time to time and that in real life both Michael and herself are the same age.

All and all it was a great meeting with a great message. Look forward to other great meetings to come. Although to tell you the truth, the September meetings have always been my favorite!

Tornado's

Last night there were tornados in this area. It hit a little too close to home for me, as I see it was coming closer to us that i have ever seen in my life. Now, I have not ever been in a tornado, but have an idea what to do. It was a little scary. So, as I talked to Ben on the phone, he was at his place and told him what he should do or go if one came. Then, I called my parents ,whom I had to tell to turn on the TV cause there were tornados coming and did not know. Then I called my parents back, as it was getting closer and they suggested I come over just in case one comes. So, I went on over and as I got over there the sirens went off, which was good. So, I spent most of it watching where the tornado hit on TV. So, it was an exciting day in Dallas yesterday.

a fun labor day weekend

This past labor day weekend was so much fun! Ben and I had a lot of fun hanging out. We rode bikes, played card games, and watched old movies. We had great meals to eat and great company. Also, I learned that Ben cooks great grilled cheese sandwiches! I loved them. Can't wait to have another fun filled weekend.

Birthday dinner for Chase

Last night my family and Ben and I celebrated my youngest brother, Chase's birthday. His actual birthday was Aug. 13. We are a couple of weeks off of celebrating, because Chase went out of town for his birthday and then the following week my Mom could not get a reservation because of restaurants week. So, we were finally able to celebrate. We went to a restaurant called five sixty. This is the big reunion ball in downtown. It was so much fun to look out and see different views of the city and places far away, since it is pretty high up there. The elevator ride up is cool cause you can see all the buildings as you go up get smaller. Ben and my Dad were not big fans of the elevator, but enjoyed the view once we were seated. This restaurant is different because as you are sitting at your table it is very slowly moving, so you get a great view of all over.



Chase had a great time celebrating and taking pictures of each other and the views. The restaurant is very different then where we normally go. It had an asian fusion type of food. Ben and my Mom had the Quale which is very spicy to me. I tried some and had a funny look on my face. I AM NOT into much of anything that is spicy! i had the chicken and Bill and a huge steak I think it was 18 ounces. Then Chase had lamb chops I think, they came in the biggest plate that I have ever seen. My Dad had a steak of corse, he always gets a steak no matter where we go. In the end we got deserts and went home and had a great celebration

MOVIE REVIEWS

I am someone who LOVES movies, as anyone who knows me knows this fact. I thought every now and then I would hi-light some of my favorite movies I have seen recently. I will tell you what I think about them and kinda have a rating scale for you to go by. I am rating a 1-5. One being not good and miss and five being a great you must see it.

1. Date Nite- This movie is funny and one everyone would like. It is about this couple who has been married for a few years and has two children. They go on with their lives with their children waking them up in the middle of the night for breakfast and go to work and repeat. One night they go to a weekly book club and find out that a couple they know are splitting up. This gets them thinking about their lives and complacency. So they decide to go out and do something out of the ordinary. This is where they learn a lot about themselves and their relationship with one another. I enjoyed this movie. It has a lot of funny lines and a great date movie or just when you feel like a laugh. I give this movie a 5. It stars Tina Fey and Steve Correll.

2. The Back Up Plan- This movie is another romantic comedy, which is one of my favorite genres. It is about a woman who decides she wants to have a baby. Now, she is not married, and has not found a guy that she feels is "the one". So, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She goes to the doctor to get artificially inseminated. After the procedure is done she walks out in the poring rain and hails a cab. As she gets in another person gets in with her. They start to argue and then both exit the cab. After that chance meeting they keep running into each other. The hard thing for the main character Jennifer Lopez is to figure out how to tell him that she is pregnant. I highly recommend this one if you are in the mood for a good laugh. In my book I would give it 4 stars.

3. Charlie St. Cloud- This movie is a different kind of movie that is interesting. I enjoyed it. It starts out with Zac Eferon's character and his relationship with his younger brother. Zac's character loves to sail and shares that love with his brother. They are very talented and Zac's character has a scholarship to sail at Stanford. However, things change when he is taking his brother to a friends house. They are both in a deadly car accident. The younger brother passes away in the car accident. The interesting part is that after he passes on his spirit stays on earth. It is an interesting tale of a character who has the ability to see the spirits of people he is close to after they have passed on. Zac's character uses this talent to help save people and help them to move on to the light. I give this movie a 4. It is very different than other movies.

So these are some of the most recent movies I have seen and my take on them. Feel free to rent them or go and see them. I hope you enjoy them

Ranger's game

Last night I went with my family to the Texas Ranger's baseball game. We go every year to celebrate a distant cousin's birthday. It was fun to see family and meet some distant cousins. Got me thinking, how many people really know there second let alone their third cousins. Well, I can tell you that I do, sorta know them. Just not sure of how they are related, that part gets a bit confusing.





However, the game was so much fun and to top it off the Ranger's won the game! I saw several home runs and good playing. Also, before the game started they had people in the Army parachuting down before the game. In all there were about 3 or 4. The interesting part is one of the guys got stuck on the flag poll and was hanging there until they could climb up to get him down. That was pretty crazy. It was good times catching up with family.

catching up with friends

Today I had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend and meet her newest addition to her family. I enjoyed talking with her and getting some good ideas from her. So, thanks Rogan. Looking forward to another visit soon!

Kids birthday party

Today, Ben and I went to his nephew's birthday party. His actual birthday was in july and so he had a birthday party today for his friends to come to. Which when you are a kid can be hard to have a birthday and have your friends be out of town. I should know I too have a July birthday. So, today was his party so his friends could come. At his parents house they had an awesome water slide! It was the kind that is above ground by several feet, at least as tall as a 1 story house. It looked like so much fun and all the kids went up and down over and over. I really wanted to go, but alas did not get to. Maybe I will get to go another time, cause it looked like fun!

BIkes

Sunday, Ben and I had a great time. I woke up and went over to Ben's and we rode bikes on the Katy Trail. Ben put a computer thing on my bike that tells how fast you are riding and how many miles you have ridden. I loved looking at it and seeing how fast or slow I was going. Also, loved seeing how far we were riding. We love to ride on the Katy Trail and in the Texas heat it is best to go in the morning before it gets SO hot. So, we went at about 8:15 or so and got back about an hour later. We rode a total of 6.16 miles. As we ride more we find it easier to go farther. We went from Ben's place to the Katy Trail all the way down to the American Airlines Center. It was fun to ride down. We have decided riding down to the American Airlines Center is much easier than going back. Going back there is more of a hill that you notice. But it is so much fun. Also, fun to see all the different people on their bikes, rollerblades, walking or running. The most interesting thing I have seen was a man riding his bike and toting what I thought was a kid behind him. When I got a better look I saw that he had his dog in the seat. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Also I love stopping at the as I call them break areas, a lot of benches with water fountains. Going on the Katy Trail I really feel that you can not even tell you are in the City and there are great trees around for lots of shade! So much fun.

I hear that the city is trying to connect the Katy Trail to White Rock Lake. This should be interesting if they do it. I do know that the Katy Trail is being expanded. I would love to ride around White Rock Lake someday. Something to look forward too and work up too as well.

bike riding

I love to go bike riding. It has been a lot of fun. Ben went out and got me a computer thing for my bike that will tell me how far I have ridden. Looking forward to using it soon.

Happy Birthday

Today is my youngest brother Chase's birthday! Happy birthday Chase!

No news, is good news....

Well, there is the saying that no news is good news.... I wonder how long that goes for. I had an interview about a month ago and contacted the person twice. The first time I called and left a message as the school was still on summer break. The second time I called, I was able to talk with a receptionist. I told her that I had interviewed with so and so and had not heard anything about the position one way or the other. I was told that the person I had interviewed with was in a meeting but she would put me through to leave her a voice mail. So, in my voicemail I told her who I was and when I had interviewed and that I was following threw with her. That was a week ago.. I still have not heard anything.

Secondly, I interviewed for another position at another school. The interview went really well. Two hours later the principal of the school called and said she wanted to talk about a different position and to come in when I could. So, I went up and talked with her and another person about the other position. I felt it went really well. I was told they were making their decision soon.... Still have not heard anything. So, how long does the phrase no news is good news really good for??

I feel that wherever I am meant to be I will eventually get there. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to get experience in interviews as well as in my job field. Time will tell.

another interview

Today, I had an interview for a library assistant at a local public school. It went really well and enjoyed talking with the librarian. Then, I got called like 2 hours later by the school's principal for a different kind of assistant position. I talked with her and another person about this position. It is working as a floater with autistic kids. I hear back Thursday about this job. Will post later for more info as I know it.

photography class

I have a friend who is having a photography class the month of september on Tuesday's. Am thinking of doing it. That is all for now. Also, does anyone know anything about photoshop elements for mac? I am thinking of getting something like that. Let me know if you know of another thing that might be better, or if you have that one what you think of it.

5 things...

After reading my friend, Tessa's blog I decided to make a list of 10 things I am greatful for this week. Thanks Tessa for the inspiration of this post.

1. Ben and I hanging out all last weekend. I had such a great time going to dinner and a movie and spending time together.

2. My Mom, Love having lunch with her during the week.

3. My friend Kristina, love talking to her on the phone and catching up.

4. job interview's... Today I have an interview

5. Dogs... I love going home to see my dogs and playing with them outside

lunch with old nurses

On Friday I had lunch with two nurses. Now, these are not just any two nurses mind you, but the nurses that I had as a baby in the NICU. I was a preemie many many moons ago, and a couple of my old nurses have kept in touch over the years. I had not seen them since I was maybe 12 or so, I am not exactly sure could have been a little later than that. Usually growing up if possible my mom and I would go and have lunch with them or something to celebrate. This time it was just me. I must admit, I was a little uncertain, since I had not seen them in so long. I was uncertain of if I would recognize them but then realized they would probably recognize me first. Well, they did. It was good to see them and hear stories from their prospective of when I was born than my parents prospective. Also, got to learn new things about then that I personally did not know. For example, one of them was born early as well, at that time is amazing to know. At first I was a bit unsure what to say to them since they had not seen me in years or seemed to know what to ask me. So, we just started with how things were and what I was up to, what my brothers were up to and parents were up to.

Also, it was the first time that the two nurses had seen each other in a while. Not sure how long, but they seemed to not know either. So, it was special for us all to get together. It was interesting listening to them talking to one another about their families and former patients. They told me I was there favorite success story and how they had lost touch with other's as happens over the years. One was asking me about a college I had looked at to me what seems like a lifetime ago, but to them just the other day. Now, that was only 11 years ago to them. To me I think of all the things I have accomplished in the last 11 years and things that have happened in the world. I graduated from high school, graduated from college went back to school for a teaching certification and have subbed. So when I think of all those years and what I have done from my prospective is greatly different than their prospective.

I am looking forward to another lunch with them sometime again with my mom too, so she can catch up with them as well. My mom had other plans that day, so it was just me. So I am hoping we will all get together again soon;

Fort Worth

This weekend, Ben and I went to Fort Worth. We went and hung out at the stockyards and saw an 1896 train roll into the station. We had lunch at the Railhead, great BBQ spot. We walked around the stockyards and took it all in. We had dinner at Joe T Garcia's. I love their menu, of two selections. Ben and I got the Chicken fajitas and Ben got beef fajitas. It was great! Then, we were off to Billy Bob's. This was my first time to go to Billy Bob's. I did not know that there were so many fun things to go to and do while there. We got to hear Leanne Womac sing and a great night. We also went to some museums while we were there. So all in all a great weekend. I can not wait to go back again!

Meeting Rob Schneider

Today, I went to blockbuster and saw a random line of people in the middle of the store down one aisle. At first I just thought they were friends who were chatting. Then, I see more people line up behind them. I had no idea what they were lining up for, and then I see a table. On the table, I see a flier that says meet Rob Schneider today from 5-7 and it said you can get your picture and his autograph. So, I decided to stand in line. I got to meet Rob Schneider today. He is a very nice man. It was so nice of him to autograph things and let people take their picture with him. I told him thanks for doing that, and I knew people probably always asked him. He was just so nice and down to earth, and seemed the opposite to me of the characters he plays in the movies. He was promoting a new movie he has coming out in September.




I got him to sign the paper I had from Blockbuster. He had very nice pictures to sign, but I think it is cool to have his autograph on the paper that says the day and time on it. Also, I got a picture with him. I called Chase and he came up after work and got his picture too, which I took so It is a little blurry. Then Ben wanted to go by and see him. So, I am sure the people that work at Blockbuster think I am crazy. But it was just so cool!http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=41722162&id=9209120

Surprise!!!!

The weekend started out by having dinner with Deals and her husband and Ben and myself. We all met at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner and hung out and talked. Saturday I spent hanging out and watching TV all day, which was nice. Sunday Ben came back from Austin and I had lunch with my Mom. When, I came over she had flowers, and she told me she got them on sale. My response was something along the lines of ok, that's nice. Then we went to lunch and came back and put my left over soup in the fridge and we went for a walk. My mom told me she could only go for a bit and was tired and wanted to take a nap. So, when we came back I went on back to my place and watched some TV and played some Mario for a bit. Then, I texted Ben to see if he was back and he said he was on his way to my place. We went to McDonald's and got some drinks and back to his place. While at his place he showed me his sail boat he had brought back from Austin with him. Then, I watched some show over there and fell asleep for a bit. Then 15 min. later I woke up and watched more of the show. Then I heard Ben upstairs, wondering what on earth he was doing. Then, he came down all dressed nicely. When I asked why he said well I did not want to wear shorts to dinner. I bought that, and he asked if I wanted to go to my place. So, we went over and I decided to change cloths, from my shorts and tee-shirt to something more nice.

Ben and I went to dinner and while at dinner I got a text from my Mom. It said want to come by and get your soup that you left? I was about to text back that I would get it tomorrow, Ben was like what does that say. So I told him and he said sure we can go by. My thinking was well, ok if you want to. So as we waited and waited for the bill, I noticed Ben looking at his phone for the time and then was frustrated by having the hostess charging the wrong amount on his card by about 100 dollars. He ran to the car and drove crazy over to my parents house.

When we arrived there were cars all over, and I thought it was a neighbor's high school kids having a party. So, I told Ben to park in the drive way. As he did I saw my Dad, and dogs in the front. My dad was asking us about dinner and as we walked in my face dropped. There were about 50 people over who all said happy birthday as I walked in. I was stunned, and trying to figure out what was going on for a bit. My Mom did a great job of pulling off the best surprise party, and Ben too. Ben did an amazing job of getting me changed and over there :)

Job Interview

Today I had a great interview at a local private school for an assistant teaching position. I will keep you all updated. Happy almost weekend

working with little kids

I have been working this summer at a local private school in their tutoring program. This program meets everyday for three hours in the AM. I work the first hour one on one and the last hour one on one. The middle hour is spent working with a small group of eight 5-7 year olds. Two are going into kindergarten and the rest are going into first grade. Well, the other day we were working on our lesson and one kid offers to pay me 2 dollars. Then the other kids offer to bring in money if we could not do what we were working on. At the time I was trying to not laugh cause it was funny seeing little kids trying to "pay me off" for good behavior. At the time one of my supervisor's was in the room and myself, the supervisor and my two assistants were all laughing. I told the students thanks for their offer but they should keep their money. Then they kept asking if I or any other grown ups had money with us, they think adults always have cash with them. It was pretty amusing.

4th of July 2010

This past weekend was so much fun! Friday Ben and I just hung out and had lunch and stayed in with all the rain. Saturday, Ben and I went to IKEA and got some new stuff for his new place. Then, we went to see Toy Story 3. If you have not seen Toy Story 3, then go and see it. It was such a great movie for both kids and adults.

Sunday Ben and I drove up to the lake house and hung out with my family. We went out boating and skiing and I have some red shoulders now. I am healing, slowly but surely. Then, Ben and I went fishing off the dock at the lake. Ben caught two fish and threw them back. Then, we had dinner and watched a lot of fire works from the neighbors and the ones we did.

Monday, we went to the local parade and watched it. It was so much fun! I enjoyed seeing all of the floats and people that were at the parade. Afterwords, Ben and I went and hand lunch with his family. Then we just came back and hung out and played a little Wii.

So, all and all it was a great weekend with lots of fun activities. Now to rest this week.

tutoring

This summer I am working as a summer tutor at the Shelton Scholar's tutoring program. Shelton, is a local private school that works with students with learning differences. So far my experience is going well. The program is three hours a day from 9-noon Monday-Friday. The student I am working with for the first hour and last hour is a great kid and a hard worker. The middle hour works on auditory processing with students. I work the middle hour in the auditory class with 5 and 6 year olds, and am having a great time with them. The student I am working with the first hour and last hour is 12 and going into 6th grade. So, it is interesting working with a 12 year old then switching to 5 and 6 year olds and then back to a 12 year old. I am enjoying the experience as I did last year and always learning. I feel this dynamic really helps me in fine tuning and being able to feel comfortable working with any age. That is also something I have learned subbing too. So, half a week down and two more days left then the program end July 22.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you :)

A funny story

Yesterday, Thursday a friend and myself were at the mall. Now since father's day is approaching there are a lot of father's day sales etc. So, I went to buy a shirt for my boyfriend, and the person in the store helping asked if it was for father's day. I said nope just for my boyfriend just because kinda thing. Then she asked again and I am thinking nope still not for father's day for so many reasons the first one being we don't have any kids and the second being we are not married. So, my friend and I went in another store. She was buying some clothing for her husband and yet again the sales person asks, is it for fathers day. She says nope just for my husband and added that they did not either have any kids yet. It was just so odd that people kept asking and even though we both said no it's not for father's day.

Wicked

Last night, my Mom and I went to see the show Wicked in Fair Park one of the Dallas Summer Musical's latest show on tour. It was great. My Mom and I had seen it a few years back too. This show was a little different with some of the special effects they had. All in all I loved the show. It is one of my favorites I have seen by far.

Summer

Today was the last day of my long term subbing job. I really enjoyed the whole experience. I learned a lot while working with the kids. So now it is off for a little break before my summer tutoring job starts at the end of June. So, yay for summer :)

Byron Nelson

This week was so much fun. Saturday I cleaned my place in preparation for my best friend Kristina to come and visit. She got into town on Saturday afternoon. We spent time hanging out and then we went to dinner with Ben and a movie after. We all saw Iron Man 2, which was very good. Today, Sunday Kristina and I went to The Byron Nelson and hung out at the 17th hole and had such a great time watching golf for the day. We ended our fun trip with dinner before Kristina had to head home. So, with that said I am tired after a fun and busy weekend and am ready to sleep. So, good night and until next time.

Charleston and Kiowaha Island

This past weekend Ben and I went to a friend of Ben's wedding. It was so much fun. It was a short trip but the first of many fun trips together. We arrived in Charleston Saturday with Ben's parents and ate lunch at a place called Blossoms. They had great food. Then we all drove around Charleston for a bit to take pictures. After we drove around we headed out to Kiowaha Island and stayed at a resort that was so pretty. Then we checked into our rooms and got ready for the 5:30 wedding. The wedding was about a 15 minute drive from where we were staying.

The wedding itself was so pretty it was outside and a nice ceremony. Ben and I enjoyed watching his friend get married and celebrate with them. The reception was fun as well. There was a great band that played great music. We stayed until about 9 got some cake and watched everyone dance as well as the bride and groom. Then we went back to the hotel and Ben and I explored the hotel.

Sunday we woke up and had breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Then Ben and I went and walked around the beach and took some pictures. We had a great time before we had to head back to Dallas. It was a great trip and look forward to returning to Charleston and seeing everything.

Mother's Day

Happy Mothers day to all the Mothers out there, and to my Mom :) I love you

Chase's graduation

Well, yesterday my little brother graduated from TCU! So, here is a shout out to him. The day was full of activity. We left Dallas and headed to the land of the stalk yards and cowboy hats, otherwise known as Fort Worth. We got there and took Chase to a reception they had for the graduates. While we were there I told my Dad that I had to use the restroom, and he said well why don't you use the restroom in the student center so I can buy Chase a TCU tie. So, I did just that. I went in and waited in the long line for the woman's restroom that had ONLY FIVE stalls in it and then washed my hands and headed back out. As I headed back out I noticed there were less people than had been there when I walked in. Then I checked the book store area and there were no family members of mine there. So, I then thought maybe they were outside. As I walk out I look around and see Bill and my Dad walking towards me. You guessed everyone forgot about me and left me there. My dad claims he thought I was with my Mom who had already walked over to the basketball coliseum where the graduation ceremony took place. Then as Bill and my Dad got there they noticed I was not there. My mom asked where I was and my dad said he thought I was with my Mom. Then Bill told me yeah we forgot about you. So I was like thanks guys here you totally forget about me I see where I am ranking here. So, we venture on over the the ceremony to find my mom who had texted us where she was. The trouble was that so many people were using phones etc that the text did not arrive until after we had found my mom and had sat down.

The ceremony was nice but did last forever, and when I say forever I mean 3 hours! There were over 700 graduates in the afternoon and around 600 in the morning. The morning ceremony got to hear the commencement speaker, and the afternoon did not. Which was nice since there were so MANY graduates. Then, we went to dinner with my family and Chase's girlfriend. Dinner was great and a great end to a fun day. Then we left to come back home.

After the Tate Lecture

After the Tate Lecture series as Ben drops me off at my place I hear an alarm going off. I am thinking in my head, gee I wonder if that is coming from my place. Just as I think that and was trying to find the gate opener for the gate my Dad calls and asks what the alarm code is. I am trying to tell him and finally say that I will be there in a minute. So I walk up and they are trying to figure it out and who pushed what. I go up and press the reset button and then show my dad how to turn the alarm off and the importance of pushing the ENTER button. Then my parents leave and I get a call from my dad two seconds after they pull out to say the cops were there. So, as he says that the door bell rings. I hung up and answered the door. The cop asked me if everything was ok and I told him that I was fine and that my parents had set off the alarm and with that he left. It did make me feel safe that he came. I am not sure if they called since I might not have been there to get the call in the first place. So that is my funny story to end a great evening full of fun and excitement.

Diane Keaton SMU Tate lecture

Tonight Ben and I went to the SMU Tate Lecture series. The speaker was Diane Keaton, one of my most favorite actresses! I am so thankful to Ben's parents for giving us their tickets, that I might add are GREAT seats. Anyways, Diane Keaton was a great speaker. She talked about her life growing up and how she got to where she is today. She thanked her Mother and on the week of Mothers Day it really was special to hear. She also had movie clips through out her speech. The first one that they showed was of some of her famous movies to introduce her. Then she showed one of her mother and talked about how much she adored her mom and how her mom helped shape the woman she is today simply by being there for her and encouraging her interests. She talked about her mom's life and how she lost her battle with altzhimers a year and a half ago and how she missed her mom. Then she talked about her dad and how he lost his battle with brain cancer about 20 years ago and her relationship with him. She talked about her fear of intimacy and what she has done to over come it. She has adopted two children, who she talked about as any parent would. She showed a clip of her children growing up which was very funny and showed the audience who she is and the people in her life.

She talked about the movies she was in and the affect they have on her and her life. Her message to me was simple. Love the people in your life and be sure to let them know that every day. She did say that of all the movies she has made she does not have a favorite and in true fashion to any great artist that she does not watch her movies. Which I always think is so interesting. She was a great speaker and had a great message. She was very down to Earth and was just as I have imagined she would be in real life.

new bike part 2

Well, my new bike finally came in :) It is blue and I can not wait to go and ride it! Ben and I picked it up last night.

Movie

Ben and I were at blockbuster recently, and rented a movie Ben spotted. The funny part is the title, which is Mandie and the Secret Tunnel. What do you think this movie is about? Would love to hear thoughts. Ben and I thought it was so funny that the person had the same name as me but not spelled the same way. Thoughts....

New Toys

So, some exciting news to share. I am getting a brand new bike. This will be the first new one I will have had since I was about 12 or so. I am really excited about this. Ben and I have been riding bikes for a while and I have been using my Mom's old schwen bike that is about 20 years old, very heavy and a bit to tall for me. As I have learned about bikes it is the best to find one that is the best fit for you. And, as I learned when you go to a bike store you can test ride bikes. I found this amusing and cool at the same time. Just something I had not thought of before. So, I test rode a couple of bikes. The first one I test rode was the Small bike and found it was still a bit big. I was glad that there was one more size to try. So, I tried the petite bike was a much better fit. So, at the end of the week I should have my new bike which Ben and I ordered in blue of corse. So exciting. When I get the bike I will post a pic of Ben and I with it and riding :)

Grocery store story

So Ben and I went to the grocery store last night to pick up a few things. While in line we ran into someone I knew from a while back. As we approached the check out lady and gave her our items she asked me when my birthday was, mainly because we had purchased alchohol and they always ask. So I gave her my ID and she said to me in regards to the year I was born, " you were born during happy times". Me not sure how to answer her said " yes that is what I hear". I bought it was interesting that she said that and certainly the most interesting comment made aboutthe year I was born to me.

Then I started thinking, what is she refering to? Could she be refering to the economy we are living in today? The state of today's government verses the government when I was born? I guess that is sething that will remain unknown.

Easter Weekend

This past weekend was Easter weekend. It was a great time had by all. My family went up to the lake house for Easter. I got there on Friday afternoon and stayed until Monday morning. Ben came and spent the day on Saturday at the lake house and we just hung out.
On Sunday we went to a local church to our lake house. It was the first time any of us had been there. I now have experienced a small town church service on Easter. This was vastly different than anything I had ever experienced. We sat on the third row with family friends, and noticed many people not sitting around us for a while. The preacher kept saying how great it was that the church was full, which after the 10th time of hearing it, we ( ie my family) got that he was excited to see so many people there. My favorite part was when he started thanking everyone for being there. Then he says and thanks to those who are tuning in on cable channel 92. It was just so strange to know that I have now attended a cable tv church, you know the ones that you turn on on Sunday mornings. Anyways, the preacher had all the kids come up for the kids service. My mom and I could not believe the mom's who were sitting in church taking pictures of their kids as the service went on. It was very odd for us. Then, we realized how lucky we were to go to a church, here in Dallas that had such great technology.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and watching movies. All in all it was a great day, and weekend.

snow again

Now this is very strange that we have now gotten snow three times this year. Once, on Christmas eve, a second about a month ago and today our third snow. Now this would be normal living up north, but in Dallas it is unheard of. It is so pretty. It is still falling too. Last night as I was driving back from Ben's I saw the snow coming down at about 9 pm and when I woke up this morning a white blanket of snow, and more coming down too. And yesterday was the first day of spring... Guess we should not put those winter coats up yet

A pricey mistake

So, today I went to the local pharmacy to pick up my prescription. The pharmacist all of the sudden calls for someone to come and void the transaction. Then, I look at the price and he had pressed one too many numbers, and my total said $2,196.00. Now, I thought I had it bad but 2 thousand dollars is a lot. So, then it ended up being 219.00 which was much better. Wish I had gotten a photo of it first and after. Oh well, I am glad he saw the mistake before I was charged that much money

Title goes here

So, as I am looking back at some of my posts say the last 3 or 4, I have noticed they are all titled Spring Break. I guess you could say I am excited and have had a good time on this break from school. Next time I will try to do better at coming up with more exciting titles.

spring break

Well, this week is spring break and so far it has been great! Friday Ben and I started the weekend out by hanging out. Saturday Ben and I drove up to my parents lake house. The lake house has been a big project that is near the end. Everything is moved in and just getting the small things done. Ben and I had a great time up there exploring the house and helping putting furniture together and watching a movie. We had a great time and my dad cooked a great dinner. Then Ben went back and I stayed the night. I continued to help on Sunday and then came back with my mom. Monday was a great fun filled day of getting things done. To top it off Ben brought a great dinner over and we caught up on some tivoed shows. Today, I went to volunteer at Baylor Our Children's house as a part of my junior league requirements. So, I am looking forward to a restful rest of the week and fun times too.

spring break is here!

I am so excited to say that spring break is finally here! Tomorrow Ben and I are going up to my parents lakehouse and we are both so excited to go. In fact, I am not sure i can stand it I am so excited to go. This house has been a dream of my Dad's for a while and has been a long two year project. Version one as we say was accidentally burned down over a year ago, so this is a big deal.

I am looking forward to the hot tub, the movie theater area, and exercise area in the lake house. Also, having the dogs there and my family. Will post more later

spring break!

Spring break is almost here, just a two more days! I can't wait

Death of a class mate

This weekend I heard the news of a class mate of mine who suddenly died. Now, I did not know him as well as some but still it made me sad to hear the news. All I could think of is how fragal life is and how you never know how long you have here in this world. Tom, was a person who touched many and which has become apparent in the last few days. Now this is nothing new to me in knowing him, but is nice to see how my peers are coming together as one to be with Tom's family at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his sister and his twin brother as well has his parents.

As I have grown up I as well as my peers have experienced the loss of a friend at one point or another. That time is always and will always be a hard time, but living in such a great community it is neat to see how everyone comes together as one to help those around get through the hard times and be there for the happy times as well. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring people together and remember the times with the person who is no longer with us. One thing that comes to mind that I saw on a TV show not too long ago and I think it is fitting here. When someone dies or passes on they are not really dead. The reasoning for this is because that person will live on in the thoughts and memories of all those that he or she touched in their life time. So, here is to Tom and that he will live on in everyones thoughts in the days, weeks and years to come.

first week down

Well, today I successfully finished my first week of my long term sub job with 7th graders. It went really well and I am enjoying working with the students and am learning every day a little more than the next. This week was interesting though. Monday and Tuesday were normal days and then Wednesday was 7th grade TAKS test, in which that I just sat in the hallway. It was a long day. Thursday went on a field trip to Fort Worth with the 7th graders and then came back. I ended up leaving a little bit early since the rest of the day was spent watching movies. Friday was a great day and I was glad to be back to a regular schedule. I am ready for the weekend and seeing what fun it has in store for me.

an uh oh moment

So, today I was using the bathroom at school, and the lock on the door to my knowledge does not work. So, I had someone walk in on me. This has happened before in my life and I am sure it is not the last time. But this is never fun and always awkward.

long term sub job

Starting next Monday March 1st I will start a long term sub job at the local middle school. I will be working there for the remainder of the school year with 7th graders as a helper in Math and Language Arts. I am very excited about this opportunity and just learned that I get an official email address during that time. So I am excited about this and all the things I will learn along the way.

2 years

This past weekend Ben and I celebrated on Valentines day our unofficial 2 year anniversary of dating. Our official two year anniversary was yesterday, and was fun. We went out to eat and watched the olympics. A great way to have fun and celebrate.

Valentines weekend 2010

As I post this I am reflecting back on this past weekend. As today is Valentines day and the close to a great day and great weekend. It all started off on Thursday really with the beautiful snow fall all day and then went into Friday where I went around and just saw all the beauty that the snow left behind as well as some of the tree limbs that went down all over. Saturday was Ben's birthday and we had such a great time! We went to dinner at Cafe R+D and had a romantic birthday dinner. Then today I was greeted with beautiful white roses this morning. White roses are my favorite and are so pretty. Also, I got a card and some chocolate hearts, all from Ben. We went to lunch with my parents and then just drove around. After that we went back and picked up some stuff for our Valentines dinner which was making Fondue. The flowers were the perfect center piece to our meal. So all in all it was the close to a great weekend full of fun memories with many more to come. On a side note Tuesday is Ben and my 2 year anniversary! I can not believe we have been dating for two wonderful years and each day gets better and better. I look forward to many more celebrations to come. We did all our celebrating this weekend so I am sure this week we will just take it easy and have fun as we always do :)

snow

Well, today feb. 11th there is SNOW in dallas, and I am talking more snow than we had at Christmas! It is so beautiful to watch as it all comes down. I took pics from the snow at my place today too.

car problems

Well about a week ago I on accident by hitting the side of my car on the garage. I unfortunately have hit it before but not at this great angel. What happened was that the drivers side turning signal came out and the headlight on the drivers side too. It looks not great and there is paint on it from where I scraped it on the garage. Now, I was not going fast and stopped as soon as I could to look at what happened. So then I took it and go two easements last week. I was going for a third today and had lunch with my dad. As I was driving up to have lunch with my dad I heard an eerie noise coming from my car that just got worse and worse. After lunch I had my dad look at my car for a problem that I felt was unrelated to hitting the garage and he agreed that something was not right. So, as I am driving back my car gets worse and it was not able to go over 50 miles an hour on Central Expressway. SO I think what do I need to do, I need to put on my hazardous lights and called my dad who told me to pull over as soon as I could into a parking lot. So, I go to do that and was not able to get into a parking lot and had to take a u turn and as I am doing this the car is getting worse and now not able to go above 30 and the noise is worse too. So finally I pull over at a McDonald's parking lot and call my dad back and he said he would call a tow truck. I told him I really can not get anywhere else right now. So then I got Ben to pick me up and bring me home. So, I am hoping the tow truck got my car and that they figure out the problem. I am pretty sure that black smoke is not supposed to come out of the back of your car, which is what was happening every time I was pushing on the gas. So time will tell what happened to my car. Now, this is the second time I have had to get my car towed. The last time was Labor Day 07 and what the problem was that the gas pump went out. It is very scary to be behind a car when anything goes wrong. I am hoping it will get all fixed soon.

Ad's on TV

Lately I feel that I have seen a lot of adds out there talking about ideas for kids to play. Now, I think this is sad that kids should have to look ideas up on the internet of things to play and not use their imagination. Also, I think it is sad that they are telling kids to go outside to play, as well as that you can find ideas on things to teach your grandchildren online. So, are all these adds saying that people these days are getting to be so dumb that they can not think of things to do on there own and that they have to look them up online??

Is it just me or does this sound crazy?? Let me know your thoughts.

The Rodeo in Fort Worth

My mom's birthday was Jan 30th so we went to celebrate by going to Fort Worth to the Rodeo. It was such a fun filled day. We started out early and had lunch at a local tex mex restaurant in Fort Worth. After that we went to pick up my brother and his girlfriend to go to the rodeo. We went to the afternoon rodeo which started at 2. The one thing I can say is wow was it ever cold yesterday. The rodeo was so much fun and I am sure that everyone that went had a great time there. After the rodeo we went and walked around all these shops that were in a building next to the rodeo. Then we all had a nice dinner at a restaurant called the Riatta, which was very good. After that we went by my brother's apartment to drop him off and came back to Dallas. So that was such a fun fun time,with lots of fun memories.

end of January

As January comes to an end I think back on 2010 thus far. I can tell you in the sub job I have had I have learned more from this experience than any other. Also, I am ready for Saturday, when everyone meaning: Ben, myself, my mom, dad, brother's and one brother's girlfriend will all be going to the Fort Worth Rodeo. I have been looking forward to this all month. Also, i am looking forward to February which brings several fun things. First it brings my one of my oldest friend's first baby girl on Valentines. Second, it brings Ben's birthday and last of all to combine two things it brings Valentines day and it marks two years since Ben and I have been together, which is amazing! So I feel excited about the upcoming festivities. So that is the latest.

Also, on another note, Harley the dog is doing just fine and healing greatly. That is all for now, until next time.